Variety (Dec 1939)

Wednesday, December 27, 1939 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY Chi Shuffles Preems; Hlfives Pins Vaude Good Okay 14G, 'Gulliver,' 'Hunchback' In Chicago, Dec. 26. Plenty o( mlx-up this week, with houses ■ trying various openings in order to crack the best money chances. Two houses decided on Christmas Day get-aways, the Roove- velt bringing In 'Gulliver's Travels' and the Palace singling 'Hunchback of Notre Dame.' Both look for big '' on Saturday (23) the United Art- ists put 'Another Thin Man' to work and flgured that the weekend stride would aid business, despite the two- day pre-Xmas period. Other houses remained on their reguUii Friday- opening schedule. As expected, the three days before Christmas were plenty slack, with even the pride of the recent releases failing to garner much boxoffice strength in the face of the last-minute shopping rush. Chicago has a strong enti,v in 'Four Wives," which is getting plenty of * talk from the femmes. Starting last night (25), the house perked up .plenty of speed and figures to wind hp the session with a good account of itself. Oriental got plenty of free Hearst advertising for the Cosmopolitan '20,000 Men a Year,' but unfortunate- ly these ads all broke during the Christmas shopping rush. Should get good figure, however. Estimates for This Week Apollo (B. & K.) (1,200; 35-95-65- T5)—'Mr. Smith' (Col) (7th wk). Heady to call it a run, with 'Inter- mezzo' (UA) slated to replace for the New Year's trade. Capra picture Indicates okay $3,500 currently after turning in fair enough $4,800 last week. Chicago (B. Sc K.) (4,000; 35-55-76) •-'Four Wives' (WB) and stage show. Held back by pre-Xmas shopping, put should round out good $35,0(M). Last week 'Day-Time Wife' (20th) and vaude, mild $24,200. Garrlck (B. & K.) (900: 35-55-65- T6)—'Barricade' (20th). Not much tor this one, which sneaked in .and will sneak oiit with less tliah $3,000, lad. Last week 'Eternally Yours' (UA), not much better at $3,100. Oriental (Jones) (3,200; 25-40)— *eO,000 Men' (20th) and vaude. Head- ing for good' $16,900, almost every dollar of which will be taken in during the last four days. Last week 'Roaring Twenties' (WB) and vaude, wound up with so-so $11,200. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65-79) •-'Hunchback' (RKO). On single- feature basis and started yesterday (25). Looks $25,000, great. Last week, •bestry' (U) and 'Dr. Christian' (RKO), finished 12-day run to fair $7,000 for final seven days. Roosevelt (B. & K.) (1,500; 39-55- 65-75)—'Gulliver' (Par). Opened yesterday (Monday) and should get $18,000, excellent. Last week 'Eliza- beth-Essex' (WB), after week in Chicago, didn't mean much In the (Col), seventh week, nine days, okay $3,500. Music Box (Hamrlck-Evergreen) (850; 27-42)—'Remember' (M-G) and 'What Life' (Par). Moveover from Fifth ' anticipates only $2,000, slow. Last week 'Another "Tnin Man' (M-G), eight days, nice enough $2,700. Orphenm (Hamrlck - Evergreen) (2,600; 27-42)—Tower London' (U) and 'Honeymoon's Over' (20th). Ex- pect good $5,500. Last week 'Barri- cade' (20th) and 'Pack Troubles' (20th), mild $4,400. FaloDur (Sterling) (1,235; 21-27- 37-42)—'Four Wives'^ (WB) plus local kiddie revue. Pulling big $5,600. Last week 'Jeepers Creepers' (Rep), 'Pri- vate Detective' (WB), plus vaude, n.g. $3,400. Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen) (3,039; 27-42)—'GuUiver' (Par) and 'Neighbors Carters' (Par). Indicate big $8,500. Last week 'Destry' (U) and Dr. Christian' (RKO), second week, slow $3,500. Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 21-32)— 'Jamaics Inn' (Par) and 'Under Pup' (U) (2d run). Looks like fair $2,200. Last week 'Fifth Girl' (RKO) and Touchdown' (Par), second run, $1,- 800, poor. Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 16- 32)—'Rains Came' (20th) and 'Bright Boys' (U) (2d run). See big $2,800. Last week 'Lady Tropics' (M-G) and Sherlock Holmes' (20th), $2,000 mod- erate. '4 WIVES'. $4,000, PLEASING IN niLLE ■hopping rush and faded out with |6,500 for 10-day sojourn. State-Lake (B. & K.) (2,700; 25- 40)—'Thunder* (M-G) and vaude. Figures .for $15,000, okay. Last week was off at $10,100 for 'Co-Ed' (M-G) and vaude. United Artists (B, tt K.