Variety (Apr 1936)

Wtfresdajr. April 22, M36 l» I C ¥ E CI0S1U VARIETY a BiHed Over Pic.; I 'Garcia $5, Chicago, April 21. (Best Exploitation; R'velt, Chi) This- week the best marquee .strength in the loop is the tag of Frank; Capra at Chicago^ which is doing more idvertVslng "pt 'thfe ra moniker than the name of the icture or its actors. Ever since •Lady for a Day*, local exhibitors have found that there is box office value in the Capra label on a pic- ture. They have previously found tliis same thing true with the. name of Sam Goldwyn on a picture, even in cases where the picture Itself was generally agreed to be not so hot. Likewise the literati of the town re- spond, in a body to the names of Fen Hecht and Charlie MacArthur on a flicker. Leading Chi by a wide margin is Capra's 'Deedsr Goes to Town' and Will zoom the Chicago into a pleas- ant set of numerals. Tied in with the flicker is a stage show angle which spells happiness for the -house. On the stage are the stars of the 'Great Waltz' musical, which Just completed a bang-up 16 weeks at the'Auditorium at $2.75 topi Foot- light attraction that gives plenty of "prestige and b.o. to this arena. 'Country Doctbr' falls into second place. Tag here of Charlie Blake in the ads as writer is of some Im- portance since Blake is well known v for his many stories in the evening American.- Arch Herzoff for 'Deeds' and Ed Levin oh 'Doctor' evenly divided the town's publicity honors, both , of 'em spreading on everjr angle. Estimate* for This Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 25-35-E5)— 'Garcia' (20th). Not so hot, and Will, have to be satisfied with $5,000. Last week 'Shark Island* (20th) fin- ished two fine weeks to $6,300 for Anal session. Chicago (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-76) ■^-'Deeds' (Col) and stage show. Guy Robertson, Marlon Claire and Vivien Fay of 'Great Waltz' headlining and accounting for good rhare of trade. Zooms into hearty figures at $35,000. Last week, second for.'Wife vs. Sec.' (MG), okay at $28,000. - Erlanger (1,200; 65-S3-$1.10-$1.66) —'Zlegfeld' (MG) (2d week). Looks like an easy four weeks. Ads and publicity by Charlie Stevens and Fred Bartow crashed plenty space and talk. Got big $12,000 first week Garriek (B&K) (900; 36-55-65)— 'Wife vs. Sec' (MG). Third week in loop for this piece and. still a money-maker. Will hit $6,000, nifty. . Last week 'Yankee* (20th), revival, not good, fading to $3,700 Oriental (B&K) (3,200; 25-35-40) —•Dead* (WB) and vaude. It's the picture this week and house perks into good money, $17,000. Last week 'Tough Guy' (MG) miserable, $12,400. ' Palace (RKO) (2,500; 25-35-55-65) ^—•Witness Chair' (RKO) and vaude. Pretty fair session in prospect at 516.000. Last week powerful $22,300 for 'Sutter' (U). Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 26-35-55- 65)—'Doctor' (20th). Dionhe flicker opened Saturday (18) and looks for fancy opening gallop at $16,000. Last week 'Marie* (MG) finished smash- ing three weeks to $7,900. State-Lake (Jones) (2,700; 20-25- w.ls-40)—'jeersoaal' ,tJi.tb.).And vaude. House has lifted its average gross a couple of grand in the past month or so. Now riding around the $12,- 000-513,000 mark. This week again 'close to $14,000, smacko. Last week ^'Leathernecks' (Rep) lifted house to new recent top at $14,700. United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700; 35-55-65)— 'Fauntleroy' (UA) (2d week). Will make it three weeks without too much difficulty. Get- ting steady play for second session to $9,000. Last Week opened to good h $15,200. the old time favorite to the minds of the fains. Bill posting' heaviest in moons and stunts plentiful along with some extra marquee attention gathered by a 16-foot neon figure of Chaplin. , — --E'stTmates - for This" Week" Omaha (Blahk-Tri-States) (2,100; 25-40)—'Times' (UA). Figured to do extra biz, but Jiot enough to break the duai feature policy, so gets a partner, in 'Mbnte Carlo' ;(WB). Returns here will be in pro portion to effectiveness of campaign in getting