Monty Python's Life of Brian to begin, long-time Monty Python fan and former member of the Beatles, George Harrison, arranged financing for "Life of Brian" through the formation of his company HandMade Films. The film contains themes of religious satire that were controversial at the time of its release, drawing accusations of blasphemy, and protests from some religious groups. Thirty-nine local authorities in the United Kingdom either imposed an outright ban, or imposed an X (18 years) certificate, effectively preventing the film from being shown, since the distributors said it could not be shown unless it was unedited and carried the original AA (14) certificate.
HandMade Films sales, marketing and financial packaging company) was also acquired. It was subsequently renamed Handmade Films International. The parent company, now known as HandMade plc, is currently publicly traded under the symbol HMF. On 7 January 2010, the company's shares were suspended on the London AIM stock market pending financial restructuring. In July 2010, Handmade was purchased for £6.1 million by a syndicate of Jersey-based businessmen, including William Child-Villiers, 10th Earl of Jersey, at which time wealth-manager David Francis was reported to be deciding what to do with the business. HandMade Films HandMade Films is a British film production and distribution