-M-G) (1,' TOO; 35-55-65-75) — 'Another Thin Man' (M-G). Opened Saturday (23) •nd looks for okay $14,000 for initial week. Last week 'Ninotchka' (M- G), took oke $6,700 lor third and lest session •GuUiver,' $8,^00, *WIves,' Vaude, S'/zG, Seattle Clix Seattle, Dec. 26. Christmas week finds plenty new pictures. 'Gulliver's Travels,' at Par- wnount, and 'Hardy and Son,' at Fifth, are particularly fitted to the Yule season. Palomar is stepping out with 'Four Wives' and the an- nual local kiddie dance revue of the Barclay school. Cooler weather Is nelpmg^biz. Katharine Cornell and Jrances Lederer in 'No Time for Comedy,' at Metropolitan, are pull- ing capacity biz. Estimates for This Week dS!"'. Mouse (Hamrlck-Evergreen) flSO; 27-42)—'Destry' (U) and 'Dr. 'hristian' (RKO). Moveover Indl. S^**!.*^''^ 52,500. Last week 'Nl- SP.w'ika' (M-G) and 'Co-Ed' (M-G) $2700 ^^e.'M. days, fair Bft^""??"-" (Hamrick-Evergreen) (1,- «nrt 'Babes ArnTs' (M-G) Chan Island' (20th) (2d run). w^K*"'.!?", y 52,700, moderate. Last snM .TT^^^ywood Cavalcade' (20th) slow tZM. ^"^^ ^^"^ '""^ -Jh^IIj**?""' (Hamrlck-Evergreen) VaniVvT.^. and 'Witness Goori Anticipate $6,500, week expectitions. Last k LiflwD (M-G) and 'What Lihifi"^;,"'"* days, fair $5,000. 'Amo,- ^•'-VH) (1,650; 21-27-42)— •Blondio* B yi)"*'"'^ (Col) and good *5%nn''''?^ JCol). Looks for Booa ?5,S00. Last week 'Mr. Smith' 1^ CI First Rons on Broadway (Subject to Change) Week of Dec. 28 Aster—'Gone with the Wind' -(M-G.)-(2d-wk.),- Capitol—'Gone with the Wind' ' (M-G) (2d wk.). * • Criterion—'Night of Nights' (Par) (27). (Reviewed in Variety, Nou. 29). Globe—'The Big Guy' (U) (20). (Revleuied in Vahieiv, Now. 29) Music Hall—'Hunchback of Notre Dame' (RKO). (Reviewed In Vabietv, Dec. 20) Paramount—^"Gulliver's Trav- (Par) (2d wk.). Blalto—'That They May Live' (French Made). Rivoll—'Light That Failed' (Par) (2d wk.). Boxy—'Swanee River* (20th) (20th). (Reviewed in Current Issue) Strand—'Four Wives' (WB) (2d wk.). Week of Jan. 4 Astor—'Gone with the Wind* (M-G) (3d wk.). Capitol—'Gone with the Wind' (3d wk.). Criterlon—'Joe and Ethel Turp Call on the President' (M-G) (3). (Reviewed in Variciv, Dec. 6) Music Hall—'Hunchback of Notre Dame' (RKO) (2d wk.). Paramount—'Gulliver's Trav- els* (Par) (3d wk.). Rivoll—'Light That Failed' (Par) (3d wk.). Boxy—'Swanee River' (20th) (2d wk ). Strand—'Four Wives' (3d wk.). rS . m'BigBlowonB'way. InTwMfiuses; 'GuDiyer-Gle^^^^ Colman 50G Each, Hlfives'-Lyman 45G Louisville, Deo. M, XmAs doldrums hit here in earnest and biz Is at • low ebb. Product Is oh the so-so order^ but It probably doesn't matter much, m patrons are not very Interested. Nine-Inch snow Saturday (23) also hurt biz, but Sunday and Monday (24-25) It disappeared under warm sun. Estimates for This Week Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) (1,000; 15-30-40)—'Intermezzo' (UA) and 'Remember' (M-G). After move' over from Loew's State, deer hunting is in order. Looks Uke dull $1,400. Last week, 'Housekeeper's Daughter' (UA) and 'Henry Arizona' (M-G), pretty good $1,900. Kentucky (Swltow) (000; lB-26)— 'Hollywood Cavalcade' (20th) and 'Honeymoon Bali' (20th). Copping some coin. Everything considered, fair enough at $1,400. Last week, ■r'Beau Geste' (Par) and 'Pack Up Troubles' (20th), came through for fair $1,500. Loew's SUto (Loew's) (3,100; IB- 30-40)—'Raffles' (UA) and 'CaU Pres- ident' (M-G). ReflecUng the Xmas letdown and not much hoped for under circumstances. Probably $0,- 500, light. I,ast week, 'Intermezzo' (UA) and 'Remember' (M-G), best In town, wrapping up fair $6,400, and moveover to Brown. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 19- 30-40)—'Four Wives' (WB). Looks pretty good, considering general pace around town, and will wind up with good $4;000. Last week, 'Mad Em- press* (WB), lacked draught and re- turns meager at $2,300. Blalto (Fourth ^^venua) (3,000; 16- 30-40)—'Everything Happens Night' (Par) and 'All Women Secrets* (Par). Feeling pinch of holiday week, and returns won't create any cheering. Indications are fot light $6,000. Last week, 'Night Nights' (Par) and 'Honeymoon's Over* (20th), impo- tent business getters at $5,500. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 19- 30-40)-'Charlie McCarthy' (U) and 'Big Guy' (U). Displaying amazing strength, considering general dull- ness in town, and early pace Indi- cates good $3,600. Last week, 'Beast of Berlin' (PDC) and 'Reno' (RKO), lightweight $2,800. MUNU19,000, STRONG IN B'KLYN; KYSER, 17G Brooklyn, Dao. S6. Top attention getter currently is Fabian Fox, which has Paul Muni In 'We Are Not Alone* and 'Mutiny In Big House.* Fabian Paramount is holding 'Elizabeth and Essex' and 'Covered Trail,* a second stanza, and there's fairly^ood response at Strand showing 'Beast of Berlin' and 'Jeep- era Creepers.' Estimate tor This Week Albee (3,274; 25-35-50) — 'That's Wrong' (RKO) and 'Barricade' (20th), Okav $17,000. Last week, 'Tower London' (U) and 'Honey- moon's Over' (20th), good $18,000. Met (3,618; 25-35-50)—'Ninotchka' (M-G) and 'Nick Carter, Detective* (M-G). Opened yesterday (Mon). Last week, ^Goodbye Mr. Chips' (M- G) and 'Witness Vanishes' (U) (2d wk). okay $17,000. Paramonnt (4,126; 25-35-50)—'Eliz- abeth Essex* (WB) and 'Covered TraUer* (Rep) (2d wk). Okay $18,- 000. Last week, good $20,000. Fox (4,089; 25-35-50)—'Not Alone* (WB) arfd 'Mutiny Big House* (Mono). Nice $19,000. ' Last week, •Cat Canary* (Par) and 'Dr. X' (WB) (2d wk), good $18,000. Strand (2,870; 25-35-40)—'Beast of Berlin* (PDC) and 'Jeepers Creep- ers' (Rep). Excellent $7,500. Last week. 'Smashing Money Ring* (WB) and 'Laugh Oil* (U), quiet $5,000. 'GULUVER' OKE $8,000 IN BUFF. Buffalo, Dec. 26. Grosses, which plummeted sharply during very tepid session last week, are still slow after pre-holiday open- ings. "Hardys* and 'Gulliver* are at Buf- falo and Lakes, respectively. ■ Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 30-35-55)— 'Hardy Son' (M-G). Getting $15,000, good. Last week, 'Remember* (M-G) and Cab Calloway orch, took sharp drop and came in with only so-so $16,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 30-50) —'Gulliver* (Par). Attracting juve trade for okay $8,000. Last week, 'Housekeeper's Daughter* (UA) and 'Our Neighbors* (Par), tapered oft to mild $6,500. Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 25-35)—'Every- thing Happens Night' (20th) and 'Henry Arizona' (M-G). Fair enough $7,000. Last week, 'Night Nights' (Par) and 'Television Spy' (Par), skidded to poor $4,000. Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300: 25-35) —'Amazing Williams' (Col) and 'Scandal Sheet* (Col). Started Sun- day (24). Last week. 'Blondie' (Col) and 'Trapped in Sky' (Col), hum- drum biz at under $4,500. 'South of Border' (Rep) and 'Sabotage' (Rep) three-day filler program, hit low $1,500. 20tb Century (Dipson-Basil) (3,000; 30-40)—'Covered Trailer' (Rep) and '(^omedie Francaise* unit. Berni Vici stage show should get around $13,000, okay. Last week (25-35). 'Mutiny Big House* (Mono) and 'Blue Grass' (WB), eight days for this drew un- der $4,500,. very tame. 'GABIES' FOB MAY Hollywood, Dec. 26. Joe May gets the director task on the filming of the Nathaniel Haw- thorne classic, 'The House of Seven Gables,' at Universal Start Is slated for Deo. 29, with Burt Kelly producing. Business is heavy in the downtown New York area for Christmas week and the cops are going crazy trying to fill rush calls, from managers who are being beleagured by .beavy crowds. This is not true of all thea- tres but holds for the majority, par- ticularly on the matinees. Over the three-day Xrhas weekend the- mobs were knocking down the doors at the Capitol, Music Hall, Paramount, Strand and some other houses, while yesterday (Tues.) the daytime crush was very' heavy, so much so that, some storekeepers next to theatres were beginning to complain. The Par yesterday (Tues.) played to 13,738 people by 3 p.m. all-time at- tendance record for any day up to that hour. 