On 5th October 1969 the first episode of comedy series ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’ was broadcast on BBC One. The iconic series ran for four seasons, after which the Monty Python team concentrated on film-making. In 1979 the group released what is thought to be their greatest film, ‘The Life of Brian’, a comedic biography of a Jewish man living at the same time and neighbourhood as Jesus Christ. The film contained themes of religious satire that were controversial at the time of its release, drawing accusations of blasphemy and protests from some religious groups. Some countries, including Ireland and Norway, banned its showing, with a few of these bans lasting decades. There was also significant opposition to the film being released in New Zealand, with hundreds of letters of protest sent to the Film Censor’s Office requesting it to be banned on grounds of religious insensitivity.

Pictured above are two letters sent to the Film Censor’s Office giving opposing views of the argument, and the reply given by the Chief Censor of Films stating that they had found no evidence of blasphemy or sacrilegiousness in the film. These documents come from a series of multiple number subject files from the Film Censor's Office and a Department of Internal Affairs report on motion picture policies/legislation, 1927-1991.

Archives reference: AAAC W4442 10 /3/12/3/1