It isn't. On its original UK release it was one of the most censored films in the BBFC's history, that they didn't simply ban outright - all references to the IRA and the Irish Troubles were removed. This version has been shown on the BBC before, but I understand an uncut version was released on VHS in 1998. It's an Oscar-winner for Victor McLaglen as Best Actor and John Ford as Best Director, nominated for Best Picture.STEVEM13 wrote: Great to see BBC2 showing 'The Informer' on Sat 11th Jan. I think this could be another premiere but not sure.
Seconding the comment above that the films being shown on TV this Christmas are less interesting than last year's. At least I would have less to record - I recorded lots last year but lost them when my digibox decided it was too full and started deleting things. I have weekend-morning films from this year that I haven't watched yet. The major old film I will be recording is the 50s War and Peace, which I haven't seen before and isn't on DVD in the UK. I'll be at my parents' when it's on, and I doubt they'd want to watch it, especially given that it's three and a quarter hours long!