Variety (Aug 1939)

Wednesdaji August 30, 1939 PICTURE GROSSES VAItlETY 'Star Maker-Veioz & Yolanda Peppy mm, Chi; W Mighty $23,000, Ginger-Vande $24,800, Others Fine Chicago, Aug. 29. Loop picture business best this year. After last week's flock of hold- overs, most houses got new pictures this week. 'Wizard of Oz,' getting tha. heaviest exploitation of the crop, expects the heaviest play. In addition to regular publicity, prac- tically every local columnist has a Earagraph or two to say about it. ots of kids Uking up seats, but adults going for it, too. Chicago theatre expecting one of Its record weeks, billing Veloz and Yolanda over 'Star Maker,' but ex- pecting both the Bing Crosby film and the dance team to account for something near the top for this sea- son of the year. . 'Stanley and Livingstone,' after two good weeks at the Chicago, awitches for a third, and maybe inore, at the ApoUo. 'Bachelor Mother' at Palace is do- ing nicely. 'Unexpected Father' and Stroud Twins at the Oriental also okay. 'Lady of the Trdpics' is heading Into its third week at the Garrick after two good weeks at United Artists. State-Lake dependmg on vaude ^nd the Alcatraz billing of 'They AU Come Out.' • EstlDutes for This Week Apolio (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-C5-75) •-'Stanley' (20th). Third loop sesh. Should give house an excellent $8,- 000. Last week, 'Leading Citizen' Jpar), satisfactory $6,000. Chloaeo (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75) •^'Star Maker' (Par), with Veloz & Volanda on stage. Will land this liousA a senational $46,000. Last Vreek, second one for'Stanley' (20th), got a fine $33,000. Garrick (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) j-'Tropics' (M-G). In for its third loop-.week. Should give this small house a good session at $3,500. Last week, 'Each Dawn' (WB), did all right in its third loop sesh at $4,800. OrlenUI (Jones) (3,200; 25-40)— •Unexpected Father' (U) plus 'Clouds Over Europe' (Col) and vaudeville -fieaded-by-Stroud-Twins--The-three together should get $15,000, more than satisfactory. Last week, 'Ma- tt*' (M-G), 'Tarzan's Son' (M-G) and *tage show did an all right $13,000, d<»apit» both pictu res being second runs. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65-75) •-'Bachelor Mother' (RKO) and stage bill. Third week since house opened, and it looks like another Bood one with $24,800. Last week, Tolies Bergere' unit, in its second week, plus 'Stole Million' (U), ac- counted for a black-ink $20,000. Boosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55- ^5.75)_'Hotel Women' (20th). Set for $10,500. Better than good.. Last week, 'Winter Carnival' (UA) fair $9,000. SUte-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 25-40)— 'Come Out' (M-G) plus Armstrong- Ambers fight film and vaude. Fairly Satisfactory $11,500. Last week, Tlve Came Back' (RKO) and vaude, $12,000. United ArllsU (B&K-M-G) (1,700; 85-55-65-75)—'Oz' (M-G). SUnd- . out $23,000. Last week. Tropics' (M-G) (2d wk.), nice $12,300. Omaha Kids Give 'Oz Great $10,000; Stunt Hypos Time' to 8iG Omaha, Aug." 29. Heavy matinees pushing 'Wizard «t Oz' to a smash $10,000 at the Omaha with possibility of holdover or extra days. . Sponsored 'Quiz Lab' on stage of Orpheiun one night helping Manager 9111 Miskell to $8,500, »;ood. Deal is quizzer show handled by a local radio station and first attempt looked very satisfactory. 