Variety (Feb 1939)

8 VAmTY ncniSE GROSSES UTednesday* Febmary 1, 1939 'Gin^a Sdieroo $43 JM in Two LA. Spots; Tm 166; 'CrniHnal' SISM Eight Aeers on Sob Fare^ H.O.S Finn Los Angeles, Jan. 31. 'Gunga Din,' on first showing in the west, is duplicating heavy grosses being piled up in New York, ^d first week at the day-date RKO and Pantages looks like hefty ^3,700 This includes around $4,000 garnered at solo premiere at Pantages Wed- nesday night <25)4 At least four weeks run at «ach house predicted.. 'Zaza' moved into Paramount sftei: fhree-day holdover of 'Paris Honey- moon,' which failed to click as hoped. Peculiar angle in ihis hotbed of dual bills currently is that ei^^t of the 11 first run houses ar« soloing. Only dusds are at the Oipbeum, United Artists and Wilshire, «nd in eaQh in- stance these are all first runs, fistlniates for H^s Week Chinese (Grauman-T-WC) (2,024; 30-40-55-75) — rJesse James* (20th) (2d week). Okay ^,700 on hold- over, after initial week piled up ex- cellent $15,900. Downtown (WB) (l,i800; 30-40-55- 65)-r-'Made Me Criminal' (WB). Hit- ting fair pace and shoiild show $8,000. Last wfiek, *OfE Re:Cord' (WB) and 'Fighting Thoroughbreds* <Rep), poor $5,900. Foor Star (F-WC-UA) (900; 40-55) —'Pygmalion' (M-G) (0th week). Very little letup in interest, ^md at- tendance so current week should add another $4,500. Fifth stanza endedr (28) With $5,200.. HoUywo^ (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55- 65 )t- 'Made Me Criminar (WB). Running somewiiat behind its day- dater, SoWntown, and answer will probably be. $7,000. Last W^k. 'Off Record*^ (WB) and Thoroughbreds* (Rep), iair $6,100, Orpheum (Bway) (2,280; 25-30-35- 40)—'Illegai Traffic' (Par) and 'Long Shot* (GN) dual and vaudeville. Couple of Sarst nms with stage vaude helping toward $7^500. Last week, ■Lawless Valley\(RKO) and 'Comet Over -Broadway' (WB) just .lair $7,000.. , fantaees (Pan) (2,812; 30-40-55)-^ *GU|ig^ Din' (BKO). Oft to teri^ific start with more than $4,000 at $2 preem- and started (25) at regular admissions, with likely $23,200 the answer. > Last week, three-day hold- over of Trankenstein* (U) and 'Next Time Marry* (RKOJ,- olmy, $3,000, Paramount (Par) (3.595; 30-40-55) —^"Zaza' (Par) and stage show. Rushed in (29) after thtee-tiay hold- over on second stan^ of "Paris Hoheymoori.' Looks like $16,000. •Honeymoon' on the holdover $5,000. BKO (2,872; 30-40-55) — 'Gunga Din'. (RKO). A mopup at this down- town house and first seven days at no admission boost looks like ter- rific $20:500. Single day house rec- ord of $4,800 rung up Sunday (i9). Opening day biggest in more than two years. Last week, final four days, 'Frankenstein' <U) and 'Next Time Marry* (RKO), good $3,400. State (Lofew-Fox) (2,414j 30-40-55- 75)—'Je^ James* (30th) (2d week). Holdover profitable at |9,700. First week brought big $21,000. United Artists (F-WC) (2,100; 30- 40-55)—'Dramatic School' (M-G) and 'Chan Honolulu' (20th) dual. Two first runs here because of 'Jeisse James* holdover at State, but results lot very encouraging at $2,000. Last Weeic, Trade Winds' <UA) and ThaniES Everything' (20th). on moveover satisfactory $4,100. Wilshire (f-WC) (2,206; ^0-40-55- 65)—'Dramatic School* (M-G) and •Chan Honolulu* (20fch) dual. First nms bringing so-so ^,900 to Wil^rire district acer. Last wedc; holdover of •Kentucky* (20th) with ^Ferdinand* (Disney), strong $5^0. 