Variety (May 1938)

Wednes(]ft7> May 4, 1938 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY Stro^ Product Helps London Tank'$m'Bluebeard'OK m 'Snow White $22i00 in Ninth Week London, April 26. est End picture theatres seem to inundated with exceptionally good product^ a rarity for this time of the year. Outstanders are *A Yank at Ox-- ford' (Empire): 'Snow White* (New Gallery): Vezebel' (Carlton); ?Blue- beard's Eighth Wife' (Plaza).' Disappointment is 'In Old-Chicago'. (Tivoli), which was figured to be in the big coin for its" 10 weeks' session. Esllmates; $5 to the £ Carlton—'Jezebel' (WB) (2d week). Started slowly, then' sky- rocketed, finishing' to . $15,000 first stanza; should'have no difficulty in picking up $12,500 in second week; looks easy for a . six weeks' riin, and may stay eight weeks. Empire—'Yank at Oxford' (M-G) (4th week)... Chalked up a liear-rec- ord $43,500 first stanza; dropping in its next week to $35,500; third week jumped to $37,500; and'looks good for $27:500 this week; seems assured of fifth week, and may evenrstay longer; transferring to the Ritz, Metro's 400- seater. ..which adjoins the Empire, with 'Girl of the Golden West' (M-C) reotacing. Gaumont—'Sailing Along' ( ) (2d week). Staying forced.. Barely touched $8,000 ^n its first stanza; was intended to replace' with 'Rebecca' (20th) but picture being held up for Whitsuntide, with 'Music for Madam' (RKO) replacing. Leicester Square Theatre—'Mad About, usic' (U) (5th week). Some- what erratic, opening slowly at $15,- 000, but jumped next week to $17,000; averaging around $13,000; loofcs easy for eight weeks; nothing set to.fol-: low. London Pavilion—'Lone olf of Paris' (Col)-(1st week). Just a stop- gap: not likely to gross above: ,000, and no holdover: The Challenge' (Korda) scheduled to replace. .Marble Arch Pavilion—'Nothing Sacred". (UA) and 'Monte Cristo' (revival) (UAX' Biggest double fea- ture at this second ruii house in ycairs; topped $10,000. in first week, and not likely to go below that fig- ure In second stanza; good for three weeks. New Gallery—'Snow White' (RKO) (9th week). Smashed all-tirne house records on opening week for ..^30,000, maintaining that figure for first four weeks, then dropping to around $25,000; still averaging $22,500 and reaping biggest kids' trade -in town; looks cinch for its 20 weeks' run; and may even exceed its Contractual obligation, Odeon-T-'The Drum' (Korda) (4th week). Averaged $25,000 weekly on Its first fortnight, then dropped to nearer $17,500; will stay. two more weeks, with 'Adventure of Tom Saw- yer' (UA) scheduled to follow. Plata—'Bluebeard' (Par) (l.st week). Biggest thing since The Plainsman' (Par); looks certain to exceed the $25,000 mark; seems set for at least four weeks and maybe longer; will then transfer to the Carlton for a second West End run. Resal—'Damsel in Distress' (RKO) (2d week). Did fairly good holiday week at $15,000, but not likely to ex- ceed $10,000 in its Second and last week: 'We Are Going to Be Rich,' first Grade Fields picture made by 20th Century-Fox, reolacing. Tivoli—'In Old Chicago' (20th) (7th week). Picture never really started, averaging weekly intake, in its first four weeks, three times daily, at around $12,500; now switched to conlinuoiis policy and still not ex- ceeding $10,000 per week, but not low enough to be yanked; will last if-s 10 weeks' stay, but that's