Variety (Jun 1935)

Wednesdajt June 12, 1935 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY 11 Will Rogers' 'Doubting Thomas' At$18i00 Tops Dull Philly Philadelphia, June 11. Some very dull gi-osses this week owntown. There's not one out- slandcr with the possible exception of the r ox, which surprised -with a gross of around $1C,000 last week and which promises even better than that with Will Rogers' 'Doubting Thomas.' The stage show, The Call- fornlans, as headliners, will hot either help nor hurt. Combo ought to hit near $18,500 and pic will prob- ably hold for a second week. A dull $11,000 Is indicated at both the Boyd (with ' irl from 10th Ave.') and the Stanley ('Public Hero'). On the other hand, 'Glass Key' should do a very nice $6,300 at the Stanton, which has been' loafing along on $5,- 000 grosses. 'Escape Me Never' picked up OjiT* Its wonderful notices and skidded over its estimated grosses with $10,- 600 for its first week at the Aldine Bergner pic -should get $7,000 Its second week, with continuation very doubtful despite newspaper raves. Aldine.'s closing will leave S-W with four houses (Stanley, Boyd, Stan- ton and Earlc—which is indepen- dently managed). -Last week's best, outside the Fox, wasn't much to look at. Drab grosses prevailed all along the line. Estimates for This Week Aldine (1.200; 25-35-C5)—'Escape Mo Never' (UA) (2nd week). Should eee $7,000. Last week's $10,500 was fine. Arcadia (600; 30-40-50)—'Flame Within' (MG). Ought to do a fair $1,700. Last week 'Vampire' (MG) very floppo with $400 In two days and 'Vagabond Lady' (MG) a scsvnt $1,000 in four days. Boyd (2,400; 40-66)—'Girl from 10th Ave.' (FN). Nothing hot seen, maybe $11,000. Last week a pale $10,600 for 'Break of Heart' (Radio). Earle (2,000; 25-30-35)—'Age of Indiscretion' (MG) and vaude. So-so stage show. Nothing much indi- cated, weak $12,000 seen. Last week $12,500. 'Devil Is a Woman' (Par) and weak stage show, poor $12,500. Fox (3,000; 35-40-66)—'Doubting Thomds' (Fox) and stage show. De- spite Rogers' name, nothing great Been, although gross should lead the town with $18,500^Last week 'Pam- pas Moon' (Fox) and stage show, $16,000 or very close to It in seven days. Karlton (1,000; 25-35-55)—'Miser- ables' (UA). Second run and should be good $4,200. Last week 'Flame Within' (MG), so-so $3,000. Keith's (2.000; 30-40-50)—'Break of Hearts' (Radio). Dismal $2,000 in five days. 'Chinatown Squad' (U), $4,000 In five days. Stanley (3,700; 35-40-55)—'Public Hero' (MG). Fairly good notices, biz so-so, maybe $11,000. Last week 'In Callente' (WB), fair $U,SOO. Stanton (l,7d0; 30-40-50)—'Glass Key' (MG). Fine notices, might build. Maybe $6,300; L-ast week 'Air Hawks' (Col), so-so $4,600. ROGERS lOiC, lAMPS' strongly behind plx with ads and exploitation, bringing up to a heiUthy $5,700, very good. Last week 'Callente' (FN) :md 'Village Talc' (]{acllo), phifi 30 minutes of fight picturoK. )-'ar too strong. Holiday helped, or it might not have bepn $5,000, oonsidcrablv up. Omaha (Blank-Trl-State) (2.100; 25-40)—'Werewolf (U) and com- bined with 'Young Man' (Fox). Dual policy likely here for summer. Two only fair $5,500. Last week 'Have It' (UA) and 'Vagabond' (MG). 