Variety (Jun 1939)

Wednesday:, June 7, 1939 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY 'Juarez H. 0. $13,000 Pyiys Only CM; Biz in Summer Doldnmis Philadelphia, June 6. State ol biz in the midtown sector, as well as in the keys and aabes con- tinues its apparently irresistible downward course this sesb with ex- hlbs seemingly unable to find the combination to stop it. While one de- luxer shuttered for the summer on Sunday evening, only one other is ringing up any appreciable trade at the b.o. And inasmuch as that— 'JUarez' at the Boyd—is In its second week, the aggregate is pretty glum. Will do $13,000 for th« turn. Summer veilings, policy shuffles and closings for installations of new equipment, have the downtown terri- tory pretty much in a turmoil cur- rently. Bow-outs were by the Al- dine, - first-runner, and Keith's, second-lapper. Former regularly takes a vacation during the hot spell, while this is the first time in several years that Keith's has quit Policy switches - take Keith's second-runs into the Stanton, which drops its first-run action pix, Earle will use up whatever film possible that formerly went into the Stanton, combining it with a flock of shorts . and newsreels to make up a three- ' hour show. Closed today (iHxesday) and tomor row is the Stanley, flagship of the ■•Warner circuit here. Forty-eight hours out will permit installation of new air-conditioning equipment and projectors. • Estimates for Hits'Week Aldine (WB) (1,303; 32-42-57)— Closed for the summer oh Sunday ' night Wound up on the 11th day of 'Stolen Life' (Par) which got poor $12,000 for the period. Extra four days not actually a h. o. so much as an attempt to keep.the house.open to capitalize on any possible week-end trade. Boyd (WB) (2,350; 32-42-57)— •Juarez' (WB) (2d wk). Town's sole big moneymaker this stanza,- Good at $13,000 and may get the call for another stay or part of it Last week, very healthy $17,300. . Earle (WB) (2,758; 26-32-42)— "Missing Daughters' (Col). Missing b. 0. at $5,500. Last week, '(^riUa' (20th) likewise weak at the same figure. 'Undercover Doctor* (Par) in Friday, as house takes over some-of what would ordinarily be Stanton product Erlanrer (Beier-England) (1,850; 25-50)—'Wages of Sin' (Indie). Legit hotise opened Friday with this on a frind policy. Tee-off was pretty good, ut cnx slammed film badly and biz fell oft after the first day. Length of, run uncertain. Fox (WB) (2,423; 32-37-42-57-68)— •Wonderful World' (M-G) with Cass Daley, Chaney and Fox on stage. Wickets revolving slowly at $18,500, but because of low nut on show house may pull through. Last week. 'Bri- dal Suite' (M-G) with Arthur Treacher, Marion Talley and Frahkie . Masters band on the boards, much worse at $17,000, unprofitable. "Young Mr. Lincoln (20th) with Johnny (Scat) Davis in on Friday. Karlton <WB) (1,066; 32-42-57)— •Wuthering HeighU' (UA) (2d run) (2d wk). Originally skedded for only nine days here in view of the six weeks pic has already had in first run. But biz strong at $5,000 in the initial sesh and held-over, with $3,600 this lap not bad. Keith's (WB). (1,870; 32-42-57)— Darkened after Sunday night's show for the remainder of hot spell, first summer in several years that it has shuttered. 'Lucky Night' (M-G) (2d run) completed 10 days when the curtain rang down, and $5,200 for the stay was poor. Palace (WB) (1,100; 26-42)—'Dark Victory' (WB) (3d run). Stepping out rather well at. $6,300, particularly ' in view of the 25 days it has already played in town. Last week, 'Nazi Spy (WB) (3d run), okay $5,200, but not up to expectations. ^Stanley (WB) (2,916; 32-42-57)— ^ose' .(20th). Finished last night at the end of five days of 'a second week. The $7,500 for the canto n. s. h. Initial lap at $14,500 likewise in the mild category, House is closing today (Tuesday) and tomorrow for installation of projection machines and new air conditioning. Opens • Thursday with 'Only Angels Have Wmgs.' (Col). ' ,„Stenton (WB) (1,457; 26-32-42)— Ex-Champ* (U). Holding only for SIX days with punk $3,800, Last week. 