Variety (Dec 1934)

fASIETT P I C T U II E € R 9 ^ S E S Tuesd^yt December 18, 1934 IhParis;^ Olllg ■., ■. ■■'■0 ; ' ■■ParlSi Dec. 8. • American fllms are haying a tough time standing up In Paris now. .Characteristic .. com&Iaint, today Is that they start oft big. ajad taper .off much too quickly for comfort, . One example is Fox' 'CaraVani* . which did a , nifty $24,000 the first week at the Pathe-Nathaii Ma- rlgnan, then. dropped to about 911,000 on the second week and to under $7,000, In the third. ' Same picture, incidentally,' grbssedl apV proximately under $30,000 In two :weeks^ at the: Mietropole,' Brussels, swell for there. United .Artists has been taking the worst rap Jbcally In the way of dlmlhlshing returns. Brltish-mide 'Doii Juan' with Doug .Fairbanks went boom badly, and 'Dally Bread' repeated.' . ■ .: .„., ■ 'Men in ;White' had a good open- ing, at the Madeleine, but had to struggle thereafter. X'■ Estimates.' .' 'Don Juan' (UA-Londbn Films) (Lord Byron) . (5th week). ". Been taking the rap something awfiiL Started oh: first. week with about $5,000* fair; went down to $2,700 on the second stanza, poor,.bff to about $2,300 the third week and even lees In the. fourth. Beihg held in until .'Trlcorhe,v Harry d'Arraat's tri- lingual, made In Spain; Is ready to .follow. ■-, - ..'Caravan' (Fok) :(Marlgnart) (4th week)v ■ ; A: booking headache. . French: straight shot version made Jn Hollywood by. Eric Pdmmer; and with Charles'. Boyer was figured a natural. . Opened istrong at $24,000, J)ut immediately, fell .off, .gettlng.,Iess than $11,000 on the second stahisa and about $7,000 oh the third. 'Oup Daily Bread' (UA) (Miracles) .(6th week). Hailed, at its open- ing .as a hit because of good pubr liclty and rave.notices. .First weel^y $5,300, good, dropped to . about . $4,600 on second week, fair, $3,600 third week, and' almost a complete ffost fourth and fifth weeks. Bielhg forced Into sixth week by lack of :UA pix. Fox 'Marie (Sklantfe* re- places. - . Tarzan and His Mate' (Metro) (1st week). No gauge yet on pull- ing strength. 'Men in White,' dub- bed in French, Just closed after a mediocre run of . only four. Weeks. Flisured. too American. : for here, Frenclmieri don't know such modern : hospitals exist. 'Dames' (WB) and 'Gambling Lady' (WB) (Apollo) (6th week). .Doing - okgy. : Warner musicals al- ways jrtay fhTsTiouse and have won It a steady clientele. 'It Ain't No SLn' (Par) (Champs- Elysees) (1st week). Just opened and looks set for a pleasant stay. That Mae West number eight con- tour, has the French boys and girls -plenty^ Interested.- V - r - -- 'Little Women' (Radio) (Eduard VII) (37th week). This has been the beat U. g. money .film here In some time. Tapering off now. Was to be replaced last week by 'No Greater Glory! (Col) but , latter pic was banned, ho Is holding on for a bit. • .■ ■ ■ 'Blood Money' (UA) (Universal) (1st week). Qeorge Bancroft is a name to conjure with here. Film got oft to a grand start at this of Arts' (Fox) to Just top average and dO; about expectations. . $8,200. . jBrandels. (Singer), .(l;20pj .20-25- 3.B)r—'Kentucky - Kernels' (Radio) dualled with 'Side Streetis' . (FN) Opening; day strohg, but sOme doubt about the rest bt the week. Started for about $4,500, but . questionable. Last week , was a disappointment When 'Captain • Hates Sea' (Col) double billed with 'I Sell Anything' (FN) failed of expectations by about one gnind. Anyway wound up closi tov$4i000. - 'r ;^World (Blank) (2;i00; 25-35)— Case, of the Howling Dog' (WB) with 'Cheating Cheaters'. (U). Likely around $4,000.: Under .new manager Emerson. Last week 'Llmehouse Blues' (Par) and .;Strange Wives'. (U) the -features^ Stopped at $4,300. EoitSiS ON -smafri^e ate r , and luuka llkw about $3,000 on the week, exceptional. Got about $330 on first day,. $460 on second and $600 on thirxl and looks like could build even more if house were bigger. ":' ' Other American-films now run- nirig in Paris are 'Most Dangerous Game' (Radio) and 'Our Betters' at Club d'Artois; 'Little Man; What Now;'- (U). Courcelles; 'Hollywood Party' (MG), second run; Marbeuf ;. •Below the: Sea,' (Col), Napoleon; •Little Miss Marker' : (Par) and •Notorious Sophie Lang' (Par). Pantheon; . 