Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1945)

Canadian Film Official Lauds British Advances Censor Clears Films As Delinquency Cause TORONTO — Chairman O. J. Silverthorne of the Ontario government’s film censorship and theatres inspection bureau gave a highly interesting conclusion with respect to juvenile delinquency in relation to moving pictures following a survey when he said: “The board believes it is on solid ground when it takes the position that the film is never an only factor and rarely the principal factor in contributing to juvenile misbehavior.” Chairman Silverthorne commented that “while the topic had been of concern to socially-minded organizations, there existed nothing by way of authoritative fact which might be of assistance to the board.” He continued, however, that “a greater interest on the part of the distributor and exhibitor in the type of film entertainment offered in certain areas by neighborhood theatres could tend to reduce delinquency.” At the same time, he expressed the view any delinquency attributable to the cinema should be regarded as of local nature requiring the application of local corrective measures rather than the implementation of a blanket policy. Ontario Exhibitors Meet To Discuss Safety Code TORONTO — A nice crowd of exhibitors and municipal officials turned out at Windsor for the luncheon meeting of the southwestern division of Ontario Motion Picture Theatres Ass’n to discuss civic enforcement of safety measures in theatres under the new policy of the Ontario government. The meeting marked the first appearance of A. H. Jolley of Toronto as executive secretary of the provincial organization. Syd Taube, his predecessor, introduced him. The Toronto delegation included Joe Garbarino, M. Levine and S. Kanitsky. District theatre men in the gathering were V. Chauvin and H. Rankin of Tilbury; Simon Meretsky, Barney Mechanic, F. Hannan, J. LeFaive, B. Brown and E. Meretsky of Windsor; Mayor Floyd Rumford of Forest; W. S. Woof, Amherstburg; Steve McManus, Kingsville; H. King and F. Reid of Chatham, A. Axler, Leamington; H. Sills of Wallaceburg, and C. Hessel of the fire prevention office, London, Ont. Canadian Circuit Heads Honor Guests at Dinner TORONTO — In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 20th Century Theatres, now operating 53 houses throughout Ontario as an associate with Famous Players, a complimentary dinner to N. A. Taylor and Raoul Auerbach was held under the auspices of the 20th Century Club at La Chaumiere Restaurant, Toronto. The club, comprising members of the head office staff, presented an illuminated scroll to the two executives to express loyalty and admiration and the testimonial is being hung in the company’s board room. Taylor is the managing director and Auerbach is general manager of the theatre group. Churchman Is Peeved MONTREAL— The Rev. H. E. D. Ashford, former air force .chaplain overseas, told delegates attending the British Columbia convention of the United Church of Canada that entertainment programs presented troops overseas are “the dirtiest, filthiest, muckiest things imaginable.” TORONTO — The report of O. J. Silverthorne, chairman of the moving picture censorship and theatres inspection branch of the Ontario government, for the fiscal year ending March 31, contained highly interesting comment regarding British films and their growing importance in Canada. He said : “I am pleased to call attention to the most important development in motion picture exhibition in a quarter of a century, the rise of the British film to a prominent place on the screens of the Dominion. For many years press, public and legislators have been asking for a type of British film that would equal that of Hollywood in interest and technique, yet present ideals and backgrounds closer to our hearts as Canadians. Amazingly enough, this has been accomplished during the most trying times and under the most disadvantageous conditions in the history of the United Kingdom. British Films Welcomed by Public “In the fiscal year of 1944-45 there were released for Canadian showings 43 (British) feature motion pictures as against 24 during the previous 12 months — an increase of almost 100 per cent. These figures are even more telling when one notes that such films have been shown in first run metropolitan theatres — places attended by the most critical type of patron — much more often than in the past. In other years most British films were confined to theatres where there was a marked preference for them. Now such features have found a welcome place in the tastes of the general public. “This preference continues to grow not only in Canada but in the United States, where British films may now be seen in leading theatres in major American cities. The outstanding British films of the past season are but an indication of what is to follow, for in technical excellence and expansiveness photoplays ready or now in preparation are equal to Hollywood’s best. Patrons will recall such outstanding films as ‘This Happy Breed’ and ‘The Way Ahead’ as proof of the ability of British film craftsmen. “Films in production in Britain and frankly aimed at the screens of the world are ‘Men WINS ASN’s TROPHY— A. D. “Nick” Nicholson is shown receiving the ASN bowling trophy from B. E. Norrish. Nick was captain of the winning Fairmiles in the Associated Screen News Bowling League. More than 100. bqwlers and their friends attended the annual banquet that wound up the season at Windsor Hotel, Montreal, when prizes were presented. of Two Worlds,’ ‘Caesar and Cleopatra,’ ‘Blithe Spirit,’ ‘Henry V,’ ‘Nicholas Nickleby’ and ‘Inexperienced Ghost.’ A good share of these films are in Technicolor and several will cost in the neighborhood of $3,000,000 each. “All will bring increased enjoyment to Canadians and accentuated interest to Americans who are finding British films, new to most of them, not only inspiring but, because of unfamiliar backgrounds and themes, distinctly novel. “Thus a dream of many years is about to be realized — one that will have a marked effect on motion picture exhibition in Ontario, which contains almost one-third of all theatres in the Dominion. “The British rise is related to Ontario in another way — motion picture production. Odeon Theatres of Canada, a partner of Odeon Theatres of Great Britain, will establish a motion picture studio in the vicinity of Toronto for the production of instructional, educational and entertainment films. A type of film to be made will be for juveniles and shown in connection with the organization of children’s matinee movie clubs along the lines of those which are successful in Britain. A complete organization of artists, animators, educational specialists and language experts will be engaged in this work. U.S. Producer Plans Canadian Unit “It has also been authoritatively stated that one of the major United States producing companies includes in its postwar plans the establishment of a producing unit in Canada. The board feels that this producer will serve Canada to a marked extent from a national point of view if he should include the everpopular ‘Time Copy’ of shorts depicting Canadian customs, life, developments and future expansion along with feature presentations.” Commenting on other films later in his report, Silverthorne said: “We have received, during the year, a larger number of films of a religious nature and it is encouraging to note that they have been widely supported by the public of the province. The board also notes that during the year, feature subjects and film concerts have been produced to furnish theatre audiences the best in music from great composers.” Daylight Savings to Stay In Effect in Canada OTTAWA — Official word from the office of secretary of state in the Canadian government has discounted the possibility of early abolishment of wartime daylight saving regulations under which the Dominion has been required to observe “fast time” for the conservation of electric power. Novotna to Montreal MONTREAL — Jarmila Novotna, beautiful Czech operatic soprano who has been one of the principal stars of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York the last few years, will replace Grace Moore as Mimi in the Montreal presentation of “La Boheme” at His Majesty’s May 29. The Montreal Festivals has just received word that Miss Moore will leave for Europe before the date of the production. A telegram received by Madame Athanase David, president of the Montreal Festivals, explained Miss Moore is being sent to Europe on rehabilitation work. BOXOFFICE :: May 26, 1945 K 101