Film Censorship: T

 

 

 

 

Take Me

Directed by Cha Chuen Yee / 1991 / Hong Kong / IMDb

TAKE ME was Refused Classification in February 1992.

 

The OFLC gave the reason for the ban in their annual report.

For 'Take Me', the sequence of sexual violence at issue was considered to offer viewers the message that violence and protests enhance the sexual experience and women are turned on by this behavior. The scene perpetuates the myth that women want to be, and enjoy being raped.

 

The Chinatown Cinema censored the banned 90m 35mm print down to 86m and were awarded an R18+ (Medium Level Sex Scenes, Nudity) rating on February 5, 1992. TAKE ME went on to have a Chinese language theatrical run.

 

Thanks to Matt for this review.

TAKE ME is a standard early 90s Hong Kong CAT 3 film that features lots of very lame juvenile comedy. Although there is no full frontal female nudity, Veronica Yip does at least go topless. It is very obvious which scene the censors objected to as it does not sit easily with the rest of the comedy tone of the film.

The set up for the scene is that Milk's painter boyfriend is locked in a room by a girl who is attempting to have sex with him as he resists and tries to escape. The ghost of Milk's dead husband watches on and decides to possess him to do bad things. The offending sequence starts at around 65:30 with the now possessed painter looking to the girl with an evil look on his face and saying "let's play raping, it's funny, you like this". He then picks up a knife and walks towards her. She laughs and thinks it is a joke until he begins to get rough. She attempts to escape, but he pins her to the ground, cuts off her bra, runs the knife over her breasts, and cuts a hole in her underwear.

Around the 67:30 point the tone shifts and the girl is shown licking the knife and enjoying it. She then gets naked on all fours as he runs the knife over her body before they have sex. The scene ends at approximately 69:15. So the total running time for the sequence is around 03:45 which corresponds exactly to the reduced running time that you report of 90m to 86m. It looks like the Chinatown Cinema removed this scene in its entirety. To be honest the film would not have missed it because as I mentioned it does not fit the comedy tone of the story.

The Ocean Shores DVD runs 88:40.

 

 

 

 

The Takers

Directed by Carl Monson / 1971 / USA/ IMDb

In July 1981, a 75m K&C Video had a 75m tape of THE TAKERS Refused Registration. The reasons given were:

Sex
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

Other: Sexual violence

 

In 1975, the Australian censor also banned Carl Monson's A SCREAM IN THE STREETS (1973).

 

 

THE TAKERS review

Thanks to Matt for this review.

The Something Weird DVD of THE TAKERS runs 77:39. The sex is of the softcore variety.

These two scenes are about as graphic as it gets.

16:00 – The naked girl sits on top of EJ and we see his balls as they have sex

45:00 – As Barbara straddles Will, we get a glimpse of what looks like his semi-erect penis.

The problem sexual violence is easier to spot.

At 30m, EJ and Will break into the home of two girls. This scene runs until the end of the film when the husband arrives home and shoots them. Barbara plays along with them in the hope that they will leave. Laura is more reluctant, which forces EJ to get violent with her to make her have sex.

At 61m, the two have still not left. EJ forces himself on one of the women. After a time she is shown enjoying the sex.

 

 

 

 

A Taste for Fear

Directed by Piccio Raffanini / 1988 / Italy / IMDb

In 1988, Palace Entertainment Corporation had an 88m videotape of A TASTE FOR FEAR banned by the Censorship Board.

In January 1989, a censored 85:47 version was passed with an R-rating. It was released soon after by Palace Home Video.

 

 

A TASTE FOR FEAR: The censored scenes

Two scenes were removed to achieve an R-rating. The times below refer to the point in the Palace Home Video where the cut takes place.

 

TEAGAN'S MURDER

Before - "I prefer other instruments". He then presses play.

CENSORED AT 54:22 (Approx 20s missing) - Teagan is shown on the TV screen tied to a chair and being stabbed. This is mixed with some reaction shots of those watching the tape.

After - Dianne turns her head away from the screen and says "Urgh!"

 

KIM'S MURDER

Before - The killer shows the same sign as before. Dianne says "It's the same dedication" "Who's it to?"

CENSORED AT 68:06 (Approx 43s missing) - Kim is shown on the screen getting her throat cut. This is mixed with reaction shots of those watching. One line of dialogue has been removed. "Stop, take it back to the red-head"

After - Laura says, "You really think it was George behind all this?"

