Variety (Jun 1938)

VARIETY PICTURE GROSSES Wrdnesday, June 1, 1938 L A. Grosses OK; 'Kidnapped' W/iQ, Hepburn-Grant Z Houses, $20,500, Valentino's 'Sheik' Surprise $3,500 Los Aneeles, ny 31 Weekend biz surprisingly strong, with trade worranling several hold- over!;. Grosses are over average at all the firsl-runs. Ritz Brothers in 'Kentucky Moonshine" (20th-Fox) at the State and Chinese, and Katharine Hepburn and, Gary Grant in 'Holiday' (Col) at the RKO and Pantages, both topping dual pro- grams, are both getting the custom- ers in goodly numbers. Surprise in film circles is the in- terest in the revival of "The Sheik' (Par), starring Rudolph Valentino, v/hich is off to a good start at the Four Star. Opening days of 'Kid- napped' (20th-Fox), which followed the Rj' rothers at the Chinese and State, were light. Paramount the- atre had a better ihari fair return with the revival of 'Man's Castle' (Col), starring Spencer Tracy ;and Loretta Young, which was billed over the current release, IStbleri Heaven' (Par), Hou.se retains the Sunday opening day with lYou and Me' (Par), starring Sylvia Sidney and George Raft, currently playing. Light opera at the Philharmonic,- roller skating derby at the Pah- Pacific, and ice carnival at the Polar- Palace, are drawing heavily. Plenty of Oakley's in circulation for the roller skaters. 'Hobln Hood' (WB) oa its third week ^ay and date at the Holly\yood and Downtown, is strong and may hold fourth week. Estimates for This' cck Chinese (Grauman-F-WC> (2^024; 30-40-55-75)—'Kidnapped' (20th) and, •One Wild Night' (20th), dual. No draft in the Robert Louis Stevenson story, or ir the triple starring com- bination ot Warner Baxter, Freddie Bartholomew and Arleen Whela'n; looks like $8,400 tops, fair. Last week. 'Moonshine' (20th) and 'Hold That Kiss' (M-G"), okay $9,100. Downtown (WB) (1.800: 30-40-55- 65)—'Robin Hood' (WB) (:3d week). Standing up stronger than antici- pated on single-bill basis; big $8,- 500. for the third, which added to previous stanzas of better than. $32^000, means hefty film rental and something left for the theatre b.. r. May ^o a fourth. F«ur Star (F-WC-UA) (900; 40-55) .—'The Sheik' (Par) (reissue) and •Where There's a Will' (GB) dual. Sli:ight-of-hand booking which was Kusgesled by a Filmarte theatre turn- away recently when "The Sheik' Was taken off the shelf and shown to the profe.<;sional mob; looks a. cer in $3,500 for the week, which, is better than usual and holds. ' Last. week. 'Sailing Along' <G-B) and 'Adven- tures of Chico' (Woodward), iapeied cff to $1,600 for the second week, Hollywood (WB) (2.756; 30-40-55- 65)—Robin Hood' (WB) (3d week). Closing week will do $i),0()U, bi.:; considering smn.sh first week and last v/cck's $0,500. May hold fourth week, Pantages (Pan) (2,812; 30-40-55)— •Holiday' (Col) (reis.sue) and 'Reck- less Living' (U) dual. First week's biz is excellent $11,500, show holding 10 days. Last week, 'Vivacious Lady' (FKO; and "Law of the-Underworld' (RKO), dual (2d week), close to 45,000, disappointing. Faramount (Par) (3,595; 30-40-55) —'You and Me' (Par) and 'Lady in the Morgue' (.U) dual. Onencd Sun- day (29) and should hit $11,000; prof- itable. Last week, 'Man's Castle' (Col) and 'Stolen Heaven* (Par) <dual). Squeezed but $9,000 in seven days. BKO (2,872: .10-40-55)—'Holiday' (Col) and 'Reckless Living' (,U) (dual). Not drawing the shopper.s, but good coinrhent on the Hepburn- Grant combination: looks good 4i9,000, List week. .'Vivacious Liidy' (RKO) and 'Law of the Underworld' (RKO) (dual)^ (2d week), mild $6,000. State (LocwtF-WC) (2,414; 30-40- 55-75)—'Kidnapped' (20th) and 'Ohe Wild Night'. (20th). dual. Doing bet- ter than its day and. dater,-the Chi- rtese, but will be lucky to hit $10,000 011 the week. Last week. 