Regular As Clockwork

A Clockwork Orange, which was withdrawn from British screens in 1973, is set to get a cinematic release next year. The film, adapted from the novel by Anthony Burgess, concerns a gang of futuristic thugs who indulge in rape and violence. Contrary to popular belief the film was not banned by the British Board of Film Classification but removed from distribution by director Stanley Kubrick himself. He withdrew it following accusations of copycat violence which sprung up after the film's release. It could still be seen in most other countries. Kubrick died in March this year, shortly after completing his last movie, the Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman starrer Eyes Wide Shut. Since then his family have been discussing the possibility of re-releasing A Clockwork Orange with Warner Bros., who distributed Kubrick's films. They plan to make the film one of their big 2000 releases. A studio executive said, 'The family believe it would be a fitting memorial to Stanley.'