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The Moon is Blue

1952: Otto Preminger films F. Hugh Herbert's comedy play, The Moon is Blue. He casts William Holden, David Niven, and Maggie McNamara in the lead roles.

1953: Despite the lack of approval from the Motion Picture Production Board (due to the fact that Preminger refuses to remove the words "virgin," "seduce" and "mistress" from the film), Preminger releases The Moon is Blue.

Summer 1953: The Catholic Legion of Decency gives The Moon Is Blue a "Condemned" rating. Loew's and RKO subsequently refuse to show the movie.

1953: Maggie McNamara is nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award. Audrey Hepburn wins for her role in Roman Holiday. The film is also nominated for Best Film Editing, Best Music, and Best Song.

Dec. 13, 1982: An episode of M*A*S*H entitled "The Moon Is Not Blue" features the camp attempting to obtain a copy of The Moon Is Blue, which had been banned by the Army.