Variety (Dec 1939)

Wcilnesday, December 6, 1939 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY •y Bad Weather. RO/s Crimp Chi B.0 'Fast'-Dead Enders Fme 21'/^G, Garho Topnotchb 19G, Kyser's 2d $11,1 Chicago, Dec. S. Bad weather over the weekend held down the take generally in the loop, and this factor, combined with the number of hold-overs In the downtown theatres, means quite a drop from the total take of the pre- vious week. Balaban Sc Katz, Chicago, which last week soared into big coin with combo of Dick Powell on the stage and 'Drums Along the Mohawk,' continues currently with only the flicker as the attraction tied in with a nameless vaude show. This means a sliarp slide from the previous stanza's business. Holdovers are nicking the take at the Palace, where the Kay Kyser flicker, 'That's Right, You're Wrong,' managed a snappy initial week. 'Mr. Smith' Is in its fourth week at the Apollo and is rated to go up to Christmas Day before giving way to what is expected to be 'Gulliver's Travels.' Roosevelt holds 'Disputed Passage' for a second, and what looks to be flnal, week. Vaude is turning in another good account of Itself in the State-Lake, where the Dead.find Kids are head- lined. - and in the Oriental, where the N.T.G. mob gets top billing. Both houses are running ahead of last year and are managing to pile up interesting grosses. Garrick is currently trying a first run with 'Secret of Dr. Kildare,' while the United Artists yanked 'Marx Bros, at the Circus' and re- placed it Thursday (30) with 'Ni- notchka.' which is evidently a money-maker. Kstimates for This Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65-75) —'Mr. Smith' (Col) (4th wk). Rid- ing along in excellent fashion. Came up with nitty $11,500 last week and should garner another satisfying $9,000 currently. Chicago (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— 'Drums Mohawk' (20th) and stage show. -Second week for picture, which, with Dick Powell on stage, last week slashed through to beauti- ful $51,100. Sliding currently with non-name support to $25,000, light. Garrick (B&K) (900; 35-55-65)— 'Secret Kildare' (M-G). First-run item will take good gross at $7,000. . Last week: 'Jamaica' (Par), in hold- over, snagged all right $4,700. Oriental (.Tones) (3,200; 25-40)— 'Rains Came' (20th) and vaude. N.T.G. gjing on stage aiding the flicker, which is on repeat showing In loop. Coming through with profit- able take of $18,000. Last week, 'Legion Flyers' (U) and vaude, okay $14,900. ralace (RKO) (2 .500; 35-55-65-75) —"That's Wronri' (HKCr)-"Hnd— 'Mto=- . senger' (U) (2d wk). Combination was a winner in the initial week at ' $19,800 and will currently come up with satisfying $I1;000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1.500; 35-55-65- 75)—'Passage' (Par) (2d wk). Took so-so $10,500 for initial session and headed for mild $5,500 currently. Slate-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 25-40)— 'Fast Furious' (M-G) and vaude. Dead End Kids headlining on stage. Another solid session at $21,500 in the oflfing for.house which has been banging out great gro.sses week after week: Last week, 'Grey Walls' (Col ) and vaude, walloped home mighty $19,800. United Artists (B&K-M-G) (1.700; 35-55-65-75) — 'Ninotchka' (M-G). Garbo fons are out in force and sending re.eister whirling to plenty good $19,000. Last week, '(Jircus' (M-G) wound up meek fortnight to meagre $(>,900. lOVE' WITH/SONS' OK $19,000 IN BROOKLYN Brooklyn. Dec. 5. Fabian Paramount continues to be majop^ magnet '.among downtowners with 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washing- ton' 'Five Little Peppers' in second week. RKO Albee, with 'First Love' and 'Three Sons.' and Fabian Fox. with "Roaring Twenties' and 'No Place To Go," also getting good biz. Estimates for This Week, Albee (3,274; 25-35-50)—'First Love''(U) and 'Three .Sons' (RKO). Good $19,000. Last week, 'Drums Mohawk' (20th) and 'Escape' (20th), swell $22,000. Met (3.018; 25-35-50)—'Eternally Yours' (UAV and 'Dancing Co-ed' (M-G). Hitting okay $18,500. Last week. 