Variety (Dec 1934)

December 4, 193(4 tARtEtf SS Cohan $22,000 2d Week Phiflys Top I'hiladolplila. Dec. 8. ; <}cw>ri(o CohaiVa l22,0<)o fo|> ;\ylldern* miimi mil fliittl yreek at the ClK'stnut was the hiph- liffht not only of lust work, but of tlu' Hoasun t«) dato. O'Neill i)iecc cmihl huvp stayed Pi«:ht wf-eks l»n>tUal)ly nnd would surely liavf done two more capacity weeks if , held, biit manoffeiiriQiit Mras Reared Wtifii adyance tiale wufi tinder ex* liectationH and routed 80lUUy r through <:;icvehuid to Chicago... Ii^o vhanere vrnu ppiiaibl6 wheil tltiir- m- .«;ld|Kl It jnMffht IM^^ ;;, •-'''mw^'.y* nom)\>»AUi^ llAX'vGor* A0li%:i^fi^ (i]i<;iied Wednfsdiijr (2t) .(U^^, the,CNiSniM» completely my*- IHwed to hi& ii^bmtt Iniiull, but whe(h- er trav<>My, flirce. or satiw,' none ^ kiie^v NotlcoH were' advcrae, land Hhow didn't ci>llect tlie coin expected for a four-day i»erlod tiiat included ' TluiiiksKivInK Day ond the Army- '■\ Navy eanie, Vjut Kfnest Truex and Walter Connelly did mean some- thing and KrofH wan estimated at fC.OOO for six ptir(»rmances. . 'Pursuit of Happiness.' aided by the holi<lays, pot its Invariable $7,- ■ OOO in its thirtcentJi week at the Ih'oad, but iiianarjiement lias uppar- eiuly ehaTi.'-ed its mind. This is an- iiKunced as the tlnal week for this marvel of the 40 percenters, though some of the boys expect another prolonnation. 'The Milky Way,' de- spite some init-.«o-h<»t notices, pulled a very creditable $6,000 in its first Ave*'k at the lOrlanper, and will prob- ably stay longer than Ita first- planned fortnight. ,,. The W"'nut iv'opened aRain under liit;it| iltflother maiKiKement, and didn't aSsi htclinacks with 'Slightly Dielir- , try-out. Kven with imumi- jltttea and aU the bther ctit-riite WU. th^r^ waan'i thk«» In : ;rili('perfot-manc'eit..'.: . Walter HamiMl^ tfiM. i'wy Mir (iibr litalra trade at the Fori«ft. but only 'Hinhlet' (Wed neaday ntght) and %>lAcbeth' (Saturday liaatlnee) had better than ordinary orchestra biz. Result of top-heavy trade was a $12,000 week—okay, but not what was hoped. 'Itlchelieu' was given too often (four performances) and old stand-bys not enough. This week linds Jtuth Draper at the Chestnut, diseuse Koinp there instead at the Forrest, so that Ed- die DowliuR's musical show could liave latter house for rehearsals. J^ittle Opera Company, local or- ganization which had great luck last year with a revival of 'Sweet- ^ hearts.' revives another Herbert operetta at the (Jarrick this week. It is 'The Red Mill' and indications are for a g«>od week's bia. Next week finds 'Petticoat Fever,* try-out with Deimls King, at the Chestnut, 'Thunnba Up,' Dowling show, at the Forrest 'Stevedore' at the Qarrifilc, lUid a new taholtr «|v||iriM«iMi; «though no iMUIIl* liaatt^en»MHj«tA6Mt0 follow T^iMillt of i y W'alnut may close any day. Estimates for Last Week Walter Hampden (Forrest). Rep- ertoire of four plays with old standbys, 'Hamlet' and 'Macbeth' doing best. Otherwise downstairs bi2 way off. Top-heavy attendance produced a Si2,000 week. Uotpse . virtiml oapaeJty.' Coultfjiatro i»t«sr«d mu^h loitsrof. Ruth Draper this %eek. 