This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Police officers will be on alert in and near Utah theaters planning to show the controversial comedy movie "The Interview" on Christmas Day.
The film, which revolves around bumbling TV personalities being recruited to assassinate North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, was initially yanked from theaters after the reclusive communist nation threatened violent retribution if it was screened.
But after Sony Pictures Entertainment and theater chains were hammered by an enraged American public over perceived surrender of free speech rights, the movie was returned to Christmas Day screens on a limited basis.
"The Interview" is showing at the Megaplex theaters in South Jordan and the Brewvies Cinema Pub in Salt Lake City.
South Jordan police spokesman Sam Winkler confirmed Wednesday that "management of the Megaplex has asked for additional police officer presence. While the movie is being shown, the South Jordan Police Department will have an increased security presence at the theater."
Salt Lake City police Detective Cody Lougy also confirmed that officers would be at Brewvies during the movie's showings.
Neither police department would offer further details about security, other than to say officers would be both inside and outside the venues.
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