Hollywood Cinema

The transition from the Jerry Lewis Cinema to the newly renamed Hollywood Cinema was marked by a notable shift in programming. Hollywood Cinema swiftly began showcasing adult movies with an X rating, 24 hours a day. This move occurred during a period when the public was pushing for stricter laws against obscenity, advocating for the banning of such films from local theaters.

On April 8, 1975, a legal challenge emerged against Hollywood Cinema when Wichita City Attorney John Dekker filed a lawsuit in Sedgwick County District Court. The suit aimed to seize two allegedly obscene films, “Altar of Lust” and “Oral Contract,” being screened at the cinema. Alleged violations of state laws against promoting obscenity were cited, with additional measures sought such as declaring the premises a common nuisance and obtaining a permanent injunction. The cinema, owned by Movie Showcase Inc. and managed by G.W. Clark, faced significant legal scrutiny.

A week later, another controversy emerged with the screening of a by-invitation event featuring films starring Linda Lovelace. Builders Inc., the theater property’s owners, started legal action against the event, resulting in Judge Howard Kline issuing a temporary restraining order on the theater. The lawsuit argued that the event’s invitations improperly used Builders Inc.’s name, potentially damaging its reputation. The theater’s attorney, Jim Lawing, argued that the restraining order infringed on First Amendment rights.

The legal saga around the private charity screening of X-rated movies “Deep Throat” and “The Devil in Miss Jones” at Hollywood Cinema continued on April 16, 1975. Judge Kline, maintained a halt on the previously planned screening, rejecting a motion to proceed by lawyer Jim Lawing. Despite considering defying the court order, the Los Angeles-based corporation ultimately decided against it, choosing to respect the legal ruling. The event was postponed to the following evening. In court, Lawing proposed distributing disclaimers to clarify that Builders Inc. or Parklane Merchants Association didn’t sponsor the charity event. However, Judge Kline expressed skepticism about the sufficiency of this measure.

On April 16, 1975, “Throat,” a film previously declared obscene in Wichita in 1973, played at Hollywood Cinema in an “optically modified” version.  Lawing explained that this version had been censored, although specific changes were not explained. Despite adjustments, there was no indication of alterations in the film’s advertising. The cinema planned a by-invitation screening, with notifications that neither Builders Inc. nor the merchants association endorsed the event.

On April 17, 1975. “Deep Throat,” was not shown, and future screenings were put on hold pending a court hearing. This decision followed a new civil court action by the city attorney’s office, marking the second intervention by the District Court in less than a week.

“The Devil in Miss Jones” was shown to an invitation-only audience after the latest hearing concluded. The court ordered the seizure and proposed destruction of “Deep Throat,” based on its prior obscenity declaration in 1973. Police who confiscated the film could not find a suitable place to review the material.  The corporate president assured that no version of “Deep Throat” would be shown until a hearing determined its obscenity. 

On December 10, 1975,  Judge Kline ruled to padlock Hollywood Cinemas in January. This decision followed two claims from the city, that the theater was promoting obscenity.

Hollywood Cinemas ceased operations at midnight on January 9, 1976, following a court ruling declaring the X-rated films shown there last April as obscene. Judge Kline found Movie Showcase Inc. in violation of Kansas laws against promoting obscenity. The closure was part of an agreement that included the destruction of the contested films, and the retention of theater equipment by the owners.

The theater is long gone, and the Parklane Shopping Mall still stands. Thanks to some detective work from Wichita history guru, Mike Maxton, we were able to figure out the theater’s address was 966 Parklane. The location is a Rent One store now.

To learn about more of Wichita’s theaters check out: Silver Screen Whispers: Wichita Theaters