Variety (Sep 1938)

10 VARIETY PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday September , 1933 Henie-HaUett Strong $27,000 In My; 'Sailor'-Vaude $2,300 Philadelphia, Sept. 6. Nice break in the weather over the long holiday weekend, plus strong line-up of product and flesh marquee hypoes, giving all the mid- town de luxers a swell ride this week alter endless sessions of dol- drums. Clear skies and pleasantly cool temperatures prevailed all three days, only bad break being inter-, mittent rain Saturday night (3). Fox got off to a tremendous start this week on its first vaudfllm combo in a year and- a half. Clipping a red' hot $27;O0O with 'My Lucky Star' flickering and Mai Hallet's orch in the flesh. Other vaudfllmer,; the Earle, is in second spot in coin parade with $23,000. Pic is 'Give Me a Sailor,' with Ethel Merman, Chester Morris and Rufe Davis on the boards. Estimates for This eek Aldine (WB) (1,303; 42-57-68-75)— 'Algiers' (UA) (2d week). Took a pretty hefty slide this turn-to $8,800 after v.g. opening week at better than $15,000. Inked in for' one more stanza, however, going out next Wednesday (14) for 'Secrets of ah Actress.' ' Boyd (WB) (2,350; 37-57-68-75)— 'Has Nancy' (M-G). Posies from the crix lofting this zany to good $15,500. Last week, 'Four's a Crowd' (WB), n.s.h. at $11,700. Earle (WB) (2,758, 25-37-42-57-68) —'Sailor' (Par). Ethel Merman, Chester orris, Rufe Davis fleshing. Combination hot with $23,000. Last week, 'Keep Smiling' (20th) ith Phil Harris's orch. so-so $18,500. Fox (WB) (2.423; 37-57-68-75)— "Lucky Star' (20th). Mai Hallett's orch. on stage. House given strong pic and stage attractions for bang-up getaway in first week of vaude, but a pleasant surprise even at that with socko .$27,000. Last week, 'Spawn' (Par ).~weak $12,200. Karlton (WB) (1,066; 37-42-57- ) —'Spawn* (Par) (2d run). Slightly better than its initial gallop in com- parison at $4,000. Last week,'Swiss Miss' (M-G). slow $2,600;. Keith's (WB) (1.870; 37-42-57-68)— Tour's Crowd' (WB) (2d run). Out of mesh altogether with sad $3,700. Last week, 'Boy Meets Girl' (WB) (2d run), poor $3,800. Stanley (WB) (2,916; 37-57-68-75) —'Alexander' (20th) (4th week). Smashing along to mighty $18,500 for eight-day .final session, making a total of better than $85,000 for the stay. Last week, $19,000. 'Carefree' (RKO) in Thursday (8). Stanton (WB) (1,457: 26-42-57)— 'Smashing Rackets' (RKO). Con- tinuous procession of rackets and jails at this house, seems to be weakening the gross. N.s.h. $4,000. Last week, 'Reformatory' (Col), poor $4,000. KG Orph Reopens With Tarefree,' Good at Kansas City, Sept. 6. RKO reopened its long shuttered Otpheum Friday (2) after three weeks and approximately $30,000 in renovating was spent. House is under the direction of R. J. Haley, who came here from a Singer thea- tre in New Orleans. Orpheum .was erected as a legit house. As a film outlet, gallery is not used and seating capacity is listed at 1,500. Mainstrect remains closed for the time being; Building is RKO firoperty erected on leased ground, t was closed early in the summer and town has been without regular RKO: outlet since. Opening of Orpheum brings a sixth house into, first-run situation. 'Carefree' as lead off film bringing very satisfactory returns. Week has topnotch, attractions In every spot and. grosses are "respond- ing in kind. Holiday is also boosting totals, The reception' for Douglas Corrigan however took the' spotlight off theatres. Estimates for This Week Esquire (Fox-Midwest) (820; 15- 25-40-55) — 'Alexander' (20th) (3d week). Easing off from previous totals but oke $4,500. Last week, got $8,000, only mite off from opening week. Midland (Loew's) (3.573; 10-25-40) —'Marie Antoinette' (M-G). Breaks a hard and fast double feature policy. Booming 817,500. Last week. 