Variety (Aug 1937)

W'ednesday, Angust 18, 19S7 PICTURE GROSSES Heat No Crimp for B.O. Pix in Chi; Ritz Bros. Plus Dnchin Smash 62G; My! Nice IIG,'Earth'OK $18j Chicago, Aug, 17. Weather is beginning to sizzle the top of the thermometer once more, ^ut the houses with good pictures gtvU 4raw- Plenty of holdover stuff around again currently, with the' Palace Sticking with Toast of New York' for a second session; 'Wee Willie' moves into the Garrick following a good stay at the Roosevelt, and Saratoga' goes into the Apollo fol- lowing a smash run at the United Artists. 'Good Earth' is at the UA currently, coming back to the loop for its pop run engagement follow- ing a two-a-day gajlop several months ago at the Apollo.' Big smash of the current week.is the Chicago, which is topping all re- Cent marks with Eddy Duchin band on stage and 'You Can't Have Everything' on the screen. Cinch to hit wow $62,000 at the present pace of five and six shows a day. Tjrefly' is going along nicely at the Erlanger on its two-a-day show- ing, though doesn't seem to have the public as sold as the previous road- showers. Notices were good, but no raves. Estimates for -This Week Apollo (B&K) (1.200; 35-55-65-75) —'Saratoga' (MG). In here following walloping run at the United Artists. Will hit above $7,000. Last week, ^ver Since Eve' (WB), fair $5,100. Chlcaffo (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— •Can't Have Everything' (20th) and Eddy Duchin band on stage. Best combination of attractions house has had in long time, and the box office skyrockets into top coin at $62,000 or better. Not the crowds that Slartha Raye drew two weeks aigo, but practically solid adult attend- ance, where Miss Raye had nearly 25% kids in her audience. Last week, fair enough at $28,900 for 'Between Two Women' (MG) and stage show. Garrick (B&K) (900; 35-45-65-75) —'Wee Willie' (20th). Moveover from Roosevelt. Okay at $5,500. Last week. 'Road Back' (U), fine $7,100. Oriental (B&K) (3,200; 25-45-55- 65)—Quentin' (WB) and vaude. Plenty of plugging currently and • upping the gross neatly to $17,000, pleasant. Last week, 'Dance Charlie' .(WB), okay $14,100. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65-75) —'Toast of New York^ (RKO) and Saude (2nd wk.). Holding over and oing well at $18,000 for second ses- sion following excellent $25,200 last Week. . Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-45-55- B5-75)—'Knight Without Armor' ipA), Opened here Saturday (14) 4nd headed for satisfactory initial Stanza at $15,000. Last week, sec- , pnd for 'Wee Willie' (20th), $11,890, .oke. State-Lake (Jones) (2,700; 25-35- 45-55)—'Border Cafe' (20th) and *Bi-oadway Passing Show' unit on stage.. House has hit winning stride in big way. Again over $14,000, fine. Last week, 'Sweetheart of the Navy' (ON) and stage show, neat $13,800. United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700; 35-55-65-75)—'Good Earth' (MG). In for pop price gallop following two- a-dayer some months ago. Looks like a good initial week at $18,000. Last Week. 'Saratoga' (MG) completed hotch?i three-week stay to $12,300. Erlanger (1,400; 55-83-$1.10-$1.65)— Tirefly' (MG) (2nd wk.). Road- shower got fair enough notices and getting good femme play. Got nice $11,000 for its initial session here. 'Dallas,' 'Modek' Eacb 8G, Pace L'viUe Field Louisville, Aug. 17. Holdovers in town holding grosses down. 