Variety (Aug 1939)

^<Mliies(lay, August 2, 1939 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY 'Good Girls'-VaOee Dandy $41,000 In Chi; Evelyn Brent-Harry Fox Aid 'Conquest' 15G, 'Men'-Vaude 12G Chicago, Aug, 1. Ju<t an. ordinary flicker" lineup in the loop cui-rently, due mainly to a flock of holdovers, with the Roose- velt Uniled Artists, OrienUl, State- I^k'e and Apollo all showing re- Best strength of the loop is the Chicago where Rudy Vallee on the stage is garnering big coin for the Balaban 4: Katz flagship, Vallue has been around town many times, but each appearance accounts for biz. Oriental is double-featuring again this week, and 'Man of Conquest' augurs good boxoftice ability in this house: On stage Jire Evelyn Brent and Harry Fox"\<'ho must also be credited for a goodly portion of the neat gross in prospect. •Mr. Cliips' continues to roll along and is now in its sixth session in the Apollo, and according to indications will stick- around for a few more stanzas, having been a highly prof- itable entry for the theatre.- ;Hardv Gets Spring Fever" goes Into a seconH week in the United Artists alter opening session's neat- take. Estimates for This Week Apollo (B.fiK.) (1,200; 35-55-65- 75)—.Chips' iJVI-G) (6Ui wk,). Hold- ing up in pood shape to fine $5,500 currently. Last week came through to excellent $5,100. Chicago (B.&K.) (4,000; 35-55-75) —'Good Girls' (Ci>l) and stage show. Budv Vallee is the big boxoffice item and on his appearance will bring in a corking $41,000. Last week'Daugh- ters' tWB) snagged a smashing $39,- 200. ^ Garrtck (B.&K.) (900: 35-55-65-75) —'G.OOO Knnniies' (M-G). Strictly a filler and won't get far, so-so at $3,- 400. Last week, 'Fiddle' (20th) took okay $-l;:!00 for second loop gallop. Oriental (Jones) (3,200; 25-40)— •Conquest' (Rep) and 'Bridal' (M-G) plus vaude. Good week in-prospect and headed for a neat $15,000. Last week also okay at $13,400 for 'Gor- illa' (20lh^ and 'Exile' (GN). Roosevelt (B.&K.) (1.500; 35-55- 65-75)—"Daughters' (WB). Moved here from big Chicago session and goiii.; ahead in excellent fashion cur- rently to $8,500. Last week, 'Susan- nah' (20th) pitiful at $5,500. SUte-Lake (B.&K.) (2,700; 25-40)— 'Allen Murder' (Par) and vaude. Fair take in the offing at $12,000. Last week about the same at $12,800 for 'Cisco Kid' (20th). United Artists (B.&K.-M-G) (1.- 700; 3,)-.'")5-G5-75) —"Hardy Spring Fever' (M-G) (2d wk.). Had a sat- isfying initial take of $14,000 but ■liding currently to $8,000, although all right. Fleet's in Seattle, But No Biz;'Carnival'OK $5,000 Seattle, Aug. 1. Potlalch and fleet week, with some thousands of sailors in the town, as well as visitors from about the west- ern part of state, isn't doing so much lor the theatres, due to so many out- lide attractions. Some rumors about the burg on changes of policy at one or two bouses, with stage shows linked therewith. Palomar has been doing well with vaude and pix attractions tliere will soon be stepped up. Estimates for This Week Blue Mouse (Ilamrick-Evercreen) jJSO;. 