Variety (Nov 1938)

10 VARIETY PICTURE GROSSES W^Jnesdfty, November 2, 1938 PhiDy Now Discriininating; 'Citadel' Great $18,000, but lanton Blah 9G Philadelphia, Nov. 1. Strictly a case of ultra-careful se- lection of pictures by patrons of the Philly deluxers this week. Good films are doing very good, while those that are weak are getting cor- respondingly weak returns. There-s a wider gap between top and bottom grosses this turn, excluding the Earle, than has been seen here in months. Topping the town for strength, and gaining as much by word-of-mouth as by critics' praise, is "The Citadel' at the Boyd; It's powerful at $18,000, certain" of at leafet one more lap around. On the other , hand, there's 'Mad Miss Manton' at the Fox, which is getting extremely meagre $9,000, lower than a mid-summer dud. 'Suez,' at the Star^lipy, which got poor notices, is nevertheless shoveling out better than-$17,500. Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (1,303; 42-57-68-75)— 'My Heart' (UA) (2d wM. No wise merited this second lap after poor $10,300 in the opening turn, but forced by laqk of UA product for the exchange's showcase. . Getting very skimpy $7,000 currently, Boyd (WB) (2,330; 37-57-68-75)— •Citadel' (M-G). Good reviews plus excellent word-of-mouth lending this one hefty draft for strong $18,000 and ticket on another ride. 'Listen Dar- ling' (M-G) last w^ek, n.g. al; $11,200, despite plugging it got by presence of Freddie Bartholomew at the Earle (WB) (2,758; 25-37-42-57-68) —'Five Kind' (20th). Henry Busse orch and tJlla Logan on stage. Start- ed out well, but slipping pretty " badly to $18,000. Last week 'Youth Fling' (U), with Freddie Bartholo- mew and Herbie Kay orch on boards, likewise n.s.h. at $19,000. Fox (WB) (2,423; 37-57-68-75)— •Miss Manton* (RKO). Everyone seems to be mad ait Miss Manton and she's pretty close to an aU-time Fox' low at $9,000. Last week 'Arkansas Traveler* (Par), likewise poor at $9,800. Karlton (WB) (1,066; 37-42-57-68) —•Can't iTake It' (Col) (2d run) Continuing splendid gait here at bet- ter than !S6,000. Last week 'Sisters* (WB) (2d run), highly profitable with about $7,000. Keltb's (WB) (1,870; 37-42-57-68) —'Stablemates' (M-G). Unusual sit- uash makes this actually third run, already having played de luxe Stan- ley to good biz and then the ordi- narily first-run Stanton to .excel- lent returns. Now doing satisfac- torily at-better than $4,000. Last week, 'Certain Age* (U) (2d run), /good at $4,700 after two nice weeks at Fox ftta- < (WB) (2,916; 37-57-68-75) —(20th). Slapped down by the ; this one bobbing right up again to lush $17,500. Last week •Can't Take It' (Col), got only five days of a second week in order to get the house back on a Wednesday opening policy. Garnered swell $10,- 200. Stanton (WB) (1,457; 26-42-57)— 'Girls Probation* (WB). Unexpect- ed, but pleasant, at better than $5,- 000. Last week 'Stablemates' (M-G), powerful $6,600 on continuation of first-run from Stanley. WAT Baltimore, Nov. 1. , Decided spurt all over town this week, with strong product the prob- able answer. Utilizing the spacious capacity of the Stanley to good stead, •Brother Rat' is leadihigi the prosper- ous parade, with 'Room Service' and ' •The Citadel' close behind. 'Suez' oft to a halting start and pnly fair sinbe. Estimaltes for This Week Centary (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 25-35-40-55) —'Citadel' (M-G) plus musical stage flash headed by D'Artega getting a steady play to okay $13,000. Last week, 'Listen Darling' (M-G), way oflE at $5,100. Hiopodirome (Rappaport) (2,205; 16-25-35r40-55-66) — 'Room Service* (iRKO) and vaude headed by Stroud' Twins. Hitting it off in good style to okay $12,000. Last week, 'Girls' School' (Col), thanks to home-town p.a, of Chick Webb and Ella Fitz- gerald, brought them out in rousing fashion to big $17,400. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,460: 15- S5-3S-40-55)—'King Alcatraz' (Par). Opened yesterday (Moh.) after 16 days of 'Certain Age' (U) to excel- lent tot^l of $18,800. New- (Mechanic) (1,558; 15-25-35- 55)—'Suez* (20th). Not up to ex- pectations; $4,500, just fair. Last week, 10 days of 'Five Kind* (20th), poor $3,100. Stanley (WB) (3,250; 15-25-35-40- 55)—'Brother . Rat* (WB). Leading the week's parade with socko $15,000 and a second week already in the bag. Last week, 'Arkansas Traveler' (Par), held up nicely .to fairish $6,900. ■ Heat Hits L viUe; 'Suez Good 9G, Louisville, Nov. 1. Holdover of phenomenal Indian summer weather is not conducive to film h.o.'s currently. 'Birth of Baby' finally arrived in town, but attention hardly up to expectations, 'Suez' is little better than average at the Rialto, and 'Five of a Kind* at the Strand plenty hot at matinees, but nights are slow. High school and college football garnering more patronage this year than in former seasons, and compe- tish not helping the downtown houses. Opening of fall race meet at Churchill Downs and pro tennis match between Helen Jacobs and Alice Marble Saturday (29) also hurt theatres. Estimates for This Week Brown (Loew's - Fourth. Ave.) (1,000; 15-30-40) — 'Ctablemates' (M-G) and 'Vacation Love' (M-G). Had okay week • at Loew's State short time ago and return date may tab fair $2,000. Last week, 'Can't Take' It* (Col) maintained strong pace - for third downtown stanza, winding up with $2,500. Kentucky (Switow) (900; 15-25)— 'Am Law* (Col) and 'Always Woman'■ (Col) split with 'Bengal. Lancer* (Par) and 'Sailor* (Par). Bright $1,900. Last week, 'Spawn' (Par) and 'Keep Smiling' (20th), average $1,700. Loew's State (Loew's) (3,100; IS^ 30-40)—'Citadel' (M-G) and 'Girls' School* (Col). Received the nod from critics and "bringing some class trade. Opened one day early (Thurs- day). Looks like fine $8,500. Last week, 'Listen t)arling* (M-G) and ♦Flight Fame* (Col), yanked after six days to poor $4,800. Mary: Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 15-30-40)—'Birth of Baby' (Indie). Pace slower, than anticipated. Ex ploitation dignified and steering away from anything sensatidnaL May hold, with okay $4,500 indi- cated. Last week, 'Sisters' (WB) on h.o. stanza, well above estimate at $3,400, fine. Ohio (Settos) (900; 15)—'Paradise Isle' (Mono)-and 'Hell Divers' (M-G) split with 'Missing Girls' (Mono) and 'First Lady' (WB). Perking to okay $1,400. Last week, 'Expensive Hus- bands* (WB) and 'Boy Streets' (Mono) split with 'Stand In' (UA) and 'West Shanghai' (WB), average $1,300. Rialto (Fourth Ave.) (3,000; 15-30- 40)—'Suez* and March of Time. Ex- pensive pic and strong marquee names, but cricks lukewarm. Will fall short of mark set by strong product house has been' showing during past month, but pacing for ample $9,000. Last week, 'Arkansas Traveler* (Par) and. 'Touchdown Army' (Par), robust $10,000. Strand (Fourth Ave.) (1,400; 15-30- 40,-^'Five Kind* (20th) and. 'Mr. Doodle'- (RKO). Pictorial record of life in the day of the quints pulling hefty matinee- trade, but night, traf- fic on the light side. Should round out for good $4,000. Last week, 'Dracula (U) and 'Frankenstein* (U) proved winner to time of profitable $6,000 in eight days. took an Omaha gal to the Nebraska- Missouri football game. Estimates for This Week Avenue - Dundee - Military (Gold- berg) (950-650-810; 10-25)—Alexan- der' (20th) and 'Over Wall' (FN), dual, first half, split with 'Wild Night' (20th), first run, 'Am Law' (Col) and 'Penrod's Double' (FN), tripler, last half. Headed for $2,500, excellent. Last week 'Andy Hardy' (M-G) and 'Texans' (Par), dual, first hall, split with 'Carefree' (RKO) and 'Passport Husband' (20th), dual^ $2,- 300, very