Variety (May 1938)

VARIETY PICTURE GROSSES WednesJaj, Maj 4, 1938 TilotV 2d Week $27^00 Best L A. Can Muster; Tools' Weak 12G, Slim $13,300 for'Woman,'4-StarDualing Los Angeles, May 3. Nothing very hot in the first runs ciirrentJy but ideal weather, over, the weekend turned a bad start into a fairly strong finish, with most houses showing better than avisrage returns. Best biz in town continues to be 'Test Pilot,' which on second week at the day-date State aiid Chinese is holdin:; to better than average and should' come close tb. $27,500 oh the stanza after garnering nearly $38:000 on initial week. Estimates (or This cek Chinese (Grauman-Fox) (2.024; 30- 40-55-75)—"Test Pilot' (MG) and 'Trip to Paris' (20th) dual (2nd weak). First holdover in more than a year fully justified with neat $12r 500' the count for second stanza. First week came through for smash 416.200. . . Downtown-«VB) (i:800: 30-40-55^ 65)—'Fools for Scandal' (WB) and •Accidents Will Happen' (WB) dual. Very little in sight for this liair on basis of first.few days so will prob- ably have to be satisfied with slim $5,500. Last week, 'Marcp Polo' (UA) and 'Dare Devil Drivers' (FN) second week, very good $8,300. Four Star (Fox) (900; 40-55)—'To Ihe Vic'ior'' (GB), and 'Pimpernel' (UA) flual. Brace of foreign-madcs Tieading for slim returns, with $2,000 likely. First dual program for house; Last week, five day second stanza, of 'Lady X' <UA), sold bill. $1,400. Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55- 65)—'Fools for Scandal' (WB) and •Accidents ill Hapoen' (WB) dual. •Weak: lucky to hit $7,000 on .stanza. La.st week, ' arco Polo' (UA) and 'Daredevil Drivers' (FN) (2d wk.), e^ri-eilent $8,000. Orpheiim (Bdwv.) (2,280; 25-30-35- 40)—'Arson Gang Busters' (Rep> and •Condemned Wonien' (RKO) dual and vaudeville. Slipped below nor- mal trade for around $7,000. Last week. 'Old Barn Dance' (Rep) and •nan^erous to Know' ..(Par), with B'^okstone unit on staee. okay $9,000. Pantanes (Pan) (2,812; 30-40-55)^ T'l-jre's Alway.i! Wnmah' (Col) and •MKi; Roughneck' (Col) dual. Close to S7,000, so-so. Last week, second webk. 'Joy of Living' (RKO) and •Niaht Spot' '"KO), finished with satisfactory $6,200. Paramaunt (Par) (3,595: 30-40-55) —'Dr. Rhythm" (Par) and 'Marriage Business' (RKO) dual.. Second wieek of straitiht sound, dual bill got \mder way nicely with the answer likely $15,000, fine, with films going another six dcys. Last v.'eek (8 days) 'Col- lege Swin?' (Par) and 'Maid's Night. OuV (RKO) profitable $12,500. RKO (2.872; 30-40-55)—Always a Woman' (Col) and 'Miss Roughneck'. (Col) dual. Running about on. par ■with itj! day-dater. Pahta?es, for likely $6,300 which will leave some profit. Last week 'Jo.v of Living' (RKO) and 'Ni.sht Spot' (RKO) (2d ■wk.), held above danger line with olipv $6,000. Stale (Loew-Fox) (2,41,4; 30-40-55- •;.■))—"Test Pilot' (MG) and 'Trio to P;iri.s' (20th) dual. Holdover holding to better than average biz with $15,- OOn the answer. First week ended with terrific S21.553. tops aside from « linlidnv week, in three vcars. Ilnltert Arllsls (Fox-UA) (2,100; 30-40-55)—'Jiirtue Hardy' (MG) and l.ndv X* (UA) dual. Forced to eliminate Its continued first-run nol- Icv bccan.