Variety (Nov 1935)

Wednesday* November 13» 1935 P I C T E CROSSES VARIETY All Chi Grosses in Good Climb; 'Rendezvous' Gets Fenuues for 30G; Chicago, NOT. 12. Business bouncing along.nicely in the loop, the grosses on the various houses hitting generally over the profit side of the ledger. Business in the loop has been , improving for the past 12 months with the cur- rent-list o* figures on the registers all running ahead of last. year. This gradual upping of the take in the loop is reflected in similar in.- creAses In the nabes with the en- tire midwest territory feeling bet^ ter today than it has in several years. Loop currrently is in good shape even though there are no ouistand- ing smashes in the lineup. 'Rendez- vous,' 'Remember Last Night,' 'King ;Solomon of Broadway,' 'Live My Life,' and 'Barbary Coast' all doing business. Sole weakness in the set- up is 'Crusades,' which Is not the fault of the picture. What hurt this flicker Was the attempt to shag $1 top. something which has always been brutal in this town. Because of the buck admissldn picture will only do two weeks at tho Roosevelt. Then goes Into repeats at standard prices when it should get going in earnest, Palace picks up nicely with 'Re- member Last Night.' The Chicago has added two words, to the title of its picture, running it as 'Rendez- vous (With Love)' for additional romantic punch. Same stunt was done at the Broadway showing. Again it's the show at the Oriental, rather than the picture, 'Life Be- gins at Mihsky's' getting a good evening play though the matinees are. weak. Estimates for This Week) Apollo. (B&K) (1,200; .25-35-65)— 'Live My Llfe'7(MG). WiU make it almost four weeks in loop, splendid. Holding to $3,000 for current good session. Will probably go out Wednesday or • Thursday (13) to .make way- for 'Crusades' on its holdover. List week Crawford flick turned In tonplng $4,100. . Chicago (B&K) (3,940; 35-55-75) —^'Rendezvous' (MG) . and stage show. Romance film just about the right fodder for the patrons of this house. Lifts to okey-doke |30,000 currently, especially strong on the afternoon shopping trade. Last week 'Shipmates Forever' (WB) managed fair enQUgh $29,000, Garrick' (B&K) (900; 25-^5-55)— •Couldn't Take It' (Par). Snappy ti- tle getting a few of the Randolph street boys but hot enough to count up to any real trade, maybe $2,500 currently, not good. Last week 'Way Down East' (Fox) dldh't get the femme play and walked out with fair $3,100. Oriental (B&K) (3,200; 25-35-40)— 'Goose and Gander" (WB) and 'Life Begins at Minsky's' unit on stage. .Sharp evening play from the wise^ guy mob but nothing in the after- noon from the .shoppers; headed for 120.00,9, olc^y for the house. Last week 'Little Big Shot' (WB) fairish $17,700. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-56- 65)—'Remember Last Klglit' (U) and vaude. Art Xessel band and El Brendel on stage. House tagging along to good $20,000 currently on picture and stage lineup. Last week 'Beat the Band' (Radio) iaround $18,700, satisfactory. Roosevelt (B&K) (1.600; 40-56- 65-75-$l)—'Crusades' (Par). Spec- tacle flicker •\<i\\ go two weeks on meager business; Winds up tomor- row (Wednesday) and then likely Into loop holdover at standard prices. Dollar top hurt and figures only as possible buildup for trade In subseauent run theatres. Under $9,000 currently after - turning in weaULsh $14,000. on Initial session. 'O'Shaughnessy' (MG) replaces. State-Lake (Jones) (2,700; 20-25- 35-40)—'Kln.g Solomon' (U) and vaude.. House will hit $13,000 cur- rently on .strength of picture. Last week 'Diamond .Tim' (U) tucked aw.ay a pleasant $13,100. ited Artists (B&K-UA) (1.700: 35-55-65)—'Barbary Coast' (UA) (Sri final week). Picture has had a Koori run of It. Topped $13,500 on Us ..sec- ond week an(}., -will stick above $9,000 on its final .«p.s.^lon. niftv. 