Variety (Sep 1935)

iTedneedaft September 11, 1933 PICT E C SSES VASIETY 'HAT' « N.Y. WK. fUD' AT $19, STRONG, 'JIM' 7GINBALT0 Baltimore, Sept. 10. (B^st Exploitation] Keith's) Business continues bountiful In most of the spots. 'Dlambhd Jim' -at—Kefth's, impeded by nasty ■weather, gained momentum. that thrust it right but in front for nifty ■$7,6dO, auguring hold-over. 'Top Hat' at vaudfllm Hipp continues rampage at cracking asunder at- tendrtce and gross records for house on initial stanza. Manage- ment still has extra shoy/s daily, still gain turnovers by having re- moved , trailers and newsVeel, and vaude bill remains compressed to 35 minutes. Nights are still stand- ing 'em up. Second session looks good for outstanding $17,000, after- first week corralled the record- snapping $27,000, with attendance totaling 67,300. •Steamboat' sturdy in second stretch at the Ne-SK, pointing toward fine $3,800, and will probably over- lap the fortnite by few days, Larry Schanberger^ of Keith's, gave 'Diamond Jim' a snappy send- I off, with far-flung campaign. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew-UA) (3,000; 15- 25-36-40-55-65) — 'Call of Wild' (UA) and vaude. Looks like very good $19,000, but figure way under levels mailntained here by Gable pix for years. Reason seems to be over- dose of the star. Just fortnite ago he iwas at this stand in 'China Seas'. "Which splintered house gross record. •Seas' is no\y lodged in the pair of Loew subsequenters, on» of which, 'Valencia, is atop the Century. Pic •^s doing whale of biz at both these stands, and it seems public is con- sciously heading in to catch 'Seas' or repeat a visit, the while making menUl reservation that 'Wild' can be cailght later on with convenience. Unquestionably, bookings of these flicks too close, with 'Wild* forced to take the cat-o'-hinie-taillng. Last week 'Karenina' (MG) and vaude, very nice $20,000. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,300; 15-25-35-40-55-65)—'Too Hat' (Ra- dio) and vaude (2d week). Will stab splendid $17,000 this week after rec- ord $27,000 first fling. Extension be- yond fortnite of 5 days as.qured. Ketth'a (Schanberger) (2,600; 13- 25-30-35-4Q) — 'Diamond Jim' (U). Grabbing a grand $7,000, and will Stick another session. Last week •Here Comes Cookie' (Par); Cookie came but .didn't dispense a,uy cheer, $3i000, lowly. _ „^ New (Mechanic) (1,800; 15-25-30- 35-40-50);— 'Steamboat' (Fox). (2d week). Plenty pepper left in pic, pointing toward nice $3,800 . after openlns? canto lassoed swell $7,400. Stanley; (WB) (.3,450; 15-25-35-40t 55)—'Bright Lights' (FN). Joe E. Brown's last one. 'Alibi Ike', was first one of his releases to be accord- ed loop sh'bwing in long while, doing very good? week at Keith's. That prompted this deluxer to give •Lights' a whirl rather than slough it as had Veen accustomed to doing with the cavern-mouthed star's fllck.s. But 'Lights' promptly turned up Its toes op openln? day, and won't get mediocre $4,0no.. Last week 'Annanolid Farewell' (Par') strung up best week house has hr-d in rear- ly d year, Spearing excellent $13,000. .'ASTAIIIE' $12,0»0, ROGERS IIG, IN COL. Columbus, Sept. 10. (Best Exploitati . : Palace) Two shows across street from each other. Palace and 13road, have all the prospects this week; Both 'Steamboat' -and 'Top Hat' gettln.c: terrific play, Othc-r two will suffer along with overflow trade, If any. ■ Both theatres plan holdover weeks. And If these hold up, a third week Is in .sight at both houses. Cus- tomers on first two days got real violent and needed extra ushers at both places tko handle crowds. Palace worked hard on "'Top Hot' in spite of this being big Astaire town. Best feature 6f c.ampal.otn was'lobby set up with blo.ok letters 12 feet high; rr-ichlng from niarciuee to street, ri.frht fit curb. They spell name of picture and attract atten- tion for blocks; Estimates for This Week Pab.se (RKO) m.OT.