27r37-421 — 'Second . Fiddle' |20th) and 'Almost Gentleman' (RKO I. Former moveover from . Fifth Ave. Expect good $2,000. Last week, "Five Came Back* (RKO) and Some Like Hot' (Par), five days, ♦l.VOO, slow. Coliseum (Hamrick - Evergreen) O.800; 11-27-32) — 'Captain Fury' ■(yA)and 'Gorilla' (20th) (2d run). Headed for. fair $2,400. Last week. JiUcky Night' (M-Q) and 'Within Law' (M-G). $2,200, slow. Colonial (Sterling) (800; 10-21)— yomicide Girl' (Col) arid 'e-Gun Khythm' (CN). split with 'Wyoming Outlaw- (Rep) and 'Should Girl Marry' (Mono). Anticipated fair $1,- 800 Last week,'Street Pilot' (Mono) and-'Man Sundown* (Col) split with .Racketeers Range' (RKO) and Nancy Drew' (WB). Slow $1,600. »lfth Avenue (Hamrick-Ever- freen) (2.3-19: 27-37-42)—'Daughters Courageous' (WB) and 'Undercover ^octor' (Par). Indicated good $6,- ™u. Last week, 'Second Fiddle' (inl.l ^""^ 'Could Hapoen Again' wuth), second week. $3,900, okay. •ttT*'!""'-'' 'J-vH) (1,650; 21-32-42)— Wmter Carnival' (UA) and T^rapped Sky' (Col). Looks like lOod S5,000. Last week. 'Blind Alley' J;Oi) and 'Romance Redwoods' •-01). .slow $2,700. V«ii"'!5 """f (Hamrick-Evergreen) I??": "-37-42)-"Mr. Chips' (M-G) |»th .wk\ still drawing, big $3,900 SJ'Snl currently. Last week, same nijn, $3,500. good. /,V!!]f''^"" (Hainrlck - Evergreen) »nl?1= 27-37-42)—'Frontier Marshal* uoth) and 'Big Town Czar* (U), 10 days. Paced for $3,700, fair. Last week. 'Career' (RKO) and 'Ex- Champ* (U), dropped after four slow days, $1,500, very poor. Falomar (Sterling) (1.350; 16-27- 37-42) — "Should Husbands Work' (Rep) and 'Mr. Moto' (20th), plus vaude. Expect good $4,000, Last week, 'Hell's Kitchen' iWB) and 'Sweepstakes' (WB), plus vaude, oke $4,400. Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen) (3.049; 27-37-42; — "Hardy Fever' (M-G) (2d wk) and .'Inside Informa- tion' (U). Indicate ^ood $4,100. Last week, 'Hardy' (M-G) and 'Chas- ing Danger' (20th), dandy $6,700. Roosevelt (Sterling; (800; 21-27- 32)—'Juarez* (WB). Looking for okay $2,000. Last week. "Nazi Spy* (WB) and 'Family Next Door' (U), $1,700, no dice. ROONEYSLICK $18,000 IN BUFF. Buffalo. Aug. 1. 'Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever' is spurting ahead of 'the field cur- rently, with 'Iron Mask- following along as an excellent runher-up. Elsewhere business remains at sum- mer levels, ranging from fair to dull. Shea (Par) relinquished the Cen- tury Monday (31), with the house being taken over by Basil-Dipson under 25'-15c policy. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3.500; 30-35-55)— 'Hardy Fever' I M-G). Holding up very strong and looks to come in with powerful $}8,000. Laist week, 'Winter Carnival' (UA), Ozzie Nel- son and Harriett Hilliard in person, over $19,000, good. Century (Basil-Dipson) (3.000; 25- 15)—'Boy's Reformatory' (Col) and 'Hurricane' (UA). Opened cold to- day (Tuesday) following termination of Shea lease. Temporary policy pending further announcement. Last week, under Shea operation, 'San Francisco' (M-G) and 'Petticoat Fever' (M-G) (reissues), mild $4,- 000, Great Lakes (Shea) n.OOO: 30-50) —'Iron Mask' (UA). Should grab sweet $9,000. Last week. "Way South' (RKO) and 'Career' (RKO), tepid $4,000. Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 2.=5-35)-r-'Indi- anapolis Speedway' tWB) and 'Drummond' (Par). Perking . up slightly for fairish $4,500. Last week, 'Island Lost Men' (Par) and 'Cow- boy Quarterback' (WB), very dis- mal $3,600: Lafayette (Hayman) (3.300; 25-35) —'Blondie' (Col) and 'Street Miss- ing Men' (Rep). Good enough sum- mer takings at over $4,500. Last week. 'Top Hat* (RKO) and 'Human Bondage' (RKO) (reissues), fairish $4,800. 