Variety (Jun 1939)

PICTURE GROSSES VAKBSTr 'imtit Strong $35,000 in WobUy dn- -mney Dd Not Bad 12G, mado'-VandeFairlSaUAFoMs First Rims on Broadway Week of Jane S Chicago, June 6. fTnlted Artists theatre closed on Trtdor ni£ht (2) and is due to stay £2Stered untU at least July 15 from ^Msent indication;. Product source Em dried up for this house and raSier than stnieele with knovm weakleB, Bolabon & Katz and Metro luvedecided to call it a vocation. Best pace currently in the down- town sector is 'Juarez* ot the Chlcaso where it is turning in a satiatactory eross considering- tiie general dol- Srums <rf the territory at this time. Gilbert and SuULvan are stiU around, this time with the EngUsb- niade The Mikado' in the Palace where it is attracUng women and youngsters. 'Mikado' name itself has become generally well-known tbrmighout the masses of the public in recent months due to the colored swing stage versions, and this pub- licity is reacting favorably. iutz Bros.' *Gorilla' is struggling at ' the ApoUo as a newcomer while the Garrick drew a holdover week of •Rose of Washington Square,' moved over from the Chicago. Estlaiates for This Weak Apollo. (B&K) (1,200; 35-55)— •Gorilla' (20th). Not very exciting at contemplated $4,500. Last week, •'Cisco' (20th) at same pace with 14,300. Chicago (B&K) (4,000; 3S-55-75)— 'Juarez' (WB) and stage show. Show- ing, good strength at the wicket with general public recognition of this ss « 'big' picture; lieads for $35,000, n]a.ty all right liost weeic, 'Wash- higton Square' (20th) turned In fair enough $25,000. Oorrick (B&K) (900;. 35-55)— ^Washington Square' (20th). Hold- over looks for $4,000, okay. week, double feature lake It Hot' (nr) and 'Eagle and Hawk* (Par), $4100. Oriental (Jones) (3^00; 25-40)— •Made Her Spy' (RKO) and 'Love or Money" (u) and vaude. Satis- factory take in the oSing here at $12,000 for the- session. Last week, 'Prison Without Bars' (UA) and 'Big Town Czar* (U) fair enough $11,000. Foiace (RKO) (2,500; 36-35-05-75) ^"Mikado' (U) and vaude. Getting a femme and youngster trade- mainly, but the total won't add up to any- thhig outstanding, and Indications on for lust fair $15,000 on the weeli. Last -(reek, 'Sorority House' (RKO) tioned in bang-up $23,000 with aid of Eleanor Poweu on stage. _ BMsevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-S5-6S 15)—•Nazi Spy" (WB) (2nd week). Headed for aU right $8,000 currently after taking satisfactory $12,200 for tha initial session. 'Man of Con- quesf (Rep) next . „ „v State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 25-40-55) >-'Sgt Madden* (M-G) and vaude. Going ahead to $11,000, okay, cur- rently. Last week. 'Moto in Danger' (20th) came through with same $11,000. Halted Artists (B&K-MG) (1,700). Shuttered on Friday night (2) for at least six weelcs. Last week, 'Wonder- ful World' (M-G) wound up a stanza to meek $7.500, Dk $4^00, 'GoriUa' $4»000, PorOand OK Portland, Ore., June 6. Two strong pix held, again this week. 'Only Angels Have Wings' is In its second stanza at the Para- mount and doing nicely. May hold longer, 'Confessions of a Nazi Spy' la now at the Mayfalr for a third week t<J okay money. 'Spy' mopped up for a fortnight at the UA. .Among new opening pix, 'Man of Conquest' is fair at the Broadway. Ditto for the 'Gorlllo' at the Or- pheum. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-35- 40)—'Man Conquest' (Reo) and 'Away with Murder' (WB). Well exploited and fair returns at $4,500. Last week 'Wonderful World' (M-G) aad 'Code of Streets' (U) closed an Average second week for $4,300 after big $0,000 on the Brst lap. Mayfalr (Parker-I^rergreen) (l.SOOi 80-35-40)—'Nazi Spy' (WB) and Love of Money* (U), third week on move-over to this house from the VA. StUl good for okay $3,000. Last week 'Rose* (20th) and Twelve Hours' (RKD) closed a fair second week for average $2,200. Orphenm (Homriek - Evergreen) <1>800; 