Variety (Aug 1939)

10 VARIETY PICTURE GROSSES Wedoesday, August lt>, 1939 Phflly Skids Again, But Hedy-Taylor Torrid $16,000;'Feathers Light 13G Philadelphia, Aug. 15. Ju.st as Philly was beginning to show signs of a pickup during the past few weeks, run of compara- tively weakie product hit this sesh and, combined with the high mer- cury, is making things look miser- able again. Weekends have been particularly bad this summer, with heat senjtling potential patronage to the seashore in droves. Past week- end was one of the worst. Showing the only real strength in town is 'Lady of the Tropics' at the Stanley. It's doing well, compara- tively, although not tremendous. It will hold over. Disappointer is 'Four Feathers' at the Boyd. It opened excellently last Wednesday (9), then tumbled immediately and failed to come back. Counted on pretty definitely for a double stanza, It's being pulled today at the com- pletion of a week and 'Wizard of Oz' IS being shot in. Fox, which pulled the unusual in holding over a pic and changing the vaude, is satisfactory. Second week of '£ach Dawn' is as good as first weeks of some other recent pix. Fox and Earle shift vaude policy after next week, Fox goes to straight films while the Earle drops its three-hour shows to the Capitol and picks up the flesh. With war threatening over, contract renewals between Warner Bros, and the Mu- sicians Union, Earle may shutter al- together in a few weeks. WB wants to drop its pit band at the Fox, which may cause the union to with- draw the Earle tooters. Estimates for This Week . Boyd (WB) (2,350; 32-42-57) — Teathers' (UA). Something of a disappointment Expected to earn a holdover, but going out at the com- pletion of a week today (Tuesday) in favor of 'Wizard of Oz' (M-G). Opened* big, but immediately fell off and failed to regain its stride; $13,000, so-so. Last week, 'Hardy Fever' (M-G) (2d week), $8,700, mild. Earle (WB) (2,758; 26-32-42)— 'Magnificent Fraud' (Par). N.g. at $5,700. Last week, 'Frontier Mar- shal' (20th), okay $6,000, better than anticipated. Fox (WB) (2,423; 32-37-42-57-68)— •Each Dawn" (WB) (2d week). Buddy Clark, Sybil Bowan, Three Sailors on the stage (1st week). Un- iisual h.o. of a film at a combo house here working out satisfactorily, al- though impossibility of holding last week's show hurt somewhat. Grab- bing $17,000, which is up to what some recent combos have garnered here on an initial try. Last week, •with Woody Herman's orch on the "boards, $24,000, socko. Karlton (WB) (1^066; 32-42-57)— 'Bachelor Mother' (RKO) (2d run). Kind of weak on the initial appear- ance at the Stanley, but doing slightly better in comparison here on the bounce. Set for $4,000, satis- factory. Last week, 'Mikado' (U) (2d run), about the same. Palace (WB) (1,100; 26-32-42) — •Second Fiddle' (20th) (3d run). Re- peating the mild response in earlier runs at about $4,000. Last week, •Daughters Courageous' (WB) (3d run), did very nicely at $5,000, Stanley (WB) (2,916; 32-42-57)— •Lady Tropics' (M-G). This is the week's strongie. Notices and w. of m. poor for the pic, but plenty of raves for Hedy. Very good at $16,000. Earning h.o.' Last week, 'Bachelor Mother' (RKO), was given eight days to ring up $15,000, weak. Stanton (WB) (1,457; 26-32-42) — •Hardy Fever' (M-G) (2d run). ' Slightly unusual product for this ac- tion house and hitting a medium Sace at $4,600. Last week, 'Iron [ask* (UA), fair $4,800. at $11,000 on second stanza after rousing $13,500 first week. TlvoH (FP-Can) (1,433; 25-40)— 'Man About Town' (Par) and 'Drum- mond' (Par). Good $3,400. Last week, 'Sun Sets' (U) and 'Kokomo' (WB), satisfactory $3,100.. Uptown (FP-Can) (2,761; 25-35-50) —'Feathers' (UA). Excellent $9,000 on h.o. after smash 11,000 on first and will hold third. IRON MASK'DUO NEAT $13,500 INDETROIT Detroit, Aug. 14. Better all-around product, plus resumption of work on 1940 models at local auto plants, is serving to offset somewhat continuance of in- fantile paralysis scare here. Latter situation is growing no better fast here, and parents themselves are re- maining away in droves as well as keeping kids away from public gath- erings, on advice of health authori- ties.. United Artists, shuttered since May, will return to fold Aug. 24 on single-pic policy. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40)— 'Hotel Women' (20th) (2d run) and 'Marshal' (20th) (2d run), dual. Both flickers moved here after sesh at Fox; headed for around $4,500, fair. Last week, $4,400, not too bad, for 'Stolen Million' (U) (2d run) and 'Saint in London' (RKO), former moved here from Fox. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40- 55)—'Stanley' (20th) plus 'Jones Family in Hollywood' (20th), dual. Heavy advance bally on former and looks like nice $18,500. Last week about $14,000 for 'Hotel Women' (20th) and 'Marshal' (20th). Michlcan (United Detroit) (4,000; 30-40-65)—'Iron Mask' (UA) plus 'Naughty but Nice' (WB), dual. Paced for fair $13,500. Last week, 'Chips' (M-G) (2d week), plus 'In- dianapolis Speedway' (WB), snared good $13,800 on fir.st holdover in house's history, following smash $22,000 first stanza, best since thea- tre went on duals year ago. Palms-State (UD) (3,000; 30-40- 50) — 'Winter Carnival' (UA) and 'They All Come Out' (M-G), dual. Looks like $S;200, fairish. 'Human Bondage' (RKO), revival, plus 'Mr. Wong' (Mono) pulled in $5,400, prfetty fair. Cagney-Raft-Dawn' Hefty 12G in Perking Baho; Citizen' OK 13G Toronto Has Prosperity; DawnV Bright $7,500 Toronto, Aug. 15. Ace product Is shooting up b.o. revenue here to an astonishing de- gree despite amusement park com- petition, floodlight baseball, roller- skating marathon, etc. Only attend- ance clips during the oast fortnight have been the weekly Thursday night Prom Symphony concerts at the U. of Toronto stadium. Into their second weeks are 'Good- bye, Mr, Chips' and 'Four Feathers.' Latter will go a third stanza; ditto 'Chips.' 'Each Dawn I Die' also comes as a refreshing revenue-pro- ■ducer at the Imperial, Canada's largest seater, where the b.o. sum- mer drought has been particularly noticeable. Estimates for This Week Imperial (FP-Can) (3,373: 25-35- 50)—'Each Dawn' (WB). Clipping along to an excellent $7,500, not smash, but unusual for any summer week. Last week, 'Naughty Nice' (WB) and 'Saint London' (RKO), good enough $5,600. Loew's (Loew) (2,611; 25-35-50)— 'Chips' (M-G) (2d wk). Tops town Baltimore, Aug. 15. Nice lift all around here with Stan- ley chalking up one of its best takes in weeks with 'Each Dawn I Die.' Combo Hipp is ringing the bell with a fullsome program consisting of 'Ca- reer,' Major Bowes' 'World's Fair Re- vue,' the Quints in 'Five Times Five' and current release of March of Time. Steady going for h.o. of 'Hotel for Women,' at New, which is cashing In on heavy daytime femme trade. Rest of downtowners also holding own with okay product. Estimates for This Week Centnry (Loew's-UA) (3.000; 15-25- 40)—'Feathers' (UA). Holding in good style on strength of advance ballyhoo to steady $10,000. Last week, second of 'Hardy Fever' (M-G), added okay $7,200 to buUislT opening round of $13,800. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2.205; 15-25-35-40-55-66) —'Career' (RKO) plus Dionnes in 'Five Times Five' (RKO); Major Bowes' 'World's Fair Revue' and current issue of M. of T. Combining to chalk up good $13,000. Last week, second of 'Bachelor Mother' and vaude. added fair $9,900 to initial go at $13,200. Keith's (Schanberger) (2.406; 15-25- 35-40) —'Leading Citizen' (Par). Maintaining fairish momentum to possible $5,000. Last week, 'Kokomo' (WB), mild $3,900. New (Mechanic) (1.581; 15-25-35- 55)—'Hotel Women' (20th) (2d wk). Nicely spotted for theatre's extra heavy femme following and holding to nice $4,000 after pleasing opener to $5,600. Stanley (WB) (3,280; 15-25-35-40- 55)—'Each Dawn' (WB), Pointing to rousing $12,000 for Cagney-Raft star- rer, best here in week."!. Last week, 'Magnificent Fraud' (Par), $2,900, very poor. 