Variety (Dec 1939)

10 VARIETY PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, December 27, 1939 Phaiy Improves; 'GulKver; $15,700, 'Hardy.'$l6j0, Raft, 14G.M Good "N^hf Plenty Bright $6,000 io Rosy Port Philadelpliia, Dec. 26. ^ The old Christmas bugaboo isn't living up to advance notices at some ot the downtown houses tins wcel:. In fact, biz is higher than this period last year, especially in theatres with such films like 'Gulliver s T,ave s._ •Judge Hardy and Son.' .'Ninotchka . Real sleeper is 'Invisible Stripes at the Earle, which unshuttered Sat- urday (23) with straight pictures after being closed tor a month due to difficulties with the musicians union. The Raft starrer is thumbing its nose at the Yuletidc hoodo and looks like a so-'ko $14,000 for the week. Not quite uo to par is ■Everything Happens at Night" at the Fox. Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (1,303: 32-42-57-G8)— "Tower London' (U) (2d wk). Pick- in? up after slow start and is set for fair $9,400, after netting $11,600 for the initial sesh. 'Raffles' (UA) opens tomorrow (Wed.). Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 32-42-57) —•Nurse CavelV (RKO) (2d run). Film still hurt by the stigma of open- ing at the Stanton. Yule slump dragged it down to weak $2,200, and It was pulled yesterday (Monday) after six days for opening of 'Another Thin Man' (M-G). Last week, 'DiS' puted Passage' (Par), fair $2,800. Boyd (WB) (2.350; 32-42-57-68)— •Hardy Son' (M-G). The Rodney se- rial still has plenty on the ball and is set for profitable $16,300. Great im- provement over the pallid $10,000 grossed by 'Remember' (M-G) last week. 'Hardy' holds until Saturday (30), when 'Four Wives' (WB) opens. Earle (WB) (2,758; 32-42-57-68)— nnvisible Stripes' (WB). Starting off on the right foot as a straight fllmcr with plenty of black ink for neat $14,000. Warners is trying to run this house witht Class A, first-run films as an experiment. Has had reputation of showing only turkeys In the past in addition to stage at tractions. Fox (WB) (2,423; 32-42-57-68)— •Everything Happens' (20th). Noth- ing to write home about with $13,400 for the sesh, but much better than the very poor $9,800 for 'Barricade' (20th) last week. Karlton (WB) (1,066; 32-42-57-68) —'Ninotchka' (M-G) (2d run) Laughing Garbo still plenty socko with $5,700 after husky three-week run at Boyd. JLast week, 'Not Alone' (WB), nice $5,200 for second-run showing. Keith's (WB) (1,870; 32-42-57-68)— •Remember' (M-G) (2d run). Easy to forget with poor $4,000. Last week, 'That's Wrong' (RKO) slightly better with $4,200. Stenley (WB) (2,916; 32-42-57-68)— •Gulliver's Travels' (Par). Kids home from-school-fot Xmas .vacations re- sponsible for the neat $15,700 for this animated cartoon feature. Last week, 'Another Thin Man' (M-G) good $11 200 for second round. Stanton (WB) (1,457; 32-42-57)— •Rulers Sea* (Par). Fair $5,000 for this thriller. Last week, •Cisco Kid Lady' (20th) and Dempsey-Willard fight pic, good $5,300. Stndio (Goldberg) (398; 32-42-57) —'Return Frog' (Sel) and 'Demon Barber' (Sel) (3d wk). About $2,000 for third round after neat $3,200 last ■week. 'Harvest' (French) opens Thursday (28). 25-40)—'Gulliver's Travels' (Par). Started Wednesday (20). Good biz, despite shopping rush, and holiday ade carrying along to big $9,000^ for cck. Expected to stay longer. Last eek 'Child Born' (WB) and 'Kid ightinaale' (WB), second week, ^^Orlhlum (RKO) (1.500; ,10-25-40) —'Hunchback Notre Dame (HKO). Opened Christmas Day. . Last week •Dr X' (WB) and.'Reno' (RKO), with Dempsey-Willard .'"ight pictures, six days and very slow $3,500. ■ Tower (JoHee) (2,050; 10-25)—'Big Guy' (U) with Kiddie Revue and Thurston Magic Show on stage. Light $5,000. Last week 'Way Down Soutli' (RKO) with Donald Novis heading stage bill, $5,500 light. Gulliver,' 'Wives; $7,000, Nifty in Omaha 'HARDY SON'OK $11,700 IN K.C. Kansas City, Dec. 26. Christmas holiday bringing the b.o. back to normal after weak' nesses during shopping week. All fronts are blaring strong films and biz is better in every house. 