Variety (June 1932)

Tumdaj, June 7, 1932 F I cm RE CROSSES rARBETr *hW Weak at London Empire And 'Expertt^ Only Does 1 Wk.; Iiondbn.' June 6. HlghllghtB of thiB ;week are the continued smash of 'Shanghai Ex- press' still hpldlhgr tO: mark of $12,- 0(H) In 1 J 12th week, a record, and the unqualified flop of 'The Expert.' Derby week was a disappolntmeht Beneralljr. low grosses, being at- tributed to a dearth of outstanding releases. , y, - ■; .: £ltiinates'for Last Week :' (At current rate of sterling ex- ■ ■ /■ change) - . ' .; Academyr-'Madchen In Uniform/ In its sixth wefrk aiid still averaging $6,000, big for this 600-seater. Sub- ject lE( good for another month to all appearahcfes.; * Capitol—'Rue Morgue' (U). Slipped oft to $6,600 -.7lth 'Bujlness ^nd Pleasure,' current, replacing. Empire — 'Polly of the Circus' (M-G). At |2S,OO0 one of the lowest totals lately for this ace spot. 'Lietty Lynton' (T*%G) replaces. Marble Arch — 'Good Night, Vi- enna.'' Near $6,000 satisfactory In view, that date is the fllih's second pre-release and its I2th .week in the. West End. New Gallery—'The Expert' (WB), Opened weakly and management promptly revived 'Rookery Nook' to support it for double bllK ' Adver- tisements making it plain that the Chic Sale.fllm is the lesser item of the program.' First week under. $6,000 leading to the eliminaitlon of •Expert' and "Rppkery Nook' hold- ing over, Carlton — 'Shanghai Express' (Par). In its 14th week, record run for house. Continues to pile up s^round $12,000. Run ends this week jyith •Man I Killed? (Par) in June 9. .Plaza—'First Mrs. FraserV (Ster- ling Films). About $13,000, and •^ky Bride' (Par) current. ; . Regal—'Crowd Roars' (WB). Dur- ing Its fortnight averaged $9,000, fllin giving way to 'Beauty and Boss' (FN). Rialto—'II Est Charniant.' In Its fifth week aind still running along at $41600, German musical 'Ronny' takes its place June 10. Tivoli—'Lost Squadron* (Radio). X>ld $10,000 a week with 'Melody of Ijlfe' replacing after a fortnight. Management expresses confidence new entry will hold for a month. FAY'S PROV. ST. mM WITH TWO FOR $6,000 Providence, June 6. Show business here Is still more br less upset. Fay's theatre, which has been operating with vaudfllm for 16 years, switched to. straight pictures last Saturda}^'(4). Claims the change is for the summer only. House is the only one in town not ibquipped with a cooling system. Double featured will be shown at the theatre hereafter and places it In -direct competition with the Ma- jestic, Fay's ace picture house. . Garbo is at the State this week and is expected to lead the town by a wide margin. The Albee, now ■ the v>nly vaudfllm spot, is figuring on second place. Little competition from the other stands. . Estimates for This Week RKO Albee (2;306; 15-50-60)— •For the Defense' (Gol) and vaiide. Should give this hou$e at least $i3,- OOO; lower than what it has been crossing but fair at that. Last week 'Radio Patrol' (Radio) okay at close to $8,900. Fay's (2,000; 15-60) 'Ferguson Case' (WB) and South of 'Rio Grande' (Col). Sort of soft-pedalling change to straight film; may hit $6,000 low but better than hoped ' for. Last week 'Midnight Patrol'. (Mon) and vaude oke at $6,500: toew's State (3,700; 20-50-76)— .