Variety (Mar 1939)

Wcdncsdayt March 8, l$i39 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY Lent Not Hurting Gii Grosses; 'Hucfc Fum' $17,000, Ritzes Fair $(,500, marf-Blacbtone 17G Chicago, March 7. Despite Lent there Is a good strong undertone to general loop picture businc^ at present, with the former chost of the Lenten season being pretty much forgotten these days. . Particularly is this noticeable in the okay business being turned in by the strictly famUy houses such as the Oriental and State-Lake. Both houses got off well, and both indicate a bright take for the current session. After four smashing sessions of •Gunga Din' the Palace arrives with another good jross week. Though Bobby Breen was forced to withdraw from bill due to illness, Tom Gor- man is capitalizing on other attrac- tions this week and will garner a neat take for the stanza. 'Stagecoach' continues at a fast clip in the Roosevelt. On Saturday (4) 'Huckleberry Finn' got away neatly In the United Artists and figures for real coin. Estimates for llhls Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65-75) —'Pygmalion' (M-G) (4th wk). Has been a wonder,, and will -pound through to smash $7,500 this week after snagging nifty $8,900 last round. Chlcaee (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— 'Society (Par) and' stage show with Roger Pryor orch and Ann Sothern, off to $26,000. Last week, 'Stand Up' (M-G) and stage show wilted at $25,300. Garrlok (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) —'Musketeers' (20th). Will manage to snare a fairish $6,500, though word-ot-mouth is n.g. Last week,. 'Beachcomber' (Par) meek $4,800 on loop holdover session. . Oriental (Jones) (32-40)—'Woman Again' (Col) and 'Next Time Marry' (RKO) plus vaude. Boosting to okay $14,00(>. House is waking up out of doldrums of past few weeks and in- dicates considerable perk in activity. Looking for all b.o. exploitation an- cles and biz novelties. Last week, 'Spy Hunt' ■ (Col) and 'Gambling Ship' (U) fair $14,400. Palace (RKO) (2.500; 35-55-65-75) —'Wharf (RKO) and vaude. Black- stone on stage and accounting for the real portion of the business here this week, probably $17,000. Last week, 'Gunga Din' (RKO) closed four-ses- sion stay to walloping $17,400. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 75)—'Stagecoach' (UA) (2d wk). Going through to splendid $12,000 after excellent $17,300 last week. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 25-40)— *New York Sleeps' (20th) and vaude. Fine $14,000 gait. Last week, 'Girl Downstairs' (M-G) $14,200. United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700; S5-55-65-75) —'Huck Finn' (M-G). Started on Saturday (4) with indica- tions for good $17,000. Last week, 'Freedom' (M-G) so-so $10,100. TIGHr-TASr TOP HUB. 22G Boston. March 7. Most interesting development this week is that an opposition house Is playing M-G product and out- erosslng the two Loew stands. 'Stand Up* and 'Fast and Loose,' two M-G films rejected by Loew's here because of a backlog of pix on the sheU to run, are tallying well at the Metropolitan. 'Topper' arid 'Four GUIs in White' at the Orph and State are' tepid. 'Little Princess' held over for sec- ond stanza at the Memorial, grossing okay. 'Tail Spin' on dual bill at the. Par and Fenway, alsp all right. . ' 'Goand Illusion' now in ninth week at the Fine Arts. Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 20-30-40)— 'Smashing Spy Ring' (Col) and 'Sil- ver Sage' (Par), dual, plus vaude, four days; and 'Thanks Everything' (20th) and 'Torchy M».n' (WB) (both 2d run), three days. Headed for okay $8,000. Last week. 'Am Criminal' (Mono) and 'Hcadley's' (Imp) plus .vaude, five days; and 'Frankenstein' (U) and 'Exciting Night' (U) (both 2d run), dual, three days, $8,000. Fenway (M&P) (1,332; 25-35-40- 55)—'Tail Spin' (20th) and 'Flirting Pate' (M-G). Good $7,000 pace. Last week, 'St. Louis' (Par) and 'Persons Hiding' (Par), $6,000. _ Kellh Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 25- 35-40-55)—'Little Princess' (20th) (2d wk) and 'Saint Strikes Back' (RKO) (1st wk). On six days good $13,000 sighted. Last week, 'Little Princess' (20th) and 'Chan' (20th), smash $27,500. Metropolitan (M&P) (4.367; 25- 35-40-55)—'Stand Up' (M-Gl and Fast and Loose' (M-G), Very good $22,000, Last week. 