Variety (Dec 1935)

VednesdaT* December 11, 1935 VARIETY 9 'Oakley,' Tomght/ 'Ky/ Lead Cid fix Parade; Units Get Chief Coin for StateMe, 15G, Oriental $15,i0 Chicago, Dec. 10. re-Xmas slump airieadyi As far - as pictures &i-e-coheerneS, the creaiti of the product la'being held ujj un.tlj att?r \XinaH. . Balaban & Katz particularly, is staljlhg its major releases on thiei strerteth of •Night at the Opera,' 'Red the Rosia,' 'Frisco Kid' and 'Monte Carlo.' Pal- ace Is waiting for 'Magnificent Ob- session' for the after-holiday splurge. , Best trade in the loop is going to the Oriental and State-LAke on their two units, the Garrlck with the hold-, over of 'Old Kentucky,' Roosevelt with 'Two for Tonight,' which got away on Saturday. (7). 'Hands Across Table' started flabbily at the ace Chicago and is headed for a dis- appointing session, despite, good no- tices on the flip flicker. House has been in difflcuUles recently, but ex- .pects a sharp upturn after Xmas on the strength of big names booked for the stage. 'Midsummer Night's Dream' will call it a roadshow in" the loop, after three weeks on Thursday (12), though there is a possibility of additional time at the arty Playhouse. ' .Units 'La Vie Nudlte,' known as 'Hit Parade,' and 'Cocoanut Gi'ove Revels' are doing the chief coin for the State-Lake and Oriental.. Estiinates for This Week Apollo (B&K). (1,200; 65-83-^.10- $1,65). 'Midsummer Night's Dream' (WB) .(3d-flnal. week). Win do around $8,000 for okay third session after clipping fine $10,200 last week. Chicago (B&K) (3,940; 35-66-76) —'Hands Across Table' (Par) and stage show. Will hardly hit $23,000, soggy for this arena. Last -week 'Mary Burns' (Par) not much better at $23,600. House will start dyna- miting after Xmas. Garrick (B&K) (900; 35-65)—'Old Kentucky' (Pox).. House has been going along at nice clip lately. This session above $5,600 for holdover In the loop, fine. Last week 'In the Air' (MG) bang-up $7,100. Oriental (B&K) (3,200; 26-35-40) —'Grand Exit' (Col) and 'Cocoanut Grove Revels' unit on stage. Busi- ness cun*ently, due strictly to the unit, which Is plugged above pic- ture. Good comment on show hielp- liig to get $15,000, oke. Last week 'Chan in Shanghai' (Fox) good ses- sion at $19,600. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 35-56-65)— •Annie Oakley' (Radio) and -vaude. Little Jackie Heller on stage plus Brltton band adding some weight. Around $18,000 for the present pe- riod, Which makes a pretty fair fig- ure for the house. Last week an eight-day ride for 'In Person' (Ra- dio), which used the Thanksgiving holiday spljjrge to good advantage at $24,200, okey-doke. Roosevelt (B&K) (1.500; 35-45-65) —'Two for Tonight' (Par). Late re- lease on this Crosby hurting its chances here, but n'elghborhood of $13,000 plenty satisfactory. Last week "Thanks Million' (20-Fox) con- cluded a pleasant ride of better than two weeks to Warm $8,900. State-Lake (Jones) (2.700; 20-25- 35-40-45)—'Thunder in Night' (Fox) and 'La Vie Nudite' unit on the stage. Stage show title switched back from regular. 'Hit Parade' tag in this town, due- to previous loc.il appearannce under Frenchy. label. Unit is doing the business by a long margin, shooting the register into hotcha numerals currently at $15.