'Moonshine' <20ih) and 'Hold That Kiss' (M-G), 913.000, not bad. United Artlstii (F-WC-UA) (2,100: S()-^0-SS) — 'KeniUiiky Moonshine' (20ih) and 'Hold that Kiss' (M-G), dual. Transfer'from the State and will garner $3,300. Last week, 'Old Chicago'. <20th) and 'Island in the SkV (20th) (dual) (2d week), good $4,000. Wikhlre (F-WC) (IMe; .10-40-55- 65—'Kentucky Moonshine' (20th) and 'Hold That Kiss' (M-G) (dual). Will do mild S4,500. La.st week, 'Old Ch'caJjo- (20lh) and 'Island in the, iSkV (201h) (dual), finished silrong, 95,40a Ritzes' Fair $14,000, 'Rhythm' $1'7,500, B'klyn Brooklyn,: May 31, Decoration Day week-end proved okay, with downtown dc liixer.s. Those not at movies went to Coney Island, which 0 ncd, officially., for season; 'Take at jjsland was sli Estimates for Tliis e«k Albee (3,274 ; 25-50) — 'Kcritucky Moonshine' (20th) and 'Saint in New York' (RKO). Came in Decoration Day (.10) and expects fair $14,0()0. Last week. 'Four Men arid a Prayer' (20th) and 'Rascals' (20th), good $15,000. . F»x (4,089; 25-50)—'Crirhe School' (WB) and 'Good Bye Bro'adway' (U) (2d week). Healthy $ltl,000 and will go third stanza. Last week, fine $20,000. Met (.1.618: 2.5-50) —'First 100 Years' (M-G) and -'Nurse from Brooklyn' (U). Destined for quiet $13,500. Last week, 'Test Pilot' (M-G) (2d—final week), good $15,000. FaramAunt (4,126; 2,<)-.5b) — 'Dr. Rhythm' (Par) and "Mystery Hbuse- (WB). Will do nice $17^500 and h.o. Last week, 'College'Swing' (Par) and 'Beloved Brat' (WB) (2d—final week) pulled so-so $10,000. Strand (2,87(i; 25-40) — 'Woman Against World' ' (Col) and 'Inter-, national Crime- (GN). Will do okay; $7,000. Last week. "Count of Monte. Cristo' (UA) and 'State Police' (U), ditto. ■KIDNAPPED' 22G. lADr 12G, DEI Detroit, ay 31. Town's first-run brigade is slashed to five, with closing of United Artists, which had been floundering around on duals past few weeks after dismal grosses on singles past few months. Planned to rieopeh early in August. Estimates for This Wteek Adams (Balaban) (1.700: .10-40)— 'Goodbye Broadway' (U), plus 'Flignt Into r^fowhere* (Col), dual. About $3,500, pretty sour, on six days. Making way for .showing of 'Birth of a Baby' (Indie) Thursday (2). Last week,. 'Kentucky Moon- .shina' (20th) (2d run) plus 'Reckless Living' (U). okay $4,300. Fox (Indie) (5,000; 30-40-65)^ 'Kidnapped' (20th). with Rufe Davis topping vaude: Due for around $22,- 000, good. Last week. 'Walking Down Broadway' (20th) and Guy Lom- bardo oh stage, nice $25!000. Madison (United Detroit) (2.000; 30-40-50)—'Yellow Jack' (M-G). Fig- ures for very poor $3,500. Last stan- za, "Robin Hood' (WB) 'i2d run), fair $6,000. Michigan (Unitfld Detroit) (4.000; 30-40-65)—"Vivacious Lady' (RKO), plus stage show. Far from, okay at $12,000. Last week' for "Cbcoanut Grove' (Par) with Bowes unit on stage, only $13,000, weak. Falm-SUte (United Detroit) (3,000; 30-40-50)—'Cocoanut Grove' (Par) (2d run), plus 'Quick Money' (RKO) daal. Another, so-so session, at $5,- 50O. Last week. 