Medford police are investigating an arson fire at the Tinseltown theaters Sunday that officials suspect could be linked to the opening of "Jackass 2," a prank-filled film with an R rating.
"It was not a coincidence that this was the opening weekend of 'Jackass 2,' " theater manager Steve Rhay said.
Tinseltown had problems all weekend with teenagers trying to get into the R-rated film, he said. He suspected someone who was denied entry tried to retaliate or prevent others from seeing the movie by setting the fire.
Theater managers across the country reported increased vandalism when "Jackass: The Movie" came out in 2002, Rhay said. News reports claim that the "Jackass" movies and television show have inspired people to attempt stupid and sometimes dangerous stunts.
At 5:05 p.m. Sunday, someone set fire to a toilet-paper dispenser in a men's restroom near Tinseltown's main lobby, directly across a corridor from where the film starring MTV's crass stuntmen Johnny Knoxville and Bam Margera was playing.
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People who were evacuated and met at an assembly point in front of the box office were offered rain checks, but those who arrived for later showings simply were turned away, Rhay said.
Sunday is usually Rhay's day off, but when theater employees interrupted his dinner to tell him of the fire, he came in to help explain the problem to customers.
The theaters reopened Monday afternoon in time for regular 1:30 p.m. showings, even though the scorched and flooded bathroom remained closed, Rhay said.
Medford police have assigned the arson case to a detective. They ask anyone with information about the fire to call 776-2230.
Reach reporter Anita Burke at 776-4485, or e-mail aburke@mailtribune.com.