'Chips' 2d, $8,500 Still Tops Mont'l; Heat Hurts Montreal. Aug. 1. 'Goodbye. Mr. Chips." in second week at Loew's. is still the only standout in town currently, with likely $8,500 iii sight-for second session. Balance are from middling to poor, with another week of great heat in sight. Esllinalfs for This Wcrk Palace (CT) ('2.700: 25-45-55)— 'Borrowed Time* (M-G). This may gross up to $5,000 dependent on weather. Last week's repeat - of 'Second Fiddle' (20th) weak $:j.OOO. Capitol (CT) (2.700; 25-45-55) 'Un- expected Father" (U) and "Forgotten Woman' (U). Not likely to better $3,000. so-so. Last week. "Stronger Desire' iM-G) and 'Cowboy Quarter- back' (WB). noor $2,500. Loew's (CT) (2.B00: :»-40-fiO)—'Mr. Chips' (M-G) (2d wk). Excellent $8,500 In silhl after soeko $11,500 opening week. Princess (CT) (2.300: 2.)-34-50)— •Career' (RKO) and 'Saint Strikes Back' (RKO). Middling $2,500. Last week. 'South Ridins' (Brit) and "Dis- honor Bright' (Brit), weak $2,000. Orpheum (Ind1 (I.lOO: 25-40-50)— 'Winter. Carnival' <U.\) and 'Girl and Gambler' (RKO). Pacing for possible S2.500. good. List week, 'Smilin' Along" (Brit) and 'Pardon N(jrve' (Brit). $UO00. p.)Or. Cinema de Paris (France-Film) (fiOO: 25-50)—'Femme du BoulanRer' (7th wk). This summer fixture is picking lip around S700 a week, nearly meeting expense;!. St. Denis (France-Film) (2.300; 23-34)—'Marthe Richard' and "Deux de la Res'crve." dual. Hoping for $2,500, good enough. Last week. 'Le Schpountz' and 'L'.\^sa.ssin <!st Parmi Nous," $'i.400, fair hot weather gross. First Runs on Broadway (Subject to Clxanoe) Week or Aiig, I Astor—'Goodbye, JMr. Chi;>j' (M-G) (12th wk,).. Capitol—'Four Feather.s' (U.\). (Reuieuied in Varieiy, April 2th Criterion—'They ' All Coma Out' (M-G) (2). (Reviewed in Vabicty. Juli) 5) Globe—'I Stqle a Million' tU) (5). (Reviewed in yABicrY, July 10> ■ Music Hali—'In : Name Only' (RKO). Paramount—'Beau Ceslo' (Par) (2). ; (Revicuied.'in VaBtetv, Jul?/ 25). Itialtb—'Mutiny on the Slack- hawk' (U) (1). RivoH^'They Shall Have Mu- sic (UA) (2d wk;): Boxy—'Stanley an stone' (20th) (4). (Reviewed in Current fs.we) Strand—'Each Dawn I Die' (WB) (3a wk.). Week .of Au?. ID Astor-'Goodbye,. Mr. Ciiips (M-G) (13th wk.). Capitol—'Four Feathers' (U.\> (2d wk.). Criterion—Miracles for Sale' (M-G) (9).. . Globe—'Parents ort Trial' (Col) (12). Music Hall—'Goldeti Boy' (Col). Paramoant-^' B e.a u Ge^te' (Par) (2d wk.). RIalto—'Bad Lands' (RK ; (B). Blvoli—'They Shall Have Mu- sic (UA) (3d wk.). Boxy—'Stanley and Living- stone* (20th) (2d wk.). Strand—'Old Maid' (WBi) (11). K.C.5L0WSUP; mSK'FAlR $10,000 Kansas City, Aug. 1. Theatre row is easing.off at the b.o. 'Daughters Courageous,' at the Newman; is in second week and ac- quitting itself generously: Matinee biz buxom here, with nights only average and lemme trade predomi- nating three to one. 'Man in the Iron Mask,' at Mid- land, won't equal the big b.o. of 'Hardy* last week. ■ Heat wave was momentarily inter- rupted by slight showers, but tem- perature still most prominent part of area's conversation, . Estimates for This Week- Esquire and Uptown (Fox Mid- west) (820 and 1,200; 10-25-40)—'Un- expected Father' (U). Film plugged by recent publicity on baby Sandy. Around $6,700, some strength. Last week (2d), 'Fiddle' (20th), around $5,800: no complaints. Midland (Loew's) (3.573: 10-25-40) —'Iron Mask* (UA) and 'Blondie' (Col). Companion feature here likely to push first feature on drawing power. Around $10,000, average. Last week, 'Hardy Fever' <M-G) aiid "Clouds Europe' (Col), $16,000, very big. Newman (Paramount) (1.900: 10- 25-40)—'Dauihter.s Courai^eocs' (WBi (2d wk). Currently $5,000. due to stronfi matinee returns; good. First week strong $8,500. No Indpls. Exploitation; Rogers Gingery $8,500 Indianapo1i.