I'll take marijuana.
I couldn't believe my ears! I too would take marijuana over tea anyday!
LOL!!! WOW!
"Tea" is an old time - '30's, '40's - slang term for marijuana,
at least in the US. "Marijuana" is US or really Mexican-US
word too - I think Powell/Pressburger are having a bit of fun
at our expense, sen~or!
Just watched this scene - the 'tea' mentioned was literal, no pun. The Brit is admonishing the Sgt for his mention of it.I think I missed the 'set up' though, (shouldn't be dividing my attention between the TV screen and monitor) - did Bob mistake an invite for 'tea' as an invite to indulge in some pot smoking, feeling out the Brit or just making a joke ? It was clear the Brit wanted no part
of it.
No, it wasn't meant as a pun. But the double meaning is interesting and has been commented on before this thread.
There are two points in the film where they discuss tea. The one on the hill outside Chillingbourne where Alison and Colpeper are having their roll in the long grass. Bob & Peter then come up the hill talking about tea and how it's the one thing about England that Bob doesn't like.
Then there's the scene in Canterbury where Bob meets up with Micky Roczinsky. It's when Micky invites Bob in to the tea room for a cup of tea that he comes out with the line about it being a habit, like marijuana. No Brits involved, it was a purely American affair.
But Micky Roczinsky is right, it is a habit. They're both good ways to relax and don't do much harm - although either of them can do you damage if taken in excess, but so can almost anything, even water.
Steve
I wasn't quite clear on whether Johnson was advocating the use of Marijuana; or just saying that he'd prefer Marijuana over tea in jest (as he knows it's illegal and doesn't take Marijuana).
If he was advocating it's use, how did it get past the censors?
Many thanks, Rob
UK films are hardly ever censored. Film-makers apply their own censorship to get a particular certificate but even they are only advisory. A local authority can refuse to allow a film to be screened, whatever its certificate, and films can be screened in any way regardless of the certificate or even if it has no certificate. It all depends on the cinema or venue and if they want to risk civil proceedings from the local authority. But there are no laws about it.
As for John and the "I'll take marijuana." line, he wasn't particularly advocating its use. Micky Roczinsky had just suggested they go for a cup of tea, but Bob Johnson didn't like tea. Micky said "It's a habit, like marijuana." Bob replied "I'll take marijuana."
Steve
Ok thanks for the clarification. I thought films did get censored in the UK, because I thought they had to change the ending of 'Kind Hearts and Coronets', but maybe this was just to appeal to access the American market. I'm sure most pre-60's British films, don't have the criminals getting away with it?
Off hand I can't think of a film where they do, but it's certainly a possibility.
I think you're right on this point. Earlier in the film, when Bob wakes up at the Inn, the housemaid only offers him "morning tea". He asks for "morning coffee" but she refuses and it starts the running joke of the film that the English only drink tea. He's a frustrated American without his coffee!
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