Variety (Oct 1938)

Wednesday, October 5, 1938 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY II Inside Stuff-Pictures Marcella Burke's tieing up of 'Wrong-Way' Douglas Corrigan was ef- fected "through her old-time friend, the U. S. Minister to Ireland, by cable. It was done just that way, when the former Hollywood fan scribbler wired Minister John Cudahy to please see to it that she gets the in on Corrigan's future film or stage chores, and Corrigan respected the ambassador's re- quest. "Rowland Brown, her collaborator, got in through a prior hunch when he and Miss Burke both figured that Corrigan might need future Hollywood management. Since then their script for the flyer has been jiixed by RKO and a new one is being authored, although they're being compensated. Prospects of foreign complications over 'Devil's Island' are still causing Jitters at Warners, although the picture has been toned down to salve the feelings of France; Film is a tragic story of life in the penal colony. Early in the shooting, the French consul raised objections which have continued ever since. To soothe Gallic pride, the studio shot an apolo- getic foreword and an epilogue complimenting France on its decision to sencl no more prisoners to the infamous island. E. J. (Ted) Crosby, Bing's brother, who is personnel manager of the Washington Water Power Co. of Spokane, has shot a film of the company's bus system that replaced street cars there. The film runs 18 minutes and is accompanied by a sound track with narrative by company official. Crosby shot the picture primarily at request of American Transit Assn. for showing at fall convention. Copies of film also made available for 4civic aild neighborhood clubs in Spokane. RKO is among the first 50 largest direct mail users In this country, ac- cording to a compilation- fji the Direct Mail Advertising Assn. RKO sub' jnits its campaign to this association, annual convention of which will be Iield in Chicago Sept. 28-29 when awards and winning campaigns will b^ announced. The direct mail promotion of RKO, only picture company to b* represented in the competition, is handled by Leon J.'Bamberger, company's sales promotion chief at the- h.o. Unusual number of phonies seeking passes to New York theatres'.in past weeks has resulted in a stiff campaign to frustrate the practice. The Broadway first-run picture houses are now checking back on all requests by phone. On 10th anniversary of Mickey Mouse, RKO estimates that the Walt Disney cartoon character was playing in about 4,000 theatres throughout the country last week. Distributors of Mickey Mouse shorts series gen- trally inaugurate new season on anniversary of cartooA character. Dualing of the Universal reissues of 'Dracula* apd 'Frankenstein' as an ftU-horiJor attraction is drawing biz in several keys. Currently the combo Is winding up a nine-day stay in Kansas City. Combo is also ending a two-week run at the Rialto, Denver, this week. Pair of scream-inducers played two weeks at the Rivoli, Portland, Ore, Motion Picture Relief Fund is in better condition than at any time in Jts history, in spite of a 50% rise in the number of cases handled. Next financial report to be issued by president Jean Hersholt will show a bal- anced-budget, eliminating of waste and an income boosted sufficiently to pay off the bank indebtedness. RKOfs recently previewed 'A Man to Remember' has. been revealed as an una)inounced remake of 'One Man's Journey.' It was made by that ftudio in 1933, starring Lionel Barrymore. HUB FLOOD NO TOWN' DAMPER, BIG $3i000 Boston, Oct. 4. 'Boyji Town,' at two Loew houses. Is the only smackeroo here and lead- ing all other films by a mile. 