The Canadian Independent (Feb 15, 1938)

"THE CAN Vol. 8, No. 4 Toronto, February 15, 1988 OMPETITION AD T OR THE CRITIC RIGH WRONG In this column a fortnight ago we took occasion to emphatically insist on the inalienable rights of the critic to shape public opinion and taste regardless of whatever damage to investment capital or potential profits the practice of these rights may entail. Today we hang our head in shame, for we have the unpleasant duty of admitting that in the large and illustrious family of critics one will crop up now and then who abuses the power entrusted to him. Not bothering to smother a yawn behind a polite hand, Roly Young, Film critic of Toronto Globe and Mail, writes in his column of February 3, “I am pre judiced against foreign films —I have never seen any foreign acting or direction that has not been duplicated a hundred times by the poor inartistic muggs who make our regular commercial product. It is quite some time since I have seen imported films. — There is a new one coming along shortly, The ‘Art’ of which consists of showing the crudities and roughness of early court life in Russia.” (This reference is to the new Soviet film “Peter The First’? which was awarded first prize in (Continued on Page 2) Current Hits Hurricane, Buccaneer. Happy Landing. Rosalie. Snow White and the ___ Seven Dwarfs. | 'U.A. Canadian Sales Biggest In Company's History Canadian Division Holds Three Top Spots In Sales Drive Despite Rift With Famous Players The Toronto Exchange of United Artists Corporation is jubilant! Canada is carrying the banner in the United Artists Better Business Drive, and running away with the laurels for the entire continent, occupying the top three positions on the sales chart. All this is being accomplished in spite of the rift between United Artists and Famous Players that caused U.A. to sell away from Famous Players, the largest most powerful exhibitor chain, and place its entire product with independents. “Hurricane” is making an unique record for itself for staying power in the fol (Continued on Page 8) Quebec Exhibs Hopeful Juvenile Admish Ban Modification A large group of Montreal exhibitors led by the Quebec Allied Theatrical Industries, is hopeful that the present legislative Session will act in favor of reducing the age limit at which children may attend motion picture theatres. ; Expectation is that the present limit of 16 years will be reduced to 12 years. Theatre owners’ contend that these admissions are necessary if theatres are to be operated in Quebec on a paying basis. $5.00 Per Annum DECRIED BY I.T.A. The I ndependent Theatres Association’ Edward Hotel condemned Holly wood 's acrial bombardment of exhibitor’ boxoffices. New Canadian U.S. Trade Pact May Boost Biz Here The new mutual trade agreement to be negotiated between the United States and Canada may materially alter film tariffs. The Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America has declared that it will attempt to. either maintain the status quo or seek more favorable provisions to govern film exports to Canada. Terms of the current agreement, in force for the last two years, calls for a levy of 121% cents per lb. on printed advertising matter of U. S. film industry origin (Continued on Page 2) Toronto Pressmen Protest Radio Advertising on CBC T he Toronto District Trades and Labor Council is appealing to the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada to protest to the Federal government certain workings of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. “The Printing Pressman’s Union is complaining about being thrown out of work by the amount of advertising the corporation is allowing on the air,” said Mr. Robert Brown, speaking for the Pressmen. He also protested the Corporation’s not using Canadian talent to the extent promised. Thursday’s demolition of.. due to. radio competition in the city... of Toronto is so complete. that one exhibitor’ facetious-— ly suggested that no more association luncheon meet-— ings be called for Fridays as Thursday profits were boxoffice receipts, the insufficient to cover the cost per plate. Another said that. neighborhood one | in his could shoot a cannon down the middle of the street admission hours on that night and not . during theatre hurt a single soul. A comparison of incomes . between Thursday and oth. | er theatre mid-week nights . brought out the undeniable fact that grosses were be-.. tween 25% and 50% lower for that night. The concensus of opinion of a business. uihe growing threat of. Bingo was discussed by sev-. eral members whose neigh-. borhood houses are being Seriously affected by the bringing together of as many as 600 people in church basements for thistype of amusement. Reports. from Winnipeg are coming. in that an average of 15,000.. (Continued on Page 2) Held Over In Toronte Stage Door. Dinner At The Ritz. Hurricane. Rosalie. Buccaneer, large. meeting was, that this type, of competition forced on in-. dependents by Hollywood producers, is placing an unwarranted strain on _ their