'Babes Arms' (M-G) and 'Main Lawyer' (Rep) (2d wk.), healthy $18,000. .FaramouDt (4,126; 25-35-50)—'Mr. Smith' (Col) and 'Five Peppers' (Col) (2d wk.). Bright $22,000. Last week, magnificent $30,000. Fox (4,089; 25-35-50)—'Roarlng Twentie.<!' (WB) and 'No Place Go' (WB) (2d wk.). Good $19,000. Last week, profitable $24,000. Strand (2,870; 25-35-40)—'Fugi- tive Large' (Col) and 'Beware Spooks' (Col). Dropping to mild $4,000. Last week, "Torture Ship' (Indie).and 'Sabotage' (Rep), good $6,500. TOLIES-'RENC RNE $17,500 IN BUFF. Buffalo, Dec, 9, ' Gene Krupa, at Buffalo, and 'Folies Bergere,' at 20th Century, are out in front running, each getting excellent gro.wes. . 'Folies,' with 'Reno,' is drawing heavy stag trade at new 55c. top for this attraction, while Krupa, with 'Day-Time Wife,' is proving a magnet for jive addicts. Gros.'^es at the other spots are sticking to substantial over-average levels. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (.Shea) (3,500; 30-35-55)— 'Day-Time Wife' (20th) and Gene Krupa's orch on stage. Despite mild start, is climbing up for probably better than $19,000. good. Last week, 'Another Thin Man' (M-G), neat $17,000. .Great Lakes (Shea) (3.000; 30-50) —'Rulers Sea' (Par) and 'Call Presi- dent' (M-G)—Okay and should see nice $8,500. Last week. 'Roaring Twcntie.s' (WB) and 'Kid Night- ingale' (WB), good $10,000. Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 25-35)— 'Jamaica Inn' (Par) and 'Stop, Look' (20th). Heading for sturdy $8,500. Last week. 'Pack Troubles' (20th) and '20.000 Men' (20th), turned wob- bly and ended, with soft $6,000. Lafayette (Hayman) (3.300; 25-35) —'First Love' (,U) and 'Hero Day' (U) (2d wk.). Holdover getting $7,000. good enough. Last week, sky rockete(i 1o over $14,000. nifty. 20th Century (Dipson-Basil) (3.000: 35-55)—'Reno* (RKO) and 'Folies Bergere.' Looks like heaviest week house has had under present management. Upper scale! should brinet over $17..';no, excellent. Last week. 'That's Wrong' (RKO) and •Sued Libel' (RKO), okay, $9,000. Apollo, Indpls., Duals 2 Horror Pix to OK 4G Indianapolis, Dec. 5. A(ter good b.o. last week, with theatre managers planning to do some heavy personal (Thristmas spending, the wolf is at the door again. Apollo i.<; doing a little better than average with two first-run hor- ror pictures. 'Return of Frog' and 'Demon Barber.' both foreign-made. Both Circle and Indiana arc under par. with former showing 'We Are Not Alone' and 'Private Detective,' and latter 'Destry Rides Again' and 'Laugh It OIT.' Loew's has an aver- age week with 'Ninotchka' and 'Call On Presidenl.' but under expecta- tions after a big advance buildup. Lyric, however, i.s in the chips with Luni and Abncr and Shep Fields ovch on stage. Estimates for Thin Week Apollo (Kat/.-Dollc) (1,100: 25-30- 40)—'Return Frog' (Sel)and 'Demon Barber' (Sel). Playing horror angle for above average $4,000 or better. Last week. 'First Love' (U). held over after first showing at Circle, faded to poor $1,400. Circle (Katz-Dollp) (2.600: 25-30- 40)—'Not Alone' (WB) and 'Private Detective' (WB). Muni starrer weak $5,500. Last week. 'Dre.ss Parade' (WB) and Martha Raye heading vaude. okay $11,000. .Indiana (K.itz-Dolle) f3.100: 25- 30-40)—'Destry' (U) and 'Laugh OIT' (V). Not ."JO good $6,500. Last week. 'That's Wrnns' (RKO) . and 'Dr. Christian' (RKO), mild. $3,000 for eiglit days. Loew's (Loew's) (2.400: 25-30-40) —'Ninotchlca' (M-G) and 'C.ill Presi- dent* (M-G). Average $9,000: under expectations after heavy ad cam- paign. Last week. 'Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Bad Ancel' (M-G), socko $14,- 000 in ei?ht days. Lyric (Lyric) (1.900: 2.=i-30-40)— 'Man Montreal' fU) and Lum and Abner and Shen Field."! orch on sta.ge. Very nice SI3.000. Last week. 