Fury over 'tasteless' spin-offs

Outrage over film merchandise is set to erupt as Mel Gibson's movie The Passion Of The Christ opened here today.

In America official merchandise includes nails on a leather necklace inscribed with the Biblical verse: "He was pierced to save our lives." The nails, which are almost an inch long and cost just over £7, have led to the film being dubbed by one critic "the greatest story ever sold".

As well as the more commonplace movie spin-offs such as soundtrack and framed stills, other items for sale include crucifixes and mugs featuring verses from the Gospels.

"Memorable quotes" from the Bible also appear on collectible cards which schoolchildren can swap like football stickers.

In a move that some will see as deeply ironic - since this is a movie based on the Bible - there is also a book of the film.

For those who prefer to stick to the original, however, the official US website offers a leather Bible case - which is unzipped using a nail pendant.

"It is in absolutely appalling taste," a spokeswoman for the Council of Christians and Jews told the Evening Standard.

"All religious people must have a problem with many forms of merchandising.

"It really ought to be helpful or educational - but these are plying their wares to the worst sections of the gallery. I find it very sad that people would think it's an integral part of expressing one's religious faith."

The merchandise has already caused outrage in the US.

The Reverend Forrest Church, of New York's All Souls Unitarian Church, said he was sickened, adding: "I expect the prominence of the nail reflects the prominence of the gore in the movie itself." A company in California, Bob Siemon Designs, is manufacturing much of the merchandise under a licensing agreement with Gibson.

" They're flying off the shelves," said a spokesman.

As its first public viewings began in London - before general release on Friday - The Passion was attacked by some of the country's most senior clergymen and by Jewish leaders.