'Stella Dallas' at Loew's State ajid -Artists and Models' at the Ri- mo are breezing ahead of the field. ■Pix are running nftck and neck. Loew's went to town on a bang up exploitation campaign, and the Ri- aito reaped several air plugs on the cast of radio names. E.sUinales for This Week Brown (Fourth Ave-Loew's)— t|.500: 15-25-40)—'Wee Willie Win- nie (20th) and Coronation color "iiTi. Pace moderate and indications are for mild $2,400. Last week, 'Sar- atoga' (MG) and 'Promise to Pay' (Col), dual, third week, fair $2,800. Kentucky (Switow) (900; 15-25)— Kid Galahad' (WB) and 'Big Busi- i^eis (20th). dual, split with 'Good as Married' (U) and 'Tomorrow' ■^Par), dual. Just'fair $2,100. La.sL jveek. 'Prince and Pauper' (FN) and Madrid' (Par), dual, split with An^el'.s Holiday' (20th) and 'There ^oe.^ M.V Girl' (RKO), dual, okay Loew's Stale (3,000; 15-25-40)— ^tella Dallas' (UA) and 'Devil Is AJrjvi„:j> (Col), dual. Plenty femme "adtj al matinees; will ring the bell wr tine $8,000. Last week, 'Good Earth' (MG), big $7,700, topping pre- vious showing at roadshow prices when pic was housed at the Brown. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 15-25-40)—'San Quentin' (WB) (2d wk.). Light at $2,400, after first week's fair $2,900. Ohio (Settos) (900; 15)—'Your Heart' (WB) and 'Harvester' (Rep), dual, split with 'Chan at Race Track' (20th) and Two Against World' (FN), dual, Won't get more than fair $1,200. Last week, 'Stage. Struck' (WB) and 'Pepper' (2qth), dual, split with 'Reunion' (20th)' and 'Singing Kid' (FN), dual, fair $1,300. Rialto (Fourth Ave) (3,000; 15-25- 40)—'Artists and Models' (Par). Host of names pulling plenty of air fans and headed for big $8,000. Last week, 'Can't Have Everything' (20th) and March of Time, plenty big $9,000. Strand (Fourth Ave) (1,500; 15- 25-40)—'Can't Have Everything' (20th) and Coronation. Moveoyer from Rialto, with prospects for light $3,200. Last week, 'Road Back* (U) (2d wk.), wound up with satisfac- tory $3,400. ■ All Quiet Again In Del; living,' Austin Nice 25G Detroit, Aug. 17. Whopper stanza everywhere last week leaving town a little limp cur- rently, in view of three holdovers out of town's crop of six houses. After setting a new 10-year record for admishes with Martha Raye on stage last week, Michigan settles down currently, but figures to get town's best gross on 'Easy Living' and Gene Austin topping vaude. Estimates for This Weelc Adams (Balaban) (1,700: 25-40)— 'Armored Car' (U) plus 'Sing. Be Happy' (20th), dual. Nice $5,600. Last week, 'Roaring Timber' (Col) and 'Love in Bungalow' t.U), good $5,800. Fox (Indie) (5,000; 30-40-65)— 'Willie Winkie' (20th) (2d wk) and stage show. Temple opus holding up well after bumper $31,000 first stanza; should get nice S22,000 cur- rently. Stage show also held over for second week. Madison (United Detroit) (2,000; 30-40-65)—'Saratoga' (MG) (4th wk>. Should garner oke $3,800 on foiirth session, following $4,800 last week, when Gable-Marlow flicker was moved here after two stanzas at UA. Set to pull out Thursday (19;. Michigan (United Detroit^ (4.000; 30-40-65)—'Easy Living' (Par) with Gene Austin topping vaude. Due for nice $25,000. La.st week saw 10- .year admish record smashed with Martha Raye on stage, phis 'Super Sleuth' (RKO), snagging wow $44,000. Through Miss Raye, who was put on six-a-day final day to accommo- date crowd.s, eclipsed former admish mark hung up by Mary Pickford in 1927, gro.ss didn't hit the gross rec- od because of lower rates now pre- vailing. Palms State (United Detroit) (3,000; 25-40)—'Married Before Breakfast' (MG) plus 'Forlorn River' (Par), dual. Hitting for good $6,900. Last week. 