Variety (Oct 1931)

VARIETY PICTURE (CROSSES Tdesday, October 6, 1931 Stoich Bombs Cost McVidiers Gross $4,0i in Refunds, Pace; TakyV $30,m Only Standout Chicago, Oct. 6. Currently In the loop, It's.all tot the stage show houses, with 'only one ran picture theatre Indicating real .8UE^> This one Is the Unlt<ed Artists, where 'Palmy .Days' got underway- on .Saturday. (3). Oft at a steady Jog; It looks capable of 130,000 for a pleasant opener. Other distance houses are. otT, lii hold-over weeks, 'Monkey Business' was hurt Imdly last .week by two consecutive odor bombs on succes-. alve nights, causing refunds and costing the total gross for the week more than 94,000. 'Squaw. Man' goes ajtother week at the Roosevelt , and will be replaced by 'Pardon Us.' State-Lake bought In 'Bad Com- pany* for a quick flU-ln week, until 'Spirit of Notre Dame' heads In next Saturday (10) day and date with the Notre Dame-Northwestern fest at Soldiers Field. Heavy . exploitation figured on. Estimates for This Week Chicago — (Publlx-B&K) (4,000; 60-76-86), 'Road, to Singapore' (WB),''and stage show. First War- ner film for 'William Powell not ex- citing the fans; and will account for only a fair session at $39,000. Last week 'My Sin' (Par) fell away quickly after a good stai't to finish weak at $37,900. ' McVickers — (Publlx-B&K) (2,- 200; 60-76-86), 'Monkey Business' (Par) (2nd week). Opening week hurt badly by stench bomb, but pulled enough oilt of the fire to fin- ish with profitable $38,800. Will gather additional advertising space for another buildup and Indicates 426,000 currently.. Oriental T-(Publlz-B&K) (8,200; 60-76-86), 'Sidewalks of New York^ (MO) and stage ishow. Trlxle Frl ganza and radio act, Clara, Lu and Em, dividing stage honors; but with the Buster Keaton film surprising by meaning something at the . box office.' May hit $80,000. lAst week off with 'Personal Maid' (Par) to weak $26,700. Palace—(RKO) (2,700; 60-76-86), 'Smart Women' (Radio) and vaude. House has built Itself a patronage which holds even , against the weaker layouts. This week nothing startling, but will hold its average to $24,000. Last week 'Big Gamble' (Pathe) managed oke $23;700. Roosevelt-^(PubIlx-B&K) (1.600; EO-76-86), 'Squaw Man' (Fbx) (2hd week)..Will take it on the run after a fortnight and plans to capture fll.OOO after gathering $18,200 for the first stanza. 'Pardon Us' (MG) after much hesitation in on Satur- day (10). State-Lake—(RKO) (2,700; 50-76 86),. "Bad Company* (Radio). Not expected to do more than seven days and maybe $14,000, with Helen Twelvetrees not strong locally. Everything pointed for 'Spirit of Notre Dame' (U) next week, with much hullabaloo. Last week 'Kast of Borneio' (U) took it for $18,600, good. United Artists—(Publix-UA) (1,- 700; 60-76-86), 'Palmy Days' (UA) Expects big enough first week to $80,000,' which means much money, Last week 'Street Scene' (UA) fin ishnd its month's stay to $10,200, ending a great stay. Woods—(Janes) (1,200-76-85) •Murder at Mldiilght' (Tift). Am bllng quietly and will ease In under the wire to an expected $6,000 first week, profitable. 'Dreyfus Case' (Col) slipped after opening week, and out after an eleven day sojourn to $16,100, happy enough. 'Penrod and Sam' (WB) next. ^Ufatchbg All-Negro Unit in Cincy-Looks $23,000 m M Clhclnhatl, Oct. 6. (Dfawlne Population, 700,000) Show circles mostly concerned with the booking of tlie all-negro unit at the Albee this week, with hope gross will indicate one way or another what proximity of Mason- Dixon line means. Film tills will groan this week, with • only aver^. age lineup. Doing exceptional biz, wrestling season opened Frlaay night with theatres deflating some whenever the grunt and groan boys show. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,800; 85-76)— 'Sportinif Blood' (M-G) and vaude. All-negro unit in house that once barred any negro act; being watched as Indicator; Gable In film credited with plenty of expected $23,000, okay; smart booking of rac- ing picture with ' Latonla having opened Saturday. Last week 'Son of Indie' (M-G) grabbed $22,600. Lyric (RKO) (1,350; 80-60)—'De- votion' (Pathe). Tleups, star draw, reviewer smiles all aiding for swell $12,000 prospect. Last week 'E^st of Borneo' (U) worked out lower than figured with $8,000. Palace . (RKO) (2,700; 80-60)— Palmy DAys* (UA). Cantor goes here; with unusual, publicity may get great $20,600. lAst week 'Street Scene' (UA) mighty popular, $18,000. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 30-50)— 'Hamilton' (WB). Very good $12,- 500. Clicking. Last week 'Per- sonal Maid' (Par). . Strand (RKO) (16-35); 1,760) — "Monkey Business' (Par). Second running for nice $4,000. Last week ■Fathoms' (Col) $8,200. Keith's (Libson) (1,610; 25-40)^ Brat' (Fox) and 'Monsters of Deep.' Billed as double feature and oke at $4,000. Last week 'Big .Gamble'rated $3,800. Grand (Erlanger)—'Murder at Midnight' (Till). Will see $4,500. Salvation NelU' last week, $3,000. Family (RKO) (1,140; 15-80)— Branded* (Col) and 'Sky Spider* (Fischer), split. Good $8,000. Same satisfactory: total on 'Sherlock Holmes Fatal Hour* (Standard) and Night Life in Reno' (Standard) last week. "Bad Company' $5,000 Tacoma, Oct. 5 (Drawing Pop., '126,000) Fair attractions holding oke pace this week. Estimates for This Week Orpheum (RKO) (1.500; 25-80)— •Bad Company' (Pathe). With vaude. In split with 'Sherlock Holmes' Fatal Hour' (FD) fair at $6,000. Last week, "Bis Gamble' (Pathe) and 'Smart Women' (Ra dJo) solid, $5,500. Blue Mouse (Hamrlck) (650; 25 36-50)—'Women Go On Forever' (Tif). Looks to do $1,800, slow. Last week 'Sideshow' (WB) fair, Just under $2,000. Rialto (Fox) (1,200; 25-60)— •Mohkey Business' (Par). Vor good for $4,600. Last week 'Bad Olrl' (Fox) around $4,000, good. Miss Wilohinski with Breclier Martha WilchinskI,. former p. for the Roxy theatre. New Toi-k, has taken the press Job with Leo Brecher for Little Carnegie and Plaza theatres. , Miss WilchinskI replaces Milton Pbamberlain, U'sPlotHont Universal CItyi Oct. 6. Still short about 10 stories to use for the new program. Universal Is looking around for suitable plots. Shortage of material was in creased by the Hays office banning Gallows' and 'I<ady of Resource' be Cause of too much gangster stufC. NigK LUCAS "The Crooning .Troubadour" Doubling RKO Albee and WEAF. •^^ARIETT," Sept. 16, said: "NBC has aJready passed the word out to' radio circles that It wouldn't be at all surprised if Liicas emerged to steal the-lime-Ught from both Crosby and Columbo, despite the current fuss over the latter two." Direction, Leo Fitzgerald TakyVHittiiig mOOO ^1^ Balto-Names on Rival Vaude BiDs Devotioii' Is Shoving Keith's for $12,000 Washington, Oct. 6. This staid town Is sticking on Its even keel. If the pictures are there business comes Ini and plenty of it. Currently. Keith's Is attracting the most attention with •Devotion,' week promising to more than .bal- ance rather lean pickings of pre-, ceeding two stanzas. Running on the same plane Is ^Monkey Business' at the Columbia and rFlve Star Final' constituting the runner up. Houses with stage shows are glad they have 'em* Estinutes for This Week Columbia (Loew) (1^323; 26-36- 60) 'Monkey Business (Par). Will do good $12,000. Last week, second of 'Street Scene' (UA), down to' $6,- 000; picture did not do so well here. Earl (2,000; 26-66) 'My Sin' (Par) and vaude. Will ease over $20,000, okay. Last week FIfl Dorsay on stage credited for the bigger portion of $23,000 