Variety (May 1939)

10 VARIETY PICTURE GROSSES Wedniesdaj, May 3, 1939 'U.P; Bang-Up $25,000 in Frisco; Cool Temp. Tempers Fair Competish San Francisco, M&y 2. Union Pacific' is making, plenty of noise at the Fox and is the big money-maker on Market street this ^yeek. New DeMiller got oS to a flying start, opening ot picture hav- ing been held up until Saturday.' 'East Side of Heaven' didn't open as big as "Three Smart Girls Grow Up,' its predecessor at the Orpheum, but biz is still plenty okay at $12,- 000. Trade is somewhat better all along the line at the first-runs, most ol which have holdovers. Opposi- tion from the Fair hasn't be«n as keen the last few weeks, the weather having been cold and windy. Estimates for This Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000: 35-55-75)— •Union Pacific' (Par). This elaborate iron-horse opry is giving the Fox the biggest weeli in a long time. It will garner terrific $25,000. Last week, •Dark Victory' (WB) and 'Kid Texas' (M-G), held two extra days and ended with strong $22,000. Golden Gate (RKO) (2.850: 35-55) —•Made Her a Spy' (RKO) and vaude. Hitting to general average trade here at $12,000. Last week (3d), 'CasOes' (RKO), around $9,- 500, okay. Orpheum (F&M) (2,440; 35-55)— •East Side Heaven' (Col) and 'Ro- mance Redwoods' (Col).- Will pos- sibly hit good $12,000. Last week (4th), 'Three Smart Girls' (U), strong $6,500. Paramoant (F-WC) (2,740: 35-55- 75)—'Hardys' (M-G) and 'Society Lawyer* (M-G) (2d week). Swell $12,000 on the holdover. Last week's take was 'way over expectations at $19 000 St. Francis (F-WC) (1,470; 35-55- 75)—'Dark Victory' (WB) and 'Kid Texas' (M-G). Holding up in good style and will do around $7,000, which is fine considering the way 'Victory' mopped up at the Fox last week. Ijast week, 'Dodge City' (WB) and 'Sudden Money' (Par) (3d wk), came right up to calculations with around $6,000. Unitcfl Artists (Cohen) (1,200; 35- 65-65) —'Wuthering Heights' (4th wk). Although competish from sev- eral newcomers on the street is Itlenty tough this week, bill manag- ng to hold its own. Current stanza is aiming at $6,000. Last week biz was very much on the up side at $8,000. Warfleia (F-WC) (2,680; 35-55-75) —'Cisco Kid* (20th) and Inside Story* (20th). Nothing startling in the way of a draw at $12,000. Mtst week (6 days), "Never Die' (Par) and •Within Law' (M-G), died at $7,000. 'StagecoacV $11000, Rides High in Toronta Toronto, May 2. Top quality pictifres are perking the b.o. here, with 'Stagecoach' and •Hound of Baskervilles' out front on revenue, and 'Dodge City' and 'Story of Vernon and Irene Castle' both In for healthy second stanzas. Foreign market also on the winning side, with 'Alexander Nevsky* and 'The Life and Loves of Beethoven.' Estimates for This Week HoUywood (Premier) (1,056: 25-35) —'Alexander Nevsky* (Cosmo). Healtlw $5,200. Last week, Blondie Boss' (Col) and Thanks Everything' (20th), good enough $4,100. Imperial (FP-(3an) (3,373; 25-35- BO)—'Dodge City* (WB) (2d wk). Holding steady at $7,000; last week, $10,700, big. Loew's (Loew) (2,611: 25-35-50)— •Stagecoach' (UA). Topping the town at $11,000, big. Last weelc •Honolulu' (M-G), fair $8,800. Boyal Alexandra (UBO) (1,541; 35-50)—"Beethoven' (GP). Fair enough $5,000. Last week dark. Shea's (FP-Can) (2,863; 25.«40)— •Baske^nies' (20th), plus vaude headed by Eddie Peebody. Excel- lent $10,500. Last week. 'Missouri' and vaude unit good $8,500. Tivoll (FP-Can) (1,433; 25-40)— •Cafe Society' (Par) and 'Wings Navy* (WB). Good enough $4,500. Last week. 'Gunga Din' (RKO) and •Society Smugglers' (U), profit at $5,100. Uptown (FP-Can) (2,761; 25-35-50) —'CasUes' (RKO) (2d wk.). Holding steady at $7,500; last week, $11,200, tops. „ JDODGE' TOPS B'KLYN Getting Swell $23,000 en Dual; 'Cas- tles' Fine $19,500 Brooklyn, May 2, Top attraction is 'Dodge City' at the Paramoimt, which' is doing socko biz despite World's Fair competish. Also clicking nicely Is the Albee, flashing 'Story of Vernon and Irene CasUe.