Variety (Sep 1938)

Wednesday, September 28, 1938 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY 9 Chi B.O. Easing Off; 'Sinners Plus Pryor Orch Good $36,000, 'Algiers' Only Fair $15,000, 'Nancy Nice 13G Chicago, Sept. 27. Business leveling off currently, despite the arrival of several well- received-flickers. Expect a perk-up towards the finish of the week on word-of-mouth. Tops of the lot Is 'Sing You Sin- ners * which is being touted as the best' of the Bing Crosby items in a long time. Lifting the Chicago flag- ship several grand above last week's blooper, arid looks for a heap of coin 6n general releases throughout the territory. . Other new entries in the current Sic parade include 'Three Loves Has fancy,' at the Roosevelt, and 'Al- giers,' at the United Artists. Former picture was given plenty of boosting by crix and figures for smart coin. ♦Algiers' got away at a so-so pace, despite plenty of ballyhoo for Hedy La Marr. Holding over are 'Room Service' and 'Hold That CO-Ed,' with the Marx Bros, picture '^dicating a sharp drop from the strong initial session. Football flicker is getting food play in its second stanza. State- iake has one of its infrequent War- ner Bros, displays currently with 'Men Are Such Fools,' and the flicker is getting some money. —Estimates for Last Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65-75) —'Am Law' (Col). . Back in loop after one meek week in the Roose- velt. Getting maybe $4,500, fair, here. Last week, 'Alexander' (20th), finished its fifth loop gallop to good $5,400. Chicago (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— •Sinners' (Par) and Roger Pryor or- chestra on stage. Bing Crosby pic- ture getting good audience comment and figures to build to good $36,000. Last Week, 'Spawn' (Par) faded into cellar with soggy $27,700. Garrlck (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) —'Co-Ed* (20th) (2d week). Holding to fine $4,500 currently following neat $6,200 last week. Palace (RKO) (2,500- 35-55-65-75) —'Room Service' (RKO) and vaude (2d week). Slipping this week, with outlook of fair $17,000 currently. Last week was a topnotcher at $26,- .800. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 75)—'Nancy' (M-G). Opened well and climbing on strong talk around town. Figures for $13,000, pleasant. Last week, 'Am Law' (Col), $10,700, meagre. State-Lake (Jones) (2,700; 25-35- 45-551—'Men Fools' (WB) and vaude. Strong stage lineup and audience picture making it a profitable week With $11,000. l ast week, 'Slander House' (Pro), $9,600, fairish. United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700; 35-55-65-75)—'Algiers' (UA). Get- away wasn't so hot and will take plenty of pressing to get it into the big numerals; points for $15,000, okay. Last week, 'Antoinette' (M-G), fourth week, good $8,300. SINNERS' PULLS GOOD $12. INCINCY Cincinnati, Sept. 27. 'Too Hot to Handle' is the burg's champ b.o. tugger currently. It's racking up a big mark for the Pal- ace. Next best is 'Sing You Sinners' at the Albee. Only other fresh re- lease at a major stand is 'Road to Reno,' which is blah for Keith's. Local cinema trade history is be- ing registered by closing of 'Alex- ander's' six-week run at the Shubert. Total pull on the engagement will be around $65,000, Cincy's record for re- tent years, topping former high take by 'San Francisco? 'You Can't Take It With YotP (Col) follows 'Alex- ander' at the Shubert for an in- definite stay. This week's biz, by and large, is on the sunny side. , Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 35-42)—'Sin- ners' (Par). Okay $12,000. Last week 'Daughters' (WB), swell •plo.OOO. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 35-42)— »ters' (WB) (2d run). Fair $4,500. Last week, 'Antoinette' (M-G) (2d run), excellent $6,000. Fa ml iy (RKO) (1.000; 15-25)— £ ain t ed Desert' (RKO). 'Time Out wr Murder' (20th). 