Welsh town screens Monty Python film after 30-year ban

A Welsh town that banned the classic Monty Python movie Life of Brian 30 years ago has decided to screen it later this month, and two of the original Pythons will attend.

Michael Palin and Terry Jones are expected to travel to Aberystwyth, west Wales, for the screening on March 28 after being invited by mayor Sue Jones-Davies, herself a star of the film, having played Brian's girlfriend.

It is thought the 1979 comedy, which critics said was blasphemous for telling the story of a Jewish man who is mistaken for Jesus and crucified, was banned by a committee of church leaders in the town.

Life of Brian is now viewed as a classic and includes oft-quoted lines such as Brian's mother's quip on her son: "He's not the messiah - he's a very naughty boy."

It also features the jaunty song Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, sung by Eric Idle as he and Brian are nailed to crosses at the end.

No-one thought to revoke the ban because few people realised it still stood, until last year.

Ms Jones-Davies vowed to fight for the film, and organised the one-off screening for charity at Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

"We decided that we might as well go on with it and see if we could arrange a screening in Aberystwyth," she said.

She telephoned Jones and invited him to come along, recalling: "He said 'I think I'll ask Michael (Palin) to come', which is lovely because it makes it all the more special."

Graham Chapman, who played Brian in the film, died in 1989.

Ms Jones-Davies said only about 120 tickets were available, adding: "It will be a great evening and it is about time the film was shown anyway."

- AFP