30-35-40)—'(SoriUa' (20th) and Women in Whid' (WB). About aver- age $4,000. Last week 'Romance Red- w?ods' (Col) ond 'Hotel Imperial' > (Par) good enough $4,300. Paramonnt (Hamrick - Evergreen) aoOO: 30-35-40) —'Angels Have Wngs* (Col) and 'Boy Friend' (20th) vZtt wk). Holding up strong for good $4,800. First week put this house over the top for big tSflOO. -Wx (Indie) (1,100; 20-25)—Tom Sawyer DetecUve' (Par) and "Moto's Ijast Warning" (20th) (revivals) plus aaa Buzzlngton's comedy vaud. Strong $3,00a Lost week 'Muske- teers' (20tb) and 'Chan in Honolulu' (20th) with stage unit 'Broadway Merry-Cjo-Round,' $2,600 principally on the vaude appeal. Cnlted. Artlsi» (Parker) (1.000; 30- 35-40)—'Dr. KUdare' (M-G) and TeU No Tales' (M-G). Keeping this house up to par at $4,000, fair. Last week 'Nazi Spy* (WB) and 'Love Money* (U) closed good sec<md week at $4,- 400. First big $8^300. CROsamooo, OMAHA BE1TER Omaha, June 6. Top money is going- to 'East Side ot Heaven' at the Orphetun -with a take of $9,000. Theatre biz has leveled to a summer pace. Terrific rains the last few days In the,Omaha territory may mean good crops and eventually pull this area out ot the doldrums next fall and winter. Estimates tor This Week Avenue • Dnndee - BOUtary (Gold- berg) (800-950-600; 10-25)-"Castles' (RKO) and I'm from Missouri' (Par), split with Tailspin" (20th), 'Persons Hiding" (Par) and "Road to Reno" (U), tripler. Headed for $1,900. dandy. Last week. 'Ice FoUies" (M-G) and 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB), split with 'Musketeers' (20th). 'Chan Honolulu' (20th) and Tough Guys' (U), tripler, $1,700, fair. Brandels (Singer-RKO) (1,250; 10- 25-35-40)—'Angels Have Wings' (Col) and 'Rookie Cop' (RKO) (M wk). Holding well tor $4,600, after socko $8,500 first weeln. Omaha. (Blank) 10-25-40)—'Won- derful World* (M-G) and 'Society Lawyer' (M-G). Aiming toward $8,000. good. Last week, "Lucky Night* (M-G) and 'Kid Texas* (M-G), $7,500, n.sJi, Orphenm (Blank) (3,000; 10-25-40) —'East Side Heaven* (U) and 'Spirit Culver" (U). Getting the town*s biz for $9,000, dandy. Last week, "Dodge City' (WB) and "Family Next Door* (U). $8,500. fair. Town (Goldberg) (1,250; 10-20-25) —'Montana Skies' (Rep), 'Persons Hiding! (Par) and TOilspin' (20th), tripler; split with 'Gun Justice* (U), Tm from Missouri" (Par) and 'Castles' (RKO), tripler. Shooting at $1,900. nice. Last week, 'Road Reno* (U), 'Inside Story* (20th). and 'Olda- homa Kid' (WB). tripler; spUt with 'Arizona Cowboy* (Col), There Goes Heart" (UA) and Tough Guys" (U), tripler, $1,700, good. Heaven' Plendful $4,100, lincoln, Fine Lincoln, June 0. Two-way cut of the money being made by 'East Side of Heaven" and 'Wonderful World," although the town tends to take it easy. Best news is the h.o. on 'Angels Wings" which creamed the town the first week. Estimates for This Week Colonial (NTI-Noble-Monroe) (750; 10-15)—'High Flyers" (RKO) and Texas Steers' (Rep), split with 'Wyoming Trail' (Mono) and 'Naughty Girls' (RKO). Average $900. Last week,. 'Lawless Valley' (RKO) and 'Chase "Xourself (RKO) split with 'Montana Skies' (Rep) and 'Condemned Women' (RKO). good $950. .Liberty (NTI-Noble) (1,000: 10-15- 20-25^'Code Secret Service' (WB) and 'Missing Daughters' (Col). Only fair, $1,000. Last weelE, 'Affairs Anna- bel' (RKO) with Johnny O'Brien's unit three days split with 'Fixer Dugan' (RKO), $1,100. very light Lincoln (LTC-Cooper) (1,600; 10- 20-25)—'Jones Family' (20th) and 'Crooked Mile" (Par). Nice $2,400. Last week, "Musketeers' (20th) and 'King Chinatown'- (Par), $1,700, dis- appointing. Nebraska (LTC-Cooper) (1,238; 10 25-35) —'Wonderful World' (M-G). Fairly good prospect $3,200. Last week, ^uthering Heights" (UA), miserable $2,400. Stnarl (LTC-Cooper) (1,900; lO' 25-35) —'East Side Heaven' (U). Aiming toward a sweet $<,100. Last week, 'Castles' (RKO) lasted barely a week with $2,«00, n.g. Replaced by 'Cafe Society' (Par) which stayed three days and out for slimmish $1,000. Varsity (NTI-Noble) (1.100; 10-25- 35)—'Angels Have Wings' (Col) (2d wk). Did $3,Q00 on the first round and is aiming for $2,000 on the second, okay. fSubject to Change) AstM^'CiOodbye Mr. Chips' (M-G) (4th wh!.). Capitol—8.000 Enemies' (M-G), (Reoletoed In Vaioett, May 31) Criterion—^"Gracie Allen Mur- der Case' (Par) (7).