Variety (Mar 1934)

riCTIiltE c SSES VARIETY idiidoii Stin likes Gaiio, (Mrs Empire s Biggest in Tears; Marx Brothers^ 'Catherme/ 'Women NEW HAVEN BRIGHTER $S,SOO for *Bo\wf at Par and Poli May Qet $8^000 London. Feb. 24. Shottaere Qf bis films is still conv ttnuinir. but with the British Inclus- trles Fair on, the picture houses are grabblnig: plenty. The long awaited: Garbo. picture is this week's put- (Btander; 'Duck Soup,* at the Carl- ton, is erlvinff the Marx fans a treat; ■Catherine the Great,' the Xiondon Films-Elizabeth Bergjier pic, is not duplicating the 'Henry Vlli' •cees at the Lieicester Square theatre, but Is still doing healthily. Trouble seems to be ainpng' the arty picture theatres who ^speoialr- Ire in foreign products. With Ger- many practically out, only ones left .are French and an occiasional Rus- Blah. Result is these houses are playing repeats., which is not help- ing a.ny. iApproximate oroases Jierewith. Quoted at |6 to the rpound:} Academy—'Lliebelel' ('Love Song*) (6th wk). Still doinig;around |3,000, Which is fair. Will stay a little longer due to shortage of foreign pica. Capitol—'Sealed I^ips' ('After To- night' (Radio). Finished week to 16,000, which is pretty bad. Con- stance Bennett ho longer a draw, but must have good picture to get her over. House has been very un- lucky for some time, and bad break looks like continuing. 'As Husbands Go' (Fox), now current and likiely to leave after a week. Carlto)!—'Duck Soup' (Par) (3d wk.). Doing pretty well. Averag- ing over 116,000. Marx boyia are es- aentlally men's favorites. That Is Why afternoon shpwa-are light, but evening' always capacity. Picture Will stay four weeks at least. Cineiria House-^'Le Rosier de Ma- dame Husson'- ('Virtuous Isidoire') (French). Here bn a. return visit: Manages to linger around $2,500. Empire—r'Queen Chriatina' (M-0>. Opened to smash biz. with first week's grosses equaling record es- tablished by 'Broadway Melody' at this house some five years ago. |60i000 for week's Intake makes house look like a Broadway deluxeir. Especially as it is'all done on the picture, with no stage presentation or symphony orchestra to help pull. Picture sure for three weeks,' and could stay a fourth, but Metro does not intend to milk it. Leicester Square Theatre—'Cath- erine the Great' (Liondoh Films) (3d wk.). Still touching 120,000, which Is pretty good. Will probably stay for six weeks, but not likely to hold up for 10^ as anticipated. , Marble Arch Pavilion-r-'Constant Nymph' (G-B) (2d wk,). Staying the second stanea .after .scoring 600 first week. Good going for this house. Might even hold over third Wjeek.- ... New Gallery—'Gallant Lady' (U. A.). Was not liked, but inanaged to gross 17,500, Which not bad, but not good enough to hold over. 'I Am Suzanne' (Fox) how current. Good for a fortnight at least. Plaza—'All of Me' (Par), and 'Fe- male' (WB). double feature pro- gram, with films not voted very- good. But Georgie Raft, Miriam Hopkins, Fredric March, Ruth Chat- terton and George Rrent managed to pull 'em in. Did $20,000, and no holdover, 'The Queen's Affair'. (B. & D.). and "Four Frightened People' (Par) now current. Might force Regal—'iilttle Women' (Radio), ppenejd to^ smash grosses, first week $30,000. second week $25,000, Dropped third week to under $20,000. with fourth and last week nearer $16,000. •Ever My Heart* (WB)^ and 'Ken- nel Murder Case' (WB) In for one week, with 'Footlight Parade* (WB) following for at least a four weeks' run, - R ialto—'Blue Light,'. another of the continental repeats to around $2,000. 'La Rue Sans Nom' (French) replacing. Tiybli-^'lnvisiblie Man' (U), stayed echeduled .month to good business. After doing $20i000 first week, with very little below that second week, closed to $i5,000. 'Jack Ahoy' (G-B) replaced. Likely to hold up for three weeks, with 'Only Yesterday* (U) to follow. NOTHING BUT VAUDE DOES BIZ IN LINCOLN public eye hasn't evinced a flicker of interest thus far, Lincoln start- ing off Culbertson*s bridge shorts, which may attract a bit of trade to 'Six of a Kind,' but, doubtful. The only standup biz comes with the Orph's last halves ahd vaude. Crowds have been milling around there plenty. Increasing In size from week to week. Otherwise, blah. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Livingston) (860; 10rl6) —'Ever In My Heart' (WB); Just Bp-sb $1^000.. Last week 'By C!andle- llght' (U) and 'Eight Girls in a Boat' (Par), split, nice at $1,200. Colonial (LTC) (760; 10-15)— 'Ever Since' Eve' (Fox). Average $800. Last week 'Son of Kong* (Ra- dio) and 'Ldst Patrol* (Radip), split, gathered $1,400. Lincoln (LTC) (1,600; 10-16-25)— •Six of a Kind' (Par). Looks dubi- ous. Pli»gglng Culbertsbn shorts with equal billing, trying to get 'ein enthused. Maybe $2,000, Last, week 'Hips, HipS. Hooray' (Radio), $3,100, okay. Orpheum (LTC) (1,200; 10-15-25) :—'Dajinaged Lives' (Weldon) .Should do something about weak first half biz here. Last half 'Hold That Girl' (Fox) and vaude. Week should shape to nice $2,500. Last week 'Emperor Jones* (UA) and 'Four Frightened People* (Par) with Henry. Santrey unit on stage, split, picked up $2,50Q by tenific momen- tum on the last half. State (Monroe) (600; 10-16-26)— 'Right to Romance' (Radio). Ex- pects a fair $800, Last Week 'One Man's Journey' (Radio) was so-so at $760. ^ Stuart (LTC) (1.900; 10-26-40)— 'Queen Christina' (MG). Looks to make the week a complete smear. With a strong opening, might get $2,300, fair. Last week 'Roman Scandals'. (UA) came In with the only snow and zero weather this winter. Substantial , bite into first two days means $4,100. very good, however. w^LIncoln,^March=,E. Without, a real sock on the whole, row of marquees about town, and with last week's, biz bammed and floored by two opening days of frigid winter, bliizzard and snow, the present two weeks b iz isn't go - Ihg to~^e"""sH'ouHng"stuff: weather, nice a.?ain, finds no entertainment incentive to get '6m out.. Stuart's been doing some consist- •nt selling of 'Christina/ but the Mmore Springy! Tiddlfr and Unit 6ai$ with W/fi Baltimore. March S. Spring's .here! With overcoat col- lars turned; down and the mere soaring, the natives have ceased sit- ting on stoves and are venturing downtown. Exhibs are celebrating the ap- parent end of the month of frieidlty by regaling the folks with some ace attractions that started' off on all cylinders despite rains opening day. Big money drafter In at the .Cen- tury, where 'Cat and the Fiddle' mates with the first, unit ever un- furled on local scene. 'Century of Progress.' Particularly strong pic for this house and If mild weather holds, over the top with $17,600. Stanley la boxing a fat wad of green with ferames flocking in to 'Ga,lliant Lady.' Estimatea for This Week Century (LbeW-UA) (3,000; 25- 35-40-66-66) 'Cat and Fiddle' (M-^O) and 'Century of Progress' unit. Pic is essentially strong and unit help- ing, cominig in on beela of hefty ad- vance bally and presenting Faith Bacon as first fanner, ever unloosed oh a local rostrum. Very good 117,- 500^ Last week 'Miss Fane's Baby Is Stolen' (Par) and 'Artists and Models' tab, so-so $16,700. Hippodrome (Rappaport) <2,500; 25-35-40-56-66) 'It Happened One Klght' (Col) and vaude. Oke on $16.- 500. Last week 'Two Alone' (Radio) and five acts, a fiiittering $9,0PO. Keith's (Schanberger) (?,600; 26" 30r-35^40-50) 'Search for Beauty' (Par). Opened auppfer show Friday (2). Handicapped by lack of mar- quee illuminators. Doesn't look to better than indifferent $4,000. de- spite heavy ad outlay. Last week. 'Bolero' (Par) danced off with fancy $7,000 In nine days. New (Mechanic) (1,800; 26-30-35- 40t50) 'David Harum' (Fox) opened yesterday (4). Rogers name potent ^hcrer-but^biz ;dependent-.on-^notices a.ccorded by critical gentry. Prob- able $4,000, fair. Last week. 