Canadian Film Weekly (Dec 19, 1945)

Page 20 Safety Moves by Board of Trade (Continued from Page 1) censed, nor are all projectionists examined by the government. In one case 35 mm. film was withdrawn but the operator was permitted to exhibit 16 mm. film and he was discovered to have returned to the larger-sized features. The inspector found that most booths consisted merely of asbestos walls but the stands for the machines were made of wood. In one situation insurance had been cancelled but obtained from a second cumpany, despite the auditorium being on the second floor of a poor building. In another place of exhibition one machine was being used and the operator allowed the film to run while he took tickets. Service will not be renewed until the buildings and booths are put in proper condition and the public is protected. The Montreal Board of Trade has invited information about other situations which deserve to be closed. Republic Names New Publicity, Ad Head . Herbert J. Yates, president of Republic Pictures, has named Steve Edwards director of advertising and publicity for the company. Publicity director since 1943, Edwards joined the firm in 1941, started his motion picture career with the RKO Boston Theatre in 1928. Canadian FILM WEEKLY Ben, Haskell and Sam Haskell Masters (center), Canadian district manager for Warner Bros., flanked by Ben Kalmenson, left, general sales manager, and Samuel Schneider, vice-president, at sales meeting held in Blackstone Hotel, Chicago. ‘UNADULTERATED NERVE (Continued on Page 18) ‘ censor board .for newspaper feature material, such as photos and comics? It makes as much sense—if any. The comic page of any newspaper will reveal guns, shooting, violence, slick villains “glorifying the art of crime.” There is plenty of stuff “not conducive to juvenile morals.” If that makes sense, why shouldn't radio be brought under the department of education, an expert be attached to each station or a board created with power to restrict and censor? We would like to have copies of resolutions on that subject from these critics. It must be remembered that movies require money for admission and that money is given the child by parents. There are laws which keep children out of theatres, there is motion picture industry self-censorship and there are special children’s shows. Lack of money is no factor in keeping children from reading comics or listening to the radio — and hearing mama’s favorite soap opera, so often an “adult type” of performance. Nor are there laws. It’s left to the parents. Failure of these critics to prove their complete sincerity by directing their attention to other mediums beside the motion picture is not flattering to them. Have they personal reasons or do they merely lack scope of mind? Why should any medium of entertainment be diminished in vitality and character when discipline can begin in municipal councils and at home for those who need it? Reasonable requests, suggestions and opinions are always welcome. Motion picture censorship today is the result of a half-century of experience. It takes a little thought to arrive at a good idea for improving it without being unfair to the vast majority of patrons as well as censors ‘color feature, and movie men. Te Dual Opening for PRC's ‘Forest’ Holiday week movie fare at Toronto’s Tivoli and Eglinton theatres will be PRC’s new all“The Enchanted Forest.” The picture opens at both theatres simultaneously on Christmas Day. Laurel, Hardy Star In British Film Sidney Box, English producer, has signed a contract with Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, which pact requires them to report in London in the spring for starring roles in a new comedy. December 19, 1945 Print Condition Worries Exhibs (Continued from Page 1) out ways in which hazards could be reduced. Matt Park, president, reported that the government was preparing a2 new form with more room on it for description of damaged reels. He said it would be easier to check on film and said better protection could be had if exhibitors filled it in completely. W. H. B. Sharp told the meeting that it was found, on checking two films for the exchanges following fires, that the fault was not with equipment but the reels should not have been sent out in their condition. Gray Sharp said that his experience had shown damaged film arose from carelessness in handling in projection rooms rather than from the machines themselves. The shortage of raw stock, it was pointed out, had much to do with the lack of sufficient prints. Equipment had also suffered during the war. Both conditions were showing improvement and the former high standard would be reached again. It was suggested that exchanges be advised of the arrival of poor prints and that a disinterested party be given authority to check the film at the association’s expense. Other matters discussed were the training of veterans in projection,a constitution, express shipments, post-war problems and removal or reduction of the 20 per cent tax. A letter of condolence was sent to Morris and Ted Beatty of Red Deer, whose father passed away recently. A membership committee was appointed consisting of Gray Sharp, William Pilkie, Doug Miller, W.H.B. Sharp, J. Godfrey and George Annabelle. Telev'n Licenses Asked by Nine Nine applications for television licenses have been made to the federal government from Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes, according to a report tabled in the House of Commons by Reconstruction Minister C. D. Howe this week. The Ontario applicants are: Ottawa Citizen, Ottawa; Hamilton Spectator, Hamilton; js (Ch Burkholder, Toronto; radio station CKEY, Toronto; and the T. Eaton Company Ltd., Toronto. The information showed 87 applications for standard band radio stations, 71 for frequency modulation, and four for facsimile transmission.