•Desire Me' (M-G). First time in weeks house has any kind of a' crowd around; close to $17,000. 'way up.. Last week 'Flesh Is. Weak' (M-G) skidded and $9,200, off. Majestic (Fdy) (2,200; 15-50)— .Two Seconds' (WB) and Street of Women (WB). Word of mouth may drop this one close to $6,500, bad. Last week 'Rich Always with Us' just managed $7,300, fair. . Paramount (2,200; 15-50)—'Com^ mandmcnts' (Par). Too many raps and bad at $3,000. Last week 'Clara Deane' (Pflir) average at $5,300. ,.RKO Victory (1,600; lO-W— 'Death Valley' (U) and 'Honor of Press" • (Centin-y). Close to $2,500, not l.alf bad. Last week 'Love Bound' (Pperles.i) and 'P/order Dev- ils* (Artcla.ss) oft at $5,300. PORTLAND BIZ FAIR Orph's Splits $6,000-^'Huddle' Is $12,000 Possibility . Portland, Ore.. June 6. . Orpheum with Its new isplit week policy, has dropped admlsh to a 35 cent top evenings. But biz still spotty depending on product. This week will be fair all around. . Exploitation of all houses at: its lowest ebb curtently. Ted Gam- ble takes over .managennent of J. J. Parker's Fox-Portland theatres, re- placing Chas. E. Couche, who may go. Indie. Gamble will manage his Rialto (indie) on the side. Estimates For This Week Paramount (Fox-Portlahd) (3,000; 26t60)— 'Huddle' (M-G) and unit: Going okay for posisible $12,000<' Last week 'Letty Lyntoh*; (M-G) biggest since last July, '$16,OftO, aided by free auto stunt. United Artists (Fox-Portland) 1,000; 25-35) — 'Vivlenne Ware' (Fox). Going okay for around $4,000. Last week 'Fellow Needs A Friend' (M-G) $3,500. Orpheum (RKO) (2,000;• 25 to 35) -'Roaohouse Murder*.. (Radio) iand 'Race Track' (Tiff)' split About $6,O0O, fair this week. Last week 'Radio Patrol' did $6,700 in four days, pretty fair. Oriental (Hartrlck) (2,600; 25-35) —'Tenderfoot' (WB). Looks in line for moderate $5,600. Last week ^Two Seconds' (WB) $6,000. , , Music Box (Hamrlck) 2,000; 26- 36)—"Midnight Patrol* (Mono). Not bad at $3,600. Last week 'Heart of N^w York' (FN) $3,200. Quit Rmnors Drape PUDy; Hast $30,000 On Neat Combo Bin Philadelphia, June 6. Outside of the little houses de- voted to "art" pictures; business is Just about as bad here now as it has ever befen. Closing of the Boyd and Keith's, figured, sure/to help, hasn't Improved things' enough. Mastt^um's reported closing isn't official; instead house Is on a week- to-week basis. Equally persistant reports; ha.ve the Fox dropping*its stage shows for the hot months. Ed Lowry, m.c. at this house for two months, ends his engagement this week. This , week'js attractions face scorching midsummer weather. "Street pf Women" at the Mast- baum, plus Mitzl Green in person and the Trank an^ Milt Brlttoli band, should be catching some trade on merits of bill but isn't. Lucky if it gets SSO.OOO on the week. Stan- ley's indl<iations are weak for 'Clara Dean,' but a possible exception to gloomy prospects is 'Molly Lout- vain,' booked in tomorrow (Tues- day) at the Stanton after consid- erable censorship trouble. Estimates for This Week Mastbaum (4,800; 35-50-75) — •Street of Women' (WB) and stage show. Show deserves more but lucky to get $30,000. Last week 'Huddle' (M-G), $36,000, hardly fair Stanley (3,700; 35-50-75)—'Clara Deane' (Par). Not so forte and un- likely to hold over. Maybe $11,000. 