X-rated Movies Cancellation Discussed
May 12, 1977
Paul R. DePasquale, Susanville attorney, appearing before the Susanville City Council at its regular meeting on Monday evening to question whether it was proper for local law officers to act in bringing about the cancellation of the showing of two X-rated movies at the Sierra Theatre.
DePasquale was referring to “Behind the Green Door” and “Resurrection of Eve.” Both were advertised in The Advocate issues of March 16, 18 and 23.
In the issue of March 25 the advertisement for the theater announced that “Green Door” and “eve” had been canceled and stated “although the Sierra Theater has the right to exhibit “X” rated films and consenting adults have legitimate interest in viewing them, “Behind the Green Door” and “The Resurrection of Eve” have been canceled because the atmosphere has become so hostile that the Sierra Theater cannot reasonably ensure your safety and enjoyable viewing of these features.”
Police Chief Marcus Murphy, accompanied by Sgt. Jack Burk, Sgt. John Martin, Justice Court Judge Don Macintyre and Kate Dieter, with the Lassen County Probation Department, attended a pre-showing of the X-rated movies at the theater prior to the cancelation notice which appeared in The Advocate.
Chief Murphy said that the films had been flown to Susanville for the special showing by the theater owner and that the local manager had been very cooperative and agreed to the cancelation after those viewings had found it objectionable.
