Variety (Sep 1939)

Wedii^'sdaj, September 27, 1939 Heat Riiins Frisco, Where High Temp. Is Unusual; Ginger^Vaude OK $17,000 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY 11 San Francisco Sept. 26. F.st^nlatitlg receipts Irom day to (Jay requires the services ot a crys- tal ga^-er during this heat spell, which tias l)roken all records. Some exhibs claim tliat the soaring thermometer has hurt biz as much as 50%. Hot weather is so unusual here that most of the theatres have antiquated cool- inif systems. . ^. ^ At that, the theatres for the most oart ai-e considerably cooler than elsewhere, biit the natives are not smait to the idea. There was some tallc of the exhibs getting together on a cooperative display ad in the dailie.i. but this didn't get anywhere because of friction between some of the hoys on the street. _ _ Pace setter this week is 'Fifth Av- eiuie Girl' which, with vaude, is Biviiig the Golden Gate a better than average gross, considering the weather. EstinulcB for This Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 30-40)—'Thun- der Afloat' (M-G) and 'Everybody's Hobby' (WB). Timeliness of the new Wallace Beery picture is arousing curiosity of public to tune of $16,000. It would undoubtedly have done great biz under happier weather con- ditions. Last week "Kains Came' <20th), big 123,000. Colden Gate (RKO) (2.850; 35-55) —'Fifth Avenue Girl' (RKO) and vaude. Ginser scores again. Al- though $17,000 is sweet, take would have been nearer $22,000 if Old Sol hadn't turned on the heat. Last week 'Girl from Mexico' (RKO) and Bob Hope on sUge, great $20,000. Orpheiim (F&M) (2,440; 30-35-40) — Under Pup' (U) and 'Hawaiian Nights' (U) (2d wk.). Scorching weather has taken the props out of everything, so. this will have to be satisfied with painful $4,800. Last week. $7,000, somewhat of a disap pointment. Paramount (F-WC) (2,740; 30-40)— 'Old Maid' (WB) and 'Torchy* (WB) (3d wk.). Weather holding take to glim $7,000 this week. I^st week (2d I, managed $9,000, which was way off. SI. Francis (F-WC) (1,470; 30-40) —•Rains Came' (20th). Moverover from Fox. Take of $8,500 Is swell considering the way things are dying elsewhere. Last week 'Beau Geste' (Par) and 'Night Work' (Par), slim $4,500. United Artists (Cohen) (1,200; 35- 85-751—-Winter Carnival' (UA). Will —see-aTound-$8K)00—fa+F.-Last-week. (4th) "Four Feathers' (UA), okay, $5,000. Warfleld (F-WC) (2,680; 30-40)— Touchdown* (Par) and 'Island L.ost Men' (Par). Slim $7,500. Last week (2d I 'Blackmail' (WB) and 'Should Husbands Work?' (Rep), way oft at $5,000. Epidemic Hits Buffalo; Thunder' Nice $8,500, ?anama'-Unit OK 12iG Buffalo, Sept. 26. Grosses are leveling off again here this week. Ban against children due to paralysis epidemic is taking heavy toll in spots, particularly against kid- appeal pictures. However, Benny Goodman last week was able to pile Up a sensational figure in spite of all handicaps. Currently, the new 20th-century has jumped into the limelight with smart salesmanship of vaude featur- ing the A. B. Marcus 'La Vie Paree' revue. Hou.se has boosted admission scale and is doing snappy business strictly on stage show exploitation. : Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 30-35-55)— 'Rains Came' (20th). Doing sturdy business and should come in with better than average $15,000. Last week 'Fifth Avenue Girl' (RKO) and Benny Goodman, terrific $23,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-50)— I'huiider Afloat' (M-G) and 'Every- body's Hobby' (WB). Perking up with indications of nice $8,500. Last week 'Blackmail' (M-G) and 'Glam- our Girls' (M-G), offish $7,800. „Hlpp (Shea) (2,100; 25-35)—'Angels Faces' (WB) and 'News Is Night' fZOth). Wobbly, under $6,000. Last week 'Star .Maker' (Par) (2d run) and 'Saint London' (RKO), second cliukker for Crosby feature brought . only seedy $5,400. L»rayeUe (Hayman) (3,300; 25-35) —'Man Could Not