What's New? (Dec 1970)

MORLEY ON FIRE PREVENTION Fire in a theatre, no matter where, can be a most frightening experience, even though it may be placed immediately under control. Fred Morley has a few pungent remarks to make on the subject and we recommend that you read every word carefully, and be guided accordingly. “This year as in the past, selfinspection forms in observance of fireprevention week were sent to each and every theatre on the circuit with the request that each manager PERSONALLY complete them and return the completed form to our office. The response has been excellent, and we could have chalked up a perfect score had EVERY manager followed our instructions. However, there are still a few reports outstanding at time of writing, and if this applies to your theatre, please let us have them without further delay’’. “‘In reviewing these reports a matter of concern is that a number of fire de partments had not made inspections of certain theatres in recent months. It is to our benefit to co-operate with local departments to make sure that such inspections are carried out regularly to familiarize them with our theatre layouts so that in the event of a fire they would know exactly where to begin their operations. Also, the inspections would point out any deficiencies in our fire-fighting controls and their recommendations could help .us prevent a fire before it gets a chance to start. It may not be a bad idea for the manager to contact his local fire chief and suggest such inspections at regular periods.”’ “It is surprising to learn that in some towns where fire alarm boxes are strategically located, some managers are completely unaware of their whereabouts. This is inexcusable. While your telephone is a very effective instrument for calling the department, there may be instances where using the nearest fire alarm box could save a lot of time and frustration. Make sure that you and every member of your staff knows where the nearest alarm box is situated’’. “What would you do if a fire suddenly broke out during a childrens’ matinee, or at a regular performance? We note, despite our many exhortations in the past that some theatres do not hold periodic fire drills, and the theatre employees simply do not know what to do in such an eventuality. It must go without saying that unless you are properly organized for such an emergency a nasty situation could develop if a fire broke out in your theatre. Give serious thought to this possibility and plan NOW what you would do, and how you would evacuate your theatre without causing a panic.” “FIRE is just a nasty word ... until it happens to you”’. ES ES TE Vs es RR FRENCH FILM . 245 : oe | 4 M. Alain Siritzky whose family controls Para France Films with extensive theatre and distribution interests throughout France was a welcome visitor in our midst a few weeks ago. Mr. Siritzky heads the distribution arm of the family business. During his brief stay he visited many of our theatres in Ontario and Quebec, and held discussions with the heads of our subsidiary companies, General Sound, Theatre Confections and Petrona Data Systems. In the accompanying photo he is pictured with our president Mr. George P. Destounis. ISN'T IT STRANGE Isn't it strange that princes and kings. And clowns that caper in sawdust rings, And common folk like you and me Are builders for eternity? To each is given a bag of tools, A shapeless mass and a book of rules; And each must make, ere life is flown A stumbling block or a stepping stone. OOK OK OK KOK OK Wha New? PUBLISHED BIMONTHLY IN THE INTEREST OF FAMOUS PLAYERS EMPLOYEES AND ASSOCIATES FROM COAST TO COAST Editor DAN KRENDEL ART LAYOUT HUGH CAULFIELD