Brian exposed at last in Jersey

Brian brought to life in Jersey

Monty Python's The Life of Brian is to get its first public screening in Jersey - 23 years after it was made.

The Jersey Bailiff's Panel - which deems whether films can been seen or not on the Channel Island - deemed the Life of Brian suitable only for those over 18.

The film's production team were unhappy with this decision, as the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) had said the film was suitable for those over 14.

As a result the film was never shown on the big screen on the island.

Now the Jersey Film Society has decided to show it to the general public - and the bailiff's panel has consented.

Paula Thelwell, the film society president, says the film is a timeless British comedy.

"In the last few weeks I have had people quoting favourite extracts at me," she said. "It's a classic."

The bailiff's panel acts as an independent arbiter of moral taste on the island - and has changed film classifications before.

However, its decisions have not always been conservative. When Jurassic Park was released in 1993, the BBFC gave it a 12 certificate, but the panel made it a PG - a move copied by local councils around the country.

'Irreverent satire'

The Life of Brian caused a storm around the world in 1979 and some local councils banned it.

The Pythons - represented by John Cleese and Michael Palin - even joined a televised debate with the Malcolm Muggeridge and the Bishop of Southwark.

The Internet Movie Database calls the film an "irreverent satire of Biblical films and religious intolerance".

BBCi-Film calls it "the best British comedy ever."

The film focuses on Brian (Graham Chapman), a Jew in Roman-occupied Judea.

After joining up with an anti-Roman political organisation, Brian is mistaken for a prophet, and becomes a reluctant Messiah.

The Life of Brian will be shown at the Jersey Arts Centre on Monday 25 November at 2000.