Variety (Jun 1939)

10 VARIETr PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, Jane 7, 1939 'Angek' Wii^ to Fine $S,500 Mpk, Hardys H. 0. $4m lucky'41/2G Minneapolis, June 6. •Only Angels Have Wings' Is the •ole loop newcomer stirring up any substantial boxoAice activity. Open' Ing cold Decoration Day. alter 'Con' lessions ot a Nazi Spy', was yanked, the film nevertheless got oS to a fast start It is still traveling on high and alter 10 days at the Orpheum may move over to the Century lot tin extension'o{ its first-run. Last week, the one star boxoffice performer was 'Hardys Ride High' which did se well at the State that it has moved over to the Century for a second downtown week. Blame for the present sickly 'grosses is placed on the shoulders of a general trade depression. All lines of industry are suffering. Estimates tor This Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)— 'Get Away Murder' (WB) and Manama Lady' (BKO) (first-runs), split with 'Romance of Redwoods (Col) and 'Code Secret Service' (WB) (first-runs). Mild $1,300 in prospect Last week, 'Blind Alley' (Col) and 'Kid Texas' (M-G) (first- runs), split with 'Racketeers Range' <RKO) and 'Fixer Dugan' (RKO) (first-runs) $1,100, mild. Century (Far-Singer) (1,600; 25- 35-40)—'Hardys' (M-G) (2d week). Here after swell seven days at State. Still moderately healthy and should wind up with fairly good $4,200. Last week, 'Union Pacific' (Far) (2d week), $4,000, fair. Gopher (098: 25) — 'No Tales' (M-G). WeU liked, but lack of cast names and hard times holding down gross. Will be lucky to reach mUd $2,000. Last week, 'Cisco Kid' (20th). light $2,200. Granada (Par) (900; 25-35) — ■Alexander Bell' (20th) spUt with ■CasUes' (RKO). First neighborhood showing and looking for fair $2,000. Last week, 'Broadway Serenade' (M-G) split with 'Stagecoach' (UA), $1300, light Orphenm (Far-Singer) (2,300; 25- 35-40)—'Angels Have Wings' (Col). Opened two days ahead of schedule, but had fine exploitation campaign and got off to fast start Plenty of critics and customers' praise to sustain takings. Should finish to good $8,500 in 10 days. Last week, ^azi Spy* (WB), $3,200 in five days, light State (Par-Singer) (2,300; 25-35- 40)—'Lucky Night' (M-G). Consider- ably under expectations at $4,500, light. Last week 'Hardys' (M-G), big $8,400. flme (Gillman (290; 25-35)—'Pyg- malion' (M-G) (2d loop nm) (2d week). This is ninth week do'wn- town, and takings are starting to slip. Will bow out at conclusion of second canto. Looks like mild $600. First week, $900, pretty good. World (SteSes) (250; 26-35-40-55) —'Ufe ot Nina Petrovna' (Foreign). Yanked after tour days to $600. 'WoU Call' (Mono) opehed Monday (5) poor $600 indicated. Last week, %risoa Without Bars' (UA), $800, bad. and 'Chan In Reno' (20t)i). Certalnljr not In the smash class, and will be satisfied with below average $3,500. Last week, 'Rose' (20th) and 'Love or Money* (U), hypoed bjr lots of news- Saper comment from readers and the ke, with purported threat of a boy- cott by locals who resented the heavy commercialization ot the Kentucky Derby via radio. Tempest in teapot probably helped at the b.o. Windup very good $7,000, Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15-30-40) — 'Grsrcie AUen Murder Case' (Par) and 'Uiunarried' (Par). Mats look okay, nights on the light side. But should have no trouble rounding up medium $2,900. Last week, 'Jones Family' (20th) and 'Sorority House' (RKO), pretty good $3,200. m $11,000 IN CLEVELAND Rainy Looisrille Gives mre'Smart $7,000, ajncoln' Shaky 3iG Cleveland, June 6. Practically every house is be- calmed by the sultry weather, and even 'Nazi Spy' is .not blowing up the' breeze It should, although still a head over others. Palace dropped vaude to go into lower-budgeted grind 'With this one which fell off a bit after a sock opening. 