Variety (Jun 1938)

Wedpeisdaj, June J 5, 1938 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY Rain Swamps Chi; Darrieux $17,000, JessetTalmadge with Tou and Me Upfo$3P0;tenow^^M^ Chicago, June 14. It has rain 18 days out ot the la.<!t 28 in this town, and the opening day last Friday (10) was no exr Ccption. Besides that, it continued to rain over the weekend. Result was a fenerally washe<lout gross in most of he loop spots with only a couple of them indicating enough to'buck the soggy weather. Plenty of rave commentis, both from press and public on several current olTerings, especially for the George JeSsel-Norma Talmadge show in the Chicago, 'Yellow Jack,'. •Ba«e of Paris' and "Three Comrades.' Pnly the generally, depressed con- ditions and the tough weather breaks have prevented these attractions from really corralling important niazuma. ' ' EsUmates for This eek Ap«ll6 (B&K) (1;200: 35-55-65)— •Robin Hood' (WB). This makes its fifth, week in the loop and still going strong; indicated $5,500. Last week, 'Hunted Men' (Par), so-so $4,100. Chiefs*- (B«tK). (4,000; 35-55-75)— •You and Me' (Par) and George. Jessel-Nbrma Talmadge group on stage. ^Stage accounting for bulk 6f the com currently, with the femmes not particularly interested Jn the parole yarn. Looks lor neat $30,000. Last week.-'Lady X' (UA) sunk into the mud at $19,200. . Garrick (B&K) (900; 35-45-55-65) '—'Farewell to Arms' (Par) (reissue). Not much excitement; only, around $4,500 in the offing. Last week, 'Son-, of Sheik' (Jenisen), held, over to ex- t^llent $5,100. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65^75) •^'Rage of Paris' (U) and vaude. Picture getting comment ■ but biz light, lookinff only $17,000. Last week, 'Saint of New York' (U) had backing of Al Pearce on stage for. ftiie $24,100. Roosevelt (BSX.) (1.500; 35-55-65- 7.5)--'Yellow Jack' (MG). Not so forte at $10,000 for the initial stay. Last week, 'Robin Hood' (WB) fin- ished, fourth loop session to' good $9 too. 'sute-I.,ake (Jones) (2,700; 25-35- 45-55)—'Yukon' (Rep) and vaude. Normal take at $11,000, Last week, 'Law .of Underworld' (RKO) turned ill strong $13,400. UnlUd ArUats (B&K-UA) (1,700: 35-55-75) — 'Comrades' (MG) (2d week). Garnering okay $11,000 cur- rently after taking plentiful $17,200 last week. 'Toy Wife' (MG) next. Rainer-'Roughneck' 6iG, Tou and Me' Nice $6,200, 'Crime Schoor 4(i, ryille Louisv' , June 14, Outdoor competish iti, the form of ■oftball games, night games at Park- way Field with the Colonels, Ameri- can Assn. club, pulling some patrons, and outdoor wrestling . and boxing shows getting under way, are all working against the downtown pic houses. Several new floodlighted fields added to those already in op- eration are keeping the younger set outdoors, and weaning therh from the film houses. Estimates for This Week Brown (Fourth Ave.