'Melody Lin.tyer.s On' (r;A) replaces tohiorrow ( VCctS nesday). Silent Camera Aim Tlollywobd, I^ov. Further attempts to ollminalf noise from cnmora-s Is being niado by Arademy Rosertrch council: Silent C'nmora subcommittee m^t last week and completed arran;;e- ment.s for fini-siiins: .series of com- prehensive noi^o to.sts .started sev- eral AVPoUs a.sr.o at P.ivamoiint. Spveral np\v caniorns as well aa tlioKP now in u.«-.e will be tested with a n(ilj;o analy.sis meter, drsl.stned to give a complete acoustic analysis of noise emanating from each camera. TOKETEERS'$6,500, UGHT, IN COLUMBUS Columbus, No^'. 12. ( ita'tlont Ohio) With mdst of ifbotball fever out of towii's bones for at least another week, managers can sit and wait for the regular trade without worrying about battling, door-crashing throiiga of freshmen, Auto show, with Bowes unit, may drag some biz away from downtown, Fred Oestrelcher of Loew's worked hard on 'Mutiny' and tied up about everything in sight; Newspaper space doubly good on this feature, with window hookups, co-op ads, accounting for much more. Estimates for This Week. Palace (RKO) . (3,075 r 30-42)— 'Three Musketeers' (Radio) missing badly with about $6,500 in viewi 'Special Agent' (WB) last week didn't.do well, either, with only $7,- 000 for an even break. Broad (Loew-UA) (2,500; 30-42) —'Way Down East' (Fox), $4i600: Last week 'Barbary Coast' (Par) cleaned lip sweet $6,000. Ohio (Loew-UA) (3,006; 30-42)— The money maker of the town, with 'Mutiny' (MG) cleaning up heavily all 'round. . Sure $8,000, and maybe more.' 'Metropolitan' (Fox) sagged to $4,500. Grand (RKO) (1,157; 25-35)— 'Rainmakers' (Radio) and 'Bad Boy' (Fox.) split, did well, with Wheeler- Woolsey picture pulling in balance of trade. About $3,500. Another split, 'Dr. Socrates' (WB) and 'Three Kids' (U) good for about same. TONniAYBE RECORD $24,000 IN CLEVELAND Cleveland, Nov. 12. 'Mutiny on Bounty? is the top- money this week at Loew's State, spurting up to a possible record house figure of $24,000. General grosses can't be kicked about. Election excitement and bike races are some of factors that will keep 'Three Musketeers' from going more than $10,500 at Hipp, par- ticularly since natives shy .away from costume flickers. 'Remember Last Night' and Eddie Peabody do- ing nicely at RKO Palace, for an estimated $14,500, partly due to fact latter is a former Clevelander who gets plenty of publicity here. Raves of critics for 'Bounty' were wisely followed up by Charlie Dear- dorfC and Milt Harris with a cam- paign of phenomenal ballyhoo. De- partment store and a new.spaper went big for an exhibition of Gable's costume, rcpUca of ship recently given to Roo.sevelt and a model shipbuilding contest. Razor blades linked up with telegraph service In another double tie-up; 52 24-sheets plastered the town in addition to about 40,000 heralds used in vari- ous forms on phones, magazines or store ])urchasc.s. Estimates for This Week Palace (UKO) (3,200; 30, 40, 60)— •Remember Last Night?' (U) and Eddie Peabody on stage in 'Hit. I'ai-ade of 193C.' With Peabody be- ing nearly a locjfl boy w'ho clicked, backed by strong show, should do- a fairly good $H;500. Last week, Henry Arm^tta and 'Three Kid.s and a Queen' (U), finished with $10,000, nice. State (Loew's) (3.'7.')a; 30-3ri-40)— 'Mutiny on Bounty' (MG). i'cturo with everything and getting every advantage imnt^inable, it Will, un- doubtedly soar up to a sensational $24,00.0. Last week, 'Metropolitan' (20th-FoS) a- disappointing $10,5n(i. Hippodrome (WB) (3,000: 25-30r 35-40)—'Three .Alu.skctcers.' If It breaks local jinx on costume plx. aided by clever handling, will easily reach an oke $10,500. 'Couldn't Take It' (Fox) last week, normal $12,000. Allen ( KO) (3,000; 25-40) — 'Way Down lOaijL' (Fox). Fair $1,500, although ()f)phod oiio day p.irlier than usual (Into, Last w^ek .split up to run. 'om oR' quick,, 'ATusic Is Magic' (l<\ix) stro.ggUng in with only Ijl.GOO for four days, al- lowing 'Girl Friend' (Col) $1,400 for two days. Stillman (Loew's) (1,."?72; 25-35) — 'In the Air' (.MG). Above average. $0,500 as result oC.iune-jilugs. 