Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Little Lord Fauntleroy

film

Little Lord Fauntleroy

1980

Young Cedric Errol and his widowed mother live in genteel poverty in 1880s Brooklyn after the death of his father. Cedric's grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt, has long ago disowned his son for marrying an American. But after the death of the Earl's remaining son, he decides to accept Cedric as his heir.

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? Generally gentle and suitable for children, with a deceased parent, family estrangement, social-class conflict and emotionally serious themes that may merit adult discussion for younger viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character2/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5
  • Products & advertising1/5

Strongest positives

  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Not associated with commercial branding or merchandise.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Refers to the off-screen deaths of the boy's father and uncles, setting the stage for the story.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

General Victorian-era Christian references are incidental, reflecting the period setting.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

No romantic subplots.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

The grandfather's initial coldness and the setting of an imposing estate might be briefly intimidating to very young children.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Cedric displays moral courage by maintaining his identity and principles while navigating a new world.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Promotes imaginative problem-solving through empathy rather than force.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the cultural differences between Americans and British aristocracy in the 1880s.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Offers incidental insight into Victorian-era class, inheritance and transatlantic family life, rather than formal instruction.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is the central engine of the plot and character development.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong focus on the impact of kindness, humility, and the potential for people to change for the better.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Cedric serves as an excellent role model, demonstrating unwavering kindness and respect toward everyone regardless of status.

Family discussion

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

  1. Which character was the best role model, and what did they do that you admired?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Little Lord Fauntleroy would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Little Lord Fauntleroy, and what caused that change?
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