Variety (Jun 1935)

Wednesdayt June S, 1935 PICT E G $ S E $ VARIETY Rogers in Loop Batdes Rogers in Nabeis as Thomas' Tries for 23G; Holdovers Holding Down Grosses Chicago, June 4. (Best Exploitation: Oriental) Somethlnff Is seriously wrong with the loop and the air Is full of alibis. But alibis are not helping: the business. No question the spread of sambllns gadgets throughout the neighborhood theatres la keeping a bullc of the audience put of the .rialto. Last week saw not a single day's gross with the exception of Memorial Day which was a Jam-out ^n every loop house. Chief house of the Balaban & Katz' circuit, the Chicago, at pres- ent Is suffering from the strange complaints of Temple-Rogersltis. Every other picture at the house Is either the gum-chewing Oklalioman or the curly-top tot. And what's worse, each of them must compete against themselves in the nabes. Vor instance, last week the Chicago was playing 'Our Little Girl' against some 50 nabcs houses playing "Lit- tle Colonel,' and currently 'Doubt- ing Thomas' is battling nabes loaded with .'Life Begins at 40.' While both of these performers are box-offlce, the competitive booking In the local situation makes it a dangerous ar- rangement. 'Thomas' appears to be the eve- ning picture this weak, getting a good night play to make up for weak matinees when the femmes rush around to the romance fllcker.s. Roosevelt, Garrick, Apoho, United Artists and State-Lake all running repeats and holdovers which It-- holding down fancy loop biz. Oriental has perked nicely In the past two weeks on wide and power- ful exploitation on the part of Jimmy Luntzcl. Estimates for This Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 25-35-65)— 'G Men' (WB). House Is trying a repeat after taking it brutally on the chin with second-rate flrstruii stulT. Had Ijooked In 'Scoundrel' (Par), but yanked before starting from fear of its being too arty. Might figure picture for a two-a- day gamble here. 'G Men' In Its fourth loop week ■ still box-office, •with good $.1,500 in the oftlng. 'Mark of Vampire' (MG) came through nicciv on its stay last week for ?3,800. Chicago-(B&K4 -(a,040^ 33-55-75) —'Doubting Tliomas' (Fox) and stage show. Rogers, never a strong loop Item though powerful in the homo stands, managing fair take cLirrently on evening play. Headed for |23,000. House hasn't seen a real profit In a long long while. I.aat week Memorial Day saved 'Our Little Girl' (Fox) boosting the take from what looked like a miserable week to a fairish $26,400. Garrick (B&K) (900; 25-35-55)— 'Our Little C-irl' (Fox). Holding over on a gamble but not much coin at $2,000. Last week 'Reckless' (MG), did better at $3,100. Oriental (B&K) (3,200; 25-35-40) —•$10 Raise' (l>ar) and vaude. Will have a struggle of it this week In comparison witli tlie last socko ses- sion, but still sate at $12,000. Last week 'Casino Murder Case' (WB) was a walloper at $19,800, hotcha- cha. Palace ( KG) (2,500; 25-35-55) — ■People Will Talk' (Par) and 'Har- lem Roundup' unit. Stage is bring- ing In the shckcl.s with the Ross- McLarnin fisht flickers as some added attraction. Will come close to $18,000, good. Last week 'Break of Hearts' (Radio) faded somewhat from opening, but held to profitable $18,700. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 25-35- 65)—'Goln' to Town' (Par) (3d week). ,On its last stand after good run and will hold above $7,000 on It.s final session. Last week W^est had a good time of it at $11,500. Will stick to Saturday (8). State-Lake (Jones) (2,700; 20-25- 35)—'Whole Town's Talking' (Col) and vaude. Easily $11,000 currently which Is heavy money-maker here. Last week nifty at $12,100 for 'Mr. Dynamite' (U). United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700; 35-45-65)—'Miserablos' (UA) (3d week). Will stick to $10,000, melo- dious, currently after strong $13,100 last week. 'Let 'Km Have If (UA) to replace tomorrow (Wednesday). TACOMA BIZ TEPID lenty Kidnap Heat, Little at B.C.; 'Reckless' Leads Taronia, .Tune 4. (Best Exploitation: Roxy) The town is excited over the Weyoi-hauscr kidnaping anil loaded with G nitn, hut the only thing that is affecting bW. is continuance of the luniljor stril;i>. Ilamrlck Is holding back 'Let 'I-:m Have It' for P')i;silili> ruptuix^ <>( the sn;U(:hers, rn.-iiiy Id luiil il ir.lo the Mu.sic Bo.K will) ,1 \)iix l.|.:s!. lie.st cNliioil Ui'iii is l)ig o.iiiMi.'i-ig" C»r •l;^v•k|.■ ■• at the Ilo.xy, head- lined with a public wedding on stage opening night, and tieup with police department against reckless driving. Estimates for This Week Blue Mouse (Ilamrlck) (700: 27- 37)—'Fury'. (WB) singleton for en- tire week, headed for $2,600, fair. Last week 'Mary Jane's Pa* (WB) and 'Car 99' (Par) dual, $2,200, slow. Music Box (Hamrlck) (1,400; 27- 37)—'Dance' (WB). Maybe $3,000, mild. Last week 'Richelieu* (UA) around $3,700, fair. . Roxy (J-vH) (1,300; 27-37)— 'Reckless' (MG). Giving Harlow a break, campaign expense upped, helping get anticipated $3,500, fair. Last week 'Marietta' (MG) two days, $1,100; 'Casino' (MG), bal- ance of week, $1,700, for week's total, $3,200, mild. Hepburn $6, 'Caliente' $4,300, Indpls. Slack Indianapolis, June 4. Business la slackening in the downtown first-run situations, and tho week-end activity at the box offices is the only thing helping the houses keep open. On a compara- tive basis, 'Break of Hearts,' at the Circle, with a mild $6,000 In pros- pect for a nine-day run Is the sole rift in the clouds. However, this pace on the Hepburn vehicle is con- siderably under the star's previous marks here. 'In Caliente' is only moderate at the Apollo with $4,300 indicated, and 'Flame Within' Is also just fair at the larger Loew's Palace with $4,700 anticipated. The Lyric barely clings to a par figure of $6,- 500 on 'Case of Curious Bride" and vaudeville. Outside exploitation activities are being neglected, and most of the houses are concentrating on engi- neering newspaper breaks. Estimates for This Week Apollo (Fourth Ave.) (1,100; 25- 40)—'In Caliente* (WB). Nothing to write home about at $4,300, ac- ceptable. Last week 'Our Little Girl' (Fox) on its holdover session collected an okay $3,500. Circle (Katz-Fcld) (2,000; 25-40) —'Break of Hearts' (Radio). Opened two days early and will try to last nine days, but take is not overly healthy at $6,000. Fairly- good, but far below expectations. Last week holdover of 'Goin' to Town' (Par) was all right at $3,700. Lyric (Olson) (2,000; 25-30-40)— 'Curious Bride' (WB) and vaude. Nothing outstanding, but house's consistent vaudfilm policy helping it hold up to par at $6,500. Last week 'Daring Young Man' (Fox) and Palais Roj"ale revue on stage