...but movie posters censured

Ali G Indahouse has topped the UK box office charts in its opening weekend.

The film, which was shown in 396 cinemas, grossed £3.2million in its first days.

It was released among a slew of children's and family films. Second place in the box office chart is the animated movie Ice Age.

Meanwhile, a poster advertising the film has been censured by watchdogs.

The billboard, which showed Ali G with his hand between a naked woman's legs, attracted 109 complaints in a week.

Advertising Standards Authority watchdogs, using a new fast-track system to judge ads, upheld complaints that it was offensive.

And it took the unusual step of telling distributors United International Pictures that any other posters it wants to use in next two years will first have to be vetted first.

Only three other companies are subject to a similar requirement - French Connection, Yves Saint Laurent and Wonderbra manufacturers Gossard.

UIP admitted the poster was 'risque', but in keeping with Ali G's character.

Published: 27 Mar 2002