Why Does Mary Poppins Now Come With a Warning?

Mary Poppins is a Disney classic, but now even this classic is under attack. Mary Poppins received a new rating just before its 60th Anniversary.

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins is a timeless film that was a dream come true for Walt Disney. In 1944, his daughter encouraged him to read her copy of “Mary Poppins” thinking it could be a great movie.

As portrayed in the film “Saving Mr. Banks” this was not an easy feat as the author, T.L. Travers, voiced many concerns as her story was adapted by The Walt Disney Company.

Delighting audiences since 1964, Mary Poppins is now under fire for racial terms.

New Rating

We now have concept art for the postponed Mary Poppins ride at Epcot — Credit: Disney

The film Mary Poppins is set to be re-released this year in honor of the film’s 60th Anniversary. This re-release led to a re-evaluation by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

When the film was first released in 1964, it received a rating of U by the BBFC which is similar to a “G” rating given by the Motion Picture Association of America. This classification approves that the film will not likely offend parents for viewing by children.

Now according to the BBFC, Mary Poppins receives a new rating of PG. This is the first change in the film’s rating since it was first released.

Why the new rating

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In the film, Admiral Boom made a derogatory term, “Hottentot” referencing the Khoikhoi, the first inhabitants of southern Africa. At first Admiral Boom uses this term to describe people off-screen, and then later to both Michael and Jane with blackened faces.

The rating of PG only applies to the cinema version of the film for the 60th Anniversary release.

A BBFC spokesman shared, “We understand from our racism and discrimination research…that a key concern for…parents is the potential to expose children to discriminatory language or behavior which they may find distressing or repeated without realizing the potential offense.”

What do you think of this rating change? Do you think this should also change in the US? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.