Variety (Dec 1938)

-^ednesdoff December 7* 1938 PICTUBE GROSSES VASJETY 'Angels H. O.-Bole$ $32,000. Top Chi: 'Secrets-Lola Lane $19,000. 'Cowhiy Fine $16,000, 'Stablemates OK ISG Chicago, Dec. 0. James Cagney and' Pat O'Brien combo In 'Angela with Dirty Faces' topped everything in town last week and,for that reason are holding over currently at the big Chicago for an- other healthy gross. Stage show is shilted with John Boles brought in to headline. Personal is adding con^^ siderable strength to the h.o., par- ticularly for the heightened femme strength. On the other side of the fence is the Palace, where business Is again on the wilt. 'Boys Town* unit on the stage is gathering in the matron and older crowd, but doesn't seem to carry much weight with the young .hand-holders. However, the pic 'Man to Remefnbet' is drawing rave notices in the papers and- may build the b.o. toward end of the week. After two weeks in the United Artists 'Great Waltz* moved over to the Apollo for additional looping, being replaced in the UA by 'Cow- boy'and the Lady* on Saturday (3). •Men with Wings' continues at the Garrick for a third week in the loop. Oriental is perking. Lola Lane on the stage accounting for some coin with 'Secrets of an Actress' also aid- ing the general heightened ten^o.. Estimates for Tbls Week Apollo (B&K) (i;200; 35-55-65-75) —•Great Waltz*. (M-G). Moved here from United Artists and looks for $6,000, good. Last week 'Around Corner* (20th) fair $5,000. Chloaeo (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— •Angels* (WB) (2d wk.) and stage show. John Boles on stage helping second session of the picture, which has come through as a real, box- office item. Turning In a "bang-up $32,000 following a powerful $3$.50O Garrick (B&K) (900; 35-65-65-75) •—'Men Wings' (Par). Making it the thltd week in the loop, and will garner okay $4,500 after surprising $5,000 last week. Oriental (Jones) (3,200; 25-30-35- 40)—'Secrets of Actress' (WB) and < Vaude. Lola Lane on stage as b.o. stimulator. Hiking the take cur- rently to better than $19^000, fine. Last week 'Road to RenO' (U) was good enough at $16,700. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65-75) —'Man Remember' (RKO) and •Boys Town' unit on stage. Picture getting excellent reviews and may build later in session. Indications not auspicious, however, and not more than $14,000 sighted. Last week Diz Dean p.a. was another nosedive item, and with 'Hard to Get' (WB) slumped the gross to sad $n,«oo. Koosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 75) — 'Stablemates* (M-G). WUl punch through with a zippy $15,00a for the first session, though title is keeping some of the femmes away. Last week 'Submarine Patrol' (20th) faded in second week to so-so $7,600. ^ United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700; 35-55-65-75) — 'Cowboy and Lady' (UA). Opened Saturday (3); looks for fine $16,000 on its initial gallop. Last week 'Waltz' (M-G) -slowed quickly in second half of fortnight to finish with fair enough $10,800. 'Can't Take It' Takes Big $5,000, Lincoh; 'Waitz,' 'Hour' Tepid Lincoln, Dec. 6. ^ot all the money is being saved around here for Xmas shopping. Varsity, where 'Can't Take It' (Col) is making a belated appearance; is pujng up the currency at a merry rate with $5,000 or better the first week, fanciest gate since NTI took it over. It's a cinch for a second stanza. Other houses taking it very light- ly, 'Great Waltz' so-soing at tiie Stuart; 'Shining Hour' lifcwise at the Lincoln; ditto 'Campus Confessions* at the Orpheum. Liberty, a J. H. Cooper house until Dec. 11, is being dualled and thrice split to bum out some action product before it loses the Cooper tag. Set to open Jan 1, or thereabouts, for T. B. Noble's NTI string. Kiva is dark and stays so until Xmas or New Year's. Estimates for This Week ^^Colonlal (NTI - Noble - Monroe) (750; 10-15)—'Gun Packer' (Mono) and 'Wanted by Police' (Mono), split with 'Desperate Adventure' (Rep) and 'West Santa Fe' (Col). All right $900. Last week 'Gold Mme' (Rep) and 'Night Hawk' (Rep) split with 'Overland Stage Raiders' *Col) and 'Crime Over London* (GB) fair $800. , Liberty (LTC-Cooper) (1.200; 10- 15)—'Brothers of West* (Vic) and IMarriage Business' (RKO), 2 days; Strange S-aces' (U) and 'His Ex- citing Night' (U). 