The Wicker Man opening.
 

"The producer would like to thank the Lord Summerisle and the people of his island off the West Coast of Scotland for this privileged insight into their religious practices and for their generous co-operation in the making of this film."

I always wondered about this opening...chances are that it's really just a dsiplay of dark British humour, but I wonder if there was anything else implied like some of the people on the mainland being fully aware of what went on.

The director's cut of the film is more revealing as it shows Howie before he sets off to Summerisle and he's seen as a figure of ridicule. Perhaps the other coppers sent him away knowing he probably wouldn't come back...

It's pretty wild speculation I know, but it's an odd way to open a film nontheless...