'CRlMDiAL'-'WOM/lN' GOOD 28G IN Bm¥N ftriodway Gro^ Estimated T*tal Gross Thl» Week $32«»0M (Based on 12 theatres) Total Gross Same Week Last Tear $331,8M (Based on 12 t?ieatres) $14,000. Last week Shearer flicker got nice $18,000. Paramount (4,126; 25-35-50) — They Made Me Criminal' (WB) and *Woman Again' (Col). Peachy $28,- 000 expected. Last wpek *Za2a* (par) and 'Miss 3C (Rep), okay $16,000.' Strand (2,870;. 25-35*50)—^Smash- ing Spy Ring' (Col) plus vaude fea- tunng Benny Merofi's band. Should briog fair $11,000. Last week'Drum- mond' (Par) and vaude, same figure. SLiZ BOFFIHG poor $1,500 and out after five days. Last week, 'Sweetiiearts' <M-G) (4th wk), okiay $2,200. Orpheont (Hamrick • Evergreen) (2,600; 32-37-42)—'Thanks Every- thing* (20th) and 'Girl Downstairs* (M-G). Indicarte fair $4i200. Last week, 'Going Places* (FN) and 'King Aldatraz' (Par), $5,600, good. Falemar (Sterling) (1,350: 32-42)— 'Strange Faces' (U) plus Sally Band on stage. Heading for itaunense $10,- 500 at upped 8cal& Last week, 'Dark Ra^tux*' (U) and 'Orphan Aimie* (Par) plus yaude. good $5,000. PanunonBl (Hamridc-jSvergreen) (3,039; :32-37-42)—'Honeymoon* (Par) and 'Tarnished Angel' (RKO). Anr ticipate $5,000, fair. Last weehi 'Zaza' (Par) and "Road Reno' (U), $4,500, disappointing. Ttoosevelf (Sterling) (800; 21-32)-- Tf King' (Par) and "Mr. Doodle* (RKO). Expect $2,200. okay. Last week, 'Can't Trire If (Col) and TVIr. Wong* (Mono) (2d wk), good $1,700. Buffalo, Jan. 31. Takings are high-low here cur- renfly, the Century and ^S5>p going to the lowest figures in some weeks. TDelight,* at Buffalo, looks strong and fCriminiar and 'Newsboys' Home' are following along closely. Heavy blizzard, which broke yes- terday '(Monday), will probably keep figures down. Estimates for This Week Boffalo (Shea) (3,500; 30-35-55) — Idiot's Delight' (M-G). Got fine opening, but bad weather will prob- ably hold it " to $13,000, still good. Last week, 'Zaza' (Par), fair $9,600. Century (Shea) (3,000; 25-35) — 'Dawn Patrol' (WB) (3d run). Third repeat sees business slipping down to around poor $4,000. Last week, 'Off Record' CWTB) and 'Comet Broadway* (WB), imsatisfactory $4,600, Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-50) —'Made Me Criminal' (WB). Should see around nice $8,500. Last week, 'Stand Up' (M-G), second rUn, fine $9,000. Hipp (Shea) (i!,100; 25-40)—'Stand Up* <M-G) (2d run). Looks poor at $4,000. Last week, 'In Frenctf (Par) and 'Disbarred' (Par), under $4,000, very poor. Lafayette (Ind.) (3,300; 25-35) — •Newsboys' Home' (U) and 'Prison Break* (U). Ideal card for here shootiiw for fine $9,000. Last week, 'Storm Bengal' (Rep) and 'Blondie' (Col), 6kay $7,000. Rand-faces' W«w $10,560 in Seatie Brookl]^ Jan. 31. Banner setup of flicker attractions In principal downtown deluxers. Socko attendance at Paramount, where 'They Made Me a Criminal' and There'^ That Woman Again* are on screen. Loew^s Metropolitan, holding 'Marie Antoinette'' second stanza, also will ccvne out on black side of the ledger. Straind has first-rate vaude bill featuring Benny Merofi's band, plus •Smashing^ the Spy Ring* on. screen. Albee is good with 'Great Man Votes' and 'Gambling Ship.