'Main St. Lawyer' (Rep) and Jack Haley, Mary Carlisle and Jack Teagarden orcli. n.g. $8,500. First Runs on Broadway (Subject to Change) Week of December 7 Astor-'Mill on the F I o s i ' (Standard) (4th wk.i. Capitol—'Secret of Dr. Kildare' (M-G). (Reviewed in Variitv, Nov. 22) C r 11 e r I o n—'That's Right, You're Wrong' (RKO^ (2d wk.). Globe—'Mutiny in the Big House' (Mono) (9). (Revleiued In Vahictv, Nov. li Music Hall—'We Are Not Alone' (WB) (2d wk.). Paramount—"Great . Victor Herbert' (Par) (6). (Revletued in Vakieiv. Nov. 29i Rlalto—"Flying Deuces" tRKO) (3d wk.). RIvoH—'Destry Rides Again' (U) (2d wk). Roxy—'Barricade' (20th) (8). Strand—Elizabeth and Essex' (WB) (2d wk.). Week of Dec. 14 Capitol—'Remember?' (M-G). (Reviewed in VARietv, Nov. 8) Mnslc Hall—'Balalaika' (M-G). Paramonnt—'Great Victor Herbert' (Par) (2d wk.). EUlto—'Tower, of London' (U). (Reviewed in Variry, Nov. 22) Blvolt—'Destry Rides Again' (U) (3d wk.). Roxy—'Barricade' (20th) (2d wk.). Strand—'Elizabeth and Essex' WB) (3d wk.). Kyser, On Hub Stage, Screen, Smash $50,000 Boston, Dec. S. Kay Kyser Is the big noise in town this week, cramming the Keith-Bos- ton with standees most of the time after opening day (29) and forcing extra shows (five and six daily)-with the flnal shows breaking after mid- night. Kyser Is playing in person and In "That's Right You're Wrong' on the screen at the same house. All houses did whammo biz on the holiday (30). 'Another Thin Man' is very strong at the Orpheum and State. 'Rulers of Sea' and 'Day-time Wife' are running neck 'h' neck at a fair gait at Met and Memorial, respectively. 'Gone With The Wind' will open here Dec. 21 under a policy never before attempted in this city. A sort of road-snow plus, the schedule calls for run-offs at the State and orphEumrday^and-daterat-^sc^lTio- $1.50 scale. Orph will run three shows daily and the State two-a-day, both with reserved seats at all shows. Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) r3,200; 40-65)— 'That's Wrong" (RKO) and Kay Ky- ser unit on stage. Doing sensational biz to the tune of $50,000, breaking house record with turnaway biz every day. Last week, 'Escape' (20th) and 'Danger Flight' (Mono), with vaude, four days: and "Full Confession' (RKO) and 'Bookies Wept' (RKO) (both 2d run), double, two days, satisfactory $7,800. Fenway (M&P) (1..132; 25-35-40- 55)—'Dress Parade' (WB) and 'Main Lawyer' (Rep). Okay for $5,500. Last week, 'Drums Mohawk' (20th) and 'Busy Work' (20lh». dual. .<5,000. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 25- 35-40-55)—"Day-time Wife' (20th) and "20,000 Men' (20th). Getting medium trade. $15,300. L.ist week. 'Allegheny Uprising" CRKO) and "Little Accident' CU), double, $16,000, okay. MetropollUn (M&Pi (4.3G7: 2.'>-35- 40-55)—"Rulers Sea' (Par) and "Chan Darkness' (20th). Adequate $15,000 promised, with help of holiday hypo. Last week, 'Not Alone' i.WB) and 'Honeymoon's Over' (.20lh), $15,000. good. Orpheum (Loew) ^2.900; 2.')-35-40- 55)—'Thin Man' tM-G) and 'Winter Carnival' (UA). Winning combo headed for smash $20,000. Last week. 'Mr. Smith' (Col) and 'Five Peppers' (Col), dandy $10,000 for second week. Paramount (M&P) 0.797; 2.')-.35- 40-55)—'Dre-ss Parade' (WB) and 'Main Lawyer' (Rep). Okay for around $8,000. Last week. 'Drums Mohawk' (20th) and 'Busy Work' (20th) (both 2d run>. dual. $8,000. Scollay (M&P) (2,538: 25-3.')-40-50) —'Drums Mohawk' (20th) and 'Busy Work' (20th) (both 3d run). Flirting with $6,000, good. Last week, 'Roar- ing Twenties' (WB) and 'Have Music' (UA) (both 2nd run). $6,000. SUle (Loew) (3.000: 25-35-40-55)— 'Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Winter Car- nival' (UA). Aiming at $15,000. very big. Last week, holdover of 'Mr. Smith' (Col) and 'Five Peppers' (Col), $10,500, good 'Destry' Rides to Yippee $38,000 On B'way; Bette Davis-AI Donahue Neat $40,000, Muni 85G, Kyser IIG Christmas is less than three weeks olT but so far there Is no particularly noticeable effect on Broadway grosses. Pictures that have draught are doing all right, those that don't are not getting anywhere the same as at any other time of the year. 