Variety (Oct 1937)

VARIETY PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, October 6, 1937 Ready to Cafl Pulitiotor Squad In LA.; Horizon $34,000,2 Houses Only Hit,-Vogues'Sad 191/20. Par's Dive Los Angeles, Oct 5; Something has greased the skids and the toboggan slide that started a week ago continues with little re- sistance. Biz has dropped to point where managers are really becoming alarmed: and when 11 regular first run houses are unable to pile up a combined take of better than $75,500 feejuig all around is there's reason for plenty worry. Five Fox West Coast first runs, will be lucky if they hit $29,000, average of less than $6,000 each; Only bright spots in town are the RKO and Pantages where 'Lost Horizon' is day-dating for its first local run following extended road- show engagement- at the Four. Star few months ago. Combined take at the two houses should hit $34,000, very big. E3timates lor This Week Cirthay Circle (Fox) (1,518; 55- 83-1.10-1.65) —'Zola* (WB) (4th week). Biz away ofr in keeping with rest of the tov/n, and two more weeks should probably see windup. Third stanza disappointing $7,800, Chinese (Grauman) (2,028; 30-40- 55.75>—'Vogues' (UA) and 'Borneo' (20th) dual. Headed for another nosedive, as indicated by poor $9,700. Last week 'Willie Winkie' (20th) and 'Miss Aldrich' (MG), $7,300, omit flowers DoWDtown (WB) (1,800; 30-40- 55-65) — 'Confession' (FN) and 'Dance. Charlie' (FN) dual. Kay Francis' downtown draw'a little bet- ter than at the day-dater (Holly- wood) so probable §Y,500, which oke. Last week 'Dead End' (UA) and 'Footloose Heiress' (WB); held fairly strong on second we6k for satis- factory $7,500. Four Star (Fox) (900; 40-55)— *King Solomon.' From hunger for a second week, since reverting back to original policy of extended runs, only the runs aren't being extended. This week house will be lucky to hit $1,900, plenty brutal. Last week, •Girl Said No' (GN), $1,500, worse. Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55 65)—'Confession' (FN) and 'Dance, Charlie' (FN). Hollywood hot too hot for this one so maybe will finish at $7,300. Last week, second stanza of 'Dead End' (UA) and 'Footloose Heiress' (WB). Very good $7,000. Orpheum (Bdwy) (2;280; 25-^30-35- 40)—'Windjammer' (RK<i) and 'An- napolis Saluate' (RKO) dual an<;} vaudeville. House has a first run currently, but it doesn't mean : thing at b.o., as weak $6,000 attests. Last week, second runs. PantaOTS (Pari) (2,700; 30-40-55)— Tx>st Horizon' (CoUand 'Game That Kills' ((jol) dual. Started consider- ably weaker than at the RKO, where i$ day-dating but trade "built as week progressed, and with a preview thrown in Monday should finish to big $15,000.' Last week, four-day third week for '100 Men and Girl' (U) and 'Man In Blue' (U), very excellent $4,400. Paramount (Partmar) (3,595; 30- 40-55)—'Danger, Love at Work- (20th) and 'Bengal Lancer' (Par) dual and stage show. Combination of a 20th-Fox pic with Par revival isn't meaning a thing and house looks headed for a new low cur- rently, brutal $12,000 best in sight. Last week, 'Something to Sing About' (GN) bi:odied for poor $13,300. BICO (2,950; 30-40-55)—'Horizon' (Col) and 'Game That Kills' (Col) dual. First showing at regular prices bringing smash $19,000. Last week (4 days of third week) '100 Men' (U) and 'Man In Blue' (U), okay $4,600. State (Loew-Fox) (2,024; 30-40- 65-75)—'Vo.gues' (UA) and 'Borneo* (20th) dual.' Plenty of red ink in sight for this stanza with, 'Vogues' failing to hit as expected, so looks like brutal $9,600. Last week, •Willie Winkie' (20th) and 'Miss Aldrich' (MG), dismal $11,300. United Artists (Fox-UA) (2,100; 30-40-55)—'Willie Winlcie' (20th) and •Miss Aldrich' (MG) dual. Moveover of this brace isn't helping the ex- chequer any and at $3,000 titere will be plenty of wailing. Last week, •Big City' (MG) and 'Mile From Heaven' (20th) on moveover pretty terrible at $.3,100. Wilshire (Fox) (2,296; •30-40r55-65) —'Willie Winkie' (20th) and 'Miss Aldrich' (MG) dual. If this pair brings over $3,500 everybody will be surprised. Last week, 'Big City' (MG) and 'Mile From Heaven' (20th), so-so at $5,000. 