Helen Mirren Caligula Photos

Helen Mirren Caligula Photos - The original 1979 movie was scripted by the writer and historian Gore Vidal and featured a host of stars including Helen Mirren, Peter O'Toole and Sir John Gielgud. 

But Bob Guccione, founder of pornographic magazine Penthouse, who produced and financed the film, felt it did not contain enough hot scene. 

He secretly filmed graphic real hot scenes performed by p*rn stars and inserted them into the final edit.

Although it was subsequently released in the U.S., officials here banned the film because of its gratuitous content. Vidal later asked for his name to be removed from the movie's credits, while actor Malcolm McDowell, who played Caligula, said: 'I'm proud of the work I did, there's no question about that. 

Helen Mirren'But there's all the raunchy stuff, the blatant, modern-day p*rn Bob introduced into the film. That to me was an absolutely outrageous betrayal and quite unprecedented.' 

Although the film is available in this country on DVD, it is a heavily sanitised version and almost an hour shorter than the uncut Imperia edition.

Sue Clark, spokesman for the BBFC, defended its decision to allow the uncut edition in the UK, saying that certificate 18 guidelines state 'adults should be free to choose their own entertainment within the law'. 

She added that, despite the p*rnographic sequences, the film did not fall into the category of s*x work, because its aim was not to arouse viewers. It is not the first time the BBFC has allowed movies featuring real-life s*x to be released. 

In 2004, Michael Winterbottom's 9 Songs stunned critics with its graphic scenes.Helen Mirren 

The BBFC has also come under fire in recent months by giving certificates to films featuring graphic scenes of s*x and violence. 

Last month, it was heavily criticised for awarding Batman: The Dark Knight a 12A rating, despite concerns about the level of violence.

Last year, Tory MP Julian Brazier attacked its decision to pass for general release the film SS Experiment Camp, which was banned 20 years ago by the Director of Public Prosecutions.Helen Mirren

In one scene, prisoners are shown being boiled alive after failing to co-operate with Nazi troops.

Helen Mirren

 Helen Mirren Caligula Photos

 Helen Mirren Caligula Photos