One of the most controversial figures in the 70′s and 80′s in England was Mary Whitehouse.

Although she had been campaigning for morality and decency in television since the sixties, she really shot to fame in the seventies, attacking everything that moved including such innocuous programmes as “Dr. Who”, (“teatime brutality for tots”) ”Till Death Us Do Part” (for the use of the word “bloody”) and “Tom and Jerry” for the excessive use of violence.

The situation became somewhat bizarre  - The cast of The Goodies, a british comedy trio with a series on the BBC were worried that Mary’s endorsement of their TV series might harm their image and as a result made the film “How To Make Babies by Doing Dirty Things”, Alf Garnett, of the criticised series “Till Death Us Do Part” is seen in one episode reading her book “Clean Up TV” and agreeing with every word, and John Cleese commented in one episode of “Monty Pythons Flying Circus” “Mary Whitehouse has taken umbrage, that could mean a bit of trouble.”

She also had some very peculiar views. In her book “Whatever Happened to Sex” she asserted that homosexuality was caused by “abnormal parental sex “during pregnancy or just after”  and being gay was like having acne: “Psychiatric literature prooves that 60% of homosexuals who go for treatment get cured…”

But remember love and love will win forever

She was taken to task by the music scene of the 70s. Deep Purple’s “Mary Long” is inspired by her, and she is also mentioned by name in Pink Floyd’s “Pig’s (Three Different Ones)” on the “Animals” album

Who murdered sex? I’m religious, I’m…

Alex Harvey, one of Britains most flamboyant and certainly most original artists tackled the problem in his own way. On his last album with the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, he dedicated two songs to Mary. One, obviously, was the song Mrs Blackhouse (“Dear Mrs. blackhouse, Mrs. Christian without soul”)

Who murdered sex? It wasn’t me, it wasn’t me, yes it was, yes it was

Unfortunately, youtube hasn’t been very kind to “The Rock Drill”. the only song from this LP to be found there is the instrumental “King Kong” an interesting version of the theme from the original film, featuring Tommy Eyre on keyboards. But have a look and listen to the video from “The Old Grey Whistle Test”. Alex Harvey sings “Next”, and I’m sure this will make Mary Whitehouse turn in her grave…

Who Murdered Sex?
 (A. Harvey/T. Eyre/A. Cleminson)
You can spell it out in the daily news , Goodbye old time forgotten blues, And the same old thing on the television, But remember love and love will win forever, Remember love and love will win forever, You can carry that load and shoot your gun. But don’t forget that you just begun, Cause your just the child of your mother’s son. Just remember love and love will win forever. Remember love and love will win forever. Who murdered sex cried the beasts of the field, Who murdered sex said the man at the wheel, Who murdered sex screamed the sword and the shield, Who murdered sex. Not me said the dealer I just buy and sell. Not me said the censor it`s all going well. Not us said the guilty we’re going to hell. Who murdered sex. Who murdered sex. 1 spicy matron owns good looking wolfhound, 2 with husband all tied up, 3 available for bottomless masters and mistresses, 4 with rubber flippers and gas masks ready, 5 tattooed stoker with golf equipment, 6 computerised young farmhand with plastic pack, 7 box number, and send a stamped addressed envelope, 8 7 6 5 4 3 2. But remember love and love will win forever , Remember love and love will win forever, Who murdered sex said the beasts of the field, Who murdered sex said the man at the wheel, Who murdered sex screamed the sword and the shield, Who murdered sex. Not me said the teacher, I do what I can, Not me said the outlaw Alone I will stand. Not me said the harlot, I die without shame! Not us cried my children We’re just starving again. Who murdered sex? I’m religious, I’m… Who murdered sex? Not me, I’m impervious and… Who murdered sex? Not me said the eater It’s too hot to swallow, Who murdered sex? Not me, (yes it was, yes it was). Who murdered sex? It wasn’t me, it wasn’t me… (yes it was, yes it was) Who murdered sex?

Mrs. Blackhouse
(A. Harvey)
Dear Mrs. Blackhouse may God curse you on the ground. You take the blessed crucifix and turn it upside down. You drink the blood of Jesus so gentle, mild and meek, And even He will find it hard to turn the other cheek. Chorus: Can you hear us Mrs. Blackhouse? Do you listen? Are you gonna put a ban on people kissing? Now we’re gonna make a stand.We want freedom in the land. Can you hear us Mrs. Blackhouse? Can you hear? Where were you two thousand years ago? When the babe in swaddling clothes was in the snow? And what know ye of customs, Mrs. Blackhouse, in the East? And what did happen Judas just before the final feast? Chorus. So dear Mrs. Blackhouse, Mrs. Christian without soul. Were you there when the deeds were done and the sacrament was whole? Who protected Mary Magdalene and raised the dead and bones? And remember he who has no sin can cast the firstest stone. Chorus. Chorus. Can you hear us Mrs. Blackhouse? Can you hear? Can you hear us Mrs. Blackhouse? Can you hear? Can you hear us Mrs. Blackhouse? Can you hear?