Variety (Jul 1938)

1» VARIETY PIGtURE GROSSES "Wetlnesday, July 13, 19,18 Mpls. Biz Spotty, M Hlfonderful fime' 7(5, Tropic' $5,500 Minneapolis, July 12. Aggregate of loop grosses con- tinues pathetically low/ but at least one house, the Orpheum, is showing some signs ot life, thanks to 'Having a Wonderful Time,' .which ap- parently has what it takes. . Both sure-seatevs are rcsortmg to teis^ues currently, 'Little Women' holding forth at the World and 'King Kong' at the Time. Neither is set- ting the boxof lice afire. Estimates for Tbis Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; .15-25)— 'Little Miss THoroughbired'? (WB) and "Hunted Men'.(Par), dual first- runs, split with 'Blind Alibi' (RKO) and 'When Were You Born?' (WB), also dual flr.<it runs. Hitting satis- factory $1,400 pace; Last week. 'Swiss Miss' (M-G) and 'Rascals' (20th), dual, first runs, and. Louis- Schmeling fight pictures (2d runs), good $1,600. Centary (Par-Singer) (1.600; 25- 35-40)—'Wives. Under Suspicion' (U). Will be lucky to top light $2,500. Last week, 'Woman Against Woman' (M-G), mild $3,500. OTphenm (Par-Singer) (2,890; 25- 35.40)—'Having Wonderful Time' (RKO). That's just what house is doing at boxoffice; looks like a good: $7,000, a lot of; money in these, hard times. Last week; 'Crime School'- (WB), fair.: $6,000. SUte (Par-Singer) (2,300: 25-35- 40)—"Tropic Holiday' (Par). Heavily exploited, but reception is mixed. Stretching' hard to land mild $5,500 on eight days. Last week, 'Lord Jeff (M-G), mild $4,800. Time (Berirer) (290; 15-25)—'King Kong' (RKO) (reissue). Limping ■ toward light $600. Laist week, 'Spirit of Youth' (GN), $500 in six days, mild. ■ , Uptown (Par) (1,200: 25-35)— 'Cocoanut Grove' (Par). First neigh- borhood showing. Looks like lights $2,500. Last week, 'M'arco : Polo' (UA), pretty good $3,000. Worl4 (StefTes) (350: 25-35-40-55) —'Little Women* (RKO) (reissue). Unlikely to go above, rhild $000 on six days. Last week, 'Monte Cristo' (UA), $800, light, after big first week, $1,800. 7 SEAy 7G'S, DENVER; 'SHOPWORN'OK $17^00 dual. Plenty big $17,200. Last week, 'Tropic Holiday.' (Par) and 'Saint m New York'. (RKO), dual, nine, days, good $6,900. . ■ Boosevelt (Sterling) (800; 21-32)— 'College Swing* (Par) and 'There s Always a Woman' (Col >, dual. In- dicated fair $l,90o:: Last week, 'Sheik (Par) and 'International Crime' (GN) three days of second week, split with 'Jezebel* (WB) and 'Fools for Scan- dal' (WB)^^ual^>ig$2m^ DAItRIEUX 23a 'BANNERS'12G DETROIT Scorching Detroit, July weather seiidine 12. folk Seattle, July 12, Second Valentino revival hit^ town vithin a month. 'Son of Sheik' cur- rent at Liberty. Is attracting femme attention; not'only- old admirers but younger femmes who want to see >vhat all this Valentino rep is- about Town settling down after fleet 'week, which didn't help b. o; very much. Estimates for This Week Bloc Moose (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850: 32-37-42)—'Count of Monte Cristo* (UA) and 'I Cover Water- front: (UA) (both revivals). Hitting pace of fair $2,000. Last week, 'Crime School' (WB) and 'Goodbve Broad •way* (U), dual (3d week), okay $2,300. . Colisenra (Hamrick-Evergreen) (1.