'We Are Not Alone,' 'Destry Rides Again,' 'Elizabeth and Essex' ancl 'That's Right, You're Wrong,' all new, are finding nothing wfong with things. Only 'Housekeeper's Daugh- ter.' in its first week at the Roxy and getting only the one week there, is taking it on the chin. The Muni starrer looks about S85.000 for the Music Hall and hold.s, while the other Warner picture, 'Elizabeth and Essex,' at the Strand, will hit a strong $40,000 or there- abouts. This picture has Al Dona- hue on the stage as company. It also holds,, as docs 'Destry' and 'That's Right,' these two beginning their second stanzas today (Wed.). Mar- lene Dietrich in a western took the Rivoli on its first seven days, end- ing last night' (Tues.), to a smart $38,000. Kay Kyser's picture, at the Criterion, is pulling nicely at $11,- 000 the first week, most that this secondary first run has done in a good, long while, but the ad nut was quite heavy for the first week. • 'Housekeeper's Daughter,' on which clever teaser ad copy was written, started oil poorly at the Roxy and never recovered, with result it will be only about $30,000 on the week. 'Barricade' is being rushed In Fri- day (8). 'The holdovers are doing satisfac- tory business with the exception of 'Thin Man.' which is taking a dive to under $17,000 at the Capitol on its second and' concluding week. Picture topped $40,000 on its first seven days, going oft sharply after that. The Paramount wound up two weeks last night (Tues.) with 'Cat and Canary,' plus Tony Martin and the Jan Savitt band, showing a neat profit. First week was $54,000, while the second was $38,000. House opens today (Wed.) with 'Victor Herbert' and, on stage. Mary Martin, Allan Jones and the Johnny Green band. Lesser films that were held are also doing okay. Second (current) week for 'Flying Deuces' at the Rialto will be about $8,200 and it goes a third. The final (3d) stanza for 'Beasts of Berlin' which goes out of the Globe a swell little money- maker Friday night (7), will be about $6,500. 'Mill on Floss,' which must vacate the Astor to make way for the 'Gone with Wind' opening Dec. 19, started its final (4th) lap here yes- terday (Tues.) Getting $10,000 on the third week, up Monday, night (4). 'Floss' will probably move to another house for a continuance of ^he■ Tnrr: During the pa.st week tickets went on sale for 'Wind' at the Astor. where the policy will be reserved scats, twice daily, at a $2 top. Within two hours after the sale be- gan, the Astor as well as the Capi- tol opening the night of Dec. 19 were sold out. Before the first day on ticket orders was over, the New Year's eve showing at the Astor had al.so been sold. "Tickets arc avail- able further ahead of the four weeks on which the advance sale originally started. Sale is reported extra heavy. Estimates for This Week Astor (1.012: 25-40-55-65)—'Mill on F10S.S' (Stand.) (4th-final week). Forced to depart so that house can be readied for 'Gone With Wind," opening Dec. 19. Third week for 'Floss,' ending Monday night (4) was $10,000, o.k., as against $14,000 over Thanksgiving the week prior. Capitol (4.520; 25-35-55-85-$!.25)— 'Thin Man' (M-G) (2d-final week). Went to over $40,000 last week (1st), but dipping sharply to under $17,000 on the holdover, with 'Kildare' (M- G.) replacing tomorrow (Thurs.). Criterion O.0G2: 25-40-55)—'That's Right' (RKO) (2d week). Begins second lap today after coming through to $11,000 the first seven days, o.k. Considerable in adver- tising was spent by the theatre and RKO. reducing the net a lot. In ahead. 'Dr. X' (WB) on 7'/i days did well at nearly $10,000. Globe (1.700; 25-35-55) —'Beasts Berlin' (PDC) (3d-final week). Fine ■profit-getter, this week (3d) looking about $6,500, following weeks of .S9,000 and $13,000. 'Mutiny Big Hou.sc' (Mono) opens Saturday (8). Palace (1;700; 25-35-55)—'First Love'" (U) (2d run) and 'Dr. Chris- tian' (RKO) (1st run). Durbin draught means a probable $8,000. Last week 'Three Sons' (RKO) and 'Little Accidcit* (U), both 1st run, $7,700, okay. Paramount (3,664; 25-35-55-88-99) 'Victor Herbert' (Par) and, in per- son. Allan Jones, Mary Martin and Johnny Green, constitute new show opening this morning (Wednesday). 