'Letty Lynton' (M-G) down to $12,- 000 in second week> last week. Not bad considering. Chestnut (1,300; 50-$1.50)—'Grand Hotel' (M-G). Way off again after spurt. About $16,500 last week. Final fortnight. Stianton (1,700; 25-66)—'Molly LoUvaln' (WB). Delayed here by censors. Opens tomorrow (Tuesday). Last week 'Night Court' (M-G), $7,- 000, weak. Earle (2,000; 25-65) — 'Night World' (U) ^nd vaude. Less than poor $12,000 likely. . 'Young Bride' (Radio), $14,000, last week. :Fox (3,000; 35-50-75)—'Strangers Of Evening' (Tiff) and stage show. Farewell week f6r Ed Lowfy as m. c. Di-smal $13,000 foreca.st. L-aat week 'Society Girl' (Fox) fairly good $16,000. Karlton (1,000: 50>—'So Big' (WB). Maybe $3,500. 'Tenderfoot*. (WB), $4,000. fairly good, la.st weo'k. Arcadia (600 ; 50)—'Wet Parade' CM-f;). Xot fisured film for house and $2,300 Indicated for second downtoA4-n showing. Last wcok Tleah Is Weak' (M-C) a bit over $3^000. Keh; Whitmore Out at Fox Hollywood, June 6. Ken Whltmore, Fox studio p. a., was let out Saturday (4V. He was nr.st asst. to Vic Shapiro, Desire Me' Only Holds Own, $9,000, New Haven New Haven, June 6. From now on houses will have to battle the beaches. Roger Sherman is playing up the Barrymore name ov«r title of 'State's Attorney' this week, and Garbo filih at the Poll is due to snare lion's share of town's biz. ■: Estimates for This Week Paramount (Puhllx) (2,353; 35-65) —'Reserved for Ladies' and. Harlem Hot Shots revue will see $9,600, pasisable. Last, week 'Sinners in Sun' (Par). and unit, fair $10,500. Poli (Arthur) (jj,040; 36-60)—"De- sire Me' (M-G) and 'Strangers of Evening.' Should go to okay $9,000. Last week 'Attorney for' Defense' and 'Night World' a satisfactory $8,500. Roger Sharinan . (WB) (2,200)— 'State's Attorney' and 'Heart of New York.' Will probably Just pull through at close to $6,000. Last week 'So Big' aind 'Tenderfoot' not so hot,' $6,600. College (Arthur) (1,665; 35-SO)— 'Night Court' and 'Young Brid^;* May brace to moderate $2,600. Last week 'Feller Needs a Friend' and 'Destry also $2,500. Garbo's $75,000 B way Standout; Tassi^'I^ 'Commandments' Only 10 Dayj PEPLESS MONTREAL $11,000 f.!. .'Fr«ak.''and $10,000 f«r British Film This Week AS FOX HITS $12D0 Seattle, June 6. Biggest news of this week is the reg policy: whjch starts at the Fox with stage band presentations and a featured organlist. Opening pic is in the bag, 'Letty Lynton.' Craw-^ ford again is proving her draw with a smash $12,000. In spite, of the warm weather, folks are turning out to see the new policy In action. Jack CrawfoTd leads.the Fox band, with a cPuple of acts (dance team aind songbird), working with the band.. Bob West Is at the organ and opening Impression very fa,vor- able by both the band and organ. Bi-weekly change at the Orph is :someththg new for this burg and too early yet to note Its effect. Fifth Aye. feiaturing Raauel Tor- res In person, not so hot. Estimates for This Wieek Fifth Ave. (FWC) (2,300; 25-60)— 'Clara Deane' (Par) and F & M stage show. Raiquel Torres helping along, but $8,600, rather islow. Last week - 'Huddle' (M-G), Ramon Navarro pleasing, Was fair at $9,000. Orpheum (RKO) (2,700; 26-36- 60)—'Radio Patrol' (RKO) and 'The Menace' (Col) In split week, with Nick Lucas heading vaude first half; California