Variety (Sep 1939)

Wednesday, Seplember 27, 1939 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY Legion Invades Chi But No Riot At B.O^; Dlaid'-Vaude, $41000, Good; lomenV 2d Hefty $17j Chicago, Sept. 26. Business started ofl tha current week;on a limp, due, some managers claim, to the Yom Klppur holiday. 3ul over the weekend the loop was iterally swamped by the hordes ot he American Legion who Jammed Into every available hotel room in town and turned the downtown sector into a pandemonium of clang- ing bell.i, exploding firecrackers, locomoflve whistles and impromptu ^'fuU^ 250,000 conventionites ^ere present in the loop and they created k traffic jam that made movement of any kind wcU-nigh impossible and ttalled aulos and itreet-cars lor blocks. Slightly disappointing in Its get- away was 'Old Maid,' but picking up well and will turn in a two-week eallop in the Chicago. Also under expectations on the start was 'In flame Only' at the Palace. Holdovers flood the remainder o£ iha houses, with 'Blackmail' drag-' 'ing through a second session In the ioosevelt, while 'When Tomorrow Comes' went into the Garrick after two weeks in the Palace, and 'Beau teste' shitted to the Apollo after a fortnight in the Chicago. The Women' continues as a wal- Ioping business collector in the Jnlted ArtisU, with standees on the sidewalk still In evidence, though the flicker is in its second stanza. Estimates for This Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65-75) *-'Beau Geste' (Par). Here after a good fortnight in the Chicago and flgurej for okay $5,000 currently. Last week, 'Holmes' (20th), fair Enough $5,200.. Chlcaffo (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— ^pid Maid' (WB) and stage show. Not as big an opening as had been looked for, but still going nicely bn strictly femme play to good $42,000 and holds. Last week, 'G^ste' (Par) and vaude finished two- weeker to mild $26,600. Garriek. (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) ♦-'Tomorrow Comes' (U). Here after ii strong fortnight in the Palace and ooks to garner neat $5,500 currently, .ast week, 'Bachelor Mother' (RKO), on repeater, okay $4,000. OrlenUI (Jones) (3,200; 25-40)— •Good Girls' (Col) and 'Prison Gates' (Col)_and vaud^. Combination indi- ""fatei pfdHlabre $I5;0DOr "EasT'week, 'Hardy Fever' (M-(3) and vaude, on tubsequent run, satisfying $14,700. ralaco (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65-75) r-'Name Only' (RKO) and vaude. Didn't get away from the post too faiit, but looks for build-up and figures to manage all right $18,000 on initial session. Last week, 'Tomor- row Comes' (U) and vaude wound up 14-day stay to good $16,200. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 75>—'Blackmail' (M-G) (2d wk). In tccond week here, but struggling to hneek $6,000 after snagging so-so $8,900 on initial gallop. SUte-Lske (B&K) (2,700; 25-40)— 'Marshall' (20th) and vaude. Not so good as prior. show but headed for okay $15,000. Last week was smack- iroo with $16,700 for 'Speedway' (WB) and vaude. United Artista (B&K-M-G) (1,700: 85-55-65-75)—'Women' (M-G) (2d Vk). Walloping home brilliant $17,- 000 after tearing oil a huge chunk of colli last week with $21,300. Thunder* Quite Loud In Lincoln at $3,700 Lincoln, Sept. 26. 'Rains Came,' moved to Lincoln after seven swell days at the Ne- braska, is still pulling for four days. 'Name Only,' the Nebraska replacer, is doing oke, and 'Thunder Afloat' is holding up well. Estimates for This Week LIncola (LTC-Cooper) (1,600; 10- 20-25-40) — 'Chickens' (RKO) and 'Chasing Danger' (20th), split with 'Rains (^ame' (20th), h.o. on change from Nebraska. Split will get $2,500, okay, mostly due 'Rains.' Last week, 'Society Lawyer' (M-G) and 'Chan' (20th), split with 'All Come Out' (M-G) and 'Chicken Wagon Family' (20th), not bad, $2,300. Nebraska. (LTC-Cooper) (1,236; 10- 25-40)—'Name Only' (RKO). Col- lege trade is being felt. May see $3,800, oke. Last week, 'Rains Came' (20th), got $5,400, which prompted h.o. at Lincoln. Stnart (LTC-Cooper) (1,900; 10-25- 35)—Thunder Afloat' (M-G). Coin coming through witket for timely subject; may get $3,700, good. Last week, 'Glamour C3irl$' (M-G), also nice, $3,500. Varsity (NTI-Noble-Federer) (1,- 100; 10-20-25) — 'Cowboy Quarter- bacg' (WB) and 'Man Who Dared' (WB). Seasonal on both sides of dual and pretty fair $2,300. Last week. 