The Motion Picture Association of America Thursday suspended for one month the rating on the film, "Captivity," because of its graphic advertising.

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The MPAA's action against After Dark Films' pending release was in response to the ad display of a woman's torture and death in Los Angeles and New York, which the MPAA disapproved as inappropriate for general public viewing, the association said in a news release.

The production company and its distributors will be required to clear promotional materials, as well as locations and venues of ad buys, for the film, the MPAA said. This is the first time this sanction has been imposed.

"The sanctions in this case are severe because this was an unacceptable and flagrant violation of MPAA rules and procedures," said Marilyn Gordon, Senior Vice President of Advertising.

The company said the promotions were mistakenly printed and distributed.

All films that seek an MPAA rating are required to clear with the MPAA all promotional materials that will be publicly displayed, whether in print, on television, in theaters or online.

Once "Captivity" becomes eligible for rating consideration May 1, it will not be given priority scheduling.