CoUeglates, 2d half, Mild $6,000. Last week, 'Night World' (U) and 'Roadhouse Murder' (RKO). Had to combait outdoors over the double holiday, so $6,300 not BO worse oonsidering. Fox (FWC) (3,100; 25-35-50)— 'Letty Lynton' (M-O) and stage show. Everything new at this house; new policy, new prices, new manager, organist and band,' so folks are turning, in to look 'em over. Excellent $12,000 Is c^lso a hew' sort of nifty biz. Last week, second and final week of 'Grand Hotel' (M-G) slumped to $7,000. Liberty (Jensen-von Herberg) (2,000; 10-15-25)--'Whistlln' Dan' (Tif) with Clyde Cook short. Ken Maynard billed heavily; $5,000 okay. Last week, 'C!ounty Fair' (Monogram) not- bad at $4,600. Music Box (Hamrlck) (900; 26- 36-50)—'Tenderfoot' (FN). Liked for fair $4,000 pace. Last week, 'Mouthpiece' (WB) Bllpped, $3,000 Blue Mouse (Hamrlck) (950; 15- 25)—'Behind the Mask' (Col). $.2,600. good. Last week 'Street of Women' (WB). $2,400. Coliseum (FWC) (1,800; 15-30)— 'Young America* (Fox) and 'She Wanted a MlMlohalfe* (Fox). 'New price policy brings more in number but less In cash; $2,000, fair. Last week 'Sky Devils' (UA) and 'Room 13' (Fox), $1,600. LESS HEAT HELPS . Tacoma, June 6. New vaude plan at the Orpheum is catching on only mildly for the hot weather is cutting in. ■'Less opposition in town this week helps the. ace spots generally. Estimates for This Week Orpheum (RKO) (1,500; 25-35-50) —'Tenderfoot' (FN) and 'Roadhouse Murder' (Rad) in split week, vaude both halves. Good $5,000. Last week 'State's Attorney* (RKO). and 'Molly Louvain* (WB) not so bad" at $4,700; holiday and opting weather hurting. • Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (650; 15- 25)—'Destry Rides . Again'. (U). Slightly off at $2,000. Last week 'Scarfaee' (UA), okay at $2,750. Rialto (FWC> (1,200; 25-35)—'Man About Town' Fox); two days; 'Sin- ners in Sun' (Par), ,and 'Paris SlcfMJs' (Fox), 'double bill fof two day.s, then 'Clara i>eane' (Parj, throe day.-j. Light^with $2,500. l^mt wpck 'Dancers in Dark* (Par), 'Room !.•{' (I'^ox), 'Working Glrl.s' (Par), and 'Huddle* (M-G),-oke at $3,^00^ Montreal^ June 6. Faced by a two months' dumimer season last year, every main stemi house went in the red, a general reorganization goes Into'effect this week with pay slashes for all em- ployes knd a ;nuinber' of layoffs, some of which mtiy be: oiily tem- porary; Currently the only sure, profit In sight for the week is the third week of 'Grand Hotel* (film) ait His Ma- Jesty*s. Despite . heavy . censor slashing did $10,000 in the second week. Palace Is trying its luck with 'Michael and Mary' (British), which, doesn't look like anything Put of the way. L.ew's may get by with 'Freaks* and vaude, and the Capitol, has its usual brace, but all three will struggle. Estimates for This WmU His Majesty's (CT) (1,900; 50- $1.60), 'Grand , Hotel' (M-G) (3d week). Will hold up. lASt week $10,000. Palace (FP) (2,700; 76), 'Michael and Mary' (British). Cannot see much above $10,000 for thlis week. Last week 'Letty Lynton' (M-G) $11,600. Had poor Sunday spoiled by naval and militairy tournament. Capitol (FP) (2,700; 60), 'Cla. a Deane* (Par) and 'Misleading Lady' (Par). Hot wea:ther„wIU r.