<ie of holdover of 'Test Pilot' at State-Chinese, house, albn;; with its day-dater, Wilshire. on its own this week. Looks like fair $2.'>no. Last week. 'Rebecca' (20th) and 'Moto's Gamble' (20th). pretty we-<V with S'.500 fin eight dnvs. Wllshire (Fox) (2.??16: 30-10-55-65) —••Ti'd"e HarHv' (MG) and 'Ladv X' (UA) dual. Hilling bctte' nnoe than previoix week for "ood $4,200. Last ■week 'Rebecca' (20th) and 'Molo's Gamble' (201h). on mot'c-iwer, noth- ing to cheer about at $3,700. 'COLLEGE SWING'$6,000, 'LIVING' $9,000, DENVER Fair $1,500. Last week 'Mad About Music'.(U> (2d week (3d riin) and 'It Happened Out West' (20th) nice $2,300. Last week 'Old Chicago' (20th),. close to record, $17,500. . Orpbcura (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40) —'Joy of Living' (RKO) and 'Law of the Underworld' (RKO). Nice $9,000. Last week 'Golden West' (M-G) (2d week), okay $7,500. Paramoant (Fox) (2,2 : 25-40)— 'Womea Are Like That" (WB) and 'Making the Headlines' (Gol). Tasty $3,800. Last, week 'Goodby Broad- way' (U> and 'Midnight Intruder' (U), nice $4,000. TOMMY DORSEY UPS TOOLS' TO 16GINBUFF Buffalo, May. 3. Tommy, Dprsey staged a whirlwind opening at the BufTalo this week enid had the ciats and bugs jamming the aisles oyer the yeekehd. Dorsey is getting the 'niost vociferous: recep- tion, here of any stage band in years.. Aside from this, takings, are.very, quiet, 'Test Pilot' at the Lakes in its second , week; being the only other standout. Week is also featured by ai drop. In admission scales at all .downtown houses; Estimates tor This eek Buffalo (Shea) (3.500; 30^3Sr50)-^ 'Fools lor Scandal' (WB) and'Tommy Dorsey. Blew, up a: box office'gale on the strength of 'Dorsey's appear- ance and lobk.s headed for. probably at least $16,000. Last week, 'Marco Polo' (UA) weak at $9.000; Century (Slhea) (3.000; 25-35)— 'tip-Off Girls' (Par) and 'Marriage Business' (RKO). Has been .slip- ping; looks like only 'fair $5,500. Last week, 'Snow White' (RKO) <2d run), plummeted after nice start and got down to lo* $6,200. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-50) —Te.st Pilot' (MG) (2d week). Should get. around $9,000, okay. Last week, best of the month at over $18,000. Hipp (Shea) (2.100; 25-40)—l^dy X' (UA) and 'Blane in Panama' (WB). Limping along to around poor $4,000. Last week, 'Tom Sawyer' (UA) (2d week), about bottom, $4,100. LafayetU (Ind.) (3,300; 25-35)— 'Little Miss Roughneck' CCol) and 'Lone Wolf in Paris' (Col). Also feel- ing weakness, fair $5,500. La>t week, 'Goodbye Broadway' (U) and 'City Girl' (20th), slow $5,400. First Runs on Broadway Week of Subject to Capitol-'Test (4th wk.). Criterion—'Call of the Yukon' (Rep) (6). (Reuicuied" (h 'VAiiiCTr, Globe—'Lady in the (WB) C7), Music (RKO). (Reviewed in VARirTY,.Afarch 23) raramoUnt — 'GoUeg** Swing' (Par) (2d wk). Blalto — ' reston' (Col).- . (Reviewed in Variety, March 9) lUyoll ■-- "Count of Monte Cristo' (revival) (UA).