the old Chaplin before the public, a problem made ..more difficult by fact that cinema .audi- ences have changed so with talkers. But $8,000 can be reached and will be . more than okay. Last week 'Wife vs. Sec' (MG), knocked off $8,500 fbr the week, exceptional money, helped little by 'Pagans' (MG) as dual partner. Orpheum (Blank-Tri^, tates) (2,- 976; 25-40)—'13 Hours' (Par) and 'Bbliemiafi* (MG), dual. Air' picture has part of its locale laid in this Ing Kid' (WB) disappointed with only $8,800. Orpheum (WB) (1,950; 25-35-55) —'Till We Meet Again' (Par) and 'Brides Are Like That' (FN). Dualer should do $8,1Q0 with tough opposi- tion at nearby. Loew's. Last week 'Moon's. Our Home' (Par) and 'Mur- der on Bridle Path' (RKO), $7,900 for fair week, Loew's (3,162; 25-35-55)—«Petti- : coat Fever* (MG); Should have no trouble doing $15,200 and may beat that-Agure.. for ..good week. Last week 'Small Town Girl' (MG),. fin- ished With $15,000 for nice week. Missouri (F&M) (3,514; 25-40) — ^Country Doctor' (20th) and 'Dough- nuts and. Society' (Mas). Quins will help drag $5,900 into house this Spring^ DoOK; M Bang-Up SIMM mgs^llWreMWeA (Best Exploitati : Rivoli) After many delays spring is fin- ally reaching New York and with It the outdoors beckons. The man- iy«efe,. .Last week 'Modern Times'. Users have gotten ; . sJck _« _yinter '(.UA), Chaplin registered low, only $5,100. Grand Opera House (Ind) (2,200; 15*25-35)—'Coming Round Moun tain'.. (Rep) and vaudeville. Set for $3,400"week, profitable. Last week 'Spy 77' (All) and vaudeville fin- ished with $3,200, o.k. 'Great Ziegfeld* brought in $19,000 on its first week, tremendous. Roxy's holdover of 'Gentle Julia, which had a big Easter week of $38,500, will be around $25;000, okay, while second week for 'Small Town Girl 1 iit -the-Capitet-a^ear^^iOTOpil— tops. 'Message to Garcia' got a re* ported .$20.0C0 in its first week at the Center and on second; .ending- today (Wed.) around $12,000.. with. Schooimarms Give Pics A Play in Louisville Conv.; 'January' $9,500 Louisville, April 21. (Best Exploitation: Strand) Biz is on the upbeat in Derby- town. Double draw here wiir total I town, as balmy spring weather gives !7Jffi I^tV^V ^ St * Week * P f>«" an outlet for long pent up spending, tleroy* (UA) not tob strong, not too _.■ ,■ ■■ ,, . . . , • ■ ^ weak, dualed with 'Millions in Air' Theatre men all shared in increased ,(Par) tor $7,100, fair enough and takings brought about primarily by mostly due to the kid film. the presence in town over the week- Brandeis (Blank-Tri-States) (1.- e " d of over 7,000 school teachers, 250- 2R-3'»-40S — 'Witness Chair* wno were In attendance at the an- (RKO) 2 and ''Farmed RKO). ° Pair S^-tton^ n J ™ ™ r ai communities, and their annual m $J& ? A ( 2 pet-together is an event to which an eight-day run when tdidnt hold £ h ^ forward , T hey come pre- the opening pace struck it the. be- ■ ■ Kh sp e ndlh g money, and ginning of the week Single, tea- theatres as well aa sho ps and re- tured bill nevertheless piled UP taurants all share in the circula- $6,000, very good. tlon. Rlalto, with 'Capt. January,' which opened Thursday: (16), got the juirip on the other. houses. Biz looks terrific, and Shirley Temple's latest should come down, the stretch a $9,500 winner. A dual, 'Unguarded Hour* and Hell-Ship Morgan,' at Loew's State, rates the place position, and looks to garner a good $5,700. National has a standout stage show, hearted by York and King, with 'Spy 77' on the screen. Combination Is in for four days, and with straight pic- tures for three days should easily take $4,200 on the week. <3t t mil? Anrii *>l I Strand has a shade ort explolta- „ , ' * «o n . ^r an old stunt, That is of, (Best Exploitation:. Fox) ferlng free admissions to any young Huge Fox and Loew's both had lady having red hair and brown nice b.o. grosses last Week and eyes. Plenty of broWn-eyed gals iiu.e u.u. 0 ♦,,..