'Climbing High' (GB) and •parents on Trial' (Col), okay $2,000. B'KLYN B.O. HEALTHY Crosby Good $21,090; Ditto morrow' at $18,MI 'To- Brooklyn, Sept. 28. Booming business in major down- town da liixers. Brandt's Flatbush. with vaudfllm policy, is also doing well in residential sector. Academy of Music in downtown ■ector is nOw showing pics. Last weekend house featured Irish-made flickers. Ebtimaies for This Week Albee (3,274; 25-^5-50)—'Hotel for Womeii' (20th) and 'Chicken Wagon Family' (20th) plus March of Time real. Nice $18,000. Last week, 'Fifth Avenue Girl' (RKO) and 'Sherlock Holmes' (20th) brought good 1;18,000. FoK (4,089; 25-35-50)-'Golden Boy' (Col) and 'Everybody's Hobby' yf/B). Opened yesterday (Monday). Last week, 'Coast Guard' (Col) and 'NiglU Work' (Par), okay $14,500. Met (3.()I8; 25-35-50)—'When To- morrow Comes' (U) and 'Prison Witliout Bars' (UA). Good $18,000: Last week. 'Four Feathers' (UA) and Glamour Girls' (M-G) (2d wk), okay $15,000. Paramount (4,126; 25-35-50)—'Star Maker' (Par) and 'Island of Lost Men' (Par). Swell $21,000. Last week. 'Old Maid' (WB) and 'Million Dollar Legs' (PaV) (4th wk). good $10,000. SIraiid (2.870; 25-35-50)—'Hidden Power' (Col) and 'Torchy' (WB). Quiet $4,500. Last week, 'Behind Prison Gates' (Col) and 'Nancy Drew' (WB), same. K.e. SLOWS UP; THUNDER' OK $10,500 Kansas City, Sept. 26. Biz Is taking it easy with flock of holdovers and medium draws. Time- liness of '-Thunder Afloat' at Midland seliJJlis one out front, though not ji big flgufa'ana nbt'wortHy bf epau-" lettes in view of competition. Newmatt has gone double feature after long session of solo bills for so-so returns. Tower, with, vaud- film, is off from previous week. Weather man has let up on the extreme heat, but dry spell con- tinues. Estimates for This Week Esquire and Uptown (Fox Mid- west) (820 and 1,200; 10-25-40)— •Rains Came' (20th) (2d wk). Houses report best biz since 'Jesse James' to justify extended run, and current $6,500 combo is strong. First week topped expectations considerably at $12,000, biggest here in months. Midland (Loew's) (3,573; 10-25-40) —•Thunder Afloat' (M-G) and 'Little Peppers' (Col). HIssentially for male appeal on strength of first feature, .second aiding slightly in garnering fcnimes and kid.s. With sub news on front pages this one right in line, but returns only fair. $10,500. Last week, 'Have Music' (UA) • and 'Woman Judge* (Col), slowest biz in monlh.s forced thi.'! one out after six days with poor $5,200. Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10- 25-40)—'Speedway' (WB) and 'Mag- nificent Fraud' (Par). Wednesday opening continues here and take mild at $5,600. Last week, 'Beau Ge.ste' (Par), second week, average $5,000. Orphcum (RKO) (1.500; 10-25-40) r-'Name Only' (RKO) and 'Five Came Back' (RKO) (2d wk). Satis- factory $5,200. Last week, $9,200, good. Tower (Joffee) (2,050; 10-25-40)— 'Mutii\y Blackhawk' (U) plus 'Flying High' stage production. Getting, mild play: $5,700 lighter than usual. Last week. •(3uick Millions' (20th) and Fun Festival' on stage, $6,700, best since resumption ot vaudftim policy. Timely~UBoal' Big $6,000 in Seattle Seattle. Sept. 26. Seattle now has an exclusive newsreel showshoo. the Hamrick- Evergrecn's Blue Mou.se going that wav this week. . Show runs one hour. Fax Duncan, house manager, reports bi?. good. •Old Maid' is in third week at Sterling's Roosevelt, while 'Rains Came" is still getting 'em at the Fitlh in second week. Jensen-von Herberg's Liberty is offering a timely pic. 