'Pursuit of Happiness' (Hro<ad. , J3th week). Cot 17.000 again last week, but niaiia>;einent is annoimc- ing that this is absolutely the last. jNothinK mentioned to folloiiv> ; i'^lfe W»y* (Brlangcr, l8t Wi*|tK liettef bl» ihan^ notices would suggest : $9,500 aiid Will stay ,'IOhger fhap allotted two weeks. 'Gather Ye Rosebuds' (Garrick). Opened Wediie.«dax night (2K) with liix performances only; $0,000 re- ported for that tinne."deBp|i|9'|^^ notices.' ■ , : '8liflhtly O«liriou8' (Walnut). An- ' other which opened Wednesday night, llusincus simply awful. LMi ijtfMOt M^ OOOr buy M holding. L A. GOES FOR BARD, ^ASHES^HEAF JW Los Angeles, Dec. 3. William Thornton Repertory Co., first attraction to play the down- town BelasCo In several months, estim-iled an.eaiiy $6,000 on its sin- gle week of Mhakespearcan plays. Holiday Irado, .w«« good, which lieipt^ fWell:tts# ti^ tb the profit niarlc. Hotis« gopii dftrlf ttthttl around the holMayn.; ,/ ■!:!.■■:.''■.■''':..■■ ■: At tiM iioitywoo^ riayiipu»«; r; K, MaUer made vlilM 1^ l aenting rTHese I'Vw Ashes.' ai mildly (ihterta.lil'ing force comedy whlrti Is wot OJipected to remain long, npen- In? on Thanksgiving night, approx- imoiuly drew a. sll||ft<fltt#l':^.'ilUl ■first'three, day**. "r"'"'^''.'- <Stuten Island Stock Compiikny. operate liy jMliUcolm Bcggs at the Park tKeam. Jitdpletoh, S. U will close its season Saturday (8). Troupe has been running for past 12 Meeks. 'Oreen Eyes.' a new play by Williajn Harder, Ja bainc tHad out Ml:'thft::OloMH».;0|li(eHt4r;'^ Company opened at the Park In September after a summer season at Weslford, Mass. On closing here lieggs plans to. entrain |or ILiOwell, Mass., opening thet'o li^ Thoaa Included in the cast are Malcoini B«iggs, Louise I^ee, Arthur Kdwards, G. Lester I'aul, Berilla Kerr, Frederica Frederick, Zack Macubbln. • RolfiW::': M Elliott sauirefc:.-:^;:- -.■■■^•^^ BBERTA' GETS miwiiNPin Pittsburgh, Dec. 2. Nixon had the SUO sign out last week for the first time this season, 'Roberta' playing to virtual capacity for eight performances, including an extra Thank.<3giving day matinee. Gross was approximated at around $30,000. Not since the days of the old 'Ziegfeld Follies' has there been so much Interest in ^a show, with line never breaking all week. Matineei were complete sell- outs, with standees two and thr*i» deep. Top for engagement was $3.30. House certainly neoded a winner, too, after taking It oil the chin in three out of four show* ^blch ao far. la all the I«rit iita has Played for a return ialiaffe««iHit: o^ three days. 'Roberta^ cotiili t«;v«:'«tayed over for Mothar WMK to l>r<Mft|, M moved on to CtncliinatI/ Nixon it: ((Null, aurain and will re- main that wkf: lintU Thursday (13), when Cornell brings ih Tlomeo and Juliet* for four perforiniances. After that, there's nothint in sight, with house thus far even without a nibble for the highly Important Chrtstmns and >7ew Year's weeks. TASniRES' AT $6,000, WNAL^IPI^ Minneapolis, Dec. 3. •Criminal at Large,' fifth and next to last offering of the Drama Festival at the Shubert, with Fran- cis Compton and Edith Oresham as its featured players, pulled through to an estimated good; 17,000 at $2.20 top. Current ft^l,)]^i|i#^ la •Green Bay Tree.' . '' . 