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The Classics

Hundreds show up to Harder They Come premiere

Published:Friday | June 3, 2022 | 8:05 AM
A section of the crowd at the Carib Theatre who went to view the World Premier of "The Harder they Come" on June 5, 1972. Second row, second from left is Perry Henzell, producer of the film, Edna Manley and Beverley Anderson. Standing in back, second from left is Carl Bradshaw, one of the actors in the film.

Hundreds turned up to see the premiere of The Harder They Come, but there was a lengthy delay. The doors of the theatre got damaged as persons forced themselves in. The movie was eventually shown when most of the crowd had left.

Published Tuesday, June 6, 1972

Premiere of film marred

Hundreds of persons stormed their way into the Carib Theatre on June 5, 1972, forcing management to cancel the official ceremony at the premiere of the locally produced film The Harder They Come.

Prime Minister, the Hon. Michael Manley and other guests were unable to attend after pandemonium broke loose.

According to reports, the trouble started at around 7:30 when hundreds of persons broke through the entrance and entered the theatre. Doors and other parts of the theatre were damaged. A number of persons sustained minor injuries.

The situation worsened as patrons who had entered the theatre earlier got caught up in the rush as they tried to leave.

The film was eventually shown after the major part of the crowd outside had left.

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