Mary Poppins has had its age rating raised from a U to a PG by the BBFC due to ‘discriminatory language’
- The age rating for Mary Poppins has been increased from U to PG
- The use of a “racially offensive” word was the reason given for the change
- The BBFC says some scenes are ‘unsuitable for young children’
Enchanting generation after generation, it is a film that is virtually perfect in every way.
But now, at the risk of their parents telling them to go fly a kite, the censors have ruled that Mary Poppins may no longer be suitable for young people to watch alone.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has raised the age rating for the 1964 story of Julie Andrews’ magical babysitter from a U to a PG because it apparently contains ‘discriminatory language’. This has to do with the use of the word Hottentots – a term considered racially offensive.
Admiral Boom, played by Reginald Owen, who thinks he is a naval commander in charge of a ship, uses the word twice in the film. On the first occasion he is seen dangling from the roof in a boat, where he asks one of the Banks children if they are ‘going to fight the Hottentots’.
Later in the film, when the chimney sweeps, whose faces have turned black with soot, dance on the roof, the admiral exclaims: ‘we are being attacked by Hottentots’. He then points fireworks at them.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has raised the age rating for the 1964 story of Julie Andrews’ magical babysitter from a U to a PG
The issue concerns the use of the word Hottentots – a term considered racially offensive to the Khoikhoi people (pictured)
According to BBFC guidelines on PG content, ‘some scenes may be unsuitable for young children’
According to the BBFC guidelines on PG content, ‘some scenes may be unsuitable for young children’.
They add that while children of any age can watch, parents are advised to consider whether the content may disturb ‘younger or more sensitive children’.
The BBFC looked at the historical context – the film is set in early 20th century London – but the failure to condemn the language means it now exceeds the guidelines for a U-film.
The BBFC said: ‘From our research into racism and discrimination we understand that a key concern for… parents is the potential for exposing children to discriminatory language or behavior that they may find distressing or repeat without being aware of the possible violation.’
It added: ‘Content with immediate and clear condemnation is likely to receive a lower rating.’
The BBFC recently downgraded Brad Pitt’s film Fight Club from an 18 to a 15, despite ‘sequences of graphic and brutal violence’.