Variety (Apr 1939)

Wednesday. April 12, 1939 PI€TIIBE GROSSES VARIETY Dodge-Anor Ridiiig Ad Spreads To Terrific 426 in Chi; 'Casdes' Vaude Sock $22,000, ?yg'Folds Chicago, April 11. The Easter pickup is bringing hap- plaess to tlia built of the theatres around here and each of the houses has dressed itself with its best prod- uct and attraction to attract the (warm of trade. Best of the lot is the Chicago, where 'Dodge City' is indicating one of the biggest sessions of the past few years. Bang-up campaign on the flicker, with teriflic ad spreads, got the flicker away fast and it evidences abilily to hold that pace. The Bal- aban Sc Katz flagship is making a strong play for business and has lined up a series of outstanding flickers and attractions. 'Pygmalion' finally folded at the Apollo after a sensational run of eight weeks. Was replaced Satur- day (8) by 'Grand Illusion.' This is the first foreign language flicker to play for B. & K. downtown, but B. & K. is turning its attention towards the arty stuS now as b. o. possibil- ities. Palace is also In the swim with 7he Story of Vernon and Irene Cas- tle' and should wallop through to large coin on general principles, not even counting. huge publicity Miss Castle rates in Chi. It's a battle of stage shows between the State-Iiake and Oriental, with the State-Lake having its own Frenchy tmit on the stage, as devised and staged by Leon Miller. Estimates for TUs Week ApeUo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65-7S) —'Illusion' (World). Got away Sat- urday (8) and indicates a fine gross ciurently on arty play. Figures for St .least $94)00, powerful. Last week, 'Pygmalion' (M-G), wound up terif- flc eight-weeker to good $4,900. Chloato (B&K) (1,000; 35-55-75)— Dodge City' (WB) and stage show. Mischa Auer and Paul Haakon on stage. Looks for big upswing on this technicolor western to solid $42,000, zowie. I,ast week, 'Wife, Husband' (20th) plus 'Mikado in Swing' unit, bucked Holy Week to excellent $32,- £00. Qarrlek (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) —'Prison Bars' (UA). Foreign made pic is aided by general biz upturn and should ride into the profits all right at $6,000, particularly aided by sensationalism in the ads. Last week, 'Oklahoma' (WB), poor $3,300. Oriental (Jones) (S,20iO; 25-40)— 'Boy Slaves' (KKO) and 'Breezin' Along' unit on stage with Lou Breese orch., Stepin Fetchlt and Ar- inida. On stage strength Is aiming higher than usual for bright $16,000. Last week, 'Strange Faces' (U) and 'Forged Passport' (Rep), dived to $11,100. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65-75) —'Castles'. (RKO) and vaude. Head- ing upwards and onwards and indi- cates strong initial session at $22,- 000. Last week (2d), 'Love Affair' (RKO) and vaude, okay $15,500. BMsevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 75)—'Missouri' (Par), Started Sat- urday (8) and evidences some good trade over the Easter week. Okay $12,000 in the offing. Last week, 'Fast Loose' (M-G), meagre $7,100. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 25-40)— 'Disbarred' (20th) and 'FoUes des Femmes' unit on stage. House-built unit by Leon Miller b the real coin- getter currently and peps the wicket to nitty $16,000. Last week, 'Am- bush' (Par), meek $11,300. United ArUsts (B&K) (1,700; 35-55- 6S-7S)—'Ice Follies' (M-G) (2d wk). Maybe $10,000, fairish, in the works after taking mUd $12,100 in iniUal session. 'Wuthering Heights' <UA) next. HyBB SfaroBg {S^ h Nine Lincob Days Lincoln, April 11. Dodge City,' breaking ground four days after the world premiere in Dodge City, which rated front page around here, is smashing away .to a big take at the newly opened Nebraska. ^ 'Midnight' is at the Stuart and fairly healthy. Estimates for This Week Celonlai (NTl - Noble - Monroe) (750; 10-15>—•Water Rustlers' (GN) and 'Frog' (GB), spUt with 'Tailspin Tommy* (Mono) and 'Rolling West- ward' (Mono). Only poor$TOO. Last week. 