'Blind Alley,' (Col) likewise one day short and only $4,000 for the stay. This is final week of first-run for the house. It will take over closed Keith's continued-run policy. COIXUM'S TALENT SPOT Hollywood, June 6. Joe CoUum signed as talent direc- tor for the Cudia-Color studio after nve years as casting director for Hal ■Roach. 7 New outfit makes foreign pictures- in color and plans to add English- speaking features to its production sked. . Key Chy Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $1,299,600 (Based on 26 cities^ 172 thea- tres, chiefly first runs, tncT|uIin0 N. 7.) ToUI Gross Same Week Last Tear $1,252,600 (Based on 21 cities, 146 theatres^ 'Angels Fine 14G, '(Iracie Case'N.G. InSununeryCincy Cincinnati, June 6. Sharp drop from last week has biz at summer levels. Ace 'tugger currently is 'Only Angels Have Wings,' registering a v.g. Alttee mark. 'Lady's From Ken- tucky' is fetching fairly good returns at Keith's. 'Some Like It Hof is a chiller for the Lyric. Palace is hav- ing one of its worst-ever weeks on 'Grade Allen Murder Case,' despite padding with the Nova-Baer scrap clips. Estimates for This Week Albea (RKO) (3,300; 35-42)— •Angels Have Wings' (Col). Very good $14,000. Last week, 'Lucky' Night' (M-G) and Benny Goodman's band on spot booking at 35-42-60- cent scale, big $22,000. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 35-42)— 'Wonderful World' (M-G). Move- over from Palace for second week. Fair $4,000. Last week^ 'Hardys' (M-G), secpnd week of moveo'ver run, fairly good $4,000. ' FamUy (RKO) (1,000; 20-30)— 'Fixer Dugan' (RKO) and 'Love or Money' (U), split with 'Flying Irish- man' (RKO) and 'Code of Streets' (U). Fair $1,900. Ditto last week for iMade Her Spy' (RKO) and 'Manhattan Shakedown' (Ind), split with 'Streets Missing Men' (R^) and 'Lady and Mob' (Col). Grand (RKO) (1,200; 25-40)— 'Hardys' (M-G) (3d run). Fourth week on main stem. Okay $2,700. Last week, 'Union Pacific' (Par), second run and third week, fine $3 200. Keith's (Libson) (1^500; 35-42)— liSdy's From Kentucky' (Par). Fairly good $4,200. Last week, 'Gorilla' (20th), poor $3,000. Lyrlo (RKO) (1.400; 35-42)—'Like It Hot* (Par). Cold $3,000. Last week, 'Rose' (20th) (2d run), nice $4 500. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-42)— •Gracie Allen Murder Case' (Par) and Nova-Baer fight pix. Close to an all-time house low at $4,000. Last week, 'Wonderful World' (M-G), eight days, no dice at $7,500. Shubert (RKO) (2.150; 35-42)— Went dark Friday (2) with second week of 'Mikado' (U). poor $2,500. Theatre reopens Sept 1 with vaud- aim. Briggs Body's 150,000 Laid Off Doesn't Help Det; 'Jnarez' 0*K 13G Detroit June 6. Shuttering of the United Artists for hot months, plus first-time drop- ping of flesh by the Fox, leaves downtown film row only a shadow of its former self. Along -with a natural dip in total grosses for town, there's likewise just mediocre patron- age at individual spots currently. In other words, town's pretty well shot what with around 150,000 out of work for the past two weeks as result of the Briggs Body auto strike. Estimates tor This Week Adams (Balaban) (1.700; 30-40)— 'Angels Have Wings' (Col) (2d run) plus 'Girl from Mexico' (RKO) dual. Grant-Arthur opus moved here after fair sesh at the Fox; looks lil<e $5,500. okay. Last week much better $7,500 for 'Washington Square' (20th) (2d run) and 'Missing Daughters' (Col). Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 35-40- 55)—'Lincoln' (20th) plus 'Could Happen to You' (20th), dual. House drops flesh for first time to lower nut for summer at least On initial dual policy figures to get around $12,000, nothing to write home about but okay. Last week dropped off near end to fair $17,000 for 'Angels Wings' (Col) plus Erik Rhodes- Harmonica Rascals topping final stage show. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 30-40-65)—'Juarez' (WB) plus 'Jane Arden' (WB), dual. Headed for okay $13,000 in a very dull town. Last stanza slightly over $12,000 for 'Wuthering. Heights' (UA) and 'Grade Allen' (Par). Palms • State (United Detroit) (3,000; 30-40-50)—'Can't Get Away Murder' (WB) and 'Wolf CaU' (Mono), dual, Iiooks like about $6,500, mild. Last week around $7,000, fair, for 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) (2d run) and 'Hotel Imperial' (Par). INZHUBSPOTS Boston, June . 6. No big grossers here this week, biit 'East Side Heaven,' 'Angels Have Wings,' and 'Juarez' (2d wk) are turning in good tallies. Horse and dog racing, baseball and good weather are the chief alibis. Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3.200; 20-30-40)— ■Panama Patrol' (Gt^) and 'Rack- eteers on Range' (RKO), plus fight pix, with.vaude, four dajrs; 'King of Underworld' (WB) and 'Almost Gent' (RKO) (both 2d run), with fight pix two days; and "Tliree Smart Girls' (U) and Torchy Chinatown' (WB), two days. Taking around $8,000, good.' Run of vaude shrinks from four days to three, beginning i^riday (9). Last week 'Romance of Red- woods' (Col) and 'Boys' Reforma- tory' (Mono), with vaude, four days; and 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB) and '12 Hours' (RKO) (both 3d run), three days, $6,800, tepid. Fenway (M&P) (l,332r 25-35-40-55) —'Get Away Murder' (WB) and 'Chasing Danger' (20th). Pale $5,500. Last week, 'Gorilla' (20th) and 'Back Door Heaven' (Par), $6,000. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 25 35-40-55)-r'£ast Side Heaven' (U) and 'Moto Danger Island' (20th). Satisfactory $15,000 indicated. Last week, 'Rose' (20th) (2d Wk) and 'Fisherman's Wharf (RKO) (1st wk), $13,700. Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367: 25-35- 40-55)—'Juarez' (WB) and 'Women in Wind' (WB) (2d wk). Medium $14,000 pace. Last week, very good $19,80f) for same bill. Orphenm (Loew) (2,900; 25-35-40' 55)—'Angels Have Wings' (Col) and 'Society Lawyer' (M-G). Fair $13,500 gait Last week, 'Hardys' (M-(i) and 'Blind AUey' (Col), big $17,000. Faramonnt (M&P) (1,797: 25-35- 40-55)—'Get Away Murder' (WB) and 'Chasing Danger' (20th). N.s.h. $7,000.. Last week, .'Gorilla' (20th) and 'Back Door Heaven' (Par), okay $8,500. ScolUy (M&P) (2,538; 25-35-40-50) -'Wuthering Heights' (UA) and 'Gracie Allen Murder' (Par) both 2d run). Adequate $5,000 in store. Last week, 'Union Pacic' (Par) (3d run) and 'Each Other' (UA) (2d run), $5,000. State (Loew) (3.600; 25-35-40-55) —'Angels Have Wings' (Col) and 'Society Lawyer' (M-G). Fair $10,000. Last week, 'Hardys' (M-G) and 'Blind Alley' (Col), dandy $13,500. 'Spy' Hot $8,000, Rest OK in Perky Montreal They're Passing die Aspirm in LA; 'Grade Whodmnt Soft mOby $17,500 for'Conquest'lucky'$17,900 Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $231,700 (Based on 12 theatres; Total Gross Same Vreeic Last Tear $266,700 (Based on 10 theatres; Montreal, June 6. Brace of good grosses are in sight for current week with Xioew's ahead of the field on 'Nazi Spy' and a good chance for $8,000 and Palace with 'Rose' pacing for a nice $7,000. Capitol will just about get by on 'Lucky Night with balance so-so. Ben Bernie at Forum Thursday night (1) nose-dived to an almost empty house and a take of a little over $1,000 scaled at 50-$1.50. Estimates tor This Week Patace (CT) " (2,700; 25-45-55)— 'Rose' (20th). Pointing toward nice $7,000. Last week, 'Alexander Bell' (20th) $5,000. Capitol (.CT) (2,700; 25-43-55)— 'Lucky Night' (M-G) and 'Woman in Wind' (WB). Not likely to exceed $5,500, but good enough. Last week. •Hardys' (M-G) and 'Within Law' (M-G), very good $7,000. Loew'a (CT) (2,800; 30-40-60)— 'Nazi Spy' (WB). Looks like tops and should gross $8,000, excellent. Last week, 'Union Pacific' (Par) (2d week), good enough $4,500. Princess (CT) (2,300; 25-34-50)— 'Dr. Kildare' (M-G) and 'Lady and Mob' (Col). Not getting much at $2,500. Last week, 'Conquest' (Rep) and 'Going Places' (WB), good $3,500. Orphenm (Ind) (1,100; 