The Exorcist: Re-released with "truly terrifying" previously unseen footage

In the UK anyone aged 15 and above can see it, even though its star is just 14.

Jack Valenti, head of the MPAA, explained the decision saying: "Thirty or 40 times the f-word is used.

"We folks who live in Washington, New York and California thinks everyone talks like we do," he added. "But I get more letters about language than I do about violence."

In the US, where even President Bill Clinton was reported to have seen and enjoyed the film, under 17s will have to be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian to see the film.

The film centres around a 14-year-old boy's dream to become a ballet dancer against the wishes of his family, against the backdrop of the 1980s miners' strike.

Billy Elliot is the first feature by British theatre director Stephen Daldry, who went to the US to promote the film.

Producers had been hoping it would recreate the success of British movies The Full Monty and Notting Hill.

Originally condemned on its release in 1973 for its "satanic" imagery, The Exorcist - dubbed by many as the "scariest movie ever made" - has been re-released in the US with extra footage.

A new version of the film went on release across the US last month, and stormed straight into the top 10.