Variety (May 1936)

8 VARietr PICT E CROSSES Wednesday^ May 6, 1936 Getdng Wamh in L. A. but Top Pix Ttrive; W^ld Man'^ [s'fe$«W $14000 Los Angeles, May 5. (Best Exploitation: Four Star) Heat wave started agala current ■week, with night fogs disappearing and distribution of business going to houses having the top attrac- tions. Qn tlie whole, trade in first run emporiums is considerably above that of the previous week. Chinese .and State are iil again with double bill policy which is re- ported as perrtianent currently. Trade Is mUch iihprpvedi over the single ., bill attraction with the Shirley Temple 'Captain January* and 'Everybody's Old Man,' both 20th-Fox, the attractions. Houses should have combined take of aroiiftd $20,000 for the week.- Pantages and BKO have a busi- ness reawakening with 'JaxTMrs. . Bradford' and are in line for a com- bined $14,000 for the pic which is scheduled for'twa. week sojourn. 'Golden Arrow' at the Warner . Powntown and lioilywood. Is nothing superla.tlve.as an attraction and will bi'ing no cheer, to management with its take. 'Things To Gome* at the Four Star, heavily campalghecl) ffot big opehlhg both in sho"w .and coin and is headed for unusually big Opening, ^veelc ln this house. Looks , as though It can $iti<ck around for four-stanza?. .... 'Great Zfegfeld' in thir4 week at , Carthay "Circle holding up' in, grea^ style and looks like, clncli for an- other four weeks. *Mr, Deeds* in- second week at PariEimount doing oke iarid will, bring house through to .profit on the sta,nza. For 'Things' the Four Star did things in circus fashion. Took over eiytire' building in downtown busi- ness, area pri prorhinent corner using 12 display windows for exhibits of inventions to hai^ness ocean waves, power usage methods, electric speed boats, naodels of sleeper planes and other important :jew fangled der vices, . Exhibit was .ballyhooed wi4;h sign In. silver Ijstters 9& inches high across bUiliJing front, linking, the- atre with ejfhlbit. .Bu.ilding cover- ing full quarter block has crowds jammed . in front... iooklng at ex- hibits., Also tied, in with United Airlines that brought ' newspaper display of photograph showing pic director shaving with electric razor while travelling in air. Used gag readers heavily in all dally papers and' haid plenty of air announce^ ment. Estimates for Thi Week Carthay Circle (Fox) (i;5l8; 55- 83-1.10-1.66)—'Zlegfeld* (MG) (3d week). Keeping, along, at fast clip and doingiunuBuaily big. Last week, second, came . through to advance calculations with smart $16,600. Chinese (Grauman) (2,028; 30-40- 55)—'January' (20th) and 'Old Man' (20th), split. Off to most healthy pace with this new policy but weak- ening to $8,000. List week 'Small Town' (MG) arid 'Chan at Circus' (20th) slipped below anticipations to a $7,000 finish, fairly irood. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 25t35-40) —'Golden Arrow* (FN). Nothing ter- rific. Previews added during .week will help it to a so-so take Of bit short of $4,300. Last week 'Playboy* (WB). Was Just a siCk man about town to a poor finish of $3,600. Fifmarte (Pox) (900; 40-55)-—'M' (Nero) (2d week). For six day hold- over period nothing charming in a round $1,100 with initial week take di.sappolhting at around $i,700. Four Star (Fox) (900; 30-3B)-t- •Thlngs' (UA). Looks like clhch for four weeks from start off trade which is one of healthiest in house history. Will come through with around $5,800 which Is . ^'iccellent. . Last week 'Saturday Nlghf (20th^ Fox). Second and final five days so-.so-so to tune of $1,350. Hollywood (WB) (2,756: 25-35- 40-55)—'Golden Arrow* (FN)/ Do- ing bit better than downtown house but gets nowhere with this one a.