Feature Films on British Television in the 1970s

Posted on: 13 November 2015

In the Autumn of 1975, most of the ITV companies changed their regular early Sunday evening film slot (typically starting at 7.25 or 7.55) for a later one starting at 9.10. The change of hour reflected the more adult nature of the films selected for the slot. None of the films was fully networked but several were part-networked. The IBA expressed the hope that the companies would not schedule the most contentious films on successive weeks but would instead intersperse them with less risky material. Several of the films nevertheless attracted complaints, along with many letters expressing general concern about the number of X- or AA-rated films that were now being shown on TV. Two films in particular received a large number of complaints which continued to come in as the films circulated around the regions: Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice and The Killing of Sister George.

The former, a satire on modern American sexual mores and especially sex therapy, culminates in its four titular characters (two married couples) sharing a bed as they experiment with spouse-swapping. It was not only the sexual morality that inspired complaints but also the dialogue. Some comments from letters:

• ‘The film’s sexual frankness was quite offensive, and I cannot see how discussing orgasm or ‘balling a chick’ is suitable entertainment for peak hour family viewing time on a Sunday.’ (Mr JCG, Carlisle)
• ‘I, like others, pay £8 to watch television, and believe me, it’s certainly not to see silly women expose themselves to the public. In case you think I must be a silly old maid, you’d be very wrong, I am only eighteen.’ (Mrs EG, Glasgow)
• ‘The Hallelujah Chorus hardly seems appropriate music to accompany sensuous women parading in their ‘birthday suits’. During the few minutes that I watched the film my sense of decency was deeply offended.’ (Mrs AJC, Truro)
• ‘What may we look forward to – the mind boggles – simulated orgies in Westminster Abbey perhaps!’ (Mrs NW, Tynemouth)

Mary Whitehouse wrote to the IBA on behalf of the National Viewers and Listeners’ Association to question the legality of the broadcast under the terms of the Television Act, which imposed a requirement not to show anything ‘which offends against good taste and public decency’. One viewer wrote repeatedly to complain not of the film itself but about a preview of the film which was screened without prior warning at 7.25, immediately after the religious programme Stars on Sunday.

These comments were nevertheless mild compared to the treatment received by The Killing of Sister George. The IBA and the ITV companies were prepared for controversy because the film had initially been refused a certificate by the BBFC when released in 1969. The GLC had issued a local ‘X’ certificate to allow it be released, uncut, in London and the BBFC had subsequently relented and granted an ‘X’ after requiring a three-minute cut to a lesbian seduction scene. The print received by ITV was the uncut version, but after internal discussion it was decided to cut the print to ‘take out some of the explicitness’ (some companies would not agree to show it unless this was done). The edited sex scene was not broadcast until after 11.00pm.

As expected, there was a large volume of letters. Several complainants wrote to their MPs as well as to the IBA, and in what case an MP himself wrote in to complain.

• ‘The film The Killing of Sister George was sheer porn and to have this sort of thing put on during a Sunday evening I think is utterly irresponsible…my son and I were watching the television in all innocence then to find that I am faced with four letter words and lesbians…’ (Mrs GH, Peet Hall)
• ‘From a quick glance at the title I assumed it was a straightforward mystery story, and was appalled as the plot unfolded that the film chosen for this peak viewing time was based on such an unsavoury subject, and, furthermore, dealt with it in such explicit detail.’ (Mr THH Skeet, MP)
• ‘…if there is no censorship on TV films and parents are not in the house the younger Generation will become more corrupt than they are at present and we are all trying very hard to make England a better place to live in.’ (Mrs EB)
• ‘I am a Londoner and very broad minded we all know these things do go on, but I personally think they are very bad material for a play. Had my two married sons been present I would have definitely felt embarrassed…’ (Mrs IJG, Clwyd)
• ‘Whilst this type of film can be shown before a restricted audience of over 18 years in the Cinema, I consider it downright disgraceful that such pornography should be exhibited on a Sunday evening to any young child who cares to watch in his or her home.’ (Mr GBH, Prestbury)