'Mother* Nice $3,200 As Lincoln's Topper Lincoln, Aug. 15. It's getting to be an old story, but the fact remains the Nebraska and Stuart are the only spots that pull them in here. Top money is going to 'Bachielor Mother' at the Nebraska, but its $3,200 take won't tax the theatre to capacity. Stuart's 'Oft the Record' is showing good strength at the wicket with a $3,000 week, ahead. The Links, local baseball club, are back from a road trip, meeting the Western league's better teams, and, along with the midget autos, is no help to the b.o. Estimates for This Week Lincoln (LTC-Cooper) (1,600; 10- 20-25) —'Service Deluxe' (U) and 'King Underworld' (WB). Not very exciting at contemplated $2,000. Last week, 'Miss Manton' (RKO) and 'Pirates of the Skies' (U), split with 'Naughty, Nice' (WB) and 'Chan' (20th), at the same pace with $1,800. Nebraska (LTC-Cooper) (1,236; 10- 25-40)—'Bachelor Mother' (RKO). Running evenly for. slightly over $3,200, good. Last week, 'Hotel for Women' (20th), $3,400, good. Stuart (LTC-Cooper) (1,900; 10-25- 35)—'Off Record' (WB). Okay $3,000 indicated. Last week, 'Four Feathers' (UA), $2,700, better than anticipated. Varsity (Noble-NTI) (1,100; 10-20- 25)—'Great Man Votes' (RKO) and 'Breaking Ice' (RKO). A disappoint- er, under $1,600. Last week, 'Black-, well's Island' (WB) and 'Beauty Ask- ing' (RKO), $1,800, pretty good. 'FEATHERS'SOLD IN Pin, BIG $18,000 Pittsburg, Aug. 15. Two holdovers downtown will keep the gross totals under par for the week, but they are sending the new entries to spanking business. Stanley is holding 'Each Dawn I Die' . and Warner 'Man in the Iron Mask.' Both stands will get by. First use of color in newspaper ad by theatre in some years in cam- paign for 'Four Feathers,' created considerable comment and Is helping lift Penn to solid business. 'Hotel for Women,' with benefit of Cosmopolitan campaign in Hearst sheet, will boost Alvin well above recent grosses. EstlmAtes for This Week AlvIn (Harris) (1,850; 25-35-50)— 'Hotel Women' (20th). Socko Cos- mopolitan ad campaign in Hearst sheet set this one oft on its right foot, and excellent $7,500. indicated. Best here in some time. Last week, 'Frontier Marshal' (20th), good $6,000. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 25-35-50) —'Four Feathers' (UA). Flying high on solid ad and exploitation cam- paign. First use of color in daily paper ads in some years. Headed for flourishing 18,000. Last week, 'Iron Mask' (UA), $14,500, good. Senator (Harris) (1,750; 15-25)— 'White Banners' (WB) and 'Second Honeymoon' (20th), spilt with 'Souls at Sea' (Par) and 'My Bill' (WB). Grinding out average $1,100: Last week, 'Can't Have Everything' (20th) and 'True Confession' (Par), split with "Brimstone' (M-G) and 'Room Service (RKO), aided by diving con- test on stage, good $1,500. Stanley (WB) (3,600; 25-35-50)— 'Each Dawn' (WB) (2d wk). Fair $8,500 in prospect for first holdover at this house in years. Last week, powerful $17,000. Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-35-50)— 'Iron Mask' (UA) (2d wk). Moved over from Penn and will hold up for fair $5,700. I^st week, 'Bachelor Mother' (RKO) (2d wk), built stead- ily to sock $7,000. PROY. TOBOGGANS, BUT 'CARNIVAL' OK $12,000 Providence, Aug. 15. Summer , blues are again in full swing as outdoor competish is prov' ing pic b.o. damper. Nearby 'Taun' ton dogrtr^ck, beaches and amuse ment parks are adding to woes. An' other stumbling block showed up this week with opening of Narragan- set race track yesterday (Monday) for summer season. Albee reopens Thursday (17) with 'Bachelor Motner (RKO). Estimates for This Week Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400: 25-35- 50)—'Feathers' (UA) and 'Blondie' (Col) (2d run). Heading for fair $3,000. Last week, .'Iron Mask' (UA) and 'Panama Lady' (RKO) (2d run), fairish $2,500. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 25-35-50)— 'Indianapolis Speedway' (WB) and 'Waterfront' (WB). Not drawing; poor $4,000. Last week, 'Hotel Women' (20th) and 'News Made Night' (20th), weak $4,000. . State (Loew) (3,200; 25-35-50) — 'Winter Carnival' (UA) and.'Mira- cles Sale' (M-G). Paced at satisfac- Mpk Picks Up as Legion Scrams; 30c Vaudiihner Sees Fair $6,000 tory $12,000. Last week, Teathers' (UA) and 'Blondie' (Col), good $13,500. Strand (Indie) (2.200; 25-35-50)— 'Island Lost Men' (Par) and 'Parents Trial' (Col). Slated for so-so $4,000. Last week, 'Magnificent Fraud' (Far) and 'Mutiny Elsinore' (Indie')', 'fair $5,200. OMAHA COOLS; GINGER HOT $5, Omaha, Aug. 15. Exhibs are welcoming cool weath- er, which is highly irregular for this time of year in these parts. Biz is alright, but back on . more normal plane after exceptional upswing last week. 'Bachelor Mother,' at Brandeis, Is town's best on comparative basis. 'Leading Citizen' is disappointing at the Orpheum. Estimates for This Week Avenne - Dnndee - Military (Gold- berg) (800-600-950; 10-25)—'Mikado' (U) and 'Cisco Kid' (20th), dual, split with 'King Turf (UA), 'Kid Kokomo' (FN) and 'Hound of Baskerville' (20th),.trip1er. Heading for $1,800. very nice. Last week, 'East Side of Heaven' (U) and 'Wonderful Night' (M-G), dual, split with 'SpiritCulver' (U) and 'Society Lawyer' (M-G), dual, $1,700, good. Brandeis (Singer-RKO) (1,250; 10- 25-35..40)—'Bachelor Mother' (RKO) and 'Saint London' (RKO). Town's best biz at $5,000. dandy. Last week. 'Each Dawn' (FN) and 'Girl Mexico' (RKO), $5i000;' very nice. Omaha (Blank) (2.000; 10-25-40)— •Chips' (M-G) (2d wk) and 'Hotel Imperial' (Par) (Istwk). Looks like $6,000. average. First week of 'Chips' and 'Boy Friend' (20th), $10,000, socko. Orpheum (Blank) (3,000; 10-25-40) — Leading Citizen' (Par) and 'Lady Kentucky* (Par). Fairish $8,000. Last week. 'Maisie' (M-G) and 'Hell's Kitchen' (WB), $8,500, satisfactory. Town (Goldberg) (1,250: 10-20-25) —'Texas Steers' (Rep) (1st run), 'Missing Daughters' ((iol) and 'King of Turf (UA). tripler, split with 'Nancy Drew' (FN),'Cisco Kid' (20th) and 'King Gamblers' (Par), tripler. Aiming at $1,200. alright. Last week, 'Western Caravan' (Col) (1st run), 'Kokomo' (WB) and ^Blind Alley' (Col), tripler, split with 'Panama Patrol' (WB) (1st run), 'Spirit Cul- ver' (U) and 'East Side Heaven' (U), tripler, $1,300, good. Schenck (Continued froi.i page 7) on the tentative accord with the lATSE, Schenck explained that the agreement depends on the action of the Labor Board. It the board designates some union other than the lATSE, the studios will sign an agreement with that group on the same terms, he said: A Lll Plug tor 20tb's PIx, Also Asked about his studio's new pro- ductions, Schenck mentioned 'The Rains Came' and 'Hollywood Caval- cade' as recently completed and said that the company would spend about $25,000,000 on ne.\t season's product —then remarked with a smile, 'If we have the money.' He fiew back to the Coast Saturday (12) stating he would immediately set at work put- ting the lATSE 'accord' on paper, but side-stepped a question when the contract might be signed. SAG's Interpretation Screen Actors Guild members in New York last week contradicted Schneck's assertions regarding the organization's possible liability in case of a strike. They pointed out that under California law the mem- bers of a non-profit corporation (such as the Guild) are not liable, just as members of a voluntary as- sociation are not liable under other state laws. In-case the Guild-went on strike, the studios would un- doubtedly have legal grounds for suit, it was admitted. But by the time the cases were tried and settled, the companies' l(jsses might run into many millions, while the entire SAG treasury they might' collect would amount to only a couple of hundred thousand, Minneapolis, Aug. 15. The slump which set in here dur- ing the American Legion state con- vention.last week, denting grosses all along the line, is loosening its grip somewhat Indications are there will be more for the rialto to cheer • about, than during prior seven days. An especially bright spot is the World, where 'The Mikado' clicked nicely in its initial session and is traveling at an even faster clip cur-, rently. Musical apparently is built to order for the class sure-seater. "Andy Hardy