Variety (May 1939)

Wednesdaj, May 8, 1939 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY Mpls. Plenty Blue Despite Top Pix; Victory'Good $8M'Stagecoach'4^26 Mlnnupolls, Slay 2. Headaches ara tha order of the day {n the loop. Strongest lineup ct film attractions In any ona week within recent memory is linabla tp produce a single bie gross- Every house, in- cluding even the double-featuring Astor, has what under normal con- ditions would be an ace turnstile clicker, but no single takings will get anywhere near the flve-flgure mark and total gross will be of modest proportions. Film array includes 'Alexander Graham BeU,* 'Dark Victory,' 'Stage- coach,' Three Smart Girls Grow Up* (in its third week), "Ecstasy' (also In its third week), 'Zenobia,' 'Jane Arden' and 'Flying Irishman.' "Vic- tory' is the best at the b.o. ITnsatistactory boxoffice results are being blamed on generally adverse business conditions due to Unem- ■ pioyment, etc., and the first real spring-like warm weather. Even such a fine picture as 'Wutherlng Heights' brodied last week. Returns for 'Three Smart Girls' during its fortnight at the Century fell far un- der expectations and were consid- erably less than Deanna Durbin of- ferings usually garner here. Harry Hlrsch's stock burlesque at the Gayety shut up' shop for the summer last Thursday (27), several weeks earlier than usual. The Lyceum closed its roadshow season Saturday with 'Kiss the Boys Good' bye.' Estimates for Thb Week Aaior (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)— 'Jane Arden' (WB) and Irishman' (RKO), dual first-runs. In for six days. Good combo for this house, but takings nothine to write home about.' Fair $1,800. Last week, 'Crowded Hours.' (RKO) and 'Sudden Money* (Par), dual first-runs, split with 'Bulldog Drummond' (Par) and 'Almost Gentleman' (RKO), also flrst-runs, $1,600, mild. OentoTT (Par-Singer) (1,600; 25- 35-40)—'Dark Victory' (WB). High. If ° publicized and. widely heralded and acclaimed' picture getting good $8,000 and holds. Last week, "noree Smart Girls' (U) (2d wk), S9,000, fair after good $8,000 first week. Qopher (Par-Singer) (998; 25)— 'Zenobia' (UA). Extra heavy adveT' 'Using campaign for this one. Very wall liked, too, but-results are not rommensurate. Not likely to go ^.bove light $1,800. Last we^ Tiet Live' (Col), $2,000 for six days. light. . Granada (Par) (900; 25-36)—'Wife, Husband' (20th). Fair $1,200 Indl- nd. Takes over Uptown policy of lurburban Bhowlng of 'A' pic- tures until Uptown, damaged by fire, reopens. 'Wife Husband' (20th), fair $1,200 indicated. Last week. Trade Winds' (UA), at Uptown, $2,- 000, fairly good. Orphenm (Par-Singer) (2,800; 25- 85-40) — 'StaeecoadbT (UA). Fine pieture should profit by critics' braise and word-of-mouth boosting, out initial returns have been disap- pointing. En route to mild $4,600. Last week, 'Missouri' (Par) and Wayne King band and revue on atege, very big $17,600, with King ' and his show entirely responsible, - Slate (Par-Singer) (2.300; 26-35-40) T-'Graham Bell' (20th). Far from DOKOifice smash here. Critics and customers raving, but traveling at slow $5,000 pace. Last week, 'Wuthering Heights' (UA), $6,000, ex- tremely disappolntine and several grand under initial estimate. Time (Gillman) (290; 25)—'Ec stasy' (Foreign) (2d run) (3rd wk), Tapering off after very profitable tun and bows out. Weak $500 in prospect. Last week, $1,200; fine after very big $2,500 first week. World (StelTes) (350; 26-36-40-55) ;-Three Smart Ghrls' (U) (3rd wk). Moved here from Century for ex' tension of loop first run. Looks like only $1,000, poor. Last wedi, 'Am' phytrion' (Foreign), $500, very poor. •U.P^' Big $7,500, Cashing In on Portland Bally Portland, Ore., May 2, •Union Pacific,' at the Paramount, is the colossal biz-getter, answering to a natural build-up. Another heavy winner . is 'Dark Victory, Which got raves and is paying divi dends for Parker's Broadway. Estimates for This Week ^ Broadway (Parker) (2,000: 30-35 40)—-Dark Victory' (FN) and 'Wlfe'i, Relatives' (Rep). Great first week at $7,000, and due to stay for a long run. Last week, 'Madden' (M-G) and Family Next Door' (U), average $4,700. Mttyfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,500' 30-35-40)-'Midnight' (Par) anc Missing Men' (Rep). 