'Little world seri^' here during week'not helping any. Estimates for This Week Avenne-Dandee-Military (Gold- berg) (800-650-950; 10-25)—'Mr. Lin- coln' (20th) and 'Tarzan Son' (M-G), dual, split with 'Little Women' (UA- reissue), 'Career' (RKO) and 'King Chinatown' (Par), tripler, good $1,700. Last week, 'Washington Square* (20th) and 'Juarez' (WB). dual, split with "Girls Go Paris' (Col), 'Code Streets* (U) and 'Secret Service' (WB), tripler, $1,800, nice. Brandeis (Singer-RKO) (1,250; 10- 25-35-40)—'Sun Never Sets' (U) and Stole Million' (Par). So-so $4,500. Last week, second Stanza of 'Bache- lor Mother* (RKO) and 'Saint Lon- don' (RKO), good for $4,000, all right, after first week of $6,000, swell. Omaha (Blank) (2,000; 10-25-40)— "Oz (M-G) and 'Torchy Mayor' (WB), Heavy matinees and kids ...helpmg to $10,000, terrific. Last week, 'Tropics* (M-G) and '6,000 Enemies' (M-G), $7,500, good. Orphenm (Blank) (3,000; 10-25-40) —'Borrowed Time' (M-G) and 'Some Like Hot' (Par). Aiming at $8,500,' nice. Last week, 'Stanley* (20th) and 'Could Happen' (20th), $9,000, dandy. Town (Goldberg) (1,250; 10-20-25) —'Timber SUmpede' (RlCO), "King Chinatown' (Par) and 'Girls Go Paris' (Col), tripler; split with 'Man Who Dared' (WB), 'King Kong* (RKO-reissue) and 'Mr. Lincoln' (20th), tripler. Headed for $1,200, good. Last week, 'Colorado Sunset' (Rep), 'Code StreeU' (U), and 'Secret Service of Air' 'WB), tripler, split with .'Washington Square' (20th), 'Juarez* (WB) and 'Chasing Danger* (20th), tripler, $1,300, nice. W $8,000, Dawn' 7(i, Port.; Vaude Set (or 3 Houses Portland, Ore, Aug. 29, 'Wizard of Oz' is the big money- maker at Parker's UA, topping the grosses and set in that house for some tima to come. The UA's last winning pic, 'When Tomorrow Comes,* moved to the Mayfair for a successful second week. . 'Each Dawn I Die' is ringing up a forte $7,000 at Parker*s Broadway. Resumption of variety shows here is hitting a new high, with more houses becoming interested in vaude. Hamrick-Evergreen Theatres con- cluded a deal to turn over the Or- pheum to John Danz of Seattle, who immediately announced that the Or- •pheum,— under—iiis—management,' would go in for a vaudfilm policy. The house rates among the four leading spots in the burg. On the heels of the Danz an- nftiinppmpnt, H a m r i p lf-TCv<> rgrppn hastened to acquire a new house, the Pix, which has been running inde- pendently with vaudfilm. The Pix will become a first-run spot, using variety acts. This will make three vaudeville houses, the third being the Capitol with a two-bit admish and subsequent run pix. Besides, there are two or three grinds with girl shows. Altogether it's the big- gest vaude payroll seen here for many years. Estimates for Tliis Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-35- 40)—'Each Dawn' (WB) and 'Hobby Family* (WB). Opened with a bang for great first week around $7,000, and will hold. Last week, 'Tropics* (M-G) and 'Man Dared' (WB) held 11 days for strong $8,500. Mayfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,500; 30-35-40)—'Tomorrow Comes* (U) and 'Miracles Sale* (M-G). Doing nicely at $2,800 following first big week at the UA. Last week, this house turned legit with "Tobacco Road' in for eight sell-out perform- ances at $1.65 top, closing for ter- rific $14,000. Orphenm. (Hamrick-Evergreen) (1.800; 30-35-40) — 'Coast Guard' (Col) and 'Parents Trial' (Col). Average results at $3,500. Last week, 'Leading Citizen' (Par) and 'Island Lost Men' (Par) also did fairly at $3,300. Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen) (3,000; 30-35-40) — 'Hell's Kitchen* (WB) and 'Million Dollar Legs* (RKO). Average $4,500. Last week, 'Bachelor Mother*. (RKO) and 'Ca- reer* (RKO) ended a bang-up sec- ond week for good $4,200. First week, big $7,000. United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 30- 35.40)—'Oz' (M-G). Answered at once to- bang-up" exploitation and into the top money from the start. First week rated big $8,000, and pic will hold for a run. Last week, "To- morrow-Comes' (U) and 'Miracles Sale' (M-G) did nicely at $5,300 and moved to the Mayfair. Hudson River Goes HVood Hollywood, Aug. 29. Hudson River moves into the 20th- Fox studio this week, prompted by night-and-d^y construction gangs, as