good. Brandeis (Singer-RKO) (1,260; 10- 25-35-40)—'Garden of Moon* (FN) and Secrets i Actress* (EN), dual. AiiAing at $6,600, swell. Last week 'Man to Remember* (RKO) and 'An- nabel' (RKO), dual, $3;200, poor. Omaha (Blank) (2,200; 10-25-40)— 'Stablemates* (M-G) and 'Mr. Cl>ump, (WB), dual (2d wk). Dropped off bddly for $6,000, fairish. Last week, same bill, sbcko $10,^500. Orpheum (Blank) (3,000; 10-25-40), ■'Suez' (20th) and 'Keep Smiling* (20th), dual. Looks, like terrific $12,500, almost double house's averr age. Last week 'Certain Age' (U). and 'Bloekheads* (M-G), dual, ended strong for smash $11;100. Paramount (Blank) (3,000; 10-15- 25)_'Dracula* (U) and 'Franken- stin* (U), dual reissues. Opening bill looks good for $6,500, dandy. Town (Goldberg) (1,230; 10-25-25) .-T-'American Gangbusters* (SR). 'Moto Takes Chance' (20th) and 'Desperate Adventure* (Rep), first- run tripler, split with 'Colorado Trail' (Col), first run. 'Carefree* (RKO) and 'Over Wall' (FN). $1,800, very good.. Last week 'King Sierras' (GN), first run, 'FPI' (20th-reissue) and 'Life Begins 40' (20th-reissue), tripler, split with 'Danger on Air* (U), first run, 'Gladiator' (Col) and 'Young Fugitives' (U), tripler, fair- ish $1,500. RDSSELL^DONAT GOOD mOOO IN SfrSOCINCY Hpls. Has Plenty Headaches; Durbin Big $10,000, lings Flapping OK $7,000 OMAHA CHEERY 'Suez' Very Stronsr $12 500—^"Drac*- •Frank' Scarer, $6,500 Omaha, Nov. 1. 'Suez' at the Orpheum is the out- standing b. o. this jveek with all downtown houses reporting very satisfactory business. Orph's bill aiming at $12,500 and may end with even better figure. Hallowe'en spirit was hypo for week-end grosses.- Orpheum had a Saturday midnight 'jitterbug jafn- boree* contest which may become weekly feature when pepped up con- siderably. A 'natural' midnight show was a double-scare bill at the Paramount, just opened by Tri- States after being dark twd years. .House may be kept open for move- overs and trick bills, says district manager Evert Cummings.. Mickey Rooney here two days on way to Oklahoma City. Made two p.a.'s and Cincinnati, Nov. 1. Only three major houses offering fresh releases currently and biz in the main is so-so. Top' grosser is 'Citadel,* which is collecting a good t£.ke at Albee. Next best is 'Arkan- sas Traveler* at the Palace. Lyric is i^^uble featuring 'King of Alca- traz' and 'Freshman-Year* to sorry returns.' Of the holdover product, 'Can't Take It' is rounding out fifth and final week at the Shubert in nifty fashion. It will be followed by 'Drums* (UA) for a run. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 35-42)—'Cita- del' (M-G). Good $13,000. Last week, 'Sisters* (WB), fairly good $11,000. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 35-42)— 'Stablemates' (M-G) (2d run). Very good $5,500. Last week, 'Certain A'-3* (U) (2d run), pleasing $4,500. Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-25)— 'Wanted Police' (Mono), ?Under Western Stars* (Rep), 'Fugitives* singly. Average $2,100. Ditto last week on 'Crime Holiday' (Col), 'I jathernecks' (Rep), 'Mr. Doodle' (RKO),- separate. Grand (RKO) (1,200; 25-40)—'Boys Town' (M-G) (2d week). Third-run holdover. Strong $3,000. Last week, same pic, big $4,500. Keith's (Libson) (1,500; i35-42)— 'Sisters' (WB). (2d run). Okay $4v500. Last week, 'Garden Moon' (WB), fairly good $4,200. Lyric (RK(D) a,40d; 35-42)—'King Alcatraz' (Par) and 'Freshman Year' (U). Sad $3,000. Last week, 'Dra- cula' (U) and 'Frankenstein* (U) (re- issues) '(2d week), slow $3,000. Palace. (RKO) (2.600; 35-42)— 'Arkiansas Traveler* (Par). Started slow, but helped by swell notices and building to nice $10,000. Last week, 'Stablemates' (M-G), socko $16,000. Shubert (RKO) (2,150; 35-40-55)— 'Can't Take If (Col) (5th-final. week). Dandy $5,000. Last week (4th), smash $6,500. 