Variety (Apr 1939)

Vednewlay, AprU 26, 1939 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY Mpls. Bidlds; Wayne Kmg-Bnnis, 16G, Tops'Em M; mights'Bright $8,000 Minneapolis, April 25. Theatres have what it takes to ht'mS 'em In this week. Boxoffice atbscUoiis are In command of the situation all along the line. Ac- s' .. ._ ^ — -olnting stin such strpng offerings normally w«uia attain—due, ot coiUrse, to the geherslly depressed conditions. here. Wayne - King's orch, at the Or- cheum, tops the list of newcomers, but 'Wutherlng Heights,' State flhn. Is running the stage show a good second. Two holdovers. Three Smart Girls Grow Up' and 'Ecstasy,' at the Century and Time, re- spectively, continue to hold iip their end. 'Pygmalion' finally ended its sensational seven-week run at the World, giving way to 'Amphitryon,' which isn't kicking up much box- office dust Another roadshow, "Kiss the Boys Goodbye,' comes into the Lyceum April 28-29. Estimates for the Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)— H^rowded Hours' (BKO) and 'Sud- den Money' (Par), dual first-runs, split with 'Bulldog Drummond' (Par) and 'Almost Gentleman' (RKO), also first-runs. Looks like fairly good $1,700.. Last week,'King ' Chinatown' (Par) and 'Beauty Ask- ing* (RKO), dual .first-runs, split with 'Secret Service Air* (WB) and TTrouble Sundown' (RKO), also flrst-runs, $1,400, light Centnry (Par-Singer) (i;600: 25- 86-40)—'Three Smart Girls' (U) (2d wk). Still going along at profitable iwce and may remain third canto, or move to another loop spot for an extension of its run. Good $5,000 indicated. 3Liast week, $S,000, fine. Gopher (Par-Singer) (998; 25)— Tiet Live' (Col). An i-nprovement over recent offerings here and perk- ing up trade. Heading for only $2,000 on six days, light. Last week, •Never Die' (Par), $2,200, light OrpheniB (Par-Singer) (2,800; 35- 40-55)—'Ftom Missouri' (Par) and Wayne King's orch on stage. King entirely responsible for the draw. Raves for his show and it should huUd. Big $16,000 indicated. Last week, 'Oldahoma Kid' (WB) and "Mikado in Swing' unit on stage, $12,000, fair. State (Par-Singer) ',300; 25-35- 40)—'Wutherlng Heights' (UA). Ad^ VB|ice acclaim and critics and cus- toquers' praise^ putting this one over. Traveling at brisk $8,000 pace. Last week, 'Broadway Serenade' (M-G), yanked after six poor days, $4,000. ^ ^ Time (GUIman) (200; 25)—'Ec- ftasy' (Foreign) (2d run) (2d wk). lig boxoSlce stuff, and certain to hold for at least one more week. En route to bljg $1,500. Last week,' $2,500, tremendous. Uptown (Par) (1,200: 25-35)— . Trade Winds' (UA). First nabe diowing. Looks like light $2,000. Last week, 'Ice FoUies' (M-G), split with 'Cafe Society' .(Par), $2,500, fairly good. World (Steffes) (350; 25-35-40-55) -^'Amphitryon' (Foreign). French film, following closely on heels of stage show here, has critics singing its praises, but isn't delivering at boxoSice and probably will' not finish out week. Poor $600 in pros- pect Last week, 'Pygmalion' (M-G) (7th wk), $1,100, okay considering run's length. B'KUYN BIZ SPOTTY Key City Grosses Ealimated Total Gross This Week $1,800,100 (Based on 26 cities, 172 thea- tres, chiefly first runs, tncwiding JV.T.) Total Gross Same Week Last Tear $1,623,600 (Based on 23 cities, 160 theatres) TICTORV PUU5 K.CFEMS.BiG $8,000 Kansas City, AprU 25. Theatre row is seeing some nice figures run up at Tower and Or- pheum, and smooth sailing in other spots. Orrin Tucker's band is reason for big take at the Tower. Making second appearance here within six monttis, band is beating its former take, though top price remains at 40c. against 55c. high last fall. 'Dark 'Victory,' at Orpheum. is the standout of the new films. Bing Crosby's newest day and date at the Esquire and Uptown is riding well after a sneak preview at the Plaza earlier in the week. 