The extinction of local news coverage continues apace, seemingly unnoticed by everyone arguing over bias and falsehoods in journalism. 68A: The Motion Picture Association of America first installed the letter rating system we use now in 1968 (which makes this its golden anniversary year, so bring it your Oscar if you go to the party). A HARD R rating would seem to be between “R” — which has meant restricted to adults, because of various elements — and “NC-17.” It doesn’t look like the HARD R rating appears on posters and listings for filmgoers; it’s more to do with advertisers who are nervous (in this day and age! Before the ratings system was the Hays Code, which was applied to hundreds of films during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Historically, though, “Ruffian” has been a clue for “lout,” “bully” and “hoodlum,” as well as the entry here — BRUTE.

Source: New York Times July 28, 2018 21:56 UTC