MovieChat Forums > Pygmalion (1939) Discussion > The 'B' word

The 'B' word

posted 17 years ago by HarlowMGM
5 replies | jump to latest

Watching this film for the first time, I was confused as to what exactly was the word "that starts with the same as bath" that the housekeeper insists Henry Higgins not use in front of Eliza, even though Eliza occasionally says it herself. I presumed it was b**ch or maybe b**tard but that seemed odd to point that out. After reading the play and Shaw's afterward, I realize the "B" word was - Bloody!! A British expletive that is still popular there but has never crossed over the ocean here. I'll bet American audiences were especially confused about this in 1938!! I've also read on the internet that apparently Mrs. Patrick Campbell was the only British actress who would agree to say the word in the play - every other actress was offended and wouldn't!

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] dvbar1 15 years ago

And how was "damn" such a big deal a year later in GWTW when Howard says it over and over a year earlier in this.

[–] jkholman 15 years ago

American film was more conservative in the use of some words (at the time) as compared to British film. In answer to the original question - I believe the film is referring to the word "bloody".

[–] puzzow 15 years ago

As I recall, there is a part in the play where they have a drawn out discussion about the use of the word "bloody." I assume they must have edited out large portions of the play.

[–] hka-3 12 years ago

Thanks for the info. I kind of figured the word was "bloody." I had no idea that word had been considered offensive until a British person I met on the internet informed me a few years back.

Cheese fries...next time.