Variety (Dec 1939)

We«1ne6(laj, December 6, 1939 LEGITIMATE GROSSES VARIETY 53 Cbi Dips; W Down to $20,000, Henry' 13y2a 'Ontward' $11,000, 'Moulin' 8G . Chicago, Dec. 9, All houses were lighted and op- eraling last week but lor the first finie since the start of the season some of the receipts were not so sat- isfying. 'Nifiht at the Moulin Rouge' came into the Grand after a far we.'^t tour, and ran into meager trade, quitting Saturday (2). Second week of 'Leave It to Me,' in the mammoth Auditorium, slipped considerably. However, show will finish its scheduled three weeks this Saturday (9). Second of the American Theatre Society subscription shows, 'Out- ward Bound,' came into the Harris laiit week. . Did fairly well consid- ering that basic- coin from the sub- Ecription was $6,000. Other two shows, now on runs, held up well, with the John Barry- more item continuing profitably while the Edward Everett Horton 'Springtime for Henry' revival slipped a bit from the excellent pace of its initial two weeks. Esdmales tor Last Week 'Leave It To Me', Auditorium '■2d week) (4,000; $3,30). Slumped from good initial session and came up around $20,000. ■My Dear Children', Selwyn C2gth week) U.OOO; $2.75). Purring along remarkably; $10,000. 'Niebi at .Moulin Roiiee'. Grand (1.300; $2.7.'>) Shuttered Saturday (2) and will likely go into picture houses as unit after first of the year. Around $8,000 for the week. 'Outward Bound', Harris <lst week) (1,000: $2.85). In for three week.s, the first two of which are tinder ATS .sub.-scription au.<ipiccs: as such, managed $11,000 lo ftist stanza. 'Springtime for Henry', Eriiinger l3d week) 0,400; $2.75): Fine $13.- 500. ENGAGEMENTS THREE' NG12G INHUBTRYOUT Bo.ston, Dec. 5. As Christmas nears, the bookings taper oH. This week finds two hold- Overs, 'Three After Three' (2d week) and 'Tobacco Road' (3d week), plus a new entry, 'When We Are Married,' which opened a try out last Monday. ■Road' did relatively belter biz than 'Tl^iree,' but the grosses do not reflect it because the former is run- ning at $1.65 top and the latter at $3.30. ' Estimates for Last Week 'Three After Three,' Shubert (1st wetk) (1,590; $3.30). Sour pre.-is and moderately patronized. Mitzi Green drew best notices, while Simone Simon and Mary Brian were given ?oliteIy pale treatment by reviewers, allied $12,000 for initial frame. 'Tobacco Road,' Plymouth (2d week) (1,480; $1.65). Clicking much better than it did here last year. Very good $9,500 and remains for one more week. 'MamW Nice $16,000 In Indpls. and Cincy Indianapolis, Dec. 5. Ethel Waters in 'Mamba's Daugh- ters' fared well here last week at the English with three evening per- formances and a Wednesday matinee. 'Leave It to Me' is set to open Dec. 11, for three nights and matinee, at the English, Estimate for Last Week 'Mamba's Daughters', English (1,500; $2.75). Nice $7,000 for four performances, better thaa usual take of heavy dramas here. 'Mamba.' $9,000 In Cincy Cincinnati, Dec. 5. During the last half of last week Ethel Waters, in 'Mamba's Daugh- ters,' did surprisingly good biz at the Taft, helped by Nesro catronaee. Estimate tor Last Week ■Mamba's Daughters,' Taft (2,500; $2.50)—Four performances fetched nigh onto $9,000. Saturday matinee (2) was a sellout and that night brought near-capacity biz. Colored persons were seated in a rear sec- tion of the orchestra after filling balcony; unusual here. 'Kiss Boys' Gets 12G In D. C. Return Date At Pop Price Scale Washington, Dec. 5. Return engagement last week of I 'Kiss the Boys Goodbye,' which pre- miered here last season, at $1.65 top was promoted by National theatre manager Eddie Plohn and critics as civic enterprise, columnists hailing it as a worthwhile experiment in which theatre was meeting public more than half-way in popular price con- troversy. Critics not only hammered at price angle, but went to town re- peatedly, insisting that cast and pro- duction was just as good if not bet- ter than original. Week started okay and built steadily lo capacity from Thursday on. Current i.s 'White Steed,' on local American Theatre Society subscrip- tion list. Next week brings Bill Rob- inson in 'Hot Mikado,' first all-Negro show to play Cap's only legiter since 'Porgy and Bess.' 