Variety (May 1934)

Tuesdayf. May 1, PICT E CROSSES VARIETY ttoms'-Olsen Band Lead Loop At $34,000; Arliss a Swett $3( 'Sisters-Baker lipping Palace, 20G Chicago, Aprir 30. iioop is In good, spirits this week, as okay product around for the ma- jority of the downtown houses. EJven the draggy Palace picks Itself up currently. 'Rothschild' and 'Bottoms Up* are funning for the big marks. Both Ictures came in with punch pub- licity and campaigns. 'Bottomis' is lt>acked by George Olsen's band on . Opening of 'Rothschild' hit the iown about three weeks later than .originally planned.. It ran into a "flock of rave notices and Is building to the best week at the United Art- tlstd since 'Roman Scandals.' Al- most the entire bulk of this trade is «,t night, afternoons and mornings meaning nothing, indicating no matron or single-b trade. All of it's couples and parties. 'Sisters Under the Skin' is making some hay at the Palace, with the aid of Phil Baker on the stage. House goes Into first peek at black ink in some, three monthis with the exception of the 'WHd- Cargo* ses- sion. 'Tarzan' IS fading at McVick- «rs on Wednesday (2), after a dls- appointingiyshort stay. Started oft like a house afire, but practl:ally all kids meant little at the final count- up. Looks like a cinch nabe picture. •Stand Up and Cheer' next, followed by 'Viva Villa.' 'Hitler's Reign of Terror' IS back In the Majestic as 'Hitler's Reign,' and doing businos.s. May stick four weeks, but still having difficulties with ."UtJiorities. Estimates for This Week Chicago (B&k) (3,940; 35-55-75) -T-'Bottom.s Up' (Fox), iand George 0!sen band, Ethel Shutta on stage. Business continues at a live pace here for third consecutive \Yinnlng ■preek. Heading for $34,000, in the money. IJad comment helped clip off the finish on 'We're Not Dress- ing' (Par) last week but healthy at $38,100. MeVicker's (B&K> (2,284; 25-35- 65)—'Tarzan' (M-G). Goes out after 10 daya and flabby >14,900 on open- ing session. tCids mobbed the week- ends-and kept adults out. For last three days maybe $4,000,. weak. •Stand Up and Cheer* (Fox), In Wed. (2). Majestic (Jones) (1,650; 25-35-40) —'Hitler's Reign* '(Cummins). Re- opened after police shut-down and doing business. Likely to touch $4,- 000, excellent at this theatre. Vaud- fllm policy to follow picture which Is hoped to last'until Fair tinie. Oriental (B&K) (3,200; 25-36-40) —•Let's Be Ritzy' (U) and vaude. £ome letdown In pace this week but managing to stick to. $15,000; okay on seating capacity and price but not when stacked up. against over- head of this house. House makes money at $17,000. Last week, $16,- 400 for ■ 'Wharf Angel* (Par) and ▼aude headed by Frances Arms. Palace (RKO) (2,600: 35-6B-83)— •Sisters Under Skin* (Col) and Phil Baker on stage. Healthy upping of gross this week on combo picture and stag^ .strength. Heads for $20,- 000, best In weeks. Last week, •Glamour* (U), $14,200. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 25-35-45) —'Six of a Kind* (Par). Opened Saturday (28) and may get by on. comedy name strength. .Looks like $5,000, okay. Last week, 'Men In White' (M-G) held over to good Bcore at $6;500. State-Lake (Jones) (2.700:: 25^35- 40)—'Keep 'em Rolling' (Radio),, and .vaude. Consistent vaude house con- tinues on money making keel at $12,000. Last week, 'Spitfire' (Ra- dio), fine $12,800, United Artiste (B&K-UA) (1,700; I. 85-45-65)—'Rothschild' (UA). Cream I of the loop 6h reports and business. I Drawing every class except the shopping matron-which slows down the afternoons. .On way to $30,000, powerful figure. Last week. 'Look- ing for Trouble* (UA) Couldn't get started; faded to $7,000 and out. Taconia Grosses Love Birds* (U) in for three cIost ing days, $1,500, for week's totalj $3,- 600, fair. Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (650; 16-i2&)r—'Lone Cowboy* (Par) and 'Let's Bfe Ritzy) (U) dual first half; 'Wharf Angel' (Par) last half, for expected $1,300, ^low. Last week, 'One Sunday Afternoon* (Par) and 'Success at Any Price* (Radio), dual, split with 'Jlnimy the .Gent* (WB) slow, fl.5J»0. ARUSS,BUa LEAD ST. L NEW HAVEN NICE '20 Million Sweethea^te^ Solo, $6;2d0 Versus Duals New Haven, April 30. Some nice dough fioatlng about this week, with everybody gietting a slice of it. Good bills all around have the fans cracking the baby's bank. With several overflow houses for. weekend. Gold weather ,a nice, brieak for fllih spots so far this spring. Estimates For. Thip Week Paramount (Publix) (2,348; 35- i50)_'We're Not Dressing* (Par) and 'Two Alone* (RKO). Heavy weekend indicates swell $9,500. Last week 'You*re Telling Me* (Par) and One Is Guilty' (Col). Held steady for good $8,100. Poll's (Polii 3,040; 85-50)—Tlva Villa* (MG) and 'Finishing School' (RKO). Packing 'em out ,to the gutter—for sugary $12,000. Last week : Tarzan and Mate»' (MG) and- Glamour* (U). So-so at $8,700. Roger Sherman (WB) (2,200; 35- 6i0)-r-'2O Million Sweethearts* (WB) Favorable comment but too weak as a single against current competlsh. Fair $6,200. Last week 'Earth Turns^ (WB) and 'Crime Doctor' (RKO). Fans ^ust wouldn't go for these. Moderate. $5,000. College (Polil (1.665;. 26-40>^ 'Looking for Trouble! (UA) and 'Ninth GuestV (Col). . Oke opening looks like satisfactory $4,500. Last week 'This Man- is Mine* (RKO) and 'Let^s Be Ritzy* (U). Slightly better than average at $4,400. St. Louis, April 30. Although certainly nothing to get excited about, there's a slight im provement around the box offlc6s this week over the terrific slump of the last few weeks. When the figures are totaled up, it looks like three—halt, of the houses—will show a profit, and one or twO others may. Heading the list of the certainties is Loew'is State with 'Rothschild.' Will get a big $25,000, and possibly hold. Dick Powell's local popu- lai-ity-^he seems to be better liked here than some places—will put the ghubert in the moriey, and Frahi Buck's latest anlma^l ep^c will do the same, fpr the Fox..; Estimates for Thi i Week Ambassador (Skouras) (3,000; 25- 36-65)—'We're Not Dressing' (Par) and stage show. . Crosby pulUng fairly for $11,000. Last week,. 'Death Takes Holiday' (Par), $12,000. Fox (F&M) (5,000; 25-35.-55) — •Wild Cargo* (Radio) and 'One Is Guilty* (Col). Fair $13,000 likely. Last week, 'Bottoms Up' (Fox) and Three on Honeymoon' (Foy)^ mild $10,000. Loev/s State (Loew) (3,000; 25- 35-55) — 'Rothschild* (UA). Good going. $25,000, while last week for 'Tarzan' (MG) was $15,000. Missouri (Skouras) (3,500; 26-40^ — 'You're Telling Me* (Par) and •Cross Streets.' Fair $7,000. Last week 'Show-Olt (MG) and 'Coiintess Monte Cristo' (U), ditto. St. Louis (F&M) (4,000; 25-40)— 'Sisters Under Skin* (Col) and 'Waltz ■ Time* (GBX. Only real baddie here, $3,000. Last week, 'Finishing School' (RKO) and 'Pals*, just as blah. Shubert (WB) (2,000; 25-40) -- 'Twenty Million Sweethearts* (WB). Going fairly for $10,00,0. Last week, •Jimmy' the Gent' (WB), $7,000, n.s.h. 'ELYSIA' AND TARZAN' IS UNCOLN'S RAW MEAT Dressing' at Rivoli 32G, Sweet Penner at State 'Sweethearts a Fine show state of; this house. However, every drug store, counter, helper is babbling about the nudes, so thie pic will probably help lift theimortgage; $1,200 excellent. Last week "Whirl- pool* (Col), -wrlth ho exploiting help, was. in cerise. S500. . ^ Stuart (LTC) (1,900; IT)-25-40)— Tarzan' (MG) looks in the dough for good $3,300. Last week 'Spitfire' (Radio) saw re<J with a so-so run, $2,600. BIG18GIN5 DAYS, Pin Pittsburgh, April 30 Main :»tem bidding April adieu with no regrets. Generally speak- ing, it's. been, the poorest month of the seasoji, grosses skidding every- where with few exceptions. Nothing exciting in prospect this week although Sally Rand in person and 'Sisters Under- the Skin* at Stanley should give house Hn even One of Lincpln, April 30. The natives will gqt a squint at I break at $18,000 or better, the raw meat In tw6 spots, State ] mdjor disappointments ia 'Tarzap and Stuart, this week, so hence will at Penn where,-despite great catn- CO the dough. Stuart is doing the I paign and glowing reports, getaway bis leaf and bough romance of 'Tar- was way junder par. If opening can za?i* and the^State has •Elysia,^ the be taken a^ a criterion, $12,000, if niidist pic. Flashing ads are out that, looks like the limit -which is and a whispering campaign is being l unger expectations by ,50% iM:^ Instead Couple of ^bright spots, however, used insteaa. ^j^^^ .^^^ Patrol* at Estimates for This weeK wamer got the best opening Since Capitol (Livingston) («50; 10-15) .go,, of K6ng,' and indications are —•Search for Beauty* (Par) apd nice $7,000, most encouraging ♦Countess of Monte Cristo' (U), duah takings in months, while 'Bottoms Looks to be the most likely combi- Up* at Fulton. started out briskly nation for trade at this house iii and should make the grade at $6,000. some time.' a very good $1,100 in Showmen ^11 watching situation sight. Last week *A11 Men Are Bne:- [ in East Liberty with interest. War- mies' (Fox) and 'His Double Life* jners have struck terror In the dis- (Par) bad at $700. trict by sendlrig 4,000-seat Bnrlght Cok>nial (LTC) (75P.; 10-15)—One [into double feature policy in direct Is Guilty' (Col) and 'Invisible Man,' .competition to indie-owned Liberty. ' serial. Probably bring • this house They're also shooting, flrst-run Bast into fair taking, ^50, La.st week Liberty major product into Camera- •Three on a. Honeymoon' (Fox)'and phone and Sheridan Square, both 'Voice in the Night' (Ciol) split, with: houses directly across street from serial last half was pretty good $800. Harris-Family, with a monopoly on Lincoln (LTC) (1,600; 10-15-26)— Fox and UA product. Sonie inter- 'GambUnc Lady* (WB). will get 'em I estlng competition developing, with in this hoii^ solely , from the price [flrst week 6t new policies winding appeal, $2,200 plenty satisfactory Last week 'Melody in SprhJg* (Par) clicked over every picture in town, $2,6.00 is mlghtly neati _ Orpheum (LTC) (1,^00; 10-16-25) up in WB's father. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea-Hyd6> (1,760; 16- 25-40)-^'Bottoms Up* (Fox). MUsl.; cal oft to nice start and should ^^o-reotten I^^^^ and wind up at $6,00Q, all right here ;;;S^ wi?ip55h theK irt^ ^-^^ 400, very good. Last week 'Good Dame* (Par) and 'ShowofT (MG), with four-act vaude bill, split, ga^th ered $2,100 on first half strength. .Trf*V' J^rTn pSVn\he^l'Sl7^1Pected of this one aren^t material ^'r^^tU^^;^iS.hnn« diSonnlcted ^^^S for one reason or another and and the telephone disconnected | ^j^** collect $12,000, X,ast week, 'Coming Out Party' (Fox), $2,200 in three days, house yanking it to get back to regular Thursday opening. • Penn (Loew*a-UA9r (3,300; 25-35- 50)—'Tarzan* (MG). Big things ex- Tacoma, April 30, Brand new. policy at Hamrlck*s Music Box starts this week; duals with same prices. Seems the folks like a lot for their dough and time is no object. 'Melody in Spring' end 'As Earth Turns' used to debut =^"the"=Tiew^planr^—•-="'^^^ Estimates for This Week Music Box (Hanirick), (1.400; 25 85)—'Melody in Spring' (Par), and •As Earth Turn.s' (WB). dual, In- dicated to get $3,500. Last woelr, ^Wonder IJar' (FN), $5,300, great. , Best in long while. Roxy (J-vH) 1,300; 25-35)—'Men in White' (MG). May hold full week, if so,.anticipate around $3,800. La-st woekj 'Cat and the Fiddle* (M-G-M) held up four dav:'. around 12,100. not standing for fuU week; Wre Not Dressii^; $8,000, Fair Minneapolis Listless—'Glamour* Poor at $3,000—*Mr. X' So-So at $5,000 Minneapolis, April 30. With practically a complete ab- sence of box-office sockb entertain- ment fare, It loo.ks very much like a blah week ahead. Slow start be-, tokens slim patronage almost all along the line, the only possible ex- ceptions being. 'We*re Not Dressing,* which promises to do fairly well for the Minnesota and lead the proces- sion even though its gait is none too fast. Estimates for Thi Week Minnesota (Publlx) (4,200r 25-35^ 40)—'We're Not Dressing' (Par),. By no means a worjd-beater, but s>till able to edge somewhat into the bpx- offlce money class, due to. the pres- ence of Bing Crosby; a pretty good local magnet. Critics and custom- ers like It. May hit pretty good $8,.- 009^ which probably_\ypuId enable btgTioltSe to cdme crpse^to T)i^ea^^^ even. Last week 'Tarzan and His Mate' (MG) $4,500, new low; Orpheum (Singer) ('2,800; 25-3.J 40)—'Glamour' (U). Not catching on at all. Critics panned it and public is very cool in its attitude. .Toe Pin- ner .short played up equally with feature In ads. and probably the larger draw. Maybe $3,000. -Poor, Last week 'Wild Cargo' (RKO), $6,- oOO. disappointing, but fairly, good at that. State (Publix) (2,200; 26-36-40)— Robert plenty disappointing, particularly in view of brisk campaign and rave notices. Last week, 'Trumpet Blows* (Par), and '50 Million Frenchmen* unit just so-so at $16,750. Pitt (Shafer) (1,600; 16-26-40^)— 'Ever Since Eve* (Fox), and Her- man TImberg tinlt. Poorest opening here in some time and will have to build up plenty to crack $6,000, not tod hot. Last week, 'Quitter* (Indie) and 'Hot."chocolates* unit very nice at $7,200. Regent (WB) (900; 25-36)— •Chance at Heaven* (BKO) and 'Two Alone' (RKO). East Liberty •Mystery of Mr. X' (Par); """'^^Mqitp has thlntrs nrettv much to it ?^°?if°T/i 'llA^^^sSrlS?iuTB\^'^ Si^Da^r^hErfprrterly in Jhis berg and mystery thril^^^^^^^ don't pull so well No. 1 houses, L^,^ ^ g^g^.^ opening up of dls- either; Picture very weU liked, ,^ l^bund. Lookl like a fair however. Will do well to. top $5,000 Fair. Laist week 'Cat and the Fid- dle' (MG), $7,000i dlood World (Steffes) (350; 25-35-50-75) —'Private Life of Henry Vni* (UA) Fifth week and still going pretty strongly. Should reacn good $2,000 Last week, fourth, $2,400. Good^. Uptown (Publix) (1,200; 25-35) 'As the Earth Turns* (WB). Around $3,000 indicated. Good. Last week 'David Harum' (Fox). $3,200. Good, Lyric (Publix) (1,300; 20-25)— Laiiy River' (MG). No Cist names enough $1,600 this week. Last week, 'Let's Be Ritzyi (U); and 'Madame Spy' (U) about the same. Stanley (WB) (3,600; 25-40-6p)— •Sisters Under the Skin' (Col) and sally Rand 'oh rtage. In for only Ave. days due to. fanner's: previous booking and should gather ardund $18,000 tor short session. That's plenty . okay. Last week, " •Wild Cargo' (Radio) so-ao at $9,500. Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-40)— 'Lost Patrol' (Radio): They^ve been holding this one up for some time. that mean much and title hot a help, afraid of its b. b. chances. Reportii either..Probably around $2,000. Bad. from el.sewhere, however, provided Last week 'Jimmy the Gent' (WB), convincer and management isn't $4,000 for eight days. Good. sorry novv. Gave it be.st getaway Grand (Publix) (1,100; 15-25)— since 'Son of Kong' and ought to be Weeh^T^hrislina*"""^^^ loop run and around $1,600 In store, ha.sn't .seen in a blue .moon. La.st Fair. Last week 'It Happened One Ni«ht' (Col), second loop run. $2,500. Big. * Aster (Publix) (900; 15-25)—.'Son of a Sailor' a<''N), second loop run, and 'Ever Since PJve' (Fox), first run, .split. About $700 indicated. Light. Last week 'Roman Scandals' (UA), third loop rim; 'Fashions of 1934' (FS), aocTond loop run, and 'Convontjon City' (FN), second loop run, split. $1,000. Pretty good. weolc. 'Very Honorable Guy' (WB) very di.<ihonorably weak at $4,000. DUPONT REP EAST Hollywoo.d, April 30. O. H. rlggs, sale.s manager fpr Dupont films, left for N6w York Friday (27). Has been hez-e 10 weelcs on busi- neBo, Discounting the State, second run on flims, which has Joe Penner hit- ting high for a: $.2ff,()06 Week, it re- mains for the Riiyoll and the Strand to fight it out this week, with both taking a strong lead on their first run adversaries. Runner , up for what appears will be a fairly good week is the Roxy, which has 'Jour- nal of a Crime,' a-hd may hit $24,000. Riv is nosing out the Strand for first place. "This house is straining to top $3i2,006, with •We're Not Dressing/ and. hopes, to get four weeks out of it. 