(4). (Reviewed in. Vabhtv, Oit. 2, 1934) Boxy — 'Four Men and a Prayer' (26th) (6). (Reviewed in-VAiiirtv, .April 17) Strand—'Beloved Brat': (' iris on Probation') (WBi). (Reviewed in Varibtv, Jan. Week of May 12 Subject to Cfuinge Capitol — ' irsl I (MG). (Reviewed in Varibtv, March 16) Criterion—'Arsoii' Gang Bust- ■ ers' (Rep). Music Hall—'Adventures: of Robin Hood' (WB), (Reviewed in VAmctY, April ) Paramount — 'Stolen Heaven (P9J) (11). (Reviewed in Varictv, April ) Rialto — 'Nurse from ■ Brook- lyn' ( ): (Reviewed in Varietv, April 13) Blvoil — '(jount of Monte Cristo' (UA) (2d wk). Boxy —'Four Men Prayer' (20th) (2d wk). Strand—'Crime School' ( (12).; .( the Dark' (Pair) dualed. Strong bill and is leading the pack. Picture dressed up with special .pit sym- phony, first here in years. Very well received, $9,000; Last week. 'Her Jungle Love' (Par) and 'Checkers' (20th-F6x), dual. Drawing! about evenly divided, but summed lip to $7,300, satisfactory. Mpls. Continues Sfide;WEO. Dawn to Denver. May 3. 'Old Chicago' packed the Aladdin with standouts, on repeated days and goes back downtown. Other busi- ne.ss in town is fair enough. ~ Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1.400; 25-40)—'Old. Chicago' (20th) (2d run). Fine $5.- 500. La.st week ^Divorce of Lady X" (UA), only fair $2,500. Broadway (Fox) (1.100; 25-40)— •Golden West' (M-G) (2d run). Sat- isfactory $2,500; Last week 'Non- Stop New York' (GB). poor $1,000. Denham (Cockrill) Cl,750; 25-35- 40)—College Swing' (Par). Nitty $6,000. Last week 'TipofT Girls' (Par) and 'Back Stage' (GB), only fair $4,100. . , Denver (Fox) (2,.525: 25-35-50)— •Jezebel' (WB). Fair $1500. RlaK^ (Fox) (878; 25-40)—'Zam- boanga' (GN) and 'State Polite (U). TiloV 2d Wk., Omaha, $6,500; 'Jezebel' Dual 9G Omaha, ^May 3. Town reverts to form this week with Orpheum. leading theatre row with 'Jezebel' as the reason. Holdover at the Omaha and an or- dianary program at the Brahdeis give only middlin'competition. 'Test Pilot" in its second week at the Omaha is making history; Estimates for This eek Brahdeis (Sihger-RKO) (1.2.50: 10- 2.5-35-40)—'Fools for Scandal' (WB) and 'Beloved Brat' (WB), <iouble. No particular strength here, $4,200, slightly over Svcrage. Last week. There's Always a Woman' (Col) and i'Start Cheering' (Col), double, satis- factoi,-y $4,200. Dundee - Avenue - Mllitarv (Gold- berg), (650; Bid; 9,50; 10-25)—'Dead End' (UA), 'Lives of a Bengal Lancer' tPar) and 'Change of Heart' (20th), triple, first half week. 'Big Broad- cast' (Par), 'Daughter of Shanghai' (Par), dual, second half. Light $1,900. La.st' week,. 'Radio City Revels' (RKO) and 'High Flyers' (RKO), doubled, and/Hurricane' (UA), and 'Baroness and the Butler' (20th). .split week, with last bilT accounting for most of biz. Vcxy good $2,3 c combo. Omaha ( Innk) (2.1 ; 10t2S-40)— 'Test .Pilot' (M-G) continues for a second week. Broke in last week as single feature in radical departure from a practically unbroken policy of double bills. In the la.st two years thi.s one is the only film , to play a Blank house in Om^.ha as a single bill f6r:a full week., Week will come in around $6,500, average. Last week the- picture ran to $12,000, topping cxneclations. Orphrii lank) (2.076: 10-25-40) - 'Jezebel' ) and "Romaiice In PluDy Shuffling Downtown Policy; 'Nurse'-Band 230. Tour Men $14,600 Minneapolis, May 3. iz here grows worse, despite strong films. Matinee trade particularly shot Even 'Test Pilot' and 'In Old Chi- cago,'; not to mention Tom Sawyer,' 'Judge Hardy's Children'and 'Mayer- ling,' are off during the afternoons. 