Variety (Nov 1939)

10 VARIETY PICTURE GROSSES Wednesdaj, November 1, 1939 Mpls. Scraping New Bottoms; 'Babes' OK$12,000/Jeepers-VaudeN.G.5G Minneapolis, Oct. 31. Business is still very much on th^ downgrade and reaching toward all- time new October low levels. The single bright spot is 'Babes in Arms,' at the State, and even in this in- stance returns are not commensurate % ith the attraction's merits. An- other outstanding picture, 'Oust Be My Destiny,' Century offering, is not pulling as much patronage as it de- serves. Two pictures, 'They Shall Have Music' and 'When Tomorrow Comes,' go into their third weelt at the sure- seatcrs, World and Esquire, but the returns here, too, have been nothing tj write home about. There's less stage show opposition for the films this week, the Minne- sota alone playing vaude and doing none too. hot at that. However, there's legit 'Tobacco Road' at the Lyceum nnd roadshow burlesque at the Gayely. Half-year real est -.te property taxes are due this week and the scraping necessary to meet this pay- ment undoubtedly is throttling en- tertainment spending. But the main factor seems to be generally adverse conditions. Estimates for This Week Aster <Par-Singer) OC 15-25)— "Money Ring' (WB) and 'Hawaiian Nights' (U), dual first-runs, split with 'Scandal Sheet' (Col) and 'Hero Day' (U), also dual first-runs. Mild $1,200 indicated. Last week, 'Grey Walls' (Col) and 'Everything's Ice' (RKO), dual first-runs, split- with •Shipyard Sally' (20th) and 'No Place Go' (WB), .also dual first-runs, $1,400, tame. CentDry (Par-Singer) (25-35-40)— •Dust Destiny' (WB). Very well re- garded picture and Garfield a mag- net, but must hustle to reach fair $5,000. Last week, 'Old Maid' (WB) (2d wk), fair $4,000, Lfter good f7,500 first week at Orpheum. Esqaire (Gillman) (290; 25-35-40) —'Tomorrow Comes' (U) (3d wk). Can't hang on much longer. Pace looks good for $1,100. Last week, $1,200, pretty good. Gopher (Par-Singer) (998; 25)— •YoUr Troubles' (20th). Neither the Ritz Bros, nor Jane Withers mean much to loop boxoffices any more. Light $2,600 in prospect. Last week, •All Quiet' (U) (reissue), $4,200, very big. Granada (Par) (900; 25-35)—'Beau Geste' (Par) split with 'Fifth Girl' (RKO). First neighborhood show- ings. Fair $1,800 indicated. Last week, 'Star Maker' (Par) split with •Name Only' (RKO), $2,000. fair. Minnesota (Mpls. Co.) (4,000; 20- 30-40)—'Jeepers Creepers' (Rep) and stage show. Boxoftice response to big bargain show very discouraging. Sledding is tough, past several weeks having been below par here as else- where. Must go some to reach light $5,000. Last week, $5,500, mild. Orphenm (Par-Singer) (2,800; "25- 35-40) — 'Thunder Afloat' (M-G). Good and timely picture, but appar- ently not strong enough to overcome numerous handicaps. Reaching toward mild $5,000. Last week, 'Fast, Furious' (M-G) and stage show, in- cluding Blackstone and Marie Wil- son, $9,500, mild. SUte (Par-Singer) (2,300; 25-35- 40)—'Babes Arms' (M-G). Raves for this picture and it will run at least two weeks. In normal times un- doubtedly would pile up several grand more than currently in pros- pect, but healthy $12,000 is not to be sneezed at under present condi- tions. Last week, 'Hollywood Cav- alcade' (20th). $6,000 mild. World (Steffes) (350; 25-33-40-55) —'Have Music* (UA) (3d wk). Not getting play anticipated and soon will bow out. Should have gone like house afire in this spot. Mild $1,800 indicated. Last week, $2,200, disappointing. PROV. PERKS; mPUTED PASSAGE' GOOD $9,000 Providence, Oct. 31. Sudden cold snap is helping b.o. and givinj! added impetus to better product.- 'Babes in Arms,' in second week at Lpew's State, is still a biggie after record-breaking opening stanza. Strand's 'Disputed Passage' is play- Jng to big biz, while 'AH Quiet' re- vival at RKO Albee proving sur- prisingly healthy. EstlmaUs for This Week Aibee (RKO) (2,300; 25-35-50) — •All Quiet' (U) (revival) and 'Way Down South' (RKO). Unpredict- able appeal for recent revivals hold- ing true for this one and helping spot to nice $5,600. Last week, 'Hu- man Bondage' (RKO) and *Ix>st Squadron' (RKO) (revivals), okay $5,400 in six-day run. Carltoo (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 25-35'- BO) —'Submarine D-1' (WB) (re- issue) and 'Smashing Money Ring' (WB) (2d wk). Failure of 'On Toes' to draw caused switch to 'Submarine D-1' for Carlton carry-over. So-so $2,500 slated. Last week, 'Hollywood Cavalcade' (20th) (2d run), nice $3,500. Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 25-35-40) — 'City in Darkness' (20lh) and vaude. Paced at fairish $5,800. Last week. 'Barbed Wire Fence' (20th) and vaude, average $6,200. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 25-35-50)— '20,000 Men' (20th) and 'Pride Blue Grass' (WB). Slated for poor $5,000. Last week. 'On Toes' (WB) and 'Smashing Money Ring' (WB), dis- appointing $5,500. State (Loew) (3,200; 25-3S-50) — 'Babes Arms' (M-G) and 'Rookie Cop' (RKO) (2d wk). Record- breaker, with zowie $11,000 assured after outstanding $18,200 in -first week. Strand (Indie) (2.000; 25-35^50)— 'Disputed Passage' (Par) and 'Coast Guard' (Col). Heavy patronage as- sures house strong $9,000. Last week, 'Death Champion' (Par) and 'Calling Marines' (Rep), poor $3,700 in five days. BENNEH-'SONS' N. G. $10, IN BUFF. Buffalo, Oct. 31. 'Hollywood Cavalcade,' 'Mr. Smith' and Constance Bennett in person are running neck and neck, with the first two's returns okay. Ben- nett a disappointment. Second run of 'Babes in Arms* Is holding up sturdily. The dual bill headed by 'Submarine D-I' at the Hipp is lagging. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 30-35-55)— Hollywood Cavalcade' (20th). Looks over $11,000, fair. Last week, 'Babes Arms' (M-G), good $17,000. Great Lakes (Shei) (3,000; 30-50) —'Babes Arms' (M-G) (2d run). Moving along to good clip and over $8,500. Last week, 'Intermezzo' (UA), picked up over anticipations for $7,200, fairish. Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 25-35)—'Sub- marine D-r (WB) (2d run) and Death Champion' (Par). Low spot of town. Slow $5,500. Last week, 'Dancing Co-Ed' (M-G) and 'Water- front' (WB), $5,000, poor. Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 25-35) —•Mr. Smith' (Col) (2d wk). Still showing plenty strength. Should get fine $10,000. Last week, power- ful $14,000. 20th CcDtary (Dipson-Basil) (3,- 000; 25-40)—Three Sons' (RKO) and Constance Bennett on stage. Hardly up to anticipations. Probably around $10,000, so-so. Last week, 'Full Con- fession' (RKO), 'Hidden Staircase' (WB), wobbly, under $5,000. TASSAGE; big $8,500, LEADS TO DENVER H.O. • Denver, Oct. 31. 'Roaring Twenties' is running a little above average at the Denver to take top coin this v/eek. 'Babes in Arms' is strong in second week, while 'Disputed Passage' is earning a holdover at Denham. Estimates for This Week Abddlh (Fox) (1.400; 25-40)— 'Real Gloiy' (UA), after week at Denver. Fair $3,500. Last week, 'Hollywood Cavalcade' (20th), after week at Denver, fair $3,500. Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 25-35-40) —'Under-Pup' (U) and 'Mutiny Blackhawk' (U), after week at Par- amount Not so good, $2,000. Last week, 'Nurse Cavell' (RKO) and 'Bookies Wept' (RKO), were below average at $2,000, after week at Or- pheum, Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 25-35- 40) — 'Disputed Passage' (Par). Strong $8;500 and holds. Last week, 'Bali' (Par) (2d wk.), was almost as strong as it's first week, doing $7,500. Denver (Fox) (2,525: 25-35-40)— 'Roaring Twenties' (WB). Carney- Lane starrer getting good $9,500. Last week, 'Real Glory' (UA), fair $9,000.' Orphean (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40) —'Babes Arms' (M-G) (2d wk.). Get- ting good play at $8,500. Last week, packed them in repeatedly for big $13,500. Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)— 'AH Quiet' (U) (reissue) and 'Drew Staircase' (WB). Very , nice $4,500. Last week, 'Under-Pup' (U) and 'Mutiny Blackhawk' (U), good enough $4,000 to get second week at Broadway. Bialto (Fox) (878; 25-40)—'Holly- wood Cavalcade' (20th), after a week at each Denver and Aladdin, and 'Hidden Power' (Col). Nice $2,200. Last week, 'Old Maid' (FN), after a week at each Denver and Aladdin, and 'Hero Day' (U), good $2,000. 'Roaring 20V Okay $4,500 in Portland Portland, Ore., Oct. 31. 'Hollywood Cavalcade'. did well at the Paramount in its first week and is - holding for another fair chukker. This week a fair winner on the war angle is 'U-Boat 29,' at Liberty, which makes the scpre about even on the b.o. value of war or escapist pix. On the non-military side of the fence, 'Babes in Arms' won heavily at Parker's U.A. and held for sec- ond week. Estimates for This. Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-35- 40)-T-'Roaring Twenties' (WB) and 'Bright Boys' (U). Getting average $4,500. Last week, 'Real Glory' (UA) and 'No Place Go' (WB), closed good first week at $4,800 and moved to Mayfair. Liberty (Hamrick-Evergreen) (2,- 000; 30-35-40)—'U-Boat 29' (Col) and 'Chicken Wagon Family' (20th). U-boat angle brmging ffii ?S fsnn. Last week, 'Nurse Cavell' (RKO) and 'Bookies Wept' (RKO), plus March of Thne, registered okay $4,- 300. Mayfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,- 500; 30-35-40)—-Real Glory' ■ (UA) and 'No Place Go' (WB). Second week following opening at the Broadway doing nicely for $2,500. Last week, 'Women' (M-G), wound up fourth week with good enough $2,200. Paramount (Hamrick - Evergreen) (3,000; 30-35-40)—'Hollywood Caval- cade' (20th) and 'Full Confession' (RKO) (2d wk). Keeping in the money at $3,500. First week, with •Night Work' (Par), $5,000, good. VniUd Artists (Parker) (1.000; 30- 35-40)—'Babes Arms' (M-G) and 'Witness Vanishes' (U) (2d wk). Still in pay dirt at $4,000. First week, good $5,300. *Life - Joe Brown NoPaiiic,$10,000; Indpls. Doldrums Indianapolis, Oct 31. Everything is quiet this week on the theatrical front, with managers quietly holding their positions. After the opening push on Friday, when 15,000 school teachers were in town, activity settled down to a steady ennui, and no one's coffers is.burst- ing with lucre. Lyric and Circle are out for the coin with former playing Will Os- borne orch and latter showing Joe E. Brown unit, which is in doghouse. Loew's is still all right on hold- over of 'Babes in Arms.' Indiana is fair dualling 'Roaring Twenties' and 'Drew Staircase.' Apollo is taking a shellacking with first-runs 'Rio' and 'Call a Messenger.' Estimates for This Week Apollo (Katz-DoUe) (1,100; 25-30- 40)—-Rio* (U) and 'Call Messenger' (U). Poor $1,800. Last week, 'Hollywood Cavalcade' (20th) and ■Escape' (20th), moveover from In- diana, okay $2,500. Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,600; 25-30- 40)—'What a Life' (Par) and Joe E. Brown unit on stage. N. G. $10,000. Last week, 'On . Toes' (WB) and ■Espionage Agent* (WB), $4,300,poor. Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,100; 25-30- 40)—'Roaring Twenties' (WB) and 'Drew Staircase' (WBT" Fair $7,000. Last week, 'Disputed Passage' (Par) and 'Television Spy' (Par), $6,000, red. Loew's (Loew's) (2,400; 25-30-40) —'Babes Arms' (M-G) and 'Scandal Sheet' (Col) (2d week). Nifty $7,800. Last week, $13,000, socko. Lyric (Lyric) (1,900; 25-30-40)— 'Sherlock Holme.s' (20th), Will Os- borne orch and Esther Ralston. Good $11,000. Last week, 'Angels Wash Faces' (WB) and Milt Herth Trio heading vaude; satisfactory $10,200. H.0;SH0LDUPIN0,C.; TOERPUP' FAIR $2,500 Oklahoma City, Oct 31. 