Variety (Apr 1939)

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Wednesday, April 26, 1939 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY Herbert-HoursTick 0(1 $15,000, Fme,asMCIiiB.O,sPerkUp; M'-Treacher Ringii^ $31, Chicago, April 25. Business <eii«rany Indlates « nerk-up in the midwest and the loop iTno ezeeptioii. After being cooped uD through weeks of doppy weather, the residents are coming out of their hibernation looking for .entertaln- ment other than wbat tiiey have been getting over tbe-loiid^>eaker. Oowntown shops, restaorann, etc. all . report the same stepping. iq> of the btislness pace. While there is no outstanding gross In the downtown houses at present the general tone is strong and more encouraging than it has been all seascHi. Disappointment around the Ba]a> ban & Katz offices was the failure of the foreign flicker "Grand Illusion' to hold up oeyond a two-wedc stay In the Apollo. Much had been ex- pected of it, and' now .exblbs figure film may show better results in the nabes. ' Chicago is again on the winning side of th« ledger. Currently 'Alex- ander Graham Bell,' while no bell- ringer,, is nevertheless . coming tlirough with a satisfying take. Hold- overs in town are 'Castles,' which goes into third-final wedc in the Pal- acev and 'Dodge City,' whfdi moved to the Roosevelt for Its third loop session. Estimates tor TUa Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 35-S»^79) •^'BaskerviUes' (2001). Looks fOr S6^000 on the week, fair enough, talie That will mean profit' Last week; 'Qluston' (World), completed a fort- night to all right $8i0W. ChlMro (B&K) (4,000: S5-55-75)— ■Bell' (20th) and stage diow. Arthur Treacher on the stage accounting for some additional b.o. weight; $31,000, rqiresenting satisfactory profit Last week, 'Dodge City' (WB). finished second session to strong $36,900. Garrick (B&K) (900: 35-55-65)— Xove Affair* (RKO). tn here after previous stay at the Palace and gar- nering solid $6,500. Last week, 'Prison Bars' (UA), so-so $4,200. Oriental (Jones) (3,200; 25-40)— 'Crowded Hours' (RKO) and vaude. .Hugh Herbert on the stage Is a gen- uine boxoftice name here-.- Sending ?:ross up to $15,000, finest in a long ime. Last week, 'Lady and Mob* (Col) and 'Family Next Door" (U), okay $13,100. Pabce (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65-75) —'CasUes' (RKO) and vaude (3d- flnal wk). Getting solid $13,000 cur- rently after tailing excdient $17,100 last week (2d). Booseveh (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 7»—'Dodge City* (WB). Moved here from the Chicago and will pf-~ ner good $10,000. Last week, llad- den' (M-G), medc $8,400. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 25-40)— Kusketeers' (20th) an± vaude: Perk- ing to $14,000, okay, currently. Last week "St Louis Blues' (Par), mild $12,500. United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700; 35-55.65-75)—•Wuthering' (0A) (2d wk). Good $12,000' currently after turning in nifty $17,200 last wedc 'Broadway Serenade' (M-G) next V. PJ Preem Camiaigii lydog Omaha Takes; lA&iW Fair $6^00 (UA) and 'Pardon Nerve* (20tti), dual, smash $9,300. Or^hcnot (Blank) (3,000; 10-25-40) ■Three Smart Clrls* (U> and 'Bull- dog Drummond' (Par). Very good $10,300. Last week, 'Wife, Husband' (20th) and Topper' (UA), very good $10,000. Town (Goldberg) (1,250; 10-2(^25) —'Ni^t Uders' (Rep), 'Strange Borders^ (GB), first-runs, and 'Blondle Boss' (Col), tri pler, split wltb "Made Me Crimind' (WB) and •Each Other* (UA). Fair $1,800. Last week, 'Roqeh Riders' (Rep), 'Crime London' (GB), both first-runs, and Thanks EverytMng* (20th), tripler, spUt with 'Honor West* (U), -Pirates ^dtetf (U), lioth first-runs and •Gunga Din' (RKO), gOod $2,000. 'Conqnest' Mty $7,500 in L'ville; OotdowsHortiiis Fust Rus OB BrMidwa; (Subject to Change) Of Conquest* , Hofch 8) New York of Omaha, April 25, Big splurge for world premiere of HJmpn PadLflc,' which swings into motion tomorrow . (Wednesday), is kMping natives parading outside in 1889 costumes, with warm weather another bump to the b.o. Three to pictures are being offered, and a_ would have done better away from the premiere blow. 