Was this originally rated X?
Robert Osborne said earlier there was a movie rated X for graphic images. Was this it?
"Klaatu barada nikto"
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MovieChat Forums > The Damned (1965) Discussion > Was this originally rated X?
Robert Osborne was talking about this one:
The Creeping Unknown (1955)
original title The Quatermass Xperiment
From the movie's IMDb trivia section:
The British Board of Film Censors had instituted the use of the "X" certificate in 1951 to indicate that certain films had themes that might be too strong or intense for persons under the age of 16. The film's title exploited the fact of receiving this "honor" by the spelling of the word "Xperiment".
I'm watching TCM tonight, too, and recall he mentioned this Quatermass movie when introducing "X: The Unknown" (1956).
~~MystMoonstruck~~
You're posting this one on the wrong forum, aren't you? The Quatermass film was the one showing before this one on TCM tonight!
"Truth is its own evidence." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The OP asked about something Robert Osborne said but came to this forum. Why not answer here instead of steering the OP to "X: The Unknown" to open a thread THEN answering the question there? The OP is asking if this is the movie Osborne referred to, which it isn't.
~~MystMoonstruck~~
I was addressing the OP, but it's a small matter. I'm glad someone happened to have been watching TCM and could understand what was being asked.
"Truth is its own evidence." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Your reply came to me, which is why I wrote what I did. I've been watching TCM since tuning over for "The Unsuspected". I plan to watch "The Boogens" next.
I've faithfully tuned in for all of the Hammer marathons and wish that they would have aired more throughout the month.
~~MystMoonstruck~~
OK, sorry. The Boogens? I'll watch, too! I too like the Hammer marathons and regret completely forgetting to tune in to last week's.
"Truth is its own evidence." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Mummy films of that Friday aren't among my favorites, but I did enjoy them even more than I expected, having not viewed them for several decades.
I found a movie I could sacrifice to tape "The Boogens", which I never managed to get a copy of before, when seeing in in the mid-Eighties. I'm wondering if Tiger is as hilarious as I recall; he was my absolute favorite part of the movie. "Tiger, you little sh*t!" *giggle*)
I vow: I will ALWAYS have a videotape ready in the future! (Where have I heard/read those words before? *snicker*
As for "These Are the Damned" (to be semi-on topic): I saw it not all that long ago, probably thanks to TCM, after not having seen it since perhaps the early Seventies when I was in my 20s. I swear that I recalled the story exactly! I remembered how bleak and fatalistic it is, and I was not disappointed when I saw it with "old lady" eyes. I even vividly recalled that song!
Now, "X: The Unknown" was one that I hadn't seen since at least the Sixties though I watched "The Quatermass Xperiment" as "The Creeping Terror" the last time TCM aired it.
Blessings upon Turner Classic Movies for nourishing the film buffs and for winning over new fans to "old stuff", as I've heard it referred to by those who watch only movies made in their own lifetime (We're talking nothing before 1990-95 for many people!).
~~MystMoonstruck~~
Thanks for sharing that with me. I always watch "The Quatermass Xperiment" every time it's on. I didn't care for "Those are the Damned", despite it having Oliver Reed. Now I'm waiting to watch "War of the Colossal Beast" on AMC later.
"Truth is its own evidence." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
I grieve for the days when AMC used to be like TCM, with a very cool host, too. Now, it's a sad wreck of a channel though I occasionally see something scheduled that I'll watch even with the innumerable commercial interruptions, such as "The Brain Eaters". I wouldn't mind seeing "War...", but I'm finally getting to tape "The Boogens"! Whee!
As for "These Are the Damned", I loved it the first time I saw it, and it didn't disappoint my memories of it. I hope that's true of other older movies, such as "Privilege", which I haven't seen since the early Seventies. Generally, I'm very kind when I view older films again; maybe they bring back to me what was happening in my life back then and how I was affected by them. In the case of "Privilege", I bought the soundtrack, pressbook, transparencies and whatever other memorabilia I could find. I wonder if Movie Poster Place (of Pennsylvania) still exists; it was my favorite source of posters and more whenever I received cash for my birthday and Christmas; my family knew how much I daydreamed over MPP's oversized, newspaperlike catalog of items.
Woah! Can I get off-subject or what?!
~~MystMoonstruck~~
Ever visit the auction site emovieposter.com? It has some bargains sometimes and nothing is a reproduction. I will have to go look up "Privilege" because I don't think I've ever heard of it.
"Truth is its own evidence." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Privilege" has such a bizarre concept that it definitely should be seen at least once! I recall being a bit rattled over some scenes back in the Seventies but doubt they would have that effect on anyone now, in such a different world. The shock value will be greatly lessened though some movies from the period still pack a punch, such as "Performance". I'd dearly love to have a copy of "Privilege", but I've seen it only on DVD for quite a lot of money. Maybe TCM will air it someday. ***knock on wood***
I'll check out that site, but I'm a bit edgy about dealing with something over the Net. I've had luck with Ebay though, so maybe I shouldn't be edgy about that one.
~~MystMoonstruck~~
I didn't know which film it was (to post on). On the page for "These...Damned" it says the original UK rating was X. That's why I thought it was this one. (BTW, does anybody know about the original version of this movie?) Robert Osborne said the other film (which was originally rated X) is sometimes confused with "X-the Unknown."
"Klaatu barada nikto"
Yes - this film was originally classed X (under 16s not admitted) by the UK British Board of Film Censors. Not only that but it had to be slightly cut to get an X.
It was given an X because of (a) the gang scenes (b) young children being terrified (c) general subject matter
It may have been rated X,
but in my opinion it should have been rated B for boring.
First, let's get this cleared up: There is a difference between the X-rating of the United States, and the "X" certificate of the U.K. Neither "X" is in use anymore, and they've been replaced by other ratings. I'm not sure where you're from, so I'll cover both the U.S.'s "X" rating and the U.K.'s "X" certificate.
The United States was always more relaxed with its ratings system. Only extremely mature films received the "X" rating, which could not be viewed by anyone under 18. Very few non-pornographic films received the "X" rating.
The United Kingdom used to be much more restrictive on film content, and it was very easy to receive the "X" certificate.
The MPAA ratings of the U.S. didn't come out until November 1st, 1968. This film was made before there were ratings in the United States. Before November 1st, 1968, films were either approved or disapproved for release. Almost all films were approved. The film could be submitted for an MPAA rating today, but it continues to be "not rated." It would receive either a "PG" or "PG-13" rating if it were submitted today.
There were three certificates (ratings)the BBFC used back in this era: The "U", the "A", and the "X". This film was given the "X" certificate. ALL horror movies were given the "X" certificate. A horror movie could have been rated "PG" in the United States, and still receive the "X" certificate in the United Kingdom. The U.K. was particular to keep horror, blood, gore, etc. away from youngsters. If you are from the U.K., then your answer is: Yes, the film did receive the "X", but then ALL horror films received the "X". Science fiction films also received the "X" if they contained images which were felt to be unsuitable or too frightening for children. I'm covering both horror and sci-fi here, because this film is difficult to put into one particular genre. The BBFC had gotten rid of the "X" certificate some time ago, and they re-rate films as they are submitted. "The Damned" has been re-rated with the "12" rating. It is also rated "12" in Ireland. The film recently received a "PG" home video rating in Canada.
This film should not be confused with a 1969 film also titled "The Damned." The 1969 film received the "X" certificate as well, but it has been re-rated with the U.K.'s "18" rating.