'Mr. Smith,' after bang-up open- ing week, continues into a second at the State, and 'Babes in Arms' is holdover at Criterion, third film in theatre's long history to be held. Others were 'Cimarron* and 'Snow White.' On the whole, biz Is okay. Estimates for This Week Criterion (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40) —'Babes' (M-G) (2d wk). Good $4,200. Last week, 'Babes' (M-G), v.g. $5,500. Liberty (Stan) (1,200; 15-20-25) — 'Under-Pup' (U) and 'Desperate Trails' (U). Fair $2,500. Last week, 'Angels Wash Faces' (WB) and 'No Place Go' (WB), good $2,900. Midwest (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40)— 'Old Maid' (WB). Nice $4,700. Last week, 'All Quiet' (U) (reissue),, Fair, Heat Clip Frisco, But 'Mr. Smith' $14,000 Breeze, 'Rio'-Vande N.G. llViQ floundered in five days for poor $2,000, . Plaza (Stan) (1,500; 25-35-40)—'All Quiet' (U). So-so $400 in three days. Last week 'Hollywood Cavalcade' (20th), moveover, fair $800. SUte (Noble) (1,100; 20-25-40)— 'Mr. Smith' (Col) (2d wk). Very good $4,500. Last week, smash $6,000. Tower (SUn) (1,000; 20-25-35)— 'Dancing Co-Ed* (M-G). Good $2,100. Last week, 'Women' (M-G), third week, good $1,800. 'SMITH,' $1?,000 NICE IN DET. SOLO Detroit Oct. 31. 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' is going it solo at the Fox and, aided by extra bally on U. S. solons' anger at Washington preview, is getting nice reception. Strong biz for flock of holdovers. Estimates for This Week. Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40)— 'Hollywood Cavalcade' (20th) (2d run) and- 'Escape' (20th). Former moved here from Fox and combo figures for light $4,800. Last week fair $5,000 for 'Under-Pup' (U) and •Fifth Girl' (RKO) (2d runs). Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40' 55)—'Mr. Smith' (Col), plus March of Time. Looks like nice $17,000 and holds. Last week. 'Hollywood Cavalcade' (20th) and 'Witness Van- ishes' (U) good $15,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 30-40-55)—'Dust Destiny' (WB) and •Dancing Co-Ed' (M-G). Headed for fair $13,500. La.st week, nifty $20,000 for 'Disputed Passage' (Par) and 'Nancy Drew' (WB), aided by plenty of fanfare on - 'Passage' world preem. Palms-SUte (United Detroit) (3,000; 30-40-50)—'Disputed Passage' (Par) and 'Old Maid' (WB) (2d runs). After swell stanza at Michi- gan, 'Passage' moved here to team with 'Maid'; result should be good $8,500. Last week, 'Old Maid' (WB) (2d run) and "Thunder Afloat' (M-G) (2d run), picked up good $7,000. United Artists (United Detroit) (2,000; 30-40-55)—'Babes Arms' (M-G) (2d wk.). After reeling off fancy $16,000 first stanza, paced for okay $8,000 currently. 'MR. SMITH' 6G, OMAHA'S PACER Omaha, Oct 31. 'Smith Goes To Washington' Is being -hypoed by rational blowup to extra biz here at the Brandeis. It may be held second stanza. Tri-States' houses, Omaha and Or- pheum, put on Hallowe'en spook and preview shows for extra grosses. Estimates for This Week Avenue-Dundee-Milliary (Gold- berg) (800-600-950; 10-25) — 'Oz' (M-G and 'Like Hot' (Par); dual, split with 'Borrowed Time' (MrG) and 'Undercover Doctor' (Par), dual. Good $1,700. Last week, 'Liv- ingistone' (20th) and 'Name Only' (RKO), dual split with 'Lady Trop- ics' (M-G) and 'Stole Million' (U), dual, $1,600, so-sp. Brandeis (Singer-RKO) (1,250; 10- 25-35-40)—'Mr. Smith' (Col) and 'Prison Gates' (Col). Town's best at $6,000, great Last week, 'Dust Des- tiny' (WB) and 'No Place Go' (WB), $4,500, nice. Omaha (Blank) (2,000; 10-25-40)— 'Thunder' (M-G) and 'Quick Mil- lions' (20th), Okay $7,500. Last week, 'Women' (M-G) and Torchy' (WB), $9,500, swell. Orpheum (Blank) (3,000; 10-25-40) —'Dancing Coed' (M-G) and 'Sher- lock Holmes' (20th). Fairish $8,000, Last week, 'Blackmail' (M-G) and •Speedway' (WB), $7,500, n. g. Town (Goldberg) (1,250; 10-20-25) —'Arizona Kid' (Rep), 'News Night' (20th) arid 'Mystery Plane' (Mono), first-run tripler, .split with 'Black Riyer' (Col), 'Girl Marry' (Mono) first-runs, and 'Like Hoi' (Par), tripler; Nice $1,300. Last week, 'Crowded Hours' (RKO), 'Lost Men' (Par) first runs, and 'Stole Million' (U), tripler, split with 'Riders Fron- tier' (Mono), fir.st-run, 'Sun Sets (U) and 'Name Only' (RKO), tripler, $1,200, good. , San Francisco, Oct 31. With the Fair winding up for the year and with the thermometer still soaring, things aren't so good here this week. Most of the first-run houses on