all; notliing set to replace it but likely to be one of Gainsborough Films, of which there are three available; Rlaltp—'Extase' (Czecho-Slovak- lan- (9th week). Has been a profit- able investinent td this small-capac- ity house, at around $4,000 weekly: now slipping to nearer $3,000. at wlijch Rait it can. still linger for a couijla.niore weeks. Ritz—'Bad Man of Brimstone' (M-G) (2d week). House is small capacity deluxcr which specializes , 11.1 all Metro second-run picture?, after initial run at their more spa- cious Empire; touched $3,500 in first week and looks an easy $3,000 this , week, after which 'Yank at Oxford' <M-G) moves over from the Empire for extended-run. Montreal on Skids; 'Golden West' $10,000 Montreal, May 3. i'. generally dislocated every- where. Palace, however, may hit a niih on 'Girl of the Golden West.'. Estimates tor This Week Palufe (CT) (2,700; 50)—'Girl of ' the Golden West' (M-G). Excellent SlO.OOn. La.<!t week repeat of 'Mad About Musi ' (U) picked up good $7,000. (;:ipltoi (Cri (2,700; 50)—'Old Chi- cago' (20lh) (2d weelt). After big Key City Grosses Estimated' "Total Cross This Week .... .$ii7MH (Based on 22 cities, 159 thea- tres, chiefly first runs, includino N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year .......... .$1,S45,7«0 (Based on 24 cities, 181 tKea'tres) $10,000 last week, should gross $7,000 currently, good. Loew's (M.T.Co.) (3,200; 50)—'Sail- ing Along' (G-B) an'd 'Dr. ,Hal- Ictt'. (Emp). Will do well enough on $4,500 this week. Last week, good $5,000 on 'All Quiet on Western Front' (U) and 'She's Got Every- thing' (RKO). Prlnceis (CT) (2,300; 50)—'Fools for Scandal' (WB) and 'Adventure's End' (WB). Looks like nice $6,000, Last week 'Farewell Again' (Regal- Brit) and 'When Knights Were Bold' (Regal-Brit) down, $3,500. ^ Orpheum (Ind) (1,100; 50)—'Gold- wyn Follies' (UA) (3d week). Still holding up and should gross $4,000 after flne $5,000 last week. .CInemii de Paris (France-Film) (600; 50)—'Double Crime sur -la Ligne Maglnot.' Hope for good $2,- 000. Last week, repeat of 'Les Men- soriges de Nina Petrovrir,! pobrish $1,500. St. Denis (France-Film) (2,3 ; 34) —'La Tour de Nesle' and 'Le 'Club des Aristocrats.' Will be down some, but still okay at $4,506. Last-week 'Abus de Conllance' and 'La -Griffe du Hazard,' good $5,500: m RHYTHM' AT m IN BALTO Balti , ay 3. Uneventful doings in this town of holdovers, witli only two new entries on the de liixe front: 'Dr: Rhythm' at Keith's and 'There's Always ■ Wom- in,' plus p.a. of Riif* .Davis at the Hipp. Former oft to a fairish .start. Biz here generally ofl compared to. similar period last year. Local ex- hibs planning ambitious drives for Slimmer.' Estliiiates for This eek Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 25-35-40-55)—Test Pilot' (M-G) (2d week). Holding up steadily to $9,-. 000 after zooming opener to $18,300. First h.o. here in year. Hippodrome (ttappaport) (2,205; 15-25-35-40-55-66)-—'There's Always, a Woman' (Col) plus vaude. Getting fair $11,000. Last week, second of 'Joy of Living' (RKO), dipped to $9,100 after okay initial $13,700 ses- sion. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,460; 15- .25-35-40-55)—T)r.: Rhythm' . (Par). Possible $7,000. nice. Last week 'Good-bye Broadway' (U), not much at $3,100. New (Mechanic) (1,558; 15-25-35- 55)— 01d Chicago' (20th) (3d week). Continued steady play to possible $3,500 after previous two sessions okay $11,800. Stanlev (WB) (3,250; 15-25-35-40- 55)^' luebeard' (Par) (2d week). Not clicking, with $5,500 possible after niild opener, $9,200. Mostly (light play. 