'Trigger SmfOf (Mono) and 3»at»ent Room 18' (WB), split with We Honor' (WB) and 'Rough Rider' (Rep), so-so $800. Liberty (NTI-Noble) (1,000; 10-15- ^'^.wmance Redwoods' (Mono) and 'WUe's Relatives' (Rep). SIow- jsh, $900. Last week, 'Whispering Enemies' (Col) and 'Lady and Mob' (Col), light $1,000. , Wneoln (LTC-Cooper) (1,600: 10- 15-20)—'Carefree', OtKO). Long time coming, so slim $2,000. Last week, 'Giants' (WB), fair $2,200. Nebraska (LTC-Cooper) (1,236: 10- 25-40)—'Dodge City' (WB), slam- banger, probably will get $5,500, or better, in 9 days, which is. ultra. Last week, 'Ice Follies' (M-G), opened the house to good $4,100. Stnart (LTC-Cooper) (1,600; 10-15- 25-35)—'Midnight' (20th) and 'Par- don Nerve' (20th). Looks fairly healthy, $3,400. Last week, 'Wife, Husband' (20th) and 'Secrets Nurse' (U), about $3,700, okay. Varsity (NTI-Noble) (1,100; 10-25- 35)—'Lady Vanishes' (GB). Very slow, $1,400. Last week, 'King Turf (UA), $1,500, poor. Dodge $18,000, 'Casdes'-Vaude, IOC Wow Baho Baltimore, April 11. Strongest lineup of film product in moons is reflecting itself in re- sounding grosses all around. The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle,' tied to strong vaude layout at the combo Hipp, is ringing the bell in lusty fashion, and 'Dodge City,' at Stanley, is taking advantage of the ample seating capacity to point for one of biggest weeks of the year. There's plenty of interest in Three Smart Girls,' which got an early start Wed. (5) at Keith's and helped offset Holy Week dip. Estimates for This Week . Centnry (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 25-40)-'Broadway Serenade' (M-G). Holding a fairish pace against tough competition. Should hit okay $12,- 000. Last week, 'Fast Loose' (M-G), mild $7,400. ^ Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,205; 15-25-35-40-55-66) — 'Castles' (RKO) plus vaude. Ringing the bell for big $16,000, best in moons. Last week, 'Fisherman Wharf (RKO) and Bowes' unit offset Holy Week blues with satisfactory $10,700 Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406; 15- 25-35-40)—'Three Smart Girls' (U). Starts second week tomorrow (Wed.) after chalking up best figures here in long .Ume, $14,000. Last week, 'Third Nation' (Par), limped in with poor $3,100. New (Mechanic) (1,558; 15-25-35- 55)—'Graham BeU' (20th). Opened Sat. (B). Pointed to solid $9,500. Last week (2d), 'Baskervilles' (20th), poor $2,300 to uneventful tist roimd at $3,100. SUnler (WB) (3^80; 15-25-35-40- 55)—'Dodge City' (WB). Chalking up biggest take here in months, with extra large capacity coming in handy. Should hit booming $16,000. Last week, revival of 'Can't Take It' (Col), attracted some play at $4,700. H. 0. TOPS B'KLYN •BUikwell'a' 2d Big $19,M0; 'Stage- coach' Dnal Bright 18G Brooklyn, April 11.' Topping all other attractions in downtown area is 'Blackwell's Is- land,' in second week at Fabian Par- amount Despite attractive weekend weather, crowds made beeline for theatres. Coney Island, sporting new. coat of paint, reopened Easter Sun- day with fair attendance on board- walk. Steeplechase also threw open its doors. Loew's Metropolitan is getting f)od biz with 'Stagecoach' and 'Risky usiness.' ' Estimates for This Week Albee (3,274; 25-35-50)-'Princess' (20th) and 'Winner All' (20th). Good daytime reaction will give house $16300. Last week, 'Musketeers' (20th) and 'Mr. Moto' (20th), good $15 000. Fox (4,089; 25-35-60)—'Missouri' (Par) . and 'Women Wind' (WB). Good $16,000. Last week, 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) and 'Never Die' (Par) (2d wk), nifty $16,000. Met (3,618; 26-35-50)—'Stagecoach' (UA) and 'Risky Business' (U). Bright $18,000. Last week, "Huck Finn' (M-G) and 'Fast Loose' (M-G), okay $18,000. Paramonnt (4,126; 25-35-50)— 'Blackwell' (WB) and "Boy Trouble' (Par) (2d wk). Expect grand $16,- 000. Last week, good $19,000. Strand (2,870; 25-35-40)—'Star Re- porter' (Mono) and 'Secret Police' (Par). Uneventful $5,000. Last week. 'Jane Arden' (WB) and "Long Shot' (GN), quiet $5,000.' 