'Finishing School' (Radio), .Raspall 216; 'Whirlpool' (Col), Studio Caumartln; 'Only Yesterday' (U) dubbed in French, Studio Hauasmann; 'Twentieth Century' (Col), Ursullnes and 'Hips, Hjpg, Hoprfty' (BadloV, WashiogtojL. OMAHA DOWN 'Hell In Heavens' Dual May Get 96jooa , Omalia, Dec. 17. - Wealther man gets himself back In good graces by returning, to nor- mal conduct, 1}ut It makes little dif- ference. Theatre row Is Just a place people used to patronize a couple of weeks ago, and it's the depaTtmeht stores that are the focal point now. With the Jammed elevators, bustling sidewalks,,, over-crowded tranjs It seems the entire populace; is down- town from early raorh to late eve- ning and thait It should do the theiir tres some good. Estimiates for This Week OrpheUm (Blank) (2,976; 26-40)— •Hell In the Heavens' (Fox) and •Caravan' (Fox). Started fbr about 18,000, good. Last week 'St. Louis Kid' (WB) doubled with .'Bachelor . : ■ San Francisco, Dec; 17. Theatre business in tiie pre-Xmas slump was hopped iip a little by the -f?aclflc -fieet-which unloaded 20,000. gobs on Market street this week. flilS ^ man o' warsmen flocked to the first ruiis. - Estimates for This Week 40) — Silver Streak' (Radio) and Horace Heidt on stage with Bert Y^"<*^Y^^e,. Good for around $M,000. blac:: Ink. Last week 'Cap- tain; Hates sea' (Col) wlth*-Hfeldt stage show finished with $15,000 and profit. ■ .." .. . Fox (Leo) (6,000; 30-36-40) —'I Ana .Thief (WB) and 'Bachelor of Arts' (Fox), Will hit arpund $6,600, n;S.g. Last weiek 'Wicked Woman' '°"«"^ye3^ (Par) closed at $D,000 and profit; .^Orpheum (F & M) (2,440; 30-36- 40)r^'Marine3. Are Coming^ . (Mas) jirtd -White Lies' (Col). Blah $3,000. Warfield (FWC) (2,639; 36-40-66) -"-^Painted-Woman^ (MG)-awdT3tffge- show. Should hit around $20,000 with GarbO. Last week 'College Rhythm' (Par) closed with $18,000 and win move over to St. Francis. Paramount (FWC) — "Murder in Clouds' (WB) and 'Babes In Toy- land .CMG)» Win close -week with $10,000, no night draw. Last week •Music in Air' (Fox) and 'Behold My. Wife' (WB) drew mild $10,000. St. Francis (FWC) (1,446; 30-86- 40)—'College Rhythm' (Par). Moved oyer from Warfleld, doing okay in this town and getting good plug due to Beverley and Billy Wiltshire, locals. In picture; wni finish with splendid' $7,60 0. L ast week 'Flirta- tion Walk' CWB) finished second week on Market street with $6,600 mUROER IN aOUDS' 17,000, SE*TTIE Seattle, pec. 17c Nothing In town this week to rave about, as holiday season Is cutting into .show shops, with banks and socks getting dough. Estimate* «r this Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (1,000; 25- 40)--'Anne of Green Gables' (Ra< dio) third week In town. Ldoks like $2,200, slow. Last week, Ba,me film, $2,800, pood enough ; considering season. '■ ■ ' Coliseum''(Evergreen) (1,800; 16 26)—'Have a Heart' (MG) and 'The Last - Gentleman' (UA> dual. May rate $3,200, pretty dull.. Last week, 'No- and. Forever' (Par) i and 'Death on the Diamond'. (Par) dual $3,600,. fair. Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) (2,400; 26^40)—'Flirtation W:alk' (FN). May hold until Cbristmaji day, for seven days, looks 'piretty : good at $7,000, Last: week; 'Painted Veil' (MG) around $7,600. . Liberty (J-vH) (1,900; 26-36)— 'Love Me Tonight' (Col) (7th wk.) Steady, around' $3,600. 