'Test Pilot,' however, will go to an excellent $12,000 at the SUte. Open- ing of American Assn, baseball sea- son here, warmer weather and other counter attractions are ag- gravating the film situation. Two current .films are holdovers—'In Old Chicago' and 'Mayerling.' EstlmaUs for This Week Aster (Par-Sihger) (900; l.i-25)— 'Arsene Lupin Returns' iM-G) and 'Walking Down Broadway' (20th), dual first runs, split with 'Penrod and Twin Brother' (WB)' and 'He Couldn't Say No' (WB), also dual first runs. Mild $000 seen. T^ast week. 'Love Is a Headache' (M-G) and 'Swing Your Lady' (WB), dual first runs, $800. Light. Century (Par-Singer) (1,600; 25-35- 40)—'Judge Hardy"i' Children' (M-G). Lots of praise ;for this one but box ottice jackjng just the same. Light $3,200 look's about tops. Last week, 'Dangerous to Know' (Par) out after five bad days. $1,500. Mlnriesbia <Par- inger) (4.200; 25- 35-55)—'Old Chicago' (20th) (2d "■'eek). Only two other pictures. 'San rnnci.scd' (M-G) and 'Good Earth' (WB), ever have remained a second week here,- the other hold- overs always being moved- to smaller houses. Did' n smashing trade the first week, but .second canto oft to weak start. House will be lucky to garner mild $5,500 for' final seven days. First week, $14,000,.big. Orpheum (Par-Sihger) (2,891); 25- 35-40>—'Tom Sawyer' (Par). Critics rayed, biit still no good. Mild' $5;200. Last week. 'Her Jungle Love'. (Par), yanked alter s.i.\ day.<!, poor $3,500. Slate (Par- in!?cr) (2,300; 25-35- 55)—'Tc.=t Pilot' (M-G). One of sea- son's best box office bets. Will prob- ably lift to fine $12,000 which, how- ever, is le.-is than film warrants.. Will i-cmain at lea^^ two weeks. Last week, 'Girl of Golden West' iMtG) (2d week), $4,000, light after good $7,200 first week. Time (Berger) (290; 15-25)~ ris- en Nurse' (Rep). Action' pictures such as this is what they apparently want , here. Pretty good $900 indi- cated.- *MahhattaniMerry-C!o-Round' (Rep) puUed after five bad days, ^$400 VptoWn (Par) (l.ZOO; 25-35)— •Goldwyn Follies' (M-G). First nabe showing.. Light $2,000 indicated. Last week, TYank at Oxford' (M-G), $2,- 300, light World (StefTes) (350; 25-35-40-55- 75)—'Mayerling' (French) (2d week). Critics' praise and word-c>f-mbuth boosting helping this one, (}kay $1,- 700 indicated. Last week, $1,800, fine. Scimickelfritz Aids Hfomen To $15,000 in S. F. San Francisco, May 3. Only new attriactibn on the , street this week which will reach a figure near average is 'dondemned Women at the Golden Gate, and inost of the draw is due to' the p. a. on the .stage ^ of the Schnickelfritz Band. 'College Swing' at the big Fox is a hig dis- appoiritment Another bill not up to expectations is 'Four Men and a Prayer' iand 'Battle of Broadway' at -the Par. 'Of Human Hearts,' a good enough picture but a bad draw be- cause of 20 marquee names, is a weakie at the Embas.sy.. Estimates for This Week Embassy (Cohen) (1,512; 35'55)— .Human-Hearts! (MG) and 'Rose of Rio Grande' (Mono) (1st ■week). Hope for $3,500 with this pair. Last week (10 diiys) 'Met My Love Again' (UA) and 'Gaiety Girls-' (UA) got around $800 oh the three extra days. Fox (F-WC) (5.000;. 