Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this 1960s romantic comedy is the story of a paid "party girl" who falls in love with a writer supported by a wealthy society woman in return for an intimate romantic relationship. There is no actual sexual activity other than kissing or cuddling, and no nudity (except for a sequence in which a stripper starts to undress and reveals her back). People smoke continuously -- Holly Golightly's cigarette holder is a character trademark. Drinking and drunkenness figure prominently in multiple scenes. In one intensely emotional scene, Holly destroys everything in her apartment; in another she forces her cat onto the streets alone. In a throwback to mid-20th century sensibilities, a Caucasian actor portrays an Asian as an offensive stereotype.
Sexual
Content
Implied throughout is the fact that both main characters use their sexuality as a source of income. In Holly's case, she is a glamorous escort, though there is never a mention of her actually having sex with any of her customers (whom she calls "rats" and "super rats"). Paul is the "kept" sexual companion to a wealthy woman. There is some kissing; some scenes in which characters are seen in bed. A nightclub striptease is seen in its initial stages, revealing the stripper's bare back.
Violence
Holly Golightly has an uncontrollable, hysterical reaction to very bad news. She destroys her apartment and throws her cat against the wall. In a second emotional scene, she sends the cat off in the rain alone.
Language
One "damn."
Social
Behavior
The film takes a hard look at the way in which emotionally damaged people attempt to find meaning in their lives. It asserts that fear and lack of trust result in self-destructive behavior. Only love and opening your heart can lead to happiness.
Consumerism
Greyhound, Cracker Jack, Tiffany's, Carter's Five-and-Dime.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Characters drink and smoke in scene after scene. Consumption of alcohol is a primary activity of the players. There is one lengthy party in which everyone is shown to be drinking heavily and many people are very drunk. Holly Golightly plays one lengthy scene completely inebriated. Her long cigarette holder is played as part of her "wild" girl character.
