Variety (Mar 1939)

Wednesdaj, March 1, 1939 'Girl Downstairs' Bi^t 14G In Chi, but tayk-Vaude Blah PICTURE 6ROSI VAUETr m 'Stagecoach' Fast 17G Chicago, Feb. 2S. There's a better tone ia Uis loop this week, particularly at the straight flicker spots where new pic- tures are evidencing an ability to whirl the wicket following several sessions of b.o. doldrums. Especially bri^t are the State Lake and the Roosevelt with 'Girl Downstairs' plus vaude, and 'Stage- coach,' respectively. The latter is uie type of up-to-date western that al- ways get money. Labeled as fin'his- torical document,' it is nevertheless composed of all the basic elements of the boss opry mellers that have been the foundation of the picture busi- ness, going back to The Great Train Kobbery.' The Chicago is having another tough week of it on the Taylor flicker. For some reason there has been a sudden reaction away from Robert Taylor on the part of the femmes, and he has plummeted down from his former hl0i b. o, po- sition. The reaction is due, it seems, not to the pretty-boy taft but to Metro's ixew.decision to make him a rough-and-tumble guy. On the stage the Llttlefleld ballet is not adding a nickel to the gate. 'Gunga Din' goes into lts\fourth and final week at the Palace, and has had a great run of it. 'Pygma- lion' is a honey in its third week at the Apollo,' EstlBMtes tor This Week ApalU (B&K) (1.200; 35.-55-65-75) —•f^'gmalion' (M-G) (3d wk). Has been a terrific winner in tills house and will go to a nifty $9,000 cur- rently, foUowlng walloping $10,500 take in second session last week. Chloiwa (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— 'Stand Up' (M-G) and stage show. Llttlefleld ballet on stage and get- ting plenty of billing, but no b.o. draught. Combination is pretty much of a blooper, and will gamer an- other set ot headaches at $26,000. Last week 'Beachcomber' (Par) and vaude, was even poorer at the wicket with $23,700. Garrlok (B&K) (900; 3 5-45-55)-^ 'Beachcomber' (Par). Was a busteroo In the Chicago last week, and won't do any better here at indicated $4,- 600, mild. Last week 'Idiot' (M-G), fairish $5,900. Oriental (Jones) (3,200: 25-40)— 'Spy Hunt' (Col) and 'Gambling Ship' (RKO) and vaude. Combination will get some coin this week at $14,- aOO. Last week 'Pride Navy' (Rep) and 'King Underworld' CWB), nifty $16,100. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 36-55-65-75) —'Gunga' (RKO) and vaude (4th- flnal wk). Has had a great stay, and win get $16,000 for the wlndup, a hangup take, after snagging hefty $20,100 last week. BMMevcIt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 75)—'Stagecoach' (UA). Opened Sat- urday (25) and looks for good coin gallop, starting with $17,000 for the initial stanza. Last week 'St Louis' (Par), turned in one of lowest fig- ures In history of house with brutal $5,700 for single session. Slate-Lske (B&K) (2,700; 25-40)— 'Girl Downstairs' (M-G) and vaude. Good $14,000 for session. I^ast week 'Swing Sister' (U), good $13,400. United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700; 3S-SS-6S-7S) — 'Freedom' (M-G). Opened Saturday (25) and is headed for only $11,000, mild, from opening indications. Last week "Honolulu' (M-G), weepy $9,300. WICK Fllffi'REVELS IN SNOWY DEI^12G Denver, Feb. 28. Despite . worst snowstorm ot the winter only one house, Denham, appears to be in the doldrums. "Cafe Society' there is drawing better than ao-so $6,500. 'Huckleberry Finn,' dualed with 'Pacific Liner,' is drawing big $12,- 000 at the Orpheum. Estimates tor This Week . Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 25-40)— 'Each Other' (UA), after a week at the Denver. Good $4,000.- .Last week 'Tailspin' (20th), below aver- age at $2,500. .Broadway (Fox) (1,100: 25-40)— •Honolulu' (M-G) and 'O'Connor' (M-G), both after a week at the Orpheum. Nice- $3,000. Last week Gunga Din' (RKO). good $3,000. .^Denham (Cockrill) (l-,750; 25-35- 40)—'Cafe Society' (Par). Not draw- ing much at $6,500. Last week (2d), St. Louis BlUes' (Par), good $7^00. