Variety (Jan 1934)

T^uesday, January 16, 1934 PIC T U RE GROSSES VARiETY 11 Cantor in 4th Week in Phily; Also Big In Person with 'Bomhay Mail/ N. 0. OK 'Sittfnfl Pretty' and •Eskimo' Both iStrphg for $10,000 New Orleans, Jan. 'Sitting Pretty* and 'Eskimo' for top b.o. honors currently- For- mer is at the Saenger and latter ?it II I Ijoew's State, with each head ine for ia neat week's dlggitigs. Balto's Big 3 Running $2,000 Weekly Better Than Last Year Philadelphia, Jan. 15, I $10,0Q0, strong. Last week Phillv is having its best stretch for Living* (Par). ?8,<)00. of tticture business in a long time. Ritz (Wilby) ;(l,6p0; 25-30)^'Ann in the fall, pictures with big reps Vickers'. <RKO). Just isn't for were booked in for Indefinite stays B'hani, $1,90.0, blah. Ltist week 'In- and had to be yanked. Lately the visible Man' (tf), $3,000. reverse hag been true; prolonged Strand (Wilby) (800; 25)—'Jimmy riins have be'**^ the rule instead of and Sally' (Fox) and 'Hl^ Double the «ce„tijn;.BO«.;:i.m.. Wom- |>i«.^^P-,. split.. B?,™.^ £S a Cantor first' run has been sold here for a quartep and it is ex- - . , „, ipected the record for admissions Orpheum is sponsoring If I Were Lyjn i,e shattered. Estimated to go Free' but is hone too proud of »t,. jio OOO. Last "vi-eelc 'Galllant ^i^"*>'' while the St. Charles is hitting the (0^^^ 112,000. high spots With'Counsellor-at-Law.' (Par) (1,800; 25-40)-^ Estimates for thi Week 'Eight Girls in a Boat' (Par). Man^ Saenger C3,6«S; 40) - 'Sitting | agement^t^^^nej^t^^f^s&|vc^ en* at the iBoyd and 'Romian SPah^ luui«.n,5:i., <.x,4,wv, :i«.cn,.| - : ■ c-ifA fny «iftftn:> iiomers euosstub. ^ dais-at the Aldinelare_being tield | week'Rafter Romance' (RKO>, ^8po; jlgy^and see^^^ ^7,000. . good but not much fov latter , _ — ^ , ,„ _ . ^oTfourth weeks. The Boyd hasn't I staggering. I'^^^^e on BCth Sti-e^^^^^ held a picture fbr two weeks, let Empire (B.TAC) (1,100; 25) <>« tQjMO<^ . . .^^^ Uptown (Fox) (2.04.0; 25-40)-^ alone a month, in a blue moon. 'Captured' (WB). In spite of im- .^Lopws State (3,218. 40)—^ Suzanne; (Fox).^ Nice Satur La&t week's $23,000 was about $1,500 pre^sive cast a no-go; war pictures j (M^^^'- ^^l^^J^^ I'l'^FJ^!?!* Uay opening and heM WP, well oyer above expected biz, and . this week no longer pull The|'x,ady. KiUer' (WS) $11,000. Last week 'Gillant Lady' should see $17,000 or $18,000 Cantor picture, also coasting along weU above indicated pace, hit $11,- 000 In its third week and ought to get an easy $8,500 1n Its fourth, al^ thoiigh. attehda.hce is Just bfeinhliig to eaise. 'I Am Silzanne' and 'Cahdlelight' are other pictures to surpriise with h<)ldovers: the former got $1S,500 In its second. -week iat the Fox, • and there were rumors of a'third weelt. •Candlelight,' highly praised by the critics, hit $6,500 on Its first .week a no-go; war pictures (^«l«^ iiouse paiiy la aome »oiuc- |^a^y opening and held up weu over 11 $1 000 List week h^lng for this one oh the ^ssump - gyn^ay; Should take $4,000, fair. fWBV i2'ob6 ill rieht tion' that it's the type of picture L^st week 'Mr. Skitch' (Fox), second [WH). ^Aouo, a-ii 1 ignr. . ^^j^ ^,,1 ^^^^^ $4,000; good for holdover. Harding Pic 1$ Tops la jCincy: Tucilivc I (tJA) was perfect for the fenrimes, clicking the. turnstiles to the tune .6' $12,000. Orpheum (2,400; 35)—'If I Were Free'. (RICO). Just ambling. alonS. i i a 11 l o^'l aboilt $8,000 Indicated, Last week Lovers -AOOilWl lOU 'Flying Down to Rio' (RKO) closei I a 10-day fiesta with $16,000 in. ^ St. Charres (2,000; 25)—'Counsel- Cincinnati, Jan: 1 ibr-at-Law* (tl). May go tP $3,500. 