*^ Estimates for This Week Albee (3,274; 25-35'-50) —'CasUes' (RKO) and 'Baskervilles' (20th). Excellent press notices and good at- tendance will give this pair fine $19,- 500. Last week. Three; Smart Girls' (U) and -Saint Strikes Back' (RKO), sweu $19,000. Fox (4,089 25-35-50)—'Back Door Heaven' (Par) and 'Made Her Spy' (RKO). Mild $14,500. Last week, 'Let Live' (Col) and "Family Next Door' (U), weak $13,000. Met (3.618; 25-35-50) — 'Society Lawyer' (M-G) and 'Madden' (M-G). Satisfactory $16,000. Last week, 'Freedom Ring' (M-G) and 'Culver' (U), good $17,000. Paramonnt (4.126; 25-3S-50) — 'Dodge City' (WB) and 'Son Ch'im- inal' (Col). Peachy start will bring in swell $23,000. Last week, 'Mid- night' (Par) and 'Lady Mob^ (Col) (2d wk), nice $15,500. Strand (2,870; 25-35-40)—"Was a Convict' (Rep) and 'Headley's' (Ind). Poor $5,000. . Last week, 'Flying Irishman' (RKO) and 'Mr. Wong* (Mono), ditto. U. P; BIG $27,000 IN OMAHA PREEM Omaha, May 2. "Union Pacific,' world premiered here Friday (28), Is rocketing to an estimated $27,000 for the week at two houses, the Omaha and Para- mount Take includes the preem scale for the big splurge at the Omaha. Both houses opened Satur- day at regular admish. 'Dark Victory,' at the Brandeis in second week, is holding up well In the face of the competish. "Broad- way Serenade,' dualed. Is doing sur- prisingly well at the Orpheum. Estimates for This Week Avenue - Military - Dundee (Gold- berg) (950-810-650r. 10-25)—'Huck Finn' (M-G) and 'Daughter* (FN), dual, split with 'Wings-Nav/ (WB) and 'O'Connor* (M-G). Fair $2,000. Last week, 'Honolulu' (M-G) and 'Each Other' (UA), dual, split with 'Submarine Patrol' (20th), 'Blondie Boss" (Col) and "Let Live' (Col). trlpl6r. $2,300, good. Brandeis (Singer) (RKO) (1.250; 10-25-35-40)—"Dark Victory' (FN) (2d wk). Excellent $6,000. Last week. "Dark VictosT" (FN), smash $7,500. ObwIu (Blank) (2,000; 10-25-40)— "Union Pacific' (Par). World Pre- miere sensational $18,000. Last week, "Wuthering Heights' (UA) and "Eagle and Hawk^ (Par), $6,200, fair. Orpheum (Blank) (3.000; 10-25-40) —'Broadway Serenade' (M-G) and "Within Law" (M-G). Good $9,300. Last week. Three Smart Girls' (U) and "Bulldog Drummond' (Par), $10,300, very good. Town (Goldberg) (1,250: 10-20-25) •Mexican Rose' (Rep), "100 Faces' (GB), both first-runs, and "Wings Navy* (WB), tripler,' split with Torged Passport' (Rep), 'Let Live' (Col) "Lady Vanishes' (GB). So-so $1,500. Last week, "Night Riders' (Rep) and "Strange Borders' (GB), first-runs, and "Blondie Boss' iCol). tripler, split with "Made Me Criminal (WB) and "Each Other' (UA), $1,800, fair. Paramount (Blank) (3,000; 25-40) —"Union Pacific' (Par). Very good $9,000. House opened for one week to help meet world premiere de- mands. '4 GIRLS'-BOLES NEAT $13,000, BALTIMORE Baltimore, May 2, Ample capacity of the Stanley coming in very handily for "Dark Victory,' way out front in current film listings here. Attracting a strong and consistent day and night trade, film starts, a second session tomor- row (Wed), after ringing up one of the biggest opening takes in moons. Some interest also in "Four Girls in White,' at the combo Hipp, where p. a. of John Boles is stimulating matters to help out Rest of town rather mild with lack of nocturnal action downtown still the big head' ache-of-deluxers, ■ - ..Estimates tor This Week Centnry (Loew's-UA) 3,000; 15-25. 