Variety (Jun 1938)

Wedncstlay, June 22, I9j{,8 PICTURE GROSSES Chi Disturbed by Loops Dropoff As Nabes Up; Xrime SchooF-Chick Webb24amaRlOG,%se'10G Chicago, June 21^ There is a sharply tfeclining in-, tcrest in the loop on the part of the puWic; and thiis goes lor the mer- cantilfe establishments as well as amusements. Department stores all tepovt the nabe branches doing a higher percentage ol-biz than thiir ■ downtown spots, and the loop the- atres are all suffering iri -compari- son with the trade in the home, sec- tors of the area.. The lobp has lost ; its fline-time appeal for the general public, with the out-home spots giv- iiig them as good, if - not better, service all down the line. Tliis is particularly striking horne this' week, with the loop theatres jios^i-aiving to their lowest aggre- gate coin mark. iri. years. In the. en- tire loop there are only three pic- tures which haven't been seen be- fore. Only the .Chicago with 'Crime School." ■ State-Lake with 'Wurse. from BrSoltlyn' and the Roosevelt with 'Kidnapped' have new flickers. All the other, spots are showing re- peat or holdover product, With the . result being that the picture-goers are deciding ^to wait another couple o( weeks for the flickers to hit the nabes as long as they've waited so far.. In general ,there is a tendency of the exchanges to withhold top. prod- uct as this time, forcing much of. the current holdover and- repeat booking that- is going on. Estimaties for This Week Apollo (B&K). (1,200; 35-55-65)— •Holiday' (Col). Brought back for repeat showing,' and not indicating much b.o. calibre in this location with outlook of. $4,000,. Last week 'Robin Hood' (WB) finished its flfth week in loop to olc $5,000. Chicago (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75) —:Crime School' (WB) and stage show. Chick Webb orchestra on stage. Not a 'typical' Chicago thea- tre, setup, being more of what was reviously consigned to the Orienlal! trictly the! younger element and not •enough' of them to count, resulting in a, meek $24,000. Last week .George Jessel on stage with 'You and Me' (Par)'only $22,800, mediocre. Garrlck (B&K) (000; 35-45-55) — •Marco Polo' (UA). Repeater in the loop but only mild trade at $3,000. Last week reissue of 'Fare- well to.Arms' (Par) disappointing at $2,500. FiUae (RKO) (2,500; ^5^55-65-75) — 'Rage of Paris' CU) and vaiide (2nd week). Forcing the holdover here, around $12,000, fair, for h.o., after light $17,^00 last week, Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 75)—Kidnapped' (20th). Not much strength in this costumer, other than a matinee trade from children. Slruggling to $10,000. mild. Last week 'YeUow Jick' (MC) failed to get started and was out after a suigle session ot meagre $10,000. SUte.Lkke (Jones) (i2,700; 25-35- -j)5)—'Nurse from Brooklyn' (U) J"«'„vaude, Off in general decline, $10,000, fair take. Last week ' - kon' (Rep) neat $11,200. United ArtUta (B&K-UA) (1,700: 35-03-65-75)—'Comrades' (MG) (3rd IV,*?"*'- .Looks like finale with 'Toy Wife (MG) next. Passable $7,500 Iri .Jli.'"? takings of satisfactory 511.100 for second session. 