Variety (Dec 1938)

PtCTURE GROSSES Wcdneedaj, December 7, 1938 Falireiiheit of 88 No Tonic to L A.; Young' $19,700, 'Rapture Medium I; 'Angels' and 'Age Firm Los Angeles, Dec, 6. Unseasonable heat over the week- end, with the mercury hitting 88 on Sunday, drove prospects to the beaches and away from theatres. Holdovers, which include 'Dirty Faces,' 'Certain Age' and 'Citadel' are standing up better than new- comers, ^but combined take for town will be considerably below normal. 'Young in Heart' will bring a com- bined gross o£ around $19,700 to the State and Chinese, while 'Dark Rap- ture,' first Universal to play the house in years, will give the Para- mount a fair $10,000, six days, Or- pheum Is away below average and continued first run houses, Wilshire and United Artists, will be lucky to hit a combined $6,500. Estimates (or This Week Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,024; 30-40-55-75) 'Young in Heart' (UA) and 'Always in Trouble' (20th) dual. Unusual advertising approach is building this pair to medium $9^200. Last week 'Submarine Patrol' (20th) and 'Five of Kind' (20th), just fair $8,800. Downtown (WB) (l-,800; 30-40-55- «5)—'Angels With Dirty Faces' (WB) (2nd week). Looks like good $10,000 after first week finished v^ith excel- lent $15,000. , Four Star (F-WC-UA) (900; 40-55) —'Citadel' (MG) (3rd week). Hold- ing for good returns on third stanza which will bring around ^,000; sec- ond week, excellent $5,700. Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55- 65)—'Dirty Faces' (WB) (2nd week). Still running behind its day-dater Downtown, but will get $8,00& on second week, ,. which okay. First week $13,200, very good. Orphenm (Bdwy.) (2,280; 25-30-35- 40)—'West of Tombstone' (RKO) and 'Broadway Musketeers' (WB) dual and vaudeville. Public just not re- sponding so will have to be satisfied with slim $5,500. Last week, Touchdown, Army' (Par) and 'Va- catirbn from Love' (MG), only reached $9,000. below anticipations. Pantages (Pan) (2,812-30-40-55)— 'Certain Age' (U) (2nd week) and' 'Swing Cheer' (U) dual. Holding for firm $7,000 on second week after initial week's take of good $14,000. Opus holding for three .days of a third round. Paramount (Par) (3,595; 30-40-55)-^ 'Dark Rapture' (U) and stage show. House w'^nt into thci outside market to get this week's feature, and despite novelty of film best in sight is fair $10,000 for a six-day session. Last Week, second week of 'If I Were King* (Par), very satisfactory $14,- 700. EKO (2,872; 30-40-55)— 'Certain Age* (U) (2nd week) and 'Swing Cheer' (U) dual. Nearly 50% drop on second stanza for around $8,000, but holding for three days of a third week. First week within few dollars of excellent $15,000. State (Loew-Fox) (2,414; 30-40-55- 75)—'Young in Heart' (UA) anl 'Al- ways Trouble' (20th) dual. Not much profit in sight at $10,500. Last week. 'Sub Patrol' (20th) and 'Five of Kind' (20th), $12,000. United Artists (F-WC) (2,100; 30- 40-55)— 'Sub Patrol' (20th) and 'Five Kind' (20th) dual. Will hit slim $2,600 on moveover. Last week, sec- ond stanza of 'Great Waltz' (MG) and moveover of 'Dr. Kildare* (MG), fair $4,300. Wilshire (F-WC) (2,296; 30-40-55- 65)—'Sub Patrol' '(20th) and 'Five Klnd'»j(20th) dual. Biz off about 30% so wjU wind up with $3,800. . Last weeki 'Great Waltz,' (MG) second week, and 'Kildare' (20th), continued first fun, very good $7,300. Of King' $6,000, *Law' Nice WzGf Okla. City Oklahoma City, Dec. 6. •If I Were King' opening strong at the Criterion. 'Submarine Patrol' $4,500 at Midwest, and 'I Am the Law' same at State. 