'Sawyer' H.O. $1,000, Lincoln; 'Baby' Dual 3G Lincoln, May 3. News 6f the week is the holdover of Tom Sawyer,' although the rea- son is'vague because biz wasn't that forte cl6.se of tlie first stretch. Lincoln, with the second nutty pic In a row. 'Baby..' isn't doing as well but all right. Kiva has set 'There's Alway.s a Woman'.for an indcf stay, two weeks a cinch. Estimates for This Week Klva (Noble) (440; 10-15-25)— 'There's Always a Woman' (Col). O: K.; ^1,500 nossible. Last week, 'Wide Open Faces' (Col), "no hit, avor.igc $900. Lilierly (Cooper) (i:200: 10-15)— 'Cheyenne Rides Again' (Rel), 'Ac- tion for Slander' (UA), dual, and ■Kid Comci Back' (WB). 'Three Men on a Xorse' ( WB), dual. Not-sa faiicy. $1,000. LesI week, 'Blondes at Work? (WB'. 'Kri-sco Kid' (WB), twin, split with 'Rebellion' (Rel)* and •Slate Patrol' (U). $900. Lincoln lCn{)i)er) (1.600: 10-20-25). —'Brlnyim; Up Baby' iRKO) and 'Of Huiiian Hearts' (M-G), double. Will finish in the money, $3,000. Last week, 'Merrily.'.We Live' (M-G) and 'Island in tlie Sky' (20th), very nice, $3,500. brp'heum (Ccioper) (1,350; 10-15- 20-25)—'Tom Sawyer' (UA). Second week, pulled over. here firom the Stuart. Pretty well played out an(J will be lucky - to get $1,000.. Last week, 'Love Is a Headache' (M-G) and 'Wise Girl' (RKO), dual, split with 'Arsene Luoin Returns' (M-G) and 'Victoria the Great' (RKO), double. Didn't do so well, $1,400. Stuart (Cooper) (1,900: 10-25-40)— 'Girl of the Golden West' (M-G). Okay, $4,000 possible. Last week,' 'Tom Sawyer' (UA); started at a wal- lop and got $4,50.0, excellent. H. 0.'S DONT AID DEI. CROSBY'S 17G,10DAYS ,- ay 3. Downtown spots continue sad, with w^ak product and outdoor at- tractions (:oming up. Holdovers not- adding to total take. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 33-40)-^ •Widei Open Faces' (Col) plus 'Dir. Hallet' (U), dual. Under normal $3,500. Last week arbiind $4,300, fair,, for 'Boys-of Streets! (Mono) plus 'Old Kentucky Honie' (Mono). Fox (Indie) (5,000; 30-40-C5)—'Bat- tle of Broadway' (20th), with. Ben Blue, 'Virginia. Verrill on stage. Lucky to hit $13,000, bruUi. Under $17,000 last week for IThere's Always Woman' (Col) plus Wayne King band. Madison (United - Detroit) (2,000; 30-40-6i5)—IMarco Polo' (UA) (2d Week), Under. $4,500 following very mild $6,500 first, stanza. Will prob- ably pull out .this Thursday (5). Michigan CUnited Detroit) (4,000,- 30-40-65)—'Dr. Rhythm' (Par), with Gene' Dennis (2d week) tctppihg vaude. Crosby opus will get 10 days after supplanting 'Wotfien Like That' (WB) last Wednesday (27); first time film's' been pulled here in years. 'Rhythm' looks no better than mild- ish $17,000. on the 10 days. 