Canadian Moving Picture Digest (Jan 17, 1948)

January 17th, 1948 CANADIAN MOVING PICTURE DIGEST | Silverstone Welcomed To Canada By Film Trade At Gala Luncheon The luncheon for Arthur Silverstone at the Royal York Hotel, on Tuesday, January 6th, was Silverstone’s official introduction to the Canadian Film Trade, the latter as represented by officers of Famous Players Canadian Corporation, Odeon Theatres of Canada, B & F Theatres, 20th Century Theatres, Independent Booking Circuits and representatives of the various distributors exchanges. There were, in addition, representatives from the Daily Press, and Trade Press and Exhibitors and Distributors Associations. Andy Smith, Jr., 20th Century-Fox Sales Manager, came to Toronto from the home office in New York to officiate. He was host, together with members of the 20th Century-Fox local office. In introducing Arthur Silverstone to the Canadian Film Trade and_ the press, Smith gave a brief summary of his new Canadian sales representative’s career, and followed through with a thumbnail summary of his company’s coming pictures, including comments on “Gentleman’s Agreement”, “Captain From Castile”, and other productions, paying a particular tribute to the showmanship of Darryl F. Zanuck and the astute executive ability of the Fox president, Spyros Skouras. Andy’s talk was informal, with flashes of old time memories and wit, and those who listened could easily understand why Andy Smith’s name has become associated with expert salesmanship and the spirit of comradeship in business, which finds for exhibitors and distributors a meeting ground from which deals can be made mutually beneficial. Arthur Silverstone’s talk was reticent, friendly, punctuated by some reminiscences, for the Film Industry in Canada is not foreign to him, and among the representatives here, Arthur has several old friends. John J. Fitzgibbons delivered one of those excellent unprepared speeches of his, which hit the bull’s eye. If John is not careful, he is going to become as famous as an orator as he is as president of Famous Players Canadian Corporation. John had plenty of praise for Sidney Samson, former 20th Century-Fox Canadian division manager, and recalled how Sydney had worked cooperatively and generously in the interests of many public services. Fitzgibbons further emphasized that the Canadian Film Industry was unique in relationship to other territories, as people within our trade are closer to each other, through the sincere desire that acquaintanceships should ripen into friendships, and this spirit of comraderie, of a family spirit, was prevalent. Within the Film Trade in Canada friendships had real roots, were respected and enjoyed. Haskell Masters paid tribute to Ar thur Silverstone, and his remarks, although brief, were to the point. Taken completely by surprise, when called on to speak, Haskell was on his feet, figuratively and literally speaking, and proved that Variety should give him a little more work to do, and more speeches, because when he wants to, he certainly can do it. Andy Smith talked about Sydney Samson, announced that his company had received word from Sydney, that he had recovered from his recent illness, and was due for a conference in New York, where future plans would b discussed. While he would not return to Canada, Andy Smith said, Sydney Samson was a consideration of 20th Century-Fox and for him provisions would be made. ‘Sydney will be alright”, he assured his listeners, and with such assurance, the luncheon took on a more merry tone, for Sydney, in leaving Canada, left many sincere friends who are very interested in his future plans. KAY LEWIS. CANADA WANTS MORGAN Dennis Morgan, star of Warner Bros.’ musical romance, “My Wild Irish Rose”, is considering an offer to make a Canadian concert tour next spring. ‘To date, Morgan has sung in operettas and in motion pictures, but never on the concert stage. Page 7 Famous Players Purchase Two Additional Theatres Following an expansion policy outlined by Famous Players executives at regional and _ partners’ meetings, Famous Players announced the acquisition of the Lyric Theatre, Vancouver, and the Capitol Theatre, Guelph. The Lyric Theatre, formerly owned by Robert Scott, was purchased recently and has been renamed the International Cinema. It will institute a new policy of presenting English and foreign pictures which are novel and unusual. This policy was introduced by Famous Players in Canada, over ten years ago, with the opening of the Eglinton Theatre in Toronto. Since the Eglinton has been transformed into a major first run house, the policy was suspended. The new International Cinema, the fifth F-P downtown house, is now the only Famous Players theatre following such a policy. Opening Christmas attraction was Cardinal Films “Wings of the Morning”, followed by International Films “Quiet Weekend”. Manager is Norman Duncan, who, prior to his enlisting in the armed forces, was manager of the F-P Strand Theatre in Vancouver. Until his recent appointment he was doing exploitation and publicity work for Famous Players theatres in West ern Canada. Famous Players have acquired the Capitol Theatre block in Guelph. It consists of the theatre, several stores and apartments. The Capitol, built in 1890, was originally an opera house. Leased to Famous Players in 1920 it was considerably renovated and remodelled. With its purchase, plans are under way to completely remodel the theatre, both inside and out and also the other property included in the deal. Arthur Silverstone (second from left) is being welcomed to Canada and to his new job as 20th Century-Fox Canadian Division Manager by the Hon. J. Earl Lawson, President of Odeon Theatres of Canada, and John J. Fitzgibbons, President of Famous Players Canadian Corporation. A. W. Smith Jr. (at extreme right), Fox General Sales Manager, was host at the luncheon held in Silverstone’s honor. Z