Motion Picture Daily (Jan-Mar 1934)

MOTION PICTURE DAILY Thursday, March 15, 1934 "Wonder Bar" $21,000 Wow In Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, March 14. — The out standing draw last week was "Wonder Bar" at the Stanley where a $21,000 gross gave the picture a holdover, the third picture in the history of this house to stay more than the customary six days. In addition, the Pitt had an excellent week with "Fog" and Harry Delmar's "Revels" on the stage, with the latter getting most of the credit. Par was topped by $2,500 on an $8,500 week. "Moulin Rouge" was a disappointment at the Penn, getting less than $11,000. Incidentally, average fluctuates considerably at both the Penn and Stanley, depending upon whether there is a stage show. At the Fulton, "Sons of the Desert" just managed to hit average at $4,000 while "Journal of a Crime," at the Warner, fell considerably below that at $3,700. The Davis, too, fared poorly with the third of its double feature bills, collecting only around $2,300 with "Easy to Love" and "Bombay Mail." Total grosses in five first run houses were $50,500. Average is $37,500. Estimated takings for the week ending March 10 : "EASY TO LOVE" (Warners) "BOMBAY MAIL" (Univ.) DAVIS— (1,700), 25c-35c, 6 days. Gross: $2,300. (Average, $2,500.) "SONS OF THE DESERT" (M-G-M) FULTON— (1,750), 15c-40c, 6 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $4,000.) "MOULIN ROUGE" (U. A.) PENN— (3,300), 2Sc-50c). 6 days. Gross: $11,000. (Average, $12,000.) "WONDER BAR" (Warners) STANLEY— (3,600), 25c-50c, 6 days. Gross: $21,000. (Average, $9,000.) "FOG" (Col.) PITT— (1,600), 15c-40c, 6 days. Stage: "Harry Delmar's Revels" with Harry Delmar, Mannv King, Ray, Ellis and LaRue and Grace DeFaye. Gross: $8,500. (Average, $6,000.) "JOURNAL OF A CRIME" (Warners) WARNER— (2,000), 25c-50c, 6 days. Gross: $3,700. (Average, $5,000.) "Rothschild" Opens With Leaders There Executives prominent in the industry augmented a list of Broadway first-nighters at the opening of 20th Century's "The House of Rothschild" at the Astor last night. Among those present were : Will H. Hays, Adolph Zukor, Al Lichtman, Colvin Brown, Joseph I. Schnitzer, Arthur W. Kelly, Joseph Moskowitz, Nate Blumberg, Moe Silver, Walter Reade, Billy Brandt, Si Seadler and Leo Lubin. The opening was preceded by an effective exploitation campaign, the highlight of which was a tie-up with the N. Y. Daily Mirror, which is carrying a serialization of the story to run for 30 days, and which involved several full-page notices. News stands, trucks, department stores and other commercial enterprises also figured in the advance exploitation campaign. Three More "Chans" Hollywood, March 14. — Fox is continuing the "Charlie Chan" series next season with three features set for the 1934-35 program. Dietrich-Nazi Feud End Seen in a Gift Berlin, March 14. — Much comment was created here today by an indication of a reconciliation between Nazi Germany and Marlene Dietrich when Carl Ousen, president of the newly organized Nazi National Film Chamber, announced that Miss Dietrich had contributed a "considerable sum" to the Chamber's welfare fund. Although Miss Dietrich left Germany before the advent of the Nazi regime, it has been suspected that there has been trouble between her and the Nazis, particularly since the Nazi press expressed disapproval of the star's flair for trousers. Hollywood, March 14. — Marlene Dietrich here today denied she had made any contribution to the Nazi party. She said that she had mailed a check for $500 to the so-called Winter Fund in Germany, to care for the children of the poor, and that she had mailed a similar amount to the Community Chest in Los Angeles. Speculate on Nazi Reconstruction Move Speculation was rife yesterday in New York over the effect, if any, on the film industry in Germany under the Nazi government decision to reconstruct all German industry into 12 major divisions. The official announcement of the sweeping plan made no specific mention of amusements of any description. Academy Polling on Code Help Closes Hollywood, March 14. — Polling was completed today by the writers', directors' and technicians' branches of the Academy for nominations requested by Division Administrator Sol A. Rosenblatt for possible service on code committees. Writers' nominees include Jack Cunningham, Howard Estabrook, Howard J. Green, Grover Jones, William McNutt, Jane Murfin, Robert Riskin, Ernst Vajda, Carey Wilson, Waldemar Young. Directors' nominees are Frank Capra. Cecil DeMille, William K. Howard, Frank Lloyd,_ King Vidor, W. S. Van Dyke. Technicians named Carl Dreher, J. M. Nickolaus, Max Parker, Karl Struss. The actors' branch asked that the following be submitted to Rosenblatt : Lionel Atwill, Warner Baxter, Lionel Belmore, Alice Brady, Laura Hope Crews, William B. Davidson, Marie Dressier, Irene Dunne. Raymond Hatton, Helen Hayes, Del Henderson. Katharine Hepburn, Jean Hersholt. Walter Huston. George Irving, DeWitt Jennings, Henry Kolker, J. Farrell MacDonald. Warner Oland, Nance O'Neil. Elizabeth Patterson, Lewis Stone, Henry Walthall, Helen