Variety (Jan 1936)

VARIETY 9 Clii Mgs. Paiiijcid bylL 0. Mobs: Burns and AUen-IHfliiiisaw' $45,008; iwes, 21G; Dream' 3% in 10 Days Chicago^ Jan. .7. (Bast E»tplo.U»ti Pi»l!^ce)> Throvr the red Ink out of the win doiv. Zooming out o£ the ^llar like a Texas gusher, the groflses are ruahinff way up ■n-ith the biggest set of figures seen ai'ourid this town In the past 12 months. Trend is back to the loop, after a year of strictly neighborhood show sboi>piQg by the Chicago public. With sniacko box-offlce attractions splashed over' the marquees, the public is once more loop-conscious, and the dowrifown sector Is getting enough play to keep every houise, big and small, happy. The Ealaban & Katz Chicago, flagship of the circuit, which for months has been going along at a $22,000 average, last week suddenly veered into the profit column. With a flasli of names, it smashed out a, carousing $39,000 and this we-ek will push through to a walloping $46,000 with "Whipsaw" and a Burns and Allen unit. Oyer at the Palace they are up to the neck In shekels, with the money malting 'I Bream Too Miich' plus a Ken AIuiTay-liilllan Roth vaude bill grinding the till to the tune of $38,000 for 10 days. At the Oriental it's a Major Bowe'b Unit ^vith a Jane Withers picture on the screen leading the way to $21,000. John Joseph is the head man on exploitation currently because of the spread in the dailies and on the air for the Palace show. Estimates for This Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 25-35-55)— 'Mutiny on the Bounty' (MG). Back to the loop for its fifth week after four great . weeks at the .United Artists. Will do around $3,500, fine. 'Mister Hobo' (GB) replaces here tomorrow (Wednesday). Last -week 'Midsummer Dream' <WB) returned tb the house foy further twora-dayIng and turned in an oke $7,800 for the repeat date. 'Chicago (B&K) <4.bb0; 35-S5-75) ' — "Wliipsaw' (MG) and a smash Burns and Allen unit. Doing five and six shows daily. Heading for mighty $45,000, biggest take in months. Last week 'Frisco Kid' (WB) zoomed to $39^000 on the New Yeai-*s Eve session, powerful. Garrick (B&K) (900; 25-35-55)— •Monte Carlo' (20th). Ronald Colman flicker will make it two "fine weeks, finishing to a good $4,000 for the second session. Last week was great at $8,900. 'Frisco ICld' (WB) slated, to replace tomorrow (Wednesday) for additional looping. Oriental (B&K) . (3.200; 25-35-40) —'This Ik Life' (20th) and Major Bowes unit on sta^e. House riding into the big coin fl^ures again witb a sturdy $21,000* which means steady sidewalk holdouts. Last week. New "Year's prices jacked 'One Way Ticket' (Col) to $27,600. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65)— ■Dreata. Too Much' (RKO) and vaudfe. Started out on New Year's Eve -with two shows at $2.20 for reserved seats; which micant a $9,000 talw there, and going on into a 10. day ride which will bring a splendid $38,000 into the till. Last week 'Sylvia Scarlett' (RKO) managed a. neat $21,800 between Xmas and New Tear's. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-45-65) —'Rose Of Rancho' (Par) will make it 10 days from Dec. 31 and closing on Saturday (11) when 'Night at Opera' (MG) arrives. Picture got a pla3' only on New Year's Eve, with the .entire ride not counting to more thian $11,000, flabbyw Last week •Collegiate' (Par) y;\t\i 'LitUe America* (Par) on the same weak level for 10 days, garnered around $11,300. State-Lake (Jones) (2,700; 2025-30-*J5-40)— 'Last Night' (U) and vaude. House is on tlie right side by a wide mai-glh currently at $12,000. Last week 'Music is Magic' (20th) rose with the entire loop boonj to $10, TOO, terrific. United Artists (B&K-UA) (IJOO: 35r4o-65)— 'Splendor' (UA), Will make it two weeks and decamp tompiTow (Wednesday) to make room for 'Oaptaiin Blood' (WB). Not a money flicker, heading to so-so $10,000 for Its final week after a rainsh $11,200 on initial .session. BW Biz Perks Birmingham, Jan; 7. Another week of splits, brought in to get back to the original opening date* before the holidays. Bu.vinesa getting back to normal. too._ afifi-, the biggest CIiristma.<< niKslupss in ycar.s. Dopiirtniciit stores tickled pi !•:. Esiimates for This Week ..Alabama f Wllby-Kihcey) (2,800: . 3n-.^.,-.i0) — 'Colleg-ate' U'ar), '.and littlest Rebt>r (20Mi>. ppllt. Looks; f<n iilfly $ll',r,00. Lust wcf'.v, 'Top; Hat* <RkO) $7,500i good for holiday season. Rite (Wtlby-Klnscy) (1,600; 3530)— 'Splendor* (UA) ahd 'In Person' (RKO) -.and. Universal triavelihg unit for auditions on sta^e. . Split week. $3,700 for the two pictures, moderate. Last week, 'Mary BUrhs' (Par) and 'Splendor' (UA) $3,000: Strand (Wilby-Klheeiy) (800; 25) —'Beat Band' (RKO) for three days, $600, light. 'Keeper of Bses* (Mono) $3,000, pretty good, considering long run. . Empire (Acnie) (1,100; 25)— 'Kids and Queen* (U). At $2,500, light. Last week. 'Stella Parish' (FN) $3,000, good. 6R00EYN BO'S BUSTLE WITH BIG BIZ i'ooklyn, Jan. 7. (Best Expoitation: Paramount) It's, been nothing short of terrific at Fabian's Paramount where 'Cia,ptain Blood' Is holding sway, and mopping up plenty at the b.,xj. ever since Xnias Day. It is estimated that the Paramount grossed $40,000 for the first seven days, cracking the 'G Men* record which was $28,600. 'Capt. Blood' record Is particularly noteworthy in view of the heavy opposition from 'Two Cities' at Loew's Met and the Temple flicker at the Albee. Met, however, proved no dud judging by the steady patronage, 'Cities* is in its second week how with 'Splendor' and 'Perfect Gentleman' due Friday. Strand, too. In the money for a change, with 'Show Them No Mercj'' and '$1,000 a Minute.' Exploitation by Joe Xiee on "Blood' called for 100 24-sheets spread around town, advance and current; essay and crossword puzzle' contest first week In weeklies for adults in five gazettes; color contest for school kids in weeklies; synbpsized yarn in one of the Long Island dailies; radio contests and plugs on local ether outlet;s; 60.000 heralds in advance billing pic end world premiere, tieup with Grossett and Dunlap on novel in local bookstalls; advance heralds to all boys' adventure clubs In Brooklyn, Long Island and Greenpolht, etc. Estimates for This Week Paramount (4,000; 25-35-50)-^ 'Captain Blood' (WB) <2d week). Doing amazing biz at all performances. House played to 101,222 people first seven days, grossing $40,000, new record under present policy. Biggest day's gross was New Year's Day when b.o. took in $7,400. Another $24,000 Is anticipated a.t b.o. on nine day? until Friday, when 'Bride Comes Home' (Par) comes in. Fox (4.000; 25-35-50)— 'One Way ■Ticket' (Col) and 'Dance Band' (FD). Doing fairish biz, around $12,000. Will open Thursday morning With 'Could Only Cook* (Col) and 'Mimi' (FD). Loew's et (3,400; 25-33-50)— 'Two Cities' <MG) ■ (2nd week). Bringing in sheUe'ls, fine $16,000; first week $25,000. Albee (3,500; 25-35-50)— 'Little, Rebel* (20th) and 'Another Face' (2nd week), Nice $16,000; last week $19,000, good. Strand (2,000; 25-35-50)— 'No Mercy* (20th) and $1,000 a Minute' (Rep) (2nd week). At $9,000 fine; last week $13,000, gi-eat. 