Variety (Aug 1938)

tTeJnesdayf Augus! t, 19ii PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY pli Back in Stride with New ^P^^ tBterhoDse^^ %^larris$17m^W Chicago, Aug. 2. Plenty ot replacements all dpwm .J'une this week as previous pic- **J^ ctaeeercd into carmine and iinffes^ For the most part the front-iri^^^^^^ ^^l l eood deal of the business lost bv Sie previous entries. Roosevelt, which has been suflfer- jn^S bix-offlce malnutrition for IS! ?ast month,, snaps back into a Ttride with 'Little Miss B wdway/ United Artists which had a bumpy time of^it during fiJf n«t few weeks, re-establishes its fqlu^briim" currently with 'Love I?nds Andy Hardy. Tibiween the Palace and Chicago Iff a batt"e of bands, with Rudy Val- . ee 'at the latter .tpPPirtC the pace wfth the solid assistance of 'C itter- KoSe^ while Phil Harris is trying to gct^e femmes despite the picture, Aough Guy.' EsUiDBtes for Thla Week AmII* (B&K) (1,200: 35-55-65)— •AlvJ^s Goodbye* (20th). Weeping , sessions are always welcome f<fx the ■ matrons; should amount , to neat $5,- ? OM. uit week 'My BiU' (WB) was iittery $3,000. ' Chlcaco (B&K). (3.800; 35-55-75)- •tlitterhouse' (WB) and Rudy Vallee 6rch on stage. Strong combo upping to solid $30,000. Last >yeek, with /Always Cioodbye' (20th) and Tom Bi^Rs arid ZaSu Pitts on.stage, wham $43,000. Garrlck (BiK) (900; 25-35-55-65) —'Booloo' (Par); Exploitation puU- ing'around $5,000 worth, fine. Last week 'Seven Seas' (M-G) managed $3,400, mild. Palate (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-75)— Tough Giiy' (U),.and , Phil Harris orch on stage. Combination looking for $17,000. . on the profit side. Last week 'Sky Giant' (RKO) hit okay $14,400. BoMeveU (B£K) (1.500; 35-55-65- 75>-'Broadway* (20th). Shirley Temple lifting the house to $15,000, smart total. Last week, 'Give Mil- lion' (20th). sad $7,300. SUte-Uke (Jones) (2.700; 25-35- 45-55)-'Devil's Party* (RKO) and vaude. (garnering profitable $11,000. Last week, Treasure Island' (M-G) (reissue) under the normal figure with$9.400. Vailed Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700; 85-55.65-75) — 'Andy Hardy' (M-G). Opened Saturday (30), and should tyoltectnlce $15,000. Last week, 'Shop- worn Angel' (M-G) one-weeker at $t.300, not so angelic; ; SHIRLEY 60, SEATHE; 'OnTERHOUSr $7,500 Seattle. Aug. 2. Seattle's revived 'Potlatch' cele- bration helped bring 'em into town tills week and put a bit of - the car- nival spirit into the old burg. How- ever fljms are not as -hot as the .weather, which Is not so good. Birth of Baby' is a surprise, hold- ing for third week and drawing stronger at finish than anticipated. > Eslinutes for This Week ■/•Si"* (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 32-37-42) — 'Cowboy from } gfooklyn^(WB) and 'AccidenU Will Happen'_(WB). dual (2d run). Look- $2,200. Last week, 'Lord Jeir (M-G) and 'You and Me' (Par), dual, good $2,500. an7?i .21-32 )^'Kidnapped' (20th) and 'Hardy's Children' (M-G), dual; fj?"?,'"? around $2,400. Last week, .5*,"*"c'ty Moonshine' (20th) and atItsw""^ ^^"^^^^ •PH?i*°'*V (Sterling) (800; 10-21)— Mi.rnw''* '^^I^ and 'Sergeant T^K,/^^^' d"a'. split with bZ.^" I'" f "'s* (Col) and 'Lone for tfr. '^^.P^ "S'ng five episodes eLi M^ni? dual. Anticipate fmf'oJ^y-.i'^^' week, 'Judge Priest' dwl h.'^2 ^?"