'Beachcomber' (Par) and 'Boy Trouble' (Par) swerved badly, $12,500. - ' Orpheum (Loew) (2,900;'25-35-40- 55)—'Topper' (M-G) and 'Four Girls' (M-G). Medium $13,000. Last week, 'Idiot' (M-G) and 'Son Crimi- nal' (Col) (2d wk), ii.s.g., $11,500. Paramoant (M&P) (1,797; 25-35- 40-55)—'Tall Spin' (20th) and 'Flirt- ing Fate' (M-G): Okay $9,000 gait. Last week, 'St. Louis' (Par) and 'Persons Hiding' (Par), pallid $7,400. Scollay (M&P) (2,538; 25-35-40- «0)^'Jesse James' (20th) (3d run) and 'Woman Doctor' (Rep) (1st run). Okay $6,000 pace. Last week, 'Cowboy and Lady' (UA) and 'Dis- barred' (WB) (both 2d run), $6,200. State (Loew) (3,600; 25-3S-40-55) —'Topper' (M-G) and 'Four Girls' (M-G). Okay $10,000 on way. Last week, 'Idiot' (M-G) and 'Son Crimi- nal' (Col) (2d wk), $8,000. 'PARIS*-SHAW COMBO n% Pin Pittsburgh, March 7. . So far Lent hasn't struck- and may not until Holy Week, same as last year, when expected drop during 40- day stretch didn't materialize until the wind-up. In fact, biz seems to be running a bit above average, with ace b. 0. attractions levelling oft the pace nicely. Stanley way ahead of the pack currently, with Artie Shaw and 'Paris Honeymoon' headed for a slick $24,500. Not altogether a panic, but far above recent takes at this spot and best since Kay Kyser's record-breaking session several months ago. Big news blasts over censor trouble on 'Yes, My DarUng Daughter,' although It passed in this state without a cut, isn't helping film much at Penn, and will do only so-so week. 'Wife, Husband and Friend' put- ting Alvin back into, black, with 'Gunga Din' at Warner after big stanza at Penn, still showing plenty of stuff. EsUinates for This Week AlvIn (Harris) (1,850; 25-35-50)— 'Wife, Husband' (20th). Shoved In two days ahead of time when 'Let Live' (Col) didn't click. Taking $7,- 000 on the eight days. 'Spirit of Cul- ver* (U) opens tomorrow (8). Last week 'Let Live' (Col) and 'Swing Sister' (U) in the dumps, and yanked after Ave days to miserable $3,200. Fulton (Shea-Hyde) (1,750; 25-40) —'Honest Man' (U) (2d wk). Con- tinues to display strong draught m h.o. Clipping $5,000. Holds for half of third session, with 'Little Princess* (20th) getting under way Saturday (11). Opening stanza brought better than $6,000. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300: 25-35- 50)—'Darling Daughter' (WB). Al- tliough press saw to it that cus- tomers knew this was the film New York censors originally banned, pub- lic seems moderately cold to all the fuss. Not pulling as expected on strength of wide ballyhoo, and will, wind up at $12,500. just aboutr aver- age. Last week 'Gunga Din' (RKO) all right at S20,0d0. Senator (Harris) (1.750: 25-40)— 'Imitation of Life' (U) and 'Lloyds of London' (20th) (reissues). Taking it plenty on the chin, and out after four days to under $1,000. House brought in 'Woman Doctor' (Rep) and 'Mystery Plane' (Mono) prior to opening Friday (10) with revival of 'Can't Take It' (Col) as result of Academy awai-d. Last week, sec- ond of 'Lady Vanishes' (20th) off at $1,900 in six days. Stanley (WB) (3.600: 25-40-60)— 'Paris Honeymoon' (Par) and Artie Shaw. Ropes up. for Shaw every afternoon, Isut night trade off be- tween 6 and 8 p. i., which will keep take down to around $24,500. That's still head and shoulders above anything house had had re- cently and a joy all around. Will be spot's best gross since Kay Kyser. Last week 'Topper' (UA) and Vin- cent Lopez around $18,500. good. Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-35-50)— 'Gunga Din' (RKO). Pencilled in here after easily meeting h.o. figure at Penn and looks Mke there are plenty of downtown customers left for this one. Knockini; off pretty close to a grand daily an will have no trouble at all touching $6,500. Last week, third of 'Pygmalion' (M- G). finished strong at $6,000, giving Aim around $38,000 on downtown run, first week of which was played at Penn. First Runs on Broadway (Subject to Change) Week ot March 9 . Astor — 'Pygmalion' (M-G) (14th wk). Capitol —'Let Freedom Ring' (M-G). ' (Reviewed In Vawcty, Feb. 22) Criterion —'Fast .and Loose' (M-G) (8).. (Reviewed in Vamcty, Feb. 2) Globe — 'Blackwell's Island' (WB) (2d wk). Music Hall—'Stagecoach' (UA) (2d wk). Paramount—'Never Say' Die' (Par) (8). . , . (Ret>lewcd in Current issue) Klalto —'Saint Strikes Back' (RKO) (8). (Reviewed in VARUTr, Mar. 1) . Rlvoll-'Spirit of Culver' (U) (Reviewed in VAniEir, Mar. 1) Boxy—Little Princess' (20th) (10). (Reviewed in Variety, Feb. 22) Strand—'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) (10). Week of March 16 Astor — 'Pygmalion' (M-G)' (15th wk). . Capitol—'Ice FoUies of 1039' (M-(3). ' (Reviewed in Current Issue) Globe — ' Blackwell's Island' (WB) (3d wk). . Mnslc Hall — 'Love Affair' (RKO). Paramoant—'Never Say Die' (Par) (2d wk). Rlvoll-'Spirit of Culver' (U) (2d wk). Boxy-'LitUe Princess' (20th) (2d wk). Strand—'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) (2d wk). 'Stagecoach' $85,000, 'BiackweOs Both Good, but Other Bway Spots Need Afibis;'Huck'Poor 18G 'Cafe Dual $6,1 In Rsuny L'ville; Daughter' $5,500 Louisville, March 7^ Usual Lenten slowup felt Jnis week, although not enough to<^ing out the crying towels. Heavy rain- fall Saturday (4) hurt mat and night .business, keeping quite a portion of patrons at home. . 'Darling Daughter' at the Mary Anderson came m for must attention by cricks, but 'Cafe' Society' on a dual at the Rialto is heading for the best gross, edging by . a small margin 'Topper' at Loew's State. Elsewhere the trade is on the slow side. Estimates for This Week Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) (1,500; 15-30-40)—'Honest Man' (U) and 'Gambling Ship' (U). Headed for ordinary takings after profitable session at Rialto. Sighting $1,900, mild. Last week, 'Gunga Din* (RK(D) and Oxford Movement pic, 'Youth Marches On,' medium $2,000. Kentucky (Switow) (900: 15-25)— 'Dawn Patrol' (WB) and 'Up River' (20th). Average potency indicated by this pair at $1,500. Last week, 'Kentucky' (20th) and 'Thanks Everything' (20th), on seven day stanza apcounted for $1,900, all right. Loew's SUte (Loew) (3,100: 15-30- 40)—Topper Takes Trip* (UA) and 'Dr. Meade' (Col). Aiming toward $5,500. fair; Lest week, 'Pygmalion' (M-G) and 'Son Criminal' (Col), under expectations on eight days at $7,000. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000: 15- 30-40)—'Darling Daughter' (WB). Received most attention in hcw.s- papcr reviews, and pacing for ample $5,500 and possible h.o. Last week, IDevil's Island' (WB) $2,800, under par, .Ohio (Settos) (900: 15)—'Arkansas Traveler' (Par) and 'Mysterious Rider' (Par), split with 'Professor Beware' (Par) and .'Gold Diggers in Paris' (WB). Feeling the Lenten slowup, and creeping along to tepid $1,100. Last week, 'King Alcatraz' (Par) and 'Tropic Holiday' (Par), split with 'Escape Night' (Rep) and 'Barefoot Boy' (Mono) mild $1,200. Blalto (Fourth Avenue) (3.000; 15- 30-40)—'Cafe Society' (Par) and •Persons in Hiding' (Par). While not in smash category, will be good enough to out-distance others this stanza at $6,000. fair enough, Last week, 'Honest Man' (U) and 'Gam- bling Ship' (U) easily led the town at $8,000, and rated, moveover to Brown for seven-day continuation. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1.400: 15- 30-40)—'Moto's Last Warning' (20th) and 'Three- Musketeers' (20th). Should wind up with fair enough $3,500. Last week 'Beachcomber' (Par) and 'Disbarred' (Par), fair at $3,300. I 'Stagecoach,' which is covering con- i siderable ground at the Music Hall, and 'Blackwell's Island,' at Harry Brandt's grind Globe, are Broad- way's biggest business-getters this week. Neither weather,, including Saturday's rain, and the Lenten pe- riod, are killing either off. Those things are alibis for' some of the other houses, possibly proving that nothin:: stops the pictures the pub- lic wants. There are no alibis for the kind of business the Capitol, Criterion and Rialto are doing. They simply haven't got anything of importance to offer. The high-class western current at the Hall will get $85,000 or dose. Notices and word-of-mouth may get- it a comparatively strong second week. 