Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this popular '80s comedy turns time and again to comical drinking and drunkenness. Though some of it is played for pathos and sadness, the slurred-speech joviality and teetering gait is usually upbeat and funny. The title character, a multi-millionaire playboy, picks up prostitutes and is shown the next morning in bed with one (who speaks about incest in her history). There is some light swearing that doesn't go beyond the "s" word.

Sexual Content

Arthur drunkenly flirts with a couple of prostitutes and is shown the next day, non-explicitly naked, waking up in bed with one (she mentions that her father's raping her determined her path in life). Arthur jokes about sexually-transmitted diseases. His classy aunt speaks of Arthur's "erection" and promiscuity.

Violence

One threatened stabbing. Arthur gets beaten up.

Language

"Dick," the s-word, "screw," "hell," "Goddamn it," "bastard," "asshole."

Social Behavior

Ultimate message is about growing up -- ironically, because Arthur is adult, but his money (and drinking) let him play and act more like a lad all his life. Side message seems to be that the working classes are nicer than the rich, but once in a while an eccentric like Arthur (and, to a lesser extent, Hobson) can cross over.

Consumerism

Mention of the "Simonizing" process, the NYC clothing store Bergdorf-Goodman, emblems of credit-card companies and florists. Mention of the video-game then-sensation Space Invaders.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Alcohol drinking by Arthur is regular and intense. When he's not drunk he's often drinking in order to get drunk or in the process of ordering more drinks (doubles preferably). Some other characters also drink -- a lot. Linda smokes cigarettes.