'Meet the Missus' (RKO) and 'While Bondage' (WB), good $6,800, United Artists (United Detroit) (2.000; 30-40-65)—'Good Earth' (MG) (2d wk).. Clipped off nice $13,000 last week on first pop-price showing and should get around $8,500. good, this week. (Par) and 'One Mile from Heaven' (20th). Doing great $8,000. Last week, 'New Faces' (RKO) and 'Mid- night Madonna' (Par), average $5,500. , , I Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen) (3,000; 30-55)—'WUUe Winkie' (20th) and 'WUd Money' (Par). Well ex- ploited and answering for big $7,500. Last week, 'Toast of New York' (RKO) and 'Meet the Missus' (RKO), average $5,000. United Artists (Parker) (1.000; 30- 55)—'Good Earth' (MG) Following a three week campaign, clicking at once for terrific $8,500. Last week^ 'Saratoga' (MG) and 'Men in Exile' (FN), closed good third week for $4,500. First two weeks piled up a terrific total around $17,000. TOASr HOT $8^00 IN MPLS. 17 Minneapolis, Aug. With 'Good Earth' holding over for a second week at the Minnesota the Orpheum boasts the only im- portant attraction, 'Toast of the Town,' among the newcomers. Heav- ily exploited, the Edward Arnold fiicture is garnering plenty of atten- ion and looks en route to a pros- perous seven days. Estimates for This Week. Astor (Publix-Singer) (900; 15-25) —'My Affair' (20th) split with 'King of .Gamblers' (Par) (2d runs) and last three days dual first runs, 'Love in Bungalow' (U) and 'Hollywood Cowboy^ (RKO). Pretty good $1,200 in prospect Last week, 'Mountain Justice' (FN) split with 'Make Way for Tomorrow' (Par) (2d runs) and dual first-runs last three days 'Wings of Morning' (20th) and 'Forlorn River' (Par), $1,000, fair. Century (Publix-Singer) (1.600; 25-35-40)—'Between Two Women' (MG). CJetting good matinee play, thanks to theatre's location, picture's title and cast names. Moving toward fairly good $5,000, Last week, 'Slim' (WB), $4,000, light. Minnesota (Publix-Singer) (4,200; 25-35-55)—'Good Earth' (MG) week). Good $8,000 in sight. Last week, same pic, got fine $13,000. Orpheum (Publix-Singer) (2,890; 25-35-40)—'Toast of New York* (RKO). Has benefit of critics' praise and customers' word-of-mouth boost- ing. Good $8,400 in prospect. Last week, 'Topper' (MG), $8,200, very fine considering picture came in cold on last minute's notice when Eddie Duchin cancelled. Built steadily all week. State (Publix-Singer) (2,300; 25- 40)—'Great Gambini^ (Par) and 'She Had to Eat' (20th). Should wind up with fair $2,800. Last week, 'Wings Over Honolulu' (U) and 'Oh Again' (RKO), $3,000, fair. • Time (Berger) (290; 15-25)—'Imi- tation of Life' (U). This revival still displaying box-office potentialities. Heading for good $900. Last week, •Larceny on Air' (Rep) and 'My Man Godfrey' (Col) (reissue), $500, poor. Uptown (Publix) (1,200; 25-35)— 'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG).-J'irst nabe showing. Fair $2,500 indicated. Last week, 'Waikiki Wedding' (Par), $3,500, big. World (Steffes) (350; 25-35-40-55) —'Broken Blossoms' (Imp). Splurged on advertising for this one; fair $1,500. Last week, 'Knight Without Armor' (UA) (2d wk), $1,000, light. 