Canadian Moving Picture Digest (Mar 13, 1948)

Page scan 0008 from Canadian Moving Picture Digest

Record Details:

Title:
Canadian Moving Picture Digest
Date:
Mar 13, 1948
Volume:
Canadian Moving Picture Digest (Mar 13, 1948)
Leaf #:
0008
Language:
English
Collection:
Canada, Hollywood Studio System, Early Cinema, and Global Cinema
Format:
periodicals
Contributor:
Media History Digital Library, Canadian Media Magazines Project, Paul Moore and Jessica Whitehead
Coordinator:
Media History Digital Library
Description:

Canadian Moving Picture Digest

Editors: Merrick R. Nutting (1917-18), Raymond S. Peck (1918), Ray Lewis (1918-19 and 1920-54), Walter Greene (1919-20), Jay Smith (1954-57)

Canadian Moving Picture Digest (1917-57) was initially a Montréal-based rival of the first film paper in Canada, Toronto-based Canadian Universal Bulletin (1915-18, edited by W.A. Bach 1915-17, J.W. Cambridge 1917-18, Raymond S. Peck 1918). The two periodicals were combined in 1918, keeping the Digest name, but moving production to Toronto with Peck as editor. Canadian Moving Picture Digest assumed The Bulletin’s volume numbering and always claimed 1915 as its year of origin. Ray Lewis (née Rae Levinsky) was a writer and playwright, who spent time in early Hollywood’s publicity departments. She briefly took the Digest helm in 1918, then long-term editor, later owner and publisher, from 1920 until her death in 1954. Under Lewis’s leadership, the trade paper claimed to serve as a voice for independent exhibitors and advocated for a Canadian cultural presence in cinema, particularly emphasizing British films as a way to keep a distance from Hollywood. Lewis's editorials were notable for their advocacy, wit, and critique of American dominance in the Canadian film market. While initially positioning herself as an outsider, she became integrated within the industry and a true insider. She even had an ongoing correspondence with Canadian Prime Minister R. B. Bennett, advocating for the industry as a whole and supporting British film imports. She was well-known at Toronto’s Dundas Square film row as well as in New York and Hollywood. Variety’s Sime Silverman called her “the Girl Friend in Canada,” and she delighted when U.S. writers not “in the know” presumed “Ray” was a man’s name. Lewis was later an inaugural member of the Canadian Picture Pioneers, eventually the group’s first female president and Pioneer of the Year. After she died in 1954, her son Jay Smith took over editorial duties until Canadian Moving Picture Digest was bought by Nat Taylor’s Film Publications of Canada in 1957. Taylor incorporated the legacy journal into a joint masthead for Canadian Film Weekly (1942-70), which subsequently dated its roots back to the 1915 origins of the film press in Canada.

– Jessica Whitehead and Paul Moore, March 2024

Further Reading

  • Whitehead, Jessica, Louis Pelletier and Paul Moore, “‘The Girl Friend in Canada’: Ray Lewis and Canadian Moving Picture Digest (1915–1957).” In Daniel Biltereyst and Lies Van de Vijver, eds., Mapping Movie Magazines: Digitization, Periodicals and Cinema History, 127-52. London: Pagrave-Macmillan, 2021.