- OOO. Last week 'Night Out' (U) mannfiter fair ^12.400. United Artist* (B&K-UA) 1.700: 46-65-75)—'Mutiny' (MG) (.Id week). Marine flicker continues holding up; should go into Its fourth week with little difliculty. Will make it hoopla $14,000 currently after banging In last week for mighty $19,300* ■ Eight-day run should'' reach cike $7;000-. Laat weok 'Ibbetaon' (Par) and $'1,000 a Minute' (Rep> drew satlsiCactory $6,600. : r- Poli (Loew) (3,040; 35-5())— 'Splendor' (UA) and 'Perfect CJen- tleman' (MG)! ' Word-of-mouth on 'Gentleman' will probably help t'd fair enough $8,000. Last week 'Ken- tucky' (Pox) and 'One Way Ticket' (Col) same; Roger Sherman (WB) (2.200; 35- 60)—'Stars Oyer B'way' (WB) and 'Annie Oakley' (Radio). House going heavy on duals and reaping some nice grosses, cuiTently should land pleasing $7,000. Last week 'Frisco Kid' (WB) and 'In Person' (Radio) strictly okay at $7,700. . College (Loew) (1.565; 25-35)— 'Couldn't Take It' (Col) and 'Family Tree' (Radio). Raft's first experi- ence locally in a B house; around a fair $3,800. Last week 'Opera' (MG) and 'Grand Exit' (Col) sweet music on a four-day holdover at 35-50 scale. $3,900. College (1,565; 55-83-$1.10-$1.65)— Last week Warners rented this Loew house fot* three-day roadshow of 'Midsummer Dream' (WB). On five performances, got close to $G,'- 100, which almost equaled full weeks on previous roadshoWs. ALL'S FAIR IN N. H. Xmas Shopping .Dents Biz—'Rose' and '>«d8' Dual, $7,000 New Haven. Dec. 10. ( eat Exploitation: Poll) Fans hitting the Xmas shopping trail and gradually passing up tlie entertainment spots. Just fair this week all around. Last week's three- day roadshow of 'Midsummer Dreaih.' aided by a nice campaign, crashed through to some nice money. Bally sliding off these days, with Poll doing what little noise-making there Is this week. Current cam- paign on 'Splendor' Includes the usual floclv of menus, window and bus cnrd.':; special lobby displays; soda counter 'Splendor' sundaas; hair-hour air jshow prior to opening; dress shop plug on gown of Miriam Hopkins- tieup giving away two cars during Xmas week. Eetimiites for This Week Paramount (M&P (2.318; 35-50)— Tvcd Hose" (Tar) and '3 Kids' (U). 11LU0N'IN2 HUB SPOTS, 26G Boston, Dec. 10. (Best Exploitation: Majestic) 'Thanks Million' on dual bill at Loew's State and Orpheum looks' like best bet here, at promise of $26,000 . combined take. Leading competitor In' a dull week is 'Stella Parish' at the Met, Where Bowes' Unit No. 1 occupies stage. Latter getting slight edge on draw credit for probable $24,000 week. Keith . Boston drops vaude thi.^ week tor, dual flicks, until after Christmas lull. 'Midsummer' con- tinues run at the Majestic and one more frame.seems assured. Par and Fenway dull with 'Man of Iron' and 'Music .is Magic,' dou- ble. Most news came this week from a new kind of opposition: An Indoor winter sports carnival at the Gar- den, - drawing fair crowds. A 200- foot ski JunAp built In record time provided stage for skid-slat thrills, an Ice area for fancy skating, and sled-dog track around the perimeter of the arena. Spectators dressed as if outdoors in. an atmosphere like that of a meat market refrigerator. M&P exploiters win the badge for their work on 'Midsummer Night's Dream' at the Majestic Their ef- forts to attract Shakespearean cus- tomers In town have been tangibly fruitful. Estimates for This Week Met (M&P) (4,200; 35-50-05)- •Stella Parish' (WB) and Bowes No. 1 unit on stage. Drawing rather good, around $24,000. Last, week $20,000 for 'Frisco Kid' (WB) and stage show featuring Lottie Mayer's Underwater ballet. Orpheum (Loew) (3.000; 26-35-40- 50)—'Thanks Million' (20-Fox) and 'Guard That Girl' (Col), dual. Do- ing best relative bliz in. town, around $14,000. Last week . 