Ware. Variety Club Gets Started in Buffalo Charles Giblyn Dead Hollywood, March 14. — Charles Giblyn. pioneer director, died unexpectedly at his home here today in his 55th year. He is survived by his widow and two daughters. At one time he was director of the Ince studio. He was to have started at M-G-M todav. Strike Called Off The strike, scheduled to start Monday, bv the Theatre and Amusement Emnloyes Union of Greater New York was called off yesterday. Buffalo, March 14. — The Buffalo tent of the Variety Club was formally organized at a banquet at the Hotel Statler. Ninety-five barkers signed the charter. Officers are: Dave Miller, Universal manager, president; Vincent R. McFaul, general manager Shea Theatres, first vice-president ; Isaac R. Lounsberry, general manager Buffalo Broadcasting Corp., second vicepresident ; Herbert T. Silverberg, attorney, secretary; Sidney B. Pfeifer. attorney, treasurer. Directors are: Jules H. Michael, chairman Buffalo zone, M.P.T.O. ; Albert Becker, president National Theatre Supply Co. ; Harry T. Dixon, manager RKO exchange; A. Charles Hayman. managing director Lafa;, ette ; Sidney Samson, manager Fox exchange; Murray Whiteman, song shop proprietor. John J. Maloney of Pittsburgh, vice-president of the National Variety Club, explained the purposes of the organization and gave the pledge to the barkers. The charge to the officers was delivered by J. Edward Fontaine, president of the Cleveland tent. Other visitors were Dr. L. G. Beinhauer, treasurer of the Pittsburgh tent, and George A. Roberts, director of the Cleveland tent. St. Louis Men Talk Auditorium Policy St. Louis, March 14. — Worried that the new Municipal Auditorium and Community Center may damage their business, a group of theatre men called upon Mayor Bernard F. Dickmarm to get the lowdown on the city's policy on booking attractions. The Mayor advised them that the present administration has no desire to enter into competition with dramatic, vaudeville or picture theatres, or to underbid other amusement places. He suggested that the group confer next week with Tames Darst. manager, and the Auditorium Commission on its booking policy and schedule of rates to be charged users of the building. 99 Vance Blames Block Sale for Criticism Cincinnati, March 14. — W i 1 1 i s Vance, president of the Ohio Valley Independent Exhibitors' League, has answered Archbishop McNicholas' criticism of pictures by saying that the 60 exhibitors associated with him would welcome an improvement in picture quality. He takes a crack at block booking and says it is resnonsible for what some grouos call "immoral and unwholesome" pictures. He ask that criticism be directed at "the major producing studios who are in charge of the themes and development of the cinema." Aaron Saperstein Feted Chicago. March 14. — Aaron Saperstein. president of Allied Theatres of Illinois, leaves this week for a two weeks' vacation at Hot Snrings. He was tendered a testimonial dinner by the Allied organization and local film and theatre folks. Saperstein was recently elected to his fifth term as Allied president. One Night,' $15,000 Hit, Tops Denver Denver, March 14. — "It Happenc One Night" easily copped top honor for business, running 50 per ceri above normal. Saturday busines broke the house record, more thai 400 being turned away, and 150 re funds being made to folks unable t<: secure seats. Sunday ran close to ; house record. Business has been unusual ever in Denver in most of the first runs this winter, due somewhat to th< weather experienced. Less than hali a dozen snowstorms marred the season, although three of these were or Saturdays. Snow was soon melted Thermometer has not been to zero all winter. Total first run business was $38,000 Average is $30,000. Estimated takings for week ending March 8: "BELOVED" (Univ.) ALADDTN-(1.500). 25c-30c-40c. 7 days Gross: $4,000. (Average. $3,500.) "BOLERO" (Para.) nEMTAM— (1.500), 25c-30c-40c. 7 davs Gross: $7,000. (Average. $6,000.) "NANA" (U. A.) DENVER — (2.500). 25c-35c-50c. 7 dav.j Gross: $8,500. (Average. $7,500.) "IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT" (Col.) ORPHEUM — (2.600). 25c-35c-40c-50c. days. Stage show. Gross: $15,000. (Avi age. $10,000.1 "SONS OF THE DESERT* (M-G-M ) PARAMOUNT— (2,000). 25c-40c, 3 days t finish full week. Gross: $2,000. "MASSACRE" (F. N.) PARAMOUNT— (2.000). 25c-40c. 4 dav Gross: $1,500. (Average for week. $2,500. Guild Writers Must File All Contract Hollywood, March 14. — Under tl terms of the working agreement adop ed by the Writers' Guild details of ; members' term contracts and des must be given to the executive boar This applies to present and f utu i contracts, both term and week-t week, and agreements for sale of mat rial. The board agrees to keep this tr terial strictly confidential. Penaltup to $10,000 are provided for gu: officials who give out confidential formation. Free lancers are to be pi | tected by insistence on lump sur, with no more work on speculation. MOTIOt PICTURI ALMAHA< 1954-35 NOW /A/ PAiPA/iAT/OA/ i WHERE THE WORLD LOOKS FOR MOTION PICTURE Mono* picture 9)4-55