Canadian Film Weekly (Nov 4, 1942)

November 4, 1942 Calgary M.O.H. Praises Baby Dr. W. H. Hill, Calgary’s Medical Officer of Health, was so impressed with “Birth of a Baby” when he saw ‘it at the Palace Theatre of that city, that he sat right down and wrote a letter to the Calgary Albertan. Here are some excerpts from the letter: “. . . allow me to say that this is a picture (‘The Birth of a Baby’) that every member of this community, above the age of 16 years, should make a point to see. Mothers should take their daughters with them. .. . I have witnessed many pictures pertaining to public health and in my opinion this is the most outstanding .. . the portrayal is such as not to offend anyone; it is put forth in such a manner as to captivate the interest of those who see it. Even the morbid-minded or the curious will benefit from seeing this picture and will derive a much different viewpoint on this important subject. I heartily endorse all that has been said by leading scientists in this field...” Theatres Close In Gold Mining Areas Those theatres in gold mining areas where the community depended entirely on the diggers have closed. The Lode Theatre, Wells, B.C., which was run by E. L. Bobier, is one of the latest war casualties. The populations were shifted to places where more vital mining is being conducted. Other difficulties in theatres located in remote parts deal with the difficulty of getting projectionists to stay. = 7h Canadian FILM WEEKLY By TAP KEYES Chairman of Hollywood’s new canteen, where glamorous 8tars do such unglamorous things as wash dishes and sweep floors, is Art Arthur, Paramount scenarist, who is a former Toronto and Windsor reporter. His most recent screen credits include “Sun Valley Serenade” and his newest is ‘Priorities on Parade.” Arthur’s wife is the lovely Jessica Pepper, whose bright new headpiece, a forage cap of red, navy blue and gold braid, catches many an eye. It’s the official dress cap of the Royal Canadian Artillery, a gift from her brother-in-law, on active service with that outfit. Jessica is just as active as Art in Hollywood war work. % = = Do you remember when they billed him as Tyrone Power, Jr.? Though the senior Power was one of the greatest stars in American theatrical history, the son was never able to cash in on his father’s fame. Young Power hitch-hiked to Hollywood and was lucky to get himself signed as a $35 per week stock player. He was screen-tested, thumbed down and fired. Then Darryl Zanuck began looking though screen tests for a new face to play “Lloyd’s of London” and discovered Tyrone junior. That’s how he got his break. * * x Donald Meek, the mild little man whose characterizations ‘are so popular, fought with the Hamilton Highlanders in the last war. Canada occupies a vivid place in his memories. He was touring the Dominion with an acrobatic troupe from his native Scotland. In Hamilton, Ontario, he fell and spent 12 weeks in the hospital. He knew he was through as an acrobat and he had plenty of time to think so he figured out the characterization that made him famous. But there was another job to be done first so as soon as he could walk again he hiked to the recruiting station and joined up. x os e You don’t always know what’s good for yourself. Take the case of Claudine West, a shy Englishwoman. She went to work in the Research Department of MGM in 1926. When it was found that she could read several languages they made her a reader of story material. Her written comments caught the eye of the story editor. He recommended that she be made a writer. She blushed and being afraid, refused. Under threat of being fired, she took the promotion. It was she who shared the screenplay of “Mrs. Miniver’—and “The Guardsman,” “The Good Earth,” “The Barretts of Wimpole Street” and “Goodbye, Mr. Chips.” oo = = Neither do others always know what’s good for you. MGM had a girl story reader working for $40 per week. She wanted to be a writer but the studio said do what you're doing and don’t bother us. She quit. Her name is Lillian Hellman. She wrote “The Children’s Hour’ and “The Little Foxes.” Recently MGM offered her $2,000 per week to come back. She smiled and answered sarcastically. ‘Thanks, but I wouldn’t feel right taking $1,960 more of your money each week!” Subscribe to the | Page 7 Film Men Help Salvation Army The success of the Salvation Army Red Shield Home Front Drive in St. Catharines, Ontario, was due considerably to the special committee of theatre managers organized to help it. The quota was $5,000 and this was exceeded by half again. Kent Craig, chairman of the managers’ committee, was campaign chief of the city as well as the County of Lincoln. The very important Retail Merchants Committee was assigned to Leo Coyle, Granada, and Roy Miller, Lincoln, and the boys did a great piece of work in snagging $1,100, a sum above anything in the past. Other theatre men who served are Sam Freedman, Centre, and Dewey McCourt, Palace. The accomplishment is quite remarkable, in view of the fact that the YMCA and Blind Institute drives were on at the same time. This is the sort of thing that brings a closer understanding between the industry and the people. Kingston, Ont., IODE Demand More Clips Kingston’s branch of the Independent Order of Daughters of the Empire passed a resolution at their recent semi-annual session asking that Ottawa order that more Canadian newsclips be shown in theatres. The action may have resulted from the Dieppe controversy recently. CONTRACT SALES OFFICE PHONE TR.1257 GTX FLOOR VEATONSG, Collage Sthzet