backgrountf for tte high-budget pro- duction, 'Little Old New York.' On. the synthetic river will float a replica of Robert Fulton's first steamboat, Clermont, making her maiden voyage. E/Jdiing sUrts Sept. 18 on a set occupying 30 acres. First Runs on Broadway (Subject to Change) Week of Aug. 31 Astor—'Goodbye, Mr. Chips* (M-G) (16th wk ). J Capitol—'Wizard of Oz* (M-G) (3d wk.). Criterion — These Glamour Girls* (M-G) (30), Globe — 'Angels Wash Their Faces' (WB) (2). Music Hall—'Fifth Ave. Girl* (RKO) (2d wk.). Palace —,'Chan at Treasure Island* (20th). . (Reviewed in Variety, Aug. 23) Paramount^'Star Maker*(Par) (30). (Reviewed in Variety, Aug. 23) Rivoll —r 'When Tomorrow Comes' (U) (3d wk.). Boxy — 'Adventures of Sher- lock Holmes' (20th) . (1). Strand — 'Old Maid' (WB) (4th wk.). . Week of Sept. 7 Astor—'Goodbye, Mr. Chips' (M-G) (17th wk.). Capitol—'Wizard of Oz* (M-G) (4th wk.). Criterion—'Payment Deferred' (M-G). Music Hail — 'Golden Boy' (Col). (Reviewed in Variety, Aug. IS) Paramount—'Star Maker'(Par) (2d wk.). Blalto—'Traffic Fury' (U) (5). B i ▼ o 11 — 'When Tomorrow Comes' (U) (4th wk.). Strand—'Dust Be My Destiny' (WB) (8). (Reviewed in Variety, Aug. 16) Cagney-Raft $9,000 In Prov., 'Glamour' OK Providence, Aug. 29. Turnstiles are playing a merry tune hereabouts despite high humid- ity. 'Each Dawn I Die' is helping the Majestic to one of the biggest weeks in a long time. 'Bachelor Mother* is holdover at Albee, while 'Wizard of Oz' switches to Carlton for second downtown week. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 25-35-50)— J&cJlelpxJ«atter:-iBKJ3J_an(lJSaint London' (RKO) (2d wk). Holding own nicely for good $4,000. Last week, swell $8,500. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 25-35- 50)—'Oz' (M-G) (2d run). Strong -enough-for-hefty-$5;000:—fcast-weefcr 'Winter Carnival' (UA) and 'Miracles Sale''(M^G) (2d run), fair $2,500. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 25-35-50>— 'Each Dawn' (WB) and 'Man Who Dared* (WB). Matataihing snappy pace for swell $9,000. Last week, 'Livingstone*'(20th) and 'Quick Mil- lions' (20th), hefty $8,500. State (Loew) (3,200; 25-35-50)— 'Glamour Girls' (M-G) and 'Couldn't Hang' (Col). Good $11,000 spotted. Last weck,'Oz' (M-G), grand $14,000. Strand (Indie) (2,200; 25-35-50)— 'Leading Citizen' (Par) and 'Drum- mond's Bride* (Par). Not attracting too much attention, but still good for okay $6,000. Last week, 'Night Work* (Par) and 'This Man News' (Mono), weak $3,000 in six-day run. Many Bway Hddover^ But Biz Good; '5th Ave. Girl' Sod $100,000, '01dMaid'43G3d,WBig51G2d Product strong enough to pull lustily despite h.o. sessions is giving New York a rosy appearance this week. Sole new standout is 'Fifth Avenue Girl,* at the Music Hall, pro- viding plenty of liftrwith slightly over $100,000 in prosoiect. Touch of cool weather after—Friday's down- pour proved sufficient impetus to overcome big attendance at the Fair and any interest evidenced'in the war crisis. Holdovers include the Capitol, Astor, Rivoli and Strand. Strand apparently is headed for a four-week house record, aiming fo>- $43,000 on the third week with 'Old Maid. Business indicates the old record made by 'Angels With Dirty Faces,' with Ted Lewis band, last fall, will be topped. Second week of $45,000 plus $50,000 first week gave combo impetus to beat record, 'Wizard of Oz* continues to feel th J strength of stage appearances by Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland with a hefty $51,000 or higher likely for the holdover. Rooney goes to the Coast after Wednesday's shows, Bert Lahr and Ray Bolger, of the film's cast, joining Miss Garland (also in the cast) on the stage for a third week and probably fourth session. Rivoli is doing $22,000 in the sec- ond week of "Tomorrow Comes' after $33,500 for the initial week. Picture is set