PG Movies from the Past That Might Not Be Allowed Today

As we look back at movies that were rated PG in the past, it's fascinating to consider how these films might fare differently if they were released today. Changing content sensitivity standards, evolving audience expectations, and shifting cultural norms can all impact a movie's rating. This article explores why certain PG movies from the past wouldn't fit today's stringent guidelines.

Reasons a PG Movie from the Past Might Be Rated Differently Today

Several aspects can contribute to a PG movie's potential reclassification. For instance, language, violence and scares, cultural sensitivity, and thematic elements all play a crucial role.

Language

Back in the day, PG movies often relied on a more casual, colloquial use of language. However, today's PG movies must be carefully monitored to avoid any swearing or harsh language that could upset or offend sensitive audiences. A movie like ‘Airplane!’ from 1980, which featured distinct humor with some mild profanity, might struggle to maintain a PG rating today.

Violence and Scares

Violence and scares are another area where past PG movies often pushed boundaries. Movies that included intense scenes of peril and mild horror elements might face scrutiny if released today. A notable example is On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, a James Bond film from the 1960s. It had several disturbing scenes, including someone skiing into a snow plow and red snow ensuing. Such graphic content would likely see a PG-13 rating or even an R rating if it were released today.

Cultural Sensitivity

Cultural sensitivity is a critical factor in modern content evaluation. In the 1980s, certain jokes and character portrayals were considered acceptable. However, they might not align with today's views on cultural sensitivity and inclusion. For instance, The Sandlot, while a beloved classic, would face significant changes to meet today’s standards. Items that would need to be changed include:

Substance use: Kids chewing tobacco would be removed. Alternatively, a scene where the kids are explicitly told not to do it could be added. Violation of consent: A scene where a child pretends to drown to kiss an older person would likely be forbidden, as it could be seen as inappropriate. Profanity: While cursing is a minor issue, it might be more carefully edited or written out.

Additionally, the cast would see updates to align with current cultural expectations. For example, The Sandlot characters might become more diverse, with a greater emphasis on racial and gender representation.

Themes

Movies containing adventurous or risky themes often face intense scrutiny. Such themes, which were once acceptable, may seem too dangerous for today's climate of youth media protection. Despite featuring exciting elements, The Sandlot would undergo extensive re-editing to ensure it aligns with contemporary risk aversion.

Classic Movies That Set Precedents

Two movies in particular stand out as responsible for the creation of the PG-13 rating:

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: The 1969 James Bond film had several disturbing scenes, including someone skiing into a snow plow and red snow coming out. It would most likely receive a PG-13 or R rating today due to these graphic moments. Logan’s Run: A 1976 science fiction film, this movie featured nude scenes that would now require a PG-13 or R rating. Its release in 1976 marked a significant shift in content standards, leading to the creation of the PG-13 rating for films that are too mature for PG but not outright adult.

Airplane! - A Case Study

Airplane! (1980), a classic comedic film, exemplifies how movies with dated humor and language might struggle under today’s content standards. The film’s humor, while highly entertaining, would need adjustments to fit the PG-13 or PG rating:

Substance use: Instances of tobacco chewing would be removed to ensure the film aligns with current health guidelines. Risk management: A scene where a child pretends to drown to get a kiss would need to be completely rewritten to avoid any implication of romantic interest. Language: Mild profanity might be removed or softened to meet the PG-13 standard.

Additionally, the film’s cast would need to be more inclusive. The casting of diverse roles, with characters reflective of modern cultural expectations, would be a priority. For example, Babe Ruth might be replaced with Hank Aaron or another famous baseball player to diversify the film.

Airplane! would have been a different movie were it released today. While this point underscores the importance of adapting content to fit current standards, it also highlights the value of preserving classic entertainment. Without the influence of past entertainment, we might miss out on cherished films that continue to delight and entertain audiences.

In conclusion, while we appreciate and enjoy the movies of our past, we must recognize the significant changes in content evaluation and audience expectations. PG-rated films from the past might struggle to maintain the same rating if they were released today. This article serves as a reminder of the evolution of content standards and the importance of continuous adaptation in the film industry.