'Stella 8% 'A&M'-Spitahy 4SG, Big li Weeks on B'way; 'Road Back' Strong $42,000 Can't Hold;'Zola OK Pictures that hav* got that thing are getting that gross, others aren't. Tossing out the B's that can't make the grade against current opposition, the. general complexion of business adds -up high for this time of the year. Of three roadshows on Broadway, 'Zola' is by far the strongest at the Hollywood, with 'Souls, at Sea' an okay but not big secoxtd, and 'Higlu Wide' a poor third. 'Zola' re-mazdaed the Warner Hollywood last Wednes- day night (11) and on its first, week looks a smash at $25,000. An ad- vance sale of $14,000 is claimed for the picture. 'Souls at Sea' may be feeling opposition from 'Zola,' plus having gotten a bad break in sum- mer weather, but in doing $9,500 oh six days is satisfactory considering that the capacity at the Globe, as scaled, is $19,000. Paramount's other two-a-dayer, 'High, Wide' last week (its third) did under $5,000, poor, and goes out Aug. 29. Metro retakes the Astor for 'The Firefly,' which premieres Aug. 31. Except for 'Mr. Dodd Takes the Air' at the Strand, 'She's No Lady' at the Criterion, Central's 'Think Fast, Mr. Moto' and 'London by Night' down at the Rialto, which are first runs, plus 'Road Back' at the Roxy, the town is represented by holdovers. They are offering the sternest opposition, led by a nifty $85,000 for 'Stella Dallas' on its sec- ond week at the Music Hall, and a strong $45,000 for 'Artists and Mod- els,' plus Phil Spitalny's band at the Paramount, also the second week. Other holdies are 'You Can't Have Everything,' which should knock out $25,000 or better for the Rivoli, and 'Captains Courageous,' a probable $24,000 for the Cap, both on their ^ ° second weeks. 'Everything' stays a 'Mr. Dodd* Plus Vaude Okay $8,800 in Indpls. Indianapolis, Aug. 17. 'Stella Dallas' is setting the pace in the downtown deluxers this week with two of the other first runs coasting along with holdovers that are okay. 'You Can't Have Every- thing' at the Apollo and 'Artists and Models' at the Circle turned in very strong first weeks and- are in the black in their second weeks. 'Mr. Dodd Takes the Air,' supported by a stage revue built around Paul Ash, is doing nicely at the vaudfilm Lyric. Estimates for This Week Apollo (Fourth Ave.) (1,100; 25-40) —'Can't Have Everything'. (20th) (2d wk). Will finish with $4,000, okay for second week. Same pic got dandy $6,000 in first week. Circle (Monarch) (2,800; 25-40)— 'Artists and Models' (Par) and 'Wild Money' (Par) (2d wk). Promises $5,000, good. Same picture ,in first week was very good at $8,500. Loew's (Loew's) (2,400; 25-40)— •Stella Dallas' (MG) on twin bill with 'Frameup' (Col). Former film given extra ad help and" got big opening that indicates $8,500, excel- lent. Last week, 'Knight Without Armor' (UA) dualled with 'Married Charles Morrison, reestablishing j Before Breakfast' (MG), faded to himself as an agent on the Coast, is $4,250. Morrison East on Biz 'Earth' Fertile $8,500 In Port.; *A&M' $8,000 Portland, Ore., Aug. 17. 'The Good Earth,' at Parker's UA. and. 'Wee Willie Winkle.' at the Paramount, are in the big inoney this week. Another winner is 'Top- per,' at the Broadway. Kstimales for This Week v Broadway (Parker) (2,000; SO-.SS) — Topper' (iVIG) and 'Between Two Women" (MG). Responding to big advance campaign and getting good $.1,700, Last week. 'Road Back' (U) and 'As Good a.s Married' (U), strong .