'ZOLA'S' $8,500 TOPS 'EM ALL IN LOUISVILLE Louisville, Oct. 5. Cream of the pic crop has landed this week at the Strand and Mary Anderson. 'Life Begins at College,' plus 'Chan on Broadway' combined to pull the best biz of the year at the Strand, and 'Emile Zola' at the Mary Anderson piled 'em in over the week-end, with a holdover a virtual certainty. Estimates for This Week Brown (Fourth Ave.-Loew's) (1,- 500; 15-33-40)—'Wife, Doctor, Nurse' (20th) and 'Hot Water' (20th), dual, doing $2,400, which is good, after big seven-day stanza at Rialto, 'Dou- ble or Nothing' (Par) and 'She's No Lady' (Par), rang up $2,600 last week, okay. Kentucky (Switow) (900; 15-25)— 'Wee Willie Winkie* (20th) and 'Ever Since Eve' (WB), dual, fair $2,300. Last week 'Singing Marine' (WB) and 'On Again, Off Again' (RKO), dual, split with 'Midnight Madonna' (Par) and 'She Had to Eat' (20th), dual, light $2,200, Loew's State (3,000; 15-33-40)— Vogues of 1938' (UA) and 'Fight to a iFinish' (Col), dual. Patrons lack- ing interest in fashion show pic, but will hold up to fair $8,400. Last week 'Prisoner of Zenda' (UA) and 'Man Who Could Work Miracles' (UA), with Carnival of Champions (Indie) pic added, plenty okiay at $7,500. Mary Anderson <Libson) (1,000; 15-33-40)—'Emile Zola' (WB). A natural for this house, and standees plentiful over week-end.: . Copped $8,500, plenty big, and holdover looks sure. Last week 'That Certain Woman* (WB) on second stanza no better than $2,800, punk. Ohio (Settos) (900; 15)—'(Allege Holiday* (Par) find 'Smartest Girl in Town' (RKO), dual, split with Yel- low Cargo' (GN) and 'Valiant Is Word for Carrie' (Par), dual, $1,200 pjfetty slim..- Last -week 'Mary Burns> Fugitive* (Par) and 'Big Broadcast of 1937' (Par), dual, split with 'Straight fr,om Shoulder* (Par) and 'Anthony Adverse' (WB), dual, %\,m. Rialto (Fourth Ave.) (3,000; 15-33- 40)—'High, Wide, Handsome' (Par), Hitting along at $6,500. Last week 'Wife, Doctor, Nurse' (20th) and 'Hot Water' (20th), dual, enjoyed fine session at $7,600. Strand (Fourth Ave.) (1,500; 15-33- 40)—-'Life Begins in College' and 'Chan on Broadway' (20th), dual. Best Friday opening and biggest biz in past six months, $6,500. Last week 'BuUdog Drummond Comes Back' (Par) and 'She Asked fot It' (Par.), dual, 'weakened badly to touch a low $3^00. First Rons on Broadway (Subject to Change) Week of Oct 7 AsU>r — 'Firefly* (MG) (6th wk). Capitol — 'Good Earth' (MG) (3d wk). Central — 'Shadows of The Orient' (Mono) (9). Criterion—'This Way, Please' (Par). {Reviewed in VARnrrY Sept 15.) Globe — 'Something to Sing About' (GN) (3d wk). Hollywood — 'Emile Zola' (WB) (9th wk). Music Hall — 'Stage Door' (RKO). (Reviewed in Variety Sept 15.) Paramount—'High, Wide and Handsome' (Par) (3d wk). Rialto — 'Counsel for Crime' (Col) (8). (Reviewed in current VAHitxY.^ Blvoli — 'Wife, Doctor and NUrse' (20th) (9). (Reviewed in VAiartY Sept. 8.) Roxy—'Life Begins In Col- lege' (20th) (8). (Reviewed in Variety Sept^ 29.) Strand—'Back In Circulation' (WB) (2d wk). Week of Oct 14 Astor — 'Firefly* (MG) (7th wk). Capitol — 'Bride Wore Red* (MG). (Reviewed in Vaioexy Sept. 29.) Central—'Bulldog Drummond at Bay* (Rep) (16).' (Reviewed in Vavosty Aug, 4.) Globe— 'Something to Sing About* (GN) (4th wk). HoHywood — 'Emile Zola* (WB) (10th wk).. Music Hall — 'Stage Door' (RKO) (2d wk). . Paramount — 'Souls at Sea' (Par) (13). (Reviewed in Vabiety Aug. 11.) Rialto — 'Fit for a King* (RKO) (15). (Reviewed in Vabiety Sept. I.) BivoU — 'Wife, Doctor and Nurse' (20th) (2d wk). Roxy — 'Life Begins In Col- lege' (20th) (2d wk). Strand — 'Perfect Specimen' (WB) (16). (Reviewed in Variety Sept. 29.) Rain Helped Plenty in hd|d$.; %hda'-'Bad Cuy Good at lOG Mr. Moto' (20th). Pretty good. $1,500. Last week 'On Such a Night* (Par) and 'Flight from Glory* (RKO), with first three of •Woolly' and 'Moto' okay, $1,200. Stuart (LTC) (1,900; 10-25-40)— '100 Men and a Girl' (U). Away to take