Variety (Feb 1939)

^ednesdaj, Fcbrnary 1, 1939 PICTURE GROSSES VARiETV tes Shoots to Wham $43,000 In Snowhound Chi; Duals-Vaude 14G, Me Icy 9^26, Palace N.G. Chicago, Jan, 31. The-loop Is digging out from Mori- day's (30) snowstorm, the worst in 10 years, with biz dropping on day to under $500 In some houses. •Jesse James*, is still a big smash at the Chicago in spite of the blizzard. Though costing it plenty of coin, ' Femmes are leading the procession to 'James' in spite of the gangster and blood theme, and picture will stick at least a fortnight. Oriental currently goes into a double feature setup along With its regular vaudeville lineup. Bargain is getting a big afternoon play at 25c admish. House has Considerable seating capacity, so doesn't have to worry too mUch about turnover. Palace continues to have some- thing of a struggle on its hands, with the problem being the cut-rate prices at the State-Lake and Ori- ental. With Ozzie Nelson's band on stage currently. Palace still finds it .a battle and indications are that it will slice its scale shortly to meet the competish. Estimates for This Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65-75) <—*Zaza' (Par). Moved here from Chicago but doesn't flgiure for much better than mild $4,000 on the session. Last week 'Sweethearts' (M-G), turned in okay $5,800. Chicago (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-65-75) —'James' (20th) and- stage show, picture is a wallop- and stage show means absolutely nothing cvurrently. Powerful $43,000 in the offing. Last week 'Zaza' (Par), okay $30,200. Garrick (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) —'Devil's Island' (WB). With plenty of newsprint build-up, crime flicker looks for light $4,000. Last week, •Dawn Patrol' (WB), $4,800, okay. Oriental (Jones) (3,200; 25-40)— «Spy Ring' (Col), 'Miss X' (Rep) and ;vaude. Double features plus vaudO- is a new one in this town and the bargain seekers will pour, modest $14,000 into the coffers. Last week TSewsboys" (U), $14,100. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65-75) —'Heart North' (WB) plus vaude. Ozzie Nelson band on stage. Com- bination struggling despite names and^ doesn't look better than mild $13,000.. Last week 'Man Votes' (RKO) and vaude, flabby $16,100. Booseveit (B&K) (1,500; 35-55- 65.75)_'DUke' (UA). Heading for no more than about $9,500, not so good. Last week 'My Heart' (M-G), disappointing $9,900. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 25-40)— 'Sharpshooters' (20th) and vaude. House being held to about $11,000, only fair. Last week 'Blondie' (Col) and vaude, good $13,500. United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700; 85-55-65-75)—'West Hardys' (M-G) (2d wk.). Picture was a little late in local release, which is holding down take considerably, plus the blizzard. Currently but $8,000, after good $17,100 last week. 'Idiot's De- Iighf (M-G) next. INDPLS. B.O. POWERFDU 'JESSE' TERRIFIC $15,000 Indianapolis, Jan. 31. 'Grosses continue on the upgrade here after a period of slack trade ,but Monday's (30) snowstorm no help. •Jesse James* is skyrocketing the Indiana's figures to its highest level In recent seasons, surpassing the rec- ord take of 'Snow White.' Lhiked with "King of Underworld,' Ted Weems and his orch are booming the smaller vaudfllm Lyric's gross to its best mark in six months. • 'They Made Me a Criminal' and T^orchy in. Chinatown' are manag- ing to withstand this powerful com- Setition with nice business at the ircle, while Loew's also gets by in fairish fashion with a dual of 'Duke of West Point' and 'There's That Woman Again.' Apollo is the only house which is hard hit, getting no- where with a first-run twin ball of Pacific Liner' and 'Fighting Thor Oughbreds.'' Estimates for This Week Apollo (Katz-Dolle) (1,1Q0; 25-30- 40)—'Pacific Liner' (U) and 'Fight- ing Thoroughbreds' (Rep). First picture is given edge in ad campaign, but i^ross is very poor at $1,100. Last week, 'Swing, Sister' (U) and 'News- boys' Home* (U), also in red at $1,800. Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,600; 25-30 40)—'Made Me Criminal' (WB) and Torchy Blane* (WB), Former pic given big publicity campaign and is standing up well against strong op- position. Take $6,200, good. Last week, fifth, .'Kentucky' (20th) and Down on Farm' (20th), did remark •ble $6,000. ;^ Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,100; 25-30 40) — Ijesse James' (20th). Best npuse has htid in a coupje of years, S ?25^ tripling last week's biz. Will ait $15,000, smash take. Last week. •Son Frankenstein' (U) and 'Dis- barred' (Par), fair $5,500. Loew's (Loew's) (2,400; 25-30-40) —•West Point' (UA) and 'Woman Again' (Col). Former picture; given aU the space in the ads. Satisfac- tory $6,000. Last week, 'Stand Up' (M-G) and 'Spring Madness' (M-G), dandy $9,000. Lyric (Olson) (1,900; 25-30-40) — •King Underworld' (WB) and Ted Weems orch. Latter popular, here and elevating recent, level of busi- ness to swell $13,000, best in several months. Last week, 'Off Record' (WB) and vaude, mild $8,100. METIES'DUAL BIG $43,000 IN BOSTON Boston, Jan. 31. •Sweethearts,* dualled with 'Girl Downstairs' at Orpheum and State, flurting, with new house records. Holdover assured for at least one more week. •Great Man Votes' and "Lady. Van- ishes,' at Memorial, is another biz- getting combo, though not in the same class. •Made ^e d. Criminal' getting good response at the Met Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 20-30-40)— •Orphan Annie' (Par) . and 'Cipher Bureau' (FN), dual with vaude, first three days; and 'Sub Patrol' (20th) and 'Swing, Sister' (U), last-halt Moving toward moderate $7,500. Last week, 'Exposed' (U) and 'Last Express' (U), dual with vaude for three and 'Secrets Nurse' (U) and 'Marry' (RKO); for four days, good $8,100. Fenway (M&P) (1,332; 25-35-40 55)—'Dawn Patrol' (WB) and 'Nancy .Drew' (WB), dual (2d run-3d wk. in town). Pale $6,000 indicated. Last, week, 'Devil's Island' (WB) apd 'Off Record' j(WB), dual, good $8,000. Keith memorial (RKO) (2,907; 25- 35-40-55)—'Great Man Votes' (RKO) and 'Lady Vanishes' (GB). Garner- ing nifty $18,000. Last week, second stanza of 'Son Frankenstein' (U) and 'Exciting Night' (U), tepid $10,000. Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 25-35- 40-55)—'Made Me Criminal' (WB) and 'Moto's Last Warning' (20th). Hitting good $17,000. Last week, holdover of 'Dawn Patrol* (WB) and •Nancy Drew* (WB), n.g. $11,000. Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 25-35-40- 55)—'Sweethearts' (M-G) and 'Girl Downstairs' (M-G). Aiming at rec- ord bracket, possibly $24,000. Last week, 'Cowboy and Lady' (UA) and 'Spy Ring' (Col), good $19,000. Paramount (M&P) (1,797; 25-35- 40-55)-'Dawn Patrol' (WB) and 'Nancy Drew* (WB) (2d run). Weak $8,000. Last week, 'Devil's Island' (WB) and 'Off Record' (WB), good $9,500. Scollay (M&P) (2.538; 25-35-40- 55)—'Kentucky' (20th) and 'Up River' (20th) (2d run). Good $6,500. Last week, 'Honeymoon' (Par) and 'Storm Bengal' (Rep) (3d run), $6,000. State (Loew) (3,600; 25-35-40-55)— 'Sweethearts' (M-G) and 'Girl Down- stairs' (M-G). Smasho $19,000 fore- cast. Definite holdover. Last week, 'Cowboy and Lady' (U/h-^ and 'Spy Ring' (Col), okay $12,500. 'CRIMINAL' FAIR FOR $4,200 IN OKLA. CITY Oklahoma City, Jan. 31. After setting a new record at $11,- 000, 'Jesse James' looks like best bet for over average this week. 'They Made Me a Criminal' also o. k. All others just so-so. Estimates for This Week Criterion (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40)— 'Made Me Criminal' (WB). .Looks like fair $4,200. Last week, 'Jesse James' (20th) hit new record on 40c. prices with $11,000. Only other high grosser surpassing was 'Cimarron' (RKO) which did $12,000 at 75c. top. Liberty .