Variety (Aug 1939)

Wcdnosday, August 30, 1939 PICTURE GROtS»SES VARIETY Whheman Boosts 'Hotel' to $21,000, Mpls.; 'Oz' % Rest in Doldrums Minneapolis, Aug. 29. ■Wi7.ai'd ot O?' is the current big boxofTice noise and seems to have a strangle hold on most of the avail- able business. It's State Fair Week, but trade otherwise is at a low ebb, none of the other attractions pos- sessing sufficient pulling power un- der present adverse . conditions to land in the winning column. Whiteman finished a sensational week Sunday, copping a remarkable $21,000 for the Orpheum. If he had oi>ened on the customary Friday, in- stead of on Monday, returns prob- ably would have been at least $1,000 to $2,000 more. After a whopping week at the . State, 'Stanley and Livingstone' has moved over to the Century for a sec- ond downtown seven days and seems likely to breeze through to fair re- turns. The Mikado' finishes a profitable four weeks' run at the World, with trade dwindling sharply. Esllinatcs for This Week .Asler (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)— 'Man Couldn't Hang' (Col) and 'Fot- gotten Women' (U), dual first rims, split with 'Woman Judge' (Col) and 'Hobby Family'. (WB), also dual first runs. Mild $1,200 in prospect. Last week, 'Prison Gates' (Col) and 'Saint London' (RKO), fair $1,500. Ceolury (Par-Singer) (1,600; 25- 35-40)—-Stanley' (20th) (2d wk). Moved here from State after big week there. Considerable slacken- ing of pace, but should breeze through to fair $4,000. Last week, 'Leading Citizen' (Par), $3,000, light. Gopher (Par-Singer) (998; 25)— 'Glamour' Girls' (M-G). Built to or- der for this house, which pulls the younger set. Climbing toward sat- isfactory $3,000. Last week, 'Indian- apolis' (WB), $3,000 okay. Granada (Par) (900; 25-35)— 'Chips' (M-G) split with 'Borrowed Time' (M-G). First neighborhood .showing.!; and 'Chips' a holdover, making full week's run. Nice $2,200 indicated. Last week, 'Daughters Courageous' (WB) split with 'Chips' (M-t:;), first nabe showings, $2,600, big. MInnesoU (Mpls. Co.) (4,000; 15- 30>—Should Husbands Work?' (Rep) —and -stage- show:—^Devoid -of—names and sock pull; $5,200, tepid. Last week. $5,500, mild. Orpheum (Par-Singer) (2,800; 25 35-40)—Coast Guard' (Col). In for four days, starting yesterday (28) and not expected to cut much iceV Will be lucky to better $1,000, Just a ttllcr between Paul Whiteman, who ended full week's run Sunday, and 'Folies Bergere,' which arrives Friday. Last week, 'Hotel Women' (20lh) and Whiteman on stage, $21,- 000. very big. Stale (Par-Singer) (2,300; 25-35- 40)—'Oz' (,M-G 1. Given huge adver- tising and exploitation campaign and theatre 0|)ens doors two hours earlier than usual. Reviewers raved and much word-o(-mouth praise from customers. Matinee trade particu- larly heavy, but night returns some- what. disappointing. Looks like good $9,000. Last week, 'Stanley' (20th), $8,200, big. Time (Gilman) (290; 25-35)—'Can't Take It' CCol) (reissue). Mild $700 looks about all. 'Clouds-Over Eu- rope' (Col) opens today (29). l,ast week. 'Rat' (RKO), $800, light World (Steffes) (350; 25-35-40-55) — Mikado' (Col) (4th wk). Slipping sharply, and bowed out after four days with light $500. 'Feathers' (UA) in today (Tuesday). Last week 'Mikado' took $1,900, okay after $.2,t 900 first, and $2,500 second week. 'MAID' TOPS B'KLYN, 30G 'Name Only'-'Chan' Good $18,060— 'Carnival' Dao $15,080 Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week. .$t,559,5«* (Based on 26 cities, 167 Ihea- tres, chie/ly first runs, iiicludtno N. Y.) ToUl Gross Same Week Last Year $1,S33,4M (.Based on 24 cities, 152 theatres) 'MAKER' $16,1 TOPS TEPID BUFF Buffalo, Aug. 29. This burg has blos.<!omed out with powerful pic programs currently, but mild results only are in prospect. 'Star Maker' is grabbing most of the laurels. Otherwise, moveovers, holdovers, and reissues are the order of the week, 'Oz' being . shunted to the Lakes for a tepid second session, 'Chips' ditto at the Hipp, while 'To- morrow' holds over strongly at the Lafayette. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 30-35-55)— 'Star Maker' (Par). Perking nicely and should see over strong $16,000. Last week 'Oz' (M-G), built nicely and went above expectations - for good $15,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3.000: 30-50) —'Oz' (M-G) moved over from the Bufi'alo for second week. Dull ses- sion around $6,500. Last week 'Stan ley' (20th), zoomed up to a fancy $11,500. Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 25-35)—'Chips' (M-G) (2cr run) and 'Night Work' (Par). Still nothing to brag about, and even double feature lo0ks to get soft $6,500. I..ast week 'Bachelor Mother' (RKO) (2d run) and 'Mir acles Sale' ("RMJ), fair $5,700. LafayeUe (Hayman) <3,300; 25 35)—'Tomorrow Comes' (U) (2d wk.) and 'Big Town Czar' (U) (1st wk). Excellent holdover business at $6,000 or over. I^st week 'Tomor -r-ow-Comes'-CUV-and-Inside-Informa-. tion-" (UV, sweet takings with $11,000, ZOth-Cenlury (Basil-Dipsoh) (3,000 15-25)—'Star Is Born' (20th) and 'Broadway Bill' (Col) (reissues) Lining up for so-so $2,500. Last week 'Mickey Kid' (Rep) and 'Wolf Call' (Mono), droopy $2,000. Brooklyn, Aug. 29. Heal wave departed and populace going to downtown deluxers once more. Socko biz this week at Fa- bian Paramount, which is offering 'Old Maid' and 'Million Dollar Legs.' RKO_ Albee strong this , stanza with ■ "Naine Only' and 'Chan Treasure Island.' Fabian Fox holding 'Beau Ceste' and 'Blondie Takes Vacation' a second week to good results. Estimates (or This Week Albee (3,274; 25-35-50) — 'Name Only' (RKO) and 'Chan Treasure Island' (20th). Nice $18,000. Last week, 'Stole Million' (Par) and 'Un- expected Father' (U) okay $15,000. Fox (4.089; 25-35-50)—'Beau Geste' (Par) and 'Blondie Vacation' (Col) (2d wk). Fine $17,000. Last week pair got splendid $20,000. Met (3,618; 25-35-50) — 'Winter Carnival' (UA) and 'Miracles for Sale' (M-G). Fair $15,000. Last week. 'Iron Mask' (UA) and 'Tidal Wave' (Rep) good $16,000, nine days. Paramount (4,126; 25-35-50)—'Old Maid' (WB) and 'Million Dollar Legs' (Par). Peacheroo $30,000. Last week. 'Each Dawn' (WB) and 'Cow- buy Quarterback' (WB) plus 'Sons of Liberty' (3d wk), nice ?14,000. 'Camivar-Vaude 12G Top Denver; Crosby $11,000, Rest Happy Denver. Aug. 29. Winter Carnival.' at the Denver, helped by a flesh show, is leading the grosses with a neat $12,000. 'Star Maker,' at the Denham, is in the next niche with a big $11,000. All first runs except one are plug ging along at better than average figure."!. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1.400: 25-40) 'Stanley'.(20th), following a week at the Denver, still good for a swell $4,000. Last week. 'Each Dawn' (WB) did normal $3,500. Broiidway (Fox) (1,100; 25-40)— 'Oz' (M-G) and 'Five Times Five (RKO) after a week at the Orpheum. Another h.o. with pep. Set for u.g. $4,500. Last week. 'Bachelor Mother' (RKO) and 'All Come Out' (M-G) did slightly better than usual with $3,000. Denbam ICockrill) (1,750: 25-35 40)—'Star Maker' (Par). Cramming in a big $11,000, and staying over four days. Last week, 'Heritage Desert' (Par), fell below average with only $5.0()0. Denver (Fox) (2.525; 25-35-40)— 'Carnival' (UA) and stage show Ringing up a nice $12,000. Last week, ■SUnley' (20th), excellent $11,000. Orpheum (RKO) (2.600; 25-35-40) —'Tropics' (M-G) and 'Rookie Cop' (RKO>. Good $9,800. Last week, 'Oz' (M-G) and 'Five Times Five' (RKO) topped town with $13,000, and was moved to the Broadway. Paramount (Fox) (2.200; 25-40) 'Blondie Vacation' (Col) and 'Exile Express' (GN). Average $3,500. Last week, 'Hells Kitchen' (WB) and 'Man Dared' (WB) above aver- age at $4,000. Rialto (Fox) (878; 25-40)—'Each Dawn' (WB) after a week each at the Denver and Aladdin, and 'Inside Information' (U). Fine $2,500 in store. Last week. 'Second Fiddle (20th), after a week each at the Den ver and Aladdin, and 'Secret Service' (WB) good $2,000. 