the street are making every effort to make the grade.with product of unusual calibre. How- ever, the exposition has been break, ing attendance records every day during the closing week, with (he result that several of the newcomers getting less than they would under other circumstances. Standouts this week is 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' at the Orpheum, which has upped its' admish to 55c 'Intermezzo,' okay booking for the class trade held by the United Artists, got oft to a disappointing start, but is expected to pick up after the Fair closes. Estimates (or This Week . Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 30-40)—Roar, ing Twenties' (WB) and 'No Place Go' (WB). Biz is not what it would be if the Fair was out of 'the way and if warm weather would let up. New Cagney picture is getting good word of mouth. Will get about $15.- 000, fair. Last week, 'At Circus* (M-G) and 'Fast Furious' (M-G), under expectations at $14,00(). Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55) — Rio" (U) and vaude. Although. •Rio' has some good names, be.'-t comments are for the short subject, •Information Please,' and stage «how. Theatre made tieup with KGO, which broadcasts 'Information Please,' and grabbed plenty of free plugs on the air, but will get only $12,600, which is picking up a bit over last week, when 'Nurse Cavell' (RKO) and vaude got $12,000, so-so. Orpheum (F&M) (2,440; 35.-55)— ■Mr. Smith' (Col) and 'Little Pep- pers' (Col). This house is getting by much better this week than some of the others. There have been some squawks about the raise in ad- mish from 40 to 55c, but they have been few and far between. Fairing very well at $14,000. Last week (2d), 'U Boat 29' (Col) and 'Man Couldn't Hang' (Col), poor $4,500. Paramount (F-WC) (2,740; 30-40) —'Di-sputed Passage' (Par) and 'Es- cape' (20th). Can't overcome ter- rific opposish from expo and handi- cap of warm weather, so will just get ordinary $12,000. Last week, •Jamaica Inn' (Par), so-so $12,500. St. Francis (F-WC) (1,470; 30-40) — At Circus' (M-G) and 'Fast Furi- ous' (M-G) (2d wk.). Can't kick at $5,000. Last week, 'Hollywood Cavalcade' (20th), fairish $5,500 on moveover from Fox. United ArUsts (Cohen) (1,200: 35- 55-75) —'Intermezzo' (UA). Right kind of picture for this house, but first weeK is way under expecla- tions at $8,000. Last week (4th), •Real Glory' (UA) got $4,500 in fivo days. Warfleld (F-WC) (2,680; 30-40)— 'Babes in Arms' (M-G) and 'Tele- vision Spy' (Par) (2d wk.). Current pace indicates healthy $11,000, which is better than some of the newcom- ers are doing this week. Last week, got $15,500, one of the best at this house in a long time. 'BLACKMAILS-DEAD END KIDS BIG 17G IN CLEVL Cleveland, Oct 31. Between 'Blackmail' and Dead End Kids on the stage, the Palace is mop- ping up in the first-line trenches. Starting its heavy artillery fire oa first day, it's first vaudfilm this sea- son to do bang-up matinee biz and sustain it at night Going way over figures of previous swing-band combos. Opposition Is very spotty., Marx Bros.' 'At the Circus is making some noise for State in capturing juve trade. Hipp is doing above normal with h.o. of 'Mr. Smith' and 'Babes in Arms,' in second shot at Stillman. is also okay. No firecrackers for 'U- Boat 29,' at Allen, or '$1,000 a Touch- down,' at Circle. Estimates for This Week Alhambra (Printz) (1,120; 10-20- 35)—'Prison Gates' (Col) and 'Un- der-Pup' (U) (2d run). No material to bally and just fair $1,400 in four days. Last week, reissue of 'All Quiet* (U) and 'Hawaiian Nights' (U), good $2,500. Allen (RKO) (3,000; 30-35-42-55)— 'U-Boat 29' (Col). Timely war stuff and luridly sold, but only average $3,000. Spot always does better on shift-overs, 'Hollywood Cavalcade' (20th) taking $3,200 last week. Circle (Marmorstein) (1,900; 15-35) —'Ttjuchdown' (Par). Laced un- mercifully In'notices, yet Joe E. Brown-Martha Raye names counlei- acling. Should round up at Itiisl (Continued on page 16;