Rated 'R' As In 'Restricted'

Although Hollywood thrives on violent R-rated hits like The Matrix, which made about $155 million, it won't be counting profits from underage viewers anymore, reports CBS News Correspondent Sandra Hughes. At least that's President Clinton's goal. Tuesday in Washington, he announced a plan to ask for proof of age for all teenagers entering R-rated films.

"When you drop them off, you shouldn't have to worry about your G-rated kid getting into violent or suggestive R-rated movies," said Mr. Clinton.

It's part of the president's post-Littleton plan to crack down on entertainment violence.

And many theater owners appear willing to go along. The National Association of Theater Owners - representing about 65 percent of U.S. motion picture screens - has agreed to the photo-ID requirement for admission to R-rated films.

William F. Kartozian, the association's president, said, "We believe this will go a long way in carrying out our responsibilities to the parents of America." Appearing with Mr. Clinton in a ceremony at the White House, he said theaters will display posters announcing the new policy and advising young people to be ready to show an ID.

Jack Valenti, head of the Motion Picture Association (MPAA) of America, applauded the ID requirement. "It's a big step forward," he said in a statement.

The movie rating system was adopted by the MPAA in 1968. The White House said it can be a useful tool for parents, but only if its main restrictive rating (R for Restricted: under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian) is effectively enforced.

Last year, 85 percent of all films released were rated R, and one recent survey found that almost 80 percent of 10 to 17-year-olds had seen an R-rated movie in the past year.

Teenagers think the ID requirement might not work. "All I'd do is ask someone older than me and they'll just buy it for me. It's so easy to get in," said one teen.

But parents disagree. One woman said, "With all the kids dying, maybe it's the only thing we can do."

In his attempts to clamp down on teen violence, the president has been forced to focus on his moviemaking friends. But some say targeting ticket-takers is only a Band-Aid solution while Hollywood continues to churn out violent films that kids can eventually watch on cable or home video.