'OZ' $4,500, LINCOLN Tomorrow* Fair $2,806 — 'Paris' Dual Okay $2,«0» Lincoln, Aug. 29. It's 'Wizard of Oz' by three lengths. Races opened at Fairgrounds track (26) and go straight through until Sept. 9, Race crowd, about as hefty as always, has never been much ot a show-biz killer, especially the 'Oz' type of pic. . Estimates for This Week Colonial (NTI-Noble-Monroe) (750; 10-15)—'Home Prairie' (Rep) and 'Fixer Dugan' (RKO), split.with Torchy in Chinatown' (WB) and 'Forged Passport' (Rep); Fair $800. Last week, - 'Smashing Spy. Ring' (Col) and 'West SanU Fe' (Col), split with 'Missing Daughters' (Col) and 'New Frontier' (Rep), $750, light. Lincoln (LTC-Cooper) (1,600; 10- 20-25r—'6,000 Enemies' (M-G) and 'Family Next Door' (U). So-so $1,700, Last week, 'Back Door Heaven' (Par) and 'Arizona Wildcat' (20th) split with 'Moto's Vacation' (20th) and 'Sorority House" (RKO), slim pick- ng all the way, $1,600. Nebraska (LTC-Cooper) (1,236; 10- 25-40)—'Oz' (M-G). Heading for $4,500, swell. Last week, 'Iron Mask' (UA), good $3,400 for six days. Stuart (LTC-Cbqper) (1,900; 10-25- 35) —Tomorrow Comes' (U). Fair, the women going, to get $2,800. Last week, 'Sim Never Sets' (20th) split with 'Leading Citizen' (Par), $2,700, fair for eight days. Varsity (N'H-Noble) (1,100; 10-20- 25)—'Girls Go Paris' (Col) and 'Out- side Walls' (Col). Pretty good $2,000. Last week, 'Coast Guard' (Col) and 'Annabel's Trip^ (RKO), slow $1,500. HEDY TROPICAL $18,500 IN Pin. Cagney-Raft Winning Combo, W/^ In 2 LA Houses; 'Stai' Maker' 15G, 'Oz'H.O. $11,200, Heat K.04> B.O. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week........ $3l9,0IH> (Based on 12 theatres) Total Gross Same Week Last Tear $293,7d« (Based on 12 theatres) CROSBYLEADING ZINGYHUB, $19,000 Pittsburgh, Aug. 29. This is holdover week, 'Oz,' 'When Tomorrow Comes' and 'Second Fiddle' are now in their second stanzas to mark the first time Penn, Fulton and Alvin have held their attractions simultaneously. Total gross for the Triangle will dip as a result. 'Lady of Tropics' will swing the Staiiley^lb^B'trest-gross'this sum- mer. 'Tropics' will also be helped by first of 'Dr. I. Q.' series broadcast over NBC Red net from the Stanley stage. Quiz program is set for a minimum of six Monday night broadcasts, and is figured to boost what is normally an off night down- town. Long delayed showing of 'Five Came Back' and 'Bridal Suite' at Warner is sending the house to best business of the summer, with 'Five Came Back' credited for most of the customer attention.. Estimates for This Week' AlvIn (Harris) (1,850: 25-35-50)— 'Tomorrow Comes' (U) (2d wk). Marking time at $4,200 after solid $10,500 first week. Fulton (Shea-Hyde) (1,700; 25-40) — 'Second Fiddle' (20th) (2d wk). Still in the black at $3,100. Regis- tered good first week at $6,400. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 25-35- 50)—'Oz' (M-G) (2d wk). Big drop- off from first week and will barely nose up to $8,000. Last week, close to $19,000 with terrific matinees making up for slack nights. Senator (Harris) (1,750; 25-40)— 'Wong Chinatown' (Mono) and 'News Night' (20th). New policy of first runs off to a wobbly start. House has been using revivals all summer. Only $1,300 in offing. Last week, 'Hotel Women' .(20th), moved over from Alvin for second week, okay $2,800. Stanley (WB) (3.600; 25-35-50)— 'Tropics' (M-G). Hedy allure spread over the dailies and drawing 'em. Monday night 'Dr. I. Q.' broadcast from stage over NBC Red net helped, too. Smash $18,500 in sight. Last week, 'Angels Wash Faces' (WB), mediocre $10,500. Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-40)—'Five Came Back' (RKO) and 'Bridal Suite' (M-G). Big results chiefly from advance gab in dailies on 'Five Came Back." ' Tliis bill originally scheduled weeks ago was "held up for repeated move-overs from Stan- ley and Penn. Socko $7,000. Last week, 'Feathers' (UA), moved from Penn, and in good shape at $0,500. O'Brien Suit Settled Los Angeles, Aug. 29. Pat O'Brien, freelance actor, ac- cepted an out-of-court settlement of his $500,000 conspiracy, suit against Warners studio. Pal O'Brien, WB star, Louclla Parsons and Jimmie I Fidler. I Amount of cash was not disclosed. Boston, Aug. 29. Biz generally good this week, with 'Star Maker' the heftiest grosser. Oz' holds over for second frame at the Orph and State; and 'Stanley and Livingstone' easily "won a third stanza at the Memorial. Picketing of M & P houses stopped Friday (25) with promise of negotia tions and recognition of Local B-4 of the lATSE. . Keith-Boston resumes vaude policy (same as last season), beginning Fri- day (1), with six acts and dual film biU for the four-day weekend, then straight film (double feature) for balance of week. Veterans of Foreign Wars annual convention here this week, and some extra transient biz is anticipated. ' Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 25-35-40-55) —'Street Missing Men' (Rep) and 'First Offenders' (Col), double, three days; and 'Wall Street Cowboy' (Hep) (1st run) and "Good Girls Paris' (Col) (2d run), dual, four days Headed for okay $5,500. Last week, 'Clouds Etirope' (Col) , and 'Chasing Danger' (20th) (2d run), dual, foiir days; and 'Five Came Back' (RKO) and 'Susannah' (20th) (both 2d run), double, three days, $4,100. Fenway (M&P) (1,332; 25-35-40-55) —'Magnificent Fraud' (Par) and 'Chicken Wagon' (20th). Okay cqmbo; around $5,500. Last week 'Island of Lost Men' (Par) and 'Lead ing Citizen' (Par), $4,500. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 25 35-40-55)—'SUnley' (20th.) (3d wk) and 'Unexpected Father' (U) (2d wk). Holding dandy pace towards $16,000. Last week, big $18,400. MelropollUn (M&P) (4,367; 25-35 40-55) —'Star Maker' (Par) and 'Drummond Bride' (Par). Taking top money to tune of $19,000. Last week, 'Angels Wash Faces' (WB)and 'Stolen Life' (Par), very poor $12,000. Orpheum (Loew) (2.900; 25-35-40- 55)—'Oz' (M-G) and 'Blondie Vaca- tion' (Col) (2d wk). Holdover is hitting dandy $18,000. Paramount (M&P) (1,797; 25-35- 40-55) —'Magnificent Fraud' (Par) and 'Chicken Wagon' (20lh). Fair $7,000 promised. Last week, 'Island Lost Men' (Par) and 'Leading Citi- zen' (Par), n.s.h. $6,000. Scollay (M&P) (2,538; 25-35-40-50) —'Hotel Women' (20th) and 'Island Lost Men' (Par) (both 2d run). Pal- lid $3,500. Last week, 'Each Dawn' (WB) (3d run) and 'Night Work' (Par) (2d run), $3,500, Stole (Loew) (3.600; 25-35-40-55)— 'Oz' (M-G) and 'Blondie Vacation' (Col) (2d wk). Taking around $11,- 500, okay. First week big $15,000. Davis-Hopkins Nab Great 15G, Balto; london'-Flesh 13G Los Angeles, Aug. 29. Extreme beat over weekend kept i;rosses down. 'Each Dawn I Die' and Star Maker" the town's best bets. 'Hotel for Women' just so-so at the day-date Fox West Coast acers. Of the holdovers, 'Oz' at Carthay Cir- cle and United Artists doing okay, and 'Stanley' in for another profit week at the Wilshire. 'Four Feathers' is keeping the Four Star boxoffice busy, where the Korda opus is in its .second week. Orpheum several thousand above normal, due to presence on stage ot Major Bowes' Fourth Anniversai'y unit. ... Estimates for This Week Carthay Circle (Fox) (1,518; 30- 40-55)—'Oz' (MG) (2nd week). Do- ing right smart on unusual move- over, this house taking regular ex- tended run place of Wilshire: Looks like healthy $6,200 for first week at. this spot, which should insure healthy stay. Last week, 'Mr. Chips' (MG), wound up with $1,600, after 14 weeks, two days run in town. Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,024; 30-40-55-75)—'Hotel Women' (20th) and 'Moto Vacation' (20th) dual. Geared for profitable $10,400. Holds extra two days. Last week, 'Oz,' in- cluding $2.20 preem, big $19,700. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-40-55- 65)—'Each Dawn' (WB). Cagney- Raft just the ticket for this down- town house, with lucrative $13,000 in sight. Holds a second week. Last week, 'Shall Have Music' (UA) and 'Cowboy Quarterback' (WB), just fair 8,000. Four Star (F-WC-UA) (900; 40- 55)—'Feathers' (UA) (2nd week). Holding firm and should hit $5,400 on second stanza, after first week of $7,000. Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55- 65)—'Each Dawn' (WB). Consider- ably behind its day-dater (Down- town), but at $9,600 okay and hoidj a second week. Last week, 'Shall Have Music' (UA) and 'Cowboy Quarterback' (WB), not very hot, $7,800. Orpheum (Bdwy.) (2,280; 30-40- 55)—'Almo.st Gentleman' (RKO) and 'Sweepstakes Winner' (WB) dual and Bowes unit on stage. Latter re- sponsible for most of $9,000 draw. Last week; 'Flying Irishman' (RKO) and 'Prophet' (MG) with Ted Lewis in person, terrific $21,000. Pantaces (Pan) (2,812; 30-40-55)— -IName-JJnly' (RKOJ-anrI 'Man They_ Could Not Hang' (Col) dual. Quite a letdown after past two weeks with about $10,000 in sight. Is holding for another try. Last week. 'Tomorrow' (U) and 'Unexpected Father* (U), second week excellent $9,000. Paramount (Par) (3,595; 30-40-55) —'Star Maker' (Par) and 'Exile Ex- press' (GN) dual. Back in running once more after several brutal weeks on straight sound policy. Crosby starrer helping for neat $15,000 and a holdover. Last week, 'Island Lost Men' (Par) and 'Night Work' (Par), very poor $4,500. UKO (2,872; 30-40-55) — 'Name Only' (RKO) and 'Missing Daugh- ters' (Col) dual. Lack ot marquee names militating against this pair so will have to be satisfied with $11,200. Holds. Last week (2d), 'Tomorrow' (U) and 'Unexpected Father' (U). big ${K100 on holdover. Stale (Loew-Fox) (2,414; 30-40-55- 75)—'Hotel Women' (20th) and 'Moto Vacation' (20th) dual. Just so-so $11,300, with a little on tap for extra two days bill will be held. Last week, 'Oz' (MG), neat $15,300. United ArtlsU (F-WC) (2,100; 30- 40-55)—'Oz' (MG) (2nd week). Very nifty on downtown moveover with around $5,000 in sight. Last week. 'Stanley' (20th) and 'Quick Million.s' (20th), fine $7,200, best for house in some time. Wilshire (F-WC) (2,296; 30-40-55- 65)—'Stanley' (20th) and 'Quick Millions' (20th) dual (3d week). Held over for second week at this house where it is on moveover from Chinese, and should add another $5,500 .lo terrific $9,300 previous stanza. Baltimore, Aug. 29. Nice going here in spite of pre- ponderance of h.o.'s. Off to a glow- ing start and continuing strong is "The Old Maid' at the Stanley which is utilizing its generous seating ca- pacity to good purpose for one of the biggest takes in .noons. Combo Hipp, celebrating its eighth anni- versary under direction of Izzy Rappaport, is also ringing the bell nicely with adroitly exploited stage portion bolstering 'Saint in London.' Rest of town, leaning on extended time for last week's okay product, holding up steadily. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 25-35-40)—'Oz' (M-G) (2d wk.). Con- tinuing to get good response at $9,- :000. First week, strong $12,200. I Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,205; '1.5-25-35-40-55-66) — 'Saint London' I (RKO) plus eighth anniversary stage 'show of six acts headed by Four Inkspots, Cliff Nazzaro and Sybil Bowan. Ringing the bell in pleas- ant style with okay $13,000. Last week, 'Blind Alley' (RKO) owing it all to flesh layout consisting of Rochester, Betty Grable and Fi-ankie Ma.sters, chalked up wow $17,100. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406; 15- 25-35-40)—Tomorrow Comes' (U) (2d wk.). Adding nice $5,500 to okay initial round of $8,300. New (Mechanic) (1,581; 15-25-35- 55)—'Stanley' (20th) (2d wk,). Still going strong with bullish $5,000 on top ot first week's $7,400. SUnlev (WB) (3,280; 15-25-35-40- 55)—'Old Maid' (WB). Oft to bango opening, and holding strongly in this spacious cla.ss house. Will total big $15,000 without much trouble and definitely go a second round. Last week, 'Each Dawn' (WB) forced into a .second stanza, added a tepid $4,- 900 to fairish opener of $10,800.