'The White Plume,' new Shubert musical based on 'Cy rano de Sergerac,' is skedded for Dec. 25, and "Three After Three,' for Jan. 8. EstimaU (or I^st Week 'KI.SS the Boys Goodbye,' National (1.698; $1.65). Return engagement at pop prices drew critics' raves, both over show and low scale, which shoved lake to approximately $12,000, good. Betty Field, 'Two On an Island.' Alan Fleming, 'Once Upon a Time.' George Houston, Eric Mattson, Ruby Mercer, Robert Chisholm, Jo- seph Holland, Nina Olivette, Cor- nell Wilde, Douglas Leavitt, Edward Roecker, Hope Emerson, 'The White Plume.' Aline MacMahon, Barry Fitz- gerald; Arthur . Shields, Wallace Ford, Haila Stoddard, Aideen O'Con- nor , Thomas Findlay, Harry "Young, Charles Kennedy, Hale Norcross, Lucian Self, Byron Russell^ Wauna Paul, 'Kindred' (complete cast). Clifton Webb, Doris Dalton, Helen Flint, Gerald Savory, Harry Mest- ayer, Joey Faye, Leonore Harris, H. Dudley Hawley,. Barry SuHivan, Philip Faversham, Muriel Campbell, Boyd Davis, Ethel Strickland, Wal- ter Beck, 'Man Who Came to Dinner' (Chicago company). largo' 2flG. Joins Top B'way B.O.s, 'Dinner'19y2G;Father'18y2G,*Skylarii* I,'Story 18G,'Margin' The sea.sonal Thanksgiving week i expectations but fine bu.^iiie«' peak in grosses was missed along $19,200 quoted. MASSEY-m' $23,000 FOR SOCK TORONTO BIZ Toronto. Dec. 5. Smash hit here and biggest grosser at the Royal Alexandra in two sea- sons was Raymond Mas.scy in 'Abe Lincoln in Illinois.' which crashed through to nearly $23,000 last week in this, his home town. Only recent topper was Helen Hayes in 'Victoria Regina.' here in November. '37, but to a slider scale although both were $3 lop at Ihe 1.541-seiilcr. Miss Hayes did $27,000 then. 'Borrowed Time' $1,800, Falters in Mpls. Split Wk. Minneapoli.s, Dec. 5. Despite raves by critics and cus- tomer.s over play, and Taylor Holmes and supporting cast's acting, 'On Borrowed Time' pulled only mildly lor two nights and Thanksgiving day (30) matinee at Alvin la.st week. II was third legit show in succession to falter at boxoffice here, others hav- ing been 'What a Life' and "1. Married An Angel,' last-named at the Ly- ceum. However,. Katharine Cornell, in for three performances, Dec. 15-16. at Lyceum, is already a.^surcd of turnaway biz, mail orders to dale having taken most ot seal.s. Estimate for Last Week 'On Borrowed Time,' Lyceum fl,600; $2.75). Reviews and audience comment superlatively favorable, but empty seats in majority at two nights and matinee. Stage play undoubtedly badly hurt by fact that picture pre- ceded it here. Tough .symph and other opposition also boxoffice handi- caps. Light $1,800. Pitt Crix Pan Tonight', OK Chatterton; Low 4G Pitt.«;burgh, Dec. 5. No excitement here last week over Chatterton's first visit in 15 years, and star's new play, 'Tonight We Dance,' took it on the chin at Nixon. Even the mats, usually a pushover when a femme personality's in town, were off. 'Dance' got away to a slow start and didn't have a chance when no- tices came out. First time this sea- .<:on there was a unanimity of critical opinion, all of the reviewers calling it the poorest exhibit of season. They liked Miss Chatterton well enough, though. Nixon has 'Mamba's Daughters' current, gets 'Kiss Boys Goodbye' Monday (11) and then goes dark week befdre Xmas for first time since house launched season in Sep- tember. Reopens Dec. 25 with Bill Robinson in 'Hot Mikado.' Estimate for Last Week 'Tonight We Dance,' Nixon (2.100; $2.75) Wound up behind the eight- ball. ■■ Star's been away too long, Irom .screen as well as stage, to mean much at b. o., and finished with a weak $4,000, poorest gross of sea- .