'U-Boat 29,' British-made and (Columbia release. E.stlmates for This Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 17-27 J Newsreels. Last week First Rons on Broadway .(■Subject to Change) Week of Sept 28 Astor-'Goodbye Mr. Chips' (M-G) (20th wk.). Capitol—'Tha Women' (M-G) (2d wk.). Globe—'Torpedoed' (FA) (2d wk.). Criterion—'A Woman Is the Judge' (Col) (27). Hnsie Hall—' N u r s • Edith Cavell' (RKO) (2d wk.). Falaee—'Hawaiian Nights' (U), Paramount— 'Honeymoon In Bali' (Par) (2d wk ). Blalto—'FuU Confession' (RKO) (27). CJttevieuied in VAmerr, Aug. 23) Bivoll—The Real Glory' (UA) (3d wk.). Roxy — 'Here I Am, a Stranger' (20th) (29). (Revieuied in Current Issue) Strand—'Espionage Agent' (WB) (2d wk.). . Week of Oct. S Astor—'Goodbye Mr. Chips' (M-G) (21st wk.). . Capitol—The Women' (M-G) (3d wk.). Globe—'The Challenge' (FA) (7). Mnsle Hal 1—'Intermer.zo' (UA). Paramount — 'Honeymoon in Bali' (Par) (3d wk.). Elvoll—'The Real Glory' (UA) (4th wk.). Roxy—'Hollywood Cavalcade' (20th) (6). Strand—'Dust Be My Destiny' (WB) (7). (Reviewed in Variety, i4uflt. 16) 'Bair-Glenn Miller-Ink Spots Jive $61,000 Into B way Par; Artie Shaw Swings 'Agent' to 42G, Xaveff 95G Several new shows on Broadway | a stage show at the Capitol, is a this week are battling each other for the lion's share of the spoils, with a couple holdovers meantime showing signs of the struggle. Top inoney- getters are. 'Honeymoon in Bali,' "The Womien,' 'Nurse Edith Cavell,' 'Es- pionage Agent,' and on second run, "When Tomorrow Comes.' ' Both 'Bali' and 'Espionage Agent' have sturdy support in vital band attractions. Former, with the Glenn Miller orchestra and the 4 Ink. Spots on stage, ended its first week at the Paramount last night (Tues.) at $61,- 000, town's undisputed leader. Getting a steady all-day play, the house had its second largest Sat- urday since the pit-band policy was installed nearly five years ago. 'Agent' is paired with the Artie Shaw combo at the Strand. The week will mean $42,000 or over, very good, and also holds; In addition to 'Espionage,' the street has two other films of topical flavor in view of hostilities abroad, 'Nurse Edith Cavell,' at the Music Hall, and 'Torpedoed,' Globe incum- bent. 'Cavell' is getting up into that top-bracket cycle to be among the top grossers of the past year at the Hall at a chance to end at $95,000 or thereabouts. While the picture didn't open too powerfully, it got a strong weekend play and built after the opening gun. The Women,' without beneflt of (27-37-42), "Lady Tropics' (M-G) and'Spellbinder' (RKO), five days ot second week, fairish $1,800. Coliseum (Hamfick''- Evergreen) (1,900; 21-27-32) — 'Hardy Fever' (M-G) and 'Could Happen' (20th) (2d run). Expected okay $2,600. Last week, 'Second Fiddle' (20th) and 'Hotel Imperial' (20th), mod srate $2,600.. Fifih I Ave. (Hamrick-Evergreen) (2,349; 27-37-42) — 'Rains Came' (20th) and 'Hawaiian Flight' (U) (2d wk). Still big at $6,800. Last week, swell $10,400. Liberty (J-vH) 'U Boat 29' (Col) and 'Kanga' (Col). Timely British- made film pulling surprisingly big $6,000. Last week, 'Golden Boy' (Col), third week, $2,800, okay. —Masle—Box—(-Hamrick-Evergreen') 'Beau Geste' (Par) (3d wk). Looks like good $1,800 in Ave days. Last week (2d), dandy $3,200. Orpheum (Hamrick - Evergreen) (2,600; 27-37-42)—'Blackmail' (M-G) and 'Glamour Girls' (M'G). Look- ing for good $5,800 in nine days. Last week, 'Sherlock Holmes'- (20th) and 'Down South' (RKO), mild $3,100. p'alomar (Sterling) (1,350; 21-32- 42)—'Flight Midnight' (Rep).and'No Place' (WB), plus 'Hawaiian Follies' on stage. Big $5,000. Last week, 'Mutiny Blackhawk' (U) and 'Hid- den Staircase' (WB), dual, plus Bowes' unit, tremendous $7,000. Paramonnt (Hamrick - Evergreen) (3,039; 27-37-42) — 'Name Only' (RKO) and 'Waterfront' (WB) (2d wk). Registering good $3,000 in five days. Last week, $6,700, big, Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 21-32- 42)—'Old Maid' (WB) (3d wk). Getting big $3,000. Last week, socko $3,600. 