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Brian Is Released on the Big Screen in Truro 30 Years After Ban
Fans flocked to the mini-premiere after attention was drawn to the fact that the film had never been shown in Truro.
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Councillor Rob Nolan campaigned to bring the film to the city after learning that it had been banned by Truro City Council in 1979 but that the ban had been lifted nine years ago.
"After I found out it was banned I felt it needed to be sorted out and, after an arduous campaign of two phone calls and a photoshoot, it was," he said.
Ticket sales for the first screening sold out in record time and an additional showing also sold out. Ushers dressed in Roman costumes directed film-goers to their seats. Members of the audience also donned Monty Python fancy dress for the special night.
Film critic Mark Kermode introduced both showings, which raised £3,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support. He was joined on stage by Percy Webber, the projectionist who screened the film in 1979 for the licensing committee who then banned it from being shown in the city.
Mr Webber told the audience how the committee had "seemed amused" but had decided the film was "not fit for Truro".
Stuart Jenkins, manager of The Plaza, said: "We would like to thank all those who came and supported the first public screenings of Life Of Brian in Truro.
"It was a very enjoyable evening, and our sincere thanks go to Mark Kermode for introducing both screenings, and to Macmillan Cancer Support for organising the wine and nibbles.
"Many people and organisations generously gave their services to help the screenings. It was a very successful evening, so thank you to all those who made it possible."
The money raised will go towards making Macmillan's £1 million dream to build a new cancer centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly a reality.
Chris Robins, chairman of the Truro Macmillan committee, said: "What a fantastic fundraising evening. I would personally like to thank David and Mark Williams of WTW Cinemas for their generosity in offering this opportunity.
"I would also like to thank Stuart Jenkins and all the staff at The Plaza for their hard work, and Mark Kermode, who expertly introduced the screenings."
From:
West Briton http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Brian-released-big-screen-Truro-30-years-ban/story-25536197-detail/story.html
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