'Hunted Men' (Par) and '40 Naughty Girls' (Par) $6,000. UntUd ArtlslK (United Detroit) (%000; 30-40-50)—Dismal gro.sse.s, product scarcity, so spot shutters for summer, first time in hi.story for hou.se; List week. 'Jov of Living' (RKO) dUis 'Wi.se Girl' (RKO). dual, got under $7,000 on .second session of house's try at duals. 500; 25-40)r-'Robin Hood" (WB) (2d run). Satisfactbry $5,000. Last week, legit show, 'You Can't Take It With You,' $7,09(), O r p h e n m (Hamrick-Evergireen) (2,000; 25-40 )-^'Cocoanut Grove' (Par) and Tip-Oft Girls'. (Par). Do- ing average biz, around $4,000. Last week, 'Doctor iRhythm' (Par) and 'Over the Wall' (WB), h.s.h, $3,7 ParamoDiit (Hamrick • Evergreen) (3,000; 2.5-40) T-Vivacious Lady' and 'Island in th^ Sky' (20th). Go- ing for nice $5,000. Last week, 'Ken- tucky Mponsbine' (20th) and 'This Marriage Business'' (RKO), so-so $4,000. Ivoli (Indie) (1,2 ; 25-35)— ^Sweetheart of the Navy" (GN) and stage -show. Strong- $2,500. last. Week, 'Plaiiisman' (Par)'and 'Wings n the Dark' (Par) (both reiss\ies), good enough $1,600; United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 25- 40)-;-'Crime School' (WB) and 'Hold That Kiss' (M-G). Getting pleasant $4,000. Last week, 'Robin Hood' (WB) (2d week)., big $4,3 First week great $8,500. 'Lady' 5G, Portland, Ore.; 'Grove'-'Tip-Ofr $4,000 Portland, Ore., May 31. Two of the burg's major spots have gone after reissue.s, Joinin.i; the Rivoli in thi.s policy is Parker's Broadway, which figures there was unpenned gold still left in 'David Copperfleld' and "Treasure Island ' as a 'joint bill, 'Vivacious Lady.' at the Paramoimt, is the. only outstanding new picture and is dciing nicely. Hot weather has crimped.biz all over town. E.«tiniat«s for This cek Broadway ( arker) (2,000; i25-40)— 'David Coppei'fleM' , (MiG)' and 'Tre*>sure Island' (M-G) (both reis- sues). Fair $2,50(1 for five days. Lii.st week. 'Yellow Jack' (M-C) and "Di vorce of Lady X' lUA), avci'oee $4,000. Mayfalr ( First Rons ob Broadway cek of June t Capitol — 'Three Comrades' (MG) (3). (KciXeuicd in VARiiTY, JWiny 25) Criterion 'Gangs of New York' (Rep) (2d wk). Mu.sic Hall—"Vivacious Lady' (RKO) (2). (Reviewed in VArictv, Alny. 25) Faramount — 'You and Me' (Par) (1). KUIIo—Saint of New York' (RKO) (2d wk). Roxy — 'Kl (2d wk). Slr,aDd^'(iiolddiggers i (WB) (1). (Reviewed in VA,mCTV, May 2ri} Week of June ft Capiloi — 'Three Comrades' (MG) (2d wk). Criterion—'Sign of the Cro.ss' (Par) (9) (reissue). Music Hall^'Vivacious Lady' (RKO) (2d wk). Paramount — ' e' (Par) (2d wk). Rialto — 'Swi ) (4). (Revleu>ed in VAmrrv, Roxy—'Josette' (20th) (Reviewed in current Vahietv) Sli'and—'Goiddiggers in Paris' (WB) (2d wk). XocoanatVHunted' MQ, Holiday'-Theering' 5iG, 'Sinners"$3,20Q, L'vyie Louisville, May 31. 'Holiday' at Loe.w's State, and 'Cocoanut Grov.e' at the Rialto are pacing closely for first money, with h.. o.'s at the Brown, and\ 'Robin Hood' sliding into the third stanza at the Mary Anderson. Biz gener- ally is pretty fair, considering the protracted slump in. spending here. No appreciable opposish from otitr door diversions as yet, but that will probably come about as soon as hot weather arrives, which will be any day now. Eclimatcs for This Week Brown (Fourth Ave.