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-50)— Stagecoach' (UA). Good $10,000. Last week 'Each Other' (UA), good $8,000. Orpheum "(RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40) — Huck Finn' (M-G) and 'Pacific Liner' (RKO). Big $12,000. Last week 'Honolulu' (M-G) and 'O'Con- nor (M-G) strong $11,500. Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)— 'Off Record' (WB) and •CHiarlle Chan' (20th). Good $4,000. Last week 'Son Frankenstein' (U) and Torchy Blahe' (WB), fine $4,500. Blalte (Fox) (678; 25-40)—'Son Frankenstein' (U), after week at Paramount, and 'Homicide Bureau' (Col). Getting okay $2,500. Last week 'Jesse James' (20th), after a week at each the Denver, Aladdid and Paramount, and 'Crime Holiday* (Col), strong $2,500. lOMAN AGAIN,' DUCHINlSi^ WWASH. Washington, Feb. 28. Three new shows this week, and tops Is 'There's That Woman Again' (Col) plus Eddie Duchhi's orch at the Earle. 'Topper Takes a Trip' (UA) and Phil Regan are running second at the CapitoL EstlBMtes. ter This Week Capltel (Loew) (3,434; 25-35-40-66) —Topper' (UA) and vaude. Phil Regan and Benny MeroS helping some, but not able to offset. Eddie Duchin at opposition Capitol. Fair $17,500. Last week 'St Louis Blues' (Par) and Mitzi Green p.a;, fairish $16 500. Colombia (Loew) (1.234; 25-40)— 'Jesse James' (20th) (2d run). Back on main stem after two stanzas at Palace and looking to average $4,500. Last week 'Honolulu' (M-G) (2d run), good $5,200. Earle (WB) (2.216; 25-35-40-66)— 'Woman Again' (Col) and Eddie Du- chin's orch. Latter helping to lead town with nice $18,500. Last week 'Let Us Live' (Col) thanked Gus Van and minstrel show for most of Ught $14,500. Keith's (RKO) (1.830; 35-55)— 'Gunga Din' (RKO) (4th wk). Hold- ing up to okay $5,500. Last we^ (3d), good $9,800. Met (WB) (1,600; 25-40)—'Beach- comber' (Par) (2d run). Return downtown after big stay at Earle will see good $5,000. Last week 'King Underworld' (WB), good $5,000. Fabce (Loew) (2,424; 35-55)— •Trade Winds' (UA). Only new pic in straight flicker spot; okay $14,- 500. Last week (2d) 'Idiot' (M-G) built to good $10,000. Dorsey-'Nancy Drew' B« Despite hdpk Epideiiiics, Storm, Lent Indianapolis, Feb. 28. Tommy Dorsey's orch, plus 'Nancy Drew, Reporter' at' the vaudfllm Lyric, is pounding out a near-record gross in the face of heavy snow- storms, smallpox and flu epidemics, and the beginning of Lent. Circle, however, is faltering with Russ Morgan's orch and Mitzi Green on the stage, plus 'Pride of the Navy.' The only real~'contender currehUy is Loew's, which is doing sturdy biz with 'Pygmalion' and 'My Son Is a Criminal' dual. Tailspin' and 'Pardon Our Nerve,' twin bill at the Indiana, are doing only fair. Scare headlines in the daili^ about smallpox and flu epidemics brought formal protests to the editors from a committee representing all thea- tres in the city. Estimates for This Week Apollo (Katz-Dolle) (1,100; 25-30- 40)—'Honest Man' (U) dualled with 'Gambling Ship' (RKO). Moved over from Circle for second week and faring passably at $3,200. Last week's revival of 'Waikiki Wedding-' (Par) and 'Plainsman' (Par) was n.g. at $1,900. Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,600; 25-30- 40)—'Pride Navy' (Rep) and Russ Morgan's band on stage plus Mitzi Green. This is the first of occasional stage shows here. On wrong side of ledger at $8,100 in view ot increased nut Last week. 'Honest Man' (U) and 'Gambling Ship' (RKO), nifty $7,800. Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,100; 25-30- 40)_Tailspin' (20th) -and 'Pardon Nerve' (20th). Former pic given extra ad campaign, but results are mild at $6,000. Last week (2d), 'Giinca Din' (RKO) faded to so-so $3,800 after swell $10,200 in initial session. Loew's (Loew's) (2,400; 25-30-40) -'Pygmalion' (M-G) and 'Son Is 1st Rods on Broadway (Subject to Change) Week ot March 2 Astor —'Pygmalion' (M-G) (13th wk). Capitol —'Huckleberry Finn* (M-G). Criterion—"Persons in Hiding' (Par). (Rewtetoed In VABiEtT, Jan. 25) Globe — 'BlackweU's Island' (WB) (1). Mnsio Hall—'Stagecoach' (UA). Ponmonot — ' Cafe Society' (Par) (2d wk). BUIto—'Secret Service of Air* (WB) (1). (Reviewed in Current Issue) BiToU—'You Gan't Ch?at an Honest Man' (U) (3d wk). Boxy—'Wife, Husband and Friend' (20th) (2d wk). Strand —-Yes My Darling Daughter* (WB) (2d wk). week ef March 9 Astor — Tygmalion' (M-G) (14th wk). Capitol—'Huckleberry Finn' (M-G) (2d wk). CrHerloa —'Fast and Loose' (M-G). Globe — 'BlackweU's Island' (WB) (2d wk). Masie Hall—'Stagecoach' (UA) (2d wk). Fsnunonnt — ' Cafe Society' (Par) (3d wk). Blalt*-'Saint Strikes Back' (RKO). Bivell—'Spirit of Culver' (U) (8). (Jlevteioed <n Current Issue) Rexy-'Little Princess' (20th) am. Slraad—'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) (10). Criminal' (Col). Former pic given special premiere with reserved seats and an excellent exploitation canr- EBlgn. Take very good at $8,500. ast week, 'Honolulu' (M-G) and 'Girl Downstairs' (M-G), $8,200, plenty okay. Lyrle (Olson) (1,9(8); 3(M0)— 'Nancy Drew' (WB) and Tommy Dorsey's band on stage. .Latter given strong advance campaign and house upped matinee prices to night scale. iTirst time house has ever tilted its prices and it's being done only for Dbrsey and for Benny Goodman, who comes in Friday (3). Smashing take at $16,000. Last week, 'Wings Navy' (WB) and Happy Felton band on stage, poor $7,700. . Epidemics Ease Down m HGlw.; 'Pyg Nice 71/26 Milwaukee, Feb. 28. 'Gunga Din' and 'Monaistery' were two surprise holdovers because of startling upturn in biz latter half of last stanza, probably due'to grippe and influenza epidemics' abatement Riverside, vaudfllmer, is- still n.s.g. with 'Hollywood Hi-Lites* unit this frame and can't hope for much next week either. Hopes to vamp until (Seorge Givot and Jan Garber orch come in March 17, followed by Fifi Dorsey and a French revue, and then Ted Lewis. 'Pygmalion' came in unexpectedly, not allowing for much advance bally, but crix were favorahle and' Shaw opus is doing nicely at the Palace. After some hesitation local censor board unanimously okayed •Yes, My Darling Daughter.' Estimates tor This Week LItUe (Indie) (L050; 35-50)— 'Monasteiy (Indie) (2d wk). Sudden rise in biz got this a h.o. Will do okay $3,700. Last week, nifty $4,000. Palace (Fox Wisconsin) (2,400; 35- 50)—'Pygmalion' (M-G). Favored by, press and likely to hit satisfactory $7,500. Last week 'Musketeers' (20th) and 'In Freiich' (Par), $6,200, disap- pointing. Riverside. Undie) _(2.&0a;..25J.0.-J5J —'Gambling Ship' (RKO) and vaude. Due for so-so $8,500. Last week 'Man-Hunt' (Rep) and 'Pride of Navy' (Rep), vaude, $9,200, fairish. Strand (Fox Wisconsin) (900; 35- 50)—'Idiot' (M-G) and 'Smiling Along' (20th). Paced for about $5,- 800, swell. Last week 'Huck Finn' (M-G) and 'Girls White' (M-G), $6,- 000, good. Warner (WB) (2,400; 35-50)— 'Gunga Din' (RKO) (2d wk) plus March of Time. Another socko week at $8,000. Last week terrific $0,400. Wisconsin (Fox Wisconsin) (2,800; 35-50)—'Tailspin' (20th) and .'Moto' (20th). Dual has no marquee strength, attracting only mild $9,300. Last week 'Idiot' (M-G), $10,500, ex- cellent Broadway Up 'n' Down, Rams Hart; 'Society'-Hal Kemp-Tony Martin Top With Big $53m m Hushand'42G An odd situation developed on Broadway Saturday (25), when "Yes, My Darling Daughter,' with benefit of advertising In one spot but not the other, opened day-and-date at the Warner Strand and Harry Brandt's Globe. Houses are located a block from each other, one (Globe) scaled at 25c to 55c, the Strand from 2Sc to 99c. It Is one of the very rare Instances where pictures have day and-dated on first run Broadway en- gagements. One case years ago was simultaneous run of 'HeU's Angels' at the old Criterion and the Gaiety, but that was by design. Difficulty over 'Devil's Island,' etc., Is detailed elsewhere In a news story. 'Daughter' was rushed into the Strand Saturday (25) morning after finally passing the censors, the house quickly changing its front and rul- ing large type ads into the dailies. 