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BBC re-airs The War Game after two-decade ban

The controversial documentary about nuclear war will be shown again on July 30.

July 30, 2025 at 09:23 AM

I made a documentary so disturbing the government banned it from screens for 20 years before a major U-turn by BBC

A once-banned documentary about nuclear war finally airs after two decades of controversy.

A documentary banned for twenty years returns to screens

Before airing in 1985, The War Game faced a ban from the BBC for twenty years due to its disturbing content on nuclear war. Co-created by Michael Aspel and director Peter Watkins, the documentary presents a fictional nuclear conflict between NATO and the USSR, resulting in devastating consequences for Britain. Although the government was shown early cuts of the film, pressure from officials likely influenced the BBC’s decision to shelve the project. Despite this, the film eventually gained acclaim, winning an Academy Award and being screened at film festivals worldwide.

Key Takeaways

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The War Game was banned for two decades due to its unsettling portrayal of nuclear war.

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Michael Aspel played a key role in narrating this controversial project.

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Government involvement likely influenced the BBC's initial decision to shelve the film.

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The documentary received critical acclaim and won an Academy Award despite its ban.

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Political fears about audience reactions contributed to the film's controversy.

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The re-broadcast highlights ongoing discussions about censorship and media responsibility.

"At the time, I had to send a directive to Carleton Greene saying 'You must not broadcast it'."

This quote from Tony Benn highlights the political pressures involved in suppressing the film's release.

"Watkins always believed it was 'government interference' that led to the ban."

This statement reflects the ongoing debate about censorship and government influence over media.

The story of The War Game reflects not only the power of media but also the sensitive relationship between government and public perception. Its ban raises critical discussions about censorship and the responsibilities of broadcasters when tackling contentious subjects. The political tensions surrounding its release exemplify fears of public reaction to stark depictions of nuclear warfare. As society continues to grapple with such issues, the re-airing of this striking documentary serves as a timely reminder of the past and its chilling relevance today.