Horror Films

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29897, 10 August 1962, Page 3

Horror Films

Sir, —I want to attend the Crystal Palace “doubleteatuve theatre” on Thursday night. The advertisement reads: “Double - Demon Show! Half man . . . Half Crab. It had to have blood to live. A horrible creature left by the tide of time . . . terrorises the modern world! ! !” “The Monster of Piedras Blancos. You’ll be terrified! You’ll be shocked! Monsters magazine gave it ‘year’s best’ shock award.. R. 16. Persons under 16 will not be admitted.” “Plus: Plus! Teen-age hoodlums, on a ray-gun rampage blasting the flesh off humans. Teenagers from Outer Space. R 13. Persons under 13 years will not be admitted. . . .” This is my problem: I am over. 13 but not yet 16. Am I to be dishonest ans go in for the whole show or can I see half the show—suitable to my age group—for half toe normal admittance charge?— Yours, etc., JUST THIRTEEN. August 8, 1962. [The manager of the Crystal Palace (Mr T. G. Crowe) replies:' “In welcoming the query from ‘Just Thirteen’ I must state that in a case such as the above where one film is restricted to persons 16 and over, and the other film to persons 13 and over, precedence must be given to the film carrying the highest censor’s rating, in . this case ‘Monster of the Piedras Blancos.' regardless of ratings for the rest of the programme. Being bound to adhere to the censor’s ruling, we cannot admit any person under the age of the specified ruling. Apart from this, we would have to charge the full admission price and I am sure you will appreciate the inconvenience to other patrons which would result if we had to search for any young patrons who might be tempted to stay for. the remainder of the show.”]