Hang' (Col) and Wliispei-ing Enemies' (Col). Rou- tine at around $6,000, Last week Under-Pup' (U) and 'House Fear' 'U>, hit hard by paralysis ban and under $i>,200. %Sth-Centurr (Basil-Dipson) (3, 000; 25-40)—'Pahama Patrol' (Rep), and 'La Vie Paree' unit. Spurting for probably better than nUty $12,000. X..asl week 'Girl from Bio* (Mono) and 'SmiiKgled Cargo' (Rep), dual, dull $2,700. Key^City Grosses Estimated Total Grosi This Week «1,«ST,1M (Based on. 28 •cifie.?, 174 thea- tres, chiefly first runs, including N. y.) Total Gross Sam* Week Last Tear \... . (.Based on 24 cities, 156 (heaCres) OMAHA COOLS; 'SEA'SWELL $8,500 Omaha, Sept. 26, Tri-States theatres ara spending extra coin for newspaper ads and apparently getting results. Normal weather is back after the extreme hot spell. . 'Rulers of Sea,' at the Omaha, arui 'Rains Came' at Orpheum, both Blank houses, are doing well, Night football season has opened and offering strong competish, EsUmates for This Week Avenue - Dundee - Military (Gold berg) (800-600-950; 10-25)-'Hardy Fever' (M-G) and 'Five Came Back' (RKO), dual, split with 'Kildare' (M-G) and -Tell Tales' (M-G). dual Strong bill heading for $1,800, nice Last week 'Second Fiddle' (20th) and 'Invitation Happiness' (Par), dual split with 'Blondie' (Col), 'Gorilla' (20th) and 'Qn Trial' (FN), tripler, $1,700, good. Brandels (Singer-RKO) (1,250; 10- 25-35-40)—'Angels Faces' (FN) and •(Clouds Europe' (Col), dual. Nice $4,500. Last week, second -of 'Old Maid' (FN) and 'Way Down South' (RKO). $4,000, average, after first week of $6,500. Omaha iBIank) (2,000; 10-25-40)— 'Rulers Sea' (Par) and 'Chicken Wagon Family' (20th). dual. Extra space helping to $8,500, swell. Last week 'Beau Geste' (Par) and 'Allen Murder' (Par). $8,500, dandy. - Orpheum'(Blank).(3.000; 10^25-40) -'Rains Came' (20th) and 'Nancy Drew' (WB).. Big newspaper ads helping to $9,000. swell. Last week 'Unexpected Father' (U) and 'Glam our Girls' (M-G). $7,500. fair. Town (Goldberg) (1.250: 10-20-25) —'Wall Street Cowboy' (Rep), 'So- ciety Smugglers' (U) and 'Outside Walls' (Col), flist-run tripler. split with 'Five Came Back* (RKO). 'On Trial' ^FN) and 'Each Dawn' (FN) tripler. Aiming at $1,300. nice. Last week 'Trapped Skv' iCol). first-run •Second Fiddle' (20th) and 'Gorilla (20th). tripler, split with 'Inside In- formation' (U). first-run. 'Invitation Happiness' (Par) and 'Blondie' (Col) tripler, $1,200. good. 'GESTE'STRONG $11,000 IN NINE PROV. DAYS Providence, Sept. 26. Though warm weather isn't help- ing stands any, they're not complain- ing any too much since business is still slightly better than average. Strand is holdin" up surprisingly well with 'Beau Geste' in nine-day run. Estlmales for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 25-35-50)— 'Fifth Avenue Girl' (RKO) and 'Spellbinder' (RKO). Heavy ex- ploitali'>n helping house to good $7,500. Last week, 'Tomorrow Comes' (U) and 'Inside Information' (U), disappointing $6,000. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 25-35- 50)—"Rains Came' (20th) and 'Stop. Look' (20th) (2d run). Holding for nice $4,500. Last week, 'Old Maid' (WB) and 'Everybody's Hobby' (WB) (2d run), good $4,000. Fay's (Indie) (2,000: 25-35-40)— 'Chan' (20th) and vaude. House maintaining steady pace for good $6,500. Last week, 'Ex-Champ' (U) and vaude, average $6,000. Majestic (Fay) (2.200; 25-35-50)— 'Dust Destiny' (WB) and 'Drew Staircase' (WB). Paced for steady $8,000. Last' week, 'Rains Came (20th) and 'Stop, Look' (20th), bell- ringing $12,500. Slate (Loew) (3,200: 25-35-50)-^ 'Thunder Afloat' (M-G> and 'Five Little Peppers' (Col). Current war interest helping this one to good $12 000. Last week, 'Women' (M-G) and 'Trapped Sky' (Col) (2d wk), swell $9,500. Strand (Indiel (2,200: 25-35-50)— 'Beau Geste' (Par). Packed them in to tune of swell $9,000 in week's run and good bet to close nine-day run with stroma $11,000. 