Vol. 9, No. 52

the

VOICE of

CANADIAN MOTION PICTURE

TORONTO, DECEMBER 27, 1944

INDUSTRY

$2.00 Per Annum

Asleep at Television Switch?

S1x-Mo. Holdback On Hostel Films

After January 1, 1945, all 16 mm. film showings in canteens and hostels in any place where there is one or more theatres will have to be six months old or older. This was decided at a recent meeting at which distrib- utors, exhibitors, representatives

(Continued on Page $9)

1,286 Houses in

Six Territories

Theatres served by Canada’s six distribution centres numbered 1,286 in 1944, while 43 houses were dark during the year. These figures include Newfoundland theatres, seven of which are list- ed in the theatre directory as being served from Saint John,

(Continued on Page 9)

Canadian MPI Not Represented

On Ether-Spectrum Board

There is a dangerous lack of interest in television post- war problems on the part of the Canadian motion picture industry, which has not seen fit to become a contributing sponsor of the recently-organized Canadian Radio Technical

‘Mayerling' in Feb. United Artists’ remake of the French hit, ‘‘Mayerling,” goes into production in February, Mary Pickford has announced.

P. C. Taylor Acquires Theatre Interest

Percy Taylor last week acquir- ed the interest of T. C. Harring- ton Estate in the Border Theatre, Rock Island, Quebec. Taylor was Canadian general manager of RKO in Toronto for many years. He is the father of Hatton F. Taylor, present manager of RKO, Montreal. The senior Tay- lor retired for a few years but is now returning to the industry.

Ontario and Quebec Winners Named —

Ontario and Quebec winners in the Seventh Victory Loan Scrap Book Contest of the Canadian Motion Picture War Services Committee were announced last week. Books of the winners of first prize become eligible for the national

contest. Provincial prizes are $50, $25 and $10, the first a Victory Bond and the latter two in War Savings Certifi- cates. National prizes are $100, $50 and $25, the first two being Victory Bonds and the last one a War Savings Certificate.

A. Kent Craig, Capitol, St. Catharines, won first prize in Ontario, his book being selected by a committee of judges appoint- ed by Herb Allen and Nat Tay- lor, provincial co-chairman.

Second prize in Ontario went to Walter Helm, hard-working man-

(Continued on Page 9)

George O'Brien Dead Was Vet Project'ist

George O’Brien, projectionist of the Ace, Toronto, died on his way home from work on December 16. the veteran theatre man has three sons in the service, two in Italy and one in training at De- bert, Nova Scotia.

He was a member of Local 173, Toronto, for 25 years and a brotherrin-law of J. H. Leslie, secretary of Vancouver projec- tionists union, Local 348.

Planning Board. The organi- zation is mainly concerned with future frequency allo- cation and spectrum utiliza- tion.

The CRTPB was formed on November 20, 1944, following the request of the department of transportation to the controller of radio that interested parties be invited to provide advice on post-war frequency allocations. Department of transportation is part of the department of muni- tions and supply, over which the

(Continued on Page 2)

Coval Joins WB Foreign Dept.

Irvin (Babe) Coval, popular manager of Warners Montreal branch, has been appointed dis- trict manager for Trinidad, Brit- ish West Indies, by Wolfe Cohen, formerly Canadian general man- ager, who recently shifted to the foreign department of the com-

(Continued on Page 2)

Sunday Vaudeville Illegal in Quebec

On the grounds that the Gayety Theatre, Montreal, “has been giv- ing vaudeville shows on Sundays which is illegal,” Premier Maurice Duplessis has suspended the thea- tre’s operating permit.

Reunion in Trinidad

Irvin (Babe) Coval,

Montreal branch manager for

Warner Brothers, now district manager of Trinidad under Wolfe Cohen of the Foreign department, is shown with the latter in photograph made in Hollywood in September, Cohen was formerly WB Canadian general manager.

we a Ye rere eee = te eg, eee ee weet cen nen maae ee awe e

TT fre Si uspect

Wie aie.

