THE controversial movie 'Crash' is set to be screened in Lancaster but only councillors may get to see it.

The Dukes have plans to show David Cronenberg's film as part of a season of films examining censorship but the city council's licensing group could well pull the plug before it is shown.

The city's Mayor, Cllr Hilda Shuttleworth, has said the film should be banned and branded the movie "a corrupting influence," but the licensing committee will have to view the 'gory sex movie' before deciding.

"I feel strongly about this," said Cllr Shuttleworth. "This thing shouldn't have been made in the first place. From the reports I've read it's disgusting and I wish we still had the old 'watch committee' which had the power to ban such films. It's a corrupting influence but I'm prepared to watch it if a decision has to be made."

Another committee member, Cllr Roger Sherlock, has not yet formulated an opinion on the film.

He said: "If you don't watch the film then you are making a judgement based on hearsay. I'm prepared to watch the film before making up my mind."

The controversial film is based on a short story by award-winning novelist J G Ballard and explores the darker side of human sexuality. Fiona Chaney of the Dukes said that they hoped to screen the film in October and that it would be part of a season of films exploring censorship.

She added: "We've all got our different opinions but it is the sort of challenging film that is shown at the Dukes. It's been at Preston without any problems and the British Film Institute has given it a certificate and have no objections to us screening it. If the licensing group want to see it then we can arrange a special preview if they want."

How do you feel about councillors banning films to protect us? E-mail us or call the news desk on 382121 or drop us a line with your views.

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