'Music' on Dual Nice $4,500 in Portland Portland, Ore., Sept. 26. 'The Rains Came,' at Paramount, is the burg's biggest winner among new pix., "They Shall Have Music' is nice at the Broadway. Parker's UA is in the money with "The Old Maid,! second week. Mayfair took 'In- Name Only' for three days after its first week at the Paramount' and will then go legit with 'Swing Mikado.' Estimates lor This Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-35- 40)—'Shall Have Music' (UA) and 'Stole Million' (WB). Well exploited and answering for satisfactory $4,500. Last week, 'Angels Faces' (WB) and 'Glamour Girls' (M-G), supported by personal appearance of Ronald Rea- gan, Claire Windsor, Lucille Fair- banks land Lya Lys, managed good $5,300. Liberty (Hamrick - Evergreen) — (2,000; 30-35-40)—'Star Maker' (Par) (2d wk) and 'Woman Judge' (Col). Good enough $3,800. First of 'SUr Maker' (Par) and 'Spellbinder) (RKO) good $5,500. Mayfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,500: 30-35-40—'Name Only' (RKO) and 'Blondie' (Col), three days only. Av- erage $2i500 following first fair week at -the Paramount. Last week, 'Beau Geste' (Par) and 'News Night' (20th). third week got okay $2,000. Second nice $2,500. First week at Par- amount strong $5,500. Paramoant (Hamrick - Evergreen) (3,000; 30-35-40)—'Rains Came' (20th) and 'Stop, Look' {20th). Over the top for good $6,500. Last week, 'Name Only' (RKO) and 'Blondie' (Col), okay $5,000. United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 30- 35-40)-'Old Maid* (WB) and 'Nancy Drew' (WB) (2d wk). Still hitting the high , spots at good $5,200. First week big $6,800. . •WOMEN* PLENTY HOT $22. IN WASH. Heat Wave Breaks, But Rains Now Flood L A; 'Underpup' B^[ $22,200, 'Espionage No Dice, 14G Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $39»,7et (Based on 12.theatres). Total Gross Same Week Last Year 9309,7M (Based on 12 theatres). 'ALL QUIET,' GG, OK REVIVAL INDET. Washington, Sept. 26. A straight pic spot is away out in front, beating both vauders by some $5,000, for first time in many weeks. It's 'The Women,' ballied continu- "Cfusly- for monthr,--wallowing --In- critics' raves and getting both the smart and the pop trade via its legit success here last season and clever inside-dope-on-the-dames promotion aimed openly at male trade. Ex- ample of latter . was midnight pre- view at Palace, at which gals had to buy the tickets to take their es- corts in. Other new straight pic, 'Fifth Ave- nue Girl,' at Keith's, also is propor- tionately better than two combo spots as compared to house averages. Of the fieshers, Capitol is leading with all the emphasis on Larry Clin- ton's orch to carry 'Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.' Earle, in midst of nice campaign on 'What a Life,' received word at last minute to to.ss in world premiere of 'JEspionage Agent' instead. Because of time ele- ment, preem was little more than a line above the ads. Whether perfect breaking of F.B.I, spy drive in daily papers coincident with premiere will have effect on present run is doubt- ful. At least, it hadn't been fell up to today (Tuesday). Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 25'35-40-66) —'Sherlock Holmes' (20th) and vaude. Larry Clinton orch dom- inating ads and marquee for fair $17,000. Last week, 'Thunder Afloat' (M-G) and vaude, held to big $22,- 000. Columbia (Loew) (1,234; 25-40)— 'Oz' (M-G) (2d run). Back down- town after two oke stanzas at Pal- ace and heading for big $6,000. Last week, 'Lady. Tropics' (M-G) (2d run), solid $5,000. Earle (WB) (2,216; 25-35-40-66)— 'Espionage Agent' (WB) and vaude. No name vaude leaving it all up to pic, tossed in as world premiere on three days' notice. Battling highly- ballied opposition for fair $13,500. Last week, 'Angels Faces' (WB) lightish $12,800. Keith's (RKO) (1.830; 35-55)— 'Fifth Avenue Girl' (RKO). Nice $10,500. Last week, 'Under-Piip.' (U), slipped slightly to still oke $8,- 200. Met (WB) (1,600; 25-40)—'Golden Boy' (Col) (2d run). Returns to mainstem after oke week at Earle and seeking big $6,000. Last week 'Old Maid' (WB) (2d run) (2d wk), built to swell $5,300. Palace (Loew) (2,242; 35-55)— 'Women' (M-G). Wowing the town, thanks largely to bally aimed at men, with beautiful $22,000. .Last week, 'Star Maker' (Par), below average $11,500. Detroit, Sept. 26. Good film lineup despite coupla holdovers. Infantile paralysis scare is over and biz is approaching boom proportions in auto plants. Reissue of 'AH Quiet on Western Front' is getting nice play at the Adams; ditto on 'The Women' at United Artists and Louis-Pastor fite. pix at the Fox, which is coupled with second stanza ot 'Rains Came.' Madison, downtown spot formerly run under aegis ot United Detroit chain, reopened last week on dual policy playing subsequent run flick- ers at 15-20 cent scale. Now op erated by indie group. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40)— 'All Quiet' (U) (reissue) plus 'Quick Millions' (20th), dual. Resurrection of war flicker, serial of which is running in Detroit Times, garnering nice play and should come home with around $6,000, best in long time. Last week, okay $5,300 for 'Golden Boy' (Col) (2d run) and 'Little Peppers' (Col). Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40- 55)—'Rains Came' (20th) (2d wk) plus 'Soldiers with Wings' (March of Time) and Louis-Pastor fite film. .LaUer. .holding, up.second sesh of 'Rains' for good $15,000, following swell $25,500 first stanza, coupled with .'Hawaiian Nights' (U). Mlchl«:an (United Detroit) (4,000; 30-40-55)—'Lady Tropics' (M-G) plus 'Our Leading Citizen' (Par), dual. Not too forte at $12,000. Last week, •Borrowed Time' (M-G) and 'Gla- mour Girls' (M-G), woeful $9,000. Palms-Slate (United Detroit) (3,- 000; 30-40-50)—'Beau Geste' (Par) (2d run) and 'Everybody's Hobby' (WB), dual. Former moved here after two stanzas at United Artists; headed for okay $5,500. Last sesh poor $4,200 for 'Star Maker' (Par) (2d run) (2d wk) and 'Angels Faces' (WB). United Artists (United Detroit) (2,000; 30-40-55)—'Women' (M-G). Matinees surprisingly below expec- tations, but nights big; figures for good $14,000 and holdover. Last stanza, second, 'Beau Geste' (Par) pulled in okay $8,000 following nice $15,000 first week. Cincy Still Perking; Traud'-Grable-Roch. Head for Big $17,000 Cincinnati, Sept. 26. Cinema center is racking up its second successive trade tilt, reckon- ing well fOr the autumn season. Shubcrt's vaudfilm policy, which got off to a fast start last week, is hitting a higher mark currently to again top the burg. This week's combo is 'Magniflcient Fraud' on the screen and Betty Grable and Roches- ter sharing headline honors. 'Fifth Avenue Girl' at the Palace for eight days, and 'Honeymoon in Bali,' at Albee, are photo-finishing it for front money at the all-pic par lor.s. Keith's is getting above-par returns on 'Thunder Afloat.' Estimates for This Week Alhee (RKO) (3,300; 35-42)— 'Bali' (Par). All right at $11,000. Same last week on 'Beau Geste' (Par), when b.o. slumped in last half. Capllol (RKO) (2,000; 35-42)— 'Rains Came' (20th) (2d wk). Okay $7,000. Last week, very good $13,000. Will hold for another fortnight. Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-25)— 'Conspiracy' (RKO) and 'Fighting Gringo' (RKO), first half, and 'Hidden Power' (Col) and 'Flight Midnight' (Rep), second half. Nor- mal $1,800. Ditto last week on 'Career' (RKO) and 'Colorado Sun- Los Anaeles, Sept. 26. The heat wave has broken, but in its place have come gales and tor- rential rains. Latter registered five inches Sunday (24) and added con- siderably niore on Monday. Prop- erty damage and loss of life ran high. Break in the heat is helping the pi(;ture b.o.'s somewhat, though flooded streets and strong winds are naturally also keeping