West v. Seigle Theatre

TALIAFERRO, Judge.

The defendants, Roland and Otto Seigle, own and operate a moving picture theatre in the City of Monroe, Louisiana, the balcony of which is set apart for the exclusive use of colored patrons. Plaintiff, a colored man, while viewing a picture therein was injured in a stampede of patrons precipitated by one or more persons yelling “Fire!”, when the film of the picture then being projected ignited. He sues for damages resulting from the injury.

Evidently, plaintiff did not know, when he filed suit, the true origin of the film’s ignition. He alleged that the fire was attributable…