Thrilled millions as a book and Cosmopolitan hit — now it’s at its greatest — on the screen. With lovable Charles Laughton and brilliant Ella Raines. Available | now. Book this sure-fire attraction now throught EMPIRE-UNIVERSAL,

Vol. 9, No. 52 Dec.

Address all communications—The Managing Editor, Canadian Film Weekly, 25 Dundas Square, Toronto, Canada.

Published by Film Publications of Canada Canada, Phome ADelaide 4317. Price 5 cents each or $2.00 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter

Printed by Eveready Printers Limited, 78 Wellington Street West, Toronto, Ontarie

A Variety Tent

Although there was some confusion as to the exact purpose of that recent luncheon meeting, one fine idea was revealed — that of organizing a Toronto tent of the Variety Clubs of America.

Most of us understood that the meeting had been called in behalf of the Canadian Motion Picture Industry Benevolent Fund, sponsored by the Pioneers and not limited to them. The Pioneers have their own benevolent fund and this new one would solicit from all and extend its benefits to all.

Introduced by Chairman Leo Devaney, Oscar Hanson, who is one of the spark plugs of the new fund, explained his enthusiasm but made no reference to a Variety Club. The next speaker, Simon Meretsky of Windsor, surprised the listeners with his reference to the organization of a Variety Club. Paul Nathanson announced a $1,000 contri- bution to the benevolent fund by J. Arthur Rank but did not refer to the Variety Club. J. J. Fitzgibbons devoted much time to a description of the aims and accomplishments of the Variety organizations.

The question arose whether money contributed to the benevolent fund would be handed out through (a) the Pioneers own fund, (b) the special benevolent fund, (c) or the Variety Club. The answer is, as we understand it, that such money will go into the special benevolent fund now and may be transferred later to the Variety Club.

Most did not fill in their pledges, feeling that they would wait until the home of the benevolent fund was established as either the Pioneers or the Variety Club.

The suggestion that the Variety Club be a wing of the Pioneers wasn't accepted. Ben Okun, who has been boost- ing Variety here for over a year, is not a Pioneer.

We Need It Badly

No film community ever needed a Variety Club as much as that of Toronto. Variety provides a common ground for everyone in the amusement industries—and we haven't one. Variety provides a place where one can spend an evening with others of the amusement industry or his section of it—and there is no such place now.

Toronto has exhibitors’ organizations, distributors’ or- ganizations, a projectionists’ organization, an exchange workers union, a Motion Picture War Services Committee but no single organization to which all belong for purposes of trade amity or public service.

At least a Variety Club will overcome some of those shortages. The intention is to charter a Toronto tent first, then spread the plan to other Canadian amusement centres.

What is Variety?

Variety is the heart of show business. The word “heart” is used here more in a sentimental sense than in a geo- graphical one.

The original Variety Club was founded in Pittsburgh in 1928 when showmen adopted a baby abandoned in the Sheridan Theatre. There are now 26 tents devoted to the charity and welfare of their communities under the national leadership of R. J. (Bob) O’Donnell. Each city has clubrooms, usually in a hotel,

Variety clubs have established hospital clinics, health centres, hospital wings, boys camps, mothers’ milk banks, blood banks, playgrounds and many other benefits and their contribution to the social welfare of the United States has been recognized by leading citizens of that nation.

Ltd., 25 Dundas Square, Toronto, Ont.,

Canadian: FILM WEEKLY

Pes " Coval Joins WB Ether-Spectrum —

oo) HYE BOSSIN, Managing Faitor

Foreign Dept.

(Centinued from Page 1) pany, with supervision over a number of territories.

Successor to Coval as Montreal branch manager hasn’t been nam- ed yet.

Coval, who was born in Man- chester, England, entered the film business in 1928 as a sales- man for Universal in the Winnipeg territory. He left that company to go with F. W. Pearson, Inc., Chicago, as field representative, staying there from 1929 to 1933.

He returned to Winnipeg in 1933 as a salesman for Empire Films, then became Calgary branch manager. In 1936 he was a salesman for Warners in Win- nipeg and Calgary. In 1939 he was transferred to Vancouver as branch manager, succeeding Joe Plottel, who had become Ontario branch manager.

When Phil Sherman resigned the Montreal branch management of Warners to enter exhibition, Coval was transferred again.