'I Am- Law" (Col) arid 'Gladiator' (Col >. average $0,000. Newman (Pprpmoiinl) (1.900; 10- 25-40)—'Spawn' (Par). Stands on its own in sturdy fashion. Headed for $9,000, good figure here. Last week, 'Sailor' (Par), average S7.Q00. Orpheum (RKO) (1.500; 10-25-40) —'Carefree* (RKO). Cets chore of reopening this long shuttered house. Outlook for $10,000 very good. Will holdover at that scale. Brings RKO back to exhibiting after two-months absence from the local scene. Tower (Fox-Midwest) (2,200: 10- 25-35-55) —'Speed to Burn' (20th) arid Jan Garber's orch on. stage, Combo pushing toward good, $15,000, but below expectations. Last week, 'Devil's Party'' (U) and Rufe Davis headlining vaude,. only six days for fair $9,000. Uptown- (FoxrMidwest) (1.200; 10- 25-40)—'Alexander' k20'.M. Brought in to run for week day-and-date with Esquire. It's $6,500 is the big*- gest take, this month. . Last week, 'Texans' Par) In a subsequent run following two recent weeks at New- man,, fair .$2,700. AIR RACES BOON TO CLEVELAND; MCTT16G Cleveland, Sept. 6. National ir races drew 250,000 visitors to Cleveland Airport, hotels and theatrical section over Labor Day, and all film row is getting, a heavy share of the gravy. Pre-holi- day crowds on Friday (2) caused traffic jams, yet gave houses sellout performances that set a terrific pace for season's start. Comfortably cool weather also boosted two current leaders, "Three Loves' and 'Carefr .' For at Loew's State, following last week's tremendous take ■ by 'Antoinette,' is well over standard gross, but being given a tough race by "Irving Berlin musical at Hipp. 'Boy Meets Girl* right on their tails,at Palace, which goes back to vaude Sept. .16 with ZaSu Pitts. All three praying it will rain, making air-race fans more pix- minded. Estimates for This Week Allen (RKO) (3,000; 30-35-55)— 'Alexander'. (20th) (4th week). Noth- ing like it this season. Rolling along strong for fourth week of $7,500. after moveover from Hipp, and. could stay another stanza. Last week, a very nifty $8,500. Alhambra (Printz) (1,200; 20-30- 35)—'Letter of Introduction* (U). First indie showing- and alsb spot's initial single-bill of summer, boosting biz to fine $5,000.. Last week 'Crime Ring* (RKO) and 'Main Event' (Col) on split-week dualer barely caught $1,900. Hipp (WB) (3,700; 15-40t55)— 'Carefree* (RKO). Originally skedded for RKO Palace, but shifted in ex- change for 'Boy Meets Girl.' and house got best of the trade. Heavy Rogers-Astair.e ballyhoo banging it Ud to $15,500, swell. Last week 'Four's a Crowd' (WB) liked enough to collect $11,000. Palace (RKO) (3,200; 30-35-40-55) —'Boy Meets Girl* (WB). Not up to snuff as far as cricks and play-ver- sion concerned, but holiday trade more amiable, promising $14,000. Last week 'Racket Busters' (WB), dented by heat, $6,500. ,. State (Loew's) (3,450; 30-40-55)— 'Three Loves Has. Nancy' (MG). Three-star combo a sure-fire magnet; should be a juicy $16,000. Last week, 'Antoinette' (MG) galloped five leads ahead of other for socko $19,000 prlie. Stlllman (Loew's) (1,972; 30-40-55) —'Antoinette' (MG). Transported to circuit's h.o. house, where it prob- ably will hit record run. Standees opening day herald a first-class $10,- 500. Last week, 'Rich Man' (MG) was surprise for lightweighter, oke $6,500. MARIE' BIG 35G IN 2 HUB SPOTS Boston,. Sept. 6. 'Marie Antoinette' is tallying high, 'Spawn of the North' is plenty okay and holdover, of 'Carefree' is coming through with a good take. 'Alexander's Band,' shifted to Par and Fenway for 'fourth ..week, is showing pleasing strength. Estimates for This Week Fenway ,(M&P) (1,332; 25-3JJ-40- 55)—'Alexander' (20th) arid 'Keep Smiling' (20th), dual. Came in (1) after three frames at Metropolitan; headed for dandy ,500. Last week 'Sailor' (Par) and 'Speed Burn' (20th), medium $5,000. Keith .Memorial ( ) (2,907; 25- 35-40-55) — 'Carefree' (RKO) and 'Smashing the Rackets' (RKO) (2d wk). Very good $18,000. First week hefty $24,600. Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 25-35- 40-55)—'Spawn' (Par) and'Numbers' (20th), dual. Big $20,000 indicated. Last week, third of 'Alexander* (20th) and 'Keeping Smiling' (20th), very good $22,300. Orphenm (Loew) (2,900; 25-35-40- 55)—'Marie Antoinette* . (M-G). Smashing through to .big $19,000; Last week 'Algiers' (UA) and 'Rich Man' (M-G), dual,-big $16,000. Paramount (M&P) (1.797; 25-35- 40-55)—'Alexander' (20th) and 'Keep Smiling' (20th), Moved over from Met and ai ing -t juicy $10,000. Last week 'Sailor' (Par) arid 'Speed Burn' (20th). fair $7,300; Scollay (M&P) (2.538: 25-35-40-50) —'Racket Busters' (WB) and 'Sailor' (Par), dual (2d run). Okay $7,000. Last week 'Texans' (Par) and 'Pen- rod' (WB), dual, third run, fair $6,000. State (Loew) (3.600; 25-35-40-55)-^ 'Marie Antoinette' (M-G). Very big $16,000. Last week 'Algiers' (UA) and 'Rich Man' (MG), dual, spiffy $13,000. 2 Prov. Spots Reopen, 1 with Vaude; 'Marie' Very Good at $14,600 Providence, Sept. to. With. Fay's arid Carlton reopening, downtown s pic arid vaude houses are again in full swing. Loew's is stand-- out with 'Marie Antoinette^ Strand's 'Spawn of the North' is helping that stand to better biz than usual. Albee is also looking brighter with 'Carefree.' ' Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200: 25-35-50) — 'Carefree' (RKO) and 'Prison Break' (U). Pulling for swell $8,000. Last week, 'Carey's Chickens' (RKO) and 'Sky Giarit* (RKO), fair $6,500. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 25-35- 50)—Alexarider's (20th). Third week downtown.' Weekend holiday hurt, but still good for nice $5,000. Last week dark. Fay's (2.000; 25-35-50) — ''Keep Smiling' (20th) and vaude. Return' of vaude after summer absence help- ing for nice $6,800. Last week dark. State (Loew) (3,200; 25-35-50) — 'Marie Antoinette' (M-G). Big coin Holiday Influx Hypoes Wash. Biz; 'Nancy-Vaude Click with $25, Washington, Sept 6. Threatening weather at start of holiday weekend, plus influx of tourist trade, hypoing b. o. nicely. Capitol is bidding for biggest gross in months with 'Three Loves Has Nancy* and stage bill. Earle, other vaude spot, also in the big dough with 'Four's a Crowd' and Phil Har- ris' band. Most interesting angle of week Is way revival of 'King Kong' is giv- ing Met, WB repeat spot, swell week. Pic was previewed for critics and bullied almost as much as new pic. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3.424; 25-35-40- OOTTT-'Has Nancy' (M-G) and vaude. Harriet .Hoctor and Joe Morrison top stage. Heading toward swell $25,000. Last week, 'Texans' (Par) can thank-"iGeorge Hall's orch for most of the otherwise weak $15,500. Columbia (Loew) (1,583; 25-40)— •Crowd Roars' (M-G) (2d run). Back downtown after two big weeks at Palace and shooting for nice $5,000 in nine days. Last week, 'Keep Smiling* (20th), yanked after five days with floppo $2,000. Earle (WB) (2,244; 25-35-40-66)— 'Four's a Crowd' (WB) and vaude. Phil Harris orch helping toward big $19,000. Last week, 'Boy Meets Girl' (WB) and Tony Martin, p. a., big $19,000. Keith's (RKO) (35-55)—'Carefree' (RKO) (2d week). Nice $9,000. Last week, same pic. bic $13,500. Met' <WB) (1.853: 25-40)—'King Kong' (RKO) (revival). Big bally with rjreview for critics is catching on for probable nice $6,000. Last week. •Clittcrhouse' (WB) (2d run), ■good $4,500. Palace (LncwV (2.363: 35-55)— 'Alexander' '20th) (2d week). Hold- ing at sock S13.000. Last week, same pic, smash $21,500. OK Pix, Hobday and Fair Boost Mpls, Grosses; 'Carefree-Heidt Good $8,1 and looks like swell bet for Carlton holdover. Racing to sellout $14,000. Last week, 'I Am Law* (Col) and 'Blockheads' (M-G), finished ith only fair $10,500. Majestlo (Fay) (2,300; 25-35-50) — 'Boy Meets Girl' (WB) and "Penrod" (WB). Past several week's fast pace slowed to walk by this one. So-so $7,000 in offing. Last week, 'Alex- ander* (20th) (2d wk), surprised with socko $10,000: First week hit: $15,000. Strand (Indie) (2,200; 25-35-50) ■—. 