Variety (Mar 1935)

Wedncsdar. Mwcfr~<. 1935 E C ^ S^ E S VABIETY Jack Benny Imip^^ es Plenty; of competition . . around . town for: the publlc'is amusiBnient coin with at least four powerful alt- tratctloiu spllttlncr : the money as .viia,hy ways. No moderate grosses in town [ this week ( the houses are Individually *^doing a bang-up biz or are <iuietly starving td death, Recognition of this competlsh is the i*easoh for the : slough^-o of ■ the Oriental this week where the show has been cut to' J^he boiie: on the opntentloh that it's impossible, to -^>uek— strong . attractlohs else- —where;——----v--— - --^—^--.r-- ...Estimates for This Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200: 35-4C-<55)-^ ^One More . Spring' (Fox). Good Dgure at 15,000, Last week'County' Chairman' . (Fox) finished Becorid -..■Week to $3,400, good. • - — ; - , Chicago: (B&K) (3,940; 35-55-75) _ji,r,-'JRumba'^-(Par) -and - Jack Beiiny- gang on stage. Benny personals - aeicountlng—for—the-^biz -on-iils-Te-- turn date here. Nifty $42,000. Ijast week 'After Office Hours' (MO) held to plroiatabld $40,100. __-J5ar4Uck-4B&K^-4SO04^5-36-6a)--^ /'After Office Hours' (MG). Moved here -after oke week at Chicago. - Will stick iabove: $3,000/okay. Last week 'Baboona' (Fox) Vflnlshed two- - weeker to satisfying $2,900. Oriental (B<S^K) (3,200; 26-35-40) —r--iBoKleKtow-n!—(-WB.):-^nd. --vaude.- Plcture Is a repeat in .the loop- -^llps-cur-reritly—on--declsloh-^to-re-- fU96. to compete Svlth ChiceMSO and : Palace. Off to $14,000, weak. Last wisek 'Band Plays On* (MO) fair at $16,800. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 25-35-65)— ■ "Murder on Hoiieymoori' (Radio) and 'Hello Paris' unit on stage. It's all the unit which pushes the house in the high upp^r brackets^ at smashing $3i,0"00. E3xcelteht (ids at- tracted attention. Will stick t\ro jv'eeks. Last week 'Transient Xiady' :. (U) and Gene Raymond on the stage was fine at $21,100, Rooaevelt (BScK) (1,600; 26-36- 65-65)—'Ruggles of Red Gap* (Par). - Got away fast as the public smelled out this one as a good flicker. Com- ments and notices adding fuel and It looks like :a neat run. Will tear ■out in front to wow $18*000 for. In- itial session. Last week 'Sweet Music* (WB) fell away sadly to finish Its single week to $11,600; flabby. Stat«Jjike LfJoiies) (2J00; 20^ 15-35)—'Silver Streak' (Radio)? and vaude. Ma:ybe.$12,0'00.. Last week ^elldorado' (Fox) on the right side, at $10,200. United Artist* (B&K-UA) (1,700;- 25^35-50-65) — 'David Copperfleld' (MG) (3d week). Holding up re--: markabiy.: - Will do great: $10,000 'or current week. Last week was flho at : $13,700v 'Scarlet Pimpernel- (UA) next. (MG). Held up nicely: after a big opening for:$18,000. Newman:. (Par) .(1,800; 25-40)— .'Red. Gajj' (Par). " Opened Tuesday (5),' three days in advance, on ac- count of flop of ■ 'Klrig^s Horses' (Par), which only held four days. Last week 'Devil Dogs' (WB) $8,000, good'. . ; ; . V :: Tower (Rewot) : (2,200; 25)— 'Secret Bride' (WB)- and stage shbw. Only vaude in town and holding: up nlcfely; Probabjy close to $7^500. Last week 'Good Fairy' (U-)7 and^tage show,: "second week for the -picture, $6^,200,' good; Uptown (Fox) (2,040; 25-40)— 'One More Spring' (Fox). A natural film for this big residential; got a nice play over the week-end and will likely return $6,000, big. Last