The BBFC commented about a recent decision to uprate Mary Poppins from U to PG. Historically rated U, the film was recently submitted for classification ahead of a 60th anniversary cinema re-release. When distributors choose to
resubmit older films, the BBFC considers them under its current Classification Guidelines so that the modern rating is in line with public expectations. This means that older titles may sometimes require a higher or lower age rating than in previous
years. Viewed under the current guidelines, MARY POPPINS required a PG rating for two uses of the discriminatory term hottentot. In the film, Admiral Boom (who believes he is a naval commander in charge of a ship travelling
the world) asks Michael, a child, if he is going on an adventure to defeat hottentots. Later, the character shouts We're being attacked by hottentots! after seeing a gang of chimney sweeps (who have faces blackened with soot) dancing on a rooftop.
He then proceeds to launch fireworks in their direction. At U, the guidelines state that Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of. There is no disapproval of the language used
in MARY POPPINS, and so a PG rating was required. The decision received considerable attention from the press, both in the UK and around the world, with factual reporting as well as opinion pieces both supporting and criticising
the decision. David was interviewed about the reclassification live on the BBC. The Classifiers suggested that it might be wise in future to publish a statement on our website about any reclassification decisions that generate
similar levels of media interest, to ensure that accurate information is readily available for anyone who needs it. | 
