Canadian Film Weekly (Apr 11, 1945)

@ er a i April 11, 1945 Movies Entitled To Air Channels Replying recently to the suggestion of the Columbia Broadcasting System to the Federal Communications Commission of the USA that theatre television be denied channels, Paul J. Larsen, president of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers claimed the radio network feared movie competition to its shows. “The Society of Motion Picture Engineers can only interpret these statements as being a fear by CBS of competition by theatre television, even though not expressly stated,’ said Larsen. “SMPI, on behalf of the engineers of the motion picture industry, wishes to submit to the Commission that it does not fear competition of television broadcasting, but invites it. It is hoped that the _ television broadcasting industry has the same attitude. “SMPI is of the opinion that the frequencies requested for theatre television will serve a very large portion of the public without distinction as to income level. The motion picture industry has the organization to produce, and the technical know-how of the type of visual entertainment required for public consumption. The industry has 50 years of background experience and has acquired the know-how of public desires in the visual entertainment field. “During the initial commercialization of television, whether broadcasting or theatre, the public will view the presentations due to their ‘novelty.’ that is, the novelty of being able to view a visual presentation transmitted through the medium of radio. “This novelty period soon will wear off and it will then be necessary to present proper program material having human interest and entertainment value te insure continued commercial success. The motion picture industry, it is believed, has the organization, the background, the experience, the technique and the kbow-how to insure the public that the visual presentations which it will present through television will be comparable to the high standard in artistry arid technical perfection of which the theatrical public is accustomed.” National Broadcasting Co. said in the brief that theatre television could use wire lines. Larsen pointed out that the wires used by Muzak, for instance, are not suitable for any type of television, and that only coaxial cable of a greater band width than are now available could serve Jarge-screen theatre television. Nid Fa A. KENT CRAIG Now of the Tivoli Theatre, Hamilton, Ontario, who won the major award in the Seventh Victory Loan scrapbook contest. Canadian FILM WEEKLY A. H. JOLLEY Appointed executive secretary of the Motion Picture Theatres Association of Ontario, succeeding Syd B. Taube. Sgt. Thomas Spencer Killed In Action Sgt. Thomas Spencer of the USA armed forces was killed in action in the South Pacific recently. He was a brother of Connie Spencer, manager of the Capitol, Hamilton, Ontario. Coming Along The Warners and Columbia exchange buildings being erected at Church and Carlton streets, Toronto, are coming along well and should be ready for occupancy in June or earlier. Smith Renewed Pete Smith, short maker now on his 21st year at Metro, just signed another long term deal. Telecomics Telecomics, Inc. and Telepictures, Inc. has been organized in New York for the production of comics and children’s classics for television and 16 mm. showing. Paul Lukas Again Paul Lukas will co-star with Susan Hayward in “Deadline at Dawn” for RKO. ‘One of the Greatest Pieces of Cheatre Property aa Gabi Production Flistory Sheetal tdded tttraction / The Hollywood Motion Picture Industry presents VIVIAN BLAINE> JEANNE CRAIN BING CROSBY LINDA DARNELL BETTY GRABLE ° BOB HOPE JUNE HAVER ¢ HARRY JAMES' Orch. FAYE MARLOWE FIBBER McGEE & MOLLY CARMEN MIRANDA FRANK SINATRA Produced by 20th Century-Fox Corporation, for CANADIAN MOTION PICTURE WAR SERVICES COMMITTEE MAKE SURE YOU PLAY ITY Page 11 Griesdort Quits; Boothe Upped (Continued from Page 1) of United Artists in Los Angeles, a post he accepted on leaving New York, where he was general sales manager. of James Roosevelt’s production company. He attended the University of Alberta before entering the motion picture industry. Howard Boothe, Griesdorf’s successor, a veteran of the business, was manager of the Sunbar Theatre, Vancouver, first house to be acquired by Odeon in February, 1941. K. E. Hayter, district booker, has been appointed supervisor of Vancouver suburban theatres. According to Paul Nathanson, Griesdorf’s wide experience in exhibition and distribution had been of invaluable help during his service with Odeon and he wished him good luck in his new venture. George Peters, assistant secretary-treasurer of the company, accompanied the Odeon chief on his visit. John Ford Headed For Republic John Ford, famed director of “How Green Was My Valley” and other films, now a Comman der in the USA navy, will move | to the Republic lot on his return. joining Frank from the war, Borzage and other top meggers. Republic’s drive for recognition as a major studio is showing great progress. Ont.Censor Board Grossed 196 Gs (Continued from Page 1) provincial treasurer of the sincedissolved Drew government. The total was comprised of $105,268 for film censorship fees, $89,937 from the licenses of theatres and projectionists, and $404 from other sources. Censors and other permanent employees drew $23,829 in salaries and temporary workers $4,605. Travelling expenses totalled $2,900 and office maintenance cost $2,516. The appropriation asked for this year is $42,200, of which amount $32,500 is for salaries, $4,000 for inspector's travelling expenses and $3,000 for maintenance. These figures represent an increase, last year's operation costs having been $33,851. The estimates contained no reference to new headquarters for the board. Its present offices by no means live up to the standards of safety demanded by it from theatres and exchanges,