Variety (Sep 1935)

8 VARIETY PICTURE CR S S E § Wednesday, September 11, 1935 7 of LA s 111st Runs H.O., AU Doing OK; 'China,' 'dory,' W Still Tops; Duncans-'Ceoide 16G Iios Angeles, 10. (Best Exploitati Paramount) Seven p£ the 11 first run houses holding over their respective attrac- tlonsi 'Top Haf at ftKO and Pantages the leader of thei contln- eent. This pio which did record smashing talce on its initial weelc is keeping it up on this second stanza and in the case of Pantages is giv- ing that'house the healthiest two weeks-ln-successlon proAt in its history-. Paramount' has ere Comes Coolcie' ■ with Duncian Sisters oxi stage. Chinese iand State are hold- ing up in great style on second week of 'China Seas; with mat trade at former house somewhat light but nights.- to practical •capa;city busi- ness. 'Page Miss Glory! in for five days of second week at Downtown and Hollywood, with former house lead- ing. . . Fllmarte doing much better than In past with the Gregory Ratoff im- portation, 'This Woman Is Mine; rel^sed here by Paramount. 'San- ders of the River' having somewhat of a wea,k third and finul stanza at the Four Star. UA, account of hold- ing over" of 'China Seas' at State, went double bill. As the balance of . the m&jor first run houses had holdover pics Para- mount gets tops on exploitation with no added, expense. House concen- trated on air plugs by Duncan Sis- ters and capitalized on Burns and Allen value with air fans in the pic- ture, 'Here Comes Cookie/ which they star . in. Also used store win- dow tieiips and soda fountain gags, hone of which were of any conse- quential cost. Estimates for This Week .Chinese (Grauman) (2,028; 30-40- B5)—'China Seas' (MG) (2nd week). Exploitation on this one keeping up, second stanza creating plenty Inter- est and will hit around $9,200. Last week this One slowed a bit after ojpenliig days on the mats and finished considerably below cal- culations at $16,300. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-35-40) •r-'Page Miss Glory' (WB) (2nd week). Held up fairly well for five final days, . coming through with abound $6,O00, oke.. Last week, first, <lid plenty, getting an even $10,500. Filmarte (Rlesenfeld) (900; 40-50) —'This Woman Is Mine' (]Par). With Gregory. Ratoff carrying on a verbal campaign for this one in pic colony, trade much better than in long spell and will click week out with around $2,600. Last week 'La Maternelle' (Met). Kept Tiouse in black by winding tip its engagement with a neat $1,000. Four Star (Fox) (900; 30-55)— •Sanders' (UA) (3rd week). Due to lack of product, being held for' this stanza which 'will get around $2,200, mild. Last week, second for it with holiday thrown In, could not get past thfe $2,500 mark. Grand International (Rosener) (785; 35)—'Depression is Over' (Europe). Title quite enticing for this Importation which will wind up -with most satisfactory $1,300. Last week.Nora O'Keile' (Guar) five days and 'Romance In Budapest' (Du World) two days, little short of figuring by getting an ev-en $1,200. Hollywood (WE) (2,756; 30-35-40- 65)—'Glory'. (WB) (2nd week). Not doing as Avell as Downtown but garnered $4,300 for final five days here. First week wound u at $9,600. Pantages (Pan) (2,700; 25-35-40) •Top Hat' (Radio) (2nd week). Still 'having those nightly queues with trade bigger than Pantages ever dreamed for.; holdover in house,; will run $12;700 this stanza. First week on it here bigger than anticipated with premiere gross counted got terrific $21,300; Paramount (Partmar) (S,505; 30- 40-55)—'Here Comes Cookie' (Par) and stage show. Duncan Sisters cannot help this one much and with ■ previews during week to bolster it for nine day.