Boxoffice (Jan-Mar 1941)

Texas Variety's Ball Draws 700 Guests Dallas — “An American Party” elaborately staged in the Grand Ball Room of the Adolphus Hotel during the waning hours of last year well into 1941 by the Variety Club of Texas under direction of its newly elected Chief Barker Paul Short, furnished New Year’s entertainment for some 700 members and guests, many of whom were from other towns in the southwest. While the affair was more than colorful a cloud arose in the program of the party in that R. J. O’Donnell, retiring chief barker, was confined at his home with flu and was not on hand to emcee and to induct all the new officers and directors for the coming year as was planned. For that reason, it was pointed out, the induction will come later, probably at the testimonial luncheon for O’Donnell next Monday noon and likewise in the Grand Ball Room. Paul Short, however, started the party with a microphone introduction of General William McCraw. In turn McCraw introduced the luminaries at their tables which included Kate Smith, Grantland Rice, Clarence Budington Kelland, Bruce Cabot, James Craig, Jim Crowley, the Fordham coach; Homer Norton, A&M coach, the latter two figuring strongly in the Cotton Bowl encounter, and several others. Following this brief ceremony the American dinner was served with squab being the piece de resistance. Dancing to Hyman Charninsky’s hotel and theatre or chestra made for a crowded floor. Biggest in the fun was the floor show in which a dance team individually picked out exhibitors, Barkers and their ladies to perform in the professional manner in old and new dance steps. After midnight the big name bands here headed by Henry Busse came over from their respective stands for a sort of jam music session for the Barkers. Some left the dance at two, others at four, with the party ending only a short time before day. The Cotton Bowl game Wednesday was the next highlight for nearly all who attended. While the out-of-towners were here in large numbers, a few whose names are recalled here for the Variety party, the Cotton Bowl, or both, were: Ray Morrow, of Malvern, Ark.; Henry Rogers, Sweetwater; Harry Hardgrave and wife of Sherman; Yuill Robb, Big Spring; Ed Rowley jr. of the University of Texas; Bruce Collins of Corpus Christi; Audry Cox and Mrs. Cox of Lamesa; W. E. Cox, Seminole; Raymond Cornes and Mrs. Cornes, Farmersville; M. D. Stewart and wife of DeLeon; J. N. Stewart and wife of Kaufman; W. J. Chesher of Littlefield; B. R. McLendon of Atlanta; Lee Smith of Knox City, all of whom are connected with the operation of theatres outside of Dallas. Coach Jim Crowley Speaker At Monday Luncheon Dallas — At the Variety luncheon Monday, visiting coach Jim Crowley, of Fordham, was the principal speaker and was lauded for his talent as an orator. He impersonated Knute Rockne in one of the famous coaches between halves pep talks. Crowley played for Notre Dame under Rockne. Incidentally, he pointed out, the K in Knute is not silent. 'Christmas in July' Sets Pace in New Orleans ( Average is 100) New Orleans — Weather proved a heavy competitor to the key houses, and the neighborhoods as well, there being only one clear day in the pre-Christmas week. The shopping season was the best in years with Canal Street ablaze with lights and decorated windows. The troops (about 3,000) came to town from Camp Beauregard and Camp Shelby which added to the gaiety of the scene. The midnight “girl shows,” especially at the Lafayette, drew more than capacity. “Christmas in July” at the Saenger made glad the heart of Bob Blair, resident manager, while the “Thief of Bagdad” more than repaid those who braved the weather. “No, No, Nanette,” at the Orpheum, pleased mightily. Detail for week of December 23: Center — Seven Sinners (Univ) 100 The film played the Orpheum in November at 200 per cent and was moved to the Liberty where it scored 95 per cent. Globe — Moon Over Burma (Para’t) 90 A run at the Saenger in October scored 150. Liberty — Lone Wolf Keeps a Date (Col) 100 Loew’s — Thief of Bagdad (UA) 150 Orpheum — No, No, Nanette (RKO) 150 Saenger — Christmas in July (Para’t) 200 Christmas Week Grosses In Dallas Up to Par Dallas — Christmas week grosses were well up to par on Elm Street with a good break in fine weather the last half and with Folies Bergere at the Majestic where SRO business was the rule. “Tin Pan Alley” in its third week at the Tower proved to be the sensation of recent weeks. Detail for week ending December 28: Capitol — Give Us Wing's (Univ) 125 Capitol — Here Comes the Navy (WB) (reissue) . 125 Majestic — The Bank Dick (Univ) 180 Folies Bergere on stage boosted gross here to the near double mark. Palace — Go West (M-G-M) 110 Palace — Love Thy Neighbor (Para’t) 125 Opened Christmas Day for a possible 10-day run. Rialto — Hullabaloo (M-G-M) 90 Played four days. Rialto — Gallant Sons (M-G-M) 100 Played three days. Our Gang comedy kids on stage failed to elevate the gross. Tower — Tin Pan Alley (20th-Fox), 3rd wk 110 Back From PRC Meet Dallas — Jack K. Adams, of the Adams Film Exchanges, and Jack Adams jr., of the same organization, are back from New York where they sat in on a franchise owner meeting of Producers Releasing Corp. when product in the making and future releases were discussed. The Adams exchange handles the Producers films in Texas and was interested in making of the franchise deals for Oklahoma, Arkansas and other southwestern states. Kincey Men Gather Greenville, S. C. — About 200 Kincey managers, their wives and sweethearts gathered at Hotel Poinsett here for the annual party by the organization. R. B. Talbot of Spartansburg was toastmaster. The Best in All Texas — This is the front Major H. S. Cole, operating the Best, Elite and. American theatres in Bonham, constructed over the latter house for the holiday season. The attention-getting display was originated by Cole who directed local artists and craftsmen in its construction. Three separate paintings, arranged in three different planes, lend the appearance of heighth and distance. Indirect lighting illuminates the display which is made of canvas and cut-out work. The entire setting is 50 feet wide and 20 feet high and represents an expenditure of $300. Amplified chimes played the traditional melodies during the time the set was up. BOXOFFICE ;: January 4, 1941 s 109