History of the BBFC; 1950s

- The Fifties saw the end of rationing and a gradual increase in prosperity
- One fevelopment that stemmed from this affluence was the emergence of 'youth' as a group with a defined identity and a target for consumer goods. Young people with a disposable income became an attractive proposition
- Controversial subjects on film were accomodated in the UK under the new 'X' category introduced in 1951, incorporating the former 'H' category
- The new 'X' category excluded children under 16

Rock Around The Clock (1956) - cut for U, the film drew teenage audiences, partly due to the growth of television ownership, and caused rioting in cinemas, fuelling increasing concern about teenage criminality - although there was in fact no evidence of a teenage crime wave as suggested by the popular Press.

The Wild One (1954) - concerns about juvenile delinquents delayed the classification of this film for thirteen years because the Board described as 'a spectacle of unbridled hooliganism'. Repeated attempts were made to secure a classification and eventually some local authorities overturned the Board's rejection, allowing local released. The riots in seaside towns involving Mods and Rockers were cited as providing justification for the Board's continuing objections to the film. The Board maintained its stance until 1967, when the dangers associated with film's release were judged to be over.

The Garden of Eden (1955) - this film was rejected for its treatment about a mother and daughter who decided to become nudists. The film, which showed bare breasts and buttocks, was deemed unacceptable due to the BBFC's long-standing policy against screen nudity. Their justification came from the grounds that on screen nudity would encourage further sexual exploitation. The decision was again overturned by the majority of local authorities, eventually leading to the Board's decision to classify the film at 'A'.