$6,200. Mavfalr (Parker-Evergreen") 400: 30-55)—'Saratoga' (MG) I4th wk.) and 'Talent Scout' (FN). Aver- age $"-i,300. Last w^ek, 'Roaring Tim- ber" (CoM and 'On Again' (RKO). gi)(*d enouijh $3..500 in 10 days. O r |» ti e u rn ( Hanu ick-Evcr.grcen) ("2,000: 30-55)—'Arli,st:, and MndcLs' currently in N, Y. Set a deal making the Artists Syn- dicate of America his eastern reps. ASA thereby gets the use o£ Mor- rison's Equity franchise. (OLson) f2,000: 25-30-40)— 'Mr. Dodd Takes the Air' (WB) and Lyric vaude. Pointing to $8,800, okay. Last week, 'Dance Charlie. Dance' (WB) and vaud^ headlining Gene Austin got $9,000, very nice. Tourists Hold Up Wash. Biz; Dorsey Orch, 'Every thing' Swinging $21,000 Wa.shington. Aug. 17. All gros.ses riding along on an even ■ keel this week, with no socks and no j flops. Perfect weather sending home : folks to hinterlands, but the tourist : trade is heavy and this week they're taking in the shows as well a.s the '. Washington Monument. I Capitol out in front with 'You ! 'You Can't Have Everylhin.;?" and I Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, although ! Earie, with less capacity and lower i scale, is proportionately good with I'Mr. Dodd Takes the Air' and Bill j Robinson. ' Estimates for This Week ! Cai>itoI (Loew) (3,424; 25-35-60)— i'Can't Have Everything" (20th j and j vaude. Jimmy Dorsey orcii helping get the swing-minded for good I $21,000. Last week heavy bally and ' .sock notices sent 'Topper' (MG) and Gus Arnheim to $20,500, good. Columbia (Loew) (1,583; 25-40)— 'Saratoga' (MG) (2d run). Third week downtown after stops at Cio- itol and Palace heading for oke $4,- [ 000, La.st week, 'Ea.sy Living' (Par) I (2d run), $4,000, good. ! Karle (WB) (2,244; 25-35-40-60-70) i — Mr, Dodds Takes Air' (WB) and j vaude. Pic sold as another 'Mr. I Deeds' and with Bill Robinson on ; stage may get nice $18,500. Last week, 'San Quentin' (WB) and Mai : Hallett band. $12,300, .just fair. Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 25-35-.50)— : 'Toa.st of N. Y,' (RKO) (2d week). ; Flan'-ing on with fair $5,000. Last ■ week, sock bally got same pic nice .$10.1500. j Met (WB) (1.853; 2.5-40)—'Marry I the Girl' (WB). Passable $3,900. , Last week. 'Ever Since Eve' (WB) • (2d nin), weakish $3,300. Palace (Loew) (2,363; 25-35-60)— 'Good Earth' (MG) (2d week). Good $9,000. Last week first pop showing atter three-week roadshow got aver- age 3516.000. Rialto (Itidie) f 1.100; 25-30-40)— 'Miracles' (UA). Looks like oke $2.- 400. Last week. 'Under Red Robe' (20«h), satisfactory $2,600. third stanza, while 'Topper' succeedg at the Cap tomorrow (Thurs.). Par is retaining 'Artists' and Spitalby for two more weeks, or a total of four. A holdover that could be but isn't because of booking commitments, is 'Road Back,' which will get the Roxy . $42,000 or better after a recent dis- appointing $2 run at the Olobe. House is bringing in 'Gangway' Fri- day (20). 'Mr. Moto' is doing fairly well for the grind Cfentral, suggesting $8,500, and 'London by Nighr gets by at the .Rialto, probably $6,100,l>ut both 'Mr. Dodd' and 'She's No Lady' are sore disappointments.: The Strand falls short QJE $10,000 with 'Mr, Dodd,' . while 'She's No Lady' looks this side of ,$5,000. 'Confession' opens at the Strand today (Wed.). 'Saratoga' and, on the stage, Will Osborne's orchestra, is arousing the State to $27,000 this week after re- cent setbacks in gross here. Estimates for This Week Astor (1,012; 55-$1.10-$l,65-$2.20)— 'High. Wide' (Par) (4th week). Dinjied to behind $5,000 last week (3d> and is posted to close Aug. 29 after , a disappointing six-week run. • .Metro reclaims the theatre for 'Fire- fly,' which comes in Aug. 31. Capitol (4,620; 25-35-55-85-$1.25)— 'Captains Courageous' (MG) (2d week). Previously twice-dailied at .the Astor, this one of the sea is do- ■ ing nicely at pop scales; this week (2d) around $24,000 after first week's $32,000. 