'Midnight' moved here after strong stenza at the Paramount Good $3,000. Last week (2d), 'Wuthering Heights' (UA) and ICing Turf' (UA), nice $2,100 in six days. Orphenm (Hamrick - Evergreen) (1,800; 30-35-40) —'Baskervilies' (20th) and 'Sudden Money' (Par). Nice $6,000. Last week, 'Castles' (RKO) and 'Secret Service Air' (WB), held 10 days for heavy biz totaling $8,500. Paramonnt' (Hamrick - Evergreen) (3,000; 30-35-40) — 'Union Pacific' (Far). Natural winner climaxing wow buildup. Terrific $7,500. Last week, 'Midnight' (Par) and 'King Chinatown' (Par), good $5,800, and moved to Mayfair. BlvoU (Indie) (1,100; 20-25)—'West Hardys* (M-G) and 'Frontiersman' (Par) (2d run). Okay $2,000. Last week, 'Dark Rapture' (U) and 'Ken tucky' (Par), good enough $1,800; United ArUsto (Parker) (1,000; 30- 35.40)—'Hardys' (M-G) and 'Society Lawyer' (M-G). Winning $5,700. Last week, 'Broadway Serenade' (M-G) and 'Within Law' (M-G), fair $4,600). BUFF. BIZ BAD; 'VICTORY' FAIR14G Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross Thb Week .........$1,552,6M (Based on 26 cities, 172 thea- tres, chie/ty yirst runs, tncTudinff w.r.) Total Gross Same Week Last Tear .$1,278,»M (Based on 22 cities, 166 theatres) and 'Society Lawyer' (M-G), fair $8,700. Paramonnt (Fqx) (2,200; 25-40)— 'Aipbush' (Par) and 'Secret Service Air* (WB). Fair $3,000. Last week, 'BaskerviUes' (20th) and 'Women Wind' (WB), very good $5,000. Blalte (Fox) (878; 25-40)—'Bask- erviUes* (20th) and 'Everybody's Baby* (20th). Fab: $1,500. Last week, "LitQe Princess' (20th), after a week at each Denver and Aladdin, and 'Mr. Mote' (20th), good $2,500. BETTE, $18,000, BEST IN PHOIY UP.'Rolimg to Smash $22,000, Four Weeb Sighted; Durbin s 'Giris' Smart 21G in 2 Houses, Treedom' Slow 16G Broadway Grosses Estimated Tote! Gross This Week $311,00* (Based on 13 theatres) - Total Gross Same Wees Last Tear ...$226,2M (Based on 11 theatres) Buffalo, May L Grosses are oil at all boxoflices here this week. Takings tumbled toward the end of last week and the weakness is holding over noticeably. 'Victory,' at the Buffalo, will come closest to satisfactory business, witt 'Wuthering* runner-up, although short of a really substantial showing. EsUmates far This Week Bnffale (Shea) (3,600: 30-36-58)— Dark Victory' (WB), WiU Just get by at $14,000. Last week, 'Hardys' (M-G), passable $15,000. Centary (Shea) (3,000; 25-36)-- Clsco Kid* (20th) and 'Inside Story* (20th). Average $6,500. Last week, 'BaskerviUes' (20th) and 'Winner Takes AH' (20th), fair $7,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-60) —'Wuthering Helghte* (UA). Spe- cial preem Friday night (28). Fair $8,500. Last week, 'Broadway Sere nade* (M-G) and 'Kid Texas* (M-G), DOor $5,500. nllpp (Shea) (2,100; 26-40)-'MiS' sourr (Par) and 'King Chinatown* (Par). Business oit at $5,000. Last week, 'CasUes' (RKO) (2d run) and 'Sudden Money' (Par) (2d run), *Lalayetto' (Ind) (3,300; 25-36)— •East Side Heaven' (U) (2 wk) and 'Gamblii* Ship' (U). Slowmg up, but should get about par $7,000. Last week (5 days), neat $8,000. 1If; $14,000, TOPPING RECORD IN DENVER Denver, May 2. 'Union Pacific,' at the Denham, and Hardys Ride High,' at the Orpheum, both are doing terrific business. 