with 1 Like Your Nerve' (FN). Fox (Fox) (2,434; 12-26-35-60) 'Skyline' (Fox) and stage show. With Raquel Torres and magician in person will hit about nice $23,000. Last week .'Magnificent Lie' (Par)- $21,000. Metropolitan—"Five Star Final' (WB). Headed for fine $11,000. last week, second for 'Hamilton'' (WB) $8,000. . Palace — 'Daughter of Dragon' (Par) and stage show. Will get fair $18,600^ Last week 'Squaw Man' (M-G) $22,000. - Rialto—'Pagan Lady' (Col). May- be $10,000. Last week 'Homicide Squad' (U) $9,500. Keith's (RKO) (1,876; 35-60) 'De- votion* (Pathe). Will get a good $12,000. lAst week 'Smart Woman' (Radio) did a slim $7,000. Montreal Has Tale Of Woe—Sock Names $33,000 in 3 Honses Montreal, Oct. 6. (Drawing Population, 600,000) Outstanding good films are going begging, although not' faced by any special opposition. This week there is JLiaurle and Hardy's full length and Constance Bennett- at the Capi- tol, the Marx Brothers are at the Palace and Ronald Colman is at .the Princess. In ordinary weeks this would mean $50,000 for these three houses, but these days .it looks more like $38,000 for this trio. City is harder hit. thaii most in Canada with loss or cutting of divi- dends and with almost wholesale slashes In salaries, in addition to closing of big industrial plants. In some districts the nabes are in good shape, biit ln the working sections '|hey are deep in the red with some closings.^ either obout to haippen or. a fact. Estimates for This. Wisek Hts Majestyn (CT) (1,600; 60- 2.60)—'Elizabeth the Queen' (legit). Elliabeth Rlsdon will have a fol- lowing here and may gross around $7,000. Last week 'As Tou Desire Me' about $6,000. Palace (FP—(2,700-76). 'Monkey Business*. (Par). Marx Brothers popular and mats at this house uniformly good; may be $11,000. liBSt week 'Common La'w* (Pathe) fell oft to around $12,000. Capitol (FF)—(2,700; 60). 'Pardon Us' (MG) and •Easiest Way (MG). Liable to lead the parade on $13,- OOO. Last week 'Millie' (Radio) and "W. Plan' (British) not much bet- ter than $10,000. Loew's (FP)—(3,200; 86-60). 'Daughter of Dragon' (Far) and vaude. Should hold to average at $12,000.' Last week 'Great Lover' (MG), $11,000. Princess (CT)—(1,600; 35-60). Unholy Garden' (UA). Ronald Col- man okay here and should dO $9,000. Last week second of 'Street Scene' (UA), $6,500. Imperial (FP)—(1,900; 26-40). Many a Slip* (U) and 'HeUbeni for Frisco' (TIK). May gross $3,000. lAst week •White Shoulders* (Col) and 'Should a Doctor Tell' (BrlUsh) average at around $2,800. Cinema da'.Paris (Ind)—(600; 26- 60). 'Mephisto' (French). A HtUe different and' seems to be attr«ict- ing; may.gross $2,000. Last week 'Malson Jaune de Rio' (French) around $1,600. 1l[onkey^H.O.inPtld.,$19,(IOO,2Wks Big; Exploiting Shwts to Build Up Portland, Ore.. Oct. 6. (Drawing Population, 400^000) Short subjects with names, click- ing titles or subjects of special in- terest being used more and more by all houses to build up programs. Shorts come in for exploitation and sales appeal. Fox Paramount adopted regular policy of exploiting shorts with names or unusual subject matter. Figured extra.biz last week from 'Hell Below Zero.' Also got extra biz from 'Singing Waters,* locally made scenic short of merit. House has F&M stage shows, but is play- ing up Us shorts as special features. Fox Broadway has been clicking on Bobby Jones golf shorts, but the series has been too long to sustain interest. Noii-golfers object. RKO Orpheum setting the exploita- tion pace and getting results. This week has 'Rebound' (Pathe), doing nicely In spite of strong opposlsh. La-st week's 'Flft.v Fathoms Deep' (Col) also answered to exploitation for okay results. United Artists did poorly with 'Pagan Lady' (Col) last week, but