Variety (Jul 1939)

Wednesday, July 5, 1939 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY Hope-'Mabie' Snap^ 42G in Chi iliinstroi^ Uib Iffissi^ Dai^ters' To Fme $15,000,'Lawyer-Vaude 13G Chicago, July 4. Business Is on the hop (all throurfi the downtown area thla week m spite of the holiday week-end, which Is Bending thousands out ot toiro. How- ever, the week-end is also bringing In thousands, and besides, the down- town, theatres have put their bibs and tbckers on, with Uie result tiiat Sie box oXflces are getting consider- able play with strong attractions. Stage show houses have the best of the going currenUy, with the three remaining vaude houses, the Chi- cago, State-Lake and Oriental, all presenting magnet lineups. Fourth vaudfllmer, the Palace, darkened on Thursday (29) and will remain shuttered until nearly Labor Day, according to present indications. However, there's a likelihood that the other dark loop house. United Artists, will reopen in a couple of weeks, with 'Andy Hardy Has Spring Fever as its initial offering. Bob Hope on the stage of the Chi- cago and the Louis Armstrong or- chestra on the stage of the State- Lake are both standout draws. Ori- ental has a girl unit on its rostrum, and is putting the show over on its flash advertising. 'Ciiips' has proved big winner and Indicates a long stay at the Apollo, where last veek it broke 'Pygmalion' opening week record, Estlnates for This Week ApoUo (B&K) (1,200; 3S-5S-65-75) —'Chips' (M-G) (2d week). Indicated $11,000, good. Last week smash $13,600. Chleairo (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— ■Malsie' (M-G) and stage-show. Bob Hope personal is the primary attrac- tion this week, and combination looks headed, for big $42,000. Last week 'InviteUon' (Par) nifty $31,100. Gsrriok (B&K) (900: 35-55-65-75) —'Invitation' (Par) (2d run). Looks for okay $6,000. Last week 'Juarez' (WB) completed tour weeks in the loop to splendid $4,200. Oriental (Jones) (3,200; 25-40)— 'Society Lawyer' (M-G) and "Revue Glorified' unit on stage. Single fea- ture this week as opposed to regular dual policy. Going to $13,000, ell right. Last week '3 Smart Girls' (U) and .'Baskervilles' (20th) turned in excellent $14,200, Palace (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65-75) ■-House now dark and due to reopen •round Labor Day. Last week 'sun Never Sets' (U) wound up with poor $12,100, Boosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-65-65- 75)—'Tarzan' (M-G). New jungle flicker started fairly well and indi- cates $12,000, good. Last wedc the Boldover 'Angels' (Col) managed fair $7,000. . ^ _ State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 25-40)— Wssing Daughters' (Col) and Loub Armstrong orchestra on stage. Strict- p' 'Satchmo* who's doing the biz and bopping the register to fine $16,000, best in long time. Last week 'Win- ner Take All' (20th), good at $12,200. 'CHIPS,' m STACKS HIGH IN HUB . „ „ Boston, July 4. 'Goodbye Mr. Chips' is the Tiello, prosperity' of the Hub thU we* Jvith everything else trailing In the uot sun and the exodus to the coun- try for the long weekend. EsUmatei for llib Week BMtwi^ (RKO) (3,200; 20-30-40)— ;podge City' (WB.) (3d run) and Arden' (WB) (2d run), dual, J*''^* Spy' (HKO) (1st run) and 'Wife's Relations' (Rep) (2d run), double, three days; 'Big Tign Czar' (U) and 'Girl Mexico' if^O) (l>oth 1st run), three days, SiSi.^',"* ■* average $6,000. Last ^f^, 9."^^,"" <U> (2d run) and Cop' (RKO) (1st run), dual. ST??.Says;. 'Conquest' (Rep) and Sewet Service' (Wb) (2d run), dual. ^ fnT^.T^Se City' (WB) (3d l^l S""^, (WB) (2d run), dual, one day, okay $5,000, Fenway (M & P) (1,332; 25-35-40- SlJr-InviUtion Happiness' (Par) and Undercover DoctoF (Par) (both 2d WMfc W.^^ndicated. Last N V'• "I?*! and 'Streets M-40.55)—'Sun Sets' (L. ^d^very- Mo^,',, ^Jj^L^Oth). Unexcltlii at S »v^*?