<» will show bit of red ink for house with a; $10,000 fin- ish. Last, week 'Annapolis Fare- well' (Par) pitted against high powered opposition, a loss at the $12,200 final count. RKO ('2,950; 25>35-40-55)—'Top Haf (Radio) (2nd week). Keeping up its fast pace with plenty dollars turned away over weekend on account oC large waiting lines, will go through .second stanza to tunc of $12,300. First week, was best house has had with single feature policy, getting a wow tak6 of $18,700 which was more than grand over expecta- tions. State (Locw-Fox) (2,024; 30-40- 66)—'China Seas' (MG) (2nd week). With fleet coming Into port, trade holding up great for holdover ^yhich is sure of running. towiirrt a great $13,000. Last week, first, having to make refunds on account of holdouts kept pic from reaching the original 1st Runs on Brbadway (Subject to Change) Week of Sept 13 Capitol — 'Anna Karenlna' (MG) (3d .wk.). Music Hall—'Top Haf ( dio) (3d wk ). Paramount-Tjlg Broadcasf (Par), Rivoli—'Dark Angel' (2d Vk.). Roxy—'39 Stepb' (GB). Strfind—'Goose and the Gan- der' (WB) (11). Week of Sept. 20 Capitol—'Broadway Melody of '36' (MG). usic Hall — 'Stelamboat Around-the Bend' (Fox) (19). Paramount—'Big Broadcasf (Par) (2d wk.). < Rivoli—'Dark Angel' , (3d wk.). Roxy—'Girl Friend' Strand—'Special ,(WB^ (18). Rogers 'CaD wiid^ mm llat'22G in Prov. opens here with house tilting prices to 65c. Strand (Indic> (2^200; 15-25-40)— 'Acce'iit on Youth' (Par) and 'In Spito of Danger* (Col). Looks to trail this week with $6,400 or there- abouts. Last week 'Without Rc- gref (Par) and 'Hon-Along Cassidy' (Par) also a so-so week at $6,000. Fay's (2,200; 16-25-40)—'We're In Money' (WB) and 'French Follies. Indications are that house will re- peat last we-ek's success and . gather at least $8,000, nice. Last week 'Red Heads on Parade' (Fox) and 'Brbadway Varieties' on atafce started off new season for house with a great $8,600. RKO Victory (1,600; 10-15-26)— '(Set That Man' (Col) and 'Bough Riding Ranger.' Should do over $800 on spilt we«k. 'Top Haf moves in from Albee Thursday for indef- inite i-un. MONTREAL'S 4 ENGLISH, SFRENCITPIXALLOX Providence, Sept?-10. (Best Expioiti&tion: Loew's) Except in one or two cases busl- iiess is forte, bo strong that it's al- most lik^ midwinter around, these parts. Progr.:iTn3 are excellent, and the signs point to substantial gains at the box office. Will Rogers Is still box o ce magic for business at the Majestic where 'Steamboat' Is playing Is glv^ ing house best business in weeks. Biz is so nicely paced that.house i^ bound to grab off at least second place in a town whei'e. entertain- ment bills include such topnotchers as .'Call of the Wild' and 'Top Hat.' Loew's. is set for first place-with 'Call,' tross sure of crossing $14,000. Albee closes tomorrow night with 'Top Haf splitting second week for .'Folles Beirger^/ stage show. Split , week on 'Top / Haf of sufficient strength to induce RKO managers to move film over to the "Victory for Indeflhito run. The Albeo run is sure to^ get close to $22,000 for 10 days. Fay's, only flesh spot in town, do- ing nicely with 'We're In the Money' on the screen, while Strand seems to be trailing with 'Accent on Youth' (Par) and 'In Spite of Danger.' Loew's campaign on 'Call of the Wild' had a bit of the unusual mixed In here and there. There were 23 different ballyhoo stunts listed by the house press agent, revealing a thorough canvass of Providence and nearby vicinity. Heading the bally was a radio tie-up, WPRO, which entailed the awarding of a St Ber nard pup to the R. I. youngster who submitted best letter in^say con- test. "Pup was on dlspJabin lobby of theatre, and th6 ^^^V business created no end of coinnWit. Estimates for This Week Loew's State (3,200; 15-25-40)— 'Call of Wild' (MG); G.able and Lo retta Young expected to give house a gross close to $14,000, despite plenty of opho.sitlon. Last week 'Anna Karcnina' (MG) oke at $12, 900, but might have dohe better. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 15r25-4«)— •Steamboat' (Fox) and 'Together We Live' (Col), There's no doubting the strength of Will Rogers; hoiise Is doing the best business in week^ Gross should come quite close to $10,000 with little difficulty. Last week 'Dante's Inferno' (Fox) and 'Welcome Home' (Fox) the worst thing In town at $5,100. RKO Albee (2,500; 15-26-40)— 'Top Haf (Radio). Ends 10 day-en- gagement tomorrow night; house will have- at least $5,000 more in the till to bring grand total to $22,000; first week house coined $17i000 to break all house recot'ds. Thursday (12) stage show, 'Folles Bergore,' Montreal, Sept. 10. (Best Explbitation: Loew's) Two first-run houses reopening current, week makes a total of four English and three French picture houses on the-main stem now in full blast while His Majesty's (legit) will reopen lat^r in tbe month and will also run pix occasionally dur- ing Fall and . Winter season. Palace repeats 'TOp Haf which went over big last week and should add another $8,000 currently. Capi- tol with 'Steamboat Round the Bend' and 'Ginger'' should get enough bh Rogfers interest to gross $10,000. Loew's reopens with 'With- out Regret' and 'Spring Tonic,' plus vaude and should get $11,000. Prin- cess repeats 'Love Me Forever' and 'Eight Bells' which went over big last week and lookis like another $8,000 currently. Cinema de Paris hoilds over 'Ah- gele' and reports biz jgood enough to warrant $2^000. St. Denis has 'Crime et Chatimenf arid 'lia. Ruslere dea ' Halles' and estimates $5,000. Imperial reopened ~ with packed house Friday (6) 'L'Agonie des Algles' and at higher price 'Of 50c ma.y gross $4,000. Loew's did big advertising, press and dodgers and posters stressing vaude program and two big. fea- tures. Estimates for This Week Palace (FP) (2,700; 50)—'Top Haf (Radio) (2nd week). Took $12,500 last week and should hold up for $S,000 currently. Capitol (FPy (2,700; 50)—'Steam- boat Round'' Bend' (Fox) and 'Ginger' (Fox). Looks like a good $10,000. Last. week 'Accent on Youth' (Par) and 'Stnart Girl' (Par) $8,000. Loew's (MansfleldV (3,200; 50)— 'Without Regref (U) and 'Spring Tonic' (Par) with vaude. Ought to be good for $11,000. Last week dark. Princess (CT) (2,300; 50)—'Love Me Forever' (Col) and 'Eight Bells' (Col) (2nd week).' After a smash- ing $11,000 last week should gross $8,000 currently. Cinema de Paris (France-Film). (600; 50)^'Angele' (3rd week). Will still gross $2,000 after good $2,500 St. Denis (France-Fll ). (2,300 34)—'Crime" et Chatimenf and 'La Rosiere des Halles.' Good for $5, 000» Last week 'Le Baron Tzigane' and 'La Sonnette d'Al3.rme,' $6,500. Cinema Imperial (Ihd) (1,600; 50) —'L'Agonie des Algles.' Packed in Opening night and should gross $4,- 000. "Last week dark. estimate but trade was plenty, heavy for a $21,300 finished. United Artists (Fox-UA) (2,100 30-40-55)—'39 Steps' (GB) and 'Wel- come Home' (Fox), split. Nothing exciting in tlils duo so house will .iur;t about hit the $4,000 mark which Is bit above the nut. T*ast week 'Stcamboaf (FoxO, sloughed oft bit final three days but plenty big for this house at $5,500. Bowes Amateurs Hypo B'ham; *Bantf Fair $2,500 Birmingham, Sept. 10. (Best Exploitation: Alabaiha) One of the Major Bowies amateur shows at the Alabama, for three days,. iB'riday, Saturday and Sunday, caused a spurt in business. Good tie-ups with local a,mateur pro- grams, newspaper pubUclty arid radio has helped business along and the show grossed riicely. Matinees a.Uttle off but nights 'were standups Town's first show anywhere resem- bling vaudeville with exception of splurge last summer In several years also helped. New picture goes into Alabariia after the Bowes show leaves mak- ing, it a split week. Other houses are just fair.- Estimates for This Week Alabama (Wllby.) (2,800; 30-36- 40)—'Without Regref (Par) and Major Bowes show. Strong $4,750 for three days. 'Shanghai' (Par) through Thursday will get around $2,000, making total for week $(5,750, good. Last week 'Broadway Gon- dolier, (WB) $6,000, pretty good, , Ritjt . (Wllby) (1.600; 30-35:-40)— ■Here Comes Band' (MG). Fair at $2,500. Last week 'Dante's Inferno' (Fox) $3,500, moderate. Strand (Wllby) (800; . 