1st Rgos 00 Broadway (Subject to Chanpe) Week of April 13 Aster—'Pygmalion' (M-G) (10th wk). Capltel—'Hardys Ride High' (M-G). Criterion — 'Mutiny on the Bounty' (M-G) (revival) (12). Globe-Trison Without Bars' (UA) (2d wk). Hnsle Hall—'Vernon and Irene C^astle' (RKO) (3d wk). Paramannt-'Midnight' (Par) (2d Wk). BUHo — 'Flying Irishman' (RKO) (12). IRevieuiei in VAiOETr, March 8) BivoU — ^Wuthering Heights' (UA). (Reviewed in Varieiv, March 29) Boxy — 'Alexander Graham BeU' (20th) (3d wk). Strand—'Dodge City' (WB) (2d wk). Week of April 2» Astor—'P y g m a 1 i o n' (M-G) (20th wk). CapUoi—^Man of Conquest' (Rep). Criterion — 'Back Door to Heaven' (Par) (19). ' (Revieued In Currant Issue) Globe—"Prison Without Bars' (UA) (3d wk). Hnsle Hall —'Dark Victory* (WB). (Revtewed In VAamr, March 15) Paramonnt—'Midnight' (Par) (3d wk). Bialt»—'Eagle and the Hawk' (Par) (Revival). BlvoU — 'Wutherhig Heights' (UA) (2d wk). Boxy—"Return of Cisco Kid' (20th) (21). Strand—'Dodge City' (WB) (3d wk). Dof^e' Wbam $7,000 in L'vifle; DiirlmiFme$7,500 Louisville, April 11. Plenty of potent product in town, following a tepid Holy Week, and patrons are flocking back to the film houses in old-time form. Weather is still on the cool side, a break for.the downtown pic emporiums, and op- posish is absent during the current week. Hefty coin is going to Durbin pic at Rialto, which is garnering plenty of word-of-niouth publicity. Good showing also in prospect for 'Broadway Serenade,' on a dual' at Loew's State, and 'Dodge City' is gulling 'em in in great shape at the [ary Anderson.' Vaude was in for two days (8-9) at National, with bill headied by Benny Baker, supported by Pat Rooney, Jr., and Herman Tlmberg, Jr., Charles Brinkley orch and other acts.. Biz shaped up okay. Estlmaica for This Week Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) (1,500;, 15-30-40)—'Midnight' (Par) and 'Sudden Money (Par). Move- over from Rialto Jooking for fair $1,800. Last week, 'Stagecoach' (UA) and 'Blondie Boss' (Col),on the profit side, $2,000. kentncky (Switow) (900; 15-25)— 'Jesse James' (20th) and 'Swing Sis- ter' (U). Aiming at forte $1,900. Last week. 'Made Criminal' (WB) and 'Woman Again' (Col), mild $1,500. Loew's State (Loew's) (3,100; 15- 30-40)—'Broadway Serenade' (M-G) and 'Whispering Enemies' (Col). Riding in on the Easter acceleration and, while hardly in smash category, pointing to healthy $6,000. La.st week, 'Madden' (M-G) and 'North Shanghai' (Col), felt the Lenten squeeze and returned meager $4,500. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1.000; 15-30-40)—'Dodge City' (WB). Local and national ads. and various ex- ploitation gags, all helping b.o. In- dications are for smash $7,000. Ijast week, 'BlackweU' (WB) wound up with pretty fair $3,000. Ohio (Settos) (900: 15)—'Sweet- heart' (U) and 'Slim' (WB) split vrith 'My BiU' (WB) and '(3oing Be Rich' (20th). Probably $1,100, fair. Last week. 'Give Sailor' (Par) and 'Men Fools' (WB) split with 'Slim' and 'One Passage' (WB), weak $900. Blalto (Fourth Avenue) (3.000; 15- 30-40)—'Three Smart Giris' (U) and 'Risky Business' (U). Durbin pic reaping results. Should cop rosy $7,-500 and may -hold; Last - week. 'Midnight' (Par) and 'Sudden Money' (Par), best in town and grabbed most of jack in sight, $7,000, big consider- ing everything, Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1.400: 15-30-40)—'BaskervUles' (20th) and "Winner Take All' (20th). Indica- tions are for satisfactory $3,200. Last week, 'Arizona Wildcat' (20th) and "Everybody's Baby' (20th), good $3,500. Dodge City'-Lombardo Click $45,000 On 6 way; IMidiiiglit'-T. Dorsey S4G, tastles' 2d Hefty $110M 14G Severest disappointment is the ster egg thaVs thited deep red 'Broadway Serenade.' It will be Paramount and Strand, with new Easter shows, together with 'Vernon and Irene (Castle' on a holdover at the Music Hall, are kicking the box office gong around in fine style. Al- though Holy Week is gone, its mel- ody lingers