Variety (Dec 1939)

Vedncsdayt December 13. 1939 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY ^Chi Pessimistic About Yule's Toll; Bette-Andrews Sisters Fine $37, 'Espionage'-Weeks Orch Good Chicago, Dec. 12. Week started okay, in spite of the nro.timily of Christmas. However, tlie' theatre men are expecting a dioD-olI towards the final days of the ««sioii when Xmas shoppmg is looked to take a heavy box-offlce. '''sund-out currently is the Chicago, where the wicket whirls with com- nlete ignorance of the pre-Xmas iluinp. Against all tradition that house is zooming into bright figures with 'Elizabeth and Essex' on the screen and a swing stage show head- ed by the Andrews Sisters and Johnny Davis' orch.. Theatre got away to a fine start and held to snappv pace over the weekend, and onlv a drastic slide-off in the last tlirce days of the week can keep it liom hitting good $37,000. Rest of the town hasn't as much .to brag about. 'Eternally Yours' is %lrictly a one-weeker in the Roose- velt, the David Niven-Loretta Young flicker failing to capture eitber at- tention or coin. Also disappointing Is the combination of 'Tower of Lon- don' and 'Three Sons' in the Palace. Limped from the start and will be replaced tomorrow (Wednesday) by combo of 'Destry Rides Again' and 'Meet Dr. Christian,' which dual is rated to slick until Christmas, when •Hunchback of Notre Dame' is slated to take over. 'Mr. Smith' holds in fine shape at the Apollo, as does 'Ninotchka' in the United Artists. 'Drums Along the Mohawk' Is trying a third loop week in the Garrick after a mixed forlnicht in the Chicago. EsUmates for This Week Apollo (BiK) (1,200: 35-55-C5-75) — Mr. Smith' (Col) (5th wk). Gal- loping along in splendid fashion, and will stick to Christmas on pace. Tucked away fine $8,500 last week, and will not drop below excellent $7,000 currently.- Chicago (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— 'Elizabeth-Essex' (WB) and stage show. Andrews Sisters and Johnny Davis' orch on stage. Stage turning In the coin currently, though Davis- Flvnn combo is Okay for this ace hou.'se. Riding for good $37,000. Last week 'Mohawk' (20th) and vaude, wound up two-week date to meek $2:).800. Garrick fB&K) (900; 35-55-65)— I'Moliawk' (20th). Moved here from Chi. but not much in the offing at $4,00n. Last week 'Secret Kildare' (M-G\ fine $6,500. OrienUI (Jones) (3,200; 25-40) — Tack Troubles' (20th) and vaude. Sliding oft from previous week to $14,000. all right. Last^ek-'Rairts Came' (20lh) and vaude, good $15,500. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65-75) —'Tower London' (U) and 'Sons' (RKO).- Failing to interest fans and ■will go out after single session and di.sappointing $9,000. Last week That's Wrong' (RKO) and 'Messen- ger' (U), second, satisfactory $11,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 75)—'Eternally Yours* (UA). Only In for a one-week session. Dragging at $8,000. Last week'Passage' (Par) scrammed after a mild fortnight and meek $5,000 tor last seven days. Stale-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 25-40)— •Espionage' (WB) and vaude. Anson Weeks' orch headlining. Riding to latisfactory $14,500. Last week 'Fu- rious' (M-G) and vaude, smashed all fross and attendance records for pol- cy at $22,600. United Artlsii (B&K-M-G) (1,700; J5-55-8S-75)—'Ninotchka* (M-G) (2d wk). Keeping good pace and indi- cates $12,000 currently after turning In bang-up $18,300 last week. 'GARBO, $22,000, CUCKOINPin Pittsburgh, Dec. 12 Biz Is shooting upward again and pretty surprising, too, inasmuch as beginning of Xmas shopping rush usually produces general b.o, depresh here. Ace attractions, however, are pringlng *em in and current session }s right up among fall and winter leaders. .Biggest draft Is going to 'NInot. cnka at Pcnn, and Jimmy Dorsey's uand on stage is pushing 'Disputed «ssage' at Stanley into higher Brackets. 