Canadian Film Digest (Aug 1971)

On Wednesday, August 4th, the Canadian Picture Pioneers’ Award Committee consisting of past award winners, met under the chairmanship of Frank Fisher to select the Pioneer of the Year for 1971. This is one of the most coveted honours within the Pioneer framework and is only awarded those members of the organization who have by their own endeavours given of their time and effort far beyond the normally accepted call of duty. The unanimous choice of the committee was Myer Axler, who over a period of many years has been a most devoted and dedicated pioneer, served two years as Vice-President and another two as President. He had served on the TRIBUTE TO MARY PICKFORD Nine classic motion pictures starring ‘America’s Sweetheart,’ Canadian born Mary Pickford will be presented at the Stratford International Film Festival at the Avon Theatre, one each evening from September 11 to September 19 inclusive. This ‘Tribute to Mary Pickford,’ will be sponsored by the Ontario Film Institute, and will include such oldies as MY BEST GIRL, REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM, POLLYANNA, SPARROWS, LITTLE LORD FAUNTELROY and THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. Buddy Rogers, husband of Mary Pickford and himself a famous star of the silent days is expected to attend the opening performance, 4 Board of Directors for nearly ten years. In addition to his Pioneer activities, Myer is a member of the Variety Club of Ontario, a life member of the Board of Beth Tzedec Synagogue, and is active on many charitable and benevolent committees. At the same meeting four Pioneers from across Canada were selected to receive Special Awards. They are Owen Bird from Vancouver, Lionel Lester and Andrew G. Rouse of Toronto and Phil Maurice of Montreal. The awards will be presented at the Canadian Picture Pioneers’ annual Award Dinner and dance, which this year will be held on Wednesday, October 6th at the Inn on the Park in Toronto. CANADIAN FILMS AT MOSCOW FESTIVAL Four Canadian films were shown at the recent Moscow Film Festival. The official entry was NFB’s MON ONCLE ANTOINE, a 90 minute colour feature filmed in Quebec. The second entry was the 66 minute children’s fantasy LE MARTIEN DE NOEL, also in colour. Two short subjects were also presented: NOVEMBER, a 4% minute colour film by Robert Nichol, and HALF, HALF, THREE QUARTERS FULL, an 8 minute colour study of the U.B.C. racing shell team at practice and in competition. A REPORT FROM O. J. SILVERTHORNE Some very interesting statistics are contained in a report which reached this desk from Ontario’s Department of Tourism and Information which is responsible for the Theatres Inspection Branch of which O.J. Silverthorne is head. O. J. Silverthorne 728 films were submitted during the fiscal year ending March 31st, 1971 of which 211 were classified as Restricted, 233 Adult Entertainment and 270 for General Audiences. Four teen films were rejected. The greatest number, 244 were from the U.S., 162 from Italy, 96 from Greece, 71 from Great Britain, 54 from China and the remainder, a few from each of 16 countries the world over. This year’s figure of 728 films is a significant increase over last year’s 568. Only three times since 1936 has the figure exceeded 600 in one year. Mr. Silverthorne predicts a healthy period of activity for Canadian films, nine of which were viewed by the Board this year. The volume of advertising received for examination ran about even with previous years. 16,251 pieces of advertising were examined of which 380 were rejected outright, with another 69 approved after extensive alterations to the content. Mr. Silverthorne especially commended theatre owners and managers for their excellent co-operation in complying with existing department regulations.