on at some of the other Broadway stands. The public, per usual, is smelling out the hibiscus blossoms among the Easter offerings and passing up the dandelions. Good Friday (7) held things down rather sharply on the whole, but, curiously, lliursday (6) was poorer at some box offices. With good weather prevailing, the week-end was powerful where the attractions had pull, and since kids are out of school for 10 days, both Monday (10) and yesterday (Tues.) found heavy crowds downtown. The kids also are a factor at the backstage doors trying to hook Tom- my Dorsey at the Par and Guy Lom- bardo personaUng at Uie Strand. Dorsey, with 'Midnight,' opened the middle of Holy -Week at the Par, but that mattered UtUe to the trade drawn here, with result first week last night (Tues.) wound up at $54,000. Second leg begins today (Wed.) and likely this show will go three weeks. ■Dodge City,' plus Iiombardo, is bulging the comparatively small in- terior of the Strand, which seats only 2,767. The exploitation on ^Dodge' and the space it grabbed no doubt is helping to account for tho more than $45,000, excellent This is socko considering Good Friday opening when everyone fears the worst, and usually gets it It did rather well that day, however, despite every- thing. 'Dodge' and I<ombardo are in for three weelts. Severest disa) Easter for lucky to top $14,000. Other new pic- tures of the week, in secondary first- run houses, are 'Prison Without Bars' (Globe), 'Within the Law' (Cri- terion) and 'Flying Irishman'. (Ri- alto). Last-mentioned opened yes- terday (Tues,), but brought no one flying to the theatre. 'On Trial,' end- ing Konday lUriit (10) was $6,000, o. k. for Holy Week. •Prison Without Bars' is very po- tent at the Globe, maybe $14,000, and holds. Criterion is medium at $7,000 on 'Within the Law.' Holdovers from Holy Week, In ad- dition to 'Castle,' include 'Bell' and 'Pygmalion.' While 'Castle' showed great strength with $100,000 over Holy Week, on the holdover it is picking up speed for a possible $110,- 000, thus insuring a third week. 'Bell' got $47,000 on the flrst week at the Roxy and will be about $40,000 on the holdover. 'Pygmalion' loolcs about $6,500 this week, its 18th, stiU nice profit, but pulls stakes around May 1. Warners opens 'Juarez' at the Hol- lywood at $2 top, two performances daily, on April 28, Estimates for This Week Astor (1,012; 25-40-55-65)—'Pyg- malion' (M-G) (18th week). Add another $8,500 to what this long-run baby has gotten to date. Last week (17th). $9,000. Capitol (4,520; 25-35-5S-e6-$1.25)— 'Broadway Serenade' (M-G). A bit better than last week, but still sad at. $14,000. 'Society Lawyer" (M-G), dipped to under $11,000, sorrowful. Criterion (1,662; 25-40-55)—'With- In Law' (M-G). Not doing weU, around $7,000 indicated. Last week 'Drummond' (Par) failed to get to $6,000, poor. Globe (1,274; 25-40-55)—'Prison Without Bars' (UA). This is the kind of thing they like here; opened stoutly Saturday (8) and may see as much as $14,000 on the week, big, holding over. In ahead, 'Let Us Live' (Col), on 10 days got $11,000, good. PaUce (1,700; 25-35-55)—'Okla- homa Kid' -(WB) (2d run) and 'Women in Wind' (WB) (1st run), twinned, opens here today (Wed.), Six days for 'Darling Daughter' (WB) (2d run) and 'Winner Tata All' (20th) (1st run). $6,500, mild. Ahead of that 'Wife. Husband' (20th) (2d run) and 'Woman Doc- tor' (U) (1st run), $7,500. Paramount (3,664; 25-35-55-85-99)— "Midnight' (Par) and Tommy Dorsey (2d week). Picture, which got good notices and is bringing sturdy night trade, combines with Dorsey and heavy day draught for smart tak- ings: first seven days ending last night (Tues.), $54,000. The second (final) week of 'From Missouri' (Par) and Charlie Bamet Dorothy Lamour, Mischa Auer,-'$32,500,,good.