'Opera' (MG), single, opened up with a smaish. then sagged after weekend to $18,000. State (Loew) (3.200; 25-35-40-50) —'Thanks Million' (20-rFox) and 'Guard That- Girl' (Col), double. Fairly comfortable trade for Xmas shopping seaso-" aiming at $12,000. Last w6ek good $17,000 for 'Night at Opera' (MG), single. Majestic (M&P) (1,626; 83-$1.10- $1.65)—'Midsummer Night's Dream' (WB) (5th wk). Roadshow at re- duced liace, but still satisfactory. Fourth week about $8i000, oke. Prob- ably one more week ^ Keith Memorial (RKO) (2.900; 25- 35-50)—'Monte Carlo' (20-Fox). Hitting moderate pacei. around $10,- 000. Last week $10,000 on 'Annie Oakley' (Radio), fair. Keith-Boston (RKO) (2.300; 25- 35-40)—'Sweet Surrender' (U) and 'Peter Grimm' (Radio), dual V\rM three weeks of double film policy for - shopping sea.soh, s^iarp drop from combo policy take.-* to $.'i,000 pace. Last week excollont $23,200 for 'His Night Out' (U) and Ben Bernle on stago. Paramount (M&P) (1,800; 25-35- 50)—'Man of Iron' (FN) .and 'Mu.sic Is Maglo' (Fox), dual. Skidding to S5.000. T.^st week porkl.sh $8,000 on 'Mary Burns' (Par) and '$l,00o ii .Minute* (Ches), dual. Fenway (M&P) (i;600; 25-30-40- 60)—'Mai of Iron' (FN) and 'Music- Is Magic' (Fox), dual. Look rusty with $2,800 indicated. Dandy last week with '$1,000 a Minute' (Ches) and .'Mary Burns'" (Par), double, $6,600. Scollay (M&P) (2.700; 26-36-40- 50)—'Red the Rose' (Par) and 'Bar- bary Coast' (UA), dual. Both 2nd run; around $3 300 promised. Last week . a . big surprise. $6,000 for 'Crusades' (Par), 3i-d run, and 'Show No Mercy' (20th-F6x), 2nd run, dual. After sad roadshow and pop price subsequent run 'Crusades' pulft& tetter,'telia,'fively',''thari'. an'y-' where In this town; and In a house figured by many-as wrong for this .type . .of J'rpdMP.tl'Qn. put-pf-town housies regard this Indication as hopeful. for. the big. Par, .snecl.al Tersbn'^'Kid' Dual Holdover Best in Pre-Xmas St. L lUTlNY'SOCKO $27,000, FRISCO St. Louis, Dec. 10.. (Beet Exploitation: State) No outstanding b.o. In town this week,but Jin Presbn' and 'Frisco Kid' are holding over for good decAf inor'e thain ^ $3,200. average, ond weeks., Either excha.nges are holding back ace product or the usual two - weeks - before - Xmas letha.rgy is setting in. ArllBs' -Hobo' n.s.g. at Fox, may- be caused by heavy rain or maybe because this town never bought AriiSs except in 'Rothschild.' For first time In weeks Loew's State is offering dual. 'Chick' Evans, mgi-., and Jimmy Harris, p.a. at Loew's concocted some clever ads to sell 'Rendezvous' and 'Perfect- Gentleman.' Ambassador interested police biggies. in 'Show Them No Mercy' and catchy news- paper ads were conceived by Charley Kurtzman. Estimates for This Week Pox (P&M) (6,038; 25-35t66)-^ 'Mr. Hobo' (GB) and 'Harmony Lane' (Mas). Will have one of poorest weeks In months, can't do better than $8,800. Last week 'Crime and Punishment'^(Col) just reiached $9,000, h.g. ' Ambassador (F&M) (3,018; 26-35- 65)—'No Mercy' (20th-Fox) and 'Gallant Defender' (Col). ,GoDd newspaper ads will enable house to gross $8,500 for fair business. Last week 'Metropolitan' (20th-Fox) af- ter terrific opening fell into a coma and disappointed with $11,500. Shubert-Rialto (WB) (1.725; 25- 35-65)—'In Person' (Radio) and 'Frisco Kid' (WB) (2d week). First week was a grand $12,200 and only limited seating capacity hold it fo that figure; second week geared for $8,100, good. Orpheum (WB) (1,950; 25-35-56) 'Broadway Hostess' (FN) and 'Rain Makers' (Radio). Doesn't figure to do much better than $7,000 for fair week.. Last week 'Red the Rosp.' (Par) and 'Beat Band' (Radio) finished $8,600, good con- sidering opposition. Loev/s State (Loew) (3.162; 26- 35-65) — 'Rendezvous' (MG) and 'Perfect Gentleman' (MG) Powell a fave and house should have ho trouble reaching $11,800. Last week "Bounty' (MG) (2nd week) added another $12,000 which shows cus- tomers select outstanding enter- tainment. Missouri (F&M) (3.51.4; 25-36-55) —'Remember Last Night' (U) and •Kids and Queen' (U). At $5,000 pace for week, n.s.h. Last week 'King Solomon' (U) and 'Stormy' (U) only $5,100. 'Nifht at Operas' $S5,000 and 'No Mercy s $32,000 Oat Front As N.Y. Stgts Jn»s !^^^ (Mono) for three changes and eight days.-■ too'iC $1,300. potent-for-this small-price, fewr-seated spot. Lincoln (LTC) (1.600; 10-20-25) — 'Pompeii' (Radio) i. With help of a large, national ad In. the papers and a windo^'. carding '"second" to none, heading for $2,700, very nice. Last week 'Thanks Million' (20) in eight days made the b.o. pulse ran up a fancy $4,100, best in many a day.' Orpheum (LTC) (1,200; 10-15-20 25)—?Payoff' (FN) and 'Vaudeyille Varieties' unit on the stage three diays. Last half Is 'Crime and Punishment' (French) and 'Gay De- ception' (Radio), dual. Week aim- ing to touch $2,600, okay. Last week 'Murdi Gras Nights' unit With 'Lucky Legs' (WB) and the follow- ing '$1,000 . a. Minute* (Rep) with 'Here's to Romance' (Fox) picked up $4,000; swell. .• Stuart (LTC) (1,900; 10-26-40)— 'Parish' (WB). Won't get much Last week 'Old Kentucky' (Fox) rounded oijt. with $3,800, a nice showing but over 2Gb behind 'Steamboat' in this same house. . Varsity (Westland) (l,l(>0; 10-15- 20-25-35)—'Crime and Punishment' (Col). Will pick up about $1,000 for Its five days. Last week 'One Way Ticket' (Col) with the WLS Barn Dahue on the stage (three days) and 'Mr. Hobo' (GB) seven days got near $3,200 altogether, fair. Lincoln Books French 'Crime' Vs. CoL's Prod. Lincoln, Dec. 10. ( est Exploitation: Stuart) Causing the most talk on the street is the sample of detail being entered into by both sides of the ,1. H. Cooper-L. L. Dent'exhlb scrap here In opposition billing for the Varsity and Orpheum. Both houses have 'Crinie and Punlshnient,' the Varsity Hturtlng it off when booking in the Columbia picture;- The Orpheum followed by setting in the French pic with titles dubbed in and with an extra feature hopes to lure the patrons away. 'Pompeii' helped by .strong ads Is cOtting a heavy flgure. at the b.o. for the seaison which Is begin- ning to get the Christmas .cramps. 'Stella Parish' at the. Stuart was raved about in the ads for a full week aftfir a women's preview gathered ..ohs and aiis which were used by way of recommendation This, was the. best exploiting ven- ture. Christinas shopping has bf.cn. heavy at this eorly date and the b.o.'s are beginning to .sensp it. Estimates for This Week Colonial (LTC) (500; 10-15)^ 'Rio Rattler' (Rol) and 'Rain- makers' (Radio), split. Likely for $030, pretty good. Last week 'Bonnie Scotland' (MO), 'Fishtlng IJlood' (Aiiib), iid 'Skybound' San Francisco. Dec, 