There are two scenes in Star Wars that come to mind where C3PO is used totally different then he did later in the films. The first one was the scene in Bens Hutt where Luke learns about his father. What is the only word C3PO utters, "If you don't mind sir, I am going to shut down for a while." That was Lucas understanding this wasn't the time for annoying C3PO, because it is an important and serious scene, and he doesn't want C3PO mucking it all up.

Then the ending when they attack the deathstar, does C3PO say anything as it cuts to him and Princess Leia? No, it would take all the drama out if you heard him mutter anything, so C3PO and Leia just stare at each other the whole time to drum up the tension.

Now fast forward to TPM, and Padme meets Anakin for the first time, should be an iconic scene, but what is going on in the backround? Jar Jar doing his Three Stooges routine as he is bumbling and fumbling all around.

You tell me which one catered to kids more?