It is my understanding that martial arts outside of those used by the military are widely illegal in China. My question is about the cultural climate in the 60's - 70's that allowed so many films to be made glorifying something that was essentially illegal? I accept that my understanding if China during this period may not be perfect but I cannot see the government allowing these films to be made and eventually sold to overseas audiences.

I'd love to get some perspective on Communist China and the entertainment industry during the height of the martial arts film.