PROVINCIAL CINEMATOGRAPH THEATRES
The good financial results of cinema companies since the war are striking and largely unexpected. Theatres were closed for about two weeks on the outbreak of war, during which time wages had to be paid. The black-out is still with us. Yet Mr. Mark Ostrer was able to present to the shareholders of Provincial Cinematograph Theatres last Friday results which he could well describe as satisfactory. He was able, too, to hold out the hope of very satisfactory accounts in the year now current_ provided conditions are no. worse than those prevailing since the war began. In his view, the explanation is that the cinema has become an integral part of the lives of the people and that in present conditions the need for entertainment is much greater than in normal times. As an instance of this he mentioned that commanding officers in many areas where troops are stationed have asked local authorities to licence Sunday opening of cinemas.
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