Variety (Aug 1939)

Wednesdaj, August 2, 1039 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY 9 phiUy B. 0. Better; mado'-BaHet 196, Clicidiig/Speedway'Slow $S,600 Philadelphia, Aug. 1. With a fair grade of product gprinkled through most of the mid- fown houses, general tone of slighUy more optimisiti than in past weeks Srevails here this sUnza. Grosses ara rather mixed, in accord v/ith the quality of the pictures, but the ag- gregate is fair. . , ^. Weather is as mixed as the grosses and can't be counted on for much, While intermittent showers and sun prevailed on both Saturday and Sun- Bav the former was very bad at the'b.o.s. while the latter showed a ■light pick-up. J , X. Leading the coin parade Is the combo Fox, which has spurted the oast two weeks. Film is 'Mikado' with Catherine Littlefleld's PhiladeU ohia ballet the only flesh, and regis- tering well. 'Hardy Spring Fever' at the Boyd is- hitting a fair pace, but is down from previous films in this group and not up to some of the aupers at the hou.se during past weeks. It' will hold for another week, however. 'Iron Mask,' at the Stanley, slid off too much this stanza from its initial week to be very profitable and drops out today (Tuesday) for 'Bachelor Mother.' 'Clouds Over Europe' is being given its local debut at the ordinarily second-run Karlton. It's doing very badly. Estimates for This Week B«yd fWB) (2,350; 32-42-57)— 'Hardy Fever' (M-G). Below pre- vious 'Hardys,' but getting much favorable w. of m. and turning the trick nicely as a lo-. -budgeter at $14,500. Will h.o. Last week, 'Chips' (M-G) (4th week), continued to demonstrate' its high sustaining power with $9,500. Earle (WB) (2,758; 26-32-42)— Indianapolis Speedway' (WB). Not up to par at $5,600. Last week. They All Come Out' (M-G), earned some nice comment in the dallies but just • stage wait at the b.o. with $4,900. Fox (WB) (2,423; 32-37-42-57-68)— 'Mikado' (U). Catherine Littlefield Ballet on stage. Aided by plx, house has shown an upturn past few weeks. Taking $19,000 this sesh, good. Last week. 'Second Fiddle' (20th) with the Three Stooges on the boards, neat $20,100. KarUon (WB) (1,066; 32-42-57)— 'Clouds Over Europe'' (Col). (Also clouds over the b.o. with p'oor^ $3,000. House is ordinarily, second-rurj, an Initial showing here being an indi- cation in advance that little is^ ex- pected of a film. Last, week, 'Good Girls Paris' (Col) (2d run), another Weakie at $2,700. Palace (WB) (1,100; 26-32-42)—'Sun Sets' (U) (2d run). Mediocre Jit $4,000. Last week, 'Invitation Happi- ness' (Par) (3d run), fairish $4,300. Stanley (WB) (2,916; 32-42-57)— • Iron Mask' (UA) (2d wk)..Some- iWhat di.sappointing with a very bad skid from the opening week's gross. Hitting only $8,500 this sesh, after pretty fair $15,000 last week. Leaves today (Tucs.) for 'Bachelor Mother' (RKO). , Stanton (WB) (1.457; 26-32-42)— 'Second Fiddle' (20th) (2d run). Un- tisual booking In type of pic. for this action house and also in fact that it has just come 'out of the Fox, next door. Satisfactory $4,500. Last week, Daughters Courageous' (WB) (2d ruii-)p-nifee $5,000. Lincoln Slows Down; 'Chips' Hits Good $3,500 Lincoln, Aug. 1. No house is slaying 'em this week, although Vaisity's dual.'Clouds Over Europe' and 'Blondie's Vacation' is aomg nicely. Question mark is still over 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips,' but it's getting good word of mouth. Stuart and Lincoln are so-so with Unexpected Father' and 'Stronger ■I nan Desire,' respectively. Estimates for This Week Coioqial (NTI-Noble-Monroe) (750; 10-15)—'Smoky Trails'(MetropoliUn) and -Dr. Meade' (Col) split with Little Adventuress' (Col) and 'Man Texas (Mono). Very light $700. Last week, 'Homicide Bureau' (Col) and Wyomin.g Outlaw' (Ren), split With x:an t Beat Love' (RKO) and Man Sundown' (Col), fair $800. *« off.""" (LTC-Cooper) (1,600; 10- i'-ZS)—'Stronger Desire' (M-G). Pretty light $1,600 in Ave days. Last jy^lt. 