Variety (Dec 1939)

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10 VARIETY PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, December 6, 1939 Muni, 14G, Garbo's 2d, $1430, Forte in Pbilly; Earle Shuttered Philadelphia. iDec. 5.. Influx of hordes of out-of-towncrs here for the Army-Navy football classic over the weekend is counting at downtown theatres this week. Borne of which are already beginning to feel the pre-Christmas letdown. Two holdovers, 'Ninotchka' and 'Mr. Smith,' are the sfronfiies, with 'We Are Not Alone," at Aldine, doing good biz throush word-of-mouth biiiUUip. Earle, vaiidfilmer, is dark this week, due, to squabble with Mu- sicians Union after a near-record $28 300 for last week's presentation of Louella Parsons' 'Stars of 1940" and 'Secret of Dr. Kildare.' 'Nurse Cavell' is failing to hold up at the Stanton. Estimates for This Week Aldlne (WB) (1,303; 32-42-57-68)-^ ■Not Alone' (WB). Muni starrer is ringing the bell with nice $14,000. and will probably h.o. This house, catering to the class trade, usually features UA product, but the man- agement figured this film was down the Aldine's alley. Last week, 'Housekeeper's Daughter' (UA), bowed out after its third week with fair $7,300. Boyd (WB) f2,350: 32-42-57-68)— 'Ninotchka' (M-G) (2d wk). Laugh- ing Garbo still hot enough for neat $14,200. Opening canto brought forte $23,100. Fox (WB) (2.423: 32-42-57-68)— 'Disputed Passage' (Par). Not quite up to par with $14,000. Last week, 'Day-time Wife' (20lh), even worse for $13,600. Kay Kyser's "That's Right, You're Wrong,' (RKO) in Thursday (7). Karlton (WB) (1,066: 32-42-57-68) —'Housekeeper's Daughter' (UA) (2d run). Moveover from Aldine isn't hurting any with neat $5,100. Last week, 'Elizabeth Essex' (WB), good $5,400 for second-run showing. Keith's (WB) (1,870; 32-42-57-68)— 'Jamaica Inn' (Par). Laughton's opus isn't setting any worlds afire with $4,200 here after a fair first run. Last week, second of 'First Love' (U) (2d run), okay $3,400. Stanley (WB) (2,916; 32-42-57-68) —'Mr. Smith' (Col) (3d wk). Still going strong, with $10,000 for third trip. Second round was hefty $14,- 900. Will pull out Friday (8) to make way for 'Another Thin Man' (M-G). Stanton (WB) (1,457; 32-42-57)— •Edith Cavell' (RKO). Advance bal- lyhoo failing buoy this one up. Will hit about $4,900, under par for this hoijse. Last week, 'Allegheny Up- rising' (RKO), little better at $5,100. —'Ninotchka' (M-G). Terrific cam- paign, smash reviews and Garbo name are magnetizing this satire up to satisfactory $15,000 and a ride into Slillman. Last week, 'Another Thin Man' iM-G), smacked down last two years' house attendance records (at pop prices) and got great $23,000 in eight days. Stillman (Loew's) (1,972; 30-35-42- 55)—'Another Thin Man' (M-G). Duplicating first chapter's hit with runaway $7,000. Last week, 'Dis- puted Passage' (Par), okay $4,500. COOK-'JAMAICA' NICE $17,000 IN WASH. nvzzo' (UA) and 'Chan Island' (20th), n.g. $1,800. Cinema, de Paris (France-Film) (600; 25-50)—'Entente Cordiale." This looks like nice $2,500. Last week's third h.o. of -L'Orage' down to $1,000. S(, Denis (FrnncG-Film) (2,300; 25- 34)—'Paradis tie Satan' and 'Petite Pcste.' Likely down a little to $5,000, good enough. Last week, 'Capltaine Brnoit' and 'Chanson de I'Adieu,' good $5,800. 