okay at $7,500. Loew's Palace (Loew's) (2.800: 25- 40)—'Flame Within' (MG). Only fair at $4,700. Last week 'Mark of Vampire' (.MG) weak at $3,300. MONTREAL TRAPPED Over-Holidayed, Town Faces b.o. Hiatus Montreal, June 4. ( est Exploitation: Palace) One holdover will help grosses a little, but notliing very stand-out and another holiday Monday (3) making long week-end will likely make it light for movies. Palace has the choice with Wm. Powell- Ginger Rogers In 'Star of Midnight' that should touch around $10,000, and the fight pic will give this house the call. Capitol lias the much-liked locally Kay Fiancis in 'Velvet' and ••ilso "'Snloslady,' should run Palace close. I,ocw's showing 'McFaddcn' and T^addio.' not looked to be above $6,500. Princess repeats 'Mi.sor- .ablci' a:nd 'Kitz,' may gro.ss $7,000. Nabfs have been doing well, but now due for summer drop. George l{otsky..at Palace malting a nice play with department stores and lobby di.splay on 'MlJiiiglit,' Estimates for This Week Palace (FP) (2,700; 50)—'Mid- night' (UKO). Should top town .Tt .?10,000, (lesiilte long woek-end. Last woflc "I'own" (Par). Ilfid up v,-(,'ll to last minute for very nice , $11,001). Capitol (KP) (2,700; 30>— Volvaf j (WB) and 'Saleslady* (WB). Very attractive, will likely gross $9,000 Last week 'Frankenstein' (U), and 'O'Hara' (U). |8,500. Loew'a (FP) (3,200; 60)—'McFad- den' (Par) and 'Laddie* (RKO). May gross $6,500, fair. Last week 'Lest Wo Forget' (Col) and 'Hap- pened' (U) $7,000. Princess (CT) (2,300; 50)— 'Miserables' (UA) and 'Rltz' (WB). 2nd week. Likely pick up a further $7,000 after $9,000. last week. Cinema de Paria (France-Film) (600; 50)—'Le Dernier MilUardaire.' Liable to gross $2,800. Last week's holdover of 'Pension Mimosa, $2,000, fair. BALTO GOES FOR 'HAVE it; Baltimore, June 4. (Best Exploitations Valencia) About the strongest this warmish week Is Keith's, where 'Let 'Em Have It' has caught on litcely. A cinch for 8-day stand, with possi- bility of holding a few days in ex- cess. Vaudfilm Century looks like able to just about eke out o.k. Plenty heavy nut to crack with Myrt and Marge act heading stage-show, plus 'March of Time' reel adjunctive to screen feature. Biz started very stodgily, but some quickening noted, yesterday (Monday). Till then mat- inees had. been .badly limp, and nites nothing to. crow over. Myrt and Marge ether following had not particularly poured out as antici- pated. Herb Morgan, for the Valencia, rates the nod for exploiting. Havkig a 15-mln. transcription made, for 'Miserables,' which had been used on WCAO during first run at Cen- tury, he Induced Lord Baltimore, city's biggest' hotel, to pipe it sev- eral' times daily Into every room. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew-UA) (3,000; 15- 25-35-40-55-65)—'Indiscretion' (MG). —'March of Time' and Myrt, and Marge heading vaud show. Having hard tussle to skljn across to even break, $17,000. Last week, 'Flame' (MG) and Sam Hearn ('Schlepper- man) heading acts. Mild $15,800. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,300; 15-25-35-40-55-65)—'Curious Bride' (WB) and vaude, Low nut saves, coming out o.k. with $10,500. Last week 'Break Hearts' (Radio) and acts. Mild $12,000. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,500; 15- 25-35-40)—'Have It' (UA). First 8 days win snag sparkling $6,000, with probable h.o. extra nites. New (Mechanic) (1,800; 15-25-30- 35-40-50)—'Doubting' (Fox) (2nd week). First session Wound up with $4,800, nice enough, but way under preceding Rogers biz. Second stanza started very slowly and doesn't look to grab more than very moderate $3,000. Stanley (WB) (3,450; 15-25-35- 40)—'Caliente' (WB), Disappointing. Crix cracked down on it, and has no real names. Will just about get out ot red at $6,000. Last week 'Fury' (WB). Good $6,800. Valencia (Loew-UA) (1,600; 15- 25-35)—'Miserables* (UA)| Second run here after good session at vaud- film Century. In for 8 days, will snatch good $3,800. Last week 'Vagr abend Lady' (MG). Yanked in 6 days, off $2,400. BROWN-SHIRLEY COMBO $19,000 TOPS IN FRISCO San Francisco, June 4. Bi-/, hero has taken a nose dive, ,'ind nobody has an alibi. Weather is good, product is good, there Is no l acetrack open, nor Is baseball tak- ing the crowd away, because the ball games are starving, too. No- body Is exploiting, which may be the reason showshop revenues are on the fritz. Paramount will turn the unusual trick this week of being top gros.'i, and that on a 40c top and dual bill. Joe E. Brown and Shirley Temple, and a holiday for the opening day did the business for the Paramount. War/lcld will take second money and Golden Gate third as things look from here. Estimates for This Week Clay (Roe.sner) (400: 35) — 'Bovary' (Tobis). Will get l''ri>j)ch trade for better than $1,200. l>ast woPk 'Kong ot Happiness' (Aml;lnn). Rf-lurn engagement ail right at $:i.')0. Embassy (Cohen) (1,430; 25-3.'/) — Heart (.'ailing' (GB) (.^rd wr.cM).' ) Ju.sinps.s .still profitable around ihroo grand. Last week okav $n.;juO. Fox rL"o) (5,000; :;:)--loi—'Ilar- rltiirt'jn' ' (.NIGM) and 'Yo.stor.l.-iv' (I'.KO). Poor $8,000. Last v.p»k 'I.T<l-]ie' fUKO) and '\'ai,"ihi-..ii'l I>:j'ly.' Worse $.^,000. Goldon Gate (HKC)) (2,i."j'): 30-:i.')- Ci) ll'i'-iik Hnurl.s' (Itcliu) ;iiii.H I.:;.} ohj'.v. All b'.jod at $11,;/). Films Too Quiet on B'way; 'Have It' at $30,000 Is Best. 'Pampas Moon $62,000, M. H. Last week 'Nit Wits' (Radio) and stage show. Saf& at $13,000. drpheum (F&M) (2,750: 30-36-40) —'Dizzy Dames' (U) and 'Air Hawks* (Col). Will do fair at little better than $6,000. Last week, sec- ond week of 'Werewolf (U) and 'Cowboy' (Fox). Okeh at $6,500. Paramount (FWC) (2,680; 30-36- 40)—'Alibi Ike" (WB) and 'Little Girl' (Fox). Busting house records at $19,000. Last week 'Flame With- in* (MG) and 'Daring* (Pox). Lemon at $9,000. St. Francis (FWC) (1,470: 30-36- 40)—'Town* (Par) moved over from Warfield, sees nice $7,000 In sight. Last week (5th) 'Q Men.' Closed with a good $4,700. Warfield (FWC) (2,860; 35-40-55) —'Pampas' (Fox!) with stage show topped by Wlnl Shaw. Not so hot at $18,000. Last week 'Town' (Par) with stage show. Good $22,000. 'BREAK HEARTS' SLOW 8G IN DULL MPLS. Minneapolis, June 4. (Best Exploitation: Orpheum) Biz very much In the dunvps. 'Les Miserables' and 'Modern Motherhood' are holding over a sec- ond week at the Century and Alvln, respectively, neither setting the box ofllce afire. State also has nothing in a box o ce way to crow about. 