^on so far. 'DuBarry' Sod $35,000, PhiUy; 'Mikado' m/^ Philadelphia. Dec. 5. . Philadelphia was in gala holiday mood the la.st half of last week, cli- maxing in the Army-Navy football game, and the two legit shows in town soared to rousing biz. In fact, a couple more houses could have fattened on the turnaways. Standout was '.DuBarry Was a Lady,' B. G. deSylva musical booked for the single week at the Forrest. Playing a $3.50 top ($3.99 with taxes). 'DuBarry' galloped to $35,000. Only vacancies—and there weren't many—were in the orchestra at the first few performances. This was first time this season and for some time previous that a ishow ha.s' attempted a $3.50 top in Philly. Local management \yas frantic to hold sliow for a second week, especially as house is dark this week, but show had to grab a New York house while grabbing was good. 'The Hot Mikado,' with a $2.iB5 top. boimced up to $22,500 in its second and final week at the Locust, getting much of its play from football game visitors the last three days of the week who couldn't jam their way into the Forrest. However, 'Hot Mikado' sold all its cheaper seats solidly throughout the week. With the enforced postponement of 'Mulatto' opening at the Walnut Street theatre, when Acting Mayor Conncll impo.sed a second ban on the show, last night (Monday) saw only one opening. 'Tonight We Dance.' with Ruth Chatterton. at the Locu.M. Coiuedy is in for two weeks. Next week brings two opienings. George Whites 'Scandals' comes to the Forrest for two weeks and the tryout, "John Henry,' with Paul , Robeson, is skedded for the Erlanger. If clicking, show may slay for three weeks to get in Christmas-week trade. Estimates for Last Week 'PuBarry Was a. Ladv,' Forrest (1,800; $3.99)—Smash $35,000. 'Hot Mikado,' Locust (2d-final week) (1,500; $2.85) — Jumped to $22,500. Cornell Comedy $21,700, Tops St. Louis Season St. Loui.s, Dec. 5. 'No Time For Comedy.' with Katharine Cornell and Francis Led- erer showing plenty of pulling power ended week .stand at the American Saturday <2) with thea- tre's be.«t biz of the season. Crix kickcid in with raves arid weather was highly favorable. Hou.se dark until Xmas night, when 'Abe Lincoln in Illinois' move.' in for a week. '. 'Leave It To Me' follows. I Estimate for Last Week I 'No Time For Comedy,' American (1.707: $3.30). Comedy copped $21,700 for eight peiformanof.«. cx- ; cellent. 'Steed' 5G in Cleveland Cleveland, Dec. 5. 'While Sleed' didn't have enougb .spted to outrace such tnigh rival.'.- as Ballet Ru.csc. "Ice Follies' and Community Fund last week. Raymond Mas.'-ey's 'Abe Lincoln' for Dec. 12 is terrific advance. Hanna dark current week. Estimate for Last Week 'White Steed,' Hanna (1,435: $2.50). Nice balcony trade and well liked, but orchestra scats away olf. Fair $5,000. •Angel' Mediocre $7,700 In 4 Shows, Kansas City Kansas City, Dec. 5. Three-day stand of "I Married An Angel' ill the Music Hall last week drew comparatively mild biz. Vivienne Segal-Dennis King-Karen Van Ryn company played four shows and garnered $7,700 at $3.36 lop. Jimmy Nixon, Music. Hall mana- ger, slates that the evening por- ' formance for Katharine Cornell's "No I Time for Comedy' tomorrow (Wednesday) is a sellout as of la.^t ■ Saturday (2). Broadway this season. Attendance on the new date setcfor the holiday was fairly good, but the 'second' Thanksgiving, Thursday (30), was a disappointment. It was hoped that celebrants on that day would invade the metropolis, but just the opposite happened. Many New Yorkers who could join in the second celebration went out of town, where the holiday was marked on the traditional final Thursday of November. Result proved that the managers guessed wrong. A majority of the midweek matinees were played on Thursday (30), but there were not enough patrons to go aro(md. Only one attraction, 'The Man Who Came to Dinner," played to standees. 