'GLORY,' $ll,m NO DICE IN Pin GARBO GAUDY -ISGINCLEVt Cleveland, Dec. 5. Hardly any drop noticed in gen eral trade for first December sesh, with Garbo cutting the most profit able dividensd for State and snoW' balling into a sure-fire h.o. 'Barricade,' fortified by Bert Wheeler and Inkspots on stage, got smartest opening Palace has had in several cycles, but fell off drastic- ally after good weekend. Estimates for This Week Alhambra (Printz) (1,120: 10-20- 35)—'Missing Evidence' (U) and 'Covered Trailer' (Rep). Fair $1,- 000 for three days. Last week, 'U- Boat 29' (Col) (2d run) plus 'Lost Fliers' (U), had plenty of extra steam, rating three extra days and $2,900 for full week. Allen (RKO) (3,000; 30-35-42-55) —'Elizabeth Essex' (WB). Move- over from Hipp slowing up a trifle as result of mixed reviews, yet shade over ordinary, $4,500. Last week, 'Drums' (20th), ditto. Circle (Marmorstcin) (1,900; 15- 35)—'Chan Island' (20th) and 'Quich Millions' (20th). Nicely mated duo looks for pleasant $3,000. Last week, 'Have Music' (UA) (2d run) galloped oR with $3,400. Hipp (Warner) (3,700; 30-35-42-55) —'First Love' (U). Smart matinee trade, but will have to depend upon nifty first two days to make it hit the $10,000 mark, still okay, week, 'Elizabeth Essex' (WB), over Washington, Dec. 5. 'Drum.<! Alon;! the Mohawk." at Pal- ace, and 'Janrwica Inn,' with Joe Cook revue, at Earle, are battling neck and neck for top position this week, which saw three regularly first-run spots bowing on same day (Friday) for first time in week. 'Intermezzo' and no-name vaude is weak third at Capitol. Only .other new one. 'Tower of London.' was tossed in Saturday (2) on two (Jays' notice and drew surpris- ingly good notices when it caught critics, expecting just another horror thriller, slightly off guard. Most interesting angle last week was amazingly sudden drop 'That's Right, You're Wrong' took at Keith's. Pic bowed smash, held for two days and then dived to cellar, causing house to skip plans for holclover and pocket hefty take on strength of eight days. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 25-35-40^66) —'Intermezzo' (UA) and vaude. Pic getting Howard fans, but week won't lift above light $14,500. Last week. •Day-time Wife' (20th) and Everett Marshall-Harriet Hoctor revue, good $18,000. Columbia (Loew) (1.234; 25-40)— 'Circus' (M-G) (2d run). Back down- town after oke week at Capitol for average $5,000. Last week, 'Real Glory' (UA) (2d run), solid $5,200. Earle (WB) (2,216; 25-35-40-66)— 'Jamaica Inn' (Par) and vaude. Laughton plus Joe Cook's 'Laugh Factory' on stage, for which nostal- gic-minded critics laid it on -thick, fighting for top position with nice $17,000. Last week, 'Not Alone' (WB) and Eddie I.eBaron orch, oke $17T500-foi^ight^da.y,<;, Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 35-55)— 'Tower London' (U). Tossed in Sat urday (2) on two days' notice, and looks to get satisfactory $7,000 for six days. Last week, 'That Wrong' (RKO), dropped sharply and was yanked with nice $11,500 for eight days. Met (WB) (1.600; 25-40)—'Eliza- beth Essex' (WB) (2d run). Back on mainstenv after two nice stanzas at Earle, and will see average $4,500. Last week, 'Roaring Twenties' (WB) (2d run), nice $7,000 for eight days. Palace (Loew) (2,242; 35-55)— 'Drums Mohawk' (20th). Tied for flrst position with strong $17,000. Last week. 