'Allen Murder Ca.-ic' (Par) and i"?lde Story' (20th), split with 'Code «i„ and 'Kid Texas' (M-G), nine days, $2,900, so-so. M^^V*-'"''* ILTC-Cooper) (1,236; 10- .;.'!?*"r'Mr. Chios' (M-G). Probably SOOd $3,500. Last week, 'Hardy $4 200 "^^"°^' whammed b.o. for ..Stuart (LTC-Cooper) (1,900; 10- «-35)— Unexpected Father' (U). Not getting very much, slow $2,300 on six ^'st week, 'Borrowed Time' |M-G) slim $2,900, sliding badly late in Week. ^y'^i','*' (NTI-Noble) (1.100; 10-20- S.*—Clouds Europe* (Col) and Key City Grosses Estimated Totiil GroM This Week. $1,266,900 (Based on 25 cities, 158 tliea* fres, chic/li/ first mns, iiicludinff N. Y.) Total Grosi Sam* Week Last Tear...: $1,066,800 (Based on 22 cities, 134 theatres; CINCY PERKING; "MOTHER'BIG $15,000 Cincinnati, Aug. 1. Although lust two of the ace pic parlors hava fresh pR>duct"~^his- week,' returns by and large. for downtown houses is okay for the hot season. Especially in view of natives being more baseball ga^ga than ever due to the Reds' runaway- lead for the National League pen- nant. Current b.o. topper is 'Bachelor Mother' at the Albee, fetching a gross that's important any time of the year.. 'Blondie Takes a Vacation' Is racking up a good Keith's figure. Dual returners, 'M^' Man Godfrey' and 'Old Dark House,' are mild for the Lyric. Palace is hax^ywr'one of its infrequent holdovers on 'Hardy Fever' for fair trade. E9tlmate.i for ThU Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 35-42)— 'Bachelor Mother' (RKO), eight days. Big $15,000. Last week, 'Daughters Courageous' (WB), eight days, very good $13,000. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 35-42)— 'Daughters Courageou.s'' (WB). Transfer from Albee for second week. Light $3,500. Last week, 'Second Fiddle' (20nD (2d run), sour $3,500. FamilT (RKO) (1,000; 15-25)— •Grand Jury Secrets' (Par), 'Saint in London' (RKO), 'Heritage of Desert* (Par), separate. Okay $2,000. Sanie last week with "Trapped Sky' (Col). 'House Fear' (U), 'Missing Daughters' (Col), singly. ■ Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 35-42)— 'Blondie' (Col). Good $4,500—Last week, 'Borrowed Time' (M-G) (2d' wk), nice $3,800. Lyrle (RKO) (1,400; 25-40)—'Man GQdfrey' (U) and 'Dark House' (U) (rfeiisues). Mild $3,200. Last week, 'Man About Town' (Par) (3d run), $3,200, mild. Palace ' (RKO^ (2,600; 35-42)— 'Hardy Fever' (M-G) (2d wk). Fair $8,000. Last., .^yveek (1st), socko $15,0Q0. •'v'-' , . mSK' STRONG $13,000, BUTTOT OF PROV. OFF Providence. Aug. 1. 'Man in the Iron Mask,' at State, Is drawing only biz in town. Other houses just dragging along with so- so pic fare. 'Daughters -C ou.r-a g e o u.3_ was switched from Majestic to Carlton for second week. Estimates for This Week Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 25-35- 50)_'Daughters Courageous' (WB) and 'Code Secret Service' (WB) (2d run). Helping house to nice $3,500. Last week. 'Second Fiddle' (20th) and 'Mr. Moto' (20th) (2d run), good $3,000. Majestic (Favl (2.200; 25-35-50)— 'House of Fear* (U) and 'Cowboy Quarterback' (WB). Headed for meek $4,000. Last week, 'Daughters Courageous' (WB) and 'Code Service (WB). swell $7,500. SUte (Loew) (3,200: 25-35-.S0)— 'Iron Mask' (UA) and 'Panama Lady (RKO). Paced for peppy $13,000. Last week, 'Hardy Fever' (M-G) and 'Clouds Europe' (Col), hefty $13,500. Strand (Indie) (2,200; 25-35-50)— 'Million Dollar Legs' (Par) and 'Should Girl Marry' (Mono). Not drawing and slated for only fair $4 500. Lost week. 'Backdoor to Heaven* (Par) and 'Married Cop (Rep), clpsed with weak $4,000. 'Swanee* Flows Hollywood, Aug. 1. 'Swanee River.' in color, is the 'Chips' Hearty $5,500 In Port.; *Carnivar V/zG Portland, Ore., Aug, 1. 