<PAGE>


[Logo - American Funds/(R)/]                        The right choice for the long term/(R)/




The Growth Fund
of America/(R)/







CLASS    TICKER   F-1....  GFAFX    529-C..  CGFCX
A......  AGTHX    F-2....  GFFFX    529-E..  CGFEX
B......  AGRBX    529-A..  CGFAX    529-F-1  CGFFX
C......  GFACX    529-B..  CGFBX




PROSPECTUS







November 1, 2009






TABLE OF CONTENTS

 1   Investment objective
 1   Fees and expenses of the fund
 3   Principal investment strategies
 3   Principal risks
 4   Investment results
 6   Management
 7   Purchase and sale of fund shares
 7   Tax information
 7   Payments to broker-dealers and other financial
     intermediaries
 8   Investment objective, strategies and risks
10   Additional investment results
12   Management and organization
16   Shareholder information
17   Choosing a share class
21   Purchase, exchange and sale of shares
27   Sales charges
31   Sales charge reductions and waivers
35   Rollovers from retirement plans to IRAs
35   Plans of distribution
36   Other compensation to dealers
37   How to sell shares
39   Distributions and taxes
40   Financial highlights



THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF
THESE SECURITIES. FURTHER, IT HAS NOT DETERMINED THAT THIS PROSPECTUS IS
ACCURATE OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.



<PAGE>

[This page is intentionally left blank for this filing.]

<PAGE>

Investment objective

The fund's investment objective is to provide you with growth of capital.

Fees and expenses of the fund

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your
family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in American
Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your
financial professional and in the "Sales charge reductions and waivers" section
on page 31 of the prospectus and on page 56 of the fund's statement of
additional information.


SHAREHOLDER FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
----------------------------------------------------SHARE CLASSES--------------
                                                                      F-1, F-2
                                         A AND  B AND  C AND            AND
                                         529-A  529-B  529-C  529-E   529-F-1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on  5.75%  none   none   none      none
 purchases (as a percentage of offering
 price)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Maximum deferred sales charge (load)    none   5.00%  1.00%  none      none
 (as a percentage of the amount
 redeemed)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on  none   none   none   none      none
 reinvested dividends
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Redemption or exchange fees             none   none   none   none      none
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Maximum annual account fee               $10    $10    $10    $10      $10
 (529 share classes only)


 ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
 (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
--------------------------------------------------SHARE CLASSES----------------
                                       A       B       C      F-1       F-2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Management fees                     0.28%   0.28%   0.28%   0.28%     0.28%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Distribution and/or service         0.24    1.00    1.00    0.25      none
 (12b-1) fees
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Other expenses                      0.24    0.22    0.22    0.16      0.18
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total annual fund operating         0.76    1.50    1.50    0.69      0.46
 expenses
                                     529-A   529-B   529-C   529-E    529-F-1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Management fees                     0.28%   0.28%   0.28%   0.28%     0.28%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Distribution and/or service         0.20    1.00    1.00    0.50      0.00
 (12b-1) fees
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Other expenses                      0.29    0.30    0.30    0.29      0.29
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total annual fund operating         0.77    1.58    1.58    1.07      0.57
 expenses





                                       1

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

EXAMPLE

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year, that all
dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested, that you pay the
maximum initial or contingent deferred sales charge, and that the fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:


 SHARE CLASSES                   1 YEAR  3 YEARS  5 YEARS   10 YEARS
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 A                                $648    $804    $  973     $1,463
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 B                                 653     874     1,018      1,590
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 C                                 253     474       818      1,791
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 F-1                                70     221       384        859
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 F-2                                47     148       258        579
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-A                             669     846     1,037      1,579
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-B                             680     938     1,117      1,762
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-C                             280     538       917      1,978
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-E                             129     380       648      1,408
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-F-1                            78     222       377        820


For the share classes listed below, you would pay the following if you did not
redeem your shares:


 SHARE CLASSES                   1 YEAR  3 YEARS  5 YEARS   10 YEARS
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 B                                $153    $474     $818      $1,590
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 C                                 153     474      818       1,791
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-B                             180     538      917       1,762
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-C                             180     538      917       1,978
---------------------------------------------------------------------




PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund's performance.
During the most recent fiscal year, the fund's portfolio turnover rate was 38%
of the average value of its portfolio.


                                       2

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Principal investment strategies

The fund invests primarily in common stocks and seeks to invest in companies
that appear to offer superior opportunities for growth of capital.

The fund relies on the professional judgment of its investment adviser to make
decisions about the fund's portfolio investments. The basic investment
philosophy of the investment adviser is to seek to invest in attractively valued
companies that, in its opinion, represent good, long-term investment
opportunities. The investment adviser believes that an important way to
accomplish this is through fundamental analysis, which may include meeting with
company executives and employees, suppliers, customers and competitors.
Securities may be sold when the investment adviser believes that they no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities. The investment adviser
uses a system of multiple portfolio counselors in managing the fund's assets.
Under this approach, the portfolio of the fund is divided into segments managed
by individual counselors who decide how their respective segments will be
invested.


Principal risks

YOU MAY LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE FUND. THE LIKELIHOOD OF LOSS MAY BE
GREATER IF YOU INVEST FOR A SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME.

Investors in the fund should have a long-term perspective and, for example, be
able to tolerate potentially sharp declines in value.

The prices of the common stocks and other securities held by the fund may
decline in response to certain events taking place around the world, including
those directly involving the issuers whose securities are owned by the fund;
conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local,
regional or global political, social or economic instability; governmental or
governmental agency responses to economic conditions; and currency, interest
rate and commodity price fluctuations. The growth-oriented common stocks and
other equity-type securities, such as preferred stocks, convertible preferred
stocks and convertible bonds, generally purchased by the fund may involve large
price swings and potential for loss.

Investments in securities issued by entities based outside the United States may
also be affected by currency controls; different accounting, auditing, financial
reporting, and legal standards and practices; expropriation; changes in tax
policy; greater market volatility; different securities market structures;
higher transaction costs; and various administrative difficulties, such as
delays in clearing and settling portfolio transactions or in receiving payment
of dividends. Investments in securities issued by entities domiciled in the
United States may also be subject to many of these risks.

Your investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency, entity or person.


                                       3

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Investment results

The bar chart below shows how the fund's investment results have varied from
year to year, and the table on page 5 shows how the fund's average annual total
returns for various periods compare with a broad measure of market performance.
This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund.
Past results (before and after taxes) are not predictive of future results.
Updated information on the fund's results can be obtained by visiting
americanfunds.com.

CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS FOR CLASS A SHARES
(Results do not include a sales charge; if a sales charge were included,
 results would be lower.)
[begin bar chart]
1999            45.70
2000             7.49
2001           -12.28
2002           -22.02
2003            32.90
2004            11.95
2005            14.23
2006            10.94
2007            10.95
2008           -39.07
[end bar chart]


Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this time period were:


HIGHEST            25.10%  (quarter ended December 31, 1999)
LOWEST            -23.11%  (quarter ended December 31, 2008)


The fund's total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, was 27.05%.


                                       4

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

 AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
 FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 (WITH MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE):

 SHARE CLASS                INCEPTION DATE      1 YEAR   5 YEARS  10 YEARS   LIFETIME
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 A - Before taxes              12/1/73          -42.57%  -2.00%    2.55%      13.03%
   - After taxes on distributions               -42.67   -2.40     1.82         N/A
   - After taxes on distributions and sale of   -27.54   -1.53     2.16         N/A
     fund shares


 SHARE CLASS (before taxes)   INCEPTION DATE  1 YEAR   5 YEARS   LIFETIME
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 B                               3/15/00      -42.55%  -1.93%     -2.61%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 C                               3/15/01      -40.17   -1.63      -0.98
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 F-1                             3/15/01      -39.07   -0.83      -0.18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-A                           2/15/02      -42.60   -2.04      -0.29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-B                           2/15/02      -42.61   -2.06      -0.29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-C                           2/15/02      -40.21   -1.70      -0.29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-E                           3/1/02       -39.28   -1.19       0.03
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-F-1                         9/16/02      -38.98   -0.77       4.05


 INDEXES (before taxes)          1 YEAR   5 YEARS  10 YEARS   LIFETIME/2/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 S&P 500/1/                      -36.99%  -2.19%    -1.38%      10.05%


1  Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index (S&P 500) reflects the market sectors in
   which the fund primarily invests. See page 11 of this prospectus for more
   information on the index listed above.
2  Lifetime results for the index(es) shown are measured from the date Capital
   Research and Management Company became the fund's investment adviser.


After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares; after-tax returns for other
share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the highest
individual federal income tax rates in effect during each year of the periods
shown and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual
after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation and likely will differ
from the results shown above. In addition, after-tax returns are not relevant if
you hold your fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k)
plan, individual retirement account (IRA) or 529 college savings plan.


                                       5

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Management

INVESTMENT ADVISER

Capital Research and Management Company, the investment adviser to the fund,
uses a system of multiple portfolio counselors in managing mutual fund assets.

PORTFOLIO COUNSELORS

The primary individual portfolio counselors for the fund are:

 PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR/    PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR   PRIMARY TITLE
 FUND TITLE (if              EXPERIENCE        WITH INVESTMENT ADVISER
 applicable)                IN THIS FUND       (or one of its divisions)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 DONNALISA BARNUM              8 years         Senior Vice President -
                                               Capital World Investors
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 GORDON CRAWFORD              18 years         Senior Vice President -
 Senior Vice President                         Capital Research Global
                                               Investors
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 JAMES E. DRASDO              24 years         Senior Vice President -
                                               Capital World Investors
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 J. BLAIR FRANK                8 years         Senior Vice President -
                                               Capital Research Global
                                               Investors
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 GREGG E. IRELAND              5 years         Senior Vice President -
 Senior Vice President                         Capital World Investors
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 MICHAEL T. KERR              11 years         Senior Vice President -
 Senior Vice President                         Capital World Investors
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 RONALD B. MORROW              5 years         Senior Vice President -
                                               Capital World Investors
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 DONALD D. O'NEAL             16 years         Senior Vice President -
 President                                     Capital Research Global
                                               Investors
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 JAMES F. ROTHENBERG          21 years         Chairman of the Board,
 Vice Chairman of the                          Capital Research and Management
 Board                                         Company
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                                       6

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Purchase and sale of fund shares

 PURCHASE MINIMUMS (for all share classes)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TO ESTABLISH AN ACCOUNT (including retirement plan and 529 accounts)   $250
 For a payroll deduction retirement plan account, payroll deduction       25
 savings plan account or employer-sponsored 529 account
 TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT                                                     50
 For a payroll deduction retirement plan account, payroll deduction       25
 savings plan account or employer-sponsored 529 account
------------------------------------------------------------------------------



You may sell (redeem) shares through your dealer or financial adviser or by
writing to American Funds Service Company at P.O. Box 6007, Indianapolis, IN
46206-6007; telephoning (800/421-0180); faxing (317/735-6636) American Funds
Service Company; or accessing our website (americanfunds.com).



