Variety (Jun 1938)

Wednesday* June 1, 1938 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY 9 Tommy Dwsey Swings 'Holiday' To Solid $35,000 in Chir^^ Valentino Reyival Surprise $9,500 Chicago, May 3|. Business in the loop currently is bsing led by two widely opposed tvnes ot entertainment One is the liltia-modern swing stuff of Tommy Dorsey orchestra on the sUge of the Chicago in company with 'Holiday on the screen, the other is a 16-year- old picture, 'Son of the Sheik' in the small Garrick. Actually the best pace in town is the Valentino revival, which is. drag- ging in every type of tradCi men and youngsters as well as the femmes. Has had a bang-up exploitation cam- paign which is, in itself, unusual for the loop where exploitation has be- come as infreiiuent as leap years. Oriental is closed, with Balaban ti Katz merely leaving it dark, giving no explanation or excuse of any kind to the public. Not even using the Oriental marquee to plug other at- tractions in the loop. Holding over downtown at pres- ent are 'Vivacious Lady' in the Pal- ace; 'Robin Hood,' which was shifted over, to the Roosevelt for. a third session, and 'Marco Polo' at the United Artists. Apollo got a new picture. 'Hold That Kiss,' oh Satur- day (28), Mickey Rooney in star billing. Estimates far TUs Week Apsllo (B&K) (1,200: 3S-45-S5-6.5) —'Hold That Kiss' (MG). Opened Saturday (28) and good strength on Judge Hardy following.: Looks lil<e $6,000, fine. Last week, 'Test Pilot' (MG), after' extended runs, oke at $4,500. Chicago (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)-^ 'Holiday'' (Col) and Tonirhy Dorsey orchestra on stage. Getting young trade which is gathering the eve- ning shekels. -With the three-day holiday, $35,000, good, though not up to expectations. Last , week, 'Robin Ho ' (WB) completed strong fort- night to hotcha $29,000. Carrick (B&K) (900; 25-35-45-55) —'Son of Sheik' (Cin). Revival: is one of the biggest coin pictures this house has seen; up to $9,500, wow take: Unquestionably real b. 6. dyna- mite. Last week, 'Four Men' (20th) managed $3,400. fair. Palace (RKO) (2.500: 3S-55-65-75) —'Vivacious Lady' (RKO) and vaude (2d week). Managing $14,000. good,, currently after taking excellent $24,300 for last week's eight-day stand.' ' Roosevelt (B&K) (1.500; 35-55-65- 75)—'Robin Hood' (WB); Moved here for third week in loop and going nicely to $15;000. Last week. 'Moonshine'- (20th) a disappointing two-weeker with $7,800, .flabbyl . Slale-Lahe (Jones) (2,700; 25-35- 45-i55—'Lupin* (MG) and vaude. Holding to $12,000 this week, profit side. Last week, 'Moto's Gamble' (20th) oke at;$10,100. United ArttsU (B&K-UA) (1.700: 35-55-65-75)-^'Marco Polo' (UA) (2d week). Holding to fine $12,500 cur- rently, aftei- good $14,700 last week. 'Three Comrades' (MG) next. K«y CHy Grosses I Gross This .. .$1,31«,9»«. (Based on 22 cities, .150 thea- tre.'!, rhie/tv fiTst runs, including :y.) I Ores:. eek Last.; Year $i,427,7»» .