'An- napolis Farewell' (Par) made $3,590, below expectation!?, last week. Ist Runs on Broailway (Subject to Change), W«ek of Nov. 15 Capitol — 'Mutiny on Bounty' (MG) (2d wk). Music Half—'Man Who Brok^^ Bank at Monte Carlo' (20th- Fox) (14). Center—'Thanks. (20th-Fo:t) (13). Paramouht —.' Fugitive' (Par). Rivoli—'Melody Lingers On' (UA) (2d wk). Roxy—'Three Kids and a lieert' (\5\ (2d wk). Strand—'Stars Over way' (W6) (13). ' Week of Nov. 22 Caiiitol — 'Mutiny on Bounty (MG) (3d wk). Music Hall—'Crime and Pun- Ishmeiit' (Col). Center—'Thanks Million' (20th-Fox) (2d wk). Paramount — 'Mary Burns, Fugitive' (Par) (2d wk)i Rivoli—'Splendor' (UA) (21). Roxy — 'Remember Last ight' (U). Strand—'Stars Over way' (WB) (2d wk). UVILLE HRED OFPOORDUALS Louisville, Nov. 12. Biz pretty well distributed here this week, with no standout attrac- tion. Double features the rule, but the twin atti-aotlons have only the item of quantity to recommend them, and patrons in this town have indicated that they prefer a good single feature above the over-long double bills. Leader this week looks to be Loew's State, showing 'Rendezvous' iand 'Guard That Girl.' Rialto is close behind, with IThis Is Life' and Eyrd's 'Little America.' All other houses in a- pronounced lethargic state, and will undoubtedly remain that way until better product shoWs up. Showmen here are wearing broad smiles, with the election of A. B: ('Happy') Chandler to the o ce of Governor of Kentucky. He's a for- mer ballad singer, and will no doubt give amusement business every en- couragement within reason. ' Nothing out of the ordinary in the way of exploitation. However, next week will be a different, story, with Loew's State already working on a swell campaign for 'Mutiny on the Bounty,' and National going heavy oh publicity for Weaver Bros, stage show. Estimates for This Week Loew's State (3,000; 15-25-40)— 'Rendezvous' (MG) and 'Guard That Girl' (Col), dual. Good for $4,000. Last week 'Barbary Coast' (UA) and 'Girl Friend' (Col), dual, got fine play and grossed $0,000. Rialto (4th Ave.) (3.000; 16-25-40) —'This Is Life' (Fox) and 'Little America' (Par), dual. Probably not over $3,500, mild. Last week 'Music Is Magic' (Par) and stage show, 'Melody Lane Revue' with Morton Downey featured, lifted gross to oke •■^S.SOO. Brown (Ind) (1,500; 15-25-40)— 'Rainmakers' (Radio) and '39 Steps' (GB), dual. Wheeler and Woolsey not the draw hoped for, and gros:i won't exceed $2,300, Last week 'Transatlantic Tunnel' (GB). with a locally produced amateur pic as an added attraction, grossed $2,200. Strand .(4th Ave,) (1,450; 15-25- 40)—'Metropolitan' (Fox) and 'His Night Out' (U), dual. Tibbett opUs appeals to the music lovers, but draw rather negligible; neither pic a world beater and should groiss around $2,200. Last week 'Hands Across Table' (Par) and 'Ethiopia' (Par), dual, fair $2,400. Mary Anderson (Llbson) (1,000; 25-40)—'Personal Maid' (WB) and '.VIoonlight on Prairie' (WB), dual, Brace of just ordinary programmers which can't get much more than $2,200. Last week 'Socrates' (WB) rather wobby, and couldn't do bet- ter than $2,000. National (Ind) (2.400; 15-25-40)— 'Wiatcrfroht Lady' (Mas) and *Fun- nyland Follies' on the stage. Flesh the draw hero, with pic product con- tinuing to be the weak sister; $2,400 should tell 1 lie story pretty well be- low average for hoii.sc. Last week 'Kvensong- (OB) and 'Baildbox Re- vue' on stage, no panic at b.o. and grosses around $2,400. Alamo (Ind) .(90(1; 15-25)—'Call of Wild' (['A) and '.Mrid Love' (.ViG); dual; average $1,3indicated. These two pics held for full week, a modl- I'ication of hou.