Canadian Moving Picture Digest (Jun 23, 1956)

Page scan 0006 from Canadian Moving Picture Digest

Record Details:

Title:
Canadian Moving Picture Digest
Date:
Jun 23, 1956
Volume:
Canadian Moving Picture Digest (Jun 23, 1956)
Leaf #:
0006
Language:
English
Collection:
Global Cinema, Hollywood Studio System, Canada, and Early Cinema
Format:
periodicals
Contributor:
Media History Digital Library, Greig Dymond in memory of David Dymond, 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:
May 30, 2024
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JUNE 23, 1956 REPUBLIC (Continued from Page 1) any changes in the control of the company in the U.S., would in no way interfere with its status as a producing company for theatrical films. Heading the list of upcoming top Republic features to be distributed by JARO in Canada is the Zane Grey classic, “The Maverick Queen”, first film to be produced in Republic’s new wide-screen process, Naturama. Filmed on location in Colorado, in Trucolor, “ The Maverick Queen” co-stars Barbara Stanwyck, Barry Sullivan, Scott Brady and Mary Murphy, with Joe Kane, one of Hollywood’s outstanding outdoor-action experts, acting as associate producer. Joni James, M-G-M_ recording star, sings the title song for the picture. Currently in release are two outstanding Republic productions, “Come Next Spring”, in Trucolor, with Ann Sheridan and Steve Cochran, a perfect piece of film entertainment for the whole family; and “Magic Fire’, in Trucolor, starring Alan Badel, Yvonne De Carlo, Valentina Cortesa, Frederick Valk, and Rita Gam. This latter picture, based on the life and loves of the famous composer, Richard Wagner, includes much of his inspiring music. The picture was given a Royal Premiere in London, England, recently for the Family Welfare Association. It was produced and directed by one of the Industry’s top craftsmen, William Dieterle. Coming soon from Republic for release through JARO are the African adventure film “Zanzabuku”; “Jaguar”, with Sabu and Chiquita; “No Man’s Woman”, with Marie Windsor and Patric Knowles; “Track The Man Down”, with Kent Taylor and Petula Clark; “When Gangland Strikes”, with Raymond Greenleaf and Marjie Miller; “Fighting Chance”, starring Rod Cameron and Julie London; “Stranger At My Door”, with Macdonald Carey and Patricia Medina; “Circus Girl’; in Trucolor, starring Willy Birgel and Kristina Soederbaum; “Thunder Over Arizona”, in Naturama and Trucolor, with Skip Homeier, Kristine Miller, George Macready and Wallace Ford. Also scheduled for future release are “Fight At Apache Wells”, in Naturama and Trucolor; “White Nightmare”, with Joan Evans and Ben Cooper; “Dakota Incident”, in Trucolor, with Dale Robertson and Linda Darnell; “Daniel Boone”, in Trucolor, with Bruce Bennett, Lon Chaney, Jr., and Faron Young; “Dangerous Cargo”, ~“plercT Exhibs Should Insure Against Loss Of Films Toronto: Arch Jolley, ExecutiveSecretary of the MPTA of Ontario, in the monthly bulletin of the Association, reminds Ontario exhibitors that they are responsible for film from the time it leaves the exchange until it is returned through a common carrier and re ceipt obtained. As Arch points out, in order to keep down express charges, films are insured through the express companies, for $50 only. There have been instances where exhibitors have had to pay as much as $1,500 for film destroyed by fire or stolen, one insurance company alone having paid out 15 claims. Arch, in his bulletin, further reminds exhibitors that for a trifling premium, an exhibitor can get a “Film Property Floater Policy” covering all risks for film and advertising material up to $1,500, thus insuring against fire, theft, burglary, explosion, larceny, etc., on films and advertising material from the time they leave the exchange until they are returned. The Digest is happy to pass Archie’s advice to Ontario exhibitors on to all exhibitors in the Dominion. Protect yourself with such a Floater Policy, and avoid the possibility of a $1,500 personal loss. Reporter's Novel Bought By Metro Hollywood: “Spectacular,” a first novel by Bob Thomas, Hollywood motion picture reporter (A.P.), has been purchased by MGM. The story weaves around a 90-minute television tribute to a fabulous film producer, bringing to Hollywood the former and present stars with whom he has been associated during his long career and revealing intimately their romances, triumphs and frustrations. with Dane Clark, William Talman and May Wynn; “In Old Vienna” (tentative title), in Trucolor, a James Fitzpatrick production; “Acapulco Story” (tentative title), in Trucolor, with Ralph Meeker and Janice Rule; “Hinky Dinky Parlez-Vous”, starring Mickey Rooney and Wally Cox; “Mystery of Emery Snow”, and “Man In Question”. In addition, two John Wayne starrers, “Sands of Iwo Jima”, with John Agar, and “Wake of the Red Witch”, with Gail Russell, will be put into re-release this year, ASN Announces Sales Force Appointments Montreal: Murray Briskin, Executive Assistant to ASN’s President Maxwell Cummings, announces the following changes in the Company’s Sales structure. Norman Hull, formerly Quebec District Manager, becomes General Sales Manager. Jack Mackay, formerly a member of the Quebec Sales Force, becomes Ontario District Manager, headquartering in and managing ASN’s Toronto branch. “Nick” Nicholson, formerly in charge of Laboratory Sales and Service, becomes Quebec District Sales Manager. Armand Lefebvre becomes Service Manager for the Laboratory division of the Company. All changes are effective immediately, with Mackay scheduled to make the permanent move to Toronto July 15th. Goulding Assignment Hollywood: Edmund Goulding has been assigned to direct “Our Teenage Daughter,” new title for “Roomful of Roses,” Ginger Rogers CinemaScope starrer which Charles Bracket will produce at 20th Century-Fox. PAGE SEVEN George Seaton Again Heads Academy Board Hollywood: At the first meeting of the newly-elected Board of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences held in Hollywood two weeks ago, the first order of business was the election of officers to head the organization until May, 1957. The following were unanimously named: George Seaton, President; Samuel G. Engel, First Vice-President: Fred L. Metzler, Second VicePresident; Hal Elias, Secretary; Perry Lieber, Assistant Secretary; John O. Aalberg, Treasurer; Jacob H. Cap, Assistant Treasurer; and Margaret Herrick, Executive Director. All were re-elected to the posts held last year with the exception of Hal Elias, who had served as Assistant Secretary, and the present addition of Perry Lieber. Ryan In “Men In War” Hollywood: Robert Ryan has been signed by Security Pictures to star in “Men In War,” based on an original story by Philip Yordan, Academy Award-winning writer, Which will be produced by Sidney Harmon for United Artists release. THE PERFECT PICTURE PAIR — BAUSCH and LOMB BRANCHES: Halifax, N.S.; Saint John, N.B.; Montreal, P.Q.; Ottawa, Ont.; Calgary, Alta.; Timmins, Ont.; Winnipeg, Man.; ELIMINATES DISTORTION! é ap, Ge" Give the clear, crisp, sparklingly brilliant screen images which are reflected in the number of paid admissions. Today’s audiences demand the best — Bausch & Lomb Projection Lenses will help you give it to them, Four series of these superb lenses are available to fit every type of projection condition—from the smallest neighbourhood theatre to the largest drive-in. GENERAL THEATRE SUPPLY ‘i: 861 BAY ST., TORONTO, ONT. EM. 4-9307 London, Ont.; Edmonton, Alta.; Vancouver, B.C.