* Estlmstea for This'Week V Albee (3,274; 25-35-50) — fGreat J^n Votes' (RKO) and 'Gambling Sh^)' (20th). Neat $18,000 antici- patti. Last week 'Arizona Wildcat' <20th) and 'Mr. Moto' (20th), weak $13,000. Fox (4,089; 25'i50)—'Going Places* (WB) and 'Disbarred' (Par). Mild $15,000 in 10-day run, including part of last week. ^ . , Met (3,618; 25-35-50)—'Marie An- toinette' (M-G) (2d wk.). Okay Seattle, Jan. 31. Prices upped to 32-42c. for Sally Aand, headliner at ihe Palomar, which is going along for record take. With five shows daily, bouse looks for great gross in small-seater. ' No particular excitement else? where. Colonial goes to mixed first, second and subsequent runs, with tri-weekly changes. Estimates for This Week Bine Moase (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 32-37-^)—'Trade Winds' (UA) and •In. French* (Par). Moveover from Fifth heading for good $2,500 Last week, 'Stand Up' (M-G) and •Nancy Drew' (WB), six days, $1,600, fair. Coliseum (Hamrick - Evergreen) (14)00; 21-32)-^'Citadel' (M-G) and 'Submarine Patrol' (20th). Indicate big $4,000. Last week, 'Stablemates' (M-'Cr) and 'Just Around Corner' (20th), eight days, oke $3,100. Colonial (Sterling) (800; 10-21) This weeic, subsequent run; last week, 'Rhythm of Saddle* (Rep) and 'Tough Kid' (Mono), split with 'Bor der G-Man* (Mono)and 'SezO'ReUly (GB). fairish $1,900. Fifth Avenue (Hamrick-Evergreen) (2,349; 32-37-42)—'Idiot's DeUght (M-G) and 'N. Y. Sleeps' (20th). Get ting great $9,000. Last week, 'Trade Winds' (UA) and 'In French' (Par), four days of second week, okay $3 700 Liberty (J-vH) (1,800; 21-32'.42)— 'Dr. Meade' (Col) and 'Little Ad venturess' (Col). Slow $3,300. Las woek, 'West Point' (UA) (2d week) $3,400, fair. • Musie Bex (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 32-37-42)—'Going Places' (FN) and ICing Alcatraz' (Par) (2d wk) Extended run from Orpheum; getting Kansas CUty, Jan. 31. -Biz slightly better tills week on the average, with the spotlight on 'Jesse James,' holdover, and "ftade Wind&' at Midland. Tans Honeymoon* moved into Newman day early CWed.). and do- ing . medium biz. Bowes* unit at Tower upping biz some over previous week, but still in the lower register, Exhibs hsud rainy weather to con- end with over week-end, and snow in. middle of previous week. Estimates for Tfils -Week Esqnire and Uptown (820 and 1,- 200; 10-25-40)—'Jesse Jamesf (20th) (2d wk). Biz holding up and looks for $11,000, very good. Last week saw near capacity, $15,000. Midland (Loew's) (3^73; 10-25-40) — Trade Winds' <UA) and 'Spring Madness* (M-G). C!ood week at ! 112,000. Last week 'West Point' (UA) and 'Homicide Bureau' (Col), slow $7,000. Newman (Paramount) (1,900;. 10- 25-40)—'Honeymoon' (P«ff). Biz in medium class at $6,000. Last week Zaza' <Par), so-so $5,000. Ovpheum (RKO) (1,500; 10-25-40) —'Lady Vanishes' (GB) and 'Anna- bel' (RKO). Lightwei^t biU and biz, in same trend, ^500. Last week 'Man Votes' <RKO) and Torchy' (FN), average $5,000. Tower (Fox Midwest) (2,050; 10- 25-40)—'Mr. Moto (20th) and Major ; Bowes' arms. Latter helping to bring biz up over last week, but still light at $8,000. Last week 'Tough Guys' (U) and vaude,-very poor $6,()00. 