<-e ])iiiicy of making change of attraction in mid-week. Last wcoli 'Powder Smoke Range' (Radio) and '.Super Speed' (Col), splitting with 'Escape Mc Never' fi;A) and 'College Rhythm' (l'ar>, dual, below par gross of $1,200, B'way's Biz Fme; 'Mutiny' 'Kids and Queen' $37,000, 'Air' llG's, All Hold Over, 'Ibbetson' (Best Eicploitatioh: Capitol) With the Broadway track fast and everything else in their favor, in- cluding weather and a holiday (Armistice Day), six new pictures went to the post this we-3k. Lined up with an outstanding odds-on choice. Jn 'M.utipy on the Bounty,' which will cash in to the tune ot $70,000 oil its first week at tli? Capi- tol, stay .a second, and quite certainly a irjira. Hii new attend- ance record of over 27,000 on Satur- day (9), and first four days played to 95,000 people. One picture, 'Melody Lingers On,' got left at :the post, and another, •She Couldn't Take It,' can't raise •a gallop, but the others are show- ing thoroughbred form. 'Thr^e Kids and a Queen' wilt take place money behind 'Mutiny,' going past the wire for a handsome $37,000. With this stamina It goes a second week. Show coin goes to 'Peter Ibbetson,' which was aided by the holiday throngs for a payoff that -will be $88,000 or better. 'It's in the Air' becomes the first holdover picture for the Astor since the house wc-nt into the pop class, with Initial, seven days ending tonight at around $11,00.0.. .'.Melody', hot much more than pays the feed bill at the Rivoli, only $ia,000 and out after two weeits, with print of 'Splendor' rushed east for opening Thursday (21). 'She Couldn't Take It' may get up to $10,000 at the Center, which isn't so good. House brings In 'Thanks a Mliiion' today (Wed.), its regular change day. Among the holdovers, both 'Stella Parish' and 'Hands Across the Table' are meriting the confidence placed in them. 'Parish' figures to send the Strand mutuels to over $20,000 on Its final five days after a smash $39,300 first week. Would have stayed a full second week -but for the jfact that Strand wants to get back to its regular opening schedule, with consequence the Warner stable sends In 'Stars Over Broadway' today (Wed.). 'Hinds' carries the Paramount colors through Xor a second week of $20,000,; good. House Is grooming 'Mary Burns, Fugitive' for-a try on Friday (15). 'Dream' continues, at the Holly- wood on a $2 twice dally sprint. Its fifth week got $18,000. Metro and the Capitol strongly touted 'Mutiny,' spending $25,000 on the campaign and well advertising the event. Of the-ad budget aiound $16,000 went for ne-vspapers. Estimates for This Week Astor (i;012; 26-66-83)—'It's in the Air' (MG). Proving best entry Joe Plunkett has run here, first week $11,000 ending tonight (Wed.) and stays second week. 'Lucky Legs'-(WB), In ahead, fairly good, $7,000. Capitol (4,620; 26-35-76-86-96- $1.26)—'Mutiny' (MG). Away from the barrier like a bolt and has a long lead on competitors for a first week of $70,000 or better. All that keeps picture from going further is the load it's carrying In the form of long running time... Second week of 'Rendezvous' (MG) limped to under $20,000. Center (3,525; 35r55-75-85-99- $1.10)—'She Couldn't Take If (Col). Couldn't take It is right, only around $16,000. Under present straight pic- ture policy nut Is around $20,000, 'Way Down East' (Fox) and final week of B. A. Rolfc orchestra unit in pit, $11,000. 'Thanks a Million' (Fox) In today (Wed.). Hollywood (1,553; 05-$1.10-$1.65- $2.20)—'Dream (WB) (0th week). I-'Ifth week $18,000, beating the fourth. $17,100.. Palace (1,700; 25-40-55)—'Ship- mates Forever' (WB) and 'Pompeii' (Radio), dual. This counlc running a fairly good. race. $9,500 or over. Last.week 'Ralnmakei-s' (Radio) and '.Metropolitan' (Fox). $7,000. Paramount (3,064; 25-35-55-75- 35)—'Hands Across Table' (Par) (2d Week). Around the track the irst time at $24,800. this one is .go- ing to get around $20,000 on Its sec- ond lap good. Might have ch.nnccd a third week but for fact that 'Marv Burns Fugitive' (Par) had been set for Friday (16). Radio City Music Hall (5,989; 40- 60-85-99-Sl;10-$l.q5)—'Peter Ibbet- son' (Radio) and stage .show. Show- ing a good pace herf. hoijdnv heln- ing for pur.se of $88,000 or over, .Tia.st week 'Three Muskotcers' (Ra- diol, reined In at $79,200, Rivoli . (2,092; 40-65-75-85-99)^ 'Melodv Lin.gors On' (T-A). Not oC stout heart and If $18,000 lucky on. fii'st week ending today (Wed.V. "li'Ts alon-T for second week, with 'ynlendor' (UA); to opcin Nov. 21. Roxy (5.83C: 25-.'l')-D5)—'Three "Ids and a Queen' ([') and. stage show, flettlng mighty play here, around *39,000. Hold.s. Last week, .second for 'Tunnel' (GB), $30,500, very £;ood. strand (2,767;. 