'Three Smart Girls,' at the Denver, is also riding high. Estimates for ThU Week AUddIn (Fox) (1^400; 25-40)-- •Dodge City' (WB), after a week at the Denver. Very nice $5,000. Last week this was a subsequent run. Broadway (Fox) (1,100; 25-40)— 'Broadway Serenade' (M-G) and So- ciety Lawyer' (M-G). alter a week at the Orpheum. Fair $2,000. Last week, 'CasUes' (RKO) and 'Fisher- man's Wharf (RKO), after two weeks at Orpheumi good $3,000. . Denham . (CockriU) (1,750; 25-35- 40)—'Union Pacific' (Par). House records being Smashed, with $14,000, sensational, in sight Last week, 'Never Die' (Par), in face of severe competition, was okay at $5,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525: 26-35-40)— 'Three Smart Girls' (U). Gettbg big $11,000. Last week, 'Dodge City' (WB), big $13,500. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40) —'Hardys' (M-G) and 'Made Her Spy* (RKO). Very big $11,500. Last week, 'Broadway Serenade' (M-G) Philadelphia, May 2. Decent break on weather over the week end and a fairly good lineup of product in aU the deluxers is giving some impetus to the b.o.'s this canto. . Comparative upturn is evi- dent at most houses, varying in de- gree 'v^th the attraction. Topper for streuth among the new arrivals is 'Dark Victory,' at the Boyd. Crix were unanimous in their praise for the Bette Davis starrer and word-of- mouth is likewise doing inuch for it, Certein of another week, meblje two, 'Castles' got away slowly at the Stanley and; continues at a molasses pace. Originally set for two weeks, it's closing today (Tuesday) after only four dsss of the second ses- sioQ, 'Nazi Spjr* comes in tomor row. 'Wuthering Heights,* in its third week at the Aldlne, is stiU going along niftily at better than $8,000. It's set for another lap. . Estimates for This Week Aldlne (WB) (1,303; 32-42-57)— 'Wuthering Heights' (UA) (3d wk.). Continuing as one of the season's top draws at strong $8,000 and as- sured of another stanza. Last week hit smart $10,000 after a strong $15,- 000 in the opener. Boyd (\ro) (2i860; 32-42-57)— 'Dark Victory; (WB). Opened Fri- day (28) and gOt right off to a power- ful start WlU get socko $18,000 for the lap and one more gaUop certain. Last week 'Hardys' (M-G) got the advantage of eight-day run to put the house back on Friday preem pol-. Icy, but clicked oil less than $15,000, mediocre. Bad weather hurt dur- ing the \feek. larle (WB) (2,768: 26-32-42)— •Three Smart Girls' (U) (3d run). So-so $6,800. Last week liOve Af- fair* (M-G) (3d run), rang up simi- lar figure. Former vaudfllmer may again see better days shortly with transfer of flrst-ruh and three-hour show policy from the smaUer Pal- ace to the Earle, a logical step. Fox (WB) (2,423; 32-37-42-57-68)— 'Cisco Kid* (20th) and Tony Martin and Jimmy Joy's orch on stege. Martin showing a lot less drawing power than on his last visit, but combo this sesh fairly satisfactory, nevertheless, at around $20,000. Iiast week 'Lady's Kentucky' (Par) and vaude, only $18,000, but showed sat- isfactory profit for the house under the slim stage nut KarHon (WB) (1,066; 32-42-57)— Bell* (20th) (2d run). Being aided somewhat by addition of a semi- feature. The Crisis,* but the combo will still manage to eke- out only about $3,500, nj.h. Last we^ 'Mid night* (Par), clicked liicely in the unusual position of a second week on a second run with $3,500. Kellh*s (WB) (1,870; 32-42-57)— 'Hardys* (M-G) (2d run). Showing commendable drawing power at $6,200. Last week 'East Side Heaven' (U) (2d run) poor $3,400. Palaee (WB) (1,100; 26-42)—'Mu- tiny on Elsinore* (Argyle). Foreign- made indie, unusual for a midtown first-run, doing .satisfying $4,800. •Last week 'Away with Murder' CWB), alTout same. Stanley (WB) (2,916; 32-42-57)- 'CasUes* (RKO) (2d wk.). Poor biz on this IhexpUcable to exhibs, after getting large bouquets from the crix. Being held only four days of second sesh, with less than $6,000 in the tiU. Making w^ for 'Nazi Spy' (WB) tomorrow CWed.). Last week cUcked off very disapnointine $14,000. Stanton (WB) (1,467; 26-32-42)— 'Streets New York' (Mono). Rather satisfactory $4,500, with the crix no help. Last week 'Dodge City' (WB) went in this normal first- run house for a second-run and came out fine at $5,500. ONLY 'AFFAIR,' $5,500, HOT IN OKLAHOMA C $5,500. Last week 'Smart Girls' (U), $5,300, pretty good. Liberty (Ston) (1,200: 20-25)— 'Blackwell' (WB) and 'Sudden Money' (Par), split with 'Within Law' (M-G) and 'Beaufy Asking' (RKO). Good $2,600. Last week 'Crowded Hours' (RKO) and 'Girl Downsteirs' (M-G), split with 'Risky Business' (U) and 'Pecks at Circus' (RKO), $2,300, fair. Midwest (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40)— "Missouri' (Par). Only fair $4,000. Last week 'Madden' (M-G), so-so $3,650. Plaza (Ston) (750; 25-35-40)— 'Dodge City' CWB) (2d wk.). In sec- ond week of moveover from Crite- rion, good $1,600. Last week same film, $3,200, smash. State (Noble) (1,100; 20-25)— 'Meade' (Col) and Tough Kid' (Mono). Fair $2,000. LAst week 'Spy Ring' (Cbl) and 'Adventuress' iCo\), $1,600, poor. Tower (Stan) (1,000; 26-36-40)— 'Society Lawyer* (M-G). N. g $1,800. Last week 'BaskerviUes' (20t£). poor $1,800. HEIGHTS' GOOD $32,000, TWO HUB SPOTS Oklahoma City, May 2. 'Love Affair' is set for $5,500 at the Criterion as the only good draw among the first-run bills. Last week was so-so aU around, except second week of 'Dodge City,' which was a smash at Plaza. Estimates tor This Week Criterion (Sten) (1.500; 25-35-40) —'Love Affair' (PJCO). <3ood for Boston, May t. Good news aU around , town, plus a couple surprises. Both 'Dark Vic- tory' and 'Castles' held over after big opening frames. 'Wuthering Heights' U pulling good coin, but not the smash biz which expected, reissue of 'White Women' is the other surprise, dragging in better than averse coin on a dual biU. 'Union Pacific' opens here Wednes- day (3), one day In advance of ar- rival of the special bally train. Estimates (or This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 20-30-40)— 'White Woman* (Par), reissue, and 'Whispering Enemies* (Col) (2nd run), dual, with vaude for foiir days; and 'White Woman' and 'Beauty for Asking* (RKO) (2nd run), dual, for three days. Headed for dandy $0,500. 'White Woman' held three extra days because of heffy b.o. re- action. Last week, 'Let Live' (Col) (2nd run) and 'Peck's Boy' (RKO) (1st run), double, plus vaude for five days; and 'My Son Criminal' (Col) and Tailspin' (20th) both 3rd run), dual, for three days, fair $7,500. Fenway (M&P) (1,332; 26-35-40- 55)—'Dodge City' (WB) (2nd run) and 'Pardon Nerve' (20th) (1st run), dual. Fair $6,000 indicated. Last week, 'Lady's Kentucky* (Par) and 'Eagle Hawk' (Par) (re-issue), dual, swerved to $4,800. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,007; 25- 35-40-55)—'Castles* (RKO) (2d wk.) and 'Culver' (U) (1st wk.). Aiming at good $18,000. Last week, 'Castles' and Walt Disney Revue, whammed through for $20,000. Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 25-35- 40-55)—'Dark Victory' (WB) and 'Sudden Moiiey' (Par), (2d wk.). Will grab off around $20,000 in six days. Opening week boomed' the talce to $31,600, socko. Orpheum (Loew (2,900; 25-35-40- 55)—'Wuthering Heights' (UA) and 'Kid Texas' (M-G). Making good showine. around $16,500. Last week, 'Each OOier' (UA) and 'Wlthta Law* (M-G). dual, medium $16,000. Paramonnt (M&P) (1-.797; 25-36- 40-55)—'Dodge City' (WB) (2nd run) and 'Pardon Nerve' (20th) (1st run). Medium" $8,000 gait.' '^JCiastJ''weel^" Los Angeles, May 2. "Union Pacific' easily leads town on current. stanzBi opus being in first of hoped-for three or four week so- journ at the Paramount. Picture set new house record Sunday (30) by puUing $5,000 In four shows. Runner- up is 'Three Smart Girls,* which is cinched for second week at the RKO and Panteges. 