'Spawn' (Par). Improving outlook with good $7,000. Last week,'Texans' (Par) and 'Main Event' (Col), fair $6,500. . " FRISCO FRISKY, M BIG $25,000 San Francisco, Sept 6, With one of the hottest state elec- tions out of the way. the natives seem to be showing a little more in- terest in the theatre,' .Public-also seems to be going for the' ovie Quiz contest which was launched last week, with the mayor of San Fran- cisco Issuing special proclamation in honor of the campaign. Seventy- one', theatres, have united in cam- paigns which finds the nabes and the first runs joined together'solidly for the first time. Theatremen expect to pass out 500,000 of the quiz books. Two special holidays this week. Labor Day and Admission Day, also, a great help. Fox, With 'Spawn of the North,' is luring plenty, of cus- tomers. The new Rogers-Astaire pic- ture, 'Carefree,' is a hit at the Golden Gate, where biz is way above av- erage. Estimates for This Week Fox (F-WC) (5.000; 35-55-75)— 'Sjiawn of North' (Par) and 'Safety In Numbers' (20th). Both pictures well liked, take in the riabe of $25,- 000. Last week (2nd) 'Alexander' (20th) grabbed a terrific $19,000. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55) —'Carefree' (RKO) and vaudeville. All crix gave Rogers and Astaire picture rave notices which have-been backed up by cwell comments from customers. At $19,000 biz way above Astaire's last opus, 'Damsel in Dis- tress.' Last week 'Breaking the Ice' (RKO) with Bobby Breen in person, a nifty $16,700. Orphenm (F&M) (2,440: 35-55)— •Letter of Introduction' (U) (3rd-: final \yeek) and selected shorts. Sev- eral previews thrown in to stimulate biz during third and final stanza, which is paced for good $5,200. Labor Day always brings pretty good biz to first^'un houses. Last week 'In- troduction' (U) got $6,600. Paramount (F-WC) (2.740: 35-55- 75)—'Marie Antoinette' (MGM) (2nd wk). Plenty of strange faces in town from the sticks, which have helped considerably in garnering sizable $14,000 on the hold-iver of this cus- tomer.' Labor Day is.<Jways a pretty good holiday in this strong union town. Last week 'Marie Antoinette' got fancy $19,000. St. Francis (F-WC) (1,470; 35-55- 75^'Alexander* (20th) (3d week). Still getting the trade after two ter- rific weeks at the Fox. usical will do great $7,500 in this small house. Last week (4th) 'Andy Hardv' (MG) and 'Army Girl' (Rep) closed to good $4,500. United Artls (Cohen) <1,200; 35- 55-65)—'Algiers' (UA) (7th wk). Ex- tra holiday a big help; giving the Wanger picture a needed boost dur- ing a. sagging 7th stanza, which will now reach a fine $5,000.. Last week (6th) managed to get around $5,000. Warfleld (F-WC) (2.680; 35-55-75) —'Four's a Crowd* (WB) and 'Time Out for Murder' (20th). War- ner comedy has exceptional marquee strength; h-'aded by Errol Flyrin, who is very popular here, Olivia de Havilland, a local girl also in the cast. : strong $14;000 in the bag. Last week 'Boy Meets Girl' (WB) and BnoVr' (Par) a.big disappoinlment, suddenly dropping to dismal $10,500. FOOTING IN THE SLICKS Hollywood, Sept. 6. . George Hurrell checked in at Warners as head portrait photog- rapher, iving up his private busi- ness for a salary reported at $1,100 a week. Since Hurrell was signed several weeks ago, arners has had requests for his pictures from mags that the studio had never* been able to crash. Minneapolis, Sept. 6 Grosses curreritly are getting'» boost, from the-Labor Day holiday the launching of the national pi£ tures earnpaifri, and the nximeroua State Fair visitors; Continued strong attractions, however, remain the dominant factor in the. revitallz box office. ' Hain and cold diverting transient! from State Fair to. theatres at night Both of the principal newcomers this week—Spawn of the North' and 'CarefreeVare getting plenty of box. office attention. After two big weeks at the State, 'Alexander's Ragtime Band' moves over to Century for ex- tension of its first-run. Still hitting profitable pace. 