-.ake a dent here and likely $9,000. Last week 'Flesh Is Weak' (M-O) and Impatient Maiden' (U) also around $9,000. . Loew's (FP) (3,200; 35-60), 'Freaks' (M-G) and vaude. Might run to weak $11,000. "World and Flesh* (Par) last week $12,500. Princess (CT) (1,600; 36-60), •Shopworn' (Col) and 'High Speed' (Col). Maybe $6,500- Last'week 'Carnival' (British) anc 'On Ap- proval' (British) picked vn on star's winning of Derby, with the curious coming in to see Tom Walls, Lifted to $7,500. imperial (FP) (1,900; 26-40), 'Miche' (Par; French). Cannot, see anything above $2,600. Last week 'Les as .du Turf' .(French) and 'Blanc Comme Nelge' (French) $2,000', Cinema de Paris (Ind) (600 ; 25 50), .'Pour un Sou d'Amour' (French). Around $1,500. Last week 'Les Cinq Genaleman Maudits' (French) $1,200. 'Haiii2iRimWQrrie$ Others by Nightly 2d Hand Auto Giveaways Birmingham, June 6. A second run house is causing some of the first runs a load of grief. ' Continued good business at the Temple at 16 and 20 cents is the point. For the past two weekg stage shows have even been added at no increase in scale, but the talent has been dropped this week. . But that's not the end. of it. The Alabama last fall boasted a 'Pros- .perlty' month during which time four hew automobiles Wrere given away. Now the Temple comes out with its own 'Super Prosperity week by giving away a second-hand auto- mobile at every 9 o'clock show. Empire resumes stage shows this week and will be the only one In town. House playing indepchdeht acts. Estimates for This Week Alabama (Publlx) (2.800; 25-86- 50) iHuddle' XM-G). Not likely to crack any icebergs, $8,000. Last week Garbo surprised in 'Doplre Me' (M-G) and got a neat $8,700. Empire (ETAC). (1,100; 26^50) 'Mouthpiece' (WB) and vaude. Fair enougli on $5,500. Last week 'Polly of Circus' (M-G) $3,000, bad- . Ritz (RKO) (1,600; 25-40) 'FPr the Defense' (CoD. Lowe fans will push 'em up, $3,800. Last week 'Night World (U) disliked and very low, $3,200. Strand (BTAC) (800; 20-30) 'Amateur Daddy' (Fox). Average wcsk likely, $1,700.. Last week, 'Chan's Chance* (Fox) $1,500. ■ Galax (BTAC) (500; 15-25) 'Young America*. (Fox) and 'Rac- ing Youth* (U) apUt. At $«00. Last week '.Strugtjle' (UA.) Jerked after two days; 'Beauty and Boss' (WB) subbed and clicked, $750. Temple (Indie) (2,050; 15-20) 'Ky.cs of World' (Ins) 'Aloha' (Tiff); •fJirl Crnzy' (Pvadlo) 'Mlllii.'' (Radio); 'Blaze of Olory' (.'^ono). 'BnemiP.s of Law' CBpIc). Double f(;aturc.s changed every two wcdcs. (JrosfB outBtanding this week he-. cause of Jilghlly free .^utos, $3,100. HPt weather, with a hint thait It's here to stay, is devitalizing the bis lane's boxofilces. ; Xione . excep.tioa withstanding the onslaught Is'th« Capliol. With the hew Garbo pic- ture, 'Desire Me' it holds up stoutly. Will do around $76,000 or a bit bet- ter weather or no. . . Street's general business is badly off. The Roxy,'with a two weeks' provisional notice up, may set. » new low at $25,000, Denial of re-; ports of house closing is a:ccom-v panled by. the explanation that Harry : G. Kosclji. receiver, wa* forced to notice through istlpulatloa by coiirt on : receivership matter; Notice .effective June 16. Currently the Roxy unwinds a foreign-mad«, Monte Carlo Madness' (Ufa). Parampunt's ticket machines also won't nieed much oiling this week. House win touch a dujl $35,000 