40)—'Freedom Ring' (M-G). Not catching on with $7,000 th^ possible count Last week, "Madden' (M-G), fell down at $5,300.' Hippodrome (Rapoaport) (2,205l 15-26-35-40-55-66) —'Four Girls In White' (M-G) plus nice vaude layout headed by p. a. of John Boles. At- tracting steady trade at $13,000. Last week, 'Streets N. Y.' (Mono), owing it all to Milton Berle, rang bell lustflv for big $15,200. Keith's (Schanbcrger) (2,406; 15- 25-35-40 )^'Never Say Die' (Par). Opens tonight. (Tues) after two weeks of 'Midnight' (Far) to rosy total of $15,800i. New (Mechanic) (IfiSHi 15-29-35- 55)—'Cisco Kid' (20th). ^ust fair at $4,500. Last week, 'Zenobia' (UA), didn't catch on at $3,400. Stanley (WB) (3,280; 15-25-35-40- 55)—'Dark Victory' (WB). Starts a second week tomorrow (Wed) after ringing up socko $18,000 and alniost nightly holdouts. Strong femme trade helping top 'Dodge City' booin trade of a few weeks ago here. PTSBG. A BUST; mGECOACH' FAIR12G Pittsburgh, May 2. The bottom's dropped out of every- thing this week, second in a row for the mid-spring depression. Alibis, however, are plentiful. Coal strike's been kicking biz plenty; bad weather has been hitting the week-ends bard, and now along comes daylight aav^ Ing, too. Nothing's getting a play this week. Stanley hyped 'Stagecoach' with one of season's slickest campaigns, but film isn't producing, despite rave no- tices. 'Midnight' which likewise col- lected columns or praise; is also feel- ing the pinch at the Penn. Warder's pulling 'Sudden Money* and "12 Crowded Hours' after six days; Ful- ton's hitting rock bottom once more with 'King of the Turk,' and Alvin's sledding hard, too, with 'Streets of Nork York' and "My Wife's Relatives.' Estimates for This Week . Alvin (Harris) (1.850; 25-35-50)— "Streets New York' (Mono) and 'Wife's Relatives' (Rep). This bill was originally slated for the Senator, but switched to Harris ace house at last minute when 'Graham Bell' (20th) failed to hold up enough to rate second week at this spot Looks like change was hardly for better. Not much interest in Jackie Cocker's latest and it's sliding to $3,300, or near that Last week "Bell' pretty much of a disappointment at around $7,000. Fnlton (Shea-I^de) (1,750; 25-40) —'King Turf (UA). House taking It on the chin with this one and sorry now it didn't hold "East Side of Heaven' (U) longer. . Latter got $3,000 in four days o< third-week. •Turf won't do that in seven, and 'Return of Cisco Kid' (20th) comes in tomorrow (3). Penn (Loew's-UA) (3.300;-25-35-50) -'Midnight' (Par). Comedy weU liked on all sides and figured to have additional chance in lineup of names for marquee, but they're/not buying it and outlook isn't for more than $11,500, which means the .doldrums here. Last week, "Wuthering Heights' (UA), despite all the furore, fell oft down the strench and finished at $14,300, all right but below expec tations. Senator (Harris) (1;800: 25-35-50) —'Alexander BeU' (20th). This one moved here when it failed to make h.o. grade at Alvin, but getting by at this spot Around $3,800, good. Last week, 'Three Smart Girls^(U), after two nice weeks at Alvin, all right at $2,6(H). Stanley (WB) (3,600; 25-35-50)— 'Stagecoach' (UA). Has to go some to reach even $12,000, and that's just fair. Last week, "CasUes' (RKO), also failed to come through, doing only around $11,500. Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-40)—"Sud- den Money' (Par) and 'Crowded Hours' (RKO). Back to the usual double-feature depresh after three great weeks with b.o. pix. Current twinner can't hope for more than $3,200, coming out after six days for another dualer, 'Women in the wind' (WB) and 'King of Chinatown' (Par). Last week, second of "Dodge City* (WB). big at $6,200, getUng $10^ flxst stanza on top of previous $21,500 at Penn. <yictory'-TalIey Smadi $25,000, but 'Ky.'-Vaude Only Fair $15,500 TURF HITS PROVIDENCE mURDER'-VAUDE OK 7G Providence, May 2. Opening of Narragansett's spring racing meet cut deeply into the local take. 