Variety (May 1938)

10 VARIETY PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, May 4, 1938 Lack of Top Product Embarrasses MK Deluxers in Clii; Bing $18,000. %y of living'ISG, Disney 8G, 9th Wk icagb, ^lay 3. Sharp decrease insthe amount of available 'A' pictures has the loop in a sweat, especially the Balaban Si Katzers. While there is enough double feature product around to lake care of the'nabes, the big loop houses are having considerable diffi- culty weeding out a sufficient num- ber of top pictures to operate on their individual ability. Result is that . is shifting the Qarricfc to a newsreel policy this week, and is readying to close down the Orientel entirely on May 26. Latter, house has become a headache, due to the fact that it has been forced on a ration of second-choice pictures while the ace Chicago and other houses get the cream of the Hix. This militates against the Ori- ental, which has been trying to get 75c. top, equal to the take of the Chicago. Business currently Is choppy, with Test Pilot,* 'Old Chicago,' 'Mad AbDut Music* and 'Snow: White,' all holdovers, exhibiting the best gen- eral pace. Oriental has brought back 'Blue- beard's Eighth Wife,' following its previous two-week date.in the Chi- cago earlier' last month. Doesn't ap- pear.to'be helping the'situation, how- ever, with the house indicating ' a need for b. o. dynamite to brine it out of its current slump. Dr. Rhythm' is very disappointing for Crosby at the Chi currently. 'Joy of Living' got a. couple of pan- nings and Word-of-mouth is just fair, ell of which is adding to so-so trade Xor the Palace. Esiimalcs for This Week . Apollo (B&K) (1,200: 35-55-65^)— •Mad About Musicr (U). In third week in loop and still bkav at $6,000. Last week, 'Jezebel' (WB) finished Its third : session in the downtown lector to fair $5,100. CUcaro (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— "Dr.' Rhythm!-(Par) and stage-show. Pace is lagging badly currently, and looks for only $18,000, away under usual strength for Crosby. Last week, •Fools for Scandal' (WB) fell away to $21,000, weak. . Garrick (B&K) (900;. 35-55-65-75) i—'Snow White' (RKO). This is a re- markable picture, particularly for its ability to sustain strength through many holdovers. Now in its ninth week, in the loop, and running, con currently with openings. in the.ke'y nabc houses, yet doing a sensational: $8,000 this week after a mighty $10.- 600 last week. House figures to go new.oreel Friday (6), first policy of this kind in Chi.or midwe.<it. Oriental (B&K) (3,200; 35-55-75)— •Bluebeard* (Par) and Vaude. Return en^atjement for- picture to loop but not getting anywhere; maybe $10,000 currently, very sad. Last week hit a new bottom for current policy with brutal $7,000. House has posted no- tice to- close as of~ May 26, unless Eha'ro upturn occurs. Palace (RKO) (2.500; 35-55-65-75) —'Joy of Living' (RKO) and vaude, Around $15,000 in the offing, fair takinss. Last week, 'Mad About Music' (U) finished fine two-weeker to fTood $16,800. Roosevelt (B&K) (1.500: 35-55-65 75)—'Old Chicago' (20lh) (3d week). Holding to good $9,000 currently fol- lowing a strbnc $13,700 last week "Rnb'n Hood* (WB) due to follow. Sb(e-Laki> (Jones) (2,700; 25-35. ^.S-.^."))—'Walking Down Broadway (20lh) and vaude. Average session with $11,000 !!ii!htcd. Lpst week "Condemned Women* (RKO) okay $10,400. . , XTjilted AHMs (B&K-UA) (1,700 85-55-65-75)—'Test Pilot' (MO) (2d week). Big b. o. winner, heading for $11>.000. fine, currently, after twash $24,000 last week. Express' (Col) and rilliant Mar- riage' (Mono) (dual). Gathering slow $1,700. Last week. 'This Way, Please' (Par) and 'Big Town Girl' (20th) (duaU.