Variety (Nov 1936)

l^ednegdaft November 4, 1936 p I c i libudon, Oct. 25. Metro has monopolized the West End traae witti three of - its, films showing and' all :three in the money. Remftittder of the West Enders are below average for this time of the Most unfortunate seem to be the Gaumoht-British. hoiises, Tlvoli and ■fjevf Gallery, wnich have, not had a gehuine- $ttcoej5s iix months, l^on- don Pj^ilion, United Artists show window; is another that's had: prod- uct trouble.^ -Estlinatefl for This Week (At $S to the £) Academy 'Singende Jugend (Austriiain). Opened to light busi- ness and t^oing very little in second stanza. Averaging around: $2,000, pretty low,-«ven for this- small ca-: pacity house! Catltoh-^'General liied' (Par). In the real dough, and looks set for a healthy tuiiu Just under $20,000. . Cdrion^'SaVoy Hotel' (German) (4th week). Pretty fair.: First fort- night'^ average around $4^000, and $3,500 nOWi •May^rting' (Frehch) replacihg.; Empire-—'Grbrgebiis Hussy- (Metro) (2d week). Fitst Week's ;$34,000, Warranted holdoverJ Dropping this . weiek to $19,000, land closes. 'Devil i'akes th6 Count' (Metro) knowh; in Ameiita - as ^*DevlI_Is ja. Sissy,', re- places.- .HIppodromer-r'Great 1 e g f e 1 d- (Metro) <2d run). After six weeks at His Majps^'s, Vh6rO it aveiraged $13,500, picture was transferred to this ttieatre. and doing a hefty 'trade. Will hiave. to vacate to make room for .piatitOinime rehearsals,, which start arbund Dec. 1. Hta MaJesty^s^'Rbmeo and Juliet' (Metro). Opened to smash- business, first ' week grossing $19,000, which tops 'Ziegfeld,' In for six weeks, having to . vacate : by \©ec, 6 to make, room for the- new Bergner shpw. ' Leicester $4.—'Godfrey' (U> <6th week). Has enjoyed a. healthy riin, with some of. its early weeks aver- aging; $22,000; still doing $15,0()i0. •Thi-ee Maxims' (Wilcox),. replacing. liOndbn PavHion—'Last Of Mohi- cans' (Reliance) (2d week). Opened nicely, with $16,000 first week. Secr bnd and final week, $10,000. 'Crime Over London* (Criterion), replaces. Marble' Arch Pavilion—'Fauntle^ rby' (VA) '(2d^ riin). Here after .three weeks .at London Pavilibn; $5,^ 000, which is about a:verage, '$hbw Boat' (If) follows, . also on second rim.. • ■■. ■' plaza^'Dancing. Pirate' (Radio). Wiirjust last out one week. Fact, that it is in Technicblof hot. amount- ing to miich :iocally. Lucky to .finish up with $12,000« 'Wbi'd for Carrie- . (Par) follows. ..Reeal^'KiOff Steps Oat' (Col) (3d week). . First forthight^s 'avb-'age around $15,000, with tliird and final week nearer to $11,000. 'Swing Time' (Radio.) replaces. : Studio One—^'La Kermesse Herb- ique' (French). Started well a- $3,- 500, good gbing fbr this small house. Only picture in the West-End carry- ing a London- County Council license, instead of: the usual Film Censor goodwill/ which also helps. Tlvpll—'Dodsworth^ (UA). Just opened, getting away to good money. ladies' Gets SchookanDs Ad $3400 in Lincobi Lincoln, Nov. 3, Playinit to the convention of 3,500 school teachers aihd . a,, homecoming football crbwd of 30,000 over the ■weekend, the theatres are doing prfetty well while 5it lastis. Best bii theatre row is the Lincoln's booking : of 'Ladies in Love.' , . Five houses had rhidnight shows HaUbwe^en (31), aU to go64 biz. Estimates for This Week .Liberty (LTC) (1,200; 10-15)-- . Cassidy Returiis' (Par) plus 'Lei 'Em Have It^ (UA), split, with 'Accusing Finger' (Par) plus 'Limehbi«5e Blues! |?ar). Pretty good chiance to see £900, oke. Last Week -Treachery Rides' (WB) plus 'Pi-esident Van- : ishes* (Pqr), isplit. with 'All Ameri- can Chump' (MG) plus 'Wings in Dark' (Par), $900, not bad. Lincoln (LTC) (1,600; 10-20-25)— Ladies in Lbve' (2bth). OflE >ith a bang due to presence of 3.500 school . teachers. Getting $3,100, very good. Last Week 'Mbhicahs' (UA) fared very well with $2,800. . Orphenin (LTC) (1,350; i0rl5.20- 25-40)—'Hollywood Blvd.' (Par) plus Loretta Grey's .'Talk of Town' unit- Dual last half is.'Last Outlaw' (U) Pajred with 'Here Comes Garter* XWB). Week hitting $2,700. very nice. Last Week 'Folies D'Araour' unit with Don't Turn 'Em Loose,' (RKO). spilt. With the dual. ?Wives Never Know' (Paa-) plus 'Jeeves' , wound up with teiTiflc $4,000. Stoart (LTC) (1,900; iO-25-40)— 'Texas Rangers' (Par). Profit at .$3,600. Last Week 'Dimples' (20th) went to Pieced after the first day and barely nosed over the house av- erage With $3,300. , Varsity (Westland) (1,100; 10-20- 25)-:'End of Trail' - (Cbl) plus 'Cbnie Closer, FbUts' (Col), split with an- other couple, 'Man Who Lived Twice' (BG) plus' 'Legibb of Terror' (Col). Getting $1,400. nice. Last week 'Ad- venture in Manhattan' (Col) went four days a holdover; $2,2()0 all told. LEADER414,0i Buflfaloi Nov. 3; - Grosses . are subsiding .somewhat the current pe|riod, diie undoubtedly to pre-election .conditions. . General level^ howevet, continues hi 'Dimples' at the ; BiiiDfalo the week's top,. . Estimates for lihis Week - Baffalo <Shea) (3,600; 30-40r55)—: •Dhnples' (20th). Faii- $14,000. Last week 'Big. Broadcast' (Par), very fine, $18,600. Centnry (Shea) (3400; 25-35)— 'Straight from Shoidder' (Par) and •Velvet Claws' (WB); Back to nor- mal, but'this normal is .still plenty high; $7,000. Last week 'Old Hutch' (MG) and 'Don't Turn 'Em Loose' (RKO), beist here in months, $10,000. : Gi eat Lakes (Shea) (3,400; 30-50)-^ ,'Big Broadcast' (Piir) (2d run). Still doing neatly at- $8,()00. Last week libeled Lady' (MG> (2d run), tiptop at:$9,700. Wpp (Shea) (2,400; 25^40)—'Wed- ding Present' (Par) aijd 'M'Liss' (RKO). Okay at $7,000. Last week, •Road 1;o Glory' (26th) and 'Star fbr Night': (20th), satisfactbry, $8,50a. Lafayette (Ind) (3,400; 25-35)^ Two in Crowd' (U) and 'Yellow- stohe' (U). Alsb biack to regiilatibn business after ' last week's ^luihp. Over $7,000. Last week, 'President's Mystery' (Rep) and 'Sitting on Moon' (Rep) set new low for the house at $3,800; 'Ecstasy'$8,5(l(h Duald KW-'Eiieiny' $11,000, 'Dream' $2,800, Seattle Seattle, Nov. 3. rpheum will . again be vaude house, with: Music. Hall to open Fri- day (6) with dual' pix policy at 27-.. 37-42c; scale. Opening Nov. 9, Orpheum will do a vaudfilm .shbw at 27-'37c. scale, combatifig Palbmar at same prices.^ Five acts to be used. With Jacki ' Souders; as m.c. and: bandleader at Orph against Jules Buffanb, at Pal. Estimates; for This Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (900; 27- 37-42)—'Cain and Mabel' (WB) and 'Big Game' (RKO) (2d run). Good $2,800; Last Week 'Ladies in Love' (20th) and 'Married Men' (Par), dual, $2,900, bkay. Celiseiun (Evergreen) (1,800; 21-32- -r-'San Franciscb- (MGM). (2d run) and 'Pepper' (20th): Great; $4,300. Last week ^Brother's Wife* (MGM) and '36 Hburs' (20th), dual, $4,100, big.' ;■■ FUtk Ave. (Evergreen) (2,400; 