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Replacing Swearing with Smut.

Linguist Geoffrey Nunberg tells us why cursing ain't what it used to me. He explains how in Elizabethan times an oath carried with it the true fear of God. (Note: Nunberg uses some examples in this commentary, for example "Jesus Christ!" "Goddamn it," and "son of a bitch.")

03:22
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Other segments from the episode on March 7, 1990

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, March 7, 1990: Interview with Leonard Leff; Review of three hard rock albums; Interview with Michael Moriarty; Commentary on cursing.
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22:56

Hollywood and the Hays Code.

Film historian Leonard Leff. His new book is "The Dame in the Kimono: Hollywood, Censorship and the Production Code from the 1920's to the 1960's. It's a history of the Motion Picture Production Code and its impact on American life. The Production Code was a set of Hollywood guidelines to help regulate morals in the movies. (The Dame in the Kimono is published by Grove Weidenfeld).

Interview
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06:58

The Hard Rock You Should Be Listening To.

Rock critic Ken Tucker gives an update on the hard-rock scene and plays some music by three talented new groups: the Southern band "The Black Crowes," the Irish folk-influenced "Raindogs," and the "Rave-Ups," who aren't really new, but have just released their first album on a major label.

Review
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11:38

Singer and Actor Michael Moriarty.

Actor Michael Moriarty. He's best-known for his roles in the films "Bang the Drum Slowly" and "Who'll Stop the Rain," and in the TV miniseries, "Holocaust." Moriarty is the star of a new TV series called "Law and Order," and he's also just produced an album of original jazz songs, called "Reaching Out."

Interview

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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