^plit With 'Roll Along Cowboy' (20th) and 'Squadron of Honor' XCol) (dual), mild $1,900. Fifth AVenne (Hamrick-Ever- green) \ (2,366; 32-37-42 )-r'Gbldcn West' (M-G). Okay campaign, looks to reach big $9,200. Last week 'Old Chicago' (20th) (2d .week), $S,8P0, good. ' Liberty (Jensen-Von Herberg) (1,- 800; 21-32-42)—"There's Always a Woman' (Col) (2d week). Hitting mild $3,S00. Last week, same film, $5,600, iair. Mnslo Box (Hamrick^Evergreeii) (800; 32-37-42)—Old Chicago' (20th) (2d fun); Anticipated $3,200. good. Last week 'Snow White* (RKO) (7th and iflnal), $2,900, big. brphenm (Hamrick-Evergreen) (2,600; 32-37^42)—'Her Jungle Love' (Par) and 'Double Danger' (RKO) (dual). Likely $5,000, moderate. Last we6k 'Jezebel' (WB) and Titst 100 Years' (M-G) (dual) (2d week), $4,100, pkay. Paloraar (Sterling) (1,350; 10-21- 32)—iHawali Calls' (RKO) and 'Couldn't Say No' (WB) (dual) and vaude. See $4,0()0, okay; Last week 'Old Barn Dance* (Rep) arid 'No Time, to Worry* (Col) (dual) and vaude, big $4,700. Paramonnt (Hamrlck-Evergreen) (3,049; 32-37-42)—'Test Pilot* (M-G) (2d week). Flying.strtong for $7,500. Last week, sanie fll ,' ceUlng $13,000. B«iesevelt (Sterling) (800; 21-32)— Radio City Revels* (RKO) and Penitentiary' (Col) <dual). Indi- cated $2,000. fair.. Last week 'Gold Is Where You Find It' (WB) and Hitting New High* (RKO) (dual), $2,600, big. in's In Our Di Holly wbod. May 3. arners is weighing a plan to •preview 'Gold Diggers of Paris' in all the American Parise's just before the world pireem i neapolis June S. There are 18 many states. Gee Gees Hike L'ville G^$; TOot' {6,800 In 2d Wk.; 'Swing' OK HEAT WARMS TILOf TO 7iGH, a, SEATTLE Seattle, May 3. Test Pilot' at Paramount prov- ing money-getter, despite summery weather. 'In Old Chicago' gets third week move-over to Music Box. Estimates for This Week Blue Moose (Hamrick-EvertH'een) f850; 32-37-42)—'Jezebel' (WB) and •First 100 Years' (M-G) (dual). In- dicated slow $2,500. Last week Tom Sawyer' (UA) arid 'Moto's Gamble* (2()th) (dual) (3d week), nice $3,100.. Coliseum (Hamrick - Eversreen) fl.950; 21-32) —'Goldwvri Follies* (UA). arid 'Checkers' (20lh). (dual). Garnering poor $2,100;' Last week 'Yank pt Oxford' rM-G) and 'Par.v diso for Thfee' (M-G) (dual), big $3.<)C0. rMontal (Sterrn-r) (800; 10-21)— •On Such a Night' (Par) and 'An.ijel' <Par> (dual), split with 'Overland Louisville, May 3. Nags began chasing each other around Churchill Downs oval' Satur- day (30) to begih the 19-day spring meet, meaning the town takes on holida'y- attire;, and gives impetus to many lines of biz. Picture houses look set, too:. 'College Swing* at the Rialto gar- nering the bulk, with comparatively little opposish, as most of the prod- uct on the main stem is holdover stuff. Estimates for This Week Brown (Fourth Ave.-Loew's) (1,- 500; 15-30-40)—'Rebecca' (20th) and 'Trip to.Paris' (20th). Had fine week at the Rialto, then skipped seven days and came to the Brown. Set for fair $2,500. Last week, 'Old Chi- cago' (20.th), on fourth downtown week, held up at $2,200. Kentucky (Switow) (900; 15-20) —•Slight Case of Murder' (WB) and 'Romance'in Dark':(Par), dual, split with 'Legong'. (DuWorld) and 'Dan- gerous to Know' (Par), dual. Nice $2,100 indicated. La.it week 'Big Broadcast' (Par) and 'Love oh a Budget' (20th), dual, split with ■Crashing Hollywood' (RKO) and 'Gold Where You Find It' (WB) dual, okay $2,200. Loew's State (3,000;' 15-30-40)— 'Test Pilot' (MrG).' Holding up sat- isfactorily, pointing to good $6,800 on second stanza. First time in seV' eral weeks that house has had solo picture. -Xrast week same film re turned sweet $12,000. Mary Anderson (Libson). (1,000 I5-30.40)-^'Beloved Brat' (WB) Lacks potency as single feature, and b.o. take doe; not look too promising. About $3,100, fain Last week 'Wom- en Are Like That' (WB) sub-average $2,900. Ohio (Settos) (900; 15)—'Slave Ship' (20th) and 'Another Dawn (WB), diial, split with 'Ever Since Eve* (WB) and 'Wings of Morning' (20th), dual. Okay $1,400. Last week •Star Is Born' (UA) and 'Slim' (WB) dual, split with 'Wee Willie Wihkie' (20th) and 'Midnight Court' (WB) dual; light $1,100. niallo (Fourth' Ave.) (3.000; 