Variety (Feb 1936)

VAiiiETr PICT E G S S E S Wedneaday, Febniaipy 5,1936 ' Hot at $36300, 'Zero' I 'Rancho' $15,500, ite L. A. s Los Angeles, Feb. 4. (Best Exploitati : Chintise-St^te) Too many obstacleia this week to spread any grins on managerial phlzzes. First runs up against the combined .impediments of rain and threats thereof; the Jiast minute rush for auto tax payments and. a, in'inor flu Scare. Take last week didn't overflow the tills but considered pretty good all around. Boys In the cpujxtlng rooms expected more but weren't' exactly disappointed. •Rose Marie' dualed fnto the Ohlnese and State! is a sock and should garner a big ^36,500 for nine- day run. Nice biz also'being done by ■ •Rose^of Rancho' at'the Paramount; tifidoubtedly the exploitation Uiildng the liicture with the eai?Jy California days is having fruitful eltect With a pteview; thrpwn in and? special sfunts, should, do aroUiid S15,50Oi: . Backed up by. an exceptional cam- l^,ign, 'Ceiling Zerb' is strong in both Warner houses.- fiecohd.'week of 'Strike Me Pink' at Pantages and- RKO- Hlllstrieet not dp fprte, with hPuseg- trying to g6t out of a thil'd. week coroniitment to G'oldwyn. •Lady- Consents' stands by. ,-. ChJtteae-State .cpnibo ;stepped out .oh 'Rotter Marie' attd spPtted cards, inside and. juuti on every- istreet car In town* .around 800. Canadian rail-, ways. iwlthV.advantageous do-wntown. Idcatiphs, f^ave- p-ver their wiridbws f Pi" ■ Bfiieclally tjonstructed-" displays. Broadwtiy"-sdi^partment store also. ment t6t\ tv6nt: '^.indovf *Bpacet Ulu- . liniiiiated ttticlcs priftmmed tBe .atreetis atv iiight ahd disp^.y' copy, ih tKfe, 'idaUies ifvas -increased. Houses: y.ca]i»ltalized on music Bltiiktlon, iisiitg ; Ipajillbi '$tfttifon& for"' %pot "anMounoev. Iqents and aitblpglzing:! f qi' not 1>einff vjpfe>rmijkted-; t6,'-brqad'ea8t the recorded BfCPre.' - Thejr advised, a trip to the theatre tpv hear " the fliie&t music .'ever';Written. ■ Special, stories on the mbunties and how ihey ^fet . their man laiided In nearly all the sheets, ^paramount and Wamerjs also cam-' .paighed > heavily and smartly.. ■ < , Estima^s.for .Thi* Week 'V; ' Chinese (Grauman)* (2,028; 30-40- 6R)-^^Rpse Marie': (MG). Took a nice juihp In spite of adversities and will kick MP. around. $1^,500 for nine days, thanks to smart selling. Last *7eek, .'No Mercy' (20th) and 'Melody Lingers On' (UA) sjpllt. Tagged off ^ith $6,100 for six days/which is way down under, .Downtown (Wfi) (l,800r30-35-40) —'Ceiling Zero' (FN).; Plenty of help from Hoarst papers including serialization giving; this air opus a neat $9,000 on' flrst of two-week stay. Last week, 'Broadway Hostesd* (WB) and 'Harrlgan' (FN) split, trailed off with $3,400, which is shy of calculations.! ''" | Four Star (Fox) (900; 30-35)— •Ghost Goes West' (UA). Of£ to a nice start as $B',700 for first spell. Last week, 'First a Girl* (GB). Closed three week tenancy with a meek $1,&00. Hollywood (WB) (2,756; ,30-35- 40-55)—'Ceiling Zero' (FN). Jiist behind its downtown running mate but robust at $7,800 on initial stanza, I^ast week, "Broad-way Hoatess' (WB) land 'Harrlgan' (FN), split, tvound up with $4,400, a grand stronger than downtown .house sbbwed. brpheum (Bdwy) (2)270; 25-30- 3ff-40)-J.'dnly Human' (RKO) and ' Off' (WB), split, and vaude, - around normal grosses with $6,200 to show for "the week.' La3t week, 'Baldpate* (RKO) and 'An- other Face' (RKO), split, Just over the line with $4,400 -wUridup. . Paiitages. (Pan) (2,700; 25-35-40^ 55)—'Strike Me Pink' (UA) (2nd Week). Off since first stanza, dipping to $5,600. Last session a big- cheer with $11,400 through the wiGket, Paramount (Parlmar) (3,596;. 