'V ' . v ^'. Playing two n%htir and a matinee, "ClriMti eaatuties^ grossed approat- matelr I$,<)i6« itt tHa Unlvaralty Ati- ditflnimi. 4i*ifita ; a t>iui^ and cold weather;. Very ^Bm^wk, iji': 're- tyrn angiigainent. Ziegfeld ?|i*01iie8* cdm0s btto the Metiropolitah for a week ataiting tlmif<^0^. :-^>-i< -'Vwy':- ■•.-■ •i The Eldest,' by Eugenic Cort- wright,. will shortly bo readied for prodnctWn by ; Sani drliman and Hftrry H. Oshi^ln, producera 'To- bacco Road.' Firm Is now rehears- ing 'I'ortrait of (Albert.' .A land. •As Thousands Chser*, Grand O. H., Chicago. 'irffhjk ttarV Bhubart. Ktw Ha- ■tiii,!-,.f*|,{;-'- ' Ckwit 8qttM«; Sprtngfleld, 'Bring on the Girls', Plymouth, Boston. 'Calling All •«4|rtV Shithfrt. Boa- ton.' 'Foiliss', Paramount, Toledo, 3; Hartman, Columbus, 4-5; English, Indianapolis, 6-8. Frita Mihar Rapariary'f Vancou- ver,'-VaiicoUVar.^^-'/.-'. 'Gather Ye W i i|t iM< »V national. Washington. 'Green iay SMMii^ ,neapolif,.;. *Qiraan FasturaaV Burlington, la., 6. Katharint Comoll Rspsrtory, Cass, Detroit. j ^Midaammar Night'a DraamV And- ttorium. Milwaukee, l-t. ' 'Ods to Likiif^ imuiba^ i«aw Haven. •-$. /:'\'-':^''vr\,^' v^.■ ' 'Italian i^a4y% J61<mli^ Btuefleld, W. Va,i 3; Acadenay, Choi'lottes- ViUe, W. Va., 4: National, Greens- boro, N. C, 5; State, Winston-Salem, N. C, 6; Carolina, Durham, ti. C, 7; State, Raileigh. N. t. 'Pursuit af M|ii»inaaa% HoUis, Boston. 'Pursuit of Haip^hMaaV Broad. Philadelphia. 'RelMTtaV ffliubart. Cincinnati. 'Remanee', Blackstone. Chicago. Ruth Draper, Chestnut. Philadel- phia. 'Slightly pellnous', Walnut. Phil- adelphia. ' Tha MiNt^.^i«^;i|ftaiia^ adelphia. •Vallsy Forge', Ford, Baltimore. 'VanitieaV Majestic, Houston, t; .Aatce; iSain Aotoafo» 4-5; Plaza, Waco, Tex., 6; Majaatki^ Ft. Worth, 7; Melba, Dallas.'$. Waiter Hampdsn Repertory, Mc- Carter, Princaton, H. S: Temple, iScrahtbn, i%4 4: Colonial. Allen- town, 5'; State, Harrlsburg. (5; Cap- itol. Reading, 7; Playhouse, Wil- fpne Shows Drop Out hut Hlfallz' And'dory' ProbaUe New (Ms LOOP THINKS 2 NEW SHOWS ■■-i' •.. ..Chteago. Dec. t.,, George If. OMmU^ in 'Ah Wilder ness' opens tonigmt (t) at the Er langer, while on Dec. 24 both the Harris and the Selwyn relight, the first with Dennis King in 'Petti coat Fever' and the latter with 'Stevedore.' Newcomer last week was "Ro- mance" with Eugenie Ivcontovich at the Blackstone. Business started out smartly and looka gat, for a aix to eight-week run. ettlmafaa for Ust Weak 'As thousanrfa Chaar,' OrjUid (1,- 200: $3.30> (6th #aek). Will Make it six weeks, aarnarad #liwplhg $24,000 last week. 'Ah Wildernass,' Brianger (1.200; $3.30) (ist week). Opens tonight (3) as the initial play of this sea- son for the American Theatre So- ciety. •Romance,' Blackstone (1,000; $2.20) (2nd week). Got away well on good notices^ fo r _thl8_ revival. AboVa ■$9»0Q!l,,'ail;flKat 'MlfM^tilli';; ■ 'M Stars Sod $25* Boston; 6w Show 12G; M HoU Om Boston, X>ac» S. Le.adinpr Rro.ssor on Hub bgards is still 'Calling All .Star.s' at the Shu- bert, nbwgoinR into its third week. Hrlng on the Carls' opened Inaus- piciously last week, but over the week-end showed encouraging pick- up. Cohn and Scanlon's '.