Canadian Film Weekly (Oct 17, 1945)

October 17, 1945 A. W. PERRY General sales manager of Empire-Universal Films, who has announced important changes in his organization. Sam Smith Dies In Great Britain (Continued from Page 3) During his visit to this country in June of this year he was subject to illness. Smith started in the Canadian motion industry in 1910 as a bookkeeper in the old Allen distribution organization, the Canadian Film Exchange, serving in its Regina branch. He was brought into the Allen orbit by Ben Bloom, a fellow-Britisher, who was Winnipeg manager. British films showed great promise then and Jule and the late Jay Allen sent Smith to Britain to arrange for Canadian distribution rights and he sent back many profitable features, among them “Battle of the Somme.” He remained in Britain to enter the distribution field on his own, at the same time representing the Allens until interest in British films petered out in Canada. A few years after the first World War Canadians began to like the new crop of films and Smith in the early 1920s became the representative of the late N. L. Nathanson, then in control of the old Regal Film Company. Broadening his interests into production, his British Lion organization also distributed its own films and those of Republic. Smith and the Nathanson were partners in British Lion, an association that was continued through the latter’s estate. He was a member of the Cinema Advisory Committee of the British Board of Trade and had served as president of Kinematograph Renters Society. Canadian FILM WEEKLY ‘True Glory’ to PRC For Distribution (Continued from Page 3) flames, of the men of many lands,” wrote Peter Burnup, British editor of the Quigley Publications, when he saw the picture in London. “It lends glory to the screen. “Made from the work of cameramen of all the Allied nations, it tells its story simply, as though the soldiers themselves were recounting, modestly and in asides, the tale of their doings. Its cumulative effect is an overwhelming picture of the stupendous achievement of the assault of Europe; the ultimate casting down into the dust of Hitler’s fantastic empire. “General Eisenhower appears paying tribute to the teamwork of the nations’ armies and workers, eloquently pleading for the continuance of that teamwork lest the world perish by a sword of its own fashioning. “This is a picture to be seen by all mothers and fathers whose sons are mourned, for herein is the justification for their sacrifice. It should be seen, too, by the parents of those safely returnea from the war, for no one could tell their story so eloquently as it is told in this film,” the British reviewer wrote. The New York premiere drew a story in the New York Times by its correspondent, Bosley Crowther, who said of the film: ‘It is a brilliantly composed screen tribute to the courage and perseverance of Allied fighting men, as rich in its verbal narration as it is true in its visual Conway Aids Bowyer In Odeon Movie Clubs Hilliard Conway, manager of the Colony Theatre, Toronto, has been transferred to Odeon’s head office as assistant to Tom Bowyer in the organization and operation of Odeon Movie Clubs for Young Canadians. He will also book screen programs for all Saturday morning club showings with the exception of those in British Columbia. The first Odeon Movie Club was launched at the Colony last spring and operated successfully by Conway who has a pleasing personality and a special knack in dealing with children. Developing a great enthusiasm for the club, he was released from his post aS manager by arrangement with M. J. Weiss, operator of the Colony, and given the opportunity to devote his full time to the children’s project. images. It is a history not so much of battles (although there is a clear survey of strategy throughout) as of the dominating spirit of teamwork through which the final triumph was won. “The main commentary is written in a rich, poetic style and is spoken with underlying passion. But frequently, throughout the film, the sound-track is taken over by narrators representing the fighting men—airmen, tankmen, sailors, field officers, British Tommies and just plain Joes. And their comments are spoken in terse, idiomatic speech, warm with the accents of their countries and true to the attributes of war. “There is rare humor, fear, excitement, disgust, cold irony and relief in the comments of these spot narrators. They are the symphonic voices of the film.” The musical score, which is said to be a fine complement to the narration, was written by William Alwyn, British composer. It is played in the film by the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Muir Matheson. : Page 5 FRANK VAUGHAN New Toronto branch man ager for Empire-Universal Films, succeeding Harry Painter, who resigned to become general manager of Associated Theatres. Assistant Pub Chief Frank P. Rosenberg has assumed the post of assistant director of publicity and exploitation at Columbia Pictures, it was announced recently by David A. Lipton, ad-pub director. MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW! TODAY, to attend The Annual MEETING and LUNCHEON There will be several important discussions about vital problems affecting the industry MOTION PICTURE THEATRES ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23rd, 1945 KING EDWARD HOTEL (VANITY FAIR) Toronto (12:30 P.M.) MOTION 26 Queen St. East PICTURE THEATRES ASS’N OF ELgin 9630 ONTARIO Toronto, Ont. LI SS,