Head offices of the Trinidad di- vision are in the capital and leading city, Port au Spain, and Coval and his wife will take up residence there. Trinidad itself has a population of 413,000 and the exchange area served from it consists of the British West In- dies, British and Dutch Guiana.

It was considered likely that Wolfe Cohen, in charge of a vast area, would call on some of his former Canadian executives to join him and perhaps Coval may be just the first to do that.

Board Ignored —

(Continued on Page 11)” Hon. C. D. Howe rules. Ac,

One result of the war has a tremendous increase in the use of private radio for inter-com- pany purposes. This, added to the needs of home, school and theatre television, will create a great wave length problem, since each will require its own. The CRTPB was formed in an endeavor to avoid a post-war scramble for wave lengths and to assist u smooth transition from present technical conditions to the im- proved ones of the future.

President of the CRTPB is R. M. Brophy. R. A. Hackbusch is vice-president and W. W. Rich- ardson treasurer, A delegate and an alternative are appointed to the administrative committee by each allied industry.

Attitude of the American mo- tion picture industry isn't any- thing like that of the Canadian. Its representatives follow closely the activities of Radio Technical Planning Board of the USA and the Television Broadcasters Asso- ciation, Inc.

Television Broadcasters Asso- ciation, Inc, held its first annual convention in New York and there were top executives from the film industry among the 750 registrants. Theatre television was discusesd before a special panel headed by Paul J. Larsen, Society of Motion Picture En- gineers, and addressed by repre- sentatives of Paramount, RCA and RKO Television.

There are several Canadian members of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers who, because of their interest in radio and tele- vision, would make excellent rep- resentatives of the industry to the CRTPB.

It would appear that allocation of post-war wave lengths for tele- vision and other purposes will be made according to plans that will be discussed in the near future. It is imperative that the Cana- dian motion picture industry be on hand while this planning is going on. Its apparent lack of awareness about television prob- lems emphasizes the absence of a single all-industry organization devoted to the progress of the Canadian motion picture world.

Ruggles Makes Rank Deal for Leahy

Wesley Ruggles, Hollywood representative for J. Arthur Rank, is reported closing a deal with Fred Leahy, veteran pro- duction executive, under which Leahy will go to England in an executive studio capacity. Leahy has been associated both with MGM and Paramount for 18

years,

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CENTURY-FOX

THE PICK OF |

REVIEWS INFORMATION RATINGS

Vol 9, No, 52

REVIEWS FROM FILM DAILY. NEW YORK

$2.00 Per Annum

In the Meantime, Darling

with Jeanne Crain, Frank Latimore 20th-Fox 72 Mins.

TENDER STORY ABOUT ARMY RO- MANCE HOLDS STRONG APPEAL TO FEMMES..

The trials and tribulations of the army wife are taken up in fairly interesting fashion in a film fabricated out of familiar materi- al. Since the picture emphasizes the romantic aspects of the story, it is likely to be more acceptable to women than to men. The chief appeal to the masculine patron- age is engineered via some mom- ents of G.I. humor.

Specifically the production tells of the experiences of a couple of newlyweds, a daughter of wealth and a lieutenant. The girl's in- ability to adapt herself to her new life and failure to comprehend her duties as an army wife make her extremely unpopular. The _ girl finally comes to her senses and gains the friendship of the other wives and wins back her hus- band’s love after coming within a hair of losing it.

The film is tender and human and the direction of Otto Prem- inger is adequate.

This, Jeanne Crain’s first star- ring vehicle, isn’t the best of sendoffs, although the girl per- forms sympathetically. Frank Latimore is okay as her husband. Stanley Prager stands out among the others.

CAST: Jeanne Crain, Frank Latimore, Eugene Pallete, Mary Nash, Stanley Pra- ger, Gale Robbins, Jane Randolph, Doris Merrick, Cara Williams, Ann Corcoran, Reed Hadley, Heather Angel, Bonnie Bannon, William Colby, Cliff Clark, Elisabeth Risdon, Marjorie Massow, Lee Bennett, Roger Clark, Carleton Young, Mae Marsh, Ruth Clifford, Frank Wilcox, Glenn Langan, Clarence Muse, Blake Edwards.

