I agree, Lizzie, but they were more innocent times. We get older and society doesn't seem to be able to stand still either. Some call it progress, but I suspect we lose just as much as we gain, so I see it as no more than change. Time progresses all too obviously, but we just change. However, it's quite true to say, that with the increased communications we have, and the instant availability of such delights as you've posted, nostalgia certainly isn't what it used to be.

But back to 'Singing in the Rain', the point I was trying to make is that the actual laughs are when Eric (hapless doorman, not cop, trapped in place by obligation) gets drenched. They even put canned laughter on to tell everyone, and dumped him in a horse trough at the end to 'underline' the joke, which is the misfortune of Eric's character. Hence, the part of Helen Keller was played by Eric Morecombe.

Yes, I generally prefer subtler and gentler humour too; it's usually funnier, but I don't think the basic principles have changed much. Boundaries have to be pushed and tested though, otherwise they wouldn't exist, and then where would we be?