plenty of cus- tomers away. Best bet currently is the dual of 'Underpup' and 'Coast Guard,' which, running day 'n' date at the Pantages and RKO, is getting a big total of $22,200. Another profit-maker is 'The Women's' third week at the United Artists and Wilshire. Estimates for This Week Carthay Circle (Fox) (1,518; 30-40- 55)—'Lady of Tropics' (M-G) (2d week) and 'Design for War,' dual. As support feature for holdover stanza house is offering special fea- ture-length subject, made up of newsreels, shorts and March of Time, compiled and edited by Thornr ton Sargent and Dave Fred. Stanza good for around $1,500. Last week, 'Tropics' (M-G) and '6,000 Enemies' (M-G), okay $1,800. Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,024; 30-40-55-75) — 'Rains Came'.(20th) and 'Stop, Look, Love' (20th), dual, (2d week). Holdover of five days bringing neat $10,500 and puts house back to regular Wednesday open- ing. First week, big $16,800. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-40-55- 65)—'Espionage Agent' (WB) and 'Everybody's Hobby' (WB), dual. Looks like weak $6,700. Last week, 'Old Maid' (WB) second week, iair, $7,900. Four SUr (F-WC-UA) (900; 40-55) —'Feathers' (UA) (6th week). Hold- ing firm in final weeks and should bring neat $2,000 stanza; fifth week okay $2,100. Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55- 65)—'Espionage' (WB) and 'Every- body's Hobby' (WB). dual; Will have trouble reaching poor $7,000. Last week, second stanza 'Old Maid' (WB), okay $6,700. Orpheum (Bdwy) (2,280; 30-40-55) —'Fighting Gringo' (RKO) and 'Night Work' (Par), dual and vaude- ville. Senator Murphy heading stage show, and with only one first run feature, 'Gringo,' biz not very healthy at around $6,500. Last week, second run program. Panlares (Pan) (2.812; 30-40-55)— 'Underpup' (U) and 'Coast Guard' (Col), dual. With little opposition from new arrivals boulevard house is heading for excellent $11,200. Last week, four-day holdover ot 'Golden Boy' (Col) and 'Little Peppers' (Col), not very hot $3,200. Paramount (Par) (3,595; 30-40-55) —'Geste' (Par) and 'Hero for Day' (U) dual (3d week). Despite ter- rific rain remake holding exception- ally strong on third (final) stanza and should add another $9,300 to al- ready lucrative gross. Second week around $11,500, very good. RKO (2,872; 30-40-55)—'Underpup* (U).and 'Coast Guard' (Col), (lual. Looks like big $11,000, due largely to numerous holdovers in downtown sector. Last week, four-day hold- over of 'Golden Boy' (Col) and 'Peppers' (Col), just fair $3,300. State (Loew-Fox) (2.414; 30-40-55- 75)—'Rains Came' (20th) and 'Stop, Look, Love' (20th) dual (2d week). Should hit $11,200 on five-day sec- ond week, putting house back to regular Wednesday opening. Initial seven days very big $19,100. United Artists (F-WC) (2,100; 30- 40-55)—'Women' (M-G) and 'News Made Night' (M-G) dual (3d week). Third lap of five days adding an- other eifcellcnt $3,100; second week very good $4,300. Wilshire (F-WC) (2,296; 30-40-55- 65)—'Women' (M-G) and 'News Made Night' (M-G dual (3d week). Day-dating__with__HA_fOX...ft.ve-day._ third week,'looks okay $4,500. Sec- ond full stanza very good $6,800. set' (Rep), split with 'Mutiny Black- hawk' (U) and 'Irish Luck' (Mono). Keith's (RKO) (1,500; 35-42)— 'Thunder Afloat' (M-G). Good $6,500. Last week, 'Women' (M-G) (2d run), nice $4,500. Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 25-40)—'Beau Geste' (Par). Transferred from Albee for second week. Poor $3,500. L,a3t week, 'Old Maid' (WB) (2d run), fair $4,500. Palace (RKO) (2,600: 35-42)— 'Fifth Avenue Girl" (RKO), eight days. Very good $12,000. Last week, 'Blackmail' (M-G), six days, sorry $5,500. Shubert (RKO) (2,150; 40-60)— 'Magniflcient Fraud' (Par) and Betty Grable and Rochester co-starring stage show. Socko $17,000, Last week, 'Speedway' (WB) and Jan Garber's band, in first week of vaud- film season vnnd t14nnn