Variety (Oct 1931)

Toesday, October 6, 1931 PICTH E GROSSES VARIETY No Present All Fature, in L Witb'Squaw'$2m'24Ho MatI^ir;Xom^^ Ijos Aiigelea, Oct. G. B)z l9 stIU wild. A flock of iiew blctures coming In should pep up the town next week, hut currently with (■Devotion,' 'Merely Mary Ann' and i^Monkey Bualnees' completing: their runa-T-lncldentally, all lasted only jthree weeks—trade Is Just so-so. . Along with new' picture openings, Ihe new Warner's 'West'ern at Wil- ehlre opens the 7th with 'Alexander Hamilton' In for a run. . 'Consola- tion Marriage' (Radio) goes Into the Carthay, and' the next day-and- dater. at the Chinese-Criterion ' Is .Visco Kid,' starting tomorrow. (6). Downto.wn trade Is moderate at the two major keys;" '24 Hours' at the Par with-$20,000 and the Stiate la likewise with 'Squaw Man' at J23,000. The' Fan In Hollywood with un- ifier $7,600 last week for 'Anierlcan VragedyV witnessed a box-offlce itragedy, probably a record for the Kouse at this time of the year. Biz looks up with $11,000 for 'This Mod- ern Age,'but still no flcsta. Estimates for This Week Carthay Circle (Fox) (1,600; 60- 11.60), 'Devotion' (RKO-Pathe) and presentation band (3d-flnal week). Building, to $8,000 finish. . t^ast week just over $10,000. 'Consolation Mar- rlagd' next. ' Chinese (Fox) (2,028; 60t75), •Merely Mary Ann* (Fox) (3d-flnal week). A weak sister from the etart, under $3,000 on its- blowofC week, brutal. Last, week $6,000. •Cisco Kid' next, opening tomorrow <6), day-and-date with the Cri- terion. Criterion (Fox) (1,600; 36-66), •Merely Mary Ann^ (Fox) (3d-flnal week).. Had better takln's here; With $4,600 6n'flnal week and under $8,500 last wieek. Orpheum (2,270; 26-60), 'Bad Company' (RKO-Pathe). Gangster film, although the .campaign en- deavored to trick up the romance Angle. Poor at under $8,000. Ijast '<2d and final) week of 'E^st of Bor- neo' $6,300. .Pantages (Fox) (2,700; 20-40-66- •0), 'This Modem Age* (M-G) aiid stage show. Biz looked up with $11,000 tills week comptu'ed to under $7,600 last week, for 'American Tragedy,' but current pace no Wow either. 'Caught Plastered' next week. • Paramount (Publix) (3;696; 26- 76), 'Twenty-four Hours' (Par) and stage show. Final week under the Publix operation with $20,000 not bad. ' Hughes-Franklin In command next week, when 'Smiling Lieuten- ant' on second run comes. In follow- ing its $1.60 stay at the Carthay Circle. RKO (2,960; SO-66), 'The Woman fietween' (RKO) and BKO vaude- ville. Oft at $10,000. Last week •Rebound' strong at $13,300. ^ State (Loew-Fox) (2.024; 36-$l), ^he Squaw Man' (M-G) and stage fehow. Fair near $23,000. -Lost week- Laurel and Hardy's 'Pardon Us* Just tinder $26,000, easing oif a bit from a strong start. United Artists (Pub-UA) (2,100; 86-$l), 'Monkey Business' (Par) (Sd week). Under $10,000 and out I>ast week $16,000. 'Palmy Days' next. This is also the final week for the tr.A. under Publix operation, going to Hughcs-Frankiln commencing Oct. 8. Wilshire (Fox) (2.296; 36-60), *Bad Girl' (Fox). Maintaining good average with $6,000. Last week 'Guilty Hands' $6,600. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 26-60), •I Like Your Nervo' (WB). Weak at $8,600, same as last week's 'Side Show.' 'Road to Slngapo're' next. . Hollywood (WB) (2,768; 36-60), 1 Like Your Nerve' (WB). Weak at $9,600, a couple of hundred better than last week's 'Side Show.' Next week 'Singapore' on day-and-date; '^rneo' Over in Seattle, $13,000-Tagan'H000 Seattle, Oct. 6. (Dravying Population, 500,000) Restricted, advertising budget still prevails, with some question as to wisdom, or how long it will stand. Male stars the thing this" week. I:ddle Cantor, Buster Keaton, John Gilbert and Tom Metghan the names.. Orpheum has great lobby display for 'East o£ Borneo' with bamboo, stufCed leopard, tiger, live monks, etc., In lobby, giving electrical Jungle action of marquee. Nice for night sights. Estimates for This Week Paramount (Fox) . (3,106; 26-35- 60)—•Phantofti o£ Paris' (M-G). Looks like slow $8,500. Last week .'Squaw Man' (M-G) only $9,000. _^5th Avonue (Fox) (2,400; 25-35- • CO)—'Sidewalks of New York' (M- \o. N'ot so big. $12,00. La^it week, The IJrat' (Fox). $12,400. Blue IVIoiise (Hamrlck) (900; 26- $8,500 FOR 'SIN' Fair at PrOv. Par—'Palmy'at ^,000 Speed for State . Providence, Oct 6. (Drawing Population,. 