'Bulldog Drum- So 11 ^ ln Africa' (Par), singly. Nice L&Skwek. ^eairrrniW)--- through pipes laid along the front of the stage. It staggers audiences. Ben McAtrce, show's comedian, is a big click. Final week starls Monday (12) with 'Marcus Follies' of 1938.' Last week, 'Sailor' (Par), fair $4,500. Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 35-42)—'Has Nancy' (M-G) (2d run). Okay $4,500. Ditto last week with 'Lucky Star' (20th) (24 run). Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-42)—'Hot Handle' (M-G). Big $16,000. Last week, 'Has Nancy' (M-G), good $12,000. Shubert (RKO) (2,150; 40-55)— 'Alexander' (20th) (6th-flnal wk). Great $4,500. Last week, fifth, fine $6,500. CROSBY BIG 10G AS H.O.S RULE INLVILLE Louisville, Sept. 27. Holdover pictures are the rule currently, with only two downtown houses exhibiting new product. However, business is good and films retained for second stanza are mak- ing an above-average showing. Weather has turned warmer for a spell, but pull of outdoor opposish has been weakened and theatres are getting bulk of the entertainment dollars. 'Sing You Sinners,' on a dual at Rialto, is pulling Crosby fans in nice style, while 'Affairs of Annabel' and '10th Ave. Kid' at Strand are cop- ping more attention than such a -light pair would ordinarily, due to the lack of new films in downtown sec- tor. Estimates for This Week Brown (Loew's-Fourth Ave.)— 'Carefree' (RKO) end 'Rackets' (RKO). Astaire-Rogers opus moved here after okay stanza at Rialto and looks like fair $1,800. Last week. 'Has Nancy' (M-G) and 'Gladiato? (Col), good $2,400. • Kentucky (Switow) (900; 15-25)— 'Clitterhouse' (WB) and 'Miss Broad- way' (20th), dual. Should register okay $2,100. Last week, 'My Bill' (WB) and 'Cowboy from Brook- lyn* (WB), split with 'Little Women' (RKO) and 'Penrod' (WB), okay $2,000. Loew's State (Loew's) (3,100; 15- 30-40)—'Boys' Town' (M-G) and •Lady Objects' (Col) (2d week). Holding up well and indications are for oke $6,000, after initial stanza's socko $11,500, better than expected. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 15-30-40)—'Daughters' (WB) (2d week). Still making good showing. Looks to tally around $3,200 or bet- ter, good. First week swell $4,000. Ohio (Settos) (900; 15)—'Doctor, Nurse' (20th) and 'Front Page' (UA) (dual), split with 'Heidi' (20th) and 'Hot Water' (20th) (twin). Pacing for average $1,400. Last week, 'True Confession' (20th) and 'Honolulu* (U) (dual), split with 'Missing Girls' (Indie) and 'Love Work' (20th) (pair), okay $1,500. Rialto (Fourth Ave.) (3,000; 15-30- 40)—'Sinners' (Par) and 'Campus Confessions' (Par) (dual). Crosby film had 'em lining up early and steadily; pointing to healthy $10,000 and probable h. o. Last week, 'Care- free' (RKO) and 'Smashing Rackets' (RKO), fair enough at $7,500 to war- rant moveover, but more expected. Strand (Fourth Ave.) (3,000; 15-30- 40)—'Annabelle' (RKO) and 'Kid' (Rep) (dual). Pair doing better than average, probably due to h. o. s at other houses. Combo holding pace well and looks to grab okay $3,700 for the windup. Last week, •Breaking Ice' (RKO) and 'Sky Giant' (RKO), satisfactory $3,500. Henie, Sole Lincoln Solo, Nice $3,800 Lincoln, Sept. 27. Varsity shuts its doors (25) and undergoes a quick paint job, pre- vious to changing policy and becom- ing a deluxer with upped scale (10- 25-35). Stuart started strong with 'My Lucky Star,' but faded after the weekend; dual of 'Always Goodbye' and 'Keep Smiling,' at Lincoln, hold- ing its ground.. . Orpheum became a straight sec- ond-runner (23) when it opened with 'Test Pilot.' House cut scale f r0 ~ 'KT>nnf 4.0 to 10-15-20. Biz is .'Tobias and 1t has been, al- Si»|»f. »■ ' ' -1 ic ■The r.ast Trump,' Duke or York's—St 13. 'Df.-ir Octopus.' Qufcns— Soot. 14. 'IIimu'v V," riruvi- Ii.-uie—Sept. 17. •Tin' Cmi-ii l.« (iivpii,' Duchess-fcppt. 20. 