Variety (Dec 1939)

Wednesday, December 13, 1939 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY Only Makes Thh^s Toi^her In Mpls.; Garbo Pretty Good $7,500 Minneapolis, Dec, 12. Pre-Christmas influence doing nlenty of dirty work here and malc- ine a bad situation worse. Things wera sad enough before this latest (lump, which aggravates a depres- cion that hasn't unloosened its stranglehold materially, except in a few comparatively isolated'instances, for a considerable period. ■ For a change there's only a single jlage show, the usual one at the MInne.sola and that minus its usual strength. The single outstanding screen newcomer probably is 'Nin- otchka,' holding forth at the State, that's Right, Your Wrong.' 'Barri- cade' and '20,000 Men a Year,' other film attractions,. lack the punch nec- essary to make much of an impres- tion under present conditions. 'First Love' is holding over at the World for a fourth week. Its third week was surprisingly big. Estimates for This Week ^iler (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)— •Television Spy' (Par) and 'Busy Work' (20lh), dual first-runSi In for (Ix days. Good enough $1,500 indi- cated. Last week, 'Tropic Fury' (U) and 'Flying Deuces' (RKO), dual first-runs, split with 'Sued Libel' (RKO) and 'One Hour Live' (U), dual Arst-runs, $1,200, mild. Century (Par-Singer) (1,600; 25- |5-40)—'Barricade' (20th). Warner Baxter no longer a draw here. Looks like light $3,500. Last week, 'Ja- maica Inn' (Par), big $C,300 for seven ^ays and mild $700 for two additional cantos, making nine days in all. Esquire (Gillman) (290; 25-40)--- •Nurse Cavell' (RKO) (2d run). Did Jight trade first-run and not ex- citing any too much interest here, although highly praised. Light $700 ^ia prospect. Last week, 'Ballerina' (French), $1,000, very disappointing considering big advertising and ex- ploitation campaign. Gopher (Par-Singer) (998; 25)— ■20,000 Men' (20th). No names to overcome seasonal and other handi- caps. Having tough sledding and will, be lucky to reach mild $2,600. last week, 'Cat Canary' (Par), $5,200, very big, breaking house record. Got light $400 for one additional day. Minnesota (Mpls. Co.) (4,000; 20- 80-40)—'Girl Rio' (Rep) and stage ow, including Wally Vernon. )thing on stage or screen that spells xoCnce here. Poor $4,800 indi- cated. Last week, 'Heroes Blue' (Mono) and A. B. Marcus' 'La Vic Paree' unit, big $11,000, with Marcus show entirely responsible. Orpheum (Par-Singer) (2,800; 25- 85-40)—'That's Wrong' (RKO). Gel- ting some attention from Kyser fans, but not enough to make much coin ln\pre.ssion. Headed for light $5,000. Last week, 'At Circus' (M-G) and Clyde McCoy's orch, big $12,700. SUte (Par-Singer) (2,300; 25-35- 40)—'Ninotchka' (M-G). Easily the town's ace attraction, but Garbo had slipped here as a magnet and her long absence hasn't helped, appar- •ntly. Picture has had considerable publicity and is being praised by critics and customers, so takings should reach pretty good $7,500. Last week, 'Rulers Sea* (Par), $3,300. poor. Uptown (Par) (1,100; 25-35)—'Du.st Destiny' (WB) split with 'Babes Arms' (M-G). First nabe showings. Big $3,000 in prospect. Last week. 'Hollywood Cavalcade' (20th) split with 'Destiny' (WB). mild $2,000. World (Steflfes) (350; 25-35-40-55) —'First Love' (U) (2d wk). Doing very well here after two weeks at Orpheum. Satisfactory $1,800 indi- --vled. Last week big $2,600, after i« $10,000 in first and light $4,200 to second week at Orpheum. Ml Two Lincoln Closings Boosting Other Houses .. , Lincoln, Dec. 12. ,,.WColn, skedded for closing (3), « lied a week and shuttered (10), Wing into a month's remodelling, jnakes two dark spots on the ™w. This IS helping the other houses "wmtam an even keel in spite of the Christmas spending. aJ^I- Smith Goes to Washington' is i?i"8. n'"y $4,200, or more at the uiifi /i: 'ndications being it'll go "ntil the holidays, Esllnaates for This Week Colonial (NTI-Noble-Monroe) (750: NlBhi' ni, "^"^ snd 'Exciting M.M t"^; "°"se slowing to $700. (Rett\ , iL^""^' 'Colorado Sunset' «Plit ufi?u gauchter Tong' (Metrop). *Ehth,i''J^5r«"ts Trial' (Col) and iivJd 'rif ^""^ <Crit). Autry portion ff, ?. "lay; nice $900. (1 oil. ' ffJ X. „ (NTI-Noble-Federer) (Cin?' '0-25-35-55) - 'Mr. Smith' Las .S'^'?' W.200. Will h.o. 