30" 40-65)—^^'Rose of Rancho' (Par) and stage show. Chalking up a satis- factory $15,500. Last -week, 'Any- thing Goes' (Par), plenty hefty at $18,700 on the bow-out. , RKO (2,950; 25-35-4b-55i—'Strike Me Pink' (UA) (2nd week). Run- ning neck and neck with Hollywood biz and headed for $6,500. off from previous seven days. Bettered Pan figure by $600 for a great big $11,900 on first week. State (Loew-Fox) (2,024; 30-40- 55)—'Rose Marie' (MG). Running ahead of its diial mate and flirting with $20,000 for nine days, which Is one of the reasons,house Is singing 'Rose Marie, I Love Yon/ Last week, 'No Mercy' (26th) arid 'Melody Lingers' (UA) split, tuned off with $7,500 for six days, only consolation being .it, bettered Chinese take by nearly $2,600. United Artists (Fox-UA) (2*100; 30-40'^56)-—^No Mercy' (20th) r.nd 'First a Girl' (GB) split: Fair $4,600 in nine . days. Last week 'Wikler- wess' (MG) and 'My Marriage' (20 th) split, •nothing to 'parade the troops for but $4,200 will do. NH H. 0/S lUiST FAIR 'Gees' $^^200, ' ink' $3,500, After Big irst Weeks Ne-w Haven, Feb, (Best lExplbiUtioh: Poli) Business in general okay desp'ite continued cold spell arid, tough trav- eling. Paramount is holding over 'Anything. Goes' five uaj>s to bring. 'Miilky Way' In a. couple days ahoad. 'Strike Me Pink' also a holdover but diving last half. Poll used a lot of radio time ..for 'Burlesque' plugging. Outlet through two local stations, plus lobby trans- cription period. Music counter tie- ins also shared heavily in bally. Campaign rounded out with heralds, candy bags, menus, bus and win- dow cards, free Liberty's with cor-. ner en-velope, Msual news spaCe, plus trailfrs in all . local Loe-tv houses.' Estimates for This Week Paramount (M&P) (2,348; 35-50) ^'Ahythlrig Goes' (Par) aind 'Con- Jidentlal' (Mas.).. Holdlhg over five idays and should add a. fair $3,2Q0 to last week's heavy.$9,200. ' Pbif (Loe^) (3,040: 36-60)-^^ur- lesque'- (20th) an**. 'Dangerous In- trigue' (Col).. Nice weekend Indi- cates very gbbd-$9,500. Last week 'Pink* (UA), big opening offset fal- tering last half, oke $8,300. ; Roger Shermian (WB) (2,200; 35-, 60)^'<Sho8t' (UA) and 'Man of iron'- (WB)'. Class appeal of 'Ghost' will probably' hold figures do-wn spmer -what,' around okay .|6>,26o. Last week 'Zero' (WB) wid 'Hitch Hike' (Rep>, nice profit at $.7,800 on eight -'days4 ■ • " Cbflege (Lpew) (1,665; 35-50)— 'Pink' (UA)* ;H;oldover ;3ust coast- ing along, oh switchover frpm last week at Poll's. Not too good, $3,500. Last Week 'Chan's Secret' (20th) and 'Three Ghost^' (MG) satisfied at $3,800 for 26-35c. scale. . Bijoii (Loew) (1,500; 15-25)— 'Stormy' (U) and "High Schopl Girl' ^(Foy). Four-day change' to flrst runs getting heavy response. Set ,for good $1,300; PROOIZUPS; MO' 'GOES' notices and all that but word-of- mouth was against . lt. Broke all records for week-end business but terrific - start made ho. impression with the natives; bad going in the last half Of the week kept gross down to $14,500, bke, but disappoint- ing ' *^ Fay's (2,200; 15-25-40)—'Great Impersonation' (U)' and vaudeville. Plenty of repeats in the stage show, but since hPuse is only spot in town with flesh entertainment; things are going "■along nicely; week should Wind up with at least $6,800 in the till; oke. Last week 'Magnlfiicent Obsession' (U) on a holdpyer sur- prised everyone ■■ with strength by garnering $6,500, very