After a hiatus of several years, fans of Leon Schuster’s iconic comedies have reason to celebrate.
MultiChoice has decided to bring back a number of Schuster’s older films to its DStv and Showmax platforms, reversing a ban that had kept these titles off the air for alleged racial insensitivity.
Why the Movies Were Pulled in the First Place
The initial removal of these films came in June 2020, during the global reckoning sparked by the Black Lives Matter movement following George Floyd’s tragic death.
Like many broadcasters around the world, MultiChoice reassessed its content to ensure nothing on its platforms could be considered offensive or harmful.
The Controversy Around Schuster’s Comedy
At the heart of the concern was Schuster’s use of makeup and disguises in his films, where he portrayed characters of various races, including black and Indian individuals.
This style, often linked to blackface, was flagged as problematic.
As a result, several of his beloved films were temporarily removed.
Titles initially pulled included:
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Sweet n Short
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Oh Schucks, It’s Schuster
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You Must Be Joking
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You Must Be Joking Too
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Schucks… Pay Back The Money!
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Frank & Fearless
Other films, such as Mr Bones, Mr Bones 2: Back from the Past, and Mama Jack, were also banned.
For a period, only Frank & Fearless, Schuster’s 2018 comedy, was made available again.
Balancing Sensitivity with Nostalgia
At the time, Showmax explained that while the movies were “products of their time” and created with “positive intent,” it needed to balance sensitivity with its mission as a platform meant to unite audiences.
The Films Are Back – But Questions Remain
Now, with the ban lifted, viewers can once again stream Leon Schuster’s early comedies and enjoy the slapstick humor that made him a household name.
MultiChoice has not publicly explained what led to the policy reversal, leaving fans to speculate and celebrate in equal measure.
What’s Your Favourite Schuster Film?
Are you a longtime fan of these films? Which one has you laughing the hardest? Share your thoughts in the comments or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 and let the conversation begin.
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