'Destry Rides Again' hold- Ai^. nicely in second week at Aivin and moves to Senator for its uiird first-run stanza, while 'What a ^>le,_ on twinner wiyi 'Kid Nightin- Ejie, credited with briskest trade Warner has done in months with & aual bill. Only Senator is hitting SKiOs, but that was expected after crfx 'Barricade' took from ' Estimates for This Week 'nr. " (Harris) \1,850; 25-35-50)— Rides Again' (U) (2d wk), neaded for around $6,500 at least, enough to earn flicker another week anyway and it moves to Scn.ntor Thursday (14) to continue downtown run. On opening stanza, 'Destry' fell o(T bit after strong start, finishing at around $10,500. Fulton (Shea-Hyde) (1,700; 25-40) — Flying Deuces' (RKO), 'Dr. Chris- tian' (RKO) and Dempscy-Willard light pix. Got two days of second week before house closed Sunday night (10) for fortnight preceding Xinas. On brief h.o. did slightly better than $1,000 to give bill around $4,500 on niiic-duy run. Spot reopens Dec. 23 with 'Day-Time Wife' (20th). Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 25-35- 50) —'Ninotchka' (M-G). There's never boon a b.o. reaction like this for a Garbo starrpr. Star's first comedy topping all her previous tries and geared for tremendous $22,000 in eight days. Gets the extra one becau.ie house switches to a Saturday opening this week with 'We Are Not Alone' (WB) and sticks to that inaugural until after the holid.iys. 'Ninotchka' will move to the Wnrner when it winds up at Pcnn. La.>:t week.'Real Glory' (UA), big disappointment, barely getting $10,000. Senator (Harris) (1,750; 25-40)— Barricade' (20th). Alice Faye- Warncr Baxter co-starrer doesn't have a chance. Maybe $1,400, but thafs doubtful. Last week, 'Pack Troubles' (20lh) also in doghouse, being ynnked after five days to bit over $1,000. Stanley (WB) (3.600: 2.')-40-60)— 'Disputed Passage' (Par) and Jimmy Dorsey's bond. Stage portion is be- ing generally credited with excellent trade. Paced for around $20,000 and Ih.Tt's nice going, everything con- sidered. Last week, Louella Parsons unit and •Intermezzo' (UA), all right at $19,200. Warner (WB) (2,000: 25-40)— What Life' (Par) and 'Kid Nightin- gale' (WB). Former picture gets the nod for best biz spot has done in sev- eral months with a double feature. Good for $5,400. Last week, 'Another Thin Man' (M-G), moved here after big week at Penn, fine $6,900. CINCY ON SKDS; 'SEA'WEAK $8,501) Cincinnati, Dec. 12. So-so product and Yule shopping have pic biz in for a deep slide from last week, when Eddie Cantor's p.a. soared the Albee to a record high. Only smiles currently are on 'Amazing Mr. Williams,' at Keith's, and 'Another Thin Man,' which is moveover at Capitol. Latter pic was aided con.<:iderably Saturday (9) and Sunday (10) by personaling of Ann Rutherford, whom M-G dropped oil here while she was en route to At- lanta for the 'Gone With the Wind' premiere. Albee is down under this week with 'Rulers of the Sea.* and 'Alle- gheny Uprising' is a dud for the Lyric. 'Day-time Wife' is a Palace tamey. Esllmales for This Week Albee (RKO) (3.300; 35-42)— Rulers Sea' (Par). Floundering at $8,500. Last week, 'Reno' (RKO) and Eddie Cantor's stage show at 42- 65-ccrit scale, $28,000 and town's tall- est take in a decade. Capitol (RKO) (2.000: 35-42)— 'Another Thin Man' (M-G). Moved over from Palace for second week and helped plenty Saturday (9) and Sunday (10) by personal appearance of Ann Ruthcilor.d. Socko $8,500. Last week, 'Ninotchka' (M-G) (2d run), six days, lair $3,800. Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-25)— 'Everything's Ice' (RKO) and 'Sued Libel' (RKO), split wilh Torture Ship' (PDC) and 'Missing Evidence (U). Okay $2,200. Ditto last week 011 'Parents Trial' (Col) and 'One Hour Live' (U), split with 'Lost Fly- ers' (U) and 'City Darkness' (20th). KcUb's (Libson) (1,500; 35-42)— ''Amazing Williams' (Col)." Good $5,- 300. Last week, 'Cat Canary' (Par), nice $4,800. Lyric (RKO) (1.400: 35-42)-'Allc ghcny Uprising' (RKO). Very poor $3,000, Last week, 'That's Wrong (RKO) (2d run), fair $4,000. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-42)—'Day- time Wife' (20th). N.s.g. $10,()00. Last week, 'Thin Man' (M-G), big *^ShSberl (RKO) (2.150; 35-42)--'Ja- maica Inn' (2d week). Sad $3,000. Lasl week (Isl), okay $8,500, First Runs on Broadway (Subject to Clian^e) Week of Dec, 14 Capitol—'Remember' (M-G). Criterion—'Nick Carter, Master Detective' (M-G) (13). (Reviewed i)i current issue) Globe — 'City of Darkness* (20th) (16). (Reviewed in Varictv, Nou. 22) Music Hall—'Balalaika' (M-G). Paramount — 'Great Victor Herbert' (Par) (2d wk). RIalto—'Tower of London' (U) (11). (Reuitfuied in' V.\rietv, Nov. 221 RIvoll — "Destry Rides Again (U) (3d wk). Boxy—Everything Happens at Night' (20th) (15). Strand—'Elizabeth and Essex' CWB) (3d wk). Week of Dec, 21 Astor-^'Gone with the Wind' (M-G) (19). Globe — 'Cisco Kid and the Lady' (20th) (23). Music Hall—-Balalaika' ^M-G) (2dwk)., > Paramo'unl — 'Gulliver's Travels' (Par) (2U). Rtvoli — 'Destry Rides Again' (U) (4th wk). Roxy—'Swanee River" (20th) (22). Strand —'Four Wives' (WB) (22). , (Reviewed ill VAminv, Nov. 22) 'Victor Herbert' Most Tuneful B'way Entry With Jones-"Martin-Green 55G, 'Destry'$28,0iBig2d;OtherPixNSG Paramount is copping the winnings on Broadway this week, while most of the rest of the street staggers un- der the blow dealt by pre-Christmas apathy. Combination of'Victor Her- bert' and personals <>t Mary Martiii and Allan Jones, who are in this pic- ture, has meant heavy patronage from the opening, with the' first week's business away up in the empyrean at $55,000. This is the highest done by the Par under the policy two weeks before Xmas when business is ordinarily at its lowest ebb. The second and final week be- gins today (Wed.), with the Par bringing in its Chistmas show next Wednesday (20), 'Gulliver's Travels', and, on stage. Glen Cray's Casa Loma band, Jimmy Savo and others. New pictures at the Roxy and Capitol are sufTering terribly. 'Secret of Dr. Kildare' will be lucky to sec $15,000 at the Cap, while 'Barricade' is weak at the Roxy, unlikely to ex- ceed $25,000. The Rialto started out Monday (11) with one that appears to have some- thing on the ball. Tower of London." It should get a fancy $14,000. Holdies include 'Destry,' 'We Are Vaude Smashes in Cleveland Glenn Miller Swinging 'Kildare' to Big $28,000; Martha Raye Unit Fine $18,000 Cleveland. Dec. 12. Pretty nice trade all around, with one smash, considering how houses are being laced by Heifetz and Alec Templeton recitals, biglime hockey games and George Rafl m.c.ing ben- efit show. Glenn Miller's orch is holding the ace-spot with 'Secret of Dr. Kildare,' swinging away to l.igh figure at State. Martha Raye. at Palace, is stiffening 'Day-Time Wife' for nice figure, and Kay Kyser's pic is fine at Hipp. Estimates for This Week Aihambra (Printz) (1.120; 10-20- 35)—'Little Accident' (U), and 'Scan- dal Sheet' (Col). Amiable duo for this nabe, $1,400 in four days. Last week, 'Missing Evidence' :(U) and 'Covered Trailer' (Rep), fair $1,000 In three days. Allen (RKO) (3,000: 30-35-42-55)— 'First Love' (U). Moveover doing average $3,000. Last week. 'Eliza- beth Essex' (WB), moveover, smarter $4,500. Circle (Marmorstein) (1.900; 15- 35)—'Love Affair' (RKO) and 'Bringing Baby' (RKO) (2d runs). Switchback to seconds showing profit at $1,600 in four days. Last week, 'Chan Island' (20th) plus 'Quick Millions' (20th), were cut to four days, but $1,500 okay. Hipp (Warner) (3,700; .■iO-35-42.55) —'That's Wrong' (RKO). Kay Kyscr's recent vaude bow here shot pic off to grand start, wilh enough speed for excellent $l(i.OOO. or mebbe bigger. Last week, 'First Love' lU), pleasant $10,200. Lake (Warner) (800: 15-25)—'City Darkness' (20th) and 'Reno' (RKO). Good thriller bill, but no more than $2,000. Last week. 'Full Confession' (RKO) and 'Bu.sy Work' i20lh), n.g. $1,700. Palace (RKO) (3.200: 30-3.5-42-55) -'Day-Time Wife' (20lh) wilh Mar- tha Raye unit. With Glenn Miller at nextdoor Palace. .M.nrtha Raye is running into toush oppusish. but managing to get very good $10,000. Last "week. 'Barricade' I20;h) wilh Bert Wheeler and Inkspots, okay $15,500. State (Loew's) (3.450: 30-3.')