'Four Daughters' held over at the Met, but not maintaining satisfactory pace, ( "Youth Takes a Fling' is weak, as is ^ing of Alcatraz.' ^sHood-hurricane troubles in the Suburbs is current alibi for most film house managers and there is some- thing in it, because the suburbanites are buying essentials and laying off luxuries for a while. Estimates for This Week Fenway (M&P) (1,332; 25-35-40-55) •-'Alcatraz' (Par) and 'Touchdown Army' (Par), double. Medium $5,500 Indicated. Last week, 'Giants' (WB) and 'Murder' (20th), dual, $5,500. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 25- 85-40-55)—'Youth Fling' (U) and •Annabelle' (RKO), dual. Tepid, around $13,000. Last week, 'Lucky Star' (20th) (2d week) and 'Secre- .tary» (U), adequate $12,500. . Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 25-35- <0-55)-^'Daughters' (WB) and 'Con- fessions' (Par) (2d wk.). Not holding yp, around $10,000; yanked tonight (Tuesday). First week very good $18,500. ^ Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 25-35-40- 55)—'Boys Town' (M-G) and 'Lady Objects' (Col), dual. Smash $20,000. Cofeature retarding turnover and higher gross. Last week, 'Am Law' (Col) and 'Gladiator' (Col), double, fizzled, $11,000. Paramount (M&P) (1,797; 25-35-40- 05)—'Alcatraz' (Par) and 'Touch- down Army' (Par), dual. Pale $7,500. f-ast week, 'Murder' (20th) and Giants' (WB)^ double, $7,700. Scollay (M&P) (2,538; 25-35-40-50) Spawn' (Par) and 'Numbers' (20th), dual (2d run). N.s.g. $5,000. I'ast week, 'Boy Girl' (WB) and 'Kid' (Rep), dual, 2d run, $5,500. State (Loew) (3,600; 25-35-40-55)— poys Town' (M-G) and 'Lady Ob- jects' (Col), dual. Very big, $14,000. Holdover indicated. Last week. 'Am Lav (Col) and 'Gladiator' (Col), double, sadj;f,500. RKO-B&K Deal Negotiations for the contr-acting of RKO product for the 1938-39 season in the Balaban & Katz houses are under way in Chicago, with Jules Levy, RKO's gen. sales man- ager, having gone out to personally discuss the deal. On its conclusion, John Balaban is expected in New York on other matters. Levy closed a contract with the Comerford circuit on the '38-39 pro- gram before he left for Chicago. Comerford deals involves more than 100 theatres in New York and Penn- sylvania. HEIDT-'NUMBERS' NICE $18,000 IN K. C. Kansas City, Oct, 4. Tower leads the town currently with Horace Heidt's orch and 'Safety in Numbers;' Combo is ringing up large numbers and is nudging the house record set by Benny Goodman only two weeks ago. In the line of straight films, the Midland, with 'You Can't Take It with You,' holds a promine'nt upper hand. House is singlC'-feature for first time since 'Antoinette.' Estimates for This Week Esquire (Fox-Midwest) (820; 10- 25-40-55)—'Lucky Star' (20th) (2d week). Satisfactory at $3,000. First eight days, $6,000; okay. Midland (Loew's (3,573; 10-25-40) —'Can't Take It' (Col). May get up to $15,000, good. Last week, 'Hot Handle' (M-G) and 'Lady Objects' (Col), heavy $17,000, Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10- 25-40)—'Four's Crowd' (FN) and 'Sons of Legion' (Par). Opened Thursday (29) and likely to play eieht days to $6,000, good. Last week, 'Sinners' (Par), held the screen solo for nine-day spell and was angelic at $7,500. Orpheum (RKO) (1.500; 10-25-40) —'Room Service' (RKO). With a Thursday opening and a sneak pre- view earlier in the week, expected to go eight days for $7,300, good. Last week, 'Daughters' (FN), good $6,500, Tower (Fox-Midwest) (2.200; 10- 25-35-55)—'Numbers' (20th) with Horace Heidt's orch on stage. Heidt crew the reason for the biz and in the top bracket at $18,000. Doing four and five shows daily, whereas Benny Goodman did five and six daily two weeks past and exceeded that figure only $2,000, or so. Last week, 'Co-Ed' (20th) with vaude headed by Johnny Perkins, poor $7,000. Uptown (Fox-Midwest) (10-25-40) —'Dracula' (U) and 'Frankenstein' (U). Held over two extra days (Fri. and Sat), with 'Letter' (U) solo for remainder of the week. Horror films in nine days around $8,000, extremely unusual here. McCarthy film in five days looks for about $2,500, average. TAKE IT'-VAODE HH31 $22,090 IN WASH. Washington, Oct. 4. 