'Dark Victory' is ptmching through the premiere haze at the Brandeis for $7,500 and wUl h.o. against •ynion Pacific' Three Smart Girls (Jrow Up* is wagbig. a strong scrap at the Orpheum for $10,300, but Wuthermg Heights' is having trou- at the Omaha. The film opened with 'Sudden Money* as the second leature, but "Eagle and the. Hawk' was rushed in after two days to hypo matters. Estimates for This Week Avenne-HlUtary - Dondee ((Jold- herg) (950-810-650; 10-25) — 'Hono- lulu* (M-G) and 'Each Other* (UA), 7S&v*?l" 'Submarine Patrol' (20tlj), 'Blondie Boss* (Col) and 'Let T.!! ^^2"' ^iPler. Good $2,300. Sfift week. 'Gunga Din' (RKO) and Me Criminal* (WB). dual, split wi^ (^). 'Arizona y}wcat' (20th) and Thanks Every, wtag* (20th), tripler, $2^00, good <Singer) (RKO) (l,250)i 10-25.35-40)_'Dark Victory* (WB)! , ^''SOO. Last week (2d) castles* (RKO). $4,200. good. Omaha (Blank) (2,000; 10-25-40)— Wuthermg Heights* and "Eagle and |j*wlt' (Par) (revival), duaL Pair ?B,200. Last week, 'SUgecoach' Louisville. April 2S, Holdovers Hire* Smart Girls,' In third downtown week at the Brown, and. 'Dodge City,' likewise in thirc stanza at the Mary Anderson, are both notable in the lineup this week. 'Man of Conquest,' aft RlaKo, rated well with the critics as an historical piece of film production, and is pull- ing okay biz. Nice weekend weather for the first time in- about 'three weeks lured lo- calites outdoors and American As- sociation baseball pulled bumper at- tendance. Downtown picture nouses are beginning to feel the outdoor opposisiisomewhat, but grosses still maintaining a healthy complexion^ Estimates for This Week Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) (1,500; 15-30-40)—Three Smart Girls* (U) and •Risky Business? (U) (3d wk). Results stiU good at $1,700. Last week, with help of visiting teachers, managed rosy $2,800. KeBtvefcy (Switow) (900; 15-25)— •Mr. Deed^ (Col) and 'HappenedOne Night* (Col) (revivals) split with 'Man Votes* (RKO) and 'Newsboys Home' (U). Getting tisual consistent good biz and current stanza looks !o«d for oke $1,700. Last week. 'Gunga Dm' (RKO) and Tailspin' (20thl, satisfactory $1,600. Loew*! Slate (Loew's) (3,100; IB- 30-40)—'Ice Follies' (M-G) and 'Prison BarsT (UA). Pulling fair $6,- 500. Last week, "Wuthering Heights' (UA) and 'Kid Texas' (M-G), good $8,000, Bftary AndersMs (Libson) (1,000; 15-30-40)—'Dodge City* (W-B) (3d wk). Still pjigilfing up nice returns at $2,700, after 1^ week*s ample $3 500 bu* (Settos) (90O; 15) —'Here Comes Cookie' (Par) and "Gang Bui lets' (Mono), split witti Trip to Paris' (20th) and 'Boy Girl' (WB). Aiming at fair $1,000. Last week. 'Desert GoW (Par) and "(nitterhouEe' (WB) split with -Miss Broadway* (20th) and 'Always Goodbye' (20th), okay $U00. Blalta (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; 15- 30-40)—'Man Conquest' (Rep) and Woman Doctor' (Rep). Given good rating by reviewers. Looks sure to cop fine $7,500. Last week, 'From Missouri (Par) and 'Moto' (2001), good $7,000. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15- 30-40)—'Never Die' (Par) and 'Bull, dog Drummond' (Par). Just average duallers. Figures on $3,100, mild. Last week, 'Fisherman's WharT (RKO) and "Beauty Asking* (RKO), $3,000. Week ot,^i|tti^,K7 Astar—"Py^^on' (M-G) (21st wk.). Capttol—^n (Rep). (Revietoed in Vabieit, April 12) Criterion—"Blondle Meets the Boss' (Col) (26), (Reotetosd in Vi Globe—'Streets (Ibno) (29). (Reoleiocd <n VjsiErr, April 19) Hollywood—'Juarez' (WB). (Reoieued in Current luue) Maale Bkll—"Dark Victory' (WB) (2d wk.). Faramaant 'Lady's from Ken- tud^y^ (Par) (26). (ReeieiMd in VAmrrT, April 12) Blalto—'Santa Fe Stanq)ede' (R^) (26). V (Reviewed in VADEir, December 7) BlveU — "Wtttherlng Heights' (UA> (Sd Vk.). Baixy—"Betum of the Cisco Kid' (20tb) (28). (IteDlewcd in Current IWue) Stiaad—"Confessions