*"s^evenge' (20th), .and ^S"*]'reissues), split with 'Silks la* ^Saddles (Ind) and 'Lone «r»nf /o'^IS"^* (Hamrick - Ever- wav- Dn^U?^' 37-42)-'Miss Broad- dual ^."^ §^ Giant' (RKO). r«k- /.".""^ated $8,000. okay. Last Ta«n«^f'S*y! Goodbye' (20th) and SoTf^r' ""^bands' (20th), dual, $4,- ■B^tt,*'*i ^i-j:".) "-WO; 21-32-42)- ifofi^, of Baby (Ind) (3d week). indicatL"''), ""l ^°oks like finale; same fl?m """^y !1'''>0- Last week, ]«„J'm-ereat $5,500. (800^ 32 ^7^9^^".^"?''ok-Eve^g^een) Key City Grosses Estimated. Total Cross This Week ...., .! .$l,q6$.80S (Based on 22 cities. 134 tliea- tres, cliie/lj/ first runs, ihcludino N. v.; . " Total Gross Same Week .Last Year... .$t,457;2«a (Based oil 23 cities, 151 theatres) <20th) in,;*'' ^" ■'^'^ays Goodbye' <20 h Hn,? ,™?^ssport Husbands' RlOO fe' (2d run). Expect slow 'M-(3) inrt* .w;eek,;Shopw6rn Angel' '•SS^^^'«'^^-' *"»ners in. Paradise" (U), dual. Anticipate great $7,500 and holdover. Laist week, "Cowboy from Brooklyn" (WB) and 'Accidents Will Happen' (WB).>dual, $5,000,-good. ^ . Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 10-27- 37)—'When Were You Borh' (WB) and Major Bowes aniateiirs. Step- ping along for possible $5,500, okay. Last week, 'Wombn Like That' (WB) and 'Mystery House' (WB), dual, plus vaude, $4,000. good. Paramount' (Harhrick-Evergreen) (3.049; 32-37-42)—'Professoir Beware' (Par) and 'Prison Farm" (Par), dual; -Set for, mild $4,500. Last week. 'Give a Millioii' (20th) arid 'Devil's Party'. lU). dual, $3,700, slow. Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 21-32)— 'Farewell to Arms' (Par.) (reis-sue) and 'Vivacious Lady' (RKO), dual. Indicated nice $2,000. Last week, 'Dr. Rhythm' (Par) and ■ 'Crime of Dr. Hallel" (.U). dual, $2,100. okay. 'ANDVTERRIFF $31,500 0110. BOSTON Boston. Aug. 3. 'Lova Find* Andy Hardy' oh double bill is scooping up the, hefty coin at the two Loew stiands this week. Everything els« Telatively pal6 alongside this surprise, smash. Shirley Temple in town over weekf end,, l)ut ,no ttieatre~ could capitalize: directly, because 'Mis^ Broadway' closed last week at the ■. Met and opens second i;un next week at the Par and Fenway. Keith Memorial saluted her in newspaper ads. how- ever, tying in with 'Just Around thei Corner.' her next film to be released here at an indefinite date. Estimates for This Week Fenway (M&P) (1.332; 25-35-40-55) —'Give a Million' (20th) and 'Booloo'. (Par),.dual. Pale $4,000 at best. Last week 'Tropic Holiday' (Par) and, 'Prison Farm' (Par), 2d run, doublei, skidded to $4,000. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,007; 25- 35-40-55)—'Mother Carey's Chickens' (RKO) and 'Sky Giant" (RKO). dual. Medium $13,000. Last week 'Little Tough Guy": (U) and Disney car- toons, soft $12,800. MetropollUn (M&P) (4.267: 25-35- 40-55) — 'Clitterhouse" (WB) and "Passport Husband', (20th). double. Tepid $11,000 gait. Last week 'Miss Bi-oadway' (20lh) and 'Moto Takes Holiday' (20th) double, fair $14,500. Orpheum (Loew,) (2,900; 25-35-40- 55)—Andy Hardy' (M-G) and 'Storm in Teacup' (UA), dual. Socko $17,500 or better. Last week 'Blockade" (UA) and 'Reformatory" (Col), double, vei-y good $16,000. Paramount (M&P) (i:797; 25-35-40- 55)—'Booloo" (Par) and 'Give a Million' (20th), dual. Struggling along at $6,000. Last week'"rropic Holiday' (Par) and 'Prison Farm' (Par). 