Canadian Film Weekly (Mar 3, 1948)

VOICE of the CANADIAN MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY Vol. 13, No. 9 To Ballot On UK Pix In Canada Canadian movie patrons will be asked to vote in the London Overseas Daily Mail’s Empire Film Award to determine the best Empire film shown in this country during 1947, as well as the best pérformance of an actor and actress in the film of the indivi (Continued on Page 4) New Committees Of Pic Pioneers The first meeting of 1948 of the Canadian Picture Pioneers was held recently in the Royal Bank Building office of the Hon. J. Earl Lawson, president. Under discussion by the directors were plans for a series of events to be promoted during the year to ac (Continued on Page 7) TORONTO, MARCH 3, 1948 Supreme Court Will OK Or KO Most Industry Practices The structure and internal arrangements of most of this continent’s film and theatre industry may be radically altered by the forthcoming decision of the United States Supreme Court in Washington on the appeal of eight film Schwalberg Joins Reagan At Para A. W. Schwalberg, who recently quit as the USA Eagle Lion vice-president in charge of distribution, has joined Paramount as executive assistant to Charles M. Reagan, Vice-president of domestic distribution. Schwalberg’s addition will mean “a streamlined and more efficient operation for Paramount, and a resultant improvement in service to the thousands of Paramount customers,” said Reagan. Bill Heineman left U-I to replace Schwalberg. French Producers To Locate In Quebec? Production of French-language films for French, Canadian and the international market may take place in Canada if negotiations being carried on in New York between Marcel Pagnol and principals of. Quebec Productions Corporation are concluded successfully. Rene Germain and Paul L’Anglais, president and executive producer respectively of QPC, have been working on a deal with Pagnol, among the best-known French industry figures, who wrote, directed and produced “The Baker’s Wife” and many other fine films. He is a member of the French Academy. (Continued on Page 4) King Vidor Signs King Vidor has signed a contract with Warners to direct that company’s forthcoming “The Fountainhead.” a Man From Texas e Magrath House Open Official opening of the Brewerton Theatre, Magrath, Alberta, took place recently. Owner is G. Brewerton, who previously operated the town’s only theatre, the 250-seat Empress. Alterations Ended Alterations to Odeon’s 1,409seat Grand Theatre in Calgary, Alberta, have been completed. Striking innovation is the eight three-quarter inch thick main entrance doors of plate glass and the similar ones in the interior leading to the auditorium. companies against the findings of the Federal District Court in New York at the end of 1946. Action was first instituted by the government under the anti-trust laws ten years ago and the motion picture industry suit is one of a number of similar ones in various fields. Being adjudicated are such vital matters as divorcement of (Continued on Page 3) $2.00 Per Annum USA Trade Eyes Washington Toronto Variety Honors Smythe Guest of honor at the most recent meeting of Tent 28, Variety International, Toronto, was Barker Conny Smythe, president of the Maple Leaf Gardens. With his associates Smythe arranged gratis the hockey match between the Pittsburgh Hornets and the (Continued on Page 7) Record Price Paid A record price is said to have been paid by 20th Century-Fox for Samuel Shellabarger’s new novel, ‘‘Prince of Foxes.” flelp Native Industry — Coldwell Support for the development of a Canadian motion picture industry through the National Film Board or at the hands of domestic private capital was asked for in the House of Commons by M. J. Coldwell, leader of the CCF, and won applause from Progressive Conservative members who are usually vigorously opposed to him. The CCF leader claimed that the largest part of the Canadian theatre industry was under American control and that competitive forces should be encouraged in this country. Speaking of whether theatre building should be banned or not, he said: “If leniency is to be shown then I suggest that it should be shown toward any organization which is trying to give competition to this widely owned industry in Canada. If we are going to exercise discrimination, let us exercise it the right way.” Coldwell’s remarks arose out of the discussion of movies and the dollar problem, in which members engaged Trade and Commerce Minister C. D. Howe. “It is our hope,” said Mr. Howe, “that the movie industry will contribute to the solution of the Canadian exchange problem not by contraction of business in Canada, but by development of production in Canada.” Odeon ‘Peg Changes Several changes in management of Odeon houses in Winnipeg were announced recently by Harry Hurwitz, superintendent. Thomas Pacey, manager of the Garrick Theatre, »ecomes manager of the Odeon Theatre. Replacing Pacey is Dave Rosemond, formerly in charge of the Rialto. Keith Saylor, formerly manager of the Oak Theatre, Brandon, recently sold, has been named to fill Rosemond’s position. Academy Featurette RKO is distributing a special two-reel featurette produced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences titled “Twenty Years of Academy Awards.” All rentals from the short will be turned over to the Academy. It highlights the Oscars from 1927 up to and including 1947 and is designed to stimulate greater interest in the annual Blue Ribbon awards, which usually are presented in March. James CRAIG Lynn BARI Una MERKEL | Johnnie JOHNSTON Wally FORD WATCH FOR this EAGLE LION (Hollywood) Film from INTERNATIONAL FILM DISTRIBUTORS Limited.