of a Nazi Spy* (WB) (28). Week at May 4 Astor — "Pygmalion' (M-G) (23d wk.). Capital—'Calling Dr. Kildare' (M-G). Globe—The Challenge' (FUm Alliance) (5).. Hollywood—'Juarez* (WB) (2d wk.). Faraasoant—Ijady's from Ken- tucky' (Par) (2d wk.). BlvoU — 'Wuthering Heights* (UA) (4th wk.). BMEy—'Rose of Washington Square' (20fh) (5). Strand—'(Confessions of a Nazi Spy' (WB) (2d wk.). Victory' Bright $100,000 on B way; Many Holdovers, lleights 40G, li 'Stagecoaeh'-Vaude Stont $26j BERLE-ROS^^TREEFS' m $15,500 IN BALTO Baltimore April 25, Fairly steady pace all around here, with combo Hipp cashing in heavily on vaude headed by Milton Berle and Shirley Ross, who are sending 'Streets of New York* into town's lead. (lood response to 'Mid- ni^t' which starts a second stanza at Keith's tomorrbw (Wednesday) but only mild action for 'Zenobia* at the New. Estimates tor This Week Century (Loew*s-UA) (3,000; 15- 25-40)—'Madden* (M-G). Not much action, with possible $6,000 the top count Last week, 'Wuthering Heights* (UA), lone new entry in town, of h.o.'s, maintained steady pace to solid $9,200. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,205; 15-25-35-40-55-60) — Streets New York* (Mono) and vaude. Leaning heavily on flesh portion' headed by Milton Berle and Shirley Ross. Big $15,600. Last week, second of •Castles' (RKO) and vaude, added mildish $9,400 to strong opening ses- sion at $15,200. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406; 15- 25-35-40)—'Midnight' (Par). Starts second round tomorrow (Wed.) after very healthy getaway at $10,- 000. New (Mechanic) (1,558; 15-25-35- 55)—'Zenobia' (UA). Cietting s(Hne mild action tlirough healthy ex- ploitation hypo by Ed Gallner. Only : 4,600 indicated. Last week, second of 'Graham BeU' (20th), added fair- ish $4^300 to opoiing $8,60a Staaely (WB) (3,280; 15-25^35-40- 55)—"Dark Victory* (WB). Opens at special performance. tomorrow (Wed.) nl&t after th ree solid ses- sions of 'Doage City* (WB) to bell- ringtaig total of $31,700. ROONEY, $10,000. NICE IN BUFF. Buffalo, April 25. Though takings sloped sharply last week the alunq> seems to have gone with the wind. Business is now largely dependent upon the weather and local showmen expect a general easing oft from now on, especiaUy with daylight saving com- ing in itext Sunday (30). <Hardys' okay at the Buffalo, as is 'Broadway Serenade' at the IiSkes. 'East Side of Heaven,' which was rushed into the Lafayette ahead of schedule, is also strong. Estimates for This Week BoOalo (Shea) (3,500; 30-35-55)— 'Hardys' (M-G). Doing around $16,000, nice. Last week, 'Midnight' (P^r), dropped off to fair $12,000, Century (Shea) (3,000; 25-35)— 'BaskervUles' (20tb) and "Winner All* (20th). Strong dual should get around $7,500, good, last week 'BlackweU* (WB) and 'Mr. MotO* (20th). Okay $7,200. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-50) —'Serenade' (M-G) and "Kid Texas* (M-G). Slightly under preceding weelc's pace, but all right at around $9,000. Last week 'CasUes' (RKO) and 'Crrowded Houn* (RKO), failed to get top bracket takings when fig- ure reached $10,000. Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 25-40)—'Cas- tles' (RKO) (2d run) and 'Saint Strikes Back' (RKO). Not too steong for this at around mild $6,500. Last week. 'Dodge City* (WB) (2d run) and 'Sudden Money* (Par) (2d run), fair $7,500. Lafayette (Ind.) (3,300; 25-35)— Three Smart Girls' (U) (3d wk) and 'Risky Business* (U) (3 days). 'Girls' checked out when first three days of third week got only $2,000. 'East Side of Heaven' (U) rushed and looks Uke exceUent $9,000 in. for first five days. Last week 'Girls' (U) (2d wk) and 'Homicide Bureau' (Col), very nice at over $0,000. 'Dark Victory,' a bright conquest at the Music Ball, is shoulders above the pack this week, but some of ttie holdovers, of which there is an unprecedented number, are far from being snubbed. 