<>, Au.;. 1. j Biz in the downtown sector is about normal this week.with weok-i end business okay after opeiu'ng day i was flooded out by a cloudburst. No-r body is making any special elTort to garner the coin, but instead let the: pics pull 'em in if they want to come.' Loew's is in top money again with : a dual bill of 'On Borrowed Time' ■ and 'Good Girls Go to Paris.' Cii-clei is nicely.in the black with "Bachelor' Mother' and 'Career,' with flrit pic. given credit for the pull. 1 ' Estimates for This Week | Apollo (Katz-DOlle) (1.100; 25-30- 40)—'Magnificent Fraud' (Par) and 'Million Dollar Legs' (Par). Bit- better than average with S3.500.' Ln.-;l week. 'Unexpected Father' (U) and' •Ex Champ' (U),. okay $3,400: . . . I Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,600: 23-30-; 401—'Bachelor Mother' (RKO; and 'Career' (RKO). Niftv $8,500. Last: week, 'Second Fiddle' (20th) and' 'Could Happen' (20th) (2d wk>, nice: $5,400. 1 Loew's (Loew's) (2,400; 23-30-40); —'Borrowed Time' (M-G) and 'Girls Go Paris' (Coll. Both pics helping I to very good $10,000. Last week,! 'Maisie (M-G) and 'Stronger Dosirc'i (M-G), good $9,400. B'way B,0^ Bumpy; Heifetz Fcurly Tuneful $20,000, linter Okay 75G, 'Marshal'30G, Die'-Duchin 35G 2d Tlie sugar that gets the fly is pretty scarce around New York this week. Only in a few instances is bu.^ii^ess satisfying those who count up the coin, and the pictures are apparently to blame, nothing else. A rainy, cloudy weekend kept most folks in town, iait the. vast--maiority. found something else to do but go to the theatres. Ill the van of new pictures are 'Winter Carnival,' 'They Shall Have Music' and 'Frontier Marshal,' none of which is working the cashiers overtime. - "Carnival' will get around $75,000 at the Music. Hall, fair, while the Hcitelz picture which reopened the' P»ivoli last Wednesday (20) will top $20,000. okay, on its first seven days, and holds. "The Riv is selling and ad- verti.sinc this picture to the utmost, taking much space in the dailies in an effort to put it over for top coin. It is proceeding steadily and may build. Roxy's 'Frontier Marshal' lc>oks $30,000 tops, mild business, and out after one week, to be followed,on Friday (4) by 'Stanley and Living- stone.' Powerful boxoffice c<-nbinalion of the Cagney-Raft twain and Eddy Duchin at the Strand should come through to aroiind $35,000, very good, on the holdover. The first week was within inches of $50,000. Exceed- ingly hot weather the final three days of the initial stanza keot the show from equalling or topping the record of $51,500. However, the gross of nearly $50,000 scored means greater strength this time of the year than the $51,500 did the week of Nov. 25. with the aid of a Thanks- givinc weekend. 'Each Dawn I Die,' with Duchin, goes a third week. 