Movies - TV
Why Gilligan's Island Had To Censor Mary Ann And Ginger
By SANDY SCHAEFER
"Gilligan's Island" faced censorship challenges due to the outfits worn by characters Ginger Grant and Mary Ann Summers, portrayed by Tina Louise and Dawn Wells, respectively.
Creator Sherwood Schwartz revealed in a book interview that CBS censors were "worried about Tina's cleavage and Dawn's navel because in those days you couldn't show a navel."
This posed challenges for Schwartz and his team, who eventually devised clever workarounds to comply with censorship while maintaining the characters' tropical attire.
Louise mastered the art of subtly covering her stomach when on camera, while Wells wore short-shorts that were high enough to conceal her belly button.
Additionally, careful camera angles and wardrobe choices were employed to manage Louise's cleavage, avoiding tops with plunging necklines or excessive two-pieces.