‘Last Tango In Paris’ No Go In N.z. (Press, 28 September 1973)

The film "Last Tango in Paris" has been officially banned in New Zealand, following a decision by the Cinematograph Films Censorship Board of Appeal. The appeal was lodged by United Artists (Australasia) Pty, Ltd., attempting to overturn the film censor's previous ban from April 1973, which cited concerns over public decency and the public interest. The Board’s decision was announced on 27 September 1973 and it was not unanimous. The majority opinion was held by Mr. W. H. Carson, the chairman, along with board member Miss M. J. Clark, while board member Mr. W. N. Sheat articulated a dissenting view. Mr. Carson stated that the explicit sexual content in the film was integral to its narrative, arguing that any cuts would compromise the film's overall integrity. He rejected the suggestion to modify its content or to categorise it under a restricted classification (R2O), although such a classification had been deemed acceptable by the appellant's counsel. The appeal's discussion referenced concerns raised by the societal group known as the Society for the Protection of Community Standards, which Mr. Sheat felt had unduly influenced the perceptions around the film. In his dissent, he asserted that modern audiences are capable of understanding complex themes depicted in films, while acknowledging that the media's attention had heightened scrutiny around the film's release. The plot of "Last Tango in Paris" features Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider and revolves around a middle-aged man's tumultuous relationship with a younger woman following his wife's suicide. The dynamics explored in the film are underpinned by strong themes of grief and sexuality. Film censor Mr. Douglas McIntosh later reiterated that decisions regarding film censorship are made with objectivity, stating that overt sexual acts and certain language cannot be permitted in public cinemas. He remarked that the recent screening of "Last Tango in Paris" in Australia was a result of political decisions, rather than being passed by their film censor. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between artistic expression in cinema and public standards of decency, particularly regarding graphic sexual content. The ruling effectively maintains New Zealand's strict censorship laws, which disallow films that do not align with established community standards, irrespective of the artistic value they might present.

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