*?o Many I'atlis' is disnppolntinK At the Majc.«?tic, siiff'-rins,' from tprrlfir op- position.. Estimates for Uast Week /CalMnff Atr Hhubert. Bos- ton's- iwt ;|>^ i>li^ |ir«»wn'« lita^ show now;«wetl-trlihm«a and gar- tiiMhed,''sh!np^mr up, into -sure thing. (»he''more;wt^'kx'lirllwh; v '..'■■■r '}.'-'.:';'. •Bring on |h» Oriels,' Plymouth. .I.K k ISfuny .iiul tunii'iiny nut up to capcctatiotis on Mp<-ning, but perkl^ up last three days. Looks like $12,000 for first stanza, elpht per- formances. In for a second week. •Pursuit of IHapplnett,' Holli.^-. Satisfactory $5,500 for bundling' opus in fifth week. Will go six and maybe mijre. Edith Ketcham re- places Eleanor Hicks, who goes to .■^I. Y. for a .Selwyn production. 'So Many Paths,' Majestic. Tepid reception throughout week netted meagre $1800 for Cohn-Scaplon drama' about opera aihger. Pro- ducers have Improved it nuh- stantially since Its opening, how- ever. Scheduled for RIts, N. Y., t hie week. ; Foraat,' Oilbert MiUer pi%il^on« starrlhg Lealia Howard Mfated to open at the Shiibeft Dec 24. 'Ne^ Co«Ard>'liimt-Fontannrj play openi at —— - Heaviest clo.sing card of the sea- son ttiliiiied up Safilrday when nine attractions closed, ducking the slack going that follows ,Thanksgiv- ing iiipi ta j^hrtstHMsl h indicated, also, that business was considerably under expectations for the holiday week. > Firsts 'two ■ days Wer*-tti»k- edly off and steady rain Thursday (29) drowned the box-oflflce sales. Despite tbei trend 'Tha <Oreat Waltz' established a new high gross mark, getting $46,000, which ia btit fonr O'a under caiMiietty performances (some sections have beien somewhat re-priced). The $,700 aaat (Tenteir played to atitnding room last half of the week. M usicals got the bulk of the hull- da3it:^;.i^«|^;^' ^U^thing-'"does' - was capacity gj^;:j|j^,000, as forecasted; 'Ufe Be^iiii It $:4^^^ did not sell out eoniiplateiy bvt went to $40,000 in nine performances, the other mu- sicals also going to virtual capacity Friday and Saturday. Those dramas affected earlier in the week were unable to recoup. New musical money show Is in- dicated In 'R«»veng^ With Music' which was accorded a distinctly weak press but Bh4«<lrM plamy of life. AftfT ^ Wadneiday pre^ mtere, aieawl night was under $1,200. but tha third nigbt Jumped to $3,200 with Satuirday'a perforni- ances even bigger. Originally slated for $4.40 top. 'Revenge' should clf<^^ m tha eatabliabed f3.3o.. ■■ : ■-" ■ ■ •Page Miss Glory' looks like a comedy hit at the Mansfield. It was so rated by the critics and business was brisk after openings Ono per- fonnance was mtued because of iU- naM,. Ipjt Indtcatad pace ahould ap- p^lUmta fi4,0#» ^kly. XSold Eagle Guy,' Morosco. also drew a good press, but trade after the opening not so hot. Balance of the premiere card can be torn up. Three shows were yanked, another being in doubt Monday (3) evening. Those which .stopped: 'But Not for L.ove,' Em- pire; 'The I^rd Blesses the Bishop,' Adelphl (Craig); 'Afrlcana,' Venice (Jolson's). 