Canadian Film Weekly (May 30, 1945)

> ee Page 8 Quebec Council Kills Luxury Tax (Continued from Page 1) consumer. The exhibitor has been classified as a consumer, a description objected to by many on the grounds that the retailer of motion pictures to the public is no more in the consumer class than the man who sells jewelery, cigars or toothpaste. The tax, these claim, should have been applied to the price of admission tickets if the retailer of film entertainment was to be treated equally with the retailers of other goods and services. The chief complaint is that the tax on film entertainment has been levied on a different basis than on other businesses in comparatively the same position. It is possible that a favorable adjustment will be made, it being generally conceded that there will be a number of amendments before the act is final. <A six-month postponement has been suggested, although the tax has been in effect since April 27. Although the tax is being levied now on all purchases in retail businesses selling goods stipulated by the act as coming within its application, exhibitors are not yet paying the tax to the distributors of films because the act, up to this writing, has not had its final reading. According to the act, the tax must be paid on “Cinematographic, television and photographic instruments and apparatus, and films of all kinds and the rental of such films” by ‘companies and manufacturers” and “every purchaser other than a company and “manufacturer.” The exhibitors have not entered into any controversy with the exchanges as to which, under the act as written, should pay the tax, since the Canadian License Agreement between them stipulates that the former must absorb any such imposts. The right to designate the method of repayment, belongs to the distributor in cases where the exchange has paid the tax. Meanwhile opposition continues to grow in the Legislative Council, and from business, labor bodies and the press. The non-political, non-partisan Merchants and Citizens Committee has placed ads in the daily papers in which they state that the luxury tax “should be abandoned because it is ill-conceived, discriminatory and unworkable.” The ads point out that this legislation is of a wartime character and “it is totally unsuitable for the transition and reconstruction period.” “Plans to ‘fix it up’ by endless rulings ‘as it goes along’ indicate that the government cannot visualize the luxury tax in action,” the ads state. Canadian FILM WEEKLY Original 20th Centurites Top—Mrs. Raoul Auerbach, Hy Ginsberg, Ida McCormack and Mrs. Nat Taylor. Miss McCormack and Mr. Ginsberg, with 20th Century Theatres since its inception ten years ago, are about to share the cutting of the anniversary cake at the annual banquet of the 20th Century Theatres Club, the first pieces of which went to Mrs. Auerbach and Mrs. Taylor, guests. Lower—Some staff members. New Com'tee Heads Picture Pioneer Work A new committee to have overall charge of the activities of the Picture Pioneers has been appointed by Jack Cohn in New York. As the ‘Administrative Committee,” it will be headed by William Brandt and its members will include Jack Alicoate, Tom Connors, George Dembow, Hal Horne and Hal Hode. Hollywood Theatre Will Have Annex Theatre Holding Corporation announces that it will build an annex to the Hollywood Theatre in Toronto as part of its postwar plans. This will increase the seating capacity by 750 seats. A parking lot immediately north of the theatre has heen purchased for the purpose, Theatre Supervisor Resigns Position Resignation is announced of A.C. Stock from the post of manager and supervisor of the Delta, Queens and Empire Theatres in Hamilton, owned by M. H. Milligan. With the Milligan interests for the past four years, Stock is leaving for reasons of health and has made no announcement as to his future plans. He will be succeeded by O. A. Lang, a newcomer to the industry. Stock has been in the movie business for over 30 years and he is a member of the Motion Picture Pioneers, ; First MGM-Korda Pic Sir Alexander Korda has just completed the production of “Perfect Strangers,” his first picture for MGM in Britain. Deborah Kerr stars with Robert Donat. May 30, 1945 20th Cty. Club Honors Heads * (Continued from Page 1) versary cf the company, which began operations in June 1935, with one theatre and has since grown to 53. The place was La Chaumiere, Toronto, where Twentieth Century Theatres Club, a head office organization, had gathered to mark the end of the winter's social activities and to present bowling prizes. The staff took advantage of the opportunity to surprise the company’s two top men and their wives, who shared a second presentation. The second presentation was that of pastel portraits of Michael Taylor, eight-year-old Son of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, and Nancy, fiveyear-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Auerbach. The portraits were the work of Ruth Chaplin, whose artistry won much admiration. Myer Axler, a member of the firm since its first year, presented the scroll in behalf of the club and Hye Bossin, who acted as toastmaster, handed over the portraits with appropriate words. The scroll reads: ‘'1935-1945... The loyal and admiring head office staff of the Twentieth Century Theatres hereon records for posterity its most sincere congratulations to N. A. Taylor and Raoul Auerbach on the tenth anniversary of their joint enterprise . . . Within a decade that began with one place of amusement they have carried mirth, music and education into dozens of communities, launching immeasurable laughter and easing countless hearts. May they thrive in their happy purpose.” Mr. Taylor, in thanking those present, recalled the early uncertainties of the enterprise. He was grateful for the good wishes of the employees and paid tribute to their devotion to the company’s interests, an important factor in its success. Both he and Mrs. Taylor were touched by the portrait of their son, a sentimental gesture which reached beyond business association. Mr. Auerbach spoke next, expressing the thanks of his wife and himself. Max White, president of the club, the first speaker, welcomed the members and visitors. Prizes were presented to Bess Minard, Lottie McMurdy, Max White and Hy Ginsberg. A screening followed the dinner. ; "Boston Blackie’ Pic The next “Boston Blackie” feature to be released by Columbia is “Boston Blackie’s Rendezvous.” Chester Morris again plays the title role and Arthur Dreifuss directed.