^ and 'Love Money' (U) M.y''^' "^andy $13,000, 3S?So «?"fJ!f" P) (4.367; 25- *o-«o.55)—'Man About Town' (Par) and "Grand Jury' (Par). On the tepid side at $13,000. Last week, 'Susannah' (20th) and 'Chan' (20th), $13,500. fair. Orphenm (Loew) (2,900; 25-35-40- 55)—'Chips' (M-G) and 'Parents Trial' (Col). Tremendous summer grosser: headed for $21,000. Last week 'Capt. Fury' (UA) and '6,000 Ene- mies' (M-G), dandy $17,000. . Paramoont (M & P) (1.797; 25-35- 40-55)—'Invitation Happiness' (Par) and "Undercover Doctor' (Par) (both 2d run). Pale $8,500,. Last week, 'Kokomo' (WB) and 'StreeU N. Y.' (Mono), $6,000. poor. Seolby (M & P) (2,538; 25-35-40- 50)—"Lincoln' (20th) and 'Kolcomo' (WB) (both 2d run). Medium $5,500, Last week, 'Prison Bars' (UA) (2d run) and "Like it Hot' (Par) (2d run), pallid $4,000. State (Loew) (3,600; 25-35-40-55)- "Chips' (M-G) and "Parents Trial' (Col). Very big $17,000 promised. Last week. 'Capt'. Fury' (UA) and '6,000 Enemies' (M-G), $13,000, good. 'BRffiAL'-VAUDE NEAT mm INBALTO Baltimore, July 4, Comfortable weather and influx of holiday trade from nearby rural re gions are offsetting general exodus of towners occasioned by four-day stretch-out of the Fourth. Laying on the stage portion in liberal style, the combo Hipp with Harry James* orch topping, vaude, plus pic of Galento- Louis fracas bolstering 'Bridal Suite,' is taking a commanding lead. "The Sun Never Sets' is doing nice- ly at Keith's and rest of town is lust riding behind uneventfully. Estimates for' This Week Centnry (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 25-40)—'Stronger Desire' (M-G). Not getting far at $5^500. Last week. 'Maisie' (M-G), fared a bit better at $5,000: Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2.205; 15-25-35-40-55-66) — 'Bridal Suite' (M-G). Getting support from stage lineup and Galento-Louis fight film. Taking big town lead with satisfying $13,000. Last week. 'Like It Hot' (Par) plus Duke Ellington's orch. fairish $10,300. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,205; 15- 25^36-40)—"Sun Sets' (U). Maintain- ing steady pace, with okay $8,000 the possible count. Last week, third of %vitation Happiness' (Par), added $3,700 to previous total of $9,400. New (Mechanic) (1,581; 15-25-35- 55)—"Susannah' (20th) (2d wk). Forcing through holiday period with continued mild reaction at b.o. Mak- ing way Thtnrsday (6) for "Stolen Life' (Par) after chalking up indi- cated tepid toUl of $5,800 for 12-day run; far short of previous Temples. Stanley (WB) (3.280; 15-25-35-40 35)_'Naughty Nice' (WB) plus "Sons of Liberty* (WB). Attracting some mild attention to $6,000. Last week 'Juarez' (WB). wound up bullish three-week run to. rosy grand total of $23,200. Omaha OK; 'Man' Socko m W-Logan $14,500 Omaha, July 4, Despite the holiday, grosses are up, "Man About Town' packing them in at the Omaha. 'Never Say Die' and Ella Logan on eiage, at the Orpheiim, good with prices tilted for the combo. Local parks and recreation centers still giving plenty of Sunday and hol- iday competish. Estimates for This Week Avenne-Dimdee-Mllitary (Gold- berg) (800-950-600; 10-25)—'Union Pacific' (Par) (2d run) split with "Broadway Serenade' (M-G) and "Within the Law' (M-G), dual. 'Pa- cific, milked dry downtown; see good $1,700. Last week, '3 Smart Girls' (U) and 'Nazi Spy* (WB); dual, split with "Wuthering Heights' (UA) and •Drummond Secret Police' (Par), dual, weak $1,600. Brandeis (Singer-RKO) (1.250; 10- 25-35-40)—'Good Girls' (Col) and 'Parents Trial' (Col), dual. Louis- Galento fight pictures helping to $6,000, nice. Last week, 'Mikado' (U) and 'Misshig Daughters* (Col), dual, sweU $5,200, Omaha (Blank) (2.000; 10-25-40)— "Man About Town* (Par) and 'Arden' (WB), dual. Socko $9,500, Last week, "Tarzan' (M-G) and "Winner Take All' (20th), dual, $7,000, weakish. Orphenm (Blank) (3.000; 15-35-55) —"Never Say Die' (Par) and Ella Logan heading stage show. Holiday helping to $14,500, nice. Last week. 