2d run. double, oft at $5,600. Scollay (M&P) (2,538; 25-35-40-50) —'Prison Farm' (Par) and 'Tropic Holiday' (Par), dual. 3d run. Weak $3,500, Last week 'Gold Diggers in Paris' (WB) and 'Gangs of New York' (Rep), dual, 3d run, good $5,700. SUte (Loew) (3.600; 25-35-40-55)— 'Andy Hardy' (M-G) and 'Storm, jn Teacup' (UA). dual. Booming to $14,000. Last week 'Blockade* (UA) and 'Reformatory' (Col), double, dandy $12,500, B'KLYN BIZ FAIR Lloy4( on Dual, Good $13,500; <W6n- drrful Time,' 14a " Brooklyn, Aug. 2. Despite humidity and heat, fair biz is in evidence at downtown deluxers, especially at Fdbian Paramount, where ,'Profcssor , Beware" is on screen. RKO Albee. with 'Havins Wonderful Time," is clicking nicely. Estimates for This Week Albee, (,1,274- 25-!)0) — 'Wonderful Time" (RKO).and 'Sky Giant" (RKO). Good $14,000. Last week. 'Give Mil- lion' (20th) arid 'Passport Husband' (20th), mild §12,000. . Fox (4,089; 25-50—'Cowboy" (WB) and 'Penrod's Double' (WB) (2d wk). Nifty $11,000. Last week, first, p&ir drew okay $14,000. : Met. (3.618; 25-50) — 'Seven Seas' (MG) and 'Pearls of the Crown' (French). Quiet $11,500. Last week, 'Shopworn Angel*. (MG) and 'Fast Company' (MG) $12,000. fair. Paramount (4.126; 25-50)—'Profes- sor Beware* (Par) and 'My Bill* (WB), Okay. $13,500. Last week, 'Holiday* (RKO) and 'Prison Farm' (Par) (2d .wk). satisfactory $11,500. Strand (2.870: 25-40) — 'Marriage Forbidden* (GN) and 'Air Devils' (U). Mild $5,000; Last week, 'Rose of Rio Grande* (Mono) and 'Num- bered Woman* (Mono) ,$4,500. dull. 'MY BILL'-ZASU I61/2G IN WASH. Washington. Aug. 2. Some houses up and some down this week.; Topjjers are ZaSu Pitts* p. a. with 'My Bill* at. the Earle, and 'Love Finds Andy Hardy' at the Pal- lace. Latter is :flrst of'Hairdy' series to play,ace straight pic spot here, al- though critics started goihg to town on previous release. ■ Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3.424; 25-35-40-66) 'Give a Million' (20th) and vaude. Andrews Sisters some help, but week won't beat poor $14,000;. Last week, 'Seven Seas" (MG), satisfactory $1,7.500. Columbia (Loew) (1,583; 25-40)— 'Fast Company ■ (MG). First run in usual repeat spot getting fair, $3,500. Last week, 'Lord Jeft" (MG) (2d run), oke $4,200. . Earle (WB) (2,244; 25-35-40-66)— 'My Bill" (WB) and vaude. ZaSu Pitts tickling town's fancy on stage. Getting nice $17,000. Last week. 'Cowboy' (WB) and 'Lake Placid Ice Follies" on stage, good $18,800. Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 35-55)— 'Carey's Chickens* (RKO). Critics" notices helping toward good $7,000. Last .week, 'Tough Guy" (U), $6,000, fair. Met (WB) a,853; 25-40)—'Gangs* (Rep). . First-rUn may; get average $4,000., Last week, 'Moiite Cristo' (UA) (reissue), nice $4,800. PaUce (Loew) (2,363; 35-55)^ 'Andy Hardy' (MG). Swell notices hypoing this to solid $16,500. Last week, 'Miss Broadway' (20th), $13,000. TROF; J6,500, niLLE; Louisville, Aug, 2.' First-runs are pacing for average grosses, led by 'Algiers^ and 'Profes- sor, Beware;' Brown, which has'been cloised for three weeks reopened Fri- day (29); and will pursue same pol- icy as forjnerly, playing moive-overs frOm Rialto and Loew's State. Car- roll.Hannah stays oh as manager. ' Summer operetta season closed Saturday (30), after a season of four weeks; considered successful. Fig- ured the outdoor shows hurt down- town film grosses