-42-55) —'Secret Kildare' (M-C) with Glenn Miller's band on stayc. Nothing like it this sea.son; standee.-; from start and no letdown in sight. Probable $28,000 should knoclc over record."! of Judy Garland and Eleanor Powell h.ere. Last week,'Ninotchka' IM-G), $14,500, satisfactory. Sllllman (Loew'sl '1.072; 30-.'!5-42. 55) —'Ninotchka' (M-G). For a moveover, second round is working up smiling $5,000. Last week, 'An- other Thin. Man' (M-Gi, second, stanza, bit in deeper. $0,000. 'Daughter,' $5,500, Nitie In Port.; H.O.s Hold Up Portland. Ore., Dec' 12. 'Housekeeper's Daughter' is the only major new pic this week in the biirg and it's doing well at the Broadway. 'Mr. Smith" remains a b.o sensation at the Paramount, which has the Capra pic for a third week, almost a record Cor that big house, which rarely holds a pic longer than one week. 'Ninotchka' rated a fourth week at the Mayfair and 'Another Thin Man' is in its second successful stanza at Parker's UA. Estimates tor This Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-35- 40)—'Housekeeper's Daughter' (UA) and 'On Toes' (WB). Getting over nicely for okay $5,500. Last week, 'Remember' (M-G) and 'Fast Furi- ou.s' (M-G), good $6,000. Liberty (Hamrick-Evergreen (2,- 000; 30-35-40) — 'Day-time Wife' (20th) and '20,000 Men' (20th). Rated about par for this house with $3,500. Last week, 'Cat Canary' (Par) and 'What Life' (Par), eight days for fair $3,800. Mayfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,- 500; 30-35-40)—'Ninotchka' (M-G) and 'Little Accident' (U) (4th wk.). Good enough for around $2,500. Third week, $3,000, following two big weeks at the UA. Orpheum , (Orpheum Co.) (1,800; 20-30-40)—'Hidden Power' (Col) and "Exile Express' (GN), and vaude. Average $4,700. Last week, 'Cov- ered Trailer' (Rep) and 'Outside Walls' (Col), with vaude, okay $5,300. Paramount (Hamrick - Evergreen) (3,000; 30-35-40)—'Mr. Smith' (Col) and 'Blondie Baby' (Col) (3d wk.). Unusual biz for this house, which rarely holds any pic. Good $4,800. Second week, big $6,000. United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 30- 35-40)—'Another Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Little Terror' (U) (2d wk.j. Strong $5,000, First week, big $6,- 1 700. 'CIRCUS'-'INTERMEZZO' FAIR 17G IN BROOKLYN Brooklyn. Dec. 12. Third and last week of 'Mr. Smith Goes to W.nshlngton' at Fabian Para- mount in downtown .sector is excel- lent. Ne.Trest competitor is Loew'.s- Metropolitan, showing 'At the Circus' and 'Intermezzo.' Fabian Fox opened yesterday (Mon.) with 'Cat and Canary' and 'Return df Dr. X.' RKO Albee down with 'Dair-Time Wife' and 'Too Busy to Work.' Estimates for This Week Albee (3,274; 25-35-50)—'Day-Time Wife' (20th) and 'Busy Work' (20th). No.sediving to weak $14,000. Last week, 'First Love' (U) and .'Sons' (RKO), healthy $19,000. Met (3.618: 25-35-50) — 'Circus' (M-G) and 'Intermezzo' (UA). Fair $17,000. La.st week, 'Eternally "Yours' (UA) and 'Dancing Co-ed- (M-G), nice $18,500. - Paramount (4,126; 25-35-50)—'Mr. Smith' (Col) and 'Five Poppers' (Col) (3d wk). Excellent $18,000. La.st week, bright $22,000. Fox (4,089; 25-35-50)—'Cat Canary' (Par) and 'Dr. X' (WB). Opened .yesterday (Mon.). Last week, 'Roar- ing'Twenties' (WB) and 'No Place Go' (WB) (3d wk), nice $12,000. Strand (2,870; 25-35-40)—'Road to Glory' (20th) (reissue) and 'Tele- vision Soy' (Par). Poor $3,500. Last week. 'Fugitive I,arnc' (Col) and 'Beware Spooks' (Col), fairish $4,000. Not Alone,' 'Elizabeth and Esse.<c' and 'That's Right, You're Wrong." Dietrich western is displaying good courage at $23,000 on its second week ending lasl night (Tues.), and re- mains a third. With nu film fran- chises of. any kind, and having no stage show lot extra piiU, the Rivoli. where 'Destry' is current, is one of the most fortunate of the town's houses in advance of Xmas. 