 

A Taste for Fear - Palace Home Video [au] VHS

 

 

 

 

A Taste of Kiwi

Directed by Peter Wells / 1990 / New Zealand

A TASTE OF KIWI was a 2m short that was banned in May 1992.

In June 1992, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney unsuccessfully appealed to the Classification Review Board.

The film presents footage of the New Zealand All Blacks interspersed with gay pornography.

 

 

A TASTE OF KIWI: Review Board report

OFLC and Film and Literature Board of Review: Report on Activities 1991-92

Applicant: Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney

Decision Reviewed: Refuse to register by the Film Censorship Board

Decision: This short film, depicting footballers leaving the field and scenes of male sexual activity, was intended for presentation in a program of films at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.

The Chairman declared an interest in the Museum of Contemporary Art, through its association with the NSW Ministry of the Arts, of which he is the Secretary, and withdrew from the discussion.

The Deputy Chairman, Mr Keith Connolly, took the chair. The members of the Review Board were in unanimous agreement with the Censorship Board that A Taste of Kiwi contains indecent scenes, and accordingly confirmed the decision of the Censorship Board to refuse to register the film. 18 June 1992.

 

 

 

 

Taxi Zum Klo

Directed by Frank Ripploh / 1981 / West Germany / IMDb

Crystal Film Corporation had 2632.70 meter (96:13) 35mm print of TAXI ZUM KLO was Refused Registration in May 1982. The reason given for the ban was sex, which was described as:
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

In August 1982, a 'Reconstructed Version' was submitted that was missing around five minutes of footage. The 2496.13 meter (91m 14s) print was passed with an R-rating for:
Sex
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Justified
Other: Adult Concepts

It was this heavily censored version that went on to have an Australian theatrical release.

The film was no doubt cut to remove, amongst other things, footage of real gay sex, as well a golden shower scene.

 

 

R18+ uncut version

In July 2007, an uncut DVD of TAXI ZUM KLO was passed with an R18+ (High level sex scenes and sexual themes). The applicant was the Elizabeth Criminal Investigation Branch of the South Australian Police.

 

 

 

 

Tender and Perverse Emanuelle

Directed by Jess Franco / 1973 / France / IMDb

In September 1981, TENDER AND PERVERSE EMANUELLE was passed with an R-rating.

To achieve this, the Australian censors demanded the removal of 48-meters (01:45) of footage from the 2286.82-meter (83:35) 35mm print.

The cuts were made to remove sex, which was described as being:
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

Following the censorship, the sex was described as being:
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

Filmways released the film theatrically in Australia.

 

 

The censored footage

Thanks to Matt for this review.

The German X-Rated Kult DVD of TENDER AND PERVERSE EMANUELLE runs 77:22 (PAL).

The scene that would have been cut in Australia starts at 67:00, and runs until 69:15. It shows a girl masturbating Gordon’s erect penis, and Gordon with his hand between her legs. Incidentally, the British censor also removed 01:11 from this scene when Redemption submitted a VHS in 1994.

The rest of the film is standard Euro softcore, and features sex that would unlikely attract the censor’s scissors.

 

 

 

 

Tendres Cousines

Directed by David Hamilton / 1980 / France - West Germany / IMDb

In October 1981, Roadshow Distributors had a 90m 35mm print of TENDRES COUSINES Refused Registration. The reason given for the ban was the 'sexual exploitation of a minor'.

In April 1984, Consolidated Exhibitors tried again with a 92m 35mm print; but this too was banned.

An appeal to the Film Board of Review was unsuccessful.

 

 

 

 

Terror

Directed by Franco Prosperi / 1978 / Italy / IMDb

IE International / Cinehollywood had two 87m videotapes of TERROR passed by the censors in August 1983. The first was described as an Italian language version, and the second an English language, Greek subtitled version.

The Cinehollywood tapes could be found for rent during the 80s and 90s in stores that stocked Greek and Italian tapes. The Italian Cinehollywood tape ran 85:24. Thanks to Stephen F for the cover scan.

 

In 1985, Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment had an 86m videotape of TERROR banned because of 'gratuitous sexual violence'.

 

Terror - Cinehollywood [it] VHS

 

 

 

 

Terror

Directed by Norman J. Warren / 1978 / UK / IMDb

In April 1980, Penda Investments removed 19s to achieve an R-rating for an 84m 35mm print.