'Xdtst week, isame. fllin, $4,100, good. M usio Box (Hamrick) (960; 26 40)-^'Imitatioh of Life* (U). ' Moved over from Music. Hall. May gather $2,600, good. Last week, 'Firebird' (WB) floppb around $2,000. • : Musio Hall (Hamrick) (2,300; 26 40)—'Kid MilliPns' (UA). Big $8,600 for Cantor. Last week,- 'ImitoUon of Life* (U>, Ground $6,000, fair. Orpheum '<Hamrlck) (2,700; 25- 35)—'Murder In the Clouds' (WB) and vaude. E<stimated to touch $7,000, dee med okay. Last- week, •Babbitt' (WB) and vaude, got $7,600. ■ Paramount (Evergreen) (3,106; 26-36)-'Pursuit of Happiness' (Par) and •Elinor Norton' (Fox) dual, and v&ude.. Not likely to ex- ceed poor $6,600. Last weeki •Lemon Drop Kid* .(Par) and 'Gay Bride' (MG) with, stage unit (Cushman) $6,300, good. -Unite d A i tisia (UA) (l,2 00r~30=- 40-55) — 'Kid Millions' (UA) (3d week). Closed final week at $4,000. Swell publicity and promotion work on this picture here. Kansas City, Dec. 17. Week before Christmas and man agers are not expecting to break any;, records, unless they are low ones. . However, they are Jockeying for business and trying to get theh- share. ■. . ■ ' ■ -^Fbr- the - first- tlm©~lnr years "the" big downtown stores are remaining Open nights and the crowds are Pn the streets,- but not in the theatres. Midland has "Gay' Bride', having opened It Wednesday, shoving 'A Wicked,Woman' out after five days, first time la picture has been thrown out since the house has been opened. 'Private Life of Don Juan' follows for .five da,y8, with '.Mighty Bamum opening the day before Christmas for the holiday week. Mtilnstreet is also fixing for a Christmas_j29cn- ing. It held 'Flirtation WalC'^ver for five days and will open Tues- day with a premier showing of 'Silver Streak'. Estimates for This Week Mainstreet (RKO) (3,200; 16-26 40)—'i'lirtatlon Walk' wk). Likely to • turn r2d in around $6,000, fair, after a nice $13,000 pn the first seven days. Midland (Loew) (4,000; 16-26-40) 'Don Ju&h* $6,000; 'Babbitt' $13,000; 'Even- song' $13,000—Whole Town Blah Philadelphia, ■ Dec. 17. Pictures for this notoriously bad prB-chi'istmag -perioa dp not itidi- cate any reversal of the usual kind of slim attendance; Last week's tra de wa snlt^sp_fotteJait. thfatldidn^. upset any predictions. 'Evelyn Prentice' drew $11,600 insteaid of the anticipated $10,000 at the Boyd, but the rest trailed along. Estimates for This Week Aldine (1,200; 35-45-55)r—'Private Life of Don Juan' (UA), Won't come to average of theatre's recent films. Maybe $6,000. It opened Sat- urday, arid will-run elght-dayS-witii 'Mighty Barnum' opening midnight Christmas . Eve. Last week 'Kid Millions' (UA) collected a ' neat $6,200 for-its third week. Arcadaia (600; 25-30-40) — "We Live .Again' (UA). Second run. Fairly good $2,100 Indicated. Last week 'Little Friend' (Fox) also second rim and fibppo; $1,100 in four days and out. Boyd (2,400; 36-40-65)—'Evelyn Prentice' (MG). Holds in today giv- ing it eight days in all. Got a lively $li;600 in the first six oC ttioee. 'Anne of Green Gables' (Radio) to- morrow. barle (2,000; 40-65-65)—'Biabbitt' (WB) and vaude. New Paul Ash revue ,bn stage.: Around $13,000 or -$13,Bi).t..lhdicated._-Last—week—*It-a a Gift' (Par) and vaude. Hit $13,- 600 and that's not much. Fox (3.000; 40-65-66)—'Evensong' (GB-Fox) and stage show. Won't do much. Maybe $13,000. Last week 'Hell in the Heavens' (Fox) and stage show. Almost $16,000— okay but not notable. Karlton (1,000; 25-35-40)-^'Palnted Veil* (MG). Second run. Fair $3,300 expected. Last week 'Great Expectations' (U) pretty dismal $2,600. . ■ : > . ' ' Stanley (3,700; 86-40-65)—'Behold My Wife' (Par). Opens today (Mon- day) and doesn't expect a great deal under conditions. 'Father Brown' (Par) got a.pale $8,600 In five days. Stanton (1,700; 85-40-50)—'Mrs. Wlggs' (Par). - Ends week's stay today and will luive ,grossed $5,300 not good but better than start in- dicated. 'Gar Brldef <MG) starts tomorrow;* Strike and Wrong Weadier in LA. in 2 Theatres —'Gay Bride' (MG). Got away to a fair start with short billing and shouldv gross- around $8,500..