'Weather man has let up on the moisture. Estimates for This Week Esquire and Uptown (Fox Mid- west) (8^0; 1,200; 10-26-40)—'East Side Heaven' (U). Pleasing $6,500. Last week (2d). 'Three Smart Girls' (U). got nice $5,000. Midland (Loew's (3,575; 10-25-40)— 'Freedom Ring' (M-G) and 'Prison Bars' (UA). Eddy the major draw here and slightly bettering average at $10,000. Last week, 'Wutherlng Heights' (UA) and 'Kid from Texas' (M-G), fair $9,000. Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10- 25-40)—'Dodge City' CWB) (3d wk.). Lboks for 20-day run, equalling that of 'Wells Fargo' last fall. Good $4,500 after'nice $6,500 last week. Orphenm (RKO) (1,500; 10-25-10) —'Dark Victory' (WB). Playmg to strong trade, with femmes dominat- ing. 'Very good $8,000. Last week (2d), "CasUes' (RKO), nice $5,000. Tower (Fox Midwest) (2,050; 10- 25-40)—'Winner AU' (20th) with Or- rin Tucker's band on stage. House forsaking straight films temporarily. Solid $12,500, biggest seen here in many months and oettering Tudcer's take last fall in same spotTLast week (2d); 'Alexander BeU' (20th). fair $5,000. dodge; $13,500, TOP DRAW IN DENVER Dnrbln Dual Fine $19,«O0, But Cor- rlgan N.G. 6G. Brookl]^, April 25. Excellent attendance at the Albee, diowing Three' Smart Girls Grow Up' and 'Saint Strikes Back.' wiU gnre house more coin this stanza than any other downtown deluxer. Loew's Metropolitan is next in line with "Let Freedom Ring' and 'Spirit of Culver.' Esttmates for' This Week ' - Albee (3,274; 2S-3S-50)—"Three Smart Girls' (Ijr) and 'Saint Strike Back* (RKO). Durbin name definite draw in this area and house will get first-rate $19,000. Last week, 'Love Aftalr' (RKO) and 'Inside Story' <20th). nice $17,500. . Fox. (4.089; 25-35-50)—l-et Live' (Coiy and Tamlly Next Door* (U). Good ad campaign on this pair, but only mild $13,000. Last week, 'Away With Murder* CWB) and 'Wife's Relatives' (Rep), so-so $13^. , Met ($3,618; 25-35-50)—4.et Free- dom Ring' (M-G) and 'Culver* (U). Pair will drive in with good $17,000, Last week; 'Ice FoUies' (M-G) and 'White Room" (W, okay $16,000. Paramount (4,126; 25-35-50)—'Mid- night' (Par) and 'i;ady and Mob' (Col) (2d wk.). Holding up weU and flured to do nice $16,500. Last week pair got fine $21,000. „ Strand (2,870; 25-35-40)—'Flyh« Ttishraah' (RKO) and 'Mr, Wong' (Mono). Corrigan flicker didn't take off well and looks headed for back- ward $5,000. Last week, 'Convict's Code' (Mono) and 'Special Inspector' (U), okay $6,000. Denver, April 25. With daily, standouts. Dodge City,' at the Denver, is easily grabbing top money this week, while across the street the Paramount with "Hound of Baskervilles,' is playing to simi- lar holdoutsJ 'LitUe Princess,' at Rialto in tUrd week ot first-runs, is also running strong. Estimates for Tbls Week Broadway (Fox) (1,100; 25-40)— 'Castles' (RKO), after two weeks at the Orpheum, and 'Fisherman's Wharf' (RKO), after one week at the Orpheum. Good $3,000.. Last week this house was a subsequent run. Denbam (CockrUl) (1,750; 25-40)— 'Never Die' (Par). Fair $5,000. Last week, •Missouri' (Par), did a nice $7,(K)0 in second week. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-40)' 'Dodge City" (WB). Big $13,500. Last week, 'Culver' (U) and Clyde McCoy's band, nice $11,500. Orphenm (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40) —'Broadway Serenade' (M-.G) and 'Society Lawyer' (M-G). Nice $8.- 700. 'Castles' (RKO), second week, and 'Fisherman's 'Wharf' (RKO), neat $7,500. Paramonnt (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)— 'Baskervilles' (20th) and .'Women in Wind' (WB). Strong $5,000. Last week, 'Blacfcwell' (FN) and 'Boy Trouble' (Par), good $4,500. Blalto (Fox) (878; 25-40)—'Prln cess' (20th), after a week at each the Denver and Aladdin, and 'Mr. Moto' (20th). Good $2,500. Last week, 'Honest Man' (U), after a week at each the Denver and Aladdin, and 'First Offenders' (Col), fair $2,000, Dodge; fliSOO/Casdes; $13,300, Big in Toronto Toronto, April 25. B.o. shows healthy revival, with 'Dodge City' and 'The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle' packing them in here. Shea's new pic.