36-55-65-86)—'Par- ish' (WB) .(2d week). Fine first week, $39,300 and on five days o; second week . over $20,000. 'Star.*-- Over Broadway' (WB), as scheduled before 'Parish' oiDehed, comes In to- ni ht (Wed.) on a preview. State (3,450; 35-56-75)—'I Live My Life' (MG) and vaude. N.T.G, on stage., helping Joan Crawto'rd starrier for big week of $25,000 o- more. La.st week 'She Married Her Boss' (Col) and York-King on stage drew to top $25,000. PLENTY OF B.0 PEP IN PROV., 'BOUNTF 20G Providence, Nov. 12. lenty of action In town this week. No alibis being heard, except n one or two cases. Attractions gen- erally oke,. Strand and Fay's, only two spots with weak programs. Cyclonic action at Loew's where 'Mutiny on the Bounty' Is the at- traction. Aided by Ideal weather, midnight show Armistice Eve, and Armistice Day holiday .(legal this year for the first time In Rhode Island), the pace looks like a record- breaker, House Is safe on banking a $20,000 gross, and more. If things break right. In second place among, the straight picture houses Is the Mar je.stic doing a solo with 'Shipmates Forever.' Looks good enough for •■JO.OOO. RKO Albee back to stage shows and pictures this week; Olsen and Johnson with 'Two Sinners,' and unless there's a sudden drop gross seems headed for a nifty $12,000. Fay's, only consistent combo house In town. Is doing oke, bill including 'His Night Out' and vaudeville. Opposition pretty tough, otherwise gross would certainly be plenty .over $7,500. 'Grand Exit' and 'Ship Ciife' at th(: Strand off pdorly, but. benefited somewhat from overflow of other stands; not much likelihood of go- Ihr; over $6,500, however. The publicity staff at Loew's cer- tainly worked overtime to ballyhoo 'Mutiny.' Keen rivalry between Loew's and the Albee, but Chris Wilbert of Locw staff plastered the town. Ordinarily, Albee's campaign would loom large. Olsen and John- Bpn worked plenty hard to keep up with the publicity .departnient, and grabbed off some rare publicity, but the Loew's drive was of a spectacu- lar nature and detracted attention from anything else In town. Estimates for This Week Loew's State (.1,200; 15-26-40)—' 'Mutiny on Bounty' (MG). Turn- aways dally, and pace indicates a holdover; $20,000 Is, highest house ha." reached" since the depression. Overflow helping the other stands downtown. Last week 'Rendezvous' (MG) and 'Guard That Girl' (Col) thl^ only bright spot In town at $13,- 400. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 15-25-40)— 'Shipmates Forever' (WB). First solo bill at this house in months. Plenty of bally trying to put this ore over, and under ordinary condi- tions gross certainly would be well up In the higher brackets; however, antlclpa:ted t9,000 nothing to sniff at. Lfist week 'Sjjeclal Agent' (WB) and 'I.rlve for Love' (WB) so-so at $6,000, RKO Albee (2,500: 13-25-40)— 'Two Sinners' (Rep) and vaude with Olsen. and Johnson. Latter are re- 3r)cii.»iblc for psppy business. Pic- ture no help; sliould pace keep :Up gross should have no dlfllculty In rciichlng $12.00(r, swell in view of the. opposlsh. Last week 'Musketeers' (Radio) and 'Old Homestead' (Lib) didn't fare ho well at $6,000. Strand (Indie) (2,200; 15-25-40)— 'Grand Exit' (Col) and 'Ship Cafe' (Par), (jetting some of the over- flow from other stand-s, and .some help from the holidays, otherwise gross cert.alnly would drop below $u,500.. Last week 'Last Outpp.sf (Par) and 'Caopy Kicks' (Rep), also weak ut $6,000. Fay's (2,20(1; 15-25-4(1) 'Night Out' (WB) and vaude. Stage show "U opposition house hurting a bit, but things aro moving along Just tli<-- same: gro.s.s will be around $7,- SOii plenty satisfactory to house. Last week 'Payoff (WB) and vaude.