The reason given for the censorship was violence, which was described as:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

 

During the late 70s and early 80s, Norman J. Warren had a bad run in Australia. As well as TERROR, his SATAN’S SLAVE (1976) and PREY (1978) were both censored for R-ratings.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

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.

The IMDB has a list of alternative cuts, and claims that the uncut version should run 135m.

 

 

 

 

Tombs of the Blind Dead

Directed by Amando de Ossorio / 1971 / Spain / IMDb

Filmways had an 89m 35mm censored version of TOMBS OF THE BLIND DEAD passed with an R-rating in September 1973.

 

 

Banned Redemption Video

In 1995, Siren Entertainment had a 97m and later, a 96m banned by the OFLC.

Here is what they had to say about the film. Thanks to Redemption for this report.

OFLC Report to Applicant 

This low budget Spanish horror drama made in 1971 warrants a refused classification in the boards view for gratuitous sexual violence against non-consenting persons which is depicted in unnecessary detail.

From 55mins:A terrified young woman is cuffed to a wooden frame and stripped to her underwear. Two men on horseback circle her and implicitly slash her with swords, exposing her breasts. In extreme close up, one of her breasts is sliced with resultant blood flow. In close up, a group of men then descend on her to feed on her breast.

From 76mins: While they search for clues about Virginia's death in the ruins, Betty informs the smuggler that she had a bad experience as a child and is not interested in sex. He reacts by saying he can change that. He forces himself on her despite her protests, implicitly slaps her hard across the face, bares her breasts, and explicitly squeezes and mouths them in close up before pulling off her knickers. During implied penetration, she screams, with aerial visuals of him thrusting on top of her. The scene is further trivialised by the perpetrator offering her a cigarette immediately after the rape, neither does Betty inform her friends of the incident. In the Board's view, both these scenes are problematic in terms of classification guidelines. They serve little purpose to the narrative other than to combine sex and violence in a titillatory manner, and therefore warrant Refuse classification for exceeding community standards under ACT COPO 25 (3)"

 

 

Censored Redemption Video

A censored 95:32 version of TOMBS OF THE BLIND DEAD was finally passed with an R18+ (Medium Level violence, Nudity) rating in 1995.

Siren Entertainment released it on their Redemption Video label. See our separate listings for THE FEMALE VAMPIRE, and THE VIRGIN AMONG THE LIVING DEAD for two other Redemption tapes that had censorship problems in Australia.

 

 

TOMBS OF THE BLIND DEAD: The censored scenes

Thanks to Brett for this explanation of what is missing from the Redemption tape.

I viewed the Redemption VHS and compared it to the old uncut Anchor Bay DVD from 1998. I can confirm that the two scenes mentioned in the OFLC report have been censored for the R18+ version.

From 55mins: The VHS removes four close-up scenes of the woman's breasts as they are slashed with the sword, the final blow cuts deep and draws blood. The knights then gather around her and begin to drink the blood. The VHS then removes four close-ups of the breast wounds as the knights suck at the blood. Interestingly the shots of the girls face has been slowed down to mask the cuts. This has the weird effect of making it look like she is sexually enjoying the experience!

From 76mins: The VHS shows Betty being pushed to the ground and protesting no. It removes the rest of the scene as she continues to say no. The smuggler then slaps her, removes her bra, and kisses her breasts. Finally he removes her underwear and rapes her. The VHS then continues with a high view looking down on the two of them. The cuts to this scene total nearly one minute.

 

Tombs of the Blind Dead - Siren Entertainment - Redemption [au] VHS

 

 

 

 

The Toolbox Murders

Directed by Dennis Donnelly / 1978 / USA / IMDb

THE TOOLBOX MURDERS was due to screen on July 17th, 2004 at the Melbourne Underground Film Festival. It is rumoured that the OFLC became aware of this and contacted the organisers who pulled it, and three other features from the program.

 

The Melbourne Underground Film Festival issued the following press release on July 12th 2004.
STOP THE PRESS - MUFF films banned!!!!

The following films have been banned from MUFF by the O.F.L.C:

The following description of the film is taken from the MUFF website.

 

The following description of the film was taken from the MUFF website.

