Variety (August 1925)

"'-^r:-awrtirv-i^ yc wrv;-^,* VARIETY PICTURES WeSnialBa^. Au|;ait 12. 1988 :4«c= 14IGHT UFE.''$30,600 LED L1 WITH UNHOLY r 2D, AT $27500 >i'X ' M-G*« Feature Talk of Town, However, Would Have Been in Front in Larger Theatre—**Gold Ruth" Close Trailer in 6th Wedc with $26,700 PHULY BEOW NORMAL; STANLEY GOT $22,000 No "Names" to Help Movie Seasoo—Fox Around $14.- 000—Stanton, $8,000 Iioa Angeles, Aug. 11. "Th« Unholy Tlire«," sUurrlng Lon Chan»y, at Lo«w'« 8tat«, was the talk of the town last week. Had the picture gotten off to a big start Saturday and Sunday It would have . broken the house record establisheit several months ago by "Chlckle." •Though the sUrt for this picture ^was JuBt about fair, after Monday night, when Rasty Wright, manag ing director, and Pete Smith, had « turnout of the Metro-Ooldwyn ^i'stars, the house began turning them away at the evening performance. Had the house the capacity of the MetropoUtaik It would have^ taxed "i.Uiat and beaten the Met Intake by ■^several thousand dollars. l^ At the MetropollUn the attraction was "Night Life In New York." iv Although Improperly exploited V through misleading "gag" lines In I'ithe dailies it proved the best ofter- 1^ Ing this house has had in months ^ and enabled the theatre to again ;, head the local grosses. Despite this Is Greater Movie Sea- son and the houses, with the ex- ception of two, are ahead of the previous week, the exhibitors seem to feel the season Idea meant noth- , tag from a draw angle and had they the crop of pictures showing at any time of the year they would get the same results. "Ten Commandments." at the Million Dollar for its second full week, did not seem to hold up re- turns, dropping far below expecta- * tlons. At the Egyptian "The Gold Rush." sixth w«ek. did the same amount of . business It had done the week be- fore. As a rule Sid Qrauman gen- erally goes after the out-of-town excursionists after the fourth week, but with this picture It looks as though the local and touring con- sumption will be strong enough for another six weeks before it will be necessary to organise the surround- ing country. "Siege," at the Forum, though a corking good picture, did not do as well as anticipated. Appeared as though the title was harmful to the drawing power, as It was confused with war, while the story is differ- ent. "I>>st. A Wlfs." with Adolphe Menjou and Greta NIssen, at the Riatto, managed to pull In the best week's business the house has en- Joyed in six months or more. At the Criterion "Fine Clothes." the Molnar stage play "Fashions for Men," with an all-star cast, proved to be a better boxofltce magnet than many attractions hero for a long while. Estimatss for Last Week Metropolitan—"Night Life of New York" (F. P.). (3.700; S5-<&.) A picture which caught on easily and garnered a most healthy total of $30,600. Million Dollar—"Ten Command- ments" (F. P.). (2,200; 26-85.) After exceptionally big first week the pic- ture slumped more than expected to 116,600. Grauman's Egyptlsn—"The Gold Rush" (U. A.). (1.800; 60-11.60.) Ran along at same pace with all performances almost equal to ca- pacity. 126,700. Loew's State—"The Unholy Three" (M. O.). (2,400; 26-86.) A whale of a draw here, though only had fair start On week got $27,500. Criterion—"Fine Clothes' (M. O). (1,600; 26-66.) With all-star cast house showed considerable Improve- ment, grossing $6,660. Forum—"Siege" (U). (1,800; 28- 85.) Title hindered picture, as folks thought It a war story. Those who saw It did a lot of mouth-to-mouth advertising, which helped Xo $6,200. Rialto—"Lost. A Wife" (F. P.). (900: 80-66.) Menjou a big favor- ite here and trade more brisk than in months. Reached $6,100 on week. Denies Permission for Atascadero Co. Stock Sale Sacramento, Cal.. Aug. 11. State Corporation Commissioner EUIwin N. Daugherty has denied permission to the Atascadero Motion Picture Company, Delaware cor- poration, to sell $1,000,000 In stock and to issue 60,000 shares to the promoters. The application of the company stated that it proposed to acquire a studio site of 41 acres at Atascadero. the land to be do- nated. It developed at the hearing that no site had been selected and that the convpany had not formu- lated any definite plans for con- ducting Its business. Daugherty in denying the appli- cation said that the plans of the corporation were too Indefinite. 8eiter Directing Denny Los Angeles. Aug. 11. W. A. Selter has been chosen by Raymond Schrock, general manager of Universal, to direct Reginald Denny in his first starring picture, "What Happened tc Jones." 