'Babes Arms' (M-G) (2d wk), swell $14,000.. Yule Shopping Clipping Montreal; Bette, 6G, Off Montreal, Dec. 5. Christmas window-shopoers are denting the theatre trade, 'Elizabeth and Essex' esnecially taking it on the chin, while 'Drums Alon^ Mohawk' is pacing for $8,000, good enough, but below hopes. Rest under aver- age. Estimates for This Week Palace (CT) (2,700; 25-45-55)— 'Lion Wings' (UA). Big ballyhoo on patriotic lines, but will be lucky to get ,'air $7,000. Last week, 'Ninotch- Last''^^' (M-G) faded to $4,000, poor, on h.o. Pitt.eburgh, Dec. 5. Biz is dropping off some after big. holiday stanza, but not enough to set the blues in motion again. In most ca."!es b.o.'s are holding firm, despite ijonie of the worst weather of the year, the usual shopping rush and the general slump that precedes Xma.-i. So far, latter isn't being felt importantly. At Stanley. Louella Parsons and her .starlets are getting credit for moderately brisk trade on bill with •Intermezzo.' Alvin likewise has a winner in 'Destry Rides Again,' cash- ing-in on not only the notices, but also James Stewart's growing popu- larity via "Mr. Smith.' Warner's clockins nice week with 'Another Thin Man." on a moveover from Penn, and Fulton's doing well on Flying Deuces'-'Meet Dr. Christian' twinner. bol.'^tered by Willard-Demp- sey fight pix. Only real disappoint- ment is "Real Glory' at Penn, while Pack Up Your Troubles' wasn't ex- pected lo bfe more than just a filler for Senator—and isn't, Esljroales for This Week . Alvin fHarri.s) (1.850; 25-35-50)— Destry' (U). B.o. natural and hit- ting the high spots for cinch $13,000. Tliafs socko biz at this stand, and means that James Stewart is the dif- ference between just good and great coin. Stays for second week. Last week. 'Tower London' (U) got enough fir.<;t couple of days to insure all right $8,500. Fulton (Shea-Hyde) (1,700; 25-40) —'Flying Deuces' (RKO). 'Dr. Chris- tian' iRKO> and Dempsey-Willard pix. Fight reel getting considerable attention, and no doubt helping ordi- nary twinner keep above rut. Not bad at close lo $4,000. When current .'how runs its course, house will darken until Dee. 23, when 'Day-time Wife' (20th) comes in. Last week, third of -First Love' (U), fell off sharply to weak $3,400 after two standout .stanzas. Durbin hit clocked around $23,000 on run, very good. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3.300; 25-35-50) —'Real Glory' (UA). Lot of news- paper praise for Gary Cojper ac- tioneer. but femmes aren't going for it. Picture was originally slated to go into Stanley with a stage show, but Goldwyn vetoed any such book- ing. Will hardly get more than $11,000 here, which is under average. La.st wefek. 'Another Thin Man' (M- G-)r best-here-jrr a-lot-of-months- at- $22,500. Senator (Harris) (1,750; 25-40)— 'Pack Troubles' (20th). Ritzes-Jane Withers comedy just something to keep house going, and doesn't have much chance of raising its head above $1,800. poor. Last week, 'Hit- ler—Beast of Berlin* (Indie), not so hot. either, barely hitting $2,000. SUnley (WB) (3,600; 25-40-60)— 'Intermezzo' (UA) and Louella Par- .sons unit. Stage show getting a lot of space in all the dailies and draw- ing a lot of b.o. attention via the Hollywood st.nrlets. Should have no trouble hitting $19,000, good. Last week, "Nurse Cavell' (RKO) and Shep Fields-lnkspots, fell off in stretch and finished at $20,000, fouc gr,-;nd under original estimate. Warner iWB) (2,000; 25-35-50)— 'Another Thin Man' (M-G). Moved