-Loew's) (1,- 500; 15-30-40)—'Kentucky Moonshine* (20th) and 'Blind Alibi' (RKO) (twin) (2d run) headed for fair $2,100. Last week, 'Vivacious Lady' (RKO) aiid 'Battle of Broadway' (20th) (dual), satisfactory $2,400. Kentucky (Switow) (900; 15-20)— 'Mad About Music' (U) and 'Blue- beard' (Par), split with 'Legohg' (Dii World) and 'Women Are Like That' (WB). Going nicely for %2,\06. Last week, 'Jezebel' (WB) and 'Radio City Revels' (RKO) (dual), split with 'Horsefciathers'- (Par) (reissue) and 'Women in Prison' (Col) (dual), good enough $1,900. Lmw's SUle (3,000: 15-30-40)— 'Holiday' (Col) and "Start Cheering' (Col) (dual). Considering slow re-, presh pace, and generally dull film activity currentl.v,. will do Well to cop. $5,500, fair. Last week. 'Yellow Jack' (M-G) and "Lone Wolf in Paris' (Col) (dual), decidedly on :the tepid side, $4,800. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000: 15-30-40)—'Robin Hood' (WB) (3d week). Holding on for low $3,10(); somewhat below previous session, $4,00(). Ohio (Settos). (900; 15)—'Mother- hood!-(Jeiwell). Experiment on part of this house, to make a play with a sex pic. Playing un 'Birth of Baby' angle, which may lead some folk.s to think it's the other more publicized print, although cricks pointed out that they're not the same, this one being an oldie of forei.sn ori.i»i ; orobably around $1,800. fine. - . Last week 'Dodd Takes the Air' (WB) and 'Pennies from Heaven* (Col) (dual), split with 'That I May Live' (20th) and "Theodora- Goes- Wild'. (Col) (dual), average $1,300. Rla|l« (Fourth Ave.) (3.000; 15-30- 40)—'Cocoanut Grove' (Par) and 0)M Helps Philly, but Not Enuff; Hunted'-Vauiie BM 'Grove' $13,5(10 '4 Men* $8,500, Montreal; 'Grove' 7G, 'Swiss' $5,000 Montreal, May 31. Nothing much above average on Main street current, with weather distinctly improving will likely show gro.*s drop. 'Four Men and a Prayer' at Palace likely to. top town, EsUmatct for This Week Palace (CT) (2,700; 50)—'Four Men and .a Prayer' (20th). Should bring in good $8,500. Last week; repeat of 'Test PUot' (M^), satisfactory $6,000. Capitol (CT) (2,700; 50)—'Cocoa- nut Grove'.(Par) .and 'Hunted Men' (Par). Average attendance, hope of good $7,000. Last week, Tom Saw- yer' ,(UA;) and 'Recklejis Living' (U),. good $7,500. Loew's (M. T. Co.) (3,200; 50)— •Goodbye Broadway' (U) and 'Prison Nurse,'- (U>, Not likely to -exceed fair $4,500. Last week. 'Always: a Woman' ,. (Col) and 'Counsel : for Crirhe' .CCbl), $5,000.' Theatre closes Friday (3) until fall. Princess (CT) (2.300; 50)—'Swi.ss Miss* (M-G ). and 'Midnight .Intruder' (U). ,Li(cely 'to gross $5,000, good. Last week, 'Doctor Rhythm' (Par) and 'Drummond's .Revenge' (Par), $5,000, good. Orjiheuni (Ind) (1.1 ; 50 >—'Marco Polo' (UA) (2d week). Good $5,000 to follow excellent $7,000 last week. Cinema de Farls (France-Film) (600; 50)—'NoisUlgife' (2d week). Looks for good enough $1,600 after nice $2,000:flrst week. St. Denis (France-Filih) (2,300; 34) —'Les Mensonges de Nina Petfoyna' and 'Le Champion de Sedan.' Expect average $5,000. Last week. 