- B50; 21-32)—'Golden West* (M-G) and 'Moto's Gamble* (20th), dual. Set for po.ssible moderate, $3,000. Last week, 'Test Pilot* (M-G) and 'Island in Sky* (20th),,dual, bis at $4,300. Colonial (Sterling (800; 21)—'Birth of a Baby* (Indie) and 'Hollywood Stadium Mystery*. (Rep) and 'Cliange of Heart* (20th). Expect $1,800. Last week. .'.State Police* (U) and 'Call of Mesauiteisrs* (Rep), four days, okay $1,200. Fifth Avenne (Hamrick-Everereen ) (2,366; 32-37-42)—'Port of Seven Sea.s* (M-G) and 'Men Are Such Fools' (WB), dual. Indicated nice $7,000. Last week, 'Havine Wonder- ful Time* (RKO) and 'Wives Under Su'soicion* (U). dual, ditto. Mbertv (.T-vH) (1.800; 21-32-42)— •Son of Sheik* (Ind) and 'G-Men Step In* (Col) dual. Ahticioated eocki enough $3,600. Last week. 'Holiday (Col) (6th week), good $3,800. Music' Box (Hamrick-Evergreen) (BOO: 32-37-42T-j.'Tropic Holiday' (P.-ir) and 'Snint in New York (RKO). dual Cid rim). Six days, mild $2,100. Last week, •Three Blind Mice* (20th) and 'Hunted Men* (Par) dual, 10 days, to land .Saturday ch.in.5te dale. Okay S3,400. Orpheum . (Hamrick - Evergreen) (2,600; 32-37-42)—-While Banners' (WB) and "Molo Takes a Chance' (20th), dual. Expect moderate $4,300 L.ist week. 'Gold Diapers in Paris' (WB) and "Lady in Morgue' i.U) nine days, good $5,800. Palomar (Sterling) ri.S.'iO; 10-27 37)—'Gangs'of New Yo)-U' (Rep) and 'Little Mi.ss Roughneck' (Col), dual plus vaiide. Anliclpale nice enough $-1,300. La.st week, 'CJoId Mine Sky' (Red) billed as''world ore miere.* which hrlpad. and "Penrod and Twin Brother' (WB) plus.vaude, profitable $4,100. Paramnunt .(Hsim rick-Evergreen) (3.049; 32-37-42)—'Shopworn An.cicl* (M-G), and 'Fiist Company* (M-G), ng out of town in droves, but film biz is holding fairly well. Best bet looks 16 be 'Rage' of Paris,' plus Gene Krupa's band, at town's lone de luxer, the Fox; Estimates for This Week Adahis (Balaban) (1.700; 30-40)— 'Sinners in' Paradise' (U) plus 'Lone Wolf in Paris' (Col), dual. Pacin.e for fair $3,600. Last week .'Blind Mice* (20th) (2d Run) and 'To ViC' tor' (GB). $3,800. Fox (Indie). (S.OOO; 30-40-65)— Rage of Paris* (U) with Gene Krupa's.band on stage., Nice $23,000 in sight. 'I,ast stanza, 'Al\yays Good- bye* (20th) and stageshow sluitiped off to $21,500. HadlsoD (United Detroit) (2,000 30-40-50)—'Hajppened One Night' (M-G) and 'Man's Castle' (Col) (re. issues), both second week. Maybe tepid $3,000, following not-'too-bad $3,500 last week. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000 30-40-65)—'White Banners' (WB), plus 'Port of Seven Seas' (M-G), dual. Look for ai;o(md $12,000, not so 'oad. Last stanza, 'Lord Jeff* (M-G) and 'Fast Company* (M-G), $11,000, Palms-SUte (United Detroit) (3,000; 30-40-50)—'She's Got Every thing* (RKO) plus 'Mystery House' (WB), dual. Expects fairish $S;500. Last week, 'Blind Alibi* (RKO) arid Prison Farm* (Par), $5,000 7 Seas'and'Shopwoni' Each 5G, Ftbni Ore Portland, Ore., July 12. 'Port of Seven Seas' opened quietly «t Parker's Broadway, became a b. o, wow. and held for a. second strong^ week. The U, A. is good with 'Shop- worn Anjgel.'; Hotel employees* strike in the burg, hasn't seriously 'affected summer tourist; trade on. which houses de- pend ai g[o6d deal in the slack season. Estimates for This Week roadway (Parker) (2;0()0; .30-40) —Port of Seven Seas* (M-G) and Mystery House* (WB) .(2d week). Hefty $5,000. First week great, $7,000. Mayfair (ParkerrEvergreen) (1,500; i30-4O)—'Romance of the Limberlosl' (Mono) and The Marines. Are" Here' (Mono). Weak $1,500. Last week Man's Castle* (M-G). Average $2,000. , Orpheum (Hamrick - Evergreen) (2,000; 30-40)—-White Banners' (AWB) and 'Men Are Such Fools' (WB). Sad ^$3,500. Last, week 'Having a Wonderful. Time' (RKO) and 'Law of the' Underworld' (RKO), normal $4,500. ' .Paramonnt (Hamrick-Evergreen) (3,000; 30-40)—'Tropic Holiclay^ (Par) and 'Accidents Will. Happen' (WB). Good enough $4,700. Last week Three Blind Mice' (20th) and 'Hunt- ed Men* (Par) (2d week), $4,000. Rivoli (Indie) (1,200; 30-40)-^'Big Broadcast' (Par), and 'Baroness and the Butlert (Fox) (2d irun). Okay .$1,600. Last week 'Billy the Kid' (M-G) and 'Saratoga* (M-G) (reis- sues) $1,800. United Artists (Parker) (1.000; .30- 40)-^'Shopworn Angel' (M-G) and 'Lady in the Morgue' (U ). Winning week at $5,000. Last week 'Worrian Against Woman' (M-G) and 'Fast Company* (M-G), $4,000. ITonderful'$10,000, Frisco. 2d m.; $12.000,^^ Saly U Oat «f Her Fans and bto a Mirder Hollywood, July 12, Sally Rand goes before the cameras July 24 in 'Murder on Sunset. Bouici' vard,* a George HIrliman pro(iuction, at Grand National studio. Picture, is based on a Liberty mag story by Harold Joyce. Paul Fraiik. liri and Arthur Hoerl are vyriting the screenplay. 'Banners' $16,500, B'klyn; 'Kiss* 15G, 'Goodbye* 13G Brooklyn,. July 12, Flock of good flickers in downtown sector with moderate response at principal theatres. ' ^Whlt'e Banners' dualed with 'Reformatory'at Fabian Paramount,, and Loew's Met has 'Blockade* and 'Hold That Kiss.* EsUmatcs for This Week Albee (3,274; 25-50) — 'Always Goodbye' (20th) and 'We're Going to Be Rich* (20th). Satisfactory $13,000. Last week, 'Blind. Mice' (20th) and 'M'aid's Night Out' (RKO quiet $12,500. Fox (4,089:. . 25-50)—'When Were You Born* (WB) and 'Main Event' (Col). Mild $7,000. .La.n week '(3angs of New York' (Rep) and "Un der Western Stars' (Rep) drew un exciting $7,500: Met (3,618: 25-50) — 'Blockade' (UA) and 'Hold That Kiss' (M-G) Getting hod for good $15,000. La<it week. Toy Wife' (M-G) and 'Devirs Party' (U). oka.y $12,000. Paramount (4,126: 25-50)—"White Banners* (WB) and 'Reformalory' (Col) Combo will pull healthy $16,500. Last week. 'Cocoanut Grove* (Par) and 'Hunted Men' (.Par), mild $i4;ooo. Strand (2.870; 25-40)—'Romance on Run* (Rep) and 'Arson Sqiiad Racket' (Rep). Weak $4,500. Last w(>ek, 'Born to Be Wild' (Rep'> and 'Marines Are Hei'(;' (Rcp>, Icpid $5,000; Sues Marjorie Gateson For $2,500 on Contract Hollywoo(i, July 12. Alex Kempner file(l . a $2,500 suit, against Marjofie Gatesoii, actresi, in superior court, charging breach ' of agency contract Contract with Kempher, dated March 4 last, .was cancelled by the actress June 30 oh ground of rnis- representation of facts. MAY EXTEND ADMISH TAX Coliinibu.', July 12. House of Rcpve-sentntives Is con- i^iderine a compromise afirecmcnl tor the financing of poor relief. This include,"; a propo.sal to extend the , 3«'o theatre r.ciinissions l.