'Gulliver's Travels' broke at the Newman Wednesday (20), solo, and' Is set for extra playing time. Only Christmas Day opening is the Or- pheum, where 'Hunchback' moved In and likely to play 10 days or two weeks. As usual, the Midland and Tower stuck to Friday openings. Weather took sudden turn Satur' day (23), with steady rain and chilly temperature making driving hazard- ous.. Past 60 days had seen spring' like atmosphere.. EsUmates for Thl.<? Week Esquire and Uptown (Fox Mid- west) (820 and 1,200: 10-25-40)— 'Everything Happens Night' (20th>, Brought iii unexpectedly for Thurs- day opening. Getting along smooth- ly, but not too big at $8,000 combo for eight days. Last week 'Barri- cade* (20th), was a filler in both spots for a four-day run and slow death at $2,000 combo. Midland (Loew's) (3,573; 10-29-40) —'Hardy Son' (M-G) and 'Blondie Baby' (Col). Started Friday encour- agingly and looks for good trade at $11,700. Last week 'Remember' (M- G) and'Intermezzo* (UA), low $7,000. Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10- Omaha, Dec. 26, Double holiday should help hypo biz after a sorry pre-Xmas season. Drop in temperatures to near-winter clime also helping to boost b.o. takes. 'Four Wives' getting the town's best for $7,000 in nine days at the Brandeis. 'Gulliver's Travels' pulling Paramount out of a slump with snappy $8,000. Estimates for This Week Avenue - Dundee - Military ((Gold- berg) (800-600-950; 10-25)—'Mr. Smith' (Col> and 'Xmas Carol' (M- G), dual, split with 'Blackmail' (M-G) and 'Indianapolis Speedway' (WB), dual. Good $1,600. Last week, Real Glory' (UA) and 'Under-Pup' (U), dual, split with 'Miracles' (M- G) and 'Unmarried' (Par), dual, $1,- 500, so-so. Brandeis (Singer-RKO) (1,250; 10 25-35-40)—'Four Wives' (WB) and 'Smashing Money Ring' (WB), dual. Town's best at $7,000 in nine days. Last week. 'Dr. X' (WB) and 'Cafe Hostess' (RKO), dual, $3,500, me diocre. Omaha (Blank) (2,000; 10-25-40)— 'Ninotchka' (M-G) and 'City Dark- ness' (20th). Moveover from Par- amount fairish $5,000, Last week, 'Tower London' (U) and 'Laugh Off' (U), good $6,500 in six days. Orphenm (Blank) -(3,000; 10-25-40) —'Everything Happens Night' (20th) and 'Women Secrets' (Par), dual. N. g. $6,000. Last week, 'Barricade' (20th) and 'Little Accident' (U), $6,000, poorish. . . Paramount (Blank) (3,000; 10-25- 40)—'Gulliver's Travels' (Par) and What Life' (Par), dual. Nice $8,000 Last week, 'Ninotchka' (M-G) and 'City Darkness' (20th), dual, $6,000, n.g. SUte (Goldberg) (900; 10-20-25-35) —'Mr. Smith* (Col) and 'Blackmail' (M-G). So-so $000. Last week, 'South Border* (Rep) and 'Main Street Law- yer* (Rep), first-run dual, $1,1^00, fairish. Town (Goldberg) (1,250; 10-20-25) —'Marshall Mesa City' (RKO), 'Smuggled Cargo* (Rep) and 'Sky Patrol' (Mono), first-run tripler, split with "Trigger Fingers* (Cap), first- run; 'Speedway' (WB) and 'Prison Gates* (Col), tripler. Nice $1,200, Last week, 'Cowboys Texas* (Rep); first-run; 'Glory' (UA) and 'Dust Destiny' (WB), tripler, split with Overland Mail' (Mono), 'Everybody'i Hobby* (WB), first-runs, and 'Holly, wood Cavalcade* (20th), tripler, $1,' 100, good. Portland, Ore., Dec. 20. All houses are aiming for nice biz tor the holid.iy season. 'Four Wives is putting' the Broadway over in n large way and another natural win- ner is 'Everything Happens at Night*, at Paramotint. Two fine Christmas pix are 'Judge Hardy and Son', at Parker's UA, and Gulliver's Travels', at Liberty. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-35- 40)—'Four Wives' (WB) and 'Blue Grass' (WB). Bonanza at $6,000. Last week, 'Tower London' (U) and Henry Arizona' (M-G), nine days, good $4,800. . Liberty (Hamrick - Evergreen) (2,000; 30-35-40)—'Gulliver' (Par) and 'Neighbors Carters* (Par). Get- ting good $9,000. Last week, 'Barri- cade' (20th) and 'Honeymoon's Over' (20th), average $4,000. Mayfair (Parker - Evergreen) (1,500; 30-35-40)—'Another Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Little Terror' (U) (4th wk). Okay $2,500. Third week $3,000, following first two big weeks at UA. Orpheum (Orpheum Co.) (1,800; 20-30-40)—'Mickey Kid" (Rep) and 'Swing Professor' (Reliance), plus vaude better than average $5,200. Last week, 'Mutiny Big House' (Mono) and 'Danger Flight* (Mono) with vaude, par $4,700. Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen) (3,000; 30-35-40)—'Everything Hap- pens Night* (20th) and 'Dr. Christian* (RKO). Strong $0,000. Last week, •Rulers Sea' (Par) and 'Sued Libel' (RKO), over the top for $5,600. United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 30- 35-40)—'Hardy Son* (M-G) and 'Pri- vate Detective* (WB). Strong holi- day program registering good $5,700. Last week, 'Not Alone' (WB) and Laugh Off' (U), $5,000. 'Wife-Davis Orch. Okay $12,000. Vs. 'Money'-Butterworth. $7,000. in Mpls. Steinbeck Trying To Beat SelflnOnBVay With announcement by 20th-Fox that 'Grapes of Wrath' will go into the Rivoli, N. Y., on Jan. 24, United Artists has put on added steam In its effort to get the other John Stein' beck story filmization, 'Of Mice and Men,' on Broadway first. Attempt was made by UA to pre cede 'Grapes' in the Riv, but that appears impossible, as it is expected to hold the current pic, 'Light That Failed,* in the house, long enough to carry it up to the 'Grapes' date, etc. As result, an effort is being made to put 'Mice* into the Music Hall. Whether it will get in before Jan. 24, however, can't be determined until after the New Year's weekend. De- ciding factor will be the length of runs ot the current 'Balalaika* and 'Hunchback of Notre Dame' ■which follows. Libel* (RKO), garnered okaf $1,200 in four-day run. . Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 25-35- 50)—'Dress Parade' (WB) and 'Miss- ing Evidence' (U). N.g. $2,000. Last week, 'Another Thin Man* (M-G) and •Grey Walls' (Col) (3d- downtown wk). swell $3,200. Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 25-35-40)— High School' (20th) and vaude. Get- ting good $6,500. Last week, 'Big Guy' (U) and vaude, fair $6,000. Majestic (Fay) (2.200; 25-35-50)-- 'Destry' (U) and 'Laugh Off* (U). Picking up daily and should finish with nice $7,000. Last week, 'Dress Parade* (WB) and 'Missing Evidence (U), good $6,500. State (Loew) (3,200; 25-35-50)— 'Hardy Son' (M-G) and 'Fugitive Large' (Col). Popular Hardy series good for swell $13,000. Last week, •Remember' (M-G) and 'Henry Ari- zona* (M-G). poor $8,800. Strand (Indie? (2,000; 25-35-50)— 'Gulliver's Travels' (Par) and 'Main Street Lawyer' (Par). Opened Sun- day (24). Early pace indicates big $12,000. La-st week, 'Night Nights' (Par) and 'Llano Kid' (Par), disap- pointing $4,000. DetVampsJuves; 'Gulfiver,'$18,000. Leading the Way HUNCHBACK' BIG$U,D.C. Washington, Dec. 26, With entire weekend falling into the pre-Christmas category tor all but one spot, even a hefty spurt for the other four days can't bring total up to more than barely respectable level. Christmas Day found 'em com- ing back in droves, but the damage was done. 'Huncliback,* only pic to bow on holiday, looks for swell week and should lead town. 