week-.'Evergreen'- (GB)i second week, $3,600, good. $22,500 AT MKMCAW Kansas VClty, March 6. (Best Exploitation: Mainstraet) It looked like the good old times at the Malnstreet, Saturday whe.n, with eight shows, the house: cpiald not accommodate all who wanted to see 'Roberta.' At the other downtown houses things are not /.so encouraging. T^Vanessa,' Midland's^feature, is -at- tractive to. the women and they are giving it a nice play at the m8.ts, but night business is:bad; While at the Newma:n 'All the Kings Horses' couldn't pull 'em In and the picture gave way today to 'Ruggles of Red Gap,' set up three days fori a ten day stay! : Theatres all spending:: gobs of cash for publicity, hitting' the dally papers, with huge ads in addition to their x'egular space, but the returns are far from satisfactory.: RKO Malri3tve6t, on /'Roberta' : made a sweet tleup with one of the leading ready-to-wear stores which gave the picture a special half page ad; had mannequins displaying and modeling gowns - in the/Store, and other . stunts.: Broadcasts were given by three stations; Estimates for This Week Malnstreet (RKO) - (3,200; 15>25. 40)—IRoberta' (Radib). Best open- ing'for any plcture.ln two years;: A 9:30 opening and a mld-nlglit.show Saturday added two shows to the regular schedule and they; were ; needed to tike; care of the bver- :'flovv. , Looks like: a big $t6iOOO. Last, week 'Woman In Red' (WB) and 'Follies de Paree,' unit, $9;000, fair. Midland (Loew) (4,000; 15r25-40) -T-'Vane.ssa' (MGM). Mat attend-, anpc;. the heaviest; $9,000, JJght; Last, week- 'Mi6r Office Hbui-.s' Detroit,: March 6. (Beat Exploitationi Fox) , .'Normalcy has returned as indi cated by .business done the past jsevjetel—week*.—-Mlehlganr-Fdx-aiid United: Artists are getting better ■than-averagei-showrx>f-coin-spent for amusements,: Box office insurance is In form of splendid stage and fllm fare, especially the stage, fare. Mlbhigan and Fox are now present ing big stage names. Town has been too long without knockout stage. shoT^sl Giane Raymond screen star at Fox and. (3eorge Olsen and Ethel. Shutta. • at -Michigan, suit- ably answer entertainment-seekers quest.. Both houses destined for nice grosses. Sam Ruben's amateur frolic,- from stage of. Pox theatre on Pridajr night and aired over WJR, takes the cake this week. Rubien's smart program, sponsored by R. (}.. Dunn cigar makers.. Cards in all cigs^r and. candy stores in townj, plus, dei livery trucks :: and sp6t air/ ah nouncements, fllled the house on initial program.: Winner receives stage date. Everyone,in. town eye- ing this program. ' Eetimataa for Thii Weak ;i - Michigan (United-Detroit)' (4,100; 25-35-65)—'Sbclety Doctor' (MG) and stage show. George Olsen's or- chestra,, and Ethel Shutta. playing a repeat at this house within a yeat*. Olsena are top billed over every- thlhg and will take all the credit. Good .business of $22,600: in sight. Last week 'Devil Dogs' (WB) and stage delivered $18,000. . Average.. Fox (Inde) (6,100; 26-36-66)— 'One More. Spring* (Fox) and stage show headlined by Gene "Raymond. Picture razzed plenty by ' papers, leaving burden on Rti^ymond. Tak- ings, should sail by the $22,600 mark._ SwelL Xast_?ifeek :JLittle. Colonel' (Pox) with Stepin Fetchlt and James Melton on stage; swept house gross to new three year week-end record of $33,000. Ter- rific. United Artists (United-Detroit) (2,070; 26-35-56)—'Scarlet Pimper- nel' : ( UA). ' Leslie Howard's fans are expected to give average week of $7,600. Acceptable. Last week 'David Copperflield' (MG) finished a three week engagement to business that exceeded fondest expectatlonsi gross for run was $32,000.' Fisher (United-Detroit) (2,976; 25-30-40)—'Bengal Lancer' (Par) and 'Gay Bride' (MCj). Strong dual bin well off to goal of $6,000. Last week 'Forsaking All Others' (MG) and 'Murdfer in the Clouds' (FN) hit the same figure. ' '■' Adartis (Balabah) (1,770; 25-40)— 'Little Colonel' (Fox). Moved over from Fox theatre for continued sec- ond week,"; on:slngle bill. Word,of mouth advertising will heljp this to get $4,100; . Last week 'Graind Old Girl'; (Radio) and. 'West of the Pecos' (Radio) came through weak- ly with $3,500- . :: . :.:. State (Unlted^Detrolt) (3,000; 26- 40)—'Car. 99' (Par) and 'Notorious Gentleriien' (U). Business stays about the same it this house. 'Car P9'. depicting- Michigan state police could hiave beeri -clrcused to: greater business than Indicated at $4;600. Last week 'Little Men', (Mascot) which received ' exploitation : and 'Winning Ticket'. (MG). gave .house bettei- tlian average. All right , at $5,000. ; ■ ■ - Denver, March 6. .(Best Exploitation: Aladdiri) Aladdin Is packing them In with •Scarlet Pimpernel,' and j^lcture will reihaln a second we^ :'" " ;'v . On Its second: : weel{ 'Ruggles' is ^Iso; bringing activity to the. to^yn; business being considerably above average,. ■ ■ Explimation of title, 'Scarlet Pim- pernel,' sbW that picture to many who otherwise., would have been prejudiced -agaitn^t Implicaltion of 'scarlet' or wouldnT^ve cared.: Ex- planation, htt in dalli.e«k two weeks In advance. . , Estimates for This Wai Aladdin (Huffman) 1,500; 26-33 —'Scarlet pimpernel' (UA), town's leader /Will stay a second week on indications of big. $6,000. Last week 'Woman in Red' (FN) ■ only: fair, $2,oOo: -:; ;;-/'.:■ ..,■:.;..■■-,;>; ■■ Denham (Cooper) (1,500; 25-35- 50)—'Ruggles of-Red Gap" (Par) (2d- week)i Holding its own nicely, and should see $5,000. Last week film did $9,000. Denver (Huffman) (2,500; 25-36- 50)—'Sweet Music"* (WB). A little above average, probably $6,600. Last week 'Little Colonel' (Fox) disap- pointed oh oiily average $6,0 00. 'W ay below ^Shirley" Tempre5~Iormer pace at Orpheum. • _ ■ - --■ • ; Orpheum (Huffman) (2,1500;'^^^^^ 50)-^'CarnIval': (Col). Looks no more than $4,600, fair. Last week ,'Bdwlh Drood' (U) $6,000. -^P«ratmoxint^-(-Hu«man)-(l2r()007^6^ 40—'Red Hot Tires' (FN) and Up Pops 'Cimarron' . / : / ■ Toledo, March 6. The . four-year-dld : 'C^iiiiarvon' (Radio) drew well aa part of a twin bill at tiiie Pantheon last last week. ' -'"V: fi6l/se*i3 regularly a flrst-run. 'PIMPERNEL/ $6,000, DENY, Holding Overr-'Colonel' Behind Shirley's Former Pace: There 'Maybe It's Love* (FN), double bill; Dual program figures near $1,600; under average on half week. Last week 'Society Doctor' <MG), split, di d only $1,760. ■:- ';•"■"•' - 6 way Quiet witli Lent Here; :^Il:-'.~--^-:: noneymoon Sunday warratnt hope of $S,000 gi'oss. Last week 'County Chairman' (Fox) and 'Lottery Lover' (Fox) fair at $6,500. ■-. .::-:-.: .■- Princesa .(e.'r) :(2,200; _fi.O).-:--'.Cliy.e. Msi: runs. Too iqiUlet. ,S6me of India' (UA) and 'Cairnival' (CoD Sell oiit all week end looks like $12,- 000 if it holds up. Last week 'Don Juan' (UA) and 'Runaway ^iieen' A): good biz at $6,000.,: ; enta da Paris (Frahce-Fllni) (600;''^^M)—'L'Aveiitqrier'. Should gross $2^5(10. Last :w'eek 'Le Bbssu' did well at>2J50. - DUALS AND VAUDE GET $(MI00ATI^,i|li1^ At 115,000, Montreal, . Is Coinpetition : 'Montreal, March f>i Mis Majesty's with six niteii and two mats of Ziegfeld's pblliea at $3.: top pltis tax current week will take most of the money Ih town, Juderlng by advance sales which have already sold out half week: This should gross at $16,000 and may have some result on .film grosses. Two best pix In town are :'Da.vid Cepperfl:^eld' at Capitol and fClive.of India' at Princess. Former should gross $10,000 on we^ek-eod biz and latter, which will run couple of weeks has good chances for $12,000. Loew's Is showing 'The Night Is Young': and .'The Winning Ticket', which did nicely on week-end and looks like $8,000 gross. Estimatea for Thia Week • ^ Hie Majeaty'a (CTT) (1,600; $i-$3) —'Zlegfeld Follies' (Musical). Ad- vance salea show big biz certain with gross up to $16,000. Last week repeat of 'Shepherd of Seveii Hilla' $4,000 gross, good. : Capitol (FP) (2,700; 80)—'David Copperfleld' (MG). Did fln« week- end biz and should gross at least $10,000, Last week 'Iron Duke' (Rie- gal) held up well and gropsed good $10,500." Loaw'a (FP) (8,200; 60)—'Night Is .Toung: ._(MQ) andJLWinning .TicketL (MG). -Good housea Saturday and ; ' : Seattle, March 5. vT)iHCls' plus: ViBiudS- aria'7stage-1>iana jpollcyjclickln_g first two weeks to aucir an'extent"tliat Paramount is piuttlng oh. the pressure with ace booking of Four Mills brothers week. 18th, , with intent to' Iteep the ciis- tomers-eomiiig.— 'Gilded Lily' ojDened two. days early when 'Copperfleld' weakened after ten big da,ys, but looks to hold only one week. . Estimates for This Weak -4-Blua-Mouae-(-Hamr-lck) - (-1,060{~25-. 40)—'Sweet Music' (WB). Moved -from-falr—week-at—Music HalU-Peip— haps $2,200, 8l6w> Last week,. 2d of 'Devil Dogs of the Air' (WB), $2,400. ' Coliseum (Evergreen) (1,800; .16- 26)—'Forsaking All Others' (MG) and 'Lemon Drop Kid'; (Par) dual. Okay at. $3,600. Last week .^Flirta- tion Walk' (FN) ahd 'Band Plays Oh':_(MG): dual, $3,400, good. ' Fifth Avenue (Evergreen): (2,400; 2.6i-40)—'Gilded Lily' (Par). Moved in:;cold : two days early; around $7,500; under expectations. Last week 'David Copperfleld' (M(3y^ flve days, $5,100, good until flnal two day slump,. follo'Arlng big $10,200 . Liberty (J-vH) (1,900; 16-26-85) —'Broadway Bill'. (Col) (5th week). En ro'iite. to $6,300. Last Keek,;^same film, great $7,200. :. Muaie Box (Hamrick) (950; 26- 40)—'The Good Fairy' (U); Second week here after flrst at Miislo Hiall; may get $2,500, Last week, same film, ..dandy. $8,0.0.0.. . - Muaio Hall (Hamrick) (2,300; 26- 40)—'Scarlet Pimpernel' (UA). In- dicated to; cop $4,300,' riot good Last week 'Sweet Music' (WB), $4,100, slow,, dropping alterrMonday; Orpheum (Hamrick) (2,700; 25- 36)—'Living on Velvet' (WB) and vaude. Consider $7,000, probable and big. Last week . 'Murder on a Honeymoon' (Radio) gbt^.