Variety (Nov 1932)

VARfETY PICTURE G S S E ft Tuesday, November 1, 1932 L A. Has Headaches and Alibk For the Bad Trade: Lloyd Poor, $13,(lr'Rackety'Sold W Los Angeles, Oct. 31. Many a locaV operator wishes this week that he had a padded cell ^o those box office iflgxires would not kick him. around. Figures are brutal with possibly one exception which Is not hot. Boys lay the 'calamity* .spell to most anything they can think of, those with stage shows claiming 'election* and benefits and those without, that the tariff looks too high to the public for first runb without live talent on the platform. Biggest surprise id the poor show- ing of 'Movie Crazy,* the Harold liloyd opus, . at the State. 'Madi- son Square' at the Paramount also oft to bad start which will cause plenty of red ink to be used on. the books here. 'Life Begins* started oft with a $2 top premiere, that had all the War- ner help out.ln force and brought in $2,600 for the performance. Then trade sloughed off at the regular scale the second-'daLy. 'Washington Merry - Go - Round* started slowly but building to $7,600. 'Rackety-Rax* at the United Artists and Pantages shaired a similiar jump-off fate,- but collapsed com- pletely, Instead of building. Estimates for This Week Downtown (WB> (1,800; 25-70)— 'Cabin in the Cotton* (FN) and vaudeville. Faced for a strong $11,- 000. Last week 'Successful Calam- ity' (WB) had a kind of feeble ses- sion for this Arliss product, around $7,000. Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 2B-7B)— •Life Begins* (WB), Off to gala premiere and should turn $14,600; good. Last week 'The Crash' (FN), Chatterton-Brent combo, very luke- warm here, as $10,600 indicates. Pantages (Fox) (2^700; 26-65)— ^Rackety Rkx' (Fox), and stage show. Selling this one from the gangster angle knocks pegs out froni under a corking good screen entertainment which will mean only $9,600, poor. Last week 'Red Dust' (Metro), with only four showings a day, had excellent week under new first run policy at $17,100. . Paramoiint (Pufolix) (3,596; 36- $1.10)—'Madison Square Garden' (Par) and stage show. Femme. ap- peal-out here, so most to be expect- ed around $12,000. Last week "Night After Night' (Par) at $12,500 was a heavy loss for house. RKO (2,960; 25-66)—'Washington Merry-Go-Round' (Col). Just aver- age, $7,600. Last week 'Bill of Di- vorcement' (Radio) ambled along at fair gait to less than $8,000. ilED DOST'AT $37,000 PROVES DETROIT TONIC Detroit, Oct. 31. Only attraction to do compara- tively satisfactory business In moii'ths is 'Red Dust,* which is pack- ing thern in at the Michigan. 'Red Dust* follows attractions like 'Movie Crazy,* which preceded It and was pulled after six diays for an all time low at this house. For the past three months nothing seemed to snap the public out of its lethargy but the Gable-Harlow combo supplied, the spark to start them coming for an eight-day week that proves something again about the law of supply and dema-nd. 'Strange Interlude's' second week Is mild but It may go Into a third week, however, and still satisfactory for a prestige picture. Gilda Gray Is shakinig that thing at the Fox'this week, coupled with 'Night Club Lady* on the . screen, for a mild week. 'Big Brokdcast' at the U, A. was mild for its first week and the sec- ond stanza is merely a stop-gap un- til another picture becomes avail- able. 'Rain' follows. , 'Washington Merry - Go - Round' proves to be merely another political yani and the femmes only want pol- itics, if it includes sex. Without it the women Just won't go. Last week Mme. Schumann-Heink was the draw at the Fox and did a fair week at $20,000. The Michi- gan pulled 'Movie Crazy' after six days and a pitiful $16,000. 