Canadian Film Weekly (Sep 29, 1943)

September 29, 1948 20th Century Men Meet in Toronto (Continued from Page 1) pany people and a luncheon the next day at which visitors from Famous Players, affiliated in a number of situations, were present. With Nat A. Taylor, head of the circuit, presiding, those present listened to and discussed matters of equipment maintenance, consideration of the public, facilitated reports, booking problems, exploitation, first aid, the coming Victory Loan, fuel conservation and the war effort generally. Taylor emphasized the everincreasing responsibility of the manager in the matter of public safety and the war effort. He praised the managers for their past efforts and declared that vigilance and service were the foundations of theatre’ service today. Frank Meyers reviewed old and new problems of maintenance, offering many safeguards against possible mishaps. Equipment, in many cases, was out of the question when it came to replacements. A. thorough search of the theatre usually reveals articles of a mechanical nature put aside years ago and forgotten, which would be of immense value today. Keeping the backstage of the theatre clean, he pointed out, was not only a step in the direction of fire prevention but a means of making sure that the sound was up to par. Discussing booking problems. Barney Fox, head booker, stated that managers who fret about bigger pictures being played by the opposition were wasting time and energy. “It has been proved by boxoffice reports,” he claimed, “that a good picture in the opposition house stimulates business in your own.” Syd Roth, supervisor, delivered an interesting address on panic control, fire prevention and first aid under all conditions. At the request of the listeners it was decided to issue his remarks in printed form. Raoul .Auerbach discussed personnel problems, greater efficiency in routine matters and the morale of the organization. Exploitation was gone over by Charles Stephenson, and Harry Mendell spoke on the legal aspects of theatre operation. Harry Firestone impressed on the meeting the need of a broader knowledge of projection reom layout, dispensing much good advice about the operation of the theatre proper, relationships with neighboring businesses and the handling of patrons during blackouts and other emergencies. The dinner, held on the first night of the convention, was devoted to fraternal spirit and gaiety. The luncheon, held the next day, was marked by several notable addresses by some of the visitors Canadian FILM WEEKLY Ontario Supports Nat’l Exhib (Body (Continued from Page 1) movement. A committee will be appointed. “The weakness of the exhibitor,” said Masters, “is the strength of the exhibitor. Notwithstanding the fact that both exhibitors and distributors are doing well, it is my humble opinion that much can be done for the exhibitor.” He quoted the opinions of exhibitors throughout the Dominion who favored a national body. Greater organizational strides were necessary in Ontario, he stated, although the association had made considerable progress in the last year. A representative organization was necessary today to meet with the government and greater publicity should be given the war effort of the Industry. “We do all the things without charge that other people get paid for doing,” said J. J. Fitzgibbons on the same subject, “because we want to be of value to the community.” He suggested that public be made aware of this fact. He urged that exhibitors study the problems brought to their attention by the trade papers and that unity be achieved within the industry. The chairman of the Motion Picture War Services Committee pointed out that every theatre is affected by certain problems and that, as an instance, the failure of safety in one affects all. “A certain disinterest is reflected present. Chief speaker was J. J. Fitzgibbons, who pointed out the important place the theatre manager occupies today in every community. “Today there is one theatre man on every local committee for every important campaign,” he stated. “That is a tribute to your sense of responsibility and sincerity in helping the war effort.” He praised the manner in which the Industry had responded to their share in the war effort, making the work of the committee he leads much easier. Joseph Singer, K.C., suggested that theatre men would be asked to play a very important part in attempts to solve post-war problems and that they must prepare now to serve their Industry and Canada. He had been introduced to the motion picture business through contract problems and he described it as “This weird, wonderful—and after handling some of the contracts—sometimes crazy business.” Some 80 guests were present at the closing luncheon, among them two women, Mrs. Florence Simmons, booker, and Mrs. Pete Harrison, manager. in our own business, the finest business any of us can ever be in,” he said. “But there has been plenty of progress and there will be more.” A. resolution was adopted, after the report of Herb Allen, that would request exhibitors to stop selling 16 mm. product in towns where they have no 35 mm. outlets. Allen said that the 10 mile zone limit should be adhered to because growth of the present practice would hurt the distributors as well as exhibitors. The resolution by Allen was seconded by Ambrose Nolan of Ottawa, who said that there were three 16 mm. situations in that city. Nat Taylor, who with Herb Allen is chairman of the Ontario Fuel Conservation Committee for the industry, reviewed the steps taken to date and said that copies of a resolution calling for a 30 per cent saving by all exhibitors were being sent out. The resolution, moved by Taylor and seconded by Masters, was passed. President Ed Warren opened the meeting and acted as chairman throughout. “Some may think that we didn’t get very far last year,” said Warren, “but you may remember that our armies didn’t get far at first. But they are now. If we stick together, we'll all get along better and go further whether we are Independents or circuits.” Warren introduced Syd Taube, executive secretary, who read a report of last year’s activities and reported improvements in safety, tax return methods, film deliveries and other things in which the association had interested itself. Taube asked that members adhere closely to regulations governing theatres. “Be kind to the industry that has been kind to you,” he said, “and don’t run afoul of the law.” Those elected as directors for the coming year were Harry Alexander, Toronto; Herb Allen, Toronto; H. Friedman, Toronto; Joe Garborino, Toronto; Garry Hogarth, Kingsville; Haskell M. Masters, Toronto; Morris A. Milligan, Hamilton; William O'Regan, Ottawa; Floyd Rumford, Forest; Morris Stein, Toronto; N. A. Taylor, Toronto, and Eddie Warren, Aurora. The number of directors, 10 last year, was increased to 12. Visitors at the meeting were Larry Berg, Vancouver; Frank Kershaw, Calgary;> Eddie Zorn, Winnipeg; Jack Butler, Moncton, and Jay M. Franklin, St. John's, N.B. Officers for the coming year will be elected by the directors at a meeting early in October. vee oS umsted H. J. 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