25)—.'Silk Hat Kid' (Fox) and 'Mad Love' (MG) split. At $1,900, just so-so. Last week .'Nitwits' (Radio) $2,000. . Empire (Acme) (1,100; 26) 'Don't Bet on Blondes' (WB). An- other grind week at about $2,600. Last week 'Orchids to You* (Fox), t2,900. Top Hat/ Outstanding Loop Flick, Opens 4-Week Run to Wow 'Glory 01 $3i;000; State Lake 13G Music Hall Highs Five highs for the Music Hall, N. Y., rated according to gross, are:. 'Top Hat' (Radio) $134,800; 'Little Minister' (Radio) $110,100; 'One Night of Love' (Col) $106,000; 'Little Woman' (Radio) $103,0b0; 'Roberta' Radio) $101,000. •Hat' looks to nose into sec- ond place also on its current (2d) week, expectatibps being .gross of $112,000, ot better. Rogers, Astaire Pix Both Settmg Records in Denv. Denver, Sept. 10. (Best Exploitati : Denham) ii-st runs doing best business bf months, Denver and Orpheum breaking' house records under pres- ent owners; Orpheuni putting them to the roof and standln^r them to the streets several tiriies, forfclng holding "Top Haf to two w^eks after booked io days. In spite of ^jp- positlon, 'Ford Nite' giveaway '• on Tuesdays, Orpheum broke house record Under present owners pack- ing them in. Denver sailing to house riecord with Rogers film, picture had man- agement worrieid befqre opening but started good and built- fast, stand- outs every day. Film goes to Broad- way for at least a second week, maybe more. Denham close to last week's figure. Aladdin doing better than since 'Les Miserables' in May. 'Diamond Jim' very good on extended run at Broadway, and. while 'Clairvoyant' let house down with poor gross necessitating Jerking after two days, 'Blondes' will pull house back so it ■will get average week. All this busi- ness in spite of heavy rain Saturday and Sunday. The Denham tied In^ with the recruiting stations on 'Annapolis Farewell' on a reciprocal basis, with the Navy signs appearing in the lobby. and tllS picture appearing on the recruiting signs. All mall of the recruiting stations carried an- nouncement of the film. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Huffman) (1,500; 25-35- 50-60)—"39 Steps' (GB). Okay for $3,000. Last week 'Loves of Dictator' (GB) and 'Man Who Knew ToO Much (GB), split, only $1,200. Broadway (Huffman) (1,500; 25- 40)—'Diamond Jim'. (U). Following big week at . the Denver, good ^ at $2,000. Last week 'Naughty Marietta' (MG) eetabllshed a record, hot as to isross, but for being the first film brought back to a first run house after clearing most of the subse- quents; did $1,500, bettier than average. Denham (Cooper) (1,500; 25-36-40) —'Annapolis Farewell' (Par). Strong for $6,000. Last week 'Here Comes Cookie' (Par) did $6,500, well above average, and was held over ii. couple of days to give the house a Frit'-v opening hereafter. Denver (Huffman) (2;500; 25-35-* 50)—'Steamboat Round the Bend' (Fox), and stage band, Will Rogers a smashing $11,000. Last week 'Dia- mond Jim' (U) hung up standouts every day, closing with $8;500, and was taken to .the Broadway for an extended irun. Orpheum (RKO) (2,60fr; 25-35-40) —'Top Haf (Radio). After four days last .week, stays 10 more; $10,000 on e9,ch stanza or should gross $20,000 for the fortnight, big. Last Aveek 'Alice Adams' (Radio) arid 'Top Haf (Radio) split, did $13,000, plenty of money. Standouts repeatedly. ^Allce Adams' ran rest of its 7 days the week before, and 'Top Haf started a two-week run. 'Hat' broke the house record on two of its parting day's, Sunday and Monday, when more than 11,000 saw the film. Paramount (Huffman) (2,000; 25- 40)—'The Clairvoyant' (GB) and 'Don't Bet on Blondes' (WB), split. 