'Women' could muster only brutal $G,000 in Ave days. Palna-State (United Detroit) (3,- 000; 30-40-50)—'Condemned Women', (RKO), pliis 'Bulldog Drummond's Peril- (Par), dual. Fair $6,000. com- ing up. Tepid $6,500 last startza for 'Lupin Returns' (MG) plus 'Danger- ous to'Khow' (Par)i United. Artists (United Detroit) (2,000; 30-40-65)—'Test Pilot' (MG) (2d week). About $6,200, fair, fol- lowing okay $8,000 first session, but nothing to'write home about. Trayer' 7G, Indpk. Indianapolis. May 3. Outside of "Tost Pilot,' which is holding up well in its second week at Loew's, the fust ruh film houses are showing nothing that's strong enough to check the downward .slide here. Showmen here say that their grosses always dip in May, but cur- rent figures portend an even worse drop than usual. One alibi among the downtown exhibs Is tliat the col- lections from the audiences -of con- tributions for the Will Rogers me- morial fund this week has frightened show-goers away from his house. \3?he Indiana, town's biggest do- luxer, is slated to fold at the end of its current program oii Tliursday (5). Estimates for This Week Apollo (Katz-Dolle) (1,100; 25-30- 40)—'Rebecca' (20l.h). Brought back for a second week's try after a lapse of seven days -following lis initial stanza at this spot's si.stcr house, the Indiana. Re.sults at the Indiana dis- appointing In view of. usual excellent biz on Temple Tilms; and grcs.s on return run likewise modernlc, $.'{.500. Last week. 'In Old Cliica-^)' i20th). fourth session, did $3,40U, fair for the finale.. Circle (Kiitz-Dolle) (2,800: iS-.lO- 40)—'Go Cha.se Yourself" (KKO) and 'Condemned Women' (RKO>. Joe Pen'ner billed big, but the take won't go above a terrible, $2,700. La.st week, 'Fools for Scandal' (WB) and 'Battle of Broadway' ViOlh) was also in the red at $3,500. Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3.100: 25-30- 40)—'College Swing' (Par) and 'Law of Underworld' (RKO). C-'ast of forrher picture stressed, but lalcc is light at SS.IOO. Last week. 'Joy of Living' (RKO) and 'Crime of Dr. HaUcW (VX poor at $<l."2«0; Loew's (Loew's) (2,400: 25-.')0-40) —'Test Pilot' (iW-G). Second wfiCk of ruii very good, at Sli.iiOO. Lnsl week, same piclure garnered snuis - ing $13,200. Lyric (Olson) (2.000: 25-.'?0-401— 'Four Men and a Prayer" (20th) and vaud(i. Film billed lieavlly with l;ic!: of stage names, but results minor iit $7,000. Last week. 'WoinCh Are Like ■That' (WB) and Msijor BoVcs iinil on stage, also lean, $7,2130. '39 Fair Preview a New B way AliM; Dearth of Pictures; Kay Kyser Band Helps ^Swing' 'Woman' $70,000 Broadway Grosses Estlmii'ted Total Gross This Week $226,20« (Based on 11 theatres) - Total Gross Same Week Last Year . .$314,6(l« (Based on li theatres) Perhaps it's the summer weather, perhaps baseball and racing, then maybe it was the' World's Fair pa- rade and show over' the week-end— or possibly it"s that the pictures aren't so (lucky—but. whatever it was or is, all's quiet on the Broad- way front this semester. The week- end, probably hurt by the crowds Grover Whalen's Fair pi'eviiew got, was away off. However, throughout the country the week-end was also down. Two holdovers, 'Test Pilot," on its third week at the Capitol, and 'Old Chicago' on its fourth heat .at the. Rbxy, are the best, followed by 'Col- lege Swing' and Kay Kyser at the Paramount, newcomer., Ar,thur Mayer is getting a much better play at his bandbox Rialto with 'Law o( the Unr derworld' than of late, probably $7,- 700. but el.sewhere it's the weeps. ■ "There's Always a Woman,' in spite of' notices that would suggest better business, will probably be,.short of $70,000, which ain't no furi for the Music Hall, while oth(2r theatres that are soothing wounds are the Strand, Criterion, Rlvbli,' (Ilobe and Slate. Strand's 'Beloved Brat' is poor and house'is still mulling, the vaude idea, but no date set as yet. Meantime, some more groceiries goes to the Music Hall in the shape of 'Robin Hood,' Which Warners sold . away from its own Strand,, picture being penciled tor the Hall Thursday (12). 