Canadian Film Weekly (Oct 14, 1942)

¥ , October 14th, 1942 Famous Sues Oscar Hanson (Continued from Page 1)" ment of the claim contained in the Writ of Summons:—“The plaintiff’s claim is for damages for breach of contract of employment as General Manager of the plaintiff Company; for damages for breach of duty owing by the Defendant to the Plaintiff, and for breach of trust committed while the Defendant was President and General Manager, and a Director of the Plaintiff Company.” Hanson has long been prominent on the Canadian film scene. When N. L. Nathanson separated himself from Famous Players Canadian Corporation June, 1941, Hanson went along with him. In October, after an il1l-year association, he left Nathanson. Prior to his resignation Hanson was associated with Empire-Universal, Esquire Films, Associated Theatres, Sovereign Films and _ Sterling Films. He was president of Empire-Universal Films. Two weeks ago Hanson, in partnership with Arthur A. Lee of New York, acquired Monogram Pictures of Canada, Ltd., a company which had remained inactive while Regal distributed Monogram in Canada. The franchise came with the company, Regal having handled Monogram here under an arrangement. The first exchange chartered by Hanson was Pioneer Films. He carries on Hanson's 16mm. Movies, which handles Paramount’s 16mm. films in Canada, and Foto Nite. The writ issued against Hanson follows those issued previously against N. L. Nathanson, Paul Nathanson, Clarence M. Robson and Odeon Theatres of Canada, Ltd. by Famous Players Canadian Corporation. The largest Canadian circuit wants unstated damages, the return of theatre properties allegedly acquired by Nathason while he was president of Famous Players, and an accounting of receipts and expenditures for the-theatres in dispute. Vichy Thumbs Out American Movies Vichy has set up an information bureau which will distribute all films, including American ones. The preference of Laval’s prisoners for American film fare is apparently something to be watched. It is understood that an order will be issued stopping new American films from entering. The old ones will have to be deposited with the government. Newsreel men have been ordered to discontinue work. Canadian FILM WEEKLY OnTheS quare with oe oq That’ s Gratitude When it comes to being nice to folks, there’s nobody nicer than the theatre manager. When it comes to theatre managers there’s nobody nicer than roly-poly Walt Helm of the Avon, Stratford. Walt is just a homey feller, a simple soul with no side—and I don’t mean his figure, either. He reminds me of another simple soul famed for his down-to-earthiness, the late Walt Mason. Mason used to write jangling jingles for the daily press. Remember him? He was built like Walt Helm and his pal, Irvin S. Cobb, once wrote that Mason looked like the kind of feller who took his shoes off at the end of the day to the accompaniment of squeals of joy. And he was an Ontarie boy. But about Walt Helm. He also gives expression to the humor of everyday life. While being guest speaker at the Stratford Rotary luncheon he told a good story on himself. It was raining the traditional canines and felines in Stratford one night last week. Walt wanted no colds among the patrons so he donned a raincoat, got an umbrella and met the folks as they emerged from their cars, protecting them from the rain until they reached the marquee. From one car emerged a mother and daughter. Walt helped them both and was awaiting new arrivals when he heard the older woman speak to her daughter. “That man with the umbrella is stupid, isn’t he?” were her words. “He’ll never make any money doing that, but probably the manager will let him in to see the show free”! Walt only smiled. You can’t embitter him. He’s too nice a feller. Our Host Hanson Oscar Hanson’s offices are getting to be the cabaret of Dundas Square. It wasn’t so long ago that he celebrated the opening of Pioneer Films with a bangup party. So when he got Monogram he did the place over and threw another grand time. The Hanson offices are sure the nicest of their kind. They contain a beautiful screening room, too. Anyway, the folks kept streaming in all afternoon to wish the Monogram bunch luck. Paul Nathanson, Nat Taylor, Gordon Lightstone, Herb Allen, Johnny Cohn, Raoul Auerbach, Rube Bolstad and everybody who is anybody rubbed shoulders, sipped, supped and gabbed. Harry Kaufman made sure everyone got everything his heart desired and Oscar Hanson’s chuckle rode over the laughter and babble. Some sent flowers, others shook Hanson’s hand, but all the boys and girls went out of their way to wish him luck with his new venture. So Go Know! Young Freddy Fink of Premier’s advertising was a victim of the horsing around reserved for juniors who ask questions. He noticed “House Sold” among the pictures scheduled for playdates and asked what company made if. Jack Melzer kept a straight face, professed ignorance and sent him to the boys in Columbia, who kept him going from one to the other. Eventually he got to Abe Fox, the head booker. “I don’t know,” answered Abe. And he started phoning to find’ out. And meant it. Changeovers Two new additions to the National Film Board are Ralph Foster, who went to the Ministry of Information from the Toronto Daily Star before joining the NFB; and Jeff Hurley, ex-British United Press writer and crack radio scripter. Jeff is being handled for Hollywood by the William Morris Agency .. .I had a look at Johnny Cohn’s “Movie Quiz’ the other morning and it looks like a sure audience teaser . . . Ken Soble’s ‘Movie Preview Time,” which presents reviews through people from all walks of life, has outlets in the biggest Canadian cities and is sponsored by Gruen watch. But, with the exception of a couple of press agents, the rest have been mighty slow about hopping on the bandwagon. Don’t they want publicity? Page 3 (Get $7,000 at One War Show (Continued from Page 1) the Palace Theatre, which is man aged by Cem Merritt, staged an all-star show which netted well over $7,000 for the benefit of the Essex Scottish Regiment. Such famous stars as Joe E. Brown, John Boles, Sammy Kaye’s orchestra, Benny Rubin, as well as other popular players, all trekked from Detroit, where they were playing, to serve. Both Joe E. Brown and Benny Rubin are entitled to special comment. Brown was sick and had to have medical attention before he went on but his good humor stayed right with him. “I wanted to come over,” he told the crowd, “just to show you that Im not as homely as you thought I was. Or am I?” Just before Benny Rubin came over he learned of the death of his brother. But he kept his word. During the show the Miss Canada girls of the National War Finance Committee of Windsor sold savings stamps. Cem Merritt sparked everything, working at top speed for six weeks before the show took place. He enlisted the aid of the stars, Detroit showmen and the Michigan Theatre Orchestra. The Palace theatre personnel worked without pay, the Windsor Daily Star gave endless space to the event and Lieut. Sainsbury of the Essex Scottish took care of the transportation problems. It was the B'nai B’rith who sponsored the show and Simon Meretsky handled things from its end. It shows what can be done about making the most of available talent and facilities. KEEP YOUR SEATS IN SHAPE Use our Quality Leathercloth for Repairs Write for Free Sample Booklet and Prices. CANADIAN THEATRE CHAIR CO. 277 Victoria St., Toronto, Ont. OOeeeeEeEE —