-vaude policy has Monday openings. Last. week. Ina' Ray Hutton and her girls lured the customers in for very nice $11,500. Estimates for This 'Week Imperial (FP-Can) (3,373; 25-35--50) —'Dodge Cityl CWB). Tops at $14,500. Last week. Three Smart Girls' (U), good enough $7,800 on second stanza; after first topped the town with $15,- 200. Loew's (Loew) (2,611; 25-35-50)— 'Honolulu' (M-G). Mediocre $6,800. Last week, 'Each Other' (UA) ahd 'WlUiin Law* (M-G), just fair $7,100. Shea's (FP-Can) (2,663: 25-40)— Tm From Missouri' (Par), plus vaude. Opened yesterday (Monday). Last week, 'Oq Trial' (WB) plus Ina Ray Hutton band, good $11,500. TlvoU (FP-Can) (1,433; 25-40) — •Gunga Dhi' (RKO) and 'Society Smugglers' (U). Good enough $5,400. Last week, 'Honest Man' (U) and 'Let Live' (Col), fair $3,800. Uptown (FP-Can) (2,761; 25-35-50) —"Castles' (RKO). ExceUent $13,300. Last week. Xova Affair' (RKO) opened very well and then slumped to $8,900. mmr okay $14,000 IN DEL Detroit April 25, Good product generally is keeping things out of doldrums.' 'Alexander Bell,'plus vaude at the Fox, and 'Dark victory' and TCid From Texas,' at the Michigan, will fight it out for top coin, with "Hardy's Ride High,' at tJA, a close third. Estlnuttos for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40)' Xove Affair' (RKO) (2d rtm) plus 'Boy Slaves' (RKO).- Dunne-Boyer opus moved here after nice sesh at Fox; should cop good $7,500. Last week. Three Smart Girls' (U) (2d run) (3d week), coupled with 'Crowded Hours' (Par), okay $3,800, following grosses of $8,000 and $6,000 previous stanzas of Durbin film, each with different support. Fox (Fox-Micmgan) (5,000; 30-40- 65)—'Alexander BeU' (20th) plus stage show; Paced for around $20,000. good in face of strong opposish. Last week, nice $26,500 for 'Love Affair' (RKO) and Eddy Peabody on stage, flicker building strong near end. Miehlean (United Detroit) (4,000; 30-40-6S>—'Dark Victory' CWB) plus 'Kid Texas' (Par), dual. Will likely gamer $14,000, okay. Last week swell $20,500 for 'Dodge City' (WB) plus 'Society Lawyer* (M-G). Palms-Btate (United Detroit) (3,000; 30-40-50)—'Dodge City* (WB) (2d run) and 'Sudden Money* (Par). Former flicker moved here after big sesh at Michigan; figures for around $9,600, nice. Last week, Itlidnight' (Par) (2d run) and 'Streets N. Y.' (Mono), good $7,500. United Artists (United Detroit) (2,000; 30-40-65)—'Hardys' (M-G). Hardy series big draw here, anywa and with Detroit as locale. It adi up to good $12,000 and easy hold- over. Detroit angle ballyed strongly. Last stanza, 'Broadway Serenade' (M-G), fairish $6,800. Heights' Day^ate High $22,000 In L A.; lady s from Ky.' $14,000; Xasdes'$11,500 3d Week, H.04S Dip Broadway Grosses Estimated. Total Gross This Week ..$2»0,3M' (Based on 12 theatres) Total Gross Same Weex Last Tear $214,990 (Based on 11 theatres) WASH. TEMP. UP; HEIGHTS' OK $1430 Washington, April 25. It's not warm, It's downright hot. Over-all. gross isn't really bad, but it took a distinct drop over past few weeks and boys are using 'summer slump' In every other sentence. 'liCt Freedom Ring" and Arthxir Godfrey Revue are putting Capitol in lead by good margin. 'Wutherlng Heights' at Palace u second, but far from ex- pectations, and 'I'm from. Missouri,' plus Vincent Lopez orch and Patricia Ellis, is fair third at Earle. Latter's potential take Is consider ably cut through stunt house has concocted to usher in "Dark Victory* (WB) "Missouri' and stage bill wfll wind up tomorrow (WedT) night and house will open Dark 'Victory' on Thursday (27) without vaude, bring- ing in accoiwanying stage show as skedded on Fridsy .