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips' is topping the burg's grosses and collecting raves. It's set at Parkers UA for at least two weeks to heavy biz for this time of year. Hot weather Is hitting most houses. Estimate's for This Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-35- 40)—'Winter Carnival' (UA) and 'AH Come Out' (M-G). Over the top nicely for $4,500. Last week, 'Hardy Fever' (M-G) and 'Big Town Czar' (U), closed bumper second week for strong $4,300. First week big'$6,300. Msyfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,500; 30-35-40) — 'Daughters Courageous' (WB) and ^House Feat' (WB) (3d wk), moving to this house from the United Artists, Still good for $2,500. Last week, 'Man About Town' (Par) and 'Zero Hour' (Rep) ended a fourth week for the Benny pic with $2,000, average, Orpheam (Hamrick - Evergreen) (1,800; 30-35-40)—'Five Came Back' (RKO) and 'Saint London' (RKO) (2d wk). Good enough $4,000. First week strong $5,200. Paramount (Hamrick - Evergreen) (3,000; 30-35-40) — 'Second Fiddle' (20th) and 'Undercover Doctor' (Rep), Big $6,000. Last week 'Girls Go Paris' (Col) and 'Clouds Europe' (Col), fair $4,500. United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 30- 35-40).—'Mr, Chips' (M-G). Getting great $5,500.- Last .week, 'Daughters -Courageous' (WB) and 'House Fear'. (WB), held up for good second week at $4,000, First week.strong $5,500. Infantile Wa?e Offsets DeL's lowered Temp; 'Chips'Dnal Big $22,000 Detroit, Aug. 1 Strong campaign for 'Goodbye Mr. Chips,' combined with.'Indianap olis Speedway,' gives Michigan top honors again for the second suc- cessive week,- currently fpr very heavy coin. Relief from torrid wave likewise figures to give managers some succor, although grosses are still far from what they could be. Outbreak of infantile paralysis epidemic in Detroit and nearby cities, with health authorities warn- ing parents to keep kids from pub' lie gatherings, is not heloing. thea- tres. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40)— 'Unexpected Father* (U) (2d run) plus 'Big Town Czar* (20th). Former flicker moved here aftor sesh at the Fox; paced for around $4,200, fairish Last week 'Second Fiddle' (20th) (2d run) and 'Parents Trial' (Col), fair $4,500. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40- 55)—'Stole Milllotf (U) and 'Career' (RKO), plus March of Time. Headed for fair $11,000. Last week light $9,000 for 'Unexpected Father' (U) and 'Ex-Champ* (U). MIohigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 30-40-65)—'Mr. Chips' (M-G) plus 'Indianapolis Speedway' (WB). Good bally for 'Chips'; shotild garner smash $22,000, best under diial polity here. Last stanza, 'Daughters Cour- ageous' (WB) and 'Million Legs' (Par), good $15,000. Palms - Stat* (United Detroit) (3,000; 30-40-50)—'Daughters Coura- geous' (WB) (2d run) plus 'Mickey the Kid' (Rep). Former,fllm moved here after stanza at Michigan: looks like fair $5,500. Last week 'Magnifl- cent Fraud* (Par) plus 'Unmarried' (Par), fairish $4,900. 'Bachelor Mother Smash $30,000 Heads LA;'Carnival'Poor $13,( Daughter,' Xhips' OK Holdavers Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week.. $270,000 (Based on 11 theotres^ Total Gross Same Week Last Year .$193,500 (Based on 12 theatres) lOTHER'-VAUDE SWEET $13,000 INBALTO Baltimore, Aug. 1. Return of tropic heat after a lengthy spell of unseasonable frigid- ity is having some effect on local biz, but not enough to offset healthy pace being set by leaders. Taking a com- manding lead with a strong response and gross, is 'Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever' at Loew's Century, while the combo Hipp is holding a virile runner-up position with 'Bach- elor Mother' nicely buttressed with vaude. Rest of downtown pack closely bunched several laps behind. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15-25- 40)-^'Hardy Fevef' (M-G). Holding momentum of previous Hardy and ringing up a town-leading count of $15,000. Last week, 'Borrowed Time' (M-G), attracted considerable word- of-mouth but tapered off with fairish $7,400. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,205; 15-25-35-40-55-66)—'Bachelor Mother' (RKO) plus vaude. Hitting it off in solid style with bullish $13,000. Last week, second of local talent 'Stardust Revue' and 'Good Girls Go to Paris' (Col): nice $10,600. Keith's (Schanberger) (2.406; 15- 25-35-40) — 'Kokomo Kid* (WB), opens tonight (Tuesday) after six disappointing days of 'I Stole a Mil- lion* (U) which was given a healthy build-up and promising opening, but failed to click at n.g. $2,900. Fol- lowed 'Unexpected Father' (U), which hobbled in with-tepid $3,700. New (MechaniC)i''Xl,58U. 15-29-35- 55)—'Frontier Marshall* ,(20th). At- tracting some okay'revfSws, but only tepid response in this house located for daytime femme response. Won't exceed uneventful $3,500. Last week, second of 'Second Fiddle* (20th), un- exciting $3,900. SUnley (WB) (3.280; 15-25-35-40- 55)—'Daughters Courageous* (WB) (2nd wk). Maintaining soma mo- mentum. Possible $6,000 added to okay opening session of $13,300. Pittron Even Keel; 'Mother Building To Swell $15,000, Uy Good I21/2G Pittsburgh, Aug. 1. Nobody's doing handsprings over biz this week, but there's no moan- ing at the bar as the week's grosses will pan out jlist about as expected. With the worst part of the summer over and better product in the off- ing, local exhibitors are facing the remainder of the season with more confidence, , Top grosser of the week will be 'Bachelor Mother' at the Stanley. 11 came in on the heels of much ad- vance praise and drew raves from the cricks and swell word of mouth from opening day audiences. Warner, with average double bill, grinding out an ordinary week, wliile Alvin, with 'Blondie 'Takes a Vacation' and : 'She Married a Cop,' in for five days I to bring theatre back to regular j Thursday openings, just holding its Estimates tor This Week only starter on Dariyl F. Zanuck's | •Blond^i'Tcol)''" NSIt *2 ™' lTi I AlvIn (Harris) (1,850; 25-35-50)- & JivrcVme'^B\\V«b)^a?^' Tost of the studio's activities i^\^f:^:^,1^tXi.^f;> August will be devoted 11 tlie Sol M. I bring house back to regular Thurs- Wurtzcl unit. I day opening. Just ordinary 53,200. ',9j,""l From Mexico' j2_Q0Q flKht pic, very good (RKO), plus Last week, 'Unexpected Father' (U), Cair $4,100. Penn (Loew's-UA). (3,300; 25-35- 50)—'Hardy Fever' (M-G) (2d wk). Doing solid business and should end up with substantial $12,500. Entire Hardy series have been solid send- ers in this town. First week turned in sensational $21,000, great for this time o£ year and best of the summer. Senator (Harris) (1,750; 15-25)— 'Hot Handle' (M-G) and 'Ramona* (20th), reissue, split with "Theodore Goes Wild' (ColJ and 'Everybody Sing' (M-C). Not too forte at $800. Last week. 'East, Side Heaven' (U) and 'Big City' (Col), split with 'Jun- gle Love' (Par) .and '3 Blind Mice' (20th), weak $700: SUnley (WB) (3,600; 25-35-50)— 'Bachelor Mother' (RKO). Building on strength;., of rave reviews and word of mouth. Should flhish on sunny side of $15,000 and possible holdover at the Warner. Last week, 'Hell's Kitchen' (WB), passable $9,- 800. Warner (W^) (2,000; 25-40)— 'Some Lilte Hot' (Par) and 'Career* (RKO). Average $4,000. Last week, 'Man About Town* (Par), on hold- over from Penn, good $5,500. Los Angeles, Aug. 1. With, exception of a few spots grosses are considerably off cur- rently. Few holdovers are doing about what is expected of them, anJ of the newcomers, 'Bachelor Mother* at RKO and Pantages has things pretty well sewed up. Day-datei: headed for nifty $30,000 on the week, insuring holdover. On the other hand, 'Winter Car- nival* Is pretty much of a washout at State-Chinese. State's biz, in fact, is at lowest level in several years. Paramount is holding over 'Man About Town' for third week, with- out stage show, and is running 'Magnificent Fraud* as companion feature, but producing only ordinary biz. Another holdover, justified, is 'Daughters Courageous' at Holly- wood and Downtown, after hitting around $18,000 mark on first stanza. 