'It's Won- derful World' at next-door State only a noteh below It while 'Juarez' on a h.0. Is holding up fairly well tor Hipp. Estimates tor TUs Week Alhambra (Printz) (1,120; lQ-20- 35)—'First Offender' (RKO) and Trouble Sundown' (Col). Mild $900 tor three days. Last week 'Streete New York* (Mono) plus liove or Money' (U) was trifle hefUer, $1,400, In four days. AUea (RKO) (3,000; 30-35-42-55) —'Ex-Champ' (U). Just filler tor an indifferent stanza, $2,500. Ijast week 'Rose* (20th) on pushover from Hipp after poor first week didn*t do much better, $3,000. Hipp (Warner) (3,700; 30-36-42- 55)—'Juarez* (WB) (2d wk.). Hold- over caused last-minute cancella- tion ot 'Only Angels Have Wings.' but worth it getting top cricks* rat- ing as well as $7,000. I^ast week ex- cellent $14,000. PaUoe (RKO) (3,200; 30-35-42-55) -'Nazi Spy* (WB). Satisfactory $11,000, considering that dropping ot vaude slashed expenses, although heat melted expected biz. A sure moveover tor Allen. Last week •Conquest' (Rep) with Gene Krupa's orchestra on stage, well liked, but trade was about 25% off. as It was every place, around $12,500. State (Loew's) (3,450; 30-35-42-55) —'Wonderful World' (M-G). Only okay at $10,000 in spite of heavily pushed marquee neimes although it may build. Last week 'Lucky Night' (M-G) just short of $10,000. SUIIman (Loew's) (1,972; 30-35- 42-55)—"Like It Hot' (Par). Slam- ming reviews and mild $2,500. Last week 'Haidys' (Metro) was a pippin, $5,000. LoUisvUIe, June 6. General rains over the weekend are helping grosses, by turning patrons to the indoors for their amusement Softball and American Association night gaimes taking it on the chin by the weather trend. 'Dr. Kildare' dualled at Loew's State coming in tor top attention, H.o's at the Mary Anderson and Brown making tUt showing, but altogether the biz indications cur- rently are on the medium side. Estlmatea for This 'Week Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) (1,500; 15-30^0)—-Rose' (20th) and ■Love Money' (U), moved over from Rialto. Mild opening presages onl.y passable $1,500. Last week, 'East . Side Heaven' (U) and 'White Room' (U), medium' $1,700. Kentncky (Switow) (900; 15-25)— ^odge City' (WB) and 'Blondie Meeta Boss' (Col). Should chalk up pretty good $1,800. Last week, 'Little Ftincess' (20th) and 'Love Affair' (RKO), fair $1,700. . Loew's State (Loew's) (3,100; 15^ 30-40)—'Dr. Kildare' (M-G) and 'Streete New York' (Mono). Opened with lines at the wicket and on an eight-day run. should clip off fine S7,000 to lead the parade. Last week. 'Angels Have Wings' (Col) and •Within Law' (M-G), made poor showing and jerked after six days to bring in 'Kildare.' Windup around $4,500, low. iuary Anderson (Llbson) (1,000; 15-30-40)—'Juarez' (WB) (2d wk). Helped somewhat by rainy, - some- what cooler weather. Beer-Nova flgbt pic helping, too. Fair $3,600 after fine $6,000 opening week. Blalto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; IS- 30-40)—'Young Mr. Lincoln' (20th) IHIKADO' TRA-U IN SO^ BALTO, ^,500 Baltimore, June 6. Continued sluggish' doings here, brace of h.o.'s, not helping to create additional momentum. Fairish reac- tion to 'Dr. Kildare,' at hoew'a Cen- tuiy, and some interest in The Mi- kado' at Keith's. Young Mr. Lin- coln,' in spite ot one ot the most am- bitipus publicity buildups attempted here in moons, rather disappointing at the New. Estimates for Hils Week Century (Loew's-UA) (3.000; 15- 25-40)—'Kildare' (M-G). Maintain- ing fairly pleasant pace to nice $9,- 000. Last week 'Capt Fury' (UA) unexciting at $6,800. Hippodrome (Rapoaport) (2.205; 15-25-55-40-55-66) — 'Angels Have Wings' (Col) (2d wk' and vaude. Getting some mild action at $9,500. after leading town opening session to $12,600. Fairly satisfactory trade, but considerably under take ex- pected. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406; 15-' 25-35-40)—'Mikado* (U). Pleasing at $6,500. Last week 'Ladles from Ken- tucky* (Par).blah at $3.70r. New (Mechanic) (1,581: 15-25-35- 55)—"Lincoln* (20th). Not taking hold In manner expected after am- bitious buildup and terrific support from Hearst papers; Indicates pos- sible $4,500. Last week 'Gorilla* (20th) didn't get anywhere at all at $2,700. Stanley (WB) (3.260: 15-25-35-40- 55)—-Nazi Spy* (WB) (2d wk). Holding pleasant It unexciting pace to $7,000, after first round at $10,200. 