Variety (Sep 1939)

Wednesday, September 6« 1939 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY 11 Frisco Sluggish; 'Geste' Beaucoup Leader at ZlG/BoySGdesJlZ^OOO San Francisco, Sept. 5. Good weather hit . the holiday buitiness .here. All trains leaving town were filled to capacity. Pros- pective theatre-goers were split be- tween the expo, holiday trips and the war shock. Labor Day is gen- erally good here but business this year was not nearly as big as in the past on account ol the Fair, which offered a big free attraction in Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone and Phil Harris' orch. Biggest fllm grosser this week looks to be 'Beau Geste,' dualed at the Fox. "Golden Boy,' at the Or- pheum, opened big and then slid somewhat with the outbreak of hos- tilities in Europe. Estimates for This Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 30-40)—'Beau Ceste" (Par) and 'Night Work' (Par), dual. Destined to get $21,000, the biggest gross in town this week. Take undoubtedly would have been greater if good weather hadn't sent thousands to the Fair and out of town. Last week, 'Each Dawn' (WB) and 'Indianapolis Speedway* (WB) (2d week) picked up $10,000, some- what under expectations. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55) — 'Name Only' (RKO) and vaude (2d week). Picture's word-of-mouth from the femmes has been great. Second week holding up in fine shape at $16,000. Last week, $22,000. Orpheum (F&M) (2,440; 30-35-40) —'Golden Boy' (Col) and 'Prison Gates' (Col), dual. Notices for *Boy' freat. Appearance of four stars rom the picture on the Blue net- work 'Magic Key' program very helpful.. Eyed $14,000, but scare headlines in the papers and terrific biz at the Fair holding take down to around $12,000. Last week, To-, morrow Comes' (U) and 'They Asked* (Col) (3d week) came through with $6,500. Paramount (F-WG) (2,740; 30-40) —'Star-Maker' (Par) and 'Magnifi- cent Fraud' (Par), dual (2d week). Should reach $9,000, plenty sweet for a holdover. Last week, new Bing. Crosby picture picked ■ up $16,000. very okay. St. Francis (F-WC) (1,470; 30-40) —'SUnley' (20th) and Chan Treas- ure Island' (20th), dual (4th week). Still putting up a strong bid. Looks to sizeable $5,000. Last week, knocked over hefty $7,500. United ArUsIs (Cohen) (1,200; 35- 85-75)—'4 Feathers' (UA) (2d week) New' English tinter winning favor and holding up fine. Second stanza very good at $9,500. Last week, finished up with $14,000. WarBeld (F-WC) (2,680; 30-40)— •Angels Wash' (WB) and 'Miracles Sale' (M-G), dual. Will snare tidy $14,000. Some credit to newsreels ahowing European crisis. Last week, •Oz' (M-G) (2d week) got $9,500, good but not quite up to expecta- tions. War of News Over, Toronto; Dunne-Boyer $11,000, Rest Healthy Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $1,753,300 (Based on 27. cities, 179 tfiea- tTes, chiefly first runs, including N. Y.) Tolal Gross Same Week. Last Year.. .$1,832,20» (Bused on 26 cities, 169 theatres) Fair, War Sock Del; Crosby Pic Hotcha $11700 -01 Toronto, Sept. 5. Estimated 10 percent attendance drop resulting from war strain was wiped out over the Labor Day week- end, when capacity crowds jammed first-runs and nabes. Previously biz had dropped off badly as citizens re- mained at home to hug the radio for latest war news. Actual declaration ended this suspense, and marked a return to normal living, with picture houses getting a big play. Heavy in- flux of American visitors, here to attend the Canadian National Exhibi- tion and, admittedly, to see how a nation reacts when at war, helped swell the b.o. symphony. Shea's opened after the summer lay-oft with a return to its tradi- tional flesh policy, and should hit $9,000. Estimates for This Week Imperial (FP-Can) (3,373; 25-35-50) —"Star Maker' (Par). Very good $7,500. Last week 'Stanley' (20th) (2d wk), fine $6,200. Loew's (Loew) (2,611; 25-35-50)— *Hardy Spring Fever' (M-G). First of the 'Hardy' series to slip