Variety (Aug 1939)

W4>«1nes<Iay, August 30, 1939 LEGITIMATE GROSSES VARIETY 43 Xavalcade Cracks Its Record, Tops $38,000m27thFriscoWk;;Folies34G San Francisco, Aug. 29. disappointing and unexpected fold- ing last week of 'Grpat American Family' at the Curran after only two weeks was counterbalanced by the exposition's 'Cavalcade' sharing over $38,000, heaviest since it opened 27 weeks ago.. 'Family,' quiet home saga dependent on word-of-mouth buildup, could not hold out against the terrific rivalry of the Negro 'Swing Mikado' next door, 'White Cargo revival at the Alcazar, sold- out, "Ice Follies' at Dreamland, re- juvenated Treasure Island and un- usual run of top-drawing films. II will be followed at the Curran, after three dark weeks, .by revival of 'Des- ert Song,' starring Perry Askam and produced by Cecil Stewart, which opens Sept. 18. 'Cargo' revival by new Alcazar stock'company, headed by Carol Nason and Mort Milman, did surprising good biz at pop prices in its second week. Estimates for Last Week The Great American Family,' Cur- ran (2d-nnal week) (1,770; $2.20). Lee Shippey opus folded Saturday (2.")) night after a meagre $5,000 for last week. Undecided whether •Family' will follow original plans of hitting Broadway this fall. 'The Swine Mikado,' Geary (3d week) (1,550; $2.20). Although down $1,000 from preceding stanza, third week's pull of $8,200 still plenty nifty for this Paul Posz reincarna- tion of the ex-Federal theatre's Treasure Island hit. Original scheme to lake company on the road Sun- day (27) postponed when continuing strong take justified at least two more weeks at the Geary. TREASURE ISLAND 'Cavalcade of Golden West,' Caval- cade (27th week) (5.000; $1.10), Ex- ,>i po's outdoor spectacle garnered over ' I'da.OOO to beat its own previous best, $37,900, established last week. For second successive week show nosed , out parking lot: concessioji as top , money-maker on the Island. 'Folic* Bergere,' California Audi- torium (3d week) (3,300; 75c). Frenchy musicomedy fell a bit from la.st week s high, but still nabbed a rosey $34,000. REVIVAL 'White Cargo,' Alcazar (2d week) (1,250; $1.10). Still good for steady trade after all the.se years. Sellouts becoming more common as 'Cargo builds each week. Last session out- drew opener with fine $4,500, while current week will probably top this by several hundred. 'OUTWARD' WEAK $3,800 IN nNAUNG IN L. A. Los Angeles, Aug. 29. Biltmore Is again dark after two very ordinary weeks with 'Outward Boun3,' presented on the Coast by the Stage League, in association with William A. Brady. 'Great American Family,' scheduled to follow, may or may not come in. Opus, presented by Homer Curran and Luther Green, closed Saturday night (26) after two iinsatisfactory weeks at the Curran, San Francisco. Plan is to lay oft several weeks at least. "The Mikado—in Swing' continues to attract satisfactory grosses to El Capitan, where the all-Negro revue is now in its fourth week. Thank Your Lucky Stars,' farce starring Virginia Pine, Eddie Grib- bon and Rita Owen, debuted Satur- day (26) at the Belasco. EsUmates for Last Week 'Outward Bonnd,' Biltmore (2d- final week) (D-1,546; $2.20). Folded Saturday (26) to weak $3,800. House dark for couple of stanzas at least 'Mikado—In Swing,' El Capitan. Hollywood (R-).405; $1.65). Keeping on profit side with another $8,000, very good. 'Labor Pains,* Mayan (6th week) (D-300; $1.65). Mov?d (23) after few unprofitable . weeks at the Musart. In. for tentative two weeks If co-op venture can make grade. Last week, pretty bad $500. Hobn Improving John Cecil Holm, who has been ill for several months at" Gaylord Sanatorium,'. Wallingford, Conn., : reported considerably improved. He IS understood planning to leave soon ^or Cape Cod to convalesce. Author of 'Three Men on a Horse' (With George Abbott) and 'Fou <-enU a Word' (upproduced), he i.. not believed to have any immediate *'i'»t)ng plans. 'BROWN DANUBE' BLACK Eiitch Ge(9 Profitable $6,500 with 'Anschluss' Drama Denvisr, Aug. 29. An average week for 'Brown Danube,' story of the Nazi conquest of.Austria, at the Elitch summer the- atre here. Play, produced by Bon- fils & Somnes on Broadway last sea- son, caused lot of. favoraible co)n- ment. Estimate for Last Week 'Brown Danube,' Elitch (1,525; $1.25). Three sellouts in next-to-last week of season brought $6,500, Springtime for Henry,' current, is the finale. Mrs. Flanagan, Off U. S. Rolls, Devoting Tune To Writing and Lecturing Hallie Flanagan, ex-director of WPA's defunct Federal Theatre Project, has advi.