here r.fter big week at Penn. and still has enouph stuff left to clock at least S6.500. plenty pood. Last week, •Elizabeth Es.scx' (WB). also on a h.o. from Penn. not bad, either, at $5,300. Xircus'-McCoy Orch, 13G, Marcus' 'Paree', $11,000, Big Mpls. Winners 'Espionage Agent' (WBi, moreover from Broadway, good enough $2,800. Orpheum (Orpheuin Co.) (1.800; 20-30-40)—'Covered Trailer' (Rep) and 'Outside Walls' (Col), plus Blackstone the Magician. Getting good $5,5.00. Last week, 'Main St. Lawyer' (Rep) with second week of Sally Rand unit, strong $5,800.. Paramount . (Hamrick-Evergreen) (3,000; 30-35-40)—'Mr. Smith' (Col) (2d wk.), and 'Blondie Baby' (Col). Still rating heavy coin on the 'Smith'; $6,000. Fir.st week, with :Television Spy' (Par), terrific $9,000. United ArtisU (Parker) (1,000: 30- 35-40)—'Another .Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Little Terror' (U). Natural winner for this house, helping itself to great $7,000. Last week, •Ninotchka' (M-G) and 'Little Acci- dent' (U), second week, good $4,800. GARBO, $14, IN BALTO LEAD Baltimore. Dec. .1. Biz here is holding up fairly well in spite of daytime concentration on holiday shopping. •Ninotchka,' at Loew's Century, is setting town-lead- ing pace, followed strongly by 'Al- legheny Uprising' coupled to new Benny Davis' unit at the combo Hipp. H. 0. of 'Elizabeth and Essex.' at Stanley, is not up to healthy going of initial round, but pleasing never- theless. Estimates for Thi.s Week Century (Loew'.s-UA) i3.000; 15- 25-40)—'Ninotchka' (M-G\ Leading town with strong $14,000. Last week, •Thin Man' (M-(3). extra big $14,800. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2.205: 15-25-35-40-55-60) — 'Allegheny Up- rising' (RKO) plu.s Benny Davis' unit. Holding good gait for okay $13,000. Last week. 'That'.s Wrong' (RKO) and vaude, big $15,700 for eight-day spread. Keith's (Schanbergcr) (2,406: 15- 25-35-40)—'Remember' (M-G). Open- ing tomorrow (Wed.) after attempted revival of 'General Died at Dawn' (Par) failed to click at $3,500. New (Mechanic) (1.581; 15-25-35- 55)—'Barricade" (20lhi. Maintain- ing moderate pace to possible $4,000. Last week, 10-day r(ni of 'Day-Time Wife' (20th). disappointed at $4,900. Stanley (WB) (3,280; 15-25-35-40- 55)—'Elizabeth Es.sex' (WB) (2d wk). Getting fair $7,000 after rosy opening session to $13,300. came tough start that built up sur-! tapllol (CT) (2,700; 25-45-55)— prisingly to $11,500 in eight days. i'Drums Mohawk' (20th). Sighting Lake (Warner) (800; 15-25)—'Full for best m town at $8,000. La.st week. Confession' (RKO) and "Busy Work'i "U-Boaf (Col) h.o., poor $2,800. (20th). Former pic landed excellent Loew's (CT) (2.800; 30-40-60)— notices and. spurting toward worth-1'Elizabeth Essex' (WB) (2d wk). while $2,500. Last week, 'Bookies ' Around $6,000 will be best after dis- Wept' (RKO) with 'Money Ring' appointing $10,000 in initial week. (WB), mild $1,500. l Princess (CT) (2.300; 25-34-50) — Palaee (RKO) (3,200; 30-35-42-55) 'Full Confession' (RKO) and'Bookies —'Barricade' (20lh) with vaude. I Wept' (RKO). Best hope is so-.so Chief draws are Four Inkspots and Bert Wheeler, but celluloid weakie chopping possibilities to good $14,500 at best. Last week, 'Dress Parade' (WB) and Andrews Sisters in unit, $13,000, average. State (Loew s) (3,450; 30-35-42-55) $3,000. Last week, 'Dancing Co-Ed (M-G) and 'AH Out' (M-G), fair $3.