-^:. SO-fy— "•T.-'l ITo'/ fr'TUn). ■Hi'o t.) ou! bVii'.l :5r.'.f(;0, nd'.l ver sure. Lr^sl week 'Alice AdamsV (Radio) sagged with only $6,000. Broad (Loew-UA) (2,600; 30-42) —'Steamboat Round the Bend' (Fox). Near tops, with $11,000 in sight. Holdover certain. 'Dante's Inferno' (Fox) weak at $4,000. Ohio (Loew-UA) (3,006; 30-42)— 'Every Night at Eight' (Par). Weak against heavy bpposish, with only $6,500 expected. 'Anna Karenina' (MG) only indifferent nt first, with islow build, tapped put $7,000, about even.. ' Majestic (RKO) (1,100; 25-35).— 'Front Page Woman' (WB) and 'Daring Young Man' (.Votc), spilt. Not much expected, with only $2,500 in sight. 'Smilin' Through' (MG) did syrprlsingly well, with sweet $4,000 over the counter. 'Hal' Tops L'TiDe, , $5,50G; 'Jim' $4,500^ Garbo, Danes OX Louisville, Sept, 10. (Best Exploitati Brown) Smash hits and cooler weather combined to stir up business, here in great style. Topping, the town and crashing through for the best biz in months is 'Top Ho t' at the Brown, aiid certain for a holdover. Should finish the week at a nice $5,000, and leading the field, but all first-run houses gathering, in healthy grosses. 'Steamboat Round Bend' main- taining fast pace set at opening, and looks to stay at least three weeks. Any Will Rogers pic sure to pull Strand out of a slump, arid noth- ing in sight to draw them in after the Rogers films are all. played. National, with stage show and 'Brewster's Millions' found the going plenty toueh, with opposition too strong to cut much figure. Paralysis situation still far from being cleared up. However, a ray of hope- is beginning to break through the gloom, with number of new ca.ses gradually dinilnlshing. Fall season can be considered off to an auspicious' start here, and If present pace continues everyone wlHi be cheerful. Credit for best exploitation eoes to the Brown, with a generous use of white space. Window displays in department stores, music stores, and many other downtown places of business. Estimates for This Week ' Brown (Ind) 1,500; 25-40) "Top Haf (Ra'dio). Astalre-Rogers combo prove that they have reached the select class at b.o. and while pic not rated equally with 'Gay" Divorcee' or 'Roberta,' by local cricks, still lavished praises on the outstanding- ly fine work of both. Should gross $5,500, and will probably break house record. Last week, 'Jalna' (Radio) and 'Thuiider in East' (UA) with Fred Allen's Town Hall To- night amateurs on stage, a, disap- pointment at $2,400. Rialto (4th Ave.) (3,000; 16-25-40) 'Diamond Jim' (U). Should have gotten more this week, but plenty opposish cut down grosses. Pic rated nice reviews, but more strength at b.o. was hoped for; $4,500 should be about the figure on the week, not 30 bad. Last week 'Dante's Inferno' (Fox) not so hot $3.200.' Loew's State (3,100; 15-25-40) 'Aiiiia Karenina' (MG). Looks to rint,' up a nice $4,800. Off to a good start, and subsequent pace held up nicely. Last week, 'Bonnie Scotland' (MG) and 'Age of Discretion' (MG), dual, returned a. fair $4,500. Strand (4th Ave) (1,450; 15-23-40V •Steamboat Round Bend' (Fox) (2nd week)..Getting its share of the take on the bumper %veek, and looks set for another week at least: $3,800 should be. about the figure, and lines still forhiing consistently at the b.o. Last week, same fllrn crp.shed through, with good $4,20.0. Mary Anderson (Lisbon) (1,000; 25-40) 'Page Miss Glory' (WB), Davles receiving -top notices, arid nice biz sustaining their opinions, $3,400 is fair estimate, but may top this flguri,' slightly. Last week. 