Tax information

Dividends and capital gain distributions you receive from the fund are subject
to federal income taxes and may also be subject to state and local taxes.

Payments to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries

If you purchase shares of the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial
intermediary (such as a bank), the fund and the fund's distributor or its
affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related
services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the
broker-dealer or other intermediary and your individual financial adviser to
recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial
adviser or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.


                                       7

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Investment objective, strategies and risks

The fund's investment objective is to provide you with growth of capital. The
fund invests primarily in common stocks and seeks to invest in companies that
appear to offer superior opportunities for growth of capital.

The prices of the common stocks and other securities held by the fund may
decline in response to certain events taking place around the world, including
those directly involving the issuers whose securities are owned by the fund;
conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local,
regional or global political, social or economic instability; governmental or
governmental agency responses to economic conditions; and currency, interest
rate and commodity price fluctuations. The growth-oriented common stocks and
other equity-type securities, such as preferred stocks, convertible preferred
stocks and convertible bonds, generally purchased by the fund may involve large
price swings and potential for loss.

The fund may also hold cash or money market instruments. The percentage of the
fund invested in such holdings varies and depends on various factors, including
market conditions and purchases and redemptions of fund shares. For temporary
defensive purposes, the fund may hold a significant portion of its assets in
such securities. A larger percentage of such holdings could moderate the fund's
investment results in a period of rising market prices. A larger percentage of
cash or money market instruments could reduce the magnitude of the fund's loss
in a period of falling market prices and provide liquidity to make additional
investments or to meet redemptions.


                                       8

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

OTHER IMPORTANT INVESTMENT PRACTICES

In addition to the principal investment strategies described above, the fund has
other investment practices that are described in this prospectus and in the
statement of additional information.

The fund may invest up to 15% of its assets in securities of issuers domiciled
outside the United States and Canada and not included in Standard & Poor's 500
Composite Index. In addition to the risks described above, investments in
securities issued by entities based outside the United States may be affected by
currency controls; different accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and
legal standards and practices; expropriation; changes in tax policy; greater
market volatility; different securities market structures; higher transaction
costs; and various administrative difficulties, such as delays in clearing and
settling portfolio transactions or in receiving payment of dividends. These
risks may be heightened in connection with investments in developing countries.
Investments in securities issued by entities domiciled in the United States may
also be subject to many of these risks.

The fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in lower quality nonconvertible debt
securities (rated Ba1 or below by Moody's Investors Service and BB+ or below by
Standard & Poor's Corporation or unrated but determined by the fund's investment
adviser to be of equivalent quality). Such securities are sometimes referred to
as "junk bonds." The values of debt securities may be affected by changing
interest rates and by changes in effective maturities and credit ratings of
these securities. For example, the values of debt securities generally decline
when interest rates rise and increase when interest rates fall. Debt securities
are also subject to credit risk, which is the possibility that the credit
strength of an issuer will weaken and/or an issuer of a debt security will fail
to make timely payments of principal or interest and the security will go into
default. Lower quality debt securities generally have higher rates of interest
and may be subject to greater price fluctuations than higher quality debt
securities. In addition, longer maturity debt securities generally have higher
rates of interest and may be subject to greater price fluctuations than shorter
maturity debt securities.

The fund's investment adviser attempts to reduce these risks through
diversification of the portfolio and ongoing credit analysis, as well as by
monitoring economic and legislative developments, but there can be no assurance
that it will be successful at doing so.


                                       9

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Additional investment results

Unlike the table on page 5, the table below reflects the fund's results
calculated without sales charges.


 AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
 FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 (WITHOUT SALES CHARGE):

 SHARE CLASS                INCEPTION DATE      1 YEAR   5 YEARS  10 YEARS   LIFETIME
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 A - Before taxes               12/1/73         -39.07%  -0.83%    3.16%      13.22%
   - After taxes on distributions               -39.18   -1.24     2.42         N/A
   - After taxes on distributions and sale of   -25.26   -0.54     2.70         N/A
     fund shares


 SHARE CLASS (before taxes)   INCEPTION DATE  1 YEAR   5 YEARS   LIFETIME
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 B                               3/15/00      -39.53%  -1.57%     -2.61%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 C                               3/15/01      -39.56   -1.63      -0.98
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 F-1                             3/15/01      -39.07   -0.83      -0.18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-A                           2/15/02      -39.09   -0.88       0.57
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-B                           2/15/02      -39.59   -1.70      -0.29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-C                           2/15/02      -39.60   -1.70      -0.29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-E                           3/1/02       -39.28   -1.19       0.03
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 529-F-1                         9/16/02      -38.98   -0.77       4.05


 INDEXES/1/ (before taxes)                 1 YEAR   5 YEARS  10 YEARS   LIFETIME/2/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 S&P 500                                   -36.99%  -2.19%    -1.38%      10.05%
 Lipper Capital Appreciation Funds Index   -39.08   -1.19     -0.44       10.03
 Lipper Growth Funds Index                 -42.24   -4.25     -3.08        8.72
 Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Index       -42.44   -2.95     -2.36        9.69
 Lipper Multi-Cap Core Funds Index         -39.45   -2.29     -0.47        9.55


1  S&P 500 reflects the market sectors in which the fund primarily invests.
   Lipper Growth Funds Index and Multi-Cap Growth Funds Index include the fund.
   All four Lipper indexes include mutual funds which disclose investment
   objectives that are reasonably comparable to those of the fund.
2  Lifetime results for the index(es) shown are measured from the date Capital
   Research and Management Company became the fund's investment adviser.


                                       10

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>


The investment results tables above and on page 5 show how the fund's average
annual total returns compare with various broad measures of market performance.
Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted index
based on the average weighted performance of 500 widely held common stocks. This
index is unmanaged and its results include reinvested dividends and/or
distributions, but do not reflect the effect of sales charges, commissions,
expenses or taxes. Lipper Capital Appreciation Funds Index is an equally
weighted index of funds that aim for maximum capital appreciation. Lipper Growth
Funds Index is an equally weighted index of growth funds. These funds normally
invest in companies with long-term earnings that are expected to grow
significantly faster than the earnings of the stocks represented in the major
unmanaged indexes. Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Index is an equally weighted
index of funds that invest in a variety of market capitalization ranges without
concentrating 75% of their equity assets in any one market capitalization range
over an extended period of time. Multi-cap growth funds typically have an
above-average price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio and three-year
sales-per-share growth value, compared with the S&P SuperComposite 1500 Index (a
broad-based index representing the large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap segments of
the U.S. equity market). The Lipper Multi-Cap Core Funds Index is an equally
weighted index of funds that invest in a variety of market capitalization ranges
without concentrating 75% of their equity assets in any one market
capitalization range over an extended period of time. Multi-cap core funds
typically have an average price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio and
three-year sales-per-share growth value, compared with the S&P SuperComposite
1500 Index. The results of the underlying funds in each of these Lipper indexes
include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, as well as
brokerage commissions paid by the funds for portfolio transactions, but do not
reflect the effect of sales charges or taxes.

All fund results reflected in the "Investment results" section of this
prospectus and this "Additional investment results" section reflect the
reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, if any. Unless
otherwise noted, fund results reflect any fee waivers and/or expense
reimbursements in effect during the period presented.


                                       11

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Management and organization

INVESTMENT ADVISER

Capital Research and Management Company, an experienced investment management
organization founded in 1931, serves as investment adviser to the fund and other
funds, including the American Funds. Capital Research and Management Company is
a wholly owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. and is located at
333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, California 90071, and 6455 Irvine Center
Drive, Irvine, California 92618. Capital Research and Management Company manages
the investment portfolio and business affairs of the fund. The total management
fee paid by the fund, as a percentage of average net assets, for the previous
fiscal year appears in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table under "Fees and
expenses of the fund." Please see the statement of additional information for
further details. A discussion regarding the basis for the approval of the fund's
investment advisory and service agreement by the fund's board of directors is
contained in the fund's annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended
August 31, 2009.

Capital Research and Management Company manages equity assets through two
investment divisions, Capital World Investors and Capital Research Global
Investors, and manages fixed-income assets through its Fixed Income division.
Capital World Investors and Capital Research Global Investors make investment
decisions on an independent basis.

Rather than remain as investment divisions, Capital World Investors and Capital
Research Global Investors may be incorporated into wholly owned subsidiaries of
Capital Research and Management Company. In that event, Capital Research and
Management Company would continue to be the investment adviser, and day-to-day
investment management of equity assets would continue to be carried out through
one or both of these subsidiaries. Although not currently contemplated, Capital
Research and Management Company could incorporate its Fixed Income division in
the future and engage it to provide day-to-day investment management of
fixed-income assets. Capital Research and Management Company and each of the
funds it advises have applied to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for
an exemptive order that would give Capital Research and Management Company the
authority to use, upon approval of the fund's board, its management subsidiaries
and affiliates to provide day-to-day investment management services to the fund,
including making changes to the management subsidiaries and affiliates providing
such services. Approval by the fund's shareholders would be required before any
authority granted under an exemptive order could be exercised. A meeting of the
fund's shareholders of record as of August 28, 2009, to consider, among other
items, approval of this arrangement is scheduled for November 24, 2009. There is
no assurance that Capital Research and Management Company will incorporate its
investment divisions or obtain shareholders' approval to exercise any authority,
if granted, under an exemptive order.


                                       12

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

In addition to voting on approval of the arrangement discussed above,
shareholders are being asked to vote on other proposals at the meeting. These
proposals include electing board members, reorganizing the fund into a Delaware
statutory trust, amending the fund's fundamental policies and amending its
investment advisory and service agreement. More information on these proposals
is contained in a joint proxy statement, which can be found at
americanfunds.com/vote.

EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

The investment adviser places orders with broker-dealers for the fund's
portfolio transactions. In selecting broker-dealers, the investment adviser
strives to obtain "best execution" (the most favorable total price reasonably
attainable under the circumstances) for the fund's portfolio transactions,
taking into account a variety of factors. Subject to best execution, the
investment adviser may consider investment research and/or brokerage services
provided to the adviser in placing orders for the fund's portfolio transactions.
The investment adviser may place orders for the fund's portfolio transactions
with broker-dealers who have sold shares of funds managed by the investment
adviser or its affiliated companies; however, it does not give consideration to
whether a broker-dealer has sold shares of the funds managed by the investment
adviser or its affiliated companies when placing any such orders for the fund's
portfolio transactions. A more detailed description of the investment adviser's
policies is included in the fund's statement of additional information.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

Portfolio holdings information for the fund is available on the American Funds
website at americanfunds.com. To reach this information, access the fund's
detailed information page on the website. A list of the fund's top 10 equity
holdings, updated as of each month-end, is generally posted to this page within
14 days after the end of the applicable month. A link to the fund's complete
list of publicly disclosed portfolio holdings, updated as of each calendar
quarter-end, is generally posted to this page within 45 days after the end of
the applicable quarter. Both lists remain available on the website until new
information for the next month or quarter is posted. Portfolio holdings
information for the fund is also contained in reports filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.

A description of the fund's policies and procedures regarding disclosure of
information about its portfolio holdings is available in the statement of
additional information.


                                       13

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

MULTIPLE PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR SYSTEM

Capital Research and Management Company uses a system of multiple portfolio
counselors in managing mutual fund assets. Under this approach, the portfolio of
a fund is divided into segments managed by individual counselors who decide how
their respective segments will be invested. In addition, Capital Research and
Management Company's investment analysts may make investment decisions with
respect to a portion of a fund's portfolio. Investment decisions are subject to
a fund's objective(s), policies and restrictions and the oversight of the
appropriate investment-related committees of Capital Research and Management
Company and its investment divisions. The table below shows the investment
experience and role in management of the fund for each of the fund's primary
portfolio counselors.

                                                                   ROLE IN
                       INVESTMENT                 EXPERIENCE       MANAGEMENT
 PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR   EXPERIENCE                IN THIS FUND      OF THE FUND
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 DONNALISA BARNUM      Investment                   8 years        Serves as an equity
                       professional for 28                         portfolio counselor
                       years in total;
                       23 years with Capital
                       Research and
                       Management Company or
                       affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 GORDON CRAWFORD       Investment                  18 years        Serves as an equity
                       professional for 38    (plus 16 years of    portfolio counselor
                       years, all with         prior experience
                       Capital Research and         as an
                       Management Company or  investment analyst
                       affiliate                for the fund)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 JAMES E. DRASDO       Investment                  24 years        Serves as an equity
                       professional for 38     (plus 7 years of    portfolio counselor
                       years in total;         prior experience
                       32 years with Capital        as an
                       Research and           investment analyst
                       Management Company or    for the fund)
                       affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 J. BLAIR FRANK        Investment                  8 years         Serves as an equity
                       professional for 16     (plus 7 years of    portfolio counselor
                       years in total;         prior experience
                       15 years with Capital        as an
                       Research and           investment analyst
                       Management Company or    for the fund)
                       affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 GREGG E. IRELAND      Investment                   5 years        Serves as an equity
                       professional for 37                         portfolio counselor
                       years, all with
                       Capital Research and
                       Management Company or
                       affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                       14

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

                                                                   ROLE IN
                       INVESTMENT                 EXPERIENCE       MANAGEMENT
 PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR   EXPERIENCE                IN THIS FUND      OF THE FUND
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 MICHAEL T. KERR       Investment                  11 years        Serves as an equity
                       professional for 26     (plus 9 years of    portfolio counselor
                       years in total;         prior experience
                       24 years with Capital        as an
                       Research and           investment analyst
                       Management Company or    for the fund)
                       affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 RONALD B. MORROW      Investment                  5 years         Serves as an equity
                       professional for 41     (plus 8 years of    portfolio counselor
                       years in total;         prior experience
                       12 years with Capital        as an
                       Research and           investment analyst
                       Management Company or    for the fund)
                       affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 DONALD D. O'NEAL      Investment                  16 years        Serves as an equity
                       professional for 24     (plus 6 years of    portfolio counselor
                       years, all with         prior experience
                       Capital Research and         as an
                       Management Company or  investment analyst
                       affiliate                for the fund)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 JAMES F. ROTHENBERG   Investment                  21 years        Serves as an equity
                       professional for 39     (plus 3 years of    portfolio counselor
                       years, all with         prior experience
                       Capital Research and         as an
                       Management Company or  investment analyst
                       affiliate                for the fund)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Information regarding the portfolio counselors' compensation, their ownership of
securities in the fund and other accounts they manage is in the statement of
additional information.


                                       15

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Shareholder information

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES

American Funds Service Company/(R)/,the fund's transfer agent, offers a wide
range of services that you can use to alter your investment program should your
needs and circumstances change. These services may be terminated or modified at
any time upon 60 days' written notice.


AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY SERVICE AREAS
Call toll-free from anywhere in the United States
(8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET): 800/421-0180
Access the American Funds website : americanfunds.com


              [map of the United States]


INDIANA                            VIRGINIA
SERVICE CENTER                     SERVICE CENTER
American Funds                     American Funds
Service Company                    Service Company
P.O. Box 6007                      P.O. Box 2280
Indianapolis, Indiana              Norfolk, Virginia
46206-6007                         23501-2280
Fax: 317/735-6636                  Fax: 757/670-4761


A MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF POLICIES AND SERVICES IS INCLUDED IN THE FUND'S
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND THE OWNER'S GUIDE SENT TO NEW AMERICAN
FUNDS SHAREHOLDERS ENTITLED WELCOME. CLASS 529 SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD ALSO REFER TO
THE APPLICABLE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION FOR INFORMATION ON POLICIES AND SERVICES
SPECIFICALLY RELATING TO THEIR ACCOUNT(S). These documents are available by
writing or calling American Funds Service Company. Certain privileges and/or
services described on the following pages of this prospectus and in the
statement of additional information may not be available to you depending on
your investment dealer. Please see your financial adviser or investment dealer
for more information.


                                       16

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Choosing a share class

The fund offers different classes of shares through this prospectus. Class A, C,
F-1 and F-2 shares are available through various investment programs or
accounts, including certain types of retirement plans (see limitations below).
The services or share classes available to you may vary depending upon how you
wish to purchase shares of the fund. Unless otherwise noted, references in this
prospectus to Class F shares refer to both Class F-1 and F-2 shares.

Class B and 529-B shares may no longer be purchased or acquired except by
exchange from Class B or 529-B shares of another American Fund. Any investment
received by the fund that is intended for Class B or 529-B shares will instead
be invested in Class A or 529-A shares and be subject to any applicable sales
charges.

Shareholders with investments in Class B and 529-B shares may continue to hold
such shares until they convert to Class A or 529-A shares. However, no
additional investments will be accepted in Class B or 529-B shares. Dividends
and capital gain distributions may continue to be reinvested in Class B or 529-B
shares until their conversion dates. In addition, shareholders invested in Class
B or 529-B shares will be able to exchange those shares for Class B or 529-B
shares of other American Funds offering Class B or 529-B shares until they
convert.

Investors residing in any state may purchase Class 529 shares through an account
established with a 529 college savings plan managed by the American Funds
organization. Class 529-A, 529-B, 529-C and 529-F-1 shares are structured
similarly to the corresponding Class A, B, C and F-1 shares. For example, the
same initial sales charges apply to Class 529-A shares as to Class A shares.
Class 529-E shares are available only to investors participating through an
eligible employer plan.

Each share class represents an investment in the same portfolio of securities,
but each class has its own sales charge and expense structure, allowing you to
choose the class that best fits your situation. WHEN YOU PURCHASE SHARES OF THE
FUND, YOU SHOULD CHOOSE A SHARE CLASS. IF NONE IS CHOSEN, YOUR INVESTMENT WILL
BE MADE IN CLASS A SHARES OR, IN THE CASE OF A 529 PLAN INVESTMENT, CLASS 529-A
SHARES.

Factors you should consider in choosing a class of shares include:

. how long you expect to own the shares;

. how much you intend to invest;

. total expenses associated with owning shares of each class;

. whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges (for
  example, Class A or 529-A shares may be a less expensive option over time,
  particularly if you qualify for a sales charge reduction or waiver);

. whether you plan to take any distributions in the near future (for example,
  the contingent deferred sales charge will not be waived if you sell your Class
  529-B or 529-C shares to cover higher education expenses); and


                                       17

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

. availability of share classes:

  -- Class C shares are not available to retirement plans that do not currently
     invest in such shares and that are eligible to invest in Class R shares,
     including employer-sponsored retirement plans such as defined benefit plans,
     401(k) plans, 457 plans, 403(b) plans, and money purchase pension and
     profit-sharing plans; and

  -- Class F and 529-F-1 shares are generally available only to fee-based
     programs of investment dealers that have special agreements with the fund's
     distributor and to certain registered investment advisers.

EACH INVESTOR'S FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ARE DIFFERENT. YOU SHOULD SPEAK WITH
YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHICH SHARE CLASS IS BEST FOR YOU.

UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, REFERENCES IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES TO CLASS A, B, C OR
F-1 SHARES ALSO REFER TO THE CORRESPONDING CLASS 529-A, 529-B, 529-C OR 529-F-1
SHARES.