-;x, through 1C41. 'ANGEi/mue. Washington. July 12. Keith's is 'Having Wonderful Time': and leading the town doing it, even, beating two vaiide spots which ordi- narily top straight pic spot, no mat- ter the attraction. Everybody else in town is away under average and the vauders a-e l^rutal. EsUnwIes for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,424; 25-35-40-66) —'You am' Me* (Par) and vaude. Smith and Dale little marquee help and week may touch n W low with $12,000. Last week, 'Josetle* (20th) and Bowes' unit, fair $17,500. Columbia (Loew) (1,583; 25-40)— 'Man's Castle' (Col) • -(reissue). Fair $3,500. Last week 'Three Comrades' (MrG) (2d riih), oke $4,000. Earle (WB) (2,244:: 25.-35-40-66)— 'Men Are Such FooLs* (WB) and vaude. CBS Swing Session some help; but week will wallow in $11,- OOOi Last week, 'Cocoanut Grove' (Par) passable $13,000. Keith's (RKO) (1.830: 35-.55)— 'Having . Wonderful Time' (RKO). Leading town with beauteous $12,- 500. Last week, 'Lady X' aUA) sat- isfactory $6.000.'S Met (WB) (1,853: 25-40)—'Re- formatory* (Col). Bids to get aver- age $4,000/ Last week 'White Ban- ners' (.WB) (2d run), fair $2,000 for five days. PaUce (Loew) (2.363; 35-55)— 'Shopworn Angel' (M-G). Looking at fair $12,000. Last week, 'Lord Jeft' (M-G), dropped to disappoint- ing $11,000. -Rhythm' Tuneful $3,200, 'MiceV$3,100, Lincoln Lincoln, July 12. Biz Is on. the mournful side, al- though tending to do bettei" than last week, which foilnd the three-day holiday anything but exhilarating. 'Dr. Rhythm' is looking best in a diill list Estimates for Tbis Week Liberty (Cooper) (1,200: 10-15) — 'Under Strange Flags' (Cres) and 'Lady in the Morgue' (U), split with 'Border G-Man* (RKO) and "Damper in the Air' (Indie), Fairish $900. Last i;veek, '01(i Louisiana' (Cres) and 'Reckless Living' (U», split with •Dracula' (U) and 'Air Devils' (U), slim $800. Lincoln (Cooper) (1,600: 10-25-35) —'Dr. Rhythm' (Par) and 'Women Are Like That* (WB). Best go in town, probably nice $3,200. Last week, 'Hardy's Children' (M-G V and 'First 100 Year.s' (M-G). swell $3,500. 'Orpheum (Cooper) (1,350; 10t20- 25)—'Farewell to Arms' (Par) (re- issue) and 'Scandal .Street' (RKO). Only fair $1,000. Lii.<;t week. •HapD.v Landing* (20th) and 'City Girl" (20th') xDlit with 'All Baba* (20fh) and ■We're Going to Be Rich' (20th j, fair $1,200. ■ .Stuart (Cooper) (1,900; 10-25-40)- 'Three Blind Mice' (20lh\ Going about average for the house. $3,100. Last, week. 'Lord Jeff (M-G) with n Mickey Rooncy personal sppcHr- ance sliJl failed to gel anv moncv. $3,000.. BUFF. BIZ BLAH; TROPIC POOR $7,000 Buffalo, July 12. "This looks like the worst vi-eek in at least a year at local box(ifTice.<:. After a bad sinking spell diirlng the last stanza, the current-one shows little improvement with takings scraping the bottom.. ' | Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 30-35-50 )— 'Tropic Holiday' (Par). Very, bad, at $7,000.' Last W(5ek, 'Having Won- derful Time' (RKO), held up lor $11,300, fair. Century (Shea) (3;000; 25-35)— 'Religious- Racketeisr' (Rbyer) and .'Ladies in Distress' (Rep). May get $4,000, poor. Last week, 'Prison Farm' (Par) and'Gun Law' (RKO),. $6,100, fair. ! ., Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-.50) —'White Bianners' (W). Around $6,000, poor. Last week, 'Lord Jeff" (MG) $6i20O, poor. Hliip (Shea) (2,100; 25-40)—'Port of Seven Seas' (MG^ and 'Mn M'oto' (20th). This dual looks to get $7,000. fair. Last week, 'Woman Against Woman'. (MG) and "Blind Alibi" (RKO), $5,000. 1 Lafayette (Ind.) (3,300; 25-35)— 'Greenwich; Village' (Colt and 'Flight Nowhere* (Col). Possible $4,500, fair. lAst ■. week, ; 'Sailing Along* (GB), and 'Dr. Hallet'. (U), poor $4,000. Vaude as Hypo (Contiuued from page 9) closer to gambling this coming sea- son, on ststge shows, bands, any kind of .flesh at all,'than he has been since 1926, when talkers came along, Capitol, New York, operated b.v. Loew's, appears certain to follow 'Warner's Strand, als.o.on Broadway, with a stageshow policy. WB house inaugurates its stage-film shows Au- gust 26, when Ben Bernie'sS orch will augment the James Cagney starrer, 'Boy Meets Girl' (WB). While no definite deals have been made for the Capitol's stage end, it is understood the circuit is discuss- ing Chester Hale to stage a dancing ensemble. No names have come \ip as yet for stage producer, and- this will probably rest until Louis K. Sidney gets in from, the Coast this week. Though out of recent touch with circuit activities because of his new duties as Metro's radio produc- tion head, Sidney's a(ivice ' on the Capitol will.no doubt be conclusive. Stage activities of the Broadway de- iuxer were under his supervision for several years. If and when the Capitol return? to stage shows, it w 111 give ' Loew".-! two flesh houses oh Broadway for the first time . since Augu.<it 1935, when, the Cap went .slraighl^plx. State is the other house and has been highly successful .With its vaud-filni policy.. The Capitol did oka.v with straight-pix .up until about a year ago, when It slumped .sharply. Only, way the Capitol c;ih con- tinue its ail-film policy in face of the Strand's . stageshow coinpeli.^h; ac- cordihg. to one Loew exec, would be to- cut its 85c top adhiissibh scale. This, however, it Is unlikely to do" adopting instead, the. flesh lor com- bination (are. One :rcp6rt circulating about the Capitol's proposed vaude is a con- tinuous parade of Meti'6 stars and featured players for p.a.'s . at (he house. Some of these are. rc-poried to have already been lined up by Sidney, but no confiriiiaiion-' vii)> Iprthcciming from the h.o. in N. Y, San Francisco, July 12. 'Having a Wonderful Time,'at tb« Golden Gate,' continues oii Market St but less powerful than on fir.ct stanza. 