'Lincoln' (20th) and 'King of China- town* (Par), dual, cooled rapidly for $8,500, stiU good. Town (Goldberg) (1.250; 10-20-25) —'Renegade Trair (Par). "Spy Hunt' (Col), 'Wutiiering Heights' (UA), triple, split with 'Union Pacific' (Par). Heading for $1,600, ordinary. Last, week, "Racketeers Range' (RKO), 'Wong* (Mono), '3 Smart Girls* (U), triple. spUt with 'Nazi Spy' (WB), 'Topper Takes Trip' (UA), 'Wife. Husband' (20th), triple. Good $1,700. •ORlSVpUDS' FAffil2G,DET.; HAN* $11,500 Detroit, July 4, Big July 4 exodus putting hef^ strain on theatres currently. . It s tossup between town's two large houses, the Fox, playing 'Good Girls Go to Paris,' and '(Jlouds Over Eu- rope' plus Louis-Galento fight pic- tures, and the Michigan showing 'Man About Town' dualed with 'Un- dercover Doctor.'' Estimates for Thla Week Adama (Balaban) (1.700;30-40)— 'Susannah' (2d run) (20tti) and 'Bas- kervilles* (20th) (2d>run), dual, plus Louls-Galento fight pictures. Headed for fair $4,500. Last week same for 'Mikado* (U) and 'BUnd AUey* (Col), both second run. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5.000; 35-40- 55)—"Good Girls' (Col) and 'Clouds Over Europe- (UA), dual plus Louis- Galento fight films. Looks like $12,- 000. fair. Last week $11,800 for "Su- sannah' (20th) and 'Baskervilles' (20th). Hlohlran (United Detroit) (4,000; 30-40-65)—"Man About Town' (Par) §lus 'Undercover Doctor' (Rep), ual. Paced for moderate $11,500. Last week "Capt Fury' (UA) and 'Kokomo' (WB) got fair $11,000. Palms-State (XAilted Detroit) (3.- 000; 30-40-50)—"Kokomo (WB) and "Zero Hour* (Rep), dual. Looks like around $5,000. mediocre. Last stanza very disappointing $4,400 for 'Invi- tation' (Par) (2d nm) and 'Heritage of Desert' (Par), former being moved here after good sesh at Michigan. CONEY CLIPS B'KLYN Beach Drawl, bai Fix Blah; 'Lincoln' Fair $IC,M» Brooklyn, July 4. Exodus from City of Churches had some efrect on downtown deluxers during Indepradence Day weekend-. ThereTi an abimdance of historical Merc Climbs, LA. Dips, Beaches Too Tough Opposish;Momo' in 2 Spots Tepid$16,5()()/GoodGirls'NSG16G films on screens, with Fabian Para- mount holding 'Juarez' third stanza to okay results. RKO Albee has 'Young Mr. Lincoln,' which snared excellent notices, but is disappoint- ing at b.o. Major magnet over weekend was Coney Island, EsUraates for This Week Albee (3,274; 25-35r50)—"Mr, Lin- coln' (20th) and "Chan' (20th), dual Good reviews, but no great shakes at b.o. Fair $16,000. Last week. 'Sun Never Sets' (U) and 'Love or Money* (U). mild $14,000, Fox (4,089; 25-35-50)—'Clouds Over Europe' (Col) and 'Grade Allen's Murder' (Par), dual. Quiet $14,500. Last week. 'Blind Alley* (Col) and 'Naughty. Nice' (WB). poor $13,500. Met (3,618; 25-35t50^— 'Tell No Tale' (M-G) and 'Zenobla* (UA). dual. Satisfactory $^15,000, Last week. 'Wuthering Heights' (UA) and 'Kid from Texas' (M-G) (2d week), nice $15,000, Paramount (4,126; 25-35-50)— 'Juarez' (WB) and 'Secret Service' (WB) (3d week). Satisfactory $15,- 000, Last week fine $17.000.. Holiday Socks Prov.; 'Desire* Dual $10,000 Providence, July 4. Main stemmers can't hope to do their celebrating until after the Fourth. Hot weather sent most of the crowds out of town and many others went to the beaches. 'Stronger Than Desire,' at the State, is holding its own. Estimates for This Week Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 25-35- 50)—'Susannah' (20th) and 'Could Happen' (20th) (2d run), dual. Fair- ish $2,000. Last week Tarzan' (M-G) and 'Panama Patrol' (2d run), dual, speeded in stretch for good $2,500. Majestle (Fay) (2,200; 25-35-50)— 'Kokomo' (WB) and "Nancy Drew' (WB), dual. Paced at hopeful $5,000. Last week, "Susannah' (20th) and 'Could Happen' (20th), dual, peppy $7,500. State (Loew) (3.200; 25-35-50)— 'Stronger Than Desire' (M-G) and 'ExUe Express' (GN). dual, with Maud Mosher. graphologist, in lobby. Strongest fn town, good $10,000 in sight. Last week. 