Forwarded by Jeremy Butler.
>Date: Sat, 18 Jan 1997 09:10:04 -0800
>Sender: Association for Moving Image Archivists <[log in to unmask]>
>From: Jeff Heise <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: AMIA-L Digest - 15 Jan 1997 to 16 Jan 1997
>To: Multiple recipients of list AMIA-L <[log in to unmask]>
>
>
>
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Sad news for film archivists, preservationists and buffs alike. Lawrence
>Austin, the manager/reviver of the Silent Movie theater in Los Angeles, CA,
>was murdered at the theater last night (1/17) after being robbed at
>gunpoint. A female employee was wounded and is hospitalized. Mr. Austin
>died at the scene, and according to police, both he and the employee were
>shot after cooperating with the robber and handing over the money. The
>incident occurred around 8:30 pm, while a film (SUNRISE) was showing. The
>killer (dressed in black) escaped through the back exit of the theater,
>firing as he fled. Patrons hunkered down in their seats, while some
>thought firecrackers were going off in the lobby. The suspect is still at
>large.
>
>Austin reopened the theater in 1991, after it had been closed for almost a
>decade. John Hampton, who opened the theater in 1942, ran the theater,
>which was a haven for those who loved silent film. Illness forced him to
>close in 1981, but his magnificent film collection (much of which he
>restored himself) remained intact, and was used for showings since the
>re-opening. Hampton's widow, Dorothy, was prominent in the re-opening,
>often taking tickets at the door.
>
>I hope this tragedy will not mean the end of the theater. I know Larry
>wouldn't want it to be, but who knows? I pray that his killer is brought
>to justice, and that they get what they deserve.
>
>Jeff Heise
>
>Jeff Heise
>Movie/music/book maven
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>
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Jeremy Butler
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ScreenSite http://www.sa.ua.edu/ScreenSite
Telecommunication & Film/University of Alabama/Tuscaloosa
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