(Stan) (1,200; 20-30)— 'Dark Rapture' (U) and 'Exciting Night' (U). MUd $2,000. Last week, •Heart of North' (WB) and 'Nancy Drew' (WB), $2,800. Midwest (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40)— 'Birth of Baby' (Special). Under average, probable $3,300. Last week, •Zaza' (Par), poor $3,900. Plaza (Stan) (750; 25-35-40)—'Ken- tucky' (20th). Set for another week here after a week dowhtown; prob- able $1,400, so-so. Last week very good $2,750. State (Noble) (1,100; 25-35-40)— First Rons on Broadway (Subject to (Hhange) Week of Feb. X Astor — •Pygmalion' (M-G) (9th wk). Capitol — 'Idiot's Delight* (M-G). (Reviewed in VARDncy, Jan. 25) Criterion — 'Federal Manhunt' (Par). (Reviewed in Vabbety, Jan. 11) Globe—'Lady Vanishes' (20th) (7th Wk). Mnslc Hall — 'Gunga Din' (RKO) (2d wk). .Paramount — 'Paris Honey- moon'- (2d wk). i.aalto — •Homicide Bureau'-- (Col). RIvoll —'Son of Frankenstein' (U) (2dwk). Boxy — 'Jesse .James' (20th) (4th wk). Strand — 'Wings of the Navy' (WB) (3).. (Reviewed in Vabieiy, Jan. 18) Week of Feb 9 Astor — 'Pygmalion' (M-G) (ll)th wk). Capitol — 'Idiot's Delight' (M-G) (2d wk). Criterion—'Ambush' (Par). Globe—'Lady Vanishes' (20th) (8th wk). Music Hall —'Made for Each Other' (UA). ^ (Reviewed tn Current. Issue) Paramount — 'St. Louis Blues' (Par) (8). Boxy — 'Jesse James' (20th) (5th wk). Strand —'Wings of the Navy' (WB) (2d wk). B way Firm Despite Stonnsr 'Gunga' Socko $102M 2 Crosbys 40& Trankie' 20G, 'Stand Up Fawdom 18G VAUDE QUiniNG CINCY; TDIOrS' BIG $19,500 Cincinnati, Jan. 31. Idiot's Delight' is romping away with top money currehtly. It's smash Sull at the Albee, where 'Jesse ames' did the same thing last week. Has cinema circle's combined b.o. at an okay leveL Place dough this week is being copped by 'Son of Frankenstein' at the Palace. Other fresh release, 'Off the Record,' at Keith's, is getting lukewarm returns. Biz is down under at the Shu- bert, which has "Lone Wolf Spy Hunt' linked with va^de topped by Billy House. After nejct weel^ when Ozzie Nelson's band will be on the stage, house will drop flesh and re- sume straight pix. Since opening Nov. 18 with vaudfilms, theatre has had only three weeks of good biz. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (?.300; 35-42)— 'Idiot's DeUght' (M-G). Smash $19,- 500. Last w^k 'Jesse James' (20th), great-$18,500. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 35-42)— 'Jesse James' (20th) (2d run). Big $7,500. Last week 'Kentucky' (20th) (3d wk) (2d run), dandy $5,500. Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-25)—'Dr. Meade' (Col), 'Federal Man' (Rep), 'Torchy Gets Her Man' (WB), sep- arate. Normal $2,000. Same last week on 'Touchdown Army' (Par), 'Last Warning' (U), 'Secrets Nurse' (U), singly. Grand (RKO) (1,200; 25-40)— 'Kentucky' (20th) (5th wk) (3d run). Very gdod $3,800. Last week 'Zaza' (Par) (2d run), poor $2,000. Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 25-42)— 'Off Record' (WB). N.s.h. $4,000. Last week 'Stand Up' (M-G) (2d run), slow $3,500. Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 35-42)— 'Honeymoon' (Par) (2d run). Limp $3,000. Last week 'Devil's Island' (WB), good $5,000. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-42)— 'Frankenstein' (U). Fairly good $10,000. Last ' week , 'Honeymoon' (Par), fair $10,000. Shnbert (RKO) (2,150; 35-40-60)— 'Spy Hunt' (Col) and vaude topped by Billy House. Sad $9,000. Last week 'In French' (Par) and stage show headlined by Blaclcstone, fair $10,500. SHOOTING BACK Hollywood, Jan. 31. 'Shooting High,' scheduled to roll yesterday (Monday) at 20th-Fox, was set back to Feb. 13 for addi- tional scripting. Delay permits Tony Martin to ex- tend his personal appearance tour in the midwest. 