OVERALL: R1

Criterion for the superior extras.

Two versions of this exist:

(1.) The original UK version (78 minutes NTSC = 75 minutes PAL). The UK cinema version was heavily censored by the BBFC prior to release during the final stages of film production. Scenes censored included:

- The whipping in the prison.
- The murder of Rankin's wife.
- The glassing of the warder.
- The killing of the woman peeling potatoes.

The last scene was removed entirely. The original runtime, given in contemporary reviews, was 78-79 mins and not the 81 mins given on either of the BBFC website entries: the original 1957 submission was under the title "The Judas Hole" while the 1958 resubmission as "Grip of the Strangler" did not receive any new cuts, although both are given the same erroneous 81 mins runtime. Thanks to Rewind user Tim Rogerson for providing these details.

(2.) The US version (78 minutes NTSC = 75 minutes PAL). The US cinema version as cut by the MPAA. These cuts were less severe than the BBFC cuts and the main casualty was the can-can footage. Thanks to Rewind user Tim Rogerson for providing these details.

CUTS:

• R0 Australia- Umbrella Entertainment - Yes - US version (78:17 NTSC > PAL)
• R1 America- Criterion Collection - No cuts - US version (78:17 NTSC)
• R1 America- Image Entertainment - Yes - US version (78:20 NTSC)
• R2 Boris Karloff - The Collection Italy- Sinister Film - Yes - US version (75:08 PAL)
• R2 Horror Classics United Kingdom- Cinema Club - Yes - UK version (75:26 PAL)

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Comparison added by Nigel_Badnell on 10/07/12
Comparison last updated by Rick_Curzon on 17/11/19

UPDATE LOG:

16/07/12 Updated cuts info
10/07/12 Initial 4 entries
08/01/18 ASINs added & R2 Italy.
17/11/19: Added note in versions.