DIRECTION, Okay. PHOTOGRAPHY,

New Para Tele Device For Theatre Screens

Paramount is planning to make available to all theatres a newly perfected device for the projec- tion of a televised events on the

regular theatre screen within two minutes after the event has taken place.

Paul Raibourn, president of

Television Productions, Inc., has revealed details of the new pa- tented process. Pictures from a tele receiving set in the projec- tionist’s booth are photographed on film, developed and printed and run through the regular pro- jector. Relay from the receiving set to the theatre screen is done in one operation.

Days of Glory

with Tamara Toumanova, Gregory Peck RKO % Mins.

TALE OF RUSSIAN GUERRILLAS 1S GOOD DRAMATIC ENTERTAIN- MENT WITH STRONG ROMANTIC UNDERCURRENT,

Employing the services cast of screen unknowns, Casey Robinson has produced a drama of Russian guerrillas that has much to offer those in search of serious entertainment. Those whose tastes are for the lighter things will find “Day of Glory” heavy going by reason of its very subject. The picture makes its chief appeal to women audiences through a romantic involvement in which the star participants are

Tamara Toumanova and Gregory Peck, who play the man charac- ters in a manner that would do justice to performers with ex- tensive film experience.

The picture is a record of the lives and activities of a Soviet guerrilla band making its head- quarters in the cellar of an an- cient monastery near a village ehid by the Nazis. The appear- ance of a ballerina, saved from death by one of the guerrillas, threatens to disrupt the efficient operations of the band. The girl finds it difficult to become one of the group, chiefly because she can't bear the thought of car- nage. It takes an ironic twist of fate to prove her mettle as a warrior in the cause of her coun- try. From the point the film is as much a romance as it is a realis- tic and uncompromising recital of the heroic work of the Russian guerrilla fighters. The film has an unhappy ending in which everyone comes to a tragic end in a death struggle with the Nazis.

Miss Toumanova, well known as a ballet dancer, and Peck are backed by a fine group of per- formers who contribute some really excellent portrayals. Stand- ing out in the supporting cast are Alan Reed, Maria Palmer, Lowell Gilmore, Hugo Haas, Dena Penn and Glenn Vernon. The acting earries conviction.

CAST: Tamara Toumanova, Gregory Peck, Alan Reed, Maria Palmer, Lowell Gilmore, Huge Haas, Dena Penn, Glenn Vernon, Igor Dolgorwki, Edward L. Durst, Lou Cresby, William Challee, Joseph Vitale, Erford Gage, Ivan Triesault,

Maria Bibikov, Edgar Liche, Gretl Du- pont, Peter Helmers.

DIRECTION, Geed, PHOTOGRAPHY, Good.

of a

Ministry of Fear

with Ray Milland, Marjorie Reynolds Paramount «4 Mins.

FORCEFUL MELODRAMA ABOUT NAZI PLOTTING IS PASSABLE AS ENTERTAINMENT.

“Ministry of Fear” is a taut melodrama with many gripping moments. While the film under the forceful direction of Fritz Lang succeeds in creating a mood of fear, its plot has not been developed with too much clarity in the screenplay of Seton I. Mil- ler, who also has functioned as associate producer.

The scene is London in war- time. Ray Milland, just released from an asylum where he has been incarcerated for the murder of his wife, finds himself caught in a plot concected by enemy agents in an effort to get valu- able information out of England. In attempting to get to the bot- tom of the villainy he is almost killed. The film contains the hint of a romance between Milland and Marjorie Reynolds, a refugee Austrian girl whose brother Carl Esmond, turns out to be the vil- lain of the piece.

The acting does much to hold the audience’s interest in the go- ings-on.

CAST: Ray M'lland, Marjorie Reynolds, Corl Esmond, Hillary Brooke, Percy Wa- ram, Dan Duryea, Alan Napier, Erskine Sanford, Themas Louden, Aminta Dyne, Eustace Wyatt, Mary Field, Byron Foul- ger, Lester Mathews.

DIRECTION, Good. PHOTOGRAPHY, Good.

