Lennon documentary blocked by Ono

The makers say the film gives a unique insight into Lennon

John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono has blocked the screening of a US documentary about the ex-Beatle.

3 Days in the Life uses film taken two months before the band split in 1970.

Executive producer Ray Thomas set up a free screening at a private school in Maine because he could not get Ono's permission for a commercial screening.

But Ono said she had a copyright interest in the film and any screening would breach copyright. The school said it still hoped to host the film.

'Long-running dispute'

The footage was shot by Ono's former husband Tony Cox and was sold in 2000 for $1m (£760,000) to Mr Thomas and his backers.

Among other things, Lennon is seen composing songs, touring his 100-acre (40-hectare) estate and rehearsing for a BBC show in which he performed Instant Karma for the first time publicly.

There is no commentary and all action is unscripted, but the makers say it offers a unique insight into Lennon's creative process.

Hap Ridgway headmaster of the Berwick Academy, said: "What we've learned since it all broke loose is that it's a long-running dispute."