                                       18

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

 SUMMARY OF THE PRIMARY DIFFERENCES AMONG SHARE CLASSES

 CLASS A SHARES
 Initial sales charge    up to 5.75% (reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more
                         and eliminated for purchases of $1 million or more)
 Contingent deferred     none (except that a charge of 1.00% applies to certain
 sales charge            redemptions made within one year following purchases
                         of $1 million or more without an initial sales charge)
 12b-1 fees              up to .25% annually (for Class 529-A shares, may not
                         exceed .50% annually)
 Dividends               generally higher than other classes due to lower
                         annual expenses, but may be lower than Class F-1
                         shares, depending on relative expenses, and lower than
                         Class F-2 shares due to 12b-1 fees
 Purchase maximum        none
 Conversion              none
 CLASS B SHARES
 Initial sales charge    none
 Contingent deferred     starts at 5.00%, declining to 0% six years after
 sales charge            purchase
 12b-1 fees              up to 1.00% annually
 Dividends               generally lower than Class A and F shares due to
                         higher 12b-1 fees and other expenses, but higher than
                         Class C shares due to lower other expenses
 Purchase maximum        Class B shares may not be purchased or acquired except
                         by exchange from Class B shares of other American
                         Funds
 Conversion              automatic conversion to Class A or 529-A shares in the
                         month of the eight-year anniversary of the purchase
                         date, reducing future annual expenses
 CLASS C SHARES
 Initial sales charge    none
 Contingent deferred     1.00% if shares are sold within one year after
 sales charge            purchase
 12b-1 fees              up to 1.00% annually
 Dividends               generally lower than other classes due to higher 12b-1
                         fees and other expenses
 Purchase maximum        see the discussion regarding purchase minimums and
                         maximums in "Purchase and exchange of shares"
 Conversion              automatic conversion to Class F-1 shares in the month
                         of the 10-year anniversary of the purchase date,
                         reducing future annual expenses (Class 529-C shares
                         will not convert to Class 529-F-1 shares)
 CLASS 529-E SHARES
 Initial sales charge    none
 Contingent deferred     none
 sales charge
 12b-1 fees              currently up to .50% annually (may not exceed .75%
                         annually)
 Dividends               generally higher than Class 529-B and 529-C shares due
                         to lower 12b-1 fees, but lower than Class 529-A and
                         529-F-1 shares due to higher 12b-1 fees
 Purchase maximum        none
 Conversion              none



                                       19

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

 SUMMARY OF THE PRIMARY DIFFERENCES AMONG SHARE CLASSES

 CLASS F-1 SHARES
 Initial sales charge    none
 Contingent deferred     none
 sales charge
 12b-1 fees              currently up to .25% annually (may not exceed .50%
                         annually)
 Dividends               generally higher than Class B and C shares due to
                         lower 12b-1 fees, but may be higher than Class A
                         shares, depending on relative expenses, and lower than
                         Class F-2 shares due to 12b-1 fees
 Purchase maximum        none
 Conversion              none
 CLASS F-2 SHARES
 Initial sales charge    none
 Contingent deferred     none
 sales charge
 12b-1 fees              none
 Dividends               generally higher than other classes due to absence of
                         12b-1 fees
 Purchase maximum        none
 Conversion              none




FUND EXPENSES

In periods of market volatility, assets of the fund may decline significantly,
causing total annual fund operating expenses (as a percentage of the value of
your investment) to become higher than the numbers shown in the annual fund
operating expenses table in this prospectus.

The "Other expenses" items in the table on page 1 include custodial, legal,
transfer agent and subtransfer agent/recordkeeping payments and various other
expenses. Subtransfer agent/recordkeeping payments may be made to third parties
(including affiliates of the fund's investment adviser) that provide subtransfer
agent, recordkeeping and/or shareholder services with respect to certain
shareholder accounts in lieu of the transfer agent providing such services. The
amount paid for subtransfer agent/recordkeeping services varies depending on the
share class and services provided, and typically ranges from $3 to $19 per
account. For Class 529 shares, an expense of up to a maximum of .10% paid to a
state or states for oversight and administrative services is included as an
"Other expenses" item.


                                       20

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Purchase, exchange and sale of shares

THE FUND'S TRANSFER AGENT, ON BEHALF OF THE FUND AND AMERICAN FUNDS
DISTRIBUTORS,/(R)/ THE FUND'S DISTRIBUTOR, IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO OBTAIN CERTAIN
PERSONAL INFORMATION FROM YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON(S) ACTING ON YOUR BEHALF IN
ORDER TO VERIFY YOUR OR SUCH PERSON'S IDENTITY. IF YOU DO NOT PROVIDE THE
INFORMATION, THE TRANSFER AGENT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN YOUR ACCOUNT. IF THE
TRANSFER AGENT IS UNABLE TO VERIFY YOUR IDENTITY OR THAT OF ANY OTHER PERSON(S)
AUTHORIZED TO ACT ON YOUR BEHALF, OR BELIEVES IT HAS IDENTIFIED POTENTIALLY
CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, THE FUND AND AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO
CLOSE YOUR ACCOUNT OR TAKE SUCH OTHER ACTION THEY DEEM REASONABLE OR REQUIRED BY
LAW.

When purchasing shares, you should designate the fund or funds in which you wish
to invest. If no fund is designated and the amount of your cash investment is
more than $5,000, your money will be held uninvested (without liability to the
transfer agent for loss of income or appreciation pending receipt of proper
instructions) until investment instructions are received, but for no more than
three business days. Your investment will be made at the net asset value (plus
any applicable sales charge in the case of Class A shares) next determined after
investment instructions are received and accepted by the transfer agent. If
investment instructions are not received, your money will be invested in Class A
shares of American Funds Money Market Fund/SM/ on the third business day after
receipt of your investment.

If no fund is designated and the amount of your cash investment is $5,000 or
less, your money will be invested in the same proportion and in the same fund or
funds in which your last cash investment (excluding exchanges) was made,
provided such investment was made within the last 16 months. If no investment
was made within the last 16 months, your money will be held uninvested (without
liability to the transfer agent for loss of income or appreciation pending
receipt of proper instructions) until investment instructions are received, but
for no more than three business days. Your investment will be made at the net
asset value (plus any applicable sales charge in the case of Class A shares)
next determined after investment instructions are received and accepted by the
transfer agent. If investment instructions are not received, your money will be
invested in Class A shares of American Funds Money Market Fund on the third
business day after receipt of your investment.


                                       21

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

PURCHASE OF CLASS A AND C SHARES

You may generally open an account and purchase Class A and C shares by
contacting any financial adviser (who may impose transaction charges in addition
to those described in this prospectus) authorized to sell the fund's shares. You
may purchase additional shares in various ways, including through your financial
adviser and by mail, telephone, the Internet and bank wire.

PURCHASE OF CLASS F SHARES

You may generally open an account and purchase Class F shares only through
fee-based programs of investment dealers that have special agreements with the
fund's distributor and through certain registered investment advisers. These
dealers and advisers typically charge ongoing fees for services they provide.
Intermediary fees normally range from .75% to 1.50% of assets annually,
depending on the services offered.

PURCHASE OF CLASS 529 SHARES

Class 529 shares may be purchased only through an account established with a 529
college savings plan managed by the American Funds organization. You may open
this type of account and purchase Class 529 shares by contacting any financial
adviser (who may impose transaction charges in addition to those described in
this prospectus) authorized to sell such an account. You may purchase additional
shares in various ways, including through your financial adviser and by mail,
telephone, the Internet and bank wire.

Class 529-E shares may be purchased only by employees participating through an
eligible employer plan.

Accounts holding Class 529 shares are subject to a $10 account setup fee and an
annual $10 account maintenance fee.


                                       22

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

EXCHANGE

Generally, you may exchange your shares into shares of the same class of other
American Funds without a sales charge. Class A, C or F-1 shares may generally be
exchanged into the corresponding 529 share class without a sales charge. Class B
shares may not be exchanged into Class 529-B shares. EXCHANGES FROM CLASS A, C
OR F-1 SHARES TO THE CORRESPONDING 529 SHARE CLASS, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE OF
UNIFORM GIFTS TO MINORS ACT OR UNIFORM TRANSFERS TO MINORS ACT CUSTODIAL
ACCOUNTS, MAY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT LEGAL AND TAX CONSEQUENCES AS DESCRIBED IN
THE APPLICABLE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER BEFORE
MAKING SUCH AN EXCHANGE.

Exchanges of shares from American Funds Money Market Fund initially purchased
without a sales charge generally will be subject to the appropriate sales
charge. For purposes of computing the contingent deferred sales charge on Class
B and C shares, the length of time you have owned your shares will be measured
from the date of original purchase and will not be affected by any permitted
exchange.

Exchanges have the same tax consequences as ordinary sales and purchases. For
example, to the extent you exchange shares held in a taxable account that are
worth more now than what you paid for them, the gain will be subject to
taxation. See "Transactions by telephone, fax or the Internet" in this
prospectus for information regarding electronic exchanges.


                                       23

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

FREQUENT TRADING OF FUND SHARES

The fund and American Funds Distributors reserve the right to reject any
purchase order for any reason. The fund is not designed to serve as a vehicle
for frequent trading. Frequent trading of fund shares may lead to increased
costs to the fund and less efficient management of the fund's portfolio,
potentially resulting in dilution of the value of the shares held by long-term
shareholders. Accordingly, purchases, including those that are part of exchange
activity that the fund or American Funds Distributors has determined could
involve actual or potential harm to the fund, may be rejected.

The fund, through its transfer agent, American Funds Service Company, maintains
surveillance procedures that are designed to detect frequent trading in fund
shares. Under these procedures, various analytics are used to evaluate factors
that may be indicative of frequent trading. For example, transactions in fund
shares that exceed certain monetary thresholds may be scrutinized. American
Funds Service Company also may review transactions that occur close in time to
other transactions in the same account or in multiple accounts under common
ownership or influence. Trading activity that is identified through these
procedures or as a result of any other information available to the fund will be
evaluated to determine whether such activity might constitute frequent trading.
These procedures may be modified from time to time as appropriate to improve the
detection of frequent trading, to facilitate monitoring for frequent trading in
particular retirement plans or other accounts, and to comply with applicable
laws.

In addition to the fund's broad ability to restrict potentially harmful trading
as described above, the fund's board of directors has adopted a "purchase
blocking policy" under which any shareholder redeeming shares having a value of
$5,000 or more from the fund will be precluded from investing in the fund for 30
calendar days after the redemption transaction. This policy also applies to
redemptions and purchases that are part of exchange transactions. Under the
fund's purchase blocking policy, certain purchases will not be prevented and
certain redemptions will not trigger a purchase block, such as systematic
redemptions and purchases, where the entity maintaining the shareholder account
is able to identify the transaction as a systematic redemption or purchase;
purchases and redemptions of shares having a value of less than $5,000;
transactions in Class 529 shares; purchases and redemptions resulting from
reallocations by American Funds Target Date Retirement Series/(R)/; retirement
plan contributions, loans and distributions (including hardship withdrawals)
identified as such on the retirement plan recordkeeper's system; and purchase
transactions involving transfers of assets, rollovers, Roth IRA conversions and
IRA recharacterizations, where the entity maintaining the shareholder account is
able to identify the transaction as one of these types of transactions.