CLAIR HAGUE

Re-elected president of the

Canadian Picture Pioneers.

Very Thought of You

with Dennis Morgan, Eleanor Parker Warner % Mins.

TENDER TALE OF ROMANCE 15 CERTAIN TO WIN HEARTS OF WOMEN PATRONS.

Here is a tender tale of young people in love that will hit the women squarely in the heart. The direction of Delmer Daves succeeds in keeping the interest constantly alive despite a story that is not possessed of too much substance. The film owes much also to the attractive production accorded it by Jerry Wald.

The lovers are Dennis Morgan and Eleanor Parker. Their ro- mance blossoms when Morgan comes back to Pasadena, Calif., after a long hitch with the Army in the Aleutians. Most of the drama is supplied by the opposi- tion of Miss Parker's mother (Beulah Bondi) and her older sister (Andrea King) to the match. Nothing stops the lovers and they are married as the youth is about to go overseas. The two are happily reunited at the end. There is a secondary romance in- volving Morgan’s buddy (Dane Clark) and a pal of Miss Parker's (Faye Emerson).

Clark, who has the comedy as- Signment, steals the attention Morgan and Miss Parker make a fine romantic pair.

CAST: Dennis Morgan, Eleanor Park er, Dane Clark, Faye Emerson, Beulah Bondi, Henry Travers, William Prince, Andrea King, John Alvin, Marianne O’Brien, Georgia Lee Settle, Dick Erd- men, Francis Pierlot. ee ee Geed. PHOTOGRAPHY, ine.

two

Hague Again Heads Picture Pioneers

Clair Hague was re-elected vice-president of the Canadian Pictures Pioneers at a meeting of the newly elected board of direc tors in Toronto Leo Devaney became vice-president George

Beeston, treasurer and Ray Lewis remained as 1945 term

secretary for the

J. J. Fitzgibbons is director of public relations and Clare Appe! director of publicity. Jack Arthu: heads the entertainment commit tee and Ray Lewis the sick com- mittee.

Membership committee is com prised of Louis Rosenfeld. Has- kell Masters, Archie Laurie and Clair Hague

Benevolent fund committec members are Oscal Hanson Charlie Mavety, Ray Lewis and George Beeston

Fl GOLDWYN presents

: wy WE CAPTIVES...

CHICAGO... BUFFALO...LOS ANGELES CINCINNATI...SAN FRANCISCO...DAYTON KANSAS CITY...SALT LAKE CITY ATLANTA ...NEW ORLEANS... OMAHA TAMPA... READING .. . HARRISBURG CHARLESTON...ROCHESTER...SYRACUSE SIOUX CITY

1B HOPE.

uicol? oR cess % Pirate ay WALTER DRENNAN - “VICTOR McLAu LEN sseataje Pestana teal

Page 8

HE annual Imperial Christmas Party was expanded to in- clude FPCC’s other downtown houses so it was a case of come one, come all. The merriment was proportionately broadened as Tom Daley, Jack Trotter, Bill Dawly, Buzz Blondell, Art Milligan and the rest of the natives made their cousins from Shea’s and the Tivoli welcome.

Daley and his lads mixed Jight- ing and props to provide a stage setting that was an ocular thrill, a tradition at the Imperial. This is viewed from the front of the auditorium as the curtain goes up and is welcomed with a burst of applause. Then everyone moves to the stage.

No sooner did the curtain go up, providing the aforementioned thrill, but another was revealed. Len Bishop, the droll-witted man- ager of the Tivoli, was entwined with a microphone, and put the welcome into words.

Fred Trebilcock, manager of Shea’s, made a vital contribution to the gayety of the evening. His is the only house of the three with femme ushers and he delivered his flock of chicks—or bevy of aisle beauties—if you like. (I do.) They, with the rest of the girls, gave a demonstration of feminine mass psychology when all at once, like a flock of pigeons leaving the ground, they lit upon Tom Daley and covered him from Adam’s Apple to nape with the Sign of the Ruby Lips, their highest de- gree.

Ted Smith of Shea’s, who is a long time away from fresh hair, won a permanent wave during the draw.

