Having just watched this film I notice that they avoided the words *beep* and "tart", which are both present in the book. Were these words considered unacceptable in the USA in 1939, either in general use or in Hollywood films ?
shareSorry - IMDB censored the first word and wrote "*beep*" - it was meant to be the N-word.
shareYou probably could have gotten by with "tart" in general conversation. The N-word, some places yes, some places no. Hollywood censors were pretty strict, though. (Wouldn't shock me if they were more strict about "tart" than the N-word though.)
shareAs far as I can tell, the "N" word was banned by the Production Code and by the radio networks. I THINK it was used in NO WAY OUT, Sidney Poitier's feature film debut.
"May I bone your kipper, Mademoiselle?"
Back then the "N" word was a common word. Even though today it is and should be considered disgusting. Hollywood censors would show people in violent situations but draw the line regarding anything about sex or natural functions. At this time bed were shown apart (even if the couple were married) and toilets could not be shown in bathrooms.
shareI recently saw a stage production in England. There was a school party in front of me (the book is still part of syllabus). Of course being 2016 the party were all races. Now the n-word was used quite liberally in the first half and I naturally felt uncomfortable for the black kids.
I'm not saying everything should be over sanitized, but I wonder if omitting the word would have had much of an effect?
The good news is, the school party all seemed to enjoy the play overall.