10. (Best Exploitation: Warfield) It's shopping time In Frisco In a double sense. Christmas buying Is on with a rush which is taking a toll at the matinee business In all houses. Also with time limited due to holiday activities,, fane are shop- ping for their screen entertainment. Big names on the big plx pulls 'em In. 7hat means that the Warfield will float In gravy with 'Mutiny;' At- tendance figures for . opening da> (6) equalled those of fattest day of years ia. few weeks back when half of Warner Bros, studio made per- sonal appearances with star, dele- gation headed by Joe B. Brown. Theatre opening two hours earlier daily to care for crowds. Several houses here have hold- overs, some In desperation, some because there is no product for them, and some because the films really warrant continuance Embassy which set up business as a move-over house for RKO Golden Gate, finally slid back, at least temporarily into second runs or reissues^. In several weeks only two Golden Gate pix wore worth a moveovcr. Golden Gate takes second money this week' with 'In Person' and Pai-amount going strong on hold- over of 'Rendezvous.' Surprise locally has been tops done by 'Midsummer Night's Dream"; three weeks to excellent business. Louis Lurle, Geary the- atre owner, and Manager Ralph Pincus nIxed Original plans for cal- cium ppeningi and sold, picture straight to public with newspaper spaco of moderate size being bulk of advertising. Warfield rates the exploitation prize for handling of 'Mutiny.' House practically doubled newspa- per space, and wrote compelling copy. Newspaper di-ama pages helped by upplng the free space to correspond. Estimates for This Week Clay (lioesner) (400; 25-35)— 'Happened In Copenhagen' (Pal) and 'Pother Knows Best" (Vlbn- kincma) dual, okeh ut $1,000. Lust week, .'Emperor's Waltz' (Vien) about $1,100. Geary (Luric) (1,600; 65-1.10- 1.65)—'Midsummer Night's Dream' (WB). Closed after three success- Cul weeks in this legit house. Final week, ending Sunday (8) garnered 57,F,00. Total toppe<l.-$'26.,000, sweet. Fox (Loo) (G.OOO; 25-40)^'nnclP Dudley' (20-I>'ox) and "Hi CJaucho' (Radio), Will pi-oba-bly piill this low .gross houK(! up, a little, maybe $6,S00. Last wcpk; rcis.suc of 'If I .Had ■ Million' (Pur) and 'LJttlc America' (I'ar) about ,$5,000. Golden Gate (RKO.) (Z.SCi); ."JT-IS- 40)—'In Person' (Radio) and stage .«how. Will take normal gro.<-K of Ji;j.500. Last week, 'Annie Oakley' (Radio) and stage show nice tc tune of $14,700. Orpheum (F&M) (2,440; 30-35-40) —'Crimp and Punishment' (Col) (2d week). About $4,500, ( itation: Only" 'four new pictures venture forth in New Tork this week against the start of Chf lstm .s shop- ping. Of these two iire away at'a, fast gallop. Th^-cthffr.palr are.Jag.^.. ein&-. Gn the' whole, business is sluggish; and that Is not unexpected. 'Night at the Opera,' at the Capi- tol, should top $55,000, and is a elnch holddvei, Aiso lifting Its hoofs nicely is 'Show Them No Mercy,' at the Rivoli. 'Miercy' may hit $32,000, and is In for three weeks. As long a run Is expected for 'Opera.'. 'Miss Pacific Fleet' hojpes for fair $3j,000 for the Roxy, while 'So Red th'^ Ro.se' dipped at the Paramount to such an extent on its second week that it went out last night (Tuesday) after Ave days. 'I Dream Too Much' held to ex- cellent $93,800 on its first vi^eek at the Music Hall, but on the current holdover is slipping seriously. Pic- ture looks only $65,000 ot- so. Strand's third week of . 