'SUEZ' BIG $7,000; fflPTOA HYPOES 0. C. Oklahoma City, Nov. 1. MPTOA decorations all over town and star-plugging for personal ap- pearances at Movie Ball tonight (Tuesday) setting stage for cracker- jack week at all houses. Estimates t6t This Week Criterion (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40)— 'Suez' (20th). Very strong week at $7,000. Last week 'Hot Handle* (M- G), swell $6,900. Liberty (Stan) (1,200; 20-25)— 'Girls Probation' (WB) and 'Sky Giant* (RKO), split with 'Crime Ring' (RKO) and 'The Storm* (U), okay at $2,500. Last week 'Mr. Doodle*. (RKO) and 'Wives. Suspi- cion* (U).' split with 'Freshman Year* (U) and 'Wild Night' (20th), average $2,300. Midwest (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40)— 'Citadel' (M-G). Fair .$4,000. Last week 'Stablemates' (M-G), okay- $4,500. State (Noble) (1.100; 25-40)— •Can't Take It' (Col) (2d wk). Plenty good $6,500. Hast week colossal $7,500. Tower (Stan) (1,000; 25-35)—'Hot Handle' (M-G) (2d run). Nice $3,- 000. Last week 'Daughters' (WB) spit with 'Certain Age' (U),' slow $2,100. Frisco No Like Quake, kt 'Sis Strong $15,000 San Francisco. Nov. 1. Although 'Men With Wings' isn't sending the Fox take sky high this week, biz at this big house is never- theless plenty good. Next best thing among the newcomers is 'Sisters,* action of which is set in San Fran- cisco, at War field. Estimates for This Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-55-75)— 'Men Wings' (Par). Crix raved about picture as a spectacle and its color, but did not hand the story much. Biz v.g. at $19,000. Last week (2hd), 'Sinners* (Par) and 'Girls Probation' (WB), poor $7,500. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55) — Kid' (Rep) and Benny Meroff on stage. Gate is having a bad time of it this week; meagre $12,000. Last week, 'Mr. Doodle' • (RKO) and Gypsy Rose Lee stage show, sweet $21,000. Orpheum (P&M) (2.440; 35-55)— 'Certain Age' (U) and 'Personal Sec- retary' (U) (2nd wk). Durbin sec- ond stanza a honey at $10,000. Last week biz plenty sweet at $16,000. Paramount (F-WC) (2,740; 35-55- 75)—'If King* (Par) and 'Always Trouble' (20th) (2nd wk). Colman's second week good $10,000. Last week, healthy $16,500. St. Francis (F-WC) (1,470; 35-55- 75)—'Boys Town* (M-G) and 'Vaca- tion Love* (M-G) (5th wk). Will close this week after a grand run; around $6,000. Last week, good $6,500. United Artists (Cohen) (1,200; 35- 55-65)—'My Heart* (UA). Mixed notices, but audience reaction pretty good. In for two weeks, with first stanza geared for fair enough $9,000. Last week (5th), 'Drums* (UA), strong $5,000. Warfield (F-WC) (2.680; 35-55-75) —'Sisters' (WB) and 'Sharpshooters' (20th). Bette Davis and Errol Flynn plenty okey at b.o., although San Franciscans get plenty peeved when Hollywood drags out its earthquake. First week will get $15,000. Last week, 'Arkansas Traveller' (Par) and 'Touchdown Army' (Par), disap- pointing $10,000. Every State to Get A _ Ride in Colored Shorts Hollywood, Nov. 1. Harry Wurtzel .and Gilbert Pratt teamed up as Sunset Productions to film a series of' featiirettes in color, to be known as 'U.S. On Parade.* Stories, running from two to four reels, will be .based on the historical and industrial background of each of the. states. Films will be made at General Service studio, starting In three weeks. Now It May Be Miami Convention of the Paramount the- atre department headed by Y. Frank Freeman, a. director of the parent company, may be held in Miami in- stead of New Orleans. Present plans are to date it some time in March. First convensh of Par theatres held since Freeman came in was in Miami in March, 1937, concurrent with the conclave there of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America. Minneapolis, Nov. 1. . A quartet of strong screen attrac> tions, including