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Salient: Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 25, No. 5. 1962.

This is to Certify ...

This is to Certify ....

The (G) certificate replaced the (U) classification and shows that a film is suitable for general exhibition. The (Y) certificate is issued to films suitable for adolescents as well as adults; this fits in nicely between the (G) classification and the (A) category, the recommendation that a picture is most suitable for adults (defined, by the regulations, as people over 16 years of age). The (S) certificate represents that category into which fall those films which carry some special recommendation, usually of being particularly suitable for children or family audiences.

The (R) certificate is the odd man out. While (S), (A) and (Y) certificates all show that a film is suitable for general exhibition, with that special recommendation noted, the picture with an (R) certificate is not so approved. As a general rule, the categories are R.13 (the definite exclusion of people under 13 years of age) and R.16 (the definite exclusion of people under 16 years of age) though some films (e.g. "La Ronde") may have an R.21 certificate awarded to them. This certificate may be attached also to a film intended only for screening before a certain well defined audience, e.g. members of an approved film society or a certain profession.

While these classifications protect the public (or perhaps inform would be a better word), they also protect the films. A picture with a realistic and frank approach to its subject may be passed with an (R) certificate instead of having to be cut down to the (G) level.