with 'Strangers of Evening' (Tiff) 'and 'Rhapsody in Black,' colored must-, cat tab. ■^Scarface^' on its third week, shapes, a possible $26,000 all right. Picture stays indefinitely here, de- cision being to hold It as long aa doing over $10,000 a week. : The Rivbll dives deeply oh initial week of .'Forgotten Commandments which opened Thursday (2) and looks for orily $12,000. Picture do- ing so badly it'll vam Friday night (10), letting in .'Doomed Battalion' the following morning. This is ah outside U exhibit, first bought by Publlx for either Rialto or Rlv In some time. Another new one,- 'Dark Horso^ (FN) opens tomiorrbw night (Wednesday) at the Winter Garden succeeding 'Two Seconds' after * three weeks' tenancy. Estimatst for This. Week Astor (1,102; $l-$2)~'Gran:d Ho- tel' (M-G) (8th week). StUl dolnff pretty well but agency sales com-, pletely gone. Capitol (6.400; 26-85-$1.60)—'Daf sirie Me' (M-G) and stage show. Garbo piill will lure a big- $75,000. Last week 'Night Court' (M-d> pretty mild $46,000. Paramount (3,664; 40-66-85)—' 'Strangers of Evening* (Tiff) and stage show. Neither this one or current stage show, condensed 'Rhapsody in Black,' Lew Leslter musical headed by Ethel Waters, saving house from pitfall; maybA $35,000 and low. Last week Tor the Defense' (Col), with Mary Brian, Ken Murray, George Raft on ros- trum, a pretty good $60,000. : Rialto (2,000; 46-65-85) —'Scar- face' (UA) (3d week). At $26,000, nice. Second week was $38,000. Mayfair (2,200; 36-66-86-$l) — 'Westward Passage' (Radio). Ann Harding name not evidencing any obvious lure; at only ' $12,000 ° not good. Previous seven dayer. Night World' (U) a sour $10,700. Rivoli (2,200; 40-66-86-$l)—'For- gotten Commandments' (Par). On first week lucky if doing $12,000. Departs Friday (10) to let In 'Doomed Battalion'' (U) fPUowing morning. Roxy (6,200; 50-75-$1.60)—'Monte Carlo Madness' (Ufa) and stage show. May set new low of $26,000. House's future uncertain. Previous picture, 'Man About Town* (Fox), $44,000, off but be'tter than most re- cent figures. Strand (2.900; 35-60-75-$l)— 'Weekend Marriage' (FN). . Slugr giflh at $14,000. 'Street of Women' (WB) a little better last week, $16,500. Winter Garden (1,418; 35-65-85- $1)—'Dark Horse' (FN), headed by Warren William, opens tomorrow night (Wednesday). Third week iof 'TWO Seconds' (WB), $21,200. GARBO FAIR AT $22,000, 'SCARFACE' m BIIFF. Buffalo, June 9. All takings down to 'eiimmer sub- levels. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Publlx) (3,600; 30-40-66) —'As You Desire Me* (M-G-M). Should reach around $22,000, fair. Last week, 'Huddle' (M-Ci-M) slow, down to $15,400, ri.s.g. Hipp (Publlx) (2,400: -25-35)^ 'Clara Deane' (Par). Lool^.s like $6,000; last week 'When ii Feller Xcpds .i FrVnd* (M-fi-M) (first v/cck MurlaKii inanagf.mpnt). Just fair $6,100, off. (Srcat Lakes (Publlx) ("AOO; 25- ."53-50).■ (Mo.ypd Frlilay. .Last v-cek 'Sf^rirfafc' did $12,000, prflty good. I Century (Pul-llx) (3.100; 25-35- ■,:,()) "-'Catcli'iiH Lad.v' (U), vaude. Mny hit $10,00!), T-/ist week 'Fa- fnioii.'.- I'Vr.cju.sun Cixnti' (War) weak I and mild $8, li)0. I Lafayette rind) fS.-lOO; 2.5)—'Se- I (Tct Wltno.ss' (Co]), Vf»ry slow un- : dcr $6,000. r,aKt week '.Strictly Dls- I honorable* (Ivox) neat $8,800.