Canadian Film Weekly (May 10, 1944)

Page 2 V-Loan Campaign Keeps Up Pace (Continued from Page 1) “paign so far, expressing the gratitude of his organization and saying that “we know full well that we are receiving assistance from a medium which cannot be purchased at any price other than good will.” In Victoriaville, Quebec, Dick Allaire started the Loan off with ceremonies at his theatre. Dick is chairman for Arthabasca, Vic-~torlaville District. Tom Daley, wide-awake manager of the Imperial, Toronto, pulled a good stunt that has a man-bites-dog angle. Tom has Columbia’s “None Shall Escape” booked in and he figured it was a good subject for Loan tieups. So he got sponsored ads for it from merchants—and one from Columbia! Instead of the exchange selling the exhib, it’s the other way around. Among the liveliest of subchairmen is Walter Helm, Avon, Stratford, Ontario, who finecombed his territory. Walt is using the “blackout speech” stunt, that of making a oneminute speech in a darkened house. Has great effect. Walter particularly praises George Jenner of the Capitol, Goderich, Ontario. George, a member of the Huron Committee, uses speakers regularly and has the salesmen meet in the theatre. He writes radio scripts for the Wingham station and does many things besides the ordinary theatre work. Geneva Theatre, Orillia, Ontario, managed by Les Vicary, was the scene of a great Loan rally for the employees of the Otaco Company. A concert was held. It is revealed that “The Shining Future” and “The Fifth Christmas,” through the use of 140 prints for the first and 50 for the second, has had 1218 dates—-the widest distribution ever had in Canada before on any film. It is reported that exhibitors, in some cases, have not had good co-operation from radio or the newspapers. Instead of waiting for Loan posters from the local committee, the theatre man should use something else or go after‘them. He must investigate the best-mediums of information in his district and get tieups. Also it isn’t enough that the local paper or radio stations keep the folks informed about the Loan. They must be told in as many ways and as often as possible. Bowmanville Change Sam Fingold recently acquired the Royal, Bowmanville, Ontario, from Mrs. D. Ross. Canadian FILM WEEKLY May 10, 1944 Post-War Growth — The Manager- Seen by FPCC (Continued from Page 1) tioning ducts. Heating may be through the ‘electric blanket’ type of heating. “It won't be necessary to paint murals and other interior decorations. These can be projected on the walls and color changes made to suit the mood of the subject being projected on the screen. “Present-day complicated wiring circuits will be reduced to a minimum and controlled by beams similar to photo-electric beams. Electric counting devices will exercise a better control on the checking of sales and admissions. Managers and assistant managers will be able to direct their house staffs by the use of the wartime invention, the ‘walkie talkie’.” Mr. Fitzgibbons said previously that Famous Players was keeping fully informed about television. “It will be added to our regular motion picture programs when it becomes available,” he stated. “Television can only be as successful as its ability to deliver the type of entertainment the public wants.” Lists New Properties Famous Players, it was revealed, now has an interest in 313 Canadian theatres which provide entertainment for 2,000,000 weekly, having paid out $10,343,158 in taxes and $5,902,357 in salary during the year summarized, Since the beginning of 1943 the company’s most important property acquisitions included: Palace Theatre building and stores, London, Ontario. Lyceum Theatre building and stores, Port Arthur, Ontario. Capitol Theatre property, building and equipment in Galt, Ontario. Loew's Theatre, with its property, building and equipment in Montreal. Orpheum, Montreal, where French-language films are being presented. A site for a new theatre in Peterboro, Ontario, for which building plans are completed. Strand Theatre building, Vancouver, B.C, Site for new theatre in King Square, St. John, NB. (The property is now loaned without charge to the Canadian Army Recreational Services until one year after the war.) Granada Theatre building and property in Hamilton, Ontario. Property in downtown Moncton, N.B., for post-war theatre building. A. site in downtown Edmonton. The Paramount Theatre, St. John's, Newfoundland, is now under construction. The company has acquired the Capitol in the same city. Several other theatre projects are awaiting removal of restrictions. Reviews Coming Product The head of Canada’s largest circuit named a number of films that would be available in the future. “These pictures indicate that the public is interested in a wide range of entertainment from the serious drama to lavish musical comedies,” said Mr. Fitzgibbons. “There is, too, every indication of a very definite leaning toward pictures with a religious theme. Technicolor is being used in more pictures than ever before and while it increases the costs there is no doubt that it greatly enhances the entertainment value of productions.” He praised Famous Players publicity department, which is headed by James Nairn. Newspapers were classified by him as the best advertising medium and the company’s expenditure that way amounted to $1,000,000 during the year. Mr. Fitzgibbons reviewed the work of the Canadian Motion Picture War Services Committee, praising members of the industry for their support of it. His-own company, he announced, had more than 900 employees in the armed services, 33 of whom are either missing, killed or prisoners of war. These were named by him. Praises Colleagues The fine report heard by the gathering was due to the work of the executive officers, department heads and supervisors of the company, the president said. He praised Norman Robertson, legal advisor and a member of the board of directors; Senator J. W. deB, Farris and Howard Robinson, also of the board of directors. Head office men came in for acknowledgment, among them Ben Geldsaler, booking; Pete Address all communications—The Managing Editor, Vol, 9, No. 19 May 10, 1944 HYE BOSSIN, Managing Editor Canadian Film Weekly, 25 Dundas Square, Toronto, Canada. Published by Film Publications of Canada. Phone ADelaide 4317. Entered as Lid. 25 Dundas Square, Toronto, Ont., S cents each or $2.00 per year. Matter Printed by Eveready Printers Limited, 74 Wellington Street West, Toronto, Ontario Who Is He? (Continued from Page 1) made in the USA and probably has even greater application in Canada, since we have been at war longer, and National Selective Service applies to theatre help here. Only 219 knew the name of the manager and 35% could recognize him on the street, Just seven per cent discuss screen attractions with him. One half of the people living in communities under 10,000 in population know the manager’s name, The survey showed that the bank manager is just as well known as the theatre manager, and that the grocer and druggist is known by half the people in the community. The figures were higher in 1941, This news should deflate some managers who think that they are leading members of the community by virtue of their job. Apparently the manager must be on hand to greet the patrons and take his place in community activities. The old-time manager was almost a character, being famed in his own community. . . Kincardine Change Joe Filardo and Charles Caruso have taken over the Capitol, Kincardine, Ontario, a 428-seater. It’s a six-day house formerly operated by Sam Fingold. Grand Reopened Grand Theatre, Calgary, reopened recently after being closed for alterations, Brown, supply; R. G. Darby, insurance; Charles Dentlebeck, equipment maintenance; L. G. Geering, auditing; W. Kerr, accounting; J. A. Troyer, statistics, and Jules Wolfe, engineering and construction. He also paid tribute to such field men as Morris Stein, eastern division supervisor; Larry Bearg and Frank Gow, Vancouver; Ed Zorn, Winnipeg; Frank Kershaw, Alberta and Northwest Territories; Ray Tubman, Ottawa; Dan Krendel, Jack Arthur, Ontario, and Bob Roddick, Maritimes. “Particular mention must be made of Noel Barrow, Angus McCunn and your vice-president, R. W. SBolstad,” he said. They handle partnerships, affiliations and complicated tax problems. “Looking over the history of this company,” Mr. Fitzgibbons concluded, “as we go into the 25th year we cannot help but remark on the farsightedness and sound business of its founders,” He pledged the use of Famous Players’ facilities for the war effort and for any plan that would help the changeover from war to peace, aro SN er eg,