-Loew's)— 'Three Comrades' (M-G) and 'Swiss Miss' (M-G) (2d run), Conipara- tively good $2,400. Last week.'Holi- day' iCol) and 'Start Cheering' (Col) (twin), okay $2,300. Kentucky. (Switow) (900; 15-20)— 'Old Chicago' (20th) and 'Tip-Off Girls' (Par) (dual), lield for full seven-day stanza, and burning 'em up' in first-run fashion; should hit around $2,100. Last; week, 'Blue- beard' (Par) and 'Hawaii Calls' (RKO), split with 'Sally, Irene. M'ary' (20th) and 'Couldn't Say No' t20th), dragged down good $1,900. toew's SUIc (3,000; 15-30-40)— Toy Wife' (M-G) and 'Miss Rough- neck' (Col), (dual). Pic will have to be content with takings somewhat lower than earlier Rainer films, but general interest ..will help pair to okay $6,500. Last week 'Three Com- rades' (M-G) and 'Swiss Miss' (M-G) (paired) satisfactory $5,800, and switched to Brown. ary Anderson (Libson) (1.000; 15-30-40)—'Crime School' (WB). Should come through for an okay $4,000. Last- week 'Robin Hood' (WB), on fourth and final stanza garnered okay $2,800. Ohio (Settos) (900; 15)—'Souls at Sea" (Par) and 'Bullets or Ballots' (WB) (dual), split with 'Adventure In Manhattan' (Col) and 'Dance Cliarlie Dance' (WB) (dual). Light $1,100. Last week 'Stella Dallas' (UA) and 'Super Sleuth' (RKO) (dual), split with 'Draegerman Courage' (WB') and. 'Big 31>ot: |RK0> (dual), okay $1,200. RIaMo (Fourth Ave.) (3,000; 40)—'You and Me' (Par) and 'Make a Night of If (U) (dual). Holding up okay, $6,200. Last week 'Josette' (2011O and 'One Wild Night'. (20th) (dual), with Ross-Armstrong fight pictures added,' okay $7,200. Strand (Fourth Ave.) (1,400; 15- 30-40)—'Under Western Stars' (Rep) and 'Gangs: of New York' (Rep) (dual). Should , land somewhere around $3,800, . okay. Last week, 'Kidnapped' (2()th), good enough $3,400, TOU & ME' 15G, DORSEY 22G. DETROIT Detroit, June 14, E.xcept for 'Birth, of a Baby,' in second session at tlie Adams, noth- ing's doing here. Tommy Dorsey's band^ teamed up with 'Motb' Takes a Chance,' doing the best under con- ditions. Michigan's new dual policy' getting only a fair play. Estimates for This, eek Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40.-55) — Birth' of Baby' (Special) (2d week). Controversial flicker coii- tiii'ues to pack 'exri in at nine, shows daily for a nifty $12,000 currently. Wow $17,500 last week and figures to stick several more. , Fox (Indie) (5,000; 30-40-65)— 'Molo Takes a Chance' (20th) with Tommy Dorsey's band. Latter car- rying the load for satisfactory $22,000.'. Last stanza S0-.4O $19,500 for 'Josette' (20th) wifh.Olsen and John- son topping stageshow; Madisoii (United Detroit) (2,000; 30-40-50)—'Three Comrades' (M-G) .(2d run). Should hit $4,400, fair. Last week, so-so S5,000 for two re- vivals, 'David Cdpperfield'.. (M^G) plus "Treasure Island' (M-G), dual. .Michigan (United: Detroit) c4,000; 30-40-65)—'You and Me' (Par) and 'Hold, That Kiss' (M-G). Big de- luxcr, gone duals, -won't get inOre than $15,000 oh new policy, which isn't bad with'nut cut . way down. Last week of vaudfilm policy, with 'Three Comrades' (M-G) and stage- shoWj drew only niild $14,000. Falms-SUie (United Detroit) (3,000: 30-40-50)—Law of the Under- world' (RKO) plus 'Accidents Will Happen' (WB), dual. Another,so-so SS,500 coming up. Last stanza sim- ilar gross for 'Vivacious Lady' (RKO) (2d run) plus 'Danger Patrol' (Col). 'Thoronghbred' |1U00, 'Kidnap' $5,500, Indpls. Indianapolis, June 14. Henry Busse and his orchestra are clicking the turnstiles rapidly at the vaudnim Lyric this week to send the theatre's gro.is to one of its best fig- ures in several months. Nothing else anvong the first-run houses is inaking miich of a showing. Kstlmales for This Week Apollo' (Katz-Dolle) (1,100; 25-30- 40)^'kentucky Moonshine' (20th) and 'One Wild Nighf (20th). Brought bacit aUcr a week's lapse since its initial run at the Circle. Breaking even at .