The fund reserves the right to waive the purchase blocking policy with respect
to specific shareholder accounts in those instances where American Funds Service
Company determines that its surveillance procedures are adequate to detect
frequent trading in fund shares.


                                       24

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

American Funds Service Company will work with certain intermediaries (such as
investment dealers holding shareholder accounts in street name, retirement plan
recordkeepers, insurance company separate accounts and bank trust companies) to
apply their own procedures, provided that American Funds Service Company
believes the intermediary's procedures are reasonably designed to enforce the
frequent trading policies of the fund. You should refer to disclosures provided
by the intermediaries with which you have an account to determine the specific
trading restrictions that apply to you.

If American Funds Service Company identifies any activity that may constitute
frequent trading, it reserves the right to contact the intermediary and request
that the intermediary either provide information regarding an account owner's
transactions or restrict the account owner's trading. If American Funds Service
Company is not satisfied that the intermediary has taken appropriate action,
American Funds Service Company may terminate the intermediary's ability to
transact in fund shares.

There is no guarantee that all instances of frequent trading in fund shares will
be prevented.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE FUND'S SURVEILLANCE PROCEDURES AND PURCHASE BLOCKING POLICY,
ALL TRANSACTIONS IN FUND SHARES REMAIN SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF THE FUND AND
AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS TO RESTRICT POTENTIALLY ABUSIVE TRADING GENERALLY
(INCLUDING THE TYPES OF TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE THAT WILL NOT BE PREVENTED
OR TRIGGER A BLOCK UNDER THE PURCHASE BLOCKING POLICY). SEE THE STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE
COMPANY MAY ADDRESS OTHER POTENTIALLY ABUSIVE TRADING ACTIVITY IN THE AMERICAN
FUNDS.

PURCHASE MINIMUMS AND MAXIMUMS


The purchase minimums described on the table on page 7 may be waived in certain
cases. See the statement of additional information for details.

For accounts established with an automatic investment plan, the initial purchase
minimum of $250 may be waived if the purchases (including purchases through
exchanges from another fund) made under the plan are sufficient to reach $250
within five months of account establishment.

The effective purchase maximums for Class 529-A, 529-C, 529-E and 529-F-1 shares
will reflect the maximum applicable contribution limits under state law. See the
applicable program description for more information.

The purchase maximum for Class C shares is $500,000 per transaction. In
addition, if you have significant American Funds holdings, you may not be
eligible to invest in Class C or 529-C shares. Specifically, you may not
purchase Class C or 529-C shares if you are eligible to purchase Class A or
529-A shares at the $1 million or more sales charge discount rate (that is, at
net asset value). See "Sales charge reductions and waivers" in this prospectus
and the statement of additional information for more information regarding sales
charge discounts.


                                       25

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

VALUING SHARES

The net asset value of each share class of the fund is the value of a single
share. The fund calculates the net asset value each day the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading as of approximately 4 p.m. New York time, the
normal close of regular trading. Assets are valued primarily on the basis of
market quotations. However, the fund has adopted procedures for making "fair
value" determinations if market quotations are not readily available or are not
considered reliable. For example, if events occur between the close of markets
outside the United States and the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange that, in the opinion of the investment adviser, materially affect the
value of any of the fund's securities that principally trade in those
international markets, those securities will be valued in accordance with fair
value procedures. Use of these procedures is intended to result in more
appropriate net asset values. In addition, such use will reduce, if not
eliminate, potential arbitrage opportunities otherwise available to short-term
investors.

Because the fund may hold securities that are primarily listed on foreign
exchanges that trade on weekends or days when the fund does not price its
shares, the values of securities held in the fund may change on days when you
will not be able to purchase or redeem fund shares.

Your shares will be purchased at the net asset value (plus any applicable sales
charge in the case of Class A shares) or sold at the net asset value next
determined after American Funds Service Company receives your request, provided
that your request contains all information and legal documentation necessary to
process the transaction. A contingent deferred sales charge may apply at the
time you sell certain Class A, B and C shares.

MOVING BETWEEN SHARE CLASSES AND ACCOUNTS

Please see the statement of additional information for details and limitations
on moving investments in certain share classes to different share classes and on
moving investments held in certain accounts to different accounts.


                                       26

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Sales charges

CLASS A SHARES

The initial sales charge you pay each time you buy Class A shares differs
depending upon the amount you invest and may be reduced or eliminated for larger
purchases as indicated below. Any applicable sales charge will be deducted
directly from your investment.

                                       SALES CHARGE AS A
                                         PERCENTAGE OF:
                                                                 DEALER
                                                   NET         COMMISSION
                                       OFFERING   AMOUNT     AS A PERCENTAGE
 INVESTMENT                             PRICE    INVESTED   OF OFFERING PRICE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Less than $25,000                      5.75%     6.10%           5.00%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $25,000 but less than $50,000          5.00      5.26            4.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $50,000 but less than $100,000         4.50      4.71            3.75
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $100,000 but less than $250,000        3.50      3.63            2.75
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $250,000 but less than $500,000        2.50      2.56            2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $500,000 but less than $750,000        2.00      2.04            1.60
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $750,000 but less than $1 million      1.50      1.52            1.20
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $1 million or more and certain other   none      none      see below
 investments described below
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sales charge, expressed as a percentage of the offering price or the net
amount invested, may be higher or lower than the percentages described in the
table above due to rounding. This is because the dollar amount of the sales
charge is determined by subtracting the net asset value of the shares purchased
from the offering price, which is calculated to two decimal places using
standard rounding criteria. The impact of rounding will vary with the size of
the investment and the net asset value of the shares. Similarly, any contingent
deferred sales charge paid by you on investments in Class A shares may be higher
or lower than the 1% charge described below due to rounding.

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED BELOW, INVESTMENTS IN CLASS A SHARES OF $1 MILLION OR MORE
MAY BE SUBJECT TO A 1% CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE IF THE SHARES ARE SOLD
WITHIN ONE YEAR OF PURCHASE. The contingent deferred sales charge is based on
the original purchase cost or the current market value of the shares being sold,
whichever is less.


                                       27

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>


CLASS A SHARE PURCHASES NOT SUBJECT TO SALES CHARGES

The following investments are not subject to any initial or contingent deferred
sales charge if American Funds Service Company is properly notified of the
nature of the investment:

. investments in Class A shares made by endowments or foundations with $50
  million or more in assets;

. investments made by accounts that are part of certain qualified fee-based
  programs and that purchased Class A shares before the discontinuation of your
  investment dealer's load-waived Class A share program with the American Funds;
  and

. certain rollover investments from retirement plans to IRAs (see "Rollovers
  from retirement plans to IRAs" in this prospectus for more information).

The distributor may pay dealers up to 1% on investments made in Class A shares
with no initial sales charge. The fund may reimburse the distributor for these
payments through its plans of distribution (see "Plans of distribution" in this
prospectus).

Transfers from certain 529 plans to plans managed by the American Funds
organization will be made with no sales charge. No commission will be paid to
the dealer on such a transfer. Please see the statement of additional
information for more information.

Certain other investors may qualify to purchase shares without a sales charge,
such as employees of investment dealers and registered investment advisers
authorized to sell American Funds and employees of The Capital Group Companies,
Inc. Please see the statement of additional information for more information.

 EMPLOYER-SPONSORED RETIREMENT PLANS

 Many employer-sponsored retirement plans are eligible to purchase Class R
 shares. Such eligible plans and Class R shares are described in more detail in
 the fund's retirement plan prospectus.

 Employer-sponsored retirement plans that are eligible to purchase Class R
 shares may instead purchase Class A shares and pay the applicable Class A sales
 charge, provided their recordkeepers can properly apply a sales charge on plan
 investments. These plans are not eligible to make initial purchases of $1
 million or more in Class A shares and thereby invest in Class A shares without
 a sales charge, nor are they eligible to establish a statement of intention
 that qualifies them to purchase Class A shares without a sales charge. More
 information about statements of intention can be found under "Sales charge
 reductions and waivers" in this prospectus. Plans investing in Class A shares
 with a sales charge may purchase additional Class A shares in accordance with
 the sales charge table in this prospectus.


                                       28

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>


 Employer-sponsored retirement plans that invested in Class A shares without any
 sales charge before April 1, 2004, and that continue to meet the eligibility
 requirements in effect as of that date for purchasing Class A shares at net
 asset value, may continue to purchase Class A shares without any initial or
 contingent deferred sales charge.

 A 403(b) plan may not invest in Class A or C shares unless it was invested in
 Class A or C shares prior to January 1, 2009.

CLASS B AND C SHARES

Class C shares are sold without any initial sales charge. American Funds
Distributors pays 1% of the amount invested to dealers who sell Class C shares.

For Class B shares, a contingent deferred sales charge may be applied to shares
you sell within six years of purchase, as shown in the table below. The
contingent deferred sales charge is eliminated six years after purchase.


CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ON CLASS B SHARES

YEAR OF REDEMPTION:                1    2    3    4    5    6     7+
----------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE:  5%   4%   4%   3%   2%   1%    0%


For Class C shares, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% applies if shares
are sold within one year of purchase. The contingent deferred sales charge is
eliminated one year after purchase.

Any contingent deferred sales charge paid by you on redemptions of Class B or C
shares, expressed as a percentage of the applicable redemption amount, may be
higher or lower than the percentages described above due to rounding.

Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions
are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. In addition, the
contingent deferred sales charge may be waived in certain circumstances. See
"Contingent deferred sales charge waivers" in this prospectus. The contingent
deferred sales charge is based on the original purchase cost or the current
market value of the shares being sold, whichever is less. For purposes of
determining the contingent deferred sales charge, if you sell only some of your
shares, shares that are not subject to any contingent deferred sales charge will
be sold first, followed by shares that you have owned the longest.

See "Plans of distribution" in this prospectus for ongoing compensation paid to
your dealer or financial adviser for all share classes.


                                       29

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

AUTOMATIC CONVERSION OF CLASS B AND C SHARES

Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares in the month of the
eight-year anniversary of the purchase date. Class C shares automatically
convert to Class F-1 shares in the month of the 10-year anniversary of the
purchase date; however, Class 529-C shares will not convert to Class 529-F-1
shares. The Internal Revenue Service currently takes the position that these
automatic conversions are not taxable. Should its position change, the automatic
conversion feature may be suspended. If this happens, you would have the option
of converting your Class B, 529-B or C shares to the respective share classes at
the anniversary dates described above. This exchange would be based on the
relative net asset values of the two classes in question, without the imposition
of a sales charge or fee, but you might face certain tax consequences as a
result.

