Variety (Mar 1935)

VARIETY PICT EC SSCS Wednesday, March 6* 1935 uoia fflvd.^ 1. A., for $5j 8, Los Angeles, March B. (Best Exploitation; Four Star) Slg grossci' locally, in Comparison with prevlQvis figures at this house, is 'Sequoia* at the Four Star, where a $2,000 take for a week; Is big nioricy. Ahlinal picture will grab $5,800 easily, with class customers lining Wilshire boulevard to pur- chase seats. Though house, here;- tofore, has had a three a day policy, continuous perforrriajices are being given now to iccommodatia the- .. crd-wds... -House—opened_atl.l_p.m.; 'Suiridiy and was $61d but at" 2. Tic held its own even on /blue Monday. Paramount, with 'Rhumba'. con- tinues the: top grosser. Looks like $18;600, which bests last week by a grand,: Although starting big last week. Par,: albng . with other houses, did a toboggan. . _:„-Lciew-'s:_Stata_ls_hltting. a lathxir poor stride, with the Gaynor-Bax- -ier film. ^Orie Moire Sprihg.V-not clicking ias expected. Chinese, playing day-and-date on >hls pic win hit $6,800, which Is also bad for the house. ' At the BKb Hillstreet and War- ■ ner Hollywood 'Living on Velvet* win fall under last week's 'Sweet Music,' which didn't do any too good; 'Velvet* can't hit over $6,000 at th<9 RKO,. and won't do much —better-4n^Hdllywopd. NEW HAVEN EXPLOITABLE Hoiitis Puah Produet With. iStunti 'Sequoia,' 94,600. ■: New.-'Haven, 'March^VB.'-/. (Baat Expleitatieni Bijoii) Town's total business looks slight- ly abovei last week. Grosses , for Feb. ih :the iour deluxers reached ftpproximately $25,000 weekly, which averaged well with preceding months. ■ On: a;. campaigD-^hich—originally started for a booking at Poll's, BlJou put on finishing touches for 'SiBr quola* (MG) and drew the week's heaviest publicity with school tour of animals used'In film, plus tleups plugging natural beauty angl^ of picture. Poll's big bid for attention on 'One More Spring* (Fox) was newspaper contest which gaVe.away. puppii^Q, supposedly as gifts of Janet - Gaynor. - iParaihtourtt -worked on lilstorical angle of 'Iron Duke* (QB) and free-showed it to achpol teachers as fLn indirect magnet to draw kids. Last eight days for The Good —Palry'-it-^the^Pantages-garniered - $4,800. which Is still profit for the house. Pic stuck on at the house for 15 days. New film in, 'Night Life of the Gods,' will Probably stick only brie week,, with a $6,500 gross expected. Pour Star, with 'Sequoia,?: leaned heivlly on a dlrect-by-roall cam- paign,- circularizing Parent Teacher Associations, women's clubs, and students. Tieup also with sporting goods stores. - ;. EstimateJi for This iV/rtk Chinese (Gfrauman) (2,028; 30-40- 65)—'One More Spring' (Fox). House-will do a poor $6,800 with this Janet Gaynor-W.arner Baxter picture. Last week went to a fair gross; on 'Ciive' (UA), /with $9,800 tabbed as the final take. Criterion (Partmar) (1,600; 30- 40-6!>)—'Whole Town's Talking' (Col). Eddie Robtlisori's dra.w and the previous Week's plug given this picture will make it a $2,500 gross- . er. 'Wings in the Dark' (Par) gar- nered; only $2,100 last week. : Downtown (WB) (1,800; 25r30- . 40)-^'Rcd Hot Tires' (WB) and "Murder on " Honeymoon* ■ (Radio) split.. Looks like 26% better busi- ness this week than last, wblch will carryjt hear to a $6,000 gi;oss- Last week 'Gamlval* (Col) and 'Maybe It's Love' (WB), split, gave house $4,400 Filmarto (Reisenfeld) (900; 40- 80)—'Uriflnlshed . Symphony' (GB) (2nd week). Going Inip Its third week . arid building. As . against ■ ta;ke of $2,100 last week, current stanza looks . like a good $2,400 "—House-profit-at-that-flgure.