$7,i00, good. ■■- ■:-,. Paramount (Evergreen) (8,106; 26-3.6)—'Society Doctor' (MG) and 'Under Pressure' (Fox) dual, with vauderstage. band. Skirting $6,<»00, good. Last week "Biography of a Bachelor, Girl* (MG) and 'Rocky Mountain Mystery'-(Par-)-dual,--wlth stage and band; $7,400, big. (Best Exploitation: Roxy). Lent begins tpday <Ash Wednes- day) and Broadway pictures are mild. All's quiet with the New York Phlladelptila. March 5. r(Bett Expleitatioh I Stanley) This week's oiniy smash pi'pspect Is 'Folles Be^gere' at the Aldine. They had to stop selling seats three times opening day (Saturday) and ihahagement reported almost $4,000 on the day. Trade at :the beginning of the week continued hot and gross should hit between $14,000 arid $15, 000. That ought to meart three weeks inasmuch as the last film, ■Scarlet Pimpernel' started off at a $12,000-pace •and-stayed three weeks; WB had a good stunt for the Stanley, consisting of a tie-up with Postal Telegraph by which "10,000 inserts advertising , 'The Whole TOwn'.a .Talking'" Were placed in wires.: Also 20 Jumbo telegrams were, displayed In Postal offices. ' Estimatea for Thia Week ■ Aldihe (1,206; 36-40-55)r^'Falle6 Bergere' (UA).' Started very big Sat- urday. Between $14,000 and $15,000 Indicated—^and : .that's- sensational for hoiisc; Last week, 'Scarlet Pim- pernel' (UA), $6,000 in third arid last week—good. Arcadia (600; , V25-3G-4b)--.'Winicf!3 the -Dark' (Par). Fair $2,100 seen. . Last week, 'Lives of'a Bengal Lancer' (Far). Excellent $2;800. Boyd (2,400; ■35-40.^55).—'Varicaaa' (MG). Poor- notices and poor biz. Won't go_,ovpr:$7,000,,or ?7,'5p0, Last week, 'After Office Hours' (MG) Okay $13,500 In seven days. Earle (2,000; 25-85-40) — 'Best Man Wins' (Col) and vaude. Live ly show offered by Benny Davis and. ought to help. . May hit $16,000. Last week, 'I Am a Thief (WB) and vaude. So-so $14,000 was all. , Fox :. (3,000; 40-65-66) — 'Little Colonel' (Fox) and stage show. Should hit $20,000 in secorid week and may be held in again. Last week an unexpectedly big $26,500. ■ Karlton . (l.OOO; :25-35t40)— 'Good Fairy" : (U). Second run, $3,60.0 hoped .for. last ^veek, 'Glgpiette' (Radlo)i.' Poor $2,200 for this; first run.,:/; , y,: -.-. ■ Keith'a (2,000 • 30-40-50)—'DeVU Dogs of the-Air' (WB); Second run. Okay $2,000 seien. Last week,. 'David Copperfi.eld' (MG) last five days of secorid-turi showing got fine $3,300; . Locust ,(1,400; 40-55-65) 'Iron Duke' (GB); Second week proriiLses something, les's than $3,000. '. Last week found It hitting $4,300. Stane.ly (3i70O; •35-40^55)-^'WhCile Town's Talking' (Col).- Good $13,- 000: flgurbd; Last week, 'Sweet Mu- sic' (WB). Same figure In .'ievcn' dayM. whlcli was satisfactory if not distinguished;- . Stanton. (1,700; 30-40-50)--''My«- tery of Edwin DrootV (U). Xo more .tli?in $5,000 expected. Last- \vo'«ik,~ 'Sequoia'. (MO).- Measing $7,700' In eii^h^ days; - . /' ':: • . : '.: -. attractions a,re even believed^ to be getting a smaller play than they deserye. This Is felt to be! true of W^hole Town's Talking'■ :at the ?Jo^«'^„ Hall where . but around $73,p00 la in sight. Depending Von how Lent cuts In, flnal figure riiay be low^^er. Matinees are away off here. i.;r other : new arrivals Murder oh a Honeymoon,' at the ^'^'^ best and may top f 27,000, 'Bachelor Girl' looks only $32,000 at the Capitol. 'While the Patient Slept' Isn't -getting any- where at the Rialto and go^s oiit ?hui:sday night, housie bringing In the .Klng^s Horses!..; intended; for the Paramount. .p^ ! Jl?eJlloldoyerfl_^.weet - Music-* Istwf^ nose out front on a $20,000, secojnd.