CLASS 529-E AND CLASS F SHARES

Class 529-E and Class F shares are sold without any initial or contingent
deferred sales charge.


                                       30

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Sales charge reductions and waivers

TO RECEIVE A REDUCTION IN YOUR CLASS A INITIAL SALES CHARGE, YOU MUST LET YOUR
FINANCIAL ADVISER OR AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY KNOW AT THE TIME YOU
PURCHASE SHARES THAT YOU QUALIFY FOR SUCH A REDUCTION. IF YOU DO NOT LET YOUR
ADVISER OR AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY KNOW THAT YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A
REDUCTION, YOU MAY NOT RECEIVE A SALES CHARGE DISCOUNT TO WHICH YOU ARE
OTHERWISE ENTITLED. In order to determine your eligibility to receive a sales
charge discount, it may be necessary for you to provide your adviser or American
Funds Service Company with information and records (including account
statements) of all relevant accounts invested in the American Funds.

IN ADDITION TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS, YOU MAY OBTAIN MORE
INFORMATION ABOUT SHARE CLASSES, SALES CHARGES AND SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND
WAIVERS THROUGH A LINK ON THE HOME PAGE OF THE AMERICAN FUNDS WEBSITE AT
AMERICANFUNDS.COM, FROM THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR FROM YOUR
FINANCIAL ADVISER.

REDUCING YOUR CLASS A INITIAL SALES CHARGE

Consistent with the policies described in this prospectus, you and your
"immediate family" (your spouse -- or equivalent if recognized under local law
-- and your children under the age of 21) may combine all of your American Funds
investments to reduce your Class A sales charge. Certain investments in the
American Funds Target Date Retirement Series may also be combined for this
purpose. Please see the American Funds Target Date Retirement Series prospectus
for further information. However, for this purpose, investments representing
direct purchases of American Funds Money Market Fund are excluded. Following are
different ways that you may qualify for a reduced Class A sales charge:

 AGGREGATING ACCOUNTS

 To receive a reduced Class A sales charge, investments made by you and your
 immediate family (see above) may be aggregated if made for your own account(s)
 and/or certain other accounts, such as:

 . trust accounts established by the above individuals (please see the statement
   of additional information for details regarding aggregation of trust accounts
   where the person(s) who established the trust is/are deceased);

 . solely controlled business accounts; and

 . single-participant retirement plans.

 CONCURRENT PURCHASES

 You may combine simultaneous purchases (including, upon your request, purchases
 for gifts) of any class of shares of two or more American Funds (excluding
 American Funds Money Market Fund) to qualify for a reduced Class A sales
 charge.


                                       31

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

 RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION

 You may take into account your accumulated holdings in all share classes of the
 American Funds (excluding American Funds Money Market Fund) to determine the
 initial sales charge you pay on each purchase of Class A shares. Subject to
 your investment dealer's capabilities, your accumulated holdings will be
 calculated as the higher of (a) the current value of your existing holdings or
 (b) the amount you invested (including reinvested dividends and capital gains,
 but excluding capital appreciation) less any withdrawals. Please see the
 statement of additional information for further details. You should retain any
 records necessary to substantiate the historical amounts you have invested.

 If you make a gift of shares, upon your request you may purchase the shares at
 the sales charge discount allowed under rights of accumulation of all of your
 American Funds accounts.

 STATEMENT OF INTENTION

 You may reduce your Class A sales charge by establishing a statement of
 intention. A statement of intention allows you to combine all purchases of all
 share classes of the American Funds (excluding American Funds Money Market
 Fund) you intend to make over a 13-month period to determine the applicable
 sales charge; however, purchases made under a right of reinvestment,
 appreciation of your holdings, and reinvested dividends and capital gains do
 not count as purchases made during the statement period. The market value of
 your existing holdings eligible to be aggregated as of the day immediately
 before the start of the statement period may be credited toward satisfying the
 statement. A portion of your account may be held in escrow to cover additional
 Class A sales charges that may be due if your total purchases over the
 statement period do not qualify you for the applicable sales charge reduction.
 Employer-sponsored retirement plans may be restricted from establishing
 statements of intention. See "Sales charges" in this prospectus for more
 information.


                                       32

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

RIGHT OF REINVESTMENT

If you notify American Funds Service Company, you may reinvest proceeds from a
redemption, dividend payment or capital gain distribution without a sales charge
in the same fund or other American Funds, provided that the reinvestment occurs
within 90 days after the date of the redemption or distribution and is made into
the same account from which you redeemed the shares or received the
distribution. If the account has been closed, you may reinvest without a sales
charge if the new receiving account has the same registration as the closed
account.

Proceeds from a Class B share redemption for which a contingent deferred sales
charge was paid will be reinvested in Class A shares without any initial sales
charge. If you redeem Class B shares without paying a contingent deferred sales
charge, you may reinvest the proceeds in Class B shares or purchase Class A
shares; if you purchase Class A shares, you are responsible for paying any
applicable Class A sales charges. Proceeds from any other type of redemption and
all dividend payments and capital gain distributions will be reinvested in the
same share class from which the original redemption or distribution was made.
Any contingent deferred sales charge on Class A or C shares will be credited to
your account. Redemption proceeds of Class A shares representing direct
purchases in American Funds Money Market Fund that are reinvested in other
American Funds will be subject to a sales charge.

Proceeds will be reinvested at the next calculated net asset value after your
request is received by American Funds Service Company, provided that your
request contains all information and legal documentation necessary to process
the transaction. For purposes of this "right of reinvestment policy," automatic
transactions (including, for example, automatic purchases, withdrawals and
payroll deductions) and ongoing retirement plan contributions are not eligible
for investment without a sales charge. See the statement of additional
information for further information on the operation of this policy with respect
to required minimum distributions. You may not reinvest proceeds in the American
Funds as described in this paragraph if such proceeds are subject to a purchase
block as described under "Frequent trading of fund shares" in this prospectus.
This paragraph does not apply to certain rollover investments as described under
"Rollovers from retirement plans to IRAs" in this prospectus.


                                       33

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE WAIVERS

The contingent deferred sales charge on Class A, B and C shares may be waived in
the following cases:

. permitted exchanges of shares, except if shares acquired by exchange are then
  redeemed within the period during which a contingent deferred sales charge
  would apply to the initial shares purchased;

. tax-free returns of excess contributions to IRAs;

. redemptions due to death or postpurchase disability of the shareholder (this
  generally excludes accounts registered in the names of trusts and other
  entities);

. for 529 share classes only, redemptions due to a beneficiary's death,
  postpurchase disability or receipt of a scholarship (to the extent of the
  scholarship award);

. redemptions due to the complete termination of a trust upon the death of the
  trustor/ grantor or beneficiary, but only if such termination is specifically
  provided for in the trust document; and

. the following types of transactions, if together they do not exceed 12% of the
  value of an account annually (see the statement of additional information for
  more information about waivers regarding these types of transactions):

  -- redemptions due to receiving required minimum distributions from retirement
     accounts upon reaching age 70 1/2 (required minimum distributions that
     continue to be taken by the beneficiary(ies) after the account owner is
     deceased also qualify for a waiver); and

  -- if you have established an automatic withdrawal plan, redemptions through
     such a plan (including any dividends and/or capital gain distributions taken
     in cash).

To have your Class A, B or C contingent deferred sales charge waived, you must
inform your adviser or American Funds Service Company at the time you redeem
shares that you qualify for such a waiver.


                                       34

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Rollovers from retirement plans to IRAs

Assets from retirement plans may be invested in Class A, C or F shares through
an IRA rollover, subject to the other provisions of this prospectus. Rollovers
invested in Class A shares from retirement plans will be subject to applicable
sales charges. The following rollovers to Class A shares will be made without a
sales charge:

. rollovers to IRAs from 403(b) plans with Capital Bank and Trust Company as
  custodian; and

. rollovers to IRAs that are attributable to American Funds investments, if they
  meet the following requirements:

  -- the assets being rolled over were invested in American Funds at the time of
     distribution; and

  -- the rolled over assets are contributed to an American Funds IRA with Capital
     Bank and Trust Company as custodian.

IRA rollover assets that roll over without a sales charge as described above
will not be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, and investment
dealers will be compensated solely with an annual service fee that begins to
accrue immediately. IRA rollover assets invested in Class A shares that are not
attributable to American Funds investments, as well as future contributions to
the IRA, will be subject to sales charges and the terms and conditions generally
applicable to Class A share investments as described in this prospectus and the
statement of additional information.

Plans of distribution

The fund has plans of distribution or "12b-1 plans" for certain share classes,
under which it may finance activities primarily intended to sell shares,
provided that the categories of expenses are approved in advance by the fund's
board of directors. The plans provide for payments, based on annualized
percentages of average daily net assets, of up to .25% for Class A shares; up to
.50% for Class 529-A shares; up to 1.00% for Class B and 529-B shares; up to
1.00% for Class C and 529-C shares; up to .75% for Class 529-E shares; and up to
.50% for Class F-1 and 529-F-1 shares. For all share classes indicated above, up
to .25% of these expenses may be used to pay service fees to qualified dealers
for providing certain shareholder services. The amount remaining for each share
class may be used for distribution expenses.

The 12b-1 fees paid by the fund, as a percentage of average net assets for the
previous fiscal year, are indicated in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table
under "Fees and expenses of the fund" in this prospectus. Since these fees are
paid out of the fund's assets or income on an ongoing basis, over time they will
increase the cost and reduce the return of your investment. The higher fees for
Class B and C shares may cost you more over time than paying the initial sales
charge for Class A shares.