'You Can't Take It with You' is walking ay^ay with things this week with sock build-up, smash reviews and word-of-mouth combining to give it biggest rep of any pic in weeks. Grosses all down the line are un- doubtedly bolstered by wealth of bally on Washington Go-to-t^e- Movies Week, promoted jointly by all major chains as highlight of cur- rent film drive. Instance of kind of stuff the boys cooked up is 20- page pull-out section which Dally News issued in honor of week, ads being drawn from local merchants, with all editorial space strictly on Go-to-the-Movies Week and com- ing fiicker season. Estiniates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 25-35-40-66) —'Algiers' (UA) and vaude. Light name stage show leaving it all up to pic and it won't beat light $17,500. Last week, 'Lucky Star' (2Qth) and vaude, light $17,000. ; Columbia (Loew) (1.242;. 25-40)— 'Has Nancy' (M-G) (2d run). Into small house after good week at Capitol and should get oke $4,000. Last week. 'Alexander' (20th) (2d run), big $5,500 in second week of repeat. Earle (WB) (2.216; 25-35-40-66)— 'Can't Take It' (Col) and vaude. Pic carrying the bill and leading town with swell. $22,000. Last weekr 'Daughters' (WB) and vaude. built over estimate to pocket big $21,800. Keith's (RKO) (1.830; 35-55) — 'Room Service' (RKO) (2d wk). Holdover dropping in face opposi- tion, but will get satisfactory $6,500. Last week, same pic, big $14,000. Met (WB) (1,600; 25-40)—'Daugh- ters' (WB) (2d run). Shoved into smaller house right after swell week at Earle and momentum should carry it to nice $6,500. Last week, 'Actress' (WB), satisfactory .$4,300. Palace (Loew) (2,363; 35-55) — 'Boys Town' (M-G) (2d run). Put into ace first-run spot after sock week at Capitol and beating average holdover figure by $3,000 to get probable $12,500. 'BOYS TOWN' $10,000; PROV. HUNGRY FOR PIX Gold Rush in Mpk; Coodman Hypoing 'Giants' to Record 27G, Town Providence, Oct. 4. Lack of first run pic fare for 10- day period had houses doing swell biz on reopenings. RKO Albee, Loew's State and Majestic reopened Saturday (1). Strand opened Mon- day (3). Carlton opener will ,be de- layed at least another week, ^yhile Fay's, facing complete redecoraition, will be closed for at least a month. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2.200; 25-35-50)— 'Breaking Ice' (RKO) and 'Annabel' (RKO), Pic appeal helping house to swell $8,500. Last week dark. State (Loew) (3,200; 25-35-50)— 'Boys Town' (M-G) and 'Lady Ob- jects' (Col). Resumed program where interrupted by the hurricane and still pacing for knockout $15,000. Last week dark. Majestic. (Fay) (2,300; 25-35-50)— 'Daughters' (WB) and 'Danger on the Air' (U). Healthy biz giving house banner week with $10,000, swell. Last week dark. Strand (Indie) (At Metropolitan) (3,100; 25-35-40)—'Gladiator' (Col) and 'Bulldog Drummond in Africa' (Par). Scheduled three-day run promising house $3,500, fair. Last week dark. PIX GET B'KLYN BIZ 'Spawn' 24G, 'Boys Town' 18G, Good, But Vaude N.S.G. Brooklyn, Oct. 4. 'Spawn of North,' at Fabian Para- mount, and 'Boys "Town,' at Loew's Metropolitan will gamer all the dough in downtown region this seme- ster. RKO Albee, with 'Hold That Co-ed' plus Arthur Murray's 'Dance Cavalcade' on stage, is not so hot. Strand is running behind with vaude and single feature on screen. Estimates for This Week Albee (3,274; 25-35-50)—'Co-Ed' (20th) and 'Fugitive Night' (RKO) plus Arthur Murray's 'Dance Caval- cade' nightly. Only poor $14,500 ex- pected. Last week, 'Lucky Star' (20th) and 'Moto' (20th), okay $16,000. Fox (4,089; 25-50)—'Giants' (WB) and 'Leathernecks' (Rep) (2d wk). okay $12,000. First week brought $17j000, good. Met (3,618; 