15 30-40)—'College Swing' (Par)- and 'Dr. Hallet' (U). ' Night biz should maintain profitable pace; set for line 58,500. Last week 'Jungle Love' (Par) and "Island in the Sky* (20th), dual, very good $7,000. Strand (Fourth Ave.) (1,400; 15- 30-40.'i-^'Four Men and Prayer" (20th) and 'Moto's Gamble' (20th). Will COD satisfnctory $3,500. Last week 'Joy of Living' (RKO), and 'Condemned Woineii* (RKO), dual, on second week, so-so $2,900. PILOT'SKY HIGH IN PITT, $22,000 Pittsburgh, May 3. It's all 'Test Pilot'this week, Metro sock bulging Perin, pushing into house's record-breaking brackets and topping practically everything that's ever played this .spot, with.the possible exception of 'Snow White.' Only other ray of light is at Alvin where 'In Old .Chicago', continues to remain "healthy in third week. Strike of parking lot attendants all over town precipitating grave traf- fic crisis that has knocked bottom out' of business generally. -. Impend- ing: threat of trolley and bus. strike also making everybody jittery and if that , comes about irll bie murder right' down the line; ' Estiniaies for This Week Alvin (Harris) (1,850; 25-35-50)— 'In Old Chicago' (20th). In 3d week and still going strong, .with' indica- tions for 4th stanza, which would break all , records here. Chances bright for $6,500, biggest third ses- sion any flicker has ever turned in at this spot. Last week big $11,500. Fulton (Shea-Hyde) (1,700; 25-40) —'Goodbye Broadway* (U) arid 'Island in the SkyV (20th). Twinnec just a: filler and management's hope of making something of screen d^but of Tommy Riggs, who got his radio start .in Pittsburgh and is featured 'Goodbye,* apparently fizzling. Will be lucky to get $2,500, bad. Last week, 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm''(20th) got. four days on h.o. And around $3,000 on abbreviated stay, fair. Penh (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 25-35- 50) — 'Test Pilot' (M-G). Headed straight for good $22,000 and has good chance of going even beyond that. Although clicks at this spot usually move to the Warper for sec- ond week, looks as ■ if 'Pilot' will- stick'here, only third'-fllm in house's 12-year history to win that distinc- tion. Last week, 'Bluebeard's Eighth Wife' (Par) all right at $15,000. SUnley (WB) (3,700; 25-40-60)— First 100 Years' (M-G) arid Cab Calloway's band; Bottom seems to have fallen'out of things here after biggest fall and- winter season< In years. House rolling beautifully for six months, but for last few weeks it'is been brutal. Calloway's usually pretty good for WB deluxer, too, and with little help from picture irospects are for miserable $13,000. jast week, 'Women Are Like That' WB) and George Jessel-Norma Talmadge p.a. unit also in the' dog' house at $14,000. Warner (WB) (1,800; 25-40)— Hawaii Calls' (RKO) and 'Con demned Women* (RKO). A bill that's giving the ushers time to play. No action :at all, Bobby Breen' film being' a last-minute substitution for 'Kid Comes Back* (WB), which was lulled day before opening. Not much lOpe for more than $2,700. out on limb. Last weekj *Tip-Off Girls' (Par) and 'Invisible Menace' (WB) not bad at $4,200. Parent-Teachers Ass'n io Condemn Marathon Fix Salt Lake City, May 3, Considering double bills and mara- thon matinee programs in theatres throughout the nation a severe phy^ sical strain on eyes and nervous systems of youngsters, delegates from 48 states, Hawaii and Alaska to the national convention of Na-- tional Parent-Teachers Association, will attempt to remedy situation when group convenes, here May 15- 19. Mrs. Arch J. West, of Salt Lake City, 'general ccinvention chairman, said that a number of state P,-T, associations already have begun drives demanding shorter picture fare for kids, and that unit motion picture, chairwomen will voice Opin- ions, and outline possible channels of cooperation with theatre opera- tors. Chief protagonist of the idea of capsule-forrr\ film entertainment are state P.