316,000) ', Looks like a swell week for. the local picture houses; 'Palmy Days' wlU lead by a substantial figure. Joe Donahue, doing a personal at Fay's, is largely responsible for the biz at that house.; Victory will get Its first decent gross In weeks' with 'Pagan Lady.' Estimates for Thi» Week Leew's State. (3,600; 20-60-76) 'Palmy Days' (UA). House is chias- ing.. a high $20,000. Lost week 'Sidewalks of New York' (M-G), so-so at $12,000.. Majestie (2,200; 16-60) 'Secrets of Secretary' (Par) and 'A Bride for Sale' (Standard). Not up. to usual double features; not likely to go over $9,000. Paramount (2,200; .16-60)' 'My Sin' (Par). I^Hce tor class, trade and should go forward for fair $8,600. Last week 'Monkey Busi- ness' (Par), second week,, good at $7,600. Albee (RKO) (2,500; 15-60)—'Bad Company' (Radio). Nothing to in- dicate house will go over weak $4,- 500. Last week 'Smart Woman' (Radio) $4,000. Victory (RKO) (1,600; ,10-35)— •Pagan Lady' (Col). Moving briskly on strength ot . nice publicity; should-reach at least $4,000, good for this house. Last week 'Sherlock Holmes' Fatal Hour' (English) low at $2,800. Modern (1,400; IStSO)— 'Scare- heiads' (Talmadge), and 'Women Go On Forever* (Tiff), first half; 'First Aid' (World Wide) and 'Maid to Order* lost halt. About $1,400 for week, fair considering house re- opened cold w|th virtually no ad- vance publicity. Fay's (1,600; 15-50)—"Wicked* (Fox) and vaude. Vaude main thing this week, and on strength of Donahue will get a fine $7,000. Last week 'I .Like Your Nerve' (FN) another case of vaude the best; oke at $6,000. K. C. HAS rrS SMILES, TALMY'S'$21,000 DRIVE K.ansas City, Oct. 6. With three outstanding pictures tliere ought to be enough induce- ment to draw the fans to the'first- run district this week. Downtown ' houses - may benefit from the closing of 22 of the leading resldentlals, including all but three ot the Fox Friendlies, over a dispute with the operators* union regarding number of .men In the projection booths. All of the first ruiis have given their pictures extra publicity, and indications point to a real week's business. Last week was another story. 'Young as You Feel,* at the RKO house, got the largest share, with 'Phantom ot Paris' ^oor and 'My Sin' Just fair. Estimates for This Week Loew'a Midland (4,000; . 26-60)— 'Palmy Days' (UA). Customers lin- ing up, a welcome change for the management; picture given extra publicity and plugged from every angle; Cantor great favorite here; close to smash $21,000. Last week 'Phantom ot Paris' (M-G) only' $10,- 000, poor. Mainstreet (3,200;. 26-35-50-60)— 'Bad Girl' (Fox) and vaude. Will be all right at $17,000. Last week ■Young as You Feel' (Fox), $17,800. Newman (1,890; 25-36-^0)—'Five Star Final' (WB). Management had to sell this one, as- titled didn't mean a thing; prospects of very satisfactory $11,000. Last week 'My Son' (Par) good at $10,000. Liberty (1,000 ; 25-60)—'The Spl der' (Fox). Probably $3,000. 35-50)—'Palmy Days' (UA). Oke for two weeks; maybe $6,000 this week. Last week, 'Side Show' (WE) and Winnie Lightner, below usual; only five days doing $2,500. Music Box (Hamrlck) (950; 25- 35-60)—'Pagan Lady (Col). To $4,000. Last week, 'Last Fight' (FN) not bad, held six days for $4,000. Liberty (Jensen - von Herberg) (2,000; 15-30) — 'Naughty Flirt' (FX). Looking to do $5,500. Last week 'Misbehaving Ladles' (FN) did $5,800. Orpheum (RKO) (2,700; 26-50)— 'East of Borneo' (U).