Common Sense Note
There's little objectionable content in this romantic comedy directed by Billy Wilder. But the story of a middle-aged man tempted to cheat on his wife, and much of the humor that flows from this premise, will be lost on young kids and is unlikely to be interesting to tweens or teens, either. The only areas of concern are the adults shown smoking and drinking frequently; both behaviors are glamorized and seem appealing. Several short, sweet kisses are shown, and a few longer ones are played for laughs.
Sexual
Content
The theme is marital fidelity and the temptation to break it, so Marilyn Monroe's sex appeal is a big part of the story. But it's also a light comedy, and Monroe is presented in a typically sweet and charming light. There are quite a few kisses, mainly in fantasy sequences. Most are short and on the lips or cheeks. The few longer, more passionate kisses are played for laughs. A minor character asks for donations for her nudist colony and explains how the world would be a better place without clothes. Monroe is seen several times from the waist up in a slip, and a secretary is seen in a slip and skirt in a fantasy sequence. Sherman does a funny dance to take his pants off, and we see him bare-chested in the shower.
Violence
There are one or two comedic slaps in the face and one punch in the nose. In a comedic fantasy sequence, a woman is making persistent advances on Richard Sherman, and he slaps her face several times. In an overwrought, soap-opera way she then asks for a beating and says she'll come back for more. In another comedic fantasy Sherman's wife brandishes a gun and shoots him several times, but there's no blood and Sherman does a playacting, exaggerated collapse as though he's dead.
Language
Not applicable
Social
Behavior
The truly attractive man is one who's tender and sweet, not the classic hunk. Although marriage has its ups and downs, the rewards of a long-term relationship are worth a lot more than fleeting pleasures, no matter how attractive those pleasures might be in the moment.
Consumerism
The very few 1950s pop-culture and consumer products mentioned probably won't mean much to modern kids. Howdy Doody is mentioned once, and Captain Video and Dictaphone are mentioned a couple of times each.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Although he's been cautioned not to by his doctor, protagonist Richard Sherman wants to drink alcoholic beverages while his wife is out of town. He wonders why a raspberry soda's artificial ingredients are better for you than a simple scotch on the rocks. Sherman and The Girl drink champagne and make and drink Tom Collins drinks and martinis. They discuss how to make a martini, which The Girl doesn't really like but continues to sip at anyway. Smoking is handled similarly; it's something Sherman knows he's not supposed to do, but both he and The Girl smoke frequently while they socialize, appearing to enjoy it.
