What does PG mean?

Here in the States, "PG" means it's suitable for anything just out of the womb. PG theaters are rife with screaming brats, parents who have simply had enough, and teenagers who were stopped from entering the "R" movie that they really wanted to see.

Oh...I thought it had something to do with tea...

simon bates is your man. he used to explain these things on the trailers of videos; I can't remember any details, because he was always drowned out by a tirade of profane abuse thrown by me and my friends.

Tony... my theory is Processed Green Tips Just a thought

I usually like PG films. Went to see a 12 as an adult once and was absolutely terrified. Perhaps they should change the rating to SWLM (suitable for wimps like me). I could also do with a NS or SA rule (no spiders or scarey animals). Would like to see the latest Harry Potter, but I've heard about the spiders and can't face it. They could also do a VW (very weepy) or NM (no mascara to be worn) rating. Now that would be useful.

It's just a cunning ploy on the part of the film industry to get parents to see the movie first so as to be informed enough to guide their kids. This doubles or triples audience rates and makes a large sum of money for the studios thank you very much.

Actually, I bet that really is it, Mississippi. I never thought of it like that before. In general, I don't think anything under a 15 is going to cause problems for any child. If I got to make my own censorship system, swearing, nudity and natural violence (eg, falling off a cliff in a messy way, being killed by an animal, etc) would all be ok for any age group. Showing sex and human violence as entertainment, on the other hand, is a concept that children should be introduced to in a gradual way, just to prevent too much confusion.

Ooh...I like Mississippi's entry. I wonder if that's really true; it would make perfect sense. It's like George Lucas releasing Star Wars on DVD, then six months later, he releases Star Wars again, only with extra footage, commentary, etc.

I don't think it's that sinister. The system was introduced to stop the nutcase religious right from making a federal case out of every movie. The idea was to shut everyone up so they could get on with the business of making films and stay out of silly court cases, not to mention prevent the goverment from getting involve...that was a real incentive because the government HAD been involved in the 1930s and after. I think it's more a matter of the kid says "I want to see XYZ movie give me some money" and the parents see the pg rating and figure, ok why not. Of course the kid can then go to some other movie with the money or buy a joint, but that's another story.

The way I see it is that PG has some language, but nothing harsh. It might have violence, but it's generally played for laughs, and there is very little naughty sexual things going on. Overall, a PG film is pretty tame and, these days, they are targeted toward young children. I think it's even gotten tamer over the years. If yer really worried about the content in recent films, check out kidsinmind.com ... they explain everything in its greusome detail! (Oooo! The imagination!)

If it is a contemporary movie, PG generally means I am going to be bored to tears. Film makers have largely lost the ability to tell an interesting story without a lot of violence and sex and cursing. By the time they "cut out all the good parts," what's left is often drivel. Of course, even with the naughty bits left in, it's often still drivel. Basically, though, PG means that if you are extremely squeamish or a Bible-thumper, the movie is not for you, though your children with enjoy it just fine. :))))

I agree - nearly all children like a bit of wickedness or wierdness. I wish it wasn't so but my son can sit through more violence than I can. I hate PG , just like I can't stand the phrase "he's harmless enough" Harmlessness is no substitute for quality. There are some great films without any sex or violence but it's an insult to children to call these family viewing.

Anyone seen 'The adventures of Mr Poppy"(John Mills) made about 1950/60s.Thoroughly enjoyed this simple tale. Should this be on "Skeletons in cupboard" Now ,PG means SnooZZzzzze for cup of hours.With intrmittent outbursts of "Ey,who, what i,ll get it!What're yer laughing at.Good film this isn't it ZZzzzzzzz"

"It's A Wonderful Life" would probably be PG by today's standards, yet it is one of the all-time great films. Most film makers simply can't create films like that any more. An exception might be something like "ET."

But what does it stand for when associated with Tips? Septics need not get involved - this is a tea thing and you threw it all overboard years ago.

Paul Grecos tips on writing.

(This is the 5th time I've attempted to add a comment, but my pc keeps crashing, so apologies in advance if this comes across a bit disjointed).