35-55-75)^ 'College Swing' (Par.) and 'Tipolt GirlsV (Par) (first week). ' No.better, than $11,500. way below expectations. Last week (2d) 'Girl of Golden West' (MG) and 'Mbto Gambles' (20th), mild $9,000. Golden Gate (RKO) (2.8M; 35-.55) —'Condemned '\yomen' (RKO) and vaudeville. Freddie Fisher and his Schnickelfritz Bund, given credit for $15,000 pace. Last week. 'Joy of Living' (RKO) (2d week) okay $12,000. Orpheam (F&M) (2.440: 35-55)— 'Always a Woman' (Col) and 'Reck- less Living' (Col) (2d week). Forced, holdover, $4,000. No product -in sight so revival of 'Man's Castle.' with Spencer Tracy, next. Last week (1st) n.s;h; $7,500. Paramount (F-WC) (2.740: 35-55- 75)—'Four Men and Prayer' (20th) and 'Battle of Broadway' (20th) (1st week). Crix and audience reaction mixed on 'Prayer': weak $12,000. Last week, 'Jungle ix)ve' (Par) and 'Pcii- rod's Twin Brother' (WB) tottering $11,000. . St Francis (F-WC) (1.470: 35-55- 75)^'Junele Love' (Par) and 'Pen- rod' (WB) (2d week). Very slim $3,500 in sight for Paramount color picture which shijuld have been fairly good mugg fodder. La.'st week (2d) 'Fools for Scandal' (WB) and 'Dangerous to Know' (Par) did even worse 'at $3,000. United Artlst<( (Cohen) (1.200; 35- 55-65)—'Tom Sawyer' (UA) (3d week). With everything very much below par can't complain too much at $4,500 in .^i°rht on the third stan/.a. Last week (2d) managed to pet S7..500. WarAitId (F-WC) (2.680; 35-55-75) —'Test Pilot' (MG) (2d week). Con- tinuing to do c.NCCotidnal busihc.s.s. second week of thi.s Gable-Loy-Tr.icy .<!ky opera in the clouds at $1.5.000. House is playing Ihe.picture alone and getting plenty of. salvos from customei'S oil the dropoine of a sec- bnrt feature. Last week a heavy coin nabbcr nt $22..500. u figure which is almo.st unhcnd of these diiy.s. WB Pair Away Hollywood, May 3. Two pictures got uiidec ■way at Warners last week, begi irvg ith 'Racket Bu.slers,' Lloyd Bacon direct- ing' and George Brent In the lop role, Second to go wa.c ' irl? on Proba- tion,' directed by William McGiinn. Philadelphia, May 3. Coupla fair to middlin' weeks and Phill.y biz is again on the skids. They're picking 'em out, though, and some houses are hitting fairly smooth grosses, nevertheleiss: Notable among this class is Test Pilot' in its sec- - orid stanza at the Stanley: Warner Brothers, changing some policy in mid-towners in an effort to pull out of the doldrum.s. Unusual is 'Marco Polo,' which la.st. week com- pleted two'^essions at the Aldine; conting' into the vaudfllm Earle on Friday. House has experimented with second runs occasionally before withoiit notable s.ucces.s. Another unusual one is flrst-run, and an indie at that in the Karlton. Pic is 'Mon-- astery.' Estimates for ThU Week Aldlne (WB) (1,303; 42-57-75)— 'Beloved Brat'(WB). Oke treatment by the crix, but kid's appeal appar- ently limited and doing punko $10- 200, Last week, 'Marco Polo' (.UA) (2d week), soggy $8,700. Boyd (WB) (2,350; 42-57-68-75)— 'Four Men and a Prayer' (20th). Slim $14,600; Last week. 