Controversial film sees video release

Susan George is now a regular in EastEnders

Straw Dogs, a film notorious for a harrowing double rape scene, has been passed uncut by censors for video release for the first time.

The British Board Of Film Classification (BBFC) decided to allow the 1971 film a certificate only after advice from clinical psychologists that it would not be harmful to viewers.

The board maintains a strict position on depictions of sexual violence

BBFC

Directed by Sam Peckinpah and starring Dustin Hoffman and Susan George, Straw Dogs had previously been refused a certificate for home viewing.

The film's distributors refused to make the cuts in the movie requested by the BBFC to make certification possible.

But now the full, original version of Straw Dogs has been passed, although it includes the representation of a double rape of Susan George's character, Amy.

Hoffman starred as a young American adapting to British rural life

The version presented to the BBFC three years ago had already cut much of the second rape - but left the impression that the woman, Amy, had enjoyed the experience.

The BBFC said: "The ambiguity of the first rape is given context by the second rape, which now makes it quite clear that sexual assault is not something that Amy ultimately welcomes."

In rejecting the film in 1999 the film body pointed out it was "stricter with scenes of sexual violence on video than film, because of their potential to be played over and over at home".

Harm

Peckinpah's film is about a young American couple who come to rural England and face increasingly vicious local harassment.

The BBFC said on Monday: "Our own conclusion now is that the film has no significant potential to cause harm to viewers or, through their actions, to society as a whole.

"The board maintains a strict position on depictions of sexual violence that endorse or eroticise harmful behaviour, and will continue to do so."

Psychologists who specialise in working with sex offenders were consulted about the film and told the BBFC it was not likely to encourage interest in rape or abusive behaviour.

The BBFC also employed a focus group of members of the public, most of whom agreed with passing the film uncut - with an 18 certificate.