1^ :l PUBLICITY PLAN SERVICE ■-..' PhiUdelphia. Auc. 11. Film business was rather short of normal In the downtown houses last week, although the weather, until the end of the week, was not espe- cially hot It was rather a case of weak attractions. The extra dis- play In connection with greater movie season was probably of ■<>»• assistance, but there wasn't a big box office name in the IlghU of the four Important downtown picture theatres. "The Lady Who Lied" was the Stanley's attraction and Ben Meroff and his "High Hatters" were an Im- portant added feature, with George Hill and Helen O'Shaa. dancers; Dorothy South, musical comedy star, and Edmund VichnIn, concert soloist, also on the bllL The com- bination won fair notices, the main picture being panned in some papers. "The Street of Forgotten Men" began a two weeks' sUy at the Stanton, won excellent notices, but nothing unusual in the line of busi- ness. The Fox had "The Wheel" as Its film feature; The Glorias, daivcera. and Vera Lavrova. soloist The latter held over for another week. The Karlton made some money with 'The Lucky DevIL" The Pal- ace was so-so with Barbara La Marr In "The White Monkey." while the Victoria did not fare very well with "Rugged Quarters," a picture lack- ing the sensational quality required for this lower Market street drop-In house. This week and the following look more promising In bex-offloe ac- tivity. The Stanley has Constance Talmadge in "Her Sister from Paris." the first time one of this star's pictures has been shown at the Stanley company's big house lo a couple of years. On the bill ar« Gretta Ardlne, with John Tyrell and Dave Kays; Rose Perfect vocalist and the Chantel Sisters. pianUts. The Fox has "The Talker." to- gether with the Mound City Blue Blowers and Macy and Soott radio singers. The Stanton has the sec- ond and last week of "The Street of Forgotten Men" and the Karlton has "Grounds for Divorce." On the 17th, "The Ten Command- ments," which had a long run at the Aldlne at advanced prices, comes Into the Stanton tor what Is hoped an extended run. Estimates Of Last Week Stanley (4,000. 26. 60 and T5). "The Lady Who Lied." (lat N). Picture characterised as "same old stuff." Ben Meroff and his "High Hatters" received most of praise. Under normal with $22,000. SUnton (1,700; S6, 60 and 76). "Street o^ Forgotten Men" (F. P.). Picture well spoken of by critics but didn't get going. In for one more week. $8,000 or less. "Ten Commandments'! the 17th. Fox (8.000; »9). "The Wheel" (Fox). Picture didn't mean a great deal, most of the attention being ac- corded Glorias. dancing team. Hardly $14,000. Karlton (1,100; 60). "The Lucky Devil" (F. P.). Richard Dlx*s per- sonal draw helped to at>ove average with $2,600 claimed. FilmleM Women Va>i Nuys. CaL. Aug. 11. Rev. 8. K. Bernard, of the Van Kuys Christian Ohureh. had for his mid-week sermon "Good and Bad Motion Pic- tures." During his Ulk he was Interrupted by two women who asserted they had never seen a presentation of a motion pic- ture. Both women were of ma- ture age and married. There are four film houses in this city. REVIVAL OF %REAT TRAIN ROBBERY" DRAWS Ballyhoo as One of First PiOn tures Ever Made Does It at Providence 4- In niET ) is a simple and inexpensive manner of keeping your name or business before the show business of the world each week. Gives displayed or pictorial publicity for 62 weeks each year. Amount may be regulated by the advertiser. Write or call at any Variety office: NEW YORK CHICAGO LOS ANGELES 1S4W. 46tliSt. State-Lake Thea. Bldg. Chapman Bldg. LONDON, 9 St. Martin's PI., Trafalgar Square "WAHDEREB" BUE AUG. 19 The opening date of "The Wan- derer" has been deflnitely set for Aug. It at the Criterion. New Torfc. One of the most elaborate prolog presentations ever essayed in a pic- ture house Is being readied by Dave Bennett, who will stage the spec- tacle. Providence. Aug. 11. (Drawing Population, 300.000) Old man weather helped the local showmen last week by throwing In a couple of fairly cool days. Week- end bis was reported as better than in previoos weeks. In addition to Its two features, the Victory sprung a stirprlse feature in "The Great Train Robbery." a short "meller." which got quite a bit of publicity as one of the first motion pictsres ever filmed. Incidentally It was among the beet of the pioneers. Last Week's Estimates Majestio (J.IOO; 10-«) — "The Lucky Devil" and "Anything Once." Dlx picture wpll liked. Nearly $«.000 claimed. Strand (2,200; 16-40)—"Ranger of the Big Pines" and "Tide* of Pas- sion." Sitting pretty at 15,500. Victory (1,960; 16-40)—"The Teas- er." "Under Fire" and revival of "Great Train Robbery." Latter stunt puUed well. Around $4,500. Rislto (1,448; 10-40)—"The Wom- an Hater" and "The Quick Change." Not bad at IS.SOO. This Week Majestic. "The Wife Who Wasn't Wanted" and "Passionate Youth"; Strand, "The Lady Who Ued" and "The Chase"; Victory. "Siege" and "Barriers of the Law"; Rialto, "The Beggar on Horseback" and "Miss Robin Hood." Chaplin Reissues, Maybe There is a possibility that there may be reissues