'na 'u'w^', ^o!iP'"^e Large' (Col) ■Saint 'Col), four days. Back' (RKO) and 'French Key City Grosses Esll mated Total Gross This Week $1.4gM0* (Ba.'ied on 26 cities, 181 thea- tres, chiefly first rwis, (iicludinff N.Y.) Total Gro.is Same Week Last Year $1.248,00« (Based on 24 cities,.158 theatres) Follies' unit on stage, three days. Latter grossed swell $2,300, making week hit $3,200, good. Lincoln (LTC-Cooper) (1,600; 10- 15-20-'25), House clo.sed. 'Henry Arizona' (M-G) and 'White Room' (U). five days to closing (10), so-so. $1,300. Previous week, 'Babes Arms' (M-G). movcovcr from Nebraska for six days, nice $2,300. Nebraska (LTC-Cooper) (1,236; 10- 2->-4p)—'Another Thin Man' (M-G). Geltin.? $3,000, extraordinary con- sidering season. Holds four extra days. La.>it week, "Secret Kildare' (M-G), Ave days, nice $2,000. Sluart (LTC-Cooper) (1,900; 10- 25-35) —'Remember' (M-G). Light $2,500. Last week, 'Day-time Wife' (20lh), okay $3,700. . Varsity (NTI-Noble-Monroe) (1,100: 10-20-25)—'On Toes' (WB) and 'Ware Case' (GB). Slow, $1,000. Last week, 'Woman Judge' (Col) and 'Blondie Baby' (Col), good $2,600. GARBO $6,500, BREEZE IN MEMPHIS Memphis, Dee. 12. 'Ninotchka' ii letting a merry Main Street. pace at Loew'a this week and Garbo's switch to comedy is attracting business nigh onto dou- ble previous grosses for the Swedish sphinx. Picture is no record-breaker, but is topping everything else in sight for the week. Local reviewers are calling it 'Melvyn Douglas Week.' He's mo- nopolizing two major screens, Loew's, In 'Ninotchka,' and the Malco Palace, in 'Amazing Mr. Williams.' Latter Is also getting a nice turnout. Indie Orpheum dropped its screen this week for a four-day return en- gagement of 'Tobacco Road.' House closed Monday through Wednesday, with Evelyn Brent headlining new stage show starting Thursday (14). Estimates for This Week Loe.w's (Loew) (2,600: 10-30-40)— 'Ninotchka' (M-G). Garbo breezing along toward fine $6,5(K) on rave no- tices and word of mouth. Last week •Another Thin Man' (M-G), $10,500, lerrific. Warner (Warner) (2.300; 10-30-40) —'Child Is Born* (WB). Maternity drama no great shakes in pre-Christ- nias atmosphere. Lucky to get $3,- 000. Last week 'Jamaica Inn' (Par), $4,400, good. Malco PaUce (Lightman) (2,200; 10-.30-40)—'Amazing Williams' (Col). Blondell-Douglas team making neat impression for maybe $5,500. Last week 'First Love" lU), $5,300, about as expected. Orpheum (Culllns-Evans) (2,800; 15-40-55)—House dropped pix lor (6ur-day roadshow stand of 'Tobac- co , Road.' Last week 'Bad.Angel' (M-G) with Johnny Perkins unit on stage, four days, $3,100, n.s.g. Strand (Lightman) (1,000; 10-20- 30)—"Fugitive Large' (Col), 'Neigh- bors. Carters' (Par) and 'One Hour to Live' (U), split. Good $2,000. Last week "Coast Guard' (U) and "Tropic Fury" (U), $1,800, okay. Yule Sloughing Prov.; 'Dr. X'-Yaude Fair 5iG Providence. Dec. 12. . Main spots are in the grip of the pre-holiday blues, with most Xmas shoppers Intent on the business at hand and ignoring theatres. Bl7. dropped all around, though still good for season. Kstlmales for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,300: 25-35-50)— 'You're Wrong' (RKO) and 'Sons' (RKO) (2d wkV Though pace gen- erally slow, still good for nice $5,400. Last week, swell $9,700. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 25-35- 50)—'Another Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Grey Walls' (Col) (2d run). Hold- ing up for nice $4,000. Last week. 