                                       35

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Other compensation to dealers

American Funds Distributors, at its expense, currently provides additional
compensation to investment dealers. These payments may be made, at the
discretion of American Funds Distributors, to the top 100 dealers (or their
affiliates) that have sold shares of the American Funds. The level of payments
made to a qualifying firm in any given year will vary and in no case would
exceed the sum of (a) .10% of the previous year's American Funds sales by that
dealer and (b) .02% of American Funds assets attributable to that dealer. For
calendar year 2008, aggregate payments made by American Funds Distributors to
dealers were less than .02% of the average assets of the American Funds.
Aggregate payments may also change from year to year. A number of factors will
be considered in determining payments, including the qualifying dealer's sales,
assets and redemption rates, and the quality of the dealer's relationship with
American Funds Distributors. American Funds Distributors makes these payments to
help defray the costs incurred by qualifying dealers in connection with efforts
to educate financial advisers about the American Funds so that they can make
recommendations and provide services that are suitable and meet shareholder
needs. American Funds Distributors will, on an annual basis, determine the
advisability of continuing these payments. American Funds Distributors may also
pay expenses associated with meetings conducted by dealers outside the top 100
firms to facilitate educating financial advisers and shareholders about the
American Funds. If investment advisers, distributors or other affiliates of
mutual funds pay additional compensation or other incentives in differing
amounts, dealer firms and their advisers may have financial incentives for
recommending a particular mutual fund over other mutual funds. You should
consult with your financial adviser and review carefully any disclosure by your
financial adviser's firm as to compensation received.


                                       36

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

How to sell shares

You may sell (redeem) shares in any of the following ways:

 THROUGH YOUR DEALER OR FINANCIAL ADVISER (CERTAIN CHARGES MAY APPLY)

 . Shares held for you in your dealer's name must be sold through the dealer.

 . Class F shares must be sold through your dealer or financial adviser.

 WRITING TO AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY

 . Requests must be signed by the registered shareholder(s).

 . A signature guarantee is required if the redemption is:

   -- more than $75,000;

   -- made payable to someone other than the registered shareholder(s); or

   -- sent to an address other than the address of record or to an address of
      record that has been changed within the last 10 days.

 . American Funds Service Company reserves the right to require signature
   guarantee(s) on any redemption.

 . Additional documentation may be required for redemptions of shares held in
   corporate, partnership or fiduciary accounts.

 TELEPHONING OR FAXING AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY OR USING THE INTERNET

 . Redemptions by telephone, fax or the Internet (including American
   FundsLine/(R)/ and americanfunds.com) are limited to $75,000 per American
   Funds shareholder each day.

 . Checks must be made payable to the registered shareholder.

 . Checks must be mailed to an address of record that has been used with the
   account for at least 10 days.

If you recently purchased shares and subsequently request a redemption of those
shares, you will receive proceeds from the redemption once a sufficient period
of time has passed to reasonably ensure that checks or drafts (including
certified or cashier's checks) for the shares purchased have cleared (normally
10 business days).


                                       37

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

TRANSACTIONS BY TELEPHONE, FAX OR THE INTERNET

Generally, you are automatically eligible to redeem or exchange shares by
telephone, fax or the Internet, unless you notify us in writing that you do not
want any or all of these services. You may reinstate these services at any time.

Unless you decide not to have telephone, fax or Internet services on your
account(s), you agree to hold the fund, American Funds Service Company, any of
its affiliates or mutual funds managed by such affiliates, and each of their
respective directors, trustees, officers, employees and agents harmless from any
losses, expenses, costs or liabilities (including attorney fees) that may be
incurred in connection with the exercise of these privileges, provided that
American Funds Service Company employs reasonable procedures to confirm that the
instructions received from any person with appropriate account information are
genuine. If reasonable procedures are not employed, American Funds Service
Company and/or the fund may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent instructions.


                                       38

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Distributions and taxes

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

The fund intends to distribute dividends to you, usually in December.

Capital gains, if any, are usually distributed in December. When a dividend or
capital gain is distributed, the net asset value per share is reduced by the
amount of the payment.

You may elect to reinvest dividends and/or capital gain distributions to
purchase additional shares of this fund or other American Funds, or you may
elect to receive them in cash. Most shareholders do not elect to take capital
gain distributions in cash because these distributions reduce principal value.
Dividends and capital gain distributions for 529 share classes will be
automatically reinvested.

TAXES ON DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Dividends and capital gain distributions you receive from the fund are subject
to federal income taxes and may also be subject to state and local taxes, unless
you are exempt from taxation.

For federal tax purposes, dividends and distributions of short-term capital
gains are taxable as ordinary income. Some or all of your dividends may be
eligible for a reduced tax rate if you meet a holding period requirement. The
fund's distributions of net long-term capital gains are taxable as long-term
capital gains. Any dividends or capital gain distributions you receive from the
fund will normally be taxable to you when made, regardless of whether you
reinvest dividends or capital gain distributions or receive them in cash.

TAXES ON TRANSACTIONS

Your redemptions, including exchanges, may result in a capital gain or loss for
federal tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment is the
difference between the cost of your shares, including any sales charges, and the
amount you receive when you sell them.

SHAREHOLDER FEES

Fees borne directly by the fund normally have the effect of reducing a
shareholder's taxable income on distributions. By contrast, fees paid directly
to advisers by a fund shareholder for ongoing advice are deductible for income
tax purposes only to the extent that they (combined with certain other
qualifying expenses) exceed 2% of such shareholder's adjusted gross income.

PLEASE SEE YOUR TAX ADVISER FOR MORE INFORMATION. HOLDERS OF CLASS 529 SHARES
SHOULD REFER TO THE APPLICABLE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION FOR MORE INFORMATION
REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SELLING CLASS 529 SHARES.


                                       39

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>


Financial highlights

The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund's
results for the past five fiscal years. Certain information reflects financial
results for a single share of a particular class. The total returns in the table
represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment
in the fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain
distributions). Where indicated, figures in the table reflect the impact, if
any, of certain reimbursements/waivers from Capital Research and Management
Company. For more information about these reimbursements/waivers, see the fund's
statement of additional information and annual report. The information in the
Financial Highlights table has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, whose
report, along with the fund's financial statements, is included in the statement
of additional information, which is available upon request.

                                                  (LOSS) INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS/1/
                                                                      Net
                                                                    (losses)
                                                                    gains on
                                                                   securities
                                       Net asset       Net           (both
                                        value,     investment       realized      Total from
                                       beginning     income           and         investment
                                       of period     (loss)       unrealized)     operations
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS A:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                   $30.61       $ .22          $(5.67)         $(5.45)
 Year ended 8/31/2008                    35.77         .36           (3.10)          (2.74)
 Year ended 8/31/2007                    31.93         .32            4.89            5.21
 Year ended 8/31/2006                    29.51         .28            2.56            2.84
 Year ended 8/31/2005                    24.43         .21            4.96            5.17
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS B:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                    29.44         .06           (5.41)          (5.35)
 Year ended 8/31/2008                    34.48         .11           (2.99)          (2.88)
 Year ended 8/31/2007                    30.83         .06            4.73            4.79
 Year ended 8/31/2006                    28.55         .04            2.47            2.51
 Year ended 8/31/2005                    23.73          --/4/         4.82            4.82
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS C:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                   $29.30       $ .06          $(5.39)         $(5.33)
 Year ended 8/31/2008                    34.34         .09           (2.97)          (2.88)
 Year ended 8/31/2007                    30.73         .05            4.70            4.75
 Year ended 8/31/2006                    28.47         .02            2.47            2.49
 Year ended 8/31/2005                    23.68        (.01)           4.80            4.79
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS F-1:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                    30.41         .24           (5.63)          (5.39)
 Year ended 8/31/2008                    35.56         .36           (3.08)          (2.72)
 Year ended 8/31/2007                    31.76         .32            4.87            5.19
 Year ended 8/31/2006                    29.37         .28            2.54            2.82
 Year ended 8/31/2005                    24.33         .20            4.94            5.14
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS F-2:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                    30.61         .26           (5.63)          (5.37)
 Period from 8/1/2008 to 8/31/2008/5/    30.43         .03             .15             .18
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS 529-A:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                    30.47         .22           (5.64)          (5.42)
 Year ended 8/31/2008                    35.62         .34           (3.08)          (2.74)
 Year ended 8/31/2007                    31.81         .31            4.87            5.18
 Year ended 8/31/2006                    29.42         .27            2.54            2.81
 Year ended 8/31/2005                    24.38         .19            4.95            5.14
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS 529-B:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                    29.56         .04           (5.45)          (5.41)
 Year ended 8/31/2008                    34.62         .07           (2.99)          (2.92)
 Year ended 8/31/2007                    30.97         .03            4.74            4.77
 Year ended 8/31/2006                    28.71         .01            2.48            2.49
 Year ended 8/31/2005                    23.91        (.04)           4.84            4.80
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (The Financial Highlights table continues on the following page.)
 CLASS 529-C:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                   $29.55       $ .04          $(5.44)         $(5.40)
 Year ended 8/31/2008                    34.62         .07           (2.99)          (2.92)
 Year ended 8/31/2007                    30.99         .03            4.74            4.77
 Year ended 8/31/2006                    28.72         .01            2.49            2.50
 Year ended 8/31/2005                    23.91        (.04)           4.85            4.81
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS 529-E:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                    30.21         .15           (5.57)          (5.42)
 Year ended 8/31/2008                    35.34         .24           (3.06)          (2.82)
 Year ended 8/31/2007                    31.58         .20            4.84            5.04
 Year ended 8/31/2006                    29.23         .17            2.52            2.69
 Year ended 8/31/2005                    24.22         .10            4.92            5.02
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS 529-F-1:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                    30.46         .26           (5.64)          (5.38)
 Year ended 8/31/2008                    35.61         .41           (3.08)          (2.67)
 Year ended 8/31/2007                    31.80         .37            4.87            5.24
 Year ended 8/31/2006                    29.38         .33            2.53            2.86
 Year ended 8/31/2005                    24.34         .19            4.94            5.13