- 500. Orpheum (Ind) (1,100; 25-40-50)— 'Housekeeper's Daughter' (UA) and 'Man Dared' (Par). Pacing for nice $3,500. Last week, repeat of 'Inter- Loy-Fowell Happy $7,000 in Portland Portland, Ore.. Dec. 5. He.iviesi winner is 'Another Thin Msn'.rl Parker's UA and in line to hold. •Romember' also getting good coin at Broadwa.v. •Mr. Smith.' in second week at P.-ram'.iml, is holding up to strong biz, E«.(imalrs for This Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000: 30-35- ^0)—'Rpmcmber?' (M-G) and 'Fast Furious' (M-G). Over the ton for (.'ood $6,500. Last week. 'Serret Kildare' (M-G) and 'Dancing Co- Ed' <M-G). okay $5,900. Liberty i Hamrick-Evergreen) (2.000: 30-35-40)—'Cat Canary' (Par) and 'What Life' (Par), Well re- reived and pood nickings at S4.000. Last v/eek. 'That's Wrong' (RKO) and 'Tnrce Sons' (RKO), got $3,700. M a y f a i r (Parker-Evergreen) (1.500: 30-35-40)—'Ninotchka' (M-G). Movet^vf-r from UA good $3,000. Last week, •EttrnalJy Yours' (UA) -and mONIMO' WHOOPS UP BIG $11,000 IN DENVER Denver, Dec. 5. With second Thanksgiving also hypoing biz, all flrsl-runs are nappy 'Dr. I. Q.' on stage of Denver la.st night (Monday).drew great biz, giv ing 'Eternally Yours' town^s best gross. 'Geronimo.' at Dcnham, is strong enough to stay at least two weeks. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400: 25-40)— 'Day-time Wife' (20th). after week at Denver. Strong $4,500. Last week 'First Love' lU). after week at Denver, strong $4,000. Broadway (Fox) (1.040: 25-35-40) —'Drums Mohawk' c20th). after week at each the Denver, Aladdin and Rialto. Good $3,500. Last week 'Remember' (M-G) and "Three Sons' (RKO). after week at Or pheum, fair $2,500. Denham (CocUrill) (1.750: 25-35 40)—'Goronimo' (Par). Strong draw at $11,000 and hold.s. Last week, 'Cat Canary' (Par), nice $7,100 in second week. Denver (Fox) (2..525: 25-35-40)— 'Eternally Your.s' (UA). plus one personal aDoearance last night (Mon- day) by 'Dr. I. Q." Verv nice $13,500. Last week. 'Dav-time Wife' (20th). above average S 1.1.000. Orpheum (RKO) (2.600: 25-35-40) —'That's Wrong' (RKO) and 'Fast F(iriou.s' (M-G) (2d wk.). .split with 'Ninotchka' (M-G) and 'Sued Libel' (RKO). Latter plavina four days and total will be cood $10,400. Last week, 'That's Wrong' find 'Fast Furious.' topped town with S14.000. Paramount (Fox) (2,200: 25-40)— 'Pack Troubles' <2nth) and 'Escape' (20th). Nice $4,500. Last week. 'Rio' (U) and 'Bright Bovs' (U). nice $4,000. Rialto (Fox) (878: 25-40)—'First Love" (U). after week at each the Denver and Aladdin, and 'Tropic Fury' (U). Good $2,500. La.st week. 'Drums Mohawk' (20th). after week at each Denver and AlsKldin, and 'Busv Work' f20lh') nk«v .M nnn Minneapolis, Dec 5 There's terrific opposition all iilong the line currently, with two sings shows, in particular, battling it out The Orpheum and Minnesota have their guns trained on each other and neither is sparing any punches. With Clyde McCoy's orch heading the stage show and 'Day at Circus' on the screen, the Orpheum, gelling a head start on Thanksgiving Day (30), seems to have the edge. How- ever, the Marcus Show, •La Vie Paree,' is giving the Minne.sola one of its biggest weeks since its reopen- ing and, even without much screen telp, will do plenty good. The scrap has both using plenty of new.spaper linage to shout their claims. .Scaled at 40c.top, each of them spells en- tertainment bargain in capital