New Britain herald., 1928-06-09
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
MOVIES Rejected
Ordinance Committee Opposed
to Opening Doors at 5p. N.
FOURTH HEARING HELD
Key. Samuel Sutcliffc Expresses
Opposition In Behalf OF Clergynen
w. c. L. L. Tells of Censorship
Efforts.


Efforts.
A fourth public hearing on the
question of Sunday afternoon mo-
ton picture exhibitions last night
resulted in a unanimous vote by the
ordinance committee OF the common
council against the project, and
rather general expression of hope
that the question had finally been
decided
The attendance was smaller than
at previous hearings and the argu-
ment did not wax as warm, probably
because OF the fact that the common
council is definitely committed to a
policy OF Sunday night shows only.
Asks Why Question Came Up
Alter the arguments pro and con
had been heard and the room
cleared, Councilman William d.
Boyle inquired why the question has
again come up. Alderman Walter
K. Talk. chairman of the ordinance
committee, explained that a report
had been circulated that a COM
promise between the clergy and the
theater interests was possible, and
that new hearing was arranged to
hear the results of conference. II
was brought out during the hearing
by Rev. Samuel T. Sutcliffe, that the
ministers had met the theatrical
men and that early Sunday opening
was under discussion,
Councilman w. Spaulding Warner,
expressing his displeasure at the
events which resulted in last nights
meeting. said: Somebody influenced
somebody else to get it back here
for another hearing. ] wish / could
say more!"
The question up for consideration
was whether the hour of opening
should be changed from Z .. m. to s
p. m.
AllinG speaks For ThcaterS
Attorney General B. W. Al!ing,
Si'~ VI 'itN lu u IoI lIlt lIlk
picture men. told OF waiting line
extending hundreds of feet from
theater entrances and suggested an
earlier hour as the remedy. This
would permit parents who take their
children to the shows TO get them
home earlier. 1t would also relieve
congestion by permitting two and
one-half performances. he argued.
Judge Alling remarked that New
Britain is the only city OF size in this
locality which does not have a show
opening at p. IN. or earlier on Sun
day. and the neighboring city of
Bristol opens its theatcr doors at
2:30 o'clock.
KEY. Mr.. Sutc!iffe. representing the
Protestant Ministers association, ex-
pressed hope that there would be
no further hearings. He told of a
meeting between the clergy and the
theater men and of the discussion OF
a compromise to which. he said, the
ministers did not agree.
The fact that other cities have
earlier shows has no bearing on New
Britain under the local system. Mr..
Sutcliife said, meanwhile charging
that the city of Bristol violates the
law every Sunday with vaudeville
shows. That New Britainites will
go out of the city to see a show
when one may be seen here an hour
or two later was characterized by
the ministers as absurd.
Rev. Lucyan Bojnowski, pastor OF
the Sacred Heart church which en-
braces the greater part of the city's
Polish population. is still opposed.
Mr.. Sutcliife informed the COM
mttee.
That the clerGymen are willing to
encourage amateur events and the
use Of the great outdoors, but insist
that profit and commercialism be
kept in its proper place. was the
clam advanced by the speaker. THE
law protects business. why not pro-
tect the business of the church." he
said in conclusion.
Rev. F. W. Schaefer declared 1t
Continued on Pare 1s)