25-50)—'Boys Town' (M-G). Good $18,000. Last week, 'Letter' (U) and 'Strange Boarders' (G-B), okay $15,000. Paramount (4,126; 25-50)—'Spawn' (Par) and 'Barefoot Boy' (Mono). Looks big $24,000. Last week, 'Daughters' (WB) and 'Kid' (Rep) (3d-flnal wk), nice $17,000, Strand (2,870; 25-50)—'Campus Confession' (Par) plus vaude with Three Stooges. N.g. biz at $10,000. Last week, 'Gladiator' (Col.) and stage show, fair, $11,000. Del s Grid Alibi; Xavalcade'-Vaude Only Fair $18, Detroit, Oct. 4. Weekend grosses trimmed down heavily by 90,000 attendance at an- nual Michigan-Michigan State grid scrap in nearby Ann Arbor. Fox, in view of war situash in Eu- rope, is reshowing 'Cavalcade,' with Ethel Shutta topping stage show, but biz is just fair. ' Estimates foB This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40)— 'Straight, Place' (20th) (2d run), plus 'City Streets' (Col), dual. Ritz Bros., opus moved. here from Fox; paced fori okay $4,500. Last week, 'Reformatory' (Col) and 'Keep Smil-, ing' (20th), pulled in slightly over $4,000, n. g. Fox (Indie) (5,000; 30-40-65)—'Ca- valcade' (20th) (reissue), with Ethel Shutta topping Vaiide. Noel Coward flicker resurrected in view of Eu- ropean situash, ajid due for about $18,000, so-so. Last week good $23,- 400 for 'Straight, Place' (20th) plus Hugh Herbert topping stage show. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 30-40-65 >—'Daughters' (FN) plus 'Divorce Lady' (UA), dual. Former flicker given nice bally; maybe ^10,- 500, good. Last-stanza around $9,500 lor 'Texans' (Par) plus 'Campus '..Confessions' (Par). Palms State (United Detroit) (3,- 000; 30-40-50)—'Texans' (Par) (2d run) plus 'Alcatraz' (Par), dual. For- mer flicker moved here from Michi- gan; looks like $5,200, okay. Last week, 'Blockheads' (M-G) and 'Am- bulance Chaser' (M-G), $5,000, so-so- United Artists (United Detroit) (2,000; 30-40-50)—'Boys Town' (M-G) (3d week). Should finish up very profitable three-week session with okay $5,400. following weeks of $7,- 200 and $10,500. CAGNEY-VAUEE COMBO SOCKO 20G IN BUFFALO Buffalo, Oct. 4. Plenty of competition at down- town theatres this week, with the Buffalo, headlining Rudy Vallee, tak- ing the lead. 'Can't Take It -With You,' at the Lafayette, is skyrocket- ing to an excellent gross. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 30-35-55)— 'Boy Girl' (WB) and Rudy Vallee's orch. Looks like excellent $20,000, Last week 'Too Hot' (M-G) held up for good $16,300. Century (Shea) (3,000; 25-35)— 'Giants' (WB) and 'Crime Ring' (RKO). Good at around $7,000. Last week 'Spawn' (Par) (2rtd run), nine days for this showed fair $7,100. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-50) —'Room Service' (RKO). Indica- tions point to probable $8,500, Last week 'Antoinette' (M-G) (2nd wk), only fair $6,700. Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 25-40)—'Hot Handle' (M-G) (2d wk). May get nice $6,000 here after excellent week at Buffalo. Last week 'Co-Ed' (20th) and 'Moto' (20th), good $8,300. Lafayette (Ind.) (3,300; 25-35-50)— 'Can't Take It' (Col). With admish raised to 50c top, this is headed for highest gross in year, $16,000. Last week 'G-Men' (Col) and 'Gladiator' (Col), fair $6,800. SPABE THE HOSSES Hollywood, Oct. 4. First of Jack Randall's eight west- erns for Monogram's 1938-39 pro- gram went into action yesterday (Mon.) on location at Kernville. Titled 'Gun Packer,' it is directed by Wallace Fox from a screenplay by Robert Emmett, Minneapolis, Oct, 4. With Bennie Goodman in person, 'Boys Town' and 'Three Loves Has Nancy' on deck, the assault on the film citadels is terrific currently. Heavy loop outpourings recall happy memories of 1929 boom times. The depression, which has been in re- treat for several months, is taking its worst beating of the present fall sea- son. Goodman bids fair to set a new b.o: mark at the Orpheum, wh6re Horace neidt only a lew weeks ago broke the house recoirds. It's Gk>od- man s first local visit and he's burn- ing up the town. 