'Victory* and one lesser first nm, "Back Door to Heav- en,' were the only new pictures to come in. All the rest totaling seven, are holdies. Steady support for "Victory* will get It a likely $100,000, big. The pic- ture got excellent notices and Is re- ceiving glowing word-of-mouth, wltb result on the holdover starting to- morrow (Thurs.) it sT.suld conumu a sturdy grip. Nidit business is par. ticularb' powerful Warners last night CToes.) Opened another picture, also, starring Bett^ Davis, at the Hollywood on a twice- daily basis at $2 top. This is 'Juarez,' which has Paul Muni tpposite Miss Davis. Heavily advertued. with advance and first week unnlng ^1,< 000, 'Juarez' is the first roadaoower for WB since 'Zola' two years ago. Advance sale oni 'Juarez,' nearly $5,- 000, is more than twice what it was on 'Zola* in 1037. As scaled, from 55c to $2.20, the Hollywood can do $25,897 on the week. Numerous other new shows, re- placing holdovers, are due. They include "Lady's From Kentucky,* to- day (Wed.) at the Paramount: "Man of Conquest* at the Capitol tomor- row (Thurs.); 'Nazi Spy* at Strand and 'Return of Cisco Kid' at Roxy, both on Friday (28) and "Streets oi N. Y.' at Globe Saturday (20). Strongest of curr^t holdovers Is "Wuthering Heights,* Rivolt turn- away. Smadiing through to $50,000 the flrst..week, currently on tlie sec- ond stanza, this picture will snatch a possible $40,000, immense. Par and Strand, on third weeks, also right up there. Final (8d) lap for 'Midnight' and Tommy Dorsey, at the former, ending last night (Tues.) was close to $30,000, while the Strand's 'Dodge Cltr and Gi^ Lombardo will be around $25,000. For both houses these engagements have beoi fine profit-makers. .. The second week for 'Hardy^ at the Cap isn*t so hot at less than $15,- 000, and 'Bell,' on its fourth and last week at the Boxy, Is also mod- erate at around $22,(K)0. On flie 28 days, however, 'Bell' comes through with a good profit 'Prison Without Bars' will end its ftird week Friday night (28) at a probable $7,000, very good for the Globe. 'Pygmalion' continues on. at the Aator, this week. (20th) appear- ki ' about $7,500. It wUl go out early in May. Arthur Mayer got a little over $6,000, fairish, out of 'Eagle and Hawk,* a revival and yesterday morning (Tues.) brought In a double biU^^nta Fe Stampede' and 'All Over Town,' last-mentioned a re- vivaL 'Back Door to Heaven* fa the town's poorest at $5,500 tops for the Criterion. This is an Astoria-made flhn. Estimates fer TUs Week Astw (1,012; 25-40-55-05)—'Pyg- malion' (M-G) (20th week). About $7,500 this week (20th), very good. Last week (19th) was around $8,000, Capita (4,520; 25-35-55-85-$125)— 'Hardy's Ride High' (M-G) (2d-flnal week). Did well last week (Ist) at nearly $25,000, but leavens off con- siderably to less than $15,000 on the holdover. On the 14 days fairish profit "Man of Conquesf (Rep), most important first-run booking this company has ever had on Broadway, opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Criterion (1,662; 25-40-55)—'Badc- Door to Heaven' (Par). Eastern- made not getting anywhere, fiS.SOO tops. Last week 'Mutiny on Boun- ty'^ (M-G) (revival), dose to $9,000, very good; Globe (1,274: 25-40-55)—'Prison Without Bars* (UA) (3d-final week). The windup wUl be about $7,000, fol- lowing weeks ahead of $0^00 and $13,800 for fancy black. 'Streets of New York' (Mono) opens Saturday (29). Hollywood.(l,4S4; 55-85-$1.10-$1.65- $2.20)—'Juarez' (WB). Was given premiere here last night (Tues.). House has been dark some time, this being first picture for It since 'Zola' two years back. Advance sale close to 0,000, more than double that wliich 'Zola* had prior to open, ing Advance and first weelc*s ad campaign $21,000. Palace (1,700; 25-35-55) — 'Love Affair' (RKO) and 'Cant Get Away With Murder' (WB), both 2d run, doubled. This couple will get about $9,000 on eight days, good. In ahead. 