'Blackwell's Island,' into the Globe Wednesday (1) after much hulabaloo in the papers over censor trouble, is packing the house to its utmost. The gross will be somcv/here arotind $16,000, best this house has done since Brandt took it over about five years ago. The Rialto got 'Secret Service of the Air' from WB. It ended its week last night (Tues.) with around $5,800. blammg the lack of names foir not doing .better. Same situation is also true of 'Persons in Hiding,' rated worthy of more than $6,500 at the Criterion, but again hwe there are no names for draught. Cap's 'Huckleberry Finn.' however, has the name of Mickey Rooncy and isn't getting anywhere. This ap- parently is. a case where the public smelled out a poor picture and is passing it up no matter who's in it. 'Huck' was produced before by Para- mount in 1031 and was also a fiop then. It will be lucky to end at $18.- 000 on finishing its lone C&p week tonight (Wed.). Theatre moves in 'Let Freedom Ring' tomorrow (Thurs.). Strand is in its second (final) week of 'Yes, My Darling DaJUghter.' Pic- tures goes six days, being reolaced Friday (10) by 'Oklahoma Kid.' On the six days of the holdover, 'Daugh- ter' will be about $23,000. satisfac- tory. Will Osborne, who came into the Strand Friday (3) to run coupled with 'Daughter' on its holdover, is remaining over with 'Oklahoma Kid.' The changini» of bands in the middle of film bookings was neces- sitated because of two-week com- mitments on both Kay Kyser and Win Osborne. 'Daughter' was rushed in on Kyser's second week in order to cash in on the publicity attending the Warner victory over the censors. State is doing rather well with •Shining Hour' and a vaude bill headed by Milton Berle, indications pointing to $23,000, or better. Final, second week of 'Cafe Society,' Hal Kemp and Tony Martin at the Par ending last night (Tues.). at $39,000, was good enough for a third stanza, but house was committed to bring in Chick Webb, Ella Fitzgerald and 'Never Say Die* today (Wed.). Otherwise it would have held at this kind of coin during Lent. Roxy's second week of 'Wife, Hus- band and Friend' is comparatively slow at $34,000, but, with $42,500 garnered the first week, the com- bined total represents a fair profit. Rivoli brlnps in 'Spirit of Culver* today (Wed.)lhe Criterion 'Fast and Loo.se' and the Rialto. 'Saint Strikes Back.' The holdovers amon.-; current shows will be 'Stagecoach,' 'Black- well's' and 'Pygmalion'. Estimates for This Week Astor (1.012; 25-40-55^65) — 'Pyg- malion' (M-G) (13th week). Remains very firm, this week probably SIO.- [.■iOO or better. Last week (12th), 312 000. Capitol (4;520: 25-.r5-3.'5-85-S1.25)— I'Huckleberry Finn', fM-G). Mickey jRoonpy gels but one week at $18.- jOOO. or Ics.s. very disappointing. I'Honolulu' (M-G) wns in for cif.ht ■ r'.nys oyer Woshington's birthday. : but only S20.000 on that run. 'Let Freedom Ring' (M-G) opens-tomor- row (Thurs.). Criterion (1.602: 25-40-55)—*Pcr- .<!ons in Hiding (Par). Well-regarded 'B' unfior hopes. $6,500 tops. Last week. 'Four Girls in White' (M-G). $9,000. good. : Globe (1.274; 25-40-55) — 'Black- well's Island' (WB). Going great guns for Approximately $16,000. best house has done under' policy,' and holds over. In ahead. 'Yes. ' RIy Daiflin'! Daughter (WB), di.y-and- date)with the Strand, got $7,200 in foun^days. very good. Palace (1.700; 25-35-55) — 'Gunga Din* (RKO) (2d run). Is boin"? held two c::tra day.s for a total of nine; on that period orobably $10,000. 