'CasUes' doing nicely In hold- over at the Albee, while "Alexander Bell' is just creeping along at the Majestic. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,000; 26-36-60) — 'Castles' (RKO) and 'Saint Strikes Back' (RKO) (2d wk). Garnering nice $4,000 after swell $8,000 In first Carlton (Fay-Locw) (1.400; 20-39- 50)—Three Smart Girls' (U) and 'In- soector Hornleigh' (20th) (2d run). Holding for fair $4,000. Lost week, 'Dodge City' (WB) aiid 'ChnAing Dnnger' (20th) (2d run), good $9,000. Fay's (Indlc) (2.000; 29'39>40) — 'Can't Murder' (WB) and vaude. Holding own for okay $7,000. Lost week. "Women Wind' (WB) and vaude, tepid $6,000. MoJesUe (Fay) (2,200; 25-35-50)— "Alexander BeU' (20th) and 'Jones Family Hollywood' (20th). Disap- pointing $5,000, Last week. Three Smart Girls' (U) and 'Inspector Hornleigh' (G-B) held for nice $7,000. SUte (Loew) (3.200; 25-39-50) — 'Hardys' (M-G) and 'Fighting Thor- oyghbreds' (Rep). Steady $11,000. Last week, 'Freedom Ring' (M-G) and 'Within Law' (M-G), fairish $10,000. Strand (Indie) (2,200; 25-35-50) — 'Lady's Kentucky' (Par) and 'Tom Sawyer' (Par), Weepy $5,000. Last week, 'Streets New York' (Mono) and 'Wife's RelaUves' (Rep), slow $4,500. miDNIGHr FAIR $8,500^ K. C. H.O.SOK ' Kansas City, May 2. Holdovers In half of the town's six first-run situaUons and new films are all satisfactory. Of the new list 'Midnight' at the Newman, Is giving best account of itself, though returns aren't very big. Film opened Tues- day and is set for nine-day run. The Midland embellished.-its open- ing day, Friday, with a personal of Judy Garland at the last ^ow. Star- let helped to full house, a good send- ofi for the new Wallace. Beery film. 'Dark Victory,' at the Orpheum, foes strongly into its second week, 'emme trade 'topheavy here, with film having received good noUces. 'East Side of Heaven' stays on at the Esquire and Uptown.- Estimates for This Week Esquire and ifpiown (Fox Mid- west) (820 and 1,200; 10-25-40)— 'East Side Heaven' (U). A .holdover in both spots. Carrying on nicely for $4,800 combination. Last week nice $6,600 combo. Midland (Loew's) (3.573; 10-25-40) —'Madden' (M-G) and "King TurT (UA). Good names in both. Around $10,200, Improvement La^ week, "Let Freedom Ring* (M-G) and "Prison Bars' (UA), slow $8,500. Newman (Paramount) (1,600; 10- 25-40)—'Midnighf (Par). Opened on Tuesday (26) and ruhs nine days. Returns pleasant, but not up to mark expected; $8,500 for long run, good^ Last week, "Dodge City' (WB) made it three in a row, although week was cut to six days; $4,000, okay. Orpheum (RKO) :(1,500; 10-25-40) —•Dark Victory* (WB) (2d wk.). CSoing strong and looks for $6,000, very good. First weeH's take topped expectations with $9,000. Tower (Fox Midwest) (2,050; 10- 25-40)—'Man Conquest' (Rep) and 'Swing, Sister* (U). Good $6,000. Last week 'Winner All' (20Ui) witl^ Orrin Tucker orch on stage, strong $12,500. Detroit Exhibs Again Win Ban on Carnivals Detroit May 2. Theatre Interests here last week again Inveigled common council into placing permanent ban on carnivals showing In Detroit Council decided same thing several weeks ago, but acceded to veterans organizaUons shorUy after and granted coupla permits for nabe carnies under vet- erans' aegis. > Theatre boys went to work again, however, and succeeded in getUng council to pass ordinance prohibit- ing camies under penalty of $500 fine or 90 days or both. Ordinance goes Into effect in 30 days, if city fathers don't change mind again. Fonda Vice Ameche Hollywood, May 2. Henry Fonda replaces Don Ameche as co-starrer with Nancy Kelly In 'Drums Along the Mohawk,' start- ing June 10 at 20th-Fox. ' Ameche will be busy In 'Holly- wood Covalcode.' GIOBIFma E0V7E Hollywood, May 2. Ellas Howe, inventor of the sew- ing machine. Is the central figure in the first picture in Columbia's series of six under the