- (Ratrfeued In VAuar, Kay 17) Glob e—'Missing Daughters* (Col) (10). Hasto Boll—"The Sun Never sets' (U). (RetHeued in Current Issue) Panunonnt—'Invitation to Happiness* (Par) (7). (Reirtetiied In VAmErV. May 10) Blalfo—'Girl . from Mexico' (RKO) & Hacketeers \tt the Range' (RKO) (9). (Repieued in VAsiErr, May 24) (Reoieuied in Vabieiy, May 31) B*xy—"Young Mr. Lincoln' (20th> (2d wk.). Strand—Juarez' (WB) (2d wk.). Week of Jnne IS Aster—^taoodbye, Mr. Chips* (M-G) (5th wk.). C^tol—Tarzan Finds a Son* (M-G). (RotHetsed in VAinErr, Hoy 31) Crtterloa—'Grand Jury's Se- crets' (Par) (15). • Hnaie HaU — '(3ouds Over Europe* (Col). .Paraaaiint—'Invitation to Happiness* (Par) (2d wk.). Boxy—"Young Hit. Lincoln'. (20th) (3d wk.). Strand—Juarez' (WB) (4th wk.). TURirraCEOG IN SHAKY BUFF. Buffalo, June 6. Current box office takings are con- tinuing to slide to lower levels. The spurt which Memorial Day gave to last week's grosses is noticeably ab- sent and figures are heading for the basement 'Wonderful World" is in the lead, but running light "Fury' dueling at the Lakes is snowing un- expected strength. Estimates for This Week BoBale (Shea) (3.500; 30-35-55)— 'Wonderful World' (M-G). Pace is slowing w here with indications of summery nusiness. Around $10,000, or a little better. Lost week 'Juarez' (WB) hit fair $11,000 on hoUday spurt Ccntory (Shea) (3.000; 25-35)— 'Eagle and Hawk' (Par) and 'Nancy Drew Reporter' (WB). Running evenly for slighil/ over $5,000. Last week 'GorU&' (20th) and 'Boy Friend' (20th). better than antici- pated at $5,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-50) —'Captain Fury' (UA) and 'Girl from Mexico" (RKO). Okay at around $9,000. Last week 'Allen Murder Case' (Par) and 'Hotel Im- perial' (Par), complete floppo with ^600. Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 25-35)—'Bridal Suite" (M-G) and Torchy Mayor" (WB). Very soft $4,500. Last week Like It Hot' (ParYand "Back Door Heaven'. (Par) plent" under par, $4 700 Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 25-35) —'Angels Have Wings" (Col) (2d wk). Holdover mild around $5,000. Last week, very neat first stanza climbed to nearly $10,000. 'U. P; 22G, B'KLYN Bli Fine—'Wonderfol" Dual Hitting Fast $17,5«9 Clip Brooklyn. Jiine 6. Downtown .sector managers have no complaints this stanza. Biz fine despite warmish weather. Fabian Paramount doing well with 'Union Pacific' and "Rolfln' in Rhythm' as is Loew's Met with 'It's Wonderful World' and 'House of Fear.' Estimates for This Week Albee (3.274; 25-35-50) — 'Rose' (20th) and 'Fixer Dugan' (RKO) (2d wk) plus Baer-Novo fight pics. Okay $14,500 indicated. Last weelc, $17,500, ^*Fox (4,089; 25-35-50)—'Kid Ko- komo' (WB) and 'Streets New York' (Mono) (2d wk). Fair £13.500 tor 10 days. Last week. 'Nazi Spy' (WB) and 'Sweepstakes Winner' (Col), nice $6,500. Met (3.618; 25-35-50)—'Wonderful World' (M-G) and 'House ot Fear* (U). Snappy $17,500. Last week, •Lucky Nlght'^ (M-G) and 'King Turf (UA), okay $15,500. Paramonnt (4,126; 25-35-50)—'Un- ion Pacific' (Par) and 'Rollln' in Rhythm* (WB). Fine $22,000 for 10 days. Last week, 'Dark Victory' (WB) and 'Torchy' (WB) (3d wk), good $9,000. Strand (2.870; 25-35-40)—'White Woman' (Par) and 'Unmarried' (Par). Mild $4,500, and house closes for the summer tomorrow night (Wed.). Last week, 'Star Midnight' (RKO) and l^ost Patrol' (RKO) (re-issues), unexciting $5,000. Only 'Juarez' $40,000, 'Chips' ISG^ 3d Week, Really Strong on B way; Mado' Fair 'Lincob' 35G Only 'Juarez,' at the Strand after a recent brief $2 -run on Broadway, and 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips,' in its fourth week at the small-seater As- tor, are doing any real business on Broadway as most managers shed tears in their beers. Strand booked In Pandio and or- chestra, plus acts, with 'Juarez,* which had played nearly five weeks as a roadshow attraction at the Hollywood. The gross will top $40,- 000. which is unusually good. 