Canadian Film Weekly (Dec 25, 1946)

| Pee. ot mn Sant Fewer, Better Pix For New Season The emphasis in 1947 will be on “quality” rather than ‘‘quantity,” says a Hollywood despatch. There will be about 250 films made as compared with about 225 during the previous year but the total cost of the smaller number will reach many millions (Continued on Page 6) WB Preps Period And Outdoor Pix Outdoor spectacles and historical dramas of adventure will be featured in Warner Brothers’ production and release lineup for 1947, an analysis of forthcoming properties reveals. No fewer than 11 such features are in various stages of (Continued on Page 6) VOICE of the CANADIAN MOTION PICTURE s And Motion Pieture Industry Plans $10,000,000 Welfare Fund Tt appears that Santa has something special in mind for all members of the motion picture industry, judging by developments recently and indications of what is to follow. Frank Fisher To Eagle-Lion Frank Fisher has been ap pointed general sales manager of Eagle-Lion Films, states A. J. Laurie, general manager. He takes his post, newly-created, on January 2nd. The new Canadian sales manager of Eagle-Lion resigned as western division manager for Odeon Theatres of Canada to return to distribution. Both are J. Arthur Rank companies. Fisher, before joining Odeon as head booker and buyer, was assistant general manager of Empire-Universal. He is popular in the trade. Cand’n Production’s Epic Year 194’7? Canadian motion picture production, for almost two generations the subject of much argument, playground for promoters and financial graveyard for some investors, a field of minor successes and failures by well-intentioned and hopeful craftsmen, is once again climbing the hill. Whether it will reach the top this time and move on to to that fertile valley on the other side of successful and permanent operation, wiping out the uncertain and unhappy past, is a question of great interest to those with long memories or knowledge of its history. (Continued on Page 22) Picture Renamed “My Empty Heart,” the Columbia Rosalind Russell-Melvyn Douglas starrer, will be released as “The Guilt of Janet Ames.” New Rank Deal Set With Schlesingers An agreement has been reached between J. Arthur Rank and the Schlesingers for the exhibi tion and distribution of Rank product in South Africa, according to a statement by M. A. Schlesinger who was a recent ’ arrival in the USA from England. Operating control of the South African movie empire, it is understood, will remain with the Schlesingers, although Rank has been reported to have acquired an interest in it. The five sections of the industry were represented by 71 leading executives who gathered in New Orleans early this month to plan a $10,000,000 fund to help the sick and needy, set up scholarships, further medical and scientific research and promote other things vital to the social and physical welfare of film and theatre workers. The Canadian industry has (Continued on Page 6) PRC's ‘Lady Chaser" New title for PRC’s romantic mystery drama, formerly ‘Lady Killer,” has been changed to “Lady Chaser.” Trade Folk INDUSTRY Mrs. J. Cochrane Celebrates 35th This is a special year in Exeter, Ontario. Let Bob McStay tell you why. Bob, newspaperman, radio scripter and theatre press personality, told us about it and his letter deserves to be shared with you: As one of your most loyal and (Continued on Page 6) Baseball Star's Story Will Be MGM Film The inspiring story of Monty Stratton, baseball star who refused to give up his career when he lost a leg, will be brought to the screen by MGM... The story is by Douglas Morrow. No cast or producer has. been assigned as yet. Everyone Is Just Being Himself > =e This candid shot at the MPTAO meeting this year didn’t give the lads a chance to become camera-conscious. On the left George Peters of Odeon is, as usual, smiling. Next, on the same plane, Tom Daley of the Imperial Theatre seems to be saying to Odeon’s Clare \Appel: “Well, they better do something about it pretty darn soon!” Then we have Bob Eves of Famous Players listening to Larry Bearg with a characteristically thoughtful pose. In front Harry Allen is making his point to Herb Allen in his usual animated manner, while Herb doesn’t seem to he accepting it quickly. Next we see Izzy Allen of Astral Films saying to Barney Fox, “Why don't you play my pictures” and Fox, 20th Century Theatres’ head booker, is replying, ‘‘We'll see.” with United Artists following a dispute with Mary Pickford : } and will set up his own company, Selznick Releasing Organization, with Neil Agnew as president and Milton Kusell as general sales manager in the domestic field. Break is not unexpected. a a at niles eaten oe