Pinocchio1940Pinocchio
1940
Lonely woodcarver Geppetto wishes upon a star, and the Blue Fairy brings his wooden puppet to life. To become a real boy, Pinocchio must prove himself brave, truthful, and unselfish, with a cricket for a conscience and a world full of foxes, showmen, and Pleasure Islands to lead him astray.
The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.
Why it’s here
A wooden boy must prove himself brave, truthful, and unselfish. Pleasure Island is one of the most vivid pictures of sin's consequences in any family film, and Pinocchio risks his life for his father.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
On Pleasure Island boys smoke, drink, and vandalize before turning into donkeys, which is frightening but shown as a clear consequence. Pinocchio's lies make his nose grow, and Stromboli's cage and Monstro the whale are intense for little ones.
Pinocchio (1940)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- Why did Pinocchio keep listening to Honest John?
- What happened to the boys on Pleasure Island? Why?
- What did Pinocchio do to save Geppetto?
- Was Jiminy a good conscience?
Content advisory
Common Sense Media 6+: frightening transformations and a whale attack; boys (including Pinocchio) smoke cigars and drink beer, with consequences; a gun fired in fear.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
Pinocchio Blu-ray (The Signature Collection)
Blu-ray · January 31, 2017
Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.