—Big play for pict.on $13,000; Last week 'Rebound (Pathe), seemed over sophisticated for this burg; $10,000. Coliseum (Fox) (1,800; 26-35)— •Sky Line' (Fox) and 'Girl Habit' (Fox). Coing fair around $2,800. Last week, 'The Spider' (Fox) and •fp Pops Devil- (Par), split $3,100. $14,000 IN BIRMIMGHAM For 'Bad Ctrl'—'Palmy bays' a Good $3,500 at Strand Birmingham, Oct. 6.' ' (Drawing Papulation, 326,000) It will be the Alabama and Strand again this week. Amateur vaude- ville Friday nights at Temple to compete with previews at other houses. Estimates for This Week Alabama (Publix) (2,800; 26-35- 60)—'Bad Glri' (Fox),' and vaude. Should sweep for as much as' $14,- 000, big.' Last week 'Mary Ann' (Fox) a nice $13,000. Ritz (RKO) (1,600; 26-40)—'De- votion*. . (Pathe) and 'Homicide Squad' (U). Spilt week and another light week, $3,000. Last week 'Bad Company' (Pathe) and 'Rebound' (Pathe) around $2;800. Strand (BTAC) (800; 25-40)— •Palmy Days' (UA). Another good week; town goes for comedy in a big way; may equal last - week's •Street Scene' (UA) on $3,600. Oalax (BTAC) (600; 16-26)— 'Tabu' (Par), and another film yet to be selected on spilt week. Ex- pects to be light, explaining split Lost week 'Men Call It Love' (M-O) Jerked after two days and. 'Range Law' (Tiff) substituted for balance; poor week at $750. Temple (Indie) (2,660; 16-20)— Iron Man* (U) and 'Resurrection* (U). Latter film light for first half, amateur, vaude helping, also Mon- day openings $1,000. Last week 'Everything's Rosle* (Radio) and 'Sinner's Holiday" (WB) tickled the banker, $li200. ' . Penn Fightiiig New Low as Stan Heads For $23,000 on Tinal' - . PltUburgh, Oct. 6. 'Five Star Final,' at the Stanley, looks like, the only real money- maker this week. Mats are off biit it Is getting big night trade and should wind up close td $23,000. Others are all .off. 'Phantom of Paris,' at the Penn, despiite favorable notices, may drop Penn to a new low of $13,500. 'Bad Girl,' however, continues' to show strength In its third week at the Fulton and should pluck $7,000. If it does, a holdover again Is likely. Estimates for This Week Fulton—'Bad Girl' (8d week). Still strong, with indications of. $7,000. Last week (second) Just short of $10,000. ' Hairis—'Big Gamble' (Pathe). Looks like another average $2,000. Last week' double bill, 'Graft' and •Headin' for Trouble,' slightly better at $2,300. Penn-'Phantom of Paris' (M-G). First John Gilbert picture to win favorable notices, but likelihood of film dropping site - to $13,000 or under. Stanley—'Five Star Final' (WB) Rave reviews and night big; should click along to profitable $23,600. Warner—'East of Borneo' (U). Not more than $6,600 likely on ad- venture film. Last week 'Daughter of Dragon' (Par) good at $7,200. N Y. in for Pretty Good Wk, '24 Hrs.'$56Ml at Par and 'Sngapore'$3(^(10(1 on 8 Days •24 HRS.'OKE, $16,000 New Haven Even—VBorneo' $14,500 at Fox-Poli New Haven, Oct. 6. ' (Oravyin PopuUiion, 3<H),000) '■ Weather favorable to good at- tendances and opening of Yale football season brought a few extra customers into town for weekend boost. Buslniess pretty evenly dis- tributed with 'Palniy Days' prob- ably doing.b&st ' Paramount (Publix) (2,363: 66)— '24 Hours' (Par)' and unit Close to $16,000 good. Last, week 'My Sin' (Par) $14,600. Fox Poli (Fox) (3,040; 66)—'East ot Borneo' (U), and uhlt.' Looks like satisfactory $14,600.. Lost week 'Secrets of Secretary' (Par)' mild at $10,200. Roger Sherman (WB) (2,200; 60) ^•Hamilton' (WB). Good at $8,000. Last week 'Five Star Final' (WB) same figure. College (Fox) (1,666; 60)—'Palmy Days' (UA). Headed for big $8,100. Last week 'Phantom of Paris' (M-G) low at $3,400. Bijou (Fox) (1,636; 60)—'Homi- cide Sqiiad* (U), and 'Shanghaied Love.' Should get an okay $4,300. Last week 'Bad Girl' (Fox), second week, on big gamble, got sweet $4,- 800. '24 HRS; AND AUCE STRONG $48^000-6'KLYN Brooklyn. Oct. 6.. Excellent weather with good pic- tures around town. Paramount of- fering '24 Hours' and' Alice White, In person, and will probably do around strong' $48,000. Strand Is drawing fair-sized crowds to look at 'Dreyfus Case' and 'Devotion' at the Albee looks good. Estimates for This Weak Paramount ('24 Hours' (Par) and stage show. (4,000;' 60-^30-26). Critics gave film fair sendoK and Alice White, with admirable exploi- tation meant something; maybe $48,000, fine. Last week, 'American Tragedy' (Par) brought in $50,600, swell. Fox—'Purple Sage' (Fox) and stage show. (4,000; 60-36-26). Should do In vicinity of $24,000. Last week 'Mary Ann' (Fox), 2d week, brought $22,000. Albee—'Devotion' (Pathe) and vaude. Nick Lucas Heading vaude and figures for $24,000; victure holds over. Last week 'East of Borneo' (U) $22,600. not baQ. Loew'a. Met—"Pugan Lady' (Col) with vaude. Around $17,000, week. Last week 'Squaw Man' (fl-G) $18,- 300. Strand — 'Dreyfus Case' (Col). Should do $13,000. Last week, •Bought' (WB) meant strong $22,000. Comeifies Get Best Money in Cbnbs; Marx New Top, $27,400; Cantor Smash Columbus, .Oct. 6. Another above-average week In sight with several strong exploita- tion campaigns and good newspa- per layoyts helping to boost the fig- ures. Exploitation seems to appeal to the villagers and they got plenty this week. The'annual Jubilee hurt sOme, al- though the Palace, with 'Monkey Business' and stage show set a new high at $27,400. Estimates for This Week' Palace—(RKO (3,000; 26-60). 'De- votion,' (Pathe) with Blanche Sweet on stage end heading vaude; good for $16,000. Lost week -Monkey Business' and stage show (Par) $20,000. Ohio—(Loew-0A) (3,074; 25-50). :SidewaIks ot New Yor.k' (Metro) and unit; on way to'pretty $19,600. Last week 'Phantom ot Paris' (Metro)) nice enough $18^000; Broad—(Loew-UA) (2,500; 26-50). 'Palmy Days' (UA). Looks like smash at $15,500. Last week 'Bad Girl' (Fox) with unknown cast, though best'film in town, away oft at $6,800. Grand—(Neth) (1,100; 25-50). 'Huckleberry Finn' (Par) on way to fair $3,300. Last wecH 'The Bargain' (FN) off at $2,760. Majestic—(RKD) 'Pagan Lady' (Col) and 'Women Go On Forever' to about $2,200. Iiast week 'Big Gamble' (Pathe) and 'Salvation Nell' not so good at a little under $2,000. INDIANAPOLIS BETTER, LYRIC STALKS $10,000 , ' Indianapolis, Oct. 6. Current week looks good with pictures a little bit better than usual and cool, weather also helping. Fanchon & Marco unite go into Indiana sooii as house had to do something with vaude back in at the Lyric; " . - Estimates for This Week Indiana (Publix) (3,300; 26-36- 50)—"My Sin" (Par). Should be near $17,000, , Circle (Publix) (2,800; 26-36-60) —'Penrod and Sam' (FN). Kid pull unusual and will reap about $11,000 aided by Tarkington name; ApoJIo (Fourth Ave.) (1,400; 26- 36-60)—•Road to Singapore' (WB). About $8,500; Powell usually at Palace, but change should aid Apol- lo. Ohio (Publix) (1,100; 16-26)— •Salvation Nell' (Tiff). First show- ing in town and may be good $1,200. Loew's Palace (Loew) (2,800; 26- 36-60)—'Palmy Days' (UA). Edging for $8,000 With good chance to build; house has been gaining gradually for some time. Lyric (Fourth Avenue) (2,600; 26- 36-60)—'Arizona' (Col) and vaude. Looks $10,000. Theatre has Jump on others in town through vaude. Ed. Robinson's stay at the Palace: has evidently aided 'Five Star Final' . at the Winter Garden... Film is hold- ing up unusually well, with busihesa. all along' the Street looking pretty good. No comment is