here, but getting good morning play for $8,000, nice. Last week, 'Carnival' (UA), healthy $7,200. Shea's (FP-Can) (2,663; 25-50)— 'Hotel Women' (20th) plus Henny Youngman, Gracella Dancers, the Briants, Sylvia and Clcmence, Buster Shaver with Olive and George on stage. Will hit fine $9,000. Had heavy line-ups Sunday night for reopening oC'Canadas ace vaude spot. Tlvoll (FP-Can) (1,433; 25-40)— 'Daughters Courageous' (WB) and 'Saint London', (RKO). Good $3,400, Last week. Second Fiddle' (20th) and 'Five Came Back' (RKO), good $3,- 100. tJpUwn (FP-Can) (2,761; 25-35-50) —'Tomorrow Comes' (U). Topping the town with an excellent $11,000, Last week, 'Bachelor Mother' (RKp), very good $8,200. Detroit, Sept. 5. Burghers sticking close to radios for war flashes, and coupled with opposish from 90th annual Michigan State Fair, film wickets here are feeling the competish. It's toiigh break for debut of Linda Ware, I>e- troit moppet, in 'Star . Maker' at the Michigan, but combo of 'Maker' with 'Miracles for Sale' is town's best.bet nonetheless. Continuance of infan- tile paralysis epidemic here is a further snag, especially for 'Wizard of Oz,' a kid draw under normal conditions, although fantasy is stick- ing for a second week. Kids at matinees have been way down. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40)— 'Man Couldn't Hang' (Col) and 'Chicken Wagon Family" (20th), dual. With hoIMay, figures to get about $5,500, fair. I^st week, $5,000 for "Tomorrow Comes' (U) (2d week) and 'Panama Lady' (RKO), dual. Former moved here after big sesh at the Fox. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40- 55)—'Bachelor Mother' (RKO) and •Spellbinder' (RKO), dual. Looks for around $15,000, fairish. I,ast stanza, weak $9,500 lor "Coast Guard' (Col) and 'Blondie Vacation' (Col), dual. Michiean- (United Detroit) (4,000; 30-40-55) —'SUr-Maker' (Par) and 'Miracles for Sale' (M-G), dual, Crosby pic is easily town's leader at $21,000 and may hold. Last week, fair $11,000 for 'Each Dawn' (WB) and.'Night Work' (Par), dual (2d Palms - State (United Detroit) (3,000; 30-40-50)—'Each Dawn' (WB) (2d run) and 'Night Work' (Par) (2d run), dual. Combo moved here after two-week stand at^Michigan; paced for fairish $5,800. Last stanza, 'Iron Mask' (UA) (3d week) and 'Naughty Nice' (WB), dual, (3d week) pulled fair $5,500 following $6,500 first United Artists (United Detroit) (2,000; 30-40-55) —'Oz' (M-G) (2d week). After garnering nice $15,500 initial stanza, behind strong plug- ging, figures to get only $8,000 cur- rently and won't hold for third week. *01d Maid' Woos Nifty $7,000 in Offish Montreal Montreal, Sept. 5. ' Labor Day and war talk on radios and in the press kept plenty of film fans in town over the long holiday \veekend and should boost grosses,- with best take at Palace, which has •Old Maid.' 'Chips' still holding well in seventh week and another hold- over, '4 Feathers,' at Orpheum, is pointing to a good take. Estimates tor This Week Palace (CT) (2,700; 25-45-55)—'Old Maid' (WB). Pacing for good $7,- 000. Last week, 'Lady Tropics' (M-G), fair $5,500. Capitol (CT) (2,700; 25-45-55)— Tomorrow Comes' (U). Labor Day should put gross up to $5,500, good. Last week, 'Star Maker' (Par) and 'Undercover Doctor' (Par), dual, $5,000, good. Loew's (CT) (2,800; 30-40-60)— Chips' (M-G) (seventh week). Sighting very good $3,900 after $4,- 000 last week. Princess (CT) (2,300; 25-34-50)— Glamour Girls' (M-G) and 'India- napolis Speedway' (WB), dual. Middling $2,500 in prospect. I^st week, poor $2,200 on 'Leading Citi- zen' (Par) and 'Island L,ost Men' (Par), dual. Orpheum (Ind) (1,100; 25-40-50)— '4 Feathers' (UA) (fourth week). Shaping for a fair $3,500 after $4,000 last week. Cinema de Paris (France-Film) (600; 25"-50)—'Remontons les Champs Elysees' (third week). Sees $800 after $900 last week, good enough. St. Denis (France-Film) (2,300; 20-34)—'Tricoche et Cacolet' and 'La Cite des Lumieres,' dual. House be- ginning to pull 'em in again, with good $5,500 in sight currently. Last week 'Mademoiselle Docteur' and Retour a I'Aube,' dual, very nice $5,000. , . • OMAHA IN LETDOWN BUT CROSBY BINGO 9G 'Women' Sweet $34000,2 LA. Spots; Crosby H. 0. $11,000, W 2d $6,300, Cagney-Raft Repeater Stout $10,St Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week...'