- Fbur Star (Fox) (900; 30-35)— 'Sequoia', (MG); This is the standout of the week, with a sure $5,800 . in the till. Looks like a fourTwcek run If not better. Last week:'The Iron Duke' (GB) did only a mild $2,000, falling urider expectations. Hollywood (WB) (2,766; 26-36-66 65) —'Living On Velvet' (WB) Francis-Brent - Williams comblna tibn not drawing as contemplated, I so week will not be more tha:n $6,- l BOO. 'Sweet Music' (WB) last week i • was nothing to shout about, with $7,000 passing through the wicket Bather disappointing. Pantages. (Pan)^ (2,700; 25-40) *Nlte Life' (U). Looks like only week's run for this film, with; house keeping on ■ the right -side- of the ledG^er on $6,600. Last eight days of 'Good Fairy' (U) brought In $4, 800. which isn't at all biiid. . Paramount (Partmai-) (3,595;. 30 40.-55)—'Runiba'. (Par) ; 'and stage show. iBusiness has picked up slight ,ly a:t this house with' the Week ex 'pected to haul in $18,500 as against 117,600 list week on 'Whole Town'i Talking' (Col). New type of istage abPws at this houge catching'on. RKO.(2,950; 25-35-65-65)—'Living On Velvet' (WB). Lucky. If the box office can show $6,000 . on this film Despite the-^three stars in the at traction the audiences aren't there, With 'Sweet Music' (WB) last week the hoiisei did.$5,60;p. More had been ■■ ^xpQ.CtOdr • StJite (Loew-Fox) (2,024; 30-40 66) —'One More Spring' (Fox) House Is In the dumps this- week with the Gisiynor-Baxter pic not ex . pected • to draW over $9,500, just barely aU right. 'Clive of India' (UA) gave the box oflicia an $11,600 purse last week. Nice, although film cpened to a podalble |14,000. ; Uhitad Artiats (Fox-UA) (2,100; 3S-80-40-66)—'Society Doctor' (MG) tmA ^v^nsong* (G-B) split and wM^S* lAovf. Last week for Btage- ahowfl this hduse, with the new' Eatimataa for this Waek Paramount (Publlx) (2,348;* 36- 60)—'Iron Duke* (GB) and 'Car 99* (Par). Looks like a nice steady week and .may reach a healthy 119,000. Last week 'King's Horses' Par) ItnT^'Sbns of Steer (Ches).- Coasted along to mediocre $5,800. Pon'riEoew)~'(3;D40;-35?50)='Owe- More Spring' (Fox) and 'Notorious Gentleman' (U). Should word-of- moiiths Its way Into an oke $8,800. Last week, 'After Office, Hours' (MG) and 'Straight From Heartr (U). Big opening week-end lifted this bne to town's topper at $10,200. Roger Sherman (WB> (2,200; 35- 50)—'Living on Velvet* (WB) and •While Patient Slept' (WB). Out- look not too bright; with just a fair i;4,800 indicated. Last week, 'Sweet Music* (WB) was just that to the box office, arid $6,500 brought nice smiles. ^ Bijou (Loew) (1,500; 25-3ft)—'Se- qiioia* (MG) arid. 'Winning Ticket' (MG). .Nice campaign helping toward an excellent $4,500 to even last week'ii gross on 'Bachelor Girl* (MG) and 'Behind Evidence' (Col). imNG ON VELVET' $13,000, BUFFALO - Buffalo, March is. ^Theatre grosses, = whil<> under those of the preceding week are holding up . well currently., Lafay ette is building to a fine figure with Arllss double. featured. As for exploitation, this town hiasn't seen anything really along exploitation lines for years. Down towri houses seem to feel that extra newspaper or billboard' space is ample exploitation, and this is about all that 48; ever