UUe, Tools Who Made History.' Hugh McCuUom Is slated to pro- duce, with Jan LaMan direcUqg. Washington, May 2. Baseball, carnivals and outdoor spots are taking their toll this week. What might have been an interest- ing batUe between femme warblers at rival vaude spots crashied when 'Dark Victory' swept Marion Talley at Earle, completely out of reach of Jessica Dragonette, who is getting no help from 'Ijady's from Kentucky.' at Capitol. Local Warner management's tradU Uon-busting experiment of opening 'Dark Victory' on Thursday (21) without stage show,- which bowed as usual on Friday, gave clear proof of what stage shows mean at the bo here. House mdUe a cheqk, and esti- mated 35% of those who approached- Uie theatre on Thursday (28) walked away to return when they could get a stage show for the same price. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 25-35-40-66) —liSdy's Kentucky' (Par) and vaude. Jessica Dragonette dragging it up. to fairish $15,500. Last week, 'Freedom .Ring'-apd .Arthur Godfrey Revue, passable $16i500. Columbia (Loew) (1,234; 23-40)— 'Midnight' (Par) (2d run). Third week downtown will see average $4,600. Last week, 'Prison Bars' (UA), same figure. Earle (WB) (2,216; 25-35-40-66)— 'Dark Victory' (WB) and vaude. Sock reviews and bally, plus some draw by Marion Talley, make this only big moneymaker In town. Eight days, one without vaude, will see smash $25,000. Last week, 'Mis- souri' (WB) and Vincent Lopez- Patricia Ellis, Ught $12,200 in sue days. Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 35-55)— 'Three Smart Girls' (U) (3d wk). Holding on with oke $5,uOO. Last week same pic took satisfactory $8,500. Met (WB) (1,600; 25-40)—'Dodge City* (WB) (2d run). Back down- town after two big weeks at Earle; looking at blg$7,600. Last week, 'BlackweU' (WB) (2d run) and 'Crisis' (Mayer & Burstyn), five days, oke $3.500.. Palaee (Loew) (2,242;. 35-55)— •Wuttierlng Heights' (UA) (2d wk). Average holdover at $7,500. Last veA, same pic, solid $15,400. IiM|i|s.Biz(Nf; 1^oiy' Looks Bestat$7JI . Indianapolis, May 2. Biz generally is still suSerlng from spring- fever In downtown sector, with Indiana leading the straight plo houses with "Dark Victory.' Lyric is perking up some by combining Dixie Dunbar, George GIvot and Jo« Sander^ orch on stage and 'Return of Cisco Kid' on screen. Circle is feeling the compeUUon with a red week with Jommy Dorsey orch and 'Zenobia.' Last two nights of Roller Derby affected week end business, but the weather, which turned balmy, gets the blame for so-so week days. Estimates for This Week ApeUo (Katz-DoUe) (1.100; 25-30- 40)—'Eastslde Heaven' (U) dualled with 'White Room' (U). Barely in the black with $2,100. Last week 'CasUes' (RKO), dismal $1,300, after skipping a week since showing at the Indiana. Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,600; 25-30- 40)—'Zenobia' (UA) and Jimmy porsey's orch on stage. Winding up flesh policy to losing $8,000. Last week 'Lady's Kentucky* (Par) and AI Donahue on stoge, $8,700, also in the carmine. Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3.100: 25-30- 40)—'Dark Victory' (WB). Topping all others, with $7,500 in si?ht Last week 'Eastslde Heaven' (U) dualled with 'White Room' (U). fair $6,500. Loew's (Loew's) (2,400:- 25-30-40) —'Madden' (M-G) and 'King Turl' (UA). Coasting along at $5,500. Last week 'Ice Follies' (M-G) and 'Prison Bars' (UA). $5,100. fair. Lyric (Olson) (1,900; 25-30-40)— 'Cisco Kid' (20th) and Joe Sanders' oreh, Dixie Dunbar and George Givot on stage. Taking the top flesh money of the town for pond $9,700. Last week 'On Trial' (WB) with Abe Lyman's orch on stage, lair $8,500. ttacPhersoh Leaves NSS . Chicago, May 2. Jack MacPher'son has resigned as manager of NaUonal Screen Service here. He was with the company for U years.