2 days, and 'Pride of West' (Par) and 'Road Demons' (20th), 4 days. Might hit $1,000, good. ]Last weiek 'BuUdog Drummond' (Par) and 'Prairie Justice' (U) split with 'Sharpshooters' (20th) and 'Sons of Legion' (Par) light $815. Cooper was to have lost Liberty (1), but will now hold until Dec. 11. Lincoln (LTC-Cooper) (1,600; 10- 25-35)—'Shining Hour' (M-G) and •Down on Farm' (20th). Above average $2,700 in sight. Last week 'Around Corner' (20th) and 'Swing Cheer' (U) slowed to $2,700, but all right. Orpheum (LTC-Cooper) (1.350; 10-15-20-25) — 'Campus Confessions' (Par) and 'Youth Takes Fling' (U). Just fair, $900. Last week, 'If King' (Par) held over three days frOm Stuart, split with 'Five of Kind' (20th) $900. light. Stuart (LTC-Cooper) (1,900; 10- 25-4())—'Great Waltz' (M-G). Pulled after fourth day when a so-so $1,800 was in the till. 'West with Hardys' (M-G) subbing for 10 days. Looks like good $5,000 on the stretch. Last week 'Cowboy and-Lady (UA) was a humdinger at $4,600. Varsity (NTI-Noble) (1,100; 10-25- 35)—'Can*t Take It' (Col). Aiming for a glorious $5,000, biggest for the house under present management. Last week 'Down in Arkansas' (Rep) and 'Lady Objects' (Col) slimmish $1,500. 'Annabef-Gypsy $13,SW in Indpls.; 'Hardy H.O. ^/^ Indianapolis, Dec. 8. With the temporary closing of the Circle for three weeks for repairs, one of the first-runs is eliminated and the other downtown houses are garnering extra coin accordingly. •Out West with the Hardys,' aided by 'Ferdinand, the Bull,' is showing powerhouse strength at Loew's even in its second week after turning in a socko gross the first stanza. With its first spot week stage show book- ing of the year, the Indiana is click- ing off a healthy take on 'Annabel Takes a Tour* and the Gypsy Rose Lee vaude unit. Roger Pryor and his orchestra, linked with 'Comet Over Broadway,' are enabling the Lyric, regular vaud- fllm house, to hold its own with a satisfactory figure. Estimates for This Week Apello (Katz-DoUe) (1,100; 25-30- 40)—'Breaking Ice' (RKO) and 'Mr. Doodle' (RKO). Former pic given strong billing and garnered more attention than the Penner film. Re- sults okay at $4,000. Last week re- vival of 'Walking Dead' (WB) and 'White Zombie' (Sup) n.s.h. $2,100. Indiana (Katz-DoUe) (3,100; 25-30- 40)—'Annabel Takes Tour' (RKO) and Gypsy Rose Lee unit on stage. Latter given big build-up here be- cause of the widespread publicity she- received when she played here in Ziegfeld's 'Follies.', Good $13,500, although net profit may not be, high, due to. heavy nut occasioned by cost of spot week booking of stage unit. Loew's (Loew's) (2.400; 25-30-40)— 'West With Hardys' (M-G) and 'Ad- venture-in Sahara' (Col) plus. 'Ferdi- nand' (2d Wk). Plenty in black at $6,500. Last week also was lots of money in the bank with socko $12,- 100. Lyric (Olson) (1,900; 25-30-40)— 'Comet Over Broadway' (WB) and Roger Pryor's orchestra on stage. Latter given all the billing. Okay $9,000. Last week 'Nancy Drew' (WB) and Herbie Kay band on stage finished to same figure. 'mm' GOOD 19G IN SO-SO DETROIT Detroit, Dec. 6. Bad weekend weather no aid to beating usual pre-Xmas dent in local boxoffices, but things could be a lot worse. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40)— 'Dark Rapture') (U) plus 'Road to Reno' (U), dual. Headed for good $4,200. Last week okay $3,700 for 'Can't Take If (Col) (2d week) (2d run) and 'Flight to Flame' (Col), following beaucoup $5,900 first stan- za combined with 'Crime Takes Holiday' (Col). Fox (Indie) (5,000; 30-40-65)—'Sub Patrol' (20th) plus stage show. Not First Runs on Broadway (Subject to Change) Week of Dec. 8 Astor—'Pygmalion' (MGM). Capitol—'Out West with the Hardy's' (MGM). (Revtewed in Vabiexy, Nov. 23) Criterion—'Storm Over Ben- gal' (Rep). . Globe—'Secrets of a Nurse* (U) (10). (Rewictocd in Variety^ Nov. 16) Music Hall—'Dramatic School' (MGM). (Reu(eU>ed in Current Issue) Paramoont—'Thanks for the Memory* (Par) (7). (Reviewed in Vameiy, Nov. 9) Bialto — 'The Last Warning* (U) (7). (Reviewed in Current Issue) Rivoli—-Up the River' (20th) (2d wk). Roxy' — 'Thanks for Every- thing' (20th) (9). (Reviewed in Current Issue) Strand — 'Angels with Dirty Faces' (WB) (3d wk). Week of Dec. 15 Astor — 'Pygmalion' (MGM) (2d wk); Capitol—'Out West with the Hardy's' (MGM) (2d wk). Criterl<m—'Flirtmg with Fate* (MGM). Mnslo Hall—'Dramatic School' (MGM) (2d wk). ParamOnnt—'Artists and Mod- els Abroad' (Par) (14). (Reviewed in Vi«iETY, Nov. 2) SIvoll—'Heart of the North* (WB) (17). Rosy — 'Thanks for Every- thing*^ (20th) <2d wk). Strand — 'Angels with Dirty Faces' (WB) (4th wk). more than $15,000,. poor". Last stanza nice $25,000 for 'Just Around Corner' (20th) and Horace Heidt band on Miohliran (United Detroit) (4,000; 30-40-65)—'Dirty Faces' (WB) plus •Hard to Get' (WB), dual. Paced for nice $19,000. Swell $21,000 last week for 'If King* (Par) and 'Thanks for Memory' (Par) on eight days. Palms-State (UD) (3,000; 30-40- 50)—'Mars Attacks World' (U) plus 'Prison Train' (Col), dual. Much- publicized Martian broadcast not helping U's film version; looks like bad $5,200. Last week poor $4,000 for 'Girls on Probation' (WB) and 'Old Mexico' (Par). United Artists (UD) (2,000; 30-40- 50)—'West with Hardys' (M-G) (2d week). Pickings up- okay $6,500 fol- lowing good $11,500 first stanza. Will pull out this lliursday (8). Omaha Converts Duals Into Tillers; Temple, W Mighiy $12,500 Omaha, Dec. 0. Shirley Temple proved herself still one of this city's favorites by drawing $12,500 at the Orpheum in 'Juyt Around the Corner.* Unseason- able weather has been hurting gen- eral business .badly, and this was re- flected in- b.O; takes. Manager Eddie Forester success- fully hypoed the Omaha's gross by showing. 'Drums' free at 10:30 a. m. and 11:45 p. m. daily to patrons of the regular dual bill. Orpheum's Saturday night previewing of 'Young Dr. Kildare, free to late patrons, ■helped slightly. Estimates for This Week Avenue - Dundee - Military (Gold- berg) (950-810-650; 10-25)—'Marie Antoinette' (M-G), split with 'Boy Meets Girl' (WB), 'Room Service' (RKO) and 'Gateway' (20th), tripler. Strong ending will get $2,300. nice. Last week, 'Can't Take It' (Col), split with 'Crime Takes Holiday' (Col), first run, 'Give Me Sailor' (Par) and 'Lady Objects' (Col), tripler, $2,200, good. Brandeles (Singer-RKO) (1,250; 10- 25-35-40)—'Angels* (WB) (2d wk). Aiming for $4,500, good. Last week, $8,300, terrific. Omaha (Blank) (2.000; 10-25-40)— 'Citadel' (M-G) and 'Torchy Man' (WB), with extra showing at open- ing and closing daily of 'Drums' (UA) at no extra charge. Nice $8,500. Last week 'Shining Hour' (M-G) and 'Mysterious Moto' (20th). $7,800. fair. Orpheum (Blank) (3,000; 10-25-40) — 'Around Corner' (20th) and 'Youth Takes Fling' (U). Saturday midnight show of 'Young Dr. Kildare' (M-G) free to last show patrons. Paced at $12,500, exceptional. Last week 'West with Hardys' (M-G) and 'Ex- posed' (U). $12,200, socko. Town (Goldberg) (1,250; 10-20-25) —'Renegade Ranger* (RKO), 'One Wild Night' (20th) and 'Going Rich' (20th), first-run tripler, split with 'Santa Fe Stampede' (Rep), first run, 'Boy Meets Girl' (WB) and 'Give Me Sailor' (Par), tripler. Aiming to- ward $1,600, nice. Last week 'Law of Texans' (Col), 'Crime Ring' (RKO) and 'Kentucky Home' (Mon), 'first-run tripler, split with 'Crime Takes Holiday' (Col). first run. 