'Chips,' ended its third week Monday night (5) at $15;000, exceUent at flie low scale here and the seating capacttir ot 1,012. ■Young Mr. Uncoln* is among those suffering from the present b.o. drought thou^ highly regarded; only around $35,000 on the first wedc, but word-of-mouth may up It on the holdover. Other new pictures this week in- clude TeU No Tales' at the Capitol, which is dying; The IiUkado* which is doing pretty well in view of everything, at the Rivoli; "Under- cover Doctor,' mild at the Crlt; 'Climbing High.' Globe Inctunbent which is proceeding very poorly, and 'Street of Misshig Men.*^ with the Nova-Baer fight pictures, a Rlolto disappointment of mild proportions. 'Mikado" may pull through to $20,000, okay. Tales" Is sad at under $10,000; 'Undercover Dr." wlU be about $6,000; 'Climbing High' won't top a poor $4,000 and^MisSng Men' with the fistic films will be only around $5,000. "Captain Fury' closes a second week at the Music Hall tonight (Wed.) at only "about $50,000, while fourth week for 'Union Pacific." with Emeiy Deutsch at the Paramount ended last night at $21,600, getting by. Deutsch was booked in for the final week of "UP." replacing Rich- ard Himber. Bob Weitmon held the nut down so that ttie picture could go a full month here, invitation to Happiness," with Harry James bond and Jane Froman open this morn- ing (Wed.). Estlmoles far This Week Astor (1,012; 25-40-55-65)-'Chips' (M-G) (4th. week). Holding strong- ly, $15,000 being scored for third week ending Monday night (5). The second round was $15,500. Healthy run appears assured. CapltM (4,620: 26-35-55-85-$1.25) —Tell No Tales' (M-G). A severe disappolnter, under $10,000, close to all-Ume low. Last week, "Bridal Suite' (M-G), this side ot $12,000, also very bad. '6.000 Enemies' (M-G) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). CriterloB (1.662; 25-40-55)—'Un- dercover Doctor' (Par). A little better than some recent weeks, but not good at $6,000 or bit over. Last week, 'Some Like It Hot* (Par), subtly over $5,000. Plobe (1,274; 25-40-55)—'aimblng High' (.Col). Top take wUl probably be $4,000, bad. In ahead. 'Chan in Reno' (20th), pulled after five brutal days at $3,000, Palace (1,700; 26-35^55)—'Washing- ton Sq.' (20th) (2d run) and 'Panama Lady" (RKO) (1st run), dualed, plus Nova-Baer fight film. Double-head- er will get around $8,200, fair. Prior brace, 'Dark Victory' (WB) and 'Cisco Kid" (20th), botii 2d run, good $9,600. Paramonnt (3,064; 29-35-55-85-99) —'Invitation to Happhiess' (Par) and Harry James band, plus Jane Fro- man and others, opened here today (Wed.). 'Union Paclflc* (Par) went tour weeks, final stanza with Emery Deutsch band on stage (Ist week for latter) was $21,500, squeezing through. Up ahead picture had Richard Himber on stage, scoring $27,000 third week, $36,000 second and $44,500 first tor very good profit on run. Radio City Mnsle HoU (5,980: 40- 60-84-99-$1.85)—'Capt Fury' (UA) and stage show (2d-flnal week). Be- set by conditions affecting the town, only about $50,000 will be shown on a holdover that was forced. The initial seven days was $71,000. 