27- 37-42)-'Ziegfeld' (MGM) (2d week). Okay $5,800 for six days. Last . week $11,000, great. Liberty (J.VH) (1.900; 16-27-32-37- 42)-:^'Legibn of Terror' (Col) and 'Cbme Closer' (Col); dual. Fair $3,600. Last week 'Gay Desperado' (UA) (2d Week), $5,000, good. Music Boic (Hamrick) (900: 27-37-; 42 )-^'MidsUmmer Dream' (WB). Dis- appointing with moderate.' $2,800. Last week 'Road to Gloiy' (^Oth), $2,400. slow; Orpheum (Hamrick) (2,700; 27-37- 42)-T'Wbrd fbr Carri ' (Par) and .'Twb Is Crowd' (U), dual. Poor $5,600; Last week, 'Devil is Sissy' (MGM), ind 'Wives Never Know' (Par), dual,. $8,600; good. Palomar (Sterling) (1,450; 16-27- 37)-r'Follow Your"Heart' (Rep) with vaude. Mild $4^000. Last week 'Pos- tal .Inspector' (U) and Bowes! unit, established house record at $8,306. , Paramount (Evergreen) (3.106; 27- 37-42)-^'Big Broadcast' (Par) and 'Sworn Enemy' (MG);, dual. Big $11,000. Last Week 'Cain and Mabel' (WB) and , ig Game' (RKO), dual, $6,900. good, Winter Garden (Sterling) (650;:27- 42)—'Ecstasy' (Jewell). Opening day got $1,450, bt-eakins house record. With week going to big ?8j50Ji, REUCHTED PAR'S 'CAST' LEADS OMAHA AT $9,000 Omahai, Nov. ,3. . Paramount/ which reopened last week after a' year of idleness, is., leading;' the way with 'Big Broad- cast' this week. -Shirley' Ross, local gal i^" the filih, receiving plenty of notice and is somethinig of an added draw... .:- iE;stinu^ea for'This; Week Brandels (Singer^RKO) (1,250; 25- 35-40 )r-*Without Orders' (RKO) and 'Daniel Boone^ (lUCO). An action bUl getting $4,200, Last week 'Don't Turn 'Em Loose' (RKO) and 'Heire comes Carter* (FN), $4;000, fair. Omaha (Blank) (2400; 25-40)-^ ?Wbrd for Carrie* (Par^. iand 'Chan at Track' (20th), dual. Gladys (jeorge's:' personal; .appearance - in town laist week lent itself tO plenty of news column notice; $6,800, nbt bad. Last, week 'Road to Glory' (20th) and 'Kelly Second' (MG), $7,- sod, nice' mbney. Orplieam (Blank) (2,976< 25-40)'-- ♦Devil ts Sissy' (MG) and "Two ih Crowd' (U), dual.. Ohly^ new\ bill to hit toWn Friday! Building tb $7,- 300!. Last week 'Ladies in Love- (20th) and 'Forgotten Faces' (Par), $7,000, okay. :Patamoniit (Blank). (2,765; 25-35- 55)—'Big Broadcast' (Par). Only single bill in town to hold up : the top admish set for the r<6opening of this house, $9,000. scrumptous. Last week 'Zie«»feld' (MG) reopened the house -With satisfactory $8J00. Ex- tra, midnight • show. on Hallowe'en eve will boost this week's l;ake Con- siderably with preview of Tiibeled Lady' (MG). BAB¥ AT M Baltimore; Nov. 3. Boys are bawling those election blues this week. .. Only one .on . display currently that is overcoming the handicap is •Bi rbadcast' . at Keith's. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew-UA) (3,0()0; 15-25 .35-40-55>^<Dld Hutch' (MG); Poor $6,006. Last we^ •Devil ' : Sissy' (ItfG) good at $10;000. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (i2,300; 15-25-35-40-55-68)—'Woman Rebels' (RKO) and vaude. Mild at $11,000, Last week 'Under Orders' (RKO) and 'Town Hall'amateurs, on boairds good, at $12,800. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,500; 15- 25-30-35-40-55)— Big p r bad cast' (Par), Only bell-ring around this selsion; .socko $9,000. - Week con- cludes tonight (Tuesday) at: 6- p.m. and filni: wUl stick another full stanza. New (Mechanic) (1;400;: 15-25-30- 35-40-55)—'Gay Desperado' (UA). Fair at $4,50O. Last week; second bf 'Dimples' (20th) lasted si days; snagging sugary $3,000/ Stanley (WB) (3,450; 15-25-35-40- 55)_^'Cain and Mabel' (WB) .