'Gone With the Wind' has been forced to turn away a lot of people during the past four days but drag- ging em downtown, is responsible for considerable overflow that is falling into other houses, 'Wind' opened to the general public last Wednesday (20) but the first couple days did not come near to filling. Theory is that with all the publicity the picture got, the average fan felt it was no use trying to get near the Capitol b.o. Last-minute Christmas shopping also flgured, plus pre-holi- day parties. However, on Saturday 'Wind' started its strong upward climb and on Sunday (24) went into high gear. On Monday (25) the house was jam- med to the rafters and on the week ending yesterday (Tuesday) the gross stood at nearly $70,000 in spite of the somewhat indifferent teeoff. 'The capacity at the Cap, with all seats sold three times daily, is around $90,000, not counting the Federal tax. Initial week at the Astor is $23, 000, which is every seat sold. Thea- tre is not offering any standing room and there probably wouldn't be any takers if it did. At present the ad- vance sale at the Astor for a couple months ahead is well over $100,000. With 'Wind' not monopolizing, the town entirely, fancy grosses are being run up by 'Balalaika', 'Gulli' vers Travels', 'Four Wives', 'Light That Failed' and second-run State's show of 'Cat and Canary', plus the Louella Parsons unit. (Dnly disap pointers on the street are 'Every thing Happens at Night', in its second week at the Roxy, and'Reno* at the Criterion. Latter washes up Its week today (Wed) at only $5,000. The Sonja Henie picture will end at probable $30,000, following a first week of about the same figiure, 'Gulliver's' has the added pull of Glen Gray's Casa Loma Orchestra at the Paramount, while 'Four Wives' has Abe Lyman's band. Latter, at Strand, looks about $45,000, not sen- sational but still very good, while first seven days of 'Gulliver*, with Gray's orchestra, is $50,000, again very nice though not capacity. Both houses are getting strong matinee business. Second week of 'Balalaika', at the Music Hall, is so good that the pic- ture may be retained a third week. Current (2d) stanza will be around $105,000, as against $86,000 for the first seven days. 'Hunchback due next at the Hall. 'Light That Failed' should hit $50,- 000 or near, extra good for the Rivoll. House is the nearest to the Capitol but does not believe It is get- ting much of that overflow. Theatre is claimed to be filling at the same time as the Cap, dispelling the over- flow theory. 'Cat and Canary', with the Lo\iella Parsons unit, should have no trouble getting $30,000, very good. The stage bill includes June Preisser, Arleen Whelan, Jane Wyman, Joy Hodges, Ronald Reagan and Susan Hay ward. Botb the Rialto and Globe ushered in new fllms Saturday (23). 'Charlie McCarthy, Detective' appears a nice $9,000, while 'Cisco Kid and . Lady will get the Globe $7,000 or better. Estimates for This Week Astor (1,012; 75-85-$1.10-$1.65- $2.20)—'Wind' (M-G) (2d week). Be- gan second week last night (Tues.), following first seven days of $23,000, all seats being sold. They are all gone for New Year's week, too. Capitol (4,520; 75-$1.10-$1.65)— 'Wind' (M-G) (2d week). Day-and- dating with Astor, but Mth no seats reserved here, first week's take is near to $70,000, good. House on a week, with all seats old, can do around $90,000, not including tax. Teed off a little, slowly, people fear- ing inability to get near b.o. 'Wind' set sail at top speed with arrival of the holiday weekend. A total of 100 cops were necessary Sunday (24). Criterion (1,662; 25-40-55)—'Reno' (RKO). Out today (Wed.) after a sad week of only $5,000, and replaced by 'Night of Nights.' 'Nick (iarter' (M-G) got $6,500, o.k. for before Xmas. Globe (1,700; 25-35-55)—'CLsco Kid' (20th). Not great nuns at $7,000 or better, but satisfactory /roflt for this theatre. 