the cake and get about $4,000, a new high for this house since the summer dullness set in. Will be fanciest Last week 'Souls, at Sea' (ParO was a two-day pic, $3,200 on the windup, not being much more than average. Varsity (Westland) (1,100; 10-15- 20-25) — 'Happened in Hollywood' (Col) is carrying the load of single; features for the first time in weeks and not going too good as result Will do good to hit $1,300 this week, but that'll be fair enough, - Last week 'Broadway Bill' (Col) and •Counsel for Crime' (Col), good, $900. RITZES SOCK IN High' with Raft Personal May Get $25,000, Hub Boston, Oct 5. Topper for the week is 'High, Wide and Handsome,' with stage show at the Met but not big; ahd there are twp strong holdovers—'Dead End,' at the Orph and State, and 'Vogues' at the Keith MemoficiL Keith Boston is getting good b.o. attention with Big Apple dancers, but is getting competish from the Arthur Murray group now playing in the Terraice Room of the Hotel Statler. Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,000- 35-55-75)— 'There Goes the Groom' (RKO) and stage show featuring Fats Waller and big apple dancers, aiming at good $22,000. Last week 'Saturday's Heroes' (HKO) and Milton Berle on stage, ;5trong over weekend, then sagged with $18,000 finis. Fenway (M&P) (1,400; 25-35-40- 50)—'Back in Circulation' (WB) and 'Bulldog Comes Back' (Par), dual, okay for weekend trade, will hit satisfactory $6,000. Last week 'Var- sity Show* (WB) (2d run) and 'Chan on Broadway' (20th) (ist run) dual, medium $5,200. Hub (Grand) <930; 20-30-40)-'Girl Said No' (GN) (2d run) and 'Ren- frew of Mounted' (GN), 1st run. double, tepid $5,500 indicated. 'GiiT had roadshowing earlier in season at $1.65 top. Last week, third frame for 'Something to Sing About' (GN) and 'Killers at Sea' (GN). dual, okay $4,100. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 25- 40-55) — 'Vogues' (UA) and 'Lady Fights Back' (U), dual, held over second week, running at pleasing $13,000 trot. First stanza very good $21,000, Metropolitan (M&P) (4,300; 35-55- 75)—'High, Wide and Handsome' (Par), with stage show hypoed by George Raft's personal, may come through with around $25,000. Last week srnasho $38,500 for 'Double or Nothing' (Par) and Tommy Dorsey on stage. George Raft in impromptu personal appearances Monday aind Tuesday this weekJ4-5), in connec- tion with vacation visit to Boston. Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 25-35-40- 50)—'Dead End' (UA) and 'Can't Last Forever* (Col), dual, holdover, headed for okay $14,000. First week dandy $19,300. Paramount (M&P) (1,800; 25-35- 55)—'Back in Circulation' (WB) and 'Bulldog Comes Back' (Par), dual, pleasing with $7,500 pace. Last week good $8,()00 on 'Varsity Show' (WB) (2d run) and 'Chan on Broadway' (20th) (1st run), dual Scollay (M&P) (2,700; 25-35-40-50) — Souls at Sea* (Par) (3d run) and 'She Asked for If (Par) (1st run), dual, made to order, will hit around $7,000, eight days. Last week pallid $4,300 for 'Stella Dallas* (UA) (2d run) and 'Footloose Hbiress* (WB) (1st run), double. State (Loew) (3,300; 25-35-40-50)— 'Dead End* (UA) and,, 'Can't Last Forever' (Col), dual, holdover, promising around $11,000, okay. First week very good $16,000. TRUCE HELPS LINCOLN; '100 MEN' BIG $4,000 Lincoln, Oct 5. Ouch situation between news- papers and theatres came to an end (30). and a new deal is oh for theatre row. Big weekend with the Minne- sota-Nebraska game and complete support of the theatres on the amusement page^ are the result. '100 Men' getting a wham opening at the Stuart and heading for 4G's. Varsity, a dual biller all summer, adds further glory, to the row by jumping the price from 15c. top to two-bits and goes single-features. Orph will take up vaude on Oct 21. Estinutes for This Week Liberty (LTC) (1,200; 15-15)—'13th Man' (Indie) and Louis-Farr fight split with 'Shadows of the Orient' (Mono) and 'Empty Holsters' (WB). Kids are coming Dack as the polio scare is fading, $900. Better. Last week 'Sea Racketeers' (Rep) and 'Pigskin