Canadian Film Weekly (Jun 26, 1946)

He recently resigned as head of the advertising department of United Amusement after 24 years with the company to devote himself to his publishing and theatre interests. Langford And Terry Frances Langford and Phillip Terry will star in RKO Radio's new film, ‘“‘Beat the Band.” Johnny Mack Brown Johnny Mack Brown's next starring vehicle at Monogram will be a Western, “Trigger Finger.” Canadian FILM WEEKLY ——___— Exhibitors Upset By Sask’n Situation (Continued from Page 1) Regina from Winnipeg and back again were added, found it unprofitable to maintain distribution to oneand two-day houses in certain areas. Such distribution had been carried on merely as a service. The distributors, because of higher per reel censorship fees and additional shipping charges, sought to operate as successfully as before by submitting fewer prints for inspection and approval. This led to a curtailment of service. A letter on the subject has been received by Canadian Film Weekly from a Saskatchewan exhibitor, whose position is ‘the same as others affected and who feels that neither the distributors nor the Saskatchewan Motion Picture Exhibitors Association has been of much help. He asks that his name be withheld. The letter follows: “I would like to bring my views on a situation that exists in Saskatchewan today. I know as an independent exhibitor I am being affected and no doubt the present situation must be affecting others in the same manner. Vokes Sees ‘Victory Parade’ Theatre men who saw Eagle-Lion’s magnificent two-reel Technicolor film of Britain’s great celebration, “The Victory Parade,” report that it is a rare experience. It has visual beauty and ability to stir sentiment and pride. Canada gets its due during the film, in which detachments of troops from almost all Allied countries are shown winning the cheers of London's millions. Part of the film in narrated by Canada’s Stanley Maxted, now prominent in British radio. Major-General Chris Vokes, who led the Canadian contingent, saw the parade and his own part in it for the ‘first time when the film was shown in the Eagle-Lion projection room. In the front row are (left to right) Col. the Rey. Sydney Lambert, Mrs. Lambert, A. J. Laurie of Eagle-Lion, Maj.-Gen. Vokes and Mrs. Vokes. Behind Laurie is Brig. A. J. Sparling. The film was flown across the ocean and rushed into Oanadian theatres while public interest was still at its peak — the first time that had been done. I am referring to the controversy between the Saskatchewan government and the Calgary film exchanges. You are aware, no doubt, that for the past six months or more no amicable sgreement has been reached regarding the additional censcrship fees on Saskatchewan prints. It is seriously affecting my _ business. My bookings have been kicked around between the Calgary and Winnipeg exchanges, with the result that often I cannot get any bookings. ‘The distributors naturally blame _ the Saskatchewan government. My own viewpoint is that I have contracts with Calgary exchanges to supply product, which they are not doing. To top it all, my express rates from Winnipeg are double those from Calgary, my original shipping point. “My particular peeve. is that with a virile Saskatchewan Exhibitors Association this matter should have been looked into by them; or at least some interest taken to protect the small independent exhibitor. As a member of the Sasxatchewan Exhibitors Association I think I have some right to voice my opinion. I have, on several occasions, brought up this matter by letter with no satisfactory results. I am bound to conclude then that the Saskatchewan [E™hibitor’s Association is an organization in name only and is not interested in matters which I think vital to the existence of many independent exhibitors. My purpose in writing this letter is to try and jolt the Saskatchewan Exhibitors Association into some action. No doubt some results would occur if appropriate measures were taken.” RKO Changes Title The film called ‘‘What Nancy Wanted” while in production has been given’the release title, “The Locket.” Its stars are Laraine Day, Brian Aherne, Robert Mitchum and Gene Raymond. Bill Breen Passes After Long Illness Bill Breen, treasurer of the Royal Alexandra Theatre, Toron to, until his retirement in 1939, died recently after a prolonged illness. Associated with the Royal Alexandra “ since coming here from New York theatres in 1907, he was well known throughout the theatrical world. Surviving is his widow, the former Edith Anna Russell. : June 26, 1946 FPCC Managers Shifted In West (Continued from Page 1) atre, also in Vancouver. J. McNicol, who has been recently discharged from the armed forces, returns to his former position as manager of ‘tthe Alma theatre, Vancouver. L. K. Webber of ‘the Regent, Vancouver, moves to the Capitol, Penticton, as manager. M. Stackhouse shifts from the Victoria, Vancouver, to the Regent, Vancouver. L. D. Muir, assistant manager of the Orpheum theatre, Vancouver, was appointed manager of the Victoria theatre, Vancouver. Martin Cave of the Capitol theatre, Penticton, is manager of the Dominion theatre, Victoria. R. B. Letts of the Stanley theatre, Vancouver, becomes manager of the Strand theatre, Trail. Cliff Denham of the Dominion Theatre, Victoria, takes over the management of the newly opened Royal theatre, Victoria. J. E. Burdick of the Kerrisdale theatre Vancouver moves to the Stanley, Vancouver. T. Morrison, assistant manager of ‘the Capitol Vancouver succeeds L. D. Muir as assistant at the Orpheum Vancouver. L. V. Campbell of the Strand theatre, Trail, has resigned to go into business for himself. Bikini Atoll Picture Regal Film Release “Bikini — the Atom Island,” a timely MGM Carey Wilson singlereel short, is being released in Canada now by Regal Films. It shows the actual taking over of the South Sea island by the USA navy from the native King of Bikini. Removal of the natives from ‘their homes to new dwellings on Rongerik Island is also shown. As a prelude to the much-discussed atomic bomb experiments, which will be conducted in July, it packs a lot of interest and audience appeal into its short run. Currently it is playing day and date at Loew’s and Uptown theatres in Toronto. THEATRES WANTED We are absolutely sure that our prices will be the highest and our terms the most satisfactory ever offered you for your theatre. We want theatres and will pay the highest prices in cash for them! NORTHERN THEATRES LIMITED 33 Melinda St. TORONTO Office 7A ~