'Bridal Suite' (M-G) and 'King Turf (UA), dual, fair $9,000. Strand (Indie) (2.200; 25-35-50)— "Stolen Life' (Par) and 'Street Miss- ing Men' (Rep).,dual. Looks good for $5,500. Last week, 'Grand Jury Secrets' (Par) and 'Zero Hour'-(Rep), dual, fair $5,000. . Pitt Gets Hbre Vitamiiis Tarzan/ $11,500, Good Tee-Off for Stanley Straight- Pix Policy—'Chips* 2d Fine I21/2G Pittsburgh, July 4. Biz continues to look healthier hereabouts and the holiday is help- ing considerably to push grosses generally well above the recent low water marks. Fact that fewer houses are operating this summer than at any time in last few years is like wise a factor in the forward push. Town's without flesh, save for a brief three weeks during April, for first time in more than three years. Stanley revertbig to straight films this week with "Tarzan Finds a Son.' It's off to a fast start "Goodbye, Mr. Chips.' in second week at Penn. which is only second time In that house's history that it's held an at- traction, has plentv of stuff left and will top town again by a nice mar- gin. At Alvin. 'Susannah of the Mount- ies' is just so-so, the Temple pix having fallen off sharply during last year, but holiday should help some. Warner is having surprisingly good week, due In main to sock reviews for 'Tell No Tales.' on double bill with 'Hotel Imperial.* Estimates for This Week Alvin (Harris) (1.650; 25-35-50)— 'Susannah' (20th). Grosses for Tem- ple aren't anywhere near what they used to be and this one's just hang- ing around to the usual recent level. Holiday should bring some boost from the kiddie trade, but even so doubtful of hitting much above $0,- 400. which is just fair. Last week. 'Clouds Europe' (Col), despite rave notices, a big disappointment under $3,000 in six days. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3.300; 25-35- 50)—'Chips' (M-G) (2d wk). Only second picture since house opened 13 years ago to get h,o. here. Usually a Penn click moves to Warner for the holdover, but. with conditions what they are, a $19,000 first week was considered so phenomenal that management decided to cash in it- self. Should have no trouble cop- ping $12,500. which Is wonderful for second stanza. Senator (Harris) (1,700; 15-25)— 'Wells Fargo' (Par) and 'Stage Door* (RKO) split with 'Huck Finn' (M-G) and "Boys Reformatory' (Mono). Splitting week on double-feature re- issue, two changes weekly policy. Hitting a fairly steady lev61 here, not too profitable but with more economical operation has cut losses way down.. Around $900 in seven days. Last week; "Antoinette' (M-G) and 'Waikiki Wedding' (Par), split with 'Alexander' (20th) and "Should QiT\ Marry' (Rep) claimed $900. Stanley (WB) (3,600; 25-35-50>— 'Tarzan' (M-G). Got away to fast- est start here in couple of months, but dropped off bit after opening day. Type of picture, however, that will attract kids on the holiday and should bring $11,500, which isn't bad. In fact. lot. better than flock of re- cent comtio stage-screen bills' have brought. Last week. 'Naughty Nice' (WB) with Blue Barron-Arthur Treacher, slightly better than $13,- 000. Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-40)—Tell Talcs' (M-G) and 'Hotel Imperial' (Par), Doing best twin-bill biz house has seen in more than six months. That's being credited to rave notices for Tales.' cricks call- ing it one of'the nicest surprises of the se'ason. Should wind up around $5,400, which is fine here. Last week. 'Prison Bars' (UA) and 'Sweep- stakes Winner' (WB), not bad at $4.