Variety (Dec 1939)

Wednesday, December 6, 1939 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY Chrysler Strike Ends, But Yule Buying Stymies bnmediate Det. B.O. Upswing Detroit, Dec. 9. Bi^ grins on faces here these days including widest ones on 60,000 Chrysler workers who went back to work Nov. 30 with wage raised. It was the end of the longest strike ill the history of automobile Indus- try (54 days) and bad knocked ofT biz by the millions. Amusements were hard hit and estimates run from 10-50% on what the dropoff meant during weeks of the strike. Good pix held up down- town houses to some degree. but many nabes, niterles and even the corner grocers were hard, hit, It wasn't only the Chrysler boys who lacked cash, but thousands in con- tributing plants which supply parts were laid off, and money wasn't moving. But it's all over now and belief is that after the famine comes the feast. Everybody expects a big hypo and amuiiement places expect to cash in on general gaiety end of the big strike will bring in. Chrysler, four days after ending of strike, announced a net profit of $31,403,118, or $7.22 a common share for first nine months of this year. It gave general pay raise of 3c an hour to workers in all plants. While it doesn't sound big, it means an an- nual wage increase of $5,000,000. What's more, on Dec. 1 Brigg.<; Mfg. Co. gave a-blanket raise of 3c an hour to its 16,000 employees—an- other annual boost of $1,000,000. With orders piled up and what looks like a big year in the auto- mobile industry ahead, every place from legit house, the Cass, to corner beer gardens expects to share in the dollars started to rolling again. When it's on the upswing Detroit is a free-spending town. However, Xmas shopping rush has started, militating against an imme- diate b.p. upswing for theatres. Trend to stores started last week, when, after a good weekend, biz started falling off downtown and in nabes. While biz is in the doldrums for downtown pic places, managers don't feel too bad about it, expecting to cash in later on ready cash back in town. Most held up under strike well and feel that since Christmas buying started early, trend back to pic< may come earlier, too. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40)— 'First Love' (U) (2d run) plus 'Rio' (U). Will get fair $4,500 on move- over of 'Love' from Fox. Last week, 'Drums Mohawk' (20th) (2d) and 'Stop, Look' (20th), good $5,500. F<Mt (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40- 55)—'Day-time Wife* (20th) and —IShetlack JttcaiaesU2.(lthA.. JW^nOdo do good $8,500. Last week, 'Mutiny House' (Mono) and vaude, fair $5,500. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 25-35-50)— 'Elizabeth Essex' (WB) and 'Private Detectives' (WB). Heavy femme trade promises house nice $8,000. Last week, 'Not Alone' (WB) and 'Kid Nightingale' (WB), disappoint- ing $5,000. State (Loew) (3,200; 25-35-50)— 'Another Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Grey Walls' (Col). Heavy holiday trade and late shows packing them in for swell $17,000. Last week, 'Ninotch- ka' (M-G) and 'Fast Furious' (M-G), hefty $16,500. Strand (Indie) (2,000; 25-35-50)— 'Rulers Sea' (Par) and 'Covered Trailer' (Rep). Drawing steady $7,000. Last week, "Our Neighbors' .tPar) and 'Law of Pampas' (Par), weak $4,500. KYSER NIFTY lOG ASXMASUPS better than $14,000, fair. Last week 'First Love' (U) and '20,000 Men' (20th). $21,000, nice considering everything, Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 30-40-55)—'Not Alone' (WB) and 'Have Music' (UA). Muni's draw here should hold it up to fair $11.