One of the longest sex scenes in film history was so controversial it was cut from various TV adaptations

Steamy scenes in television are commonplace these days, but back in 1973, one particular scene in a film ended up being axed out of adaptations due to its sauciness.

Oh, to have been in the room when the late Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie were getting jiggy for Don’t Look Now.

I mean, any scene so prolonged and controversial must have been a sight to see, right?

The Hollywood legend was known for his role as President Snow in the Hunger Games franchise which saw him play the evil dictator who routinely sent children to their deaths, and was thwarted by the wilderness-savvy Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence).

But you may not know his most controversial role to date.

Playing the role of John Baxter, the story revolves around ‘a married couple grieving the recent death of their young daughter' and 'encounter two elderly sisters, one of whom is psychic and brings a warning from beyond.’

It sounds innocent enough and for a thriller, there isn’t usually room for a nearly five-minute romp is there? Wrong.

This film took it to the next level and was so explicit that it was alleged that the British Board of Film Classification declared it beyond what would be a passable scene for audiences.

Donald Sutherland's role was so controversial it was axed in TV adaptations. (Paramount Pictures)

Now that it’s decades since it was released, it’s safe to say there have been some scenes which have surpassed that one in turns of vulgarity, but to be this well known for how networks refused to broadcast it? That’s an achievement for sure.

With a 93 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critics absolutely loved the flick for its grit and depiction of grief personified.

One person wrote: “Despite being known for its lurid sex scene, Nicolas Roeg’s 1973 film avoids Hollywood sensationalism while making grief into a monster.”

Another penned: “Separate polls by the British Film Institute and Time Out London have cited it as one of the 10 best British films ever made. No argument here.”

Someone else wrote: “Like ROSEMARY'S BABY and THE WICKER MAN, it is the build-up of anticipation and the feeling that something bad is going to happen that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I am willing to bet the final scene will get your skin crawling.”

Kiefer Sutherland's tribute to his dad was touching. (Instagram/ @kiefersutherland)

Sutherland passed away earlier this week at 88 years old, with his son and fellow actor Kiefer Sutherland breaking the news of his death on his Instagram page.

Penning the heartfelt post, he expressed his grief and made sure fans knew he had lived a wonderful life.

He wrote alongside a black and white image of him and his dad when he was a little boy: “With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film.

"Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived.”