In this episode of the podcast we delve into the historical BBFC Annual Reports to discuss the issues facing the BBFC in its very first years of operation and to find out how classification issues from 1913-1933 compare to the present day.

The BBFC Annual Report provides a review of the activities and classification decisions of the Board over the calendar year, as well as information about the BBFC's financial position as required by law. BBFC Annual Reports are available to download and are placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament.

In this episode of the Podcast, we delve into the historical BBFC Annual Reports to discuss the issues facing the BBFC in its very first years of operation, in 1913 and 1914, for example the number of distributors submitting films to the Board; the number of cinemas to use BBFC certificates as directed by local councils; and key classification issues, such as cruelty to animals. We also look to the 1920s and 1930s to see how these issues developed and where there are similarities, and differences, compared to the way the BBFC operates today.

Extracts taken from the BBFC Annual Reports published in 1913, 1914, 1921, 1923 and 1933 are available here to illustrate the points made by BBFC Assistant Director David Austin.