Variety (March 1933)

10 VARIETY PICT E CROSSES Tuesday, March 7, 1933 INAUGURATION VERY HEY-HEY FOR WASH. Very Good Sendoffs WiB Hdp Prov. to Offset the Banks 4 I Washlneton, March 6. The only people who hoped It would rain during the Inauguration week-end, the house managers, were disappointed. And with exception o£ Fox and Earle, no records were made. Two hundred and fifty thousand visitors swarmed into town begin- ning Thursday, but with balmy weather replacing usual wind and rain they all went to see the Wash- ington Monument. Bank moratorium didn't bother things much either. Commercial National closed day before payday and 85% of government clerks merely went around with dough in their pockets. Full serlousnees of it didn't sink in till today (Monday) and by that time they had spent their amusement allowances. Amos 'n' Andy's first personal ap- pearance here was spread all over front of Fox. Feature didn't even get mention in lights. One hundred- mile area was covered with teaser ads in hick papers as well as 75,000 heralds in suburbs. Result broke house record Friday. Playing total of 22 shows In four days so far, house will turn in marvelous $30,000 for week. Earle is doing smashing biz with '42d St.* Stars^ here for Inaugura- tion, went on stage Sunday after- noon and S. R. gign went up half hour before shorts started. Town is plastered with leg art In store win- dows. Vaughn De Leath is helping stage and week shouldi reach near house record. Pi-obably $23,000. Straight picture houses aren't do- ing so well. Palace splattered sex all over town. 'Evening Star* even censored ads, but 'She Done Him Wrong* is up against too much op- position. Ladles and gents of sticks can get Mae West on hometown screens so they're flocking to stage shows. Week v.'on't better $16,000 which le o. k. but not what it should Bee. 'Grand Slam* at Met is only so-so. House Is off beaten track and Isn't getting much out-of-town trade. Same goes only more so for 'Rome Express' at RIalto, and 'Handle with Care' at Columbia. Keith's was right on parade route and snagged a good crowd Satur- day. 'Great Jasper' isn't holding up. against opposition, though, and week won't better $7,000. Passable but not up to holiday week on Rich- ard Dix. Estimates for This Week Fox (Loew) (3,434; 15-25-35-50- 60)—'Clear All Wires' (MG), and Amos 'n' Andy. Blackface pair get- ting top billing and pulling gorgeous $30,000. Last week 'What! No Beer?' did oke with $24,000. Earle (WB) (2,424; 25-35-50-60- 70)—•42d Street' (WB) and stage. Vaughn De Leath helping but pic is real money getter. Headed for beautiful $23,500. Last week 'Worn an Accused' (Par) did nicely with $20,000. Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 15-25-35- 60)—'Great Jasper' (RKO). Better than most straight picture houses but will have to be content with fair $7,000. Last week five days of 'No Other Woman' (RKO) got oke $4,- 700. Palace (Loew) (2,303; 15-25-35- 60)—'She Done Him Wrong' (Par). Inaugural visitors aren't falling for sex stuff, but house should see sat- isfactory $16,500. Last week 'Hal- lelujah I'm a Bum' (UA) died with weak $12,500. Met (WB) (1,583; 25-30-50-60-70) —"Grand Slam' (FN). Too much opposition; maybe $4,000. Last week 'King's Vacation' (WB) got oke $4,500 on second week. Rialto (U) (1,853; 25-35-60-60)— 'Rome Express' (U). Crowds just never see signs on 9th St. Maybe $4,000. Last week second of 'Pri- vate Jones' did acceptably with $3,- 600. Columbia (Loew) (1,232; 16-25- 85-40)—'Handle with Care' (Fox). Getting by with usual $3,000. Last week 'Whistling in Dark' (MG) bet- tered average slightly with $3,200. Grosses Tins Week U. S. Communists* Own Propaganda Newsreel A regularly handled newsreel dealing with communistic and so- cialistic items is being put out in New York. Issues are terweekly and released in both 35 and 16 mm. ' Reel Is assembled by Workers Film and Photo League and. en- titled ^'America Today'. Garrison Films releases. Acme, New York, America's sole ■ conuaunlst tbeatre. Is the only New 'XotK theatre outlet tor the reel, al- th<>U«:Il -it*8 spotted throughout the country^ jDC'thedtres. generally with SttMlaQ itlctures. Providence, March 6. It's anybody's