>3 plenty preview aid was utilized to bring this one close to the J5.000 point. Last week 'Playboy* (WB). Hollywood has too many in tlie fle.sh for customers curiosity to be aroused on screen, so a poor .$2,900 which was far below expectations for the week. Orpheum ' (Bdwy) (2,270; 35-30- 35-40)—'Roaming Lady' (Col) and 'Bridge of Slfjhs* (Invlnoiblo). split, and vaudev.llle. Without anything sparkling In " stage show trade is nothing to brag about and houso Avill Just do a fair $7,000 at tops. Last week 'Julia* (20tli) and Amo.s 'n* Andy heading stage contlncrpni. Smash and house record at- $"5,300. Pantages (Pan) (2.700; 25-3.^^40- i»5)—'Bradford' (RKO). Started off okay and moving at clip Coi- fi -.st week which should tourh a profit- able $6,000 ilgure. Last weelc 'In- J vestiigator* (RKO) and - 'Personal' (U). Combo did poor $4,600. , 'Paramount (Partniar) (3,595; r- 4d-55)-^'Deeds' (Co,l> and stage show. (2d week). Holdlhg up on very good fashion and will hit around the $14,000 mark. Last week,, week, first, very good at $19,300. RKO (2,950; 25,35-40-55)—'Brad* ford* (RKO). Powell-Arthur combo popular, in this sector with trade in accordance; Take Will reach a fair $6,000 for the week. Last week 'In- vestigator? . (RKO) aind 'Personal' (U).' Was Just a draggy session to a soso $5,200. - .State (Loew-Pox) (2,024; 30-40- 55)—'January' (20th) and 'Old Man* (20th), split- Cinch top attraction for the house. It is going places to a good take of around $I2,00(». Last week 'Small TOwri'- (MG) and '(Than at Circus* (20th-P6x). Was a very good combination and came over the finish line With good $12,400; United Artists (Fox-UA) (2,100; 30-40-55)—'Small Town* (MG) and 'Chan at Circus* (20th), split. Bet- ter than . average double bill combo for this house and in line, to hit around .the $4,500 mttfk-whiCh is big. Last week 'Garcia'-(20th-Fox) and 'Garden Case' (M(^). Nothing to cheer about though'l)lt of profit for house with clOse to $3,<0(K LEADING IN iiiffalo, May 5, (Best itatipn: Buffalo) Grosses are continuing to show erratic tendencies this week after a sharp, slump-during the last stanza which had some of the downtown theatres gasping. • Last week's drop may. be attributed to a couple of days of record-breaking hot weather, but whatever it is, it has the boyis in the front offices guessing. 'Three' at the Buffalo is building hidely and deserves evei'ythlng it will get. Other houses are all run- ning about even. The Buffalo did most of the week's exploitation for 'Three.' Tle-Ups covered every angle,^ .including va- riety of newspaper co-ops, banner- ing of trucks, special telegi-am. mes- sages, . window displays and wrap- ping bag and window .card distribu- tion and several newspaper contests; Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Sh^a) (3,600; 30-40-50)— 'Three' , (UA). Fine picture with strong supporting screen fare and Arno in the pit. Looks like fair $10,00(li. Last week 'Moon's Home' (Par) fioppo at the lowest gross In months, $8,500. Hipp (Shea) .