BURY'S moral guardians are to vet a controversial film for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Following public objections, they will decide whether a movie - which shows people getting sexually excited by car crashes - is fit to be seen locally.

At a special preview tonight (Friday May 16), members of the licensing committee are to see David Cronenberg's controversial film "Crash", which has caused a nationwide furore over its lurid subject matter.

And after the "behind closed doors" screening at Warners in Pilsworth, they will make their decision.

The last film to be vetted in Bury was Monty Python's "Life of Brian" back in 1980. Despite some councillors and the Rector of Bury labelling it blasphemous, members allowed it to be screened.

"Crash" was originally scheduled to be released in January, but Westminster Council - which covers all the big-name West End cinemas where films are previewed - imposed a ban on it being shown.

Despite the film's notoriety, it was given an "18" certificate and released uncut by the British Board of Film Classification.

But it is up to local councils, who license cinemas, to decide if it gets screened in their area.

The film is based on the novel by renowned sci-fi author J.G. Ballard. It stars James Spader and Deborah Unger who, following a serious car crash, enter a shadowy world of crash survivors who are sexually stimulated by accident scenes and famous wrecks.

Stars such as Jeremy Irons, Michael Palin and director Ken Loach have stood up for "Crash" on the grounds of artistic freedom.

Mr Calvin Whitehead, general manager at Warners in Pilsworth, said the screening was being done out of courtesy to the licensing authority.

"We contacted the council and explained the situation because of the problems with the film's content and nature, especially in America," he said.

The council confirmed that two people have already objected to the film being shown.

Council solicitor Mr Stan Monaghan said a film could be prohibited locally on the grounds of taste and decency, or if members felt it could incite to crime, disorder or be offensive to public feeling.

Coun Trevor Holt, chairman of the licensing committee, would not pre-judge tonight's decision.

But he said: "We have received objections, and we have to take that seriously. It's only right for us to go and see it and make up our minds."

The film is scheduled for general release on June 6.

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