In today’s society, where boundaries are constantly being pushed and taboos are challenged, it’s easy to forget the more conservative attitudes that prevailed in the past. The 1970s and 1980s were no exception, with television networks often censoring or rejecting images deemed too scandalous for the small screen. Let’s take a nostalgic journey back to that era and explore some of the most iconic photos from Classic Hollywood that were considered too hot for TV at the time.
1. The Infamous Marilyn Monroe’s “Flying Skirt”
Few images are as iconic as Marilyn Monroe’s famous “flying skirt” scene from the film “The Seven Year Itch” (1955). Although not from the 70s or 80s, this image remains a timeless symbol of sensuality and flirtation. Monroe’s radiant smile and billowing skirt as she stands over a subway grate epitomize the allure and magnetism of Classic Hollywood.
2. Raquel Welch’s Fur Bikini
Raquel Welch’s sultry pose in a fur bikini for the 1966 film “One Million Years B.C.” ignited controversy and fascination alike. The image of Welch’s curvaceous figure adorned in little more than a scanty bikini made headlines and left audiences in awe. While tame by today’s standards, this photo was considered too risqué for television audiences of the time.
3. Farrah Fawcett’s Iconic Red Swimsuit
Farrah Fawcett’s iconic red swimsuit poster from the 1976 photoshoot captured the hearts and imaginations of millions. The poster, featuring Fawcett’s radiant smile and tousled hair, became a cultural phenomenon and adorned the walls of countless teenagers’ bedrooms. Despite its widespread popularity, the poster’s revealing nature made it off-limits for television broadcast.
4. Bo Derek’s Beach Run in “10”
Bo Derek’s beach run scene in the 1979 film “10” became an instant classic and solidified her status as a sex symbol of the era. Clad in a revealing swimsuit and sporting her signature cornrow hairstyle, Derek’s jog along the beach exuded confidence and sensuality. However, the scene’s overt sexuality rendered it too provocative for television audiences of the time.
5. Jane Fonda’s Workout Videos
Jane Fonda’s groundbreaking workout videos revolutionized the fitness industry in the 1980s and made her a household name. However, Fonda’s form-fitting leotards and leg warmers, coupled with her suggestive exercises, raised eyebrows and sparked controversy. While the workout videos became immensely popular, certain segments were considered too explicit for television broadcast.
6. Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” Performance
Madonna’s provocative performances and boundary-pushing music videos defined the pop culture landscape of the 1980s. Her infamous “Like a Virgin” performance at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards, featuring a wedding dress, writhing on the stage, and a provocative dance routine, shocked and titillated audiences. Despite its cultural impact, the performance was deemed too risqué for television airplay.
7. Brooke Shields’ Calvin Klein Ad Campaign
Brooke Shields’ controversial Calvin Klein ad campaign in the late 1970s and early 1980s catapulted her to stardom while igniting debate over the sexualization of young women in advertising. The ads, featuring Shields in form-fitting jeans and provocative poses, sparked outrage among parents and advocacy groups. As a result, television networks refused to air the commercials, citing their explicit content.
8. Sharon Stone’s “Basic Instinct” Scene
Sharon Stone’s infamous interrogation scene in the 1992 thriller “Basic Instinct” caused a sensation with its provocative content. Stone’s uncrossing of her legs, revealing a lack of underwear, became one of the most talked-about moments in cinematic history. The scene’s overt sexual undertones and graphic nature made it too controversial for television broadcast at the time.
9. Cindy Crawford’s Pepsi Commercial
Cindy Crawford’s iconic Pepsi commercial from 1992 featured the supermodel seductively sipping a Pepsi while wearing a form-fitting white tank top and denim shorts. The commercial’s suggestive imagery and Crawford’s undeniable sex appeal drew criticism from some quarters, leading television networks to restrict its airing during family-oriented programming.
10. Pamela Anderson’s “Baywatch” Swimsuit
Pamela Anderson’s role as lifeguard C.J. Parker in the hit TV series “Baywatch” turned heads with her iconic red swimsuit and voluptuous figure. While “Baywatch” gained popularity worldwide, Anderson’s revealing attire and frequent beach scenes were considered too risqué for certain television audiences, prompting restrictions on its broadcast in some regions.
11. Kim Basinger’s “9½ Weeks”
Kim Basinger’s role in the 1986 erotic drama “9½ Weeks” pushed the boundaries of on-screen sensuality. The film’s explicit scenes of passion and desire between Basinger and co-star Mickey Rourke were considered too steamy for television audiences of the time, leading to censorship and limited broadcast opportunities.
13. Brigitte Bardot’s Bikini Photos
Brigitte Bardot’s bikini photos from the 1950s and 1960s helped define the concept of the sex symbol. Bardot’s sultry poses and revealing swimwear pushed the boundaries of acceptability for television audiences of the time, leading to restrictions on their broadcast.
14. Elizabeth Taylor’s “Cleopatra” Costume
Elizabeth Taylor’s portrayal of Cleopatra in the 1963 film of the same name featured elaborate and revealing costumes that were considered scandalous for the era. Taylor’s seductive attire and sensual performances pushed the limits of censorship on television, leading to controversy and debate.
15. Ursula Andress Emerging from the Sea in “Dr. No” Ursula Andress’s iconic emergence from the sea in a white bikini as Honey Ryder in the 1962 James Bond film “Dr. No” captivated audiences and became an enduring image of allure and beauty. While not from the 70s or 80s, this scene was considered too daring for television broadcast at the time.
16. Cher’s Sheer Outfit at the 1988 Oscars Cher made a bold statement at the 1988 Academy Awards when she wore a revealing sheer outfit adorned with sequins and feathers. The outfit, designed by Bob Mackie, sparked controversy and discussion, with some deeming it too risqué for television audiences.
17. Jessica Rabbit’s Sultry Performance in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” Jessica Rabbit’s sultry performance of “Why Don’t You Do Right?” in the 1988 film “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” combined animation and live-action in a provocative and alluring manner. The character’s voluptuous figure and seductive demeanor were considered too provocative for younger television viewers.
18. Mae West’s Bold Dialogues in “I’m No Angel” Mae West’s witty and suggestive dialogues in the 1933 film “I’m No Angel” pushed the boundaries of censorship in the early days of Hollywood. Her unabashedly sexual innuendos and bold demeanor were considered too scandalous for television audiences of the time.
19. The Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” Music Video The Rolling Stones’ music video for “Start Me Up,” featuring scantily clad models and suggestive imagery, raised eyebrows and generated controversy upon its release in 1981. The video’s overt sexuality and provocative scenes made it unsuitable for television broadcast in some markets.
20. Shirley Manson’s “Stupid Girl” Music Video Garbage’s music video for “Stupid Girl,” featuring lead singer Shirley Manson in revealing outfits and provocative poses, was deemed too risqué for television airplay in certain regions. The video’s bold imagery and Manson’s commanding presence pushed the boundaries of acceptability on television.
In conclusion, the 1970s and 1980s were marked by a cultural shift towards greater openness and exploration of sexuality in media and entertainment. However, certain images and performances still pushed the boundaries of acceptability and were deemed too scandalous for television broadcast. Despite the censorship of the time, these iconic photos from Classic Hollywood continue to captivate and inspire audiences, reminding us of a bygone era of glamour, allure, and controversy.