igopd. RKO Albee (2,500; 16-25-40)— ♦Ghost Goes West' <UA) and 'Girl Came Back' (Ches). Though. th6 cricks, very kind, ppor pace will probably keep gross around $4,000, off. Last week 'Chatterbox' (RKO) and Joe Cook unit |7,000; PfC. Last (thhrd) Vreefc of vaudeville. RKO Victory (1.600; 16-25)-^'Blg Hpuse* (MG) arid .'Dancing Lady' (MG). Swell •showmanship in bring- ing these two gems back; plenty of activity around this" house;, first lobby standout In y^ars. House should have ho ;difliiculty getting $4,000; more If the breaks are right. ate' %eam'-Vaade $16,500 As Cleve. Thaws Out Pro-vldence^ Feb. 4, . (Best Exploitation: Loew's) Following a week, of bitter disap- pointments, exhibitors look for brighter things this.stanza. ills as a Whole not so forte. 'Ceiling Zero' and 'Anything Goes' are the most attractive programs In town, and getting most support. 'Zero,' topping a double bill , at Majestic, - looks like the leader thi^ week, probably going over the top fpr a nice $10,000. 'Anything Goes,' also on a double header at Strand, and here the takings look like $9,000 An unusual f eature of this week's activities is. the. .showing revival of 'Big. House' and 'Dancing Lady' making: at the small RKO Victory, Looks like a cinch for $4,000 or more; Judgin g by opening. Albee back in picture fold with 'Ghost Goes West' and 'Girl Who Came Back,' and appears to be the trailer. Fay's, left alone again In the vaudeville field, showing signs of rejuvenation; 'Great Impersona- tion' playing second fiddle to stage show, but $6,900 seenls assured, Loew's- :and .Albee once again fighting for exploitation honors, the former winning out with campaign on 'Exclusive Story.' Biz, however, so-so. Besides the routine stuff, Loe-iv's staff worked upi 32 windows, located 125 Neon clocks throughout the city, co-op ads and a tie-up with .Postal Telegraph. Estimates for This Week • Majestic (Fay) (2,200-; 15-26-40)— 'Zero' (WB) and 'Freshman Love' (WB). With right breaks house should ha-v-e no difficulty in coming through With a nice $10,000,. swell. Last week 'Dahgerous' (WB) and IPaclfic Fleet' (WB), okay $8,000. Strand (Indie) (2,200; 15-25-40)— 'Anything Goes' (Par) and 'Great Life' (Par). House heading for $9,000. excellent. Last week 'Mil- lions in Air' (Par) and 'Lone Wolf (Col) so-so $7,000. Lobw's State (3.200; 15-25-40)— 'Exclusive Story' (MG). and 'Last of Pagfin.s' ' (M(3)i StaKed slow, gained enough over weekend though to place it in $9,000 bracket, mild for this spot. Last wef-k 'Strike Me Pink' (UA) off with a bang but pe- lored Put surprLsingly; got nice Cleveland* ,. 4. (Best Explbitati : Hipp, Stskte) No wortd-beaters this week, but grosses are jumping- up hlghei: than the teiriperature. Too many. frost- bitten ears last week, knocking down all expected figures, and bbx offices are slow in thawing, out. . Loew's State can't kick with 'Col- legiate,' which Is warming up to a good $18,000. 'Dream; Too Much' ■just skidding around Palace's cor- ners for $16i600, stage sho#. putting oh riiost of the speed. 'Lady Con- sents' looks like it may become a second 'Mag. Obsession' for Hipp; better than $10,500. Nice exploitation work on 'Con- se"nts' by Syd Dannenberg and Mort Goodman, who tied up with WJAY^s 'Charrii Hour' for Ann Harding^ plugs* Also developed ■ more femme appeal for pix -with. 'club-women contacts' via personal.,! ppstcards. Divided ballyhoo honors go to State's campaign In selling . '.Col- legiate' to college kids*in form of gags, blotters and title' contests. Estimates for This Week Palace (RK)' (3,200; 30-40-60).