A chair (10) of the type used in theaters or the like includes a seat (23) mounted to a standard (12, 29) by pivot mechanisms (30) which bias the seat to a three-quarter fold position in which the seat is raised to permit row egress. The chair back (22) is pivotally mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis located in the back area of an occupant. A link (21) connects the specially formed seat frame to the lower part of the back frame so that when the seat is in the three-quarter fold position, the top of the chair back is rotated forward so that the chair back assumes a generally vertical disposition thereby increasing egress room for the occupant of the row to the rear. Also, in the three-quarter fold position the link/frame mechanism (21) locks the back panel in that position so that it cannot be displaced should an occupant of the next row to the rear grasp the back panel and use it to steady himself or pull himself out of his seat. When the seat is lowered for use the link rotates the back panel to a normal inclined position for occupant comfort.