t t n r r o e o t o g n e n t I t 10 d a s o f v e a s h i s
University Daily Kansan
Monday, April 1, 1974
3
'Exorcist' to Play Despite Protest
Counselors, Evangelists Prepare for Distraught Viewers
By JAN HYATT
Kansas Staff Reporter
"The Exorist" will eventually be shown in Lawrence movie theatres despite a letter campaign by some local residents complaining to Eldar Harwood, manager of the film's theatre Corp., about the film's content and the possible consequences of its showing.
Harwood said the letter campaign made no difference in his efforts to get the film, and it would play as soon as he and the film distributors agreed on the bid price.
When it finally does arrive, counselors and evangelists will be ready to talk to distraught movie-soeurs who are troubled by their suffering or its treatment of demonic possession.
**BRUCE EWING**, 2120 Louisiana St., director of Campus Life, an介nvocation instructor at Lawrence High School, send a letter Feb. 12 to friends asking them to write or call Harwood and express opposition to "The Exorcist" and "pray that God will stop this child."
The letter listed incidences of death and injury incurred by the film's cast during the shooing of "The Exorcist," and said "the time we were in our community if we don't do something."
Harwood said letters of complaint about films weren't uncommon, but he said that he had received more than the usual number of letters about "The Exorcist." Some letters asked him not to show it, he said.
"THINK ITS a very good horror story," Harwood said. "I think other people have heard it."
Harwood said he didn't know when the film would play. He said he had made a bid with the film's distributor but no agreement was reached. The distributors were awaiting the results of the Academy Awards presentations tomorrow before making another bid, he
"The Exorcist" received 10 Academy Award nominations.
Meanwhile, Christian groups and
musicians are preparing for the film's showing.
The Lawrence Christian Liberation Front will distribute pamphlets in downtown Lawrence saying the devil "wins" in the film.
The end of the movie, when the priest commits suicide after taking the demon from the possessed girl into his own body, is a cause of dissent among Christians, according to J. D. Stewart, Plainville senior attorney and the Lawrence Christian Liberal Front.
THE DEVIL looks all-victorious, as if Christians have to coveil in his presence.
Stewart said he saw the film in Kansas City during spring break. He said the audience reacted with hysterical gigling during distasteful scenes.
Stewart said his group didn't object to the film being shown but they wanted to present an alternate interpretation emphasizing the power of Christ against Satan.
"I don't like the hysteria the film is producing. We view it with mixed emotions. We don't like to see people messed up by it, but sometimes it brings them around to the reality of spiritual forces in the world," he said.
THE ASSEMBLY of God Church, 130h and Massachusetts Streets, will be open from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., every evening during the run of "The Exorcist," Steve Allen, pastor, and members of the congregation will talk with persons who may be disturbed by the film.
Allen said they would use an evangelical approach in their counseling, and that they considered the showing of "The Exercist" a challenge to help people. He disagreed with Ewing's letter and those who objected to the showing of the film.
He said he thought the film would bring consciousness of the devil out in the open, and he could see that he was
"Some people think that just because the Exorcist is coming, the devil is coming to Lawrence, but the devil is already here," Allen said.
Dean Kerkman and Don Shoulber, psychologists with the University mental health clinic, talked with assistants to the dean of men and dean of women, campus ministers and staff members at Headquarters, a crisis center at 1632
Kentucky SL, about reactions to the film in other cities and what kinds of psychological reactions they may have.
Kerkman said he anticipated less response to the film now than he did in January and February when the publicity about the film was widespread and psychic disturbances and illness were common among audiences.
Shoubeng said a report by a Catholic priest and professor at the University of Loyola in Chicago showed that most persons who were abnormally disturbed by "The
Exorcist" were Catholics between the ages of 16 and 40 who had lost contact with Jesus.
Ellen Hanson, assistant to the dean of men, said reactions in other college communities have been diminishing because of the publicity and people deciding not to see the film. She said students who are upset by the film should contact the counselors in the residence halls or in the offices of the dean of men and the dean of women.
Bike to sell? Advertise it in the Kansan. Call 864-4358
Euke Winfer, director of Headquarters, said Shoubongtold their staff that persons who had intellectualization religion were most susceptible to disturbances after seeing the
CONSUMER PROTECTION ASSOCIATION
announces ELECTION for BOARD OF DIRECTORS
April 30,1974
Six positions are open. Students, faculty, staff, and all members of the community are encouraged. Applications available in CPA office, room 299, Kansas University, 846-783-9033.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15
To become a member of CPA, fill out a membership card in the CPA in office 6447936. There is no fee. To vote on her 10 must be a member by April. 16.
ATTENTION: Chairman Positions Available for School Year 1974-75
PUBLICITY
PUBLICITY
POPULAR FILMS
CLASSICAL FILMS
FILM SOCIETY
SPECIAL SERIES
CHILDREN'S FILMS
DOCUMENTARY FILMS
MISCELLANEOUS FILMS
ACADEMY AWARDS SERIES
SUMMER SERIES 1974
--directed by Stanley Kubrick FREE ADMISSION: tickets available. Visit us at ourserved basis. Pick up fickets at SUA office. LIMIT 2 PER PERSON.
Applications & Information at SUA Office Deadline: 12 Noon Monday, April 1, 1974
Clip Coupon—Good thru Wed., April 10
10% discount with Coupon
10% regular discount on Cash & Carry
20% Total Discount with Coupon
We make a few necessary exceptions.
Dry Cleaners and Launderers
Bring Coupon with Garments No Deliveries
ACME
Place a Kansan want ad Call 864-4358
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"BEEFEATERS SPECIAL"
Reg. 12" $'3.00 Monday—$'2.60 Reg. 16" $'4.50 Monday—$'3.90
Offer good Monday, April 1
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Fast, Free Delivery to Most Lawrence Areas
International Film Series
Schedule of Remaining Films
"Mouchette"
directed by Robert Bresson
FRENCH
8:00 p.m. Forum Room
"2001: A Space Odyssey"
APRIL 7
8:00 p.m. Woodruff
"Duot for Cannibals"
directed by Susan Santag
8:00 p.m. Woodruff
MARCH 31
APRIL 23
MAY 5
"Sound of Waves"
JAPANESE
8:00 p.m. Woodruff
"Faust"
GERMAN
8:00 p.m. Forum Room
"The Subject"
GERMANY
8:00 p.m. Woodruff
MAY 12
APRIL 21
MIKE FINNIGAN RIDES AGAIN!
APRIL 28
APRIL 9
"Tonio Kroger"
GERMAN
8:00 p.m. Forum Room
APRIL Hays
3 wed. Ft. Hays State Ballroom
International Experimental Sh
*"Relativity"
by Lindsay Anderson
*"Ol Dreamland"
4 thur. Emporia Municipal Aud.
5 fri. Great Bend Civic Center
"Why Do You Smile,
Mona Lisa?"
"Voyeur Virtueo"
8:00 p.m. Woodruff
6. Lawrence
sat. Free State Opera Hse
SAVE THIS SCHEDULE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
7 Salina sun. Avalon Ballroom
8 ...and then mon. he rests
9 Liberal
tues. County Fairground
14 sun. Easter
13 Independence sat. Civic Center
12 fri.
April Wichita
11 thur Cotillion Ballroom
17 Belvue
wed. Pott. County
Civic Aud.
16 Topeka
fues. Grandmother's
15 Pittsburg mon. Mun. Aud.
WITH DAVE MASON'S BAND
& Special Guests Tundance
Shows at 8PM Advance Ticket
Regular Locations
10 wed.
Hutchinson Municipal Aud.
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