Canadian Film Weekly (Aug 11, 1943)

August 11, 1948 Vago 2 Canadian FILM WEEKLY Tax-Free Shows |NewM.E. Walker August 11, 19438 Address all communications—The Managing Editor, Canadian Film Weekly, 25 Dundas Square, Toronto, Canada. Published Film Publications of Canada, Ltd., 2 Dundas Square, Toronto, Ont., Cana Pksono ADelaide 4317. Price S cents each or $2.00 per year. En as Second Class Matter Peace, It’s Wonderful A period of peace seems to have reached the Canadian motion picture industry. Looking back to the bickering of a year ago, the present state seems too good io be true. At that time a member of the House of Commons claimed that there was complicity between the circuits and distributors to impede the small exhibitor. A booklet along similar lines had been issued by the then active Independent Motion Picture Exhibitors Association of Ontario, which seems to have done a fadeout. The booklet was wisely ignored by those at whom it was aimed. The National Council of Independent Exhibitors was an outgrowth of the Independent Motion Picture Exhibitors Association. Nothing has been heard from the former in months, though there is some talk of a convention in Toronto in the fall. And what about the Advisory Council? That body hasn't met for a long time. Nor have any of its members asked for a meeting. It seemed tremendously important at first, debating every issue at length. There was much sniping at it from those exhibitors who felt that they weren't represented on what was supposed to be a representative group. Perhaps the fact that the Advisorv Council had no power that would make any difference in the authority of R. C. McMullen, director of the industry for the WPTB, caused a loss of enthusiasm. Or perhaps time has taken care of everything and the exhibitors have no more complaints. But don’t bet on it. * =. * Being Protested {Theatre Opens (Continued from Page 1) parish and co-operative shows. Merchants, organizing a Board of Trade for show purposes and operating on a non-profit basis, have managed to stay within the law. Not only do they paper the territories of nearby theatres with advertising but they operate attraction schemes, such as two admissions for the price of one on certain nights. Exhibitors, who are arranging a formal protest to Ottawa through their associations, point out that the tax-free shows are run at lower prices, thus keeping the people in their particular town in order to increase business. The shows are operated to bring added profits and should be classified the Same under the Revenue Act as regular theatres. The government, by making the ‘| merchants exceptions to the law, is subsidizing unfair competition, as well as doing itself out of sizeable revenue. Operators of standard theatres are in no position to reduce their prices to match those of tax-free houses. It would be just as fair for exhibitors to sell merchandise of all kinds, receiving permission from (Continued frees Page 1) jestic theatre, but the structure has been completely renovated Since it was taken over by the United Enterprise Limited, early this year. The walls are of “ten-test,” natural shade with drapes of homespun green natural and orange. The fioor is covered with green natural to match the drapes. Seats in the theatre of which there are 187 are of new veneer which arrived only a short time ago. The theatre was able to purchase the latest type projection equipment, with lamps that give a clear, bright picture on the screen. The most modern sound equipment was also installed. The management is confident that the equipment in general compares favorably with that in any other theatre in the Maritimes. There will be program changes three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Two complete shows will be presented each night, one at 7 o’clock and the other at 9 o’clock. A matinee for the children will be held every Saturday afternoon. The Roxy, which is one of the United Enterprise chain of theatres, is associated with the Gaiety of Halifax and the Imperial of Sackville. President Walker said last week that he believes the theatre fills ae government to ignore the price| a definite need in the community, ’ A Succe SS ceiling. and it is expected that it will cater ° The Motion Picture Theatres Association of Ontario was formed last December to provide Ontario with a representative body of exhibitors. Ed Warren became the president and Syd Taube the executive secretary. Other officers are M. A. Milligan, Joe Garborino and H. Friedman. Sparked by Syd Taube, one of the most popular fellows in the business, the association has grown rapidly and now represents hundreds of Ontario theatres. It mainiains an office near the film section which serves the members in every possible way. Bulletins are issued regularly which deal with such matters as fire regulations, theatre safety, maintenance problems and war effort shows. The association continues to grow. There have been enquiries about an extension of it to cover the Dominion. Western and East Coast showmen have appealed to the Ontario body to represent them in certain matters. The Motion Picture Theatres Association of Ontario fills a real need here. It is time that its potentialities for widespread service were used for the exhibitors of every vince. ee % % % Clarification Jim O’Loghlin, Canadian chief of Fox, who is away on sick leave, is still the Dominion general manager. Syd Samson, here to pinch-hit, is the Canadian district manager. The actual status of each hasn't been clear until now. Filmites are wishing both luck, No matter if it rains or snows, the day Jim comes back will be a sunny one. And may it he soon. Replies outlining the attitude of Ottawa to the tax-free shows were received by S. B. Taube, executive secretary of the Ontario Motion Picture Theatres Association. Because of the non-activity of Saskatchewan associations the Ontarlo body, being closer to Ottawa, was asked to take the matter up. A request may be made to the exchanges to stop selling films to tax-free theatres within fifteen miles of a standard operator. PRC Goes In For 16 Mm. Subjects Clarifying the recent announcement that PRC Pictures, Inc., has. acquired majority stock control of Official Films, Inc., engaged in producing and distributing 16 mm. non-theatrical, educational and entertainment films, O. Henry Briggs, president of PRC Pictures, Inc., issued the following statement: “The deal whereby PRC secured control] of the stock of Official Films, Inc., does not alter or abrogate our present arrangement with Pictorial Films, Inc., whereby Pictorial Films, Inc., acts as distributor of PRC product in the _|16 mm. non-theatrical -field.”’ to people from the surrounding countryside for many miles. Congratulations! Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Lightstone celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary on Mrs. Lightstone’s birthday last Wednesday. SEAT REPAIRS Send us your torn seats to be re-upholstered with genuine Leathercloth Seats returned same day as received. CANADIAN THEATRE CHAIR CO. 277% Victoria St., Toronto, Ont. ro