BBC slaps ‘discriminatory language’ warning on Dad’s Army film
Dad’s BARMY: BBC slaps ‘discriminatory language’ warning on film version of classic sitcom that refers to the French as ‘frogs’
- BBC said some viewers may find the 1971 Dad’s Army film ‘offensive’ in a warning
- It features references to the Nazis along with a line calling French people ‘frogs’
- BBC issued warning before film saying parts of the classic could cause offense
- Outraged fans called for BBC to ‘stop making issues when there aren’t any’
The BBC has slapped a ‘discriminatory language’ warning on the 1971 Dad’s Army film.
The BBC aired the film with the warning that some viewers may find it ‘offensive’ prompting outraged fans to call for the corporation to ‘stop making issues when there aren’t any’.
The 1971 movie depicts the much-loved Home Guard platoon on a training exercise, and features references to the Nazis along with a line calling French people ‘frogs’
Lance Corporal Jones – played by Clive Dunn – utters the iconic quip ‘they don’t like it up them’ in the film.
The BBC issued a warning before it aired saying parts of the classic could cause offense.
The BBC has slapped a ‘discriminatory language’ warning on the 1971 Dad’s Army film (pictured)
The BBC aired the film with the warning that some viewers may find it ‘offensive’ prompting outraged fans to call for the corporation to ‘stop making issues when there aren’t any’
Viewers who went to watch the film on the BBC’s iPlayer had a message pop up reading: ‘Contains discriminatory language which some may find offensive.’
Furious fans took to Twitter to vent their frustration.
Gavin Moffitt said: ‘A “discriminatory language” warning into the original Dad’s Army film on BBC2? What has the world come to?’
The BBC issued a warning before the film (one scene, pictured) played saying parts of the classic could cause offense
Abigail Cobley added: ‘BBC 2 introducing the 1971 Dad’s Army film as having “discriminatory language”. Woah!
‘As a massive Dad’s Army fan I’d like to know what lines exactly! Stop making issues when there aren’t any!’
Another viewer said: ‘Before Dad’s Army the BBC gave a warning that we may be offended by some of the language and discriminatory terms used!
‘Dad’s Army is a national treasure whereas the BBC are a national disgrace.’
John Sands wrote:’ The BBC put out a warning before the Dad’s Army film that it contained discriminatory language that might offend some viewers. I despair!
Another fan added: ‘The BBC continuity announcer introduces Dad’s Army the movie in most BBC way ever.
‘”May contain discriminatory language which some may find offensive.”
‘You mean like slagging off the Nazis?’
Lee Hodgson added: ‘So Dad’s Army is now discriminatory? Is this what we pay our licence fee for?’
A BBC spokesperson told The Sun: ‘Attitudes have changed significantly and guidance was given due to a specific discriminatory remark.’
Viewers who went to watch the film on the BBC’s iPlayer were hit with a warning (pictured) reading: ‘Contains discriminatory language which some may find offensive’
Furious viewers took to Twitter to vent their frustration at the inclusion of a warning before the Dad’s Army film
The BBC has placed warnings on a string of classic programmes from yesteryear in the wake of the Black Lives Matters movement – including High Hopes, The League Of Gentlemen and The Mighty Boosh.
Last year, the BBC was accused of ‘taking political correctness too far’ by removing shows like Little Britain and Fawlty Towers from iPlayer over fears of offending modern viewers.
Media minister John Whittingdale said that while some programmes from the 60s are ‘wholly unacceptable’, ditching comedy classics that were ‘still widely enjoyed’ was the wrong decision.
Last year, the BBC was accused of ‘taking political correctness too far’ by removing shows like Little Britain and Fawlty Towers (pictured) from iPlayer over fears of offending modern viewers
In the wake of the BLM movement, the BBC removed episodes of the comedy Little Britain (pictured) from its servers
In the wake of the BLM movement, the BBC removed episodes of the comedy Little Britain from its servers.
Starring David Walliams and Matt Lucas, Little Britain has long been criticised for its portrayal of black and Asian characters by the white comedians, as well as gay characters and those with disabilities.
A BBC spokesman said it had made the decision to remove the show as ‘times have changed’ since the comedy first aired in 2003.
