Mary Poppins age rating changed from ‘U’ to ‘PG’ over ‘discriminatory language’ sixty years after release

26 February 2024, 07:56

The 1964 film has had its age rating changed after sixty years
The 1964 film has had its age rating changed after sixty years. Picture: Shutterstock/Alamy
Kieran Kelly

By Kieran Kelly

Mary Poppins has had its age rating lifted from a U to a PG by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) nearly sixty years after its release.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The age rating of the Julie Andrews 1964 classic has been lifted due to the presence of 'discriminatory language'.

The change relates to the use of the word 'Hottentots' in the film, a derogatory term used by white Europeans to described the Khoikhoi in the 17th century.

Mary Poppins (1964)
Mary Poppins (1964). Picture: Alamy

In the film, Reginald Owen's character, Admiral Boom, uses the word twice when he asks one of the children if they were going to "fight the Hottentots".

Read More: 'There's nothing left to joke about in this woke world': Anti-Semitism 'is new rock and roll', Maureen Lipman fears

Read More: TikTok sleuth accused of filming Nicola Bulley’s body 'still making money' under fake name 'investigating' migrant hotels

Then, when chimney sweeps with soot-covered faces are seen by the Admiral, he claims they are being "attacked by the Hottentots" before threatening to hit them with fireworks.

As a result, the film has been classified to have "some scenes [that] may be unsuitable for young children".

Julie Andrews in the classic Mary Poppins movie
Julie Andrews in the classic Mary Poppins movie. Picture: Alamy

The BBFC said: "We understand from our racism and discrimination research... that a key concern for... parents is the potential to expose children to discriminatory language or behaviour which they may find distressing or repeat without realising the potential offence."

It added: "Content with immediate and clear condemnation is more likely to receive a lower rating."

Film ratings can be moved up or down by the BBFC due to a variety of factors.

For example, Ratatoullie was changed from a U to a PG due to some “comic violence, mild bad language”.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A still from a video obtained by the IDF that it says shows Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar

Body of Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar identified in tunnel beneath Gaza hospital, Israel says

Claire Mumford was an award-winning volunteer Special Sergeant

Award-winning volunteer police sergeant 'ashamed and embarrassed' after being caught drink-driving

Men's singles final between Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) and Jannik Sinner on Philippe Chatrier court during the Grand Slam tennis tournament, on June 8, 2025, at Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, France.

Carlos Alcaraz beats Jannik Sinner to win French Open title in historic five set decider

People light candles during a protest against violence and in favor of peace in Medellin, Colombia, on June 8, 2025, the day after the attack on presidential candidate Miguel Uribe.

Colombian presidential candidate in 'critical condition' following 'assassination attempt' - as 15-year-old arrested

England's Brydon Carse hits the winning boundary during the second Men's International Twenty20 match at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol. Picture date: Sunday June 8, 2025.

England beat West Indies by four wickets to take 2-0 lead following second T20 international

Marise Wipani in 1995 TV series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys

Soldier, Soldier star Marise Wipani dies at 61, leaving poignant final message

Brass name plate / plaque outside the offices of The Nursing and Midwifery Council – NMC at 23 Portland Place London W1B 1PZ. UK. (118)

Midwife struck off after claiming vaccines ‘attacked babies’ and were a 'Trojan horse' inviting a 'new era for humanity'

Mother and son team Jo and Sam competed in the second series of the reality TV show in 2020

Tributes paid to Race Across The World star after tragic death aged 24

Funeral for Palestinian who lost his life by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank

At least five Palestinians killed and 29 injured by Israeli gunfire near Gaza food point

Two men charged with murder and three counts of attempted murder after boy, 16, killed in Sheffield hit-and-run

Two men charged with murder after boy, 16, killed in Sheffield hit-and-run

Herrington Country Park

Three teenagers charged with attempted murder after 15-year-old stabbed in park

Greta Thunberg is attempting to open up a humanitarian corridor to Gaza.

Israel vows to stop Greta Thunberg's aid boat reaching Gaza by 'any measures necessary'

The 19-year-old had taken part in the “dusting” trend when she entered cardiac arrest.

Teen dies after taking part in deadly TikTok ‘dusting’ challenge as parents issue stark warning

Exclusive
Reform UK has been branded a "circus" by its former deputy leader.

Former deputy leader of Reform UK brands party a 'circus' as Zia Yusuf announces return 48 hours after quitting

Police crime scene tape UK

Baby found dead at home as police launch probe into 'unexplained' tragedy

Terraced houses in Pier Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex, England, UK.

Millions of homeowners could be overpaying on mortgages due to 'dodgy data'