Russ Meyer and Albert Zugsmith didn't get along during the shooting of this film because Meyer wanted to make a serious movie while Zugsmith was more interested in making a slapstick comedy.
Completely overturning the censor's decision, the Ilkeston Petty Sessional Division awarded the film a "U" certificate (for all ages) on 15 April 1966. The fourteen magistrates (including three women) viewed Fanny Hill privately in Ilkeston and decided on unrestricted showings at all cinemas in their division which covered Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Ripley and Heanor.
Refused a certificate by the British Board of Film Censors on 20 January 1965, the film opened anyway at the Cinephone, Birmingham on 11 June 1965, courtesy of a local "X" certificate. Thereafter, the distributors E.J. Fancey mounted a relentless campaign to persuade as many local authorities as possible to pass the film. The plan worked so well that the film was nearly on general release. Newcastle-under-Lyme thought the film harmless enough to award a certificate "U" for unrestricted showings, whilst the Halifax Fire Service and Licensing Committee decided on certificate "A" for children if accompanied. (Unfortunately, the Cinema Royal in Halifax closed down on 26 February 1966, the day before Fanny was due to arrive). Eventually, the BBFC relented and awarded a certificate "X" (after cuts) on 17 May 1968.
In a 1969 interview, Russ Meyer said this is the only film he made that wasn't entirely under his control and he wasn't satisfied with the final result. From that point on he swore he would be in charge of every movie from beginning to end.
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