(Based.on 24 cities, 170 theatres) 'Night Spot' (RKO) (triple, 2d runs) Arst half and 'Mad About Music' (U) and 'Yank at Oxford' (M-G) last four days; $700, good. Omaha (Blank) (2,1 ; 10-25-40)— 'Yellow Jack' (M-G) and 'Hold That Ki.'is' (M-G.) (double billed). Facing, strong competition, and commend- able at $7,300. Last week 'Dr. Rhythm' (Pair) and 'Goodbye Broad- way' (U) (twin bill) held, its own at same figure. Orpheiim (Blank) (2,976; 10-25-55) — Met My Love Again' (UA)i with revue featuring Cliff. Edwards, Ted Mack and Major Bowes amateurs oh stage. Name headliners- helping this to $15,000, good; Last week 'Ken- lucky Moonshine' (20th) and 'Moto's Gamble' (20th) Atwinned) acceptable at $7,500. Town (Goldberg) (1,350; 10-20-25) —'Mad About Music' (U) and 'Stella Dallas' (UA) (2d runs) and 'Out- laws of Sonora' (Rep) tlst run) tri- ple" bill .first half of week, 'Blue- beard' (Par)-and 'Making-the Head- lines' (Col) (2d runs) and.'The Rat' (RKO) (first run) (tripled) second half. O^ay $2,200. Last week 'Bring- ing up Baby' (RKO), 'Every Day's a Holiday' (Par) (2d Tuns) and 'Re- bellion' (Indie) (1st run) triple bill, firist half. 'Double Danger' (iRKOX and "Hollywood Stadium Mystery' (Rep) and 'Code . of,. the Rangers' (Mono) (1st runs) tripled seirond half, average $2,100. miDAY' 311/2G, LAOnSG. BOSTON love Again'-Yande 15G, Tellow'-'Kiss' OK 7iG, $5,000, Omaha Omaha, May 31. Theatre row came through with one of its infrequent stage shows at the Orpheum to heighten holiday week. Stepup in admission prices, regular policy with . stage shows, brings this house in to lead the town. Estimates for This Week Avenue- llliary (Goldberg) (810; 950; 10.25)—'Slight Case of Murder' (WB), 'Little Miss Roughneck' (Col) and.'Scandal Street' (Par) (triple bill, 2d run) flrst half-week; 'Old Chicago' (20th) and 'Paradise for Three* (M-G) (dual, 2d run) last half-week. Very good $1,700 total for these two combined, and largely due to 'Chi.' Last week .'Stella Dallas'(UA).'Mak- ing the Headlines' (Col) and 'Night Spot' (RKO) (triple, 2d run) first halt and 'Mad About Music' (U) and Yank at Oxford' (M-G) (dual, sec- ond) remainder split-week for com- bined $1,500. Brandels (Singer-RKO) (1,250; 10- 2p.35-40)—'Holiday- (Col) and 'Tor- chy Blane in Panama' (WB) (double bill) opened Wednesday (25). Lilw- ly. to tick off over $51000. Last week Vivacious Lady' (RKO) and 'Law oC Underworld' (RKO) (twiniieit) held over for a second week and re- corded satisfactory $4,500. Oundee (Goldberg) (650: 10-25)— Slight Case of Murder.' (WB), 'Lit- tle Miss Rbuahncck' (Col) and "Scan- dal Street' (Par) (tripled. 2d riui) <i''it halt, split with 'Bluebeard' 'Pill-) and 'Paradise for Tlu-ec" <M-G) (dual) second halt, $700. so- S'); Last week. 'Stella Dallas' (UAi^ .Making the Headlines' (Col) anil Mosette' $10,000, Buff.; 'Swing,' 'Castle' 6I/2G Each Buffalo, May 31. Weather and the holiday are sock- ing busine.ss locally. Grosses are low- all over town, ' Estimates (or This V^eek Butralo (Shea) (3,500; 30-35-50)— 'Josette' (20th).' Under $10,000, mild. Last week, 'CocoaniJt Grove' (Par), $8,00Ci; bad. Century (Shea) (3,000; 25-35)— 'Rascals' (20th) and 'Island in Sky' (20th). Headed for tame $6,000. Last'week, 'Her Jungle.Lov(»' (par) and 'Couldn't Say No' (WB), igood $7,700. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-50) -'College Swing' (Par). Fair, may- be $S,500:. Last week,.'Robin Hood' (WB) (2d week), mild $7,100. Hipp (Shea) (2.100; 25-40)-'Vi- vacious Lady' (RKO) .(2d run). Run- ning to very poor $3,500. Last week, 'Test Pilot' (M-G) (2d run), $5:800. La(»yelte (Ind.) (3,300; 25-35)-^ •Manls Castle' (Col) and 'Counsel for Crime' (Col). Good enough $6,500. Last week, ' inncrs in Paradise' (U) and 'Nurse from -Brooklyn' (U), trifle over $6,500. Boston, May 31. 