THE TOOLBOX MURDERS

1977 | USA | 94 min

A cheapjack, sleazy, serial-killer thriller that has Cameron Mitchell running amok with power tools and a moonlighting porn star in one of many deadly encounters. Mitchell who’s idea for playing a serial killer seems to have been hatched by observing the guys from the other end of the bar that he was drinking in before coming to work, is allowed to chew the scenery in an unbelievable manic turn that’ll have you shuddering in disbelief and that’s not even considering the amazing and prolonged moments of violence, general non-acting and super surprise ‘sicko’ ending.

Saturday July 17th 3pm | George Cinemas

 

 

THE TOOLBOX MURDERS (1978) Review

Thanks to Simon for this review.

What were the OFLC doing refusing to allow THE TOOLBOX MURDERS to be screened? It appears they were just flexing their muscles to MUFF.

Let us look at some of the films that they passed uncut around the same time.

All uncut, and all rated R18+ by the OFLC. All can be viewed at home on DVD. However, in July 2004 they would not even allow THE TOOLBOX MURDERS to be screened at a Film Festival where ID would have had to be shown.

I would lay money on THE TOOLBOX MURDERS getting an R18+ rating if it was ever submitted for DVD release. It is much tamer than any of the above-mentioned titles. The US DVD from Blue Underground is uncut and runs 93:42 (NTSC).

 

 

 

 

Torture Train

Directed by Ferdinando Baldi / 1979 / Italy / IMDb

In 1986, JEF Films had a 79m version banned because of 'gratuitous sexual violence'.

 

 

 

 

Total Recall

Directed by Paul Verhoeven / 1990 / USA / IMDb

On June 4th 1990, a 104m 35mm print of TOTAL RECALL received an R18+ (Very frequent violence) rating.

Hoyts Fox Columbia Tristar Films prepared a censored version in order to achieve a more commercial rating. On June 18th 1990, this 109m 35mm print was awarded an M (Coarse language; Frequent violence) rating.

Following the rating, it was found:

".....that contractual agreements between the director and the producers of the film prevented any version being screened with cuts or modifications"

 

 

TOTAL RECALL: Review Board report

With the censored option blocked, Hoyts Fox Columbia Tristar Films decided to appeal against the R18+ rating.

On June 28th 1990, the appeal failed and the Review Board confirmed the R18+.

 

Applicant: Hoyts Fox Columbia Tri-Star Films Pty Ltd
Decision Reviewed: Classify 'R' by the Film Censorship Board

Decision: Total Recall, a futuristic science-fiction adventure starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, was classified 'R' by the Film Censorship Board because of its violence. A modified version was submitted by the film's Australian distributors and classified 'M'. It was subsequently discovered that contractual agreements between the director and the producers of the film prevented any version being screened with cuts or modifications. The modified version was therefore withdrawn and an appeal lodged against the original 'R' classification. This appeal was considered by the Film and Literature Board of Review. The distributors contended in a submission to the Board that the film's violence was "tongue-in-cheek" and not to be taken seriously; that the film was pure fantasy in keeping with the comic-strip characters usually portrayed by Schwarzenegger; and that the violence was no more likely to seem real than that of many cartoons.

Total Recall is an expensive film. The special effects are elaborate. The production values are impressive. It is true that the story has a comic-strip flavour, but its tone is by no means light-hearted. The film depicts a fashionably pessimistic view of the future - a world of greater greed and violence unmitigated by greater technological prowess. The action is menacing rather than escapist, and there is a message of sorts at the end. To say that the film is in no way to be regarded as a serious work seemed to us disingenuous; the director presumably took the film seriously enough to forbid any cuts. But even if Total Recall were a manifestly frivolous film its violence would still have formidable impact. It is frequent, intense, and calculated.

Members of the Board of Review were in no doubt that it exceeded the limits of an 'M' classification. All of it was explicit; much of it was highly detailed, and some of it at least was relished. Both individually and cumulatively the violent sequences contributed to a prevailing tone of ruthlessness and savagery. Some of us felt - though such judgements, of course, are ones for the director - that the film would have been no less successful if the violence had been less pronounced. Others of us who enjoyed Total Recall for its spectacle and technical accomplishment, and might have been tempted to treat such a commercially ambitious and potentially popular film with greater indulgence, were nevertheless mindful of the film's power to disturb and its possible effects on young audiences. All of us agreed that Total Recall, in its uncut version, had been properly classified 'R' by the Film Censorship Board, and accordingly we affirmed the 'R' classification. 28 June 1990.