25-40-50)— 'Captain Fury' (UA) and 'Strange Boarders' (Brit) (2d week). Sight- ing $2,500, good. Last week, $3,500, very nice. Cinema de Paris (France-Film) (600; 25-50)—'La MarseUlaise.' In line for fair $1,500. Last week, 'Joueur d'Echecs' holdover fell to $1,100. St Denis (France-Film) (2,300; 20- 34)—'Altitude 3000' and 'Une Java.' A little on but-still good $4,500. Last week, 'Paix sur le Rhin' and 'Gang- sters de I'Exposition,' good $5,000. IGidare W K. C; Film Lack Shutters 2 Spots Kansas City, June 6. Theatre row shrinks to four first runs as two houses go dark. Orpheum under RKO banner was reopened last September and has operated on a policy of straight films, doubling or soloing, as product was available. House has been supplied'with RKO and First National releases and' an occasional Mono or indie. Product shortage chief, reason here,' Tower darkened after nearly five years of continuous operation, all but past three months on vaudflim combo. Shortage of suitable films as well as scarcity of marquee, names for stage bills the answer here. Strong possibility house will reopen in the fall, as will the Orpheum. Currently Midland is leading re- maining first runs with 'Dr. Kildare.' Substantial returns in all spots, but none outstanding. 'Juarez' at Newman receiving a class reception and possible holdover, though not a large magnet 'Young Mr. Lincoln' day and date in Esquire and Uptown showing no fancy figures, but steady and also a pos- sibility for second week. Estimates for This Week Esqnire and Uptown (Fox Mid- west) (820 and 1,200; 10-25-40)—'Mr. Lincoln' (20th) singled in both houses. Opening average, but main- taining a steady pace indicating a second week. Combined total of $6,500 betters average. Last week, •Gorilla' (20th), fair $6,000. Midland (Loew's) (3,573; 10-25-40) —'Dr. Kildare' (M-G) and 'Streets New York' (Mono). Only double bill in town, and initial appearance of Monogram release in this house. Biz bettering former Kildare release and nice at $10,500. Last week, 'Angels Have Wings' (Col) and 'Outside Walls' (Col) in the better class at $12,500. Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10- 25-40)—'Juarez' (WB). Opened light but stepped into a steady pace with patronage from the more choosey fans. Around $6,000, and may run second week. Last week, 'Oklahoma Kid' (WB), average $5,500. Orphenm (RKO) (1,500; 10-25-40) —Darkened as of last Friday (2) Last bill was re-Issues 'Of Human Bondage' (WB) and 'Lost Squadron' (RKO) light at $4,000, but probably okay as rentals were low. Tower (Fox Midwest) (2,050; 10- 25-Q5-55)—Closed as last Friday (2). Ted Lewis and band on stage with 'Jones Family' (20th) as combo closed with $13,000, big money. 11 IN QUEBEC CLOSE, PROTESTING 2^% TAX Queliec City, June 6. The Ancient Capitol's 11 theatres were blacked out Saturday (3) in- definitely on refusal of Mayor Lucien Borne to reconsider or modify the city's recent increase of amusement tax by 10% to a total ol 20%, not allowing for brealcs. Most theatres inserted a line in their regular newspaper advertise- ments 'closed tomorrow until fur- ther notice,' 'last day' or 'from to- morrow this theatre will .be closed because it cannot continue to operate under the new municipal tax.' One theatre ran large special ads saying it was 'impossible' to operate under taxation which 'totals 40% of re-' ceipts.' Another claimed It had been a popular house and well supported but had never paid dividends be- cause it paid 25 different taxes. Six of the houses run French lan- guage films, the balance American and British. About 175 employees will be out of work for an inde- terminate period. Loss to the cily in amusement tax will be $2,600 weekly. Los Angeles, June 6. Very little to crow over on current week despite excellent start most of houses had on Memorial Day. Best showing, proportionately. Is that of 'Mr. Chips' at Four Star, where fourth week Is running strong.. Newcomers are faring poorly, in- cluding 'Lucky Night' at State-Wil- shire, 'Grade Allen Murder Case* at Paramount and 'Man of Conquest* at Warner day-daters. Holdover of 'Washington Square' at United Artists and Carthay Circle helped materially by addition of 'Wonderful World' as top feature for second stanza. Estlnu.