Canadian Film Weekly (May 19, 1948)

May 19, 1948 Canadian FILM WEEKLY Page 9 bY) New Ontario Theatres Many features have been added to the construction of new theatres, Silverthorne pointed out, among them appliances to eliminate humidity, drafts and sharp variations of temperature. Other improvements are in the seating, which provide more leg room and easier access to seats, and in the newrst projection equipment. The latter has meant improved working conditions for projectionists and more time for the care of film. The fire hazard will be reduced and _ probably make it unnecessary for the branch to consider taking over repair of film in the interest of safety, an action contemplated recently. The number of projectionists licensed was 935 as against 904 the preceding year, indicating the expansion of film exhibition. Television and Drive-ins Create New Problems “The advent of new techniques in the field of the motion picture industry, including the possible development of a large scale of television in the near future calls, we believe, for the consideration of changes in the regulations of the Theatres and Cinematographs Act,” the report states. “It must be remembered that these regulations were set on the standards of the silent film. “Another development, worthy of note, is the general use of film for entertainment pur poses in places other than the’ ordinary motion picture theatre. During the past three years, churches, schools, hospitals, homes and clubs have made increasing use of the motion picture. Drive-in theatres, and town halls of some of our municipalities have added their competition to the regular motion picture theatre. It can be seen the motion picture industry in this province has extended its° services to the public in a far reaching manner. “These developments have placed an additional burden on the branch and its services. The safety, comfort and health, moral and physical, of the audience is the responsibility of the branch. “The extensive construction program of the theatrical industry in Ontario’s municipalities carried with it the additional problem of inspection and control of materials which entered into the building of places of amusement. There is no doubt that the support of the Canadian Standards Association, or of any other organizations possessing Fire Safety Praised in Annual Report of Film and Theatre Government Department (Continued from Page 1) the qualifications or facilities of that association, would be of material aid toward the rationalizing of the construction of theatres and toward the ultimate goal of increasing’ safety factors in such construction. Our regulations are designed primarily to reduce to a minimum all possible hazards to life and limb of theatre audiences. Fire Damage New Low “Co-operation between theatre owners, local municipal officials and the branch reduced fire damage in Ontario theatres to a record low during the past year. It may be pointed out that the branch’s inspectors made 3,500 calls on theatres, and that in addition there were 900 inspections of film exchanges. “While the branch has no direct responsibility with regard to the exhibition of non-burning 16 mm. film in halls, churches and homes, it is interested in passing its knowledge of safety to operators and persons who have jurisdiction during the showing of film of this deszription. There has been a noticeable expansion in 16 mm. entertainment during recent years. It would be advisable for those who are associated with this phase of the industry to make a serious check on smoking, exit doors, inflammable drapes and seating arrangements. It is not known generally that the department is responsible for the censorship of all film shown in such places of amusement.” Praises British, European Films’ Cultural Value The staff of censors viewed 533 feature subjects, of which those of British and Continental origin numbered 65; Russian, six; Italian, six; and French, three. Three Jewish dialogue films and others made in Canada, one of which was a reissue, were examined. “Generally speaking, the number of British and Continental . films reached a higher tech-— nical quality than United States productions. The people of Ontario seem to realize this. They have shown their satisfaction by giving such films their fullest patronage,” the report says. ‘Tt is interesting to note that tilm from the British Isles and O. J. SILVERTHORNE from Europe is of a high calibre. Some of these films, including several Italian operas with leading native voices, have been well received by lovers of ~ood music. The promoters who showed such films in Canada _have been vindicated in their be lief there was a good audience potential for such films. This high type of entertainment, owing to its educational value, should, we believe, receive the broadest possible support from the people of this province. “The department has _ been careful in keeping a close watch on propaganda films from oOverseas. These films are of the 16 mm. type. Efforts have been made in some quarters to show them to new Canadians in an attempt to enlist their political sympathies for the new regimes in their native countries. “A review of the work of the branch’s censors shows that Great Britain provided one for every six films from Hollywood, and also that Great Britain and Continental Europe together submitted one film for every four and a half originating in the United States. These ratios reveal that overseas production is now closer proportionately speaking to that of the United States than has been the case for ten years.” “Adult Entertainment” “Only 13 per cent of films submitted to the censors were qualified as unsuitable for children. These were released with the proviso that on advertising and theatre fronts they should be identified as unsuitable for children. The method usually employed is to place a sign bearing the admonition ‘Adult Entertainment.’ However, a number of theatre owners have ignored this ruling. They have been warned that action will be taken if they fail to comply with the branch’s decisions in future. This policy was inaugurated in June, 1946. It has won the commendation of parents and _ social organizations. Only one film was certified for adult audiences only. This picture was definitely unsuitable for an audience including children, but was not considered harmful for adults.” A total of 39,877 pieces of advertising was submitted to the board for examination, and, of these, 650 items were rejected, while 250 were amended to the satisfaction of the board. Last year the branch examined 36,577 adyertising items. 448 Ontario Theatres Licensed in Ontario during the fiscal year were 448 theatres, as compared with 421 in the previous period; 935 projectionists; 161 apprentice projectionists; 173 travelling shows; 199 miscellaneous; 17 film exchanges in the 35 mm. category; and 11 in the 16 mm. field. Relations Cordial “The branch has enjoyed ani profited by the co-operation of groups of citizens, interested in the maintenance of motion pic. ture entertainment on a high level,” Silverthorne said at the conclusion of the report. ‘‘Ainong them were boards of education, social service councils of our churches, I.0.D.E., and hom and school clubs, whose spokesmen have reflected accurately, and, with sympathy, trends of thought. Relations between the branch and its staff and local agencies, engaged in the distribution of 6,000,000 feet of films, which were produced in the USA, Great Britain and on the Continent, have been cordial. The branch expects to take over its new headquarters at Leaside, Ontario, shortly. The facilities, which are being provided for it, are modern in every respect, and will enable the staff to carry on their duties under more pleasant conditions.” ———— eames encemnetes