'Letter of Introduce tion' is in its fourth loop week at the World and again will keep that sure-seater in the black.. Another stage show, Horace Heidt orch, moved into the Orpheum Friday. Estimates for This Week. Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)— 'Booloo' (Par) and 'Blockheads' (M- G), dual, first runs. Playing entire week and zooming toward- big' $1 - 800. Last week. 'Saint New York' (RKO) and 'Chump* (WB), dual first-runs, split with 'Danger on Air' (U) and 'Highway Patrol' (Col). $1.. 500, good. Century (Par-Singer) (1.600; 25- 35-40)—'Alexander' (20th) (3d week). Taking up quarters here for final seven days after highly prosperous fortnight at the State. En route to fine $6,000. /Last week, 'Tough Guy' (U), $3,200. bad. y Orphenm (Par- inger) (2,800: 25- 35-40)—'Carefree' (RKO) arid Hor- ace .Heidt orch. Good exploitation and publicity helping this one. Do- ing better than recent Astaire- Rogers. ; Headed for good- $8,000. Last week, 'Give Million' (20th) and Bowes ams, $11,000, good. State (Par-Singer) (2,300; 25-35- 40)—'Spawn* (Par). Swell selling campaign for this one and: well-re- ceived by customers. Good $8,500 indicated. Last week, 'Alexander' (20th) (2d week), with Princess Wahletka, seeress.. ,000, fine after immense $15,000 first week. Time (Berger) (290; 15-25)—'Cop- perfield' (M-G) (reissue). This house how devoting itself almost entirely to reissues and getting by okay. Looks like fair $700.. Last week, 'Star Is Born' (UA) (reissue), $800, good. Uptown (Par) (1,200; 25-35)—Tex- ans' (Par). . First neighborhood showing, Fair $2,500 in prospect. Last -week, 'Miss Broadway' (20th), $3,200, good. World (Steffes) (290; 25-35-40-55) —'Letter' (U) (4th week). Still de- livering nicely at box office. Not much variation in gross since, filnv moved, here after good $51500 first week at Orpheum. Should reach satisfactory $1,600. Last week, $1,800, okay, after neat $1,400 first week. 'Nancy' Plenty Hot On Port. Dual, Big $8,500 Portland, Ore., Sept. fl. Batting average is up for all spots. Three Loves Has Nancy* and 'Marie Antoinette*, tied for top gross honors at Parker's Broadway and UA, latter in strong second week. Holiday biz was excellent. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-40) —'Has Nancy' (M-G ). Strong $8,500. Last week. 'Algiers' (UA) and 'Block- heads' (M-G), good $6,000. Mayfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,500; 30-40—'Alexander's' (20th) 14th wk). Still big for this house at $4,000 fol- lowing three great weeks at the Paramount. Last week 'Andy Hardy (M-G) and 'Prison Break' (U), closed its fourth week with average $2,400. First three weeks got $14,500. Oroheum (Hamrick - Everqreen) (2.000: 30-40)—'Carefree* (RKO) and „ 'Citv Streets* (Col). Getting big SR.500 and may hold. Last week, 'Racket Busters' (WB) and 'Going Be Rich' (20th). ooor $3,200. Puram-Mint (Hamrick-Evemeen) (3.000: 30-40)—'Soawh' (P.~r) and 'Speed to Burn' (20th). Great $7,000. Last week. 'Alexander' (20th) ended bitf third stanza with $4,700. Rlvoll (Indie) (1.200: 30-40)-- 'Kentuckv Moonshine' (20th) and 'Bulldog Drummond" (Par). Average $1,700. Last week, 'Girl of Golden West' (M-G) arid 'Stolen Heaven (Par) (reissues), nice $1,800. . United Artists (Parker) O 000: 30- 40)^-'Marie Antoinette' (MG) '2d wk). Strong S4.r,00, Fi ft weeK .exce^nV'l rxpectations and built up great $0,700. Greene in 'Kaintuck* Hollywood. Sept. 6, Richard Greene rco'lafcd Don Ameche as the- male Icoct ooposite Loretta Young in the 20'.!i-'F°* Tcchivcolor production of. 'Ken-- Itucky.* which rolled today (Tiics.-V i Amoche. Who rorentlv uwlc.rvv«« an appendectomy in- Holloa!, was ordered by his doctors to pvolonj his .- vacation.