Canadian Film Weekly (May 23, 1945)

May 23, 1945 Benevolent Fund Boosted in Wpg. (Continued from Page 1) late president of the film veterans’ organization, the purpose of which is to provide assistance to any member of the industry who, through unfortunate circumstances, might require it. Leo Devaney, president of the Pioneers, in addressing the luncheon meeting, outlined the ideas and aims of the organization, the purpose of the fund and plans related to the drive which had already been approved by the executive committee. The proposal of a fund for benevolent purposes won hearty endorsement and a committee was set up which will concern itself immediately with one aspect of the drive, the promotion of a draw for yearly passes to leading theatres. Those appointed to act in the Winnipeg area are: District manager — Sam Swartz, manager, Rio Theatre. Captain — Greydon Mathews, branch manager, Warner Brothers. Secretary—H. Swartz, supervisor, Rothstein theatres, Publicity director—Tom Pacey, manager, Rialto Theatre. General committee — Joe Huber, branch manager, 20th Century-Fox; J. S. McPherson, branch manager, RKO; R. D. Hurwitz, supervisor, Weiner theatres; Harold Bishop, supervisor, Famous Players theatres; and Harry Gray, manager, Lyceum theatre. Among those also present at the luncheon meeting were Dave Brickman, Paramount; I. Levitt, Columbia; Abe Feinstein, United Artists; P. Geller, PRC; Wolfe Blankstein, Empire-Universal; A. Levy, Regal Films; Vic Rackow, Monogram; Sam Pearlman, Calgary manager, Warner Brothers; E. A. Zorn, Famous Players; and G. Dowbiggen, Famous Players. Similar meetings will be held in the near future to discuss plans for the drive in each territory and work out quotas, opening and closing dates, publicity methods, etc. The general committee to su pervise the drive throughout the Dominion is headed by Oscar Hanson, who is associated for that purpose with Clare Appel, Jack Arthur, Ben Cronk, Leo Devaney and Alf Perry. It met last week with the executive committee of the Pioneers for discussion of progress and further means of assisting the cause. Paul Nathanson and J. Arthur Rank have each contributed $1,000 to the fund. ‘Canadian FILM WEEKLY Ontario Saw 481 Features in °44 (Continued from Page 1) newsreels and miscellaneous subjects, was submitted during the year and of those examined 1,633 were passed without alterations. The USA was responsible for 1,676 of the films, 119 of which were altered. As in other years, the number of British films requiring cuts to make them suitable for exhibition in Ontario was greater in proportion than the American total—42 out of 89 submitted. Canada offered 18 films, one of which was cut. Russia sent 12, with changes being ordered in one. During the year the board received 567 films in 16 mm. width, 563 of which had originated in the USA, one in Britain, and four each in Russia, Poland and Canada. The censor noted that films of a religious nature had increased, as had those which featured classical music. Numerous complaints about the picturization of war brutality on the screen had been received, he reported, most of them directed at newsreels and documentaries. He praised the distributors for their cooperation in revising returned films without objection, despite wartime difficulties. Advertising increased There were 38,343 pieces of advertising offered for inspection and approval as against 34,163 during the previous year and rejections increased, 228 being rejected compared with 102 during the prior 12 months. Theatre safety was the best ever, with one minor fire being reported during the year in theatre properties worth more than 35 millions of dollars. While fire damage increased generally, theatres were an exception and this was in no small measure due to the vigilance of projectionists and revisors. No new theatres. were constructed during the year because of government restrictions and alterations were made only where public safety was concerned. But two theatres had major alterations and 16 benefitted from minor repairs. Two prosecutions were instituted for infractions of the regulations and in both instances convictions were registered. One theatre license and six projectionists’ licenses were temporarily suspended. During the year under review licenses were issued for 415 theatres, 788 projectionists, 170 apprentice projectionists, 104 travelling shows and 135 for miscelfaneous purposes. Praises Trade “The Motion Picture Industry in general looks back to over five years during which both defeats and victories occupied the attention of Allied Nations,” stated Mr. Silverthorne, chairman of the board. “It looks back on those years when it gave freely and generously of its time, talent and theatres to acquaint the public with films concerning Victory Loans, Red Cross appeals and appeals for aid from stricken Allied nations. Today the Industry looks ahead to the post-war years when, the Board trusts, it plans to continue to use its vast facilities in support of all patriotic and rehabilitation projects which will engage the attention of the people of Canada when peace comes.” Kern Musical “Till the Clouds Roll By,’ an MGM musical based on the life of Jerome Kern, will feature Judy Garland in the role of Marilyn Miller and Robert Walker portraying Kern. The picture will be the first directorial assignment of Lemuel Ayere and it will be produced by Arthur Freed. "Paris Underground’ UA Film Completed The film version of “Paris -— Underground,” the Etta Shiber best-seller novel, has just been completed in Hollywood. It was produced by Constance Bennett who stars in the picture with Gracie Fields, the noted British actress. Directed by Gregory Ratoff for United Artists Release, “Paris — Underground” tells the story of a wealthy American woman caught in Paris when World War II breaks out who joins the French Underground. Vol. 10, No. 21 May 23, 1945 Address all communications—The Managing Ediotr, Canadian Film Weekly, 25 Dundas Square, Toronto, Canada. Published by Film Publications of Canada Ltd., 25 Dundas Square, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Phone ADelaide 4317. Price S cents each or $2.00 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter. Printed by Eveready Printers Limited, 78 Wellington Street West, Toronto, Ontario. Page 11 Chairman OSCAR HANSON Chairman of the committee of the Clair Hague Memorial Benevolent Fund. Juve Delinquency And Motion Pix (Continued from Page 1) er Movement and finally of entertainment offered in different sections of the City of Toronto, the Board believes it is on solid ground when it takes the position that the film is never an enly factor, and rarely the principal factor in contributing to juvenile misbehavior; also since competent authority in the field of social science is unable to determine to what extent the film is responsible for juvenile misconduct.” The censor took the position that “any delinquency attributable to the cinema must be regarded as of a local nature in the larger centres of the Province, requiring the application of local corrective measures rather than the implementation of a blanket policy.” This assumption was made after comparing the number of children from districts with an excellent environment and fine homes who appeared in juvenile court with that of depressed areas. One of 135 pupils from a favored district was brought into court while the ratio rose from three in 100 in a depressed area. A comparitive study of film entertainment showed that the exhibitor in the area more seriously affected offered a larger number of films featuring violence, crime and horror, It is fair to add, he claimed, that a greater interest on the part of the distributor and exhibitor in the types of films showing in certain auréas could tend only to reduce delinquency.