Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 19, 1992 TAG: 9201170202
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
PARENTS, COMMUNITY LAX IN SUPERVISING KIDS
I recently attended a violent "R"-rated movie, "The Last Boy Scout," at the New River Valley Movie 8.I was shocked to discover about eight children ranging in ages from 8 to 13 attending this movie. They were bragging about slipping into the theater and the fact that an usher saw them and did nothing about it.
As a former teacher and school counselor, I decided to confront the manager, who was smoking and playing a video game. He promised to look into it.
About 10 minutes later he confronted them and then left while the children remained. They said their mother dropped them off at the theater to see that movie.
After the movie, I again confronted the manager with a ratings guide, which details that children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. He shrugged his shoulders, said the parent had said it was OK and that the bylaw is not enforceable. He continued to play his video game.
Two things are apparent here. The movie theater does not care about upholding movie regulations and protecting our children from learning and seeing things they shouldn't. Any child can get in the film of his or her choice once he or she gets into the theater.
A long-haired boy is the only close-to-adult supervision in sight. The manager is too busy at his video game. Also, if the mother was guilty of allowing her children and their friends into this movie, she is an example of '90s poor parenting in the New River Valley.
Only if community and parents act together can we prevent apathetic movie theaters and irresponsible parents from setting a foundation for future delinquents.\ Jim Dooley\ Blacksburg
Editor's note: The management of the New River Valley Movie 8 was given a chance to respond to Mr. Dooley's letter. Following is Manager John Newman's letter: