Motion Picture Herald (Apr-Jun 1933)

MOTION PICTURE HERALD May 2 7, 19 3 3 over satisfactorily, several favorable comments and no knocks.— L. V. Bergtold, Opera House Theatre, Kasson, Minn. General small town patronage. EVENINGS FOR SALE: Sari Maritza, Herbert Marshall— Here is a honey. And if I may say so, Maritza is the sweetest thing by far that has appeared on any screen in anv age. and besides all that she has and displays plenty' of talent. To be sure, Marshall is the best leading man of the screen. Thus, coupled up with a host of excellent players and a creditable story, you have in "Evenings for Sale," an extraordinary ofifering.— W. H. Brenner, Cozy Theatre, Winchester, Ind. General patronage. A FAREWELL TO ARMS: Gary Cooper, Helen Hayes— Another effort gone wrong. Paramount again spoils its record and tries to capitalize on sex. No business and bad comments.— R. C. Metzger, Ritz Theatre, Winner, S. D. General patronage. HELLO EVERYBODY: Kate Smith— A box office headache. Don't get excited about it. Played Apr. 30-May 1.— C. C. Griffin, New Piedmont Theatre, Oakland, Cal. Neighborhood patronage. HELLO, EVERYBODY: Kate Smith— The highbrows and sophisticates may not be pleased with this, but the masses and mainstays of the inovies should ' enjoy this. Anyway, our patrons seemed to like this very much. Smith is liberal with her songs, and as many millions can testify from the radio that Smith can sing in a manner to please the masses. Drawing power above average.— J. E. Stocker, Myrtle Theatre, Detroit, Mich. General patronage. LADY AND GENT: George Bancroft— Gave this a repeat booking and actually di3 more than I did the week before with "Madison Square Garden." And this in spite of extremely bad weather conditions. Certainly a fine show. L. V. Bergtold, Opera House, Kasson, Minn. General patronage. LUXURY LINER: George Brent, Zita Johann— Good program picture.— R. C. Metzger, Ritz Theatre, Winner, S. D. General patronage. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN: Jack Oakie— Used this on bargain night and it proved a darned poor bargain for me, poorest midweek business we ever had even though weather conditions were ideal for good show patronage. Comments were divided. O.K. for those that Uke fight pictures.— L. V. Bergtold, Opera House, Kasson, Minn. General patronage. MAKE ME A STAR: Stuart Erwin— They like Joan Blondell and Erwin, and I also booked in Columbia Screen Snapshots No. 3 with the Hoot Gibson rodeo. I gave the feature and the short equal amount of space in advertising. Believe Hoot Gibson drew them in and "Make Me a Star" kept them there to praise. Audience went out happy. Business 105% on Friday and Saturday. — Harry Waldron, Blue Moon Theatre, Oklahoma City, Okla. General patronage. MILLION DOLLAR LEGS: Jack Oakie— Title good, and picture good for all who can laugh at darn foolishness (I did). Business 100% on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. — Harry Waldron. Blue Moon Theatre, Oklahoma City, Okla. General patronage. PERSONAL MAID: Nancy Carroll— Old picture that pleased on bargain nights. 90% business. — Harry Waldron, Blue Moon Theatre, Oklahoma City, Okla. General patronage. SHE DONE HIM WRONG: Mae West— Just one of those sleepers that got plenty. I am bringing it back for another two-day run. Played Apr. 15-16. — C. C. Griffin, New Piedmont Theatre, Oakland, Cal. Neighborhood patronage. SHE DONE HIM WRONG: Mae West— First rate. They all enjoyed it thoroughly, especially the old timers. If you have anyone who can equal the star's performance in this, just trot them out. Played Mar. 5-6. — Charles Born, Elks Theatre, Prescott, Ariz. General patronage. SIGN OF THE CROSS: Fredric March— A massive spectacle elaborately produced, but missing in appeal of any kind. Played Apr. 9-11. — Charles Born, Elks Theatre, Prescott, Ariz. General patronage. TONIGHT IS OURS: Frederic March. Claudette Colbert — This picture seemed to suit majority. Did average business. Played May 8-9. Running time, 76 minutes.— J. E. Tunstall, Nottawa Theatre, Blackstone, Va. Small town patronage. WILD HORSE MESA: Randolph Scott— Average Zane Grey that drew slightly above average bargain night business. Westerns are still my best bet for the "two for a quarter night." L. V. Bergtold, Opera House, Kasson, Minn. General patronage. WILD HORSE MESA: All star— A Zane Grey story, and a good one. Well produced and well liked by my patrons. It was good for average business last half of the week.— W. H. Brenner, Cozy Theatre, Winchester, Ind. General patronage. RKO ANIMAL KINGDOM: Ann Harding— Good of its kind, but of slight entertainment merit to the average audience. The star deserves better vehicles. Played Apr. 24-25.— Charles Born, Elks Theatre, Prescott, Ariz. General patronage. ANIMAL KINGDOM: Leslie Howard, Ann Harding— This might have been a big hit in New York, but it certainly won't please anyone in the tank towns. Very little entertainment. — Robert K. Yancey, Paradise Theatre, Cotter, Ark. Railroad and general patronage. ANIMAL KINGDOM: Leslie Howard, Ann Harding— Even the highbrows will have to do some close watching to know what it's all about. — R. C. Metzger, Ritz Theatre, Winner, S. D. General patronage. BILL OF DIVORCEMENT: John Barrymors^ Billie Burke— Good picture, will please any audience. .Some mighty fine acting by Katharine Hepburn, the new star. Played Mar, 21-22.— W. J. Carter, Maxine Theatre, Croswell, Mich. Small town patronage. BRING 'EM BACK ALIVE: (Taken by Frank Buck) — RKO brought it back alive, but it should have been killed. A big box office flop. Didn't take in enough to pay for the picture. Oversold on this one aplenty. Too much snake caused walkouts. Should have been named "Drunkard's Nightmare." Played Mar. 11-12.— W. J. Carter, Maxine Theatre, Croswell, Mich. Small town patronage. CHEYENNE KID: "Tom Keene— A crackerjack western. Keene is good and Roscoe Ates adds the right amount of humor. It will please the kids and the western fans. Some talk about cutting down on the westerns. A lot of them should be cut down, but good westerns are what keeps the little fellow in biz. — E. N. Colhns, Star Theatre, Humble, Tex. General patronage. CHRISTOPHER STRONG: Katharine Hepburn— An excellent production. A love triangle dominated by the excellent work and personality of the star. Mediocre drawing card. Played May 9-10. — Charles Born, Elks Theatre, Prescott, Ariz. General patronage. THE CONQUERORS: Richard Dix, Ann Harding — A fine production to terrible business. Did 50% more advertising, paid 50% more for show and did nearly 50% less than average even though I played it an extra night. Just one of those things you can't account for. — L. V. Bergtold, Opera House, Kasson, Minn. General patronage. THE CONQUERORS: Ann Harding, Richard Dix --Good picture and good entertainment. This should have been made a big special, but it fell short of it for several reasons. Played May 7-8. — D. E. Fitton, Lyric Theatre, Harrison, Ark. Small town patronage. HOLD 'EM JAIL: Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey — Didn't do much business on this one but it was no fault of the picture. Football scenes overdone, but full of laughs. Played Mar. 18-19.— W. J. Carter, Maxine Theatre, Croswell, Mich. Small town patronage. LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE: Mitzi Green— Used this as a benefit with the Camp Fire Girls, paying them 40% from the first dollar. (Barnum was right.) The girls made about $12.00 and I lost twice as much. One of the three pictures I have played in eight years that did not return me my film rental. Good kid show, however. L. V. Bergtold, Opera House, Kasson, Minn. General patronage. LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE: Mitzi Green— Here is natural for the children. It will draw better than it will please. Mitzi gives clever imitation of Marx Brothers. The picture will sell itself to your child patronage. However, would suggest a little extra push and you will get extra business. — L. A. Mercier, Electric Theatre, Perryville, Mo. General patronage. LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE: Mitzi Green— A very good kid picture with very little entertainment for your grownups. Had more kids to this show than any picture I've shown since I've been in the business. — Robert K. Yancey, Paradise Theatre, Cotter, Ark. Railroad and general patronage. LUCKY DEVILS: Bill Boyd— A mighty nice little show for Saturday. Not big, but very entertaining. Plenty of thrills.— Robert K. Yancey, Paradise Theatre, Cotter, Ark. Railroad and general patronage. MEN OF AMERICA: Bill Boyd, Chic Sale— Good program picture that will please. Played Mar. 23-24. — W. J. Carter, Maxine Theatre, Croswell, Mich. Small town patronage. MEN OF AMERICA: Bill Boyd— Good for town below 400 population.— R. C. Metzger, Ritz Theatre, Winner, S. D. General patronage. OUR BETTERS: Constance Bennett— No good. Would pay for it and not play it. Second day business dropped to 15% of the first day. Played Apr. 22-23. Running time. 72 minutes. — A. I. Latts, Royal Theatre, Ashland, Wis. General patronage. OUR BETTERS: Constance Bennett— Only fair entertainment. Business below average. — Robert K. Yancey, Cotter, Ark. Railroad and general patronage. PHANTOM OF CRESTWOOD: Ricardo CortezThis supposedly big show did not even do 60% of average business on bargain night. Had this ,set for a Sunday date but pulled after reading rather mediocre reports and changed to the cheap show night. Several favorable comments and no knocks. — L. V. Bergtold, Opera House, Kasson, Minn. General patronage. ROCKABYE: Constance Bennett— This show is only fair. Didn't do average business on this. Played May 1-2. Running time. 75 minutes. — J. E. Tunstall, Nottawa Theatre, Blackstone, Va. Small town patronage. Tiffany THE TWO-GUN MAN: Ken Maynard— Regular old horse opera, riding, shooting and fighting. The only sure-fire bet in the whole bag of tricks for this man's town. Played May 12-13. — Roy W. Adams, Mason Theatre, Mason, Mich. Small town patronage. United Artisfs CYNARA: Ronald Colman — A high class drama in every way of the sophisticated type. While it treats of an ultra-modern theme, a husband's mis-step from the straight and narrow, it is done in a manner that few can object to. One remark in the picture (I really don't know the reason for such a remark), "No woman is ever respectable until she is dead," got the big laugh of the show, so perhaps it served its purpose. Drawing power below average. — J. E. Stocker, Myrtle Theatre, Detroit, Mich. General patronage. MR. ROBINSON CRUSOE: Douglas FairbanksHeld attention fairly well. Kids liked it. Business just ordinary. Played May 7-8. — C. C. Griffin, New Piedmont Theatre, Oakland, Cal. Neighborhood patronage. Universal AIR MAIL: Ralph Bellamy— Here is real entertainment, thrills and action galore. Poor draw for box office because of bank holiday. No fault of picture. Played Mar. 4-5.— W. J. Carter, Maxine Theatre, Croswell, Mich. Small town patronage. AIR MAIL: Pat O'Brien, Ralph Bellamy— Excellent. Business 100% for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.— Harry Waldron, Blue Moon Theatre, Oklahoma City, Okla. General patronage. COHENS AND KELLYS IN TROUBLE: Charlie Murray, George Sidney— This one played first part of week, and found it to be well received by the family trade. It creates a lot of laughs and gives better than average entertainment.— W. H. Brenner, Cozy Theatre, Winchester, Ind. General patronage. DESTINATION UNKNOWN: All star— To say the least, it is an unusual picture. There is a fine performance by entire cast. There is no doubt that everyone connected with the making of this picture was serious minded. However, the idea involved is a mighty hard one to handle, and they do not get it across. Business good three days. — W. H. Brenner, Cozy Theatre, Winchester, Ind. General patronage. LUCKY DOG: Charles "Chic" Sale and dogs— How do they have the nerve to pass this kind of junk out to the public? Chic Sale is a marvelous artist in his old man characters, but the press sheet brags about him not being in character in this. In this one he should have hidden himself in character for his own good. Played Apr. 23. Running time, too much.— Joe Hewitt. Lincoln Theatre, Robinson, 111. Mixed patronage. NIGHT WORLD: Lew Ayres, Mae Clarke— Old, but satisfactory. Poor business. — Harry Waldron, Blue Moon Theatre, Oklahoma City, Okla. General patronage. OUT ALL NIGHT: Slim Summerville, Zasu Pitts —Excellent. It kept all the customers laughing from start to finish. iTiis should go over in all spots. Played May 10-11. Running time, 72 minutes.— J. E. Tunstall, Nottawa Theatre, Blackstone, Va. Small town patronage. RUSTLERS' ROUNDUP: Tom Mix— Tom is always a good draw here. Sorry he is leaving the screen. One of his best. Played May 3-4. Running time, 67 minutes.— J. E. Tunstall, Nottawa Theatre, Blackstone, Va. Small town patronage. TERROR TRAIL: Tom Mix, Naomi Judg^Back in outdoor atmosphere deriving a^ hour of clean cut entertainment with the foremost western idol of the screen. Tom Mix as the source of supply portraying a marshal out of retirement appointed by the governor to disperse a band of outlaw cutthroats who had infested a law abiding town, ruled by an undercover man, who had control of law in that territory. Tom takes every opportunity to display his shooting capability, and produces many laugh-laden comedy situations which erase any possible monotony injected during the course of procedure. Attractive Naomi Judge has the feminine lead, with John St. Polls and Raymond Hatton and others equally capable supporting the under structure of the cast. A dependable Universal production. Played May 5-6. Running time, 55 minutes.— William Daab, Lyric Theatre, Shenandoah, Pa. Small town patronage. THEY JUST HAD TO GET MARRIED: Zasu Pitts, Slim Summerville— An entertaining picture. Good comedy and went over good at box office. Ran in connection with "Igloo." Played May 4-5-6. — C. C. Griffin, New Piedmont Theatre, Oakland, Cal. Neighborhood patronage. THEY JUST HAD TO GET MARRIED: Slim Summerville, Zasu Pitts— This one broke the record here, because our folks like Slim and Zasu. It pleased everybody, and the sound was good. We want to thank "Uncle Carl," too, for his live and let live policy as applied to the small town theatre, most of which are having a hard time to keep open. Played May 12-13.— Amuzu ■ Theatre, Inman, S. C. General patronage. THEY JUST HAD TO GET MARRIED: Zasu Pitts, Slim Summerville— A ^ cleverly constructed play in which the humor consiste'd more in the way it was said and in the people who said it than what was said, but the notable thing about this play was the "innermost" novelty in "Strange Interlude" a few nights before. It would seem that "innermost thoughts" may have a place on_ the screen if confined to short phrases or ejaculations as in this case, with added opportunities for humor when the "innermost thought" is the opposite of the spoken word; but by all means avoid the long monologue for the present at least. Think of Hamlet delivering the celebrated soliloquy, "To be, or not to be," as inner