Film Censorship: T #2

 

 

 

 

Terror on Tape

Directed by Robert Worms / 1983 / USA / IMDb

In March 1985, Hoyts Distribution had this 85m videotape of TERROR ON TAPE banned because of 'excessive violence'.

The violence was described as being:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

 

The uncut US Continental Video release ran 83:59 (NTSC).

In TERROR ON TAPE, Cameron Mitchell plays a video-store clerk who is visited by three different customers on Halloween. He recommends movies to them by playing various gory clips. The Censorship Board possibly banned the tape because of the cumulative impact of the out of context violence, as well as the scenes from banned or unrated films.

 

TERROR ON TAPE contains clips from the following films.

 

These were rated as full films by the Australian Censorship Board around the time of the TERROR ON TAPE ban.

 

We do not believe these were ever submitted for rating.

 

These had problems with the Australian Censorship Board. All are covered in our Film Censorship database.

 

Some of the following scenes from banned or unrated films probably contributed to TERROR ON TAPE being Refused Registration.

Much of the other extreme gore comes from Umberto Lenzi's zombie film, CITY OF THE WALKING DEAD (1980). In February 1984, as NIGHTMARE CITY, Filmways had an 88m videotape of this passed with an M-rating. Apart from the fact that an M-rating seems very low, we have yet to see any proof that it was actually released.

 

 

 

 

This Violent World

Directed by Antonio Climati and Mario Morra / 1976 / Italy / IMDb

In August 1977, a 2653.60-meter (96:43) print of THIS VIOLENT WORLD was banned because of 'indecent violence'.

 

In May 1986, Palace Home Video had a 91:22 tape passed with an R-rating. It was awarded for violence, which was described as being:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

...and also for 'Adult Concepts'.

We believe this version was uncut.

It was released by Palace Explosive Video at the same time as SAVAGE MAN, SAVAGE BEAST (1976).

 

 

The mondo films of Antonio Climati and Mario Morra

THIS VIOLENT WORLD was the second part of Antonio Climati and Mario Morra's SAVAGE trilogy.

The first part, SAVAGE MAN, SAVAGE BEAST (1975), was banned in 1976, and the third part, SWEET AND SAVAGE (1983), was banned in 1984. Censored versions of both were eventually released on video.

Mario Morra's SAVAGE ZONE (1984) was banned in 1986.

All are covered in our Film Censorship Database.

 

This Violent World (1976) - Palace Explosive Video [au] VHS

 

 

 

 

Thou Shalt not Kill… Except

aka Sgt Stryker's War

Directed by Josh Becker / 1985 / USA / IMDb

In 1986, Showcase Video had an 82m videotape of THOU SHALT NOT KILL....EXCEPT banned because of 'gratuitous violence'.

Showcase Video had it banned again in 1986 under the title SGT STRYKER'S WAR.

The running time of the uncut Dutch tape on the Video for Pleasure label was 82:27. 

 

 

 

 

Three Kings

Directed by David.O.Russel / 1999 / USA / IMDb

This film has never had problems with the Australian censors. It is included because the distributor chose to censor it to achieve a more commercial rating.

 

Roadshow Film Distributors had a 115m 35mm print of THREE KINGS passed with an R18+ (Medium level violence) rating in December 1999.

In order to achieve a more commercial MA15+, Roadshow decided to censor the film. In February 2000 a 115m 35mm print was awarded an MA15+ (Adult themes, High level violence) rating. It was this version that played theatrically in Australia.

According to the IMDb, the censored footage was of:

 ....a brief close up of a women being shot in the head by one of Sadaam's soldiers.

 

In June 2000, the uncut R18+ version of THREE KINGS was released on VHS and DVD.

In April 2006, Roadshow Entertainment had a DVD passed with an R18+ (High level violence) rating.

 

Three Kings - Roadshow Entertainment [au] DVD

 

 

 

 

Threesome

Directed by Brandon Chase / 1970 / Denmark / IMDb

In January 1973, a 2515.00-meter (91:40) print of THREESOME was banned because of 'indecency'.

The following month, the Review Board confirmed the decision.

A censored 2420.00-meter (88:12) print was passed with an R-rating in September 1973.

Columbia Pictures were the applicant, and MGM-BEF Film Productions released it theatrically.