'Miss- ing Guest' (U) and 'Sing Sinners' (Par) tripler, $1,500, good. B way Hits a Lull; 'Ai^els-Lewis Fine $35,000 2d Week, Jessel Ups 'Citadel' to 2SG, Trench-Basie 30G The pre-Christmas slump Is here, judging by the state of business on Broadway this week. Only two shows are providing any real action, the holdover of 'Angels with Dirty Farces' with Ted Lewis at the Strand and 'Citadel' on second-run at the State. Latter has George Jes- sel, Dixie Dunbar and Josephine Huston on the stage. With the ex- ception of 'Sharpshooters* at the secondary Globe, which is doing quite satisfactorily, the rest of the town ranges from disappointing to so poor that red is the answer in a couple spots. The powerful 'Angels*-Lewis com- bination at the Strand; which soared to a mighty $52,000 on the first week, is pacing strongly for a possible $35i000 this week on the holdover. This is the street's leader by many lengths. State is running second in highly respectable fashion, however, at a gait suggesting a probable $i2B,- 000 with 'Citadel' and the Vaude show headed by Jessel. Ther^ Will be only one holdover from this week, the Strand. 'Say It in French* and Count Basie, plus Buck and Bubbles and other acts, in originally for just one week, finished the stint last night (Tues.) at the Paramount at $30,000. This is a little profit, hut represents the smallest first week for any show house has had in a long, long time. Par gross was aided by a jam session Monday night (5), which included Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway and numerous others. House opens 'Thanks for Memory* today (Wed.) with Blue Barron band, Shirley Ross and Ken Murraiy. Into the red and for the first time over a long period for house is 'Just Around the Corner,* which won't get the Roxy more than $28,000. Anoth- er that sinks into crimson is 'Up the River,' the possibilities for which stands at $8,500 tops at the Rivoli. House has obtained 'Heart of the North' from Warner Bros, and is dickering, also, for 'Beachcombers,' which Par is releasing in this coun- try. 'Spring Madness,' at the Cri- terion, may stretch to $6,000, but poor and unless nut is away down currently that also is carmine. Two holdovers which did good business on their initial weeks, but are sliding more than expected cur- rently are 'Cowboy and Lady* and 'Great Waltz' at Music Hall ^ind Capitol, respectively. Former hit $98,000 on the first week, slowing up a bit toward the end, and on the holdover will be about $71,00a. 'Waltz,' knocking out $34,000 on its first seven days, tumbles to $20,000 or less. In both cases the two weeks mean good profit, however. Hall brings in 'Dramatic School' tomorrow (Thurs.), obtained from Metro, but has nothing set to follow as yet, while Cap ushers in 'Out West With Hardys' tomorrow (Thurs.). 'Sharpshooters* may surprise suf- ficiently to get $8,500 at the GlObe, but won't hold. RifJto, finishing a so-so week with 'Shadows Over Shanghai' yesterday (Tues.) at ^,500, brought in 'Last Warning' in the eve- ning. Closing down Sunday night (4) after a forced run of 16 weeks, 'Marie Antoinette' is succeeded at the Astor tonight (Wed.) by 'Pyg- malion,' which alters policy here from $2 top to a grind at a scale ranging from 25c to 65c. Premiere of 'Pyg' is for benefit of GJernian refugee organizations. Estimates for This Week Astor. (1,012; 25-40-55-65)—'Pyg- malion' (M-G), with benefit premiere tonight (Wed,), proceeds to go to relief of German refugees, inaugu-' rates grind run tomorrow morning (Thurs.). 'Antoinette' (M-G), getting $4,000 on its final week, had a run here of 16 weeks at a $2 top» Capitol (4,520; 25-35-55-85-$1.25)— 'Great Waltz' (M-G) (2d-flnal week). Off on holdover to $20,000 but o. k. profit after pretty good first week of $34,000. 