-week but doedn't-re- {"t'?: a third. Paramount is re- taining 'Rumba' five and a half •f/n^J?"! * second week, expecting $17,000 for that portion o't th e hold- i, ,House-^loB ed -down on Vi *t ^ P "^- tomorrow (Wednesday) and reopens : at 8 'Ruggles of Red Gap.* is.not doing any- thing extra at the RivoU but is In the safety zone_aroundl$25,00i).-_ Good ad" campaign and lobby lure TttoreThan elsewhere. A ^Eatimatea for Thia Week TT^"t'"'„ <1''>12; 25^40-56)—'Great M"rder: (Fox); McLaglen- .o^^V',*"*' <^>^<^f>i 36-76-85-$1.10)— .^achelor . Girl' -(MG): - and" stage ^"cky if over $32,000. pretty gu'et: .Last , week 'Sequoia' (MG) disappointed at $28,000 ' Criterion (876; 26-40-66)—'Mys- terious Mr. Wong' (Mono) and ^rimson Trail' (U), double bUK House, went to duals yesterday ti^Hf^'*?/^^*".®'" °^"eles for some » Man' (Pox) stayed ll^aya..W0.000 Pretty good. - Mayfair (2,200; 36-66-66)—;'Red «°t Tires' (WB).' Doesn't l<H>k HkJ s« nn? Ln".*'*?.* ^on't be above ?e.000r mild. Predecessor, 'Marines moo (Mascot), no better, ^ Palace XI.IOO; 85-60-66)—'Scarlet Pimpernel' (UA) and vaude. May Ijring average week, $9,000, or a little over. Last week 'Good Fairy' (U) upped: to $13,000. nice. - -;^Paraniount (2,664; 36-6'6-76-86)— i«iil?^^«*^^*'"> c<2d week) and pit band. Staying 6^4 days on holdovejt and-for that period $17,000. okay. First week $37,000, neat. 'Ruggles' iY^l ' '"^ tomorrow night (Wed.) after house has been cloised down for two hours. -'^•dro City Muaio Hall (4,946; 40- 60-86.90.$1.10) , - 'WUCle Town's Talking* (Col) and stage show. Comment on picture excellent, but matinees ppqiLand grosS: far-under expectatlbns at $73,000, Indicated. Koberta comes in. Thursdav (7>. with 'Little Colonel' (Pox) to fol- low, booklrigs halving' been switched. Last week 'One More Spring* (Fox). $81,000. •' Rialto (2,000; 40-65)—'While Pa- tient Slept' (WB). Pickings lean and probably not more thatn $8,500. All King's Horses' (Par) comes in Thursday. night (7) on preview. Last week $12,000 for 'Car 99' (Par), a surprise. : Rivoli (2,200; 40-:65-75-85.99)— 'Folles Bergere' (UA") (2d week). Not knocking ail the pins down at $25,000 on second week, but okay at i this .figure and stays a third. Ini-I tial seven days $36il00. 1 . Roxy. (6,200; 25-35-65)—'Murder- on a Honeymoon' (Radio) and stage show.. Took off smartly and if Lent doesn't kick If down will see $27,- 000 or over, pretty, good. Last week holiday helped push 'Night Life of GodsV: (U) to saucy $33,000; , Strand (2,900; 36-55-75-85)^ Sweet Music' (WB) (2nd week), Got $36,100 oh first week and cur- rently looks to stretch to $20;000_, good, but won't :charice a third week.' liivlng on. Velvet* (WB) opens Thursday morning (7); State (2,300: 35-55-75)—"Devil P:o.esljG?V'E)-and vaude. Jimmy S_avc. ori^'tage and-l6ok.s: llKe poaalble $26,- ' 000,. good.. : Last week "Copperflpld" (MG) close to:?25,000,'exconorit. ■-: For 'Time* Only Reloaso of the 'Mjarch of Time' series: by First Division htttf-nccesr' .sitated aiigmentlrig-F. D.'s publicity . .staff in. New York'. New depart-: mpnt,. lb .specialize' in -handling 'tlrne,' will .be headed by! Ralph Rplan, formerly of . Batten, Barton, ' DursUnc & O-sbornc, ad agency., Rolan -, assvmo.q . his ■ new^-^^ • itnmerllatpjy: as Vrp In charge of ptoiuoiioii; •