done except on such, rare occMlbris'.'as-' film companies send publicity men to plug feature pictures. Estimates for This Week \ Buffalo (Shea) (3,600; 30-40-66)— 'Living on Velvet' (WB) and Ana tol's Affairs. Doing very nicely and should better $13,000. Last week 'Sweet Music* (WB). and Thurston. Strong show . to fine start and steady busineiss all week with the kids going strong for the magic. $17,600. . Hipp (Shea) (2,400; 25-40)— 'Woman in Red' (WB) and 'Maybe It's Love' (WB). Back in the dou ble feature column with about only $6,OO0 In prospect. Last week 'Clive of India' (UA) did not reach aritici pated figures, but did a .fair $7,000 Great Lakes (Shea) (3,400; 25-40) —'Scarlet Pimpernel' (UA). Might get $7,500. Last week 'After Office Horn's' (MG) seemed to hit the fans Jiist right, with business shooting well above expectations to $11,000. Century (Shea) (3,400; 26)—'Mur der in Clouds' (WB) and 'Lottery Lover' (Fox). Going slow over the Weekvend' arid capnot be figured to do more than $5,500. Last week 'Helldorado' (Fox) arid 'Mystery Woman' (Fox) dropped away, prob ably on .account of strong competi tibn to $5i20Q. • '.' , Lafayette (Ind.) (3)400; 25)—'Iron Duke' (GB) and 'Fugitive Lady (Cbl). 'Looks like' a fine week 'for this program. Arllss first ruri on a double feature. bill is selling the show to the fans. Should go to $9,000. Last week /Whole Town's Talking* (Col), sagged In the middle with the' result that bUislnesa fell uhder estimates, the show getting just shoft of: $8,500i Up; Temple $16, policy yet to be determined. Lucky this week If It hits $2,600. Last week 'High School Girl* (FOy) managed to draw In $2,700. ; . ., itt Runt oh Broadway (Subjfot to Chano*) Waak «f Mareh 8 Capitol—'After Office Hours' (MG). ■ Mayfair--;'Sha,dow-of-Dbubt' (MG). Musio Hallr^'Roberta* (Ra- dio) (7). Paramount—'Rugglea of Bed Gap* (Par) («). Riveli—'J^olles Bergere' (UA) .■ (3d wk). / : Rialto —'All the King's Horses' (Par). Roxy —' 'Ericbarited April' (Badlb). Strandr-'Llvlng on Velvet' (WB) (6). ,...„, Weak of March 1» CapitoV—'Naughty Marietta' (MG). Mtisie Hall—'Roberta* (Ra- dlo) (2d wk). ... •; Paramount—'Buggies of Red Gap' (Par) (2d wk). Rivoll — 'Wedding N Is lit' (UA), 'i Roxy—'Woman In Bed* (WB). Strand—'Living on Velvet* (WB) -(2d vk). 'SWEET MUSIC' $17,000 other Side of Brooklyn Brida* Not - So Chipper Brooklyn, March 6. (Best Exploitation: Paramount) Weiek-end saw, some magnificent weather washing away the sleet arid snow. Paths to box offices were at least clear, but not helping much. Best biz In the downtown area at the Fabian Paramount, where the Vallee flicker 'SWeet Musle^ls- db- Jng fairly well. Exploitation on Vallee at the Paramount comeis easy. Vallee played the hbuse for several semes- ters and endeared himself to goodly number, of localities. The result was any number of fan clubs. With the app£ar9,nce of 'Sweet Music* Joe Lee got af ter the fan cl ubs, of which there are" about eight or rirne~ln f he~ J)oro.ugh,..and . h.ad them go to. town on the picture. Gals wrote letters, distributed throwaways and what- not. In order to sell their hero. Val- lee programs with the gals praising TniirweTff"alried-on-local-Bther w&vesj Plenty 'of butdobr advertising-also helped to sell pictures. Estimatos for This Waek Paramount (4,000; 25-35-60-65)— •Sweet Music' CWB). Tbey like Val- lee "in'-Brooklyn-because-he -played' the City of Churches fo^ extended periods:—House- should—gross - oke $17,000. Last week 'Devil Dogs of Cincinnati, March 5. (Best Exploitation: Shubert) Enlivened by linking of flesh with screen fare via BKO operation of the Shubert. former legit temple, current biz at downtown bouses Is biggest in weeks. 