Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Abbott and Costello: Africa Screams is a 1949 movie in which the legendary comedy duo finds themselves deep in the jungles of Africa dodging alligators, lions, bears, and cannibals. The most troubling aspect is the stereotypical portrayal of native Africans, who do little more than grunt, carry heavy objects for the white adventurers on safari, and try their best to cook Lou Costello in a boiling pot of water. Aside from this, many of the characters are frequently shown smoking cigarettes (which is accurate for the 1940s), and characters point guns at one another. The rest of the "violence" -- such as it is -- is both too slapsticky and too obviously done by, say, men wearing lion costumes, to be anything but silly.

Sexual Content

Not applicable.

Violence

While there are numerous scenes in which characters have close calls with lions, bears, and alligators, the special effects make it obvious to even the youngest of kids that this is only a movie.

Language

Not applicable

Social Behavior

As a movie about farcical misadventure in Africa, there isn't much in the way of positive messages.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Characters are constantly shown smoking cigarettes, which is accurate for the period.