Puffing Away That PG Rating

(From The New York Times -- By Michael Cieply)

WARNING: Smoking may be hazardous to your movie rating.

In a significant change to its movie ratings system, THE MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA on Thursday said portrayals of smoking would be considered alongside sex and violence in assessing the suitability of movies for young viewers. Films that appear to glamorize smoking will risk a more restrictive rating, and descriptions of tobacco use will be added to the increasingly detailed advisories that accompany each rated film.

Antismoking groups, already successful in much of the country in banning smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places, have ratcheted up the pressure on Hollywood in recent years to purge movies of images that might promote tobacco use.

Some have even demanded that virtually any film with smoking be rated R, shutting out those under 17 unless they are accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

Puffing Away That PG Rating

John Santamaria, thanks for the post.

[Wow! Smoking can get you an R rating?]