— 'Dream Too Much' (Radio). Lily Pons slapped by cricks. Ina Ray Hutton'S femme band arid Jack Pepper in vaude pushing gross up to $16,600. Last week, 'Chan's Secret' (20th) sind 'Sketch Book'on stage got an oke $18,600. Hipp (WB) (3,500; 25-40).—^Lady Consents' (Radio). Raves giving it chance to click, big, but cold winds may hold it down to around $11,000. 'Ceiling Zero' (WB) last week, which should have pulled In $20,000, also frozen down, but above average at $13,500. State (Loew's) (3,750;35-35-40).— 'Collegiate' (Par). Shrewd adver^ ttsing and Periner fans are^respon- slble for $18,00.0, smart. Last week, 'Pink' (UA) climbed to $19,500. Allen (RKO) (1,872; 25-40). — 'Zero' (WB. Satisfactory $4,500 for second week after being shifted from Hipp. 'Obsession' (U) In second stanza, $6,500; fine for this house. Stillman-(Loew's) (1.872; 26-35). —^Hold-over week for 'Pink' (UA), following State run, won't have any complaint If it does $4,500. 'Splendor' (UA) last week, stopped at $3,500. Seattle Rex with Vaude Back, OK;'Mutiny'$4,400 Seattle, Feb. 4. (Best Exploitation: 5th Ave,) Coldest snap .of year hit the town with effect on b.o.. unfavorable. Rex, ace spot of John Danz' Ster ling chain, has settled down to first run vaudfllm policy, and is cutting the mustai^d, to warrant listing in this department. Pop prices, best vaude in to\Vn and okay biz are put- ting the spot forward as a contender "for the gross, somewhat remindful of the days when Alex Pantages operated the house. Since then the house has had a checkei'ed life. Winter Garden (Sterling) got re- sults with 'Beyond Bengal' (Show- man's), which is now In third week, a record run equaled only once be- fore at tills house in past 10 years. Heavy exploitation helped, including morikey.ii in downtown windows, truck with billboard threadlrig the main streets and 'sandwich* man walking among the crowds on street 'Bengal' got estimate $4,000 first week, $3,200 second "w^ek, and looks $2,500 this -week. House seats 750 and was scaled at reg prices, i6^27c. Best exploitation this week at Fifth Ave, for 'Anything Cloea,' with music store tieups, EstimatiBs iof This Week Blue Mouse .(Hamrick) (900 ; 27- 37-42)—'Bipod' (FN). Sliigleton, Kose MarieV Plen^ Wampum, 20G iir Pliilly; Bemiy Rubin-Intrigue $15jOO moved from Fifth Ave., strong «t $4,500. Last week 'Wilderness* (MG), singleton, 43,900, good, Coliaeum (Evergreen) (liSOO; 21- 32)—'Mutiny' (MG) aind 'Red the Rpse' (Pair), dual.. Big at $4,400. Last week 'Night at Opera' (MG) and 'This Is Life' (Fb^xT, dual, $3,700, big. Fifth Ave. (Evergreen) (2,400; 27- 3l-42)-r-'Anything Goes' (Par) and ^Two in Dark' (RKO), dual. Mild $6,800. Last week 'Blood' (FN), $8,-^ 100, good. Liberty ,(J-vh) (1,900; 16-2'7^37)— •Pink' (UA) (2d week); Plenty street bally and coloreid ads iaendlns; it along to good $6,500. First w^ek, $11,300, heavy, Musio Box (Hamrick) (900; 27- 37-42-r!Obaessloh' (U), ,slngle. Third weiek stlU okay-at $3,200. 3Liast wepk, $4,200. Orpheum (Hariirl,ck) (2,700; 27- 37-42)rr-'RanchP' (Par) and 'Invis- ible Ray' (U), dual, $8,000, big. Last week 'Dangerous' (WB) and 'First a Girl' (GB), dual, $6,800^ slowV • Rex (Sterling). (1,400; 16-21-32)— 'Frisco Waterfront' (Rep) and vaude. Okay $3,700i Last -week 'Beat the Band' (RKO) and vaude, $3,50!O, good. Paramount (Evergreien) (3,106; 21-27-32)—'Widow Monte Carlo' (FN) and 'Only Human' (RKO), dual. Good, $4,000. Last week 'Fang Claw? (RKO) and 'Freshman Love' (WB), dual, $3,200, bad. mff mm in pfrrs IGLOO Pittsburgh, Feb. (Best Exploitati Stanley) Weather for third successive Tveek Continues to curtail, business, gen- erally with relief still, unpredictable, Town wantsf to come out of iglop, that's certain, but hasn't a chance. Friday (31) sub-zero again and tak- ings way off, but first gllinmer of warmth over weekend brought, them out In droves. Mercury, however, turned gruflf once more Monday (3) and another nosedive was In order.