'COLLEGIATE' VERY RAH-RAH 6iG, L'VILLE Louisville, Jan. (Best Exploitation: State) All downtown houses, with the exception of the National, saved their thunder for. New Year's Eve openings, most of them .springing their new product at midnight, with no upping of the adtniission prioe. National boosted, ad ish to $1 top for spetial midnight show oC 'Follies d<? I^airoo.' 'Kiffniff looks to be the town's leader, with Harlow fans forming In a stoady line at the bio. New Year's Kve .show a big l)r)ost. and taitc should land around $7,000. Sevpral. oMut unusually Kirong pictures which ' oj)ened N. V. K. w<'re 'ColIC'giHte' at the Rialto. which has all Indication.s ot taking SG.SOO, while 'Di-ram I'oo MuclT at the IJi'Own did n'lt ro'Tive thf; warm rewptlori expected from the crlUcs. 'King of Burlesque' is making things hum at Uie Strand's wicket, and seems headed for a $3,500 and more if breaks are right. Mary Anderson's *Capt. Blood' a holdover from previous week is stiU getting the shekels and sh6uld wind up the present stanza with around $3,000. Loew's State out-advertised the bunch on its 'Riffraff picture, and put plenty of pressure to selling the show. Estimatejy for This Wieek Loew's Staie (3,000; 15-25-40)^ 'Riffraff (MG). Will saag. best money in town, well oyer $7,000 mark. Holiday opening and w-eekend should tijrn the ti-icic Last week 'Two Cities;, jfrossed $0,500, okay. " ■■■ Rialto (4th ve> (3,000; 15-25-40) — 'Collegiate (Par). Looks like good bet to garner: $6,500 despite unpleasant weather.. After storm slush making it pretty hard for pedestrians. ahd autoists. to navigate, and these handicaps will militate against b.o. grossed. Last week 'Littlest Rebel' (20th) on holdover did a nice $5,200. Brown (Ind) (1,500; 15-25-40)— •Dream Too Much' (RKO). Pons opus ho rave with the public and pace disappointing; • probably not over $1,900. Last week 'Annie Oakley" (RKO) llmpui in with a weak $1,800. Strand (4th Ave) (1,500; 15-26-40) — 'King of Burlesque' (20th). Flynn Stubblefield spread himself on elaborate front which Is attracting attention from Fourth Street, town's main stem. Holiday and -weekend wlll_give house nealt $3,500. Last week 'Brida Comes Home' (Par) riot liarticularly jwtent, and wound up with around $2,700. . Mary Anderaon (Libson) (1,000; 25-40)— 'CapL Bipod' (FN). Vying for honors on tiie street, and getting nice returns from holiday trade and corking exploitation. Will be okay at $3,000. Last week same film grossed a neat $3,600. National (Ind) (2,400; 15-25-40)— 'Forbidden Heaven' (Rep) and vaude. Flesh attractions proving to be consistent draw, witli films decidedly on the weak side. Mldnite matinee New ' Yiear's eve will swell the holiday gross, and momentum should carry house to a nice $4,500, leaving a good margin over the nut. Last week 'Dizzy Dames* (Lib) and Follies de Paree good for $4,000, oke. Alamo (Ind) r900; 16-25)— 'Transatlantic TunnjSl' (GB) and 'Whispering Smittr'^(20tli). dual. Getting fair results at $1,500. Last week 'Rainmakers' (RKO) and 'Thunder In Night) (20th), dual, splitting With •Stormy/ (U) and 'Atlantic' (Col), dual, got a better than average play $1,600. Fancy B'way B.O. Pace Continues; 'Obsession,' 10 Days, $13SM; 'Bride' With Loma Ore 36G, 2d WkState 2?G (Best Exploitation: Par) The now year started off right on liroadway. Oplv hangoVei-s the niahagofs havo from the New Year hoUda.v is fi'om staying up all niglit apconjirnodatirig the big crowds. Par ground until 6";o^ a. m.'