(2,400; 25-40)—'Pine'. (Par).' This one brought back after first-run at Buffalo last month. Re- runs not doing so, well currently and this one does not look over $6,000. Last week 'This Night* (Par) and 'P Man" <Par), another nosedive here for this, dual which scraped bottom at $4,300. Great takes (Sh.ea) (3,400; 25-40), —'Married a. Doc' (WB). ' Moderate takings indicated at $7,500. Last Week. 'Garcia' (20th) got the best comparative business in town and was runner-up for high gros.s on the week, $8,500. Century (Shea) (3,400; 25)—'Chan at Clrcti.s'. (20th) and;'Muss 'Em Up! (RKQ)^ Chan usually does well by the box ottice here and this one may itet $6,000, Last week 'El Dorado? (MG) and 'Widow Monte Carlo' (WB) dropped off from preceding fortnight's top business at $5,800. Lafayette (Ind.) (3,400; 25)— 'Rhodes''(G-B) and 'Personal' ( ), Medium' business in prospect for this bill at probably $7,000. Lust week'Deeds' (Col) (2d wee::). Held up to e.vcellent levels at nearly ?10,000. AMS WITH DUAL BILL $13,000 IN MONTREAL ^Montreal. May 5. (Best Exploitation: Palace) About 60,000 people moved around ill this city Friday and Saturday Cl-2> and .thi.s . nalnraUy affected yr.o.s!5cs on Main .street over the \yeelc(>nrl. but tliey came back later, so loss harm was done than ex- pected, iiowes' unit at Loevv's and 1st Runs on Broadway (Subject to Change) Week of May 8 Astpr-'Great Zlegfeld' (MG) (5tli wk.). Capitol — 'Till Meet Again' (Par). Center—'Champagne (20th) (6). Music .Hall—'Under Two Flags' (2()th) (2d wk.). . ParamoUnt^'l3 Hours Air' (Par) (2d ^Vk.). Rialto^'Three on a (Par). ftivoli^"rhlngs Come' (UA) (4th wkO. Boxy — 'tet's Sing Again' (RKO). .Strand — 'Sons Giins' (WB) (9). Wfliek of Aster—'Great ' .(MG) (6th wk.). Capitol — 'Suicide (MG).; Music Hdtl-^'Show (U) (14). Paramount — 'Moon's Our Home' (Par)' (13), Rivolf—One Rainy After- noon? (UA) (13). Roxy—'Dracula's (U). Strand —^ 'Sons O* (WB) (2d wk.). Palace with 'Undeir "Two Flags* are taking most of the biz. Palace looks for, $12,000, very good, while Capitol has nice aver-: age bill with 'Moon's Our Home'and: 'Till We Meet Again* for $8,000.. Loew's, in. additibn' to . the Bowes unit, has '13 Hours by Air' arid 'F- Man' with most of an expected $13i- 000 gross going to the stajge show. Princess repeats. 'Mr. Deeds' and 'Don't Gamble With Love,' which hit high of $9;000 last, week and should continue for $6,5,00 currently. Wltlt. th6 town plasteted with. 24- sheetB. tjne-sheets, window cards and- 2!8 broadcasts over CFCF and CKAC -during current week, 'Under TWO Flags' is getting intensive- ex- ploitation by George. Rotsky that ought to. bring.- big' results. Legion- harles in lobby also help, and .5,000 lines, of- e:?tra advertising, in Star and La Presse over Aveekend over- came hei.avy moving day resistanxje. Estimates for This Week Palace (Fl?) (2,700' 66)^'Tw6 Pla&s' (20th). Wowing the..town at $12;000; .Last Weekr 'Wife. Vs. ' Sec' (MG) disappointing at $7,500;' Capitol (FP) (2^700; . 5&)—'Moon's Home' (Par) and 'Meet Agaih"^ (Par). Average bill getting $8,000, good- Last week . 