'iliimllite, Mr. Chips/ yiiuflcsbury—Sept. 23. First Runs on Broadway (Subject to Change) Week of Sept. 29 Astor — 'Marie Antoinette' (MG) (7th wk), Capitol—'Too Hot to Handle' (MG). (Reviewed in Variety, Sept. 21) Criterion—'Sons of the Legion' (Par). Globe—'Road to Reno' (U) (1). Music Hall—'Drums' (UA). {Reviewed in Variety, April 20) Paramount—'If I Were King' (Par) (28). Rialto—'Mr. Doodle Kicks Off' (RKO) (27). {Reviewed in Variety, Sept. 21) Rivoli—'Room Service' (RKO) (2nd wk). Roxy—'Straight, Place and Show' (20th) (30). (Reviewed in current Variety) Strand—'Garden of the Moon' (WB) (2nd wk). Week of Oct. 6 Astor — 'Marie Antoinette' (MG) (8th wk). Capitol—'Too Hot to Handle' (MG) (2nd wk). Globe—'Dark Rapture' (U) (8). Music Hall—'Drums' (UA) (2nd wk). Paramount—'If I Were King' (Par) (2nd wk). Rivoli—'Room Service' (RKO) (2nd wk). Roxy—'Straight, Place and Show' (20th) (2nd wk). Strand—'Secrets of An Ac- tress* (WB) (7). (Rep), split with 'Renegade Ranger* (RKO) and 'Chaser* (M-G). Fair, $900. Last week, 'Black Bandit' (U) and 'Paradise Express^ (Rep), split with 'Mexicali Kid* (Mono) and •Blockheads* (M-G), all right, $900. Lincoln (Cooper) (1,600; 10-25-35) —'Always Goodbye' (20th) and 'Keep Smiling' (20th). Will touch or bet- ter $3,000, good. Last week, 'Miss Broadway' (20th), split with "Love, Honor' (WB), did fairly well, $2,- 700, after much better expectancy. Stuart (Cooper) (1,900; 10-25-40)— ♦Lucky Star' (20th). Will rate $3,800, which is nice. Last week, 'Spawn' (Par), managed to get $3,500, all right. HE1DT-SAIL0R SMASH 19G IN OMAHA Omaha, Sept. 27. It's one-way traffic towards the Orpheum this week, with 'Give Me a Sailor' and Horace Heidt's band packing them in with five shows daily. Looks like a very profitable $19,000. House is trying something new in a 25c 'bargain hour' starting at 10 a.m. Nabe houses are thankful for close of roller derby after a 25-day run, drawing average nitely attendance of 4,000, a lot of it with paper. Gen- eral theatre business, however, stays on the upcurve, which started about six -weeks ago. Estimates for This Week Avenue - Dundee - Military (Gold- berg) , (950-650-810; 10-25) —'Men Not Gods' (UA), first-run, and 'Cowboy' (FN) dual, split with 'Mans Castle' (Col-reissue) and 'Troop Ship* (UA) dual, two days; 'My Bill' (FN) and 'Woman Against Woman' (M-G) dual, last two days. Fairish $1,900. Last week, 'Kidnapped' (20th) and 'Seven Seas' (M-G) dual, first half; 'Stolen Heaven' (Par), 'Sky Giant' (RKO) and 'Devils Party' (U) tripler, last half, good, $2,200. Brandeis (Singer-RKO) (1,250; 10- 25-35-40)—'Daughters' (FN) and Tm From City' (RKO) (2d wk). Headed for $4,700, okay. Last week, same bill pulled excellent $6,600. Omaha (Blank) (2,200; 10-25-40)— 'Boys Town' (M-G) (3d wk). Looks like satisfactory $5,800 after big $26,500 in first two weeks, including world premiere. Orpheum (Blank) (3,000; 10-25-35- 55)—'Sailor' (Par) and Horace Heidt's orch on stage. Aiming at big. $19,000, with five shows daily and a Saturday midnight show. Last week, •Sinners' (Par) and 'Million' (20th). prosperous $10,300. Town (Goldberg) (1,250; 10-20-25) —'Prison Break' (U), 'Arizona' (Col) and 'Sailing Along' (20th), all first- runners, tripler, split with 'Valley Raiders' (Rep), first-run. 'Sky Giant' (RKO) and 'My Bill' (FN), trioler. So-so $1,400. Last week, 'Hills' Kn., b .<l<t,, n , oml (GN) and 'Rio opened at a n first-runners, will probably be heldling Plains' Club took in $5,000 opehi/20th) breaking record for the nitery? 00 Astaire-Rogers $90,000, Marxes Big With 37G, Merman-Garber-loon Ditto, 'Co-Ed' 40G-OK B'way B.O. The Jewish New Year's Monday (26) and yesterday (Tues.), with good weather prevailing, brought downtown Broadway a spurt in business that ran 25% and more above advance expectations. Extra shows were put on in most cases Monday (26) and some attractions which had started out disappoint- ingly will owe much of their recov- ery to the holidays. Many persons took time out to listen to Hitler's speech at 2 p. m. Monday, but box offices boomed just the same, the downtown sector drawing large crowds. Numerous new pictures came in, only holdovers being 'Boys Town' and 'Spawn of North,' both on third weeks. 