'Life With Father' played the u.^ual Wed- nesday afternoon (29) performance, when it drew standees. La.st week's premiere fare was de- cidedly better than that of the pre- vious week. Another high gros.ser, 'Key Largo,' joined the list. Takings at the Barrymore approached $20,000 despite divided opinion. 'Swingin' the Dream,' Center, a midweek de- but, received a doubtful press: 'Farm of 3 Echoes' was farily well received at the Cort and got $7,000 in seven limes; 'Morning's at Seven,' a late en- trant at the Longacre, is a laugh show. Notices were fair. Straight-show leaders are closely bunched, with 'Dinner.' $19,500; 'Fa- ther,' $18,500; 'Skylark.' $19,200 (nine times); 'Philadelphia Story,' $18,000, slightly off, and "Largo," while 'Mar- gin for Error' is very good at $16,000. 'Too Many Girls' still leads the musicals- with takings close 10 $30 - 000; 'Hellzapoppin,' $25,600: 'Streets of Paris,' $21,000. with "Yokel Boy' and 'Scandals' close behind. New contender for top gro.ss honors is ex- pected to be 'Dubarry Was a Lady,' which opens at the 46th Street to- night (Wednesday )7:- - - — • No openings next week, though a new edition of 'Hellz' is due at the Winter Garden. 'Scandals' leaves the Hollywood for the road this week. Withdra-. n last week .'Thun- der Rock,' Mansfield; 'I Know What I Like,' Hud.son and 'Straw Hat Re- vue.' Ambassac Estimates for Last Week 'Dubarry Was a Lady,' 46th Street (1st week) (M-1.375; $4.40) —Presented by B. G. de Sylva: book by de Sylva and Herbert Fields; score by Cole Porter; highly re- garded out of town; opens tonight (Wednesday) at ?"r.70 top. 'Farm of Three Echoes,' Cort (2d week) (CD—1,0.')9; $3.30)—Drew mixed notices; with star. Ethel Barrymore, highly prai.sed: fir.'^t seven times around $7,000; indicates moderate chance. 'Foreigners,' Belasco O.et week) (C-1,000; $3.30)—Presented by the Shuberts in association with Arch Selwyn; written by Frederick Lons- dale; opened last night (Tuesday). 'Hellzapopplb,' Winter. Garden (64th week) (R-1,671: $3.30)—Get- ting plenty of coin; last week's gross was quoted at $25,600; new edition next week. 'I Know What I Like,' Hudson- Dropped out Saturday (2}; played week and two days to very little coin. 'Key Larjo,' Barrymore (2d week) (D-1,096: $3.30)—Divided opinion did not hinder excellent initial week, when the gro.ss approached $20,000; player .strength (Paul Muni) should plant this one among the top.-;. 'Ladies and Gentlemen,' Beck (8th week) (C-1.214; $3.30)—Slated to play well into winter; continues profitable, with pace, last week over $16,000. 'Life With Father,' Empire (5th week) (C-I,096; $3.30 j—Played to standees all shows; over $I8..500. ■Man Who Came to Dinner,' Music Box (8th week) (C-1,012: $3.30) —I<augh show over capacity and should reap fortune: larger lower Moor accounts for better coin than 'Lite'; $19,500. 'MRre:in for Error,' Plymouth CCth week) (D-1,0.36; $3.:f0)—Around $16,000 last week; would have $1.10) gros.sed more but for parties and dis- appointing Thursday (30) matinee. 'Morning's At Seven,' Longacre (2d week) (C-1,019; $3..30)—Came in laic last we.ek; drew moderate no- tices; definitely a laugh show :i|id should land in the-money. 'Scandal.s,' Hollywood (15lh'week) (R-1.547; $3.30)—Final week; revue f:t •Straw Hat Revue,' Ambassador- Closed. Saturday (2); revue from sticks got some money at slart, ihen petered out. 'Streets of Paris,' Broadhursl <25lh week) (R-1,116; $4.40)—Doing wtll: off from early fall pace, but laugh revue should extend well into winter; $21,000. 