'Holiday', and 'There's- Always a; Woman,' double, at the Orph and State are running about even -with 'Vivacious. Lady' and. 'Blind Alibi,' dual,-at the Keith Memorial, 'Kidnapped' on dual bill at the et is getting sour comments, but. the out-of-tOwn tnob are buying tickets. Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,212; 25-40-55)— •Count, of Monte Cristo' (UA), re- vival, and 'This Marriage Business' (RKO), dual. Pretty pale $6,500. Last week, 'Hawaii Calls' (RKO) and 'Nurse From Brooklyn' (U) dual, swerved to $7,000. Fenway (M&P) (1,332; 25-35-40- 55)—'Kentucky Moonshine' (20th) and 'Stolen Heaven' (Par) (both 2d run) dual. Okay $6,000. Last week, •Dr. Rhythm' (Par) (2d run) and 'Mystery House' ( ) (1st run), double, fair $5,500. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2.907; 25- 40-55)—'Vivacious Lady' (RKO) and 'Blind Alibi' (RKO) dual. Looks healthy, around $18,000. Last week, 'Goodbye Broadway' (U) and Benny Goodman on stage, very good, but not smasho. $26,000. MetropolKan (M&P) (4.267; 25-35- 40r55)—'Kidnapped' (20th) and 'Trip to Paris' (20th) dual. Fair $14,000 indicated. Last week, 'Cocoahut Grove' (Par) and 'Hunt^ Men' (Par) dual, plummeted to $9,000. Orpheum (Locw) (2,900; 25-35-40- 551—'Holiday' (Col) and'There's Al- ways a Woman' (Col):double. Right in the groove for $18,000. Last week, holdover of 'Hardy's Children' (M-G) and 'Merrillv We Live' (M-G) dual, okay $12,800. Paramount (M&P) (1,797; 25-35- 40-55)—'Kentucky Moonshine' ( th) and 'Stolen Heaven' (Par) (both 2d run) duaK -Very satisfactory $8,000 on' the way. Last week, 'Dr. Rhythm' (Par) (2d i'un) and 'Mystery House' (iWB) (l.st run) .louble. bkav $7,400, Scollav (MAP) (2.538! 25-35-40- 55)—'Dr. Rhythm' (Par) (3d run) and 'Beloved Brat' (WB) (2d run) dual. Okay $6,500. Last week, 'College Swinir' (Par) (2d run) and 'Four Man and a Pravnr' (20th) (3d run) dual; olT at $5.:100. Slate (Locw) (.'{.600: 25-35-40-55)— 'Holiday' iCnl) and 'Thcre'.s Always VVi-tinan' (Col) diitfl. Nifty combo aiinina al SI3.50n, Last Week, hold- over of 'H.udy*.-; Children' (M-G) und Meritv Wc Live' (M-G) double,^ okav ,<!9.000. N. Y. Upbeat; Tolo'-Jessel $27,1 'Kidnapped' $45,000, 'Robin' 85G 3d, 'Gangs N.Y.'I3G,BothValentinos OK Broadway Grosses Estimated Total TM^ Week... .. .$271,S0« (Bnscd on U theatres) Total Gross.Same eek Last Year...::. .$2gS,S9« (Based on 13 theatres) 'KIDNAPPED'4G, 'SCHOOL'6G, BALTO Baltimore, May 31. Two holdovers, and a reissue- help-, ing 'Crime School' off id a fairish opening at Keith's is an - uneventful holiday, week marred by rain and unseasonable weather.- '.'Kidhappedj* town's other opener, started slowly at the New, garnering some ditytiine- juve trade,'but little real action at b. 6. Estimiiles tor This eek Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 25-35-40-55)—'Man^s Castle' (Col). Nothing much for this revival; might reach a reddish $5,000. Last week 'Yellow Jack' (M-G), attracted criti- cal raves,' but uneventful trade; $6,100. . Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,205; 15-25-35-40-55-66)—'Vivacious Lady' (RKO) (2d week). Coupled to hold- over stage; appearance of Happy Fel- ton and orch and holding up in.fair- ish style to $12,000- Okay but some- what disappointing opening .session to $13,300. Keith's (Sstanberger) (2,460; 15-25- 35-40-55)—'Crime School' (WB). Got off to promising opening and build- ing- in good style to indicated. $6,000 last week. 