0. C. Looks to Fair, ^Thnnder' Fair $3,500 Oklahoma City, Sept. 26. Biz still so-so here, but State Fair week will probably pull it up. Em- phasis is on 'The Rains Came,' at the Criterion, due for nice $4,500 or thereabouts. Thunder Afloat' will probably wind up fair at Midwest Estimates for This Week Criterion (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40) —'Rains Came' (20th). Nice $4,500. Last week, 'Bachelor Mother' (RKO), good $4,400. Liberty (Stan) (1,200; 25-20-25)— 'Day Bookies Wept' (RKO) and 'Mutiny Blackhawk' (U), split with 'Futl'eonfBssion'-(-RKO-)-ahd^Every- body's Hobby' (FN). Good $2,600. Last week, 'Saint London' (RKO) and 'Stronger Desire' (M-G), split with 'News Made Night' (WB) and 'Career' (RKO), average $2,300. Midwest (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40)— Thunder Afloat' (M-G). Fair $3,- 500. Last week, 'Blackmail* (M-G), so-so $2,800. Plaza (Stan) (750; 25-35-40)— 'Bachelor Mother' (RKO). Good $1,000. Last week, 'Four Feathers' (UA), fair $800. Both moveovers . SUU (Noble) (1,100; 15-20-25)— 'Gow' (Indie) and 'Wong China- town' (Mono), split with 'High Gray Walls' (Col) and 'Fighting Thor- oughbreds' (Rep). So-so $2,400. Last week, 'Hidden Power* (Col) and 'Was Convict' (Rep), split with 'Woman Judge' (Col) and 'Sky Patrol' (Mono), average $2,600. Tower (SUn) (1,000; 20-25-30)— 'Two Bright Boys' (U); Fair $1,800. Last week, 'Sherlock Holmes' (20th), so-so $1,500. Opposish, Heat Clip Cleveland 'Blondie'-Satchmo's Orch Weak $11,000; 'Thunder' Timely and Robust $14,000 Cleveland, Sept. 26. Opening of legit houses, night football and balmy weather are stop- ping any sort of smash biz, but it's still several shades above ordinary. Kleiged preem of 'Rains Came,' with local tie-up on Louis Bromfield, is sweeping film to fine figure at Hipp. "ITiunder Afloat' also riding the waves buoyantly at State, edging out Palace's . 'Blondie Takes Vacation' plus Louis Armstrong's unit. 'Women's' the sockiest h.o. of year for Stillman, although 'Old Maid' do- ing nicely on extension at Allen. Estimates for This Week Alhambra (Printz) (1.120: 10t20- 35)—'Tomorrow Come.s' (U) (2d run). (Jood enough to rale rate full week at this .stand and $2,600. Last week 'Old Monterey' (Rep) and 'Parents Trial' (Col), okay on three- day visit, $1,000. Allen (RKO) (3,000: .^0-35-42-55)— 'Old Maid' (WB). Satisfactory $3,500 considering this is its third stanza. Last week $5,500, good. Circle (Marmorstein) (1.900; 15- 35)_'Woman I Love' (RKO) . and 'Having Wonderful Time' (RKO). Swell names for marquee revival duo worth $2,300. Last week 'Naughty Nice' (WB) and 'Isle Lost Men' (Par), just coasted through four mild days, $1,100. Hipp (Warner) (3,700; 30-35-42-55) —'Rains Came' (20th). Close prox- imity of Mansfield, where author Louis Bromfield lives, used . with timely book stunts in terrific, cam- paign netting neat proHts, $15,000, maybe better. Last week 'Golden Boy' (Col), punch-drunk, $9,000. Palace (RKO) (3.200; 30-35-42-55) — 'Blondie' (Col) with Louis Arm- strong's band on stage. Jitterbugs helping, but $11,000 not quite enouch. Last week 'Hawaiian Nights' (RKO) plus vaude with' Betty Grable and Rochester, caught on better. $16,000. Slate (Loew's) (3,450; 30-35-42-55) —'Thunder Afloat' (M-G). Timely war item being sold the right way for worthwhile $14,000. Will h.o. Last week 'Beau Geste' (Par), fair $12,000. Stillman (Loew's) (1,972; 30-35-42- .55)—'Women' (M-G). Nothing like it for this house in some time, col- lecting $5,000 on third week. Lost week .skyrocketed to $9,000, highest gross here in several moons. decided smash, and will- get isO.OOO or near to that on its flrst week. This one begins a second week tomorrow (Thurs.). 'Cavell' also holds, to- gether with the Strand and Par- amount. 