Boxoffice (Jul-Sep 1940)

A HEARTY welcome was extended at the annual picnic of Famous Players Canadian Corp. to Clarence Robson, eastern division manager, on the occasion of his first public appearance following a severe illness of a year which developed immediately after the managers’ convention at the end of July last year. Looking fit, Robson, who started with N. L. Nathanson a quarter of a centm'y ago, has returned to his office to resume active duties. A long-range visitor at the Famous Players picnic at Rouge Hills Golf Club was Andy Sinclair, on leave from Empire-Universal while serving with the Royal Canadian Navy. Sinclair was home on furlough from his station at a Canadian port on the Atlantic Coast and took in the film outing during which he reported that Jerry Hoyt, Empire branch manager for the Maritime Provinces, had done much to look after his comfort. When the three musketeers from Hollywood enlisted as airmen in the Royal Canadian Air Force at Toronto, they were treated to a distinct surprise. The trio, Patric Knowles, Colin Tapley and Robert Coote, came officially before Flying Officer Sterling C. Campbell who had worked with them in Hollywood. Ken Craig, manager of the Capitol, St. Catharines, was the first winner of the Dentlebeck Trophy last year but was unable to defend the cup at the Famous Players golf tournament because of business pressure . . . Eddie Collins, the rotund screen comedian who modeled for "Dopey" in “Snow White," died of a heart attack at Los Angeles a feiv days ago. He was quite well known in the Toronto district because he spent his vacations at his summer home at Belleville, east of Toronto. The son of A1 Ritchie, manager of the Alhambra, has enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force . . . Lome Moore has returned from Timmins to Sudbury where he has resumed the management of the Grand after having directed the affairs of the Mascioli theatres for some weeks. Jimmie Stewart, screen star, accompanied by his parents and two sisters, visited the Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, after a vacation at Timagami in northern Ontario. While at the C. N. E., Stewart was “captured" by the Royal Canadian Air Force and shook hands with half a hundred airmen, after which he saw the grandstand show and munched peanuts. Joan Crawford paid a brief visit to Ottawa when she was show7i the sights by a government official. Joe Holliday, go-getter manager of the Circle, North Toronto, has resigned and is taking a short vacation at his home. Sam Preedman, son of Hy Freedman, owner of the theatre, has taken over the management. The Grant was the scene of a special midnight performance of the Oakivood District Busmessmen’s Assbi on September 11 with Hyman King, owner and proprietor, cooperating in the role of host. The proceeds are being turned over to the War Services Committee for the purchase of comforts for Canadian troops. James T. Moxley, pioneer theatre manager of Ottawa, has suffered a bereavement in the death of his wife after an illness, the fimeral being held from the family residence, 28 Woodlawn Ave., Ottawa. Manager Joe Paul of the Community, Welland, and previously at Ottawa, held a special evening when he entertained the Sea Cadets who marched to the theatre with their band. Clair Hague, president of the Canadian Picture Pioneers, was all smiles when he arrived at the annual outing of Famous Players Canadian Corp. He had just come from the Canadian National Exhibition where his daughter, Gwen, had been most successful in the vocal competitions, winning the class for dramatic sopranos for which she was awarded a scholarship. Miss Hague is proceeding to New York City to continue her studies during the coming season. Clair was accorded hearty congratulations from many life-long associates in the film business. Manager Keith Wilson has an extra job on his hayids at the Marks Theatre, Oshawa, a unit of the Hansoji Theatres Corp., with the house in the hands of the “remodelers." The work includes a new front, 7iew lobby ajid foyer, modern equipmeiit and new seats. The Canadian premiere of “Foreign Correspondent” at the Elgin, Ottawa, graced opening night by Producer Walter Wanger. Director Alfred Hitchcock and Joan Bennett, has gone into its second week and Manager Lloyd Mills is expecting a record run. “The Sea Hawk" was in its second week at the Uptown and Manager Fred Trebilcock could not get away for the Famous Players outing at the Rouge Hills Golf Club. Proceeds to War Funds Fort Erie, Ont. — Opening night proceeds were donated to the various war relief funds by the management of the new Parkway Theatre. ANY NEWS TODAY? Planning a new theatre? Remodeling? Being promoted? Getting married? Got a new baby (infant)? Buying new equipment? Been elected mayor? Son or daughter graduating? Proud of a new exploitation stunt? Hired a new staff member? Solved a knotty problem? Then Tell It To BOXOFFICE BOXOFnCE, 4804 E. Ninth St.. Kansas City, Mo. NAME . THEATRE LOCATION. 122 BOXOFFICE : : September 14, 1940