'Sun Never Sets' (U) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). BUIto (750; 25-40-55) — 'Missing Men' (Rep) and Nova-Baer fight film Pictures of fight no help to any ap- preciable extent and probably not over $5,000. mild. Same was grossed prior week by 'Under Two Flags' (20th) (reissue). Arthur Mayer is bringing in a double bill tomorrow (Thurs.) ot 'Racketeers ot the Range' (RKO) and 'Girl From Mexico' (RKO). RIvoll (2.092; 25-55-75-85-99) — 'Mikado' (U). John Wright put on a campaign tor this one that is helping and against present b.o. pall over Broadway^ at $20,000 or over the business will be satisfactory. Holds over. The final (7th) week tor 'Wuthering" (UA) was $11,000 for a total on the run that added to a heap of profit Boxy (5.836; 25-40-55-75)—'Lincoln' (20th) and stage show. In here at an unfortunate time of the year, with the street In sackcloth and esh/es; held away below what would be a normal take at around $35,000, but may build on word-of-mouth. Goes into second week Frld^ (0). Last week, 'GorlUa' (20*) $27,200, very disappointing. . ^ Stole (3;450: 35-55-78) — "Lucky Ni^t' (M-G) (ad run) and, on stage. Block and Sully, Irving Caesar, BUlt Britton bend. Under hopes at ap- proximately $17,000. Lost week close to $20,000 was nabbed by Hardys' (M-G) and Duke Ellington, pretty good In view of things. _Steand (2,767; 25-40-55-76-85-69)— 'Juarez' (WB) and Poncho orchestra. Althou^ this picture did indifferent bushiess at $2 top at the Hollywood. It iB getting a fine ploy here with a Mt show and on the first week will be beyond $40,000, going a second. Lost week, sec<Hid for 'Kokomo* (WB) and Ruby Newman's bond, close to $13,000, poor. IToiHierfiil World' Only Wonderful 11unginPitt,14G Pittsburgh, June 6, Biz ain't Depresh at Its worst was never like this and the walling wall has seldom held such capacity around these parts. Even so bad that boys have run out of alibis and are offering a cash prize for a satis- factory reasoa End of coal strlk* was expected to help, but the walk- out might sUU be going fuU blast for all that it's reflecting at the b.o. Only ray of U^t In the whole set-up Is the Penn. where 'It's a JJ^on^erfuJ World' Is coming through ttteiy satisfactory gross for Itself. On «ie other hand, Stanley, which hit a new low last week with WtJ Brothers and lady's from^ KaS tucky,' is flirting wfth anotterl^ Igw currently with Bert Wheeler and and ' 'Only Angeta' likve" W^e^*^ sewnd week merely marking Ume at Aivin. Estimates tor Ibis Week •A^ili^Ti""^? "'^J 26-35-50)— Angels Have Wings" (Col) (2d wk.). Just sitting in to await "Young Mr. IJncolnrT20th) opening ThiisdaS Si* «5* sweU notices this ?.^^ dW-, Nobody's fault however, just conditions, since picture not a sw^ campaign. Around $7,000 last Fniton (Shea-Hyde) (1,700; 25-40) ■-Tlose' (20th). Out this evening (6) one night short ot full thiird week to make way for special re- served-seat premiere of Dlikado' (U). Last stanza of 'Rose' Just fair, around $3,200. but Fulton can't com^ plain since fllm had previously given it a swell fortnight $10,000 opening week and around $6,000 last ^^^'^ (Loew's-UA) (3,300: 25-35- 50)—'Wonderful World" (M-G). This is the only attraction In town this week that's getthig any attention. Headed for swell $14,000, which is little short of phenomenal In view of grosses locally ot late. Lost week 'Ifi'iS'^ Night' (M-G) a fro?t at $10,000. Senator (Harris) (1,750; 15-25)— 'Algiers' (UA) and 'Stand Up' (M-G). With 'Four Daughter^ (WB) and 'Cowboy and Lady' (UA) first three days ot week and current bill in tor four, week should result in fair enough $1,400. Last week, ■Lost Horizon' (Col), 'Awful Truth' (Col), 'Montana Sides' (Rep) and 'Star Reporter" (Rep) split around $lf200 Stanley (WB) (3,600; 2S-40-60>— 'Dr. .Kildare* (M-G) and Bert Wheeler. Wheeler-headed show hailed by cricks as near the tops, yet house is heading for another new low. Looks like under $11,000, which is brutal. Last week, 'Ladv'r from Kentucky* (Par) and Riitz Brothers gave site a new all-time low at $11,700. Warner (WB) (2,000: 25-40)— 'Mutiny on Bounty' (M-G) and 'Sorority House' (RKO). Reissue figured to get some action,'but pres- ent pace indicates around $3,300, no good. Last week "Never Say Die" (Par) and 'Society Lawiyer" (M-Q) even under that around $3,100,