'Colleen* (WB) and 'Walking Dead' (WB), fair at $6;500. .toew's (M. sr. Co.) (3,200; '50)— '13 Pours'. (Pflii:) and 'F-Man* (Par) with Bowes Unit, at $13,000, very good. Last week 'Shark Island' (20th) iand 'Boulder Dam' (20th), with vaudCi good at $11,000. Princess (CT) (2,300; 60)—'Mr. Deeds* (Col> and 'Don't Gamble' (Col) ,(2d week). Seeing $6,500 after Qne $0,500 first week. . Cinema de Paris (France-Film) (600; 50)—'Baccarat* and 'Son Ex- cellence Antonln* at $1,000, average. Last week 'Bateliers de la Volga* and 'La Petite Sauvage,' ${>00. St. Denis (France-Film) (2,300; 34)—'Gftspard de BesSe' and 'Jeu- nesse D'Abord'. Should gross $6,000 good. Last , week 'Le Prince Jean" and "Je vous almerai toujours3,' $5,500. Imperial (Ind) (1.900; 34)—'Secret de Pollchinelle' and 'Mile Mozarf (2d week). May get $3,000 after good $3;SO0 first week. L'ville's Derby Hai^OTer Socks Biz; 'Flags' $6,500 Louisville, May 6. (Best Exploitation: Rialto) Hectic week-end occasioned by 62d running of Kentucky Derby, and the subsequent let-down on spending, augurs.for a week of tak- ings about average or below. Top money looks to go to the Rialto, with 'Under Two Flags.' While most of the. visitors came here to attend the Derby, those who found time fo patronize the flrst-runa cen- tered most of their attention on the iillalto and Loew'? State, where the dual 'Robin Hood of El Dorado' and 'Don't Gamble With Love' was the attraction. Rialto looks headed for good $6,500, while Loew'.s State should be not far behind at $5,700. Strand, showing 'Till We Meet Again' and 'Sky Parade,' seized the opportunity to book Helen Morgan, who , was appearing at the Log Cabiii Club across the river in Jef- fersonville, Ind,, for a single ap- pearance Sunday (3), as a plug for the forthcoming 'Show Boat,' .whioh goes intoi that house (15), With good week-end biz, take for the week should hit $3,700. Other first runs found the going rather tough, as mo,st of the Derbyites did their heavy spending at the track ahd in- the night spots, where the sur- roundings were more boisterous and say. Tops honors for exploitation to' Hifflgs in Phmy; Ags' the'. lalto, for .an elaborate lobby display and flag decked front and marquis, Johnson Musselman strut- ted his stuff with tents In the lobby, and men co'stumed as Foreign Le- gionnaires standing about, the house and paradlner the streets. Colorful costumes attracted much attention, from the Derby-:cro\yds. Estimated for This Week Loew's State (,3,000; 15-25^40)— 'El Dorado' (MG) and 'Don't Gam- ble* (Col), dual; ' Can reach up to $5,700, but felt the opposition from the gee-gees. Last week 'Deeds' (Col) iand .'Panic' (Col), dUal, tal- lied, a profit at $6,400, beqt in town. Rialto (Fourth Avenue). (3,000; 15-25-40)—'Two Flags*: (20th). Best of the field. Went to toWn on flafehy lobby display, wrhi.ch got attention. Should pull in $6,600, good. Last week •Moon*s Home* {Par), didn't get very far, winding up with $4,- 300, light. ■ Brown (Ind) (1,500; 15-25-40)-7r 'Investigator* (RKO). Not much strength here. Will be lucky to" get $2,200. Last week 'Witness Chair' (RKO) n.s.h. at $2,400. Strand (Fourth Ave) (1,500; 15- 25-4.0)—'Meet. Again' (Par) and 'Sky. Parade' (Par), dual. Just so- so. B.o. got a little^ hypo by p.a. of Helen S^organ, first stage attrac- tion to be put on view at this house in. years. La^ jklorga^ just di^ .ohe performance, ari^ that was to plug forthcoming.'^ShbW Boat,* ^hould touch $3,700, fair; Last week 'Song and Dance' (30th) and 'Chan at Cir- cus* (20th)-. dual. 1 Fair $3,400. . Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 15-2S-40)—'Playboy' (WB). Lucky to get $2,500, weak. Last week 'Brides' (FN), $2;600, :n,s.h. - - National (Tnd) (2,350; 15-25-40)— 'Broadway Bilr (Col), and vaude. •Desert Gold*"(iPar) cOmes in today (5) for , three days. Stanza "witlu. help, of nicie week-end biz should tally $3,600, goQd^ Last week 'Leav- enworth' (Chester) and vaude took fair, $3,200. Alamo (Ind) (900; 15-25)-^'Round the , Mountain' (Rep) and 'Last Night' (U)> dual; splitting with 'Three oh Trail' (Par) arid 'Dan- gerous Intrigue* (Cdl), dual. Av- erage $1,600. Last week 'Love on Bet^ (RKO) and 'Round' (Col), dual, .•Jplitting-with 'Harmony' (Par) and 'Chatterbox* (RKO), dual; fair $1,700. Cincinnati, May 5. (Best Exploitation: Albee) Spring and baseball fever and the Kentucky Derby at nearby Louis- ville diverted theatre traffic over the weekrcnd. By and large the down- town b, 0. trickle Is much slower than last week. - 'Under Two Flags* is easily the standout of the fresh product cur- rently, waving $17:000 for the Al- bce's best take in some time. At the Palace 'Moon's Our Home' is reflecting $8,500. -'Sutter's Gold' Is sifting $3,500 for the Lyric, and at Keith's 'I Married a Doctor' is' tab- bing $3,000. Two main line encores, 'Small town Girl* at Capitol for $4,500 and 'Deeds' $3,500 In third downtpwn week at the Grand. Exploitation cheers of the week to 'Two Flags,' which was accorded extra display space In dallies, 24- sheet bulletin spreads arid copped rhaln attention In amusement pages. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 35-42)—'Two Flags* (20th).. Unfurling an Im- pressive $17,000; Last week 'These Three' (UA) picked up In last half for $11,500, fair. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-42)— 'Moon's Home' (Par), Lazy $8,500, Last week 'Small Town' (MG), $14,- 000, hefty, Shubert (RKO) (2,150; 35-65)— 'Investigator* (RKO) and inaugural of summer presentation policy. Jack Sprigg leading 15-man band on stage; Ford Capmaii tag on 16-gal line; acts by Carr Bros, and Betty, Fid Gordon and Whltey Roberts, Mae Wynne and Bella Bros,, Cali- fornia Varsity octet and o'Conndr Family, Looks like-$8,500, fair. Last week 'Chan at Circu.s' (Fox) and 'Folios Comlqiies' revue at advanced 42-65C- scale, $16,500. tall. Capitol . (RKO) (2,000; 35-42)—' 'Small Town' (MG) (2d run). Moved over from Palace; $4,500, all .right; Ditto last week on 'Pine' (Par) in third downtown week. Lyric (RKO) (1.400; .35-42)—'Sut- ter' (U). Male appeal for light $3,- ^.■.' Philadelphia, ;May 5. (Best Exploitation;: Boyd) Looks like 'Under Two Plag.s' at the FOx will, grab mbst of the spot- light firom'the other dowritown film houses this week* iStarting pace was fast. House, for the first tiriie sinc6 'Cavalcade,* dropped its stage show for this engagement which allows for the! normal six $hbwings and will help boost the grOsSi Figures for $30,000, best bouse has done in sonie .time.....; • ■ Outside of this, downtown outlook is no. more thaJi average. , Aldine made a big splurge On 'Things" to Come,' which the local crlx were in- vited to. New YOrk to see. Their notlceq were quite mixed and pace since Operiing hasn't been terrific for this English fllm. Hoping for $ii 000 and will hold.for a second Week no matter what happens, Difference o£ critical opinion also greeted 'I Married a Doctor,' which will be.;lucky to-get $12,500 at the Stanley. Hot weather promises to send 'Great Zlegfeld* down a peg or two in Its fourth Week at the Chest- nut, but $12,000 should be reached by this big roadshow fllm and it is bound to get its allotted six weeks with another fortnight possible. Earle, no longer having Sunday showings, won't get over $12,000 for its combination of 'Brides Are Like That' and Spltalny's orchestra on stage. 