-.es for This Week Cartoay Circle (Fox) (1.518; 30-40- 552"ZT">"^*'"^"1 World' (1st week) (M-G) and 'Washington Square' (20th) dual (2d week). Holdover of 'Square' and bolstering with 'World' spelling around $3,300. Last week. antl 'Danger Island' (20th). $2,200, okay. Downtown (WB) (1.800; 30-40-55- 65)--'Man Conquest' (Rep) and 'On Trial' (WB) dual. Initial' first run for Rep at Warner day-daters head- lIPx'*' .^alr $9,000. Last week, 'Dark Victory' (WB) (2d week), okay PonV Star (F-WC-UA) (900; 40-55) 'Mr. Chips' (M-G) (4th week). Con- tmu : setting terrific pace and should farner another $5,800 after socko 7,000 last week, aided by holiday. Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55- S5.^"T;*5&l,P<">''"''st' <I*«P) and 'On TilaV (WB) duaL Looks headed lor okay $8,500. Last week, 'Dark Vic- tory' (WB) (2d week), good $7,100. J^'^-) <2.280: 25-30- 35-40)—'Racketeers of Range' (RKO) and 'Third of NaUon' (Par) dual and vaudeville. Another of those weeks where first run product isn't spelling results, despite a better- than-average stage show; looks around $7,000. not very profitable. Pantages (Pan) (2.812; 30-40-55)— Angels Have Wings' (Col) (2d week) and: 'Sorority House' (RKO) dual. Holdover finishing strong to . $8,400 iJter first week surprised with neat 710,500. Paramonnt (Par) (3395; 30-40-55) —'Gracie lien Murder Case' (Par) and stage show. Ice revue on stage getting credit for large share of take, which on nine-day run wUl be lucky to hit $13,500. Last week (five days) 'Some Like It Hot' (Par) .and ice revue, very bad $9,000. BKO (2,872; 30-40-55) — 'Angels Wings' (Col) (2d week) and 'I&de Her Spy' (RKO) dual. Will add a big $7,800! to $10,000 garnetcd on first week. „Stote (Loew-Fox) (2,414; 30-40-53- 75)—'Lucky Night' (M-G) and Tell No Tales' (M-G) dual. Very weak yo,7()p. Last.week (six days) 'Won- derful World' (M-G) and 'Within Law' (M-G), brutal $7,000. (F-WC) (2,100; 30- 40-55)—'Wonderful World' (M-G) (1st week) and 'Square' (20th) (2d week) duaL Biz somewhat hypoed by new top feature with holdover, so $4,000 okay. Last v.*eek, 'Square* (2pth> and iJanger Island' (20th). fair $2,700 on six days. Wllshire (F-WC) (2.296; 40-55-85) —'Lucky Night' (M-G) and Tell No Tales' (M-G) dual. Establishing no record, but $7,200 as much as could be expected. Last week, six days, 'Wonderful World' (M-G) and 'Within Law* (M-G), poor $5,700. 'Fury' $9,000, 'Juarez* OK $7,500, Providence Providence, June 6. Biz far off usual pace and givlnff main stemmers plenty of headaches. «'\SrK,."* Majestic paced at nice $7,500 though figure would be just chicken feed for the feature in a better season. 'Captain Fury* at Loew's State also below average with prospective $9,000. Estimates for This Week <Fay-Loew) (1,400; 25-35- 50)—'Only Angels' (Col) and 'Boy Slaves' (RKO) (2d run). Meager $2,800. Last week, 'Wonderful World* (M-G) and 'No Tales' (M-G), slow ,$2,500. Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 25-35-40)— 'Gorilla' (20th) and vaude. Paced at so-so $5,000. Last week, 'Boy Friend" (20th) and vaude, fair $6,000. MaJesUc (Fay) (2,200; 25-35-50)— 'Juarez' (WB) and 'North Sea". (Ind). Helping house to better than aver- age $7,500. Last week, 'Nazi Spy* (WB) and 'Long Shot' (GN) started swell, but dropped like a hot potato to $4,000, poor. State (Loew) (3,200; 25-35-50)— Captain Fury* (UA) and 'Lady Mob* (Col). Trudging along to fair $9,000. Last week, 'Only Angels' (Col) and 'Boy Slaves' (RKO) garnered nice $11,000. Strand (Indie) (2,200; 25-35-50)— 'Hotel Imperial' (Par) and 'Blind Alley' (Col). Looks like another slow one with $5,000, fair. Last week, 'Man Conquest' (Rep) and 'Miss- ing Daughters' (Col) disappointing $6,000.