let- ters. In the face of this conipeli.sh, straight films are encountering some boxoffice difficulties. That doesn't apply at 'Cat and the Canary,' how- ever, because the Bob Hope picture is really whamming 'cm at the Gopher and heading for record gro.ss at that house. Estimates tor This Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)- 'Tropic Fury' (U) and' -Flying Deuces' (RKO), dual flrsl-runs. .split with^Sued Libel' (RKO) and 'One Hour Live' (U), also dual first-runs. Fair $1,400 In prospect. La.st week, 'Beware Spooks' (RKO) and 'Three Sons' (RKO), dual flrst-nms. split with "Tropic Fury' (U) and ■Flying Deuces' (RKO), $1,700, good. Century (Par-Singer) (1,600; 25-3,'i- 40) —'Jamaica Inn' (Par). Well enough liked picture and L.-uighton a draw name in this town. Will get good $5,800. Last week, 'Drums Mo- hawk' (20th) (2d wk), $3,800. mild, after good $7,500 flrst week at State. Es(iulre (Gillman) (290; 25-40)- 'Ballerina' (French). Given tre- mendous advertising and exploita- tion campaign. Highly praised by reviewers, too. All of which is help- ing boxoffice and good $1,300 iiKli- cated. Last week, 'Secrets StamboviT (Indie), $600, poor. Gopher (Par-Singer) (998: 25)— 'Cat Canary' (Par). Going along at fast clip and thumbing nose at stage- show opposish. Bob Hope's ^reiil (Continued on page 16) DIETRICH RIDES FOR 8G INK. a Kansas City, Dec. I. Total take of theatres is down • few notches from last week «'ith several quic k chan ges In bo()k ingt and openmg diys. Split ot noiidayfl between Missouri and Kansas brought last-mlnute switch to sew. bills to catch Kansas trade. 'Destry Rides Again' was brought Jn Thursday (30) at Uptown-Es(iuire and Newman changed bills on Wednesday. Double bill of 'On Dre.s.s Parade' and 'The Carters' lan only six days, as Newman opened world preeni of 'Child Is Born' tonight (Tuesday). 'Ninotchka' look Mid- land back to Friday openings and making good showing on dual. 'That's Right, You're Wrong* Is holdover at the Orpheum. but pla.vs only five days of second week, a» house goes to Tuesday openings to- day for short spell preceding Chri.st- mas. Estimates for This Wrck Esquire-Uptown (Fox Midwe.st) (820 and 1,200; 10-25-40)—'Destry* (U). Opening on Kansas Thanks- giving (30) and showing pleasing returns at $7,800. Last week, 'Day- Time Wife* (20th), eight days, $7,000, fair. Midland (Loew's) (3,573. 10-25-40) —'Ninotchka' (M-G) and 'Call Presi- dent' (M-G). Garbo moved house back to Friday opening and is going strong behin(j heavy campaign on laugh angles of picture. Big $11..500 Last week, 'Another Thin Man' (M-G), stayed eight days for bullish $13,000. Was one of few solo bills here. Newman (Paramount) (1.900; 10- 25-40)—'Dress Parade' iWB) and 'The Carters' (Par). Got sudden Wednesday opening. Plays short week to mild $5,000. Out tonight (Tuesday) for'Child I.s Born' (WB). Last week, 'Elizabeth Essex' (WB). good at $7,000. Orpheum (RKO) (I.liOO; 10-25-40) 'That's Wrong' (RKO) (2d wk). Fi\ e days of finale got good S4.000 follow- ing first week's big $10,000. 'Amaz- ing Mr. Williams' (Col) moved in today (Tuesday). Unusual, as Co- lumbia's regular outlet here is Mid- land. Tower (Joffee) (2,050; 10-25)— 'Jeepers Creepers' (Rep) with 'Hits and Misses' stage unit. Biz improved over last week; fair $C.800. Last week 'Laugh Off' (U) film with 'Gobs of Joy' unit headed by Saniiny Whits rr>\1A itA OnH