'Cat and Canary' (Par), with aid of Tony Martin and Jan Savitt band, brought in two good money-making sessions of $54,000 (1st week) and $38,000 (2d week). Radio City Music Hall (5.980; 40- 60-84-99-$1.65)—'We Are Not Alone' (WB) and stage show. Not a smash but doing very .satisfactorily at $85,000, and holds over. Last week, third for 'Ninotchka' (M-G) $106,000, aided by Thanksgiving. Garbo pic- ture grossed a total of $314,000 on the 21 days, huge nrofit. Rlalto (750; 25-40-55)—"Flying Deuces' (RKO) (2d week). Doing so well at a probable $8,200 this week, thnt picture will be held a third. The first seven days was $12,000. RIvoll (2,092; 25 - 55 - 75 - 85 - 99)— 'Destry Rides' (U) (2d week). Starts holdover today (Wed.) are comin.g through handsomely to $38,- 000 the initial seven days. An un- usuallv good ad campaign was put on. In ahead, the final (3d) week for 'First Love' (U) was $13,000, o.k. Roxy (5.836: 25-40-55-75)—'House- keeper's Daughter' (UA) and sUge show. Zippy ad copy over which Joan Bennett complained not seem- ingly of much help here; only about $30,000 in si.ght, very disappointing. Last week 'Day-Time Wife' (20th), around $35,000, fairish for the eight days It remained. 'Barricade' (20th) opens Friday _(7). State (3,450; 35-55-75)—'Jamalf a Inri.' (Par) (2d run) and Don Red- man orch, plus Jay C. Flippen on vaude bill. The going is a little slow this week but maybe $20,000, me- dium. Last week 'Babes in Arms' (M-G) (2d run) and Lennie Hayton, Beverly Roberts, others, in person, $30,000, very good. Strand (2,767; 25-50-55-75-85-99)— 'Elizabeth and Essex' (WB) and AI Donahue band. Bette Davis, with aid of Donahue band, pulling 'em very well for a $40,000 first week. Begins second Friday (7). Last week, third. for 'Roaring "Twenties* (WB) and Bob Crosby, $27,000, tha 21-day run meaning a lot of black. THIN MAN' IIGH OVER FRISCO, $21,000 San Francisco, Dec. 5. Looks like a big week for Myrna t: oy and wniiartr-PowllngHarTgltlr- little competition, 'Another Thin Man' should really get fat at tha Fox. Powell and Loy are favorites here, and their earlier offerings in the series did landoffice business at prices 15c higher. Though local re- viewers have not treated the cur- rent opus as kindly as its predeces* sors, the title stars look good foi hefty $21,000. Next best bet Is Garbo, who will garner a goodly $12,000 at the Para- mount, where she is laughing he) way through the second week ol 'Ninotchka'. Estimates for This Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 30-40)—'An. other Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Henrj Arizona' (M-G). Looks like grand $21,000, which is way out iii front of everything else in town. iasi week, 'Rulers Sea' (Par) and 'Blut Grass' (WB). fair $15,000. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55) —'That's Wrong'. (RKO) and vaud« (2d wk). Looks for so-so $10,500. Last week, nifty $17,800. Orpheum (F&M) (2.440; 30-40)— 'Mr. Smith' (Col) (6th week) and 'High Gray Wall.s' (Col) fmats only ). Long and plenty sweet run wiU probably end this week with tidy take of $7,700. Last week, nifty $8,500. Paramount (F-WC) (2,740; 30-40) —'Ninotchka' (M-G) and 'Kid Night- ingale' (WB) (2d wk). Went over expectations last week for very sweet $20,000. This week looks for $12,000, also okay. St. Francis (F-WC) (1.470; 30-40) —'Ruler Sea' (Par) and 'Blue Grass* (WB). Moved over from Fox and looks for fair $5,000. Last week, 'Cat Canary' (Par) and 'What Life' (Par),, warmish $6,500. United Artists (Cohen) (1,2()0; 35- 55-75) —. 'Housekeeper's Daughter* (UA). With plenty competish and only luke-warm notices still looks to do fairly sweet $10,000. Last week .'Eternally Yours' (UA), none too forte. $5,500. Warfleld (F-WC) (2,680; 30-40)— 'Barricade' (20th) and 'Money Ring* (WB). Headed for fair $10,500. Last week, 'Daytime Wife' (20th) and 'Pack Troubles' (20th) $12,500, nice enough.