'Spy' $5,000, Best In liyely Denver Denver, June 6.. •Confessions'of a Nazi Spy' doing th6 best comparative biz, and earn- ing itself a holdover after gleaning a hefty $5,000 at the Paramount Rest of the town is in pretty good shape, with not a single bouse hold- ing a really bad one. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 25-40)— 'Mutiny,on Bounty' (M-G) (re-issue). Pulling a fair $3,000, Last 'week 'Wuthering' (UA) fair $2,500, after a week at the Denver, Denham (Cockrill) (1,750: 25-35- 40)—'Lady's from Kentucky' (Par). Floating on a fair $6,000. Last week 'Union Pacific* (Par) did a fine $Q,- 000, considering It was the fifth week for the fihn at this spot, breaking all records for total money as well as length of time for any film to stay here. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-40)— 'Rose' (20th). Good at $9,500. Last week 'Alexander Bell' (20th) aided strongly by a Major Bowes' unit did a big $12,000. Orphenm (RKO) (2.600; 25-35-40) —'Mikado' (U) and "TeU No Tales' (M-G). Also nothing to complain about with $9,000, good. Last week 'Bridal Suite' (M-G) and "Kid Texas' ^-G) were fair tor six days , at $6,- Paramonnt (Fox) (2.200; 25-40)— •Nazi S py' (WB) and "Torchy Mayor* (WB). Big $5,000 and a h.o. Last week •Prison Without Bars' (UA) and •Jones Family* (20th), $4,- 500, good. Bialto (Fox) (878; 25-40)—•Alex- ander Bell' (20th), after a week at the Denver, and liOve or Money* (U). Neat $2,000. Last week •Lost Horizon' (Col), after a week at the Aladdin and •RI^ Business' (U), $1,750, average. 'JUARETM PACES PPI^. Indianapolis, June 6. 'Juarezf at the Circle Is the only first run managing to lure enough of the natives Indoors to amass a re- spectable gross as the mild and sum- mery weather continues to be tough, opposition. Business Is at a c<»nparatively low ebb at the vaudfilm Lyric on 'Boy Friend' and a stage show headlining Rufe Davis, while the twin bill of •Let Freedom Ring* and •Bridal Suite' at Loew's also is bogged down. Attempt to bring back •Union Pacific' tor a third week at the Apollo is likewise very s]gw. Estimates for This Week Apollo (Katz-DoUe) (1.100; 25-30- 40)—'Union Pacific* (Par). Brought back for a third week after a couple of stanzas had elapsed since its initial two-week run at the Circle, but results are in the red at $2,000. Last week, moveover sesh of 'Rose* (20th) and 'Sorority House* (RKO) was good at $3,800. Circle (Katz-bolle) (2,600; 25-30- 40)—'Juarez* (WB). Showing okay strength at $8,500 to top the town. Last week, "Nazi Spy* (WB) and 'Jones Family* (20th) failed to live up to its big opening day promise, and weakened to finish at $6,500. still fairly good, Loew's (Loew's) (2.400; 25-30-40) —'Freedom Rln^ (M-G) and 'Bridal Suite' (M-G). Panned savagely by crix for the dailies, and very mild at S5,500. Last week, 'Angels Have Wings' (Col) and 'Within Law" (M-G) $7,000, aU right Lyrio (Olson) (1,000; 25-30-40)— 'Boy Friend' (20th) and vaude. Rufe Davis headlined on stage bill over the pic but take is n,g. at $7,000, on the wrong side of the ledger. Last w6ek, 'Exile Express* (GN) and Clyde McCoy band on stage spurted after a slow start and finished in clover at $9,700, good. mVEN' SOCK $8,700, TURr $7,000, SEATTLE ^ SeatUe, June 6. Cooler weather is having a bene- ficial effect on the grosses, which on the whole stack up as healthy.. - 'East Side of Heaven' coupled with 'Ambush' is ringing up an Immense $8,700. while 'Captain Fury* teamed with 'Jones Family* Is acquitting it- self beautifuUy at $7,000. Among the hold-oVers, 'Only An- gels Have Wings* is getting wonder- ful $6,000 out ot ita fourth week and goes into a fifth, while 'Mikado' is making ita second sesh pay $4,200, and will try a third round. Estimates for This Week Bine Mouse (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 32-37-42)—-Lucky Night' (M-G) and 'Secret Service Air' (WB) (3d wk). So-so $1,500. Last week, same films, $2,600, good. Collsenm (Hamrlck - Ever^een) (1,800; 21-27-32)—'Midnight* (Par) and 'Fast Loose' (M-G) (2d run), Invitation Pireem $13,000 in Frisco, F^t Ups'Champ 13G,mado'7G good going at $3,600 tor eight days. Last week, 'Little Princess* (20Ui) and 'Ice Follies' (M-G) (2d run) nice $2,600 for six days. Fifth Avenue (Hamrlck > Ever- green) (2,340: 32-37-42) — 'Jaurez' (WB) (2d wk). Tapering off to $3,- 200, slow. Ijast week, same film, $7,- 600, big. Liberty (J-vH) (1,650; 21-32-42)— •Angels Have Wings' (Col) (4th wk). Still soaring in the neighborhood ot $6,000, big, and holding. Last week, same film, $7,200, great Moslo Box (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 32-37-42)—'Mikado' ((J) (2d wk). Another strong session at $4,'- 200, and holding. Last week, same film, $5,300, great Orphenm (Hamrlck • Evergreen) (2,600; 32-37-42) — 'Captain Fury' (UA) and 'Jones Family' (20th). Holding 10 days to bring back Friday change date, and roaring to a great $7,000. Last week, '(lOrllla* (20th) and 'Drummond Police' (Par), $3,- 80O, poor. Palomar (Steriing) (1,350; 16-27- 37-42) — 'Comet Over Broadway' (WB) and 'Street Missing Men' (Rep) plus stage show with Sterling Young orchestra and^ umt—shl)w headlining: (3ood $4,500. I.ast week, 'Wolf C:aU' (Mono) ^d 'On Trial' (WB) plus vaude, $4,200, good. Paramount (Hamricft • Evergreen) (3,039; 32-37-42)—'East Side Heaven' (U) and 'Ambush' (Par). Holding nine days to bring back Thursday change date, and doing an immense $8,700. Last week, 'Nazi Spy* (WB) and 'Family Next Door' (U) (2d wk), fair $3,000, for five days. Boosevelt (Sterling) (800; 21-32)— '3 Smart Girls' (U) and 'Pacific Liner' (RKO) (2d run). Good $2,- 300. Last week. I^ove Affair' (RKO) and 'Great Man Votes' (RKO) (2d nm) $2,100, good. Uptown (Sterling) (600; 27-42)— 'Song Freedom' (Ind) with Paul Robson in lighta. Good $700. Last week, 'Smiling Along* (20th) (2d wk), $400, fair. 'Angek' Big 20G, mado'SUOOOIn D.C.; Rest Anemic Washington. June 6. Two big ones aren't pulling the overall take up very much this week since it seems to be a case ot taking it out ot one pocket to put In an- other. 'Only Angels Have Wings' at Earle and 'The Mikado' are mopping up iKautltuUy with Itose ot Wash- ington Square,' although second in actual gross, not in the running as compared to averages of the houses involved. Big question mark Is what visit of the King and Queen will mean at the b.o. Royal pair arrive Thursday (8) and stick through Saturday (10) with town packed to the gills with rub- bernecks. Whether extra trade at night will merely balance empty mate is the worry, and anything may happen on final two days of this week and first of next Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3.434: 25-35-40-66) —'Cisco Kid' (20th) and vaude. No names on stage ■ and -opposition is beating this one to a pudp. Looks like fioppo $13,000. Last week, 'Dr. Kildare^ (M-G) fair $15,500. ColambU (Loew) (1,234; 25-40)— '(K>rilla' (20th). House trying a first run this week and may get by with okay $4,000. Last week, 'Alexander Bell' (20th) (2d run) picked up to fair $3,600. Earle (WB) (2.216; 25-35-40-66)— 'Angels Have Wings' (Col) and vaude. Revue entiUed 'Ctommand Perforntance' helping to get advance guard ot tourlsta here for royalty, and pic should crash through with big $20,000. Last week, 'Nazi Spy' (WB) buUt to okay $15,500. Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 25-55)— 'Mikado' (U). Sock class bally and reviews, and also helped by British fiavor pervading town just now. Heading Into big $13,000. Last week. 