plenty. Estimates for This Week ' Brown (Loew's - Fourth Ave.) (1,000; 15-30-40) — 'Andy Hardy" (M-G) (2d run) and 'Fast Company' (M'-G), (dual). Looks set for fair $1,900. House reopened Friday (29) after three-week shut-up for re- decorating, Kentucky (Switow) (900: 15-20)— 'Vivacious Lady' (RKO) and 'RasCals" (20th) (double), split with 'Sinners in Paradise" (U) and 'Lady in the Morgue' (U) (twins). Satisfactory $2,100, about expectations. Last week 'Kentucky Moonshine" (20th) and 'Crime School* (WB) (dual), held for full .seven-day stanza, and breasted the tape at $2,300. okay. Loew's State (Loew"s) (3,100; 15- 30-40)—'Algiers" (UA) and "City Streets''(Col) (diial). Nothing terri- fic, but plenty on the okay side at $6,300. Last week 'Love Finds Andy Hardy* (M-G) and 'Storm in Tea- cup" (UA) (dual), maintained strong pace to take $6,000 and move over to reopened Brown. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1.000; 15-30-40)—'My Bill". (WB). Probably light $3,100; Laist week .'Cowboy From Brooklyn' (WB) (2d week), held for okay $2,700. Ohio (Settos) (900; 15)—'Artists and Models' (Par) and 'That Certain Woman' (WB) (dual), split with 'Marry the Girl* (WB) and 'Riding on Air* (RKO) (twin). Holding for fair $1,300. Last week 'Dead End" (WB) and 'Confession" (WB) (dual) split with 'Angel" (Par) ■ and 'Fly Away Baby' (WB) (dual), paced for average $1,200. . RUIto (Fourth Ave.) (3.000: 15-30- 40)—'Professor, Beware" (Par) and 'Desperate Adventure' (Rep) (dual). Pulling some riice matinee biz, and pacing the town for, sati.stactory S6.500. Last week 'Miss Broadway' .(20th) and 'Men Are Such Fools' (WB) (dual); uiider expectations, al- though matinee biz" strong; fair S7..100. Strand (Fourth Ave.) (1.400; 15- B'way B.O. on Upbeat in Heat Wave; Texans-Knipa Orch Kg $41,000, '^ers,' 3i 65G, Tempk H.^ Broadway GriDsses Estimated Total Gross. This Week:......... $193.5»« ,(Basedon 10 theatres) Total Gross Same Week Last Year. ......... $264,800 (Based on 12 theatres)- Comparing favorably with last week, which was helped by almost continuous rain, business continues on, the upgrade, with holdovers as well as new pictures getting saitis- factory grosses. The heat of the past week, as, contrasted by the rain the prior week, ,didn,'t seem to make any difference, suggesting that business is beginning to recover, especially when there's anything woith seeing at the theatres. Past week-end added up good, although Sunday (31) was considerably off. All the major houses aref doing well, while some of the Icssers are getting by, P66rest is the reissue i? 'Treasure Island,' Globe yanking .it last night (Tues.) after four brutal days at $3,000, Taking a look at what tlie rest of the street is doing, there can be no doubt that the pub- lic doesn't want the oldie'si This has; been proven lately throughout the country. 'Texansi* one of the new pictures of the week, coupled- with the Gene Krupa orch. brought the Para- mount a very handsome $41,000 on first seven days ending last night (Tues.) and holds over. , This was the only new front-line first-run'ot the week, a secoridary entry being 'Booloo,* at the Criterion. Latter is not doing so well, only about $6,500. Holdovers .are led by 'Algiers,* on its third (final) week at the Music Hall, where in spite of a weak Sun- day the gross will be $65,000. or bet- ter. The second week was smash S89,000. Also strong is 'Clitterhouse* at $25,000 on holdover at the Strand, ending last night (Tues.); It starts a third lap today (Wed,). 