<:ed friends she defi- nitely is ofl; the Government payroll. It had been reported that she would become an olTicial of the National Youth Administration and that the latter's vl."!ual education department would include some stage activities of FTP. Mrs. Flanagan makes no mention of NYA and says she will devote the next year to writing and lecturing. For at least the' coming semester she will not be on the faculty of Vassar College, where she instructed in drama prior to the WPA berth. Mrs. Flanagan had-secured a'number of leaves of absence from the college, but was required to designate by April 1 last whether she would re- turn to. Vas!;ar for 1939-40. She an- swered negatively, believing then that FTP would continue. There are sporadic meetings of various ex-FTP groups with the idea of finding out what chance, there is to re-enroll on the WPA. A body of 300 supervisors is aLso attempting to collect salary in lieu of vacations which they lost through the FTP fold.. However, the attorney who filed the claims has not yet secured favorable reaction from Washington. WPAers in the theatre end who filed applications to enroll in NYA have as yet received no word as to whether they are eligible, although the enforced 30-day layoff for those who had been on the payroll for 18 months expires tomorrow (Thurs- day). TOBACCO'A SMASH AT $13.300,9 SHOWS, PORT. Portland, Ore., Aug. 29; 'Tobacco Road,' with John Barton in the lead, registered a smash $13,- 300 . in nine performances over five days here last week at $1.65 top- Particularly good, since Portland hasn't been known to be a legit town, and way over advance esti- mates. It was a repeat for the show, hav- ing played here several years ago. Unable to extend the stay becau.se of commitments, show played a mid- niter Friday (25) for its finale. Fay Fnlsifer has completed "These Sophistocrats' and is already at work on the book for a musical comedy, 'Once Upon a Good Time.' Hans Bartsch agent. William Henry Duncan has com- pleted 'At the Nosegay,' comedy with an English locale during 1772. Richard Brinsley Sheridan is the principal' character, Jane Hinton has been commis- sioned by Dr. Saul C. Colin to trans- late and adapt Pirandello's 'Trovarsi' for production this season. Rights for the play were formerly held by Gilbert Miller. Marta Abba is now mentioned to star. Miss Hinton, in private life Mrs. Howard Ellis Smith, is a 'film writer. Morley Callahan, novelist, has written his first play, 'Turn Again Home,' a drama, which Pat Duggan is handling. Samuel Taradasb, who did the screenplay for 'Golden Boy,' has completed a new drama, 'Aftermath,' Pat Duggan has it. Future Plays 'Mornings at Seven,' new comedy by Paul Osborn, leads oti Dwighl Deere Wiman's fall schedule. Joshua Logan will direct and rehearsals are planned for Sept. 1. A road tour will precede an Octtber preem. 'Dcalli in the Dovc-co(c,' Rosalind Ivan's adaptation of Q. "Patrick's mystery novel, 'Murder at the Wo- rnan's City Club.' is to be produced in London by Basil Foster. Show will go .into rehearsal within a few days .unless war breaks out.. Author- ess has been playing Mrs. Gibbp in various .<:trawhal revivals of 'Our Town' this summer. '39-40 Legit Year .Continued from pace 41. Weather Relief Ups B'way B.O,s; 'Scandals' Chances OK, Hellz' 29G, 'Paris,' Tlfay Improve to $21,000 Ethel Barrymore Play Off at M^lewood, 5G Maplewood, N. J., Aug. 29. Ethel Barrymore in 'The Constant Wife', did not fare as well last week at Maplewood. theatre, Maplewood, N. J., as she did in 'Whiteoaks,' in which she starred here a few weeks ago. Intense heat was a factor. Crix loud in their praise, however. Current is Edward Everett Hor- ton in 'Springtime for Henry.' Estimate for Last Week 'Constant Wife,' Maplewood (1,420; 25-$l), Fell short, doing $5,000. 'SCANDAIS'22G IN HUB FINALE ment of the stagehands' jurisdiction. Late Jast week telegrams were sent to every local to the effect that lA had to give a charter to' the disputed American Federation of Actors to protect the lATSE itself,' and the locals were ordered to see < that ac- tors .joined AFA. Under the char- ter given the latter from lA all per- formers are included. Indicated the lA is flaunting the order from the American Federation of Labor to re- scind the AFA charter. The Hellywood B.R. Hurdle The new financing arrangement between Hollywood anld Broadway is still in abeyance, although getting nearer consummation a.