'Cowboy and Lady* shifted to Tower after largest gross at Criterion last week since 'Ragtime' pulled in $10,000 at the Midwest. Estimates for This Week Criterion (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40)— •If King' (Par). Hitting upper brack- ets for $6,000. Last week, 'Cowboy and Lady' (UA) moved into the big- time for $7,900. Liberty (Stan) (1,200; 20-25-40)— •Valley of Giants' (WB) and 'Secrets of Actress* i^VB), Probably seven- day run at okay $2,500. Last week, 'Miss Manton* (RiCO) and 'Man Re- member* (RKO) corraled plenty good $4,000, seven days. Midwest (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40)— 'Submarine Patrol' (20th). Okay $4,500. Last week, 'Around Comer' (20th) slowed down to $4,000. Siait (Noble) (1,100; 20-25-40)—'I Am Law* (Col). Doing sweet $4,- OOei Last week, 'Girls School' (Col) Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week ...$269,000 {Based on 12 theatres) Total Gross Same Week Last Tear $261,600 (.Based on 12 theatres) and 'Romance of Llmberlost' (Mono) did jumbo $5,000. Tower (Stan) (1,000; 25-35)—'Cow- boy and Lady' (UA) after one week at Criterion. Slated for okay $2,500. Last week, 'Young Heart' (UA), also moveover from Criterion, stalled at $2,250. D. C IS TEPID; MUMS'-VAUDE $17,0W Washington, Dec. 6. Slush and rain, coupled with defi- nite arrival of. pre-Christmas slump has every b.o. in town imder expec- tations.- 'Drums,' which has had long build-up starting with swank pre- view early in fall, is leading with 'Hard to Get' second. Keith's went to town on 'A Man to Remember,' selling it as the surprise pic of ttlS year. Result was expected light opening but a steady build which should give at least average take. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 25-35-40-66) —'Dntms' (UA) and vaude. Lengthy build-up shoving it into lead over light opposition with passable $17,000. Last week, 'My Heart' (UA) dropped -to weak $15,000. Colnmbia (Loew) (1,234; 25-40) — •Shining Hour' (M-G) (2d run). Back on malnstem after oke stay at Capi- tol and shooting at good $6,000 for €ight days. Last week, 'Around Cor- ner' (20th)'(2d nm) slipped to light $3 000 Earie (WB) (2,216; 25-35-40-66) — 'Hard to Get' (WB) and vaude. Dick Foran p.a. sonie help, but week won't beat $15,000. all right. Last week, 'Angels' (WB) dropped to still good $18,000. Keith's (RKO) a,830; 35-55)—'Man Remember' (RKO). Critics raves and hold-over of 'Ferdinand* will carry pic to at least average-^$6,500. Last week, 'Peck's Bad Boy' (RKO) thanked 'Ferdinand' and 'March of Time' for most of $5,800. Met (WB) (1,600; 25-40) — 'Men Wings' (Par) (2d run). Return after okay stay at Earle, sizes up to $4,500, average.. Last week, 'Girls' School' (Col) got by with $3,700. Palace (Loew) (2,242; 35-55) — •Great Waltz' (M-G) (2d wk). Solid $9,000. Last week same pic built over expectations to good $17,000. 'Heart'-'Guys* $6,500, Colman ^YzG*, Poit. Portland, Ore., Dec. 0. •Young in Heart' opened to a ter- rific play at Parker's Broadway and will hold. 'If I Were King* is also socko at the Paramount Orpheum held 'Ferdinand, the Bull' for a sec- ond week, although changing its fea- ture pix. 'Ferdinand' short ia a biz- getter. After going legit for two days with Cornelia Otis Skinner, the Rivoli has a second week of 'Assassin of Youth.' This pic about the marihuana evil tripled that house's normal biz in its first week. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (2.000: 30-35- 40)_'Young Heart' (UA) and 'Little Tough Guys' (U), Answered to ad- vance exploitation for strong $6,500 and may hold. Last week, 'Cowboy and Lady' (UA) closed an okay sec- ond week for $4,500 after big $8,300 first week. . „ ^ Mayfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,- 500; 30-35-40)—'Can't Take It' (Col) (8th week). Still going well with $2,200. Seventh week boosted by Thanksgiving to swell $3,500. Orpheam (Hamtlck - Evergreen ) (1,800; 30-35-40)—'Thanks for Mem- ory' (Par) and 'King Alcatraz' (Par). Fair $4,000. Last week, 'Around Cor- ner' (20th) and 'Girls' School' <Col), $5,000, nice. . , ^ Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen) (3,000; 30-35-40)—'M King* (Par) and 'Man Remember* (RKO). Well ex- ploited and heading for okay $5,500. Last week, 'Submarine Pattrol* (20th) and 'Five of Kind* (20th). Fair $4,800. Rivoli (Indie) (1,100; 20-25)—'As- sassin of Youth* <Indie) and 'Num•^. bered Women* (Indie) (2d week). Continues to pile up big returns for this house at $2,500. First week tripled normal bi2 with $4,700. United ArUsts (Parker) (1,000; 30- 35.40 )_'Angels* (WB) and 'His Ex- citing Night' (WB). Second week fine $4,000. First week closed strong ^5,200. 