'Boys' Town,' State ohering, is another box-office wnam and seems headed for the smashing figure recently chalked up in the same spot by 'Alexander's Ragtime Band.' Even the tough Goodman op- position can't keep ..this one down. ^Three Loves Has Nancy' and 'La Boheme' at the Century and World, respectively, also are giving a good account of themselves. Bang-Up exploitation campaigns for Goodman and 'Boys Town' play- ing big part in their stunning box- office success. An influx of visitors for the Nebraska-Mihn^sota football game over the week-end helped swell takings. Estimates for Thia Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)— 'Speed Burn* (20th) and 'Fugitives Night' (RKO )f dual flrst runs, split with 'Rackets' (RKO) and 'G-Man' (RKO), al$o dual first-runs. Headed for good $1,700. Last week, 'Racket. Busters' (WB) and 'Numbers' (20th), $1,400, okay. Century (Par-Singer) (1,600; 25-35- 40)—'Has Nancy' (M-G). Critics and customers falling hard for this one. Pointing toward big $6,000. Last week, 'Antoinette' (M-G) (2d week), $5,000, good, on top of splendid $12,000 in initial canto at State. Orpheum (Par-Singer) (2,800; 35- 40-55)—'Giants' (WB) and Bennie Goodman's band on stage. Goodman has town jitterbuggy. Bill Green's exploitation campaign terrific and got attraction off to fine start. May break house yecord. Did six shows Saturday and Sunday; five shows other days. Only handicap is the throngs who remain over for more than one show, preventing complete turn-overs. En route to sensational $27,000 to top slightly the house record established a few weeks ago by Horace Heidt. Last week, 'Boy Girl' (WB), $3,500, very poor. State (Par-Singer) (2,300; 25-35-40) —'Boys Town' (M-G). Rave$ for this one on every hand and the critics' superlatives, word-of-mouth boosting and great sales' campaign putting lots of coin in the till. Sure to move over to the Century for ex- tended loop run. Will top magnifi- cent $13,000. Last week. Lucky Star* (20th); $7,500, good. " Time (Berger) (290; 15-25)—'Vice Trust' (Indie) (2d week). Flash front, stressing sensationalism. Irefeo- mg this in the money. Good $1,400 indicated. First week. $1,800. bi* Uptown (Par) (1.200; 25-35)— 'Alexander* (20th). First neighbor- hood showing. Looks like very hie $5,000. Last week, 'Andy Hardy' (M-G). $3,500. good. World (.Steffes) (290: 15-25)—'La Boheme' (Poreij?n) (2d wk). Car- riage trade turning out strongly for this one, .Tan Kiepura soells box- office at this house. Good $1,600 in prospect. First week, $1,800. Pood. NO PAY DIRT IN 0! C: 'SERVICE' GOOD .mOOO Oklahoma City. Oct. 4. No big money in siPht this week, with 'Amazing Dr. Clitterbopse' set for average $,'y.500 at the Critprion. Room Service' petting around JtS.OOO at the Midwest, Nothing hut a couple of football games in the way of opposition. Estimates for Th'fi We^k .^^r/**"^'®" (Stpn) (1,500: 25-35-4n>_ 'Chtterhouse' (WB>. Avprarte $5 500. Last week, 'Co-Ed' (20th), poor ,„f'l»«rty (SfAn) (1.200; 20-25)— Blockheads' . (M-G) with .'Speed to Burn' (20th). four days. Last three T*y? Roadshow Attractions, Inc.'s 'Songs and Sj»ddles.' with Gene Austin, Candy and Co-Co on stage. Fortv cent top for last thrpe days •should boost take to $3,500. nice. Last week. 'Tough Guv' (U) and 'Men Fools' (WB), good $2,500. Midwest (Stan) (HMO: 25-35-40">— 'Room Service' (RKO). OooH $5,000. Last week, 'Carefree' (RKO), fair $4,700. • State (Noble) (1,100; 20-25)— 'Lady Objects' (Col) and Muvenile Court' (Col). Average $2..S00. Last week, 'Music Mountain' ^B-n) and 'Waterfront' (UA). good $2,600. Tower (Stan) (t.lOO; 2.'>-35)--'Care. free' (RKO). Okav $2 600. Lart week. 'Boys Town' (M-G). good $3,000.