'All American' at the Downtown fell to poor $6,500 last week. Estimates for This Week Michigan (4,045; 15-35-56-72-75)— 'Red Dust' (M-G), and stage show. Wow biz, $37,000. Last week 'Movie Crazy' (Par) poor $16,000 .in six days; jerked a-day ahead of time. Fox (6,100; 16-25-55)—'Nightclub Lady' (Fox), and GUda Gray in per- son. So-so at $18,000. Last week Six Hours to Live' (Fox) and Mme. Schumann-Heink fair $20,000. Fisher (2,665; 15-25-55-72-75)— 'I'iger. Shark* (WB) and stage show. Mild $9,500. Last week 'Night After Night* (Par) fair at $12,200. United Artists (2,018; 15-35-55- 72^75)—'Big Broadcast* (Par) (2d week). Eased off sharply, $7,000. Last week, good $17,400. Downtown (2,750;, 16-26-55)-.^ 'Washington Merry - Go - Round' (Col). Fair $7,500. Last week 'All American* (U), poor $6,500. Paramount (2.448; 16-25-55)—"Vlr- State (Loew-Fox) (2,024; 25-66)— tue* (RKO). Very poor $2,000. Last 'Movie Crazy* (Par). Lloyd comedy very disappointing at $13,000. Last week 'Smllln* Through* (Metro), sec ond week, too much of strain, as It waltzed out with only $10,500. United Artists (Fox) (2,100; 25 65)—'Rackety Rax* (Fox) and stage show. Same as Pan, campaign not inducive to the femme trade with $7,600, plenty crimson. Last week •Red Dust* (Metro), showing five and six times dally with four stage shows, came through with fiying colors at $17,135, week 'They Call It Sin* (WB), weak at $3,000. 'GARDEN,' 14G,M0Nr'L; NORHA'S STRONG 2D WK TAITHIESS' TOPS N. 0., 116; 'GIRl,' lADY,' lOG New Orleans, Oct. 31. Light fare currently with 'Faith _ less,' in which TallUlah Bankhead at "will put over 'Madison Square Gar- Montreal, Oct. 31 Norma Shearer, natiye daughter, did her bit, and the film went over on its own account to big money for this city when 'Smilin* Through* hit high levels at $14,500 at the Palace last week, and is retained currently when It should realize another $12,- 000. Crowds lining up a block on main street first three days were repeated again this week end. Capitol has the usual brace, of which 'One Way Passage* should bieter last week's figures. Lpew's last crashes through, thie most im- portant Item, But by and large all along the line biz Is only fair or worse. Estimates for This Week Loew's State (3,000; 60)—'Faith less' (M-G). Montgomery-Bankhead combination clicks In this one, but Tallulah has had so many fiops this will only get $11,000. Last week 'Big Broadcast* (Par) $15,000, Saenger (3,400; 25-35-50)—'Hat Chedk Girl* (Fox)... fillers and Lyon are becoming too familiar with their . routine and this one will go into the eood at $11,000. den,' trailers of which last week got plenty word'Of-mouth boosting, and better than average vaude bill for a $14,000 gross. His Majesty's goes back to French operetta, with local company having heavy subscription list, which should get $7,000 at $1.50 top. Nabes so-so. Estimates for This Week His Majesty's (Ind) (1,600; 50- $1.50). French opei-ettas. Big .sub- scription list will lift gross to $7,000. Lastweiek 'Chocolate Soldier" (legit) red at $10,000. Last week 'Red Dust' (M-G) drew $14,000, iilce. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-50) --Night Club Lady* (Col). Being helped to $10,000 by Marcus Revdie. Last week 'Merry-Go-Round' (Col) to floppo $8,000. ■ St. Charles (2,00; 25) — 'False Faces.' Opening helped by St. Charles street merchants socklnt; to | bring business back to the .street, first week will be $1,500. Return.s light after gala opening. Tudor (800; 35)—'Hot Saturday' (Par). Hot title, but Nancy Carroll not so hot here; around $1,700, L.i.st week 'Night After Night' (Par) $2,200. Palace (FP) (2,700; 60)—'Smilin' Through' (MG) (2d week). Will likely run over $10,000 after strong $14,500 last week. Capitol (FP) (2,700; eO)-^'bne Way Passage' (WB) and 'Cabin In the Cotton' (\yn). Nice bill that should hit $12,000. Last week 'Hat Check Girl' (Fox) and 'Pas.sport to Hell' (Fox), $11,000. .Loew's (FP) (3.200; 65)—'M.adi.son Square Garden' (I'ar) and vaude. Good for $14,000. Last week 'Chiind- hu' (Fox) and vaiule $13,000. Princess (CT) (1,000; 35-60)— 'Sporting Agd' (Col) and.'By Whoso Hand' (Col). .Should bo good at 000. La.st week "Night Like Tlii.s' N. H. HOLDS UP <Nita After Nits' flO^ 'R«x' Ash Helping New Haven, Oct. 81. College drops vaude