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I'm just a bit surprised that no one has mentioned this yet (!)
Apparantly the controversial former head of the BBFC died on Crimbo Eve .



Any parting comments anyone ?

ya hoo!

Perhaps A lot of people are unaware, but James Ferman was one of the more liberal voices inside the BBFC, in some cases he was lambasted for passing films the board deemed unsuitable. He was after all a censor so he will never be a populare man, But I feel he should be recognised as a person who perhaps helped shape the liberal attitudes we are seeing today. Alan.

With unreasonable bans on 'The Exorcist' , 'The Texas Chainsaw massacre' and 'Straw Dogs' on video, this conservative puppet did indeed call for the legalisation of mainstream porn in 1998. I also like the way he tried to stop David Sullivan ripping punters off. I see this former 'despot' from the BBFC as part of the UK nanny state machine.

...it's also worth mentioning here that the legalisation of porn in this country has more to do with EU harmonisation than any benevolent act by a member of the Establishment. These people are frequently championing their newly reformed and apparently liberalised stances towards previously prohibited things/activities etc., when in fact they are being puppeted by Brussels all along. Witness - longer pub opening, freedom of information acts and the universally hated (by HM Govt.) Human Rights Act. All commonplace in one form or another in the rest of the EU.

Richy wrote:
>
> ...it's also worth mentioning here that the legalisation of
> porn in this country has more to do with EU harmonisation
> than any benevolent act by a member of the Establishment.
> These people are frequently championing their newly reformed
> and apparently liberalised stances towards previously
> prohibited things/activities etc., when in fact they are
> being puppeted by Brussels all along. Witness - longer pub
> opening, freedom of information acts and the universally
> hated (by HM Govt.) Human Rights Act. All commonplace in one
> form or another in the rest of the EU.

cool.

Ferman was indeed censorious by nature, and something of a control freak also by the coments made by some ex-BBFC staff. but it's also worth pointing out that his astute political skill in dealing with the Thatcher regime (the Bright Bill most especially) and willingness to exploit the BBFC monopoly made that organisation into a very securely funded one.

My question is whether Ferman's death will prevent us getting the chance to read what may well have been a very interesting autobiography that I assume he was writing or going to write.

DC

good point well made Richy - Ferman was another in the long line of nanny state apparatchiks who suddenly 'saw the light' as soon as he had no power to change the futile puritanism of our censorship system. Applauds to him for seeing the light, rasberries to him for doing it too late to be of any bloody use! However, its tough on any family to have someone depart at this time of year so I'll not rejoice at it.

Thanks, Crimpo, and, yes, bereavement is no fun - been there done that - so perhaps we should leave it be. Full marks, though, for Ferman "new vision". Darkness visible.

Well done Crimpo and Richy. Regardless of peoples opinions of this man, they should be posted at a less sensitive time.