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Cover of The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog

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The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog

1928

London. A mysterious serial killer brutally murders young blond women by stalking them in the night fog. One foggy, sinister night, a young man who claims his name is Jonathan Drew arrives at the guest house run by the Bunting family and rents a room.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? The film centers on serial murders, a threatening suspected killer, pursuit, arrest, mob assault, and grief. Its silent presentation limits graphic detail, but the suspense and mature crime themes are substantial. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Romance3/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Courage & resilience2/5
  • Good role models2/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Several young women are murdered, including the lodger’s sister. Death drives the mystery and characters’ grief and pursuit of justice, though the violence is largely not shown graphically.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

No graphic blood or injury detail, consistent with 1920s silent film constraints.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Daisy and the lodger develop a serious romantic relationship amid a love triangle with Joe.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

A serial killer stalks women, with recurring fear, nighttime suspense, suspicion, pursuit, and a threatening mob.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

No sexual content or nudity.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Daisy gives the lodger brandy to warm him; substance use is brief and not a major theme.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

The plot involves serial murders, police pursuit, arrest, and a mob beating the wrongly suspected lodger.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Daisy defends the lodger despite danger, and the lodger pursues the killer responsible for his sister’s death.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Its visual suspense, atmospheric London setting, mistaken-identity structure, and innovative thriller technique can stimulate cinematic imagination.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Historical interest as a seminal work in the development of suspense cinema.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Daisy cares for and protects the lodger, though the story also depicts suspicion, persecution, and mob cruelty.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

The film emphasizes seeking justice, questioning appearances, protecting the innocent, and the danger of suspicion and mob judgment.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Daisy shows loyalty and compassion, while police and townspeople also make serious errors driven by suspicion and fear.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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