'I Be- lieved in You' (Fox) shaded $3,000, flabby. Stanley (Loew-UA) (3,460; 25-35- 40-55'-66) 'Gallant Lady' (UA). A naftnFarariff'Sh'W^elt-en^TffiirA^^ ity ear-marked for a juicy $14,000, Last week, 'Fashion Follies of 1934' (FN) derailed by weather but slipped out with oke $12,000. New Haven, March 6. After messing up boxoffice figures for two weeks, weather finally called It a day. But there's; still Lent to worry about. Roger Shermah cuts current bill to six days to use house Wednesday (7) for trade preview on hew product. Estimates For This Week Paramount (Publix) (2,348; 36- 60)—^'Bolero' (Par). St6pd 'em up over w;eekend and looks like best Week in. some time;, possible $6^600, Last week 'Grood Dame' (Par) and 'Womah's Man' (Mono),, oke around $5,000*' Poll's (PoU) (8,040; 16-60)—'Cat and Fiddle' (M-G) and 'Hold That Girl' . (Fox). Headed for nice $8,000, Last week "Nana* (UA). slightly be- low expectations at $7,700. hot bad as a single. Ftoger Sherman (WB) (2,200; 35- 50)—'I've Got Tour Number' (WB) and 'Crosby Case' (U). Just aver- age $5,200 oh six days. Last week Eskimo' (M-G), steady at $6,SQ0. College (Poll) (1,666; 26-40)— 'Devil Tiger' (Fox) and/Orleht Ex- press'(Fox). Looks weak at $3,700. Last . Week 'This Side . of Heaven' (M-6) and 'I Like It That Way* (U), made a profit at $4,200, SALLY RAND HEIPS PAR, B'KLYN, pi,000 Brooklyn, March 5, Spottiness In business at the the- atres in the downtown vicinity, atres in the downtown vicinity. Kay Francis at. the Strand, and Gable at the All>ee are helping these houses to l>etter showings this week. Sally Rand at the Para- mount Is getting star billing and goodly bit of exploitation. Pic IS 'No More Women* (Par) With McLaglen and Lowe doing mild Jobs. Eatimates for This Week Paramount (Par) (4,000; 25-36- 50)—'No More Women' (Par) and stage '^pw featuring Sally Rahd^ fan dancer. Exciting ad copy on fan damsel is bringing in business. In vicinity of $28,000, olcay. Last week, 'Death Takes a Holiday' (Par) same. Fox (F&M) (4.0M; 25-36-50)— .'Long Lost Father* (Radio) and stage show with Peggy Healey and Berrens orch. Barrymore name means something here. A fair $13,600. Last week, ^evil Tiger' (Fox) did good $16,000. Alba* (RKO) (1,600; 16-36-50)— 'It Happened One Night* (Col) and vaude. Benny Rubin and Fifl D'Or- say on the bill and getting enthusi- astic responses. An okay $18,000. Last week 'Carolina' (Fox) $20,000. , Loew'a Metropolitan (Loew) (2,- 400; 26-35-60)—'Queen Christina' (MCi) and vaude. Gatbo not draw- ing only $17,600. Laai week, 'Nana' (UA), $18,000, weak. Strand (WB) (2,000; 26-35-50)— 'Mandalay' (WB> Kay Francis in this one. Contented $ 8.000 . Last week, 'Big Shakedown' (WB) $6,000, mild. Spring Fever New B'way AHh; "Wonder Bar' Socko 50G s; Talooka Heavy $43^00 Are Only Standouts springlike weather Sunday and yesterday (Monday) .contrasted sharply with the snowstorm pf a week ago which caused severe dam- age to box offices tUl around; Like the blizzard, the unusually warm weatlier in a lesser degree also hurt. After so much winter, spring fever came quick and. had the tend- ency of keeping people outdoors for a change. Except for two outstanding at- tractions, "Wonder Bar,' at the strand, and 'Palooka' at the Rivoll, the current week will not dish up business to write- the country's ex*- hibitors about. Attractions on dis- play generally are not of such stout timber as they have been recently and for moat theatres the results, will not be oyer fair. Al Jolson's first picture since his fatal 'Hallelujah, I'm a Bum' is rid- ing high for a certain $60,000 on its first week. It istarted 6ut on a fast gallop, dragging down a mighty $14,000 the first twO days, beating any picture at the Strand since the Wall street cataclysm. Indications are for a run of at least four weeks. House upped Its weekday scale to 85c and spent $9,600 on an ad cam-' paign. Jimmy Durante Is a name that's bieing put to an acid test at the Rivoli and draw is not found want- ing, 'Palooka,' based on the comic strip of the same name had a smart takeoff and on Its first fH>von 4s,yB the picture is pointing its way to a fine $43,000. Should get four weeks, also.. Up at the Capitol, Greta Garbo's 'Queen Christina' is matching Itself against the two stronger attractions down the street. Garbo Is hot what she used to be at the box office and while $35,000 or more isn't bad. It's a long way from the grosses this star could always be depended upon to achieve in the past. 