'Man's Castle' Revival Big $MQO in Denver n, , „ Denver. June 21. „,^?f",''^Caslle' and 'Crime of r. •i;^','^'' doing well, buf the'revivals am,„^Orpheuitt arc dis- appointing. , Estimates for This Week ^-^'"^J^'n (Fox) (1.40O: 25-40)-'Kicl- Dew. •i'".h),^.after a week at the Denver. Fair. $3,500. Moves to live fhf, ^V^.lH^^"^' Kentucky Moon- '-t'k,/^tt'k^.l'lr*''°°''' '''''' -."j^S^lvay (Fox) (1.100: 25-4(1)- 7wL^''f,'^^'> and 'Jua.M HardVs ^iiMreii (MG), after a week at the '>hciim. Good $3,000. Last work. ^7>rce Comrades' (MG) ,-»id 'This ™'"i''"?<!^Business' (RKO). pflcr a veek at the Orpheum. fair SS.OOO. .n"*Vj.»'n (Cnckrill). (1.750: 25-3r>- 1"'—Si«n of Cross' (Par) (rci.ssiis). i;>?'\^1S00. Lost week, 'You an M.v (Par), fair 85,000.. .u",*'"'*!- -tFnx) (2.525: 25-.'!r.-'-.0)— H.iiidav' .(Col). Average iSB.snn in '.'-•tit .Hid pic will rnove to the Alnd- L;i.<it week, 'Kidha">)nd' (2l)lii v .sin)i)oited hv a Mq^nr Bowoi' ir'iil. Kood enoutrh; .nt *10..'iOO to get a .soc- i\d wook nt tho ALndHin. . «inh"nm (BKO) C^S-Sfi-^ni—' iSp of th- .Sh,^;!,' CAvtoin) and 'Snin'. rf -New Yor"-' (PKO). Poor frcini). T-ist vv/<<.i, ."Tov ife* (nir. i n\-\t\ . 'Uo-R .nrrlv's Ch'''^.'*'»n*'(MO I v.— : "■'"fL'"i>"'i'?h. at $7;500 to hi .PnCTnioMnl ( 'Mali's Castle' (Col) (reissue) and 'Crime of Dr. Hallett' (U). Big at $6.000.. Last week, 'Robin Hood' (WB), very nice at $4,500, having played a week at each the Denver and Aladdin. RIalto (Fox.) (878; 25-40)—'Robin Hood" (WB). After a week each at the Denver, Aladdin and Paramount, pic here is delivering good $2,300. Last week,- 'Rascals* (20th) and •Flight Into. Nowhere' (Col); after a week at the Paramount, fair at $1,500. PITT BIZ SKDS; $9,500 Pittsburgh, June 21. Biz hitting the. skids for fair this week. Only the h.o.' , 'Holiday' at; Alvin and 'Robin Hood' at Warners, are getting by, with outside chance of the forrner holding for third stanza. In some quarters, strike at two-afternoon papers, bringing sus- pension, of publications, is believed to be hurling, but that's doubtful. New pictures . taking it on the chin and even 'Sbri of Sheik' reissue, which is doing sock trade every- \vher<5, lis only;so-so at Fulton. Estimates for This Week AlvIn (Harris) (2,0()0; 25-35- )— 'Holiday' (Col) (2d wk). Hepburn starrer generally pretty satisfactory, although'first stanza at around $7,500 wasn't quite up to expectations, film isn't falling off . at the rapid, degree customary for h.o.'s at this site. Thus fortnight's trade will represent an accumulated gross commensurate with better clicks here and an outr side chance of sticking a third ses- sion. Will do pretty close to %6,000 this week,, not bad at all: Fultoii (Shea-Hyde) (1,7 ; 25-40) — Son of Sheik' (Artcin). Pig thingsSwere expected of- this one, on. strength of: national. Valentino ballyhoo and encouraging way.. it was handled here by newspapers in both news and critical columns. However, way below expectations, burg simply .refusing to buy. Will do under $5,000 in nine days, get- ting extra' two days only because Louis-Schmeling flght pix, opening with 'Under Western Stars' (Rep), won't: be ready until Friday (24). Last v/pek, 'Josette' (20th), just fair at $4,100. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 25-35- 50)—Toy Wife' (MG). Luise Raiher's marquee strength not enough to pull this weakie out of the. dumps and- sinking house pretty low. Current outlook suggests $9,.500, one of poorest grosses here in spme. time. Last week, '3 Com- rades' (MG). finished strong and knocked off $14,000, excellent. Stanley (WB) (3.600; 25-40-60)— 'Gold Diggers' (WB) and Will O.s- borne's orch with Rufe Davis. Looks like the G-D series' is deflnitely \va.shed up. if biz here is any indi- cation. Taking it square on chin, with flesh only a help once they get in. nd hardly a chance of bettering miserable $13,000. Last week, 'Judge Hardy's Children' (MG) and Al Pearce's gang came down the.home- .strelch in great fashion after woe- ful start, bettering $19,000. Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-35^50)— '.Robin Hood' (WB).. Second week for hit. at this site after great, seven days at Peiin and.still has plenty of .<tufr left. Heading for plus $5,000 on last seven days and could stick .•i;,'ain; but spot's B product is get- ling jammed up and must move alpn.<;. Last , week. 'Hood' great at S8,5()0. which will: give it around s:)5;00b on three-week slay down- town. flght pi , held to expected $4,800 for eight days. Dnndet! (Goldberg) (650: 10-25)— 'Marco Polo'. (UA) and "Start Cheering' (Col) twinned flrst half and 'Fools for Scandal' (WB) and 'Walking Down Broadway' ..(20th) dual for last part of week. Scic $600, low. Last week, 'Golden West' (MG) and 'Always a Woman' (Col) first half plus 'Sally, Irerie'..(20th» and 'Of Human Hearts' ( j> last half, slow $700... Town (Gotdberg) (1.350; 10-20-25) 'Midnight Intrudei;' (U), 'Interna- tional Scltlemcnf. (20th) and Twu- Ciuii Justice' or,o). all first-run, half of w .'Battle of Greed' (Cap), ilrsl-run, and' 'Marco Polo' (UA).and 'Sunnybrook Farm'.(20th), last half. Despite strong action bill first half no more than poor.$l,700 iseen. Last week, 'Black: Doll' (U), 'Call of Rockies' (Col) and 'Sally, Irene" (20th). first halt, with 'Last Stand' (U), 'Always a Woman' (Col) and:. 'Start Cheering' (Col), rest of week, poor..$1,800. Mllltory-Avenue (Goldberg) (950; 810; 10-25)—'Marco Polo' (UA) plus 'Walking Down Broadway' (20th) split with 'Scandal' (WB) and 'Start Cheering' (Col). Poor $1,000. Last week, "Golden est' (MG) and 'Al- ways a Woinan' (Col), split with 'Sally, Irene' v20th) and 'Of JIuman Hearts' (MG). $900. poor. Orpheum (Blank) (2,976; iO-25-40) —Jo.settc' (20th) and 'Dangerous to Know' (Par). Won't finish with rhore than so-so $6,800. Last week. 'Gold Diggers' (WB) and 'Rascals' (20th) did Town's best business witb $8,500, good. .Omaha (Blank) (2,100; 10-25-40)— 'Blind M'ice'. (.20th) and 'Sinners in Paradise' (U). Should be Town's best with $7,000; Last week,. Toy Wife' ..(MG) and 'Island in Sky' .(2pth), fairish $6,700. B'way Tepid;'Blockade'Mild $70,000, 'Grove'-Norvo ^IV^, '3 Mice' '71 HOLIDAV m Baltimore, June 21... Favorable weather and general exodus to shore spots over week-eiid putting a derit into grosses, with all downtowners takiiig- it on the chin. Second week of 'Holiday.' plus, new stage show, is keeping . Hipp in lead ot the sluggish parade, with 'Block- ade' lagging in second place to mild> returns. Estimates (air This e>k Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 25-35-40-55) — 'Blockade' (UA). Get- ting: very rnild $6,500. Last week; .second of 'Three Comrades' (M-G), n.g; $4,100 after okay opening session of $12,300. Hippodrome : (Rappaport) (2.205; 15-25-35.40-55-66) — 'Holiday* (Col) (2d week) and vaude. Change' of stage show attracting niildish $9,500 after sbcko initial frolic to $13,300. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,460; 15- 25-35-40-55)—'Rage of Paris' (U). Opening at supper show tonight (Tues). Last • eek, 'You and Me' (Par)i didn't jell at $3,600 after, very red four-day - effort of 'Girl Was Young' ((5B), $1,900. New (Mechanic) (1..558; 15-25-35- 55)—'Three Blind Mice' .(20th); Get- ting .some slight daytime trade ,to possible $3,500. Last week, 'Josette' (20th), unexciting $3,800. SUnley (WB) (3,250; 15-25-3.5-40- 55)-^'Gold Diggers' (WB). Not find- ing pay dirt at $4,500. Last week, 'College Swing'- (WB), garnered bare $3,100,' • roadway takc.s it between the eyes this,week,, with business in the' downtown area away under average^ The profits,-where there arc any, add up to a slender sum. The best, curi- ously enough; is being shown by- the secoiid-rrun Palace where. 'Robin Ho .' coupled with 'Go Chase Your- .self;' on nine days, will top $13,000. House average is around $8,000. First , runs getting, the most of V a . small amount of patronage, but all disaopointing, are 'Blockade' at the Music Hall; 'Cocoariut Grove' and Nbrvo-Bailey orchestra, starting, a second week at the Par today, and 'Three Blind' Mice.' Roxy .attraction, 'Blockade.' possibly hurt by' the church squawk against it. looks a lit- tle short of $70,000 and thus gets only one week here. In better .shape but not showini;' a big prolit is the $32;5pO first week for 'Gocpanuf and Red Ndrvo- ildred BnileY S, oich'^';- tra. with latter (jetting.Par the jil- terbus trade. House, howcvci', bet- ' ter off than most. 'I Roxy again, struggles for a littlej, profit., this week looking'.a possible $33,000 with "^Thrpe Blind Mice,' against $32.5 last week..with 'Jo- sette.' Suffering from lack of box office product, the Strand takers it on the Chin for a second week in a row with ' en Are Siicjl Fools.' this one being under $7.000,. poor. Last week the. house got only, around $5.- nOD with- 'When Were You Bprn?' ',Wh ite Banner.s,'' however, comes in today. Third (final) week for 'Three Com- rades' at the Capitol, alf/o weak, aroiind $14,000 indicated. 'Tov Wife' opens here tomorrow (Thiirs.). Loew's other house, the second-run State, dips even lower; currenlly, probably not as much as. $14,000 sug- gested, against nearer $15,000 last, week, lowest in years. Stai-: has 'There's Always a Oman' and the Happy Felton orchestra. . 'Arson Racket Squad' looks about $7,500. moderate, for the Criterion, which has had some nice weeks re-: cently, while 'Main Event.' Clpbe tenant, isn't getting anywhere at less than $5,000. Revival of 'King Kong' at the Rir alto not drawing, probably no more than $5,000, disappointing.' House; together with RKO Palace, gets Louis-Schmeling fight. pictures to* morrow JThurs.), which should help at the b. o. in both spots. Business everywhere will probably be affected by the flght itself tonight (Wed.). •White Banners* comes into the Strand this morning (Wed.), while 'Holiday' enters the Hall tomorrow (Thurs.) and 'Always Goodbye' the Roxy Friday (24). . The A.stor relights July ith Metro's 'Marie Antoinette.' Estimates for This Week Capitol (4,520; 25-35-55-85-$1.25)— 'Three Comrades' (MG) (3d-final week). Winding: up to a $i4;000 week,, not so gbod, after a second stanza's take of better than $20,000. 