THE PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES (1965)

THE PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES is a 1965 Hammer horror film in which an eminent doctor and his daughter discover that a Victorian village is being terrorised by zombies, all with the support of the local squire who has raised the dead to use as slaves. The film was originally classified 'X' for cinema release in 1965 (meaning no persons under 16 should be admitted to the cinema). It was subsequently classified '15' for VHS release in the 1980s (before the introduction of the '12' classification) and then '12' for DVD release in 2003. This cinema re-release has been classified '12A' for moderate horror.

The BBFC's Guidelines at 'PG' state 'Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense'. Some of the more frightening sequences are quite prolonged and sufficiently intense to be more appropriately classified '12A' where 'Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained'. Examples include characters being attacked by gruesome zombies, a woman being threatened by several men, and an implied decapitation of a zombie with a shovel. The act of decapitation is not shown but we do briefly see a severed head.

Parents can find additional information about the content of this film if they visit www.pbbfc.co.uk.