BBFC: 1970s

Changes to the category system

• The 'AA' category (for those over 14) was approved in 1970
• The 'A' rating allowed children under 5 to see the film wether accompanied or not, but the BBFC said that A rated films may contains material that parents may not want their children under 14 seeing
• The minimum age for 'X' rated films was raised from 16 to 18

The idea was to allow more content to be passed uncut for adult audiences while at the same time protecting children from this content.

Controversies

• A Clockwork Orange (1971) and Straw Dogs (1971) came under scrutiny due to controversial rape scenes
• The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was denied certification due to sadistic violent content