^3.000. Last Week, 'Robin Hood' (WB), light at $2,800 in third week. Circle (Kalz-Dollc) (2,800; 25-30- 40)—'Kidnapped' (20th) and 'Blind Alibi' I RKO). Mild at $5,500. I^st week,.'Coco.anut Grove' (Par) and 'Hunted Men' (Par), weak $4,000.. Locw's (Loew's) (2.400; 25-30-40)— ! 'Toy Wife' (M-G) and-'Lone iyolf in i P.Tris' (Col). • Slow $1.5()0. Last week, 'Three Comrades' (M-C) arid 'Sv/i.ss Miss" (M-Gl. plus Ross-Armstrong fiffht films, very good $8,700. Lvric (Ol.son) (2.000; 25-.'}0-40)— 'Mi.ss ThorouKhhred' (WB) and Henry Eii.sse orch on slaee. BuSse .qivcn credit for swell $11;200. bCst in. month.s. La.st wcck. 'Josette' (20lh) .Hid vaude headlinins Di ie Dunbar beam five unwnrd climb with nifty .^9.000 to' hell) pull the house from I previou.s doom. 'Comrades' Okay $3,700, •Heaven' $3,400, Lincoln Lincoln', June 14. Dull Week in prospect. 'Three,Com- rades' will probably do best at the Stuart. Amusement park biz, dance spots, and the coming tent rep comr pdny soon to get innings on the available purse, as the heat is becom- ing more pronounced. Hot weather is unusually late this year. Stuart's first dual feature.was a terrific bust, so is being dropped. Estimates for This eek . Klva (Noble) (440; 10-15-20-30)— '(iount of Monte Cristo' (UA) (re- issue).' Starting house on a subsc-- queht run policy for the summer and at a 10-15-20C scale. Good $1,100. Last week, second of 'Holiday' (Col), slim,.$800, h.o. was,unearned. Liberty (Cooper) (1,000; 10-15)— 'Penrod and his Twin-Brother' t ) and 'Guhsmoke Trail' (Mono), split with 'Feiid of.the Trail' (Cres) and 'Port of Missing Girls' ( ono). Usual $900. Last week, 'Phantom of the Range' (Mono)' and 'Quick Money' (RKO), split with 'Partners of the Plains' (Par) and 'Return of the Scarlet Pimpcrner (UA), all right $950. Lincoln (Cooper) (1.600;' 10-20-25- 35)—Stolen Heaven' (Par) and 'Her Jungle Love' (Par). Ou,?ht to be fairly good, about $3,400. Last week. 'Joy of Living' (RKO) and 'Swing Your Lady''(WB). topped the town with fine $3,600. Orpheum (Cooper) (1,350; 10-15- 20-25-40)—'Life Begins at 40' (re- issue) (20th) and . 'Gaiety Girls' (UA). Fairish. $1,000. Last week, iRobin Hood' (WB) h.o. from the Stuart, slim at $1;300. Weather or Not, B way Biz Away M Keel; 'Josette' $30,000, 'Cross Revival $9,500, Vivacious' 55G 2d The wrong kind ot weather, ither .opened yesterday (Tue.^.); , Bill ot too nice or too bad, i.^ hurluig the ''(^>"'nic School' ( WB) ('2d run), arid mm sho^shows on Broadway ^^'^^^^l week. First hint ot sun.shuie and :'KeiUUclty warmth sends 'em. to the. country, while rain, a good deal of which has come along lately, also;, keeps 'em away. A lough day on weather, rop- resenling both a right and a left jab for the downtown N. Y. houses, was Sunday (12). The sunshine nicked the matinees bad, while the heavy downpour early in the evening knocked the skids from under night business^. Surviving the weather, general conditions, paucity of strong b.o. at- tractiun.s, etc., but showing nothing brilliant are 'Three Comrades' on a second week's $20,000 at-the Capitol; seco'i lap. of 'You and Me,' plus Sammy Kaye, at the Paramount. $26,000; .revival of 'Sign Of: Cross' at the Criterion, a good $9,5 or belter, and 'Hold That Kis.s' an ovcr-aVer- Stuart (Cooper) (1.900; 10-25-40)^ i age $7,500 for the Rialto, ■Three Comrades' (M-G) Oke $3,700 in sight. Last week, disastrous with the house's first dual iri history; $3,000 for 'I Met My Love Again' (UA) and 'Slight Case of Murder' (WB). TODAY'SOCK SmBALTO Baltimore. June 14. Season's first fair-weather week- .end sent towiier.