'The Night Remembers,' doubtful at the Playhouse. 'A Roman Servant' added starter at the Longacre Saturday drew weak notices. •The Saint's Hiisband,' dated for the Balasco la aft In- definitely. .\---v'. ' Baitymore: lk»at Horts<itti|r^, fl. James; •Brittle Heaven,' Tand«ir- bilt; •All Rights Reserved,' Rlt« and 'Sailor Beware,' Lyceum. Due oflt this week: 'Conversation Piece,' 44th Street; Abbey Players, flolden: 'Continental Varieties,' Little and 'The First Legion,' but latter may hold over at Riltmore. Duo next week: 'Calling All Stars,' Warner's Hollywood; 'Bright Star,' Plymouth: 'Valley Forge.' Guild; '.Sky's the Limit,' Fulton; 'The o'Fiynn,' Broadway and pos- sibly 'SiigMiy t>otlrl«ma,' lio house named. Estimates for Last Week *A fioman Servant', Longacre (1st week) (D-L01J-$3.30). Added .«<tartf r; opened Batui'day. presented by Pete Amand aiid Jack Connors; written by tMtty (O'Connorj drew adyeri^. press. 'All Rights Reserved,' Ritz. Withdrawn Saturday (1) after playing bit less than four mild weeks; house raHght: wRh "So Many I'aths.' 'Anything Goes.' Alvin (3rd week) (M-1,355-14.40). First full week to capacity gross of $32,000 As expected; no extra performance. '■Httia HaavW VandairblK. Closed Saturday after playing thiiec weeks to light takings. fiiit flat lor Lave,' Empire. Tahkeid Saturday after playing one week. 'Children's- Hour,' Elliot (3rd wefk) (l>-929-$3.30). Steadily bwiidintr; Hr.st full Week estimated around $ 14.000;: ai^ae^ad full capacity. . v'V, ■ Continental Varlatlag* : lifttle (iOth i^eek^ m*M«.$3.S0). rinai #aeit: impoiiiM :ai>a<^y show bit •Conversation Pisee,' 44th street (7th wctk) (f)-1,323-3.30). Final week anriMiiM'0(1. but may slay bmger; soriM uiuit better at $20,000 last wff'k but f M.«.tly to (»i)f r,'itc; h.'is offers ff.r IJoKton ,,and Canadian booking". , ■"■'•.>.,„■ •pari* ViatarytL ^Wjijaiowth (8t» gpotiy but little impi'ovemf !ii la.'-t #lth : .lalUtiga |wr«ott^ ii,mi may move; 'BriKht Star' succeeds lierc. 'Dodsworth,' Sliubcrt (34tli week) (ro.suFUPd engagement) (D-1,038- $3.30). Thanksgiving going not up to form for most attractions; soma applies tp yu»,ahow, Which approiti* mated mMi Itbo^^^KmWt^ however. . ' •Farmer Takes a Wife', 4«th Bt^ > (6th waeJi) ;<C^UTf*^t».*0). Bail figurea to «a$a3|^ faMjrjcttii nio^ bou*ei weekly tt**|ii.$S.|0)> Drew good preaa' hm.. gitif fair attendance after nUd-WMlt dapni; batter Una iliaa weaki ',■ ■■ Vudgment Day,' Folton. Closijl : Saturday; played 12 weeks but n^ J proAtable; •Sky's the Wmit* fi^gf ;: 'Kills That Story,' Amba.s.sador (13th week) (C-l-166-$2.75). Final weeks announced; cut rater esti- mated around $3,000 operating nut low. •L^adies Money,* Barrymore. Closed Saturday after Vi^jfllint.f^H yet^n to mild gros.ses. •Life Begins at 8:40,' Winter Gar- den (15th week) (K-l,49S-$4.40). Added matinee Friday; around $40,000 in nine times; scale boosted ThanliafMrVar itigtit but did not sell out. •Lord Blesses Bishop,' Adelphl. Opened Tuesday (27) and stopped Saturday. 