'Can't Take It' EO.-'Ferdinand' Top Frisco, 14G; 'Citadel' Dual $13, for 'Gladiator'-Mackslone 14G, Mo; Iksart,' Vaude Steady $13,000 Baltimore, Dec. 6. Spotty doings here. Two houses utilized flesh out in front by wide margin over rest of downtowners. Hipp, giving magic show of Black- stone plenty of bally in connection with showing of 'The Gladiator' and h.0. of Disney's 'Ferdinand,' leading the parade, closely followed by Loew's Century with "Young in Heart' ttnd stage flash headed by Ken Whitmer. Second pick-up expected for 'An- gels With Dirty Faces' at . Stanley didn't materialize with only consola- tion a fairish night-time play, but not enough. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 25-35-40-55)—'Young Heart' (UA) and stage show headed by Ken Whitmer. Maintaining a steady pace to okay $13,000. Last week 'West with Hardys* (M-G), rosy $15,400 in spite of bad weather and snowed out Thanksgiving. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,205; 15-25-35-40-55-66)—'Gladiator* (Col) plus Blackstone's magic layout and h.o. of Disney's 'Ferdinand.* Getting town's trade with bullish $14,000. Last week 'Peck's Bad Boy' (RKO) 'Can't Take It' M "Sonata' 2>/^, Ms, Top Mpls.; W Hour' Off Minneapolis, Dec. 6. Pre-Christmas doldrums continue here, and box office statements for the .most part are telling sad stories. Exceptions, however, are two of the hold-overs-'You Can't Take It With You' and 'Moonlight Sonata,' at the Orpheum and World, respectively. Two strong newcomers, 'Shining Hour' and 'Great Waltz,' are not get- ting the attention they nierit. Heav- ily exploited and highly praised, 'Great Waltz' is an especial box-office disappointment. Sonja Henie and her 'Hollywood Ice Follies,' attracting 5,000 people nightly for three nights at the Arena, Was devastating week-end opposition. Estimates for This Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)— 'Sharpshooters' (20th) and 'Adven- tures in Sahara' (Col), split with 'Torchy Man' (WB) and 'Last Ex- press' (U), both dual first runs. Headed for satisfactory $1,600. Last ^eek, 'Bulldog Drummond' (Par) and 'Tarnished Angel' (RKO), good $1,700, Centnry (Par-Singer) (1.600; 25- 35-40)—'Great Waltz' iU-G). Has had swell exploitation and critics' approval. Box office response, how- ever, leaves much to be desired. At $6,000, fair. Last week, 'Miss Man- ton' (RKO) light $3,200. Gopher (Par-Singer) (998; 25)— 'Hard to Get' (WB). Looks like pretty good $2,500. Last week lis- ten. Darling' (M-G), mild $2,200. Orpheum (Par-Singer) (2,800; 25- 35-40)—'Can't Take It' (Col) (2d week). Reviewers gushed over this one, and word-of-mouth boosting Is a great box office asset. Good $7,000 in prospect on heels of fine $124200 first week. State (Par-Singer) (2,300; 25-35-40) —'Shining Hour' (M-G). Off to slow start which should wind up with $5,- 800, not so forte for this house and this pic. Last week, 'Sisters' (WB), $4,800, light. Time (Berger) (290; 25)—'Strange Adventures' (Indie) (3d week). Still hitting the box office target and en route to satisfactory $800. Last week, $1,000, fine after very big $1,800 first week. Uptown (tar) (1,200; 25-35)^ 'Four Daughters' (WB). First neigh- borhood showing indicates fairly good $2,700. Last week, 'Too Hot to Handle' (M-G) $3,200, good. • World (Steffes) (350; 25-35-40)— 'Moonlight Sonata' (Indie) (2d week). Ideal type of attraction for this car- riage-trade house, and big $2,500 in prospect. First week, $3,000, great. Key City Grosses Estimated Total Grou This Week $1,397,700 (Baaed on 24 cities, 158 thea- tres, chiefly first runs, includinp N. yj Total Gross Same Week Last Tear...