Image courtesy of moviemem.com

 

Threesome (1970) - MGM BEF Film Productions [au] Daybill

 

 

 

 

Three Swedish Girls in Hamburg

Directed by Walter Boos / 1980 / West Germany / IMDb

Filmways submitted a 2432.88 meter (88:55) print of THREE SWEDISH GIRLS IN HAMBURG in January 1981. It was passed with an R-rating only after 142.6 meters (05:13) was removed. The cuts were made due to sex, which was described as:
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

The R-rating was awarded for sex, which was described as:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

This censored version went on to have an Australian theatrical release.

 

In May 1984, Filmways Home Video had an 89m video of THREE SWEDISH GIRLS IN HAMBURG passed with an R-rating. Again, the reason given was sex, which was described as:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

The actual running time of the Filmways Home Video release was 82:44. This would seem to indicate that it was censored.

 

Three Swedish Girls in Hamburg - Filmways Home Video [au] VHS

 

 

 

 

Thriller: A Cruel Picture

aka Thriller

Directed by Bo Arne Vibenius / 1974 / Sweden / IMDb

In November 1976, Filmways removed 12.3 meters (27s) of 'excessive violence' from a 2523 meter (92:13) 35mm print to achieve an R-rating.

This censored print was released theatrically in Australia as THRILLER.

 

 

THRILLER: A CRUEL PICTURE and customs

In September 2004, THRILLER: A CRUEL PICTURE made its world DVD premiere on the U.S. Synapse label. Two versions were released, a censored Vengeance Edition, and an uncut Limited Edition.

At the time, we heard of three confirmed customs confiscations of this disc, and rumours of several more.

Details from one letter give the reason only as:

"DVD Entitled "Thriller " depicting SEXUALIZED VIOLENCE."
"....subject to regulation 4A(1A)(a) of customs (prohibited imports) reg 1956"

 

The U.S. based DVD company xploitedcinema included this warning to those in Australia thinking of ordering the film.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMERS - WE HAVE HAD SOME OF THESE DVDS CONFISCATED BY CUSTOMS. SOME HAVE MADE IT THROUGH BUT SOME HAVE BEEN STOPPED. ORDER AT YOUR OWN RISK!

 

 

 

 

Through the Looking Glass

aka L'Inferno Di Una Donna

Directed by Jonas Middleton / 1976 / USA / IMDb

 In August 1977, a 2252.60-meters (82.06) print of THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS was banned because of 'indecency'.

A censored 2085.00-meter (76:00) version was passed with an R-rating in October 1977. Blake Films released it theatrically.

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS was produced in both a hardcore, and softcore versions.

 

 

Banned Italian import tape

In October and November 1983, the 79m Italian CVT Realvision release was banned because of sex, which was described as being:
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

The applicants were A.M Alessi Films and Video, and Phoenix Video Centre.

The Italian title of the video tape was L'INFERNO DI UNA DONNA. The Censorship Board described the tape as the 'reduced version'. Thanks to Steve for the cover scan.

Daybill image courtesy of moviemem.com

 

Through the Looking Glass (1976) - Blake Films [au] Daybill     Through the Looking Glass (1976) - CVR Realvision [it] VHS

 

 

 

 

The Thundering Mantis

aka Mantis Fist Boxer

Directed by Yip Wing-Cho / 1980 / Hong Kong / IMDb

In July 1980, W.Yau submitted a 2565.7 meter (93:47) 35mm print of THE THUNDERING MANTIS for classification. It lost 16.4 meters (36s) of footage before an R-rating was awarded. The reason given for the deletions was violence, which was described as:
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

With the cuts made, the rating was awarded on the grounds of violence, which was now described as:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

 

In February 1981, THE THUNDERING MANTIS was back before the censors, this time submitted by Joe Sui International Film Co. The 2534.30 meter (92:38) 35mm print was passed with an R-rating. This was again due to violence, which was described as:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

 

In September 1982, THE THUNDERING MANTIS was rated for a third time. This time the applicant was Comfort Film Enterprises. The 2499.00 meter (91:20) print lost 16.4 meters (36s). Again, the R-rating was for violence, which was once again thought to be:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

 

All of the above submissions would have been for local Chinese Language cinema releases.

 

 

Video and DVD releases

In June 1985, Gold Seal Video was awarded an R-rating for an 80m videotape. Despite having an 80m running time on the cover, the actual tape ran 89:14.

It is unclear if this was uncut. Once more, the rating was awarded because the violence was:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

Thanks to Niko M for the cover scan and running time.

 

The IMDb claims that the film had been released in Australia as MANTIS FIST BOXER. Presumably, this was the 2004 RBC Entertainment DVD that was issued as part of their Kung Fu Theatre series. It needs to be confirmed if this is indeed the same film, and if so, how complete it is. The M-rating on the cover was definitely fake.

