Canadian Moving Picture Digest (May 1926-Apr 1927)

TORONTO 2, ONTARIO. Michael Strogoff Hits Ottawa Right Winter Sports Make Novelty | Publicity Bids. An exploitation campaign having many unusual angles was conducted in Ottawa, Ontario, for the presentation of Universal’s European production “Michael Strogoff” at the Imperial Theatre, during the week starting February 19, this being the second run of the feature in Canada. Mid-W inter Bicycle Race One of the extraordinary stunts was the staging of a mid-winter bicycle race through the snow drifts of the Canal Driveway for the messengers of the two telegraph companies in emulation of Michael Strogoff’s adventures across the Siberian plains as the courier of the Czar. Although a blizzard had just swept the Ottawa district, 15 of the local couriers rode their bicycles in this race and the winner was crowned the “Michael Stogoff of Ottawa,” being given a gold medal. A silver medal and passes to the show were also presented. The idea of holding a bicycle race in the middle of February created a great deal of talk and a big crowd saw the event. _ Convention of Teachers A big coup was the placing of a private screening of the picture on the programme of the convention of the Teachers Institute of Ottawa on February 17. Trustees and teachers of the public and separate schools of Ottawa and neighboring centres attended this convention and, immediately following the annual banquet in the Chateau Laurier, they proceeded in a body to the Imperial Theatre for the presentation. No less than £90 attended, along with a number of officers from the local French societies who were also invited. Skating Carnival At a skating carnival on February 16, an annual community feature in Ottawa under the auspices of the local Playgrounds Association, a feature was a Michael Strogoff Competition for skaters attired in Russian costumes. Nobody ever realized that there were so many Russion costumes in the city and the judges had an interesting time awarding the prizes which were passes to the theatre. Ski Race Still another unusual outdoor feature was a. Michael Strogoff ski race up through the Gatineau Mountains near Ottawa under the auspices of the Ottawa Ski Club which has 2,200 paid up members. This was held February 19 with many men and women contestants who were divided classes. The snow-covered Gatineau into district was likened to snowy Siberia and the event caught the popular fancy. This also secured much publicity in the club magazine, newspapers and otherwise. Theatre passes were also given for this feature. Service Club Dance At the annual St. Valentine’s Dance and Bride Party of one of the big local service clubs in the Rose Room, Ottawa, on February 16, which was attended by over 300 prominent local business men and their wives, Michael Strogoff passes were given for bridge prizes and door prizes and the master of ceremonies made special reference to the engagement at the Imperial in awarding the prizes. A stunt here was a summons against several members who had allowed their automobiles to be parked on the main street outside too long. They were brought up before a “court”? and made to promise that they would attend the Imperial Theatre, after which they were given passes to do so. | Ladner Bill Tie-Up An unusual tie-up was secured with the introduction in the Canadian House of Commons of a Bill to amend the Canadian Copyright Act by L. J. Ladner, a member from British Columbia, when reference was made to the publication of ‘‘Michael Strogoff’’ by Jules Verne 50 years ago, when there were no copyright laws to protect the author. Since that time, the book had been published in 19 languages and sold throughout the world. How much this would have meant to the author and his estate could he estimated as very considerable. . 24 Sheet Stands In addition to special newspaper advertising, Manager O'Regan of the Imperial Theatre, used a considerable number of 24-sheet stands arid empty windows were filled with smalier posters and window cards. Strogoff heralds were distributed, Strogoff table napkins were used at restaurants and soda fountains and there was an appropriate lobby display as well as other minor details. Capitol, Winnipeg, Celebrates Its Seventh Anniversary The Capitol Theatre, Winnipeg, observed its 7th anniversary starting February 14, when this magnificent theatre was en fete. The Capitolians under Earl Hill had prepared a splendid programme and the feature picture, ““New York,’ was voted one of the finest of the season and had in it enjoyment for all classes of theatre patrons. E. A. Retallick, is now manager of the theatre, the responsibility being left with him on the departure of H. M. Thomas to the coast and the resignation of Cliffe Schufele after three months as representative of Mr. Thomas in Winnipeg. Google Page Thirteen LAST MINUTE NEWS Hyman Rottenberg, of the Chateau Theatre, Toronto, was fined $20.00 without costs for crowding the aisles of his theatre. The evidence was not very strong, but Hyman paid the fine. Bill in Indiana Legislature hits at film monopoly, providing that it shall be unlawful for any corporation to compel a motion picture theatre owner to lease more films than he wants. The Bill is sponsored by the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of Indiana. Frank J. Rembush appears to be the leading spirit behind the introduction of the Bill. Catholic and National Unions of Montreal to ask Royal Commission sitting in connection with Laurier Palace Theatre fire for the total exclusion of children under the age of 16 from moving picture theatres whether accompanied or not. Theatre roofs must be kept clear of snow in Ontario and Quebec according to an order from the Government, since we have had a wet winter, snow has not been a burden. Projectionists in Alberta are governed by the following rules: Three government examinations which must be pass _ed in electricity, mechanics, appliances and public safety. Age limit 18. Five hour shift regulation and a test after going through an apprenticeship period. This information became public through a recent announcement made by G. P. Barber of Edmonton, chief inspector of theatres, Province of Alberta. A _projectionist may lose his license for so many instances of either liberties taken or carelessness, violation of public safety, that there is little danger of trouble from this source. Reports that Orpheum and Keith-Albee Circuit will merge with two picture circuits involving an investment of over $100,000,000 was confirmed by S. Laz Lansburgh, counsel for the Orpheum Circuit and also director and promoter of the enterprise. Texas Guinan’s 300 Club raided, Tex, Lenore Ulrich, Henry Hill, Beatrice Lillie and about two hundred Broadway patrons were among those alleged toa have been in the club during the raid. “Tex” was arrested charged with possessing and selling liquor, contempt of court. “A Night of Love” sounded so interesting that the Censor Board of Toronto is in doubt about it. Those who have seen the picture state that the title is the only suggestive feature. ‘Evening Clothes”’ Lilyan Tashman will have an important role in Adolphe Menjou’s newest starring vehicle for Paramount, “Evening Clothes.” Luther Reed is directing the picture, the supporting cast of which includes, in addition to Miss Tashman, Virginia Valli, Louise Brooks, Noah Beery and Lido Manetti.