Motion Picture Daily (Jul-Sep 1940)

Page scan 000377 from Motion Picture Daily

Record Details:

Title:
Motion Picture Daily
Date:
Jul-Sep 1940
Publisher:
New York [Motion picture daily, inc.]
Volume:
Motion picture daily
Leaf #:
000377
Language:
English
Subjects:
Motion pictures, Motion pictures -- Periodicals
Collection:
Hollywood Studio System
Format:
Periodicals
Contributor:
Library of Congress, MBRS, Moving Image Section
Sponsor:
Library of Congress, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division
Coordinator:
Media History Digital Library
Description:
A New York-based daily trade paper published by Martin Quigley. The companion to Quigley's better known weekly publication, MOTION PICTURE HERALD, and a direct competitor to THE FILM DAILY, which was also published out of New York. Established in 1930, MOTION PICTURE DAILY enjoyed a circulation of roughly 5,000 readers most years of its four decades in print (a nearly identical circulation to THE FILM DAILY, but only one third of the readership of MOTION PICTURE HERALD, which reached a wider audience of exhibitors). In the 1930s, the MOTION PICTURE DAILY's editor, Maurice Kann, called on the movie industry to shift more production back to the East Coast. Any productions that filmed in New York received ample attention. New York City never regained its production lead over Hollywood, but the major studios used the Big Apple for their corporate and distribution headquarters. As a result, MOTION PICTURE DAILY tended to focus on economic and regulatory issues confronting the film industry. -- Eric Hoyt, 2014
Date Added:
May 30, 2024
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Wednesday, August 28, 1940 Motion Picture Daily 9 Critics9 Quotes . . . "THE GREAT McGINTY" (Paramount) Political graft and chicanery are viewed with a cynical and realistic eye in "The Great McGinty." ... A refreshing novelty. . . . Brian Donlevy plays the lead with enthusiasm and complete success. — Boston Herald. Brian Donlevy comes into his own as the star ... a powerful and amusing delineation of graft in a big city. . . . He nicely combines comedy and personality. ... Is one of those unheralded films which become a surprise sensation. — Boston Daily Globe. One of the merriest and most entertaining exhibits offered in these parts in many a day. . . . Essentially a triumph for Preston Sturges. . . . There is a freshness and bounce to the picture . . . which combine to make it eminently satisfactory entertainment. — Garrett D. Byrnes, Providence Journal. Provokes considerable laughter as a travesty on the ruthless brigandage which sometimes governs our affairs. . . . There is scarcely a dull moment. . . . There is homely wit in abundance. . . . One of the very best comedies of the year. — Gilbert Kanour, Baltimore Evening Sun. Takes political corruption for a hilarious ride in one of the most delightful comedies seen here since the year of the big wind. . . . Major credit should go to Preston Sturges, who wrote and directed the comedy. . . . The plot moves at a fast clip.— Baltimore Morning Sun. Interesting, funny and dramatic. ... In fact, it is one of the liveliest and best pictures seen around these parts in many a day. — Norman Clark, Baltimore Nezvs-Post. A great show. . . . "The Great McGinty" is shrewd, salty, adroit. ... It is also an actor's dream. Brian Donley makes the dream come true. — Time. "LUCKY PARTNERS" (RKO) "Lucky Partners" is a cream puff comedy in a class of its own and is principally distinguished because it teams Ginger Rogers and Ronald Colman as a romantic couple for the first time. . . . The direction keeps the film rolling in moderate tempo. — Newsweek. Teaming Ronald Colman and Ginger Rogers is effective and unusual showmanship and will do much to enhance the attractions of this picture, which turns out to be a romantic comedy of a delightful order. . . . The amusement of the whole adventure is cumulative, reaching its height in the courtroom finale. . . . The humor is often smart and sophisticated. — Edzvin Schallert, Los Angeles Times. "I LOVE YOU AGAIN" (M-G-M) A frothy but highly entertaining marital comedy superbly suited to the talents of William Powell and Myrna Loy . . . It's light but extremely good fun . . . You'll like it. — Garrett D. Byrnes, Providence Journal. William Powell and Myrna Loy will restore your faith in Hollywood's ability to serve up a spicy, appetizing dish ... One of those all too rare comedies with a constant mood of hilarity. — Cecil Smith, Chicago Tribune. "HE STAYED FOR BREAKFAST" (Columbia) A delightfully sophisticated satire on Communist and bourgeoise morals and manners in "He Stayed for Breakfast." . . . Melvyn Douglas exhibits his versatility with a slick performance. — Newsweek. Ritzes, 'Love9 Loop Leader, Gets $46,000 Chicago, Aug. 27. — -The Ritz Brothers and "My Love Came Back" drew a strong $46,000 at the Chicago. "Earthbound" and a stage show at the Oriental brought $19,500, while "The Boys from Syracuse" took $16,000 at the Palace. Estimated takings for the week ending Aug. 23 : "The Man I Married" (20th-Fox) APOLLO— (1,400) (35c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $6,500) "My Love Came Back" (W. B.) CHICAGO— (4,000) (35c -55c -75c) 7 days. Stage: Ritz Brothers. Gross: $46,000. (Average, $32,000) "All This, and Heaven Too" (W. B.) GARRICK — (1,000) (35c-55c-7Sc) 7 days. Gross: $3,500. (Average, $5,000) "Earthbound" (20th-Fox) ORIENTAL— (3,200) (2Sc-40c) 7 days. Stage: Eo'dy Howard. Gross: $19,500. (Average, $13,000) "The Boys from Syracuse" (Univ.) "The Saint Takes Over" (RKO) PALACE— (2,500) (35c-40c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $16,000. (Average, $13,000) "They Drive by Night" (W. B.) ROOSEVELT— (1,500) (35c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,500. (Average, $11,000) "Girls of the Road" (Col.) STATE-LAKE— (2,700) (2Sc-40c) 7 days. Stage: Maxie Rosenbloom. Gross: $16,000. (Average, $15,000) "I Love You Again" (M-G-M) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,700) (35c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $15,500. (Average, $14,000) "Gone With the Wind" (M-G-M) WOODS— (1,100) (75c-$1.10-$1.50) 7 days, 30th week. Gross: $6,000. 'James' at $8,000 Tops Kansas City Kansas City, Aug. 27.— "The Return of Frank James," with $8,000 at the Esquire and Uptown made the best showing in a week of cool weather and little outside competition. The picture took $3,800 at the Esquire and $4,200 at the Uptown and was held at both houses. Estimated takings for the week ending Aug. 20-22 : "The Return of Frank James" (20th-Fox) ESQUIRE— (800) (28c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $3,800. (Average, $2,200) "Captain Caution" (U. A.) "Blondie Has Servant Trouble" (Col.) MIDLAND— (4,000) (28c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $7,500. (Average, $9,500) "Comin' Round the Mountain" (Para.) NEWMAN— (1,900) (28c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $6,800. (Average, $7,000) "The Ramparts We Watch" (RKO) "Ladies Must Live" (W. B.) ORPHEUM— (1,500) (28c-44c) 7 days Gross: $3,900. (Average, $5,000) "Scatterbrain" (Rep.) TOWER — (2,200) (30c) 7 days. Stage: Ford, Harris & Jones: Jimmy & Mildred Mtilcay. and Billy & Idylle Shaw. Gross: $6,400. (Average, $6,000) "The Return of Frank James" (20th-Fox) UPTOWN— (2.000) (28c -44c) 7 days. Gross: $4,200. (Average, $3,000) Co-Star Gable-Lamarr Hollywood. Aug. 27.— Clark Gable and Hedy Lamarr will be co-starred by M-G-M in "Comrade X," which will go into work at once under the direction of King Vidor. The story is an original by Ben Hecht and Charles Lederer. Open Airline Next Month The Airline, 528-seat newsreel theatre opposite Grand Central Terminal, will be opened the latter part of next month by Dave Dubin, operator of the Grand Central newsreel house. 'Boom Town' Draws $13,500, Cincinnati Cincinnati, Aug. 27. — "Boom Town" garnered a big $13,500 in its second week at the RKO Capitol, where it went into the third stanza. "They Drive By Night" took $9,700 at the RKO Palace. A sudden break in the extreme heat helped business. Estimated takings for the week ending Aug. 22-24 : "The Boys From Syracuse" (Univ.) RKO ALBEE — (3,300) (39c-47c) 7 days. Gross: $10,500. (Average, $12,000) "They Drive By Night" (W.B.) RKO PALACE— (2,700) (39c-47c) 7 days. Gross: $9,700. (Average, $10,000) "I Married Adventure" (Col.) RKO SHUBERT— (2,150) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $5,900. (Average, $6,500) "Boom Town" (M-G-M) RKO CAPITOL—(2.000) (42c-60c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $13,500. (Average, at 39c-47c, $6,500) "We Who Are Young" (M-G-M) 2 days. "The Walt Disney Festival" (RKO) (5 days) RKO LYRIC— (1,400) (33c-42c) 7 days, 2nd week for Disney Festival. Gross: $3,100. (Average, $5,000) "Queen of the Mob" (Para.) "Haunted Gold" (W.B.) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (15c-28c) 4 days. Gross: $1,300. (Average, $1,500) "Pop Always Pays" (RKO) "Millionaires in Prison" (RKO) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (15c-28c) 3 days. Gross: $850. (Average, $900) "Blondie Has Servant Trouble" (Col.) KEITH'S— (1,500) (39c-47c) 7 days. Gross: $5,100. (Average, $6,000) 'Love You' Takes $4,000, New Haven New Haven, Aug. 27. — The second week of "I Love You Again" and "Tom Brown's School Days" grossed $4,000. "The Great McGinty," dualled with "Son of the Navy" at the Paramount, took $4,500. Cool weather helped. Estimated takings for the week ending Aug. 22: "I Love You Again" (M-G-M) "Tom Brown's School Days" (RKO) COLLEGE— (1,499) (39c-55c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $2,700) "The Return of Frank James" (20th-Fox) "The Man I Married" (20th-Fox) LOEW-POLI— (3,040) (39c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $7,800. (Average, $8,000) "The Great McGinty" (Para.) "Son of the Navy" (Mono.) PARAMOUNT— (2,348) (39c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $4,000) "When the Daltons Rode" (Univ.) "Private Affairs" (Univ.) ROGER SHERMAN— (2,200) (39c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $5,000) F. P. Canadian Dividend Toronto, Aug. 27. — The third dividend for this year has been declared on the common shares of Famous Players Canadian Corp., the amount being 25 cents per share, payable Sept. 27 to holders of record Sept. 17. Similar amounts were paid for each of the first two quarters of 1940. It is anticipated that the circuit will round out the calendar year with a total disbursement of $1. 'Boom Town9 Holds Pace in L.A., $30,800 Los Angeles, Aug. 27. — "Boom Town" continued to set the pace, with a total of $30,800 at two theatres, $14,400 at the Chinese and $16,400 at Loew's State. "Pride and Prejudice" was strong with $8,300 at the 4 Star, and "The Ramparts We Watch" and "Cross Country Romance" drew $7,800 at the Hillstreet and $9,000 at the Pantages. Estimated takings for the week ending Aug. 21 : "Boom Town" (M-G-M) CHINESE — (2,500) (44c-55c-75c-85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $14,400. (Average, $12,500) "Pride and Prejudice" (M-G-M) 4 STAR— (900) (44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: S8.3D0. (Average, $3,250) "The Ramparts We Watch" (RKO) "Cross Country Romance" (RKO) HILLSTREET— (2,700) (38c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $7,800. (Average, $6,500) "Boom Town" (M-G-M) LOEW'S STATE— (2,500) (44c -55c -75c -85c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $16,400. (Average, $14,000) "The Ramparts We Watch" (RKO) "Cross Country Romance" (RKO) PANTAGES— (3,000) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $7,000) "The Villain Still Pursued Her" (RKO) PARAMOUNT— (3,595) (33c-44c-55c-7Sc) 7 days. Stage: F. & M. revue, Rudolf Friml, Jr. and his orchestra. Gross: $14,000. (Average, $18,000) "River's End" (W. B.) "Ladies Must Live" (W. B.) WARNER BROS. (HOLLYWOOD) — (3,000) (33c-44c-5Sc-75c) 7 days. Gross: S6.8TO. (Average, $14,000) "River's End" (W. B.) "Ladies Must Live" (W. B.) WARNER BROS. (DOWNTOWN) — (3.400) (33c -44c -55c -75c) 7 days. Gross: $7,700. (Average, $12,000) 'Syracuse' Draws $7,800, Milwaukee Milwaukee, Aug. 27. — Joe Reichman and his band and the film, "Wagons Westward," took $9,800 at the Riverside. "River's End" and "The Boys from Syracuse" at the Warner drew $7,800. Estimated takings for the week ending Aug. 22: "Wagons Westward" (Rep.) RIVERSIDE— (2,700) (28c-44c) 7 days. Stage: Joe Reichman. Gross: $9,800. (Average, $6,500) "River's End" (W. B.) "The Boys from Syracuse" (Univ.) WARNER'S— (2,400) (30c-40c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $7,800. (Average, $4,500) "Pride and Prejudice" (M-G-M) "The Man I Married" (20th-Fox) "Sporting Blood" (M-G-M) STRAND— (1,400) (30c-40c-55c) 2-5 days. Gross: $1,300. (Average, $1,500) "The Man I Married" (20th-Fox) "Sporting Blood" (M-G-M) "The Return of Frank James" (20th-Fox) "Girl from Avenue A" (20th-Fox) WISCONSIN — (3,200) (30c-40c-55c) 2-5 days. Gross: $6,600. (Average, $5,500) Films Council Hits Triples in St. Louis St. Louis, Aug. 27.— The local Better Films Council has protested to Harry Arthur, Jr., president and general manager of Fanchon & Marco, Inc., on the triple bills in the houses operated by F. & M. for the St. Louis Amusement Co. Two of the F. & M. neighborhood houses are currently featuring three features on a nightly bill and a movement has been started by the independents to persuade Arthur to discontinue the policy.