-T.A. groups in California. New York,. Illinois, Nebraska and Massachuselts. PORTLAND, ORE., HAPPY, TOOLS SCANDAL' $5,500 Portland, ., ay 3. Tools for Scandal' at Parker's. Broadway and 'Sally, Irene and Mary' at the Hamrjek-Evergrecn Or- iheum' are the only two new films, joth doing well. 'Test Pilot' at Parker's UA is' a -wow in its second week. Hamrick-Evergreen Para- mount justified' its single shot bill- ing of 'Old Chicago,' which held tor a second good week. House suffered no loss, from ab.sence of the usual double feature policy. stiniates for This Broadway (Parker) (2.000; 3C-55) — Fools for Scandal' (WB) and 'Re- turji of the Scarlet Pimpernel' lUA). Winning week at $5,500. Lust week, Marco. Polo' (UA) (2d weekK fell off to $4,500; first week terrific $9,000. Mayfalr (Parker-Evergreen). (1.- 500; 30-55)—^arco Polo' (UA) (2d run), good ei^ough $2,000, following two big weeks at .the Broadway. La.st week,. 'Silnnybrook Fairm' (20th) ' 2d week) fair $1,800. . . Orphenm (Hamrick - Evergreen): (2,000 ; 30-55)—'Sally, Irene and Mairy* (20th) and 'Lone , Wolf in Paris' (Col). Okay $.5,000. Last week,. 'Her Jungle Love' '.Par) and 'Walking Down Broadway' (20lh). Average .11,800. Paramount. (Hamrick-Evefgreen ) (3,000; 30-55)-'Old Chicago' (20th) (2d week). Nice $4,500. First week, around strong $6,000. Blvoll (Indie) (1,200: 25-35)—'Lost Horizoa'. (Col) and 'Broadway Bill' (Col). Okay $2,000. Last week, 'Sailing Along' (GB) flopped flrst half and house put in revival of 'Good Earth* (M-'G) and 'Captains Couirageous' (M-G), inild $1,500. United Arilsla (Parker) (1,000; .10- 55)—'Test Pilot* (M-G)' (2d week). Going strong, $6,000. First weeki ler- riflc. $8,500. 'Ghi' $18,000, Gincy; 'Lady'5G,'Pilot'OK Cincinnati,. ayS. Looming big currently is 'Old Chi- cago' at the Palace. Of the other fresh releases, 'Di- vorce of Lady X' is the only one that's doing fair at . the .Shubert, which dropped vaude for the season, stima'tes for This Week Albee (RKO) (3i300; 35-42)--'Te.st Pilot* (M-G) (2d week). Okay. $11,- 000. Last week, $18,00b, very good, Capitol (RKO) (5,000 ; 35-42;— 'Stolen Heaven* (Par). Season's lav*! $2,000, Last week, 'Joy of Living' (RK(D) (2d run), $3,000. so-so. Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-25)— 'When G-Men Step In* (Col), 'Bull- dog Drummorid's' Revenge' (Par), 'Exiled to Shanghai* (Rep), separate. Average, $2,200. Last week, ' hide? .(20th), 'Making the HeacllhVor; (Col), 'He Couldn't Say Nu' ' ) singly, .isame. Grand (RKO) (1,200; 25-40)— 'Judge Hardy's Children' ( ^) cJd wieek). Fair, $2,400, Last week, $a,- 000, ditto. Keith's (Libson) (1,500: 25-40)— 'Women Are Like That' (WBi. 'Very poor, $3,000. Last week, 'Romance fn Dark' (Par), $2,500, a cellar scraper. Lyrlo (RKO) (1,400: 35-42)—Bal- tlel of Broadway* ' (20th). Awful. ff;,800. Last week, "Marco Polo' (UA) (2d run), $4;000, fair. Palace (RKO) (2,60d: 35-42)—'Old Chicago* (20th). Big $18,000. Will hold over. Last week. 'Fools for Scandal' (WB), six days. $5,000, basement mark for the season. Shubert (RKO) (2,150; 35-42)— 'Divorce of Lady X' (UA). Fair. $5;- 000. Last week, finale for vuudfilm at 42-60c. .<;cale. 'This Marriage Busi- ness' (RKO) and Fred Waring's orch, $12,000, pleasing. WASH. CHEERY; TILOr $24,000 ashlngton, Beautiful weather is . making it tough, but Test Pilot' and 'Mad About Miistc' are crashing through in mid-seasbh style. Tracy-Cable-. Loy opus is given credit for cons.'der- able of the biz at two vaucle .s;.'ots whose last shows are swelled b.v overflow from aviation piece. Fact that mats are somewhat oft'only thinff keeping 'Test Pilot* from bust- ing the record. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,424; 25-35-40-66) —'Her Jungle Love' (Par) and vaude. JesselrTalmadge unit soriie help but won't better light $17,000. Lost week, 'Battle of Broadway' (20ih) can thank Allan Jones p. a. for most of what fell off ,to light. $16,000. , ColnmbU (Loew) (1,583; 25-40)^ 'Tom Saw.ver' (UA) (2d run). Repeat after gooil week at Capitol should .