Parade' (20th) split with' 'Ride Ranger, Ride' (Rep) and 'Pub- lic Wedding' (WB). Fair, $800. Lincoln (LTC) (1,600; 10-20-25)— 'San Quentin' (WB). Convention of ^iwanis and football crowds taking lathis, house for a spin and should bring tally to $2,800 on the stretch. If overplayed in four days, may be subbed Tuesday (5). Last week 'Love Under Fire* (20th). not bad, $2,200. Orpheum (LTC) (1,350; 10-15-20) —'Carnival of Champions' (Indie) and 'Trader Horn' (MG). Goes four days with holdover of three of 'Wild and Woolly' (20th) and Think Fast, San Francisco, Oct 5. Although Sally Rand will give the (jolden Gate theatre the top biz in point of gross of any of the ace spots down town this week, Sally's fan and bubble dance has failed to attract exceptional money. Cliff Work has surrounded Miss Rand with a good supporting bill of vaudeville acts and a timely football picture, 'Satur- day's Heroes' from RKO. After tak- ing a beating with 'High, Wide and Handsome' last week, the Fox thea- tre has picked up a bit with its cur- rent bill, the Ritz Brothers in 'Life Begins in College' and 'Charlie Chan on Broadway.' Estimates for This Week Embassy (Cohen) (1,512; 35-55-75) —'Stella Dallas' (UA) (5th week). Engagement stretched too long. Will see a poor $2,000 for the final stint. Last week take in nabe of $2,800, Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-55-75) — 'Life Begins ija College' (26th) and 'Chan on Broadway' (20th). Ritz Bros, very popular here, with the natives showing considerable inter- est in the boys' first starrer. Expect healthy $21,000. Last week 'High, Wide' (Par) and 'Hot Water' (20th) did n.s.g. $14,000. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55- 75)—'Saturday's Heroes' (RKO) and vaudeville. Combo of Sally Rand on the stage and a football picture on the screen in this grid-iron made town looked like a world beater, but the $18,500 in sight is way below expectations. For good measure ihe Gate threw in a 'March of Time' and gave Mi^s Rand a good supporting bill of 10 acts. Last week, 'Music for Madame' (RKO) and vaudevUle disappointed at $13,000. Orpheum (F&M) (2,440; 35-55-75) —'100 Men and a Girl' (U) and 'Counsel for Crime' (Col) (2d week). With, everything against it, strikes, stock market drop ana warm weather, '100 Men and a Girl' has managed to prove an outstanding grosser. The second week will fall short of the business done by 'Lost Horizon' in its second stint, but $11,000 is great going. Last week, $16,500, was terrific, but not irecord- breaking biz. Paramount (F-WC) (2,440; 35-55- 75) — 'Madame X' (MG) and 'My Dear Miss Aldrich' (MG). Gladys George, who was a populat stock favorite here, hasn't meant a thing at the box office in any of the three pictures which she has made since going . to Hollywood. Her current vehicle, 'Madame X,' will do the poorest biz of .the three. Biz very bad at $8,500. Last week, 'Big City' (MG) and 'Talent Scout' (WB) did light $9,000. St Francis (F-WC) (1,470; 50-75- $1.50)—'Zola' (WB) (3d week). Paul Muni's latest biography, 'Zola,' well liked but there are only a few who are willing to pay road^ow prices to catch it. Biz has been way off on this picture from the very start Third and final week will be lucky to hit $6,000. Last week nabbed $6,500, United Artists (Cohen) (1,200; 35- 55-75)—'Vogues of 1938' (UA) (2d week). Off to a bad start when it opened on the second warmest day of the year, 'Vogues' failed to re- cover, San Francisco looked like a good bet for 'Vogues,' the women here being particularly style con- scious. Second stint will hit drab $6,000 for this Technicolor fashion picture. Last week $8,500, Warfield (F-WC) (2,680; 35-55-75) — 'Back in Circulation' (WB) and 'Sophie Lang Goes West' (Par). Biz continues to be way off here,"Frisco has its best weather during late September and October. Don't ex- pect to do over $12,000 with this pair. Last week, 'Wife. Doctor and Nurse' (20th) and 'Footloose Heiress' (WB), did $9,000. Indianajpolis, Oct. 5. Rainy weather oVer the week-end kept the natives from doing much else except theatre-going with bene- fit to the downtown box offices. 