for two more weeks, with 'Real Glory' coming in Sept. 13. Estimates for This Week Astor (1.012; 25-40-55-65)—'Chips' (M-G) (16th week). Set for $10,500 In its 15th week, which ended Mon- day night (28). British-made film turned in better than $11,000 previ- ous week. Capitol (4,520; 25-35-55-85-$1.25). —'Oz* (M-G), with Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland on stage.. Picture plus pop juvenile combination going great to around $51,000, after $64,000 first week. Holds third week end pp&sibly longer, with Bert Lahr and Ray Bolger going in as Rooney re- turns to Coast after Wednesday; Miss Garland continuing. Criterion (1,662; 25-40-55)—'Death of-ehampionM'Par^i-Prctly bad-wltlr not more than $5,000 in sight. Previ- ous week, 'Lost Men* (Par), $6,000, just fair. Globe (1,700; 25-35-55) — 'Coast -Guar4'-(Col-).—Slick-47,500-or-overr okay, profit.. Last week, 'Prison Gates' (Col) a measly $5,500. Palace (1,700; 25-35-55)—'Marshal' (20th) (2d run) and 'Spellbinder' (RKO) (1st run). Showing slight improvement over recent dual combos at $6,500. Completion of new lobby last Friday gives Palace slickest face-lift along stem. This combo closes tonight (Wed.) and then 'Name Only' (RKO) (2d run) and 'Chan Treasure Island' (20th) (1st run) comes in. Paramonnt (3,664; 25-35-55-88-99) —'Star ' Maker* (Par) and Larry. Clinton band. Opens this morning (Wed.) on regular change "day. 'Leading Citizen^ (Par) and Jimmie Lunceford band garnered $25,000 in 'Angels Faces' $4,500, Louisville 'Glamour' Okay $5,500, 'Sherlock' and 'Oz' H. O. Wobbly—B. O. Bullish Louisville, Aug. 29. 'Stanley and Livingstone' is prov- ing to be the outstanding film of the current week, and is receiving sup- port from many sources, among them hearty recommendations .from relig- ious groups. 'Wizard of Oz' on moveover at the Brown not up to expectations. ' 'An- gels Wash Their Faces,' at the Mary Anderson, is pulling the following which usually patronizes Dead End Kid pics, and pacing for okay re- turns. Nights are cooler now, and out- door competish, such as league base- ball, swimming, softball, and the like are on the way out fast, leaving the going much easier for downtown first runs. Estimates for This Week Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) (1,000; 15-30-40)—'Oz' (UA). Only about $2,000 in sight on moveover from Loew's State, where pic had a bumper week. Last week, 'Iron Mask' (UA) and 'Woman Judge' (Col), lijht $1,600 on' moveover. Kentucky fSwitow) (900; 15-22)— 'Susannah' (20th) and 'Kid Kokomo' (WB), split with 'Five Came Back' (RKO) and 'Sorority House' (RKO). Will take around $1,C00. Last week, 'Mr. Lincoln' (20th) arid 'Invitation Happiness' (Par), fair $1,500. Loew's State (Loew's) (3,100; 15- 30-40)—'Glamour Girls' (M-G) and 'Man Couldn't Hang' (Col). Pacing at average rate to fair $5j500. La.<;t week, 'Oz' (M-G) exhibited volumi- nous $11,500, which was considerably above expectations. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000: 15-30-40) — 'Angels—-Wash - - -F-aces- (WB). Dead End Kids strong enough as single, and, with frequent audi- ence turnover, should cop good $4,- 500. Last week. 'Brother Rat' (WB)' and 'One Way Passage' (WB) (re- issues), tallied comfortable $3,100. Bialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; 15- 30-40)—'Stanley* (20th) and March of Time. A natural for family trade, and deriving potent support from, church-going element. Pacing the town for top money, $7,500, very good. Last week, 'Citizen' (Par) and 'Night Work' (Par), well exploited and responded with fair $5,500. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15- 30-40>—'Sherlock Holmes' (20th) and 'Old. Monterey' (Rep). This pair hardly potent enough for downtown trade, and particularly at these prices. Pointing to low $2,500. Last week, 'Eagle and Hawk' (Par) (re- vival) and 'Island Lost Men' (Par), displayed surprising draught to tab fine $4,000. previous week, mild. Combo in for only week as per sked. Badio City Music Hall (5,980; 40- 60-84-99-$1.65) — 'Fifth Ave. Girl' (RKO) and stage show. Aided by two big days at outset, countup looks over $100,000, mighty good and in- suring a second Week. Last week 'Name Only' (RKO) hit $88,000 in third and final stanza, great after $84,000 in second week. Blalto (750; 25-40-55)—'Mummy* (U) coupled with.'Raven* (U), both reissues. Dual horror combo opened bigger than recent first runs on Monday (28) after. 'Conspiracy* (RKO) had been yanked after six days. Fair $5,000 turned in for 6-day session. Bivoii (2,092; 25-55-75-85-99)^'To- morrow Comes' (U)i Traveling along at steady gait, with about $22,000 in prospect for second week, and holds over for two more weeks. Picture got over $33,000 first week, mighty fine considering opposition and sea- son. Boxy (5,836; 25-40-55-75)—'Hotel for Wothen' (20th) and stage show.. Tepid pace for this one, with $30,000 tops, and it ducks after a single week. 'Sherlock Holmes' (20th) in next. Last week 'Stanley* (20th) got around $26,000 third lap,, neat profit following okay $38,000 on the second week plus $52,(>00, open- ing stanza, n ' SUte (3,450; 35-55-75)—'Iron Mask* (UA) (2d run) plus Bunny Berigan band and Al Tranan on stage. Close to $25,000, neat takings, best in some time. Previous week, 'Hardy Spring lP«rer' (M-G) (2d run) and (George Jes^l stage appearance, $22,000, highest In several summer weeks here. Stnmd (2,767; 25-50-55-7."'-85-99)— 'Old Maid* (WB) and Heidt band (3d week). Headed for healthy $43,< 000, which means a fourth week for this combo and i>pssibly a house rec- ord for four weeks. Bette Davis- Miriam Hopkins vehicle credited with ringing up $45,000 in second stanza with initial week's $50,000. Old record held by 'Angels With Dirty Faces' (WB), about $51,000, -iKas _MEg5L_by _ ls5t_ Jl!).8sfeigiyj.ni__ week. '^Dust Be My Destiny' (WBV and Ozzie Nelson band comes in after fourth session of present com- bination. GLENN MILLER UPS 'CARNIVAL' TO 22^26, D.C. Washington, Aug. 29. Glenn Miller orcfi at Capitol coupled with 'Winter Carnival' and 'Four Feathers' at Palace are only things that appear to count this week and they're mopping up for the two Loew spots. Miller, who is proving an even bigger magnet than theatre hoped, is solidly in front. 'Feathers' is strong second and a good $3,000 ahead of its nearest rival. Just as profitable if not as spec- tacular, however, is holdover of 'Old Maid' and complete vaude bill at Earle. Only other new pic is 'Coast Guard' doing average at Met, WB usual repeat spot. Estimates (or This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 25-35-40-66) —'Winter Carnival' (UA) and vaude. Glenn Miller orch knocking town for a loop and pulling bill toward swell $22,500. Last week 'Glamour Girls' (M-G) and annual local -flesh revue, fair $14,500. Colombia (Loew) (U34; 25-40)— 'Hotel Women' (20th) (2d run). Back downtown after mild stay at CapiitOl;-and'wbn't"b'elIenigh'l'$3;000:"' Last week 'Hardy Fever' (M-G) (2d run) slipped to still good $4,800. Earle (WB) (2,216; 25-35-40-66)— 'Old Maid' (WB) and vaude (2d wk.). Holdover of complete bill headed for profiUble $14,500. Last week same program took beauteous $23,000. Keith's (RKO) (1,830: 35-55)—'To- morrow Comes' (U) (2d wk.). Hold- ing to good $7,000. Last week same pic overshot expectations for big $12,000. Met (WB) (1.600; 25-40)—'Coast Guard' (Col). First run in repeat spot is the kind of new pic clientele supports and will see okay $4,500. Last week 'Each Dawn' (WB) (2d run), average $4,700, Palace (Loew) (2,242; 35-55)— 'Four Feathers' (UA). Only big new celluloid in town this week. Will see nice $18,000. Last week, 'Stan- ley' (20th) (2d wk.), held to good $9,200.