'OS the Record,' >vhich went eigbt days with Kay Kyser, but fail^ to bolster Kyser's draw,, had closed its first week at less than $36,000, dis- appointing in view of cost ot show, and on extra (8th) day got an addi- tional $2,500. Kyser, with 'Daughter* on tiie- final six days ending tomorrow night (Thurs.), will be about the same as the first week, the six days looking about $31,000. The addiuonal day for a full first week for Daughter' will thus probably not top $35,000. Because of the jam-up. Will'Os- borne and Sheila Barrett replace- Kyser Friday (3), which will be the seventh day for 'Daughter.' .Latter holds over and may get a little lift with the withdrawal of the picture from the Globe last night (Tuea.) after four days there at around $7,- 000, very good; Having received an o.k. from Uie censors on 'BlackweU's Island,' this picture opens at the Globe today (Wed.). Lent began Washington's birthday (22) and rahi Sunday as well as yes- terday (Tues.) was no help, but the holiday business .(22) -was very heavy everywhere. Music HaU came within $13 of its best Washington's birthday to date, while the Par, at $13,000 on day, had its best business for that holiday in six years. Other houses correspondingly were over expectations. x:afe Society.' with a two-fisted stage show In Hal Kemp eind Tony Martin, at the $13,000 start Wednes- day (22) and a preview last night CTues.), finished the first seven days at $53,000, excellent Kemp is draw- ing the jazzhounds and Ilartln is drawing a lot Of women. The auto- graph leeches are around in heavier numbers than usual. Show inaugu- rates holdover today (Wed.). Neither 'Wife, Husband and Friend,' at the Roxy, nor 'Honolulu,* at the Capitol, are creating any ex- citement. Latter did not have bene- fit of Washington's birthday, and wiU grobably he under $42,000 on week, ut holds over. Cap pushed' 'Hono- lulu' In on the hohday, got a |ood break on the opening, Stays eight days to and then dipped badly. Stays eight d] get back to regular Thursday open- ing, and on that period wiU be lucky to hit $20,000. 'Huckleberry Finn' opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Second week of 'Made for Each Other,' at Music Hall, looks about $68,000, considerable of a drop from the first week's $102,000, but Initial seven days included Washington's birthday, which makes a big dlfler- ence. 'Staijecoach' enters HaU to- morrow (Thurs.). Criterion is doing weU with 'Four Girls in White,' also opened on the holiday and maybe $9,000, best in long time here. Second-run State is taking a back seat with 'Beachcomb- er,' and, on stage. Lucky MUllnder, Frank Albertson and Estelle Taylor, at $17,000. Rialto closed '12 Crowded Hours' last night (Tues.) to $7,000. o.k.. and today (Wed.) opens 'Secret Service of the Air.' Estimates tor This Week Astor (1,012; 25-40-55-65)-"Pyg- malion' (M-G) (12th week). (3ot a lift last week (11th) with Washing- ton's birthday to finish at $13,400, and currently (12th lap) may gM up to $11,000. Here Indef. Capitol..(4.520; 25-35-55-8Sr$1.25)^ 'Honolulu' (M-G). In for eight days ending toni(;ht (Wed.), but getting nowhere, $20,000 tops. Final six days on third week of .'Idiot's DeUght' (M-G), $19,000. okay. Criterion (1,662; 25-40-55)—"Four Girls in White' (M-G). Given a pre- view, with. 'Mutiny of Elsinore' Wcdnsday (22) and with good start may hit $9,000, very good. 'Mutiny' (Prin). in ahead, got over $7,000, all right Globe (1.274: 25-40-55)—'Black well's Island' (WB). Opens here this morning (Wed.) alter being held up by censors. It succeeds the sudden booking of 'Darling Daughter' (WB), day-and-date with Strand; This one on four days, ending last night (Tues.), around $7,000 here, equiva- lent to an average good week for house. The final (6th) week of 'Lady Vanishes' (20th-GB) approxi- mately $6,000. Palace (1,700; 25-35-55)—'Gunga Din' (RKO). Opened here smgSs yesterday morning (Tues.) 'Wings ot Navy* (WB) (2d run), and 'Fisher- man's Wharf (RKO) (1st run) on six days, only S7.200. 