. $385,100 (Based on 12 theatres') Total Gross Same Week Last Year.. $3g8;200 (Based on 12 theatres) Outdoors Lures Prov.; Tropics'Cools, $11,000 Providence, Sept. 5, Holiday weekend didn't help stands much as best weather in more than a week had theatregoers taking a last fling at the outdoors. 'Lady of Tropics' at Loew's State is just about average. 'SUr Maker' at Strand doing heftily. Estimates for This Week Aibee (RKO) (2,200; 25-35-50)— Name Oiily' (RKO) and 'Girl Mex ico' (RKO), (dual). Nice $6,000. Last week 'Bachelor Mother' (RKO) and 'Saint London' (RKO), duals (2d week), strong $5,000. ^ Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1.400; 25-35- 50)—'Each Dawn' (WB) and 'Man Who Dared' (WB), dual. Slated for fairish $3,500. Last week 'Oz' (M-G) (2d run), hefty $5,000. Fay's (Indie) (2.000; 25-35-40V- •Angels Wash' (WB) and vaude. Looks like good $6,000. Last week '^'*MaJestic (Fay) (2.200:'25-35-50)— 'Frontier Marshal' (20th) • and 'Torchy Dynamite' (20lh), dual. CJood $6,000. Last week 'Each Dawn (WB) aiid 'Man Dared' (WB), dual, gave stand one of biggest weeks in, a long time, surprising spurt ringing bell for $12,000. State (Loew) (3.200; 25-35-50)— 'Lady Tropics' (M-G) and 'Woman Is Judge' (fcol), dual. Average $11,- 000. Last week 'Glamour Girls' (M- G) and 'Couldn't Hang' (Col), dual, fair $10,500. Strand (Indie) (2,200; 25-35-50)— •Star Maker' (Par) and 'Heritage Desert' (Par), dual. Slated for hotcha $8,000. Last week 'Citizeii (Par) and 'Drummond Bride' (Par), dual, closed with nice $7,000. Omaha, Sept. 5. War situation slowing up wickets as patrons stay home with ears to the radio. General attitude reflected in general letdown of biz. Estimates for This Week Avenue - Dundee - Military (Gold- berg) (800-600-950; 10-25)—'Man Town' (Par) 'and 'Man Conquest' (Rep), dual, split with 'San Fran- cisco' (M-G) (reissue) and 'Say Die' (Par), dual. Heading for $l,8t0, nice. Last week 'Lincoln' (20th) and 'Tar- zan' (M-G), dual, split with 'Little Women' (UA) (reissue). 'Career' (RKO) and 'King Chinatown' (Par), tripler; $1,700, good. Brandeis (Singer-RKO) 1.250; 10- 25-35-40)—'Name Only' (RKO) and 'Spellbinder* (RKO), dual. May top $8,000^ swell. Last week 'Sun Never' (U) and 'Stole Million* (U), dual; $4,500, ordinary. Omaha (Blank) (2,000; 10-25-40)— 'Star Maker* (Par) and 'Stronger De sire* (M-G), duaL Exceptional pub licity breaks helping to $9,000. dandy, lured mostly by the Crosby pic. Last week 'Oz' (M-G) and 'Torchy Mayor* (WB), dual Kids helped to $9,500. Orpheum (Blank) (3,000; 10-25-40) —Tomorrow Comes* (U) and 'Ex- Champ* (U), dual. Holiday will help to $8,500, nice. Last week 'Borrowed Time' (M-G) and 'Some Like Hot' (Par), dual. Weak ending for $8,500, okay. Town (CSoldberg) (1.250; 10-20-25) —'Man Conquest' (Rep), 'Moto Danger' (20th) and 'Never Say Die' (Par), tripler, split with 'Maniac' and 'Man About Town' (Par), dual. Looks like $1,200, good. Last week 'Timber Stampede' (RKO), 'King Chinatown* (Par), and 'Good Girls' (Col), tripler, split with 'Man Dared' (WB), 'Kong' (RKO) (reissue) and 'Lincoln* (20th), tripler. Ended weakly for $1,200, good. L'viDe Strong; LamarrOKSG, laid' Big 7G Louisville, Sept. 5. Strong lineup of pictui;es at all downtown houses marked the open- ing of the fall season, and biz is generally on the upbeat. Naturally, hot weather over weekend and La- bor Day holiday lured many out- doors, but cool nights were a break for the film houses. The Louisville. Colonels are on a lengthy road trip, which also works to the advantage of the Fourth street houses. 'Old Maid,' on a single at the Mary Anderson, is pulling a good share of the town's adults.. 