heeded as the fig- ures prove the continued prosperity ot holdover films. Two new films , enter this class currently, 'Road to Singapore' and 'Devotion.' In each case star drew is noticeable. Wil- liam Powell film at the Strand dip- ping $30,000 for its opening eight days, while Ann Harding, is hlttlns a similar pace at the Maytalr. The Roxy Is climbing to $64,000- with 'Sob Sister,'- but that's only fair. Capitol, doing a, second -week with 'Free Soiil,' hits at $66,000. When 'Get Rich Quick Walling- ford' hits this Loew emporium Fri- day. (9) William Haines will show personally with the picture. ' First Radio picture, 'Gay Diplo- mat,' to play a -Warner Broadway house, goes into the Warner Fri- day (9) after 'Dreyfus Case' closes - a successful six weeks; The Hollywood' continues well with 'Hamilton' on the fourth week, whllei 'Palmy Days' lost its opening;- smash pace- to slip to a $44,4(10 first week at the Rialto, but that's very good. Second stanza for- Cantor will riin about $32,000, okay. RivoU sheds 'Street Scene' Wed- nesday (7) for 'Monkey Business.' Estimates for This Week Astor (1,120; $l-$2) 'The Guards- man' (M-G) (6th week). Con- tinuing to near capacity with class trade. Capitol (6,400; 26-86-$1.60). 'Free Soul' (2d week) (M-O) and Stage Show. At $66,000 pace on holdover, okay. Big first week for $76,700. Hollywood (1,816; 60-66<-$l) 'Alex- ander Hamilton' (WB) (4th week), Arllss picture holding very well at $26,000. Last week, $33,000. . Paramount (3,664; 40-66-86-$!) '24 Hours' (Par) and Stage Show. Sailing nicely and set for $66,000. Iiast week 'American Tragedy* (Par) took house, to satisfoctdry $62,400. Rialto (2,000; 26-40) 'Palmy DaysT (UA) (2d week). Hitting for $82,- 000, good. - Opening week $44,400, fine but not. quite as strong as hoped for. Mayfair (2,200; 40-$l)—'DevoUon' (RKOrPathe) (1st week). Has $30,°- 000 chance; maybe a'bit under, and due for second week. Last week •East of Borneo' (U) $24,000, okay. Rivoll. (2,200; 40-66-86-$l)—'Mon- key Business' (Par) (Ist week). Opens Wednesday (7), with 'Street Scene' (UA) closing unusually suc- cesisful run by doing $22,000 last week, its fifth. Roxy (6,200; 60-76-$1.60)—'Sob Sister* (Fox) and stage show. Not so forte at $64,000. Last week 'Pitr- ple Sage' (Fox), $61,000. ' Strand (2,900; 26-50t75)— ^Road to Singapore' (WB) (1st week). Hold- ing over at $30,000 gain for first eight days. Last week 'Penrod and Sam' (FN) yanked a day early after a weak $12,000. Warners (1,100; 60-76)—'Dreyfus Case' (Col) (6th week). Closes Fri- day (9) after successful run; now down to $4,000. Last week, $0,000. Radio spots its first feature here In 'Gay Diplomat' next Winter Garden (1,418; 26-8S-$l)— 'Five Star Final' (WB) (4th week). Still above $30,000 at end of first month, flnei Last week $39,000. Tobis-Vanderbill (826; 60-75-$l) —'Die Grosse Sehnsucht' (Cicero) opens Wednesday (7). ' Last week, 'Karamazov' (Terra) only $2,800. - Ufa-Cosmopolitan (1,130; 60-75- $l-$1.60-$2)—'Eln Burschenlled von Heidelberg* (Ufa) (4th week); Not so bad at $3,000 but not good, either. Lost week this German feature polled around $4,600. Broadway (1,900; 35-86-$l)— 'Murder at Midnight' (Tift) (Ist week) and stage show. Eddie t>owItng, 3 Sallora and Ginger Rogers besides Ray Dooley on stage; maybe $19,000. Last week fell to $17,000 with Joe E. Brown's second. week and 'Pagani Lady* (Col). • RKO Theatres' Setup On Adv. and Publicity An advertising-publicity set-up in the field similar to that of the Fox chalii is in . prospect for RKO ' theatres. Three men, Alfred Her- skoVlts, Sam Kopp and Harry Relners, placed on the payroll, are In the New York ofilce under Jack Hesa, with others expected to come In sliortly. Oa probation for a while, they will be sent to key points to replac* mem now In those cltled.