« $1,487,700 (Based on 24 cities, 170 theatres) and Major Bowes* stage unit couldn't get into the right groove on $11,200. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,460', 15- 25-35-40-55)—'Thanks for Memory' (Par). Opens tomorrow (Wednes- day) after n.g. session of 'Hard to Get' (WB) to $3,300. New (Mechanic) (l,558r 15-25-35- 55)—•Slave Ship' (20th). Opens to- morrow (Wednesday) after mild do- ings for 'Around Corner'^at $4,100. Stanley (WB) (3,250; 15-25-35-40- 55)—'Angels' (WB) (2d Wk). Not catching on in manner expected with $6,000 indicated. Opener spotty at $9,400. ^ MMORY'-m BIG mm. K. c Kansas City, Dec. 6. Town blossoms out with an extr? stage attraction with Chick Webb's band at the Newman to offer direct competition to the usual stage show at the Tower, represented currently by Buddy Rogers dnd crew. Both spots doing okay. Straight film houses seeing biz in a medium vein, 'Angels with Dirty Faces' at the Orpheum being notable in a holdover week. Annual auto show closed an eight- day run Saturday (3) to la total at- tendance of around 75,000, at 40c. per head. Amateur talent show meant little as an attraction, and turnout was under that of past seasons. Vaude is temporarily established at the Newman as means of com- batting pre-holiday slump. WLS Barn Dance set for following week and flesh show figured for Christmas week. Estimates for This Week Esquire and Uptown (Fox Mid- west) (820; 1,200; 10-25-40)—'Service de Luxe* (U). Opened in both spots Friday, and biz normal following up- set of Thanksgiving week. Film about par at combined take of $6,000. Last week, 'Submarine Patrol' (20th) closed a nine-day run at $7,800 com- bined, average. Midland (Loew's) (3,573; 10-25-40) —'Young Heart' (UA) and 'Flirting with Fate' (M-G). Only dual biU among first runs. Pair fair at $10,- 500, somewhat off from past few weeks. Last week, 'Out West with the Hardy's' (M-G) and 'Adventure in Sahara' (Col), $16,000, good. Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10- 25-35-55)—'Thanks for Memory' (Par) and vaude, with Chick Webb' and Ella Fitzgerald. Upped prices not stopping jitterbugs, and $11,500 grand figure. Last week, 'Men Wings' (Par) soloed to neat $6,000 for its second week. Orpheum (RKO) (1,500; 10-25-40) —'Angels' (WB) (2d week). Current $5,300 combined with first week's $10,000 the tops here. Tower (Fox-Midwest) (2,050; 10- 25-35-55) —'King Alcatraz' (Par) with Buddy Rogers band on stage. Better 'than usal at $11,500. Last week, 'Campus Confessions' (Par) with Bernie Cummins band on stage held eight days with Thanksgiving opening for $10,000. K-W Confab Dec. 15 The Kincey-Wilby circuit Is plan- ning a get-together of all its forces at Winston-Salem, N. C, Dec. 15, which will be more in the nature of an opportunity to get acquainted than for purely business reasons. Having declared bonuses in the past to all employees, similar action may be announced at the coming affair, Burr's Prod. Comebuck Hollywood, Dec. 6. After a two-year layoff, C. C. Burr returned to indie production with 'Code of the Fearless,* a Fred Scott musical western for Atlas release. Troupe returned yesterday (Mon- day) to International studio after shooting exteriors near San Jose. San Francisco, Dec. 6. Prospects aren*t 10 forte on the main stem this week, bi% slowing up considerably on account of first win. ter rains and the approaching holi« days. Natives are concentrating on shopping, which was delayed ,be- cause of the department store strike which threw pickets around the stores for a long spell. Strike was called off just a short time ago. Only new pictures in the burg's major houses are 'Citadel* and 'Spring Madness' at the Paramount, 'Say It in French' and 'Illegal Traf- fic' at the Warfield, and 'Service De Luxe' at the CJelden Gate. 