^ Saturday and Sunday^ however, will be decided help lii final reck- oning. Best bet for top profit is Penn, where 'Ceiling Zero', got away nicely and should -have little trouble collecting arpUnd $15,000, pretty good but still not strong enough to stick out nine days and get hoUse back to its regular Friday ojpening. Management hoping that 'Rose Marie,' opening tomorrow (6), will turn the trick. Also showing Ini- presslve comeback after terrible pre-vlous week at Stanley, where tab 'Sketch Book'- gets the credit over 'No Mercy' foi: altogether de- cent $21,000. Flicker well liked but ha;s np marquee strength and gen- erally agreed that It would be nega- tive quality without name jJuU of Carrpll unit. Otherwise, it's more of the dol- drums, Alvin brought in Earl Hines' band and colored unit to bolster 'Could Only Cook,' but policy of only occasional stage shows still remains dangerous, and doubtful if present set-Up will better notoriously weak $7,000. Two double-feature sites, Fulton and Warner, running about neck and neck, with perhaps Warner getting shade better of it-with 'Wid- ow f'-om Monte Carlo', and 'It's a Gr'eat Life,; maybe $3,800, Fulton won't be more than a hundred bucks sliort.of that with 'East of Java' and 'Dance Band,' Stanley got great breaks everyi where, partlculaHy from newspapers, on 'Sketch Book' stunt it pulled week previous. While tab Carroll show was playing in .J31eveland, management took town's cricks by plane to Ohio city for weekend to catch piece, line up their own spe- cial art and get interview angles with principals. As result, space for 'Book' was plenty generous for week preceding opening here. Estimates for This Week Alvin (Harris) (2,000; 25-40-55)— 'Could Only Cook' (Col) and show. Colored unit suffers somewhat from act that one of similar content played rival Stanley only week be- fore, Also harmful is house's vacillating policy, -with flesh booked in only at Infrequent intervals. Doubtful of bettering $7,000 on the week, n.s.g. for this lay-out. . Last week, third of 'Obsession' (U), and in five days around $5,000, excellent. Takings on rUn. undereRtimated, >vlth flicker winding up better* than Philadelphia,. Feb. (B«Bt Explbitatfonr Earle) Best this week in the downtown sector is 'Rose Marie,' at the Boyd. Only factor that rnay. riillitato against this one. is the weather. Intense cold and had conditions of m^ny streets la keeping plenty of patrons in the outlying districts, but pic should hit $20,000 and Is sure of a holdover, Better lyeather might aea the flrat: week's gross bounce well above that figure. • For - the ^ rest, average or near- average trade is expected.' Earib hopped off to a good start with Benny Rubin heading a strong stage show. Of late this house has been putting ahnbst all its emphasis on the vaude, with quickies, pro- grammers and Indies on the screen. This week's 'Dangerous Intrlgrue' Is no exception, but good orowds have been turning but for Rubin and the rest, with $15,500 Indicated. Fox, too. Is putting a lot of the burden on its stage entertainment this week. Pic Is 'Charlie Chfen'a Secret,' but the Marcus show, 'Revue Continental,' got good notices amd should help a. lot. Estimates for This Week Aldinb (l;2'0b;; 40-65^6?) — 'Pink' (UA). Third week, and figures for" $7,600 or better. Did $11^000 last week. Aroadia (600; 26-40-50)— 'Two Cities'- (MG), second run. Staying beyond slnglo -week,: although pic beihg shown In lower Market street house" Getting $2,700 on week end- ing today (Tuesday). Last week, 'RiflJ Rafl!