'Little-Colonel' is the b. Oi winner. Its $16,600 at the Palace almost doubling the $9,000 at the Albee bri 'N'anessa,' next best all-film gross. In between Is the ShUbert's $11,OOQ on 'Maybe It's Lbve* arid the A. B. Marcus 'Bevue Continental' as the. 8ta,ge combo. Stage and screen policy of Shu- bert has the support of the three dallies. Post and. Times-Star, aft- ernoon sheets, had lens men on the Job at the opening show Friday (1), snapping stage shots from au- dience and .also clicking chorines in their dressing rooms. First such art spreads ta local theatrical his- tory. Estimates for This Week Palace (BKO) (2,600; 36-42)— Little Colonel' (Fox>. Shirley-Tem- ple the big noise and, with pop- ularity of Annie Fellows Johnston's juve classic, clicking the turnstiles for a merry $16,500. Last week •Whole Town's Talking' (Col), $7,200 poor, Shubert (BKO) (2,200; 35r42)— •Maybe It's Love* CWB) and the A. B; Marcus "Bevue Continental.' Flesh and flicker revival by BKO after eight-month absence ac c6rded heavy build-up with trailers in'the ■■chain's- seven - other; -local houses, and in press ads. A cinch for $11,000, nice. Albee (BKO) (3,300; 35-42)—"Va nessa' (MG). Helen Hayes and Bobert Moritgomery in sariie type as title and bouqueted by cricks, That's the pull fbr $9,000, so-so. Last week 'After Office Hours' (MG). $13,600, dandy. Lyric (BKO) (1,400; 35-42)—'Se quola' (MG). Final notices and extra display space; In line for $6,000, good. Last week 'Murder on Honeymoon' (Badlo), $4,000, fair. Keith's (Llbson) (1,500; 35-42)^ 'Sweet MusiC'~(WB). Bevlews n-.s.^-, but Budy Vallee adrinirers sufficient for a favorable $6,600. Last week 'Devil Dogs' (WB) In second week, $4,000, all right, follpwlng $9*000 first seven days. Capitol (BKO) (2,000; 35-42)-7- •Bed Gap* (Par) (2nd wk). Strong $6,000, after'a Bbckb $10,500 on in- Grand (BKO) (1,200; 26-40)— 'Office Hours' (MG), switched from Albee for' second downtown week, $3,000, okay. Same figure last week on fifth week of main line tenancy by 'Gopperfleld'. (MG), a record Clncy run in recent years, during which total gross was $33,800. . , Family (BKO) (1.000; . 15-25)— 'Home on Range* (Par) and 'Be- hind the Evidence' (Col), spilt. Is $2,200,. smiles. Last week .'Firebird' (WB) and 'One Hour Late* (Par), split, $2,000. Strand (Ind) (1,200; 16-20-30)— 'Women Must Dress' (Mon). stripped at close of first day, with 'Shoot the Works* (Par) the sup- plariter. Latter; pic yanked from exchange . vault ' after completing rounds of smallies many months sirice. Unsettled policy making pas- sersby blurry-eyed. Will hit $800 at best; a new low. Last week ImU tatlon of Life* (U); holdover as a big street repeater,'$1,900, above av- erage, tolIo,wlng .