„,.,„„,,. ttw. took advantage of the Invitation, should repeat again this week, Fox and the gag caused considerable with 'Captain January* and Loew's favorable comment, on 'Petticoat Fever.' Estimates for This Week Rest of town will be just so-so Loew's State (3,000; 15-25-40) 'jant; tever' 16GAND15G, OK IN STL and a lot of rain, like other folks have, but now that normal April weather Is decid.- 2 to show up t'.ey' have other things to worry about, baseball and racing started ^-- ^eping- it a third week. This during.the> pastweek,.J 0 ^S iSer is not justified by th and track playing to sriong at- ,■„_*_-_„ j t abine tendance, while on Sunday (26) day- business it Is doing^ light saving begins. While summer The excellent publicity and aover sports activities, principally cut into Using; campaign put on by | United tne matinees, with daylight saving Artists and the Riv for Tilings to the evening business is always af- Come* is credited >ylth bringing■ -a... fected good share of the business the Wells 'Mr.: Deeds Goes to Town,' the freak is drawing. The ads, libei*ally leader of the week by many lengths, spread among the newspapers, were is really going to town at the Music very well done and different, with Hall where it is heading for a fine a view to arousing curiosity. Among first seven days of $100,000. Stays the unusual publicity breaks was a another week. However, at $101,- two-page, spread'of scenes from the 800 on second week of 'Fauntleroy,* picture in the Times magazine. Hall thought it wise not to go a Special airplanes, flew over baseball third week, partly because kids games and racing - crowds during went back to school Monday (20); the past week, with banners adver- Of the other hew .arrivals, 'Things tlslng picture, and there were yari- to Come* is second best at the ous radio tie-ups» plus a flash invi- Rivbli. In spite of disappointing tation premiere at the Riv Friday notices, it may score $30,0(lfl_on the night (17). Numerous other tie-ups, first week. This is anything but including co-operative ads In dailies, big, though profitable. Three other also figured, new pictures came in this week, but E8t i ma tes for This Week hone of them are doing much- I Married a Doctor* looks no more Astor (1,012; 5S-$l.l0-$1.65-$2.20) than $15,000 at the Strand, while —'Ziegfeld' (MG) (Jind week). Big 'Sky Parade' .is pointing toward an g e j,t smash among roadshow pic okay , $7,000 at the little-seater tures in a long time. Selling stand Rialto. 'Witness Chair,' on first run I i n g. rooni at all performances first at the Palace^ with dual bill com- week, including midnight show Sat- pany being 'Sutter's Gold/ may hit urday nlgnt (ig), take was $19,000 $10,000, fair. : , a third show cannot be played Sun- Althbiigh In Its second week, T>e- daya> as others have here, due to sire' at the Paramount, with the \ \ one running time, Little Jack Little orchestra; Ethel a b ^ s ^. /i R ^ n . 9K «•«.gR._it25> Merman and Jane Cooper in the pit, I Cap.tol (4,6*0, 15-35-55-.85-$l.25> Giri' (MG) (2nd n^sr^oeTytV Musfc HaU only, hveek). Came close to $35 000 first Show^chtirSed^to a smafh $55"o% wjefc but on ^« <«»fg> first week and on second '(current), I weakening noticeably , may be_shy looks $35,000, iTg^^oYh^u^ days, house returning to a Wednes day opening (29) I comes in Friday (24). Center (3,525; 25-35-55-85-$1.10)— Plaving to "standing room at all I 'Garcla' (20th): (3rd week). At perfprthances > Including at Satur- around $20,000 first week and $12, day's (i8) midnight show again, KID' HEADS FOR' HEFTY J9j IN DENVER with Ambassador continuing 'Mr. Deeds' as a first run after 7 days at 'Unguarded' (MG) and 'Morgan' (Col), dual. Getting nice play from visiting school inarms, and pleasant CHAPLIN LOOKS FOR STRONG 8G IN OMAHA the Fox where pics of this qahbre. wea t ner n 0 t hurting. Nice $5,700. that were formerly in for a run, are, Last week 'Small Town* (MG) and limited to one week and then moved 'Garden Case' (MG), dual, good Into Ambassador. Since starting $5 ( 200 ; this policy of 'continuing^ first run' '■ . , (Four th Ave) (3.000; 15- biz has been picking up each week U 5 : 40) _. January . (2 