Date Added:
April 11, 2024
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March 13th, 1948 CANADIAN MOVING PICTURE DIGEST Maritime News By A. L. FAIRWEATHER OT only have the City theatres had careful fire inspections once but — recently they have been visited by the Provincial Fire Marshal, as well as officials from the Censor Board, following the inspection by local fire inspectors. Trailers are constantly displayed on all screens giving emergency exits and precautions to be used in any emergency. Theatre managers state they are glad of all these pre ~ cautions and have faithfully complied with all orders for further care. * * x Ivan Haley, the very popular manager of the Mayfair and Dun das Theatres, Dartmouth, N.S., was returned as a City Councillor by acclamation recently. Mr. Haley is noted for his interest and support of all Civic and Commun ity affairs. es * * Aubrey Sprague has severed his partnership connections with his brother, Leslie Sprague, and is now proprietor of a restaurant, “The Palms”, in Fairville, N.B. With Mrs. Sprague he has now opened a Ladies Dress Shop in Fairville. Aubrey was formerly operator at the Regent Theatre and at the Sprague’s own theatre at Saint George, N.B., as well as bein in the business of theatre supplies with his brother, t+ * & Jack Bellamy of International Films is enthusiastic over “The North West Stampede’ as well as about “T-Men” which opens at the Capitol, Halifax, in April. “Red Stallion” is still doing terrific business and had splendid showings at the Imperial, Moncton and Vogue, Sydney, N.S. x Ok x . “Crossfire”, the R-K-O anti-intolerance film, opened at the Capitol Theatre, Saint John, last Monday. Members of all Jewish Societies were contacted by a circular letter as well as heads of Service Clubs and_ the 1.0.D.E. and other women’s organiz ations. x * &® FH, Mathers of Empire-Universal, reports that the technicolor film “Slave Girl” did exceptionally well at the Casino, Halifax, and at the Capitol, Moncton, N.B. It will be shown at the Capitol, Saint John, the middle of March for four days. * * * The Rotary Club of Sackville, N.B., sponsored the showing at the Imperial Theatre, of “Great Expectations” netting a profit of $483.75. During the four showings in Sackville it is estimated that 1.340 people saw this fine picture. The proceeds from the Rotary showing are to be given to the Sackville Memorial Hospital Nurses’ Home. Mrs. Gertrude Johnston, the popular cashier of the Capitol Theatre, Saint John, has been ill with a severe cold and has been absent from the theatre for some weeks. Mrs. Johnston is in her fifteenth year with the Capitol. * * x Theatre managers in Saint John have been pleased to receive official letters from 1.0.D.E. Chapters thanking them for the English programs shown. The Capitol Theatre, Saint John, was especially thanked for having interrupted the picture policy to allow the Donald Wolfit Players to produce Shakespeare’s plays. 1.8% Mitchael Franklin of the F & H Theatres has returned to Saint John from a visit with his parents at Miami Beach, Florida, * * * Among theatre managers, there is an impression that too many films of a murderous or physchological nature are being shown, and that audiences are expressing a preference for more pictures of a family and cheerful nature. There has been a wave of murder pictures recently and whilé they are well-attended the tendency is deplored, Page 9 In Saint John recently were Harold Gaudet of the Capitol, Summerside, P.EJI. and Victor McLaughlin of the Opera House, Newcastle, N.B. x«_ * & David Brager of Saint John has been appointed salesman for Cardinal Films, who distribute through International Films in this territory. Mr. Brager was formerly with B & L, Theatres. Harry Kaufman, Toronto, was in Saint John and made the appointment. * * « M. Komar, Warner Bros. manager at Saint John states that “My Wild Irish Rose’ is doing exceptional business all over this territory and 1s showing in all the key situations, * * * The Film and Theatre bowling enthusiasts had their first social party of the season at the Community Theatre, West Saint John, with the manager, Walter R. Golding, as their genial host. Mr. Golding had arranged for a picture to be screened and for games and contests to be enjoyed, for which prizes were presented, following which refreshments were served. A vote of thanks was passed. by the members, to Mr. Golding for the enjoyable evening. NEW MODERN POPCORN MACHINES FOR SALE @ | Lb. Popping Pan (Creetors Model) ® Stainless Steel ® Floor or Counter Model @ 25 and 60 Cycle Models ® Moderately Priced ® Simple Maintenance ® Pops Corn at the Rate of 1 Lb. Every 90 Seconds ® Pays For Itself In No Time Counter Model $825 Floor Model $875 POPCORN MACHINES ARE NOW ON THE EMBARGO LIST AND WE ADVISE YOU TO PURCHASE NOW WHILE THEY LAST FROM THEATRE CONFECTIONS LTD. 284 KING STREET EAST EL. 0141 TORONTO EL. 0141