'Let Freedom Ring' proving litUe Incentive to pull customers to State and Chinese, and holdover of 'Wuth- ering Heights' is forced under two- week commitment,, despite disap- pointing take on first seven days. Moveover of 'Bell' to Wilshire and United Artists will probably bring another neat $10,000 to previous week's better than $2P 000 at State- Chinese. Estimates for This Week. Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2.024; 30-40-55-75)-r-'Freedom Ring' (M-G) and 'Madden* (M-G), dual. Combo not mean much at b. o., with best in sight poor $7,000. Last week 'BeU' (20th) and 'Kid from Texas* (M-G), neat $11,300. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-40-55- 66) -'Wuthering' (UA) and 'Torchy Mayor' (WB), dual (2d wk). After, disappointing first weelc, had to hold for. second stanza due to commit- thent,' with fair $6,000 in sight for the' extra 6eveh days. First stanza, okay for house, $9,500. Fonr Star (F-WC-UA) (900; 40-55) —•Stolen Life* (Par). Fairish $4,600 first week's answer. Last week, last four days (3d wk) of 'Prison With- out Bars' (UA) about $900, as an- Ucipated. HoUywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55- 66)—'WuUiering' (UA) and Torchy* (WB), dual) (2d wk). Held for sec- ond week, despite fair $10,500 on initial stanza. Holdover loo:cs like fair $6,500. Orpheou (Bdwy). (2,280: 25-30-33- 40)—'Strange Faces' (U) (first run) and 'BUckwell's Island (WB), dual, and vBudeviUe. Nothing in sight, and wiU have to be satisfied with weak $6,800. Last week, second nms. Pantoies (Pan) (2,812: 30-40-55)— Three Smart Girls' (U) and 'Lady and Mob* (Col), dual. Hitting com- fortable $10,700, and will hold. Last week, 'CasUes* (RKO) (3d wk) and 'Exposed' (U). okav $5,000. Paramount (Par) (3,596; 30-40-55) — Union Pacific* (Par) and stage show. Easily town leader and based on excellent start should have no trouble hitting-$22,000, terrific on first seven days. Three or four-week run hoped for. liBst week (9 days) 'Lady's Kentucky* (Par), not so hot $12,000, BKO .(2,872; .30-40-55) — 'Three Sinart Girls' (U) and 'Lady Mob* (Col), dual. Should get exceUent $10,600 on first week, with holdover assured. Last week 'CasUes' (RKO) (3d wk) and 'Sociel - Smuggler^ (U), profitable $6,000. State (Loew-Fox) (2,414; 30-40-35- 76)—'Freedom Ring' (M-G) and 'Madden* (M-G), dual. Not encour- aging at $9,400. Last week 'Bell' (20th) and 'Kid Texas' (M-G), fine $15,000. United ArtUte (F-WC) (2,100; 30- 40-55)—'Bell' (20Ui) and 'Kid Texas' (M-G), dual. Downtown moveover house should garner neat $4,100. Iiast week 'Serenade* (M-G) and 'Every- body's Baby* (20Ut), poor $2,000. Wllahlre (F-WC) <.22W, 30-40-35- 65)—'BeU' (20th) and ICid Texas' (M-G), dual Another $6,300 week in sight on moveover for continued run. Last week 'Serenade' (M-G) and 'Everybody's Baby (20th), weak $3,600. TEATHERS'BIG $30,000, LONDON London, Ma^ 2. Business in the West End picture houses is bad, with only' four films garnering top coin. 'Four Feathers' (UA) last ^t'eek did $30,000 at the Odeon to set the pace, while in second nlace was 'Wutherhig HeighU' (UA), at the Gaumont with $25,000. 'Love Affah^ (RKO), at the Carlton, did $15,000, while Three Smart Girls Grow Up* (U), at the Leicester Square, grossed $15,000 in its fourth week. During the-first three-weeks-the latter had- Lady-s'Tftnfclcy (FarT-anr 'EagliT beert-ave raglng $25,000, Hawk' (Par) (reissue), so-so $7,000. Scollay (M&P) (2,538; 25-35-40-50) —'Lady's Kentucky" (Par) and 'Stagecoach' (UA) (both 2nd run). Okay $7,000. Last week, 'Daughter' (WB) and 'BaskerviUes' (20th) (both 2nd run).,okay $7,000, Stale (Loew) (3,600; 25-35-40-55)— 'Wuthering' (UA) and 'Kid Texas' (M-G). Good $13,500 promised. Last week. 'Each Other* (UA) and 'Within Law' (M-G), $11,000, fair. Blind That Tiger Hollywood, May 2. Sam Bischoff geta the production .'hor« on 'The World Moves On,' a .yarn of the prohibitioii era, starring James Cagney. ShooUng starts at Warners May 15. Story was written by Mark Hel- hnger. '