Boxoffice (Jul-Sep 1940)

Nearly $700,000 Is Reporled in Drive Toronto — The Dominion government has already acknowledged payment of $695,448 for the 25-cent War Savings Stamps sold by theatres for the National Theatre Party in the “Win the War” campaign of the film industry under the auspices of the Canadian Picture Pioneers, with returns yet to be received from various parts of the country. The number of theatres that participated in the patriotic drive was 975, constituting practically all of the active cinemas operating six or seven days per week during the summer season. The total number of special admission tickets printed for the patriotic shows was 650,000 and it has been found that 604,000 of these were used on the one night, indicating large attendance everywhere. Admission was gained through the purchase of two or more 25-cent stamps but actual individual purchases averaged much higher, as shown by the figures for the Province of Nova Scotia which recorded the highest average of $1.90 per seat. The average war stamp sales in that province was $1,120 per theatre for 53 theatres, Nova Scotia standing third highest among all provinces with a total “take” in excess of $60,000. The total of war savings certificates given out to theatre patrons was 392,274. These have a value of $4 each when filled with 16 stamps and when they are turned in to the government in completed form a total of $1,569,096 will be available to the war treasury through the holding of the theatre night, which was carried out by the industry without expense to the government. In addition, thousands of loose stamps were sold by the theatres to patrons already having certificate folders. Joe Holliday Organizes A Parade in Toronto Toronto — As patriotic gesture in support of Canada’s war effort, Joe Holliday, manager of the Circle, independent house in North Toronto, in behalf of 10 chain and unaffiliated cinemas in the district, organized a nifty parade which marched Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue, passing the Bedford, Circle, Capitol, Eglinton and Avenue theatres. As a parade marshal and community booster, Holliday proved an excellent organizer because he secured a turnout of the Irish Regiment of Canada (one of the few kilted Irish units in the world plus bagpipes) and a unit of nurses of the Red Cross Society of Canada, the flag of which was borne by Miss Betty Maylem, cashier of the Circle, who is training to be a war nurse. Other divisions of the procession included Air Force cadets, anti-aircraft trucks. Red Cross ambulances, the DelaSalle band and decorated automobiles. Gartside BFPA Secretary London — Succeeding L. Grandfield Hill, Ernest Gartside has been appointed secretary of the British Film Production Ass’n. Gartside was formerly with 20th Century-Fox British. r, Show How to Treat Nazi Parachutists London — "Miss Gibb Goes to the Door," a short subject just released by the British Ministry of Information, demonstrates how housewives or other members of the family should react if suddenly confronted by Nazi parachutists. Made at Denham, with Brian Desmond directing, the film features Phyllis Morris, Nelly Bowman and Manning Whiley. (S ■ Saskatchewan Helps "Stamp Out Hitler" Regina, Sask. — Though figures have not been compiled to date as to the exact amount of money collected by Saskatchewan theatres through the sale of war savings stamps during the recent “Stamp Out Hitler” theatre party, some figures are available as follows: Theatre Town Amount Olympia — Assiniboia $ 220.00 Hi-Art — Weyburn 315.00 Plaza — Shaunavon 200.00 Princess — Melville 325.00 Lyric — Moosomin 203.00 Aud — Indian Head 326.50 Strand — Prince Albert 1,576.25 Orpheum — Estevan 1,107.00 Windsor — Grenfell 340.00 Tugaske — Tugaske 133.50 Legion — Wynyard 363.75 Orpheum — Nipawin 74.00 Quill Lake 129.00 Roxy — Yorkton 500.00 Tivoli — Arborfield 51.50 Legion — Bienfait 70.00 Aud — Fort San 485.25 Dix’s — Fort Qu’Appelle 80.00 Marlow’s— Kinistino 184.00 Grand — Melfort 204.00 Aud — Maryfield 337.00 Capitol — Regina 2,093.00 Met — Regina 1,217.00 Grand — Regina 2,002.00 Rex — -Regina 1,155.00 Roxy — Regina 1,194.00 Majestic — Biggar 272.50 Royal — Canora 447.00 Lyric; Eagle — Swift Current 500.00 Free Radio Licenses Are Granted to the Blind Toronto — For some years Famous Players Canadian Corp. has had a standing arrangement with the Canadian Institute for the Blind whereby sightless persons with one attendant are provided with permanent passes for all shows. The radio division of the Canadian government has made a similar concession in the granting of free radio licenses for blind persons, all others being required to pay an annual fee of $2.50. According to an official statement, 4,669 blind persons have received free licenses for radio receiving sets. Business Recession Grips Dominion Toronto — Canadian theatres have been experiencing a business recession that is considered to be more than the average summer decline. A combination of reasons is given as the cause for the general drop in attendance. Many people have gone to distant spots for lengthy holidays, admittedly to get away from the talk of war. Some have been turning excess revenue into commodities to beat the advancing market due to heavy taxation and rising costs brought about by scarcity of imported products. New import and income taxes have reduced the incomes of many people to a substantial degree, while some citizens are salting away actual cash because of a fear of emergency some time in the days to come. Added to these factors has been the heat wave which, fortunately, was late in coming this year. There has also been an undertone of “Pictures are not what they used to be” which may, or may not, be true. The excitement of war has probably had something to do with cutting into the crisp attractiveness of screen fare. What would be good entertainment in normal times may lose something of its edge when the fans are a part of the war drama. In any event, there were only two real holdovers in all Toronto theatres in recent weeks. One was “All This, and Heaven Too,” which played two weeks at the Uptown, and “New Moon” which was good for a second week at Loew’s. Incidentally, the Uptown is the only one of 107 Toronto houses which has remained on a single-feature policy. Ottawa Operators' Local Gives $500 to War Fund Ottawa — The Motion Picture Operators Union, Local 257, of Ottawa, has made a voluntary contribution to the Canadian government for use in financing the war by the donation of the sum of $500 as an outright gift from the union members. William Hartnett, secretary-treasurer of the Ottawa Local, made the presentation to Hon. J. L. Ilsley, minister of finance, in behalf of the members. In addition to this money gift, the projectionists are contributing their personal services for various patriotic events including shows. Bishop EHects Numerous Tieups lor "New Moon" Winnipeg — Harold Bishop effected tieups for his current showing of “New Moon” with the Antique Shop. Birks, music stores, T. Eaton Co., where he secured a window display as well as interior tieups. In spite of sweltering July weather, the Thursday matinee opener saw a packed house and indications are for excellent boxoffice returns on this bill. BOXOFFICE :: August 3, 1940 K 75