.'Jiiii. 1, the.' State until C, thj Riv until 5, the Boxy until 4, Cap and Strand to 3, ahd the Radio City theatres until 2 a.m.. with people llterailly pushed iiito the theatres. The take for some houses New Y'ear's eve alone ran to more than $in;000 at prices which ranged from $1.10 to/$1.50 a seat. But there was plenty of money to be spent this year, and a majority of good shows on which to spaild It. A natural di'op in business occurred right after New Yeai-'s, but on the whole far away from stopping the Avhistling that came with, the holidays. Most houses brought in their new pictures Christmias morning (20), with second weeks of new attractions on tap for the New Year drain. The ROX.V, which brought in •First Girl' Friday (3) fflr what looks like an okay $31,000, got the benefit of both Xnms arid New Year's on 'If You Could Only Cook,' arid on nine days soared to $62,500. Music Hall brought iii 'Magnificent Obsession' D^c. 30 for 10 days, and on that run through tonight (Wed.) will hit around $135:000. It liad gotten over $150,000 on 11 days of 'Littlest Rebel' through Xmas (Dec. 19-30). 'Bride Comes Home' and Casa Loma orchestra at the Pair took out $55,000, huge, on its first week; and on the second, ending last night (Tues.), was expected to end at $36,000. Loma orchestra, plus the Onyx Club Boys (including Mike Riley and Ed Farley, who wrote 'Round and Ai'ound'), opened on a special $10 preview last nl.ght (Tues.) under auspices of Mrs. Vincent Astor, lor berigflt of Muslcia,ns' Emei-gency Fund. Show is in for nine daysi but mar hold longer. Both 'Captain Blood' and 'Two Cities' stepped but like lions on Xmas day. Former is proving stronger at box office and stays tliird week at Strand on current pace (2d wk.) of around $35,000. It got $44,300 first seven days. 'Cities' mounted a big $50,000 first week, at Cap, and expects around $30,000 on Auto City Vibrates Lukas-'Biride' Beaucoup B. 0., I, 'Obsession 29G Detroit, Jan. 7. (Best Exploitation: Fox) Box-ofllces zooming again, with New Year's Eve takes Swelling the grosses at several downtown houses. Neck-and-neck scramble for top coin honors is on this week between Fox and Michigan, with standees and turnaways marking openings at both spots. Behind, good exploitation with strong local angle on author of t>ook, 'Magnificent Obsession,' is pulling In a terrific $29,000 this stanza at Fox, while Paul Lulias, coupled with 'Bride Comes Home.' looks good for about $28,000, swell, at the' Mich. Lattei: flicker Was given caily preview New Year's Eve. 'Dream Too Much' opened nlftlly New Year's Eve at RKO Downtown, continued fine next day and 'fhursday, but started cooling off Friday and will stagger in for at least $8,000, pretty good. 'Peter Ibbet^on' at UA didn't even get a good start Thursday (2) arid will l>c lucky to cross the line with $5,000, okay bowever. , UA brought In 'Captain Blood' for 'surprise preview' New Year's E!ve at "65c. top and filled; will hold, filni out until regular release. RKO goes back on temporary combo policy this Friday (10) with 'Broadway Hollywood Restaurant Revue' on stage plus 'Mi-. Ilob.o' on screen. Also has Wayne King booked for week starting Jan. 17, sis opposlsh. to Clyde Beatty's animal act at 'Fox and 'One Hour With You' revue at Michigan. . Aftf-f two hangup sa.v.sibns at li'ox. 