'Blondie' (Col). Poor at $2,500. Last week, 'West Point' (UA), ditto. Tower (Stan) (1,000; 25-35-40)— 'Jesse James' (20th). Moveover from Criterion, another top' week ahead,' probable $3,600, excellent, Last week, 'Topper' (UA), average $2,500, In spite, of rainy weather Sunday and Monday (29-30), following sev- eral days of intense cold, the tone of business in the country's No. 1 key is decidedly firm. On top of the heap, as numerous strong pictures turn into the stretch, is 'Gxmga Din/ which should get the Music Hall $102,000 or better the first, week, by far the best business this house has had since the holidays. The balance of the field is show- ing generally good form except for 'Stand Up and Fight,'. which got away rather stiff-leggedly Thursday (26) at the Capitol and is falling far behind. Faltering badly after its disappointing start, the picture will be lucky to nab $18,000, which means just one week for It.. 'Jesse James' continues a fast pace at the Roxy on its current (3d) week'against 'Gunga Din' and other new pictures as well as the hold- overs, led by 'They Made Me a Criminal,' with Leo Reisman in per- son, which is going to get the Strand a likely $25,000 on the second week. 'James' rode to a fancy $64,000 last week, its second, and on the third heat is likely to reach $50,000 or close, going a fourth. 'Paris . Honeymoon,' with Bob Crosby on the stage, knocked out a cool $40,000 on the first sev^n days at the Paramount ending last night (Tues.) and inaugurates its holdover today (Wed.). Other shows that are proceeding at a good clip are the State, with 'Maritf'Antoinette' and the Ina Ray Hutton band, which looks about $24,000, and 'Son of Frankenstein' at the Rivoll. Latter opened Saturday (28) and while not powerful is doing well enough to suggest $20,000 or .better.. Picture is on& that may build. 'The Girl Downstairs' is lifting the FM BIRTHDAY HURTS WM PIC SPOTS / Washington, Jan. 31. Gataxy of stars in town for Pres- ident's Birthday events stealing space and interest away from film houses, especially since very few names are adorning the marquees. What business there .is, aind only one spot is really bad off, is- almost in direct proportion to star draw. Tops is Power-Fonda-Scott combo in 'Jesse James' at Palace. Second is Lionel Stander, p. a. helping 'T^ey Made Me a Criminal' at Earle. 'Thanks for Everything' and Roscoe Ates revue at Capitol poor third. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 25-35-40-66) —'Thanks Everything' (20th) and vaude topped by Roscoe Ates. Poor $13,500, Last week 'Stand Up' (M- G) and vaude, dropped toward end of week to finish with still good $19,000. Columbia (Loew) (1,234; 25-40)— 'Cowb oy and Lady' (UA) (2d run). Return*M|^«it>.3tem after oke week at Palace headed for average $4,200. Last week, 'Sweethearts' (M-G) (2d run), took good $4,500 for third downtown stanza. Earle (WB) (2,216; 25-35-40-66)— •Made Me Criminal' (WB) and vaude, Lionel Stander, p. a., helping toward solid $15,500, Last week 'Zaza' (Par) and vaude, fair $14,500, Keith's (RK(?) (1.830; 35-55)— 'Lady Vanishes' (20th). Critics rav- ing and may beat no-name jinx for oke $6,000. Last week 'Great Man Votes' (RKO), good $7,000, Met (WB) (1,600; 25-40)—'Off Rec- ord' (WB). Looking at average $4,- 300. Last week 'Honeymoon' (Par) (2d run) after oke week at Earle, average $4,300. Palace (Loew) (2,424; 35-55)— 'Jesse James' (20th), Power-Fonda- Scott leading town with good $16,- 500, Last week 'Kentucky' (20th), fair $13,500. Cagney in Stripes Hollywood, Jan. 31. 'Each Dawn I Die,' prison story starring Jimmy Cagney, rolled yes- terday (Mon.) on the Warner lot: Another high budget p'ictiure, 'Con- fessions of a Nazi Spy,' starring Ed-= ward G. Robinson, goes into pro- duction Thursday (2). Criterion to a possible $7,000, best since New Year's, and 'Lady Van- ishes,' now In its sixth week at the Globe, is holding' up sturdily* looking about $8,000. The staying powers of 'Pygmalion' means that it will get $12,000 or thereabouts on its current (8th) week, very kittle of a drop from the $13,000 it pulled the prior stanza. The English-made is getting one of the longest pop runs Broadway has seeen: since 1929. It continues on, with ho departure date as yet considered. The second lap of 'Pacific Liner* at the Rialto