Variety (Apr 1938)

Wednescla^t April 13, 193S PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY Everytliliig ConsideredXU's H.O. s Fme; 'J^ebel' $17,000 on 2d Week, Diaiey's 6th Lap Strong $1X000 Chicago, April 12. Well, so it's Holy ''freek. So there's •n alibi. Most of the loop houses, taking for. granted that there's going to be desertion at: the. boxrOffice this week,'didn't bother to jhange at- itractions and are getting a pleasant surprise with all h.o.'s doing splendidly.' -r • They iare 'Bluebeard,' ^Jezebel,' •Snow White.' 'Judge Hardy's Chil- dren' and 'Tom-Sawyer.' Only the State-Lake and the cheapie Garrick tind Apollo ' bothered to'-bring in new shows for the current littlc- liopie session. . Outstanding among the pictures is 'Judge Hardy' at the' Roosevelt, whicti has a built-up audience from previous 'Hardy Family' pictures^ 'Family Affair and 'you're oiily .Young Once.' Series has a big fol- lowing locally, and click, of current release indicates that Metro has a D.o. idea in the family group. Estlmatea tor This Week Apollo (B&K). (1.200; 35^5-55-65) — Lupin Beturns' (MG).- Not going •ny. place,- maybe $4,500. I^ast week •Golden West* (MG) somewhat bet- ter with $5,900. Chicago (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75 )— ^Bluebeard' (Par) and stage- show. Holdover for entire^ shebang, looking for- good $22,000.. Finished last week to okay $28,000, slipping some- what after strong start, Garrick (B&K) (900; 25-35-55-G5) —'Swing Your Lady' (WB). Also plenty of bally for added 'Dance of Virgins,' Bali travelog.. For the; week probably $5,000, good. Last week •over the Wall' (WB) had strong .press cooperation from Hearst and tagged $7,500, flne. Orlientai (B&K) (3,200; 35-55-75)— •Jezebel' (WB) and vaude (2d week). At $17>000, a .good gallop under con- ditions. Last week was a coin-maker «t $24,000. Falaoe (RKO) (2,500:' 35-55-65-75) ^'Snow White' (RKO) and vaude C6th-flnal week). Cartoon, which has cracked records in this town, finish- ing to $13,000, still' a flne take for the run and session. Last week excel- lent $20,800. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 75)—'Judge Hardy' (MG) (3d week). Has been piling up a following and will do $8,500 for current session, good. Last week was a moneys, maker with $10,500. State-Lake (Jones) (2,700:' 25-35- 45-^5)—'King^ of Newsboys'^ (Sep) and vaude. 'Down somewhat in face of week and will do $9,000, better than- loop averiage currently. Last week sb-so $10,500 with *Drum- inond's Revenge' (Par). United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700: 35-45-65-75) — 'Sawyer' (UA) (2d week). Looks for $9,000 currently, good. Last week okay $13,100. Test Pilot'(MG) next. 'SAWYER'GREAT $10,000 PACING SLOW SEATTLE Seattle. April 12. Moveover for possible four weeks extended run at MB looks the fate ot 'Snow White' after four big weeks at the Fifth Avenue. .Steady' drsw as end neared was well, maintained, making run remarkable. Estimates for Tills Weik Blue Mouse (Hamrick-EvergreenS (850; 32-37-42)—'Bluebeard' (Par J and 'Dangerous to Know' (Par), dual (3d.week), indicated great ,- 000. Last week, 'Sally, Irene and Mary' (20th) and 'International Set- tlement' (20th), dual (2d week), six days, $2,400, fair. Coliseum (Hamrick-Evergreen) (1.- 950; 21-32)—'Mannequin' (M-G) and 'Love Is Headache' (M-G), dual. Ex- pected good $3,500. Last week. 'Hur- ricane' (UA) and 'Beg. Borrow or Steal' (M-G), dual, $3i400, good. Colonial (Sterling) (850; iQ-21)— -4Hopalong^ides-Again!