'Lit- tle Miss Broadway,'-at the Roxy, should get about $30,000 on its sec- ond stanza, up tomorrow night (Thurs.), satisfactory,, while Andy, Hardy* looks $15,000 or over at the Capitol, not so swank, but okay. Roxy brings in 'Alexander*s Rag- time Band.* first of the 1938-39 20th- Fox pictures. Friday (5). while the Cap brings in The Crowd Roars* to- morrow (Thurs.). This is a '37-38 release. Music Hall opens 'Mother Carey's Chickens" (RKO). also this sea.sdn"s jpicture, tomorrow (Thurs.). State is going to its best week in sdnie time, chances appearing excel- lent for $21,000, or better, with 'Holi- day' and a stage bill topped by Belle Baker. While last week this combo hou.se hit close to $20,000, for several weeks back of that it was around $15,000 and $16,000. Palace also better currently with: 'White Banners' arid 'We're Going to Be Rich.' indications pointing to around $0,000; fair. Metro opens 'Marie Antoinette' at the $2 Astor on a twice-daily engage- ment Au». 16. Meantime the free ex- hibit goes on at the house. Estimates tor This Week Capitol (4,520; 25-35-55-85-$1.25)— 'Andy Hardy' (MG) (2d-final week). Hit around $28,000 last week (1st) and on final session will be around $15,000, okay. 'Crowd Roars' (MG) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Criterion (1,062; 25-40-55)—'Boo- loo' (Par). Arousing small interest, tops appearing $6,500, but hot. too bad. La.st week, second of 'Marriage Forbidden" (GN). around $6,000. Globe (!,274; 25-40-55)—'Highway Patrol" (Col) was rushed in here for opening this morning (Wed,) after management pulled 'Treasure Island' (MG) (reissue), which in four days got only $3,000. poor. In ahead, •City Streets' (Col). $5,700. okay. ■ PaUce '(1.700; 25-35-55)—'White Bahriers' (WB) and 'Going tb Be Rich" (20th), both 2d run,, dualed. Business on the upbeat -^Vith this pair, probably $9,0OO, satisfactory. Last week"s doubleton.'Rage of Paris' :(2bth) (2d riin) and, 'Crime Ring" (RKO) (1st run), managed only $7,- 700. n. s. g. Paramount (3.664; 25-35-55-85-90) ,—'Texans"' (Par) and Gene Krupa band (2d-flhal week).' Combinati.on of outdoor spec and~ Krupa swing band sent gross soaring, on first- week, ending la.st night (Tues.). to big $41,000. Krupa has been drawr ■ing heavy jitterbug trade mornings and mats. In ahead, second week of 'Professor Bcv.'are" (Par) and Jimmy Dor.sey band, very strong $33,500, 30-40) — 'Army Girl' (Rep) and •Prison Break' (U) (dual). Not likely to do better than light $3,000; Last week 'Little Tough Guy' (U) and .'Blond Cheat' (RKO) (dual), hit $3,400, okay considering. after a first seven days' take oi $40,000. Radio City Music Hall (5,980; 40- 60-84-99-$1.65)—'Algiers' (UA) and stage show (3d-final week). Walter Wanger picture, his first for '38-39, has been a terrific, money-maker here, final (3d) stanza looking $65,- 000 or better. Second weelc . was $89,000, while the first was $96,000. both excellent. 