- 000. Last week, 'Elizabeth Essex' (WBV and 'Bad Angel' (M-G), got • little better, $12,500. Falms-SUtc (United Detroit) (3.- 000: 30-40-55) — 'Elizabeth Essex' (WB) (2d run) and 'Espionage Agent' (WB). Will only do about average $5,500. Last week, o.k. $6,500 with 'Rulers Sea' (Par), moved over after week at Michigan, and 'Remember' (M-G), which did two weeks on second run. United Artbts (United Detroit) (2.000; 30-40-55)—'Ninotchka' (M-(3). Garbo seems to have what pic lure there is in town and should do good $9,000. Probable h.o. House stayed up there last week with $7,000 on 'Another Thin Man' (M-G) (2d wk). Louisville, Dec. 8. Holiday atmosphere, with down- town stores sporting gala Xmas trim- mings and main stem blazing with colored lights and evergreen roping, pulling plenty of people into the zone, with good share flocking to the flrst-runs. All houses are reaping the beneHt, 'Another Thin Man,' at Loew's State, is zooming for bumper gross and will set a mark for the others to shoot at. Swell biz likewise across the street at the Rialto. where "That's Right, You're Wrong,' on dual, is packing 'em in. Other houses are copping better than average biz, with no weak sisters in the bunch. 'Tobacco Road,' with John Barton in lead, playing mat and night at Co lumbia Aude tomorrow (Wednesday) at $1.50 top. Roller Derby is at Jef ferson County Armory, but no appar- ent threat to downtown pic houses. Estimates for Tbis Week Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) (1.000; 15-30-40)—'Ninotchka (M-G) and 'Blonde Baby' (Col). Garbo plenty forte on moveover from Loew's State. Keeping the wicket bu.sy to tune of fine $2,300. Last week, 'Drums Mohawk' (20th) and 'Busy Work' (20th), copped okay $2,000 Kentucky (Switow) (900; 15-25)— 'Rains Came' (20th) and 'Under-Pup' (U). .split wit h 'Five Peppers' (C ol) PROV. LOOKS HEALTHY; THIN MAN'nNE $17,000 Providence, Dec. 5. That's Right, You're Wrong' is helping RKO Albee to one of big- gest weeks in month. Also getting heavy play is 'Another Thin Man,' at Loew's State. 'Elizabeth and Essex' at Majestic, and 'Rulers of Sea', at Strand, are healthy. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,300; 25-35-50)— •You're Wrong' (RKO) and 'Three Sons' (RKO). Going right to town with this one. Pointing to swell $10,000 and looks like cinch for hold- over. Last week, 'Stranger' (20th) and 'Rio' (U), fair $5,000. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400: 25-35- 50)—'Ninotchka' (M-G) and 'Fast Furious' (M-G) (2d run). Peppy pace insures swell $6,000. Last week, 'Mr. Smith' (Col) and 'Smuggled Carsio' (Rep) (3d wk), hefty $4,000. Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 25-35-40)— ■'all Messenger' (U) and vaude. Will and 'U-Boat 29' (Col). Snaring oEiy $1.600.. Last week, 'Star Midnight' (RKO) and 'Lost Patrol' (RKO), me dium $1,400. Loew's State (Loew's) (3,100: 15 30-40)—'Another Thin Man' (M-G). Going great guns as-single. With eight days to pile up splendid figure, should set bumper mark of $14,000. Last week, 'Ninotchka' (M-G) and 'Blonde Baby' (Col), swell $9,000 and moveover. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 15- .