'Stf aiglitaway' Dual With 'Before Midnight'Slow at $800 in Most pix patrbns are maki - I which Is plenty hotcha. Last Week 1 at the Karlton knd lB belng held Ih, l choice - jPL?!"^ ^"^^ unprecedented for this little Chest- f—.,.: ^ I this side of $2,000. rently o. is close bh the »Yut housfl which lust recentlv r"""' " ^"'■"'^ ""r I Tudor (700 ; 30)-^'Bureau of Miss- .changed-lts Ste^ to"^shbw flr^^^^ o« the yaydfllm Palace with ing .persons' (WB). Title is helping yunff 'Fugitive LoVers'and Dave Apollon. this Canal Street drop-iil to he Earle is another house that ['Convention City' is buteine »-ecelpts Pr,f^^^| 2.5^0.^ Last^^ Jan. 15. iz is starting to swing up and the incentive Is likewise getting bet- ter. CWA dougli; being spent In profusion in this territory seems to clicking. House "?(ras hlttin&^ Keith's and 'Going Hollywood' Orph with Mr. Baer proving him- flii-ound$i4;000 a.nd.$15,000 in the fall Ihas the Ckpitol in the'blick." Only hYiklSil^ 1 on^^^i "Th^* rhiflf I self an actor is in thejast week ,of and frequently, falling to as low as major headache is 'Advice to Love- ,J^JL, •^^r'^,,ui^ ^^"^ ."i $12,000; now It's avefagirig oyer lorn.' (MG) Ed Wynn is popular-dowii $20,000 and hitting way past that Trade at smaller houses Is around P^'^^^.ViJ "J^i. ^^^^^^^ o" A"*- week of the 29thv .mark frequently. Eddie. Cantor. Is their average marks. to get the film about $1,000. House | poUcy may be Intermittent after the headliner there this week with Commencing Jan. 26 the indie I oP^ned this week, •Bombay Mall' on the screen. Over Stra,hd. Will go lit for a small.pres ^30,000 Is pretty definitely indicated entation .policy In. eon junction with by the pace of the first two days, sci'een fare, by using two or three Last week, with Ben Bernie and his acts Instead of five and adding a revue; $22,000 was achieved, fi.ve llnie of 10 girls and an m. c, with grand more than • predicted. I the: house ork moved from pit to ' 'Flying Down to Rib' is doing a stage. Scale to remain at 25-35.. nice but' not sensational trade B.t This Is the nl^th and filial week" the Stanley where It should iget of Arthur: M. Oberfelder's dramatic $14;000 on Its week and at least road shows at $1 In the Cox. Cur-f three extra days. Convention City,' rent attraction Is 'Pursuit of Happl- latest at the Stanton, figures for ness/ with, Kenneth Harla,n and about $8,300, a, llttlie above recent 1 Effle Shannbn, A cisise of no dice, Mild Weather Favors Mountain Sports, but Not Denver Houses Denver,. Jan. 16 'Convenfibn City' (FN) plus vaudeville is doing heyhey business I prizefighter and the Lady' (MQ) that,, though Estimates for TWs Week Colonial (LTC) CiTSO; 10-1&)— 'Captured' (WB), average fare Average take $800. Last week, 'Blind Adventure' (RKO), and 'Til lie and Gus' <Par), split, oke $900. Uncolli (TLC) (1,600; 10-16-25)— 'Sons of the Desert' (MG), looks good $2,700. Last week, Fugitive Lovers' (MG), was weaker than average for past month; $2,300. Orpheum (LTC). (1,300; 10-25)— ^-ri^i.^^^ ^^,.