'Oklahoma Kid* (WB) (2d run) and 'Women in Wind' (WB) (1st run), $7,600, fairish. Paramonnt (3,664; 25-35-55-85-09) —'Lady's from Kentucky' (Par) and, in pit Henry Busse, Shirley Ross. Lanny Ross and Hal LeRoy. Opens today (Wed.) after three weeks of 'Midnight' and Tommy Dorsey, final leg of which was within spitting dis- tance of $30,000. Second week was $42,000 and first $03,000 for total on run of $125,000, fine pickings. Badio City Hnsle BaU (5,980; 40- 60-84-90-$1.6S).^'Dark Victory' (WB) and stage show. Crashing through for swell $100,000 or thereabouts and goes second weeli.' Reviews were peaches and word-of-mouth Is a potent factor. Last week, third for •CasUes' (RKO) $83,000, exceHent Hall is not set (w Its next picture but has a couple It is consldtting. Blalto (750; 25-40-55)—"Santa Fe Stanmede* (Rep) and "AU Over Town' (Rep) (revival). This nalr opened yesterday morning (Tues.) following week of 'Eagle and Hawk' (Par) (revival) at sli^Uy over $6,000, o.k. 'Flying Irishman'^ (RKO) ;ot $6,000, also, disappointing for bat one. Blvell (2,092; 25-55-75-86-90) — 'Wuthering Heights' (UA) (2d week). A honey, at the b.o. and very strong on the holdover at a oossible $40,000. Th: first week was tei 'dc at $50,000. Remains indef. Boxy (5,836; 25-40-55-75)—'BeU' (20th) and stage show (4Ui-finaI week). Lightening to around $22,000 this weelc, its last after a third stanza's take of $34,500, good. On . 28-day run pushes Uirough to very satisfactory profit 'Return of Cisco Kid' (20th) is in for just one week starthig Friday (28), with 'Rose of Washington Sq.* (20th) to follow May 6. State (3,450; 35-65-75) — 'Stage- coach' (UA) (2d run) and vaude topped by George Givot and Eddie DeLange orchestra. A very agree- able week of $26,000 is in store here. Last week 'Huck Finn' (M-G) and Judy Garland ran the ticket ma- chines to a smash $37,000. Strand (2,767; 25-40-55-75-85-09)— 'Dodge City' (WB) and Guy Lom- bardo (3d-finalweek). Continued pull means a probable $25,000 this week (3d) after a smart $49,000 last week (2d) and a very big*f50,IXI0 on the first seven days, plenty of coin on the right side of the ledger. "Nazi Spy* (WB), not to be previewed to- morrow night (Thurs.) as usual here, opens Friday morning (28) instead. CINCYPiKlNG; HEAVEirnNE $11,500 CindnnatI, April 25. Biz in the main for downtown houses is on the upbeat Weekend b.o. was tnted by first spelt of sea- sonable weather for gome time. Three major stands liave fresh re- leases that are registering winners. Biggest pull Is 'Dark Victory.' at Albee. Next best Is "East Side of Heaven,* at Palace. Keith's loudest trade liark of late Is coming from •Hound of BaskerviUes.* Of the holdovers, 'CasttesP fa In third and final wedc at the Shubert wits so-so returns. 'Midnight' and •Stagecoach' are second-weddng, and Dodge City' fa flnfahlng a three- week stay. Estimates fer lUa Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 35-42)— "Dark Victory' (WB). Excellent $15,000. Last week,'Midnight'(Par), good $13,000. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 35-42)— "Midnight' (Par). Moveover from Albee for second week. Fair $4,500. Last week, 'Dodge City' (WB> (2d run), socko $6,50(1. Family (RKO) (1,000; 20-30)— ■Pardon Nerve* (20th> and 'Prison Trahi' (Ind). spUt wiUi 'King China- town* (Par) and 'Mystery White Room' (U). Average $2,200. Same last week on 'Criminal* (Col) and 'Comet Broadway' (WB), split with .'Wong* (Mono) and 'Fisherman's Wharf (RKO). Grand (RKO) (1,200; 25-40)— 'Dodge Clfar' (WB). Transferred from Capitol for third run. Big $3,800. Last week, Three Smart Girls' (U), third-run and fourth week, mild $2,400. Keltii's (Libson) (1,500; 39-42>— •BaskerviUes* (20th), eight days. Sweet |6,500. Last wee^ 'Society Lawyer (M-G), six days, brutal $2,500. Lyrio (RKO) (1,400; 35-42)— "Stagecoach* (UA). Moveover from Palace for . second week. NaIl $3,500. Last week, 'Crowded Hours* (RKO), one day, and "Eagle and Hawk* (Par) (reissue), six days, sad $2^. Palaee (RKO) (2.600; 35-42)— 'East Side Heaven' (U). Nice $11,- 500. Last week, 'Stagecoach* (UA), fair $10,000. Shnbert (RKO) (2,150; 35-42)— •CasUcs* (RKO) (3d wk). So-so $3,200, Last week, okay $5,S0O. .