Stanley Kubrick's film Clockwork Orange received ecstatic reviews when it opened in 1972.

But the tabloid press and politicians in the UK attacked it, saying it glorified violence.

The story of the vicious young hoodlum Alex and his gang led to predictions that it would provoke copycat violence.

Eventually Kubrick - who received death threats and threatening telephone calls - decided that enough was enough and withdrew the film from distribution in the UK.

Should his wishes be respected after his death? Would you go to see the film?

The intervening years have seen a general escalation of screen violence. Could a film made by a respected director nearly 30 years ago still shock?

Kubrick said: "The central idea of the film has to do with the question of free will. Do we lose our humanity if we are deprived of the choice between good and evil?"

Has the UK lost out by a hysterical reaction all those years ago?

What do you think?

A Clockwork Orange - should it be screened?

Your reaction in full

Advanced options | Search tips

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage | ©