Variety (Dec 1926)

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r ednesday, December 1, 1926 PICTURES VARIETY IAVY* IN 2D WEEK AND $30,000 AGAIN LED ALL LA. DOWNTOWN DAVY' 1ST IN K. C; $16,900 AT ROYAL inn 5 War Films Out of 9 First Runs—Met, Did $29; With '20 Cents'—State Got $27,000—'Glory' Did $16,000 First Week Huge Business Last Week— •Worth,' $13,600, at Royal —$15,000 for -Ben-Hur' Los Angeles, Nov. 28. (Drawing Population, 1,350,000) Though Thanksgiving week none of the flrst-run houses shattered box-offlce records, nor anywhere near the trade they should have at this time. Five of the nine first-run houses had war pictures as their offerings. Top honors went to Million Dol- lar, again leading in second week with "We're in the Navy Now." Second money went to Loew's State in the war line, where "Tin Hats" was the attraction. Grauman's Egyptian was third with "The Bet- ter Ole." Here trade was a bit off at the matinees, but the evenings saw the house well filled. Next came Forum, with "Beau Geste," which opened Tuesdny. Business here, with the house switching to a two-a-day policy, was a little light In the afternoon but practical ca- pacity at night. Carthay Circle, which houses the fifth of the war series, "What Price Glory," did not get off to as auspi- cious a first week as it should have. Picture got great notices in the dailies, but the buyers did not flock to the house as fast as expected. However, with heavy advertising and exploitation campaign this one should pick up considerably on its second week. Thanksgiving Day was a life-saver for these as well as the other houses, as capacity prevailed throughout the day. Metropolitan hit a little better than $29,000 with "God Gave Me Twenty Cents." This picture ap- pealed strongly to those who saw it, but it seemed as though the title proved a handicap from the house- selling standpoint. Dimitri Buchowetzki's production of "The Midnight Sun" had one of the best weeks the Uptown lias en- joyed since its opening. This Uni- versal was a trade drawer from all parts of town. M. II. Hoffman's production of •'College Days," at the Figueroa, had a remarkable exploitation campaign, which helped to bring the gross to around $7,300, considered excellent. Criterion showed no unusual signs of activity with the Corinne Grif- fith product, "Syncopating Sue," at a very cheap admission scale. Estimates for Last Week Grauman's Egyptian—"Better Ole" (Warners) (1.800; 50-$1.50). Night trade excellent but matinees con- siderably off. $19,000. Carthay Circle —"What Price Glory" (Fox) (1,650; 50-$1.50). Newspapers gave it whale off send- off, with trade not responding as it Should have first week. Around $16,000. Forum—"Beau Geste" (F. P.-L.) (1,800; 50-$l.. r i0). Exploited in cir- cus fashion. House changed to two- a-day. Trade from start almost ca- pacity at night, with first six days around $16,. r )00. Metropolitan—"God Gave Me 20 Cents" (F. P.-L.) (3,595; 24-65). Title did not seem box-office draw here. Picture greatly liked. Totaled better than $29,000. Million .Dollar—"We're in the Navy Now" (F. P.-L.) (2,200; 25-85) (2d week). Held up in fine style, with returns average decline. Around $30,000. Loew's State—"Tin Hats" (M-G- M) (2.300; 25-$l). With fleet of war pictures against it, this Sedgwick production did very big in getting $27,000, better than house's general average. Figueroa—"College Days" (Tif- fany) (1.600; 25-75). Trade sur- prisingly good, probably due Marce- lin<\ favorite here. Around $7,300. Uptown—"Midnight Sun" (Univ.) (1.750; 25-65). Seemed good bet for this neighborhood house, which seemed to draw them from all parts of town, as $8,500 indicates. Criterion—"Syncopating Sue" (F. N.) (1.600; 25-35). Corinne Griffith did not seem heavier draw here than $2,500 paid. (Copyright, 1926, by Variety, Inc.) • June Mathis' 'Enemy' June Mat his has been engaged by Metro-Glodwyn-Mayor to write the screen adaptation of "The Enemy," directed by Victor Scastrom. This picture is to be a super-special, to cost around $1,000,000. Lillian Gish will be its star. Miss Mathis reeently resigned supervisor of production with First National, following a story tilt with the studio executive*. HOLIDAY SENT STANLEY TO $32,000; FOX $22,000 "Beau Geste" May Go to Xmas; 13th Week Now in Philadelphia Philadelphia, Nov. 28. Holiday crowds proved to be the expected asset to the downtown film houses with nothing startling in the way of upsets or unusually* big grosses. A flurry in the business of "The Four Horsemen," revived at the Stanton, led to a temporary decision to hold this war film in for a third week, but the decision was reversed, and the house has "We're in the Navy Now" this week. The Stanley's picture, "The Ace of Cads," was panned by many of the film critics, but that made even less difference than reviews gen- erally make here (and that's not much) because of the Thanksgiving mob. The surrounding bill, headed by the Stanley Male Chorus (for- merly billed as the Heidelberg Chorus) and Sedano and Marieta, dancers. Tho gross was around $32,000. Big, of course, but not ex- ceptional for a holiday week. The Fox picture was also received in rather lukewarm style, but the week's gross of about $22,000 was tip top. The lilm was "The City." On the bill were Charles Irwin, Grace La Hue and the California Debutantes. The Arcadia went big with "So's Your Old Man" held over. The dailies comment was "nothing to it but Fields," but the smart clientele of this house evidently found that to their liking. The gross was about $5,000. The Karlton was good but not hot with "Tho Marriage Clause," gross reported at $3,500. This week's lay-out of pictures looks to be about normal with the natural reaction expected to set in shortly. The Stanley has "The Temptress" and also the Record Boys. "Navy Now" is at the Stan- ton; "Everyone's Acting" at the Karlton, and "The Return of Peter Grimm" at the Fox. The last named house Is celebrating its third anni- versary and an elaborate supporting bill is announced. Estimates for Last Week Stanley (4,000; 35-50-75)—'Ace of Cads" (F. P.). Panned but popular; $32,000 on week, helped by holiday. Aldine (1.500; $1.65) — "Beau Geste" (F. P.). Run still continues profitable. May last till Christmas; $12,000 or better; 12th week. Fox (3,000; 99)—"The City" (Fox). Picture not as strong as stage bill. Combination got $22,000. Arcadia (800; 50)—"So's Your Old Man" (F.. P.). Solid hit with $5,000 grossed. Held over. (Copyright, 1926, by Variety, Inc.) GOLDWYNS IN N. Y. Los Angeles, Nov. 30. Samuel Goldwyn, accompanied by his wife, Frances Howard, left Sat- urday for New York. Vilma Banky, screen star, accom- panied them as far as Chicago. Monty Banks Visiting Mother Los Angeles, Nov. 28. Following the completion of "Horseshoes," his next Pathe re- lease, Monty Banks, screen actor, haves for Italy to visit his mother who is seriously ill. He expects to return in January. Goulciing with Warners Los Angeles, Nov. 28. Alf Gouldlng has been placed un- der contract by Warner Brothers and m.iy direct the next Sid Chap- lin production as his first. "Imperial" Next Million $ Los Angeles, Nov. 28. Pola Negri's "Hotel Imperial" will following "Navy Now" at the Mil- lion Dollar about Dec. 17. Blanche Mehaffey cant for femi- nine lead opposite Hoot Gibson in "Cheyenne Days." f. Cast Includes Glenn Tryon, Robert McKIm, Rolfe Sedan. Howard Truosdell, Harry Todd, Slim Sumrnerville. N. Y. to L. A. Fred W. Beetson. Col. Jason Joy. Kansas City, Nov. 28. A flying start Saturday and Sun- day, with big business on Turkey Day, saved the theatres from the heavy opposition of "The Miracle'* last week. Other than the days mentioned, things around the box offices were pretty quiet. The Liberty, with "The Winning of Barbara Worth," and the Royal featuring "We're in Ihe Navy Now," hit hard on the days mentioned and held up heavily at other times. The former house also had the benefit of a Saturday midnight show and another of the same Thanksgiving Eve. At the Royal the Beery-Hatton opera proved one of the most powerful draws for an opening the house has experienced. In spite of cold weather the lines were there and the management finally per- mitted the ticket holders to wait in the kiddies' play room in the basement until they could be seated. It was a happy thought. Both above mentioned bills are held over for the current week. "Ben-Hur" was the road show picture at the Shubert, but the heavy "Miracle" draw hurt it, espe- cially in tho $1.65 section; cheaper seats were in great demand. While tho business was not up to that of the "Parade," it will probably build as it is in for three weeks. Tho Newman with "The Popular Sin" on the sheet and Publlx "American Beauties" unit on the stage, strengthened by the appear- ance of "Miss Kansas City" for this engagement only, and other enter- tainers with the Keese orchestra, failed to keep 'em coming at all times. This house also went In for two midnight shows, which helped swell the total. Estimates for Last Week Newman — "The Popular Sin" (F. P.) (1,890; 25-40-50-60). Pub- lix presentation, "American Beau- ties," stage show, augmented by Keese and orchestra, presenting Barnett and Clark and Griffith and Parish as added starters. "The American Beauties," appearing Just about the same as at the Rivoli, New York, few weeks ago, featured "Miss Kansas City," who appeared with the girls in Atlantic City, but is not a member of the revue. Pic- ture failed to click as strongly as expected. Critics passed It up with but little comment. $15,000. Liberty — "Winning of Barbara Worth (U. A.) (1,000; 25-35-50). Manager Sam Carver banked bank- roll on this one and went after ex- tra publicity. Four-page paper circulated opening day, and thou- sands of heralds used through tie- up with chain grocery organization, besides numerous publicity stunts. Story had also been run serially short time ago in "Star,'* which also helped. Saturday opening great. Theatre had 'em standing for first time in months. Intensive advertising and two midnight shows kept things moving. Count-up showed best gross for months. $13,600. Shubert —"Ben-Hur" (1.600; 50- $1 mats.; 50-11.50 nights). Exten- sive publicity campaign made and Sunday opening good. Tuesday's mat. lost on account of previous booking in house, but other per- formances top heavy. Two bal- eonies sold out at all times, but $1.65 sprits did not go so fast. Great reviews helped In spite of the re- ligious appeal of "Miracle," $15,000. Royal—"We're in tho> Navy Now" (F. P.) (920; 25-40-50-60). One long laugh here when Beery-Hatton duo went Into" action. House rec- ords shattered Sunday. $16,900. Mainstreet — "Syncopating Sue" (1st N.) (3.200; 25-50-60). Starting Snndny, house Inaugurated new poliey of four shows Sunday and holidays, Got away to a flying start, especially with evening shows. Carl Freed and band held over, with several entertainers added. Balance of vaudeville bill: Calm and Gale, in "A Rhinestone Revue," and Saul Brilliant and Co. (no relation to the Rhinestones). Bill drew good notices and kind regulars liked. Business badly off, however, at some performances. $16,000. Pantaget—"Great K. A A. Train Robbery" (Fox). One of Tom Mix's latest thrillers, and for shoot- 'em-up customers won. Variety bill headed by Riga's Music Box Revue, with flvA othor acts. $9,700. (Copyright, 1926, by Variety, Inc.) Chancy as "Frankenstein* Los Angeles, Nov. 28. According to reports, Metro- (J.ddw yn-Mayer has purchased "Frankenstein," a weird norel by Mrs. Percy Bishop Shelley, for I«on Ciiflney. To.i i\<»> • ri nt probably * ill direct SHOWMAN AND SPORTSMAN By SAM KATZ From the time whetl as a small exhibitor Adolph Zukor threw down the gauntlet to the film trust and BCrVed notice that he was going to produce pictures himself he has played the game as a gentleman, a showman and a sportsman. It was a tremendous undertaking to launch Famous l'laycrs under tho conditions prevailing at the time. Motion pictures were dying of their own mod au nty. Famous people in famous plays seemed to Adolph Zukor the only remedy. He took the plunge that startled the in- dustry. I was a small exhibitor myself at that time and I remember what a critical period it was. I remember, too, the admiration that I had for that audacious move on the part of Adolph Zukor. I recall my doubts as to whether the venture could possibly succeed, and I recall that my chief reaction at tho time was that as good a sport as he was cer- tainly deserved success. I was for him, and I have been for him ever since. Daring Adventure I could name instances without number of the sportsmanship of Adolph Zukor. But one or two stand out beyond all the others. My mind reverts inevitably to his dar- ing campaign of national advertis* ing. It cost him and his company millions to sell the motb n picture* as an entertainment Institution, to the American people. Here, if ever, was an instance of playing for high stakes, but who is there today who begrudges Adolph Zukor and Para- na, tint their fair share, enormous as it has been! The Paramount Building is the newest and physically the most conspicuous example of the Zukor sportsmanship — an undertaking of amazing proportions and of far- reaching significance In the world of the theatre and the motion pic- ture. In the years to como it will stand as a monument not only to the motion picture and to the or- ganization whose name It bears, but to the sagacity, courage and faith of a real sportsman. For me to extend my congratula- tions and good wishes to Mr. Zukor at this time is a formality in which, in common with all his friends everywhere, I am only too happy to join. But I want to add that the year which I have just passed in close association with him has been the happiest of my business life, for I have learned from him more about true sportsmanship in busi- ness than I knew ever existed. PALACE AT $21000: RUNAWAY IN WASH. "Upstage" With Stage Show Too Much for Competitors Last Week (Estimated White Population, 330, 000) Washington, Nov. 28. Holiday helped all houses and was a walkaway for Loew's Palace with its first Jazz Revue. None of the others could stand up against it The Palace importation to handle presentations, Colby Harrlman, com- bined Strickland's orchestra, Cy Landry and Jack North, along with Billy Cedney, here for Remick's mu- sic house, into one act, with the re- sult that the 50c. pieces literally rolled into the box office, beating any previous Sunday as well as any previous Thanksgiving holiday busi- ness. The Palace combination took the edge off of the Metropolitan, where Wuring's Pcnnsylvanlans are in for a repeat within 60 days. This is the first time this particular orchestra h.'is not Jumped business anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000. It did increase takings, however, but not to the usual mark. The Columbia, with "The Quarter- back" and the Rialto with "Michael Strogoff," both repeats, ran about neck and neck in the final count at tho respective box offices. Estimates for Last Week Columbia—"The Quarterback" (F. P.) (1,232; 35-50). Holiday busi- ness and prices save this Richard Dix film on second week. 10,500. Metropolitan—"The .Strong Man" (F. N.) and Waring's Pennsylva- nia (1.518; 40-00). Oood from every standpoint. Langdon, new proposition as full-length feature; Warings, hero just about two months ago, plus terrific opposition and $13,500 (allowing for holiday), ac- counted for. Should have been $3.- 000 more, from past performances. Palace—"Upstage" (F. P.) . and Strickland's orchestra, Jack North, Cy Landry, Combined as Jazz K«'vue (2.300; 35-50) < leaned up. $21,000. Rialto—"Michael Strogoff" (U.) fl.978; 35-50). First time house has held anything for second week in many months. This was forced. About $0,000 on week. This Week Columbia. "Stella Dallas"; Met, "Young April" and Waring's I'enn- sylvanians; Palace, "(Jay Deceiver* and Brooks Johns orchestra; Rialto, "Kosher Kitty Kelly." (Copyright, 1926, by Variety, Inc.) ZAZU PITTS IN ROACH COMEDY Los Angeles, Nov. 28. Zazu Pitts has been placed under contract by Hal Koacji to star in a two-reel comedy, she is now in "Casey at the Bat. N "CARL0TTA" CAST L os AngHcs, Nov. 'J*. Constance Talmadges "CarlottS," Which Marshall Neilan is directing for First National, will include the following in the east: Antonio Moreno, Julanne Johnston, Ed Ward Martindei, Michael VavJteh, Arthtn Thalasso and Andre lender! Cohill, C. A. for U Los Angeles, Nov. 28. Fred Cohill, former casting agent for Famous Players-Lnsky at the Long Island Studios, has been ap- pointed casting director for Uni- versal. He replaces Paul Kohner, supervisor over the Edward Slomaa productions. Cohill wUl reorganize the de- partment under the supervision of Henry Henlgson, general manager. He will have two new assistants, one replacing Harold Dodds, will leave at the does. MORE WORK FOR HOUCK Los Angeles, Nov. 28. Reeve Houck, production man- ager at Mctro-Goldwyn-Mayor stu- dios, also Mayor of Culver City, has been appointed assistant cral studio manager. 'HELLO BILL' FOR ELKS Los Angeles, Nov. 28. Film Booking Offices will make an Elk picture entitled "Hello. Bill!" Conway Tearle is to play the male lead. CAPITOL BROADWAY 1 V1 * At Hat Street Presentation by Maj EDWARD Metro-Ooldwyn'a Fun Fest TIN HATS With Conrad NagrU Clair* Georso Cooper. Bert Roaeh. Tom O'Hrlea — FamouN Capitol ProsraaB CAPITOL GRAND ORCHESTRA BROADWAY at 47th ST. SMARK r\ tranU nam it: I. C.OLnWYN*S rreaentatioa of the IIKN'KV KINO Production THE WINNING OF BARBARA WORTH With Ronald Col man — UKULELE IKE (ruir tMm „ m STRWD SYMPHONY OR< HKNTRA LUL " *P OIHIC AM. THIS WFKK GENE TUNNEY In Person — In Action UFA V Y WRIOHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD — And IIIANKZS "THE TEMPTRESS" with CttKTA GARBO— A N'TONfO MOKK.NO In Addition to Regular froR-ram WILLIAM TOX preornta THE MOTION PICTURE WHAT PRICE GLORY With EDMUND LOWE — VICTOR Mcl.ACiLEN A DOLORES DLL RIO UARRIQ Thus., «5<1 Ft ,', W Of II r II. nMnnlO Twice dally: 2.30 A 8 3t Barry MORE ''Don Juiri-\WNa$SS« WAftNEPv mat i nii o» i* tt no 4*1***0* ItO W u i~ SYD CHAPLIN COLONY W!A.5.-.a, u M ATlNIC OAILY *t 1 JO