The Canadian Motion Picture Exhibitor (Jun 16, 1941)

Page 2 THE v CANADIAN MOTION PICTURE Xiil Published Semi-Monthly by the INDEPENDENT THEATRES ASSOCIATION HYE BOSSIN Managing Editor VOL. 7, NO. 12 JUNE 16, 1941 Subscription Rates: Canada and U.S.: $5.00 per annum > 28 Address all communications to The Managing Editor The CANADIAN EXHIBITOR 21 Dundas Square AD. 4318 Toronto, Canada Taylor Group and Famous Players (Continued from Page 1 have convinced me that, for our future welfare, and that of the fellow-exhibitors whom I represent, the new set-up will prove of the utmost importance.” “It will now enable us to create more harmony and a better understanding in the business. Better inter-industry relationships and a greater measure of service to the public should result. “This I wish to state most emphatically. We have not sold any part of Exhibitors’ Booking Association to Famous Players and it will continue to be controlled one hundred per cent by my associate, Mr. Auerbach, and myself. Nor have we s6ld any of our 20th Century Theatres group to Famous Players. Both these organizations will continue to be operated as in the past. “We are simply going to take over the operation of a number of theatres formerly operated by Famous Players and subsidiaries. We will book and manage these theatres in the same manner as we do at present with other theatres. ‘It is my honest belief,’ Mr. Taylor concluded, “that the attitude of Famous Players towards smaller independent competitors will shape itself in a more liberal manner in the future. As a result independent theatres will be able to obtain benefits for which our independent theatres association has long strived.” oh The Exhibitor The Old Order Changeth The news of Nat Taylor’s appointment to manage and book a group of theatres formerly operated by Famous Players and their associated companies will set the trade to talking, weighing and measuring. There will be many theories by those who don’t know the facts or don’t care for them. The move is not a merger. There is no domination. The question of local autonomy doesn’t even enter into it. The popular conceptions that follow every new agreement — hidden rulership or outside control — are nowhere here. The position of the independents can be summed up in one word—representation. Their union was based on the need of joint action for a better defense against more powerful groups. This move is the logical result of that course. The Independents have a stronger say than ever. They will share whatever benefits result from that representation. Taylor, for years a leader of the independents, is still that. It was his business to know both camps. Few knew their relative positions better. There could be no other choice for the job. He was chosen, after many conferences, to carry out the wishes of his group. The question of American control of Canada’s great and growing motion picture industry has been injected re cently by groups mutually opposed. No matter what the degree, such a condition is not confined to the movie busi ness. But here is something of an answer to the charge. Canadian exhibitors will have a strong say in everything which affects them as businessmen and citizens. Now that a better understanding has come about, there will be a new attitude on both sides. The business has long known bickering, back-biting and occasional bitter differences. This isn't to say that they will vanish. But there will definitely be less of that sort of thing. The news reflects the changing times. In the face of national retrenchment for the vital task of victory, new values and more relaxed relations between competing out fits have arisen everywhere. It is inconceivable that such a great industry as ours should remain outside that progres sive spirit. Perhaps this marks the beginning of a new order in the Canadian motion picture industry. TIPS ON EXPLOITATION In a small American city a photo finishing service has a pass arrangement with one of the houses, even paying the service charge when a roll of film is left for finishing or a purchase made. MGM had a costume carnival touring the country for ‘“Ziegeld Girl.” The picture ought to yield fashion and pretty girl tie-ups. oe Eo For Scattergood Baines pictures they’ve devised a _ country-store front for the theatre and a rural rig to’ run through the town. Manager Bill Clarke of the Centre Theatre, Pembroke, played “Hitler, the Beast of Berlin’ and arranged a Victory Loan parade as a tie-up. Scouts and girl guides, along with other local organizations were in the march. Every night speakers took the theatre stage to push the loan. Nice, timely handling. Columbia’s second in its International Forum series should, with a little help, excite people and groups. It’s called ‘Will England Be Invaded ?” ao 3% *& RKO is reissuing Frank Buck’s “Bring ’Em Back Alive.” A firstrate press campaign goes with it. Some ideas for individual exploitation are a jungle box-office, jungle window settings, tieups with sports goods houses and package inserts. Simplest stunt is street ballyhoo man dressed in pith helmet, shorts, etc., bearing sign with superlatives, name of picture and theatre. Ought to attract the envious eye of overwarm folks. Exploitation can backfire. A frisco house with a horror bill put out a picket with the sign, ‘“ManMade Horror Unfair to Union Monsters.” The local labor council said that if the stunt wasn’t killed right away a real picket would be placed. June 16th, 1941 Tax Whacks Totals As Exhibs Confer (Continued from Page 1) Killing curiosity by giving away the story and details in the press. Poorness and sameness of product. The draft, which keeps the boys in camp and their sweethearts at home. Savings campaigns. People spending their money to stock up on home needs. Depressing newsreels. No’ individual house showmanship or exploitation. Some suggestions being made or in effect to help the situation are: Twenty-five per cent exploitation boost per picture by Warners and a man to prop up lagging territory. New stars and faces. Add exhibitor representatives to studio executive boards to aid in the prevention of lulls and not just the cure, as heretofore. Regular tours of motion picture celebrities to. stimulate personal interest. Managerial conferences of men from the same and rival organizations to thresh matters out. Back up weak film bills with live entertainment. Re-arrange time schedule to suit shifts and reduce bill to single feature for tired defence workers. However, theatre men have faith that the government, will rectify the impossible situation when it’s fully demonstrated that, because of other anathemas, the business can’t bear the present impost. Lamour, Toujour, Lamour : Gertrude Lawrence, the actress, was a guest at a party and noticed a smartly-tailored young lady surrounded by admirers. “Who,” she asked Richard Aldrich, the producer, “is that pretty and popular girl?” “That’s Dorothy Lamour,” was the reply. ‘“You’ve seen her in the movies many times.” “No wonder I didn’t recognize her,” said Miss Lawrence. “After all, this is the first time I’ve seen her with her hair up and her skirt down!” Well, that Lamour wench ican can unwind a ticket roll faster than most film frails. Take a > number from 1 to 10—and it’s probably Dorothy’s position among the top few box-office belles. Maybe that’s what the business needs—just a sarong at twilight. Or the odd shock to the Hays Office.