'Stolen Heaven' (Par), not much at %3,3 New (Mechanic) (1,558; 15-25-35- 55)—'Kidnapped' (20th). Attracting some daytime juve trade to possible $4,000. Last week 'Keritu'cky Moon- shine' (20th) didn't catch on .at $3,400. Stanley (WB) (3,250: 15-25-35-40- 55)—Robin Hood' (WB) (3d week). Holding up in lusty fashion to $7,500. Okay second week of $9,100. follow- ing bango opening session of $19,300. mW $12,000,DENVER; 'YELLOW'-'KISy $6,400 Denver. May 31. Rains, with cloudy weather in b;- tween, is keeping people in town and helping the theatres. That was par-, ticularly noticeable over the holiday. •Robin Hood' is far out ahead of the town. E'^tlmales for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1.400; 25-40)— 'Four Men and a Prayer' (20th) (2d run). Nice $4,000. Last week, 'Marco Polo' (UA), turned in $4,500, a bet- ter percentage than the previous week at the Denver. Broadway (Fox) (1,100; 25-40)— 'Vivaciou.s Lady' (RKO) and 'Co Chase Yourself (RKO) (2d run). Healthy $2,500. Last week. 'Test Pilot' (M-G) and 'First 100 Years' (M-G) <2d run), nice $3,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1.750; 25-35- 40)—Cocoanut Grove' (Par). Fine $7,500 and being held two extra days. Last week, 'Doctor Rhythm*, (Par), poor $4,000 on its second week. Denver' (Fox) (2.525; 25-35-50)— 'Robin Hood' (WB). Doing hefty S 12,000 on packed houses. Last WCek. 'Four Men and a Praver' (20th). around avcrace with $S:000. Orpheum (RKO) (2.CO0; 25-,'55-40) —'Yellow Jack' (M-G) and 'Hold That Ki.s.s' IM-G). Fair $6.4(10. Last week. ' ivacioiis Ladv' 'RKO) and 'Go Chase Yourself (RKO), good at $9,000. raramnunt 'Fox) '2.200: 25-10)-- 'Over the Wall' (WB) and 'Island in the SkV (20tli). So-ST S.'l.OOri. Last week. 'Fools for Stancl;il' (WB).aiid 'I-(e Couldn't Say No' (WB). nice at $4,000. Rlalto ' n.\-) 'f!7S: 25-40)—'Marco Polo' (U,\i i:jd vuifi .Tiid 'nocklcv-s .rjvini;' 'U.'. Siili-raclorv $'i..'")f)ri. Last wR^'k. ' Id C:iiic.7«o' ('20lli.> Stri)ii5 i'i.aoo. The three-day Decoration Day wei^kend brought a boom to Broad- way, in-towners as well as visitors packing , the downtown' houses.. Threatening weather .kept a lot of people from going away, while the influx from out-of-town was as large as usual, the combination of these factors providing a play-, that was much bigger than last year. As usual, the ..stage, show houses got the bulk of attention from the tourist, trade. , However, much of the jamming past box ofTices occurred at the Gai- ety and George . - Cohan, where old Valentino pictures opened Satur- day (28), 'The Sheik', at the former and 'Son of the Sheik' at the latter. Both houses will score many times their average take with ttxi old-time silents. Gaiety, which does an-aver- age business of aro'iind $3,500, will get around $11,000, while the Cohan, with a similar weekly average; may do around $10,000 or close to it.: 'Sheik' gets piano accompaniment at the Gaiety, whereas "Son of Sheik' f^as been rnusically scored. Majority (if the draw is among the women, mostly , those who remember Valen- tino. Also, yoiihg folks are being drawn who are curious to see what Valentino, looked like.. Only, four new pictures, were brought in for the holiday week, the balance of the town being oh hold- overs, latter all good. 