oth). A natural at the Ambassador. and educat0 i-s glad of chance to 'Both WB houses, Shubert-Rialto rc i ax and enjoy the talent of a and Orpheum, are tossing dualers won der moppet, probably a wel- to the natives; 'Road Gang' and come relief from the brats they are 'Farmer in Dell' are "on screen at pa i d to teach. Ringing the cash Shubcrt and 'Till We Meet Again" agister for $9,500. plenty oke. Last and 'Brides Are Like That' at the week 'Sutter' (U) a floppo and held orp hanm . ^. _. only six d ays to poor » 3,20 0 'Country Doctor,' which ran tip a I" Brown (Ind) (1,600; 15-25-40) pretty fair b.o. figure at.Fox several 'Rhodes' (BG). Getting conslder- weeks ago, again is on exhibition aD i e play from visitors, also from this week at Missouri where it is natives who had their Interest teamed up with 'Doughnuts and So- whetted by Huston's recent 'Dods- ciety' a dualer that should bring worth' appearance at Memorial money for this big house: Aude. Will go $3,400. nice. Last Grand Opera House is set for a week 'Wife vs. Sec' (MG) did well good week with 'Coming Round at $3,000. Mountain' on screen and 8 acts of Strand (Fourth Ave) (1,500; lo- vaudevllle. in addition to 8 local 25-40)—'Brown Eyes' (Par) and ams on Tuesday night. 'Parents' (Par), dual. No names, viotrMA • MG's roadshow, grossed but pressure put on exploitation will , Z ift £e .%?J AmSSn last week return a pr6tit at $3,800. Last week two-a-day policy and is | 'Garcia Denver, April 21. (Best Exploitation: Orpheum) 'Singing Kid' is headed for a I ^eekrhou^"gbing"back'^ 000 second ending today (Wed,), picture goes third, apparently from lack of suitable product since these, figures do. not merit, engagement longer than two ■weeks. Palace (1,700; 25-35-55)—'Witness Chair* (RKO) (1st run) and 'Sut- ter's Gold' (U) (2nd run), dual. Do- ing fair, around $10,000. Last week Country Doctor' (20th) and 'Dance Man' (20th), $8,600. ■« Paramount (3,604; 25^35-65)— 'De- sire' (Par) (2nd week) and Little Jack Little orchestra, Ethel Merman and Betty Jane Cooper in pit (2nd week). Smash show and a policy that is gaining momentum here means a very strong second week of $35,000. First seven days sock $55,000. Whole show will be re- tained nn extra fbur days of a third $9,000 week at theJDenver and goes | day open i n|?s a?aln wJt h '13 Hours " * — — By Alr , ( Pai .) and Q uy Lombardo band in Wedhefiday (29). Radio City Music Halt (5,989; 40- 60-85-99-$1.10-$1.05) — 'Mr. Deeds' (Col) and stage show. Opened stout- ly and enjoyed a smash weekend, with first seven days' business sug- gesting $100,000. Picture holds. 'Fauntleroy' (UA) last week, on its from there to the Broadway for ex tended run. Current and second week for 'These Three' at the Alladin is good enough to warrant a third. Orpheum arranged a tie-up with a mining firm, giving public a chance to win 1,000 shares of stock, plus free tickets, for best estimates Omaha, April 21. — (Best—Exploitation: Oniaha)- Current draws pass normal and those to come shortly augur good biz. Omaha, with Charlie Chaplin stands to best the town, but margin, may be only slight. This one had a Saturday opening but $8,000 is within reach. . Orpheum, with a good enough bill neaded by '13 Hours,* and 'Bohe- mian Girl* to make it a twin pro- gram. Brandeis made a hurried booking of 'Witness Chair' when singing Kid' failed to hold fbr the extra run expected of it. This one .V fe'rab no laurels, but will more tlian hold its own. Exploitation and publicity credit centers at the Omaha where the 01(0 l>ui on extra ateam to recall with a being held for another week Manager Harry Greenman and Lucille Byrnes at the Fox win the laurel wreath this week for their fine exploitation campaign On Shirley. Temple's latest opus. Estimates for This Week ■ Fox (F&M) (5,038; 20-35-55) — 'Capt. January' (20th) and 'Roaming LadV (Col), Points for a swell $15,- 900 'week as Shirley in still town s juvenile fave. Last week ', v. Deeds (Col) didn't hold up, finished with fair $13,500. Ambaerador (F&M) (3.018: 25- 35-40)—'Mr. Deeds' (Col). Looks good for $8,000 afu-r fine advertis- ing campaign at Fox lost week. Last week 'Connecticut S'ankeo (Fox) and 'Pride of Marines' fCol) old revival didn't do so »a<l with $i,100 at end of run. Shubert-Rialto (WB) (1.725; 20- 35-55)—'Road Gang' (FN) and 'Farmer in Dell (ItKQ). lathing here to excite natives to spend more than $7,100, fair. Last week "Slng- on the gold cpp""^ oi_aomfi_oxe Jl _ i .