'Jesse,' 13ifi, IdiotV 12G, Socko ID dmtx Denver, Jan. 31. Fair weather is putting folks in show-going mood, and two houses, Denver and Orpbeum, are in the big money class. Estlmaiefl for This Week AUddia (Fox) (1.400; 25-40)— 'Kentucl^ (20th) (2d wk) after a week at - the Denver. Nice $4,000, Last week, good $4,500. Broadway (Fox) (1,100; 25-40)— 'Stand Up' (M-G) and 'Peck's IBad Boy' (RKO) (2d wk), after week at Orpheum. Poor $1,500. Last weeki same films, nice $3,000. fienlum (CockriU) (1,750; 25-35 40)—'Beachcomber' (Par) (2d wk). Oks^y $6,200. Last week, fine $8,500 llcnver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-50)— 'Jesse James' .(20th). .A smash at $1^;5D0. Last week, ''Thanks Every- thing' (20th) and Major Bowes* unit, good $11,500. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40) —'IdioVs DeUght' (M-G) and 'Vaca- tion Love* (M-G). Great $12,000. Last week, 'Man'Votes' (RKO) arid 'Girl Downstairs* (M-G), only fair $7,000. Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)— "Underworld' (U) and 'Arizona Wild- cat* (20th)- Nice $4,000. Last week, 'Going Places* (ETT) and 'Sharp- shooters* (20th), okay $4,000. Eialto (Fox) (878; 25-40)—'Thanks Everything' (20th), after a week at Denver, and 'Secrets Nurse' (U). Poor $1,500. Last week, 'Dawn Pa- trol' (WB), after a week at each the Denver and Aladdin, and 'Nancy Drew' (Wa), good $2,000. 'James' $20,000, Shearer-GaHe Set Pace in Forte Frisco Key CSj Grosses Estimated Total Grosi Thia Week .|l.$5S,4«f (Based .on 26 (Hties^ 177 thea- tres, chiefly first nms, including N,Y.y Total Groflfl Sam* Week Last iCcar. fM60,30t (Bostd on 24 cities, 165 theatres) 30-35-40)—'Stand Up' (M-G) and 'Girl Downstairs' (M-G) (3d week). Stin okay at ^500. Last week, good $2,900. OnAeam (Hamrick - Evergreen ) (1,800; 30-35-40)—'Made Me Crim- inal* (WB) and 'Army Girl' (Rep). Average at $4,500. Last week, 'Woman Again* (Col) and XSangster Boy* (Mono), fair '$3,700. Paramennt (Hamrick-Evergre6n) (3,000; ■30-35-40)—'Jesse James* (20th) and 'Itorchy' (WB) (2d wk). Still strong at $5,500. First week mopped up terrific $8,000. . Rlvell (Indie) (l,100;,20-25>—'Slave Ship' (M-G) and 'Mr. Moto' (20th). Average $1,800. Last week, 'Co-ed' (20th) and 'Numbers' (20th), so-so $1,600. United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 30- 35_40)—'Idiot's Delight' and 'Broad- way Musketeers* (M-G). Big $7,500. Win bold. Last week, 'Going Places* (FN) and 'Spring Madness' (M-G), five days,' poor $2,500. ■m: iim. ^Crimiiial' Average $4,500 In Port; *IdiotV Big 71/2 G . Portland, Ore., Jan. 31. 'Idiot's Delight' is the current wow at Parker's'UA, where it's set for a substantial run. Broadway is doing nicely with 'Duke of West Point.' Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-35- 40)—'West Point' (UA) and 'Comet Broadway' (FN). Good enough $5,- 000. Last week, 'Heart North' (FN) and 'Swing, Sister' (U), poor $3,900. Mayfalr (Parker-Evergrpen) (1,500; Louisville, vJan. 31. •Jesse James' is pulling the natives to the Rialto calling for extra b.o. help to handle the crowds. Opening day Friday (27), biz topped every- thing with exception of 'Snow White.' Trade Winds' and 'Dramatic School,' on a dual at Loew's State, also pointing to bumper gross, and 'Kentucky' in sixth downtown week at the Strand, sliows no signs of slackening profitable pace. 