'W'e're In The Uonf-V' (WB) found opposish pretty ha:rd to battle,- $2,600 fair.' National (Ind) (2,400; 25) 'Brew- ster's Mllllon.s' (UA), and 5 acts vaudeville. Fir.st full week for thl.s hoOse found rather tough sledding, with other first run houses :play- Ing the cream of current pics. May grab $3.300,. but hoped for more. ' Alamo (It'id) (000:15-25) 'Sanders of Ulver' (UA) and 'Alias Mary Dow' (17), snlltting with 'Scai-face' (UA) and 'Branded a Coward,' Not sharing in the general upbeat at b.o. and will have to .be content with a fair $1,200. Last week, 'Arlzonlan" (Radio) and 'Break of Heiirts.' fRadIo), dual. sdIU with 'Lost Trail' n<V.:-) ."j'.'l 'rp!li<'.M C-;-:'V-> KccitP- vo.r,' CV OKC'it). diir.l, nmdo fairly ijood Kliowintj, :\lc:itt $!.20il. [ FOiER M.II. TOP Another Sock B'way Week Current—'Karenina' Big $52,000 on Capitol Hold- over and 'Jim* $28,009 in 3rd Wk. at Roxy—'Dark AngelV $38,000 11 HOUSES $321,000 (Best itation: ivoli) Labor Day week for 11 leading; Broadway theatres meant a total gross of $378,600, ctalmed to be a record for any Labor Day week; Currently, all first run houses are on holdovers, excepting the Rivoll, ■which brought In 'Dark Angel' Thursday night (6), yet these same 11 houses will be around $321,000 this week. This also represents bar- rels of black ink; •Angel' opened up strong, and Is galted for a first -week of $38,000. House went up on its prices, in- creasing to 35c mbrnirigs, to 85c week nights and 99c Saturdays and Sundays, this aiding the take per capita. 'Top Haf and 'Anna Karenina' are in their second, weeks and both very strong. 'Hat' will get $112,000, or over, at the Music Hall, and thus will a^aln go over.the high for.the house previously held by 'Little Minister* at $110,100. Figure Is as remarkable as the first week's $134,- 800. 'Karenina'. mounted to $66,500 Its first week, and is maintaining a strong pace for $52,000 on Its sec- ond. This one, together with 'Hat,' a.re positive for third weeks. 'Page Miss Glory,' currently on second week, should get $28,000, but won't stay a third. Warners wants to get 'Cilory', rolling and also Is anxious to bring In 'Goose and Gan- der,' else a third week for 'Glory' would be given. 'Diamond Ji ,* now in its third week at Roxy, rates with 'Hat' and 'Anna* on its Roxy showing; House currently looks for a $28,000 third week and film would stay a fourth,< but for congestion of bookings. 'Crusades,' with $2,800 on Labor Day, rose to $10,500 on its second week (last week) at the Astor, while first six dayis of current (3d) stanza picture is atrouind $5,800. Rather mild for a $2 attraction here. Both the State and Palace, vaude- plcture combinations, are In the money again this week. With 'China Seas' on Its screen, and do- ing Ave shows a day with the vaude headlined by Milton Berle, State is headed for a $30,000 week or bet- ter, tremendous. Pal has 'Alice Adams' and should get $11,000. Effective exploitation campaign was put on for 'Dark Angel,' In ad- dition to much newspaper publicity and a heavier ad buds;et, numerpu.s co-operatlvis tleups and . window displays were put over. Including three large department stores. Radio was also used. A half-hourplaylet based on the picture went on a na- tipn-wlde hook-up of NBC, while additionally WINS, WMCA and WOR contributed to plugging the fllm^. Estimates for This Week Astor (1,012; 55-8S-$1.10-$l.G5- $2.20)—'Crusades' (Par) (3d week). Not doing so well and'run looks near end but no date set. Par prob- ably wants to stick it out six weeks at least. Second week' $10,500, aided by Labor Day. Six days on current C3d week) $5,800. Capitol (4,620; 25-35-75-85) — 'Karenina' (MG) (2d week).. Soared to. $66,500 fir.st week ahd on secdnd (current) lookti $52,000, remaining a third and maybe a fourthv Picture went Into Met, I^oklyn. Friday (6). Palace (1.700; 35-50-63)—'Alice Adams' ( adio) and. vaude. • Hep- burn starrer attracting b,u.'!iness, ?11,000. Last week 'Accent on /nuth' (Pr.r) r.I.^o JIl.OOii; . Paramount (3,Co4: 23p3.=;-r)n-75- ■55.)-'Two for Toni5;ht' ^Par) (2d v.-e;''{). i-JoUa about $15,000 on .