Variety (August 1925)

«^ Wednesday, August 12, 1925 PICTURES VARIETY niNHOLY r $60,000 AT CAPITOL; fc"SAWDOSr $38,600 AT SmND f -IfS* Three Holdover Pictures This Week on Broadway— Cameo Well Satisfied with $4»917 with Revived ''Qcphaiw"—''Goose Woman" Over $13,000 3 HOUSES $10,000 OR BETTER IN BALTIMORE Century Tops with $11,000— Hipp and Garden Runners Up—Movie Season Helped W^"- 1'^^'- ,>■*: -'W-^ v*V I *• The first week of the greater movie season seems to have been a success as far as the big Broadway de luxe theatres are concerned, that Is If holdover pictures mean any- thing. Three of the pictures last weeli on the street are still 'vlth us currently because of the box office showings. The three are "The Un- holy Three," at the Capitol; "Bally of the Sawdust," at the Strand, and "Kiss Me Again" at the Piccadilly. The seven regular picture houses open last week (Criterion dark), ft-om the little Cameo with its 545 seats to the big Capitol with 10 times as many turned in an aggre- gate business of $168,854, reckoned as against 16.416 Heats, and means an average of better than |10 a seat for the week. Naturally, the Capitol with its i<ig capacity led oft the parade of fig- ures with "The Unholy Three" tak- ing «60,62S on the week; the Strand was next in line, playing "Sally of the Oawdust" to the tune of $38,600, with third money going to the Rlvoli, -The Trouble With Wives," $21,320 At the Rialto Bebe Daniels facing the strongest screen opposition that a star has had to buck this summer on the street and in a house that has been considered as nlipping, got $16,- 21« with "Wild, Wild Susan," a truly good showing for her. It was a Jump of $6,0€0 over what the house got the previous week. Both the Colony and the Piccadilly picked up in great shape over the week ahead. The latter house Jumped almost $6,000, while the for- mer had $2,000 better. The little Cameo tried an experi- ment by presenting a revival of "Or- phans of the Storm" for the full .week and finished with $4,917, about $60 under what it turned \e week before with a .lew picture "^ose handling the house are now consid- ering a regular series of revivals. New Season's FUms The new pictures scheduled for the street are "The Wanderer," the new F. P. special coming into tK% Criterion for a run Aug. 19. "The Phantom of the Opera," the U production slated for the Astor Sept. 6, while Ufa (German) will present the film version of "''leg- fried" at the Century the early part of next month. The Shuberts have been trying to get a picture into the big Central house for years and have finally succeeded. The move of booking the picture into that the- atre dees not seem to be an advis- able one, tor while it may have the required opera house atmosphere, it Is so far fro'n the beaten path there Is hardly a chance that i: will do any business at the matinees. Estimates for Last Week Cameo—"Orphans of the Storm" <U. A.) (545; 60-85). Revival of D. W. Griffith's picture that pulled good week for this little house in midst of the summer. $4,917. The Y." got $4,972 after having been run at the Ri^ oil three weeks ago. Capitol—"The Unholy Three" (M- O.) (6,450; 50-$1.65). While this picture did not do the business scored by "Never the Twain Shall Meet," which took $63,118.25, as against $60,265 for last week's at- traction, it was held over for the current week. Colony—"The (3oose Woman" (U) (1.980; 50-85-99). Business took a jump of a couple of thousand last week, continuing a steady upward grind in receipts. The shows that are being put on with the features seem to be attracting regular cli- entele. Last week, $13,682. Globe—"Don Q" (Palrbanks-U. A.) (1,312; 50-$2.20). Last Sunday night brought to close the eight weeks' engagement, the final week showing $17,243. Some exhibitor paper out which the local exchange had to pay for. Piccadilly — "Kiss Me Again" (Warners) (1,380; 60-85-99. This picture is the first one in a great many weeks to bring this house back in the matter of receipts. There was an added attraction in a more or less elaborate presentation, but picture was the strong draw. Great aid in full-page spread advertise- ments in the dailies, and in New York that means a whole lot of ad- vertising money. The picture, how- ever, is repeating at the house this week and holding up. Last week $13,854. Rialto—"Wild, Wild Susan" (P. P.) (1,960; 50-86-99). Bebe Daniels pos- sibly went up against