The Canadian Independent (Dec 1, 1937)

Page 4 Elgin Theatre, Latest Link In 20th Century Chain Has Gala Opening The Elgin Theatre, Ottawa, hailed by Canada’s capital as the most beautiful of modern theatres, had it’s gala opening on Nov. 16th, with Mayor Stanley Lewis officiating. In spite of unfavorable weather conditions, the theatre was filled long before the opening hour and several hundred people were turned away. The Mayor made a dedecatory address, read many telegrams of congratulations to the owners on the architectural distinction, taste and excellence of furnishings and equipment combined in the Elgin Theatre, making it a landmark of beauty for the city. The opening was attended by many out-of-town personalities of the trade, among whom were Colonel John A. Cooper, of Motion Picture Distributors and Exhibitors Association, Mr. H. Freedman, president of the Independent Theatres Association, Mr. Nat Taylor, president of Exhibitors Booking Association; Mr. Myer Axler, general manager of the 20th Century Theatre Chain; Abe Polokoff and Sam Ulster, officers of 20th Century Chain; Sam Glazer and Mike Wilkes, special representatives of United Artists, who came to attend the opening and the Canadian Premiere of “STAND-IN.” The picture was warmly received by the audience and favorably reviewed by the press of Ottawa. Following the close of the theatre program a banquet was tendered at the Chateau Laurier by the owners of the Elgin Theatre to a large group of friends and those responsible for the success of the building project. — GAUMONT PLANS TEN FEATURES T he Gaumont British board of directors at a recent meeting decided tv make at least ten feature pictures for this season, at @ minimum cost each of $500,000. THE CANADIAN C/O CUED FOR THE BENEFIT OF WR /NDEPENDENT EATRE OWNERS Admission Boost Possible Joseph M. Schenck, chairman of the 20th CenturyFox board, believes that it is possible to raise admission prices to 25% above the present level. The increased cost of pictures, and the drop in total admissions in theatres is causing much anxiety in exhibition circles. The public will have to take up the slack is the coneensus of opinion. It has always been willing to pay for something it wants, and better pictures are clearly indicated by public demand. Better pictures, with increased wage schedules and production costs will have to bring more money at the box office to justify the additional expense in making them. Mr. Schenck stressed the fact that in England admission prices ranged from 10 to 100% higher than they do in the United States (and Canada) while the wage seale for studio workers is lower. In Toronto, two of the larger circuits have institut ed slight increases in key spots. In New York it is said that United Artists will demand a boost in box office charges beginning Christmas week with the release of ‘Adventures of Marco Polo,” a Samuel Goldwyn picture. Mr. George Shaefer, sales head of U. A. is quoted as saying that his boost in prices is essential if production cost of outstanding pictures to be met. Co-operative and_ allied theatres of Detroit are planning a ten cent downtown boost and a five cent boost for subsequents’ effective throughout the State. Queen Mary Sees “Syn” The London premiere of George Arliss’ “Dr. Syn” at the New Gallery Kinema was honored by the Dowager Queen’s presence. “Syn” is a Gaumont British picture, ‘Dec. 1, 1937 INDEPENDENT™ PATRONIZE THE ADVERTISERS WHO MAINTAIN (7. i Fernand Gravet, expert horseman, ex-officer of the Belgian cavalry, has been forbidden to ride until work in his present Mervyn LeRoy picture is completed. Wonder if his producer takes his remarkable resemblance to the ex-Prince of Wales to include a penchant for falling off horses ? 0. Mee ® Eleanor Powell has just completed the most difficult dancing feat ever attempted. She did a number In “Rosalie” in a tight silver gown with a train 14 yards long. I’d call that some handicap around the feet. o) 0 0 Sophie Tucker has just insured her 9-foot stack of diaries and scrap books covering her 30-year stage career for $50,000. Sometimes it’s worth big money to turn diaries into scrap(ed) books, or to insure them against the public gaze. We shudder to think what may happen by the time a certain publicized diary, still in its first volume, reaches the nine-foot stage. Seems like the entire male population in the upper Hollywood brackets may have to run for “coverage.” Here’s a hint for insurance salesmen. Insure the men against diary disclosures. 0 0) oO Allan Jones’ cocker spaniel stalked a raccoon in the back yard and Allan brought him home alive for 7-year old Gail to play with. Reminds me of the time I got the hired man, who was Russian and not acquainted with N.Y. upstate fauna, to bring home a small black and white “pussy” at my behest. There was no malice aforethought, and I too suffered the consequences of being in the neighborhood of nature’s original version of the stench bomb. 6. Wey 26 Which reminds me that Billy Rose of “Jumbo” fame, in spite of his glittering Broadway career, can’t stand the white lights when they represent the wife’s fame. Fanny Brice is just an electric light to him so he is asking for freedom to marry a little lady who is willing to douse her light under a bushel. Eleanor Holm Jarrett, swimming champion, promises to dry her tootsies, retire from footlights and headlights and follow in Billy’s footsteps like a faithful squaw. Fanny will probably make another song hit of the episode like the ““My Man” number after Nicky Arnstien let her down. Artists are that way. 0 0 0 Franchot Tone modestly declares himself as not having enough personality to shine at parties and George Raft, once accused of high-hatting a less-known director whom he refused to work with, explained that he was afraid of the results. ‘You see,’ “I’m not so good myself, so I must be sure my director has everything. With a new man I was afraid I’d be a flop.’”’ Modesty is where you find it, even under the Klieg lights. °o o 0 Gregory Ratoff is evidently one of those creative souls hard-driven by his demon genius. Not satisfied with being a bang-up actor and a first-string director, now he must produce real Russian vodka. He has gone into the business of distilling the fiery nectar of the Gods in a big way. Royalty may pass, the czar’s head lay in foreign dust, but vodka will flow on forever like Tennyson’s brook. C2).6 <16 Myrna Loy has been chosen as one of the world’s most beautiful women, to be painted by Baron Michele Pizzuti for an art exhibit in Rome. So far so good, as long as Myrna isn’t asked to join that Italian collection which Pola Negri is said to have personally graced for the high-handed gentleman of Italy.