'Ninotchka' m-H) and 'Fast Furious* (M-G) (2d run), hefty $5,000. Fay'« (Indie) (2,000; 25-35-40)— •Return Dr. X' (WB) and vaude. House can bank on certain number of regular customers to keep gross to at least fair $5,500. Last week, 'Call Messenger' (U) and vaude, nice $6,500. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 25-35-50)— 'Day-Time Wife' (20th) and 'Horn- leigh Vacation' (20lh). Headed for good $7,000. Last week, 'Eliza- beth Essex' (WB) and 'Private De- tectives' (WB), swell $8,000. SUte (Loew) (3.200; 25-35-50)— 'Eternally Yours' (UA) and 'Beware Spooks' (Col). Little interest being shown will keep this one around average $11,000. Last week, 'An- other Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Grey Walls' (Col), grand $16,000. Strand (Indie) (2,000; 25-35-50)— 'Amazing Mr. Williams' (Col) and 'Miracle Main Street' (Col). Paced at fair $6,500. Last week, 'Rulers Sea' (Par) and 'Covered Trailer' (Rep), nice $7,500. In(lpls.WayOif; Daughter Not So Good, $8,000 Indianapolis, Dec. 12. Throngs of Christmas shoppers crowding the downtown streets are passing the boxoffices of the film houses this week as if the lobby dis- plays were small pox signs. Lyric, with Ted Weems' orch on stage to pull 'em in, is the only house that looks okay. Loew's is out front in the. pix house race, but still under par with 'Housekeeper's Daughter' and 'Henry Goes Arizona.' Circle is n.g. dual- ling 'Eternally Yours' and 'Reno.' In(liana is very dull with 'Day-Time Wife' and 'City in Darkness.' Estimates for This Week Apollo (Katz-Dolle) (1,100; 25-30- 40)—'Beasts of Berlin' (Indie) and 'Big Guy' (U). Better than second- run figures to which house is ac- customed, but still not so hot at $3,S00i Last week, 'Return Frog' (Sel) and 'Demon Barber' (Sel). slid after good opening to so-so $2,900. Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,600; 25-30- 40) —'Eternally Yours' (UA) and 'Reno' (RKO). Under expectations with mild $5,500. Last week, 'Not Alone' (WB) and 'Private Detective' (WB), we^ $4,200. Indtana (Katz-Dolle) (3.100; 25- 30-40)—'Day-Time Wife' (20th) and 'City Darkness' (20th). Room to hunt buffalo in town's biggest de luxer. Poor $4,000, Last week, 'Destry' (U) and 'Laugh Off' (U), n.g. $6,500. - Loew'a (Loew's) (2,400; 25-30-40)— 'Housekeeper's Daughter' (UA) and 'Henry Arizona' (M-G). Lavish ads, but under average $8,000. Last week, 'Ninotchka' (M-G) and 'Call Presi- dent' (M-G), fair $8,500. Lyric (Lyric) (1,900; 25-30-40)— '20,000 Men' (20th) and Ted Weems* orch. Profitable $11,500. Last week, 'Man Montreal' (U) and Shep Fields' orch and Lum and Abner on stage, built through rustics' radio plugs to lusty $15,700. BEHE LIGHT 7G IN BLAH OMAHA Omaha, Dec. 12. Xmas shopping season is putting pic b.o.'s into a downward spin. 'Amazing Mr. Williams,' at Brandeis, is best of a sorry week. New form of competLsh is the ice rink at Ak-Sar-Ben Coliseum, which has about two pro hockey games per week and open rest of time for individual skating. Games are draw- ing an average of 4,000 customers. Esllmalos for This Week Avenue-Dondee-Mliitary (Gold- berg) (800-600-950: 10-25)—'Holly- wood Cavalcade' (20th) and 'Dust' (WB), dual, split with 'Hawaiian Nights' (U) and 'Came Out' (M-G), fairish $1,600. Last week, 'Boys Town' (M-G) and 'Have Music' (UA), dual, split with 'Frontier Mar- shall (20lh), 'Winter Carnival' (UA) and 'Fraud' (Par), tripler, $1,600, so-so. Brandeis (Singer-RKO) (1,250: 10- 25-35-40)—'Amazing Williams' (Col) and 'Sons" (RKO). dual: Very nice S5,000. Last week. 