Boxoffice (Jul-Sep 1947)

DEVIL WITH THE GALS — According to history, Paganini was really something with the fair sex. So Tony Beaeon, exploitation director for Eagle Lion Films in Canada, publicizing “The Magic Bow,” sent a young violinist out on the streets of Toronto, followed by a bevy of beauties. He played on street corners, and drew crowds. No advertising was used. Responding to questions, the young ladies replied: “That is Paganini; you can see him in ‘The Magic Bow’ at the Fairlawn Theatre.” 'Montreal by Night' Makes Formal Bow MONTREAL — “Montreal by Night,” latest release of the Canada Carries On series of the National Film board, received its Quebec premiere at the Botanical gardens here during a reception held by city authorities. During the screening two prints of the film, one in French and one in English, were officially presented to Mayor Camillien Houde by William Elmen of Columbia Pictures and Thomas Cleary of Consolidated Theatres. Presentation of the pictures marked the opening of the Montreal Film library, which will contain more than 700 films in both French and English. “Montreal by Night” is said to be unique in its coverage of the city. It is the first film of any Canadian city which makes extensive use of giant floodlights and unusual camera angles to achieve dramatic effects. Jean Palardy, former Montreal artist now with the National Film board, produced the pictures. Cooperation from Montrealers, who watched camera crews shooting late into the night, was excellent, he said. Palardy tells of a typical film romance that occurred during the making of the picture. The boy and girl who played leading roles got married and went off on their honeymoon in the middle of the film. Director Palardy had to hunt all over the city for a couple to substitute so that the picture could be completed. When he found the couple, he had to make certain that all camera shots of them would be taken from a distance so the difference would not be noticeable. The film will be released simultaneously in French and in English and will be distributed through the usual NFB circuits to some 50 different countries. Fairville Gaiety Opens; House Now Seats 600 ST. JOHN— The Gaiety at Fairville, St. John suburb, which was closed for thorough remodeling and redecoration, has reopened. Seating capacity has been increased from 418 to 600. A new marquee has been installed; new sound has been placed by Dominion Sound Equipment Co., and the auditorium recarpeted. Claire Graham, cashier, has been in the boxoffice 23 years and John Magee, doorman, also has been there for many years. The Gaiety was opened 31 years ago by Thomas J. O’Rourke, who continues as an executive, although the house was taken over four months ago by Lancaster Theatres. Leslie A. Sprague, who has been a projectionist at the Empire in St. John since that house opened, is manager. NFB Film Depicts How Mounties Get Men Toronto — The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is going to show the public exactly how “it gets its man.” “RCMP-File 1365,” a National Film board picture which runs 34 minutes, was given a special prerelease screening September 23 at the offices of Columbia Pictures of Canada which distributes NFB’s Canada Carries On series. The film, which is based on an actual murder at Regina, follows the Mounties’ chase of the suspect across Canada with the capture at Halifax on the east coast where an RCMP marine detachment ship is brought into play. Scenes were shot with the cooperation of the Mounties at Regina, Calgary, Toronto, Smiths Falls, Hull and Halifax, the picture being written, produced, directed and edited by Don Mulholland of the film board. Among those who appear in the final courtroom sequence at Regina is Chief Justice J. T. Brown of the Saskatchewan court. One of the characters is portrayed by Stanley Wong, a Chinese restaurant manager of Ottawa. Chief cameraman for the picture was Lome Batchelor, while Joseph Champagne and Clifford Griffin directed the sound, and the music was composed by Robert Fleming of NFB. Ontario to Be Stricter On Use of Adult Tag TORONTO — Ontario exhibitors have been warned that the revised form of the Theatres and Cinematographs act is now being printed by the provincial government and they are asked to take note of the new clauses, particularly the marking of advertising displays for features which have been classified as adult entertainment. A survey of Ontario theatres has been made by the theatres inspection branch and there has been an intimation that some managers have been rather loose in their application of the adult requirements which became law June 1. After the newly printed act and regulations have been distributed, there will be no excuse for laxity in labeling a picture for adult patronage, it has been suggested. Tillie Booth of Calgary Opens Booking Service CALGARY — Tillie Booth this month opened the Independent Exhibitors Booking Service to provide a complete service for out-of-town exhibitors. Known to a host of exhibitors and film salesmen under her maiden name of Tillie Prior, she has served as counselor and friend to many a budding salesman and junior branch manager. Her association with Sharp’s circuit and prior to that, with Sharp’s Theatre Supplies, for the past 17 years has given her a wide knowledge of film handling, booking and distribution, the variegated transportation facilities of the prairie, mountain and northern territories. Mrs. Booth will have office space in the new annex to the Film Exchange Bldg, when it is completed. Until then she will be at 1407 Eighth St., N. W. First Theatre Being Built In Lake Cowichan, B. C. LAKE COWICHAN, B. C.— The first theatre in this Vancouver Island community is being built by Whittingham and Protean, who also operate a theatre in nearby Youbou. The local house will seat 449. It is being equipped by Harry Howard of Theatre Equipments Supply, Vancouver. 'Duel' Receives 'Okay' TORONTO — The Ontario Board of Moving Picture Censors in August classified seven features as “adult entertainment.” The list is headed by “Duel in the Sun,” which has started its roadshow engagements in the Famous Players circuit. The other features are “Desert Fury,” “Wild Harvest,” “Repeat Performance,” “What Price Vengeance,” “Pretender” and “Brute Force.” “Duel in the Sun” has been booked into FPC theatres generally except in Toronto where it will play Loew’s under a long-standing contract arrangement. “Brute Force” already has had a two-week engagement at Loew’s Uptown. Film on Alberta Shown MONTREAL — The innumerable natural resources of the province of Alberta, ready to be utilized in the promotion of various industries, were emphasized in a film presented here. Advantageous spots for the establishment of factories, laboratories and other structures for industry were depicted. Expert for 'Fort'y-Niners' Zina Brune, expert on early California history, has been named research editor on Warner’s “The Forty-Niners.” 102 BOXOFFICE :: September 27, 1947