Disney, known for its family-friendly content, shocked audiences when it released its first R-rated movie through a subsidiary company. The film in question was "Down and Out in Beverly Hills," released in 1986 through Touchstone Pictures.

Touchstone Pictures was created by Disney as a way to release more adult-oriented films without tarnishing the family-friendly image of the main Disney brand. "Down and Out in Beverly Hills," directed by Paul Mazursky and starring Nick Nolte and Bette Midler, was a comedy that pushed the boundaries with its language and themes.

The decision to release an R-rated film was a risky move for Disney, but it paid off. "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" was a commercial success and received positive reviews from critics. It paved the way for more adult-oriented films from Disney's various subsidiaries, including Hollywood Pictures and Miramax.

While Disney is still primarily known for its G and PG-rated movies, the success of "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" showed that the company could cater to a more mature audience without alienating its core fanbase. With the rise of streaming services like Disney+, the company has even more opportunities to explore a wide range of genres and ratings.

If you're interested in learning more about the history of Disney and its subsidiary companies, check out this Disney History Institute website. It offers a wealth of information on the company's evolution over the years and its impact on the entertainment industry.

Overall, "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" was a groundbreaking film for Disney and its subsidiary companies. It showed that the company was willing to take risks and experiment with different genres and ratings. While Disney will always be associated with family-friendly content, it's clear that the company is capable of much more.

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