B+
| Lowest Recommended Age: | Mature High Schooler |
| Profanity: | Brief strong language |
| Nudity/Sex: | Non-explicit sexual situations, references to out-of-wedlock pregnancy, promiscuity |
| Alcohol/Drugs: | Drinking, smoking, character abuses alcohol |
| Violence/Scariness: | Tense scenes, reference to Kennedy assassinations, character becomes very ill, dead body in casket |
| Diversity Issues: | Portrayal of civil rights efforts |
| Movie Release Date: | 2004 |
Parents should know that the movie has situations and behavior that may be upsetting to some viewers including tense and emotional confrontations. Characters drink (one abuses alcohol in response to emotional distress) and smoke and use strong language. There are references to promescuity and an out-of-wedlock pregnancy — relating to a family secret. Darin’s poor health is a theme of the film.
Families who see this film should talk about how Darin’s sense of his own mortality fueled his ambition.
Families who enjoy this movie should see Darin’s Oscar-nominated performance in Captain Newman, M.D. and his films with Sandra Dee, especially the delightful romantic comedy Come September.
