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Monty Python's Life of Brian goes public in Bournemouth after 35 years | Monty Python's Life of Brian goes public in Bournemouth after 35 years |
(34 minutes later) | |
Monty Python's Life of Brian has received its "first-ever" public screening in Bournemouth, 35 years after a battle with censors saw it banned from the seaside town. | Monty Python's Life of Brian has received its "first-ever" public screening in Bournemouth, 35 years after a battle with censors saw it banned from the seaside town. |
The legendary comedy was blocked by councillors in 1980, who slapped it with an X rating. | The legendary comedy was blocked by councillors in 1980, who slapped it with an X rating. |
But the 19-seat Bournemouth Colosseum has shown the film after the authority recently relaxed its stance. | But the 19-seat Bournemouth Colosseum has shown the film after the authority recently relaxed its stance. |
Cinema boss Paul Whitehouse described the historic showing as "a bit of fun". | Cinema boss Paul Whitehouse described the historic showing as "a bit of fun". |
Mr Whitehouse, who runs the cinema underneath a cafe, laid on a three-course meal as part of the special event. | Mr Whitehouse, who runs the cinema underneath a cafe, laid on a three-course meal as part of the special event. |
It is thought to be the first time the Life of Brian has been shown in public in the town since the row over its certificate. | It is thought to be the first time the Life of Brian has been shown in public in the town since the row over its certificate. |
"The council has relaxed its attitude now but in the early 1980s there was a very different view and they felt empowered to judge what the residents should watch," Mr Whitehouse said. | "The council has relaxed its attitude now but in the early 1980s there was a very different view and they felt empowered to judge what the residents should watch," Mr Whitehouse said. |
"I remember at the time when it came out people just went to Southampton to see it. | "I remember at the time when it came out people just went to Southampton to see it. |
"It doesn't get better for a film than when phrases from it become part of British language." | "It doesn't get better for a film than when phrases from it become part of British language." |
'Making history' | 'Making history' |
Dave Harvey, who was at the screening, said: "It is one of my favourite films. | Dave Harvey, who was at the screening, said: "It is one of my favourite films. |
"Monty Python films are iconic comedy from the 60s and 70s and I am looking forward to watching it at the first screening in Bournemouth. | "Monty Python films are iconic comedy from the 60s and 70s and I am looking forward to watching it at the first screening in Bournemouth. |
"I didn't realise tonight that I was going to be making local history." | "I didn't realise tonight that I was going to be making local history." |
Life of Brian - the story of a man born in a stable next door to Jesus Christ and subsequently mistaken for the Messiah - sparked accusations of blasphemy when it was released. | Life of Brian - the story of a man born in a stable next door to Jesus Christ and subsequently mistaken for the Messiah - sparked accusations of blasphemy when it was released. |
Bournemouth council's environmental services committee saw the film and decided to raise the certificate from an AA to an X, meaning only those over 18 could see it. | Bournemouth council's environmental services committee saw the film and decided to raise the certificate from an AA to an X, meaning only those over 18 could see it. |
The distributors had said it could only be shown in areas where it had an AA rating. | The distributors had said it could only be shown in areas where it had an AA rating. |
Adrian Cox asked the council recently to change its stance so he could put on a private screening for his birthday. | |
It was only after licensing officers agreed that it could be shown. | |
'Like being a student again' | 'Like being a student again' |
Colin Robinson gave the film 9.5 out of 10 and said: "I couldn't understand why they banned such an amusing film. | Colin Robinson gave the film 9.5 out of 10 and said: "I couldn't understand why they banned such an amusing film. |
"It is like reliving my student days. | "It is like reliving my student days. |
"It is the freedom that the Monty Python squad gave to life, without any care at all." | "It is the freedom that the Monty Python squad gave to life, without any care at all." |