Boxoffice (Jul-Sep 1938)

€> T TAW A J^LAN SULLIVAN, Canadian author who lives in England, is on a visit to Canada to collect material for another book. His story, “Tracks of Destiny,” dealing with the uniting of Canada through the building of the first railway across the continent, reached the screen in the GaumontBritish picture, “Silent Barriers,” which was made in British Columbia two years ago. Another of the reissue double bills which went over very well at the Imperial Theatre, Ottawa, comprised “Smilin’ Through” with Norma Shearer and “The Bohemian Girl,” starring Laurel and Hardy. Manager I. Singerman reports nice business on these two. P. J. Nolan, owner of the Avalon, Rexy and Nola theatres, Ottawa, has been appointed to the sub-committee for Ontario for the Better Business Advertising Campaign of the moving picture industry. Members of this sub-committee include Gordon Lightstone, Ontario manager of Regal Films, Ltd.; H. Freedman, president of1 the Independent Theatres Ass’n of Ontario, and O. J. Scott of Weston, Ont., representing the unaffiliated independent exhibitors. “Paddy” Nolan was chairman of the regional meeting in Ottawa when details of the campaign were explained to theatre managers of the Ottawa district. Lieut. Thomas Gregory, who was a member of the Canadian team which competed at the Bisley Rifle Meet in England against teams from all parts of the British Empire with much success, is a former usher of the Capitol Theatre at St. John, N. B. It is not true that he gained his marksmanship ability by watching Western pictures on the screen. Heat and humidity to the contrary, Ottawa exhibitors are being solicited to book a sport picture, “Ski Chase,” featuring Hans Schneider, celebrated skiing exponent, which is to be released in Canada by Grand National Films, Ltd. Ottawa daily newspapers decline to publish the program schedules of the local independent radio station, CKCO, which is owned by Dr. Geldert, radio pioneer and a member of the civic board of control. Local weekly newspapers therefore get a permanent scoop by printing the list each week. There isn’t a single theatre manager on the board of directors nor on any of the 25 committees of the annual Ottawa Fair, August 22-27, although there are all kinds of theatrical attractions, midway shows, bands and musical competitions on the exhibition program for the week, not to mention the grandstand performance. Every other branch of the community is represented. The Dominion Government’s first feature film dealing with the Great War, “ Lest We Forget,” was a genuine theatrical success. Its second feature, “Salute to Valour,” released through Columbia Pictures, has had a quiet fade-out. The reason given is that it was delayed too long in getting the feature into the theatres but the release was postponed because one of the central figures was King Edward VIII, who shortly relinquished the throne to become the Duke of Windsor. Francis W. Kearns, 47, of Ottawa, an engineer in the service of the Northern Electric Co. of Canada, died after a brief illness. He was an expert on sound equipment. Cameramen of the Canadian Government’s motion picture bureau, Ottawai, were on the job for the making of an official moving picture record of the visit of President Roosevelt to the Ottawa district to take part in the formal opening of the new International Bridge between Canada and the United States which spans the St. Lawrence River at Ivy Lea, Ont. Approval is General Ottawa — The current list of motion pictures approved by the Canadian council on family welfare, Ottawa, a semi-official agency, contains the following comment in brief; Alexander’s Ragtime Band (20th-Fox) — Recommended for everybody. The Rage of Paris (Univ) — An excellent comedy, lavishly produced. Miss Darrieux’s charm, accent and ability should appeal. The family. Holiday — Recommended as an appealing comedy but for more mature audiences, although older children may find it good entertainment. Black Limelight (British) — The story is tense, the actors well cast. Stolen Heaven — Excellent for adults and adolescents (interested in higher class music and singing) and possibly would appeal to younger children. Gold Diggers in Paris — Fairly good entertainment for the whole family. Blockade — The film’s weakness comes from its being set in Spain but, at the same time, trying to avoid the essential elements of what is going on in Spain. Outstanding entertainment for adults and young people. Lord Jeff — The story is very human and the background is England. There is no love interest. The family. Hold That Kiss — A misleading title. Amusing for the family. Three Comrades — Extremely well adapted. Has emotional appeal but its theme will probably be found depressing to many. For mature audiences. Kidnapped — Disappointing in many ways. Interesting for the family but not for younger children. White Banners — Heart-warming drama, beautifully acted and well directed. Is being mentioned as a possibility for the Academy Award. The family. Toy Wife — Tragic drama with more appeal for women than men. Performances are excellent. Unsuitable for children. Mr. Moto Takes a Chance — Will appeal to juveniles, though not so much to adults WINNIPEG ^HE ORPHEUM will reopen with films on Labor Day. Western meeting of Famous Players will take place in Winnipeg on September 5. F. H. Kershaw, district supervisor of Famous Players in Winnipag, has returned to the city after a tour of his circuit. Nate Miles of Western Theatres, Ltd., left for the coast where he ivill spend his holidays. Nate Rothstein flew into Yellowknife. Dave Rothstein wil be married on September 4. S. Morros of the King’s Theatre is leaving for his holidays. Sam Weiner is rebuilding the front of the Regent and redecorating the interior. Norman Smith, film man well known in the city, died in Vancouver. Max Heppner of the Colonial left for San Francisco where he will spend the next four weeks. Dave Brickman of Paramount is back from his holidays. Sim Rost of the Garrick Theatre has returned from a holiday spent at Clear Lake. The State Theatre, formerly the Leland, was scheduled to reopen about August 20. Alterations to the old Leland have so altered the face of the house that it is not recognizable. A fine new neon sign has done much to give the old stand the appearance of a brand new house. I. Reinhorn of the Roxy, Regina, visited the city. Charlie Hayson of Emerson was in the city. SAG Quiet on Raft Case Hollywood — The Screen Actors Guild has adopted a “hands off” policy on the suspension of George Raft by Paramount, pending legal decision. as story is a bit over-melodramatic. For the family and juveniles. Swiss Miss — Will appeal to the admirers of Laurel and Hardy’s slapstick comedy. Very little story or plot; elaborate settings. Good supporting cast. Good entertainment for the family. Cowboy From Brooklyn — A burlesqued Western musical comedy. The family. The council works in cooperation with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Pittsburgh; International Federation of Catholic Alumnae, Brooklyn; the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, New York; the boards of censors of the different Canadian Provinces and the British Board of film censors, London, England. The lists are sent by the Canadian council to women’s organizations in the various cities of the Dominion for their guidance. 134 BOXOFFICE :: August 20, 1938