'Ninotchka,' which braved Christ mas slump for solid take last week, is holding to within $2,000 of same figure. Of the-two big vaude spots, neither of which, has an ace stage name, the Capitol appears to have the edge, with 'Everything Happens At Night,' over the Earle, with 'On Dress Parade.' Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 25-35-40-66) —'Everything Happens Night' (20th) and vaude. Al Trahan helping behind footlights, but week won't better fair $15,000. Last week, 'Barricade' (20th), pathetic $10,000. Columbia (Loew) (1.234; 25-40)— Drums Mohawk* (20th) (2d wk). Second week of repeat holding to satisfactory $4,500. Last week,, good $5,200. Earle (WB) (2,216; 25-35-40-66)— 'Dress Parade' (WB) and vaude. Dead End Kids' swing into eentle- manlikencss roundly panned; no- name vaude looks 'to get passable $14,000. Last week, 'Amazing Wil- liams' (Col) and vaude, sad $10,000. Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 35-55)— 'Hunchback' (RKO). Only new pic bowing Christmas Day opening, with hefty buildup for weeks, plus critics hailing it as pop spectacle, may get ■big $15,500. Last week, 'Destry' (U) (2d wk), nine days, good $9,000. Met (WB) (1,000; 25-40)—'Flying Deuces' (RKO). Maybe oke $4,000. Last week. 'Beware, Spooks* (.Col), weak $3,0Q0. Palace (Loew) (2.242; 35-55)— 'Ninotchka* (M-G). (2d wk). Holding beautifully for $15,000. Last week same pic slid slightly to good $17,000. 'HUNCHBACK/ $8,500, SWELL IN PROVIDENCE Providence, Dec. 26. Usual pre-Christmas slump has given way to a peppier pace, with main stemmers prepared to greet the New Year holiday with stronger pic fare. New pix are at RKO Albee, with 'Hunchback of Notre Dame,' and Strand, with 'GuUiver's Travels.* Loew's State is also riding high with 'Judge Hardy and Son.' Estimates tor This Week Albe« (RKO) (2,300; 25-35-50)— 'Hunchback Notre Dame' (RKO). Heavy ad campaign, which stirred pre-opening Interest, should help this one clear swell $8,500. Last week, 'Dr. Christian' (RKO) and 'Sued Detroit, Dec. 26. After the seasonal doldrums, pic houses here are hoping for a big hypo during the holidays. Town has spent itself poor with -unprecedented Christmas shopping, but theatres hope there is some money left. With the kids out of school for a week, nearly all ot the bills reflect juve stuff and family trade pictures': 'Gulliver's Travels,) which has had plenty of bally and small-fry tieups •here, should bring the Michigan well up, while Charlie McCarthy, Detec- tive,' should do as well for the Fox. That the bills are aimed at the family trade is reflected in such scries affairs as 'Judge Hardy and Son,' 'Secret of Dr. Kildare,' Sonja Hcnic and Dead End Kids on current bills. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1.700; 30-40— 'Tower London' (U) with 'Amazing -Williams' (Col) (both second-run). Moveover from fair week at Fox. May climb to $6,500. Last week a drab $4,500 with 'Cisco Kid Lady' (20th) and 'High Girey Walls' (Col). Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40- 55)—'Everything Happens Night* (20th) and 'Charlie McCarthy, De- tective* (U). Slow .start, but shows promise of neat $15,000. Last week, 'Tower London* (U) and 'Amazing Williams* (Col), fair $14,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4.000; 30-40-55)—'Gulliver's Travels' (Par) and 'Secret Kildare' (M-G). With plenty of juvenile interest, cartoon should lead town with $18,000. Last week, 'Nurse Cavell* (RKO) and 'Cat Canary* (Par), only fair $12,000. Palms-State (United Detroit) (3,- 000; 30-40-55)—'Cat Canary* (2d run) and 'Dress Parade' (WB). Should get good $8,000. Last week, didn't do bad with $6,000 on 'Real Glory' (UA) (2d run) and 'Television Spy' (Par). United Artists (United Detroit) (2.000; 30-40-55)—'Hardy Son' (M-G). 'Hardy's* steady lure should cop nice $10,000. