BBFC

Key dates:

• 1912 - beginning
• 1917 - aims to ban immoral practices
• 1932 - new advisory certificate introduced (H for horrific) in response to Hollywood horror films.
• 1937 - H certificate became restrictive, admission to adults only. This led to a number of horror comedies which could escape the certificate while exploiting the appeal of the genre.
• 1942 - increased criticism of horror films. Banning of H certificate films.
• 1951 - X certificate replaces H - new appeal of horror, violence and sex.
• 1957 - banning of Night Creatures at scripting stage. Onwards, Hammer Studios worked closely with BBFC in order to make sure their films would be screened.
• 1960-70s - relaxation of censorship rules. Shift in the representation of nudity, abortion, swearing, violence and homosexuality.
• 1984 - Video Recordings Act. Provoked renewed panic of horror through video. 
• 2000 - present: 'providing advice'