<;ee average $4,500. .Last week,. 'Golden West' (M-G) (2d run), same figure for.third, downtown week. Earle (WB) (2.244; 25-35-40-66)— 'College Swing' (Par) and vaude. AV, Pearce.arid gang drawing radio fan.9 arid wbrd-of-mouth' should up combo tq good $18,000. Last, week, 'Ahvayfi a Woman' (Col), dropped-with rest of town to $10,500, acceotable. Kelth^s (RKO) (1,830- 35-55)— 'Mad About Music* (U). Lobking at ^ big IT3.500, Last week, 'joy -of Liv- irie' (RKO) (2d week) good $8,500. ■ Met (WB) (1,853; 25-40)—Tiall of Lonesome Pine' (Par) (revivaj). Brutal and yanked today (Tuesday)' with $1,000 for.four days. Last week, 'Jfezebel' (WB) (2d run) for third week on malnstem collected oke $4200^ Palace (Loew) (2,363; 3S-55)—'Te.<<t Pilot' (M-G). Leading town 'with S.R.Q. up every night, although mRt.s not packine In the shoppers. Should see sock $24,000, Last week. 'Old Chicago' (20th) (2d week). Slipped sliPhtly to oke $10,000. Belnsee (Indie) (1,100: 35-55)—To the 'Victor* (GB). Rave'„ reviews should build It to good S3,500. L.n.st week. 'Lucrezia Borgia* (Gallic) oke $3,000. Writer Sued for 20G Hollywood, May 3. Eleanore Griffin, writer, is being sued for $20,000 by the Berg-Allen- berg aisency, charging breach of con- tract Complaint, states iss ri, in wailked out on a five year pact with more than three years to run. Agency alleges, she will earn approximately $200,000 during the balance of the contract period and asks judgriient for lOTo of that amount. Ratoff's 4-Wayer Holly wood,. May 3. Gregory Ratoff got a ne{v four- why contract at 20th-Fox. Year's pact c(3rhmits him to writing, direct- ing, acting and. supervising. He draws the direction on the 'By the Dawn's. Early Light' as his next assignment. Iri Pursuit of Laffs Hollywood, M'ay 3. Michael Whalen and Chick Chand- ler will team for 20th-Fox in comedy newspaper: ;jerics to be pro- duced, by Soi M. Wurizcl. First of the new group" i.<! '"Sl^ , dan 7-1212,' for which Jerry Cacly is doing the screenplay. Second is 'While New York Sleeps,' scrrpled bjr j Frances Hyland and Albert Ray. RKO Would Take Over Van Benr^n Stock; 175,000 Consideration Petition to take over a large block, of stock in the Van Beuren Corp. for a total consideration of $7.'>,000 was made yesterday (Tuesday ) in the New York federal court by ihm Irving Trust Co.^ as trustee lor Ra- dio-Keith-Orpheum Corp. The trus- tee at present . holds the .remaining shares and Its present request'ir to consolidate its position in the liquidation of the Van Beuren Corp., whkh began in 1937. A(:cording to the petition agreement had been made wil Condor Pictures,. Inc., also undergo- ing reorganization in California, which holds the outstanding shares in the 'Van Beuren Corp., by which the RKO trustee can obtain this block of stock with the court's ap- proval. The petition also claims that an appreciable profit will be .gained for RKO through the purchase. Wurtzel Rests His Unit Hollywood, May Sol Wurtzel production unit kt 20th-Fox is enjoying its fir.st sip.<:ta in seven.years. Following the com- pletion of 'Hello Hollywood' la.";t Fri- day (20), the unit washed up it seasonal commitment. Activities will be resu hence when 'Passport under way. Watch Your Shins ollywood. May 3. Sarii Zimbalist is set to', produce Robert Tayiorls next starrer. 'Hnnda Across the Border,* to be filmed in Technicolor by Metro. Story, suggested by.Louis . M.lyer, deals with the i5-year competitioil between hoc';ey teams reju-e.^enliiig West Point and the Royal Milii:.ry College of Ontario. AMA Q. SEinBNS Hollywoodj May Anna Q. Nilsson resumed.her liini career laiit week after .".n ab.^ciict <f 10 ."cars, spent chiefly in Europe ;.(id the Orient. First role wrW be featured rolt i Pardmount's 'Prison Far '