It was because of the "Adam and Eve" sketch Charlie and Mae later performed in the show (written especially for the occasion by Arch Oboler, later known for his "LIGHTS OUT" series) that the network- and Bergen's sponsor, Standard Brands {Chase & Sanborn}- received numerous complaints from listeners, and eventually the FCC, that forced them to ban West from radio until 1950.
People were way too touchy about things back in the begining of the 20th centurey. Banning May West until 1950 from all of NBC radio. That is crazy. In a lot of cases we have gone to far the other way in the beging of the 21st centurey. Some place closer to the middle is where the decency line should be. There should be some exceptions. Use the ratings systems we have for things today. If it's mostly cusing then put it on a pay as you listen or view system. Thank you for the video.
@ahnbra Thanks for your comment. This sketch was rude mostly because of West's delivery - there's nothing coquettish about her dialogue: it's fierce. But you can hear that the audience are loving it. They don't sound shocked at all. The sketch that caused more controversy was the one about Adam and Eve, which many listeners complained was blasphemous. Then, as now, sponsors of the show wanted to avoid controversy being associated with their product, and NBC didn't want to annoy their sponsors.
It was because of the "Adam and Eve" sketch Charlie and Mae later performed in the show (written especially for the occasion by Arch Oboler, later known for his "LIGHTS OUT" series) that the network- and Bergen's sponsor, Standard Brands {Chase & Sanborn}- received numerous complaints from listeners, and eventually the FCC, that forced them to ban West from radio until 1950.
fromthesidelines 1 month ago
People were way too touchy about things back in the begining of the 20th centurey. Banning May West until 1950 from all of NBC radio. That is crazy. In a lot of cases we have gone to far the other way in the beging of the 21st centurey. Some place closer to the middle is where the decency line should be. There should be some exceptions. Use the ratings systems we have for things today. If it's mostly cusing then put it on a pay as you listen or view system. Thank you for the video.
ahnbra 6 months ago
@ahnbra Thanks for your comment. This sketch was rude mostly because of West's delivery - there's nothing coquettish about her dialogue: it's fierce. But you can hear that the audience are loving it. They don't sound shocked at all. The sketch that caused more controversy was the one about Adam and Eve, which many listeners complained was blasphemous. Then, as now, sponsors of the show wanted to avoid controversy being associated with their product, and NBC didn't want to annoy their sponsors.
puppetmister 6 months ago