'Thunder in the East,' plus 'March of Time,' Isn't bringing any rush to the World, either. Orpheum again copped whatever exploitation honors were in evl dcnce, publicizing the Ross-McLar nin fight pictures via radio ian- nouncements, reviews by sports editors in newspapers, etc. Estimates for This Week Century (Publix) (1,600; 25-35-40) -'Miserables' (UA) (2d week). Will do well to top $5,000 after good $6,- 500 first week. Orpheum (Singer) (2,890; 25-35- 40)—'Break of Hearts' (Radio), fight pictures and five vaude acts, and a psycho-analyist answering ques- tions free of charge in private on mezzanine. Big entertainment buy at price. Feature picture not highly rated; will do well to bag mediocre $8,000. Last week 'Traveling Sales- lady' (FN) and vaude, Including Kubinoff, disappointing $11,000, vio- linist responsible for almost entire draw. State (Publix) (2,400; 25-35-40)— •Flame Within' (MG) and vaude. Picture no rave and stage show not heavy, so going Is tough; slow $0,500 pace. Last week, 'Our Little CJlrl' (Fox) and vaude, $7,500, disappoint- ing. World (Steffes) (350; 25-35-40- .'if))—'Thunder in East' (UA) and '.Marcli of Time.' Suffering with the i-ost. Will be lucky to top fair $2,- 000, although program is rated .strong. Last week, fourth and Last for 'My Heart la Calling' (GE) $1,- 500. making around $8,000 for okeh considering con- month's run, ditions. Time (Wathnell) (250; 15-20-25) —'Whoopee' (UA). House going In for a scries of UA reissues and re- sults nothing to get excited over. Around $750, light. I^ast week, •fleli',') Angel' (UA). $050. Palace (Bcnz) (1,900; 15-20-25)— 'Hy Your Leave' (Radio) and vaude. l-;ii(lpd stage-show policy for pres- ent, finishing to weak $2,800. Alvln (Stcffes) (1,400; 25-35)— '.Vlodorn Motherhood' (Indie) (2nd wk). Initial seven days' sessions results soarcoly warranted hold- over, but houKK hail nothing else in pio.spocl before closing fur Hurniner. .Maybe $2,000 after light $2,800 first Lyric (Publix) (1,300; 20-2.")) — .Small World' (I'oxj. Looks light a around $1,500. J,ast week, 'l.ct Km Have It' (UA), played nine (l.-ivs to big i2.H<)!). Uptown (Publix) ( 1,200; 25-35) — Itcckless' (SW,) an<l 'Private Worlds' (Par), .split. About $1,800 ill iirosp'.'Cl, fair. L.ist wock 'Life ijr.'ifins' (h'nxi uim 'Mocljlo.SS' (MG), .split, ^2,100, fair. Grand I'Nbli.x) (1,100; 15-25)— 'l''.;i;<-:-i I',o:-;,-t.-r<'' fr.'A) and 'West II! Aiv' (MO), .scconil loop luiis, .spli*. .\n.;,r,;] 'il.SOO iiifilc-itod, I j|r F/is- \v<-:; '.Mi.-.si.s.si'piil' (I'ar), s" -;. 1 ,,) r;jii, il.ZW, fjir. Aster (PuIjII:'.) ('J JO; lo-^r,).- (Best Exploitation: Riyoli) New pictures on Broadway, but none are attracting special notlca. Total gross of all the houses Is far under the average itor this time of year.. Best current performer Is "Let 'Em. Have It,' at the Rlvoll, at $30,Q0O on first week. That's okay, but not a sock figure. Cap brings In 'Public Hero No. 1,' Metro's 'G' picture this Friday (7). House, meantime. Is staggering with 'Flame Within.' Although George Olsen arid Ethel Shutta, are on stage, gross Is un- likely to top $25,000. 'Under the Pampas Moon,' at tha Music Hall, vrill probably be no more than a very weak $62,000. In- dications for 'Loves of Dictator* point to just $22,000 or slightly over, at the Roxy, ordinary. Roxy haa bought a Metro picture, 'Vagabond Lady,'- for week ot June 14, the first It has played since 1932. Mayfalr better than It has been at $7,000 on 'Chinatown Squad.' House goes to Loew's Monday (10) on leage from Walter Reade, owner. Par Isn't forcing the West picture, 'Goln' to Town,' Into a fifth week aa originally planned. With gross final (fourth week) looking no more than $16,000, It goes out. 