the strongest screen opposition . in the matter of pictures that any star has had to contend with on Broadway in a lony while, and in face of it drew $15,216, which is going some when usual house business and opposition are considered. Rivoli—"The Trouble With Wives" (P.P.) (2,200; 60-85-99). The final Ben Bernle week at this house was another slight drop in receipts— $21,320.85. Bernie moved down to the Rialto this week, which house Is to be his permanent home on Broad- way for a year. At least 48 weeks of the 52, for he has been at the Rivoli four. His original contract was for eight weeks, with an option for 44 weeks to follow. That option has been exercised. A comparison of last summer's business and that of this year Is interesting. Strand—"Sally of the Sawdust" (U. A.) (2,900; 35-65-85). Pull strong enough last week to have the picture held over for second week. Joe Plunkett devised atmospheric prolog to the picture and topped by having D. W. personally present for the opening performance. Held the crowd out and did not star initial showing until 8 p. m. first Sunday. Result, jam outside of the theatre for first show and a crowded house which stuck through for the entire performance, making it possible to get a second- full house for.second week previous "Night Life of N. | show. Week was $38,600. Baltimore, Aug. II.* (Drawing Population, 850,000: Col- ored 200,000) Greater Movie Season got oft to a good start in this town. Most of the first run houses bettered the previous week's upgrade returns The Whitehurst string reported box offices busy and the Hippodrome got the best break in many months with a repeat, "The Kid." The weather was varied. The musicians-managers' dispute regarding the new union contract, calling for a 20 percent increase, was ended last week when the man- agers signed on the dotted line. Estimates for Last Week Century—"Smouldering Fires" (8,- 800; 30-75). Youth was served in advertising this film, Laura La Plante's name leading Pauline Fred- erick's. House also featured Fran- cis J. Tyler, baritone, but the nov- elty of the bill was the screen debut of Orchestra Conductor George Wild the overture being directed by hia own projection on the sheet. Audiences were highly appreciative. Ahead of previous week with $11,000. New.—"Light of the Western Stars" (1.900; 25-50). The great open spaces shifted from the Gar- den to the New, and this house had the unusual experience of audiences applauding the foiling of the vil- lain. Business up at $8,600. Hippodrome.^ "The Kid" and vaudeviUe (8,200; 26-76). Chaplin- Coogan combine principal box-of- fice magnet although the Maryland Collegians, jass orchestra of local talent, undoubtedly shared in the draw. Beat week since early spring, $10,500. Garden.—"The Monster^ and vau- deville (2,800; 25-50). Lob Chaney and good vaude bill shared draw- ing honors. One of rare weeks when this house didn't shelter a western. About $10,000. M etropolitan. — "Daring Youth" (1,600; 15-50). Chaplin also on the bill In "A Dog's Life." Combina- tion proved good draw and house got* unusually good returns for summer season. Parkway.—"The Prairie Wife" (1,400; 86-50). Business responded to the general upward trend, al- though location and clientele of house preclude any unusual show- ing during vacation month. About $3,600. This Week Century, "Night Life of New York"; New, "The Dancers"; Park- way, "In Love With Love"; Garden, "The Roughneck"; Hippodrome, "Born Rich"; Metropolitan. "Wak- ing Up the Town." 'JUSTICE OF north; SZJfld, LOW GROSS OF LOOP FOR MONTHS ''Manhattan Madness" Lasted but One Week at Orpheum, $5,400—"Desert Flower" Got $47,000 Without Assistance at Chicago Theatre PARAMOUNT'S NEW ST. FRANCIS' BRISK START HGsMori Record, ^5,500 St. Louis. Aug. 11. The house record at the Missouri theatre was broken last week, Tom Srown's Minstrels and "The Mani- cure Girl" pulling $25,500. The Saturday and Sunday records were also shattered, with intakes of $5,000 and $7,600. respectively. "Girl Shy" (Lloyd) had held the former record. "Marriage Whirl" Drops War- field's Average—"Lost—A Wife," Smart Comedy San Francisco. Aug. 11. There seemed to be a lull with the town folks who may have been sav- ing up the half dollars for the "Greater Movie Season" which broke Aug. 8. The Granada was the only one with a big spurt at the box of- fice on opening days and this ran along up to closing night. The St. Francis, the latest of the Paramount houses and formerly the Strand, opened well. It did «5,200 on its opening Saturday and Sunday. Estimates For Last Week Granada. — Paramount effort to make Richard Dix into loved screen personality left by death of Wally Reid. Picture caught on. $21,000. Loew's Warfield.