guess what the payoff will be this week. Banking holiday threw theatrical situation into confusion, and no one can figure what's going to happen this stanza. Judging by the business most houses had on opening, this week had all the earmarks of a swell lineup. Even on Saturday when banking holiday was proclaimed business held up surprising well. But unfavorable reaction to the boxofflce for the rest -of the week, as the banks remain closed, Is in- evitable. The big openings very likely will help theatres from taking a big slide rest of this week. All are ex- periencing considerable difllculty in making change, and overtures are being made to authorities here to at least remedy this situation at once. . Live entertainment seems to be standing out once more this week. The only legit attraction In town Is the stock performance of 'It's a Wise Child' at the Modern. If the stock house continues the pace It set last week, there will be more grief for the picture houses. Every performance was packed at the stock stand, and the manage- ment reported substantial profit despite the heavy expense of open- ing week. Fay's, one. of three combo houses in town, stai-ted the week ofC with a bang, with 40 people in stage show the principal bait. Most likely this will be the best bet in town. Picture houses probably will not have any particular leader. Both the Paramount and the Majestic expect to share honors with twin bills. Loew's State had best open- ing in weeks with 'Men Must Fight' and with half a break It may come out of the cellar this week. 'Cavalcade' closed a very satis- factory 10-days at the Carlton last Saturday (4); it was the most fruitful roadshow since 'Big Pa- rade.' Estimates for This Week RKO Albee (2,300; 15-66) 'Great Jasper' (RKO) and vaudeville. Best all-around bill house has had in many weeks. Picture holding its own despite big interest in live en- tertainment here, and Dlx will have a great deal to do with house get- ting $7,000, oke. Last week 'Topaze' (RKO) with Rae Samuels heading vaudeville come through to $6,600 finish. Carlton (Fay) (1,500; 55-$1.10) 'Cavalcade' (Fox). Made swell showing during 10-day engagement. Had the support of the press, and well liked on all sides; $14,500 great, considering everything. Fay's (1,600; 15-55)—'Smoke Lightning' (Fox) and vaudeville. Stage show especially attractive. Opening very big, and unless bank-, ing situation drastically dents matters, house will be well out in front with at least $8,500. Last week 'Blondle Johnson' (WB) matched up swell with vaude, and grossed a good $7,200. Loew's State (3,700; 10-25)—'Men Must Fight' (MG) Coming so soon after the raves over Diana Wyn yard's work in 'Cavalcade' proved favorable for this stand which had been taking it on the chin since it started price cutting war. Present indications are gross will go over $7,000 on strength of opening. Last week 'Clear All Wires' (MG) couldn't muster over $5,300. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 15-55)- 'Wax Museum' (WB) and 'Hypno tlzed' (WW). Nice bill and having no difllQulty in making the hurdles; chances are it will garner at least $7,500 if banking conditions are eased. Last week 'King's Vacation' (WB) and 'Woman in Bondage' (Auten), Arllss couldn't catch up with handicap of second feature; result was a fair $6,000. Paramount (2,200; 15-40)—'King of the Jungle' (Par) and 'Siiadow Laughs' (Trojan). Plenty of nice ballyhoo on Paramount picture built up swellest opening house has had in recent weeks. On strength of this opening gross should easily stay in the neighborhood of $7,500 Last week 'Woman Accused' (Par) and 'Mysterious Rider' (Par) oke at $6,100. RKO Victory (1,600; 10-25)—'As the Devil Commands' (Col) and 'Strange Adventure' (Mono). House had the advantage of a midweek opening, and managed to chlsfl con siderably before the other Htandn started the week. Looks like at least $2,600, oke. Last wif-k '.Mc Kenna of the Mounted' (Co)> and 'Air Hostess' (Col) alHO oV.*: at $3,000. Metropolitan (3,400; 1<j-'i',)--\ 'Penal Code' and «ev<:n .