'Glass Key* opens on a preview Thursday night (4), this figuring to help final day for West film. House will maintain the lowered scales put into ^ffect during the run of 'Goln' to Town.' 'Oil for the Lamps of China' open's at the Strand tonight (Wed|) at 7 o'clock, after five weeks of 'G Men,' final seven days of ' which will bo about $18,000. Every effort was made to publicize and exploit 'Let 'Em Have It.' In addition to an effective ad cam- paign, including a cooperative ad by Glmbel Bros., and window displays in this store. Postal Telegraph dis- tributed 60,000 pamphlets calling at- tention to the film and the part that telegraph plays In criminal investi- gation. Several hundred one-sheets were placed, there were tie-ups with haberdashery stores, Harley David- son Co., and companies making mi- croscopes, tear bombs, gas guns, au- tomatic repeaters and .the..l!.kc...cm.._ ployed In combating crlmc.vThro.ugh_ the cooperation of various agencies displays were arranged for the lobby of the Riv. Estimates for This Week Capitol (4,620; 35-75-85-$!.10) 'Flame Within' (MG) and stage show. George Olsen and Ethel Shutta on sta:ge, but no more than $25,000 on week. Last week holiday helped to Just under $32,000 on 'Girl Prom 10th Ave.' (WB), and p.a.'s of Eve LeGallienne, George JesscI and Gertrude NIesen. Mayfair (2,200; 35-55-65) 'China- town Squad' (U). Doing a littla better than most here lately, may- be $7,000. Prior incumbent, '.Shot In Dark' (Chos), on second v.'eek was only $3,000, bad. House goew to Loew's on lease Monday (10) when circuit gives up Loew's New York. Palace. (1,700; 35^50-65) 'Break of Hearts' (Radio) and vaude. Poor ;it under $7,000. Last week 'Scoundrel* (Par) did fair, $9,500. Paramount (3,064; 35-55-75-/15) 'Goln' to Town' (Par)' (4th wf>ek). May be $15,000 thl.s week and out Thur«d.ay night (0), 'Gia.ss Key' succeeding to Hereon. Third v.-pc/c for West r)icture was $10,301), Radio City usic Hall (5,!)«9; 40- G0-85-99-$1.10) 'Under Pamprw Moon' (Fox). Looks poor $62,000 at most, La.st week 'Escape Mc Never' (UA) ended at $81,000. good. Rivoli (2,092; 40-05-75-85-99) 'Let Tim Have It' (UA). Finishes Ita fir.st week today (Wed) at around $30,000, okay but not big. Final four days on sixth week of '.Vlisfr- ablos' (UA) just under $10,000. Roxy (5.880; 25-35-55) 'Lovfis oC a Dictator' (GB-Fox) and .sl;jgo show. At $22,000, or a bit over, light. Last week 'Mr. Dynamite' (U) f,-ilr, $25,100. Strand (2,ir,7: 35-55 -75-S5-09) Mfn' CWH) (5th week). Ends ruri tonightC cd) on final (5tli) wc!(.'lc for around $18,000, gootl. 'Oil for Lamps of China' (WJ!) sufccl.s on. a 7 p.m. o))cnlng. Fourth v/i;ok for 'G' was $2;i.G00. State (3.450; 35-55-75) '.Murder in I'iRPt' (MCf) and vaudr. Around $16,000. just so-so. Picture on ilrst i-un with Block and Sully on .st).g<!. Last week 'lilt-hi^lipu' (L'A) .-iiid Ivart Carroll's 'V.-inltl'^.s' unit -iround $18,000. •liunglc.s' (Par;, thirl loop run; 'Lovo In IM.jijni .s"('ond run. and 'Flor(-iii in.? nu.,'i;>'r' (WH), lir.st i-un. .Sli.)Ml.l iiiin-r i'.j.lr t:)00. L.u-it wcf . 'D-ul iJi^s' (WB) -intl '.Si-.|ur)l.i' i.Vlii), ..i" -Mia fUlM, $050, fur.