—(-Eaii^—and- 'Born to Be Wild' (Rep), dual. An- ticipated very good$2,300. Last week, 'Behind the Mike' (U) and 'Hold 'Em. Navy' (Par), dual, split with 'West- ern Gold' (2(ith) and 'Wallaby Jim' (GN), dual, $2,1.00, good. . Fifth Avenue (Hamrick-Evergreen) (2,366; 32-37-42)—'Sunnybrook Farm' (20th) and 'Trip to Paris' (20th). dual. Heading for okay $6,500. Last week, 'Snow White' (RKO); nine days (4th week), $7,600. big. Liberty (J-vH) (1.800; 21-32-42)— •Divorce of Lady X' (UA). Getting on for possible satisfactory $4,500. Last week. 'Met My Love A(!ain' (UA) and 'Tranped by G-Men' (Col), dual, $3,700, mild. Muslo Box (Hamrick^Bverfireen) (850; 32-37-42)—'Snow White' iRKO) (5th' week). - Anticipated $3,700. Last week, 'Mad About. Music' <U^ and Walking Down Broadway' (20th). dual, eight days, $2,900, good. , Orpheum (Hamrick-Evergrcen) Kef Cky Grosses Estimaied Total Gross This Week $l,290,00t iBasei on 23 cities, 160 thea- tres, ehie/ly first runs, i ludina Nv-Y^- —. ■.-— - Total Cross Samie Last Year ,$U72,8!fa (Bosed on 26 cities, 100 theotres) (2,600; 32-3i7-42)^'Merrily We Live' (M-G) (2d week) and 'Black Doll' (UJ|. Indicated good $4,200. Last week,-'Merrily We Live* (M-G), and 'Roiriance in Dark' (Par), dual, $6,r 500, big. " Falomar (Sterling) (1.350; 10-21- 37)—'My Old Kentucky Home' (Mono) and 'Patient in Room 18' (WB) with vaiide. Expected $3,800, good. Last week, 'King of Newsboys' (Rep) and 'Daredevil Driver' (WB) dual, plu^ vaude, $4,200, big: Paramonot (3,049; 32-37-42)r-Tom Sawyer' (UA) and 'Mr. Motors Gam- ble' (20th)i dual. Climbing to great $10,000. Last week, 'Bluebeard' (Par) and 'Dangerous to Know' (Par) dual (2d week), $6,300, big. Roosevelt.(Sterling) (850; 21-32)— •Swing Your Lady' (WB) and 'I'll Take Romance' (Col), dual. Appears set to land $2,500, good. Last week, 'Hollywood Hotel' (WB)* and 'Bull- dog Drummond's Revenge' (Par), dual, $2,300, moderate. DURBIN-VAODE Boston, April 12. No .Important new product on. local screens for Holy Week spells soft biz. After seven good weeks in their first run stands here, RKO is booking in 'Snow. White' again for ai second run at the Bijou (40c. top), beginning Saturday (16). Estimate! tor This Week Boston (RKO) (3,212; 25-35-40-SS) — condemned Women' (RKO) and Buck and Bubbles on stage. Fair $10,500 indicated. Last week, 'Wailk- ing Down Broadway' (20tb) and stage unit, soft $10,700. Fenway (M&P) (1,382; 25-35-40-55) — 'Bluebeard' (Par) (2d run) and 'Accidents Will Happen' (WB) (1st run), dual. Very good $8,000 on the way. Last wefek, okay $6,800 for 'Arsene Lupin Returns' (MG) and 'Over the Wall* (WB), double. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 35- 50-C5) — 'Mad About Music' (U) and stageshow, starring Jane Pickens, both'held over. Tallying about $17,- 500, good. First weiek was very good $22,500 for this combo. Metropolitan (M&P) (4,267; 25-35- 40^55) — 'Jungle Love' (Par> and 'Island in the Sky' (20th), dual. Will be only about $12,500, disappointing. Last week, 'Jezebel' (WB) and 'Love on a Budget' (20th), dual, excellent $19,000. Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 25-35-40- 55) _ 'Wide Open Faces' (Col) and 'Everybody Sing'- (MG), double. Pale $10,000. Last week, okay $15,700 for 'Tom Sawyer' (UA) and "Start Cheer- ing' (Col), double. Paramount (M&P) (1,797; 25-35-40- 55)—bluebeard' (Par) (2d run) and •Accidents Will Happen' (WB) (Ist run), dual. Strong $10,000 promised. Last week, very good $10,000 for •Over the Wall' WB) and 'Arsene Lu- pin Returns' (MG), dual. ScolUy (M&P) (2,538; 25-35-40-50) — 'Goldwyn Follies' (UA) and 'Arsene Lupin' (MG) (both 2d run), dual. Looks encouraging, around $7,000. Last week, 'Slight Case of Murder' (WB) (3d run) and 'First -l«0-Year^iiJ(.MG)-(ad-r4irt)rJual,-good- $7,000. State (Loew) (3.600; 25-35-40-55)— 'Wide Open.Faces' (Col) and 'Every- body Sing' (MG), dual, tepid $7,500. Last week; good $12,600 for 'Tom Sawyer' (UA) and 'Start Cheering* (Col), double. 'Sally, Irene* Neat $4,000, *Sacred'3G; Lincoln OK Lincoln, April 12. With weather, just cool cnoughito make fans fllm-conscious and soine heavy exploitation aiding no little, Lincoln biz' is of the record-breaking- type, 'Sally,. Irene and Mary' can't help biit click with a who's who cast composed of local favorites, and "Nothing Sacred' is out for some hefty Brossfe:;. Estimates for Thl.<i eek . Kiva (Noble) (440; 10-15)—"Prison ' Nurse' (Rei)). Not even the neat looking cashiers can save this from getting better than a bad $900. Last week, 'Start Chcerinfe' (Col), a sat- isfactory $1,100.. Liberty (Cooper) (1,200- 10-15^— 'Rawhide' (20th) and 'Riding on Air' (RKO), split with -Rip Roarih' Buc karoo' (Vic) and "Top of Town' (U). Lou Gehrig and Joe E. Brown names have this headed for a very neat $l,30d. Last week,' 'Spy Ring'. (U) and 'Heidi' (20th), split with 'Code of Rangers' (Mono), aiid 'China Clip- per' (WB), tapered off with fair $1,000. Lincoln (Cooper) (1.600; 10-20-25.- 35)—Nothing .Sacred' lUA). Vei-y grbfltable $3,000. Last week, 'Boy of treets' (Mono) and 'Paradise for Three' (MG) had to be satisfied with a slim'$2,200, after a good start. Orpheum (Cooper) (1.350; 10-15- 20-25)—•52d Street' (UA). and 'Liv- ing on Air' (RKO). Heading for 'substantial $l,400~Last 'we6kr'Goid- wyn Follies' (UA) finished its hold- over spell with nifty $1^500. . Stuart (Cooper) (1,900; 10-25-40)—' •Sally, Irene' (20th). A neat $4,000 in the bfflng.' Last week, 'Yank- at Oxford' (MG) slowed down towards the end but good enough $3,600, MARQUEE KIDS HYPO FRISCO larco Polo' with Strong $90,000 And 'Old Chicago' 62G Stand Out On B'way ; Allen Jones Ups Tom,' 28G San prancisco, April 12. Taking advantage'of the closing of schoolsvduring' the week preceding Easter Sunday, three of the flV.it runs on mai .. stem ' featuring moppet stars on the screen. Best draw of the lot is Shirley Temple in 'Rebecca.' Orpheum has 'Little Miss Roughneck* .(Edith .Tellows) and Bobby Breen is faring much better than expected at the United Artists, being held in this, class house for a isecond week i ' 'Hawaii Calls.' The St. Francis also is out for kid trade with .'Snow White,' which has been moved over from the Golden Gate, where It ra)i five weeks. EsUmates for This Week Embassy (Cohen) (1,512; 35-55)— 'Night Spot' (RKO) and 'Living on Love' (RKO), Just a filler during the Lenten season; lucky to - get $3,500 with this combo. Last, week (5th).'Goldwyn Follies' (UA) $4,000, oke. Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-55) —'Re- becca* (20th) and 'Couldn't Say No' (WB). Shirley Temple's latest a perfect Easter feature; anticipated $15,000 is good big these days. Last week (2d) 'Bluebeard' (Par) and 'Walking Down Broadway' (20th) fair enough $9,000. Golden Gate (RKO) (2.850; 35-55) —■Law of Underworld* (RKO) and vaudeville;. Schleppe'rman of Jack Benny*s radio . program heads the stage bill which is a little better than usual, not bad at $14,000. Last week (5th) 'Snow White* (RKO) closed to. big $12,000. Orpheum (F&M) (iZ,440; 35-55) — 'Little Miss Roughneck' (Col) and 'Dr; Hallet' (U). This hou.se also out for some of the kid "trade, with this not so forte pair which will be lucky to get $7,000. Show is fairly good entertainment Ijut neither of the Eictures strong in marquee names, ast week (5th) 'Mad Aljout Music' arid ^Midnight Intruder' (U) threw in several preview.s which helped gross, to $5,200, a little under expec- tations. Paramount (F-WC) ^2.740; 35-55- 75)—'Old Chicago' (20th) (4th wk>. Pne week too long for this thriller, all smoke and no flame at $5,500. Last week buirncd more brightly at $9;ooo. St. Francis (F-WC) (1,470;35-55-75) —'Snow White' (RKO) (6th wk). Smaller nut at the St. Francis should .make the extension of the run of the Disney feature profitable at this house where it is hoaded for good $6,000 after garnering around $90,000 during five .stanza.s at the Golden Gate. La.st week .(5 days) 'First Hundred Years' (MG), and 'Invisible Menace' ( ) did $3,500 following its moveover from tiie Warfield last week. United ArtisU (Cohen) (1,200; 35- 55)—'Hawaii Calls' (RKO) (2d wk). Personal appearance of Bobby Breen during opening two days of picture ,got 'Hawaii Calls' off to a good start. Biz held up so well that engagement was extended a second week which -shtjulu reaclrrali'ieTi'iJURh $4,50orLast' week drew surprisingly good $9,000. Warfleld (F-SC) (2,680; .35-55-75 )— .'Jezebel' (WB) and 'Island in the Sky' •(20th) (2d wk). Looks like Warner Bros: nave taken the wind oijt of 'Gone ,with the Wind.', the Bette Davis picture doing remark- ably good biz. ■' Second week aiming at $10,000 wh5ch is .several gran(J better than rhdst pictures have been doing during their first week at the Warfield. Last week great $17,500. WB SOILS 'CABDEN' Hollywood, piil' 12. Warner.s' 'Gai-dcn of • the Mo'on' finally got under way last week ivilh Busby. B(!rkeley directing and Pat O'Brien and John'Payne featured. Penny Sii\gleton rejilaccd Pen ie Moore in the cast, the latter haying undei'gone ah emergency tonsilec- tomy. Brdadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week,.;.. $27g,«M (Based, on 12 tneotres)' Total Gross Same Week -tast-^TeaT, 7.rrrr$J3l;3«»r (.Based on ll theatTes) .Subtract the Music Hall and Roxy from this week's' Broadway audit and little is left to be divided among the rest of N, Y.'s first runs. It's Holy "Week and although two pic- tures, 'Marco Polo' and "In Old Chi- cago,' wouldn't know it, most all of the other . houses can use it as an alibi if .wanting to protect current pictures they're playing from accu- sation. Behind the Music Hall and Roxy, biggest theatres in Manhattan, the second-run State is finishing a' strong third, beating everything else. 'Bolstered by a, fine Easfer show, in a week in advance of the end of Lent, 'Polo' is taking the M. H. tb.a handsome figure', the chances looking good to top $90,000. The picture, holds through Easter, with a third week not remote. Majority of the rest 'of the fans who aren't obsarv- iiig Holy Week or the weather are beating a, well-worn path to the Roxy, where 'In Old, Chicago' ■was stronger' Monday (11) than on its opening day, Friday .