'East Side Heaven' (U) (2d wk) held amazingly, with full credit to Baby Sandy, to surprising $is.300. Met (WB) (1600; 25-40) — 'Man Conquest* (Rep) (2d run). Back downtown after average week at Earie and looks like passable $4,000. Last week, 'Union Pacific' (Par) (2d run) good $5,500. -Palace (Loew) (2.242; 35-55)— 'Rose' (20th). Nice $14,500. Last week, "Hardys* (M-G) (2d wk) held on to passable $7,600. . San Francisco, June 6. Natives seem to be doing every, thing but going to the theatres. Thia in spite ot the fact that some of the houses have had unusually good &roduct which has been widely allyhooed in an effort to make the public picture conscious. Warm weather hurt the theatres consider, ably last week. However, the Golden Gate Expo enjoyed one ot ita best weeks from the standpoint of at- tendance. Baseball games both night and day_and the colorful ice carni- val In Winterland are getting a big play. Best ot three newcomers on the street is •Invitation to Happiness,' which had ita world preem at the Paramount Although well liked by those who see it, •Mikado' is a pale entry at the United Artista. Estimates for "Ills Week Fox (F-WC) (5.000; 35-55-75)— •Juarez' (WB) (2d wk). Business hopeless here. Looks for $10,000, which is no dice for a biggie. Last week managed to get $20,000. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55) —'Ex Champ' (U) and vaude. 'Victor McLaglen opus couldn't - get any- where at the b.o. by Itaelf until the Baer-Nova fight film arrived Satur- day, when biz took a sudden spurt On the seven days will do $13,000. Last week, 'Fixer Dugan' (RKO) and. vaude headed by -Sally Rand ended with $15,000. Orphenm (F&M) (2,440; 35-55)— 'Angels Have Wings' (Col) (3d wk). Will be short two days ot a full week on the final stint, which will bring in about $4,500. Even an ex- tra preview failed to help on the pull out This is decidedly mild and dlsapDointing. I,ast week (2d) fair $6,000. Paramonnt (F-WC) (2,740; 35-55- 75)—'Invitation to Ha-uiness' (Par) and 'Dnunmond's Secret Police' (Par), Opened Tuesday in an effort to get some biz on 'Happiness' which was advertised as getting ita world preem here. Slump still on and won't do better than $13,000, which Is just a shade over avera.i;e. Last week. 'Wonderful World' (Par) and 'On Trial' (WB) (2d wk), $6,500, n.s.g, St Franote (F-WC) (1,470; 35-5S- 75)—'Eagle and Hawk' (Par) and 'Star Midnight' (RKO) (re-issues). Around $5,000, blah. Last week, 'Rose' (20th) and 'Danger Island* (20tl)) (3d wk), finaled to $5,000. Vnlted Artists (Cohen) (1.200; 35- 55-65)—'Mikado' (UA). This is first picture here to get complete en- dorsement of the public schools de- partment Natives In this muslc- lovlng town are generally a sucker for Gilbert and Sullivan stuff. How- ever, biz on 'Mikado' is disappoint- ing at $7,000. Last week about the same with 'Prison Without BarS* (UA). Warfleld (F-WC) (2.680; 35-55-75) --'Nazi Soy* (WB) and 'Like It Hotf (Par) (3d wk). Although the take has been far trom record-breaking bjz on 'Nazi' has been excellent con- sidering brutal going on the Main Stem during the past three months. Third week looks like $6,000. Last week, good $10,000. 'Angels' Smash $6,000, Hardys' Great $5,500, Oklahoma City Bullish Oklahoifia City, June 6. Good biz all around here this week with 'Only Angels Have Wings' at the State and -Tbe Hardys Ride High* at the Criterion smashing through for fancy grosses. 'Angels' is a smash $6,000 and 'Hardys' seem sure to top $5,500. Estimates for This Week Criterion (Staii) (1,500; 25-35-40) —'Hardys' (M-G). Going good for very nice $5,500 or over. Last week, 'Wuthering' (UA), good $5,000. Liberty (Stan)' (1.200; 20-25) — 'Code Streeta' (U) and 'Eagle and Hawk' (Par) (re-issue), split with 'Love Money* (U) and Nova-Baer pix. Heading for good $2,800. Last week, 'Prison Without Bars' (UA) and 'Inside Story' (2ath) split with 'Made Her Spy' (RKO) and 'Fixer Dugan' (RKO) so-so, $2;000. Midwest (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40)— 'East Side Heaven' (U). Nice $4,800. Last week. 'Lady's Kentucky' (Par), so-so $3,700. __Pta»a (Stan) (750; 25-35-40)— 'Broadway Serenade' (M-G). Brought back tor three days to mild $700. Last week, 'KUdare' (M-G), nice $1,500. State (Noble) (1,100; 20-25-40)— 'Angels Have Wings' (Col). Smash $6,000 and broke opening day records. Last week, 'Moonlight Sonata' (Malmur), bad $1,200, five days. Tower (Stan) (1,000; 25-35-40)— 'Wuthering'-(UA) on moveover from Criterion. No dice at $1,500. Last week, 'Rose' (20th) moveover good $2,500.