'Robin Hood,' on its third (final) stanza ending to- night (Wed.) will come close to $85,- 000, as against $89,000 the prior (2d), lap; while at the Par 'Dr. Rhythm,* with Hal Kemp band, hit around $38,000 on its second week ending last night (T'ues.), after a flrst seven days of $41,500, handsome profit on the 14-day run.. The other holdovers include 'Yel- low Jack." which on the holdover at around $21,000. picked up a lot of slack to. nearly match the initial week's $22,500. Thus. On the fort- night's engagement, 'Jack' emerges a good nrofit-maker despite a slow Start. The third and last week for 'Crime School.' nice little coih-getter at the Strand, counted to around $10,000 last night as it withdrew, excellent, business. , 'kidnapped,' which landed at the Roxy Friday (27) was not off big but will finish the week at $45,000 or bet-, ter. having received a strong push on the three-day weekend. It may be held over at this figure. Three other new. ones are 'Gangs ot New York.' a sweet receipt-grabber at the Criterion where possibly, pushing to $13,000; 'Saint in New York,* Rialto incumbent; which will hit $8,000. biege.st in month.s. and 'Devil's Party,' a Globe prospcct-for $7,500, also nice. The State, with 'Polo' and a vaude layout headed by George Jesscl (without Norma Talmadge) and B(sy- erly Roberts, of screen, is headed for a po.s.sible $27,000. very good, while the Palace, exhibiting 'Four Men and Prayer.' coupled . with 'Rascals.* is also away over its recent average, $11,000 looking in. Only complaint most of Broadway has this week is that theatres didn't have more seats at the crush hours. Kstlmates for This Week ■ Capitol (4..';20: 2.5-35-55-85-$1.25)— 'Yellow Jack" (MG) (2d-rinal week). Increased pace on final (currentj stan/.a means arOund $21.0 . as com- pared with $22,500 initial stanza, word-of-mouth possibly helping in the stretch. Criterion '1.062; 25-40-55)—'Gangs of New York' (Rep). House goes away up in the coin this week, prob- ably $13,000. big and holds. Last week, 'Hunted Men' (Par) picked up pace enough to nab around $6,700, fair. CIol»e '1.274: 25-40-55)—'Devil's Party' iU>. Given boost by the holidiiy. probably will hit $7,500, good. Last week. 'Lone Wolf in F'ari.s' (Coji dipped Id $d,.500 after good slarl, undirr average I'alace 11.700; 2.i-:!5-55)—'Four Men' I'jiOth) I'ici run I rind 'Rascals' (2Ulh) list run), riualcd.- Grindinu I ;;(padily for wh'il lopk.s like an $11.- rtnO wc:;k. (■.t<:(-llciit. Ln.-it. week.-'Joy I of f^ivin;' I RKO I i2d run ) and '.Sih- |.ii"i-s ill I^ll-;ldi.■tl.■■ lU) (Ul run), $u,- r.Train.'iunl : 2.')-3ri-5a-H5-99) —'Villi mid Mp' I Par;, with Sa y ' Kav(! 01 cli'.ih a and Klhrl .Shiitla. i ;:n hrn- tuda.v i W;-d.) Knriins its .■: iirid I'll) l;i-it ii'alil <Tli;"--.) with dU'mI.v .ill" ~:ircrr;l!i l<>ri. 