■)0-401—'Dress Parade' (WB). Dead End Kids attracting satisfactory pat- ronage. While opposish is plenty strong, result should still be pleas- ing at probably $3,500. Last week, •Not Alone' (WB), fair $3,200. Riallo (Fourth AvenUe) (3.000; 15- 30-40)—'That's Wrong' (RKO) and 'Doctor Christian' (RKO). Getting fine play from radio following of Kay Kyser. particularly younger set. Push-over for swell $10,000, big for eight days. Last week, 'Day-time Wife' (20th) and 'City Darkness' (20th), only fairish $6,500. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400 15-30-40)—'Barricade' (20th) and •Flying Deuces' (RKO). Most of biz going to Fourth street houses cur- rently, but this pair will catch some overflow and should manage $3,400. average. Last week. 'Allegheny' (RKOJ and 'Sued Libel' (RKO), fair $3,200, Garbo, $8,000; Kyser, $7,000, Strong in Seattle Seattle, Dec. 5 Xmas shopping is well underway and is beginning to cut into the amu.sement dollar. Some heavy fall rains have also affected biz, but the rule continues to hold, i.e., that the big ones do okay; the weaker ones n.s.h. 'Ninotchka.' for instance, is great at Fifth Avenue. 'Another Thin Man' went to town opening week at Paramount and is holding up solidly. 'Rulers of Sea' had enough on the ball to merit move to Blue Mouse, with 'Day- time Wife* ditto to Music Box. 'We Are Not Alone' wasn't so forte at Palomar, but got moveover to Roose- velt. Estimates for This Week Bloe Moose (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 27-42)—'Rulers Sea' (Par) and 'Stranger' (20th). Moveover from Orpheum heading, for fair $2,100. Last week, 'Drums Mohawk' (20th), nine days, $3,400, big. Coliseum (Hamrick - Evergreen) (1,900; 21-32)—'Women' (M-G) (2d run) and 'Miracles Sale' (M-G) (1st run). Indicate only $2,300. slow. Last week, 'Rains Came' (20th) and Night Work' (Par), $3,300, big. Fifth Avenne (Hamrick - Ever- green) (2,349; 27-42) — 'Ninotchka'. (M-G) and 'Dancing Co-Ed' (M-G). Big newspaper campaign for Garbo's first here in two years. Heading for big $8,000. Last week, 'Day-time Wife' (20th) and '20,000 Men' (20th), okay $6,400: Liberty (J-vH) (1,650; 21-27-42)— •Mr. Smith' (C61) (5th wk). Paced for great $5,000. Last week, same film, wonderful $6,000. Music Box (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 27-42)—'Day-time Wife' (20th) and '20,000 Men' (20th). Moveover from Fifth expects only $2,000, mild. Last.week, 'Cat Canary' (Par) and 'Fast Furious' (M-G) second week, six days, good $2,800. Orphenm (Hamrick-Evergreen) (2,600; 27-42)—'That's Wrong' (RKO) and 'Three Sons' (RKO). Anticipate great $7,000. Last week, 'Cat Canary' (Par) and 'Stranger' (20th), $6,600, big. Falomar (Sterling) (1,350: 21-27- 37-42)^'Dress Parade' (WB) and 'Money Ring' (WB), plus vaude. Good $5,000. Last week, 'Not Alone' (WB), plus vaude, $4,500, fairish. Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen) (3,039; 27-42)—'Another Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Bad Angel' (M-G) (2d wk). . Looks like great $6,000, Last week, same films, $12,000, stupen dous. Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 27-42)— 'Not Alone' (WB). Moved from Palomar. Getting good $3,000 here. Last week (16-32) 'Angels Faces' (WB) and 'Bali' (Par) (2d run), $2,100, okay. Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 16-32)—'Destiny' (WB) and 'Hotel Women' (20th) (2d rim). Looks like fair $2,000. Last week, 'Nurse Ca- vell* (RKO) and 'Borrowed Time' (M-G), terrible and pulled after four days with only $1,100. Calloway-Turious' Great 13G, Omaha, %Man;il|/2G Omaha, Dec. 5. Thanksgiving 'weekend hypoed theatre J>iz here and sent it soaring after a month of doldrums. Product is largely-responsible for better biz, Pre-Yule Droop Smites L A., Ritzes, Ight' Red $15,000; 'Daughter'Just Bad Girl. 17G; Muni Lonely $15,300 and 'Rains Came' (20th )i $1,000, fairish. Town (Goldberg) (1.250; 10-20-25) —'Frontier Marshal' (20th), 'Married Cop' (Rep), first-run, and 'Winter Carnival' (UA), tripler, split with 'Texas Wildcats' (Cap), first-run; 'Allen Murder' (Par) and 'Music' (UA), tripler. Average $1,100. Last week, 'Konga' (Col), 'Woman Judges' (Col) and 'Kansas Terrors' (Rep); first-runs, tripler, split with 'Calling Marines' (Rep), 'Desperate Trails' (Rep), first-runs. !(nd 'Filth Girl' (RKO), tripler, $1,100, so-so. CANTOR - RENO' socK$aooo, CINCY exhibs say." 'Another Thin Man' is due for ex- tra days at the Omaha at its present pace. Kay Kyser's 'That's Right. You're Wrong' also possible hold- over at Brandeis. Cab Calloway on Paramount stage broke five-year opening-day record here for vaudfilm and getting fine figure for six days. Estimates for This Week Avenne - Dundee - Military (Gold- berg) (800-600-950: 10-25) —-Boys Town' (M-G) and 'Have Music' (UA), dual, split with 'Frontier Marshal' (20th), 'Winter Carnival' (UA) and 'Magnificent Fraud' (Par), tripler. Fairish $1,600. Last week, 'Rains Came' (20th) and 'Fifth Avenue Girl' (RKO), dual, split with 'Unexpected Father' (U), 'l.sle of Lost Men' (Par) and 'Chicken Wagon Family" (20th), tripler, same. Brandeis (Singer-RKO) (1,2.'>0: 10- 25-35-40)—'That's Wrong" (RKO) and 'Espionage Agent' (FN). Will probably h.o. after great $6,000. Last week, 'Not Alone' (WB) and 'Beware Spooks' (Col), dual, $4,000, disap- pointing. Omaha (Blank) (2,000; 10-25-40)— 'Another Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Heaven Fence' (20th ). Town's best with smash $11,500 for eight day.'!. Last week. 'Roaring Twenties' (WB) and 'Night Work' (Par), $7,000. fairish. Orpheum (Blank) (3.000; 10-25-40) —'Day-Time Wife' (20th) and 'Rio' (U). In for eicht days; $8,500, n.s.h. Last week, 'Disputed Pa.s.sage' iPar) and 'Pack Troubles' (20tli), $8,000. mediocre. Paramount (Blank) (3.000: 15-35- 55)—'Fast Furious' (M-G) plus Calj Calloway and Cotton Club revue on stage. Best stage-film opening day in Omaha in five years and holding up for solid $13,000 in six day.s. Last week. 'Busy Work' (20tli) plus Phil Spitalny and all-fcmme .orch on stage, built by latter to $14,000, plenty good. State (Goldberg) (900: 10-20-25-.'?5) —'Hell's Angels' (Atl) and 'Sky Devils' (Atl) (reissues). Giving house best since opened month nno: $1,200, good. Last week. 'Old Maid' (WB) and 'Old Chicago' (20th), split with 'Stop, Look' (20lh). flr.st-iun, Cincinnati, Dec. 5. Another b.o. bulge this week, due mainly to Eddie Cantor's p. a. at the biggie Albee, which is. racking up the town's tallest take since the pre- depresh period. Comic's screen linking is 'Reno'. Palace is having a fat week on 'Thin Man', and 'Jamaica Inn' is hot stuff for the Shubert. Latter house is dropping stage shows until Xmas week. 'Cat and Canary' is a mildy for Keith's. Cincy is the baseball capital cur- rently, major and minor leagues holding annual powwows and draw- ing 2,(>00 visitors, including owners managers, players, writers and broadcasters. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 42-65)—'Reno' (RKO) and Eddie Cantor's stage show. Latter pulling $29,000, burg's biggest take since l?ic golden era of a decade back. Last week 'Ninotch- ka' (M-G), at regular 35-42-cent scale, a very good $14,500. Straight pic policy interrupted for just this week to accommodate Cantor's show. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 35-42)— 'Ninotchka' (M-G). Moved over from All>ee'for second week. Fairly good $4,500. Last week. 'First Love' (U) (2d run), good $5,000. Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-25) — 'Parents on Trial' (Col) and. 'One Hour Live' (U), split with 'Lost Flyers' (U) and 'City Darkness' (20th). Dandy $2,300. Last week, 'Sabotage' (Rep) and 'Roving Tum- -bleweeds—(RepV-split-with 'Playini Dynamite' (WB) and 'Rio' (U), picked up in last half and hit $2,500, best for some time. Keith's (Lib-son) (1.500; 35-42)— •Cat Canary' (Par). N. s. h. $4,000. Last week, 'Secret Dr. Kildare' (M-G), very good $6,200. Lyric (RKO) (1.400: 35-42) — 'That's Wrong' (RKO). Transferred from Palace for second week. Pleas- ing $4,000. Last week, 'Drums Mo- hawk' (20th) (2d run), okay $4,200. Palace (RKO (2,600; 35-42) — 'Thin Man' (M-G). Big $15,000. Last week. 'That's Wrong' (RKO), excellent $14,000. Sbuberl (RKO) (2,150; 35-42)— 'Jamaica Inn' (Par). Great $7,000. Will hold for second week. Last week, 'Little Accident' (U) and vaude headed by Ted Weems band, at 40-60-cent scale, fairly good $12,500. Hou.se recessing stage shows until Dec. 29. 2 Lincoln Houses Shut; *Dr. Kildare'OK $2,700 Lincoln, Dec. 5. Two hou.se closings, the Lin- coln and the Kiva, occupy spot- light on theatre I'ow this week. Kiva is a second-runner! Both spots are closing for month of De- cember, with Lincoln to be exten- sively remodelled. 'Day-time Wife', at Stuart, is in pretty fair shape, while 'Secret Dr. Kildare' is better than average at the Nebraska- in five days. Varsity has changed policy, going to duals and B stuff. Liberty is currently last- halfing with vaude. It's Sollie Child's 'French Follies' unit. Estimates for This Week Colonial .(NTI - Noble - Monroe) (750: 10-15)—'Colorado Sunset' (Rep) and 'Daughter Tong' (Metrop), split with 'Parents Trial' (Col) and 'Fight- ing Mad' (Crit). Autry end making nice week at $900. Last week. 'Made Spy' (RKO) and 'Honor West' (U). .spilt with 'Son Criminal'' (Col) and 'Should Marry' (Mono). Okay $900. Liberty (NTI-Noble-Fedcrer) (1,- 000; 10-15-25-35-55)-'Fugitive Large' (Col) and 'U-Boat 29' (Col), split with 'Saint Back' (RKO) with Los Angeles, Dec. 3. It's pi-obably due to pre-Chrislmaj shopping, or continued unseasonabi* weather, or something, but fact re- mains that the flrst-runs this week are doing anything but lucrativa business. A few spots will fare okay, but the new arrivals are not doing so well. Hal Roach's 'The Housekeeper's Daughter,' which has been playing to satisfactory grosses in other western spots, is an out-and-out bust as far as Los Angeles interest is concerned, and combined take at State-Chinese will probably not reach $17,000. Paul Muni's newest Warner epoch, 'We Are Not Alone,' will be lucky if hit- ting $15,500 at the day-date Down- town and Hollywood,' while Para- mount, with the Ritz Brothers head- ing stage show, will likely finish with a poor $15,000. . Holdovers slipped substantially, while couple of moveovers are doing just so-so trade. Estimates for This Week Carthay Circle (Fox) (1,518: 30-40- 55-75)—'Day-Time Wife' (20th) and City Darkness' (20th) (2d wk). Only reason for continued run is dearth of pictures. Will be lucky if reaching $1,200 on the week, after eking out weak $2,100 last stanza; Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,024; 30-40-55-75)—'HoustKeepers Daugh- ter' (UA) and 'Honeymoon's Over* (20th). Nothing hot, about $7,000. Last week, "Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Heaven Fence" (20th), very good $12,900. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-40-55- 65)—'Not Alone' (WB) and 'Private Detective' (WB). Paul Muni opu3 drawing just so-so with around $7,400 in sight. Holds over never- theless. Last week. 'Elizabeth Es- sex' (WB) on second week, fair $6..')00. Four SUr (F-WC-UA) — 'Inter- mezzo' (UA) (4th wkl. Started slip- ping badly and will be lucky to hit $2,100 currently. Third week brought $3,700. still profitable. Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55- 65)—'Not Alone' (WB) and 'Private Detective' (WB). Little interest In this one as $7,900 indicates, but h.o.s. Last week, second stanza of 'Eliza- beth Essex' (WB), okay $6,500. Panlaecs (Pan) (2,812; 30-40-55)— 'First Love' (U) (2d wk) and 'Wit- ness Vanishes' (U), dual. Bolstered on holdover stanza by flock of pre- views, with only $6,000 in sight. First seven days of 'Love' coupled with "Three Son.s' (RKO), good $13,000. Paramount (Par) (3.505; 30-40-55) —'Night of Nights'- (Par) and stage show. Ritz Bros, on stage get credit for bulk of draw, but counter attrac- tions and pre-Xmas shop ping holding down take to very slim $15^000. La.st week. 'Ruleis Sea' (Par) with heavy Thank.sgiving Day biz, finished with $18,000. RKO (2,872; 30-40-55)—'First Love' (U) (2d wk) and 'One Hour to Live* (U). Looks like satisfactory $6,800 on holdover after initial week's take of $12..500. Accompanying feature was 'Three Son.";' (RKO). SUle (Locw-Fox) (2,414; 30-40-55- 75)—'Housekeeper's Daughter' (UA) and 'Honeymoon's Over* (20th). Just a bust as weak $9,800 indicates. Last week. 'Thin Man' (M-G) and'Heaven Fence' (20th), ejccellent $17,200. United ArlisU (F-WC) (2,100: 30- 40-55)—'Another Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Heaven Fence' (20lh). Fair X4.300 on moveover. Last week, "Day-Time Wife' (20lh) and 'City in Darkne.ss' (20lh). noor $2,100. WILshlre (F-WC) (2.2.QB- :'.0-'<0-.')5- 65)—'Another Thin Man' (M-G) and "Heaven Fence' (20lh). Do"n<» fsiir on moveover with around .tO.OOO in- dicated. Last week, holdover of 'Drums' (20th) and 'Busy Work* (20th), okay $5,100. French Follies unit. First vaude In two years and plenty nude, with b. o. fevered last half to $3,200, oke. I Last week. 'Dust Destiny' (WB), I ovi-r from Varsity, weak $800. Lincoln (LTC-Cooper) (1.600; 10- ! 20-25-40)—'Babes Arms' (MG). Held over five days from Nebraska and good $2,100. House closed (4). Last Darkness' (20th) and split with.'Bad AnKel* 'Heaven Fence' (20th), week, 'City Culver' (U) (M-G) and fair $2,100. Nebraska (LTC-Cooper) (1,236; 10-25-40) 'Secret Dr. Kildare' (M-G). I Five days for good $2,700, with 'An- I other Thin Man' (M-Cr) opening to- day (Tuesday). Last week. 'Babes Arms' (M-G), sensational $4,300. i Stuart (LTC-Cooper) (1,900: 10- 25-35)—'Daytime Wife' (20th). Very nice $3,700. Last week, 'Jamaica Inn' (Par), yanked fifth day, poor $1,700. Varsity (NTI-Noble-Federer) (1.- 100: 10-25-35)—"Woman Judge' (Col) and 'Blondie Baby' (Col). Will get $2,800. good. Last week, 'AngeU Wash' (WB), nice $2,500.