'Joy of Living' (RKO) about par $15,100. Earle (WB) (2.758; 25-37-42-57-68) —'Nurse From Brooklyn' (U). GUy Lombardo oii stage. What looked like floparoo sesh may conie out with handy $23,000. Last Week, 'Battle of Broadway'. (20th) and Cab Calloway on.boards, heat $21,600. Earopa (Indie) (390; 37-42-57-68) —'Storm in a Teacup' (UA).. otch burr in this one made WB afraid to handle; crix raves, however, push- ing it to hefty gross at' $2,800; at least one more lap. Fox (WB) (2.423; 'Her Jungle Love' $14,000; Last, week, (20th) (2d week), $12,800. Karlton (WB) (1,066; 42-.57-68)— 'Moha.stery'. (Thom). First run.- es- pecially of indie product completely an experiment here, and looks very ."yitisfactory with $4,500. Last week, •Jezebel' (WB) (2d run) (2d week), powerful $4,100. Keith's (WB) (1,870; 42-57-68)— 'Old Chicago' (20th) (2d run). Still doing well after eight weeks of road- showing • and two on regular first- run; $5,600. Last week, 'Mad About Music' (U) (2d run)'.so-so at $5,1 . SUnley (WB) (2,916; 42-57-68-75) — Test Pilot' (M-G) (2d week). Continues niftilv to $15,500 level; 'Robin Hood' (WB) arrives Frit'ay a week (13). -Last week, socko $22,- 800. Stanton (WB) (.1.457; 37-42-.57)—i 'Women Are Like That* (WB), No loss, but not much profit ..at $5,400. Last week, 'King of the-Newsboys' (Rep) likewise with $5,300. PROV. H.O.'S; TILOr $9,000. W DUAL 8G Providence.. May S. H'o'ldovers at Loew's State and Ma- jeistiic for first time since Fay-Loew's Carlton partnership forced Carlton into revivals this week. . Not hui t- ing Carlton, for 'Maytime' and 'Treasure Island'' going big. Other stands looking rosier with exception of Albce, which started slow. Estimates for This eek Albee (RKO) (2,200: 25-35-50)— 'Divorce of Lady X' (UA) and 'Go Chase Yourself (RKO). Not so hot $5,000 in offing. Last week, hold- over 'Hawaii Calls' (RKO) and 'Joy of Living'.(RKO), neat $7,000. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1.400; 25-35- 50)—'Maytime (M-G) and Treasure Island' (MtG). Looking for h;ind- some $4,000. Last week, 'Marco Polo' (UA) I2d run), okay $3,000. . Fay's (2,000; 25-35-50)—That's My Story' (U) and Frencli Folies of 1938 on stage. Sb-so picture: but si age show helping for big $7,500. Last week, 'Reckless Living' (U) M)d Uncle Ezra Stebbins on stage drew only fair $6,000. Loew's Stale (3.200; 25-35-50).— . Te.st Pilot' (M-G) <2d week). Ex- pect drop but heading for neat $9.-. 000. Last week rang bell for zowi $17:500. .Majestic (Fay) (2.30():'25-,35-. )— 'Old Chicago' (20th) (2d week) and 'Rorhance.of Louisiana' (WB) roUiul- ing up.snappy $8,000. Last week had knockout $13,000. Strand (Indie) (2,200; 25-35-50)^ 'College Swing' (Par) and 'Born to the West' (Par). Biz picking up to healthy $7,000. Last wieek. 'King of Newsboys' (Rep) and ' 'Hollywood; Stadium' Mystery' (Rep) disappoint- ed and fell tb miserable' $2,500 lor (Our days. LOVERING RENEWS Hollywood. May 3. Director contract of Otho Lever- ing has been renewed for another year by 'Walter Wanger. Another vehicle i.>= being souc.ht for the director who begged o(T "Per- .spnal History,' which goer- to Eddie ^Sutherland. Good wins' Lead off . Hollywood, May 3. Leslie Goodwins, .promoted from Ihc .shorts, is directing his flr.'-t RKO feature, 'Cheati .he St«r.«.' which rolled last we'ck.. Morgan CJonway, Brond\Vi.y Itjiit actor, wa.s sighed (or a role just be- fore production started.