'City in Darkness* (20th) was $5,000, fairish. Palace (1,700; 25-35-55)—'Daytime Wife' (20th) (2d run) and 'Laugh It Off' (WB) (1st run), doubled, plus Dempsey-Willard fight pictures. Films of the Toledo fight of 20' years ago believed accounting for much of fair $8,000 that is being grossed. Last week 'Roaring Twenties' (WB) (2d run) and 'Honeymoon's Over' (20th) (1st run), $8,100. Paramount (3,664; 25-35-55-88-99) — Gulliver' (Par) and Glen Gray's Casa Loma band, Jimmy Savo and others (2d week). Begins holdover today (Wed.) after coming through to $50,000 the initial seven days, which included three pre-Xmas shoi)- ping days. Thus this is fancy busi- ness, although not the tops here. On the holdover the $50,000 figure is virtually certain to be beaten, how- ever. Last week, second for 'Her- bert' and the Allan Jones-Mary Mar- tin duo, $40,000, fine. Radio City Music Hall (5,980; 40- 60-84-99-$1.65) — 'Balalaika' (M-G) and stage show (2d week). Stepping high for ei probable $103,000 and may hold a third stanza. First week $86,- 000, very good for before Christmas. BUlto (750; 25-40-55. — 'Charlie McCarthy' (U). Doing very well, around $9,000 and may be held over for New Year's. 'Tower of London' went 12 days, doing remarkable $19,000. Blvoll (2,092; 25-55-75-85-99)— Light That Failed' (Par), In spite of the strong competition, including Wind' and the stage-show houses, this straight filmer is pulling 'em for a week of $50,000 or close, excel- lent. Begins second week Saturday (30). Final three days of 'Destry' was $5,000. Boxy (5,836; 25-40-55-75) —'Every- thing Happens at Night' (20th) and stage show (2d-flnal week). Didn't do much on its first week at $30,000, but held for Christmas and will get about the same figure', disappointing. 'Swanee River' (20th) being moved in Friday (29) for'New Year's. State (3,450; 35-55-75)—'Cat and Canary' (Par) (2d run) and Louella Parsons unit. Plenty of action here this week, $30,000 or thereabouts, very nice. Last week 'Intermezzo (UA) (2d run) and James Barton, Estelle Taylor, Ciro Rimac orchestra, around $15,000, poor. Strand (2,767; 25-50-55-75-85-99)— •Four Wives' (WB) and Abe Lyman. Opening a little off here, Xmas buy- ing hurting, but hitting fast stride now and will end the first seven days at $45,000 or around that. This is fine business, though not quite sen- sational. Final (3d) week for 'Eliza- beth and Essex' (WB), plus Al Dona- hue's band, $18,000, mild. ROONEY FORTE 13GINBALT0 Baltimore Dec. 2S. Shifting opening days and prod- uct to get most out of expected holi- day play, local exhibs are anticipat- ing extra active b.o. on heels of re- ported biggest retail store buying in seasons. Smartly spotted Is p.eu of Dead End Kids, at the combo Hipp, 'Gulliver's Travels,* at Keith's, and 'Judge Hardy and Son,' at Loew's Century. De luxe Stanley held oft 'Four Wives' until Sun. (24) and is build- ing to bullish proportions. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 25-40)—'Judge Hardy Son' (M-G). Building smartly to strong $13,000. Last week 'Intermezzo' (UA), not much at $5,600. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,205; 15-25-33-40-55-66) — 'Amazing Wil- liams' (Col.) leaning heavily upon strong stage show headed by p.a. of Dead End Kids. Chalking up fine $15,000. Last week 'Blondie Baby' (Col.) had annual production of local talent, 'Baltimore Follies,' to thank for fairish $11,300. Keith's (Schanberger) (2.406: 15- 25-35-40)—'Gulliver's Travels' (Par). Opened Sat. (23) and anticipating big biz after promisin;^ getaway. Last week 'Big Guy' (U). stayed five days to uneventful $2,800. New (Mechanic) (1,581; 1 -25-35- ' 55)—'Everything Happens Night* (20th) (2d wk). Marking time with 'Swanee River' (20lh) announced to open Fri. (29). Henie film adding possible $2,500 to uneventful first round at $2,700. Stanley (WB) (3,200: 15-25-35-40- 55)—'Four Wives'. (WB). Opened Sun. (24) and building nicely. Last week 'Dress Parade' (WB), stayr-' 10 days to mildish S8.800.