Jack Arthur of head office and his wife, the popular Midge, were very welcome guests who spent much time renewing acquaintance with old friends from the various staffs.

* * *

pe Simon Meretsky: You

owe me 45 cents that I paid for your lunch that day that you joined Joe Bermack, Jack Bern- stein and myself in Sam’s delica- tessen. You had just concluded touring us through the excess profits woods and we had passed millions of dollars. So I can un- derstand you forgetting to pay your Junch tab of a few pennies. Please remit.—H.B.

i % *

HAT all-time storm was worse

in Hamilton than in Toronto. Charlie Greenwood, at the Moun- tain Theatre, Hamilton, was ad- vised by Mavety that film was being shipped by express and should be returned the same way. So Charlie and his projectionist, after trying everything, finally got a toboggan off a kid, pulled it all the way downtown to the station, unloaded the old film and picked up the new. The show must go on. (Or must it?)

Canadian FILM WEEKLY

) OnThe Square

with Kye Bossin

How to Write a Column

It’s a favorite dodge for guys in this columning racket to dig through the desk when they're stuck for raw material. Why not me? This is the time of year to clear debts and desks. Me, I’m a desk man. A guy who fights his way through a wall of living secretaries all year is bound to accumulate plenty of paper and I, as visitors will testify, am usually bedded down in enough to fill the Grand Canyon.

Each scrap has scribbles and scrawls that can’t be deciphered. Why isn’t it thrown away? Some day I might be able to read my own writing and the odd recognizable word may lead to a story and get me a decision over that damned deathless deadline. What purpose is there in making these notes in the first place? I look at them in despair a minute: after they are written, abandon them and, being under pressure, write a better story without them. Especially if they are a report of somebody’s speech. I write him a better speech than he ever made. After he reads it he swears that that is exactly what he said word for word.

Naturally, a man who runs around his office in this chicken- without-a-head fashion picks up plenty of things beside illegible notes.

What's This Stutf

Here’s an envelope with headache tablets that were given me by that life-saving Bea Shapiro, Monogram’s wenchy publicity girl, who didn’t want the flow of these golden words impeded by noggin strain.

This is a batch of sleeping tablets left by that obliging Syd Taube who, having the same problem, felt sorry for me.

Hello, a bottle of Vitamin B pills. A few left. I'll take a couple. What can I lose?

This stuff is several helpings of Copenhagen snuff presented by Tom Daley, who said it clears nasal passages and the brain. I tried it and was nearly knocked out. It’s apparently for Mari- timers, who are a tough breed.

What’s this electric razor doing here? gave it to me. It’s strictly a secret weapon. time I try it.

Here’s a button with “To Hell With Hitler” on it.

This is a little leather horse left here by Red, janitor of one of the buildings nearby. Ked’s favorite actor is Roy Rogers, although he (Red) is about 50 years old. He used to get fan photos of his hero from us. He got sick and in the hospital he learned to make these stuffed leather horses, which he sells for 50 cents. So now Red is a business man and probably makes more money than I do.

Mygosh, a Yo Yo! It was left here by Mel Jolley’s babe while both were visiting. I spent plenty of time trying to master it. I’m sorry I found it. Now I'll have to start all over again.

Oh yes, Jack Melzer I raise a rash every

Scripts and Scraps

Here’s a radio script Sam Sales and I wrote. And my manu- script of book by me called “Guide for the Gullible”’ or ‘Let Us Prey.” All about small time rackets... A note about the bank clock on the corner being painted over. Kept bad time and probably threw its hands up in despair ... A reminder to do a Flashback on Sam Welles ... A photo of Leo Devaney taken many years ago. He was a good-looking geezer then... And here’s one of Jake Smith in a high collar and a frock coat. Some class . . . Irving Hoffman’s novel signature torn off one of his letters. He works it into a kind of Mickey Mouse. He's the Hollywood Reporter columnist ... The telephone number of a girl named Julie. Now, who in blazes is she? .. . Letters under the desk glass from J. Arthur Rank and Mary Pickford. Sounds big, eh? Doesn’t mean a thing . . . Here’s a story about Dick Main. He was in conference the other day and the girl in the switchboard had a number of calls for him. So she spoke to him over inter-office gadget. ‘Do you wish to be disturbed, sir?” she asked. ‘Not just now, dear,’ was answer. “Later.’’