picking up this week with 'My Sin' (Far). Biz is still bel9w standard for this house. ' Fox-Paramount got extra biz from direct competition last week by holding mldnlte football matinee, prior to big game. Figure the mat was worth an extra $600. After .struggling with the Rialto for nearly a year, since being taken over from. Fubllx, Fox West.Coast folded the house for pictures and leased it to Bill McCurdy for legit stock, which opened this week with Jetta Goudal guesting. House name is changed back to the Hellig. Estimates for This Week Paramount (FWC) (3,600; 25-60), 'Personal Maid' (Par) ■ and F&M stage show. Doing nicely and should connect for good $12,000. Last week ■The Brat'-^^ (Fox) was fair at $10,600 . Broadway (Fox-Portland) (2,000; 25-60), .'Monkey Business' (Par) Held over and this second week may get $8,000 after walloping first week of $11,000. Orpheum (RKO) (2,000; 25-60) 'Rebound'. (RKO-Pathe). Answer- ing to good exploitation and should get $10,000 if it doesn't slide. Last week 'Fifty Fainoms Deep' (Col) fair for $7,500. United Artist» (Fox-Portland) (1,200; 25-60), .'My SIrt' (Par) Starting fairly and should finish at $5,000. Last week 'Pagan Lady' (Col) failed to get going and poorly at $3,500. Music Box (Hamrlck) (2,000; 25- 35), 'Five Star Pinal' (WB). Likely to prove a winner; In line for good $6,000. Last week 'Side Show' (WB) did fairly at $4,200. Heilig (McCurdy) (2,000; 60-$l) First wecl< of new legit stock season has Jetta Goudal as' guest star. Opening week, 'The French Doll looks good for about $5,500.' MINN. FALLING AWAY, mm* BEST-$8,000 Minneapolis, Oct. 6.' (Drawing Population, SOO,0(K)) The going Is getting tougher. Even the outstanding pictures aren't clicking as well as they should while the ordinary stuff gets nowhere. Despite the gloomy out- look. United Artists io splurging on the reopening of the Pantages under Its management with 'Palmy Days,' Oct. 14. Best picture bet of current week seems to be 'Star Witness,' at the State. 'Bought,' at the Minnesota, opened very disappointingly and will labor under the handicap of ad- verse notices. Audience reaction, however, very favorable. Estimates for This Week Minnesota (Publlx) (4,200; 75) 'Bought' (WB) and Unit. Con- stance Bennett no great gun as draw here; looks about $24,000, fair. Last week 'Monkey Business' (Par), $28,200, good. Orpheum (RKO) (2,890; 60)—"Bad Company' (Pathe) and vaude. Helen Twelvetrees isn't much of a attrac- tion here: maybe $10,000, mediocre. Last week 'Fifty Fathoms Deep' (Col) around $10,600. Tate (Publlx) (2,200; 60)—'Star Witness' (WB). Corking advertis Ing campaign and film's merit bring- ing 'em In; may top $8,000, gOod. Last week 'Personal Maid' (Par) about $8,000. Lyric (Publlx) (1,300; 35)—'Sky- line' (Fox). Win do well to reach $3,000, ordinary. Last' week 'Side Show' (WB) about $3,200, fair. Seventh Street (RKO) (1,400; 40) —'Pagan Lady' (Col), 'Too Many Cooks' (RKO), split. Lucky to get $2,800, mediocre. Lost week 'Big Gamble' (Pathe), and 'Mother's Mil lions' (U) about $3,000. Aster (Publlx) (900; 25)—'Night Life in Reno' and 'Penrod and Sam' (FN) spilt. Probably $1,000, medi- ocre. Last week'Goldle' (Fox) and 'I Like Your Nerve' (FN), about $1,200. Grand (Publlx) (1,100; 26)—'Mod em Age' (M-G). Stays entire week for second. loop run; should hit $1, 600, good. Last week 'Sporting Blood' (M-G) and 'Young as YoO Feel' (Fox) split, around $1,800. Baltimore, Oct. 6. | (Drawing Population, 850,000) > Appearance of screen headllncra on tho rival vaude bills continues. This week the Century has Bill Haines In person, while tho Hippo- drome features Flfl Dorsay, at the same time holding over Ted ! Joyce, former m. 