'Lost Horisons,' St. James. With- drawn Saturday; played six weeki ' in red; costly production. 'Merrily We Boll Along,' Music Box (10th. waak) (D4i;ftis-$s.s5). Dip early last H^ek affect buai- ness more than holiday i^in; endiii . , week atrongly to get $l7;000i 'Page Misa filery,' Mansfield (2iiit : week) (C-1,097-S.l0). Opened e»r; cellently and new^t laji^ii ahaw rated a hit; no perforaWnca If^ft^v day when maid lead was 111; flBpNi.'. for $14,000 pace. v r^: •Personal Appearance', Miller (8th week) (C-994-$3.30). No extra per- formance; capacity throughout week for $15,000 gro.ss; Broadway's leading laugh show. •Post Road', Masque (1st week) (D-789-$3.30). Presented by Potter and Haight; written by William Daniel Steele and Konf|»: mtchell; opens tonight (4). 'Revenge With Music'. New Am- sterdam (2nd week) (M-1.720-$3 30). Drew weak press at midweek open- ing, but lumped to $3,200 third night (Friday) and VMiiil aaipii^^ Saturday. 'Say When', Imperial (6th week) (M-1,4«8-$3.8S). Light attendance early in wei^k, but holiday crowd s pulled gross up to tPMI^ $2$»090 again. ■-'-r-'-f'':". '" ^all Miraale% 4$th 8t. (Utiii waait) iU'Ht-itM). If a d ata^tf money .lilMnv ikt |$;0<K1; another at- tracttoil' mantloned for hottse by Christmas. ' to Many Patha,' Ritz (1st week) (C-91s-$2.75) presented by Cohen and Scanlon; written by |rying Kaye Davis; well regarded in; B***"* ; ton; open Thursday (6). " ' •The Distaff Side', Booth (9th week) (CD-704-$2.75). More compe- tition accounts for some e.ising of trade; however, satlsfa»-i<)ry at $9,500 last week. 'The First Legion', Biltmore (10th week) (D-991-$2.75). La.st w. < k an- nounced, but may remain an a<Uli- tional week or ko; busincs.s better la.st week, with taJiinKs quoted over $6,000. •The Great Waltz', Center (llth wc«K) (O-3,700-$3.30). Went to new high gross mark la.st Week, with takings very dose to $44,000; liaat.*:^ half complete sell-out. "i V 'The Night Remembers', Play- . hou.se (2nd week) (C-039-$3,aO). No ads in dailies ahd doubt it tt-aroiljld play Monday night; panfiMi; •. small takinjgs;.: . y^'z 'Tha Bainfa ftuiband', Belasco; Canceliadi day before, slated to pre- nftlM'ai iMK indefinitely. ■*Ta ltaa ::. Roa<l% Forrest (B>th weak) (C-i,107-$3.30). James Bell , hew lead; replaced James Barton . Monday: now run leader; in lilna ■ times around $7,500 last week. ~ 'Tomorrow's Harvest', 49th St. (1st week) (D-710-$2.7r,). I'resrnted by Douglas (i. Hertz; written by Hans Ha.stode; opens We<Jri(s<lay (5); fir.st called 'Home Again . 'Within the Gates', National (7th week) (D-l,ir.4-$3.30). <;ro.><.s flight- , ly improved through an added hiat- , inee; quoted around :$ll<0!Ol^, Which betters even break. Other Attractjjons 'L'Aiglon'', Breadhurst: playing la.st h ilf, with" 'Hedda Oablfr* first three da>s. ' • Abbey Players, Oolden; Dublin troupe in final week's repertory. O'QyIy Carta Op<ra Company* Martin Beck .)ast two weeks; then ' Katharine Cornell In repertory. *THa DrunkardV.annotiflt^ porf- tlvely flnal wcfek.-, ' 'Afrieana'. Vcnlca; iloaad MM^-^^ Utf«a daygb ' ^ '