Twelve Weeks of Laughter

PRESENTED BY TORONTO FILM SOCIETY
IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE CENTENNIAL COMMISSION

In 1966 the Centennial Commission asked the Canadian Film Institute to conduct a world-wide poll among movie critics to determine the greatest comedy movies of all time.  One hundred and fifty critics from forty countries were polled, and from the results an International Film Festival of Laughter was presented in Ottawa in April this year and a shorter version of the Festival had been presented in Calgary in February.  Believing that the people of Toronto would want to see this Festival, TFS has undertaken to present it here as our Centennial project.  While not all titles to be shown are identical with those shown in Ottawa, our showings are similar in scope and include some titles not seen in the other presentations.  We will be screening eight of the “Twelve Best Comedy Films” selected by the critics plus several of the runners-up and a truly outstanding collection of shorts.  Several of the features and shorts to be seen here have been provided  by the Centennial Commission under a grant to the CFI.

This is the most extensive film series ever presented by TFS and we trust that it will make an enjoyable and exciting summer for Toronto moviegoers.  Some of the movies, such as those with Max Linder, have not been seen here for decades, while others are household names.  The entire series is a unique opportunity to observe the changes in comedy style from 1910 to 1967, and to enjoy yourself in the company of some of the greatest artists of the film or any other medium.  What could be a better Centennial project than to spread a little laughter around–a precious commodity indeed.

There are three series of films, which are listed on the following page.

All Screenings will be held at 8:00 p.m. at the Central Library Theatre, 20 St. George Street at College, a modern theatre with comfortable seating and air-conditioning.  Admission is by membership only and is limited to the small capacity of this theatre.  Our summer programmes are traditionally sold out very quickly, so don’t delay and risk disappointment.  Memberships are available in each series at $5.00, or all three series for $12.00.  Memberships purchased before June 15 are reduced to $4.50 and $50.50 respectively.  There is no reduction for double memberships or for students.  Membership is restricted to those 18 years of age or older.

TWELVE WEEKS OF LAUGHTER
Series

SILENTS INTO SOUND
THIRTIES TO FORTIES
AND ON TO THE PRESENT

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