'Swlnein' the Dream.' Center i2d week) (M-3,427; $2.20)—Drew ad- verse press at mid-week debul; al- ter which attendance was fair; bet- ter line this week. 'The Little Foxes,' National i43d week) (D-1,163; $3.30)—Has com- pleted 10 months with never i Ic- ing week; still popular drania draw; over $11,000. 'The PhiladelphU Story,' Shubert (37th week) (C-1,367; $3.30)—Still up with the be.st money-getters in town though new clicks are getting slightly more; last week quoted bl $18,000. 'The Woman Brown,' Biltniore (Isl week) (D-991; $3.30)—Presented by Margaret Hewes; written by Doro- thy Cumming McNab; opens Friday (8). 'The World We Make,' Guild (3d week) (D-914; $3.30)—Parties helped somewhat last week but attendance not up to expectations; around $8,000. 'Thunder Rock,' Mansfield-Taken off Saturday (2); despite acclaim among literati,, business did not im- prove enough. 'Time of Tour Life,' Booth i7th week) (CD-704; $3.30)—Plenty of publicity accorded comedy drama which is faring very well to date; around $12,000 claimed again. 'Tobacco Road,' Forre.st (313th week) (C-1,107; $1.65)—Has com- pleted sixth year; management in- tends keeping modest grosser on well into winter; rated around $4,000. 'Too Many Girls,' Imperial (71h week) (M-1,468; $4.40)—Present musical leader again credited with close to $30,000; season's stay indi- cated. 'Very Warm for May,' Alvin (4th week) (M-1.355; $4.40)—Some pick- up; finished week strongly with gross around $14,000, fair for musi- cal. 'Yokel Boy,' Maiestic (■23d wetk) (R-1,107; $3.30)—Expected to stay well into winter pe'rlod; has done excellently after slow start; last week around $19,000 indicated. ADDED 'Fins and Needles,' Windsor (10.5th week) (R-961: $1.65)—Liable to round out another season; well re- garded new edition pepped up de- mand for labor unionists levut. which got over $7i000, quite profit- able. 'She Gave HIra All She Had,' Un- cle Sam's Music Hall; beer and pretzels, and liquor are adjuncts to old-type meller in a former restaur- ant on West 48th street; opened liist week to weak press. TOUES' 15G, 5TH WK. L.A.;LUNTSBIGDRAW Los Angeles, Dec. 5. The Biltmore, after being dark for week, relighted last night (Monday) with opening of two weeks booking by Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne in 'The Taming of the Shrew.' Pre- miere was $5.50 dre.ss-up affair. Forty extra chairs have been added to main floor, bringing capacity near 1,700. 'Folies Bergere' is in final week at El Capitan with Charlotte Green- wood tentatively scheduled lo fol- low in. a new play, 'Chocolate Sol- dier' bowed out of Hollywood Play- house Sunday (3) and will be re- placed tonight (Tuesday) by repeat of'Blossom Time.' . Estimates for Last Week 'Folies Bergere,' El Capitan, Holly- wood (5th week) (L560: $).J0). Grabbed another $15,000 with final stanza to go. 'Chocolate Soldier,' Holl.vwood Playhouse (3d-final week; 0.130: Lucrative $3,000. 'Mikado' Has Biff Advance, Balto; 'Crowley' N.G..3G Baltimore, Dec 5. First musical here in moons. 'The Hot Mikado,' currently at Ford'.v, cniild stay longer but figure mad attracted a bullish mail cjdei i-m\ will be better; made monev hue; advance. Skedded to follow is ;in- around $20,000 average. " I other mu.sical,- 'Three After Thrt i.' 'See My Lawyer,' Adclphi 111th , .'Cl for Ford's. Dec. 11. La.st'wetk. week) iC-1,434; $11.10)—Moved up i Herself, Mrs. Patrick Crowley.' drtw from Biltmore; prices rcd(icc(l .-ind | caustic going-over by local cii« imd should be okay; modcriite success : very meagre trade, got $6..500 last week. • Estimate for Last Week '.Skylark,' Morosco i8lh Week) 'Ilerself,' Mrs. Patrick Crowley.' (C-961; $3.30)—Played one e.xtra ' Ford's (1,900; $2.22). Fell far .<.hnrt matinee: like most others the'douiile ' and drew less than $3,000. Folded Thank.<.giving' matlnct was under Sr.iurdav (2).