I haven’t even looked at half the stuff—and there's just enough room left to wish you a Happy New Year.

‘

December 27, 1944

(CO eee is not only the gem of the ocean but a company of competent and generous film folks — which is the introduction to revelation of a coincidence.

When the British decided re- cently that they could no longer make prints for showing to Can- ada’s men and women on the fighting fronts, Captain Gurston Allen of the Directorate of Spe- cial Services, Brigadier Fairhurst of the Salvation Army and Frank Vaughn, then of the RCAF, went to the USA War Activities Com- mittee with their problem.

The first men they saw was J. McConville, head of the Foreign Managers Committee of the WAC —and head of the Foreign De- partment of Columbia.

The matter was placed in the hands of the WAC’s London man, J. Friedman, general manager in Britain for Columbia.

The first film to be offered Can- adians by the WAC is “Together Again’—Columbia production.

Captain Gurston Allen, one of the three who helped solve the problem, is formerly of Colum- bia’s Canadian head office, To- ronto.

Small film world, eh?

* * *

fl Bae was quite a Christmas

party PRC had. Yours truly, Ray Lewis, Barney Fox, Norm Allen, Syl Gunn, Frank Gilbert and Harold Kay were among those who sipped and supped (somewhat) with Harry Allen and his boys and girls. Jerry Chern- dorf, formerly of Montreal and now of here, went over big social- ly. Couldn’t help it. You have to walk around him to see past him. He looks like he grew up when & dollar bought much more, food than it does now.

Lloyd Mills, PRC Ontario man- ager, practiced moderation by giving instead of taking, which is good for the soul as well as the body this time ’o year.

* * *

OU read amazing news about Canada in some of the USA trade journals. One called Sydney Samson “20th-Fox publicity man” when he is general manager and stated that Charlie Dentlebeck had retired . . . Clifford Odet’s social consciousness in ‘None But the Lonely Heart,” as voiced by Ethel Barrymore: “Love isn’t for the poor. No time for it.” Yeah? How about the lines of that old popular song that go: “The rich get richer but the poor get chil- dren”... Lou Simon has dropped out of theatre management tem- porarily and opened a photo- graphy shop on Yonge near Dun- das... Syd Taube of the MPTAO acted quickly when it was an- nounced that none but essential traffic would be a allowed on Toronto streets after the big storm. His intervention caused film carriers to become one of the exceptions to the ban.

‘

December 27, 1944

1,286 Houses in

Six Territories

(Continued from Page 1) New Brunswick.

These and other figures on Canadian theatres were compiled by the head office of the Cana- dian Film Boards of Trade in Toronto, of which Ed Wells is executive secretary.

According to 1944 statistics:

There are 704,814 seats in Canadian theatres.

There are 790 towns with thea- tres.

There are 265 theatres which operate one and two days weekly.

There are 108 theatres which Operate three and four days weekly.

There are 913 theatres which operate six and seven days week- ly. The number of theatres ser- viced by each territory is: To- ronto, 404; Winnipeg, 250; Mont- real, 214; Calgary, 185; Saint John, N.B., 127; Vancouver, 106.

The number of seats in each territory is: Toronto, 276,910; Winnipeg, 95,448; Montreal, 136,- 480; Calgary, 59,641; Saint John, N.B., 68,588; Vancouver, 67,742.

The number of theatres in the chief cities in each territory is: Toronto, 112; Winnipeg, 43; Montreal, 62; Calgary, 11; Saint John, N.B., 5; Vancouver, 39.

Columbia Sets Three .

Columbia will start on its heavy 1945 -shooting schedule with three top-budget features scheduled for the sound stages during the month of January. Trio consists of “Over 21,” which rolls on January 3, “Some Call It Love” and “Kiss and Tell.”

PQ and Ontario

Winners Named

(Continued from Page 1) ager of the Avon, Stratford.

J. C. Musclow, Strand, Tillson- blurg, won third prize in Ontario.

Winner of first prize in Quebec was R. L. Vallee, New Premier Theatre, Sherbrooke.