ending Minday night (30) was $7,000, a little imder hopes, due to weather conditions, but aU right, and it will stick another two or three days, to be followed by 'Homicide Bureau.' Estimates lor This W«ek Astor (1,012; 25-40-55-65)—'Pyg- malion' (MrG) (8th week). Still pil- ing 'em in, $12,000 or around that this week (8th). This is not much of.a drop from the. prior stanza's business which counted to a littla over $13,000. Capitol (4,520; 25-35-55-85-$1.25)— •Stand Up and Fight' (M-G). This one is laying down to die, $18,000 topp, and out after one week. la ahead, 'Shining Hour' (M-G) was anything but bright although commK close to $24,000, fair profit. Criterion (1,662; 25-40-55)—'Girl Downstairs' (M-G). The wheels are turning a little faster here for a change; maybe $7,000, fair. Last week, 'Disbarred' (Par) took it on the chin, under $5,000. Globe (1,274; 25-40-55 )^'Lady Van- ishes' (20th-GB) (6th week). May increase pace to get $8,000 after five strong preceding weeks, fifth of which snared $7,800. 'Devil's Island' (WB), long ready for open- ing, is now set back to Feb. 18, with 'Vanishes' to go two more weeks. Palace (1,700; 25-35-55)—'Going Places' (WB) (2d run), and 'Moto's Warning'. (20th) (Ist riin), dualed* Combination not getting far, prob- ably not over $7,000. Last week, 'Kentuchy' (20th) (2d run>and'Gam^ bling Ship' (U) (Ist run), with for- mer credited for drawing ^majority Of the business, $8,500. Paramount (3,664; 25-35-55-85-09) —'Paris Honeymoon' (Par) and Crosby band (2d-final week). Be- gins holdover week today (Wed.)u after pushing through to a good $40,-^ 000 the first seven , days. 'St. Louis Blues' and a stage bill including Vin- cent Lopez, Betty Hutton, Patricia Ellis and John Boles scheduled for Wednesday (8). The final (3d) week of 'Zaza' (Par) anid Benny Goodman here was $26,000, ok^y.JL Badlo City Music hIIi (5,980; 40- 60-84-99-$1.65)—'GungiTDin' (RKO ) and stage show. A verv fine $102,000 in View for this weelc, with show holding ov^. This is the best since New Year's for house, which since then has met with disappointing re* sult^^ including 'Great Man Votes' (RKO) last week which ended at close to $60,000. Bialto (750; 25-40-55)—'Pacific Liner' (RKO) (2d week). Went to $11,000, very good, on the first week and wound up its second Monday night (30) at $7,000 after weather interference • but satisfactory and is being held another day or two. 'Homicide Bureau' (Col) opens here today (Wed.) or tomorrow (Thurs.). RIvoll (2,092; 25-55-7S'-85-99)— 'Frankenstein' (U). Opened here Saturday (28) after a powerful run of 'Beachcomber' (Par) and off satis- factorily though not in smzish fash- ion. Picture is tyoe that very likely may build beyond what now l^oks like a first week of about $20,000, good as it stands though not com- paring with 'Beachcomber,' which ended its fifth week at $11,000. Roxy (5,836; 25-40-55-76)—'Jesse James' (20th) and stage show (3d week). Refusing to yield to fresh competition on Broadway, 20th's soectacle of the early west is holding to its guns for a possible $50,000 this week (3d); excellent, and goes a fourth. Last week (2d) nicture built beyond early expectations to a fancy $64000. 'Tailspin' (20th) is next here. Stite (3,450; 35-55-75)—'Antoinette' (M-G) (2d tun) and Ina Ray Hutton band. Down here from a recent dis- appointing week at the Capitol on its first run pop engageinent, follow- ing a $2 run, the Shearer-Power cos- tvuner is doin»? nicely and should hit around $24,000, aided by the Hutton orchestra. Last week, 'Sweethearts' (M-iG)- also did very well v>ere on second-run, snaring $29,000, with Ann Sothern and the Roger Pryor band on the stage as company. ' Strand (2,767; 20-40-55-75-85-99)— They Made Me Criminal' (WB) and Leo Reisman band (2d-final week). Rode through to $35,000 last week (1st) and is holding ud stoutly on the second, looking $25,000 or near. 'Wings of the Navy' (WB) and the Artie Shaw band comes in'Friday (3).