<: detailed on page 2 of this issue. It had been confidently expected that a new financing accord between pictures and legit would at least start the wheels churning. Further nego- tiations are due this week, princi- pally between the film proponents and the.Dramatists Guild but, with the summer about to end, the agree- ment's consummation is behind time. There are other.factors that may not be immediately important but, un- less there is an agreement reached soon,.at least a portion of the new season's legit production plans will be further shelved. Fros and Cons on Strawhats -Fertility chances for material and talent based on summer tryouts, in- dicate a difference of opinion among picture people. Film scouts say that the rural showings are better than usual, as was earlier indicated, but others are not excited over the prospects. Known that several tal- ent hunters have flocks of tests scheduled. Seasonally there has been much ado over the events in the hideaways but Hollywood has obtained far more sustenance from shows regularly produced on Broad- way than in the sticks. Managers generally have refu.sed to strip off their coats and hustle. Legit producers a.<;sociation has a number of issues to be taken care of, but last week when a session was called a quorum could not be se- cured. Another attempt will be made this week. The showmen have the authors' agreement to mull if and when the new pact is whipped into shape, also a revision of the contract with the Theatrical Man- agers, Agents and Trea.surers, in ad- dition to which there is the ever recurrent ticket situation. Producers want to see the atmos- phere clarified before concentrating on the presentation of shows and becoming tied up with contracts that may be financially embarrassing. Starts of the new legit seasons have been late of recent years, but ac- cording to present conditions it is difficult to predict when managers will really net into stride for 1939-40. Boston, Aug. 29. As the second week of George White's 'Scandals' tryout here pro- gressed, business built to a high pitch. Along with the b.o. build-up, the musical improved through revision and re-routining and there's more optimism about its chances in New York. . Estimate for Last Week 'George White's Scandals,' Shubert (2d-flnal week) (1,590; $3.30). Passed last week's tally and left town Sat- urday (26) with a very hopeful com- plexion. Strong $22,000 for final frame. Opened last night (Monday) at the Alvin, N. Y. Current Rqaj Shows (Week 0/ Aug. 2«) 'Mikado In Swine'—Erianger, Buf- falo. 'My Dear Children* (John Barry- more)—Selwyn, Chicago. 'Tobacco Road' — Metropolian, Seattle. Casa Manana, Nee Earl Carroll's, N. Y., Into Stores Former Earl Carroll-Casa Manana theatre on Seventh avenue and 50th is slated to disappear as a Broad- way house this fall. M. Shapiro & Sons, Inc., lessors, have drawn up plans for converting the property into stores. Upper part of the the- atre would be turned into a ball- room. Before planing back to the Coast, Carroll looked over his former spot He said he would be interested in combining his two Hollywood floor shows for the Broadway house, if $100,000 were supplied to do ov«r the theatre interior and take care of further production requirements. Lee Shubert is said to be interested in such a venture, and is mentioned as agreeing to put up $35,000. Play Abroad- Father Divine Satire ' To Get Hayloft Tryout Marguerite Hurler has flni.^hed 'Hi Angel," a .satire' about Father Divine; it will be given a straw- hat tryout at Woodslock, N. Y., next month.' Eddie Green, the original Ko-Ko in the 'Hot Mikado,' is men- tioned for the part of 'God' and Georgette Harvey i.s being consid- ered for 'Faithful Mary.' Arthur Haima is agcnting the script for Authors & Ar'ii.sls. SITTING PRETTY (Continued from page 42) the two work-shy relatives of a wealthy man, to qualify for sharing his fortune, provide several ludic- rous situations. Patricia Burke, the ingenue, in- terprets her role with sincerity. She has looks, grace and charm and a pleasing voice. Jack Donohue, as her romantic interest, dances nimbly, and should stick to the terps instead of singing. Sydney Howard and Arthur Ris- coe are very effective in the lead comedy roles. 'Vera Pearce. less heavy than hitherto, is surprisingly agile and gets a lot of comedy out of her bulky, breezy personality. Thie chorus — surely the spright liest and prettiest in London—in ad' dition .to its dance routines, attempts acrobatics and even mild rope-spin- ning. With nifty costumes and ar- tistic settings, this show looks set for a successful tenancy at the Princisss. Clem, 'CHILDREN' UP TO 14G. CHI, AIDED BY PARLEYS . Chica«o, Aug. 29. 