^Z^' ^rt?' . , ..? buiu Luii'ruu. aecond7gor$T(ri,irno Tvith kids out or $14,500 at<the American last _week | i^turna Pg--,-^ througn f|>p fine $4,000. Mary Anderson (Llbson) (1.000 15-25-40)—'Singing Kid' (WB) (2d Week). Looks like another musical to hit the. bull's-eye. Getting to be a habit for the Mary Ann to hold over the tune pics, and 'Kid' looks headed'for good $3,500. Last week same pic registered with $5,000; National (Ind) (2.350; 13-25-40)— 'Spy 77* (FD) and Stage show headed by York and King. Old timers going great, and indications are for $4,200, fine. Last week •Soak Rich' (Par) and WHAK Barn Dance on the stage for four days, followed by 'St. Louis Kid' (VVH> and 'Forced Landing' (P.cp), dual, three days, fair $3,500, Alamo (ind) OOO; 1j*-2.j)— In- former* (RKO) and 'Billies' (RKOi dual Brace of attractions promlns'* neat $1,700. above average for house. Last week 'O'Malley' (20th) and 'Matthews' (Col), dual, splitting With 'Valentine' (Rep) and 'Hobo (GB). dual, just about average $1,500. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Huffman) (1,500; 25-40- 50)—'These Three' (UA) (2d week). Sticks for third on current $4,000. Last week sailed along to $4,500, plenty to warrant holdover. . Broadway (Huffman) (1,500; 25- 40)—'January' (20th) (2d run). Fol- lowing week at the Denver, still going strong at $2,500. Last week 'Fauntleroy' (UA), following oyer two weeks at the Aladdin; still held the Broadway up to its average of S1.5C0. Center (Allan) (1,500; 20-25-35)— 'Dance Band' (FD) and stage show. Off at $2,000. Last week 'Valentine' (Rep), $2,500, below average. Denham (Cooper) (1,500; 25-35- 40)—'Moon' (Par). Doing okay $5 000. Last wpek '13 Hours' (Par) did a neat $6,500. Denver (Huffman.) (2,5 ; 25-35- 50)—'Singing Kid' (FN) and stage band. Goes to Broadway after good $9,000 here. Last week 'January (20th) topped the town easily at $10,-000 and moved to the Broadway Orpheum (RKO) (2.000; 25-30-40) —'El Dorado' (MG) and 'Bet' (RKO). double. Town seems to think it's just a pair of sluffs rather rha'n official start for duals at this Iionx". Fair at $0,000. Last week ■Small Town' (MG) went to town for big $8,000. Paramount (Huffman) (2.000; 25- 40)—'Chan at Circus' (20th) and •Song and Dance' (20th), double> Average $3,000. Last week 'Gang' U'"N> and Tayoff (FN), $2,500. school, this beating Initial week's (Holy Week) take of $90,900. Rialto (750; 25-40-66)—'Sky Pa- rade' (Par). Augurs about $7,000, okay: Last week 'Murder on Bridle Path' (RKO), $7,100, Rivoli (2,092; 40-70-99)—'Things to Come' (UA). With a Hmart ad- vertising und exploitation campaign: behind it to offset some bad notices, flrat week'» grab may reach $30,000; This isn't big but it's agreeable profit and possibly meaniw three weekM. 'Come* had a flossy Invita- tion premiere Friday night (17). Final two days on fifth week of 'These Three' (L'A), under $4,000. oxy (5,836; 25-35-55)--'Gentic Julia' (20th) (2nd week) and stage show ("nrt week) featuring 'Stuff* Smith and Onyx Club boys. Rode to fancy $38,600 last week (1st) and on. holdav.er.wiil.set house fair jprpfjt. at $25,000. Strand (2,707; 35-55-65-85>-VMaiv rled a Doctor' (WB). Another dis- appointer for this show window of the Warner firm, pace meaning a pull for $15,000. Theatre may have to hold over, nevertheless, due to a product situation. State (3,450; 35-55-75)—'Milky Way' (Par) and vaude headed by Buddy 'Rogers. Latter on personal with the Harold Lloyd comedy help- ing but not smash at around $23,000 Indicated. 'Klondike Annie-' (Par) and Stci>in' Fetchlt as headllner oi stage bill came close to $30;000, very good.