'Lady of Tropics,' on a dual at Loew's State, is stacking up as potent with the Taylor-LaMarr draw, while 'Star Maker,' at the Rialto, is also in the money. Estimates tor This Week Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) (1,000; 15-30-40)—'Stanley' (20th). Held over from Loew's State for ex-- tended run. Indications are for normal $1,600. Last week, 'Oz' (M-G) had enough left to tab fair $2 000. Kentucky (Switow) (900; 15-22)— 'Man About Town' (Par) and 'Sun Never' (U), dual. Sighting perky $1,700. Last week, 'Susannah' (20th) and 'Kokomo' (WB), dual, split with '5 Came Back' (RKO) and 'Sorority House' (RKO), dual, okay at $1,600. Loew's State (Loew's) (3,100; 15- 30-40)—'Lady Tropics' (M-G) and 'Stronger Desire' (M-G), dual. Tay- lor-LaMarr combo potent, biit' up against pretty stiff competish. Everything considered, should cut good b.o., probably $8,000. Last week, 'Glamour Girls' (M-G) and 'Couldn't Hang' (Col), dual, fairish $5,000. Mary Anderson (Lisbon). (IJtOQ;. 15-30-40)—'Old Maid' (WB). Sight- ing wham $7,000. Last week, 'Ahgels Wash' (WB) pulled comfortably to okay $4,500. Bialto (Fourth Avenue) (3.000; 15- 30-40)—'SUr Maker' (U) and 'Death of Champion* (Par), dual. Crosby film definitely on the right side of the ledger and bettering recent takes at the house. Pace will bring in about $7,000, and some possibility of holdover. Last week, 'Stanley' (20th) and March of Time wrapped up neat $8,500. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15- 30-40)—'Under-Pup* (U) and 'Ha- waiian Nights' (IT), dual. Plenty of blurbs in press on Gloria Jean, the star. Matinee biz stacking up fine, but nights triflle light. Point- ing to excellent $3,800. Last week. 'Holmes' (20th) and 'Monterey' (Rep), dual, weak $2,500. Los AngeKo, Sept. 5. Metro's 'The Women' topping the town, playing day and date at Loew's State and Grauman's Chinese. Film grabbed a sweet $31,000 on the cur- rent week, plus around $3,000 extra at a pieem performance at the Chi- nese. 'Wizard of Oz' at the Carthay and 'Four Feathers' at the Four Star held exceptionally strong over the holiday. Regular weekly change holdovers, 'Each Dawn' at the War- ner Downtown and Hollywood and • •In Name Only' at RKO and Pan- tages, maintained a brisk pace. Par- amount, with an extra session of 'Exile Express' and .'Star Maker,' is likewise registering an excellent $11,000 on nine days. Estimates for This Week Carthay Circle (Fox) (1,518; 30-40- 55)—'Oz' (M-G) (3d wk). Holiday biz helping for big $6,300, after lu- crative $6,300 on second stanza. Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,024; 30-40-55-75)—'Women' (M-G) and •News Made at Night' (20th) dual. Aided by $3,000 oremiere, looks like $18,000. Last week, 'Hotel Women* (20th) and 'Moto Takes Vacation* (20th), okay $12,500 on nine days. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-40-55- 65)—'Each Dawn I Die' (WB) (2d week). Holdover stanza heading for $6,000 after first week finished with excellent $14.000; Four Star (F-WC-UA) (900; 40r55) —'Four Feathers' (UA) (3d week). Will add. another good $5,300 on top of second week's good $5,500. Holly wood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55- 65)—'Each Dawn' (WB) (2d week). Looks like fair $4,500. First week brought so-so $10,000. Orpheum (B'way) (2,280; 30-40-55) —'Mutiny oh Elsinore' (AB) and 'Chan in Reno' (20th) dual and vaudeville. Around fair $8,000. Last week, 'Almost Gentleman (RKO) and 'Sweepstakes' (WB) with Bowes unit on stage, okay $8,500. Pantages (Pan) (2,812; 30-40-55)— 'Name Only' (RKO) and 'Man Could Not Hang' (Col) dual. (2d week). Should wind up second stanza with $5,500. First seven days brought okay $10,500. Paramount (Par) (3,595: 30-40-55) —'Star Maker' (Par) and 'Exile Ex- press' (GN) dual (2d week). Stretched to nine days and aided by holiday and preview should hit excellent $11,000. First, seven days $15,000. as anticipated. RKO (2:872; 30-40-55) — 'Name Only' (RKO) (2d