'G Man' picture, plus Bee News plugging milk fund benefit, got the biz big $8,000. Indiscretion/ $4,500, Leads Portland; Rose Festiyal Is No Help Portland, Ore., June 11. (Best Exploitation: Par-UA) Rose Festival week brought a host of visiting celebrants to the burg but not much extra biz for the bo. Grosses have slipped, downtown spots dividng between 20 and 25 grand between them; $5,000 is big money these days in anybody's till, and a few dimes over that warrants holding a pic in most houses. Mu- sicians are out of all pits and not a live leg moving on any stage except the two-bit Capitol (indie), which has a fan dancer. Motor roads and nudie camps can't be competed with, but the b.o.'s chief evil geniu.s is now the dog races, bunny chasers piling up huge gates every nite. Evergreen's Paramount and Park- er's UA both put on several extra pounds of exploitation steam for 'Pampas' (Fox) and 'Indiscretion' (MG), respectively. Probably netted a few extra shekels that might oth- erwise have gone for gas or dog races. 'Bre^k of Hearts' (Radio) at Hamrick's Orpheum also getting a good slice of what biz there is to be had. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 25-40) —'10th Ave.' (FN), average fare for fair results around $4,000. Last week 'Mary Jane' (FN). Skimmed edge of black inkwell at $3,700. United Artists (Parker) (1,000: 25-40)—'Indiscretion' (MG). Profited from some extra exploitation pres- sure for okay $4,500. Last week 'Have It' (UA). Quite disappointing at $3,400, Paramount (Evergreen) (3.000; 25-40)—'Pampas' (Fox). Extra plug- ging unable to hold this hou.se in line, $3,500 disappointing. Last week 'Little Girl' (Fox). Worth sending to tlie Mayfair for second week, first week here went nicely for $5,300, okay. Orpheum (Hamrick) (2,000; 25- 40)—'Hearts' (RKO). Hepburn an- gle in this burg putting it over for a fair $4,000. Last week 'Mid.night' (RKO) second weelt did fairly at $2,800. First okay $4,900. Mayfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,- 400; 25-40)—'Little Girl' (Fox). Sec- ond week after first at the Para- mount and okay for this house at $2,000. Last week (2nd) 'Town' clicked for good enough $2,400, Bergner Boston Light $14000 In 9 Days Seen. Even \7ith War HEALTHY |5,700, OMAHA Omaha, June 11. (Best Exploitation: Orpheum) Break In the weather at last gives shows a break, but authorities say it's not permanent. After seemingly endless days of rain, Sol has showed his face for a few days, but with Jupe Pluve still an ever-present prospect. Will Rogers, at the Orpheum, leading the town as usual, and to a high level. But the Brandcis with gratis Bee News displays on Its cinemizcd serial, 'Lami)s of China,' is giving latter an exceptional week. The Omaha is only average. Ak-Sar-Bcn horse races become a bigger competitive factor with bet- ter weather, and week-day attend- ance has begun to reach the 5,000 mark. Some consoKation is that out-of-towners who make the races play shows at night. Crying heed in devastated flooded area.s brings Innumerable picas for relief, amusomont enterprises doing their bits. Orpheum .Saturday mid- night benefit showing of 'Flame Within," netted around $500 to the stricken areas. Estimates for This Week Orpheum (Blank-Tri-Plato) (2,- 976; 25-40)—•Doubting' (Fox) and •Dinky' (WB). Up to usual Uo^-ors par. but unlikely a record. 'Prob- ably .somewhere around $10,500. J/a.