What's New? (Oct 1952)

ee Ee a: A Profile... EDMONTON'S “OLD MAN” WILSON Within minutes of meeting Walter Wilson, manager of the Paramount theatre, Edmonton, you are calling him by his first name at his insistence, and he calls you by your first name. He is without a doubt one of the friendliest persons in Edmonton. When you watch him come down the street, you wouldn’t guess he is 76 years of age. He walks with a bounce found in men usually less than half his age. And during all the years that he has been in Edmonton, he has shown no signs of slowing down. When you begin talking to him, you realize you are talking with someone with a great sense of humor, as well as a story-teller. But it is no fiction that Walter is a successful manager. Witness his Rose Contest—a contest that has made Edmonton famous for roses—and known as the Rose City. There midst steel derricks drilling for oil, grow one of the prettiest flowers thanks to Walter. In recognition of his efforts, Walter was presented with a gold watch by the Provincial and civic governments for his efforts. In June of this year, Walter held his 20th Annual Rose Show. To promote the growth of roses, in a city which was said by Walter’s detractors to be too cold, the season too short, Walter passes out at the theatre a booklet on proper growing of roses. In the booklet is a coupon with which the patron may purchase from a flower firm in Edmonton, a quantity of rose bushes at a special price, less than catalogue price. Then comes June, and in the theatre which Walter is managing, it was the Capitol this year, a big rose show is held. From as far away as Yellowknife come entries. But Walter has other promotion tricks in his bag. When he was playing ‘Cimarron’ he staged a stunt which had the whole town wondering whether the Klu Klux Klan had invaded its northern environs. On the snow-covered banks of the Saskatchewan River, Walter had a crew of boys dig out a trench of 20-foot letters with the name of the picture and where it was playing. These letters were then filled with waste cotton material, and soaked in coal-oil. At nine p.m., the Sunday evening before the picture was to open, the letters were ignited, Thousands of cars loaded with people came downtown especially to see the spectacle. Walter says the Capitol theatre, Edmonton, was the first in Canada to give away valuable prizes on New Year’s eve, with admission prices at one and two dollars. As a result, they have never failed to sell every seat well in advance. Once a week in Edmonton, one of “world’s worst radio announcers” takes the air to tell the folks about the shows currently playing his theatre. That description is Walter’s own description of himself. Walter has made himself known to everyone in the northern city, but how he keeps up with the evergrowing population is a mystery no one has been able to solve, as yet. A native of Bradford, Yorkshire, England, Mr. Wilson first started in the hardware business. It wasn’t until he was 41 that he came to Canada. That was in 1909, and he joined the Canadian National Railway. But he noticed the motion picture business was prospering in Winnipeg, even in the days of five and ten cent admissions. He obtained a position as an accountant with the Starland Theatres Limited, owners of a chain of some 18 houses. He later became director and secretary-treasurer of Starland Ltd., as well as manager of the Starland and Lyceum theatres. He was responsible for the building of the Garrick, Winnipeg. In 1923, Walter began his association with Famous Players, first as manager of the Capitol theatre, Edmonton, and then as manager of the Capitol, Vancouver. He returned to Edmonton in 1928 to take over the Pantages, and in 1930, he was back with the Capitol when sound came in. During his years, he has been held up in the theatre, staged baby shows, bathing beauty contests, long hair contests, husband calling, hog calling and freckle contests. Once when money was offered for uncommon objects which people may be carrying, Water offered $5 to anyone carrying a spare glass. He was fooled. Some one was! But despite his activities at the theatre, Walter has been active with the attention he must pay to his 11 grandchildren, and three _ great-grandchildren, in addition to his seven children. His son Bill, is man ager of the Capitol, Edmonton, since Walter took over the helm of the Paramount. So it looks like the Wilson name is to be a permanent fixture in theatre business. H. E. ROBERTS HEADS REAL ESTATE DEPT. Harold E. Roberts has been appointed manager of Famous Players’ real estate department, succeeding Angus MacCunn, who is now secretary of the company. HAROLD E. ROBERTS Mr. Roberts brings to our company a wealth of experience in real estate matters. A native of Hamilton, Ont., Harold Roberts graduated in law at Osgoode Hall and became associated with the National Trust Company Ltd., of Toronto, in 1928, dealing particularly with commercial properties. In 1946 he left Toronto to engage in manufacturing in Tweed, Ont. Returning in 1949, he joined the legal department of the Toronto Transportation Commission to negotiate the settlements of various properties required for the Rapid Transit right-of-way, a position he held until this year. A former president of the Building Owners and Managers Association of Toronto, he was also the first president of the Canadian Association. His hobbies have been restricted to an unorthodox style of bridge. Mr. Bolstad, who announced the appointment, requests all partners and theatre managers to refer matters pertaining to management of rented premises, realty and business assessments and taxes and other matters concerning properties which have heretofor been dealt with by Mr. MacCunn, to Mr. Roberts at head office in Toronto. The Famous Family welcomes Mr. Roberts and wishes him every success in his new office. Page 7 THEATRE CONFECTIONS CONTEST WINNER TO GO TO HAWAII How would you like to spend 12 days in Hawaii? And to have all expenses paid? Well, that’s the prize in a new Theatre Confections Ltd, contest being conducted beginning week ending Nov. 8 and closing week ending Nov. 29. Four weeks’ hard work to win that grand prize of a trip to Hawaii. President of Theatre Confections Ltd., John J. Fitzgibbons, Jr., in making the announcement of the contest, said that the trip is for two and has been arranged through the courtesy of Canadian Pacific Airlines. The contest is open only to management. Watch for more details in our next issue and in your “Sweet Sheet.”? Aloha! WILSON ARRANGES “JUST FOR YOU” TIE-UP Taking for a theme the title of his current picture, “Just For You,” Harry Wilson, of the Capitol theatre, Chatham, was able to arrange a front-page plug for movies in general, as well as a full-page of co-operative advertising. Boxed on the front page of the Chatham Daily News, September 4th, is the heading: “Let’s Take The Family To The Movies Tonight.” The copy which follows exhorts those wishing to relax, to go to the movies. It reads: ‘The big fall season is beginning and theatre managers have booked some wonderful releases for Chatham audiences. “So plan now to relax in pleasant surroundings and watch the plot unfold tonight. You’ll feel better, look better, and work better tomorrow. Make it a family affair. “The show you'll want to see is listed on the amusement page. Turn to it now.” Inside is a lovely full page coOperative ad, just plugging Bing Crosby’s “Just For You.” The whole page is headed by the picture title, and every ad on the page plugs the picture. Included among the advertisers is a jewelry store, music store, printer, flower shop and the county fair. Not satisfied to have a full page of advertising, Harry announces an amateur contest at the theatre with $500 worth of prizes. “Just For You,” Harry has come up with some excellent public relations. Just an idea that can be applied in any town. Try it.