'Twenty MlUiott Sweethearts* should top $26,000 at the Strand and hold J over. • Two houses are in the second week oh pictures, Music Hall w:ith •Stand Up and Cheer* and Capitol with •Tarzan,* hixt neither are big. 'Cheer* will be around $50,000 on the holdovfer, while Cap is pointing to, a weak $22,000. George Jessel and Ethel Merman on the istage and 'Witching Hour* as screen company .at Par only look like $20,000. This is under the $25,- 000 Gloria SwansoiVr did " there last *Hltler*s Reign of rferror,* which opened yesterday (Monday), at the Mayfair, may pull something in the way of a surprise when getting im- der way. Its opening daY*3 business suggested $4,000' on- day. Walter Reade is- advertising it heavily and Brqidway is watching it for results. Lack Of- femme appeal is still hPldIng down 'Viva Villa* on its two-a-day run at the Criterion, but It*s turning a profit through good night business. 'Rothschild' holds high, at the Astor, coming down from opening weeks only by frac- tions. ' Estimates iFor this Week Astor -(1,012; $1.10-$1.65-$2)— Rothschild' (UA) (7th week). Last week (sixth) rung up $22»800, fancy» while first flrve days of currient week $16,300. Capitol (6,400 ; 3&-7B-86-$1.10)— 'Tarzan' (MG) (2nd we*), and stage show. Only around ^22,000 appei^rs the answer on holdover; not enough. First week a good $48,00(F. Casino (2,100; 2R-36-65)—Finish- ing School' (Radio) and. vaude. Combination policy invoked here Frida>& (27)^ If more thafl A poor $6,000 will s.urprise* .. ^ Criterion (875: $1.1{)-$1.6B-|2)— 'Viva Villa' (MG) (3ra week). La- dies aren't showing up at matinees but night business all right. Okay at $9,900 last week. Mayfair (2,200; 35-55-65)-r^'Hit« ler's Reign of Terror* (Jewel)i Opened pretty well yesterday (Mon- day) and may turn out to be a. freak b.o. winner. Looked to $4,000 first day. House splurging in ads. Six days of '•Beggar in fimilne' (Mono) only $4,900. Palace (1,700; 36-60-66-75) 'Earth ■Turns' (WB) one day, and .'Trum- pet Blows* (Par), six days, and vaude. Turned 'Earth Turns' loose after one day; week indicates under $11,000. Last week 'This Man la Mine' (Radio) oVer $11,000. Paramount (3,664; 35-55r76-99) •Witching Hour* (Par) and stage, show. George Jessel and Ethel" Merman on stage but poor $20,000. Indicated. Last week Gloria Swan- son on atage and 'Wharf Angel* (Par) no more than $25,000< Radio City Music Hall (6,945; (40- 60r85-99-$1.65) 'Stand Up and Cheier' (Fox) (2nd weeK) - and" stage show: Ordinary .on. extension at $50,000 or a little over. First week $86,000. Rialto (2,000; 40-65-76-85) 'She Made Her Bed' (Par). Maybe thin. $8,000. Final ifive days oil fourth week of 'Lost Patrol* (Baidio) $7,000. . Rivoli (2,200; 40-55-75-86)—We're Not Dressing' (Par). Town's lead- er apd may hurdle a good $32,000. Looking for four weeks. Last week, .second of 'Looking for Troublfe* (UA), $17,300, okay. RKO Center (3,525; 26-40)--'Lost Patrol' (Radio) four days, and "Bot- toms Up' (Pox), three days; 'Patrol' exhausted itself on close to four weekii at Rialto and probably less than $8,000 on week. Previous duo, Wild Cargo' (Radio) and 'Good Dame' (Par) under $9,00Q. Roxy (6,200; 26-35-55^65)r-'Jour- nal of a Crime' (WB) and stagd show. Ruth dhatterton may hit » good $24,000 hero. Last week '111 JCfill.thftJKojdilUiIiJ23^00^^^ Strand (2,900; 35-55-75-85)-^'20. Million Sweethearts' (WB), Has a chrtrice to top ',25.000, gpod figure, and holds over. Last weelc 'Modern Hero' (WB) only $14,200, State (2.300; 35-55-75)^'Cath-• erine, the Cli-eat' (VA) and vaude. Joe Penner personal providing strong suction for possible sock, $28,000. House record id $41,000, drawn by Jack Dempsey when get- ting 85c for orche.stra seats. Last week 'Riptide' (MG) over $20,000.