«t week 'Pampas' (Fox) and 'Casino' (MC;). Cnmo in a day early (Thurs- day) 10 cash in on lioliday. C!ood, but nothing more. $7,700. Brandeis (.Singer-HKO) (1.200; Sn-35-40)—'Lamp.s' (FN). Going Mlone, hnf. prognim sprciid witli a J j-^'M T-ish fi-oni Hell.' li''" N>ws • 'OIL'-'RITZ' COMBO, 12G, NICE BIZ IN NEWARK Newark, June 11. (Best Exploitation: Paramount) A rainy Saturday followed by a lowering Sunday helped business .and while nothing will be great all will be better, tiianks to the weather man. Barnum & Balley-Rincling Bros, arc here Monday and Tues- day and will do no one any good but won't be killing at all. The Branford oxiiects to load with a nice $12,000 for'Oil for the Lamps of China' and 'A Night at the Rit'/.' with Loow's right behind at $11,000 tor 'Age of Indiscretion,' b.ad for vaudfilm. The Newark's new prii>es dOc top for weekday orchestra) opened satisfactorily for the hou.se nnd were at once followed hy an announce- ment that Loew's will cut similarly next Friday, The others are ap- porcntly doing and saying nothing. The Newark tied up witli tlie film 'Fish from Hell,' which i.s .showing .nlong with the feature, with Capt. Dolan who has a whnle on exhibi- tion. Dohin speaks at every isliow- ing of the (Urn. The wh.He is a big lapful :-.ai(l to weigli .'i.fiOi) pounds. Estimates for This eck Branford (WB) (2,060; 15-65) — •Oil for thp Lamps' (l''N) and 'Night at the Rit-/! (WHj. Friday mat weak, but started immediately to build and will be fine at $12,000. Last woA 'Girl from 10th Ave.' (WB) and 'Mr. Dynamite' (U) bet- ter than cxpectctl and nice at $12,- 500, eight days. Capitol (WB) (1,200; 15-25-35-40) —'nor^ntine D.igger' (WB) and 'Harrington' (MG). First runs could mean something hero but probably \/on't, maybe $3,500. Last week 'Frankenstein' (U) and ''Wed- ding Night' (UA) on eight davs weak at $S,700. Little (Franklin) (299; 30) — Zycie J. Pilsudskiego (Phal.-inga). Heavy advertising to the I'oles is bringing tliem in and even at the low price should t.ake a nice $1,500. Last week on 7iine days 'Nora O'Neale' (DuWorld) showed that the Irish here want stage shows of any gr.ade for without one it got only $800. Loev/s State (2,780; 15-75)—•Ago of Indiscretion' (MG) and vaude. Opened miserably but picked up and ishould reach close to $11,000, not profitable. Last week 'Mlser- ablos' (UA) steadily drew and was okay at over $14,000. Paramount-Newrark (Adams-Par) (2,248;' 15-20-25-30-35-40-55-75) — 'People Will Talk" (Par) and vaude. New price scale welcomed and hopes for $7,500, profitable. Last week 'Scoundrel' (Par) and 'Spice of 1935' on-stage not so strong at $9,100. Adams takes a vacation Saturday, going to Greece. Proctor's (RKO) (2,300; 15-55) — 'Escape Me Never' (UA) and 'Party Wire' (Col). Not so hot as expected and will just nicely get by at $8,500. Last week 'Break of Hearts' (Radio) and 'Strangers AH' (Radio) and Ross-McLarnln fight disappointed with the same figure. Terminal (Skouras) (1,500; 15- 25-40)—•Great. God Gold^ (Mono) and •Star of Midnight' (Radio) with 'Symphony of Living' (Chest) and 'Swell Head' (Col) split. Not much expected and maybe a bad $2,500. Last week using tlirec changes 'One Night oC Love' (Col) and 'Broadway Bill' (Col) with 'Ladies Love Dan- ger (Fox) and 'Wagon Trail' (Syn) with 'Laddie' (Radio) and 'Fighting Shadows' (Col) blah at $2,000. 'Thomas,' Hooray,' lamps' Strong in Cincy's OK B. 0. Cincinnati, June 11. (Best Exploitation: Keith's) 'Doubting Thomas,' lining up $14,000 for the Albee, Is the champ trade annexer currently, with a $3,500 lead over 'Hooray for Love' at the Palace. Keith's is above average for $5,500 on 'Lamps of China,' which copped the most at- tention from the dallies in form of advance notices a:nd art. Biz by and large okay for this season, for which the backward weather is an aid. Weekend show- ers and cool were welcomed by exhibs. Two revivals on tap along the main stem, 'Baby Take a Bow' be- ing shoved in Capitol after first day brodie of 'Daring' Young Man,' and Grand has 'Gay Divorcee,' that has made the nabe circuit. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 35-42)— 'Doubting Thomas' (Fox). Will Rogers very strong at $14,000, Last week 'Break Hearts' (Radio), $9,500. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-42) — 'Hooray for Love' (Radio). Gene Raymond, In large letters, extra flap b.o. on account of his recent personaling here. Bill Robinson kicking in with local rooters, as Is Fats Waller, who radioed at WLW for a spell. A good $9,500 in sight, Last week 'Pampas' (Fox) and Ross-McLarnin fight film, $9,000. Keith's (LIbson) (1,500; 30-42)— 'trfimps of China' (WB). Brisk .start, points to a swell $5,500. Last week '10th Avenue' (WB), $3,800. Lyric (RKO) (1,500; 25-30-40)— 'Mr. Dynamite' (U). Edmund Lowe bigged over title, maybe $4,500, all right. Last week 'Vampire' (MG), $5,000. Capital (RKO) (2,000; 35-42) — 'Daring Young Man' (Fox). A .shrinking violet on first day and was jerked that night with 'Baby Take a Bow' (Fox) revived for remainder of week. Not ovfr $2,500, smelling salts. Last week 'Have It' (UA), $4,500. Grand (KKO) (1.200; 25-30-40)— 'Gay Divorcee' fHadio). A returner after making complete round of the town and having shown at the ad- joining. Gifts, pop smallie. Doing okay for "2,300. L.ist week 'Town' (Par). 3d downtown week, $3,000. Family (RKO) CI.000; 15-25) — 'Border Brigands' (V) and 'Ghost Walks' (Ind), srii)arato at $2,300. nice. L.Tst v.-f-fk 'Air lIuwUs' (Col) .•ind 'Love Danger' (l''i)X), split, $L',noo. Strand rind) (1.200: 15-20-30) — •Iloadline Wfiiunn' (.Mom, $1,000, average. Last week 'Cliiiialown' lU), $1,000. WALTER GOULD BACK AT UA 'Walter Gould, lately with Colum- bia pictures, has rejoined United Artists foreign sales department. He resumes former post as divl- .olon managT for Central and South America. ■« ■♦■ ANZAC'S OKE BIZ 'Love,' impernol,' 'Cljve' Tops in Australia Sydney, , 14. Biz still remains nice here. Best bets are 'One Night Love' (Col), 5th month; 'Scai'let PlmDernel' (UA), 8th week, and 'Clive of In- dia' (UA), 3rd week. 'Dames' (WB) looks like staying iwhile. 'Great Expectations' (U) is not living up-^to its title as re- gards biz. 'Heritage' (local) goes into its 4th week, considered great for a native. Other good b.o. pix include 'Nell Gwyn" (BID.), 'Caravan' (Fox) and 'Wings in Dark' (Par). 'Forsaking All Others' (MGM) comes in this week. 'Pampas/ $4,300, OK, Lyric Vaudfilm 8G, 'Hero' $5,400, Indpls. Indianapolis, June 11. (Best Exploitation of Week: Loew's: Exceptionally cool weather over the week-end helped all the down- town hou.ses and boosted the grosses above the figures of the preceding week, when the summer heat began to take its toll. The Lyric is doing very well at $8,000 with vaudfilm bill that includes 'People Will Talk;' the Ross-McLarnin fight films, and Noble Sisslc with his band on the stage. 