'Test Pilcjt,' which .goes a fourth week, will end its third, at about $27,000, excellent, while, the final (fourth) course of 'Old Chicago' at the.Roxy means rare spices at $31,- 000. On the 28-day run, house makes the best profit it has. shown on any individual picture since- 1929. Four weeks gross totals to around $183,- 000; 'Four Men and a Prayer' takes control Friday (0). The State last week, ith Mae West and 'Merrily We Live,' finished lat under $40,000, fmal two days 'weakening, a little, but now that a new show is in, nobody at all is com- ing around. 'Big Brbadca.sl' on 2d run, after milking. at the Par, coupled with the Buddy Rogers or- chestra, will be only about $17,000. When rcaidy, 'Marie. Antoinette' will ieopen the ,$2 Astbr-for etro. That may be around June 1. Estimates for This Week Capitol (4,520; 25-35-55-85-$1.25)— 'te.si Pilot' (MG.).(3d week)-. Coun- try's current best" gro.sscr is no ex- ception in New Tfork: this week (3d) will add to around $27,000, line, after a second canto of $42,000. Remains a fourth week.' 'First 100 Years' (MG) to follow. . Criterion (1.062: 25-40-.55)—'Invis- ible EncmV' (Rep). Weak business- geltcr, probably around $0,500. Last week,- 'Sailing Along' (GB) (2d week), around! $5,500. poor; Globe (1,274: 25-40-55)—'Flight Into Nowhere' (Col). Probably under $6,000, below average. Last week, 'Rawhide' (20th) a good onc-wceker, $7,000. Palace (1.700; 2:-)-35-n.'))—'Women Are Like Thiit" (WB) (2d nm) and •Hawaii Calls' (20th) .(1st run), dualcd. Unlikely to get over $<J.000, disappointiiig. Last week. $B.7«U was scored by the twain of 'Rebecca' (2nth) (2(j run) and 'Patient in Room 18" (WB) (Isl run). I'arambunt (3.064: 2.^-35-5.->-85-99) —"College Swing' (Par) and Kay Kvsor orchestra (2d-rinal week). .Starts .second lap today <Wed.) after first .seven days of. $35,000, under hopes but an okay profit. Kyser, get-^^ ling a TCP around the Par as a real trouper after going on most sjiows with fever from grippe. Is credited with majority of business drawn. La.sl week, windup on second stanza for 'Her Jungle. Love" (Par) and Tommy Dorscv. $37,500. (jood. Radio Cily 'Music Hall (S.9R0: 40- ()0-84-99-$1.65)—'Always a. Woman' (Col) and staitc show. Probably won't'.see $70.01)0 here thi.s .sessl<)n. ouile di.s.-ipp.olnling. but , bit oC nrolit. Last week, tiiird for 'i arco I'ojo' (UA). .swf-l.l rrioiicy-makcr .on lliis engag(>rncn.f though .iu)l smash (Msewherc around the counlrv. $72.- 000. 'Joy of Living' (RKO).lomor- rtnv (Tluir.-i,).' alio (7r)0: 25-40-55)--'!,; of Un- rlerworld' (RKO). M()ie action around here with Ihls one than in some tiinc. 1 rob;ibly S7.700. gcjorl. L^sl •week. , .''ifi.OOO nm.-; ui) with 'Condetniiod j Wfimcn'~(nKO». not so hn(, Itivoli (2:0!):'::. 2ri-.';o-7.3- )— , 'iVIonle (.'risto' (UA) (r(!i.s.-.|ip). |i-Mis'j today ( od.), with hoii.sd facing clos- ' Ing after that If not getting a piclure. Not -much of the latter around just now. 'Battle of Bro.idway' (20lh) obtained from the Roxy when latter- decided to hold 'Chicago,'.;was any- thing but a gift, only around $8,000 on II days: Roxy (5,036: 25-40-55-75)—'Chi- cago' (20th) and stage.sho.v/ (4th-niial week). Nightcap will mean about S^l.OOO,'good, after a third'week',-; gross of $41,000. second stanza's tiike of $53,500 and $50,000 the ' itial seven days. Strand (2,767: -55-75)—'Beloved Brat' (WB). Slow-goer, under $10.