^ scurrying awa'y and an accompanying dearth of trade at downtown wickets, with only the combo .Hipp, listing 'Holiday' and strongest stage setup iri weeks, get- ting bullish trade. Last minute de- .cision. to h.o; 'Tii'ce Comrades' at Loew's Century after a fairish open- ing'session, not drawing as expected. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew s-UA) (3,000;. 15- 25-35-40-55) — 'Three Comrades' (M-G) (2d week). No* doing much on h.o. at possible $4,^00 after far vorable opening session to $12,300. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,205; 15-25-35-4.()-55-66) — 'Holiday' (Col).. Critical ria'ves 'and added stage show of ambitious proportions, getting town's best play with rosy $14,000. Last' week 'Saint in New York' (RKO) thanks to p:a. of Shep Fields and Ross-Armstrong fight pic held up in fairish style to $12,000. Keith's (Schanberger) (2.460; 15- 25-35-40-55)—'Girl Was Young' (GB). Not catching more than $3,500. Last week second of 'Crime School' (WB), nicely at $5,000 after okay opener $7,100. New (Mechanic) (1.558; 15-25-35- 55)—'Josette' (20th). Mild daytime play, possible $4,000 for week end-, ing yesterday (Monday). Holding over, with 'Three Blind Mice' (20lh) underlined to. follow. SUnley (WB) (3.250: 15-25-35-40- 55)—'College Swing' (Par). PoOr pace, grabbing bare $4,000 in store. Last week, fourth of 'Robin Hood' (WB), brought total for run to $38,- ■Thcy Have 'Em, Too? ! Hollywood, June 14. . 'Birthday of a Stooge,' a Lou Lusty j production, goes before the cameras I tomorrow ( Wed.) at RKO. . Leslie. Goodwins will dii-cct a cast 1 fcaturin"! Kay Sutton., Frank AllScrt- jou. lemior Lyim. and Allan Lane. The rest of the attractions are get- ting nowhere; Second week of 'Vi- vacious Lady,' a picture that is high- ly spoken of by everyone seeing it, looks ..only about $55,000'at the U-Sic Hall, and tomorrow-iThurs.) is fond- ly awaited for opening of. 'Blockade.' 'Josette'. is limping along poorly at the- Roxy,' where it appears only about $30,000, while 'When Were You Born, Jiriishing its week at the Strand last night (Tues.), kicked -that house into a new lo.w of around $5,- 000. Also miserable is the fate of Loew's State.. That house will prob- ably not hit $15,000, lowest in years, with 'Yellow Jack,! which doesn't get the wom^ri, plus vaudeville headed by Smith and Dale. Globe also isn'l hot, but some profit at $5,000 or better is likely, with 'Mr. Moto Takes.Chance.' Although it did smart, business at the Strand recent^ ly, 'Crime School,' coupled with 'A Trip to Paris,' slumped so badly at the Palace that' the bill was with- drawn Monday night (13) aftet five days at under $5,000. Doubleton sup- plantine is 'Robin Hood' and 'Go Chase 'Yourself,' this show being in for nine days. New- one at the.Strand today (Wed.) is ' eh Are Such Fools.' while Par at. same, time changes to 'Cpcoanut Grove' and. the Norvo-Bailey orchestra. Estimates for This eek Capitol <4,520; 25-35-55-85-$1.25)— 'Three Comrades' (MG) (2d-AnaI week). Topping a fine $35,000 on its first week, the second, lap is good at 520,000 or bit better. 