-c.ik of vaudeville. Operated on a r-.u-oiitrr- ative plan, this stand in Htlll hold- ing its own despite all rumorn thjt it would fold up. House spr^nding plenty of advertising, and going seems to be just about right. In- dications are for at least $1,500 for first hj^lf. -Last week 'False Faoofj* stuck close to $1,200 for last halt In view of the national bank- ing situation, attimatas must be broadly oonatruad, and in no instance can the true, box office value of a film be prop- erly gauged.' Where, despKe handicaps, boxofRce buaineas la holding up well, thia ia being dwell upon. m sc $13,000, Relatively Sad, But Tops Balto Baltimore, March 6. Confirming general expectations, the legal holiday declared in Mary- land by Gov. Albert C. Ritchie was last week extended indef and now things are really beginning to tighten up. . The wall is rising, not only among the theatres, but throughout the commercial struc- ture of the state as credit lines be- come cramped and the supply of negotlables swiftly disappears. Coin is now a scarcity. Show business, which was man- aging to hold up fairly well through the early days'of the banking holi- day, is now getting it In the throat. The loss to local theatres last week is figured at $26,000, and placed local show business right on the border line between profit and loss. That loss will Jump currently to something closer to $75,000 for the theatres in this state, which will represent genuine, guaranteed car- mine ink on the books. The slump set in quickly after the announcement that the banks would remain closed indefinitely be- yond March 1, the date set orig- inally for the reopening of the money markets. Result was that the week that started off hearten- Ingly enough, ended with a wheez- ing gasp and left the majority of the theatres clutching at straws. The neighborhood and small towns felt and are feeling the lengthening holiday more than the downtown sector of Baltimore, since the main stem still has enough loose coin fiowing around to touch up the boxofflce somewhat; but out in the sticks the supply of coin was quickly exhausted and now it's just from starvation. Out towards western Maryland, the small towns are reported feeling the brunt of the holiday as these towns have little communication - with the money lanes of metropolis. Every picture in town is taking a beating currently; even the her- alded '42d St.' won't top fair $13,000. The Hippodrome is having censor trouble as the Maryland board got after 'Great Jasper.' Estimates for This Week Century (Loew-UA) (3,000; 25- 36-45-56-65)—'Clear All Wires' (MG) and vaude. Bill Robinson heading stage show, and helping plenty. House will probably do about $13,000, a drop of about $3,500 from normal, and strictly account- able to the bank situation. Both the Century and the Keith's theatres are playing Lee Tracy pictures, the Indle spot using the Universal fiick, 'Private Jones.' Bill Saxton for Loew's and Laurence Scbanberger of Keith's tried to get together to avoid this duplication of stars on the rialto on the same week, but couldn't reach an agreement. An- other example of how showmen kill off each other's chances. Scbanber- ger had "Luxury Liner* (Par) avail- able. Last week the Century did $14,200 with 'Mme Blanche' (MG), which started off okely, but dropped as the bank situation developed. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,600; 25-35-45-65-65) — "Great Jasper' (RKO) and vaude. Paul Whlteman band headlining and helping plenty, but that bank ogre again takes its whack at the register and will likely hold the count down to only $11,000. House is also having difficulty with the censors regarding 'Great Jas- per,' and Is even contemplating go- ing to the law about it. Gobs of feet cut out and then reinstated, and still argued about. First seri- ous censor Jam In town in a long time. Last week was a bad disap- pointment for the tab show, 'Rhap- sody In Black,' headed by Ethel Waters. The flicker, 'French Po- lice' (RKO) was an admitted dud, which the house had been trying unHUcccHHfully to duck, but didn't expect anything as bad a« the fln.al count-up of $10,100. Keith'a (H';hanb';rgf'r) (2,400; 30- 44-COj—'Privat/i Jones' (V). J'ublU: on the m'rrry-KO-round, a« J>^e Tra/.y hfnAUnUitt iif.rt: n.n<\ the On- Uiry, v/hUM inn't httlpinn fM.hfr hfJUW. TV/ubtfuJ of tovvluK $4,000. 