two holdovers, mak- ing a valiant fight to overcome sev- eral adverse influences that bid fair to throttle grosses. Films are 'That Certain; Age,* 'Men With Wings,* 'FbUr Daughters' atid 'Drums'—first two named being the newcomers. The Minnesota-Northwestern foot- ball game in Chicago drained the loop of more than 6,000 potential cus- tomers over the weekend. Heavy real , estate t^ix payments due this week also carving hefty chunks' out of most exchequers and leaving less to spend on .entertainment for the moment. In the bargain, therie has been a general business drop during the past fortnight, which seems to have a- restraining influence on thea- tre attendance.' Reopening of the old Grand, dark for more thaij^ four years, is putting some zest into loop activity. House, completely remodeled and now called the Gopher, is a beauty of a show house that adds one more to the downtown first-runs. Estimates for This Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)— 'Annabel* (RKO) and 'Moto* (20th), dual first-runs, split with 'Renegade Ranger* (RKO) and 'Flight Fame* (Col), also dual first-runs. Looks like satisfactory $1,600. Last week, 'Crim« Holiday' (Col) and 'Breaking Ice' (RKO), dual first runs, split with 'Mysterious Rider' (Par) and 'Per- sonal Secretary' (U), $1,800, good. Century (Par-Singer) (1.600; 25-35- 40)—'Daughters* (FN) (2d week). Moved here for extension of first run after big week at State. Still rolling along and will turn in another nice profit. Good $4,000 indicated. Last week, 'Five Kind' (20th), $4,500. fair. Gopher (Par-Singer) (1,200; 25)— 'Gateway' (20th). Curiosity over what's practically a new loop theatre bringing in the shekels. En route to $3,000, good. Orpheum (Par-Singer) (2,800; 25- 35-40)—'Certain Age' (U). Raves for this one from all sides, plus star's pulling power, spells very healthy $10,000. Last week, 'Arkansaw Trav- eler' (Par), $4,000, light. State (Par-Singer) (2,300: 25-35-40) —'Men Wings* (Par). Extra heavy advertising and exploitation for this one. Opinions divided. Pretty good $7,000 indicated. Last week 'Daugh- ters* (FN), $0,000, big. Time (Berger) (290; 15-25)—'Club de Femmes* (French) (2d run) (2d wk). Going along at satisfactory clip; looks like $600. First week, $800, okeh. Uptown (Par) (1,200; 25-35)—'Anr toinette* (M-G). First nabe showing soaring to good $3,000. Last weel^ 'Sinners* (Par), $2,500, okay. World (Steffes) (350; 25-35-40-55)— 'Drums* (UA) ,.(3d wk). Holding to profitable gait. Reaching toward good $1,600. Last week, $2,000, good. 'Citadel' 'Suez Pace Prov., 13G And 8G, Respec Providence, Nov. 1. Nothing terrific about biz in these parts, though most stands doing slightly above average. Loew's is tops with 'Citadel,' followed by 'Suez,* at Majestic, and 'Mad Miss Manton,' at Albee. Estimates f«|^ This Week Albee (RKO) ,(2,200; 25-35-50)— 'Miss Manton* (RKO) and 'Swing Cheer* (U). Getting oke $7,500. Last week,-'MaA Remember* (RKO) and •Mr. Doodle' (RKO), fair $7,000. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 25-35- 50)—'Four's Crowd' (WB) and .'Girls Probation' (WB) (2d run). Heading for so-so $3,500. Last week, 'Stable- mates* (M-G) and 'Vacation Love* (M-G) (2d run), nice $5,000. Fay's (2.000; 25-35-40)—'Wives Sus- picion* (U) and vaude. Pacing for sweir $7,500. Last week, 'Straight, Place' (20th), $7,500. State (Loew) (3,200; 25-35-50)— 'Citadel* (M-G) and 'Leathernecks' (Rep). Pulling house to swell $13,000. Last week, 'Drums' (UA) and 'Re- formatory' (Col), good $12,000. Majestic (Fay) (2,300; 25-35-50)— 'Suez' (20th) and 'Meet Girls' (20th). Neat $8,000. Last weelc, 'Fours Crowd' (WB) and 'Girls Probation' (WB), good $7,500. Playhouse (Indie) (1,400:. 20-35)— 'Convicted' (Col) and vaude. Open-^ ing • tomorow (Wed.). Last week, 'Marines Here' (U) and vaude, fair $4,000.