(26). Estimates tor This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 25-35-40-66) —'Freedom Ring' (M-G) and vaude. Nelson Eddy and Arthur Godfrey and his revue getting the femmes to lead town with oke $18,000. Last week, 'Ice Follies' (M-G) and Dave Apollon Revue, Ught $16,000. Colmnbto (Loew) (1,234; 26-40)- "Prison Bars' (UA). Sold heavily along *women-wlthout-men' angle and Corrine Luchaire balUed as new French sensation. Combo will get usual second-run 8p<>t' good $5,000. Last week Dladdeu' (M-G) (2d run), light $3,500. Earle (WB) (2,216; 25-35-40-66)— "Missouri' (WB) and vaude. Vincent Lopez and Fatrleta Ellis p.a. holding it up to fair $13,500 for. six days. Last week. Dodge CHy" (WB) and vaude (2d wk.). swen $18,000. Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 85-55)— Three Smart Girls' (U) (2d wk). Slipped surprishigly to oke $7,500, Last week socked with $17,000. Met (WB) (1,600; 25-40)—'Black- well's (WB) (2d run) and The Crisis' (Mayer & Burstyn). Five days for oke 13,200. Last ' weelk, 'Women Wind' (WB). poor $1,600 in five days. Palace (Loew) (2,242: 35-55)— 'Wutherlng Heights' (UA). Okay $14,500. Last week; 'Midnight' (Par) (2d wk.), oke $7,500 In five days. Garland-Hlidn^iht,' $31,000, Smash Teeoff for Oevehnd Vaude Revival CleveUnd. AprU 25. Neither opening of baseball season here, sportsmen's show at civic audi- torium, nor Arena's rodeo seem to hurt theatres, which are sockinif out extra-base hits this stonza. First home-runner is being regis- tered by Judy Garland in personal at Loew's State, restoring vaude to house after nearly four fleshless sea- sons. Metro's juve singer made ter- rific getaway despite Indians' initial home game on same day, collecting $11,000 in first two days. With 'Mid- night' for strong support, her show is almost a cinch for $31,000, tread- ing on the heels of Jack Benny's recoird figure. 'Hound of Baskervilles' is boosting Jimmy Dorsey's orch at next door Palace, another strong-hitting bill, topping 'Irene and Vernon castle' at Hipp, Biggest surprise was 'Alex Graham BelL' -Moved from Palace, where it had backing of flesh, its opening at Allen was such a brody that it was yanked after one day and replaced with 'Dodge City,' which did two sock weeks at Hipp. Esllniates for This Week Alhambra (Printz) (1,200; 10-20^ 35)—'Climbing High' (GB) and 'Mr. Wong' (Mono). Fine $3,000 for five days. Last week, 'Culver' (U). okay $1,200 in three days. Allen (RKO) (3,000: 30-36-42-55)— 'Dodge City' (WB). StUl weU liked. $4,000 after two weeks at Hipp. 'Alex Graham BeU' (20th) less than $400 in one day before being yanked^ X<ast week, Xet Live' (Col), average $3,- 000. Hipp (Warner) (3,700; 30-35-42-55) —'Castles' (RKO). Title has no puU here for natives, but Astaire-Rogers baUyhoo making it pay worthwhUe $15,000. Lait week (2d), 'Dodge City' (WB), exceUent $10,000. Palace (RKO: (3,200; 30-35-42-55) —'BaskervUIes' (20th) with Jimmy Dorsey's orch on stege. Latter catch- ing the jitterbugs in large quantities, adding up to $16,000. Last week, 'Graham Bell' (20th) and Hugh Her- bert on stage, $13,000, okay, but not as much as expectied. State (Loew^s) (3,490; 30-35-42-56) -'Midnight' (Par) with Judy Gar- land and Eddie Peabody topping vaude.' First stage blU at this stand in -xveral seasons immediate. click, with lobby jammed to doors aU over weekend. Shooting for smash $31,- 000. Last week, 'Each Other' (Par). $13,000, satisfactory. SUUman (Loew's) (1,072; 30-35-42- 55)—'King Turf' (UA). Not heffer enough in face of competish to get better than ordinary $3,000. "Free- dom Ring' (M-G) last week faded after first three days to $3,200, fair. Los Angeles, AprU 25. Newcomers fared extremely well in face of generally offed grosses throughout district, with 'wuther- lng Heights,' 'Lady's from Kentucky' and 'Bdl' getthig the play. 