'Silt! IJrivf:^ (iri>) VtM vff.tk fMiint-A nUtfi.ly Bl tiMli. New iWtf'.hii.uUt) nMO; Zd-iD^M) —'Broadway Iw/J' ilTox}. A dov/n- ward rM« on/* rrtf/rfi for Uiiti houK^-, and appuranily won't ttl/tp \Mnro U slidCH to %ZMf) 1'jr ihe iiit:«»\on. Lfuti Rnb Was Just Gettnus Out of the Ether, Then Came the Big Yawn Boston, March C. Moratorium came Just in time to hurt grosses, but Met and Far are proving^ exceptions to the rule by beating previous week's business. Shortage of cash manifest and small coin scarce for making change. Only such houses as had laid In supply of silver and nickel and copper Friday could meet the needs for splitting the greenbacks. 'Cavalcade' business took a slide downward, evoking decision to end its run at Majestic Saturday night, after six weeks. It could have gone another good week had it not been for banking shutdown. Two Loew majors had been bal- lyhoolng Diana Wynyard and new fllm titled here 'Men Must Fight for Women'; undoubted strong ap- peal to women, but financial situa- tion, temporarily, anyway, puts damper on that hope. Prospects generally paled as pub- lic felt the cash oozing and no defi- nite promise of replenishing. Estimates for Tliis Week Majestio (Shubert) (1,600; 66- $1.66) — 'Cavalcade' (Fox) (6th week). Foldln? Saturday, but only after it has demonstrated, remark- able magnetic attraction for the shekels. Its run broke some rec- ords for film or legit house since depression set in. Last week $8,000, with hope of as much this current week, and would have done even better if not for banking calamity. Keith's (RKO) (4,000; 26-40-56)— When Strangers Marry' (Col) and vaudeville. Sadly facing shaving down to possible $12,000, due te cir- cumstances beyond showmanship control. Last week 'Great Jasper' (RKO) and vaudeville, pretty good for $13,600. Boston (RKO) (4,000; 25-40-65)— 'Topaze' (RKO) and vaude. Lucky to get under wire for $8,500, no fault of show, however. Last week 'Private Jones' (U) and vaude very good for $11,600. Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 25-60)— 'Men Must Fight' (MG). Struggling despite undoubted femme appeal of Diana Wynyard and the theme. Faint hope of low $10,000. Last week 'Clear All Wires' (MG) found go- ing hard for $11,600. State (Loew) (3,000; 30-60)—'Men Must Fight' (MG). Seems doomed to poor $8,000. Last week 'Clear All Wires' (MG) managed to get $9,600. Met (Publix) (4,330; 86-50-66)— 'King of the Jungle' (Par) and stage show. With handsome advance ballyhoo put on by Bill Pine pilot- ing Buster Crabbe and Hon cubs all over the place, biz looks to exceed $22,000, good. Last week 'King's Vacation' (WB) and stage show, $20,900. Scollay (Publix) —'20,000 Tears in Sing Sing' and vaude. Success of the 'Vinson vaude' the talk of the town. Last week broke records, hitting it up for $14,600, handsome profit, and new show should go $12,- 000 unless outside complications make a bigger dent than expected. Last week. 'She Done Him Wrong" (Par) and best vaude bill town has seen in long time; the vaude did the trick. Paramount (Publix) (1,800; 26-36- 50)—'Crime of Century* (Par) and 'Broadway Bad' (Fox). Off for brisk race and ought to land at least $10,- 000, very nice. Last week 'Hard to Handle' (WB) and "Ladies They Talk About' (WB) did $9,800. Bischoff Making Two On Spec; Kelly-Saal In Hollywood, March 6. Without waiting to set a release, Sam Bischoff will produce two pic- tures on the Tiffany lot in the next few months. First is to be a de- tective yarn, starting in three weeks. Burt Kelly and William Saal sUck with Bischoff In the production ar- rangements. E. W. Hammons' op- tion on Bischoff to produce five more films was up last Tuesday (28), but it is likely Hammons will yet get together with the KBS tri- umvirate and release the pictures through World-Wide. FRISCO mm 35% BUT COULD BE WORSE wf;ck 'So This Is Africa' (Col) slid off after oke start to finish at $4,200. Stanley (Tx)ew-TJA) (3,400; 25-36- 4.';-05-65)—'42d St.