'Preview Murder' at the Stanton ■ figures for a. mild $6,000, while 'Times Square Playboy' at the Karlton won't get over $2,000. 'Small "Town Girl,' holding over ?it the Boyd, should hit an okay .$11,500, in its second week. While 'These Three' in its second-run showing at. Keith's promises $3,700. Considerable surprise that 'Deeds' ieri.'t getting if^ second-run showing at, the Karlton as did 'It Happened Gnie Night* arid Grace Moore's, two Columbia filriis. Instead it goes to Keith's later* Stanley-Warjier people did some special work on 'Small Town Girl' which undoubtedly counted. Tle- nps with city's biggest department stot-ea on gowns worn -by Janet Gaypor, plus exhibits of. oriiBlnal James Montgomery Flagg .drawing,s for the.story in prominent Chestnut ishops, Ayere featured; V, Estimates for This Week Aldihe (1,200;. 4.0-65-65)—'Things' (UA). Plenty of ba.llyhoo but no- tices were mixed. . Something over $11,000, and a week's holdover siire, but engagement won't be Unusual. Last w.eek "these Three' (UA) (3d .week), fine $7;600, Arcadia (600; 25-40-65)—'El Do- rado' (MG) (2d run). Collebting fair $2,600. Xast week 'Unguarded Hour' (MG) not so hot, $2,300. Boyd (2,40t); 407 55)—'Small Town' (MG). (2d week). Should see good $11,500. Last week's $16,50o was big. Chestnut (1,500; 56-86-$1.10-$1.65) r-'Ziegfeld' (MG) (4th . week). Dropping to $12,000, but that will still be okay. Last week'^s .J13,500 was satisfactory all arouhcL. Six weeks seem certain. Earle: (2,000; 25-40-55)—'Brides. Like "That* (FN) and Spitalny band. With six-day week and lower scale, house average reduced. This conibo won't get more than mediocre $12,- 000. Last week 'Brown Eyes' (Par) and 'Revue Parisienue' and Roger, Pry or on stage. Poor $12,50Q. Fox (3,000; 40.-55-65)—'Two Flags' (20th). No stage show, which gives a chance for six film showings. May get $30,000 or little more. Second week sure for this b. o. waUop. Last week 'Garcia' (20th) and stage show. A' nice $18,500 in eight days. Kr.rlton (1,000; 25-35-40)^'Play- boy' .(.WB). First run arid not so forte at $2,000. Last week 'Candles' (Rep), another first-run; and also $2,000, poor. Keith's (2,000; 30-40-50)—'These Three* (UA) (2d run). Looks good at $3,700, Last week 'Singing Kid' (WB) (2d run), $2,200, tepid. Stanley (3,700; 40-55)—'Married a Dbc' (^VB). Not over $12,500. 'Deeds' (Col) got a fine $17,000 in its second week. . Stanton (1,700; 30-40-50)—'Pre- view (Par). Ordinary $6,000, Last week 'Walking Dead' (WB),. an average $6,000. 500, Last week 'Deeds' (Col) run), $6,500, fine, K'eltb^s (Libson) (1,500; 30-40) — 'Married a Doc' (WB). Weak $3,00n. Last -week same on 'Brides LiU' That* (WB), Grand (RKO) (1,200;: 25-10)— 'Deeds' (Col), Thii-d downtown I'Un; $3,500, all right. Last wock 'January' (Fox), third week on iniiin line, $2,800, Family (RKO) (1,000; IH-'J.')!^ 'Yellow Dust' (RKO) and 'M.-K-^lor !i Voice' (Par), split. ■ Oood Same last week on ''Conciuor Sc'i (FD) and *Roamlng Lady' (('"!)» separate. Strand (Ind) (1,200; ]o-2.)>-- 'Drake' (FD). At $1,600, fair, T.iist week 'King of Damned' (GB), fl,^."^ fail.