•I'.i.'d iver; $23,500 lir.st week, 'Big Broadcalst of 36' (Piar) opens Friday '(13). Radio City Music Hall (5,989; 40-6Q-85-99-$1.10-$1.65)—"Top Hat' (Radio) (2d weel>) and stage show; Biggest smash house has,ever had. Gigantic $134,800. last week (1st), beating previous record for house by $24,700, and on second week (current) will also beat the former high which stood up to last week. Second week $112,000, maybe over, Third week set arid fourth possible. Rivoli (2,092; 35-5,0-86-99)—'Dark Anger (UA). Off strong for first week of $38,000, aided by Increased admission prices. Last week, third for 'Call of ' Wild' (UA), $25,300, Roxy (5,836; 25-35-55)—'Diamond Jim' (U) (3d week) and stage sha^v ground out $47,O0O first week, $45,700 last week (2d) and this week (3d) near $28,000. Coin entitles it to fourth week but bookings won't permit. '39 Steps' (GB) comes In Friday (13); Strand (2,761; 25-35-55-65-85)— 'Page Miss Glory' (WB) (2d week). At pace suggesting $28,000 on second week, Daivies piictiire could stay oi third but WB wants to get it going and brings In 'Goose and Gander' tonight (Wed.). First week for 'Glory' $41,300, outstanding. State (3,450; 35-55-75)—'China Seas' (MG) and vaude with Milton Berle. House turning stage bill over five times daily and piling 'em in, $30,000 or better, immense. Last week over $20,000 With 'Every Night at 8' (Par). 'Jim'-'Cirl Friend' Dno $15,0a0, 'Anna' 16G, Bmg At % N.S.G. in Newark Nc-wark, Sept. ( est Exploitation: Branford) Probably Loew's will lead off this week with.Garbp taking $16,000 for 'Anna Karenina'while the Branford won't be far behind with 'Diamond Jim' and 'Girl Friend' at $16,000. The Beacon did not ppiSn Friday, being held up by trouble with the union. "The matter is not yet set- tled. The steady rain of the past week was -welcomed by the theatres which it generally helped. . For 'Diamond Jim,' the Branford has tlc-d with book. Jewelry and norlst shops, has from the Packard Motor Co. an 1886 bicycle and 2,000 sheets from the Sunklst Granges, a tie-up with the Garcia Grande Cigars, and has also connected with WOR on 'The Girl Friend.' Estimates for This Week Branford (WB) (2,966; 15-66)— 'Diamond Jim' (U| and 'Girl Friend' (Col). Very nice at $15,000. El Wyh Spook Night Friday was not an out- standing success and it is Judged it is a better stunt, for the neighbor- hoods where It has- been a real smash. Last week 'Pig^ Miss Glory' (WB) and 'Black Rootti' (Col) fine at $16,800. CapitDl (WB) (1,200; .16-25-40)- 'After ^he Dance' (Col) and 'Flying Trapeze' (Par). Not much hope here for over $3,000. Last week 'Irish in Us' (WB) and 'Smart Girl' (Par) took $3,500. Little (Franklin) (299; 30-40-50) —'Youth of Maxim' (Amkinb) and 'Life in the Ukraine (Amkino). Go- ing well and will hold over. First good week for some tlmo will equal $1,000. Last week 'Princess Charm- ing' (GB) and 'Woman in Command' (GB) terribly bad at $250. House goes legit with 'Waiting for Lefty,! Sept. 27. Loew's (2,780; 20-30-35-40-55-75) T—'Anna Karenina' (MG), Garbo not 30~popular as formerly, but this one should do a fine $1Q,000 and may hold over. Last weok 'China Seas' (MG) (2nd) fine at $11,000, Paramount-Newark (Adams-Par) (2,248; l'C-20-30-35.-.40-55-75)—'Two for Tonight' (Par) and vaude. Bln.'c Cro.'^by nnt doing so well In this as usual ahd probably no more than $9,000. Last week 'Annapolis Fare- well' (Par) ml.sjudged and built up all the week to U grand $17,000, to 'Ubangl Follies' on stage chiefly due. Prostor's (RKO) (?,300; 15-55.)— 'Rf^dhcad.s on Parade' (Fox) and 'Thunder In NL-Jht' (Fox!)u „ Will hold only six days, probably $8,000. Last week 'Alice Adams' (Radio) and '01rt Man Rhythm' (Radio) fine at over $12,000. Terminal (Skouras) (1,000; 15-25- 40)—'Curly Top' (Fox) and '.She (Radio) with 'Murder by Telovl.slon' rMarcy) and 'Girl In the Ca.se' (New Wov'rl) .split, Woll f->i'U''rb .''H'! mav do ?.?,'',00, okay. Last wesk "Wilder- n-MH Mali' (i=?"n) and 'Cantured In Chinatown' (C,ip) with 'Silk Mai K\i\' fFox) and 'Hone.vmoon Lim- ited' (Cap) .spilt, good at over $1^000. CASA LOMA ORG WITH'GLORt BIG 35G, HUB oston, Sept. 10^ (Best Exploitation: Keith) et will lead the town this week on the strength of Casa Loma on the stage with 'Miss Glory,' which will net the big house close to $35,000. In the holdover field 'Top Hat' Is outstandi Going into week at the emorlal with predicted. 