LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- The director canceled a preview of "Churchill: The Hollywood Years" just hours before its first U.S. screening because he was unhappy with the final version.
Peter Richardson pulled the movie, starring Christian Slater, and called off the screening so he can make final edits before the film's official release Sept. 24, World Entertainment News Network reported Friday.
"Everyone was turned away at the last minute. It was all very odd. Peter Richardson is not pleased with it and wants to re-edit the film," an unidentified source said.
The comedy about the late British prime minister has created controversy for its spoofing of the statesman, primarily a scene in which Churchill, as an American World War II soldier, kisses the future queen, a young Elizabeth II.
"I am absolutely disgusted that a film like this has been made. It's despicable and deplorable. It is in the utmost bad taste," said Norman Harvey Rogers, chairman of The Churchill Society.
With Richardson's dissatisfaction, the film's schedule is now uncertain.
"I don't know when there will be another screening or when it will be released," said Amy Matthews, spokeswoman for the film.