'Christina' wasn't much On its recent two-a-day run at the . Astor, either. Over at the Music Hail, the house is fighting a hopeless fight with Will Rogers' latest, 'David Harum.' Indications' are film will get only $66,000, red Ink. House fell off sharply last week With 'It Happened One Night.' which despite a. holiday start (Washing- ton's birthday) at higher scale, ended at around $76,000. The Gable and Colbert nameis twinned up in that picture held the gross frpm dipping loiwer. Paramount also swerved badly, 'Death Takes a Holiday' and Phil Biaker bh the stage dropping off to $42,000 on the week. Picture had. started out good and looked like it would hit oyer $60,000, inayl>e going to as much as $56,000. On the hold- over, it will just make the safety zohe at $35,000 or more. Of the balance of the street's showshops, the State appears In best shape with 'Nana,' which should at- tract a,bout $18,600 worth of busi- ness. This house has been doing con- sistently well right along, going into ston M Snnles; lost Patrol' And York-Kmg Unit Smash 29G's Boston, March 6. ■ That queer weather complex that this sector has, brinfilpg a breath of spring, but with slush underfoot, started ofl! like a back to normalcy impetus that all spots felt. Current high grosser Is. RKO Boston, smash- ing all its records for Week-end With the beat all-round show pre- sented by any Spot here in a long while. But everywhere, by com- parison with recent repeated storm and temperature socks, there are smiles thaX make us happy In Bean^ town. Last week Miriam Hopkins fur- nished the high Spot of talk by the low intake that the Met got. Lady Just didn't click, and house figure flattened out down close to the nut, too close for comfort; Estimates for This Week Keith's (RKO) (4.00O; 26-35-50)— 'It Happened One Night' (Col) (2d wk,). and personal appearance of a couple exonerated boys charged with. mMtdejC ,with.illne_.ballyhop ,dax ahead of opening as 'saved from the shadow of chair.' Apparently shrewd booking, as house is doing fine biz. Looks set for easy $13,500. Last week picture did well with $15,000. Boston (RKO) (4.000-36-50-66)-^ -Stfcko- Tnorrting. noon and night, with 'Lost Patrol' (Radio) and swell production of ta6 "Greenwich .Vil- lage Follies,' latter liaving York & King, faves here. Film far classier than usual run here. Opening show started off the record smashing, and there haye been tumaways since, specially evenings. If weather doesn't butt in., house should, reach $29,000, scrumptious. Last week 'I Believed in .You' (Fox) aiid vaude got $18,500;'not so goodi Orpheum (Loew) (3.000-30-40-50) 'Cat and Fiddle' (MG) and vaude; headed for .$14,500; superb. Last week 'Moulin Rouge' (UA) and vaude, through to $12,500, better than pretty good. State (Loew) (3,000-30-40-50)— 'Mystery of Mr. X' (MG), Plieasing all hands, but not likely to hit higher than $10,000, which has thin velvet. Last week 'Nana' (UA) was sweet at $11,000; handsome. Met (M&P) (4,330-30-40-50:-65)-^ 'Mandalay' (WB) and Will Mahoney knocking 'em silly on thei stage. Such a show-stopper, bill is length- ened past 3 hours. Film tepid and stage revue only fair, but Mahoney BHOTiid" iraii^^^ hotia© ^up=^ttr"$33,O0o; under hopes. Last week 'Bolero' (Par) on screen and Miriani Hop- kins on stage, $27,500. Paramount (M&P) (1,800-35-45- 55)—'I've Got Your Number' (WB) and -'Devil—Tiger'- (Fox)7—Seems-ar winning combination, and probable $8,500 in sight; nifty. Last week 'No More Women' and 'Sleepers Bast' (Fox), $8,000; quite nice. nice profit weeks even with product'. that has gone, fioppo at the Capitol. It has been aeriously hitting .the Palace, which also plays vaudeville, but for a long time now has been getting no place. Rialto finished its first week of TDark Hazard* Thursday (1) at $15,000, and retains picture for por- tion of a second week. (3bes put to^ night (Tuesday), 'Heat Lightning,' another Warner bobkihg. opening tomorrow morning (Wednesda:y). Final six days' of. 