20th Century-Fox Dynamo (October 7, 1939)

2 NEW DYNAMO “HOLLYWOOD CAVALCADE” B.O. SOCKO FROM THE START! By BRUCE FOWLER LOS ANGELES—If “Hollywood Cavalcade” does not run here at the Four-Star theatre through to Christmas, I’ll eat your hat in the ring at the American Legion Stadium—and I don’t mean perhaps! As manager of the Four-Star theatre which had the honor of holding the world premiere of this Technicolor production, I know I am taking no chances when I make the above statement, because never have I heard such praise on a picture shown here —and we have shown the most successful of them! So, put “Hollywood Cavalcade” down as an entertainment that doesn’t have to take its hat off to any of the past box office sensations. Here is what the doctor ordered! “Hollywood Cav- alcade” is caviar on any type and age of theatre- goer’s dish and personally 1 am proud to be part of a business that creates such a picture! I am proud be- cause it is the only way 1 can feel, listening to the praise my patrons today (Thursday) went out of their way to pass on to me. Yes, the preview last (Wednesday) night was something I, nor anyone out here, shall ever forget. The whole of Hollywood turned out. So it seemed to me, for all of the important produc- ers, stars, directors and whonot were on hand—and 'ach paid $11 for the priv ilege of attending. It was the greatest premiere Hol- lywood has given any mo- tion picture and the gross for the one night’s perform- ance was $7440, which went to charity. But, that ovation “Hollywood Cavalcade” got from the indus- try was no more enthusiastic than that which this picture has been enjoying at every perform- ance today (Thursday). I tell you this town will have to do what many of us consider impossible to turn out a picture this season that will top what I sincerely believe “Hollywood Cavalcade” will gross. There is going to be no hold- ing back this production, because it sends them out raving. That’s our observation today—and to- day’s gross will be one of the biggest in the history of the house. We have been turning them out all night. I know that we’ll have many, many days with even a greater gross than we have enjoyed to- day. Thei-e is no doubt about that. I’ll give 10 to 1 that when the “Hollywood Cavalcade” engage- ment has been completed a new house record will have been es- tablished. That prediction goes not only for gross, but for run as well. It’s a masterpiece any way you look at it. I have opened many pictures and I think I can gauge the fate of a picture by the reaction of my audiences on the first day. And I honestly never beheld such sincere enthusiasm as to- day’s audiences showed over this picture. And “Hollywood Cavalcade” will not be called upon to face a tougher audience of ticket- buyers than those out here. When they pack them in in this movie- wise town, you’ve got something —and “Hollywood Cavalcade” Producers And Stars At Historic World Premiere All Hollywood turned out and gladly paid $11 per ticket to be on hand when Darryl Zanuck presented “Hollywood Cavalcade” at the Four-Star Theatre in Los Angeles Wednesday night. In attendance was a turnout that in every way constituted “Who's Who in Hollywood.” Among those present were (1) Mr. and Mrs. Don Ameche, (2) Brenda Joyce with her escort, (3) Mr. and Mrs. Mervyn Leroy, (4) Myrna Yoy and her husband-producer (5) Mr. and Mrs. Zanuck, (6) Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., and Jr., (7) Mr. and Mrs. David Selznick, (8) Mr. and Mrs. Harry Joe Brown, (9) Burns and Allen, (10) Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor, (11) Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone, (12) Dr. Martin and Louella Parsons, (13) Jeanette MacDonald, (14) Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Goldwyn, (15) Virginia Field and Richard Greene, and (16) Constance Bennett and Roland Young. starts where other Technicolor hits left off. I am probably spending too much money telegraphing this report, but you can tell Mr. Spyros Skouras and all the other showmen that if “Hollywood Cavalcade” doesn’t jam them in, nothing can. I am certain that the great au- dience reaction here will be dup- licated everywhere. If money talks, today’s experience here, convinces me “Hollywood Caval- cade” is going to be found speaking in thunderous terms. The critics raved their heads off! And that offer about the hat stands!