Regarding Mr. Chandler’s refusal to enforce ratings, I don’t think it was done out of some noble response to the absurdity of the ratings system. I remember that he adopted this policy in the mid 80s after becoming increasingly frustrated by insubordinate teens who would cuss him out and threaten violence when refused admission to a film. In fact, part of his policy was to charge higher admission to teenagers because he actually wanted to discourage them from coming to the theater. This policy was covered in one of the local newspapers around the time it was introduced. (Maybe, the Herald? I remember an accompanying picture of Mr. Chandler throwing his hands in the air. “What else could I do?”)
I am sorry to learn of Mr. Chandler’s passing. His theater provided me with some of my most cherished film experiences in the 70s and 80s and I hope that there is some way it can be restored to its former semi-glory. Sticky floors and $.10 coffee!
Regarding Mr. Chandler’s refusal to enforce ratings, I don’t think it was done out of some noble response to the absurdity of the ratings system. I remember that he adopted this policy in the mid 80s after becoming increasingly frustrated by insubordinate teens who would cuss him out and threaten violence when refused admission to a film. In fact, part of his policy was to charge higher admission to teenagers because he actually wanted to discourage them from coming to the theater. This policy was covered in one of the local newspapers around the time it was introduced. (Maybe, the Herald? I remember an accompanying picture of Mr. Chandler throwing his hands in the air. “What else could I do?”)
I am sorry to learn of Mr. Chandler’s passing. His theater provided me with some of my most cherished film experiences in the 70s and 80s and I hope that there is some way it can be restored to its former semi-glory. Sticky floors and $.10 coffee!