Governor Hears Plea on 'Deep Throat'
Deseret News, 6 July 1974
A delegation of Magna residents, headed by a state legislator, took their case against a theater operator showing an "X" rated film Friday to Gov. Calvin L. Rampton, but the governor promised little help.
The group, headed by Rep. D. Leon Reese, D-Magna, has sought to stop a theater operator's showing of "Deep Throat" and has succeeded in getting three prints of the one-hour film confiscated by authorities - but the show goes on, for the operator has another print.
"We don't expect you to have all the answers," Rep. Reese said, "but we feel we've been getting the run-around from the county attorney's office."
Gov. Rampton replied, "I don't want to make you think I'm giving you the runaround myself, but this is a matter primarily for local governments."
He said it appears "things are moving as fast as they can" on three fronts: first, a civil suit against the operators which has not yet been set for hearing, second, a criminal charge set for hearing July 15, and third, an injunction action for which a hearing has also not been set.
Mr. Reese said the operator, James Piepenberg, has retained a 16 mm print of the film and begins showings at noon, running to midnight.
None of the delegation visiting Gov. Rampton told the group that over the years the community has resisted incorporating, meaning that for local law enforcement the community must look to the county.
The governor suggested local authorities, were the town incorporated, might have moved faster, more to the satisfaction of those wanting to stop showings of such films in the community.