'Samson' arid 'Le Fraudeur.' little off at $4,500. $16.001)'BABf CINCY RECORD Cincinnati, ay 31. Setting, an all-time tops for Keith's at 35-42-cent scale, 'Birth of a Baby' is the b. . giant of cinema center currently. Pie benefited from tem- porary ban .by City Manager C. O. She'rrill, postponing opening for 12 days, during which publicity, zoprtied on legal .battle.. Court gave hod to state film censors' okeh. 'Little Miss Thorbughbr ' favored with 'world pi-emierc^ start at Lyric in precognition of its juve star, Janet Chapman, being Cincy born. Kain and coiol. weather over holi- dayrpadded weekend was a trade builder for screen chambers. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3.300: 35-42)-'Holi- day' (Col). Good $11,500. Last week, 'Robin Hood' (WB), sOckeroo' $17,000. Capitol (RKO) (2,000: 35-42)— 'Robin Hood' (WB). Transferred from Albee for second week. Wham $7,.SO0. Last week, 'Vivacipus Lady' (RKO) (2d week). $4,500, all right. Family (RKO) (1,000; 15- )—'Fe- male Fugitive' (Mono), 'Texas Trair (Par), and 'AccidenLs Will Happen' (WB), singly. All right $2,400. Last week, "International Settlement' (20th), 'Port of Missing Girls' (Mono), and 'When Thief Meets Thief (UA), separate, go enough $2,3 Grand (RKO) (1,200: 25- )—'Kenr tuiiky-. Moonshine' '(20th). Moved over from Palace for second week. Okay $3,400. Last week. 'Old Chi- cago' (20th) (4th week), good. $3,200. Kclth*s (Libson) (1.50O; 35-42)— 'Birth.of a Baby* (Special). Opened Wednesday (25). House record at- current scale. $16,000; Will ru in this theatre for six weeks or more. Last week. 'Swiss.Miss* (M-G) four days, $2,000. mild. Lyrlo (RKO) (1.400: .15-42)—'Little Miss Thoroughbred' (WB). All right $3,200. Last week, 'Dr. Rhvthm' (Par) (2d week), $4,000. fair. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-42)— 'Cocoanut Grove' (Par). Slow $7,- 000. Last week. 'Kentucky Moon- shine' (20th). $10,000. fairly good. Shnbcrt (RKO) (2,150; 35-42)— 'Yellow Jack' (M-G). Good $5:200. Last week, 'Always a Woman' (Co\). fair $4,000. 'Hunted Men' (Par) (dual). Will havie no trouble hitting comfortably above average; around $6,500. Last week 'Kentucky Moonshine' (20th) and 'Blind Alibi' (RKO) (dual), across for okay $8,000. Slrand (Foiir h Ave.) (1.4 : 15-30- 40)—'Sinners in Paradise' ( ) and 'Lady in the orgue' (U) (dual). Not going places, and look.<! like biz will continue to off until .«troiiger pr ucl. arrives; likely only $3^00.- Last week 'Rascals' (20ih) and "Stolen Heaven' (Par) (dual), hit well' above average of $3,700. PhlladelpHi , av 3i- Cool weather that' reduced sea. shore crowds to less than a third' of what ■•vas expected and kept them out of parks aiid playgrounds pro. vided a welcome holiday for I'hilly houses. Even so, howeverv grosses show no spectacular strength any. where, and couple de luxers are downright- disappointing. . Surprising weakies are 'Ki napped,' at the Boyd, which is being held for nine days, despite n..t:h.. $15,800 for the period, and 'Cocoanut Grove,' at the Fox, which is in .same category with $13,500 for seven days. Estimates far Thin eck Boyd (WB) (2,350; 42-57-68-75)— 'Kidnapped' (20th). Pummeling by the. pro ganderers flattening .this one for pUnk $15;800 for nincrday stand. 