'Elizabeth' will be about $27,000 on its second week at the Strand and also holds again, with 'Four Wives' to follow for the holidays. At th« Hall, 'We Are Not Alone" is not prov- ing strong but gets out at $V0.OOO satisfactorily, with 'Balalaika' to fol- low tomorrow iThurs.) for holdover through Christmas. The second week for. 'That's Right* at $9,000, fairly good, following first seven days ol $11,000. However, a lot was dumped in advertising on this film by both the theatre and HKO, its distributor. Estimates for This Week Aslur (1,012; 75-$1.10-5H.65-$2.20)— 'Gone With Wind' (M-G) has its re- served seat opening here Tuesday night (19;, following a press pre- view the night before. 'Mill on Floss' (Stand.) closed a four weeks' run Monday night (11), final stanza being around $5,000. On 28-day engage- ment showed satisfactory profit. Capitol (4,520; 25-35-55-85-$1.25) — 'Kildare' (M-G). Taking the bumps badly, $15,000 tops. Last week, sec- ond for 'Thin Man' (M-G), around $16,000, weak. 'Remember?' (M-G), opening tomorrow (Thurs.) runs through Monday 118), with 'Wind' having a reserved seat preem the fol- lowing night. After that the lioiisa goes three-a-day, unreserved seats, at a scale ranging from 75c. to $1.05. Criterion (1,602; 25-40-55)—'That's Right' (RKO) (2d week). On con- cluding week ending today (Wed), $9,000, fair, after getting $11,000 tha first seven days. Globe (1,700; 25-35-85)—'Mutiny Big House' (Mono). Doing fairly at $6,500. Last week, third for 'Beasts of Berlin' (PDC), $5,500, o. k. after two fine profit-getting weeks up ahead of $9,000 and $13,000. Palace (1,700; 25-35-55)—'Drums Mohawk' (20th) (2d run) and 'Kid Nightingale' (WB) (1st run), dou- bled. Indications point to no mora than $8,000, 'Drums' having' been milked at the Roxy. Last week, 'First Love' (U) (2d run) and 'Dr. Christian' (RKO) (1st run), $8,500, okay. Paramount (3,664; 25-35-55-88-99) -'Victor Herbert' (Par) and, on stage, Mary Martin, Allan Jones, Johnny Green orchestra, others. Pounding through powerfully oh the first seven days to $55,000, this show begins holdover stanza today (Wed.). Nice job done in selling both pic- ture and personals. Last week, sec- ond for 'tiat and Canary' (Par) and Tony Martin-Jan Savilt combination, $36,000, good. Radio City Music Hall (5,980: 40- 60-84-99-$1.65)—'Not Alone' (WB) and stage show (2d-flnal week). Not a big business-getter but Muni item a profit-grabber at $83,000 last week (1st) and $70,000 or close this week on holdover. 'Balalaika' (M-G) opens tomorrow (Thurs.), playing through Christmas. RIalto (750; 25-40-55J—Tower of London' (U). Opened sensationally Monday (11) and should have a big week of around $14,000, kickolT being. $2,300. This is the biggest Monday (his .small-seatcr has ever had, which is all the more remarkable in view of the time of the year il's done. House ran 10 full shows, grinding a total of 21 hours. Three weeks of 'Flying Deuces' (RKO) very remu- nerative, final five days being $0,500. Rivoli (2,092; 25-55-7r)-8.'")-99) — . 'Destry' (U) (3d week). Begins third lap today (Wed.), after nabbing po- tent $35,000 the first seven days and $28,000 second week, ending last night (Tues.). May be held through Christmas. 'Light that Failed,' bought from Par, follows in any event. Roxy (5,836; 25-40-55-75)—'Barri-" cade' (20th) and stage show. Light- weight film starring Alice Faye and Warner Baxter not getting any- where; doubted if will -each a poor $25,000 and will be replaced Friday (15) with 'Everything Happens at Night' (20th). Last week 'House-- keeper's Daughter' (UA), also medi- ocre at the b.o., under $30,000. State (3,450; 35-55-75)—'At Circus* (M-G) (2(1 run) and, on vaude bill, Franklyn D'Amore, Cookie Bowers and Jack Jcnncy band. Wheels turn-' ing slowly here, around $18,000. Last week 'Jamaica Inn' (Par) (2d run), together with Don Redman orch and Jay C. Flippen, under $20,000. Strand (2,767; 25-?0-55-75-85-99)— 'Elizabeth' (WB) and Al Donahue band (2d week). May get around $27,000, fairish, on the holdover, after hitting $38,000 the first week, and remains a third. Four Wives' is (et for Christmas week, startiiig Friday (22),