(8). On the first week should smash about $62,- 000'. Also a likely three-weeker. Third money- goes to 'Tom Saw- yer,';-on second run with a vaude layout headed by Allan Jones, which Should get 4he gtate $28,000, or bet- tec, . This is considerably over ;the recent average here. . ■ In addition to 'Polo' and 'Chicago,* new pictures , include 'Women Are Like That,' 'Return of Scarlet Pim- pernel,' 'Judge Hardy's Children,' "Hollywood • Stadium ystery' and 'Rawhide.' r Down on Its back and gasping after several bad blows recently, the RivoU is still taking: the count with 'Pimpernel.* Though better than 'Gaiety Girls,' ' in ahead, r which grossed only $6,000 on 10 days, 'Pim' is a sad spectacle, at only about $10,- 000 on the week. No less suicidal Is ."Women Are Like That' at the Strand, Tlie Kay 'OVER WALL' 19G, PTSBG.NOTBAD Pittsburgh, April It Everything considered, local biz Is oke.. Not only Holy Week but Satur- day, usually gravy, produced worst snowstorm and blizzard of year and even so, grosses won't be half bad at all. Estimates for This Week Alvin (Harris) (2,000; 25-35-50)— -Little Miss Roughneck' . (Col) and 'He Loved An Actress' ((3N). Opened yesterday. (Monday) for four days only, following 'Thank You, Mr. Moto* (20th) and 'Walking Down Broadway' (20th), which was in for similar length of time. Doubtful if the brace of twinners will account for meagre $4,000 in eight days; house waiting for 'In Old Chicago' (20th) Friday (15) and hoping for a run. Last week, revival of "Viva Villa' (iW-C) and -City: Girl' (20th) excellent at more than $5,000. Fulton (Shea-Hyde) (1,750; 25-40) —r'Prison Nurse' (Rep) and 'Love Is A Headache' (M-G). One of the week's bigger surprises; should hit around $6,000 and may hold despite fact that 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook .FamU_(20th.)^is-ali£ady-peiicUled-in- for. day before Easter. Last week, 'Mad About M'usic' (U) stuck three days in fourth week and on the 10 days collected nearly $7,000, Fenni (Loew's-UA) (3,3O0; 25-35- 50)—Bringing Up Baby' (RKOX Should.be pretty, close to $13,000 at the finish;- not bad at. all for the sea.sori. Last week, 'Tom Sawyer' (UA) plenty all right at $10,500. Stanley (WB) (3,600; 25-40-60)— 'Over the Wall' .(WB) and on stage Jae ie Cooper and Major Bowes uiiit. Hit hard by snowstorm, but, .should clock around $19,000. La.st week, 'Merrily We Live' (M-G) and Happy Felton-Larry Crabbe oh stage. In Ihe doghouse at $14,000. Warner (WB) (2.000; 25-40) — 'Daughtier of Shanghai' (Par; ,ind 'Daredevil Drivers! (WB). Ought to gel $3,800. pretty nearly average. Lasf week, 'HittinK A New Hiuh' (RKO).and '.Scr«oant Murphy' (WBI but on a limb at $3,200, Francis starrrcr will be lucky to bet- ter. $9,000. Capitol may squeeze through to $19,000, not a loss, but feeble, on eight days with 'Judge Hardy's Children,' the kind of a.pic- ture they apparently don't want on Broadway whcri'Polo,' 'Chicago! and Allan Jones arc around. 'Stadium,-Murdfiii_My.steriesl.jnay_ get the Criterion $8,500, not too badj while 'Rawhide,' Globe's Holy Week hope, will- probably end -at around. $6,000, a little under average.. Rialto is playing 'Dracula' on a revival, lis chances looking about $6,000 also. Four days of wet weather last week, starting ith snow Wedne-s- day (6) and rain therealter-through most of Saturday, was the answer to no one's prayer. With clearing Sat- urday evening and cOld weather Sunday, Broadway theatres got a break, houses like the Roxy and Music Hall knocking -out a terriflc week-end. Sunday's business at the Music Hall was Just under $20,000 alone, equalling the Saturday take, which, is' unusual. Monday (11) dipped in most spots more than an- ticioated. With the coming of ' Easter, all managers are expecting a good break where the kids can be drawn, . They are out. of school starting Good Fri- day (15) through to April25.JIooray! 