'Toy ife' (MG) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Criterion (1.662; 2S-4(j-i;5)—'Arson Racket Squad' (Rep). Doing mildly, perhaps $7,500. Last week, 'Sign of Cross' . (Par) (reissue), around $9,- 000, pretty,good. Globe (1,274; 25-40-55)—' ain Event' (GoU. Not creating any cx- citemcn I. vvcck, • S0,200. Palace (1.700: 25-35-55)—'Robi Hood' (WB) Vid run) and 'Go Chas Ypursolf (RKO) (1st run)., In fop. nine days and doing nicely, over $13,000. In icihead for five 6nyii, 'Crime School' (WB) i2d run) an 'Ti-ip to Paris' ('iOlli) (Isl run), der $5,000. . • Paramount (3,06 ; 25-35-55-85-99.). —'Cocoanut Ciove' (Par) and Red Norvo-Mildred Bailey orchestra (2d week). Came .through ,wilh $32,500 oh first seven days endinc last night (Tucs.). . fairly good profit, and be- gins holdover .week today (Wed.). In ahead,, second week of "You and Me' (Par), plus Sammy Kaye, $26,500, okay. , Radio City Music Mall (5.980: 40^ 60-84-99-$1.65)—'Blockade' (UA) arid stage show. Unlikely to get to $70.- 000. disappointing: church complaint against picture probably hurting. Last.week, on holdover of-'Vivacious Liid.v' (RKO): which dciurved a bet- ter break, under $55,000. Rialto (75 : 25-40-55)-^'Kina Kong* (RK,0) (reissue). Tills probably isn't a good hou.se for reissues: only aboiit. $5.(M)0 indicatedi weak. Predeccs.sori. 'Hold That Kiss- (MG). $6,500, pke. Roxy (5.836: 25-40-55-75)—'Three Blind Mice' f20th) ^and stage-show. Not strong enough for more than a mild profit; may get. t'o $33:000 ba> week. Last week business was' also light. 'Josette' (20th) ending- with $32,500. ' Strand (2.707; 25-55-75)—' itc Banners' (WB) opens this morning (Wed.), succcediiig 'Men Are Such Fools' (WB). Which dipped to under $7,000 on the week, poor. Behind that, 'When Were You Born' (WB) was even worse, only, around $5,000, hew low. Slate (3,450: 35-55-75)—'There's Always' a Woman' (Col). (2d .fun) and vaude headed by Happy FeUon orchestra. No draught and lucky.if hitting $14,000, least that has been scored here in years. Last week was nearer .Sl.5,000. also noor. with 'Yel- low. Jack' (MG) (2d run) and iSmith and Dale. Krupa s Cats Up 'Crime SchooF to 16G In Wash.; Danielle Vamping Nice lO^G Simone Simon Mild $6,800 In Omaha; 'Mice' Nice 70 Oinaha, Jutie 21. usino.ss tailed to perk last week dcs. ile reasonably .cool weather and f:i;rish-to-good product. Scorching .<un gels this week off to a slow start :incl .some lioiiscs see weakest seven ci.iys in yoai-.s. Esllmales for Thi.v Week Brandeis iSinger-RKO) (1,2')0: 10- 2.i-:i.i-40) 'Women Like That' iWBi and 'Saint in New York' iKI'COi. Due for not, more than .■■.:).20(). OR Ijdle over'half of average i'd!;e. Houi-e' aduc.rliiing -March of Time' with almost as much gusto as the lw-c).fcalui-o.i. La.st week^ 'Robin Hood' cWB) lid Ross-Arms Iron B ashingtpn. June 21. 'Crinie School; and 'Blockade! are to.ssing ihcir social cpn.sciousncss into the ring this week and battling about evenly for top gro.sses. For- mer may win out through word of nioiith pn way jitterbugs are. going nuLs over Gene Krupa's band, whorcas most of lallcr'.s lake can be traced to one of heftiest advance carnpai 'lis lovvii has withstood in moiith.s. -Inlcrcsling angle on 'Crinie Schbol'-Krupa coiiibo is th'at ic. supp().si;d Id ni;ikc adults conscious of'kid problems, is being forced by Krupa III play to audiences pic- ; doininanlly bclwccn 15 and 20 years j of age.: | Keith's b?llic>d' Wodno.