'Rebel' moved into Adams thi.s week and figures for another strong b.o., about $7,000;. The Kuropa, (Jerman-lllm house, went into 'thcr aire Of revivals' policy tills week, leaving town minus a larg« downtown foieign-fllm hou.<<6. Not a whole lot of exploitation again this week; but of what there i wa.s Fox gathered the lion'.s share, i Had nice tieup with book stores and departriient storft.s on 'OhseyHion,' Authur Lloyd (.'.. i.)ougla*!s being a Micjiigandf r. Ifousi! aI>.o used exii;i ad S|)are nud sent spei cial literature, etc, to mlnl.itere, doctors arid nui;ses. Estimates For This Week Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 25-35-50)— 'Bride Comes Home' (Par) with Paul Lukas heading vaude. Lukas not hurting biz and gross should hit around $28,000, terrific. 'Collegiate' (Par) plus Little .Tack Little revue, turned in a swell $30,000 last week. Fox (Indie) (5,000: 25-35-55)— 'Magnificent Obsession* (U) with Weaver Bros,' on stage. Pic is the thing and b.o. figures around $29, r 000, excellent. 'Littlest Rebel' (20th) (2nd week) plus amateurs. Molasses 'n' January, and Human Ford, did a jumbo $34,000 last week after grabbing a nifty $16,000 first session. Downtown (RKO) (2,.')00; 25-3550)— 'Dream Too Much' (RKO). Started off, great but sluriiped towards end and looks like about $8,000. okay. 'Scalrlett* (RKO) gathered 3n another okay $10,000 last week. House resunries vaude temporarily Friday (10) with 'Broad-' way ollywood Restaurant Revue' due. Adams CEahiban) (1,700; 25-40)— 'Littlest l^ebftl' (£0th) ISrd week). Shirley still packing 'cm In after two hotcha sessions at Fox; $7,000, fine, due . this stanza. 'Fang and Claw' (RKO) did .swell $7,000 last wo?k for eight days. United Artists (UD) (2,000; 2535-.-5)— 'fbbet.son' (Par). Won't do nvar $5,000. riot so bad. 'Two Cities' fMCJ) cume across with a nice $15,000 last stanza. State (United Uetiolt) (3,000; 40)— '.Mary Burns' (Par) plus ' Ind i Lacjy' (MG). Biz very good here thlM week, about $5.0 0. House hit $7,000 last week on 'Coronado" fi'ar) and 'Man «>f Iron' (WB). SPOTTED WHODUNIT I roily wood, Jan. 7. '.Miiivlered by an Arlstocf-at,' with ! Frank McDonald directing, is' l.ri t)roductlon ;it Wai-ners. C .«t includes Mai'garef Liiul.«a\,! Lylr Talbot, C'laire Oodd. .Tohn TJld : ridg.' and Richard I'lircell. ' I Eeoond. .Slays two more days, 'Riffraff' In Friday (10). .. 'Ah, WilderneBK! is maJntaining a, strong pull on its second week 9,1 the Center at around $20,000, and stays third week, starting, today ( Wed.) First week a fancy $37,000; ^Kant' ujfd lawpiled .-'tin intv* tH* new Rialto foiv $12,000 first, week, and on second, ending this iafternobn (Wed.) will be about $9,000. Stays until Friday night (10), when in conves 'Crime of Dr. Crespl," or longer^ Stale hit a new high over New Year's at $1.50 prices on holiday eve, getting $41,500 with '. Iglit at. Opera' and Ed Sullivan on stage. This week house continues strong, looking $27,000 or over on 'So Red Rose' and Harry RIchman. 'Dangerous' will be about $16,000, ml'dish, on second week at Rlv, ending today (Wed.) arid -goes out tomorrow, 'Ghost Goes West' opening Friday (10). 