'The can,* religious Frenchrrhade .film, spon.sored by a Catholic or- ganization, with all proceeds on a $2 twice-daily run at the Astor going to charity, quit after two bad weeks. Picture originally scheduled a run of flye .weeks. sUm&tcs for This Week . Capitol (4,520; 25-35-55-85-$1.25)— Judge Hairdy's Children' (M(i). <3o. ing eight days but doing little, look- ing $19,qp0,. top on that rim. Last week, second for 'Girl ot Golden West* (MG), $24,000, a trifle disap- pointing but good profit. ^ ' ' Criterlan (1,062; 25-40-55)—'Holly- wood Stadium Mysteries' (Rep). Pull- ing hard to eke out more than $8,500 but doubtful, fair. Last week, 'King of Newsboys* (Rep), around $11,000, nice. mSL"*.'" <'"2'''j: 25-40-55)-'Rawhider (20th). Highly recommended west- ern With Lou Cehrig, ball player, up against Holy Week and lucky if more than .$6,000, under^ average. 'Last \veek, Tort of Missing Grls^ (Mono), the-same. gross was the answer. PaUce (1,700; 25-35-55)—'Jezebel' (WB) (2d run) and .'Moto's Gamble' (20th) (1st run), coupled.- Bette Da- vis, plus Moto following, may mean a week of around $12,000 here, sur- prising. Last week, 'Slight Case of Murder' (WB) (2d run) and 'Walk- ing Down Broadway* (20th) (Ist run), built toward finish, $11,500. Paramount (3,664; 25-35-55-85-99) — Her Jungle Love* (Par) with Tommy Dorsey orchestra and Ben Blue persohaling open today (Wed.). Bluebeard '(Par) and Guy Lombardb orchestra (3d-flnal week) ended its 21;day run last night (Tues.), with $27,500 scored final lap, okay, after a second week's stout take of $44,000 and a first stanza's smash $56,000. Badio City Music Hall (5,980; 40- 80-84-99-$1.05)—'Marco Polo' (UA) and stage show (1st week). This may be Holy Week but cashiers wouldn't know it over here as they punch out tickets to spell a swell $90,000 or better, something not to write the Vatican about. Show holds through Easter, and with kids out of school *ntil April 25, house having flne bill for the tots, a third session is likely. Last week was disappointing, things combining to keep the take to $65,000 though proflt, with 'Divorce of Lady X (UA). , """"o. (750; 25-40-55)—'Dracula' (U) (reissue). Probably around ,- poo goes on the books as credit to this one, mild but profit.! Last week. Making Headlines' (Col). $6,200. «ivoll (2,092; '25-55^75-85-90)— pimpernel* (UA); They must have forgotten the Riv Is here as another very disappointing week stands in store for the hnii.sp at_$iO,ooo or thereabouts with this finglish-made; Last week a new low' of, $6,000 on 10 days was what 'Gaiety Girls' (UA) did to the luckless theatre. Boxy (5,830; 25-40-55-75)—'Chi- cago' (20th) and stage show. Batter- ing Its way through to a smash week of $02,000 or in that vicinity and holds through Easter,as well as prob- ably a third .stanza. La.st week 'Re- becca' (20lh) (2d v/eck). a little un- der $30,000. low but profit. Strand (2.707; 25-55-75)—'Women Are Like That' (WB). ;'The chips aren't on llii.s one, S9,000 excruciat- ingly painful. Last week, .second for ■Over the Wall," (WB), only around $8,500. poor. Slate (XAT) ; .W-55-7ri)—'S.iw.vcr' (UA) (2d nil) t nn<\ vaude headed by Allan Jonc.'i. id picture and Jones a nice cnnihinalion, draught looking a .siuiir $2R.0nn. vorv Cgod. Last wqok. 'Kvervl)f)dv .Sriic' (MG) (2d ruii).ahd Ben Wheeler, around $26,000.