'Hardy Gets Spring Fever* winds up a l(3-day run tonight (Wed:) at the Capitol. The first week was $25,000 and the final nine days will be about $14,000 for a reasonable profit on the engagement. 'Four Feathers,* kicking around a long lime now and penciled for the Music Hall, later being rubbed out there, was sold to the Cap a;.d ooens here tomorrow (Thurs.), It will be the first United Artists picture to play the house. A $15,000 ad cainpaign figures. 'Invitation to Happiness' and Fats Waller look about $17,500 for the State, fair enough with the way the house overhead is scaled down for the summer. Paramount changes shows today (Wed.), opening 'Beau Geste.' 1939- 40 oicture on pre-release, with Phil Soitalny on the staee; A preview.of 'Geste' last nicht (Tues.) helped the take to $28,000 on the second (final) week of 'Masnificent Fraud' and Bob Hope, light, but .okay. Estimates for This Week Astor (1.012; 25-40-.55-85)—'Chips* (M-G) (12th week). For consistency, this picture has no equal. The llth week endine Monday night (31) was .^12.000 aiain. the same as for the two prior weeks . almost to the dollar. Canltol (4.520: 25-35-55-R5-St.25')— 'Hardy Soring Fever* (M-G) (2d week). Going to $25,000 the first week, the final nine davj on the holflovor. UD tonirht (Wed.), will he another S14.000 or so for agreenblo ■houih not heavv profit. 'Four Fe.Tther.s' (Kor-^^-UA) opens tomor- row mornin»t.(Thur.s.)... Criterion (1 662; 25-40-55)-'Hiiman BmHT'fi' (RKO) (reissue). Hit of the H)33-34 sca.son is turning this li'iu^e nirrly into the profit column M aroi'nd S9.0n0. host in minthi hore. Last wer-k 'This Mnn Npw.s! 'P.-iri. only $5,000, very disappoinl- ijlT. r.lolie (1.274: 25-40-,5.5)—'Wonf in Chinatown' (Mono). M.iybe S.S.500. fiir. Lost w-^k.'nc-id Men Tell No T?"-^' (Ain. H!6.00n. o.k. P-.Iare (1.700: 25-35-55)—'Bachelor Mother" (RKO) (1st run) and Titrcer* (RKO) (1st run), doubled. Too n'Cture accounting mostly for ' faii'lv gond $8,000. week 'Oiu'Th'Ts Coiiraceoiis* 'Wi?) ap^ "\fo)o T.nke.<: Vacation* (ZOlhl, both scond run. S7:20n on e'''ht riav;. P->ramo!mt (3,6fi'«- 25-35-55-8r>-n9") —'Beau Geste' (Par) and pv^il Snitalny. Opens today (Wed.). The =ncond weok of 'Magnificent Fraud' '"ai-; nnri Bob Hone, olu.'; *)ip Wondy Hi^nnan band and othe-s, ft'28 000. not fanrv, but sati'sfactory. after a first week's take of S4O.00O, Hone credited fii'- rnaioritv of the business. Radio Citv Musi' Hall (5 180: 40- r.n-<i4-9.')-S1.65) — 'Winter Carnival' (UA) and sta-re chow. Countun I<)ok< about S75.fl00. fairish. Last wpH:, second for 'Man In Iron Ma<!k' 't:\ i. trade built to a snapijv $70.- .^nn following a first seven davs of $02,000. 'In N,a"-» Only' (RKO) or"»"s tomorrow (Thurs.), RlaU(» (750: 25-40-55)—'Mutiny on Blni-Uha"'k* (U). Opcnod here vps- terday (Tucs.) after a week of 'Hid- den Power' (Col) at $5,000. 'Saint in London" (RKO), bcforii that, was $6,000, suitable. Kivoli (2.092; 25-55-75-85-99) — 'Shall Have Music* (UA) (2d wk.). Second lap starts today (Wed.), fol- lowing a first seven days of sesuw— $20,000, not big but okay, aided by the campaign put on by the Rivoli management and UA. Theatre re- opened with this picture on a glitter-, ing preview Tuesday night (25). , Boxy (5,836; 25-40-55-75)—'Frontier Mawhal' (20th) and stage show. The pace is slow with this one, $30,000 tops, and only one week is ttie an- swer. Fourth (final) week of 'Sec- ond Fiddle' (20th) was $20,000. 