Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1939)

Railroad Executives Urge Attendance at Picture Winnipeg — Following a private screening of “Union Pacific” for executives of the Canadian Pacific and the Canadian National Railways here in the city, Harold Bishop of the Capitol received a communication from Mr. Bruce Boreham of the CNR containing a copy of announcement which had been sent to all departments and to the shops. Headed “Railroad Picture at the Capitol Theatre,” the notice read: “A few evenings ago, several members of the Canadian National Railways headquarters staff had the opportunity of witnessing a preview of the latest railroad picture to be screened, ‘Union Pacific.’ “The film brings out many of the trials and tribulations which were faced in building our own Canadian roads and this note is to urge all railroaders in this city to visit the Capitol and take it in. “Take your family to the Capitol and see this thrilling film. You will all enjoy it.” Bishop received a similar communication from Mr. Neill of the CPR. In addition to the above, Bishop tied up the film with Sunkist Oranges and Lipton’s Tea and with Screen Romance. Shots of the Kentucky Derby contained in the newsreel were tied up with the Winnipeg Sports Turf Digest. 'Damaged Goods' Lauded By Minister of Health Winnipeg — With Grand National’s “Damaged Goods” opening at the Regina Rex, I. H. Allan of the Winnipeg office is in receipt of a letter from the minister of public health of Saskatchewan offering an unsolicited endorsement of the film. The letter says: “In accordance with the extensive program adopted by departments of public health throughout the Dominion of Canada for the eradication of venereal disease, I have much pleasure in endorsing the film ‘Damaged Goods.’ “It will, of course, be necessary to exercise a certain amount of discrimination regarding the circumstances under which a film of this nature may be presented and the age of the individuals viewing it. “Subject to the precautions to which I have alluded, I am sure the film ‘Damaged Goods’ will prove a decided asset in directing the attention of the public to a menace of vital significance. “Yours faithfully, “(Signed) J. M. UHLRICH, “Minister of Public Health.” RKO Termer to Dix Hollywood — A long-term acting contract with RKO has been signed by Richard Dix, his first assignment being in “Reno,” now being scripted by John Twist for Producer Robert Sisk. Assign Lasky “Find" Hollywood — Kathryn Hohn, discovered in Jesse Lasky’s “Gateway to Hollywood” talent quest, has signed a termer at RKO. She makes her screen debut in “My Fifth Avenue Girl,” Gregory LaCava production. JN PURSUANCE of a plan to hold branch meetings in place of conventions, A. W. Perry of Empire Films is here for the Vancouver meeting, having flown in from Calgary after the branch get-together in Winnipeg. The present plan is somewhat of an experiment, the result of which will be carefully noted to determine whether the treatment of purely regional matters is productive of greater benefits than where the managers, and others, from all branches have an opportunity to exchange ideas in a national gathering. Fred Bannister, Victory Theatre, Mission, B. C., is off again on a visit to England with a possible extension of the trip to South Africa. These trips have become almost an annual affair with Fred and are productive of many new ideas. Leo Adler, traveling auditor for United Artists, spent several days in town on his routine work. Dan Sutherland, Kingsway Theatre, came back from Winnipeg with a sore foot which is keeping him at home for a few days. The election, in which was included the plebiscite to decide the daylight-saving question, turned out to be a fiasco as there were not sufficient ballots to enable all the voters to express their wish. As it was, there was a majority of but 10 or 12 out of over 25,000 votes cast. Tire promoters of the by-law are pressing to have it declared “passed” but it seems probable that a new election will have to be called. The higher court upheld the decision of the lower one awarding Hollywood Theatres damages and court costs in their suit against the projectionists’ union. The news that J. J. Fitzgibbons, Famous Players general manager, was progressing favorably at Rochester, Minn., was welcomed in the FP office here. See Contrast in Attitude Toward Fight Pictures Toronto — Consideration of the Barbour Bill at Washington, D. C„ for the repeal of the ban on the interstate transportation of fight pictures in the United States has emphasized the fact that Canada has no restriction on the carriage, distribution or exhibition of fight films other than the usual condition of censorship in the various provinces. Pictures of all major ring battles on this continent for the past many years have been freely shown in Canadian theatres without disapproval of religious or welfare organizations and there has long been a feeling that the screening of fight films is a matter that regulates itself — they are booked by theatres which want them and are seen by people who are interested in them. If you do not care to watch them, you merely stay away from a theatre. Incidentally, since Joe Louis became headman of the heavyweights, interest in fight pictures has dropped to a low point because of the brevity of the bouts and the color issue. Kuhn's "Nazi Spy" Suit Induces Few Qualms Toronto — Canadian and Provincial government authorities and film enterprises of the Dominion are not interested in the slightest in the reported suit for damages by Fritz Kuhn of the Nazi Bund, New York, against Warner Bros., for alleged libel in connection with the release of “Confessions of a Nazi Spy.” Officials at Toronto scoffed at the idea that Kuhn would be able to interfere with the showing of the picture in Canada, which had been officially approved by the Ontario censor board after which it enjoyed a highly successful first rim at the Imperial Theatre, Toronto, without threat or protest. MARITIME J^LICE L. FAIRWEATHER, executive secretary of the Maritime film board of trade, is representing the Saint John Council of Women at the 46th annual meeting of the National Council of Women being held at Hamilton, Ont., from May 30 to June 3. Miss Fairweather is motoring to Hamilton with Mrs. George O. Spencer of Moncton, N. B., president of the national council, and will visit other upper Canadian centers before returning home. Sidney Hayden, theatre owner of Lockeport, N. S., claims to have solved the mystery of the submarine, which was first reported in that vicinity. It seems that just prior to the “scare,” Hayden played the Warner production, “Submarine D1,” and he noiv thinks it was just a figment of the imagination on the part of the populace. Mrs. Emma Davidson, former owner of the Imperial Theatre, Moncton, N. B., has recovered from illness which kept her a hospital patient several years. E. A. Whelpley, RKO branch manager, while under a doctor’s care, has been able to attend to business regularly. F. S. King, owner of the Magnet Theatre, Shelburne, N. S., is planning to retire in the near future in order to pay more attention to his regular occupation, ship-building. Patrons of the Imperial Theatre, Moncton, N. B., were quite startled on a recent evening by a loud explosion outside the theatre. It turned out, however, to be a practical joke — firecrackers attached to the starter of a parked car — some person’s idea of fun. R. G. March, branch manager of 20th Century-Fox, was a member of the rink winning the Sullivan Cup, presented at the St. Andrews Curling Club Banquet, held on Friday, May 12. Louis B. Mayer was to have been given freedom of the city of Saint John at a meeting of the common council Friday. BOXOFFICE :: May 20, 1939 85