The Lure of the Big Screen

With the kids home and the temperature rising, many families will undoubtedly be heading to the movie theatres this summer for a few hours of air-conditioned entertainment.

The lure of the cinema has been attracting Toronto families since 1906, when the city's first permanent theatre was opened by John Griffin under the name of the Theatorium. Throughout the twentieth century Hollywood productions only grew in popularity, as did the number of cinemas and number of cinema-goers. You can see some fine examples of Toronto's past movie theatres here.



Crowds at the Theatorium. The line up rivals those found at modern day movie premieres!

[c. 1910]

Fonds 1244, Item 320A
City of Toronto Archives

The Williams family at the Long Branch Theatorium.
The movie theatre has been a family gathering place for over a century.

[c. 1915]

Call no. 964-6-16
Toronto Reference Library

Finding movies that the whole family could enjoy was surely a daunting task. These days we have the benefit of the Canada video rating system to help us choose what movies our children should see, but an age-based rating system was not established in Ontario until 1946. How did parents determine what films their families could see before this?

Here in our archives I uncovered a copy of a letter from the Canadian Council on Child Welfare entitled an "Experiment in Approved Motion Pictures". It was written sometime in the 1920s, and promises to provide (upon request) a 'white list' of movies suitable for families and children. The movies on the list are guaranteed to be stimulating for children while remaining "free from sordid, sensual, brutal, and criminal detail."

Experiment in Approved Motion Pictures

[1920s]

MN WL01.46
Archbishop McNeil Fonds

Compiling such a list was surely a ground-breaking yet tedious task for its time. Unfortunately we do not have a copy of the white list in question, but I'm wondering what would have made the cut from this list of 1920s blockbusters.

Now, if you're still on the hunt for some summer movie recommendations, look no further! I found a list of films available for distribution by Picture Service Limited from the early 1920s that has a little something for everyone.

A list of films available for distribution by Picture Services Limited

[1920s]

MN WL01.43
Archbishop McNeil Fonds

The variety of films on this list is quite interesting. It opens with some church films available for purchase and ends with some dark, secular dramas. Just check out this movie poster for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde:

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"

1919
Public domain image, via Wikimedia Commons

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, starring John Barrymore, is available to watch on YouTube. But be forewarned, it's a thriller. Viewer discretion is advised.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Yesterday marked the 90th anniversary of the filing of the official Articles of Incorporation for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. It seems only appropriate, therefore, to feature records in our collection relating to motion pictures. So make some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the blog!

The general manager of The National Exploitation Co., W. J. Benedict, was excited to inform Archbishop McNeil about the showing of the film His Holiness: Pope Pius XI and scenes of the 26th International Eucharistic Congress in Rome at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in May 1923. He requested that the announcement be made at Sunday mass and at parochial schools to ensure that adults and children alike could enjoy the films. Note that the letterhead is specifically designed for the show.

Letter from W. J. Benedict to Abp. McNeil,
May 12, 1923

MN AH12.55
Archbishop McNeil fonds

In 1927, a film of the 28th International Eucharistic Congress in Chicago was shown at Massey Hall. Rev. T. J. Manley wrote to the Department of the Treasurer of Ontario asking for an exemption from the amusement tax, which was (and, in some provinces, it seems still is) a tax applied to motion pictures, theatre performances, etc., that was brought in as a war measure. Exemptions could be made for charitable, educational, or religious purposes, as long as receipts were provided. Provincial Treasurer J. D. Monteith informed Rev. Manley that his request had been granted. The proof was sent to the Amusement Tax Office after the showing.

Letter from J. D. Monteith to Abp. McNeil,
March 7, 1927

MN AH16.39A
Archbishop McNeil fonds

Letter from the Archbishop's Residence to Thomas Scott at the Amusement Tax Office,
April 23, 1927

MN AH16.176
Archbishop McNeil fonds

The effect of motion pictures on viewers has long been a topic of conversation, since the content of certain films is sometimes considered controversial. O. J. Silverthorne, chairman of the Motion Picture Censorship and Theatre Inspection Branch of the Treasury Department of Ontario, sent then-Archbishop McGuigan a copy of the annual report of the branch. In his letter, Silverthorne alluded to a particular discussion of interest.

Letter from O. J. Silverthorne to then-Abp. McGuigan,
June 2, 1945

MG SO06.247
Cardinal McGuigan fonds

M. E. Bruce, president of Picture Service Limited, wrote to Archbishop McNeil about the cost and distribution of his company's film, Sacrifice of the Mass. Approximately $3,000 was invested in the early 1920s, which is almost $42,360 today.

Letter from Muriel E. Bruce to Abp. McNeil,
October 4, 1922

MN AH11.30
Archbishop McNeil fonds

In 1936, Pope Pius XI wrote an encyclical, Vigilanti Cura, on motion pictures to the Archbishops and Bishops of the United States. It was sent to the archbishop with a cover letter.

Copy of a cover letter from Abp. Pizzardo to then-Abp. McGuigan,
July 6, 1936

MG RC188.03
Cardinal McGuigan fonds

Encyclical letter on motion pictures of Pope Pius XI,
promulgated on June 29, 1936

MG PS118.01
Cardinal McGuigan fonds

From page 10:

"Everyone knows what damage is done to the soul by bad motion pictures. They are occasions of sin; they seduce young people along the ways of evil by glorifying the passions; they show life under a false light; they cloud ideals; they destroy pure love, respect for marriage, affection for the family. They are capable also of creating prejudices among individuals and misunderstandings among nations, among social classes, among entire races.

On the other hand, good motion pictures are capable of exercising a profoundly moral influence upon those who see them. In addition to affording recreation, they are able to arouse noble ideals of life, to communicate valuable conceptions, to impart a better knowledge of the history and the beauties of the Fatherland and of other countries, to present truth and virtue under attractive forms, to create, or at least to favor understanding among nations, social classes and races, to champion the cause of justice, to give new life to the claims of virtue, and to contribute positively to the genesis of a just social order in the world."