'Topper' (i^G) opens to- morrow (Thurs.), after which house closes for repairs and redecoration. 'Broadway Melody' reopetts it Sept. 2. Central (1,000; 2.'>-35-40-55-05-75- 85-99)—'Think Fast, Mr. . Moto' (20th). Should grind out a good enough $8,500. Last week, 'Frame- Up' tCol) only $6,500. disappointing. Criterion (1,662; 25-40-55)—'She's No Lady' (Par). Anotlier tiiat isn't doing right by the gentlemen who pay the rentals, under $5,000 being its sneed, poor. Last week, 'Blonde Trouble' (Par), also bad, only $4,000, Globe (1,274; 55-$1.10-$1.65-$2J20)— 'Souls at Sea' (Par).. Long-awaited $2,000,000 roadshow picture ran into hot weather on the getaway, plus current stiff ooposition which holds it down, but okay, in view of every- thing at $9,500 on the first six days. House Capacity on wesk is $19,000. Holly wood (1,454; 55-85-$1.10-$1.65- $2.20)—'Zola' (WB). Premiered Wednesday night (11) and oft to a very auspicious start, first week clicking big $25,000. A healthy run is no doubt assured. Advance sale is claimed to stand at $14,000 as of yes- terday (Tues.). Palace (1,700; 25-35-55)—'They Won't Forget' (WB) (2d run) and 'Big Shot' (RKO) (1st run), coupled. Will get about $8,000 on six days, not so bad but began dropping off so sharply it was decided not to hold a full week. 'One Mile from Heaven' (20th) (Ist run) and 'Toast of New York' (RKO) (2d run) open today (Wed.). Last week's brace, 'White Bondage' (20th) (Ist run) and 'Ever Since Eve' (WB) (2d run), $9,000, okay. Paramount (3,664; 25-35-.55-85-09)— 'Artists and Models' (Par) and Phil Spitaln.y orchestra (2d week). Hit new summer high under policy last week (i.st) of $56,500 and on second remains .smashy at $45,000. Show Is in for two )nore weeks because of its obvious strength. Radio City Music Hall (5,080; 40- 60-85r99-$l.«5)—'Stella Dallas' (UA) and stage .show (2d week). Mighty at $90,0()0 la.st week (1st) and $B5,- 000 currently on holdover, the kind of business that tickles the Rbcke- . feller bunch over here. 'Vogues of 19.18' (UA) bows tomorrow (Thurs.). Rialto (750; 25-40-55)—'London by Night' (MG), Murder mystery points to around .$(5,100, getting by for the summer. Las't week, 'Between Two Women' fMG). $6,200. Rivoli (2.092; 25-55-75-85-99)—'You Can't Have Everything' (20th) (2d week). A good $25,000 or better for this one on the second week after an initial .seven days of iust under S40.000. very big. Goes a third week. 'Dead End' (UA) next. Roxy (5,836; 25-45-.55-75)—'Road Back' (U) and stage show. This pic- ture wasn't so good as a roadshow but here on a pop run it is doing handsomely. .$42,000 or over. Ln.st week, third for 'Wee Willie* (20th), a rousing MO.OOO. .Strand (2.767; ^«)-55-75 )•-'Mr. Dodd Takes Air' (WB). Takes the air after a ooor lone week's run at un- der Sin.OOO. Last week. 'San Quen- tin '(WB) got $14,700, a little under f;iir. 'Confession' (WB) opens to- dav (Wed,). Stale (3,450; 35-55-75)—'Saratoga* (MG) (2d run) and vaude headed by Will Osborne's Orchestra. The hypo that was needed here has finally come, probably !';27.000 this wcik, fine. L'i<<t week 'Knight Without Ar- mor* (UA) (2d run) and a bill toooed by Jav C. P'lipopn and Fill D'Ocsay managed only .$18,000. mild.