'Public Hero' is hitting an okay pace of $5,400 at Loew's, and 'Pampas Moon' is fairly good at $4,300 In the Apollo. The Circle will finish above par with a moderate $3,900 on 'Tenth Avenue." Planting a public hero contest In one paper, photos of Chester Mor- ris with the Dean Brothers on the sports page of another, together with several star stills in straw hat ads and the like, the staff at Loew's copped honors for exploitation this week. They also used the $500 re- ward angle for bringing Weyer- haeuser kidnap money to the box oflice to attention-getting advantage in the editorial columns as well as in toppers on regular ads. Estimates for This Week Apollo (Fourth Ave.) (1,100; 25- 40)—'Pampas Moon' (Fox), More than satisfactory at $4,300. Last week 'Caliente' (WB). was okay at $3,800. Circle (Katz-Feld) (2;600; 25-40) —'Tenth Ave.' (WB). Better than expected at $3,900, par. Last week 'Break of Hearts' (Radio) a disap- pointment by finishing a nine-day run with a very mild $5,100. Loew's (2,800; 25-40)—'Public Hero' (MG). National ads helped opening considerably and take is go- ing to be good at $5,400. Last week 'Flame Within '(MG) oft at $4,000. Lyric (Olson) (2,000; 25-35-40)— 'People Will Talk' (Par) and Noble Sisslc band on stage, with Ross- McLarnin fight film extra. Biz very healthy for this time of year at $8,000. SIssle played up as former local boy and Ruggles-Eoland com- edy team heavily plugged in feature film. Received good breaks on sports pages on fight pic. Last week 'Curious Bride' (WB) and vaude all right at $6,500. XALIENTE,' 7G, BEST BUFFALO PLUG AND B.O. Buffalo, June 11, ( est Exploitation: Hipp) Following a week of sliding gross- es, current period looks headed for no improvement. Week opened slow u.il round and early indicatioirs give '(-'alientc' at the Hipp the rib- bon. Cooler wc.'ither over the week- end helped, but only .slightly. 'Callente' got the best e.xi>Ioita- tion. Tlircf weeks advance plug- ging oh radio and in local night- oi'ies heli)c'd populuiize the jjiclure and some topnotch window displays in department and music slori;.« were notoworlhv. I'roinlnent down- town department stores: including sjiorling goods shops, went for co- oiier.'Ltlve advertising with D(-l Rio I)lay('d u)). Hea,dlng cidumns ciC the newspapers were utllizotl and a dozf^n or more radio hook-ups hnipcd jilug Die pictui'c. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (.Shn ) (3,000; 30-40-55) — 'filasH Key' (I'arj and !;t.-igc s!;o'.'.'. l''Miled to show niuch ovei- openlnt; days and lucky to get over $0 000. ])oor. J>ast week 'Doubting' (l''oX) and stage show. 1'>11 uniler eslimalc and several hot days put the crimp in business for just over $11,500. Hipp (Shea) (2,400; 25-40)—'Ca- li'-nte' (Wli).- Opened nicely nnd (Coiitin led on I'age 20.i Boston, June 11. ( est Exploitation; Par.) Highlight of the Hub pix situation this week is the Bergner battle be- tween the Fine Arts and Keith Me- niorlal. Each theatre claims th other pulled a fasst one on bookings. Keith had "iCscape Me Xever' Ijooked in for a Friday opening last weelc, but suddenly shitted to Wednesday, the regular opening day of the Fino Arts. Latter has 'Ariane,' one ot Bergnor's older films, claiming it was bought and booked eight months ago. Net effect was to mak» tho town exceptionally Bergner- conscious, and doubtless both houses benefited by the dual advertising. Fine Arts' Bergner is a brunette and spells her first name \yith a 'z'— Keith's is a blonde" and spells her name with an 's.' Incidentally, 'Es- cape' is pointing toward a moderat $14,000 for a nine-day week. Paramount cut in for 'Alibi Ike' at ball park, where .Ji special edition of the Boston Record is distributed, grabbing off some space in which was featured a gag story: 'Joe E. Brown Sold to