When you assume clip. How did this get past the censors? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Frank Gannucci · 04-25-2022, 06:43 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfvTwv5o1Qs

This was in the 1970s. Considering how strict the censors were back then, how did this get past them?

opus · 04-25-2022, 07:28 PM

I “assume” they didn’t find it all that offensive.

Frank Gannucci · 04-25-2022, 07:56 PM

Hehe. Yeah but this was the 1970s where uttering profane words during half-hour sitcoms (except for Norman Lear shows) was banned.

I am ASSUMING that. Hehe.

opus · 04-25-2022, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Gannucci

Hehe. Yeah but this was the 1970s where uttering profane words during half-hour sitcoms (except for Norman Lear shows) was banned.

I am ASSUMING that. Hehe.

You may be answering your own question. The Lear effect by that point might have helped loosen up standards around the dial.

Babalu · 08-28-2022, 02:54 PM

I remember an episode of The Addams Family where one of their potions called for the jawbone of an ass, and that was in the mid 1960's.

I always guessed that the word 'ass' was acceptable where other similar words were not was because it appeared in the bible.

Not too many mentions of mother****er in the bible.

biffbronson · 08-28-2022, 03:45 PM

I think the 'assume' routine as shown by Felix was done similarly in the 1976 film "The Bad News Bears" -- but when shown on TV at times, the scene was edited out. Perhaps as the result of the showings having been intended for young audiences.

Alan Brady's Hair · 08-28-2022, 07:12 PM

The "ass" in the scene is a donkey, (jackass), just as the jawbone of an ass in the Addams Family. It's like saying "make a monkey out of you" or "a silly goose," not a reference to the human back side.

howilu · 08-29-2022, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biffbronson

I think the 'assume' routine as shown by Felix was done similarly in the 1976 film "The Bad News Bears" -- but when shown on TV at times, the scene was edited out. Perhaps as the result of the showings having been intended for young audiences.

The scene was in The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training when the Bears new coach Mr. Manning, played by Dolph Sweet came off as a hard nosed disciplinarian and he was fired by Kelly Leak.

SarahBellum · 08-29-2022, 01:53 PM

The word ass has several meanings. In this case, it meant foolish or stupid person.

stevea · 08-29-2022, 04:17 PM

Also, it's a common adage that goes back to Oscar Wilde in the 19th century.

04-25-2022, 06:43 PM	#1
Frank Gannucci Member Forum Star Join Date: Mar 05, 2007 Posts: 15,950	When you assume clip. How did this get past the censors? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfvTwv5o1Qs This was in the 1970s. Considering how strict the censors were back then, how did this get past them?

08-28-2022, 02:54 PM	#5
Babalu Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 22, 2014 Posts: 4,779	I remember an episode of The Addams Family where one of their potions called for the jawbone of an ass, and that was in the mid 1960's. I always guessed that the word 'ass' was acceptable where other similar words were not was because it appeared in the bible. Not too many mentions of mother****er in the bible.
	__________________ . I just nailed Mrs. Trumbull

04-25-2022, 07:28 PM	#2
opus VB Forum Superstar Join Date: May 16, 2015 Location: VB Galaxy Posts: 32,150	I “assume” they didn’t find it all that offensive.

04-25-2022, 07:56 PM	#3
Frank Gannucci Member Forum Star Join Date: Mar 05, 2007 Posts: 15,950	Hehe. Yeah but this was the 1970s where uttering profane words during half-hour sitcoms (except for Norman Lear shows) was banned. I am ASSUMING that. Hehe.

08-28-2022, 03:45 PM	#6
biffbronson Sentimental Fool Forum Star Join Date: Aug 22, 2009 Location: Near Notre Dame Posts: 10,324	I think the 'assume' routine as shown by Felix was done similarly in the 1976 film "The Bad News Bears" -- but when shown on TV at times, the scene was edited out. Perhaps as the result of the showings having been intended for young audiences.

08-28-2022, 07:12 PM	#7
Alan Brady's Hair Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 30, 2014 Posts: 1,822	The "ass" in the scene is a donkey, (jackass), just as the jawbone of an ass in the Addams Family. It's like saying "make a monkey out of you" or "a silly goose," not a reference to the human back side.

08-29-2022, 01:53 PM	#9
SarahBellum Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 15, 2007 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 3,873	The word ass has several meanings. In this case, it meant foolish or stupid person.

08-29-2022, 04:17 PM	#10
stevea 22 Years On Sitcoms Moderator Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 13, 2003 Location: Indy Posts: 44,361	Also, it's a common adage that goes back to Oscar Wilde in the 19th century.