^^^1 lij- . I nUhmich nlAvct worn ne^-ar *i\ r'ln*»v vauaevuie IS OUinB neyn«y uu»iiit»tB jfrizengnier ana uie u^uy Vivivjr; average except holiday week. I ^^""fL^ti^/^'^^^^^ Tlie Fox has-Orient Express^^bn^w^^^ itg gate from 40 to 50 cents I Last week. 'Meet the Baron' (MG) the screen and Donald Novis on the I did notices and extra plugs by_the | ^JJf ^^^^^^^ ^^^ w »Hta+« wafr stage; looks like a sharp drop from I criCKs. _____ Court, action by Max Gor- the"'I Am sJzanne'~ trade, wl^h rtc^^^^^ N. T. last week for royal- mofe than $16,000 Indicated. t^'^s on .^Design for Living* and Fi>f:».a«.. «A» 4k> w^^i^ 'Master's Voice' resulted In the tle- A.^; •'^ up of about $600 at the box office Aldme (1,300; 40-55-65)—^Roman by deputy sherilTs. Matter was ad- Scandals' (UA) (4th week). Ought justed at the other end and the to get $8,000 or $8,500 although drop money refunded: In attendance has definitely begun. I Auto show at Music Hall this but seemed not to be excluding a^iy prospective customers for that rea- son. Weather Is -still Ideal for .trips Into the mountains. Colder temper-: ature would be more favorable to theatre attendance. Estimates for This Week. subbed halfway by 'State Fair' (Fox), was a nice week; $2,200 Rialto (Bard> (1,000; 10-15-25)— 'Road to Ruin' (Cap), and judging fi'om the reception given other sex pics In this stand: a very excellent $3,000 isn't unreasonable. Last week. 'By Appointment Only' (Ches), arid Phantom Express' (Indie), double „ _ Aladdin (Huffman) <1,600; 26-40) , Last week's $11,000 was sensational, week. It's no hurt to theatres, the —'One Man's Journey' (RKO). Viola I billed with 'Race Night,' withdrawn Arcadia 600; 25-35-40)—'Sitting puU from natives being offset by K. Lee at the organ. Around $3,700, | by i>etition of, blue nosers, blahe^ 5*!?"^ .l^Y2t.«^"??i?® 7^®^'*/"" h^8ltbrs from out^^^^^^ Last week 'Morning Glory* (RKO) $1.Q00, today with $2,100; 'Alice In Wonder- E«timataii for Thi* Week ' land' (Par) tomorrow (Tuesday). „ . * ..v 1 Boyd (2,400; 40-65-66)r-'Ltttle Palace (RItP) (2,600; 36-44)—1 Women- RKO) (3d week). Should i'Fugitive Lovers' (MG) and Dave hit $17,600 in third after last week's Apbllon headlining vaude. Screen ^ «nesi»n for Livine' sensational $23,000. Stays a fourth; drama and . comedy and musical H*,^^- .^^^ turned in ah average Vreek of $3,600.1 State (Monroe) (500; 10-15-26)^ Denham (Hellbbrn) (1,500; 25-30- 'Straightaway' (Col), and 'Before 40_'Girl Without a RoOm* (Par). Midnight' (Col), double hilled, will Stagie show. Headed for $6,000. Last feel good to draw a dawdling $800 (Par) I Last week, 'Counsellor at Law' (U) Earle (2,000; 40-66-65)-r-'Bombay stage program a good mixture and Mail' (U) and Eddie Cantor as the bringing $13,000, iaatlsfactory. Last big stage headliner. $30,000 should week 'Aggie Appleby* (RKO) and toe orca^ be easy and maybe^a grand or t^o -G. V. F.' tab got $14,500. fairly ^Edna^Dodd^a^^^^^ more. Last week, 'Above the I good. | «T,i*^tii* Wompn' T..aHf- week Clouds* (Col) and Ben Bemle's re- Albee (RKO) (3.300; 35-44)-.'Gal- tRo-.an gcanda^^^ vue on the stage got a fine $22,000, lant Lady' (UA), Vehicle right' Scandals (UA) on its mi way over-expected figrure. \ [down Ann Harding's alley and roll- Fox (3,000; 30-40-65)—'Oriental ing the heavy love fans for a plenty . g^j, . . ,, . — weeks Express' '(Fox) and stage show, good $12,500. I^ast week 'Flying KO% -Fl"t fl^^^ Donald Novls headlined. Sharp Down to Rio* (RKO) rounded out »^^J?