'You Can't Take It With You,' now in its third week at the Orpheum, and 'Angels With Dirty Faces,' a hold- over at the Pox, are doing well enough not to warrant any alibis. 'Cowboy and the Lady' is still play- ing to profitable biz at the United Artists Theatre. Estimates for This Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-55-75 )t- 'Angels* (WB) and 'Listen, Darling^ (M-G) (2d wk). Although biz has slid off considerably at the Fox this week after socko gross on the initial stint, can't complain of $12,000. which'is fine on a holdover. Last week cashed in big at $24,000. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55) —^'Service de Luxe' (U), with Uke- lele Ike (Cliff Edwards) heading the vaudeville show. Clicking off regu- lar $12,000, not so good considering product. Last week 'Peck's Bad Boy' (RKO) and vaudeville slid below $12,000. Orpheum (F&M) (2,440; 35-55)— 'Can't Take It* (Col) (3d wk) and 'Ferdhiand, the BuU' (RKO). Having a remarkable run here. Picked up 'Ferdinand, the Bull' after it ran a single stanza at the Golden Gate, opposlsh house. Marvelous $14,000. Last week cheerful $15,000. Paramoant (F-WC) (2,740; 35-55^ 75)—'Citadel' (M-G) and 'Spring Madness' (M-G), Everything consid- ered, tl3,000 isn't bad. Last week 'Submarine Patrol' (20th) and 'Down on Farm' (20th) sUd to $12,000. St. Francis (F-WC) (1,470; 35-55- 75)—•Submarine Patrol' (20th) and 'Down on Farm* (20th) moved over from the Paramount. Heading for $4,500, which is below average. Last week 'Brother Rat* (WB) and 'King Alcatraz' (Pa) (2d wk) managed to take fah* $5,000. United Artists (Cohen) (1,200; 35- 55-65)—'Cowboy and Lady' (UA) (3d wk). Holding up very well, and the take of $5,500 is satisfactory. Last week, tiptop $8,500. Warfleld (F-WC) (2,680; 35-55-75) — Say It in French* (Par) and 'Ille- gal Traffic* (Par). Sledding plenty tough at $7,500, new low for the house. Last week 'Shining Hour' (M-G) and 'Bulldog Drummond* (Par) got $14,000, disappointing for product of this type. NO BUFF. ME SLUMP; HORROR DUAL $12,000 Buffalo, Dec. 6. Current week is the first test as to whether campaign of downtown merchants to attract Christmas shop- pers will react on box offices. An- swer seems to be that theatres are getting their share of the business which is being brought into the downtown section both days and nights.^ In view of this additional campaign of downtown merchants for permanent Saturday night open- ings takes on importance for thea- tres. The Century with its dual horror program is shooting at the best com- parative gross of the week. Buffalo is okay, although the Bowes unit la attracting less than usual attention. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 30-35-55)— 'Hard to Get' (WB) and Bowes unit Ams usuall good for top-shelf busi- ness, but despite favorable notices this one is slipping toward mild $13,000. Last week 'Shining Hour' (M-G) drew good $13,500, eight days. Century (Shea) (3,000; 25-35)— 'Dracula' (U) and 'Frankenstein' (U). Looks like great $12,000. Last week 'Submarine Patrol' (20th) very satisfactory $7,800. . Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-50) —'Brother Rat* (WB). So-so $8,000. Last week 'Cowboy and Lady' (UA), nice $11,500, nine days. Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 25-40)-- 'Thanks for Memory' (Par) and 'Broadway Musketeers' (WB). Am- bling at weak $5,000 gait. Last week 'Stablemates' (M-G) (2d run) drove gross up to swell $9,300, nine days. Lafayette (Ind) (3,300; 25-35)— 'Dark Rapture' (U) and 'His Excit- ing Night* (U). Down, but still okay at $7,500. Last week 'Little Tough Guys' (U) and 'Last Express' (U), fine $9,500.