 

 

TOTAL RECALL: Censored M-rated version

With the appeal unsuccessful, and the objections of the Director and Producer sorted, Hoyts Fox Columbia Tristar Films submitted a censored print of TOTAL RECALL.

On October 16th 1990, a 112m 35mm print was awarded an M (Coarse language; Frequent violence) rating. This print was released theatrically in Australia. At the time the MA15+ was not an option, as it was not introduced until May 1993.

The IMDb has more details of the censored M-rated version.

In 1991, Columbia Tristar released both the M-rated and the R18+ rated version on videotape.

 

 

TOTAL RECALL: MA15+ version

In December 2005, disc one and two of the TOTAL RECALL SPECIAL EDITION was passed with an MA15+ (Strong Violence) rating. It was passed again in July 2010 with the same rating.

 

Total Recall - Columbia Tristar [au] VHSTotal Recall - Universal Pictures [au] DVD

 

 

 

 

Tough Guns

aka Tramp Women

Directed Godfrey Daniels / 1972 / USA / IMDb

In May 1980, under the title TRAMP WOMEN, SHS Box Office Gold submitted a 1673.18-meter (61:09) 35mm print to the Censorship Board. It was passed only after 44.1-meters (96s) of sex and violence was removed. This was described as:

Sex and Violence
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

With the cuts made, TRAMP WOMEN was awarded an R-rating for sex and violence, which was now described as:

Sex and Violence
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

 

In 1994, Peacock Films attempted to release the film on videotape under the title TOUGH GUNS. However, the 73m print was Refused Classification by the OFLC.

 

 

 

 

Traces of Death

Produced by Dead Alive Productions / 1993 / USA / IMDb

Traces of Death 2

Produced by Dead Alive Productions / 1994 / USA / IMDb

Traces of Death 3

Produced by Dead Alive Productions / 1995 / USA / IMDb

Traces of Death IV: Resurrected

Produced by Dead Alive Productions / 1996 / USA / IMDb

Traces of Death V: Back in Action

Produced by Dead Alive Productions / 2000 / USA / IMDb

A DVD box set of TRACES OF DEATH NINTH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTORS EDITION was confiscated by customs in 2003.  The set contained the first five episodes of this shockumentary series.

 

The reason given was:

1x Box Set of 5 DVD's titled "Traces of Death Volume 1 to 5 were seized under subsection 203B(2) being goods suspected on reasonable grounds to be special forfeited goods.

An authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that the said goods are forfeited to the Crown pursuant to Section 229 of the Customs Act 1901.

The DVD's titled "Traces of Death Volume 1 to 5" are deemed to contravene Regulation 4A(1A)(a) of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations.

 

 

 

 

Train Station Pick-ups

Directed by Walter Boos / 1979 / West Germany / IMDb

A 2628.60 meter (96:04) print of TRAIN STATION PICK-UPS was Refused Registration in December 1979. Filmways censored it down to 2593.29 meters (94:47) and resubmitted it in April 1980. It was passed R-rating only after the removal of a further 26 meters (00:57).

 

Thanks to Michael for this review of the Japanese DVD.

Thought you may like to know that the Japanese DVD released by JVD is cut. It only runs 83:51 which is ten minutes shorter than what you say on your site. The funny thing is that I didn't notice any obvious censorship, however none of the sex scenes go on for very long which made me suspect something.

Being a Japanese release it is also optically fogged. I thought they did this to remove pubic hair, however here this is not the case. There are plenty of shots of full frontal female nudity including pubic hair. However when the camera gets a little too close then it is fogged. I noticed this four times at 05:05, 21:27, 43:07, and 44:38. The print has the same title as it was released here in Germany, although it is dubbed into English.

 

 

 

 

Troma's War

Directed by Michael Herz - Lloyd Kaufman / 1988 / USA / IMDb

This film has never had problems with the Australian censors. It is included because the distributor released a censored print.

 

In July 1989, Roadshow Home Video had a 90m videotape of TROMA'S WAR passed with an M (Violence, Some coarse language, Sexual scenes) rating. Applause Video eventually released the tape which turned out to be the censored U.S. R-rated version.

 

In February 2011, TROMA'S WAR was released on DVD by Jigsaw Entertainment, through Gryphon Entertainment. Despite carrying the same M-rating, the disc was described as the 'Unrated Director's Cut'.

 

Troma's War - Jigsaw Entertainment [au] DVD

 

 

Next Films: T&A Teacher (2004)