'That's Wrong' (RKO) and 'Espionage Agent' (WB), nine days, $7,000, swell. Omaha (Blank) (2.000: 10-25-40)— 'Elizabeth Essex' (WB) and 'Blue Grass' (WB).. Getting light $7,000 in six days. Last week. "Another Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Heaven Fence' (20th), eight days. $11,000, great. Orpheum (Blank) (3.000: 10-25-40) —'Remember' (M-G) and 'Bad Angel' (M-G). N. g. $7,500. Last week, 'D.iy-Tlme Wife' (20lh) and 'Rio' (U), fairish $8,000 in eight day^. Paramount (Blank) (3,000; 10-25- Garbo's Laugh L A.s Dish, $27,000; Kyser Nifty $lUt Tower Plus Casa Loma, ISG, 'Alone 2d OK 9|^G Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week... ...$301,309 (Based on 12 theatres^ Total Gross Same Week Last Year $,?50,40» (Based on 12 theatres^ 40)—'Another Thin Man' (M-G). Moveover from Omaha, and 'Day- Time Wife' (20th), from Orpheum. Mediocre $5,000 in six days. Last week, 'Fast Furious' (M-G) plus Calj Calloway orch, solid $13,000 in six days. State (Goldberg) (900; 10-20-25- 35)—'Jeepers Creepers' (Rep), first- run and 'Hollywood Cavalcade' (20th). Fairish $1,000. Last week, 'Hells Angels' (Atl) and 'Sky Devils' (Atl)," $1,100, fair. Town (Goldberg) (1,250; 10-20-25) —'Death Valley' (Rep), 'Girl Rio' (Mono) and 'Stunt Pilot' (Mono), first-run triplet", split with 'Death Rides Range^ (Cap), 'Escape' (20th), first-runs, and 'Rains Came' (20th), tripler. Good $1,200. Last week. 'Frontier Marshall' (20th).. 'Married Cop' (Rep), first-run, and 'Winter Carnival' (UA), tripler. split with 'Texas Wildcats' (Cap), first-run, 'Allen Case' (Par) and 'Have Music' (UA), tripler, $1,100, fairish. DESTRY' FRISKY $14,500 IN WASH. Washington, Dec. 12. 'Destry Rides Again' looks to be in front this week, putting Keith's off' the-mainstem straight pixer in front of the two big vaude spots. 'Rulers of the Sea' and Charlie Butlerworth p.a. at Earle slightly topping 'Eternally Yours' and vaude at Cap itol. 'Housekeeper's Daughter' is last among the newcomers. With Keith's only house really pleased, other boys are howling plenty that the pre-Christmas slump is taking over. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 25-35-40-66) —'Eternally Yours' (UA) and vaude. Ted Mack revue can't battle Butter- worth p.a. at opposition and won't get over light $13,000. Last week, 'Intermezzo'' (UA) and vaude, diS' appointing $14,000. Columbia (Loew) (1,234; 25-40)— 'Babes Arms' (M-G) (2d run). Third week downtown after two sock stanzas at Palace aiming at big $6,000 for eight days. Last week, 'Circus' (M-G) (2d run), fair $4,000. Earle (WB) (2,216; 25-35-40-66)— 'Rulers Sea' (Par) and vaude. All ads carrying slug-line 'not a war pic- ture.' but it isn't drawing. Hefty credit goes to Charlie Butterworth p.a. for pa.ssable $14,000. Last week, "Jamaica Inn' (Par) and Joe Cook headlining, ju.st fair $14,000. Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 35-55)— 'Destry' (U). Sock long-term bally and rave reviews paying off to. tune of beautiful $14,500. Last week, 'Tower London' (U), oke $7,000. • Met (WB) (1,600; 25-40)—'Dr. X' (WB). Occasional first run spot shoultl snag nice $5,500. Last week, 'Elizabeth Essex' (WB) (2d run), solid $5,300. Palace (Loew) (2,242; 35-55)— 'Housekeeper's Daughter' (UA). Nice notices and word of mouth seem un- able to lift it over fair $12,500. Last week. 'Drurhs Mohawk' (20th), oke $14,.500. 'Dawn' Comes Up With Good $7,500 in Montreal Montreal, Dec. 12. Looks like a mediocre week cur- rently, with coupl.e of repeats. Christmas shopping and 'Ice Vanities' at the Forum cutting into grosses. Best outlook is at Capitol on 'Each Dawn I Die.