'They Made Me a Criminal,' at Mary Ann, feeling effects of potent opposish. Estimates for This Week Brown (Loew*s-Fourth Avenue) (1,500; 15-30-40)—'West .Point' (UA) and 'Woman Again' (Col). Getting a little attention after okay stanza at Loew's State. Looks like average $1,800. Last week 'Stand Up' (M-G) and ^Spring Madness' (M-G), fair $1,600. Kentnoky (Switow) (900; 15-25)- •Blondie' (Col) and 'Brother Rat' <WB). Pointing to oke $1,700. Last week 'Around Ckimer' (20th) and 'Thanks Memory' (Par), split with 'Service De Luxe' (U)- and 'Man Re member' (U), fair $1,500. Loew's State (Loew's) (3,100; 15 30-40)—'Trade Winds' <UA) and 'Dramatic School* (M-G). Both items on this double header ftacklng up plenty strong, $9;000. Last week •West Point' (UA) and 'Woman Again' (Col), okay $6,500. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 15-30-40)—'Made Me Criminal' (WB). Copping some trade on strengUi of John Garfield's fine acting, but oji- posish a little 4oo much-to overcome, Wlndup should be medium $3,9)0^ Last week, 'Off Record' (WB), light $2,800. . - ^ Ohio (Settos) (900; 15)—'Robin Hood' (WB) and 'Circus Girl* (Mono), split with 'Old Corral' (Rep) and 'Accidents Hiappen' (Par). Fair $1,400. Last week, 'Birth of Baby' (Indie), split with ^Sea Rack- et^Ts' (Rep) and Torchy Blane' (WB), 'Baby' disappointed here and pulled after four days. Week wound up with mild $1,500. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; 15-30-40)—'Jesse James' (20th) and .March of Time. Biggest thing to hit this house since 'Snow White.' Hefty exploitation, Tyrone Power's name and iact that outlaw operated in this state for a time, all combined to in- terest local patrons. Pointing to- ward terrific $15,000. and h.o. a cer- tainty. Last week 'Son of Franken stein' (U) and 'Marry* (RKO), un der expectations at $5,400. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1.400: 15-30-40) —'Kentucky' (20th) and 'Down Farm' (20th) (6th downtown week). Still romping along at profit- able clip and has already broken town's consecutive run record. Aim- ing at fine $3,000, and indications are for still another stanza here. Last week healthy $4,000. San Francisco, Jan. 31. Strong pictures with top-notch casts, are faring well at the b.o. this week. Biggest grosser is 'Jesse James,' which got oft to a big start after a good advance exploitation campaign. Norma Shearer and Clark Gable in 'Idiot*s Delight,' will be right next .to the Fox In the matter of money. Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt, in legit Version of 'Idiot's,''did record biz at the Curran some time ago. Severe rainstorm yesterday (Mon- day) hurtii^ biz. Estimates for TbIs Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35^-75)— 'Jesse James* (20th). Tedmicolor version of this horse opry doing sweet biz. Although picture has plenty ol competition can't complain with take of $20^000. Last week (2nd), 'Stand Up' ^M-G) and'Thanks Mfemory* (Par), dismal $7,500. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55) -•Fisherman's Wharf (RKO). Na- tives are sudoers for pictures with a San Franciseo locale. P.a. by Bobby Breen, Henry Armetta and Leo Car- rillo opening day helping gross to fine s$15,5a!0. Last week 'Marry' (RKO) and John Boles in person, healthy $16,500. erphenm (F&M) (2.440; 35-55)— •Frankenstein* (U) and 'Swing Sis- ter* <U), Instead will do ^,500, which is good, but not nearly as big as e]Q>ected.. Last week 'Woman Again' (Col) and 'Spy Ring' (Col), okay $8;700. Paramount (F-WC) (2.740; 35-55- 76)—'Idiot's. Delighf (M-G) and •Torchy Blane' (WB). Take of $15,000 is hotcha. Last week 'Zaza' (P&r) and 'Did}anred' (Par), $12;SO0, disappointing, St. Vninois <F-WC) (1,470; 35-55- 75)—'Stand Up' (M-G) and 'Thanks Memory' (Par). House had nothing else available and had to talce this bin, which went sour in second stanza , at 7ox. Will be lucky to get ^,500. Last week (4th wk) 'Sweet- hearts' (M-G) pallid $3,000 in six days. United Artists (Cohen) (1,200; 35- 55-65)—Trade Winds' (UA) (3d wk,). Calming down a bit at $5,500. Last week got''$9;000, good. Warfleld (F-WC) (2^680; 35-55-75) —'Devil's Island' (WB) and 'Oflt Record' (WB). Biz poor at $8,500. Last week 'Honeymoon' (Par) and 'New York Sleeps' (20th), $12,000, fair. Ams Revive Stage Show In Lincoln, Nice $3,600 Lincoln, Jan. 31. 'Jesse James' is pulling a fancy gross at the Stuart. Ozark terrorist in technicolor is figured tasty enter- tainment meat, and house planted it early so it'll get a nine or 10-day run. Over that distance should be a cinch for fancy $6,500, or better. Vaude m^de its first bow in 1989 at the Lincoln (26) after it was originally set for the Stuart Major Bowes' unit, 'Rodeo Rhythm.' is the starter for two days only with 'Spring Madness.^ Orpheum, almost ready to re-light, will be re-named tiie Nebraska, un- less a conte^ on now tmcovers a better teg. Esfintaics lor This Week Colonial (Nn-Noble-Monroe) (750: 10Ll5)--'Kid.Baek' (WB) and 'Saddle* (Rep), split with 'Mystery House' (WB) and 'Cattle Raiders' (Col). Okay, $900. Last week. 'Pioneer Trail* (Col) and 'Invisible Menace' (WB), split with 'Missing Witnesses* (WB) and California Frontier' (Col), allright $900. liberty (UTI-Noble) (1,000; 10-15- 25)—'Dark Journey* (UA) and 'Anhy Girl' (Rep). Doing fairly well, $2,- 000. Last week. ''Blondie' (Gol) and •Dr. Meade* (Col), house opener, good $2,500. Lincoln (LTC-Cooper) (1.600; 10- 15-35-35)-'Spring Madness' (M-G) and Major Bower ams on stage (two days), then Dramatic School' (M-.G). Vaude revival should bring house nifty •$3,€00 On week. Lscst weejc, 'Topper' (UA) and 'Swing, Sister* (U). $3,400, great Stuart (LTC-Cooper) (1,900; 10-25- 40)—'Jesse' James' (^Ofli). Double- barreled entertainer, going nine or 10 days, probably to $8,000, excellent. Last week, 'Zaitei' (Par^, four days, $2,000, slim. Varsity (N'HrNoble) (1.100; l0-?5- 35)—'Going Ptaces' (WB). Doing very nicely, probably. $2,800. Last week, 'Angels^(WB) (2d week), $2,- 300, okay. ^ Fight Pic Probe Philadelphia, Jan. 31. ' Agents of the U. S. Department of Justice were reported .to be in PhiUy- last week and several weeks pre* Vious to check on biz done by fight pictures here. Although they refused to reveal the purpose of their probing, it is believed that a violation of the strin- gent laws regarding • transportation of fight films was beliind it