Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that in this classic black-and-white comedy, everything is played for laughs -- from the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, in which gangland hoodlums execute seven other thugs with machine guns, to the broad gender-bending humor that finds the two male heroes masquerading as female musicians for most of the film. Marilyn Monroe as Sugar is at her most voluptuous; clothes are revealing; leering at women is a primary male activity; and attempts at seduction move the plot along. But the only sexual activity is some passionate kissing. There's lots of drinking and smoking; Sugar knows she has a problem with alcohol.

Sexual Content

Sexual themes are a source of humor throughout. Lecherous males constantly react to and track women. Seduction is a prime motivator. Lots of sexual innuendo and suggestive talk. There is a thinly veiled reference to an erection and a very obvious preoccupation with Marilyn Monroe's curves. While there's no nudity, clothing is revealing and very purposefully sexy. Repeated passionate kissing is as far as the movie takes actual sexual behavior.

Violence

Two multiple murders occur. The first is a replica of the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre, in which assassins line up seven men and spray them with machine guns; the bullets hit their mark off-camera. In the second machine-gun slaughter, one man shoots several others; the bloody aftermath and dead bodies are clearly visible. There are chase scenes played more for comedy than suspense.

Language

Social Behavior

Enlightenment was definitely not a priority for the filmmakers, but the movie does affirm that true love has the edge over marrying for money.

Consumerism

Shell Oil is mentioned as part of a recurring gag; Joe impersonates a rich man and lets Sugar believe he owns the oil company.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Set during Prohibition, there's lots of drinking -- flasks, illegal saloons, silly covers for alcohol consumption. Some minor characters exhibit drunken behavior and one leading female player admits to having a problem with alcohol -- she drinks "when she's sad." Occasional smoking of cigarettes and cigars.