* Estimates for This Week His Majesty's (CT) (I.6OO'; 30-.50)— 'Fighting Navy' (Emp-Brit), Tuesday (5) to Monday (11). Lucky to get $2,000. Pic . hurt by 'Lion Wings' (UA) at Palace, Palace (CT) (2,700; 25-45-55)— 'Lion Wings' (UA) (2d wk). In line L(>s Angeles, Dec. 12. Greta Garbo is the big noise in town currently and day-date run of 'Ninotchka' at Loew's State-Grau- - man's Chinese is heading for excel- lent $27,000. State, with big $14,500, is town's solo leader also. Kay Kyser's film debut is quite en- couraging at the RKO and Pantagea and will get three extra days. Para- mount has U's 'Tower ot London' with Casa Loma orch on stage and is just hitting fair pace. Warners day- daters are holding over Paul Muni opus, 'We Are Not Alone,' for second week despite mild $15,800 combined on initial seven days. Estimates for This Week Carthay Circle (Fox) (1,518; 30-40- 55-75) — 'Housekeeper's Daughter' (UA) and 'Honeymoon's Over' (20th). Good on moveover for $2,100 and holds through Saturday (16). Last week, 'Day-Time Wife' (20th) and 'City Darkness' (20th), wound up on moveover with $1,200. Chinese (Graum.an-F-WC) (2,024; 30-40-55-75)—'Ninotchka' (M-G) and 'Bad Angel' (M-G), dual. Hitting for lucrative $12,5(H). Last week, 'House- keeper's Daughter' (UA) and 'Honey- moon's Over' (20th), pretty dismal $7,000. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-40-55- 65)—'Not Alone' (WB) and 'Privata Detective (WB).' dualed (2d wk). over despite fairly weak first stanza. Current looks like $4,500, on top ot $7,70() first seven days. Fonr Star (F-WC-UA) — 'Inter- mezzo' (UA) (5th wk). Has two more stanzas to go. Current week good for another $1,600 after last week ground out $2,200, still profit- able. Hollywood (WB) (2.756; 30-40-55- 65)—'Not Alone' (WB) and 'Private Detective' (WB) (dual (2d wk). Looks like around $4,900 on hold- over after so-so first week of $8,100. Pantaees (Pan) (2.812; 30-40-55)— "That's Wrong' (RKO) and 'Scandal Sheet' (Col), dual. Arousing interest for good $8,500 and holds three ad- ditional (lays. Last week, second stanza 'First Love' (U) and 'Witness Vanishes' (U), okay $6,000. Paramount (Par) (3.595; 30-40-55) —'Tower London' (U) and stage show. Nothing to get excited about at around $15,000. House dark for seven days after current stanza to permit remodeling. Last week, 'Night of Nights' (Par), and Ritz Bros, on stage, disappointing $15,000. RKO (2,872; 30-40-55) — That's Wrong' (RKO) and 'Scandal Sheet' (Col), dual. Kay Kyser opus bring- ing good $9,200 and holds three extra days. Last week, good $6,900 garnered on second week of 'First Love' (U) and 'Hour Live' (U). State (Loew-Fox) (2,414; 30-40-55- 75)—'Ninotchka' (M-G) and 'Bad Angel' (M-G). Town's best grosser an<i good for excellent $14,500. Not terrific, however. Last week, 'House- keeper's Daughter' (UA) and 'Honey- moon's Over' (20th), washout at $9,800. United Artists (F-WC) (2.100: .30- 40-55) — 'Housekeeper'.s Daughter' (UA) and 'Honeymoon's Over* (20th). Just so-so $2..500 on move- over. Last week. 'Another Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Heaven Fence' (20th), sati.sfactory $4,400 on moveover. Wilshire (F-WC) (2,296: .'50-40-55- 65)—'Another Thin 'Man' (M-C) and 'Heaven Fence' (20tli) (2d wk). Should add another $4,100 on current stanza after profitable $0,100 last week. for very good $6,000 after excellent $10,000 last week. Capitol (CT) (2,700: 25-45-55)— 'Each Dawn' (WB). This will be tops currently, with good $7,500 in sight. Last week. 'Drums Mohawk* (20lh), faded after good start to-only fair $5,000. Loew's (CT) (2,800: 30-40-60)— Rulers of Sea' (Par). Best in sight Is $5,000. poor. Last week, repeat ot 'Elizabeth E.sscx' (WB), disappoint- ing $3,500. Princess (CT) (2.300; 25-34-50)— '20,000 Men' (20th) and 'Little Acci- dent' (U). Just fair $3,000. Last week. 'Full Confc^.ssion! (RKd) and 'Bookies Wept' (RKO). poor $2,800. Orpheum (Ind) (1.100: 25-40-50)— 'Housekeeper's Daughter' (UA) and 'Man Dared' (Par) (2d wkl. Mid- dling $2,200 after good $3,500 last week. Cinema de Paris (France-Film) (600; 25-50)—'Entente Cordiale' (2d wk). Pacing for nice $1,500 after good $2,200 last week. St. Denis (France-Film) (2.300; 25- 34)—'Maison de Malpais' and 'Adieu Vienne.* Sighting fair $4,000. La?t week. 'Paradis Satan' and 'Petite Peste,' good $5,000.