During the last few weeks, Ive been listening to the early crime drama, Calling All Cars. I was flabbergasted, to say the least, that in many episodes, I heard the characters cuss. At first, I thought I misheard something, but I heard it again! Theyll say things like, Youre a damn fool if you try it! or Give me my laundry, so I can get the hell out of here! Yes, its really on there! These episodes are from 1934. Perhaps, radio (like movies from 1934 on unt the 60s) had to have their own kind of Hayes Code because by the late 30s and after, there was no cussing, except in comedic ways. In one Fibber McGee and Molly episode, after slamming his thumb with the hammer, Fibber says, Slammed it swell! or something like that, but that wasnt what Molly heard. Also, hell say, Dad rat-it! to indicate swearing. On Gildersleeve, Throcky will say (often), Confound it, Leroy! Just thought Id share what I heard on Calling All Cars. I can picture Jack Webb listening to this show as a teenager in high school, yet he had no idea then what he would create with radio.:)
Posted on: Sun, 03 Aug 2014 02:13:24 +0000