'Wings ot Navy' (WB) (2d run) and 'Fisherman's Wharf (RKO) (1st run), in ahead for six days, only $7,200. Paramount (3,664: 25-35-55-85-99) —'Never Say Die' fPar) and Chick Webb orchestra, plus-Ella Fitzger- ald, onen today (Wod.). Second ;week for 'Cafe Society,' with Hal I Kemp and Tony Martin in person. $39,000, following Initial seven days of $51,000, fine profit A third week would have been played but for the Webb-Fitzgerald bookings, which couldn't be changed. . Radio City Music Hall (5,980: 40- 60-84-90-$1.65) — 'Stagecoach' (UA) and sta;?e show. Spectacle of the west doing well here. $85,000 or near, and .holds i>ver. Last week, second of 'Made for Each Other' tUA), $65,000, good enough. Rialto (750: 25-40-55) — 'Saint Strikes Back' (RKO). Arrives here today (Wed.) after a mildish week of $5,800 for 'Secret Service of the Air! (WB). Prior to that house played '12 Crowded Hours' (RKO). getting $7,000. Blvoll (2.092: 25-55-75-05-99)— 'Spirit of Culver' (U); Opens today CWed.). succeeding "You Can't Cheat an Honest Man' (U) after 18 days. Concluding . four days was S5.0:}0, following a second full week of $11.- 000; Boxy (5,836: 25-40-55-75)— 'Wife, Husband and Friend (20th) and sta.-je shpw (2d-final week). A rather slow-goer, possibly $34,000 this week (2d) after a first seven days of $42,- 500. Fnir profit on the two weeKs. 'Little Princess i20th) moves in Fri- day (10). Slate (3,450: 35-55-75) — 'Shining Hour' (M-G) (2d run) and vaude topped by Milton Berle. Consider- able improvement here this week; .^23.000. or over, good. Lnst week, 'Beachcomber' (Par) (2d run) and Luckv Millinder, Frank Albnrtson and Estelle Taylor, $17,000. n.g. Strand (2,707; 25-40-55-75-35-99)— 'Yes. My Darling Daughter' (WB) (2d-flnal week) and Will Osborne, plus Sheila Barrett (l.st week), pic- ture remains six days on its hold- over, in that period with a new stage show, looking in vicinity of $23,000, not big but o.k. The first week of 'Daughter.' with Kay Kyser going six da.ys with it,. $35,000, under hopes but satisfactory. Osborne and Miss Barrett. hold a second week with 'Oklahoma Kid' starting Friday (10). 'HUCK' $22, m BIG 21G, DC. OK Washington, March 7. Town,, which has been getting average of two or three new pics a week for months due to hold-overs and repeat policies, had chance to shop between five newcomers this week. Two, however, are definitely n.s.h. One was vanked yesterday (6) and other may be tomorrow. Tops is 'Huckleberry Finn' with Frank Albertson p.a. at Capitol, and kids packing mats. Second is 'Pyg- malion,' which bowed Wed. night at Palace with reserved seat premiere. Only other moneymaker Is 'Yes My Darling Daughter,' doing nicely at Earle. 'Ambush' wallowed three days at Met and gave way yesterday (6) to return of 'You Can't Take It Witti You' prompted by Academy Award ballyhoo. 'Spirit of Culver' at Keith's is hanging on bravely, but may come out tomorrow (Wednes- day). Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3.434; 25-.15-40-60) —'Hi?ck Finn' (M-G) . and vaude. Frank Albertson p.a. heloing tav.;?.rd .swell $22,000. La.st week, 'Topper' (UA) and Phil Regan on stage weak $15,300. Columbia (Loew) (1.234; 25-40)— 'Idiot' (M-G) (2d run). Back on mairistem-after two big wc-.ks at Palace with okay $4,000. Last week 'Jesjsc James' (20th) (2d run) good $5,000. Earle (WB') (2.216: 25-35-'!i0-e6)— 'Darling Dr.ughler' (WB) and vp.i'de. Nice $18,000. Last week, 'Woman Again' (Col) and Eddie Duchin orch big $l9,fl00. Keith's (RKO) (1.830: 35-55)— 'Spirit of Culver' (U). Can't buck 'Huck Finn.' Poor $4,500 if it lasLs. Last week 'Gunija Din' (RKO) (4tb wk) $5,000, all right. Met (WB) (l.COO; 25-40)—'Can't Take It' (Col) (revival). Shoved in (6) to capitalize on Academy Award and set for good $2,500, four days. 'Ambush' (Par) opened Friday (3) ' and lasted three days for llopno $1,300. Last week, 'Beachcomber* (Par) (2d run) took big $5,000. Palace (Loew) (2,424; 35-55)— 'Pygmalion' (M-G). Bowed Wednes- day night with sellout reserved seat premiere which collected- $1,200. at re:!ular prices. Holding on beauti- fully- for big $21,000 for eight days and premiere. Last week, 'Tradei Winds' ■(UA)-for week minus two performances satisfactory SA 1 .finn