'Wizard of Oz' Rating Could Change Over Offensive Language

The Wizard of Oz and other classic movies may be subject to a rating change, following the reclassification of Mary Poppins by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

The Disney musical was universally beloved upon its release in 1964, winning 13 Oscars and launching Julie Andrews to stardom. However, its age rating was recently changed due to “discriminatory language.”

Originally rated a U, for Universal, the film was reclassified as PG, for Parental Guidance. The change was spurred by the use of “hottentot,” an outdated and offensive term for the Khoekhoe people of Southern Africa.

From left to right: Dick Van Dyke as Bert, Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins, Karen Dotrice as Jane Banks and Matthew Garber as Michael Banks in “Mary Poppins.” The beloved Disney musical’s age rating was recently amended over the use of the slur “Hottentot.” Silver Screen Collection/MoviePix

“Compliance Officers always classify content in line with our most recent Classification Guidelines to ensure our decisions remain in step with societal standards,” a spokesperson for the BBFC told Newsweek. “This might mean that older content may require a higher or lower age rating.”

However, Mary Poppins isn’t the only treasured family film to use the slur. The Wizard of Oz, released in 1939, also uses the word, and could lose its U rating in the future.

Which Racist Word Was Used in Mary Poppins?

The word hottentot is used twice in Mary Poppins thanks to the Banks’ family’s eccentric, cannon-firing neighbor, Admiral Boom (Reginald Owen).

Characterized as an out-of-touch old seaman, early in the film the Admiral asks the Banks’ children, Jane and Michael (Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber), if they’re off to “fight the hottentots.”

The second time is during the famous scene with Bert (Dick Van Dyke) and his fellow chimney sweeps dancing on London’s rooftops. The admiral alarmingly yells: “We’re being attacked by hottentots,” before attempting to ward off the attackers with fireworks.

What Does ‘Hottentot’ Mean?

Hottentot was originally coined by Dutch settlers in the 17th century, reportedly as a way to mock the Khoekhoe’s use of click consonants. The derogatory term passed into the English language, evolving over time to mean a barbarian or cannibal.

However, by the early 20th century the word had fallen out of favor. In Mary Poppins, the admiral’s use of the term distinguishes him as old-fashioned, with the other characters viewing him as a tad demented.

“While Mary Poppins has a historical context, the use of discriminatory language is not condemned, and ultimately exceeds our guidelines for acceptable language at U,” the BBFC spokesperson explained.

The movie maintained its U rating when it returned to U.K. cinemas in 2013. However, Mary Poppins is getting another theatrical re-release in March to celebrating its 60th anniversary. As a result, it was re-submitted to the BBFC, which updated the rating.

Which Other Films Use the Word Hottentot?

Like Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz could also face a change to its age rating over its use of the slur.

When Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her friends arrive at the Emerald City, the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) sings If I Were King of the Forest. The song lists all the things he would change if he were in charge, and contains the line: “What makes the hottentot so hot?”

However, the BBFC only reviews ratings when a film has been formally resubmitted.

“There are different scenarios in which content may be resubmitted to us by a distributor,” the BBFC representative said.

“For example, this could be ahead of an upcoming cinema re-release, or a new release on DVD, Blu-ray or other home entertainment formats.”

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