'Ghost' Js in tentatively for three weeks, with the Chaplin 'Modern Times' opening, originally Jan. 16, set back. Thus this UA hlgh-termcr: will not conflict with Goldwyn-UA's Eddie Cantor picture, 'Strike Me Pink,' which ' opens at the Music Hall Jan. 16. Paramount, with its carii'paign plugging the 'Round and Around' song cuiTently used by the Casa. Loma outfit, as well as the authors of the number, who opened last night (Tues.), did a rerirarkablv good publicity advertising exploitation job. A la-rge ariiourit of Important space was grabbed during tlie past week for benefit not only of current showj but the advance bill as well. Estimates for This Wsek Astor (1,012; 26-35-56)— 'Annie Oakley (iUCO) (2rid week). Went on the holdover through New Year's getting over $6,000. First week, with picture off mighty strong, $12,000. 'Last Of Pagans' (MG) In on a preview last night (Tiles.). Capitol (4,620; 25-35^65-85-$l,25) —•Two Cities' (MG) (2nd week). Wound up second week last night (Tues.) at around $30,000 and stays but two more days, 'RllTrafC' (MG) taking tenancy Friday (10). First week 'Cities' -was over $50,000, big. Center (3,526; 25-35-55-86-$1.10) — 'Wlldernees' (MG) (2nd week). Doing swell here, getting $37,000 first week and around $'26,000 on second ending last night (Tries). Holds over. 'King pf Burlesque' (20th) follows. Hollyvyood (1,553; 65-$l;10-$l,65$2.20)— 'Dream' (WB), Closed Sunday night (6), getting $7,200 on lt<t final (I4th) week. House la dark with no succeeding attraction set. Palace (1,700; 25-36-55)— 'LltUest Rebel' :(20th) and 'Bway Hostess' (WB), paired. Doing pretty well, maybe over $9,000. Last week .'Dream Too Much* (RKO) and 'Another Face' (RKO), helped by New Year business to over $10,000. Paramount (3.C64; 25-35-55-85) — 'Bride Comes Home* (Par) (2nd week) and GI6n Gray Casa Loma Orchestra in pit. Show has what it takes and on holdover week in neighborhood of $3<J,0OO; fine. First week was tremendous, $55,000. Lroma band, with Onyx Club Boys added, stays on with 'Rose of Rancho' (Par) which had preview last night (Tues,). .Radio City Musie Hall (5,989: 40-60-85-95-$1.10-$1.65) — 'Magnificent Obsession' (U) and stage show." Came In Dec. 30 for 10-day run and on that stretch around $135,000, excellent. House ran six shows New Year's eve. Prior attractiop, XUtlest Rebel' (20tl>), on 11 days, stronger, shading $150,000. Rialto (750; 25-40-65)— 'Fang arid Claw' (RKO) (2nd week). Moderately rated animal picture benefited from holidays, getting $12,000 Xmas week and around. $9,000 on holdover ending today (Wed,). Stay-q urttll Friday night when 'Dr. Cre.spi' (Rep) opens or longer. Rivoli (2,092;. 30-05-70-83-99)— 'Dangerous' (WB) (2nd week). With oppo.sltion toiigli aga'inHt it only $18,200 llr.'st week, but comparatively much hottei' on holdover at around $l6.00|f>. .Stays ujitll Friday (10) when ' ChOf^t foes West* (UA) opens. , Roxy (O.RSfir 25-30-r)0)->FirKt A . ftli'l' (CH) and .stage .show. Doing i fairly good, $.11,000 or ovei-. 'Could I Cook' (<'rj.l) on nine, day.s through i boih holiday.-, a m'agnifieent $62,500. Strand ('.',7C7; . 35-00-G5-,S.'i)— •Capl. P.lood" ( 'I!/ C2rid week). Kriderl l(.s .scoond wez-k last night (Tue.«,) at ."troiig pace of aroiind ^.'JO.OOO. .'jfter first week of $4.1,.';00, smash. Ktavs third week. State .'i."i-0,';-7r'V--'f-'o R'»d no-i-'e' (far) and v;nide. hr^aded by Ilarry liU'lniian. lluslnt-fs ,'iw.' . above avef;i£;r' a( ^'!7,000 or better. T.asI week lif)li.se hit new high bv round SUiO, eliinsr $11,000, with ■.Vi«hi a1 Opera' (.Mf!). p^rfeet picture for .Vfw Vear crowd.", and Ei i-i'iIli-.iiM leviie on stace.