® ^^"7®"^' c^ro drop seen from recent pace. Maybe 111-day run with $9>000, nice. I ornhAM«f Vwnffmnn'^ ^2 fi00- 2E- $16,000. Last week, 1 Am Suzanne* Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 36-44)— LgOrP^i'"^^^ (Fox) got $18,500 for its second 'Going Hollywood^ (MG). BlngPf^J^) -g*^^®!^^^^^ week, remarkable. Different stage Croshy and Marlon Da^^^^^^ how. I Izing to tune of $9,000, smiles. Last I vei^ nlftv At S14 000 Last Karlton (1,000; 30-40-50)—'By week 'Dinner at Eight* (MG) con-I 7.®^ -"."^y *t ^l^M"."' ..'^"i Denver (Huffman) (2,600; 25-35- 60)—'Roman Scandals' (UA) (2d show. week 'Ann Vickers' (RKO) started good but tapered off to close with $11,000. Paramount (Huffman) (2,000; 26- 40)—'Rafter Romance' (RKO) and iOisa laugns leuvu-I .j^j^gj^jpnjj^n jg^^^j^. (rkq). Split- I. Last week House .•!> 7nfi t.oo*- waaIi Candlelight' (U). Critics raved and jculded fortnight with $8,000, pleas picture was held in for second Week, [ing. unprecedented at this hpuse. Much I Keith's* (Lisbon) (1,500; 30-40)— slower pace with some doubt about I 'Convention City' (WB). Dandy picture ■ getting full second week; ^^ight lineiip awd lotsa laughs fetch maybe $3,500. Last,week $5,500. Ing a hefty $7,500. Last week'House 1 ^j- f.- >« 700 Last week 'Dinner Keith's (2,000; 25.35-40)-'Mr. Ln 56th Street' (WB), $6,600, oke. It |:i?ht' switch' (Fox) and vaude< Ought to Lyric (RKO) (1.394; 35-44)— f^.^-'fJ^^g^g^^^^^^ "^^^'^^^ get around $6,500. 'Wine, Women .Advice to Lovelorn' (UA). Dull■ and Sotig* (Chadwick) weak with Utarts indicateg a too familiar role $2,800 in four days. for Lee Tracy and a struggle for Stanley (3,700; 40-65r-65)—'Flying m.sqo, beaucbup aspirin. Last.week Down to Rio* (RKO). Pbing pretty .Qoungeiior at Law' (U), $7(000; not well and • will g^t at least a part of K^jj , ' a second week, $14,000 Indicated. Grand (RKO) (1,026; , -30)— 'Dancing Lady' (MG) got expected .^gQ pf V^^^j^a' (RKO) first starter $6,000 in last, three days. , ■. ^nd 'Son of a gallor' (WB) deuclhg, Stanton (1.700; v30-40-65)^'Con-l^pm _ $2100. normal. Ditto last HOMAN SCANDALS'AT 25c GETS $20,000 after a slow start picked up a very nice $1,200. Stuart (LTC) (1,900; 10-26-40)^ 'Her Sweetheart* (MG) (Chris. Bean). Oke for 8.400 here.| Unt Players did the legit version two months ago and to full houses for a week. Last.week, 'Dancing Lady^ (MG) was. plenty good enough at $3,100- Ted Lewis at Oho, 17G, Monoiiolizmg AH CoL ventlon City' (WB)v Looks good for L^gg^ .Mr. Skitch' (Fox), extend- $8,300, little over hbuse's ^average, rj ^^^^ ^^^^ .j ;w-as a Spy' 'White Woman' (Par) only $7,200 .p^^. initial screening, divided last week, ' 1 ^ _ •.. «a/v. ■« c oc K'aii.sas' City, Jan. 16. . 'Roman Scandals* .at .the Midland is the big noise this W(feek and , would hot be surprising it it .ni'ade Family (RKO) (1,000; 1 B-25)— a new house record for the 26 cent 'Smoky* (Fox) and 'Hold the Press (Col), split. Exceptional horse fea 'Dancing Lady' lOG, B'hani ture^and victor Jory an added mag Smoky' and a heave to $2,- 100 for above, average. Last week scale. Mainstreet has 'Counsellor at Law.' and will benefit from the' good impression rtade by. the stage version last season.. 