'Blondes' will pull the house average up to $2,600, Last week 'We're in the Moriey' (WB) put the Par in the money, and closed with $3,000. Chicago, Sept. 10. (^est Exploitation: State-Lake) For the most part of the loop, the buslriesB they are getting Is the Palace turnawaly from 'Top Haf mobs. Picture' was a cinch from. thei xjpening gun' and from early Iridications the Astalire-Rogers pic- t\u*e -will go four weeks easily and maybe six. Starting at the early morning bell the house filled Im- mediately and is now turning out five full houses. daily^ Figured on absolute capacity at the prices the picture Is heading for about $32;500, an untouchable gross, for the scale at this house. At present pace It is si>eeding for a take surpassing -'Flying Down to Rio,' 'Ga.y- Divorcee^ and 'Roberta,* all of whom had smashing long runs at the theatre. , If figures as the cinch box-office smash of the year. On opening day 'Top, Haf drew blood from the theatres a:*ourid the loop. The public went there first and then tried the other box-offlces when they couldn't crash the Pal- ace. Secorfd best pace In the loop. Is 'Glory' at the Chicago, whlcH is eallgplrig for good ienough $31,000. Needs a bit stronger night play at present with the matinees holding up well. Holdovers string around the rest of the loop: 'Irish in Us' at the Garrick. 'Steaniboaf at the Roose- velt, 'China Seas' at the U. A. and the revival of 'Smllirtg Thru' at the Apollo. Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer contest finals at the State-Lake has been getting excellent exploitation from Fritz Block! arid the novelty should mean additionial coin In healthy quantities this \veek. Estimates'for This Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200:26-36-55)— 'Smilin' Thru' (MG). Revival of Shearer-March-Howard tear-jerker is a bit too far off the shopping stem to. get the matrons in for :a good cry but should figure for some sound evening femme play. . Maybe $3,000, jCIar enough. Last . week 'Murder Man' (MG) faded awfty,to $2,300. Chicago (B&K) (4,000;35-65-75)-~ 'Miss Glory' (WB).and stage show. Davies, a standard loop fav, having natural difficulty bucking the 'Haf wallop. Will make a profitable showing for the house at indicated $31,000.- Last week 'Irish in US' (WB) .flnLshed to ditto. Garrick (B&K) (900;25-35-55)— 'Irish In Us' (WB). Holdover will manage . satisfactory $3,000 for the session on male play. Last week 'Here Coriies Cookie' (Par) folded sadly despite Bui'ns-Alleii fans to meagre $2i200. Oriental (B&K) (3,200; 25-35-30) —'Thunder in Easf (Fox) and vaude. Will satisfy the execs cur- rently at $18,000. Last week about the same pace at $16,500 for 'Vaga- bond Lady' (Par), Palace (RKO) (2,500;25-36-55)— •Top Haf (Radio) and vaude. Un- questionably the sock of the currefit season.. Just about absolute capa- city at $32,500 on Initial week. .Will slash out a feur weeks parade at least; maybe more. Last week 'Diamond Jim' (U) turned in a wal- loping $26,100,. high enough to ratd a holdover but forced-out because of 'Hat.' Roosevelt (B&K) l,500;25-45-65) 'Steamboat' (Fox) (3rd-last week). Probably go out this Saturday (.14) after three fine sessions. Had fig- ured on bringing in 'Anna Karenlna' (MG) to replace but withdrawn due to . Frederic March opening. at United Artists in 'Dark Angel' on same date. Rogers picture will do almost $10,000 for final week, bi Last week solid at $13,400. State - Lake (Jones) (2,700;20- 25-35)—'After the Dance' (Col) and vaude.. Metro Hollywood contest finals adding to take currently which ups to neat $13,000. House has added $l,b00-$2,00ff to Itis take recently. Last week hosanna $14,300 for 'Going HlghbrOw' (WB) and arid Fred Allen's Town Hall Ama- teurs on stage. United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700; 35'45-65)—'China Seas' (MG) (3rd.- flnal week). GablerHarlow-Beery picture managed to hold up finally after sagging .somewhat after a big start. Settled down to a run which will give it a good $9,000 for the final session. Last week was very okey-doke at $13,300. 'Dark Ariger (UA) replaces ori the screen Satur? day (14). WmiAM FOR 'DUCHESS' Hollywood, Sep.t. 10. Warren William, who got War- ners to agree wl.th his disagreement on part handed him In 'If I Found. Stella ParLsh,' now set after a week lay-off for spot opposite Dolores- Del Rio in 'Meet the Ducbeas.' ' Fi-ank McDonald directs with Bryan Foy as producer.