(2d week). Poor $3,600. irst week swell , at $8,900. X Goodies Doing OK on Bway Despite Election; 'Libeled' 55G, 'Brisade' $40,m 'BW U tIGSKIN'DOUBLING IN DENVER, $5,000-$6,00 Denver, Ni/V. 3. ," 11 first runs are in the money this week. Estimates for: Tills Week Aladdin (Huffman) (1,500; 25-40- 50)—'Pigskin Parade' (20th). Pay and date with Parainbunt. . Fine at $5,000. 'Dimples started week on second riiii, but was yanked after oiie day, with 'Pigskin'-substituted. Last week 'Dodswbrth- (UA) (2d run), ^at, $4,000, Broadway (Huffman) (1,500; . 25- 40)—'Dbdsworth' (20th) (3d run). Good $2,000. Last week 'Man Who Lived Twice' (GB), fair, $1,5(M). Center (Allan) (1,500; 15-20-25)— 'Damaged Lives.' Big $6,000/ Last week 'Werewolf (U). 'Ride 'em; Cowooy' (U), and stage show, ice, $3,000. : ' Denham (Cockrill) (1,500; 2$-35- 40)—'Word for Carr: ' (Par). Big at $1fiOO, Last week ■ ig Broadcast' (Par) on holdover of one day, and 'Word for Carrie' (Par) oh the start of a 13-day run, neat, $6,000. . Denver (Huffman) (2.500; 25-35- 50)—-Your Heart' (WB), aiid stage band. Big $9,500. Last week 'Dim- . les' (20thy did a neat $10,000. Orpheum (RKOV (2,600; 25-35-40) —'Old Hutch' (MG) and 'Big Game' (RKO). Fine. $9,000. Last week 'Libeled Lady' (MG) and 'Don't Turn 'em Loose' (RKO) (2d week). $7,- .500, very good. Paramount (Huffman) (2.000; 25 40)—'Pigskin Parade' (20th). Day and date with the Aladdin, and 'Back to Nature' (20th). Very big $6,000 Last week 'Bengal Tiger' (WB) and 'Down Stretct' (FN), fair, $2,500. In the final stages of electioneering Br.adway theatres that idn't have commanding picture fare on display were being passed up. Strong at- tractions alone drew in bulk. While a few houses were complai of the lack of play over the weekend, others could find hothing, including: the election campaigns, that was holding their pace down. Three pictures, including a hold- bver, are goinjg to tbwn. These, to- gether with others, are expectant that a good election day play yester- day (Tues:) will help add their grosses to gbbd totals; Some pic- tures gbt away so poorly that even election can't save them from still being bad. These include 'In His Steps,' first release from Grand Na- tional which wept out last night (Tues.) at iihder. $5,000, Criterion thus having had two very disappoint- ing weeks in a row. Another which couldn't raise a gallop ' 'Wives Never Know,' Rialto : incumheht. Even with election, it is doubted if it cart: scale $5,500 by more than a matter of dollars. ?The Man I Marry' went into the Palace first run as half of a double bill With -Dimples,' but no soap at this hbuse, either. The result will Probably be this side of $9,000. ■ 'A Woman Rebels' may get the Muisic Hall tb $70,000, getting by, but disappointing for Hepburn siarrer. Against these showings, 'Charge bf ttie Light Brigade,' 'Libeled I4<Jy and 'Big Broadcast,* latter on its sec- ond week, are reaping rich harvests, with two other pictures doing. Okay though nbt handst ihely, 'Ladies Love~and 'East Meets West.' : .'Libeled L dy' Will hit an easy $55,000 at the Capitol, while 'Brigade* Ibbks a Strand cinch for $40,000, both holding. 