* (WH). Pace can bo conwhUirftd good only considering; indicated $13,000 Is good enough, but ordinarily would be sorrowful. It typlfl(!» the kock that this town's nniinvMl Hltuatlon has received. I'rcvlouH wMMlon wan a dhmppolntcr for this Mfus W«!nt <>plc, 'Hho Done lllm WroMB' (I'ar), which flnlHhcd to only $10,800 after a hopeful start. San Francisco, March 6. Sudden bank holiday proclama^ tlon left the town pinched for ready; cash. Week-end grosses wera slashed 35% and more, cut beinff felt especially by downtown houses where- checks were not accepted un-^. less signer could Identify himself. Naborboods accepted checks free-* ly and didn't take such a rap from those folks who wanted to conserve what little cash they had for gro- ceries. Beginning of Lent (town is heav- ily Catholic) no doubt also affecting grosses. Every bouse In town will end In the red excepting the Paramount, which enjoyed good week-end busl-^ ness. Two roadshows screening, flrsb time in years. The Barrymores in 'Rasputin' at Columbia (legit) at $1.60, which is more dough than locals win spend, and 'Cavalcade*- at $1.10. That 40o difference is making an amazing difference when it comes check up time. In its third week still going strong with ultl<«. mate in class trade and bank holU day alone has thrown it off it* stride. Paramount's '42nd Street' is heav^ lly playing up the myriad of cast names to good results-, probably nice $14,600. Film looks like consistent biz puller. John Barry more is running com- petish to himself. Not only is he in 'Rasputin,' but he's In 'Topaze' at RKO's Golden Gate along with sta^e show. United Artists Isn't bragginff about 'Parachute Jumper,' but is letting out a few cheers for tha three-reeler 'So This Is Harrls,'- featuring Phil Harris, who caromed! into western favoritism during hia stay at local St. Francis hotel. Em- bassy has 'Man Against Woman' In' it's huh-uh. United California Theatres, in- cluding 64 houses of T & D, Golden' State and Levin circuits asking em- ployees to work gratis this week. It unwilling, will throw out projections Ists and go non-union, lettlni^ mans agers run booths until sltuatton lai cleared up. RKO may Jerk stage shows from Golden Gate until crisis is over, and operate house under; straight picture policy at low ad- missions. Exchanges are sending films C.O.D. only, making situation most acute. Many houses will probably darken as a result. All theatres are accepting checks. F-W"C, after previous objections, now is advertising that fact. Estimates*for Thia Week Embassy (Markowitz' (1,700; 26-: 36)—'Man Against Woman' (Col). Jack Holt pulling a few of the 35o spenders, but little else. Poor at $1,600. Last week 'Old Dark House* (U) with Karloff gave theatre its best week yet, $3,600, but still poor. It's non-union. Columbia (legit) (1,800; 50-75-$l. $1.50)—'Rasputin' (MG). Barry- mores mean something, but that $1.60 top counteracts much of the family's draw. Off to poor start ac- count bank holiday, maybe $6,000. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,844; 30-40-. 66)—'Topaze' (RKO) and vaude. John Barrymore pulling. Fashion show on stage something of an aid. Looks like weak $9,500. Last week 'Private Jones' (U) surprisingly big at $16,000. Paramount (Fox) (2,700; 30-40- 66)—'42nd Street' (WB). Okay $14,- 000 not up to smashing figures of last two weeks, but still on right side of ledger. 'Sign of Cross' (Par) crashed through to big $20,000 last week. St .Francis (Fox) (1,600: 55-83- $1.10) — 'Cavalcade' (Fox) (3rd week). Roadshow prices scared out folks who were short of cash and caught % bank holiday. However, still okay at*$6,000. Second week $9,600. United Artists (1,400; 25-35-50)^ 'Parachute Jumper' (WB). House not doing so well with films other theatres have turned down, I.e., thls'n. Phil Harris short with band leader Immensely popular here, helping a lot. Around $6,000. Last week 'Madame Butterfly' (Par) and Winchell short got $6,000. Warfiold (Fox) (36-55-65) — 'Woman Accused' (Par) and stage show. Blng Crosby short and Oscar Baum, new conductor. 'Liberty's* yarn well known to many^ but $10,- 600 the mild answer. Last week 'Ladles They Talk About' (WB) and stage show with Ben Turpln, Snub Pollard got good $19,000. BAXTER VICE MEBIVALE Hollywood, March 6. Warner Baxter replaces Philip Merlvalc as the male lead in 'I Loved You Wednesday.' Elissa Landi has the femme top spot. Henry King will direct.