'Toy Wife' $20,000 or bit. better. Holds over. 'Toy Wife' (MG) follows. Criterion (1,662: 25-40-55)—' ign of Cross' (Par), (reissue). This oldie, is doing very nicely, probably around $9,500. Last week, second for 'Gangs of N. ,Y.' (Rep), $7,600, excellent. 'Gangs.' with a $12,000 first week, brought in a swell profit for its dis- tributor as well as the theatre. .Globe (1.274; 25-40-55) — 'Moto Takes Chance' (20th). May build to better than $5,000, mildish. Last week 'Jekyll and Hyde' (Par), re- vival, disappointed, ending at only $4,000. Palace (1,700; 2.'>-.35-55)—'Robin Hood' (WB) (2d run) and 'Go Chase Yourself (RKO) (1st run), doubled. Frisco Slumps; 'Ssunt'-Vaude $14,200, Toy Wife, Tou and Mc' Each $11,000 San Francisco, June 14., Biz still at a low ebb here at prac- tically all of the (Irstrrun.s. Biggest solo gro.sscr of the wesk is 'Saint in New York' at the Golden Gate'Thea- trc with the stage show getting bulk of draw's credit. Gate is still the only first-run in town with a flesti show. Of the straight picture par- lors it's a draw between, the Para- m'punt which has 'Toy Wife' and the Warficld which has 'You and Me.' EstimatK.s for This Week Embassy (Cohen ) (1,512(-^'Patient Orpheum (FiM) (2 440; 35-55)— 'Wives; Under Slmpicion' (U) and 'Lady in t)ie M'orgue' (U). Will have to be content with a slim $5,200. Last week (2d) 'Holiday' (Col), light $6,800. Paramount (F-WC) (2.740; .15-55- 75)—'Toy Wife' (M-G) and 'Stolen. Heaven' (Par). Unimportant$11,000. Last week (4lh) .'Robin Hood' (WB) and 'Hardy's Children' (M-G), great $7,500. St. Franris (F-WC) (1.470: 35-55- 75)—'Treasure Isl.in (M-G) and .Six of a Kind" (Par) (both reissues). Moonshine' (20th > (2d run) and 'One Wild Night' (20th) (l.st run), $8,500, fair. Paramount (.1.(564; 25-.'}5-55-8.5-99) —'Cbcoanut Grove" (Par) and. Red Norvo-Mildred alley orchestra- opens this mornin.i; ( cd.').- Closiiig last night (Tiies.) 'You and Me,' plus Sammy Kaye, got a second Week's $26,000. following initial seven days* take of $43,500, Very good profit on the. run. Radio City Music Hull (5.980; 40- 60-e4-99-$l.C5) 'Vivacious Lady' (RKO) and stage show .. (2drnnal week). Though picture has been getting fine word-of-mbulh, business is Very disappointing: this week (2d) probably not more than $55,000. fol- lowinc first week's. $75,000, 'Block- ade' (UA) opens tomorrowCThurs.). Rlallo (7.'i0: 25-40-.55)—'Hold That Kis.s' (MG).. Dcing considerably-bet- ter; than summer average for house, around $7,500. Last week 'Swiss Miss* (MG) sagged a bit toward end. but excellent at nearly $9,000. A reissue. 'King Kong' (RKO) comes in day (17). Roxy (.5.830: 25-40-5,5-75)-'Jo.selte' (20th) and .stage show. Busines.s here does not attest to much draught for Sirnone Simon, week looking no more than about '$30,()00i slender profit. Last week theatre dipped a bit into the pink, getting.only $22,500 on. second week of 'Kidnapped' (20lh). Strand (2,767: 25-55-75 )^'Meri Are Such .Fools' (WB) opens this nrjorri- ing (Wed;). Ending, its week last night (Tues.), 'When Were You Born' ,(WB) sent house to a new low of around $5,000. ' In ahead'. 