Canadian Film Weekly (Apr 7, 1943)

Vol. 8, No. 15 Address all communications—The Managing Editor, Canadian Film Weekly, 21 Dundas Square, Toronto, Canada. by Film Publications of Cannda, Ltd., Sth Floor, 21 Dundas Square, ramos at Canada, Phone ADelaide 4310, Price 5 cents each or $2.00 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter It’s Here Again! (Continued from Page 1) desks to look out of windows at the rooftops of the city and dream a while. The garden on the traffic island that splits the roadway, having surrendered its dressy white garment, looks forlorn as it awaits the coming of the flowers. Film salesmen wonder how far their gas will take them, now that the roads are open. Men hurry to the bank, bowling alley or restaurant without overcoats. Topics of summer life share all conversation with the war. The heart and mind broadens out, causing a greater realization of our good fortune. The increased physical freedom brings a sense of personal sirength. The new lease of life hardens the resolve to help win the war, to strengthen the bond between us and those who gave up all their Springs that the folks at home mighi still enjoy theirs. Seeing It Through Theatre men have met every request for assistance in a way that has won the praise of officials and the public. But neither warm praise nor the soft summer days ahead should be allowed to lull us. We have reached the high road to Victory and must march straight ahead, at an increased pace, giving no ground to opposition. According to Col. Cooper, chairman of the Canadian Motion Picture Distributors and in charge of the theatre end of the Red Cross Drive, our direct contributions may exceed last year’s total by 25 per cent. This is a fine example. There are a number of other drives that will reach into the theatre before the year is out and theatre men are sure to work harder than ever in seeing that the public is informed. Theatres are almost public property in the minds of officials, if we are to judge’ by the extent of their reliance upon them as morale boosters and drive builders. The public, used now to getting the official viewpoint in them, no longer thinks of them as part of a private industry. Yet, though the theatres’ contribution to the war effort is greater than that of any other private industry not engaged directly in the making of munitions and food, the public is not particularly aware of it. The efforis of two Canadian institutions receive no particular praise from the public—the government and the motion picture industry. We think this is because the public regards the government as being synonymous with itself. and the theatre industry as a public trust. If so, that is the finest kind of flattery. Recently the Hays Office got up a series of small folders dealing with the motion picture industry and the American war effort. Perhaps the Pioneers, which supervises our industry war effort, ought to get one up about its work for distribution in the theatres. This is not written in an endeavour to bring the industry credit. That would be silly, since we are grateful to be able to serve and that is our reward, Such a booklet, however, would bring home to the patrons that the theatre is a proper channel for their own assistance in almost every phase of the war effort. From a year-round standpoint we are the most convenient depot and knowledge of this fact, as explained in a booklet, may induce increased effort. Canadian FILM WEEKLY April 7, 1948 HYE BOSSIN, Managing Editor Midweek 12.05s Held in Toronto (Continued from Page 1) Workers. One exhibitor, Leo Clavir, is a member. It is hoped that every element of the community will be represented at the conference. Dr. Dillick explained that the theatre project was an attempt to combat absenteeism amongst war workers and boost morale. “We will attempt to reproduce the pattern of a normal working day for war workers on the 4 p.m. to 12 p.m. shift,’ he said. ‘The average worker washes up, has his food, then seeks means of using his leisure hours in an entertaining way. These late shows will give the war worker the same privilege, helping him satisfy his social needs.” It is hoped that visiting concert artists can be induced to appear, adding to the distinctive character of the programs. In one such forthcoming show, acts from the plant recreation club will share the program with the films. National Film Board men will film the doings. The proceeds of one show held recently were used to help pay for an ambulance donated to the Red Cross. The usual admission price was raised by five cents, it is presumed with permission of the Theatre and Film section of the Wartime Prices and Trade Board. Some talk has it that those responsible for the recent shows and ‘others interested in following suit would like to supply their own staffs, The plan will not receive serious consideration until exhibitors and distributors have investigated the possible effects seriously. The establishment of these shows on a regular schedule will certainly cater to a great many people. Exhibitors want to make sure that those who attend are not abandoning their own showgoing in home zones in favor of the midweek midnight shows, and that patronage will be restricted to ‘var workers whose hours interfere with showgoing. A roundtable conference, under the chairmanship of R. C. MeMullen, director of the Theatre and Film section of the Wartime Prices and Trade Board will be held by the interested parties. Midnight shows have been banned in a number of towns by orders of the police or the municipal council, who waived aside the claim that war workers wanted them. Cities such as Hamilton and Ottawa recently banned the Sunday 12.05’s. Midweek 12.05's, under the direct sponsorship of proposed showings will get the support of social and religious April 7, 19438 United Shows ‘42 Net Gain (Continued from Page 1) $977,620. Dividends of 80 cents a share were paid during 1942, same as 1941, and earned surplus now stands at $3993,914 against $335,451 last year. Balance sheet as at December 31, 1942, shows current assets of $434,224, including $250,102 in cash and $100,000 in Dominion Government bonds, against current liabilities of $122,153, indicating net working capital of $312,071, against $373,116 at the end of 1941. During the year the company purchased the Strand Theatre property at the corner of Mansfield and St. Catharine streets, Montreal. This theatre was obtained under lease over thirty years ago. Funded debt was reduced by $49,100 to $1,361,400. In his remarks to shareholders, the president, Ernest A. Cousins, notes that amusement, general taxes, licenses, income and excess profits taxes amounted to $683,654, and in addition there must be added $183,547, the Corporation's proportion of taxes and licenses of associated theatres, making a total of $867,201. Fire Damages Theatre In Radville, Sask. The Princess Theatre, Radville, Saskatchewan, was seriously damaged by fire last week and two employees were severely burned. The injured men were Charles Graham and Alex Ferris, the latter the son of the new owner, Mrs. Violet Ferris, who had purchased the theatre from Mrs. T. Reetz. The fire, which started in the projection room, practically destroyed the building. Fortunately the theatre was not crowded and there were no accidents in removing the audience. The fire spread quickly and made great headway, the town firefighters being hampered by streets blocked with snow. It was the first night of operation for the new owner. Fox to Technicolor "Buffalo Bill’ Pic Twentieth Century-Fox has closed a deal with Harry Sherman, producer of many westerns for United Artists, to make a first-rank Western in Technicolor, “Buffalo Bill.’ Joel McCrae has been cast in the title role, war workers, will raise the question again. It is felt, however, that the groups, thus removing the theatres involved as targets of criticism.