Gets Sprine Fever' sulTered with the others at the State last week, but did sufficienlly well nevertheless, to justify Its being moved over to the Century for a second loop canto. Its b.o. behavior continues good. The Minnesota, with its big .stage and screen show for bargain prices, will show ah improvement over last week, when it slipped sharplv. In 'Exile Express' huge de luxe "house has probably its best "ilm offering since it reopened four weeks ago. Orpheum has Paul Whiteman and Folies Bergere' on the horizon. Gayety opens for the season Aug. 25 with traveling burlesque shows. The MmncsoU State Fair also gets under way the same date, a' week earlier than usual, and will run 10 days in- stead of the former seven. The roller derby at the municipal Audi- torium continues to attract turn- away crowds of 10,000 nightly, and its engagement, originally scheduled for three weeks, will be extended an additional three-days.. Estimates for This Wecl: Aster (Par-Singer) (000; 15-25)— 'Island Lost Men' (Par) and 'Cow- boy Quarterback' (WB), dual first- runs, split with 'Bad Lands' (RKO) and 'Torchy Dynamite' (WB), also dual first-runs. Fair $1,400 in pros- pect. Last week, 'Ex-Ch.imp' (U) and 'Parents Trial' (Col), dual first- runs, mild $1,200 for six days. Century (Par-Singer) (1,600; 25- 35-40)—'Hardy Fever' (M-G) (2d wk). Moved here from State. Best received of any of the Hardv series to date, but was badly hurt first week by opposition from American Legion parades and outdoor show, night baseball and boat races, etc. Demonstrating considerable strength currently and aiming at good $5,000, making approximately $12,200 for the fortnight Last week, 'Unex- pected Father' (U), $2,500: poor. Gopher (Par-Singer) (1.600; 25)— 'Blondie' (Col). Another popular series at this house. Clicking almo.st as well as its two predeces.sors. Reaching for okay $2,500. Last vireek, 'Magnificent Fraud' (Par), $1,800 for six days, poor. Granada (Par) (900; 25-35)—'Man About Town' (Par) .solil with 'Daughters Courageous' (WB). First neighborhood showings; Nice $2,400 indicated. Last week, '.lunrcz' (WB), split with 'Girls Go Paris' (Col), $2,200, pretty good. MInnf ;ota (Mpls. Co.) (4.000: 15- 30)—'Exile Express' (GN) and stage show. Strongest picture house has had and pleasing stage entertain- ment A lot of show for little money and getting play from bar- gain hunters. Climbing toward fair $6,000. Last week, 'She Married a Cop' (Rep) and stage show, $5,200, poor. Orpheom (Par-Singer) (2,800; 25- 35-40)—'Bachelor Mother' (RKO). Well-liked picture and benefiting from critics praise and customer.s*^ word-of-mouth boosting. Set for 12 days and heading for fair $7,000. Last week, 'Stronger Desire' (M-G) and Rudy Vallee topping stage show, with Vallee greatly responsible for good, but disappointing, $14,000 in five days. Legion convention hurt this spot along with the others. Stale (Par-Singer) (2.300: 25-35- 40)—'Lady of Tropics' (M-G). Tay- ior-Lamarr combo getting attention from femmes in particular. Mixed comments on picture, however. Mati- nee trade holding ud better than night. Pretty slow $5,000 indicated. Last week, 'Hardy Fever' (M-G), 87,200, far under expectations, but fine considering adverse conditions and handicaps. Time (Oilman) (' 0: 25-35)— •Career' (RKO) (2d run). Shown first at Orpheum, where it ran only four days. Has had good notices and customers seem to like it, but its b.o. strength is negligible. Poor $600 indicated. Last week. 'Caval- cade' (20th) (reissue), out after four poor days, $300. World (Steffes) (350: 25-35-40-55) —•Mikado' (U) (2d wk). Ri?ht at home here with the carriage trade. Gaining momentum all ;he time and second week will be bigger than first. iSwell $3,200 in prospect. First week, $2,900, good. Rooney's Pop's Pact Hollywood, Aug. 15. Metro has signed Joe Yule, bur- lesque comic and father of Mickey Rooney, to a three-year contract. Yule is the third comedian plucked by the studios from downtown Los ■Angeles hurley houses, the others be- ing Eddie Collins and Bobby Wilson.