'Spawn,' with the Eddy Duchin band, at the Paramount fin- ished very strongly on its third lap ending last night (Tues.), topping $30,000. House did as much as $5,000 Monday (26),' thereby losing a bet for Y. Frank Freeman, who guessed away under that early in the morn- ing, and last night (Tues.), a pre- view of 'If I Were King' added to the hypo. 'King' opens today (Wed.) with Tommy Dorsey orchestra. 'Boys Town' isn't as powerful on its third week which will be up tonight (Wed.) but at about $17,000 will be okay, giving the 1 Cap one of the best profits it has drawn from a single feature in a good, long time. Of the fresh first runs, the strongest are 'Room Service,' at the Rivoli, and 'Garden of the Moon,' with Jan Garber, at the stage-show Strand. 'Service' lopes off on its second week today (Wed.) after smashing through to $37,000 the first seven days with- out benefit of a stage bill and against a lot of in-person opposition. Mean- time, the Strand is pushing ener- getically toward the same figure of $37,000 or bit over, beating the two prior shows under its new combina- tion policy.. 'Garden Moon' started out ordinarily FricTay (23) when business- was away off every- where for some reason, but snapped into action surprisingly over the weekend and holidays to push to the $37,000 point. Picture and Gar- ber, plus Ethel Merman, will hold over. Harry Gourfain, who is producing the shows at the Strand, and Zeb Epstein, who succeeded B. F. (Dinty) Moore in' operation of the theatre, are both conceded to be doing a bang-up job here. Ostensibly the Strand policy isn't putting into the - Paramount at all. It seems, on the other hand, to be interfering with the Roxy and State. The Roxy does not use name bands or personalities except on rare occasions which may mean, the pictures being equal, that the Strand enjoys, an edge under its b. o. in-person policy. This week the Roxy will push to possibly $40,000, not smash but okay, aided by holidays, with 'Hold That Co-Ed.' Despite the holidays, how- ever, the State is quite disappoint- ing at $18,500 or so with 'Three Loves Has Nancy,' plus Benny Fields and Block and Sully. It's apparently a case this week where the Roxy benefits by the picture and the State suffers heavily from its film feature, Fields and Block-Sully not being enough to offset the deficiency. -; 'Carefree' gets but one week at the Music Hall though it may finish at as much as $90,000 with the good holi- day play. 'Drums' opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Remnants of Broadway business scattered. 'Wanted by Police' is out- distancing lesser first" runs and will get the Globe a probable $8,000, good. Against this the Rialto fin- ished with 'Fugitives for Night' Mon- day night (26) at $6,500, mildish, and Criterion is going nowhere at all with 'Campus Confessions,' looking less than $5,000, 'Marie Antoinette' last week (5th) dropped to $11,200 from $15,200 scored prior week but satisfactory. Estimates for This Week Astor (1,012; 55-$1.10-$1.65-$2.20)— 'Antoinette' (M-G) (6th week). Last week (5th) went off to $11,200, com- pared with $15,200 the previous (4th) week. Capitol (4,520; 25-35-55-85-$1.25)— •Boys Town' (M-G) (3d-final week). Ends 21-day rUn tonight (Wed.), final * lap looking about $17,000, okay. Sec- ond week was around $22,000. Criterion (1,662; 25-40-55)—'Cam- pus Confessions' (Par). Getting no- where, under $5,000. Last week, 'Come On, Leatherneck' (Rep), around $5,000, also poor. Globe (1,274; 25-40-55)—'Wanted by Police' (Mono). This one doing well, appearing $8,000 or there- abouts. In ahead, 'Mr. Moto' (20th) went to $8,300, nice. Palace (1,700; 25-35-55)—'Four Daughters' (WB) (2d