'c. at this Loew house. No other houses scheduled, to go combo. Ford's open and has the legit . field as a 'solo. Maryland theatre; has scattered bookings and ' dra« matlo rep troupe underlined. Ex*, cepting coiiicerts at Lyric ho other Indoor competition' to the screens lii slghtt . . Biz largely oh the up-trend with the two big Loew 'houses, Stanley; and Century, cotttlnuing. in lead.' 'Wallingford' looks headed for money at the latter, whlTe 'Palmy Days' should dick at the Stanleyi 'Caught Plastered'! looks okay at the New; Winnie Llghtner in 'Slda Show' should get trade at Keith's. 'Monkey Business' looks like busl-' nesa day and dated at 'Valencia and. Parkway. Estimates for Tltis Week Century (Loew)—'Get Rich Quloic Wallingford' (3,200; 26-60). Opened Friday for 1,600 turhaway at night, Haines got two and one-halt min- . utes' reception. Combo, of Haines on screen and Haines In person flg^ ured to boost gross to at least a very good $26,000. 'My Sin,'' last week got good draw expected, Ra-.' quel Torres on stage okay at $22,000. Stanley (Loew)—'Palmy DayiC. (8,600; 26-60). While feature pic- tures with a comic slant fall to' crowd *em In at the mats up here,, the nights are big. This one shouliS gross good $23,000. 'Five Star Final*-, last week, got great notices andt more biz than expectisd by at least a grand, grossing very good $22,00Oa- excellent for a. newspaper film. Rivoli (Wllson)r-^'Traveling Hua< bands* (2,100; 26-60). Up against) stiff opposition and probably won't' cross pretty good $7,000. 'Broads minded' last week didn't come- up toi. b. o. expectations, grossing Just: $7,000. > Keith's (Schanbergers)' — S id 4 Show* (2,600; 26-50). LIghtner poP'* ular at uptown Met last season an4 should carry - her dra'W downtowoif Maybe good $9,t)00. 'Daughter of th» Dragon' last week no riot at. $7,000. ; Auditorium (Schanbergers)— 'Voice of Israel' (1;600; 26-60). Ap- peal largely racial. Surprise as hold* over. Maybe average $6,000. Sama film last week got about same amount. ■ _ Hippodrome (Rappaport)—"GrafP and vaude. (2,600; 26-60). With ad. vent of cool weather biz upgradeit Ted Joyce stage holdover. If last- week's momentum Is . maintained should do a very g.ood $13,000. 'Men Are Like That' and vaude last week excellent $13,600. Valencia (Loew)—'Monkey BusU ness' (1,600; 26-35). Looks like al' good week for this comic. Should gross good $3,600. 'Street Scene' last week accounted for good $3,800. Parkway (Loew)—'Monkey BusN ness' (1,000; 26-36). Should prov* good card at this .uptown stand. Say $4,800, 'Street Scene' last week drew well, as expected, $4,100. New (Mechanic)—'Caught Plas- tered* (1,800; 26-60). Comic team should get good $10,000. 'Wicked' lost week' not tilg. Just fair, at $7,000. Hamilton's $9,000 Is OK for Denver Aladdin Denver, Oct. 5. Old times at the Aladdin with 'Alexander Hamilton* having side- walk standouts and house pointed toward big week. Picture made to order for patronage here. 'East of' Borneo' is bringing the Tabor back to normal. Combination of Eddls • Cantor on screen and Ruth Roland on stage will put Dehver above normal. Huffman's Aladdin (1,500; 36-50- 76) 'Hamilton* (WB). A fine $9,000. Denver (Publlx) (2,300; 26-36i 65) 'Palmy Days' (UA) and Unltj Should do excellent $18,000. Last week. $15,800 turned In by-'My Sin- (Par). „r Paramount (PublU) (2,000; 25- 35-50) 'Penrod and Sam' (FN). Oft at $'r,000. Rialto (Publlx) (1,040; 25-3o-50) . 'Murder at Midnight' (Tift). About $2,700, okay. Last week 'Monkey Business' (Par), $3,000'after pliiJ'- Ing the Par. ' , . Huffman's Tabor (1,900'. :3-.16- 50) 'East of Borneo' (U). Cooil at $10,000. Last week 'VValciloo Bridge' (U), $8,000, fair. . New Fox Opens I . Hackensack, N. J., Oct. 5. • Neyv Fox theatre here opened ^ Saturday (3). Flaying all films.