currently and goes Into double feature first run policy. Vaude flopped after several weeks' tryout. Town Is witnessing a succession of footballs films these days with a rush to unload flrst. • No confirmation yet that the Roger Sherman will bring In yaude. Paul Ash breaking in a new band act at the Palace got nice reception and helped biz. Estimates for This Week Paramount (Publlx) (2,348; 40-60) —'Night After Night' (Par) and unit. Maybe $10,000, nice. Last week 'Big Broadcast' (Par), $11,100, big. Palace (Arthur) (3,040; 36-60)— 'Rackety Rax* (Fox) and Paul Ash band. Indicates good $8,500. Last week 'All American' (U) and'Wash. Merry-Gb-Round' (Col), okay^ at $8,000. • Roger Sherman (WB) (2,200; .36- 60)—'Rain' (UA) and 'Crooked Clr^ cle.' Looks iikoi nice $6,000. Last week 'One Way Palssage' (WB) and 'Crusoe" (UA) good for $5,000. College (Arthur) (1,665; 26-40)—^ 'Faithless* (M-G) and 'That's My Boy' (Col). Opens new policy for fair $2,600.' Last week 'Wild (31rl' (Fox) and vaude got saine figure. M Dust' Tops Baito, $18,000 .Baltimore, Oct. 31. It's all up to the pictures through- out the town this week; there's lit- tle that can be hoped for from the stage attractions at the vaudfllmers. At the Hippodrome, 'Bill of Divorce- ment' will have to do the buisiness. While this house hardly. figures as catering to that type of audience which would go for the classy 'Dl- yorecemeht,' the flicker Is showing signs of bringing swank trade Into this house. The exceptional notices helped.' Century holds nothing strong, screen or stage, and It'll mean a fair week at best. Evident that George Raft Is not strong enough yet to carry a picture on his own, nor Is Mae West known to the pic- ture mob, all of which dera'cts from 'Night After Night.' On the stage there's a trip of semi-strong names, Dorothy Jordan, Ann Pennington and Charles Judels. All together they'll hold the house to the profits, but nothlner to write home office about. iParade of the week Is led by 'Red Dust,' on %h'e 8. a. strength of that Gable-Harlow combination. Evi- dent that Harlow's ,draw Is, If any- thing, stronger. *" 'Maedchen in Uniform' opens to- day (31) at the legit Auditorium. Seems certain of the class biz, but is hoping for whispers about the 'verboten' angle to build the gen- eral effect. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew-UA) (3.000; 25-36- 55-66776)—'Night After Night' (Par) and vaude. Perhaps $16,000 on the session, which means a fair week for a fair show. Previously was a socko at $21,900 on the-Jessel-Tal- madge stage combo, with 'Faithless' (M-G). Hippodrome (Rappapbrt) (2,600; 26-35-66-66-76)—"Divorcement' (Ra- dio) and vaude. Sammy Cohen and Baby Rose Marie are accounting for the stage part of the draw. Picture's class depeAdlng plenty on notices, which It got, and for that reason alone will figure to garner profitable $11,000. Previous week Mills Bros, and 'Strange Justice' (Radio) was hallelujah at $18,100. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,400; 25 30-40)—'All American' (U). Depend- ing on the male trade for grosses currently, and that sort of business is not plentiful for pictures on thie main stem. Maybe $5,000, okay Last .week 'Night of June 13' (Par) gave .houiae one. of the best figures ot year at $8,100. New (Mechanic) (1,800; 25-35^40 50)—'Too Busy to Work' (Fox). Will Rogers' loyal mob enough to hold gross up nicely at $6,000. Last week 'Rackety Rax' (Fox) mediocre at $3 8.00. 'Stanley (Loew-UA) (3,400; 25-35 55-66-75)—'Red Dust' (M-G). Tak ing the blue ribbon without a strug- gle; big femme pull. Easily for $18,- 000, a Ibtta coin. 'Big Brother* (Par) nose-dived last week to a dis appointing $12,800. Ked Dost/ Chicago, $36M Good: State-Lake $1^000 widi 'Lifetiine K. C/S NATIVE HARLOW WHAMS DUST'TO 21G'S Kansas City, Oct. 31. Loew's Midland Is celebrating Its fifth anniversary this week and the crowds are flocking to seb K. C.'s own Jean Harlow, in 'Red Diust.' Picture was ,-given extraordinary newspaper publicity and with-the exclusive tag hung on. it, the bpeh- Ing was the best for any picture In weeks. The RKO Malnstreefs 'Bill bf Di- vorcement' will catch the Barry- inoreltes« while the F & M unit 'Riviera' and the added Bstelle Tay- lor In person will draw the others. House is In for a fair week. . The Newman Is also good for- a nice gross " with 'Blessed Event,' which George Baker has given all kinds of sweet publicity. One of his brilliant Ideas was the running of a snappy reader Immediately follow- ing Walter Winchellle column in the local paper. Theatre has installed candy vending, rnachines, and they are getting a nice play, and in ad- dition the management Is serving tea on the mezzanine. Starting J'riday the Mainstreet re- turned to Its 36 and 60c scale'for the night shows. This Is a reduction from 40 and 60, which .went Into ef- fect several weeks ago. This week also marks the last of the regular B' & M units. The past week was spotty; som6 of the days good arid the others weak. Pblltlcal canipaign has cer- tainly caused a great loss to the theatres. Wednesday the downtown mer- chants pulled another 'Down Town Day,' and with the assistance of the street car company got thousands into the retail district. The tran- sit company gave free transporta- tion on both cars and buses, until 10:30 and the vehicles were, loaded. Theatres reaped a nice harvest dur- ing the day. Estimates for This Week Liberty (Dubinsky) (860; 15-25)— Sporting Age' (Col). Good title for this house and it's getting a fair grind trade. Looks like $2,800. Last week 'Woman frbm Monte Carlo' (FN), $2,300. Mainstreet (RKO) (3,200; 25-35- 50)—'Bill of Divorcement' (Radio) and stage show, 'RIvIerat' and Es- telle Taylor, added feature. Nicely diversified bill for all and business should run to fair $16,000. Last week 'Washington Merry-Go-Round' (Col) and Irene,' F. & M. tab, same. Midland (Loew) (4,000; 26-35-60) —'Red Dust' (M-G). Harlow and Gable a pair of naturals. Picture is an exclusive and the fans axe commencing to believe the an- nouncements that the exclusives will not be shown in any other local the- atre. Should get big $21,000. Last week "Faithless' (M-G), while given nice reviews failed to make the showing expected, $12,600.- , Newman (Publix) (1.800; 25-35- 50)—'Blessed Event' (WB). No let- up in the publicity here and looks good for $10;000, fair. Last week 'Big Broadcast' (Par;», big $17,0ll0. (British) and 'Blue Danube' (Brit i.sh) fair at $6,500. Imperial (iFranco Film) (1,900; 28-40)—'La Fille et le Garcon (French), $2,000. Last week 'Le Ser gcant X' (French) $1,750. Cinema do Paris (Franco Film) (600; 25-50)—'Croix du Sud' (Ifrcnch) and 'Erreur Judioialre' (French). About $1,200. Same fig- ure for 'Monsieur Albert' (French) last week. 'NIGHT'-RADIO NAMES, BIG $43,000, B'KLYN Brooklyn, Oct. 31. Again radio talent is the big draw around here where Paramount has standing lines with Guy Lombardo, Burns and Allen, Donald Novis, Ru- binoff and Jesse Crawford on the stage. Other deluxers quiet this week, with the Albee second best. Estimates for This Week Paramount (4,200; 25-35-50-75-85) -^'Night After Night' (Par) a.nd radio: stars on stage. Bringing best business in 10 weeks and should get an excellent $43,000. Last week 'Movie Crazy* (Par) slipped tb a had $25,000. Fox (4.000; 25^35-50-65)—'Six Hours to Live* (Fox) and stage show. Below expectations with a mild $15,000 in offing. Last week a bad $10,000 with ;Blanie the Wom an' (Fox). . . Albee (2,500; 25-35-60-75)—'Wash- ington Merry-Go-.Round' (Col) and vaude. May get $25,000, Last week '13 Women' (RKO) fair at under $20,000. Metropolitan (3,000; 25-35-50-65) —'Divorce in the Family' (M-G), and Molly Picon, heading vaude. Slow at $18,000. Last week 'Robin- son Crusoe' (UA) disappointing at $20,000. . Strand (2^000; 25-35-50)—'One Way Passage' (WB). Should do a fair $12,000." 