'Dr. lil-ivlhni.' $41,500, nice profit on.the U- gHgement.. Radio city MuhIc Ml (5.9B0; 40- 60-»4-99-$i.fi5)—'Robin Hood' (Wfi) and stage show (3d-(inal week). Va- cates tonight (Wed.) after a.smash 21-day run. fin',-)! week being $85.0 or iluse. Second slair/.a was $89,0 , very good, while the initial seven days was $103.1100: 'Vivaciious Lady' (RKO) opens tomorrow (Thiirs.). Rlalto (750; 25-40-55)—'Saint in New York' (RKO). Doing so well at $8,000 on the week that picture rhight be held a few extra days, sup- ported by addition to bill today (Wed.) of Ross-Armstrong light films. Last week, 'Blind Alibi' (RKO) didn't get to first base, $5,300. Roxy (5.836; 25-40-55-751—'Kid- napped' (20th) and stage show. Adr venture film opened under cxpectar tions but got a fllie boost over the weekend and should end at $45,000 or better, nice. Will hold. Last week the Ritz Bros, disappointed, .'Kentucky Moonshine' (20'.h) ending at $38,500 but okay profit. Strand (2.7C7; 2.'i-55r75)—'Gold- (iiggers in Paris' (WB). Opens.thls morning (Wed.). The final (3d) week of 'Crime School,' a B that's getting A busines.s. around $16,000. vety good, as iagainst nearly $20,l)00 the second- session. State (3,450; 35-55-75)—'Marco Polo' (UA) . (2d run) and vaude topped by George Jessel and Bevei-ly Roberts, dut-of-towners piled in over the. holiday weekend to fatten the possibilities for a likely $27,000, very good. Last week, 'Test Pilot (MG) (2d': run), with George Givbt and Jane Pickens in person, hit close to $24,000. RITZES $20,500, 'LADV I41/2G, WASH. Washington, May 31. ings are looking up. again with cold rain jumping end of last week and holiday prices and crowds start' ing this one off with a bang. With 'Robiri Hood' and stage shows hold- ing over at Earle, first tirrie comboi spot has held show in eight years, 'Kentucky Moonshine' and Abe Ly- man band aire leading town at Capi- tfil. Visitors, however, will lip .'Robin' holdov(:r to gross ^qiial to good 'first week. • Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3.424; 25-35-^40-60) —'Kentucky Moonshine' (20th) and vaiidc. Holdover at rival vaude spot plus: Abe Lyma:i orch pushing big house into lead with iiood $20,500. Last week 'Hold That Ki.ss' (M-G) can thank Sammy Kaye band for build to oke $19,500. Columbia (Loew) (1.583; 25-40)— "Test Pilot' (M-G) (2d run). Fourth week downtown after three nice stan7:as at Palace looking toward good $5,5()0. Last week 'Jungle Love* (Par) (2d run), topped to passable $3,300. Earle (WB) (2.244; 25-35-40-60— 'Robin Hood' (WB) and vaudc: Pic and pleasing though no-name stage bill is first, holdover in eight years of hou.<ie policy and shoul<i hit tour- ists for nice $18,500. Last week slipped when ruinor of holdover leaked out, but finished with swcl\ $23,000. Kellh'.s (RKO) '1.830; 25.-40)—'Vi- vacious Lady' (RKO). Sowed in Wednesday (25) and caui.ht general pickup last week plus holiday week- end, to bid for Sock $14,500. Last week, live days of 'Mad About Mu- sic' lU) (4th week; dwindled to.light $4,500. Met ' ) fl.a.'i.'?: 2.-)-40)—'Torchy Blanc in Panama' 'WB). Floppo $2,- 800.. Last week 'Dan'^erous to Know* (Par), slid. Ill same (i','Ui-e. Talace (Lr>::w> I'l.^.UV. •la-'iS)- 'Marc-i P.)li)' I (/A > (2rl wcc. ). V/eak .■57..ion. 1,'i-il we'.'k .iyirit; i)ic polled fair $i:!.l)()(). Back to Gladiati J )l! K. P.IC)'.' H .ll.vv.:i)oM. May .'Jl. 11. iiinii-i''l llirue wi'oks nlir; Hal Ki mid orolirsila. Illilshc 5-!3,'l')i), avJ iin.sl a lirsl scvuii :ii;o II a r,ii)'.!) ill /ilii;in;; 01 l>-<\ i-.l (li; -il'ii.' r.rliiii! ('I'lics'la.v) PloHlK-lliill 11 1 I .still' nhili; 111" 'III.'IK;': (luring the L. r.iirw',<. 'Th<: ■■l I 1 work today li ^ "11 -it a . '.v.i.s' rco.vcri