Canadian Film Weekly (May 23, 1945)

Page 2 UA's Col. Blimp In Ottawa Preem (Continued from Page 1) duced in Britain by The Archers ’ and released on this continent by United Artists. Based on the famous character by David Low, the film won a warm reception from the select audience, present in support of the work of the Women’s Naval Auxiliary. Prior to the performance Ernie Warren introduced Mrs. Donald Gordon, and Raoul Auerbach, general manager of 20th Century Theatres. In behalf of his firm, which operates the theatre, Mr. Auerbach presented Mrs. Gordon with a cheque rep-resenting the evening’s receipts. Motion picture critics from Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa were present and were free with praise of the production. Will McLaughlin of the Ottawa Journal said that it “emerges as one of the few genuine screen productions stimulated by the lastditch war against Germany and Japan” and E. W. Harrold of the Ottawa Citizen wrote that “Its qualities are mature, its charm and illusion sure and the acting, as stated, superb.” Montreal critics present were Jacques La Roche, La Presse; Herbert Whittaker, Gazette; Ken Johnstone, Standard; and J. R. Thompson, Herald. From Toronto came Helen Allen, Evening Telegram; Roly Young, Globe and Mail; Jack Karr, Daily Star; Hye Bossin, Canadian Film Weekly; and Jay Smith, Canadian Moving Picture Digest. Those connected with the motion picture industry who attended were Douglas Rosen, Toronto branch manager of UA; Charles Chaplin, Montreal branch manager; Ed Schnitzer, New York, home office representative of UA; and John Grierson, National. Film Commissioner. The spirit of relaxation following V-E day was evident in the dress of many present, There was in some measure a return to formal evening dress. Flash bulbs popped as photographers took pictures of those present, many who came from dinners held before the premiere. The Governor General and Princess Alice were patrons of the event and diplomats from many countries, cabinet members, high officers of the armed services and many distinguished Ottawa citizens were in the audience. , Roberval, PQ, Out Roberval, Quebec, is without moving pictures since the Public Buildings Inspector withdrew the license of J. E. Chabot, who has been operating there for 15 years in the town hall. Canadian FILM WEEKLY Censor Lauds Rise Of£ British Films (Continued from Page 1) duct in interest and technique, yet present ideals and backgrounds closer to the hearts of Canadians, Silverthorne stated. “Amazingly enough,” he _ said, “this has been accomplished dur O. J. SILVERTHORNE ing the most trying times under the most disadvantageous conditions in the history of the United Kingdom.” There were 43 feature motion pictures released for Canadian showing in the fiscal year of 1944-45 as against 24 during the previous 12 months — an increase of almost 100 per cent, the report revealed. The figures become even more telling when it-is noted that these fiims have been shown in first-run metropolitan theatres —places attended by the most critical patrons — much more than at any other time in the past. In other years most British films were shown only in theatres where there was a marked preference for them, the report observed. Now such features have found a welcome place in the tastes of the general public. “This preference,” the report stated, ‘continues to grow not only in Canada but in the United States, where British films may be seen now in leading theatres in major American cities. The outstanding British films of the past season are but an indication of what is to follow, for in technical excellence and expansiveness photoplays ready or now in preparation are equal to Hollywood’s best. Patrons will recall such outstanding films as “This Happy Breed” and “The Way Ahead” as proof of the ability of British film craftsmen. “Films in production in Britain and frankly aimed at the screens of the world are ‘Men of Two Worlds,’ ‘Caesar and Cleopatra,’ ‘Blithe Spirit,’ ‘Henry V,’ ‘Nicholas Nickelby’ and ‘Inexperienced Ghost.’ Newly released in Canada is the already-famed ‘Colonel Blimp.’ A good share of these films are in Technicolor and several will cost in the neighborhood of $3,000,000 each. “All will bring increased enjoyment to.Canadians and accentuated interest to Americans, who are finding British films, new to most of them, not only inspiring but, because of unfamiliar backgrounds and themes, distinctly novel. “Thus a dream of many years is about to be realized — one that will have a marked effect on motion picture exhibition in Ontario, which contains almost one-third of all theatres in the Dominion.” ontract Extended Peter Lorre’s contract with Warner Brothers has been extended for another year. Lorre will be seen next in “Three Strangers.” May 28, 1945 Regal Will Have Own Film Bldg. Regal Films Corporation, at present located in the Film Exchange Building at 277 Victoria Street, Toronto, will erect its own. head office structure at Victoria and Gould streets, a short distance to the north, when government building restrictions are lifted. The proposed building will be one and two storeys, the twostorey part to face the street and the one storey to be at the rear. Business offices will be on the first floor and administrative headquarters on the second. The shipping department and screening room will be in the rear section. Steam heating and air conditioning are planned. Architects are Kaplan and Sprachman, 305 Dundas Street West, Toronto, and W. C. Alexander is comptroller for Regal Films. The estimated cost has not been determined. Two residences on the site will be demolished. Although the Film Exchange Building was approved for occupation after repairs following the fire, Regal and Empire-Universal acted according to the suggestion of investigating officials that film companies are safer in their own premises. . AANA ARORA AONE EN A tities Ae metre + sae. aes ee nana tetAAgasnansns.entsnnherwers A wngeiwedone ia A sad and costly affliction that could \ PRUs oe oor } | happen fo your theatre. It can be avoided if you engage the trained et services of our technical staff. a Dominion Sound Equipments LIMITED Head Office: 1620 Notre Dame Street West, Montreal Beamcoss, 07 HALIFAR foeonro ' A National Theatre Service, Sound Equipments Limited, mean specially trained personnel to technical service, equipmen en re oa WinnrPiG etGina cavcaar vancouves such as maintained by Dominion s—an organization with a provide regular ond emergency t and supplies for theatres. > . ‘ | torrent g imme: occa oy ts beara esaind