'Hazard' will be abo-t $9,000. ^Cathiefirie. - the Great' continues. to hold up stoutly at the Astor. where it ends its foui* weeks' run,. all. it was intended to have, on March 13 or 14. TTnited Artists bringing' ' 'House of. Rothschild' then, also for four weeks. First seven days of 'Catherine- was $20,100, second week $17^200; Estimates for This Week Astor (1,012; $1.10-$1.65-$2.20)— 'Catherine, the Great' (tJA) 8d week), Very sturdy two-a-day at- traction 'despite that it has run Into bad weather. After a fine $20,100 the first week, it got $17,200 last week, although its carriage trade was diminished seriously by the blizzard. 'House of Rothschild* (UA)^ with George Arliss, ppens for four weeks the middle of the month. Capitol (6,400; 36-76-86-il.l0)-r 'Queen Christina* (MG) and stage show. Garbo hasn't got the speed she used to have (uid ih.thia plctui« will be luCky to get more than $86,000. Last Week Clark (Sable on the stage with 'Mystery of Mr. JC (MG) failed to create any wonders but got profit at $48,000. Mayfair (2,200; 36-66-<5)-^'Orlent Express' (Fox). Ended a .wecik's run last night (Monday), getting $8;500. New picture, on preview last night (6) is another front Warner Bros.; 'Bedside.' " Palace (1,700; 85-40-66-76) *It Happened One Night' (Col) and vaude. Picture faces strong opposi-^ tion this .week. Including 'Nana',at ..the other fllm-vaude combination on the street, the State. Ma;ybe $13,000. Last week 'Carolina' (Fox), did swell, $16,000. Paramount (8.664; 85-66-76-99) 'Death Take a Holiday* (Par) (2d week) and stage show. A/puzzler, 'Death' opened big, then fell off sharply to $42,000 on Its W'eek and now. with aid of much publicity and exploltaitlon. Is holding okay for a second week of $36,000 or more. It was .a dangerous holdover, but may- be safe now. Phil Baker was held oVer on the stage. Radio City Muaie Halt (6,946; 40^ 60-85-99-n$1.65) 'David Harum' (Fox) and stage show. Will Rogers again weak, and at $66,000,. if getting that red Ink will be needed. Last week 'It Happened One Night' (Col), in spite of tlie Gable-Coll>ert names, fell down badly« ending with $76,000. Rialto (2.000: 36-40-66) 'Dark Hazard' (WB) (2d week). Remains six days on tike holdover and may- be $9,000 for that period. First week was $16,000. Rivoli (2,200; 40-66-76-86) 'Pa- looka' (UA). Jimmy Durante is proving the worth of that name In no xaean manner. It Is box office to the extent of a big $43,000 the first week,' making It appear 'Pa- looka' is In for a nice run here, probably four weeks anyhow. . . RKO Center (3.626; 26-40) 'Caro- lina' (Fox), four diays, and 'Eight Girls In a Boat* (Par), throe days. Thir UbUbietdii l66kB bistter than average, possibly $18;000. Last week 'AH of Me' (Par) and 'Meanest Gal in Town' (Radip)^ $10,000, not so Ro'xy (6.200; 26-36-66-66) 'Ninth Guest' (Col) and stage show. Doesn't seem to mean anything, probably under $20,000. poorest for house In a long time. Last week 'Hips, Hips, Hooray' (RKO). was better despite the blizz^d, $22,400. : Strand (2.900; 35-55-76-85) 'Won- der Bar' (WB). Al Jolson again proves mighty, box' office, aided by strong star support, and. on first weeic it all should .mean an easy $50,000. probably more. Last Week on holdover of 'Mandalay' (WB) picture held up surprisingly well, $17,200. putting a very definite, feather hi the cap of Kay Francis. State (2,200; 35-55-75) 'Nana' (UA) and vaude. Anna Sten pic- ture protecting this house currently, trend of business pointing to a prob- able $18,500 or better. Last week 'Hi Nellie' (WB) held Its own okay =in-fac6-of-everything,=winding^up.= at $16,000. WB SETS JAUES BTISH Hollywood. March 5. James Bush, who played oppo- "iHe Dorothy WllBon in 'Bight Girls In a Boat,' has been handed the Juvo lead In 'Happy Family' (WB). Alfred E. Green directing.