'CasUes* held for Uilrd week at RKO and Pantfiges, with previews being rushed in over weekend to help boost re- turns. Four Star held "Prison Bars' for four days on third stanza, through product . necesslhr. Moveover of 'Huck Finn' to United Artists and Wilshire for continued first runs brought only meagre returns. Estimates for This Week . Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,024: 30-40-55-75) 'BeU' (20th) and 'Kid from Texas' (MG) dual. New lease on life currently with big $11,400 in sight tiast week, 'Broadway Serenade' (MG) and. 'Everybody's Baby' (20th), washout at $8,500. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-40-55- 65)—'Wuthering Heights' (UA) and 'Torchy Runs Mayor' CWB) duaL Qne ot town's.pace-setters, but wiU fall slightly behind its day-dater, HoUywood, with probable $10,500. Last week, 'Dodge (Jlty' (WB) second stanza, very good $11,000. Four Star (F-WC-UA) (600; 40-55) 'Prison WlUiout. Bars' (UA) (3rd week). Final stanza limited to four days with $900 for that period. Second fuU week brought unprofit- able $2,200. Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55< 65)—'Heights' (UA> and Torchy Mayor* (WB) dual. Hollywood boulevard leader with neat $1L500. Last week, holdover of 'Dodge City*. (WB), profitable $8,200. Fantages (Pan) (2,812; 30-40-55)— •CasUes' (R50) (3rd week) and 'Ex- posed' (U) dual. Previews used Friday and Saturday nights to bolster and third week bringing okay $5,500. Second stanza finished with about $7,000, very good. Faramennt CPar) (3,595; 30-40-55) —'Lady's from Kentucky' (Par) and stage show. Hitting ordinary gait but wiU be held nine days to permit 'Union Pacific' (Par) preem (29), Looks like satlsfactoty $14,000 with the two extra days thrown In. Last week (nine days) 'Eagle and Hawk* revival (Par), okay $13,800. BKO (2,872; 30-40-55)—'Castles' (RKO) (3d week) and 'Society Smugglers* (U) dyaL Looks like SroflOble $6,000 on final week after ealtby $7,200 previous seven days. Previews Saturday-Sunday helped current week's take. ' SUte (Loew-Fox) (2,414; 30-40-55- . 75)—'BeU' (20th) and "Kid Texas^ (MG) dual. Best house has shown in several months with $16i)00 prob- able answer. Last week, 'Broadwav Serenade* (MG) and 'Everybody't Baby' (20th), headache at $10,000. United Artiste (F-WC) (2,100; 30- 40-65)—'Serenade' (MG) and 'Every- body's Baby' (20th) duaL Ve^ weak on mdveover for about $2,000. Last week, 'Buck Finn' (MG) and 'O'Con- nor' (MG), another bust $2,500, WibUre (F-WC> (2,206; 30-40-85- 65)—'Serenade' (MG) and "Every- body'B Baby' (20tfa) dual .No profit orl moveover at $3,600. Last week 'Huck Fhm' (MG) and "O'Connor^ (MG) dipped to $3,200, vnry bad. 'Victory* Sweet $3,700 in Lincoln; Tyg* Okay Lincoln, April 25. "Dark Victory' broke best at the barrier this week, with 'Pygmalion' given a fancy pubUcItar sendoff In- cluding several breaks in the usuaUy tou^ dalUes. Estimate* for This Week Colonial (NTI-Noble-Monroe) (7S0; 10-15)—'Crashhig Hollywood' (RKO) and 'Night Riders' (Rep), spUt witii 'Fit for King' (RKO) and 'North of Yukon' (Col). So-so $800, Last week, 'Gun Idw' (RKO) and "Fen- rod' (WB), split with 'Beloved Brat' CWB) and lUfexIcall Rose' (Rep), fair $900. ■ Liberty (NTI-Noble) (1,000; 10-15- 25)—'Fauntleroy' (UA) and "Blane Chinatown' (WB). Fairish $1,200. Last week, 'Woman Doctor* (Mono) and .'Pride Navy* (Rep), slim $1,100. Lincoln (LTC-Cooper) (1,600; 10- 15-20-25)—'Hound' (20Ui). Single and pretty fahr $1,500. Last week, 'Professor Beware* (Par) and Per- sons Hiding* (Far), split wiUt 'Say French' (Par) and 'FuglUves' (RKO), slow $1,300. Nebraska aTC-C!ooQer) (1,236:10- 25-40)—'Pygmalion' (M-G). Good prospect; about $3,700. allrisht Last week. Three Smart Girls' (U), very neat $4,500. Stnart (LTC-Cooper) (1.900; 10- 25-39)—'BeU' (20Ui). Pretty fair, $3,500. Last week, 'Missouri' (Par), slow ^2*500 Varsity (NTI-Noble) (T.iOO; 10-25- 35)—Dark Victory' (WB). Very good $3,700 In sight Will hold an- other week. La.it week, 'Gangster's Boy' (Mono), $1,000, poor.