Motion Picture Daily (Oct-Dec 1934)

6 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Monday, November 26, 1934 MOTION PICTURE DAILY* HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW "Strange Wives" {Universal) Hollywood, Nov. 25. — This one is shaded, average entertainment due to a story which neither the cast nor director seemed able to surmount. The film's selling point seems to be comedy but other elements did not catch audience sympathy at the preview. The yarn deals with Roger Pryor, a business man, who becomes infatuated with June Clayworth, portraying a seductive Russian. Marriage has its troubles with Pryor falling heir to all Miss Clayworth's Russian relatives. The entire plot revolves around his earnest endeavor to get the relatives some social positions after footing the bill for lengthy intervals. The relatives finally all make good and Miss Clayworth resents Pryor making capital out of the family connections from which he seems to prosper. The result of the family's success provokes a marital triangle from which Pjyor emerges victor and Miss Clayworth finally responds to the masterful overtures of her husband. Esther Ralston, Hugh O'Connell, Ralph Forbes, Catherine Doucet and Cesar Romero are cast in the family roles, with Forbes portrayal better than the rest. Richard Thorpe's direction lacks impressiveness due, perhaps, to story inconsistencies. The picture may prove amusing to a limited class of patrons. Code seal No. 400. Running time, 80 minutes. "G." "When a Man Sees Red" (Universal) Hollywood, Nov. 25. — This is an average old-type western. The story deals with Peggy Campbell, a spoiled New York debutante forced, by terms of her father's will, to live on his inherited ranch for one year. Once arrived, Peggy tangles with Buck Jones, the hale and hearty foreman of the ranch, who has been appointed her guardian. Comes another debutante into the story, plus a handsome rustler, who manage to create a lot of jealousy between Peggy and Buck. Following a heroic expose of a gang of rustlers by Jones, Peggy decides to make him something other than a guardian. Alan James directed. Cast satisfactory, including Jones, Peggy, Dorothy Revier and LeRoy Mason. Outstanding feature of the picture is Ted McCord's splendid photography. Production code seal No. 353. Running time, 60 minutes. "G." Cleveland Up; Moore a Film1 Standout in Second Week "Love;9 Show Denver Smash With $13,000 Denver, Nov. 25. — A combination of "Ready for Love" and a stage show, Texas Guinan's "World Fair Revue," packed the Denver to the tune of $13,000, more than three times the normal take for the house. "The White Parade" at the Denver was also in the big money at $7,500, over par by $1,500, but other houses couldn't stand the competition. Total first run business was $29,500. Average is $20,500. Estimated takings for the week ending Nov. 22 : "A LOST LADY" (F. N.) ALADDIN— (1,500), 25c-35c-SOc, 7 days. Gross: $2,000. (Average, $2,500) "READY FOR LOVE" (Para.) DENHAM — (1,500), 35c-40c-60c. Stage show. Gross: $13,000. (Average, $4,000) "THE WHITE PARADE" (Fox) DENVER— (2,500), 25c-35c-50c, 7 days. Gross: $7,500. (Average, $6,000) "HELL IN THE HEAVENS" (Fox) ORPHEUM — (2,600), 25c-35c-60c, 7 days. Gross: $5,500. (Average, $6,000) "MERRY WIDOW" (M-G-M) PARAMOUNT— (2,000), 25c-40c, 3 days after a week at the Denver. Gross: $800. "OUTCAST LADY" (M-G-M) PARAMOUNT— (2,000), 25c-40c, 4 days. Gross: $700. (Average for week, $2,000) Providence Holds On; Business Brisk Providence, Nov. 25. — Despite the fact that exhibitors are preparing to take it on the chin for the holidays, grosses last week held up well with pars being shattered in several instances. The RKO Albee had another good week, spotting "Great Expectations" on the screen and a smart stage revue, most of the draw going to the show. The house netted $8,800, which is $1,800 over average. Fays, too, pulled in some smart money, catching $8,300 with the film, "I Sell Anything" and the stage offering, "Let's Smile Again," a fulllength revue. The Strand gathered $7,100, with the usual take $6,500. First run business, $40,200. Average business, $40,500. Estimated take for week ending Nov. 22 : "JEALOUSY" (Col.) "GIRL OF MY DREAMS" (Mono.) STRAND— (2,300), 15c-40c, 7 days. Gross: $7,100. (Average, $6,500) "I SELL ANYTHING" (F.N.) FAY'S— (1,600). 15c-40c, 7 days. "Let's Smile Again," revue, on stage. Gross: $8,300. (Average, $7,000) "HELL IN THE HEAVENS" (Fox) "ELINOR NORTON" (Fox) MAJESTIC— (2,400), 15c-40c, 7 days. Gross: $6,500. (Average, $7,000) "WE LIVE AGAIN" (U.A.) LOEWS STATE— (3,800), 15c-40c, 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average, $12,000) "GREAT EXPECTATIONS" (U.) RKO ALBEE— (2,300), 15c-40c, 7 days. "Rhythm Roundup," revue, on stage. Gross: $8,800. (Average. $7,000) "THE SILVER BULLET" (State Rights) "GIFT OF GAB" (U.) RKO VICTORY— (1,600), 10c-25c, 4 days. Gross: $1,500. (Average, $1,000) Palace, Balto., Reopening Baltimore, Nov. 25. — The Palace, which has been dark for some months, will reopen Monday with "Supreme Burlesque" on a reserved seat policy. It is understood Billy Minsky is backing the project. Bill Proctor will again manage the house. Cleveland, Nov. 25. — A couple of conventions poured some 25,000 people into town last week and the theatre benefited although "Ziegfeld Follies" offered stiff competition. The second week of "One Night of Love" at the Hippodrome was outstanding, almost doubling average business. "Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round" went to $12,500, or $2,500 over average at the State. "Gentlemen Are Born" was a pleasant surprise grossing $4,100, the best business at the Allen since "Six Day Bike Rider." Total business for the week was $43,100. Average is $36,250 for same run. Estimated takings for the week ending Nov. 23 : "GENTLEMEN ARE BORN" (F. N.) ALLEN— (3,300), 20c-30c, 30c-40c, 7 days. Gross: $4,100. (Average, $3,000) "ONE NIGHT OF LOVE" (Col.) WARNER'S HIPPODROME— (3,800), 30c35c-44c, 2nd week, 5 days. Gross: $7,500. (Average, $6,000 for a week, $4,250 for five days) "365 NIGHTS IN HOLLYWOOD" (Fox) RKO PALACE— (3,100), 30c-40c-60c, 7 days. Stage: Olsen and Johnson. Gross: $15,000. (Average, $15,000) "TRANSATLANTIC MERRY-GOROUND" (U. A.) LOEWS STATE— (3,400), 30c-35c-44c, 7 days. Gross: $12,500. (Average, $10,000) "YOU BELONG TO ME" (Para.) LOEWS STILLMAN— (1.900), 20c-30c. 3040c, 7 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $4,000) RKO Palace average has been reduced to $15,000. The house formerly computed its normal at $18,000 with big-time vaudeville, but is now playing smaller time acts. While its average is down, the theatre declares its net is proportionately better. Hornstein Sells Screen Joe Hornstein, Inc., has just closed a deal with the Music Hall to install the largest screen in the world, a 40x70-foot Ortho-Krome screen. Installation starts today. Hornstein, who has been making his headquarters at the Claridge since he resigned from Continental Theatre Accessories, moves into the Film Center Bldg. on Dec. 3. Hoffberg Books Picture J. H. Hoffberg has booked "Riachuelo," first Argentine-produced film to be imported, into the Campoanor Dec. 7-13. "Prentice" in Top Seattle Spot, $9,000 Seattle, Nov. 25. — "Evelyn Prentice" led the money pictures here last week finishing an eight -day stanza ahead of par at $9,000. "One Night of Love" was the runner-up with $5,400 for a strong third week at the Liberty, where it continues for a fourth. "Great Expectations" showed weakness at the Music Hall and was withdrawn at the end of five days when its takings had reached $4,200. "The Gay Divorcee" finished the fifth week of its extended run at the Blue Mouse with $2,700. Total first run business was $35,100. Average is $36,500. Estimated takings for the week ending Nov. 24. "THE GAY DIVORCEE" (Radio) BLUE MOUSE— (950), 25c-40c-55c, 5 days. (4th week of extended run from Music Hall). Gross: $2,700. (Average, 7 days, $4,000) "EVELYN PRENTICE" (M-G-M) FIFTH AVENUE— (2,450), 25c-40c-55c, t days. Gross: $9,000. (Average. $7,000) "ONE NIGHT OF LOVE" (Col.) LIBERTY— (1,800), 15c-25c-35c-50c, 3rd week, 7 days. Gross: $5,400. (Average $4,000) "WEDNESDAY'S CHILD" (Radio) "ONE EXCITING ADVENTURE" (Univ.) MUSIC BOX— (950), 25c-35c-50c, 7 days. Gross: $3,250. (Average, $3,500) "GREAT EXPECTATIONS" (Univ.) MUSIC HALL— (2,275), 25c-40c-55c, I days. Gross: $4,200. (Average, $6,500) "DESIRABLE" (F. N.) ORPHEUM— (2,500), 25c-35c. 7 days Vaudeville headed by Clifford Wayne Six Gross: $4,800. (Average, $5,500) "MARIE GALANTE" (Fox) "LADIES SHOULD LISTEN" (Para.) PARAMOUNT— (3,050), 25c-35c, 7 days Stage revue featuring Les Hite's Cottor Club band. Gross: $5,750. (Average, $6,000, "Parade" Buffalo Leader at $19,100 Buffalo, Nov. 25. — Above norma business ruled generally, "The Whit< Parade" going to $19,100 against ai average $ 14,300 in the Buffalo. Weather was unseasonably hot, wifflj temperatures in the 50's and 60's. Total first business was $47,700 Normal is $42,800. Estimated takings for the week end ing Nov. 23 : "THE WHITE PARADE" (Fox) BUFFALO— (3,500), 30c-55c, 7 days Stage: Venita Gould; Buck & Bubbles; Le' Ghezzis; Bobby May; Selma Marlowe Gross: $19,100. (Average, $14,300) "HIS GREATEST GAMBLE" (Radio) "PURSUED" (Fox) CENTURY— (3,000). 25c, 7 days. Gross $6,000. (Average, $6,000) "THE MERRY WIDOW" (M-G-M) GREAT LAKES — (3,000), 25c-40c, 4 days. 2d week. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $8,000.' "WE LIVE AGAIN" (U. A.) HIPPODROME— (2.100), 25c-40c, 7 days Gross: $8,400. (Average, $8,000) "THE CAPTAIN HATES THE SEA" (Col.) "SHOCK" (Monogram) LAFAYETTE — (3,300), 25c, 7 days Gross: $7,200. (Average, $6,500) Shapiro New Club Heac Cleveland, Nov. 25. — Allan Sha piro, head of the Warner poster de partment, has been made president o the Warner Club to succeed Lew Was serman, who resigned to becom' affiliated with the Rappaport Studios.