'Toy Wife' (M-C) in Saturday (4), followed by 'Holiday' (C^ol), which is expected io get extra five days to even out the week on extra two given current flick. Last week, 'Vi- vdcioiis Lady' (RKO) built tip to .sat- isfactcry $14,900 after slow getaviav. Earle (WB) (2,758; 25-37-42-57-68) —'Hunted Men* (Par), on the stage Three Sto<)ges, Tommy Riggs and Schlepperman (Sam Hearn). Bevy of~ names fleshing sending b.o. to nifty $23,000. Last week, 'Hold that' Kiss' (M-G), with Wayne King orch on th<> bfVtrds, healthy at $20,100. Fox (WB) (2,423; 42-57-68-75 >— 'Coc(>anut Grove' (Par). Failing io click as expected, and slipping into, very slow $13,500. Last week, 'CJrime School' (WB).started well, but slowed on the stretch for weak $13i600. 'Jo- sette" in Friday (3). Karlton (WB) (1,066: 42-57-6i8)— 'Crime School' (WB) (2d run). Goi ing much stronger here, in compa'rii son, than'in initiar turn at the Fox. Sit for nice $4,400. ' La.st week, "Dr." Rhythm'' -(Par) about par for this menage at $4,100 foi" second run. Keith's (WB) (1,870; 32-54-68)— 'Test Pilot' (M-G) (3d run). Unusual policy charige here, putting flying pic in for third riin—its sixth, week i town; still showing good power wit $4.7 . Last week,'Kentucky Moon- shine' (20th) (2d run), exhibiting very little ritz.at so-so $4,200. Stanley (WB) (2.916; 42-57- -75) —'Robiii Hood' (WB) (3d week). Continues to isail at-lu.<:h $13,000 for the .stanza, but not powerful enough to equal 'Snow White'.s' recent four- week, record here, arid leaves this week for 'Three Comrades.' Last week shagged swell $18,800. Stanton (WB) (1,457; 37-42-57)— 'Yellow Jack' ( ). Opened Sat-, urday (28) and got right off to snap- py $7,200 set. Last week, 'Test Pilot* (M-Ci.) in its, second run and fifth week in Philly, zoomed to oke $4,800. 'Robin' $3,800, Lincoln; 'Jezebel' Fair $2,900 Lincoln, May 31. . 'Birth of a Baby' is the week's k.o. at the Capitol, house forsaking its normal second run policy and jumping from regular price (15c anytime) to 2Sc-35c. Opposition is heavy from all quarters—'Robin Hood,' 'Jezebel' and 'Holiday' com- ing in day and date. 'Jezebel' opened, good, but is picked for an early fade on bad word of moiith. Estimates for This Week Kiva (Noble) (4 ; 10-25-30)— 'Holiday' (Col). Should wind up with $1,600, or better, okay. Last week 'Man's Castle' (Col), ^00, pret- ty bad. Liberty (Cooper) (1,200; 10-15)— 'Make a Night of It' (U) and 'Boy of the Streets' (Mono), split with 'Last Stand' (U) and 'AH Quiet on the Western Front' (U). Fair $900. Last week 'Two Gun Justice' (Mono) and 'Crime of Dr. Hallet' (U). split With 'Frankenstein' (U) »nti 'Female Fugitive' (Mono), oke $1,100. Lincoln (Cooper) (1,600; 10-25-35) —'Jezebel' (WB). First time with a single feature and due to fade, prob- ably $2,900, not bad. Last week 'Gold' (WB) and 'Maid's Night Out* (RKO), so-so. $2,700. Capitol (Livingston) (850: 10-25- 35)—'Birth of a Baby* (Indie). Fancy $4,00«. sighted. Will probably hold- over, ' Orpfaeara (Cooper) (1,3.50; 10-15- 20-25)—'Over the Wall* (WB), 'Torchy Blane, in Panama' (WB) (duel). Usual $1,300. Last week 'Radio City Revels' (RKO) and 'Mid- night Intruder' ( ) (twinned), oke $1,5 Slaurt (Cooper) (l,9W: 10-2J-4O)— 'Robin Hood' ( ). Follows too elo.sely on the previous wcek'.« 'Mar- co Polo' (UA). forecasts $3,800 or better, good. 'Polo,' last week, *i>t $3,7 , all right. 'Nother Prison Pic Hollywood, May 31. 'Each Dawn I Die,' forthcoming Warners, picture based on Jerome Odium's .story of prison life, will be prodiiced by David Lewis. Norman-Reilly Raine is wor Iht'screenplay.