-! ,-iy (15) opening of, 'n:i>;(! of Pjiris' iis world premiere -find eycn slolc brace of senators on clo.^inu iiinhf of con- gress. Crix r:ivcd over Danielle Darrieu.'<. Kstimales fur Thl<* Werk Capitol if,i)c!w) (:{.t24: 2ri-:!5-40-fiO) I —'Bl;)rhjfi^' :m!'I vail ... Moavy ^ n(iv;itii;i" c.uii !ii:;U ri-iini tivorv angli; ! ! biiilt up Diif'niii',;. but won't )v)l'l In ! I more lii^iu fiir $l'i,0')0, Lasl week,. 'Yellow .lack' ^MC) and Shop Fields mounted lo good'$20,000. Coliimbisi <Loew) U.583: 25-40)— 'Doctor Rhythm' iPar) (2d run). Back dowiilown afler weak week at Palace and should sec okc $4-,000. Last week, 'Kentucky Moonshine' (20lh) (2d run), took bad.$2,800. .Earie <Wfl) (2:244; 25-3!")-40-00)— 'Crime . School" (WI)) and vaUdc. Gone Krupa oich driving the aclolij.scoiil jitterbugs cra/.y and they'll give him olce $l(i.(jbO. Last wrok 'Gold Digijers in Paris' (WB), fair $14.51)0. Keilh'.s (RKO) .: 35-.55)'— 'Rage of Paris' Bowed- in Wednesday (15) as world premiere arid-should build to nice. $10,500. I«ist week. "Hawaii Call.s' (RKO), Uoppo $2„'")00 in live days. Mel (W.B) (1.85:!; 5-40)—'Holiday' (Col) (2(1 run»; epcat after faii- slay at E.iile looking at okc $4,000. Liist. week, 'Robin Hood' {.WB) (4lh week), good $1,200. -I'al-jcr il.oC-A-) : 3.i-S."))-^ 'Three Coiniadcs' i"2d week). Oke $9,01)11. Lu.st siinic pic, weak $12,000. RAINER $19,500, RAGE' 16G, BOSTON , June 21. 'Rage of Paris' and 'Crime School,* both on dual bills, are the tppper.i this week. 'Toy ife''and'You-and Me' are both disappointing. EsUmales for This Week Fenway (M&P) (1,332; -35-40- 55) — 'Crime School' ' ) and 'Torchy Blane in Panama' (WB), dual, nine days, supplanted 'Kid- naped' (20th) and Trip to Paris' (20th) (both 2d run) after five .sad days, $2,300. New combo is a win- ner, driving toward $8,500. Kellh Memorial (RKO) (2.007; 25- 40-55)—'Rage of I'ari.s' (U) and- 'Devil's Party' (U), double. Building to pretty $16,000 or, better., . Last week. 'Three Blind Mice' (20(h) and ■Saint in New York' (RKO), dual, okay $13,800. Metropolltitii (M&P) (4,267; 25-.'i5- 40-5.5)—'You and Mo' (Par) and 'Josette' (20th). dual. Tepid Sll.OOO. Last week.. 'Robin Hood' (WB) and 'LiUle iVliss Thor6u;;hbicd' (WB), dual (2.d week), pii six duys SU.OQO; rpheum (Loewi (2.900: 25-35-40- 55)—'Toy Wife' ( -G) flnd 'Swi.w Miss' (M-G), double. Swcrvin'^ to limp $11,000. Last ,week, 'Three Comrades' (M-G) and 'Lone Wolf i Paris' (Col), diial. okay $i:{.000; P,Tramounl (MiP) (1,797: 23-. 40-55)—'Crime School' (WB) an "Torchy Blane iii Panama' HVB). di(a;. Mefty $15,500 iiiclir-Mli'd on nine days. La.st wpck: 'Kiclnnpcir (20thj and 'Trip ti P;iri.-' i')Oh) dual, both 2d run. si'i' ly 51,000 fjr live days. Scollay (MAP ) (2 „"):»:: ..'>■?.'>-\<)--i 'Kidnatn'i-r 1201111 n^ii i -uifl "OrM! Wild Ninhi" I Will i 1,1 rdiw, (I )iii)1c. Ns.li, S4,(10rt. I.i-l V.-,--:;. -.M.-.i-c) Polo' (U^ ) (','.1 niM ) ,-ind ■ :oC<).:riiii c;rovp' (p.'ii i t:)! i-imi, luii, $j,(mo. Slalr, (r,oiM\') i.l.'iDO; 2.")-;!.t-40-.'i.t)— 'Toy Wir.-" l U'Ci nii'l -Swu.s Mis;* lM-(;i, .Liiil)'-''; -,"•1!. N-u V 111 i\ ;ii-iuiiT< $«.50(). L.-Ki'«:';•■!<. •■l" iifi-.(■■iiiii-.- I .M-(; I III I " , Ki-' . Willi. ■ in (Col), Ju-.il. 111.' l.'UMi $I'),.)IJ0,