'Frisco Kid' pretty godd, around $20,000. Par today (Wednesday) opens •Millions in the Air' for a probable eight-day stay. The Capitol takes honors this week in exploiting current first runs with an extensive campaign to sell 'Nite at Opera.' House built effect- ive front, spending more on thla and advertLsing than normally. Estimates For This Week - Astor (1,012; 25t55.75) 'Land of- Promise' (Keren Hayesod) (3rd week). Doing good enough here to stick on. Near $5,000. Last week $6,600. Hopes to stay until Dec. 23 or 24.' Capitol (4,620; 25-35-75-86-99-. $1.25)—-Night at Opera* (MG). Over $55,000, With chance of $60,000. Stays. Last week, fourth for 'Mu« tiny' (MG), big $36,000. " Center. (3,525; 25-35-55-75-35-99- $1.10>—'Thanks A Million' (Fox) (4th week). On. fourth; final, week $11,000; $26,000 prior stanza. 'Your Uncle Dudley' (Fox) opehis this morning (Wed.). Hollywood (1,653;' 55-$1.10-$1.65- $2.20)-^'Dream' (WB) (10th week). Falling off a bit, take for Icust week (9th) around $10,000. Palace (l,70(i; 25-36-55)—'Man of Iron' (WB) (1st run) and 'Monte Carlo* (Fox) (2nd run), dual. Strug- gling along under $8,000, fair. Last week 'Stars Over Broadway' (WB) and 'Way Down iSaet (Fox) topped $8,000. Paramount (3,664; 26-35-65-76-85) —'So Red the Rose' (Par) (2hd week). Ending up 13 days' stay weakly. Final five days on holdover Week $9,000 after initial eight days, including Thanksgiving, $25,000. 'Millions In Air' (Par) opens, this morning (Wed.). Radio, City Music Hall (5,989; 40- 60-85-99-$1.10-$1.65) — 'I Dream' (Radio) (2nd week) and stage.aU^-.v. Fine first week, $93,800, but off sharply on holdover, current, to $56,000. Rivoli (2,092; 40-65-75-85-99)— 'Show Them No Mercy' (Fox). Opened well and may hit $32,000, good. Stays two more. Last week, second for 'Splendor' (UA), $13,500. Eddie Cantor's 'Strike Me Pink' (UA) may be next here. Roxy (6,836; 25-35-66)—'Miss Pa- cific Fleet' (WB) and stage show. Pushing to got $30,000, fair. Lust week 'In Old Kentucky' (Fox), which couldn't be held over due to book- ings, did $47,000 on eight days, smash. Strand (2,767; 35-55-65-85)— 'Frisco Kid' (WB) (3rd week). Still good, this week maybe $20,000. Sec- ond week was $27,300. 'Capt. iJlood' (WB) opens cither Friday (13) or Saturday (14), State (3,450; 35-55-75) — '{lands Across Table' (Par) and vaude. Stage headed by Milton Berle. May .stretch to $26,000, good. Last week 'Crusades' (Par) and vau<ic topllncd by James Melton, under $21,000. trade only, at least here. Last week about $6,500, so-so. Paramount (FWC) (2,740; 30-35- 40)—'Rendezvous' (MG) and'Broad- way HOHti?Hs' (WB) (2d week). At $10,000, all to the good. Last week .swell going at $15,000. St, Francis (FWC) (1,470; 30-3V 40)—'Frisco Kid' (WB). MovcoviV from Warfield ought to reap ;i prof- itable- $0,500. Last week '.Might at Opera' (.WI) sati.sfled all liands with $7,000. United Artists (UA) (l.-JOO; 25-40) —'Splendor' (UA). Slow, around $C,30ft, but announoo.s two weeks' booking nevortheles.s. I^ast weo'ic (L'd) of 'Mctropoiltiin' (l'O-Fox) e.'iscd off quickly to $4,.S00, * Warfiel (FWC) (2,080; 3ri--'.0-55) '—'Mutiny' (Mfi), Ought to click $27,000 on this one. maybe more, Icrrific. lOxtr.i show e-vory day may account for some unloul^cd for gravy, J.nst .we(?k. 'Frisco Kid* (WB) nothing to kick about at all For earrlago 'wiUi $,'3,500 In the till.