Classic Film ‘Mary Poppins’ Sees Age Rating Hiked in the UK Due to Discriminatory Language

The beloved 1964 film ‘Mary Poppins,’ featuring Julie Andrews, has had its age rating increased by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) in the UK due to the inclusion of discriminatory language.

Originally rated as U, indicating no potentially harmful material, the film has now been reclassified as PG for its use of a derogatory term.

The BBFC cited the presence of the term ‘hottentots’ in the film, an archaic and offensive term historically used to refer to certain indigenous peoples in southern Africa.

In the movie, the term is used by Admiral Boom, played by Reginald Owen, in reference to chimney sweeps with soot-covered faces.

According to the BBFC spokesperson, research on racism and discrimination showed that parents were concerned about exposing children to language that could be distressing or repeated unknowingly, leading to the decision to raise the film’s age rating.

Mary Poppins, a timeless classic set in 1910 London, stars Julie Andrews as the magical nanny and Dick Van Dyke as Bert, the lovable chimney sweep.

Other notable cast members include David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns, Hermione Baddeley, Karen Dotrice, Matthew Garber, Elsa Lanchester, Arthur Treacher, and Ed Wynn.

The film, a recipient of multiple Oscars in 1965, has spawned various adaptations, including a hit Broadway musical and the 2018 sequel ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ starring Emily Blunt alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, and others.

Dick Van Dyke made a special appearance in the sequel, which further propelled the legacy of the enchanting ‘Mary Poppins’ franchise.