- -XAst week 'Wicked Woman' (MG). Fold ed after five days .to the worst business in the history of the hpuee, $2,400. - : Newman (Par) (1,800; 26-40)— •It's a Gift' (Par). W. 0. Fields and Baby LeRpy are liked by a lot of the customers and the hPuse will hold its own. Likely cipse to $6,000 fair. . Last week 'Behold My Wife (Par) got about $4,600. " Tower (Rewot) (2,200; 25)—'Jeal ousy' (Col), and stage show. Busi ness down some, as expected, but will hit clPse tp $7,000, good. ' Last week "White Lies' (U) and stage show, $6,300,.pretty good. Uptown (Fox) (2,040; 26-40)- 'Hell in Heavens'. (Fox). A nat ural for the alr-mlnded fans. Ex- pected to hit around $4,000,- Pkay, Last week 'Chu Chin Chpw' (GB). Heavily exploited and turned in $3,300, fair. PRE-XMAS HITS Providence, Dec. 17. The pre-Christmas bugaboo is here. Biggest shopping crowds downtown in years, but the natives Just seem tp be bent pn visiting the department stpres. Business is off at all stands, but the theatres are I'eslgried to, their fate this week and are ihaking little Pr np effprt. Stage shows are doing okay, but the lead over ttie straight picture houses 'Won't be as great this w.eek as it has been In the last few. Fay's has 'I Am a Thief,' picture ^getting plenty of help tp give house a fair gross, RKO Albee's picture. 'West of the Pecos,' is getting help, too, from the stage showl Walter. Hampden in ,tov\*n Satiir day (16) selling out the balcony at both performances. • Estimates-for This Week Fay's (2,200; 15-2B-40)^'I Am a Thief (WB) and 'Music Hall Varie- ties' on stage; nice show, but being passed up by the mob for the de partment stores. . Gross should hit close to the $7)000. miark, however. Last week 'Port of Lost Dreams' (Invincible) and 'Sldewialks and Cafe' on stage; unit was what brought in the coin; oke at $8,200; Loew's State (3,700; 16-26-40)— 'Gay Bride' (MG) and "Don Juan' (UA); Just moving, along, but at a snail's jpace. If house garners any- where hear $6,000 it will be'lucky. Last week 'Student Tour' (MG) and 'Babes in Toyland' (MG) another dull week at $7,200. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 16-26-40)— 1 1 ' Si. Luul H . Kld '^WB) and 'F ir e bird CWB). Holiday opposlsh a,little too much; this house, also, wHI be lucky to garner around $6,000; so-so. Last week 'Imitation of Life' (U) on solo bill was a trifle, better at $7,100, but stni light. Strand (Indie) (2,200; 16-25-40)— 'It's a Gift' (Par) and 'White Lies' (Col). This house seems only one to have the best' chance of betterlrig a mediocre gross; pace indicates around $7,300, fair. Last week 'Be- hold My Wlfe'~(Par) and 'Flirting With Danger' (Mono) through some unexplained sprint made coin for this stand at $9,300. RKO Albee (2,500; 16-26-40)— 'West of the Peeps' : (Radio) and 'Tunes arid Steps' on stage; pace Just right so far, but box bfflce is goln i G f r to get it -i ri tho nook lilto the other spQta; moat house can figure on la $8,000 fair. Last week 'Cap- tain Hates Sea' (Col) was a trifle steadier at $9,800."^ RKO. Victory (1,600; 10-15-25)— 'Five Bad Men' and 'Wednesday's Child' (Radio). On a split week should come close to $1,300;. nice. 1)ai»^^ Shunts 10^ i Hollywood, Dec. 17. , Production schedules has Robert Florey switched from 'King of the Rltz' to directing •Florentine Dagger' at Warners. Latter Is ready for production while the other is still being written. 'Rltz' probably will go Into work in three weeks with William Gar- gan and Ann Dvorak already cast and Warners trybig to borrow Paul Laka« froittvM»iF«, I6r top apot. ; - Los Angeles, Dec. 17. Loads pf,. rain fpr the early . pari pf the week, balmy Sunday (16), and. then the usual Christmas shppping, besides cpntlhuatlpri of the street car strike, are rathef tough obstacles for, the first i\xni as well as nabe houses. . ; M[ewspapers have piped down bri the street car rowdyism so that the downtown merchants would not ,bo hampered, but _there. still are fh© timid ones wh"© shy at anythiner that sounds like viplence and keep nilles away.. : !, Parampu'nt Is the leader: of the premier picture contingent with, a circus on the stage figured to draw the school kids this week. Scre'^ii offering, 'One Hour Late,'-will hay'«. to depend' on the stage attractlo4 for most of the take on the webk. ; 'Last Gentleman,' Qeorge Arlisg- ppus, got ott. to a nilld start on day. and date engagement at Chinese -and--Sta to.. Tat r oiiage on tlila. niuut* ly the elderly folks, which will brlnjr the houses in wtiich a. respective $6,000 and $5,600 for the stanza, but in both cases poor. Hollywood and RKO, on the day and date jproposltion, have. 