'Gold Diggers in Paris' (WB) wasn't that bad,: but a; big disappointment at around $10,000. State (3,450: 35-55-75)—'Yellow Jack' (MG) (2d run); and vaude headed by Smith and Dale. Light on a play from the women, gross is sinking to''$15,000 or under, poorest in years. Last week 'Judge Hardy's' Children! (MG) and a stage bill headlined by Joe Lewis,, only around $18,000, disappoiptirig. COMRADES' 256, IICE'$12,000, BOSTON .in Rnohi 18 (WB), and Cassidy of Okay $5,000 in sight. Last week (2d) Bar 20' (Par). Poor $3,000 the pros-''Kidhappeil' (20th) and "Ila-wals' pect; Last week 'Public Enemy .No. (20th) fair $4:000. 1' (Rep) and 'Pri.soh Nurse' (Rcp)| United Arli.its (Cohen) (1.200; 35- anothcr dud at ditto liyure. ' i 55-G5)—"Marco Polo" lUA) (5th Fox (F-WC) (S.OOO; 35-.55-75)—, week). Loolt.s .set for $4,000 'Three Comriide.^' (M-G) and 'Little Miss Thoroughbred' (WB) (2d week). Will net a slim $9,000. Last week disappointing $15,000. Golden Gate (HKO) (2.850: .15-.55) —'Saint in New York" (RKO) and vaude. Fair $14.'20.) in .siiiht. La.sl week (2d) 'Vivacious fjady' (RKO) and vaude closed to $11,200. Polo" ado' lUA) set to follow -fDi' wbrIc."!. Last week, '' arco ne'ited fairi.-ih $.")..500. Warneld (K-WC) (2;G80; 3.'>-55-75) —'You arid Mc' (Par) and "One Wild N'inhl' (20th). Will h.-ive to he s-iti.-;. fiert will) fiiir -^l I.Olio. Lii.sl v/pnk (M) 'Yellow Jack" <M-G) and 'If jll That Kiss" (M^G ) $7,000. Boston,, .lune 14. No smash biz here this week, but 'Robin Hood," in .second week on dual bill, will wind up clb.se to 'Three Comrades' and 'Lone Wolf of Paris,' doubled, and 'Three Blind Mice' and 'Saint in Jfew York,' dualcd. Estimate.* for this Week Fenway (MiP) (l,332;'25-35-40-55) —'Kidnapped' (20th) at)d 'Trip to •Pari.s' (20th) (both 2d run), dual. Mild $2,500: Last week, 'Cocoa- nut Grove' (Par) and 'Hunted Men' (Par) (both 2d run), double, palli $3,700. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 23- 40-55)—•Th):ee Blind Mice' (20th) 'Saint in New York' (RKQ), Shape up as fairly satisfactory com- bo; expected to get about $12,000. Last, week, .'Vivacious Lady' (RKO) and 'Blind Alibi' (RKO). dual, hold- over, satisfactory $12,500. . etrepolit^in (M&P) (4.267; 40-55)—'Robin Hood' (WB) an tie Mi.ss Thoroughbred' ( double (2d week).. Aiming at fair $14,000. Fiist week, very big $25,500; Orpheum (Loew) (2.900; 25-35-40- 55)-r'ThVee Comrades' (M-G) and ■Lone Wolf , in T*ari.s' (Col), double; Fairly .strong $14,000 gait. Last week, •Yellow'Jack' (M-^O .and 'Hold That Ki.ss' (M-G). dual. slu)npcd to $13,000. Paramount (M&P) (I.7U7: 25-.";5-40- 55)—'Kidnapped' (20lh ) and "Ti io to Pari.s' (2011)') (both 2d run), du.Tl. Poor $4,000 (ficatctj. Last week. 'Coco.Tnut Grove' (l>;n ) .nnd 'Ilunlod Men' (Par), rlonble. .^Diir . (i.OOO; Scollay (MXfP) ('2-.53.'l; "^j-S.j-IO-SSV —'MaroD I'ljl')" (UA) iid run) an "Cooanul CJrove' iPar) Od run), l(,ck- : <li):)l. ^ Okay %:>Sm. Uxal week. th)-.ee "Farewell to Anns"' (Par) (rei.ssue) and 'Kciituclcv Moonshine' ';JOth) ("id i-iin). du:)l,. s:ilisr;ictnry $5.0l)0; Slate (Loi-'w) (3,(>()0: 25-35-40-.')r)>— 'Tlirne Ci»i)i;idps' (M-G) and "Lojie olf in Paris' (C.vD. ff )ublo. Olt;)V .■SI I.OOO o)i till- wav. L-i.st wiielt. 'Hold 7"hat Ki.<.-j" (M-C. I •ii.'l. 'Yi'llow Jack' I (M-G-i, double, ,510.000.