- 600. Los Angeles, July 4. Summer made' its long delayed entry into the town and trade dropped as fast as the mei-c climbed. Not even Shirley Temple, afave with the family trade, could buck the ele- ments although the $10,000 she's puUhig Into the State Is the only five-figure take accounted for. The others neither have pictures nor the inclination to drag them in from the beaches or the gambling ships plying the high seas. Previews rushed in to little avail. All the first-runs, excepting the Paramount Four Star and two WB houses, rushed in new sh >ws today (Tuesday), but they don't appear likely to overcome the effect of the long holiday already in effect. Lone exception to the depresh is 'Mr. Chips' at the Four Star. In Its eighfh week the British film is sUU peggea at better than $5,000. Estlmaics for This Week Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2.024; 30-40-55-75)—They All Come Out' (M-G) and "Stronger Than Desire' (M-G). House changed its fare to- day (Tuesday). Last week "lusan- nah' (20th) and "GorUla'(20th). dual. Considerably off previous biz of No. 1 moppet and just out of the calam- ity circle at $8,000 In five days. 'Tar- zan' (M-G) and "Winner Take All' (20th), sloughed off to $7,500 the week before. Downtown (WB) (1.800; 30-40-55- 65)—'Kid from Kokomo' (WB) and "Sons of Liberty' (WB) dual. Back in stride of rest of the town at $8,500. Last week, second of 'Juarez* (9 days), punched out a big $12,100. Poor Star (F-WC-UA) (900; 40-55) —"Mr. Chips* (M-G) (8th week). No signs of weakening and holding to consistent pace. Another $5,200. just $250 under previous stanza. Hollywood (WB) (2.756; 30-40-55- 65)—"Kokomo' (WB) and 'Sons of Liberty* (.WB) dual. Running be- hind its downtown twin and bounc- ing around on the ropes with $8,000. Second week of 'Juarez* (WB) slipped off to $9,800 on nine days. Orphenm (Bdwy.) (2,280; 25-30- 35-40) — 'Panama Patrol' (RKO) opened today (Tuesday). "Bulldog Drummond' (Par) and 'Gracie Allen' (Par) dual and vaudeville. Not very good with $6,200 In five days. Last week, 'Sadden Money' (Par) and 'Some Like It Hot' (Par), another ordinary $6,800. Pontages (Pan) (2.812; 30-40-55)— 'Clouds Over Europe' (Col) and 'For- gotten Women' (U), Opened today (Tuea.), Just closed 'Good Girls Go- Paris' (Col) and 'First Offenders' (Col) dual not to the boulevardlers' lildngand will have to be satisfied with $7,800 in four days. Last week 'Mikado' (U) and 'Blind Alley' (Col), pale and wan $7,500. ParamevBt (Par) (3.596; 30-40-55) — Undercover Doctor* (Par) and stage show. Flirting with red at $9^. Last week, "Old Dark House' .(U) and 'Godfrey' (U), took a deep dive to $7,500 after promising start. BKO (2,872; 30-40-55) — 'Clouds Over Europe* (Col) and 'Forgotten Women' (U) opened today (Tues- day). "Good Girls' (Col) and Trapped in Sky' (Col) dual. Not conducive to smiles and poutered chests at $7,800 in five days, last week, 'Mikado' (U) and 'Blind Al- ley' (Col), $7,000, just plain bad. State (Loew-Fox) (2,414: 30-40-55- 76)—'They All Come Dot' (MrG) and "Stronger Than Desire' (M-G). Went in today (Tues.). 'Susannah' (20th) and 'Gorilla' (20th) dual, the town's topper at $10,000 In five days, but rating no fanfare, I.ast wee': Tar- zan' OI-G) and 'Winner Take' (20th). came through as pegge at even $10,000 United Artists (F-WC) (2,100; 30- 40-55)—"Tarzan' (M-G) and 'Maisie' (M-G) (2d week). Brutal $2,200 in sight after $4,000 on previous week of 'Maisle' and 'Kildare' (M-G). Wllshire (F-WC) (2,296; 30-40-55- 65)—Tarzan' (M-G) and 'A^aisie' (M-G) (2d week), dual. Back In dumps with $3,300. a far cry from the $6,500 clicked off last week by "Maisle' and 'KUdare' (M-G). Cooper's Frontier Opos Hollywood, July 4. Gary Cooper plays a tenderfoot In his next starrer, 'Vinegarroon,' on the Samuel Goldwyn lot. Story, by Stuart L, Lake, deals with frontier days In Texas, Walter Brennan plays the part of Judge'Bean, who was the law w-est of Pecos,