The Moving picture world (February 1920-March 1920)

1082 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD February 14, 1920 Canada Conceives Brilliant Idea of Censoring Theatre Advertising OTTAWA exhibitors received official notification from the new Ontario government on January 26, that an order-in-council had been passed by the provincial authorities which provides for the censorship of all newspaper advertising for moving picture theatres. The exhibitors were also advised that they would be charged an annual license fee of $10 for the pleasure of having their newspaper spreads passed upon by the new advertising censorship bureau which has been established at Toronto. It WES pointed out that copies of newspaper advertisements would have to be mailed to Toronto, 280 miles away, and the approved copy received from the censors before the display could be used in the papers as desired or scheduled. The official order caused consternation in both moving picture and newspaper circles of the Canadian carutal. It was at first believed that the regulation would affect the exchanges far more than it would hinder the exhibitors. Blame Farmer's Party. It was. also believed that if it was the intention to examine every film advertisement published, the government would surely establish branch censorship offices in the leading city of each district of the province. When it was discovered that all proofs or copy must be approved by the Toronto censor board, the declaration was made that it was the apparent purpose of the Farmers' Party to kill the moving picture business by degrees. "The new order means that we will be unable to do any newspaper advertising at all," declared one prominent Ottawa exhibitor. "By the time that advertising copy is submitted to Toronto, is examined by the censors and is mailed back to the exhibitor in Ottawa, the purpose for which the advertisement was intended would have passed and probably an entirely new picture would have become the current attraction at the theatre." Papers and Film Men to Fight. Immediately after the Ottawa exhibitors received the official advice from the Ontario capital one of the newspaper publishers proceeded to get into touch with all other newspapers of the province with a view to securing concerted action in the matter. Judging by the attitude of the Ottawa newspaper, practically every daily in the province will now use its influence against the powers-that-are-supposed-to-be. The opinion was expressed that, if every newspaper took up a campaign against the Farmers' government and if the exhibitors used the power of the screen along similar lines, the present regime would be short-lived. Big developments, or a back-down by the government, are expected in the near future. Felix Feist at Denver Meets Many Exhibitors DURING his two days' stay in Denver. Felix F. Feist, vice-i)residcnt and manager of sales for Goldwyn Distributing Corporation, occupied most of his time visiting theatres and conferring with exhibitors. A number of managers from out of town visited Denver in order to meet Mr. Feist, among others, J. E. Tompkins of the Liberty Theatre, Colorado Springs. Mr. Feist had an interesting interview with A. G. Talbot, managing director of the American Theatre. Mr. Feist said: "It is gratifying to find that Mr. Talbot has the thorough confidence of a large clientele, having never abused the confidence of his patrons. It is therefore not surprising that the American Theatre had 9,040 paid admissions to 'Pinto' on the opening day, Sunday, January 18. This compares favorably with the opening day of 'Mickey,' one year ago, when there were 9,167 paid admissions. Receipts came within $12 of the house's biggest day when 'Broken Blossoms' was shown at advanced prices. Infused "Pep." Mr. Feist renewed his acquaintance with Charles Wertz, manager of the Rivoli, Strand, Plaza and Isis Theatres. One of the most inspiring incidents of the two days was the gathering of the sales and office force at a dinner given by Mr. Feist, who spoke in enthusiastic terms of what may be expected from Goldwyn during the twelve months to come. That Mr. Feist's forceful personality was responsible for infusing additional "pep" into the local sales force was evidenced by the success of Jules Wolf at Trinidad on Tuesday, January 20. Prior to leaving Denver, Mr. Wolf and Mr. Feist had agreed that it would be difficult to close a satisfactory contract in that city, but Mr. W'olf wired the Denver office on Tuesday: "Secured contract with Strand Theatre here on Moore, Rogers, Kennedy, Pinto and new Ford series. Have assurance that other contracts will follow." Ascher Arrives in Snowstorm. E. M. .Ascher, personal representative for Mack Sennett Comedies, arrived in New York on February 4 for a short stay. He said he left the "Land of Flowers and Sunshine" for the "Land of Snow and Slush" with the expectation of transacting a little business and then returning on the fastest train available. Mr. Ascher is a Californian.