'My Dear Children,' with John Barrymore, now in its 17th week at '■ the Selwyn, continues to do profit- I ably. Gro.sses boosted two weeks in ' a row, last one by the Eagles and I American Federation of Radio Art- j ists conventions, both giving show a ' good play. No other shows in sight 1 until latter part of next month. Estimate tor Last Week 'Mv Dear Children,' Selwyn (16th week) (1,000; $2.75). Exceptional for this time of year, $14,000. The new show fare for September is so meagre that Broadway will vir- • tually have a bye month, even though the union situation becomes clarified. Several- premiere possibil- ities are listed; yet there are only a couple' of productions in rehearsal, while one show which tried out last season is ready but not slated to de- but until late in the month. This augurs well for the holdovers. Attendance is on the upturn, as indi- cated by last week's grosses. Best break, came with the ending of the heat wave, which lasted 27 days, re- lief coming last weekend. The list, retains 11 shows, one, 'From Vienna.' having stopped at the Music Box Saturday (26), while the first in- comer, 'Scandals,' opened at the Al- vin Monday (28). Revue drew a mixed press, but is expected to be a money show. 'Scandals' had $7.70 preem, regular scale being $4.40 top; same for Streets of Pairis.' Another factor favoring Broadway is a marked jump iri the. number of visitors, partly evidenced in the boost in attendance at the World's Fair on Saturday (26) and Sunday (27) . Along Fifth avenue on Monday (28) cars carried license plates of 22 different states, while early this week the railroad stations were jammed with arrivals. 'The American Way,' which picked up last week, reduced the top from $3.30 to $2.20, starting this week. Since resumption, the patriotic drama has been drawing under ex- pectationis, but the new pop scale should improve attendance. Resumption of 'Leave It to Me,', at the Imperial, is scheduled for Mon- day (4), but there's some uncer- tainty because of the suspension of Sophie.Tucker, featured in the mu- sical, by Equity, and the threat that the stagehands will not operate the show. Estimates for Last Week 'Abe Lincoln in Illinois,' Plymouth (46th week) (D-1.036; $3.30). Ex- pected to continue into October, then goes to road with Raymond Massey back in the cast; busmess just fair, around $6,000. 'Heilzapoppin,' Winter Garden (50th week) (R-1,671; $3.30)«,.Ap- proaching the year's mark and strong enough to go through another .season; some perform^ncjes.drawing limit in standees; 6}:£l.'f29,000. 'No Time for Comedy,' Barrymore (20th. week) (CD-1,098; $3.30). Has another four weeks to go. then tour- ing; up last week with takings quoted around $12,500. 'Scandals,' Alvin (1st week) (R- 1,387; $4.40). Presented by George White: revue came in Monday <28)i from out of town showings with varied reports; $7.70 top for pre- miere. 'Streets of Paris,' Broadhurst (11th week) (R-1,116; $4.40). Looks set well into new season; went up with field last week and came close to $21,000, plenty okay. The American Way,' Center (27th week) (D-3,433; $2.20). Scale re- duced from $3.30 this week; ex- pected to spurt; was better by nearly. $1,000 last week for $21,000. 'The LiUIc Foxes,' National (29lh week). (D-1.164; $3.30). Was under- quoted; picked up to $11,000 last week and is expected to play until first of year. 'The Fhiiadelpbia Story.' Shubert (23d week) (C-l,3e7: $3J0). An- other holdover that should la.st until late fall; rated around $17,000; best money amone straight plays. 'Tobacco Road,' Forrest (209th week) (D-1,107; $1.65). Making some money and still fl<!uring on breaking Broadway's run record; around $4,000; okay because of low 'Yokel Bov.' Maiestic Oth week) (Rrl,in7; $3.30). This major musical doesn't cost much to oneratc; further imorovement claimed last week when takings went over $16,000. ADDED 'From Vienna.' Music Box. Closed Saturday (25) after playin? 10 rather mild weeks: around S3 POO last week. 'P;ns and Needles.' Windsor (91$t week (R-9R1; $1.65'). Pif-king up again: another holdover that may last indefinitely because of low-cost operation; quoted around S6,000. •Mikado* to Test Liqrht Opera in New Orleans New Orleans, Aug. 29. For the first time open-air light opera will be produced in New. Or- leans when the Light Opera Festival opens a nine-night season Sept. 2. Performance will be Gilbert and Sul- livan's 'Mikado,' with a cost of 75 professionals now in rehearsal. Will be ."-taged at the Opcn-Air stadium. If .show is succes.sful b.o:, associa- tion plans a 12-wcek summer .season for next year.