'Ann ojB Green Gables' in fdr ritnerday bp* jotirri and nothing illuminating la the income line. ; Four Star now in double bill rou* tine, having gotten away from day and date with United Artists, but does not seem to be able to put it* heiad above the drowning mark with < the new idea^ either. Imitation ot Life,' for third week at Pantagesi holding up big and will draw more than house generally averages fpi; a ohe-weiek run. Criterion, on Inii^ ability to get bookings, holding bvei^. its double bill 'for five days, whlcli had a rather poor initial week. , ■ Estimates for This Week : ■:. Chinese (Grauman) (2,028; 30-40*i 65)—'Last Gentleman' (20th Cent.% With weather elements against- it - start not so forte and with selected trader will not hit-over the- $6,000, mark, away oflEr for an ArllsS pl6* ture. Lost week 'Evelyn Prenticef (MG) Just a little short of calcula«i tions with $8,600, which is profit fof house.' " Criterion (Partmr) (1,600; 26-304 40) 'Lady by Choice'^ (Col) and 'Ms<< rlnes Are Coriilng' (Mascot) split (2nd week). Pretty tough struggle for hpldover five days, which will reach about'$l;200.—First week o*- combination an even $lf900, poor. . Downtown (WB) (1^800; 25-30-40V, 'I Am a Thief (WB) and vaude* Vaude -figured tp carry this on% which will be lucky tb hit $3,600k Last week 'By Your Leave' (Radio)] J^st went boom to tune of iS3,100. :. Four Star (F-WC) (900; 30-35)-* 'Death bn Diamond' (MG) and 'Gambling' (Fox) spit. Just a bit letter than previoiis week, but will have tough Job to hit the $2,000 mark. Last week 'Have a Heart'- (MG) Just a busto at $1,600, plenty; red for house. Holllywood (WB) (2,756; 36-40^ 56)—'Green Gables' (Radio). They shied from this one at start of week and for th e nine-da y, stay It Is go- ing t o b e ha rd driv ing, to hit uv et ; the $«,000 figure. Last week 'Flir- tation Walk' (FN) second and final week close to calculation^ at $4,800. Los Angeles (Wm. Fox). (2,800;: ,' 20-35)—'Santa Fe' (Mascot) and 'Great Expectations' (U) split. Dick-: ens opus bringing kids in but witli house not getting over the $3,300 Count. , . Last week 'Night Alarm* (Majestic) and 'Fugitive Road*. (Chesterfield) did hot prove very exciting oomblnatlon with" a $2,900 flnale>- . , ■ ■■. . Paiitases (Pan) (2,700; 25-40)— • 'Imitation' (U) (3d week). Dolnff unusually well for final stanza, which will exit with around $4,800; Last week, second for this one, very good at $8,800. Paramount (Partmar) (3.695; .30* 4Q-B6)-^'Oripi. Hftnr Lnte'- (Par) anft stage show. Circus on stage is sa^ vior for this picture, which wilL however, not give. profitable week to house-wlth- a■$tO;000- takeT 'Last"" week 'Behold My Wife (Par) Just a bit above prediction with a $13,600 wlndup. .RKO (2.950; 26-36-40)—'Greea Gables (Radio). Thoujgh campaigned heavily, failed to scratch the sur- face with much arid for the niriai days' take will not exceed over $5,600. Last week 'Flirtation' (FN)' for second and final stanza hit aa even $4,900. , ^ State (Loew-Fbx) (2,024; 30-40^ 55)—'Last Geptlcnian' (20th Cent.), With shopping and strike 'ds oppoi sltlpn, cannot be figured to reacU over $5,600, poor. Last week "Eve-* lyn Prentice' (MG) better than pre^ dieted, with a $10,300 final count. ^rH.^'*?^' .A"**'**" (Fox-UA) (2,100»• 25^30-40-66)—'Prentice' (MG). Was . shifted oyer from State. Thl.s one will possibly hit an eVen $3,500, mild. Last week "Merry Widow* (UGf). wader expectati<m8 at $3,400.