- COO probable, poor. Last week, 'Accidents Will Happen' ( ). un- der $6,000, which is gelling all the teeth knocked out. State (3,450: 35-55-75)—'Big Broad- cast' (Par) (2d run) and Buddy Rog- ers orchestra. ' A lull has .set in here after the stampede raised Jjy Mae West last-week, best that hou.se can do appearing to be only $17,000, away under, average. Last week Miss West and ,' errlLv We Live' (MG) (2d), with stage jhows cut from scheduled . six to five on final three day.s, ended at under $40,000. below original cal- culations but still very mighty. MAE WEST'S 35G IN HUB; '?m H. a $30,000 Boston. May 3. ae West, in person, at the Boston, is topping the town, and 'Test Pilot,' after smash week at the Orpheum and State, is whamming, ititb an ex- cellent holdover frame. Otherwise trade is lame this week, due to a combination of weak prod- uct and stiff competition. Ringlihg circus opened yesterday (2), Suffolk Downs horse track opened Saturday (.30) and Benny Goodman packed Symphony Hall Sunday night at $3.85 top. Estimates (or ThU Week Boston (RKO) (3,212; 35-55-05)— 'Everybody's Doing It' (RKO) and Mae West on stage. R(blling up big $36,000 at tilled 'prices and six-show dally schedule. Midnight show Fri- day (29) at $1.10 top helping. La.st. week 'Law of the Underworld' (RKO) and ' aikiki Nights' unit. ' stage; medium $15,000. Fenway (M&P). (1,3.32; 25-35-40- 55)—'Fools for Scandal' (WB) and 'Prison Nurse' (Rep), dual. Look.s fairish, about $5,500. Last week, okay $6,000 for,'Jezebel'- (WB) and 'Love on a Budget" (20th) (both .2d run), dual. Keith Memorial ( ) (2,907; .3.5- 50-60)—'Joy of Liviiig" (RKO) and stage show, topped by Lee Sims and Ilomay Bailey: Drawing okay night trade,- very p'ale matinees. Looks like $16,000. Last week, 'Ballle of. Broadway' (20th) and Jackie Cooper,, Dixie Dunbar and Bert Wheeler on stage, good $22,000. Metropolitan (M&P) (4,267; 25-35- 40-55)—"College Swing' (Par) and 'Four Men and a Prayer' (20tli), dual. Very seedy $13,000 indicated. Last week, five-day holdover of .'Chicago' (20th) and 'Tip-0(T Girls' (Par), dual, pleasing $11,000. Orpheum (Locw) (2,900; 25-35-40- 55)—'Test PiloV (M-G). Held over for .second stanza and (nalntalniiig Rood speed, about $16,500 for' this week. Opening frame smash $22,500. Paramount (M&P) (1,797; 25-S5- 40-55 )--'Fools for Scandal' (WB) and "Pri.son Nurse' (Rep), dual. Tepid $7,000. at best, '-ast Week '.Jezebel' (WB) and "f-.ove on a Budg- et" (20lh) (both 2d run), dual, okay $8,600. Scollay (MitP) (2.538; 25-35-40-.';5) f-'Jezebel:' (WB) (3d run) and 'He Couldn't Say No' (WB) (1st run), du.il. Pale'$6,000. Last week 'Jungle Love' (Par) (3d run) and 'Over Ihs WaW (V/B) (2d. run), drew hu.sky $7,100. State (Lnew) (3.600; 25-35-40-55)— 'Test Pilot- (M-C). Flirting dandy $I3..500 for second week, week sock $18,000. So They'll Be in Step I tolly wood, Ma.v, . Ceor;; riico. a.-i.signcd to wrile the; yarn for lidvvrird Smsill's inillal production for United Artists. Is bock atlcr-10 (lays .spent at the U., .S. Mill- tiiry Afiif.i'.niy ;it West Point Ir) gallipT aijlhenlic iilcriiil. I'icIiM'c. fihp of si.\ I') Iv; iiihde by Small for UA'.s l!)3K-:ja program, will star Jack Dun