'Broadcast,' which got $56,- 600 on its first week, a .new high ui}' der the present Paramount policy, can't n iss a luscious $48,000 on its- secbhd. Management had decided to take 'Broadcast' into, fbur weeks, dropping 'Wedding Present.' sched- uled for week Nov. 11. The Riy's 'Ladies in LbVe* had two! fine firsst days, then sagged, but will be pretty good at around $32,000. The Rbxy is a bit behind oii; indications for only $30,000 with 'East Meets West' (GB). This figure is in the safety zone, however. . ; . 4^ . All Broadway houses went to holi- day prices yesterday (election d-v) and scheduled midnight shows. Hook- ups were made with newspapers or wire services to get election returns for announcement from stage or on screen at convenient intervals.; The RKO circuit engineered, a tieup with the .Daily News for special wire re- sults which Were flashed to all the- atre of the chain in Greater N Y Roxy's' regular news' commentator worked-from the stage, per usual; Because of the miserable- manner in which 'Ih His Steps' was perform- ing at the Criterion, the house last night (Tues ), at 7 p. m., brought in •Polo Joe,' Joe E. Brown's finale for WB, its hew attraction, on a pre view. State this week is enjoying.jexcel-: lent business with 'Dodsworth' on screen and, on stage, Ed Sullivan, the colunuiist. heading a new nitery revue. Mopping up over the week- end, it ought to go to $35,000 with the added boost election day. Estimates for Tliis Week Astor (1,012; 55-$1.10-$1.65-$2.30)— 'ROmeo' (MG) (11th week). Last week (10th) take was $8,900, drop of $2,000 from previous (9th) week. 'Lloyds of London' (20th) comes in Nov, 25. Capitol (4,620; 25-35-55-85-$1.25 )— 'Libeled Lady' (MG), Sock business is what this one is doing, first we6k an easy $55,000. A three weeks' stay appears in the bag. Last week •Devil a Sissy' (MG) on its hold- over, nudged up to $30.()00. . Criterien (1.662; 25-55-75-86-$1.10- $1.25)—'In His Steps' (GN), Grand National's first picture off tb an in- auspicious start here, winding Up. last night (Tues.) at under $5,000 on 6% days. Management brought in 'Polo Joe' (WB) at 7 p. m. in an eftort .to get election crowds. Prior picture here, 'Follow Your Heart' (Rep) also sad undertaking, this side of $11,000* Palace (1.700; 25-35-55)—'The Man I Marry' (U) (1st run) and 'Dimples?' (20th) (2d run), coupled. One pic^ ture isn't helping, the bther ..on this bill,: and probably under $9,000. d Us- appointing. Last week 'Stage Struck' (WB) (2d run) and 'Daniel Boone' (RKO) (1st run), diialed^ $10,500, gbbd;.' Paramount (3,664; 25-35-55-85 )— 'Broadcast' (Par) and, in pit, Clyde Lucas orchestra (2d week). Opening early in the hiorning and grinding late, with election night plaiis to go to 5 a. m.j management is getting everything possible from this show. Scoring $56,600 the first week, a new high under the pblicy, the second is big at $48,000 or over. Goes four weeks, Mae West in person and, on screen, in 'Ga West, Young Man (Par) being on the books for Nov; 18. " ■ . Radio City Musre Hall (5,989: 40- ^ 60-85-99-$1.65) — 'Woman Rebels* (RKO) and stage show.: With elec- tibh day and upped scales, plus; a midnight show here for a change, there is a possibility the dollars will add up to $70,000, disappointing, but gettuig 'house through. Last week things weren't so good, either, 'Ad- venture in Manhattan* (Col) failing to db better than $66,200. 