George Champagne, Auditorium Theatre, Shawinigan Falls, took second prize in Quebec.

Third prize went to G. T. Rob- ert, Capitol, Three Rivers.

Craig and Helm provided a good theatre effort but accepted much hard work by acting on re- gional publicity committees. Helm was chairman of the public rela- tions section for the County of Perth and Craig was vice-chair- man in Lincoln County.

Musclow, in an industrial area, concentrated on boosting the pay- roll savings plan through the theatre. He had the committee make up a reel of local news. This made quite an impression.

Canadian FILM WEEKLY At Mid-Winter Session

Here are the Canadians who attended the Mid-Winter sales meeting at the Astor Hotel, New York. Left to right—Ed English, Montreal; Sydney Samson; Canadian district manager; H. J. Bailey, Toronto; KR. G. March, St. John; V. M. Skorey, Calgary; J. E. Patterson, Vancouver; J. H. Huber, Winnipeg; Ted Shaw, home office.

Some Good Stunts On MGM Pictures

Dewey Bloom got in some good stuff on two current Regal re-

leases, “Marriage is a Private Affair” and “An American Ro- mance.” Paramount News

“Marriage” was written first as a book by Judith Kelly of To- ronto, whose mother still lives in that city. A private screening for Mrs. Kelly and Principal Edith Reid of Branksome Hall, where Miss Kelly was educated, won much space in the daily papers.

Dewey also did some good work on “Romance,” which has steel mill background, in Hamilton, steel town. “Steel Mill Becomes Movie Star,” reads one ad.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR ALL

NARRATED BY WINSTON BARRON

Chredras iss than a acnth asay Saas dak acing bed lebe toGy

VANS WHEY cy Tue WHR

Cee _—

Letters from home was the theme of the campaign conceived by Fred Trebilcock, manager of Shea's, Toronto, in connection with the Warner Brothers feature, “The Very Thought cf You,” which was carried out by Glenn Ireton, WB Canadian exploitation director. This mail campaign was carreid on at General Engineering Company, Toronto.

In the photo are Victor Perry, district director of Postal Services, (Toronto); Glenn Ireton; J. F. Cooper-Smith, president of the War Veterans Association; and Mrs. Vivian E. Weeks, national cg-ordinater of the volunteer mail groups throughout the Dominion,

Page 9

Six-Mo. Holdback On Hostel Films

(Continued from Page 1) of the service organizations and the armed services were present. The exceptions are, of course, regular army camps.

There are some 45 hostel and canteen 16 mm. situations in Canada and a small number of them were showing new or com- paratively new films. It is esti- mated that over 70 per cent were showing films from six months to a year old. Most wait for the - army camps to be finished with prints and this takes up to eight months and more,

However, in some cities hostels were showing prints of films which had not yet appeared in local theatres as first and sub runs. This brought objections and the matter was settled with no trouble.

Growth of co-operation between 16 and 35 mm. distributors and exhibitors is considered to be a good thing all around. While most 16 mm. product comes direct from 35 mm. producers now, this may not be true in the future. One Hollywood company is making 16 mm. features exclusively and there may be other sources of product in the future than the present ones.

There is also in existence a group of old 16 mm. prints that were purchased outright and the distributors of these are not bound by ordinary industry re- strictions. Such prints have found considerable circulation in Que- bec.

It is best that an understand- ing exist between the 16 and 35 mm. dealers as both fields ex- pand so that overlapping may be guarded against.

Rank Gains Ground In South Africa

J. Arthur Rank announced re- cently that he has completed ar- rangements which will get play- ing time for British pictures in 100 South African theatres. At the conclusion of the war, he said, he and associates will erect mod- ern theatres in leading South African cities.

During the annual meeting of Gaumont-British in November, J. B. Clark asked Rank some critic- al questions about the company. The British leader denied that there was an inner cabinet amongst the directors, did not agree that directors fees were too high, revealed that Cinema Tele- vision, Ltd., was making money, said that the E.P.T. (whatever that is) restricted dividends to six per cent regardless of profits, and that he felt hurt at the sug- gestions,

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