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View Full Version : OT: Violation of 1st Amendment Rights at Theater?




TheNcredibleEgg
06-07-2011, 11:22 PM
Ever been annoyed by a loud-talking patron at a film? Had that nail-biting darkened hallway scene ruined by someone turning on their phone to send a text? Well, one Texas theater has your back.

Alamo Drafthouse, a local chain of dine-and-screen movie theaters in Austin, Texas, has long waged a war against impolite moviegoers. And the latest customer to object to their firm rules against talking and texting during an evening out has become the unwitting star of a PSA released by the company on Monday.

According to Tim League, the Drafthouse's founder, the woman in question was warned twice about texting during a screening, and then, in accordance with company policy, was escorted out without a refund. "I don't think people realize that it is distracting," League told The Lookout. "It seems like nothing, but if you spend as much time as I do at the movies, you realize the entire theater sees it and it pulls you out of the movie experience. It's every bit as intrusvie as talking."

However, the determined texter was not about to let the matter rest. She called up the Alamo Drafthouse and left a profanity-laced (and perhaps slightly inebriated) message decrying the theater's policies. "Yeah, I was wondering if you guys actually enjoy treating your customers like a pieces of sh*t," she opened, "Because that's how I felt when I went to the Alamo Drafthouse!"

"So excuse me for using my phone, in USA magnited States of America" she raged, "where yer-you are free to text in a the-a-ter!"

But the theater (and its future patrons) are getting the last laugh. The Drafthouse took audio of the woman's voicemail, transcribed it, and turned it into an in-house preview that warns theatergoers against cell phone use during movies. Given the former patron's colorful language, they'll only be screening it before R-rated films. We've embedded a clean version of the PSA below, with objectionable language beeped out:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVz-fO7kxcQ&feature=player_embedded


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVz-fO7kxcQ&feature=related


Ok - ok - ok. Not a serious post. Move the thread if you need to. I just wanted to share the lastest Youtube Viral Sensation that left me laughing.

LibertyEagle
06-07-2011, 11:34 PM
How is this a violation of the 1st Amendment? Alamo Drafthouse is private property and they can set whatever rules they want on their own property.

By the way, Alamo Drafthouse is really neat and a great place to go see a movie. They serve you food and drink (including beer) while you watch the movie. :)

I say KUDOS to them for getting the rude jerks out of the place.

Pretty funny clip. I'll bet they show that too. lol

heavenlyboy34
06-07-2011, 11:46 PM
lolz! :D

BamaAla
06-07-2011, 11:51 PM
Now that's funny! I wish the Carmike I usually go to would do this.

Dustancostine
06-08-2011, 12:02 AM
Alamo drafthouse is the only place that I will go and see a movie, and Austin is two hours away. The atmosphere is phenomenal, the food is good and the beer is cold. Also they do not allow people under the age of 18 in the theatre without a parent, and if you talk or text they will throw your ass out. This makes for an awesome experience.

My favorite:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fddkrlRHP2g

steph3n
06-08-2011, 12:05 AM
you don't have 1st A rights in private property, you consent to their rules.

TheNcredibleEgg
06-08-2011, 12:12 AM
you don't have 1st A rights in private property, you consent to their rules.

Excuse me?

Did you miss the part where this is USA, the MAGNITED States of America - where YER are FREE to TEXT in a the-a-ter!?

Ok?

All'right?


To be serious though:

Yes, a lot of people get confused thinking the 1st Amendment rights of free speech extend to private property and businesses. Including me - as of a few years ago.

qh4dotcom
06-08-2011, 12:26 AM
You all seem to have forgotten than when you go watch a movie you are watching a bunch of Obama supporters in front of a camera pretending to be someone that they are not. Hollywood has done enough brainwashing. I'd rather donate to a cause of liberty the price of a movie ticket.