'Jesse James* (20th), solo, was a severe disappoint- er, doinjg less than $8,000 on six days. Paramennt (3,664; 25-35-55-85-99) —'Cafe Society' (Par) and Hal Kemp band, plus Tony Martin, Judy Starr and others in person (2d week). Away to smart start Washington's birthday and -maintaining strong pace, first seven days' business end- ing last night (Tues.) talUed $53,000. very , pungent The second week ot 'St Louis Blues' (Par) and Vincent Lopez, plus John Boles, was $29,000. no kicks. Radio City Mnsic Hall (5,980; 40- 60-84-00-$l.e5) — 'Made for Each Other* (UA) and stage show (2d- flnd. week). Ploughed through to $102,000 last week (its 1st), with heavy play Washington's birthday counting plenty, and on holdover currently wlU be about $68,000. suitable. 'Stage Coach' (UA) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Lent may be expected to get felt a little more here than at some of the other houses which cater to the jitterbug mob. Blalto (750: 25-40-55) — 'Secret Service of Air' (WB). Moves In here this morning (Wed.) after a week of '12 Crowded Hours' (RKO) which got $7,000, fair enough. Six days ot iRenegade Ranger' (RKO) a bit over $5,000, not so forte. BlvoU (2,092; 25-55-75-85-99)— 'Can't . Cheat Honest Man' (U) (2d week), nie count looks like about $12,000 on the holdover (2d week) at hand, and remains four more days, with 'Spirit of Culver* (U) opening March 8. First seven days was $21000 Boxy (5,836: 25-40-55-75)—'Wife, Husband' (20th) and stage show. Will have to stretch to hit $42,000, just good enough to rate a holdover. Last week, "Three Musketeers' (20th) got $44,600, however, but didn't hold. State (3,450; 35-55-75)—'Beach- comber'- (Par) (2d run) and stage show including Lucky MUllnder, Frank Albertson and EsteUe Taylor. Apparently vaude bill Isn't strong enough to make up for what picture lacks after five weeks first-run at the Rivoll, which - took plen^ ot dough out of it: lucky if hitting $17,000. very disappointing. Last week 'Stand Up and Fight' (M-G) and Rudy Vallee scored SS30.000.' nice. Strand (2,767; 25-40-55-75-85-00)— •Darling Daughter' (WB) (1st week) and Kay Kyser (2d week). Rushed in Saturday (25) after censor re^ versal and much publicity but set nothing on fire.. Night business tmder expectations, Kyser drawing 'em in day hours, and first week for picture probably not over $35,000. Kyser is held over six days with 'Daughter* at same cost ($12,> 600). He and 'Off Uie Record' (WB) on the first week less than $35,000, with extra days Friday (24) tor . 'Record' and Kyser meaning an addl-»^ tional $2,900. Treedom/ "Each Other* Good 6G Each in Port Portland, Ore., Feb. 28. 'Made for Each Other' at Parker's Broadway, and 'Let Freedom Rln^ at United Artists are topping the burg's grosses this week. 'Gunga Din' is stUl okay In third week at Paramount, which seldom holds a film longer than two weeks. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-3&- 40)—'Each Other' (UA) and 'Last Warning'. (U). Connecting for good $6,000. Last week (2d) Topper* (UA) and 'Nancy Drew* (WB), okay $4,200. First strong $6,300. Mayfalr (Parker-Evergreen) (L- 500; 30-35-40)—'Honest Man' (U). Good $3,000. Lest week 'Huck Finn* (M-G) and 'O'Connor' (M-G) good $2,300 in second wk. First we«k at. the tTA okay $5,000. Orpheum (Hamrick - Evergreen) (1,800; 30-35-40) — 'Beachcomber* (Par) and 'Off Record' (WB). Good $5,500. Last week 'Musketeers' (20th) and 'Moto' (20th). average $4,300. Paramount (Hamrlck-Evergreen) (3,000; 30-35-40) — 'Gunga Din' (RKO) and 'Lone Wolf (Col) (Sd wk). Still okay at $4,000. Second week $5,200. First week, great $8,000. Bivoll (Indie) (1,100; 20-25)— 'Great Waltz' (M-G) and 'Vacation Love' (M-G), Average $1,800. Last week 'Stablemates' (M-G) and 'Boo- loo' (Par), so-so $1,000. United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 30- 35-40)—'Freedom Ring' (M-G) and 'Dramatic School' (M-G). Great $6,000. Last week 'Honest Man' (U> and 'Fast Loose' (UA), nice $4,600. i