‘RAMBO’ BANNED BY BRITISH CITY

The local government in Cardiff, one of Britain’s largest cities, has banned public showings of the film “Rambo: First Blood Part II” until further review, the British Safety Council said.

James Tye, head of Britain’s largest safety watchdog organization, is trying to have the film starring actor Sylvester Stallone banned in Britain on grounds that it depicts “mindless violence” and might encourage youths to commit copycat acts.

The film about a Vietnam veteran returning to Vietnam to rescue imprisoned American soldiers is due for release in Britain Aug. 30 after smashing box office-records in the United States.

The Safety Council has written to local government bodies across the country asking for it to be banned. As a result, the local council in Cardiff, Wales, with a population of 1 million, has slapped a “Stop Notice” on the film, Tye said Thursday.

Under a 1983 law, Britain’s local authorities have the right to refuse permission for films to be shown in public cinemas within their jurisdiction.

Tye also said he has received support from about 25 members of Parliament, including opposition Labor Party leader Neil Kinnock, to try to have the film banned nationwide.