'Prisoner of Zenda,* at Loew's, given the benefit of much ballyhoo, is on, its way towards a strong take to lead the first runs. The vaudfilm Lyric with Lottie Mayer's water bal- let oh the stage and the Ritz Bros.' first starring vehicle on the screen, 'Life Begins in College,' is also in the upper brackets. 'High, • Wide, and Handsome,' at the Circle, is faring well enough to occupy a runner-up position in the downtown sector. Estimates for This Week Apollo (Katz-Dolle) (1,100; 25-40) —'Lancer Spy' (20th). National as- sist ads failed to mean a thing and the take is likely to be $2,500, poor. Last W€jek dual of 'Double or Noth* ing' (Par) and 'Flight from Glory* (Par) did okay $3,250 for a holdover session. Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,800; 25-40) —'High, Wide, and Handsome' (Par) dualled with 'Bulldog Drummond Comes Bacl^ (Par). Former given plenty of attention in campaign, but take is only moderately good at $6,- 750. Last week, 'Varsity Show' (WB) opened well and then, slipped considerably to wind up with $6,000, fair. Keith's (Kane) (1,300; 15-25)— 'Rain' (UA) revival and vaude. No names on stage and picture appat-i ently lacks pull. Gross $2,800, bad. Last* week, 'Hoosier Schoolboy' (Mono) and vaude with Wendell Hall featured did $3,000, which is un- der piar. Loew's (Loew's) (2',400; 25-40)-^ 'Prisoner of Zenda' (UA) dualled with 'Bad Guy' (MG). Good exploi- tation on former picture and ^results are excellent, with gross $10,000, swell. Last week, 'Big City' (MG) and 'Girl Said No' (GN) on triple bill with 'Carnival of Champions fight films was all iright at $7,500. Lyric (Olson) (2,000 ; 25-30-40)— 'Life Begins in College' (20th) and vaude headlining Lottie Mayer's water ballet Stage show plugged in ads on top of Ritzes film. Take is plenty okay at $10,500. Last week, %acfc in Circulation* (WB) and Major Bowes* 2d Aimiversary Revue on stage finished strong at $11,300. dandy. Baby Weather SockedCincy, But 'Vogues'Gets 13G$ Cincinnati, Oct 9. Indian summer last week took th# wind out'of b.o. sails. Football was another trade distracter over the we^krcnd, Cincy's two university teams playing home games Satur- day (2) and the American pro league season here getting under way Sun- day (3), when rain was additional opposidi. 'Vogues^ Is the important draw currently, fetching $13,000 at the Palace. 'Souls at Sea,' missing out on femme biz, is disappointing in a $10,000 stru^le at the Albee. Lyric is bright with a $5,500 pufll on 'Life of the Party' and 'Back in Circula- tion' is tugging $4,000 for Keith's. 'Thin Ice,' in middle of three-week run at the Shubert has an $8,000 tag. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 35-42) — 'Souls at Sea' (Par). Poor, $10,000. Last week, 'That Certain Woman (WB), $9,000, bad. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 35-42) — 'Big City' (MG). Moved over from Palace for second week, fair, $4,000. Ditto last week on 'Wife, Doctor' (20th) (2d week). Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-25) — 'Windjammer' (RKO) and 'Big Busi- ness' (RKO), split. Average, $2,200. Same last week on 'Forlorn River' (Par) and '23V^! Hours' Leave' (GN), split. , Grand (RKO) (1,200; 25-40) — 'That Certain Woman' (WB). Trans- ferred from Albee for second week. Ordinary, $2,500. Last week, '100 Men and a Girl' (U) (3d week), $2,800, all right Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 25-40) — 'Back in Circulation' (WB). Fair, $4,000. Last week, 'Prisoner of Zenda' (UA) (2d week), $5,000, strong. Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 35-42) — 'Life of the Party' (RKO). Good, $5,500. Last week, 'Lost Horizon' (Col) (4th week), $4,000, fair. Palace (RKO) (2.600; 35-42) — 'Vogues of 1938' (UA). Good, $13,000. Last week, 'Big City' (MG), $11,000, fair. Shubert (RKO) (2.150; 35-42) — 'Thin Ice' (2(Hh) (2d week). Very good, $8,000, following big $13,000 on first seven days. Will hold-