week) and 'Missing Daughterif' _(C.i}J)_dual. Sliding along on momentum of first week's $11,- 500. Probable $6,500 in sight. State (Loew-Fox) (2,414; 30-40-55- '757='Woineii'"~(l«PG') "and 'NeWar Made at Night' (20th) dual. Headed for very nice $16,000. Last week, 'Hotel Women' (20th) and 'Moto Va- cation' (20th), hit $13,200 on nina days, okay. United Artists (F-WC) (2,100; 30- 40-55)—'Hotel Women* (20th) and 'Moto Vacation' (20th) dual. Move- over likely $3,200. Last week, 'Oz' (M-G) solo, neat S0,300 on moveover. Wilshlre (F-WC) (2.296; 30-40-55- 65)—'Hotel women* (20th) and 'Moto Vacation* (20th) dual. Hitting neat $6,600 on moveover. Last week, holdover at this house of 'Stanley* (20th) and 'Quick Millions* (20th), satisfactory $6,500 on nine days. Hlfomen 19G in Uneasy Pitt. Heat, War Hold Down B.O.—'Golden Boy' Excellent $13,500, Rest Wobbly Pittsburgh. Sept. 5. Even best of the new season's prod- uct is finding combination of blazing heat and war news tough competish. Latter mainly responsible for mak- ing holiday week somewhat disap- pointing. Best showing.? are being made by 'The Women' and 'Golden Boy,' which will turn in solid business way above the present trend. 'In Name Only' just ambling along in spite of bi;; ads and billboard campaign. 'Stole a Million,' holdover of "Lady of Tropics' and 'Coa.st Cuard'-'Woman Is Judge' also down to a walking pace. EsUmates for This Week Alvin (Harris) (1,850 ; 25-35-50)— 'Golden Boy' (Col). Heading for bis week, aided by nod from crix an'd midweek personal appearance by William Holden. Excellent $13,500, Last week, 'Tomorrow Comes' (U) (2d wk), $4,200, slow. Fulton (Shea-Hyde) (1.700; 25-40) —'Stole Million* (U)." Satisfactory $5,500. Last week, 'Second Fiddle' (20th) (2d wk), passable $3,100. Pcnn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 25-35- 50)—'Women' (M-G). Powerhouse newspaper campaign plus big word- of-mouth will shoot this out in front for big $19,000. Will hold for another week. La.st week, 'Oz' (M-G) (2d wk) just passable $9,000 after big first week. Senator (Harris) (1,750; 25-40)— 'Coast Guard' (Col) and 'Woman Judge' (Col). Above average $1,700. Last week, 'Wong Chinatown' (Mono) and 'News Night' (20th) n.s.g. $1,300. Stanley (WB) (3,600; 25-35-50) — ■Name Only" (RKO). Plenty of dou.iih , ^ put behind this'one, but will amble ■ and this one is doing all right as the in with indifferent $10,500. Last j atrc's firiil single in some time, $2,000, week, 'Tropics' (M-G) sock $18.500.! Last week Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-35-50)— and 'f--":" Fall Spurt in Lincoln; 'Carnival' Peppy $2,300 Lincoln, Sept. 5. State Fair week is here, which means theatres are in for the first step of normal fall pickup. Those with any coin left after a day at the Fairgrounds track are bee-lining for 'Star-Maker' and 'Frontier Mar- shal.' Early openings for 'Stanley and Livingstone' and 'Winter Car- nival' helping. Town faces 100% lighted situash, as of Sept. 15, when Howard Fed- erer, general manager of Nebraska Theatres, Inc., says the 1,000-seat Liberty will re-light after being shuttered four months. Estimates for This Weiik Colonial (NTI-Noble-Monroe) (750; 10-15) 'Old Arizona' (Col) and 'Whispering Enemies' (Col), split, with 'Irish Luck" (Mono) and 'She's Got Everything' (RKO). Slim $700. Last week, 'Home Prairie' (Rep) and 'Fixer Dugan' (RKO), split with 'Forged Pa.ssport' (Rep) and 'Torchy' (WB), fair $800. Lincoln (LTC-Coopcr) (1,600; 10- 20-25) 'Frontier Marshal' (20th). Town goes for the belter' westerns 'Tropics' (M-G) (2d wk). Wiltins after big first week. Average $4,800. Last week, 'Five Came Back' (RKO) and 'Bridal Suite' (M-G), best for a double bill here all summer, sock $7,000. 'C.OOO 'Family Door' Enemies' (M-G) (Par), split with Women Wind' (WB) and 'Little Tou.iih Guy' (U). so-so $1,700. Nebraska (LTC-Cooper) (1,236; 10- 25-40) 'Star-Maker' (Par). Going best of lot, nice $3,800 sighted. Last (Continued on page 21)