EPIC Joins in Nationwide Picketing Against Southern Movie Segregation

Responding to the lead of southern integrationists, a crowd of nearly 100 braved below freezing temperatures to picket the Metropolitan Theatre in downtown Boston yesterday afternoon. The picketing, sponsored by EPIC, was part of a nationwide Lincoln's Birthday protest against theatres in the ABC-Paramount chain--a chain that operates segregated theatres in the South.

Despite the sometimes shabby appearacne of the picket lines and the tattered condition of some of the home-made signs, the demonstraters maintained a high level of enthusiasm. They sang steadily through the two and a half hour demonstration, creating an old-time revivalist atmosphere. Favorite selections included "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," "We Shall overpower," and Pete Seeger's "This Land is Your Land."

Police Keep Watch

Although the picketing produced no violence, Boston Police kept a close watch on the proceedings, employing several mounted police and over a dozen officers to keep pedestrians and traffic moving. At the outset of the demonstrations they ordered the picketers away from the immediate entrance to the theatre, forcing them to form two ovals at the sides of the entrance.

Picket organizer Harvey Pressman, teaching fellow in History, said he would protest the "very restrictive and hostile attitude of the police."

Pressman said that the Boston demonstration was only one of at least 12 being staged in major cities across the country. The Student Non-Violent Co-ordinating Committee in Atlanta, Ga., had asked the Boston EPIC group, which last year led a boycott against the Woolworth chain, to join in the "second stage" of protesting against segregation practices.

A high point in the afternoon for the chilled picketers came when a pack of Cub Scouts appeared to be changing their minds about attending the Disney adventure story. The cheer was short-lived however, as a theatre official hustled the boys around to a side entrance "in order to keep the group together."

Frank J. Bardacke '63, who collected signatures an on anti-segregation petition in front of the box office, reported that "children were much more receptive than adults, and often felt guilty about attending." Bardacke was one of 40 students from Harvard and Radcliffe participating in the picketing.

Promising more picketing in the future, Pressman expressed confidence that continued pressure would have an important economic effect on the theatre. Present plans call for another demonstration in the downstown theatre district within two weeks and then a series of protests at suburban theaters. ABC-Paramount officials jelly refused to comment on the demonstration.