In the early 1980s, the United Kingdom experienced a moral panic over certain horror and exploitation films released on video cassette, leading to the term “video nasties.” These films were criticized for their violent and explicit content, resulting in several titles being banned or censored. One such film that found itself entangled in this controversy was Tobe Hooper’s 1981 horror movie, The Funhouse.
The Funhouse And The Video Nasties List
Upon its release, “The Funhouse” was subjected to scrutiny by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). Despite being passed uncut for cinema exhibition with an X certificate, the film was later included on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) list of video nasties. Interestingly, “The Funhouse” was never successfully prosecuted, and some commentators have questioned its inclusion on the list, suggesting it was mistakenly chosen instead of the more controversial film “Last House on Dead End Street,” which was released under the alternative title “The Fun House” and did not appear on the list.
Misidentification Leading to Controversy
The confusion likely stemmed from the similarity in titles between Hooper’s “The Funhouse” and “Last House on Dead End Street,” which was also known as “The Fun House.” The latter film contained more graphic content, aligning more closely with the criteria for video nasties. This misidentification suggests that “The Funhouse” was erroneously included on the list, highlighting the challenges and pitfalls of media censorship based on superficial assessments.
Reevaluation and Legacy
In 1987, the BBFC reassessed “The Funhouse” and released it uncut with an 18 certificate. Further reevaluation in 2007 led to a downgraded 15 certificate, reflecting changing attitudes toward horror films and their content over time. This shift underscores the evolving nature of media perception and the importance of context in content evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why was “The Funhouse” included in the video nasties list?
- It was likely due to a misidentification with another film titled “The Fun House,” known for more graphic content.
- Was “The Funhouse” ever banned in the UK?
- While included on the video nasties list, it was not successfully prosecuted and was later released uncut.
- What is the plot of “The Funhouse”?
- The film follows a group of teenagers who decide to spend the night inside a carnival funhouse, only to encounter a murderous creature.
- How did the BBFC’s view of “The Funhouse” change over time?
- Initially rated X, it was later released uncut with an 18 certificate in 1987, and downgraded to a 15 certificate in 2007.
- What impact did the video nasties controversy have on “The Funhouse”?
- The controversy brought additional attention to the film, highlighting issues of censorship and the challenges of media classification.