$9,30a on first week. London Choosy; lancer $20,000, Best In Years; Trentice Sock $40,000, 11 $1100 London. Feb. 24. WestrEnd film business Is not so big, with the holiday element prac* tlcally exhausted. Extra good prOd* «ct 1b Btlmulatingf what tnlght hav*. been a very patchy period, howeveir, estimates •.' (A« 16 to the £.) Bengal Lancer' (Par) (3d week) Carlton. Started as a smash from the word go and i>acklng 'ein In on three sessions daily and twice on Sundctys. Doing steady $20,000, 'Which—Is Rapacity all the way" at $2.12 top. Biggest thing seen' around in some time, and looks like holding up for 12 weeks. Picture Is dov/n for general release month •Of June, which' is clever move, as it Is Jubilee month. In all It is figured sure to. gross-.around $760,000 equaling the record established by •cavalcade.*- .; _ -. _—... Dictator' (Toeplitz) (3d week) Tlvoli. Epic" voted "best ever" done' Bceriically In England, but slow. Opened to $16,000, with . 2d week down to $11,500. Will do $10,000 the Air* (WB) $21,000. , Fox (4,000 ; 26-36r50-66)—"Grand Old Girl* (Badio) and 8ta:ge show^ Mlldlsh $11,500. Last week 'Carni- val* (Col) and Sally Barid on stage produced $19,000, good., Metropolitan (2,400; 26t36-60-76) —'Cllve, of India' (VA.y and vaude with George Glvot and Charles Davis orchestra. Nice notices, but looks only $14,000, mild. Should draw $18,600. Last week 'Sequoia' (MG) $21,000. Albee (3,500; 26-35-60-65)—'Scar- let Pimpernel* (UA) and vaude. Good notices not helping this one, only $13,000. Last week 'Bight to Live* (WB) $16,000 Strand (2;000; "26-36-50)—'Behold My Wife' (Par) and 'Death Flies East* (Col), $6,600, mild. Last week 'Notorious Gentleman* (U) and •Jack Ahoy* (GB-Fbx) $8,000, oke 'ONE MORE SPRING' $2,500 IN UNCOLN Lincoln,.-March.,6. (Beat Exploitations Stuart) •Devil Dogs' Is the pacer among this, week's attractions arid will probably keep the Stuart In the good money run It's averaged for • over a month. About $3,600 is -expected. Lincoln's having a tough time sal vaglng enough. Wandering interest to get .'em In on 'One More Spring,' tut "It'rhopeOl'll build. : " Orpheum on the first half is hit ting hard with consistent biz and offering two ifour-stage-show days to keep the quarters rblllng. Plc is 'Beady for Loye' and stage show, Harry. Boisman and Jack Riandall's 'Evening on Broadwiay' unit. Be- ports are good. Will follow with 'President Vanishes,' Varsity figured that daily building of Boblnson's 'Whole Town's Talking* (Col) was justification for the hold to a second week. •■ ■'■ ' Pushing 'Devil Dogs,' Pat Patchen, pub man, commandeered as; many uniforms as possible from the/BOTC contingent : at the University; anc had ushers at all the theatres wear irig them on duty. Also called in a local aviation: club, juvenile model builders, and displayed their work In various lobbies and windows. Estimates for This Week Cblohial (LTC) . (750; 10-15)— 'Coyote Trails' (MaJ), 3 days; 'Car 99,' 2 days, but may go four. Money heavy, $1,300 on stretch. Last week 'Crimson Trail* (U), 3; 'White Cockatoo' (WB) and 'Man Who Be- clalmed. His Head' (U)both 2 days Take all right at $1,100. Lincoln (LTC) (1,000; 10-25)— 'One More Spring*. (Fox). Isn't as strong as the usual fare here, and take is under previous racing pace. No more than $2,500 expected though fair enougli. Last week, 'Gilded Lily' (Par) went like a house afire in the face of bllzzardy second day. and accompanying cold. $3,000 on windiip. Orpheum (LTC) (1,200; 10-16-25) —'Beady for Love' (Par) and 'Eve- ning on Broadway* unit, 8 days 'President Vanishes' (Par) 4 days^ Week run Is Into good money with $3,100, according, to present move- ment. Last week 'Bordertown' (WB) and stage, show headlining O'Con nbrs and Hagji Ali, split with 'Night Is Young' (MO)i Bitten by show to a bUU good $$,000, . Stuart (LTC) (l.tOO: 10-2K-^40)~ thlrd-Btftnzar-and-staylng—ar-feurtbj^ when replaced> by .'Little Minister* (Badlo). 