 

The Thundering Mantis - Gold Seal Video [au] VHSThe Thundering Mantis - RBC Entertainment [au] DVD

 

 

 

 

To All a Goodnight

Directed by Davis Hess / 1980 / USA / IMDb

In November 1982, a 2331.55 meter (85:13) print of TO ALL A GOODNIGHT lost 4.7 meters (10s) of footage.

The reason given for the deletions was violence, which were described as:
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

Following this censorship it was awarded an R-rating for violence which was described as:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

 

Media Home Entertainment-Video Classics released this censored print of TO ALL A GOODNIGHT on videotape.

 

In June 1983, an 85m reconstructed version was listed as a 'Film/Tape Registered Not Classified', whilst a 90m tape was Refused Registration. In both cases, the applicant was Video Classics.

The reason for the ban was once again violence, which were described as:
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

 

In February 1984, it became law for all video tapes to be classified. The censors began the slow task of reviewing all the titles that had been released up until that time.

They finally got to the TO ALL A GOODNIGHT in July 1984. An 85m videotape was confirmed with an R-rating for violence, which was described as:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

 

 

TO ALL A GOODNIGHT: The censored scenes

Thanks to Matt for this info regarding the cuts.

I noticed that you have TO ALL A GOODNIGHT listed as having early 80s censorship problems here in Australia. I've always thought the print looked cut. I finally tracked down a copy of the uncut U.S. release, also from Media Home Entertainment, and can confirm the cuts as follows.

20m approx- Trisha has her throat cut by the killer Santa. The Aussie version looses around two seconds from the end of this scene which shows Trisha's head being pulled back which exposes the wound. It also misses another close-up of her eyes.

68m approx - T.J's death is the only other cut, and by far the longest at around 15 seconds of missing footage. We see the start of the garroting in the Aussie version, it then cuts and we miss the garrote being pulled tight, and it cutting into his throat. This is interspersed with shots of Melody screaming, and the killer Santa pulling the garrote.

So there you have it. Two censored throat violence scenes and approximately 17s of missing footage. Overall this is a strictly by numbers slasher movie which would definitely not trouble the censors in 2009. Indeed it is hard to see why they were even bothered by it back in 1982!

The Aussie version looks to be an NTSC -PAL conversion as apart from the cuts, the times are the same. The running times for both versions are:

Media Home Entertainment (USA): 83:27
Media Home Entertainment/Video Classics (Australia): 83:11

These times include the Intercontinental Releasing Corporation (IRC) title card.

 

To All a Good Night - Media Home Entertainment [au] VHS

 

 

 

 

Tobacco Roody

Directed by Bethel G. Buckalew / 1970 / USA / IMDb

In August 1975, Regent Trading Enterprises had an 86m 35mm print of TOBACCO ROODY banned.

In January 1979, it finally received an R-rating following the removal of 4m of footage. 14th Mandolin went on to release this 82m print theatrically and possibly on their King of Video label.

Advertisements for King of Video that appeared in early 80s video trade magazines listed TOBACCO ROODY as one of their titles. However, we have yet to see confirmation of this.

In May 1981, K&C Video had an 85m videotape banned because of infrequent, but gratuitous highly explicit sex.

 

 

TOBACCO ROODY review

Thanks to Carlos for this review.

The 2002 U.S. DVD from Something Weird runs 84:47 and is uncut. You mention that the censors banned it for "infrequent, but gratuitous highly explicit sex" however I think this may not be the full story. The sex is not exactly graphic, and I have definitely seen worse on some of the other K&C Video releases.

There is no frontal male nudity, and everything is purely soft-core. Much more likely a reason for the ban is the incest theme. This involves the scene between 27-39m where the two sisters are shown having sex.

Also the relationship between Mose and Tootie could have been an issue. She has grown up calling him Pa even though she is actually his niece. He has been waiting until she has turned eighteen so he can tell her the truth and take her virginity.

 

 

 

 

Tokyo Decadence

Directed by Ryû Murakami / 1992 / Japan / IMDb

In 1992, Beyond Films had a 113m 35mm print of TOKYO DECADENCE banned by the OFLC.

 

Thanks to Simon for this information.

Although I find it surprising that TOKYO DECADENCE was banned in 1992, I suspect that a number of scenes caused the OFLC give it an RC. All of the controversial material such as BDSM, erotic asphyxiation, and urine drinking makes up a large part of the first 75m of the film. The rumoured 135m version appears to be a myth; the print under review ran 112:19 (NTSC).

 

 

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