run) and 'Breaking the Ice' (RKO) (1st run), doubled. This pair should get about $9,500. Last week 'Alexander' (20th) (2d run), singly, did $11,000. Paramount (3,664; 25-35-55-85-99) —'If I Were King' (Par) and Tommy Dorsey orchestra. Opens here today (Wed.). The third week for 'Spawn' (Par) and Eddy Duchin was slightly over $30,000, very good, after a sec- ond week's take of $40,000, excel- lent, and first of $53,000, huge profits. Radio City Mnsic Hall (5,980; 40- -60-84-99-$1.65)—'Carefree'. (RKO ) and stage show. Astaire-Rogers musical didn't catch on big and gets only one week; holiday helped toward possible $90,000 which, aside from no holdover, is good. Last week (3d) for 'You Can't Take If (Col) also $90,000, picture exhibiting great staying qualities. Total on three weeks' run amounted to $311,000.. 'Drums' (UA) opens to- morrow (Thurs.). Rialto (750: 25-40-55)—'Mr. Doodle Kicks Off' (RKO). Opened here yesterday (Tues.). Full week for 'Fugitives/for Night' (RKO) only $6,500, not squawk but not good. Rivoli K2,092; 25-40-55-85)—'Room Service' (RKO) (2d week). Starts on holdover today (Wed.) after scor- ing pretty $37,000 first seven days, best for house in ages. Last week, third for 'Letter of Introduction* (U), under $5,000, poor. Roxy (5,836; 25-40-55-75)—'Hold that Co-Ed' (20th) and stage show. Football comedy got off very slowly but picked up amazingly and may push to $40,000, satisfactory though not smashy. 'My Lucky Star' (20th) picked up a bit last week but not enough to make a vital difference, ending at $32,500 after initial seven days of $42,500, but agreeable profit. •Straight, Place and Show' (20th) opens Friday (30). . _ Strand (2,767; 25-55-75)—'Garden of Moon' (WB), Ethel Merman, Jan Garber band, Remarkable recovery from ordinary opening will mean $37,000 or bit over on week, best for house since installing combination policy month ago. Holds. Last week, second for 'Valley of Giants' (WB) and Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Hilliard and Johnnie 'Scat' Davis close to $24,000, very good. State (3,450; : 35-55-75)—'Three Loves' (M-G) and, on vaude bill, Benny Fields and team of Block and Sully. Stage show not strong enough to make up for weakness of feature and $18,500 looks the answer, disappointing. In ahead, 'Sing You Sinners' (Par) (2d run) and Duke Ellington, under $23,000, oke but considerably below hopes. TOWN'-VAUDE TOP BALT0. $16,0(10 Baltimore, Sept. 27. Strong product helping maintain steady pace all around here. 'Boys Town' and new 'Musical Divertisse- ment' stage flash at Loew's Century fighting it out for town's lead with combo Hipp featuring strong line-' up of 'I Am the Law' and Ina Ray Hutton's orch, but Tracy-Rooney film is out front by comfortable margin. Nicely building is 'Sing You Sin- ners,' which left the barrier Satur- day night (24) and is holding up strongly. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 25-35-40-55) — 'Boys Town' (M-G) plus new 'Musical Divertissement* stage flash. Drawing them in to solid $16,000. Last week, second of 'Marie Antoinette' (M-G), held nicely to $9,200 after bango opening session of $18,900. Hippodrome (Rappaport) 2,205; 15-25-35-40-55-65)—'Am Law' (Col) coupled to Ina Ray Hutton's orch. Maintaining steady pace to $14,000. Last week, 'Annabel' (RKO), thanks to strong vaude layout headed by p.a. of Chester Morris, got satisfac- tory $12,900. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,460; 15- 25-35-40-55)—'Sinners' (Par). Good $9,000. Last week. • /e days of 'Sail- ing Along' (G-B), n.g. $2,800. New (Mechanic) (1.558; 15-25-35- 55)—'Lucky Star' (20th) (2d week). Mild pace to possible $3,000 oft strength of dc.vtime play after un- eventful starting session of $4,300. Stanley (WB) (3.250; 15-25-35-40- 55)—'Daughters' <WB) (3d week). Cashing in on good comment to pos- sible $6,500 after rosy total of $22,400 for two previous weeks played.