'Tropic Holiday* is just so- so at the Fox, Other newcomers h\ the fir.st-runs-faring fairly well'luo 'Shopworn Angel' at the Paramciunt and 'Always Goodbye* at the Wtir- field. Estimates for This Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-55-75)-, ,'Trppic Holiday' (Par) and 'Passport Husband* (20th); Mixed notices and mildish $12i000. Last week, -Lord Jeff' (M-G) and 'Fast Cbmpany' (M-G) $14,000 in the till. Goldeo Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55) —:Having Wonderful Time' (RKO) and vaudeville (2d week). Hopeful of reaching mild $10,000 on ihe holdover. Last week picked up pilenty of coih from country folk in town; great $20,000. Orpheum (F&M) (2,440; 35-.55)— 'Rage of Paris' (U) and 'Yodng Fu- gitives* (U) (2d . week).' .Although holding up well in its second week,- doing'about $6,500, it will be pulled tomorrow (Wednesday) to make way (or '.^irth of a Baby' (Indiie). Ls.st week grabbed $8,600, considerably better than anticipated. Paramount (F-WC) (2,740: 35-55^ 75)—'Shopworn' Angel' (M-G) and :Moto Takes a Chance' ('20th). Not potciit enough to mean much at the b.o. ,«o will do around $12.000., Lart ' week, 'Josette* „(20th) and 'Himted Men- (Par) (2d week), dived to $5,000. St. Francis (F-WC) (1,470: 35-55- 75)—'Lord Jeff (M-G) arid 'Fast Company' (M-G)' (2d week). Expect around $5,000. La.st week, 'While Banners! (WB) and 'When Were You Born?' (WB) (2d week), pretty cowl $4,500. ,, United Artists (Cohen) (1,200;. 35- 55-65)—'Blockade* (UA) (4th week), geared-for a nice $4,500 and may hold fifth week. Last week, goi-d, $5,500. Warfield (F-WC) (2,680: 35-S5r75) --'Always Goodbye* : (20th) a d il •Pris"bn Farm' (Par). Not expecting more than $10,000. below average. Last week. Three Blind Mice' (20tb) and Torchy Blane in Panama* (WB), failed to hold up the last fevi- da.vf and biz dipped -lb $7,000. Hitchcock to Direct TitanicVin HoUywood Hollywood, July Alfred Hitchcock, British director, signed a deal with Selznick-lnlerna- lional last week to pilot 'Tilanie,* slated for production next wlnltr. II will be Hitchcock's first major effort in America. For several yean he has directed for British-'Gaumcnt, O'Loghlin, Ferri on Coast For 20th Product Confabs Hollywood,! July 12. James O'Loghlin, of Toronto, i charge ot 20th-Fox sales drive thi year, and Roger Ferri are here ficm New York for studio conferences en product. Trip is preparatory to a swing around 37 branches in 24 days. ANSESSOir OFF TO DIXIE R. V'. Anderson, film executive iot many years with Universal News, joined the United States Premium Corp. and left Sunday (10) for the south, in which territory he '.'U function. Lou Schwartz, premium salesniEn, joined USPC in the Metropolitan New York area,, BUCK SIGHT OUT Galvest(5n. Jul.v 12. 'Buck Nights* took it on the chiB here- last week when' court of civil appeals refused a motion for rehefcr- Ing on temporary injunctibii against theatres operated by Robb & Rov,'ley Unitei^, Inc., in Palestine, Te:jas. Trial court at Palestine had re- fused to grant writ, but appell;.' court here reversed the decision. ' W&V Takes WB lineup A (teal calling for the coinpltte 1938-'39 lineup, including reiiurie-.s s'horts and trailers, has been clo.ssd by Warners with the Wllnu-r 4t Vin- tent chain, which has 13 theKliti in tilt eas,t. . Fioy Haines, eastern nT^Cf munh^.t-t, and Bob Smeltzer, centriil ciL-^im'* manager, acted for Warnci?. \\>'ilf Wiiltci Vincent and Joe EnKi'i- ni-'*-'- -tJit-cd the W. & V. circuit.