'Chips' is holding firm at Carthay Circle while 'On Borrowed Time' is not so forte at Four Star. Orpheum continues pretty much in doldrums. Estimates for ThU Week Carthay Circle (Fox) (1,518; 40- 55)—'Mr. Chips' (MG) (12th week). Reached neat $3,200 on 11th stanza and should do around $3,100 current week. Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,024; 30-40-55-75)—'Winter Carnival* (UA) and 'Chan in - Reno' (20th) dual. Very dismal $6,500. Last week, 'Second Fiddle' (20th) and 'Could Happen' (20th) exceUent $11,600. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-40-55- 65)-—'Daughters Courageous' (WB) and 'Sweepstakes Winner' (WB) dual (2nd week). Should show an- other profit at $6,000, after first stanza built to neat $9,000. Four Star (F-WC-UA) (900; 40-55) —'Borrowed Time' (MG) (2nd week). Failing to show expected strength and $3,400 not big; first week fair $3,000. Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55- 65)—'Daughters Courageous' (WB) and 'Sweepstakes Winner' (WB) dual (2nd week). Will likely add another $4,800 on holdover after initial stanza piled up profitable ' $8 600 brphemm (Bflwy.) (2,280; 30-40-55) —'Unmarried' (Par) and ''Under- cover Doctor' (Par) dual and vaude- ville. Running about neck and neck with previous week, for around $6,800. <»Last week, 'Hotel Imperial* (Par) and-'Girl from Mexico' (RKO) $6,700. Pantages (Pan) (2,812; 30-40-55)— 'Bachelor Mother' (RKO) and 'Saint in London' (RKO) . diial. Town leader with nifty $16,000 in prospect. Last week, 'Stole Million' (U) and 'Blondie' (Col) okay $6,000. FarameoDt (Par) (3,595; 30-40-55) —'Man About Town' (Par) (3rd week) and 'Magnificent Fraud' (Par) dual. Holdover of Jack Benny starrer hardly warranted, but rather than close house week ahead of time companion feature rushed in, but to little avail as slim $7,800 indicates. Last week, second stanza 'Man About Town' (Par) and Eddie ('Rochester') Anderson on stage, okay $13,000. EKO (2,472; 30-40-55)—'Bachelor Mother' (RKO) and 'Saint in Lon- don* (RKO) dual. Town's second top grosser, heading for nifty $14,000. Last week. 'Stole Million* (U) and 'Blondie* (Col) satisfactory $7,000. State (Loew-Fox) (2.414; 30-40-55- 75)_'Winter Carnival* (UA) and 'Chan Reno* (20th) dual. Bottom dropped out of biz and very weak $6,500, lowest gross in several years, is best .in sight. Last week. 'Sec- ond Fiddle* (20th) and 'Could Hap- pen* (20th) reached $11,300, out of danger. United ArtisU (F-WC) (2,100; 30- 40-55)—'Fiddle' (20th) and 'Could Happen' (20th) dual. Showing lit- tle strength on moveover as slim $2,500 attests. Last week, 'Andy Hardy' (MG) and 'Bridal Suite' (MG) not hot $2,800. Wilshire (F-WC) (2;296: 30-40-55- 65)—'Fiddle' (20th) and 'Could Hap- pen* (20th) dual. Doing better at this moveover house than downtown and will likely reach fair $4,500. Last week./Hardy' (MG) and 'Bridal Suite' mQ) fair $5,800. HILLBILLY UPBEAT Coast Film Lots Seeking Nasal Yodel- ers for Group of Flickers Hollywood, Aug. 1. Hillbilly bands are moving up in the financial scale this year, with Hollywood bidding for nasal, yodel- ers from the Blue Ridge, Ozurk and other mountain'chains. Republic is signing up mountain* eers for its 'National Barn Dance,* Paramount is seekint, the same type for 'Comin' Round the Mountain,' and Columbia is rounding them up for future uf/;.