Item AAAB4071 - Aida and Martin Kroeger interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Quota Quickies PERIOD COVERED: 1932-1938 RECORDED: Victoria (B.C.), 1980-04-22 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Kroeger discusses his involvement in the production of movies in B.C. in the 1930s, with emphasis on the "Quota Quickies". Mr. Kroeger talks about the establishment of Commonwealth Pictures in Victoria by Kenneth Bishop. The financial backing of Mrs. Seldon Humphries (nee Kathleen Dunsmuir). Bankruptcy after production of "Crimson Paradise" and "The Black Robe" [aka "Secrets of Chinatown"]. Mr. Kroeger discusses writing a shooting script for "Harlow Manor" and Miss Dunsmuir's acting ability. The showing of "Crimson Paradise" at the Capital Theatre. Establishment of Northern Films, and subsequent bankruptcy. Central Films is successor. Mr. Kroeger's duties as continuity writer. Salary and working conditions. The Hollywood crew. Hiring of cast. Production schedule, budget. Shooting locations. Scenes of B.C. logging. Local residents involved. Stories of the actors and actresses. Mrs. Kroeger talks about her experiences with the stars. Mr. Kroeger discusses the directors, writers. TRACK 2: Mr. Kroeger talks about the beginning and end of Bishop's movie production in B.C. The change of legislation in Britain that spelled the end of the quota quickies. His first viewing of these movies in 1980. Mr. And Mrs. Kroeger talk about their photo collection of the stars involved in these movies.