'Stan- ley and Livingstone' (20th; Comes in Friday (4) State (3.450: 35-55-75)—'Invitation to Happiness' (Par) and Fats Waller, othtirs, on stage. Possibly $17,500, mildish, but okay for this time of year and in view of fact 'Invitation' was thoroughly milked on a three weeks' engagement 1st run at tha Par. Last week 'Tiirzan' (M-G) (2d run) and Gertrude Niesen, Rita Rio . and Henhy Youngriian, $15,000, light. Strand (2,767: 25-40-55-75-85-99)— "Each Dawn I Die' (WB) and Eddy Duchin (2d wk.). On the holdover maintaining fine strength for around S35.000 and goes a third week. The first seven days, regardless of heat that set in arbupd the stretch turn, was within a few dollars of $50,000, sensational business for July and for a house with so small a capacity. ROGERS, $19,000, HEFTY IN HUB Boston, Aug. 1. Good biz all around, with 'Andy Hardy,' 'Bachelor Mother' and 'Each Dawn I Die' taking top coin. Trada is heavy enough to indicate that 'Hardy' and 'Mother' will hold over. Estimates, for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 20-30-40)— 'Lady Mob' (Col) and 'Trapped Sky' (Col), dual, three days; 'Outside These Walls' (Col) and 'Should Girl Marry' (Mono;, dual, three days, and 'Streets of N. Y.' (Mono) (2d run) and 'Stunt Pilot' (Mono) (1st run), double, one day. Looks like good $4,500. Last week. 'Human Bondage' (WB) re- vival' and 'Lost Squadron' (RKO) (2d run), dual, split with 'Mi.ssing Daughters' (Col) (2d run) and 'Lady and Mob' (Col) (1st run;, dual, so-so $3,800. Fenway (M&P) (1,332; 25-35-40-55) —'Hell's Kitchen' (WB) and 'Million Dollar Legs' (Par). N.s.h. $4,000. Last week, 'Daughters Courngeous' (WB) (2d run) and 'Secret Service* (WB) (1st run), $5,000. fair. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 25- 35-40-55)—'Bachelor Mother' (RKO) and 'Saint London' (RKO). Attract- ing big coin, around $19,000. May hold. Last week, 'Good Girls Paris* (Col) and 'Stole Million' (U), dual, under par, $11,000. Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 25-35- 40-55) —'Each Dawn' (WB) and 'Night Work' (Par). Tallying good $15,000. Last week, 'Second Fiddle' .(20th) and 'Could Happen'. (20th), second week: okay $11,500. Orpheum (Locw; (2,900; 25-35-40- 55)—"Hardy Fever' (M-G) and 'They All Come Out' (M-G). Socking in high take with indication that Rooncy is still hot stulT around here. Aim- ing at big $19,500. Probable hold- over. Last week. 'Borrowed Time' (M-G) and "Maisie' (M-G), dual, average $15,000. ' Paramount (M&P) (1.797; 25-35-40- .55)—'Hell's Kitchen' (WB) and 'Mil- lion Dollar Logs' (Par). Tepid $6,000 Indicated. Last week. 'Daughters Courageous' (WB) '2d run) and 'Code Secret Service' (WB) (1st run), double. $6,500. fairi.sh. Scollay (M&:P; (2,538: 25-35-40-55) -'Daughters (Ilouragebus' (WB; (3d run; and 'Captain Fury* (UA) (2d run). Okay $4,000 promised. Last week. 'Man About Town* (Par) and 'Grand Jury' (Par) (both 3d run), diial. $3,400. State (LoewJ (3.600; 25-35-40-.S5)— 'Hardy Fev(:r' (M-G) and 'All Come Out' (M-G;. Big stuff, around $14,- 000. Last week, 'Bori-owed Time' (M-G) and 'Maisie' (M-G),dual, good $11,000, Penner's Cinch Hollywood, Aug. 1. Joe Penner demonstrates how to win the gal without being handsoma in his next RKO comedy, .^Glamour Boy.' '"~ R61>erl Si.-ik is producing and Bert Granet screeiiplaying his own story.