'Karenina' stays one more week at the Orpheumj but not strong enough to h. o. at both the State and Orpheum, where Jt day-ahd- dated to swell biz last week. At the Keith-Boston,. 'Folles Bergeres' on stage Is belpg retained for another stanza after a smash week. 'Thun- der in the Nlghf will accompany It this week. 'Crusades' to be roadshowii at the Majestic, starting Oct. 2 at $1.50 top, for four weeks. Ditto for Mid- summer Night' at an early fall date. Jack Granara: at Keith's has kept his 'Top Hat' fllnrj and the 'Fojles' stage show at the Memorial and Boston, respec, before his public consistently for two weeks, getting, handsome breaks In roto, feature stories, news pictures. Department store tie-ups on the pic have been notable, too. Giving instruction in the 'Plccolioo* In the lounge of the theatre as an added ijagi Eatimatea.for This Week Met (M&P) (4,200; 35-50-66)— 'Page Miss Glory' (WB) aud Casa Lbraa, band on stage. A big sur- prise, banil drawing all the dance crowd, and the film serves as nice complement to it; Will catch about $35,000. Last week tricky. Holiday weekend extra heavy here, along with general capacity biz In town, but slumped notlcoj.bly after Labor Day, 'Annapolis Farewell' (Par) and WHN Barn Dance on stage earned about $27,000, a. pretty figure considering the low budget on the stage. Keith Boston (RKO) (2.300; 35- 60-66)—'Thunder in Nlrht' (Fox), and 'Folles Bergerep,' stage show, 2d week. Still hittln"; a hot pace, aiming at $36,000. Opening week of the Frenchy unit, coupled with 'Hot Tip' (Radio) on the screen pulled a sock $38,000. Ideal show for the holiday piacked 'em in every show. Keith Memorial ( KO) (2,900; 25-35-50)—'Top Hat' (Radio) (2d week; .Has that $27,000 complexion, very gopd. Opening tremendou.<< for the single feature bill, Just under $40,000. House broke attendanre record set by 'Cockeyed World' (Fox). Probably another week, ,?nv- way.- 'Diamond Jim' being held iii readiness. Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 25-36- 40-6.'))—'Anna Karenina' (MG) (2d week). Looks like $9,000', good. Opening week very good at $15,000. So far the straight film policy has been, eminently succcspful in Its fourth wcclt Plan is" to day-date films at the Orpheum and State, but on holdovers the Orpheum takes second week, as In this caBe, State (Loew) (3,200; 25-30-40-50) —Hero Comes the Band' (MG), and •Air Hawks' (Col), dual. Looks like a mild $9,000, Ted Lewis In the former has Cana Loma la the flcBh to compete with, and Will Roper.i business done , in town last week Indicates a fair chanee for the Wiley I^jt r.n«rle In 'Hawks' to draw. Last week. 'Anna Karenina' (MG), single, registered an attrac- tive $16,000. Paramount (M&P) (1.800; 25-3.";- 60)—'Red Heads on Parade' (Fox), and 'lilttle Birr Shot' (WB>. dual. Doing avc^rage h\z, helned by cloudy weekend 'weather, $8,000. Around ^11.000 last week for 'Steamboat Hound Bend' (Fox), and 'Without Regret' (I'ar). dual. Way over ordi- nary Rogcr.s trade. Fenway (M&P) (1.000; 25-30-40- KO)—'Red Hcod.s' fFox). and 'Biff Shot' (Win, double. Will garner around $.^,300, okr. Lu.«t week,best In lon.T while for 'Steamboat' (Fox), and 'Re^rel' fPar), di.if), $5,400 Scolla" (M&P) (2,700; S5-35-40.)— 'Sfpamboat' fFox), and 'Irish In Us' <y'VA, 2(1 ri'n. dual. Looks strong, '■'^.m". b^'t In montli". Rogers film direct from P.^r ahd T-Vn"--*?" run. r^ast week, very good $7,000 on 'Dan(e'« Tnferno' and' 'Kver" Nlrrht nt Kl(?hf' CP.ir), both fo^Dn/i run. Holiday weeUond the big reason. '