'Cabin in the Cotton' (WB) o. k, fast week at $14,300. Chicago, Oct.' 3i. State-Lake seems aimed for a nice ^ week with 'Once in a Lifetime* and following last week's encouraging ' $16,000 it would seem that better shows are going to mean better biz, despite the hoist In prices which divided opinion locally as to the probably effectiveness of the. new policy, 'Strange Interlude' at $1.50 top opened last night (Sunday) at the Apollo, advertised as 'five hours of thrills packed Into two hours.' Stage version has played Chicago three times. . Roosevelt, the thameleon of the ■ loop, Is first running currently with' 'Payment Defb'rrecl.' This house flita back and fourth from fourth to first runs and pirize fight pictures tossed In between. It's Chicago's most ver- satile house. Estin^ates for This Week. Apollo (UBO) (1,300; 66-$1.65)—. 'Strange Interlude* (1st week). Opened Sunday. Not much advance sale, but oliened well, . Chicago (B&K) (3,940; 40-65-83) ^'Red Dust* (M-G) and stage show. Next to last unit for B&K by Leon Leonidoff, who leaves' for Radid City. This . week Harlow-Gablo combo seenis likely to kite gross to $36,000, best. In weeks. Last week 'Big Broadcast* (Par) around $34,- 000, okay. : . McV.ickers (B&K) (2,284; 40-65- 75) —'Smilin* Thru' (M-G) (2d week). Looks worth $17,000 on sec- ond weeki . First week got $23,500. Orientar (B&K) (3,200; 40-65-83) 'Hot Saturday' (Par) and stage show. House has the jitters. Week after week- hitting lowest figures in lis history. Not $17,000 for this one and last week 'Six Hours to Live* (Fox) scarcely more. Palace (RKO> (2,533; 40-65-83)^ 'Bill of Divorcement' (Radio) and vaude. Not expected to get that ex- tra push this week. Look for $21,- 000 against last week's pleasant $26,000 with 'Washington Merry-Go- Round' (Col) and Fred Stone. State-Lake (RKO). (2,766; 36-6^- 76) —'Once In a Lifetinie' (U) and vaude. May brush $18,000. Started well over week-end. Last week house was punching $16,000, best figure In two months. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 35<« 56-76)—'Rain' (UA) (2d week). Opened well, but comment not fa- vorable and Joan Crawford, local fav, not liked by fans In role. Sec- ond week only $7,600. First week got $21,200, good. NEWARK FEELS GLUM; 'ALL AMERICAN'$11,000 Newark, Oct. 31. Only real hits will draw real busi- ness and there seems to be no place for a programmer. Few films hbld up for a whole week. Many arb blaming the election,. - . Only 'All American,' at the Bran- ford, looks like money this weiek at maybe better than $11,000. Estimates for This Week Branford (WB) (2,966; 15-65)— 'All American' (U). Timely.football film shouldn't do less than fin© $11,000. Last week*s 'One Way Pas- sage* (WB) fair at $9,500. Capitol (WB) (1,200; 15-25-35-50) —'Chandu' (Fox) and 'They Call It Sin' (FN). Weakness of the Fox second run may hurt, but should get its usual $6,000. Last week 'Tiger Shark* (WB) and 'Crooked Circle' (W-W) strong at $6,800. Little (Cinema) (299; 6<^)—'Ivan the Terrible* (Amkino) and 'Killing . to Live' (Amkino),. ..Ought to pull up to $1,100. Last week 'Monte Carlo Madness' (Ufa) and 'Kalharl' (Pi-lncipal) fell off to a bad $750. Loew's State (2,800;, 15-65)—'Mr. Robinson Crusoe' (UA). A little bet- ter with $9.000.. Last week 'Down- stairs' (MrG) weak at under $7,000. Mosque. (WB) (3.281; 15-55)— 'Blonde Venus' (Par) and 'Crusader.' Closes Monday mat. for Mr. Hoover, but this will make little difference in the gross, which probably won't be $3,000. Last week 'Hell's High- way" (Radio) and 'Successful Ca- lamity' (WB) bad at $3,000. Newark (Adams-Par) (2.248; 15- 06)—"Madison Square Garden' (Par). Presages C.ly $5,000. Last wock 'Big Broadcast' (Par) fine at $11,900. Proctor's (RKO) (2,300; 15-65)— 'Thirteen Wonien' (Radio). Book name may mean better than $9,500. House may go double features in Iwo weeks. Last week 'Washington Men-y-Go-Round' (Col) okay at $9,G00. Terminal (Skouras) (1,900; 15-5.5) —'G Hours to Live' (Fox). No.rea- son why it shouldn't pUll up the gross. Hopes for $6,000. Last wcok" 'King Murdpr' (Monogram) and 'Golden West' (Fox) fell down with $3,780.