* (MG), $1,800 In five days. Boyd (2,400; 40-65)-^'R6se Marie* (MG). Great 'notices, and, with stars both localities, figured for big biz despite weather. Likely $20,000. Last -week, '.Obsession' (U), $10,000 In 2d week, okay.; Earle (2,000;35-40-50) -r'Intrigue* (Col) arid vaude. Berihy RUbln on stage getting real attention, $16,600 figured. Last week 'Widow Monte Carlo'. (WB), and vaude with Frank Parker, $£4,500, good. — Fox-(3,000; 40-55-65)—'Chan's Se^ cret' (20th) arid Marcus unit. Looks like $14,000. Last week 'Paddy O'Day (20th) And stage shoAv, not quite $14,000. . Karlton XlMO; 26-36-40) —'Mas- ter's Voice' (Par). First run for a change, but no more than $2,800. Last -week 'Dangerous'. (WB), sec- orid run, $4,000 for nine days, good. Keith's (2,000; 30-40-60)—'Obses- sion* (U), second run. Getting. $3,-- 300, Last week 'Collegiate' (Par), second run, weak $2,400. Stanley (3,700; . 40-55)—'Goes* (Par). Fine notices, but, audiences not enthusiastic, and trade-only fair. Maybe $12,000 «nd no h.o. Last week 'Zero* (FN)', great notices but no h.o. diespite. an okay $14,000. Stanton (1,700; 30-40-50)—'Exclu- sive Story^ (MG)< Specially plugged and to be kept nine days. Probably $8,500. Last week 'Invisible Ray' (U), only $5,600. $23,000 In 19 days, swell. Moved directly from here to Harris nabe site, Family, In Bast Liberty where it immediately went into high. Sat- urday night (1) they had to quit selling ducats at Family early in evening, V Fulton (Shea-Hyde) (1,700; 15-25- 40)—'East of Java' (U) and 'Dance Band' (FD). House another that hasn't a permanent policy, switch- ing from singles to duals every other week or so. Around $3,700, just fair, in prospect for present combo. Last week 'Pro Soldier' (2,0th) around $4,300. Operilng presaged second week but return of freezing teriiperatUres Interfered and cut it down to regulatiori stay. Penn (Lqew's.-UA) (3,300; 25-35-. ,40)—'Ceiling Zero' (WB). Pushing right up, among house's recent lead- ers and should skim easily o-ver $16,000 mark. Still not enough, however, to merit two esltra days necessary to get hoUse back to a Friday opening, and management how hoping that 'Rose-Marie,' open- ing tomorrow (5), will do it. Last week 'Strike Me Pink' (TJA) hit a tough blow by the weather and wound up poorly at $11,500, poorest first-run gross ever turned in here by a Cantor niusical, Stanley (WB) (3,600; 25-40-55)— 'No Mercy' (20th) and tab 'Sketch Book.' Although filcker's well- liked, it wasn't figured to do any- thing, having .'previously been booked and then yanked ias part of a double feature at Warner. So it's the Carroll show that's getting credit for fairly impressive $21,000. That looks like a million bucks over last weelc,.however, when 'Pviff-Raff' (M(3) and Lucky Milllnder's band Unit wouldn't climb above $12,500. Warner (WB) . (2.000; 25-40)— 'Widow Monte Carlol (WB) and 'Great Life' (Par). Showing few signs of life again but mercury still against any great improvement, maybe $3,900, a few hundrpd doll.'irs better than la.st weelc'.s $.*) ,175 with 'Live Ghosts' (MG) and 'Coronado' (Par).