'Torpedoed,' English made, looks $8,500 or oveir at the small-seater Globe, and will also hold unless slufflng off today (Wed.). State has Henry Armetta, Maria Wilson and the Joe' Rines orchestra with 'Tomorrow Comes,' and, having, no trouble attracting business, will mount $25,000 for nice profit. . Both 'Rains Came' and 'Real Glory* dropped rather sharply, due no doubt to the competition entered against them this week. 'Rains,' on its third and final week at the Roxy, will be under $40,000, while 'Real Glory.' in its second Jap, will be around $25,- 000. In both cases these figures are satisfactory and mean profit. Last week, second for 'Rains,' the take was close to $60,000. while flrst week for'Glory'was $39,000. . Estimates for Tbis Week. Aslor (1,012; 25-40-55-65)—'Chips* (M-G) (20th week). Last week (19th), up Monday night (25). $»,- 000, okay. Prior stanza (18th) was $8,500. Capitol (4,520; 25-35-55-85-$1.25>— 'Women' (M-G). A genuine, high- class sock at $50,000 or close, against a lot of stout competition, includ- ing from stage-show houses. Begins second round tomorrow (Thurs.). Last week 'Blackmail- (M-G) failed to catch on, under $20,000 but a littla profit. Criterion (1,662; 25-40-55)—'Man They Could Not Hang' (Col). Kar- loff thriller at $8,000 on week end- ing last night (Tues.) quite good. Last week, 'Payment Deferred' (M-G (reissue), $7,500. Globe (1,700; 25-35-55)—Torpe- doed" (FA). Drawing very well for likely $8,500 or over, holdover under consideration. Last week, 'Parents on Trial' (Col), the less said tha better, only $3,100, lowest in a year here. Palace (1.700; 25-35-55)—'Hotel for Women' (20th) (2d run) and 'Quick Millions' (20th) (1st run), doubled, plus Pastor-Louis fight pic. Not mnrp -than r^iilriish $H, gnn in flirat<> ri Last week, 'Fifth Avenue Girl*. (RKO) and 'Sherlock' (20th), both 2d run, $9,800, good. Paramount (3,664; 25-35-55-88-99) —'Bali' (Par), Glenn Miller band and Inkspots (2d week). Embarks . on holdover today (Wed.) after smashing, through to immense $61,- 000 the first seven days. Both pic- ture and stage show are draughty, with flow of business very even throughout entire operating day. Last week, third for 'Star Maker' (Par) and Larry Clinton,- $31,000, very good. Radio City Music Hall (5,»S0; 40- 60-84-99-$1.65)—'Cavell' (RKO) and stage, show. Not far from the six- figure mark, indications pointing to a possible $05,000, based on strong weekend and gathering ot momen- tum . since opening. Holds' over. Last week, second for 'Golden Boy' (Col), $79,000, excellent: Rialto (750; 25-40-55)—'Two Bright Boys' (U). Not so bi'ight, under $6,000. 'Full Confession' (RKO)' opens today (Wed.). Last week, 'Bookies Wept' (RKO), with 'For- gotten Men' (Mayer) (reissue), $0,- 500. o.k. RIvoii (2,092; 25-55-75-85-99)^ 'Real Glory' (UA) (2d week). Pounded through vigorously to $39,- 000 last week (1st) but held down by more severe competition on the second (current) to around $25,000. but still quite satisfactory. Goes a third week, starting tomorrow (Thurs.). Roxy (5.836; 25-40-55-75)—'Rains* (20th) and stage show (3d-flnal week). Beset by new competition, the current and final (3d) week for this picture will be under $40,000, as compared with close to $60,000 last week (2d) and $75,100 the first seven days. However, at nearly $175,000 on the 21-day tun. tre- mendous profit. 'Here I Am a Stranger' (20th) moves in Friday (29). Slate (3.450: 35-55-75)—'Tomorrow Comes' (UA) (2d .run) and. on stage. Henry Armetta. Marie Wilson and'Joe. Rines orch. Business brisk. $25,000 or better, cood profit. Last week, 'Feathers' (UA) (2d run) and Nano Rodrigo band, around $22,000, oka.v. Strand (2,707; 25-.50-55-75-85-99) — 'Espionage Agent' (WB) and Artie Shaw. Between Shaw's fine drau.ijht and the pictuin. vor.v limnlv for ex- hibition now, a snuc $42,000 or over is in sight. On the basis of thl.^ business Ihe show holds over. T,ast week.'sixth for 'Old Maid' (WB). a little over $.10,000. excellent. On the run this heavy b.o. puller drew over $245,000.