Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-08-17
CITIZENS PROTEST
ARBUCKLE VISIT
Appearance of Former Film
Comedian on Stage Here
Strongly Opposed.

Emphatic protests. both from organ
liza tions and individuals, have been
voiced against the appearance on the
stage of a local theater Saturday of
Roscoe Arbuckle, former screen
comedian, who was involved in a
scandal on the Pacific Coast several
years ago.
The management of the theater.
however, announced that. acting in
accordance from instructions from the
New York booking office which con-
trolls the attractions presented here.
Arbuckle would begin weeks en-
gagement Saturday as scheduled origi-
nally.
Protest Letters Received.
IT was stated at the theater that the
Arbuckie act was not booked for
Washington until the main office was
convinced that the public wanted to
see him. basing it's conviction on the
reception he is said to have received
In the % cities in which he has ap-
peared.
Although admitting that more than
a dozen letters of protest had been
received at the theater. the manage
ment stated today that the majority
OF these were unsigned and that sew
eral patrons had signified their per.
sonal approval of his appearance here.
while others had applauded the ad-
vance announcement of his coming,
flashed on the screen.
Representatives of prominent or
ganiZations, however. as we'll as indi-
viduals. have protested against the
appearance of the former actor
Parent-Teachers Opposed.
Speaking formally as chairman Of
the motion picture committee of the
District Of Columbia Congress of
Parent Teacher AsSocia tiOns, and also
as chairman of the public welfare
committee of the District of Columbia
Federation Of Women's Clubs, Mrs.
William ]. I.aVarree stat ted today that
those committees as well as the or
ganizations which they represent are
unalterably opposed to his appear
ance here.
Indignant at reports that Arbuckle
had been invited to attend the jubilee
at Silver Spring Saturday. incident
to the opening Of the new State
armory there. the committee in charge
Of the celebration, including officers
Of the Silver Spring Fire Department
and the Chamber OF Commerce, met
last night and emphaticaly denied
that any invitation had been extend
ed tp him.
1--WE do not want him, never have
wanted him and will not have him"
stated Capt. Frank l.. Hewitt.
spokesman for the committee.
Manager Is Surprised.
Sidney Cohan. personal representa-
tive of Arbuckle, stated today that he
was at a loss to understand the pro-
test which has arisen in Washington
against his coming here. Cohan
stated that this is the first city where
his appearance has been protested and
said that he was welcomed cordially
by audiences in Cleveland. Buffalo,
Boston, New York, Detroit. Newark
and other cities.
With other letters received by The
Star. commenting favOrahly on its
editorial protesting the appearance
here of Arbuckle. is the following:
1.-The officers of the National Educa.
ton Association wish to commend The
Evening Star for it's attitude regard
ing the proposed personal appear
ance' in Washington of Roscoe Ar
buckle. At the time of the notorious
and tragic episode in California the
National Education Association joined
other civic and women's organizations
throughout the Nation in protesting
against the showing of Arbuckle films.
That these protests were effective is
shown by the fact that the films have
not appeared. We believe these ef-
forts to return Arbuckle to the stage
are merely preliminary steps toward
another attempt to bring him back to
the screen, which will be resented by
high minded citizens who believe that
motion pictures should be kept on
high plane.
1--WE like to believe that the theater
is one of the great educative forces in
modern life and has much influence
on the ideals of young people. The
Evening Star can render no greater
service than to lead in this movement
to keep the Washington stage clean.
We cannot believe that Washington
citizens will be willing to patronize
place sponsoring such feature.
~. w. CRABTREE,
Secretary National Education Asso-
ciation."