'As You Like It' (20th), English-made, opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Bialto . (750; 25-40-65) — "Wives Never Know' (Par). They're paiss- ing this one up, only $5,500 or a bit over with aid of election crowds. Last week -Big Game' (RKO) did swell, $8,700. Rivoli (2,092; 25-55-75-85-99) — •Ladies in IjQve' (20th).' In spite of bppbsition on street and from other sources, this, one is doing pretty well at $32,000 on the first weiek ending last night (Tues.). Goes a second. •Come and Get it' (UA) .coming i next. Last week, filth for 'Dods- worth* (UA). $17,000, good. Roxy (5,836; 25-45-55-75)—•East Meets West' (GB) and stage show. House has one ot its poorest weeks in some: time, but $30,000 will be • comfortably away from red.. Last week 'Magnificent Briite' (U) soared tb $42J900. Strand ,(2,767t 40 - 44 - 65 - 99)— •Charge of Light Brigade' (WB). A wihhah for this house finally, first week an easy $40,000. A three weeks* riin, with four not unlikely, is be- ing figured. Last Week, second for 'Cain and Mabel' (WB), $15,700. State (3,450; 35-55-75) — *Dods- worth* (UA) (2d tun) and vaude» headed by Ed. Sullivan, columnist. Everything points tb a smash week- of $35,000 proportions. Last Week 'General Died at Dawn' (Par) (2d. run) and vaude headed by Tommy Dor^y orchestra, close to $25,000. Cincinnati, Nov. Only two fresh releases on ace screens currently,, exhibs'in the m&in resting oars to iUbw for blow-off Of election steam and stiff ooposisb Sat- urday (31) night -from commum'ty Hallowe'en . celebra;tion, under aus- . pices' of Cuyier Press Club. Ghost ' jamboree, featured by festive parade in downtown section and ai circus and fireworks show at Crosley Field, jammed theatre district but cele-. brants just milled by pic parlors^ Rain Sunday (1). was another b.o^ disrupter. 'Magnificent. Brute' at Palace and X:ase of Black c:af at Keith's Con- stitute new product, the former plac- ing to 'Libeled Lady' in holdover week at Albee. .'f Estimates loir This Week Albee (RKO) (3,360: 35-42)—'Li- beled Lady" <MG) (2d week) Extra- ordinary $12,000 holdover figure after zowie Jt20,000 first week. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 35-42)—'Pig- skin Parade' (Fox) (2d run). Fair at $4,000. Last week 'Big Broadcast' (Par) (3d week), $4,009, all right. Family (RKO) (1,060; 15-25)—'Le- gion of Terror^ (Col) and 'End of Trail' (Cbl). singly. Big $2,600. Last week 'Shakedown' (Col) and 'Heart of West* (Par), separate, ^,100. nor- mal. Grand (RKO) (1.200; 25-40)—'Big Broadcast' (Par) (3d run) at $3,200; nice. Last week 'Dimples', (Fbx> (2d run), $3,000, okay. K^'s (Libson) (1,500; 30-40)—^ 'Black Cat' (WB). Mild $4,000. Last week 'Wedding Present' (Par), $2,500, season's loWi Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 35-42)-'Am- bassador Bill' (20th). Rbger.s revival weak at $3,500. Last week !Turn *Ein Loose' (RKO). $4,500. fair. Palace (RKO;. (2.600: 35-42)—'Mag- nificent Brute' (U). At $9,000. n,s.h. Last week 'Pigskin Parade' (20th), $10,500. Okay. Shubett (RKO) (2.200; 40-60).^ •Seven Sinners' (GB> and N. T. G. unit. , Nifty at $13,000. : Last week •In . His Steps' (GNj and Bowes unit, $8,000. gongy. Strand (Ind) (1.300: 15-25)—'White Fang' (20th). 'His Brother's Wife* (MG) and 'Sing Baby' (20th). subsies, divided. At $1,900. average. Last week; 'Devil Doll* (MG). 'Piccadilly Jim' (MO) and 'Public Enemy's Wife* (WB), returners, split, $2,000,