—Corinne Griffith in "The Marriage Whirl." (1st N.) Prank Farnum's act added. Busi- ness not up with usual gross. $19,800. California,—Another smart and frisky comedy 'Lost—A Wife" (F. P.) demonstrated Adolphe Menjou has distinct draw in this town, $10,100. Imperial.—Second and last week of "Wild Horse Mesa" (F. P.-Para- mount), made way for "Don Q." Fair week with 10,100. TWO IN TOPEKA Topeka. Kans, Aug. 11. (Drawing Population, 75,000) More cool weather and more good business last week. Two houses closed had something to do with in- creases. Saturday the Orpheum closes for an indefinite period, hoping to re- open by Labor Day simultaneously with the Novelty, vaudeville, which closed for the summer last week. The Orpheum will reopen with 1,200 seats Instead of 800. Estimates for Laat Week Orpheum (800; 86). "Girls Men Forget" first half; sloppy picture, but made hit with women, who thought it comedy. Last half, Lloyd's "Hot Water," return, and drew. Total nearly as good as mid- season, approximately $2,000. Coxy (400; 25). Rln-Tin-Tin in "Tracked in Snow Country" did nearly stand-out business all week, and toward finish of run had 'em on sidewalk nearly all day long. Critics called it "just a dog picture." Ap- proximately $1,800. Chicago, Aug. 11. Colleen Moore proved an excep- tional box office attraction for the Chicago, with the First National star hanging up a lively gross with- out the aid of a super presentation or "name" attraction. A few minor specialties helped to fill in the rua- ning time of the show with the fea- ture showing superiority for en- tertainment. The $47,000 gross is a corking week's business for a straight feature. "The Nuked Truth" will terminate its engagement at the La Snlle Sat- urday, when it will have completed a run of eight weeks. The feature has been a money-maker here for M producers. "Manhattan Madness." the Dem))- sey-Taylor special, failed to hold up at the Orpheum, lasting but one week. A wealth of publicity was accorded the champion. "Sally of the Sawdust" was turned loose after three weeks at the Roosevelt, with "Don Q." succeed- ing it Monday. "Not So Long Ago" lasted but one week at Orchestra hall, where it hit a low gross. "Justice of the North," Alaskan fea- ture, tumbled the receipts at the Randolph to $2,700 on the week. Estimates for Last Week Chieage — "The Desert Flower" (P. N.) (4,600; 60-75). Aided by good weather conditions, good gross of $471000. La Salle—"Naked Truth" (Public Welfare, 7th week) (886; 60). Pic- ture still maintaining speed of early weeks. Last week, $8,100. McVieker's —"Wild, Wild Susan" (P. P.) (2,400; 50-76). Title burled In corner of adverts with big splash going to Paul Ash and his attrac- tions. Came within $600 of tying record receipts of previous week; $32,500. Monroe—"Lost Battalion" (Mc- Cullum, Sd week) (978; 60). Hold- ing up remarkably well; $7,860. Orchestra Hall—"Not So Loog Ago" (F. P.) (1,«00: 50). Looks like the summer season total loss for all concerned. Last week's figures dropped to $4,800. Orpheum—"Manhattan Madness" (A. E.) (77$; SO). Joint appear- ance of Dempsey and Taylor railed to attract substantial patronage, with feature leaving after one week. Around $6,400. Randolph—"Justice of the North" (Capitol ritan) ($60; 36-$5). Drew lowest receipts to months; $2,700. Roosevelt—"Sally of the Sawduat" (U. A.: 8d. last week). Did better than $60,000 on engagement, with last week exceeding previous weeks by $1.00«. Close to $1<,000. Harry Rap# In Colorado tprinse Los Angeles, Aug. 11. Harry Itapf haa left for Colorado Springs to be at the bedside ot bis wife, who is seriously IIL se TTSSl?! H* The World's Most Astounding Picture—A Hundred Heroes on the Screen There's only one! —Here it Is! Grab It while, i It's HOT! Chicago Critic* Say: "Smokes with action."—JOURNAL. "More real suspense than thrills of melo- drama."—POST. "A breath-catching spectacle."—AMERICAN. Now In It's 4th Thundering week at the MONROE THEATRE CHICAGO Where it is playing to crowds daily! NOW BOOKING-WIRE OR WRITE L C maim 732 S. Wabash Avenue Chicago, III. Phone Wabash 5038 1