of, four feature length Charles Chaplin productions In the near future. That eventuality is being discussed at present It re- mains to be determined whether or not Chaplin will do it himself through United Artists or whether he will pass the pictures into other hands for a period of years under lease. The productions are the first four which the comedian originally made for First National and which are again in bis hanJs are the explratl(m of the five-year leases which the distributing company held for them. Ilie pictures aure "A Dog's Life," "Shoulder Arms." "Sunny Side" and "A Day's Pleasure." They were the first four that were made and the others which completed the contract were "The Kid." "The Idle Class." "Pay Day" and "The Pilgrim." which also revert to Chaplin about a year apart when those leases expire. TWINS AT PALACE, WASE, RUSH GROSS UP ''Black Cyclone*' Big at Rialto with $7,500—"Beggar" Uoht at $6,500 ^ •*(?•■•<.• Washington. Aug. U. I (Estimated Population, SOO^XWi j 120,600 Colored) Following up whit was term one of the best all-around exploit tlon camitalgns. the Hilton Twig came into the local Palace and ga« this Loe# house one of the blfr^ei summer weeks yet recorded. This week the twins are at the Strand (Loew vaudeville). The surprise of the week was ths" gross ^ung up by "Black Cyclone," the wild horse picture, at the Ilialto. Starting weak, business gradually climbed, with the house getting big. matinees, something It hasn't haa^ for a considerable period. Estimates for Last Week Columbia — "Beggar on Mori back" (P.) (1.2S2: 16-60). Ques- tioh if this one will appeal to rank and file of movie fans. Arouad <6.600. Metroplitan—Corlnne Griffith im "The Marriage Whirl" (1st N.)«. (1.642; S6-60). Always does busl*^ ness In Washington. Some not par-i ticularly pleased with the Oriffltli^ role in this film. ; Palace—Siames4 Twins (present Ution) and "Night Life of New Tqrk" (P.) Twins made draw: Ili.OOO. Rialto—"Black Cyclone" (Roach) , and "Take a Chance Week" (pres- entation) (1,978; 85-60). Presenta- tion pleasing, but oot pulling as two preceding It. Picture given full credit for draw; 17.600. This Week Columbia. "Wild Horse Mes MetrdDolitan. "The Lady Whs Lied"; Palace. "Never the Twain Shall Meet": Rialto. "The Teaser." NEWMAN, $15300, BEAT; , , OUT MAINSTRECT Big Business and Bills Last . Week—Fine Start forG. M.S. LOWE-TASHMAH MAERIAOET Los Angeles. Aug. 11. With the decree of divorce which Rsther Miller Lowe, aCtress, obtain- ed from Edmund Lowe, screen actor. a year ago in New York becoming final, it is expected Lowe will lead Lllyan Tashman. picture actress and former chorus girl, to the altar with- Miss Pickford's Latest Los Angeles, Aug. 11. Mary PIckford begins work this week on "Scraps," from an original story by Winifred Dunn. Tom Mc- Namara and Carl Harbaugh made I he screen adaptation. William Beaudlne. who directed "Little Annie Rooney." will handle ihe megaphone. Kansas CMty. Aug. 11. (Orawins Population, MXMWO) Greater Morie Season was given a good start at all the theatres last week. Again It was neck and nooH: between the Newman and Main' street, with but little dlflCerence. Last Week's Estimates Mainstrss t-—"The Marriagt Whirl" (1st N.) (8.200; 26-60). Kan- sas City "Vanities of 1926," local revue, topped vaudeville. Picture and stage bill well Ulwd. |16,000. Liberty. —"The Woman Hater." (Warners), (1,000; 26-60). Added attraction Universal novelty "City of Stars" pleasing part of bill. With | no added attraction business fell from preceding week. $6,000. Roysl^-"The Manicure Girl" (F. P.). (S6-60). For laugh getter house had Seamon comedy "The Dome Doctor" and Royal Syncopators con- tributed several selections In their own InlmlUble way. Business quit* satisfactory. $6,600. Newman,^"The Lucky Devil" (f.x| P.) (1800; 26-60). Newman Mid- Summer revue with cast of 17 held up reputation house has made with presentations and vaudeville. Good entertainment and lots of It. Busi- ness seems building steadily for past few weeks. $15,500. Other first runs were "The Un- known Lover," Globe, and "The Ad- venturous Sex," Pantages. Eqgaasd to Pugilist Los Angeles. Aug. 11. According to reports. Marion Nixon, screen actress, is engaged to Joe Benjamin, pugilist. Benjamin recently presented Miss Nixon with an engagement ring and it Is under- stood the wedding will Uke place In December. Lf^. FOLLOWING AN INSTANTANEOUS HIT KHt ARUIM <.' ^* ;t$ THE PERSIAN PIANIST His been re-engaged for the fourth time to appear in the Balaban & Katz wonder theatres ^ CHICAGO-TIVOU-RIVIERA-SENATE t J ■ I- CLOSED LAST WEEK AT THE SENATE, OPENING SEPTEMBER 21 AT CHICAGO , "*,.f';;?jiJ . ^ P» S.—Watch for piy annonncement shortly a.t RepreMnUtfVM: Motion Picture Theaters, WILLIAM MORRIS; Vaudeville, JEN IE JACOBS it:]: ■V. ' ■.SB^w ,»:^><».*««*Ml»' '• i