- Radio City Music HaU (5.980; 40- 60-e4-99-$1.65)—'Castles' (RKO) and stage show (2d run). A mighty gross-getter, and possibly $110,000 this week (2d) after flrst seven days through Holy Week of $100,000, dandy. Goes third round, to be fol- lowed by 'Dark Victory' (WB). BUIto (750; 25-40-55) — 'Flying Irishman' (RKO). Opened unim- pressively yesterday (Tues.) after week of 'On Trial' (WB) at $6,000, all right for last week of Len^ plus Easter weekend. 'Made Her a Spy' (RKO) got $6,200 here. BlvoU (2,092; 25-55-75-85-99) — 'Three Smart Girls' (U) (4th-flnal week). Windup for the Durbin pic- ture will be strong $18,000, - after third (Lent) lap of $16,500 tor month's run here that will be highly profitable. 'Wuthering Heights' (UA) opens tomorrow night (Thurs.). Boxy (5,830; 25-40-55-75)—'BeU> (20th) and stage shpw (2d week). No whirlwind at the b.o. but will show satisfactory profit at $47,000 last week (1st) and about $40,000 this week (2d) over Easter. 'Return of Cisco Kid' (20th) opens Friday (21), 'BeU' being held 3d week. State (3,450; 35-55-75)—'Cafe So- ciety' (Par) (2d run), with Joan Davis and Dave ApoUon In person. Possibly $21,000 will be reached, okay but nothing to advertise. Last week 'Honolulu' (M-G) (2d nin) and Tony Galento disappointed at $19,000. Strand (2,767; 25-40-55-75-85-S6)— 'Dodge City' (WB) and Guy Lom- bardo. Despite a group of lukewarm reviews, picture is having a fine flrst week of dollar signs, looking to a big $45,000, or better. Much of the credit for this box office at- tention is given to the cross-«ountry' publicity job done oh this film. Last week, second for 'You C^n't Get Away With Murder' (WB) and Jimmy Dorsey, under $15,000, a forced holdover to wash up Lent DnrbiihCorrigaii Dual Good $19,000 As Boston Ups Boston, April 11. Business took a spurt over th* weekend, with Holy Week's jinx lift- ed Saturday. 'Dodge City' looks like the town's leader, with "Huckleberry Finn' and "Three Smart Girls' running neck- and-neck for second place. Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 20-30-40)— 'Gunga Din' (RKO) and Disney Revue (RKO) (2d run), two days: and 'Mystery Plane' (Mono) and "Trouble Sundown' (RKO), dual, five . days, plus vaude for full week. Looks like $9,000, good. This is first fun week of vaude since stage policy re- sumed about three montlis ago. Last week, 'Star Midnight' (RKO) and 'Lost Patrol' (RKO) (2d run), dual, with vaude for four days; and 'Devil's Island' (WB) and 'Great Man Votes' (RKO) (3d run), double, for three days, okay $7,600. Fenway (M&P) (1,332; 25-35-40-55) -'Missouri' (Par) and 'Inside Story' (20th). Shaping up okay, around $6,500. Lost week, 'One-Thin) Nation' (Par) and 'Never Say Die' (Par), poor $4,200. Keith lHemo^iaI-(RKO) (2,907; 25- 35-40-55)—'Three Smart Giris' (U) and 'Flyhig Irishman'-(RKO). Picked up momentum over weekend, head- ing for very good $19,000. Last week, 'Love Affair' (RKO) (2d wk.) and 'Society Smugglers' (U) (1st wk.), dual, good $15,000. Metropolitan. (M&P) (4,367; 25-3»- 40-55)—'Dodge City' (WB) and 'Jane Ardeh Adventures' (WB). Flirting with smash $30,000. Last week, 'Daughter' (WB) and Torchy China- town' (WB), double, medium $14,000. Orpbeom (Loew) (2,900; 25-35-40- 55)—"Huck Finn' (M-G) and !BlondIe Boss' (Col). Whirling the wickets, heading for big $22,000. I^st week, 'Honolulu' (M-G) and 'O'Connor (M-G), fair $15,000. Faramoiut (M&P) (1,797: 25-35-40- 55)—'Missouri' (Par) and 'Inside Story' (20th). Okay for about $8,000. Last week, 'One-Third Nation' (Par) and 'Never Die' (Par), n.s.b. $6,900. SeoUay (M&P) (2,538; 25-35-40-50) —'Oklahoma Kid* (WB) and Topper* (Col) (both 2d run). Around $7,000, very good. Last week, 'Blackwell' (WB) and 'Cafe Society' (Par) (both 2d run), poor $4,000. State (Loew) (3,600; 26-3&-40-55)— 'Huck Finn' (M-G) and 'Blondie Boss' (Col). Strong combo, drawing around $17,000. Last week, 'Hono- lulu' (M-G) and 'O'Connor' (Vl-G), fair $13,000. ... . _. Hobbylng With Warners Hollywood, April 11. New series, 'The Hobby Family,* starts at Warners Monday (17) with William McGann directing imder Bryan Foy's guidance. Yarn is about a fatnily with screw- ball hobbies. Schedule calls for three .a year.