'Eight Girls' in a Boat' in oh the. Birmingham, Jan. 16. I'Above the Clouds' (Col) and 'Gun hsiewman's screen and opened lilcely One less picture house greets the Justice' (U), split, $1,800. ^ after some red-hot tJubllclty. nubile this week with the Jefferson Strand (Ind) (1,200; 26-35)—Cur- x^gt week was not so hot al- dropplng vaudflhn and going In for tain at 8' (Maj) and Fowier^Walsh- though 'Flying DoTjrn t straieht stock House Dlayihg noth- LaZarr revue topping five-act bill, jlainistreet and 'Gallant Lady' at: a^aw ^i;r\£at^;;^I^ I jo^ S^S"^ town, 'Dancing Lady' gives the Alabama top place again this week with a bang-up $10,000. Business as whole Is holding its' own and up a good deal over last year. Estimateis for Thi« Week iabama (Wilby) (2,800; 30-36- Healy's Stooge Short Hollywood, Jan. 15. Ted Healy and his stooges are slated for another two-reeler at Metro, 'Employment Agency for Stooges', an orig by Herman Tim- :L)anrins Lady' (MQ). Okajr 'berg. Estimates for'This Week Mainstreet (RKO)•.(.3.200; 2i3-40)^ 'Counsellor at LaW'," (U). Thla story Introduced on the speaking stage, here, by Paul. Muni, opened nicely and should hold up for close to $8,000, fair. La.st.week 'Flying Down to Rio' (liKO) got. nice $11,500. . ■ Midland ^LoeW) M.OOO: 2R.) — 'Roman S^randals' (UA). First time Columbus, Jan. 15 Being the closest big city to Ted Lewis' home town, Columbus this week Is giving 'the mediclhe mah for. the^ blues, a homecoming party and a real one. Lewis and his a:ct are at. the Ohio theatre together with 'Women in His Life,' and all the money In town is flowing that way. Should be near record for re- cent years. 'Convention City' also well up at the (irand after inighty ballyhoo with 'Fugitive Lovers' also ballyed into prominence. Other ^feature If 'Flying. Down to Rio,' now .TJlayIng Majestic after a week at the Palace Last week 'Midway Nights' on stage and 'Day of Reckoning' screen went way beyond early estimates at the Ohio after a light opening. Estiinates for This Week' Palace (liKO) (3,074; 25-40)— 'Gouhsclior, at Law' (U>; Hit by com polish^ and - hardly, bettor than $6,500. La.st woek. Flying to Rio (RKO) heavy $13,O0O and held over to Maje.sfio this wcok. Ohio (Lopw-vTTA) YS.OOO: 2!>-40)^ 'Women in Pli.s Life' and Ted LpwIm 'Ai-6 Ocptcnr-stTonpnaiTTl^Tmyr^^^ llRely.. Last week, 'Day of Reckon- ing' (MG), and 'Midway Night.s' on stuge, good cnotiffh $14,500. Broad (Lnow-TTA) (2,500)—'Fngl tlve Lovers' (MG), also fallH boforc Lewl.t but fair onouKh $7,000, Jjsnk yrdfV. 'Tak*> a Ohanco' (Par), fair n $.5,800. Grand CNothj (1.100; 2.--<ni Tonvcntion City' (VVIi). <•;<•(Mn good plfy to $1,700 01 hfltff. Baltlniore, Jan.' Burg la. finding itself able. . gradually shed its intense, over biz. 'Though early in autuimn there were several sessions of tough slediJlng, grossies of late have tilted to consistent p.r6jEit plane. Of the largisr houses,: th tiahley suffered some, financial pangs during latter part of its six weeks' vaude try, with readjustment of pplicy, biz at the elephantine deluxer ; nosed up- ward and since then house has been reaping harvest, . CheCk-up and comparison 'tween grosses past month and correspOndT ing span year ago reveals marked tilt in. takings, tanley. Hippodrome and Century have, nudged up' and a:re .singly .averaging about $2,000 