Entrepreneur. He was an American film co-producer and co-director of several adult films, including the 1972 film "Behind the Green Door." Born Artie Jay Mitchell in a middle-class Jewish family, he and his older brother Jim were the subjects of the award-winning 2000 Showtime movie "Rated X," which was an adaption of a nonfiction book with the same name. The two brothers gained notoriety as pioneers in the adult entertainment business and were known to push the legal boundaries of the business. Along with the adult films, the two brothers operated various pornography businesses throughout California from 1969 until 1991. On July 4, 1969, the business started in San Francisco with the opening of O'Farrell Theatre, which was at first a traditional movie theatre that was transformed into a venue for erotic entertainment. Over the years, the establishment was raided by the police numerous times, with the brothers being arrested nearly 200 times for breaking obscenity laws. Eventually, the brothers owned eleven such businesses and were very successful, leading to lavished lifestyles. He was married twice, divorced twice, and had a total of six children. After high school, he served in the United States Army. Professionally, he and his brother did not always agree, leading to conflicts, including his alleged drug abuse. According to the "San Francisco Chronicle," he died from numerous gunshot wounds. Shortly after his death, his brother Jim was arrested and, eventually found guilty of voluntary manslaughter. His brother was given a six-year prison sentence yet released in three years.
Entrepreneur. He was an American film co-producer and co-director of several adult films, including the 1972 film "Behind the Green Door." Born Artie Jay Mitchell in a middle-class Jewish family, he and his older brother Jim were the subjects of the award-winning 2000 Showtime movie "Rated X," which was an adaption of a nonfiction book with the same name. The two brothers gained notoriety as pioneers in the adult entertainment business and were known to push the legal boundaries of the business. Along with the adult films, the two brothers operated various pornography businesses throughout California from 1969 until 1991. On July 4, 1969, the business started in San Francisco with the opening of O'Farrell Theatre, which was at first a traditional movie theatre that was transformed into a venue for erotic entertainment. Over the years, the establishment was raided by the police numerous times, with the brothers being arrested nearly 200 times for breaking obscenity laws. Eventually, the brothers owned eleven such businesses and were very successful, leading to lavished lifestyles. He was married twice, divorced twice, and had a total of six children. After high school, he served in the United States Army. Professionally, he and his brother did not always agree, leading to conflicts, including his alleged drug abuse. According to the "San Francisco Chronicle," he died from numerous gunshot wounds. Shortly after his death, his brother Jim was arrested and, eventually found guilty of voluntary manslaughter. His brother was given a six-year prison sentence yet released in three years.
Bio by: Linda Davis
Gravesite Details
South end of the cemetery almost to the back, near the cement arch and a bench.
Family Members
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