                                       40

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

                                             DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

                                       Dividends   Distributions      Total                                  Net assets,
                                       (from net       (from        dividends    Net asset                     end of
                                       investment     capital          and       value, end     Total          period
                                        income)       gains)      distributions  of period   return/2/,/3/  (in millions)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS A:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                    $(.23)       $   --         $ (.23)       $24.93     (17.59)%         $61,587
 Year ended 8/31/2008                     (.36)        (2.06)         (2.42)        30.61      (8.24)           81,529
 Year ended 8/31/2007                     (.27)        (1.10)         (1.37)        35.77      16.69            90,125
 Year ended 8/31/2006                     (.19)         (.23)          (.42)        31.93       9.66            78,854
 Year ended 8/31/2005                     (.09)           --           (.09)        29.51      21.20            67,793
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS B:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                     (.01)           --           (.01)        24.08     (18.18)            4,063
 Year ended 8/31/2008                     (.10)        (2.06)         (2.16)        29.44      (8.91)            6,367
 Year ended 8/31/2007                     (.04)        (1.10)         (1.14)        34.48      15.82             7,596
 Year ended 8/31/2006                       --          (.23)          (.23)        30.83       8.80             6,839
 Year ended 8/31/2005                       --            --             --         28.55      20.31             6,098
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS C:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                    $(.01)       $   --         $ (.01)       $23.96     (18.18)%         $ 7,502
 Year ended 8/31/2008                     (.10)        (2.06)         (2.16)        29.30      (8.95)           10,209
 Year ended 8/31/2007                     (.04)        (1.10)         (1.14)        34.34      15.74            11,091
 Year ended 8/31/2006                       --          (.23)          (.23)        30.73       8.75             9,036
 Year ended 8/31/2005                       --            --             --         28.47      20.23             7,054
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS F-1:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                     (.24)           --           (.24)        24.78     (17.52)           16,531
 Year ended 8/31/2008                     (.37)        (2.06)         (2.43)        30.41      (8.23)           25,528
 Year ended 8/31/2007                     (.29)        (1.10)         (1.39)        35.56      16.71            25,404
 Year ended 8/31/2006                     (.20)         (.23)          (.43)        31.76       9.62            17,613
 Year ended 8/31/2005                     (.10)           --           (.10)        29.37      21.18            12,122
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS F-2:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                     (.27)           --           (.27)        24.97     (17.31)            3,247
 Period from 8/1/2008 to 8/31/2008/5/       --            --             --         30.61        .59               114
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS 529-A:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                     (.24)           --           (.24)        24.81     (17.60)            2,543
 Year ended 8/31/2008                     (.35)        (2.06)         (2.41)        30.47      (8.27)            2,859
 Year ended 8/31/2007                     (.27)        (1.10)         (1.37)        35.62      16.66             2,725
 Year ended 8/31/2006                     (.19)         (.23)          (.42)        31.81       9.57             1,968
 Year ended 8/31/2005                     (.10)           --           (.10)        29.42      21.13             1,386
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS 529-B:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                     (.01)           --           (.01)        24.14     (18.28)              416
 Year ended 8/31/2008                     (.08)        (2.06)         (2.14)        29.56      (9.00)              514
 Year ended 8/31/2007                     (.02)        (1.10)         (1.12)        34.62      15.69               534
 Year ended 8/31/2006                       --          (.23)          (.23)        30.97       8.68               424
 Year ended 8/31/2005                       --            --             --         28.71      20.08               335
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (The Financial Highlights table continues on the following page.)
 CLASS 529-C:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                    $(.02)       $   --         $ (.02)       $24.13     (18.25)%         $   767
 Year ended 8/31/2008                     (.09)        (2.06)         (2.15)        29.55      (8.99)              881
 Year ended 8/31/2007                     (.04)        (1.10)         (1.14)        34.62      15.66               849
 Year ended 8/31/2006                       --          (.23)          (.23)        30.99       8.71               619
 Year ended 8/31/2005                       --            --             --         28.72      20.12               447
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS 529-E:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                     (.16)           --           (.16)        24.63     (17.82)              133
 Year ended 8/31/2008                     (.25)        (2.06)         (2.31)        30.21      (8.55)              147
 Year ended 8/31/2007                     (.18)        (1.10)         (1.28)        35.34      16.29               143
 Year ended 8/31/2006                     (.11)         (.23)          (.34)        31.58       9.21               107
 Year ended 8/31/2005                     (.01)           --           (.01)        29.23      20.73                76
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS 529-F-1:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                     (.29)           --           (.29)        24.79     (17.41)               79
 Year ended 8/31/2008                     (.42)        (2.06)         (2.48)        30.46      (8.09)               85
 Year ended 8/31/2007                     (.33)        (1.10)         (1.43)        35.61      16.86                81
 Year ended 8/31/2006                     (.21)         (.23)          (.44)        31.80       9.79                52
 Year ended 8/31/2005                     (.09)           --           (.09)        29.38      21.12                30



                                       41

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

                                        Ratio of     Ratio of
                                        expenses     expenses     Ratio of
                                       to average   to average       net
                                       net assets   net assets     income
                                         before        after      (loss) to
                                          reim-        reim-       average
                                       bursements/  bursements/      net
                                         waivers    waivers/3/    assets/3/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS A:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                      .76%         .75%        1.00%
 Year ended 8/31/2008                      .65          .62         1.09
 Year ended 8/31/2007                      .64          .62          .94
 Year ended 8/31/2006                      .65          .63          .89
 Year ended 8/31/2005                      .68          .66          .76
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS B:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                     1.50         1.49          .27
 Year ended 8/31/2008                     1.39         1.37          .34
 Year ended 8/31/2007                     1.39         1.36          .20
 Year ended 8/31/2006                     1.40         1.38          .14
 Year ended 8/31/2005                     1.43         1.41          .01
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS C:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                     1.50%        1.49%         .26%
 Year ended 8/31/2008                     1.44         1.41          .29
 Year ended 8/31/2007                     1.45         1.42          .14
 Year ended 8/31/2006                     1.47         1.44          .07
 Year ended 8/31/2005                     1.48         1.46         (.05)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS F-1:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                      .69          .68         1.08
 Year ended 8/31/2008                      .63          .61         1.09
 Year ended 8/31/2007                      .63          .61          .95
 Year ended 8/31/2006                      .64          .61          .91
 Year ended 8/31/2005                      .70          .68          .73
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS F-2:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                      .46          .46         1.19
 Period from 8/1/2008 to 8/31/2008/5/      .04          .03          .09
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS 529-A:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                      .77          .76          .99
 Year ended 8/31/2008                      .69          .66         1.03
 Year ended 8/31/2007                      .69          .66          .90
 Year ended 8/31/2006                      .68          .66          .86
 Year ended 8/31/2005                      .73          .71          .69
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS 529-B:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                     1.58         1.57          .17
 Year ended 8/31/2008                     1.50         1.48          .23
 Year ended 8/31/2007                     1.51         1.48          .08
 Year ended 8/31/2006                     1.52         1.50          .02
 Year ended 8/31/2005                     1.59         1.57         (.16)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (The Financial Highlights table continues on the following page.)
 CLASS 529-C:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                     1.58%        1.57%         .18%
 Year ended 8/31/2008                     1.50         1.47          .23
 Year ended 8/31/2007                     1.50         1.48          .08
 Year ended 8/31/2006                     1.52         1.49          .03
 Year ended 8/31/2005                     1.58         1.56         (.15)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS 529-E:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                     1.07         1.06          .68
 Year ended 8/31/2008                      .99          .97          .73
 Year ended 8/31/2007                      .99          .97          .59
 Year ended 8/31/2006                     1.00          .97          .54
 Year ended 8/31/2005                     1.06         1.04          .36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS 529-F-1:
 Year ended 8/31/2009                      .57          .56         1.18
 Year ended 8/31/2008                      .49          .47         1.24
 Year ended 8/31/2007                      .49          .47         1.09
 Year ended 8/31/2006                      .50          .47         1.05
 Year ended 8/31/2005                      .72          .70          .70



                                            YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31
                          2009         2008        2007        2006          2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
RATE FOR ALL CLASSES       38%         32%          26%         22%           20%
OF SHARES


1  Based on average shares outstanding.
2  Total returns exclude any applicable sales charges, including contingent
   deferred sales charges.
3  This column reflects the impact, if any, of certain reimbursements/waivers
   from Capital Research and Management Company. During some of the periods shown,
   Capital Research and Management Company reduced fees for investment advisory
   services.
4  Amount less than $.01.
5  Based on operations for the period shown and, accordingly, may not be
   representative of a full year.





                                       42

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       43

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       44

The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       45

                                        The Growth Fund of America / Prospectus
<PAGE>




[Logo - American Funds/(R)/]                        The right choice for the long term/(R)/



 FOR SHAREHOLDER SERVICES                    American Funds Service Company
                                             800/421-0180

 FOR RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES                Call your employer or plan administrator

 FOR 529 PLANS                               American Funds Service Company
                                             800 /421-0180, ext. 529

                                             American FundsLine
 FOR 24-HOUR INFORMATION                     800/325-3590
                                             americanfunds.com


 Telephone calls you have with American Funds may be monitored or recorded for
 quality assurance, verification and recordkeeping purposes. By speaking to
 American Funds on the telephone, youconsent to such monitoring and recording.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS  The shareholder reports contain
additional information about the fund, including financial statements,
investment results, portfolio holdings, a discussion of market conditions and
the fund's investment strategies and the independent registered public
accounting firm's report (in the annual report).

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION  The program description for the CollegeAmerica/(R)/ 529
program contains additional information about the policies and services related
to 529 plan accounts.

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) AND CODES OF ETHICS  The current SAI,
as amended from time to time, contains more detailed information about the fund,
including the fund's financial statements, and is incorporated by reference into
this prospectus. This means that the current SAI, for legal purposes, is part of
this prospectus. The codes of ethics describe the personal investing policies
adopted by the fund, the fund's investment adviser and its affiliated companies.

The codes of ethics and current SAI are on file with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC). These and other related materials about the fund are
available for review or to be copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, D.C. (202/551-8090) or on the EDGAR database on the SEC's website at
sec.gov or, after payment of a duplicating fee, via e-mail request to
publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, 100 F
Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. The codes of ethics, current SAI and
shareholder reports are also available, free of charge, on our website,
americanfunds.com.

E-DELIVERY AND HOUSEHOLD MAILINGS  Each year you are automatically sent an
updated summary prospectus and annual and semi-annual reports for the fund. You
may also occasionally receive proxy statements for the fund. In order to reduce
the volume of mail you receive, when possible, only one copy of these documents
will be sent to shareholders who are part of the same family and share the same
household address. You may elect to receive these documents electronically in
lieu of paper form by enrolling in e-delivery on our website, americanfunds.com.

If you would like to opt out of household-based mailings or receive a
complimentary copy of the current SAI, codes of ethics, annual/semi-annual
report to shareholders or applicable program description, please call American
Funds Service Company at 800/421-0180 or write to the secretary of the fund at
P.O. Box 7650, San Francisco, California 94120.

SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION CORPORATION (SIPC)  Shareholders may obtain
information about SIPC/(R)/ on its website at sipc.org or by calling
202/371-8300.



                                                                              Investment Company File No. 811-00862
                                                                    MFGEPR-905-1109/1109P Litho in USA CGD/RRD/8009
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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