Boston.' Also snared valuable radio blurb by having an- nouncer covering the game broad- cast an invitation from Joe Brown to the league players to come to tho I'ar and see him. stimates for This Week Met (M&P) (4,200; 35-50-65)— 'Callente' (WB) and stage show. Not so hotcha, about $18,000. Last week oke foi* 'Little Girl' (Fox) and stage unit, featuring Donald Novis, $21,000, Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 25- 35-40-55)—'Escape Me' (UA). In for nine days, "will feel the drag. Looks like $14,000, not bad. Last week 'Hearts' (Radlo^, Did a nam- by pamby $9,200 for six day.s. State (Loew) (3,500; 25-30-40-55) —'Hero' (MG) and 'Jim Burke* (Col), dual. Headed toward sati.sfac- tory .$16,000. Last week 'Plarrie* (MG) and 'Vagabond' (MG), duaU Swerved a bit to $12,400. Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 25-40-55) —'Indiscretion' (MG) (2nd run) and vaude, Just scuffling along, $10,000. Last week 'Mis-rabies' (UA) (2nd run) and vaude zippy, $13,800, Keith Boston (RKO) (2,300; 25- 30-40) — 'Dynamite' (U) and 'Strangers' (Col), dual. Shapes up like $7,500 fair. Last week 'Nit Wits' (Radio) and 'Chinatown' (U), dual, surprised with $8,300, good. Paramount (M&P) (1,800; 25-35- 50)—'Scoundrel' (Par) and 'Alibi Ike' (WB), dual. Looks like a win- ning combo, close to $8,000, very good. Last week 'Town' (Par) (2nd run) and 'Wilderness' (Hub), Scraped $7,000, oke. • Fenway (M&P) (1,600; 25-30-40- 50)—'Scoundrel' (Par) and 'Alibi Iko' (WB), dual. Indicate $4,500, oke. L;ist week also good, $4,000 for 'Town' (Par) (2nd run) and 'Wil- derness' (Hub). Scollay (M&P) (2,700; 25-35-50)— 'Alibi Ike' (WB) and '10th Avenue' (FN) (2nd ruii), dual. Should garner close to $5,000, oke. Last week 'Town' (Par) (2nd run) and 'Wil- derness' (Hub), dual, fair $4,500. AU Pix Off in Denver, Girl Show Gets $7,000 Denver, ..'une 11. (Best Exploitation: Orpheum) Orpheum, with the biggest cam- paign in town on 'Nitwits,' failed to obtain desired results. Plastered the city with billboards and win- dow cards, covered soda fountain!^ and restaurants, but the gross wad sadly disappointing. 'Times Square Lady' was pulled after five-days at the Paramount, but 'Doubting Thomas' good enough at the Denver to go to the Broad- way for at least another week. Estimates for This eck Aladdin (Huffman) (1,500; 25-35- 50-60)—'Daring Young Man" (Fox), 5 days, 'Ten-Dollar Raise' (Fox) 4 days, spilt. Mere $1,200. Last week 'Dinky' (WR), was pulled after do- ing only $800 on five days. Broadway (Huffman) (1,500; 25* 40) — 'Brewster's Millions' (UA); 'Love'You Always' (Col) and 'Swell- head' (Col), double hill, spilt, $700, poor. Last week, '. Iserables' (UA). following three weeks at the AJa<I- din, did well over av<;rage, closing with $2,500. Denham (Cooper)" (1.500; 25-35- 50)—'Glass 7Coy' (I'ar;, an(l st;ig9 sliow, topping biz for $7,000.' big. r,ast Wf-ek 'I'ooiile Will I'alk' (I'ar) did under fivoragn and only $3,000 Cor the week. Denver (Huffman) (2,500: 25-3.5- 50)—'Diiuliling Tlioinas' (f'ox), and sl;igf show, $9,000, fair. Last week 'I'ainp.-is' (l'''oxj dropocd a third un- dci- avf-r.-iKc doing $4,001). Orplieum (HK(J) (2,S00; 25-35-40) —'.S'itwiis' (({KO;, and stage show, di.'-.appointiug $2,000. Last week ll'rarts' (Uadio), went lo $5,500 in an up-and-down stanza. Paramount (Tlurfi)i;in) (2,000; 25- 35-50)—"I'imes .Siiuai-e Lady' (Mfi); and 'Flame' (MC), spilt, for $2,000. Last week 'Eight Bulla' (Col), did only $3,000.