TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL-USE IN TOP-GROSSING AMERICAN FILMS

This study assessed the prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use in top-g rossing American films from 1985 to 1995. The top ten money-making fil ms for 1985 to 1995 were viewed to identify the prevalence of alcohol and tobacco use overall and by lead characters. While the use of tobac co and alcohol was stable across the study period, use of these substa nces was common. Most films (98%) had references that supported tobacc o use and 96% had references that supported alcohol use. Discouraging the use of these substances was uncommon. Only one third of films had any references that discouraged the use of tobacco or alcohol (38% and 37%, respectively). At least one lead character used tobacco or alcoh ol in 46% and 79% of the films, respectively. The hazards of smoking a nd drinking are not reflected in the behaviors of film characters who are potential role models for youth facing the decision to smoke or dr ink.