'Evelyn Prentice' (MG) 2d week) Empire. Staying' on another four days, with total grosses for 11 days flguted-tioL-be iu'.ound.J4PjP.oj).:which^ Is good In this ace house. Theatre ^hen_rey.erta_to_JErlday_chang)eiOJMr_ Slth 'Bachelor Girl* (M-G). - ; 'Farewell' (French) . (4th week) Curzbn. , Compact house specialize Ing In arty foreign product, with clientele ot its own in the Mayfalr locale. Doing steady .and regular trade at around $6,000 per week. This now: dwindling to $4,000, but will linger to end of month, with 'So Endetta a Great. Love' (Germari)- replacing. 'Firebird' (WB) and 'I Sell Any* thing' (WB) (1st week) Begal. Opened fairly and figuried to • do around $16,000, which does not war- rant holdover. 'A Perfect Week- End' follows. 'Forgotten Men' (B.I.P.) (9th week) Bi^to. Creating a record for this small seaterl .' Has done as high as $6,000, but is now nearier $4,500 and still good. Definitely in the money,, as there Is little overhead. 'Iron Duke' (GB) (2d week) Marble Arch Pavlllbn, Second pre- release West-Ender, aihd good for two more weeks at around $7,000. ; 'Kid Millions' (UA) (4th week) Pavilion.; Press ; panned plctur* badly^ but despite that lt-ls- doing: fair night trade, with capacity week-ends. Near $19,000, which la fair enough. . In for another fort- night, but no successor chosen. Likely to be 'Cllve' (UA) or 'Escapa Me Never,' (B & D) with Bergner. 'One Hour Late' (Par) and 'Lady by Choice'. (.Col). (1st .week). Plaza. Opened to jgood week-end trade, but not likely to hold over. Expected to; do around $16,000, with 'Wings in the Dark' (Par) replacing. 'Maskerade' (Austrian)-(6th week) Academy. Arty subject, tor which house has a reputation. . Has proved big business getter, having at- tracted 60,000 customers in fiv weeks'. . Grossed as high as $8,000, very big for this small house. Now nearer $5,000, which still very profit- able. Expected to stay another four weeks, with Vlckl Baum's 'Lao Aux Dames,' (French), scheduled to re- place. 'My Heart Is Calling' (GB) (2d week) New Gallery. Starring Jan Kiepura. and Marta Bggerth, but weak. First week to $10,000, with this week likely around $8,000. Third week possible." 'Scarlet Pimpernel' (Korda) (9th week) Leicester Square 'Theatre. Season's surprise. Has done steady trade at around $20,000 and over. Even now is near $18,000, and could, stay longer, but previous bookings call for early closure. Being re- placed by 'Brewster's Millions,' (B & D) Feb. 27, which figured to stay eight weeks on account of, the Jack Buchanan moniker. •Strictly Confidential', Broadway Bill' (Col) ("2(1 week) Capitol. After fortnight at the Tlvoli. Holding up well, but expected >to do even bet- ter on account of marvelous notices. Did $15,000 here on first week, with $10,000 expected for final' stand. 'Marie Galante' (Fox), rfiplacln.:?. , 'Devll Dogs'CVVB) after, heavy plug- ging Is . headlrig for $3,600, good enough. Last week 'Little Colonel' (Fox) advanced bn the money bags every day and took nearly $1,200 for the run. • ■ . Varsity (LTC) (1.100; 10-15-3:.V—* 'Whole Town's Talking' (Col), sec- ond week. Biz not so terrific on ;;: ;3t bne, but was building every i^iyi which made the managcinrnt Miink plc bad caught on: About $l'^oO on flrst Btretch and $1,300 expected for thli T days.