'Mother Carey's Chickens" (RKO) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). . RIalto (750; 25-4()-55)—'The Chaser. (MG) opened yesterday (Tues;) after pulling of s'Crime Over Lon- don* (GB) after five days at under $5,000, disaopbinting. In ahead, 'Sky Giant* (RKO), on eight days, brought good $8,200, Roxy (5,836: 25-40-55-75)T-'Miss Broadway* (20th) and stage show, (2d-final week). On the holdover looks like good $30,000. or better, in spite of, the fact that most kids are away for the suifiiher and a Temple Dicture always, depends strongly on their trade; First seven days scored swell $45,000. , Strand (2.707; 25-55-75)—Clitter- house* (WB) starts third week to- day (Wed.) after getting fine $25,000 on the' second, ending last nielit (Tues.). First was close to $40,000, tremendous. SUte (3,450: 35-55-75)—'Holiday" (Col), (2cl run) and vaude topped by Belle Baker. ' Trade is up here thi^» week, looking $21,0()0 or better, aa compared with nearly $20,000 last week with •'Cocoanut Grove* (Par) .(2d run) and Jiihmie Lunceford band. ' Pitt on Upgrade; PltcSbiirgh, Aug. 2. Biz on the upgrade this week, but only 'Love Finds Andy Hardy,' at Penn, is cracking through as ex- pected. Picture knocking ofl 'a neat clip and sending house to its best session in couple of months. 'Little Miss Broadway,*, at Alvin, and Gen» Autry In person at Stanley with .Tropic Holiday,' both, doing terrific matinee: trade; but war oft in ever nings and paced for only moderately good grosses. ' Neither dual-feature house is do- ing much. Of, the ■ two, however. Fiilton with 'Gangs of New York' and 'Romance of the Limberlost' looks to have a shade the best of il over 'Divorce of Lady X" and 'Kid Comes Back' at Warner. , Estimates tor This Week Alvin (Harris) (1,800; 25-35-50)— 'Miss Broadway' (20th). Kids re- sponsible for afternoon jams, but biz down to nothing after dark. That means around $8,000, fair enough but not sufficient to warrant house chancing h,o. As result. 'Little Tough Guy' (U) comes in Thursday (4) to precede 'Alexander's Ragtime Band" (20th). management originallv figuring on fortnight for Temple sei- ting stage for 'Alex.' Eight grand for 'Broadway" represents eight day.s. Last week. 'I'll Give Million" (20th), disappointed at under $6,000. Fulton (Shea-Hyde) (1.^/50: 25-40) —'Gangs' (Rep) and 'Limbcrlosl' (Mono). ' For a strictly minor twin- ncr, not bad at all. Looks like pretty close to $4,000. Last week, second of 'Always Goodbye' (20th), around $4,800, good, after nice $5,800 opener. Penn (Locw"s-UA) (3,300; 25-35- 50)—'Andy Hardy* (MG). Happiest surprise Of year, both from audience and b.b. .standpoints. Sticking- to brisk pace and should have'- no trouble coming through with $14,500, best this house has seen in several months. Not qiiite enough, however, to give it second week, at 'Warner. Last weelt 'Dr. Clitterhouse' (FN), excellent $13,0(!O. SUnley (WB) (3,600; 25-40-60)— Troplo Holiday' (Par) and Gene Au- try in person. Afternoons biggest house has had in more than a ySai. - with Autry pulling in kids, but- at night, house goes hack to the dol- drums. Forced to - put six stag* shows on Saturday (30) to accomo- date young element, but even .so, house wonl better $19,000, good l)ut not unusual. Last week Frances Langford in person boosted 'Seven Seas' (MG) to fine $21,500. Warner (WB) 2,000; 25^40)—'Kid Comes Back' (WB) and 'Divorcs ot Lad.y X* (UA). Paced for mediocra S3.000, hot commensurate with qual- ity of flickers. Last week. 'Woman Against Woman' (MG.) and 'Bulldog Di-iimmoiid' (Par), $3,700, n.g.