weekly over last year's figures.: with pie product of proportionate strength. The rise among ..the other houses not quite $6 appreciable, but at least promising. It's a cheerful augury of genei'al econoriilc. hypo that's beien Iiistilled hereabouts of recent date, causing the exhibs to breathe easier a;nd return that.pre- depresh gleam to their orbs. Currently competlsh Is plenty heated» with the boys staging merry fight for leji-dershlp. Looks like pair of rostrum shows, Hipp with 'Strike Me Pinlc' tab and Century counter- ing with Buddy Rogers unit will t6p the town and. stand each other oft with. $17,000 apiece. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew-UA) (3,200; 25- 35-40-5566)—'Fugitive Lovers* (MG) and Buddy .Rogers heading stage show. Pic has been heavily ex- ploited. Rogers exhibiting plenty potency at the wicket. Though he won't soar his figure to drafted InU tlal appearance here, first two days indicate snappy $17,000. Last week, 'Blood Money' (UA) and stage show just under $15,000, good. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,500;^ 25-35-40-65-66)—'Let's Pall In XK)ve'^ (Col) and tab 'Strike Me Pink.* Pic that didn't look so hot on paper, drawing .Word-o'-mouth heraldlngs; $17,000. Last week, 'If I Were Free' ( RKO) and stage show headed by FIfi Dorsay pulled out with very good $14,000. . ^ _ Keith's (Schanberger) (2,500; 26- 30-35-40-50)^'GIrI Without a Room' (Par). Opened Saturday and start- ed sluggishly. The pic boasts no real marquee name, trio of reason- ably pop faves supply adequate lure. Also several shorts of ether sub- ects augmenting the program are recipients of Justifiably heavy bill- ing. All angles merged, hiking gross to prancing $5,600. Last .week. By Candlelight* (U) well liked and greeted with cheerful $5,000. . New (Mechanic) (1.800; 26-30- 36-40-50)—'Frontier Marshall* (Fox). Opening today (15). Hoss opry stuff nil on m£u:quee strength and. not due to get much consideration from shopping femmes, who are house*s prime assets with their heavy mat- inee play. Doubtful If lingers full week and then not more than medi- ocre $3,000. Last weel^ 'Bombay Mail* (U) Indifferent at approximate $3,200. Stanley (t^oew-UA) (3,460; 25-36- 40-66-66)—'Design for Living' (Par). Sophisticated fare that's right up the alley for class and carriage trade that form this giant swanker's steadiest clientele. Will laugh its way to $14,600. Last week, 'Roman Scandals' (UA) big $20,000. Looks OJL iii N.W. Minneapolis, J.an. 15. Theatre business In the teirritory Is expected to be stimulated con- siderably by the $626,75^,343 which, the Federal Government. Is pouring in during the ensuing" 1% months. The new irtoney hearly doixbles the entire farm Income of Minne- sota, the Dakotas and Montana In 1932. Sturges Scripts 'Priricess* HoMywood, Jan. 15. Pre.ston Sturges has joined the Paramount writing staff to prepare the adaptation of 'Thirty-Day Princoss' for the Schulberg: unit, . ri cturjf t .sv slated' to .«tar Sylvia ¥ldriey, nntl'"l}r"Tr«iR"?1Sr°st7yry" IJJ^ Clarence BuddinpLoh Krlland. wook, 'Iltm.-.o on. 06th Street' (WB), mild at %'.\S,m. Majestic n'wKO)' (1.400.; 15-30>— •Flvintr Uo\Mi to nifi' (HKO). Stand- in:; 11)) wi-'I -'nrd £,'<i')d for $.1,000. r,ri 1 \vcfi« 'i);jMf>^, Oiince' L;»'i I ',Vi;ijy. N"' '■<>■ t<>i-iii at $2,G00,