'Out West with Hardys* (M-G) tomorrow (Thurs.). Cliterion (1,662; 25-40-55)—'Spring Madness' (M-G). No dice, $6,000 or less. Last week, 'Listen, Darling' (M-G) topped $8,000, rather good. Globe (1,274; 26-40-55)—'Sharp- shooters' (Col). Opened above ex- pectations and may get to $8,500, good. Last week, 'Crime Takes Holi- day' (Col) slumped toward the end^ $7,000, but all right. Palace (1.700; 25-35-55)—'Mad Miss Manton' (RKO) (2d run) and 'Next Time I Marry' (RKO) (1st run), dualed. This combination far from dynam'ite, probably only aroimd $7,-' 500. Last week, 'Certain Age' (U) and 'Man to Remember' (RKO), both 2d run, $9,500 on eight days. Paramount (3,664; 25-35-55-85-99)- Thanks for Memory' (Par) and, on stage. Blue Barron orchestra, Shirley Ross and Ken Murray, opens today (Wed.). Single week behind for 'Say It in French* (Par) and C^ount Basle, $30,000, lowest scored herie in long time on a first seven days but some profit. In ahead, second week of 'Ark Traveler' (Par) and Larry Clinton. $31,000. Radio City Music Hall (5,980; 40- 60-84-99-$1.65)—'Cowboy and Lady* (UA) and stage show (2d-final week). Went to $98,000 the first week, tapering a little at finish but very good and on holdover is con- siderably under hopes at $71,000 though profitable. 'Dramatic School' (M-G) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Bialto (750; 25-40-55)—'Last Warn- ing' (U). Brought in here last night (Tues.) after week of 'Shadows Over Shanghai' (GN) at $5,500, mild. 'West of Tombstone* (RKO) on 6% day* got $5,700. RIvoll (2.092; 25-55-75-85-99)—'Up River* (20th). Going very slow and no. more than $8,500 tops indicated, red. Last week, second for 'Tough Guys* (U), also a dodo, around $4,000. Roxy (5;836; 25-40-55-75)-^'Just Around Corner' (20th) and stage show. Teftiple's latest a bust here, $28,000 maximum. Which is crimson. Last week oh holdover of 'Sub Pa- trol* (20th), business dippecl unex- pectedly toward end to $27,000 but some profit. Strand (2,767; 25-55-75)—'Angels' (WB) and, on stage, Ted Lewis band (2d week). Pushing through to a smash $52,000 on the first Week, this show is maintaining fine strehgth on the holdover for a possible $35,000 and again holds. State (3,450;- 35-55-75)—'Citadel* (M-G) (2d run) and vaude headed by George Jessel, Dixie Dunbar and Josephine Huston. A real spurt in business here . over a few recent weeks will take gross to" possible $28,000, vfery good. Last week, 'If I Were King* (Par) (2d inn) and Jack Denny orchestra, $20,000; |alr. MS HOLD HOB; miPLEDUAL 2l)G.2SPiyrS Boston, Dec. S. Big week of holdovers here. 'Cila* del,' 'Angels* and 'Drums' all good for second weeks, with 'DrUms* aim- ing for third stanza at the Memorial. •Just Around the Corner,' only nivr film in town, with 'Arrest Bulldog Drummond* on same bill at the Par and Fenway, is doing all right First indications of Xmas shopping dent in biz was felt Saturday (3) matinee. Estimates fQr This Week Fenway (M&P) (1,332; 25-35-40- 55)—'Around Corner' (20th). and 'Bulldog Drummond* (Par). Looks [ood for $9,000. Last week 'Suez' 20th) and 'Torchy Man* (WB) (2d run), okay $7,100. Keith MeworUI (RKO) (2,907; 25- 35-40-55)—'Drums* (UA) and 'Swing Cheer* (U) (2d wk). Almhig toward okay $16,500, after dandy $21,000 fir«t week. Possible third ' week for 'Drums* with new co-feature, Dis- ney's 'Ferdinand' getting credit for some of the take. Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 25-35- 40-55)—'Angels* (WB) and 'Down on Farm' (20th) (2d wk). Headed to- wards good $16,000. Last week same same bill tallied dandy $20,500; OrpUeum (Loew) (2,900; 25-35-40- 55) —'Citadel' (M-G) and 'Blondie' (Col) (2d wk). Will take around $16,000, very good. First week smash, $21,000. Paramount (M&P) (l,79^r; 25-35-40- 55)—'Around Corner' (20th) and • 'Bulldog Drummond' (Par). Hitting handsome $11,000 gait. La^t week 'Suez' (20th) and 'Torchy Man' (WB) $10,300, good. Scollay (M&P) (2,538; 25-35-40-50) —'I Stand Accused' (Par) (1st run) and 'Suez' (20th) (3d run) Okay $6,000 pace. Last Week 'Hard to Get' (WB) and 'Illegal Traffic* (Par) (2d run) fair $5,500. State (Loew) (3,600; 25-35-40-55)— 'Citadel' (M-G) and 'Blondie' (Col) (2d wk). Will take around $10,000, good. First week dandy $17,000. New Indie Gets Going Hollywood, Dec. New indie producing outfit. Com- modore Pictures, moved into Gen- eral Service studio and prepared to' start shooting around Jan. 1. Samuel Bronstein heads the com- pany, D. Freshwater, v.p., and Mel Abbott, production manager.