When I was in either 9th or 10th grade, the film ‘And God Created Woman’ by Roger Vadim was especially popular among me and my friends. At that time, we were 14-15 years of age. That’s when boys begin to get interested in the curves of the female anatomy. Anyway, the reviews were great, especially regarding the nude scenes of young Brigitte Bardot. This film was screened at the ‘Royal Cinema’ if I am not mistaken. Everyone wanted to be at the premiere, myself included. Of course, we wanted to boast among our friends that we were the first to have seen Bardot in her ‘birthday suit’ – although on celluloid only. But, alas, no nude scenes of Bardot! The film Censor Board used their scissors to cut out the most intriguing scenes.
In those days, new releases were screened on Fridays, and I would try to watch every new movie without fail. On Sundays, Sunday Morning Shows were starting at 9:30 am. The films were re-runs from earlier screenings at reduced prices. After the show, I’d have Chinese noodles (Si Chet Khauk Swe) at my favorite noodle shop on 31st Street, loiter around Sule Pagoda Road, browse the books at Smart & Mookerdum Bookshop beside the Globe Cinema, and come home. One couldn’t skip classes and go to the movies during those times. Smoking was still permitted inside, and you reeked of cigarette smoke afterward. The smell stayed in your hair and clothes. And my dad would instantly know that I had been to the movies. No denying. Only later, smoking was banned inside the hall.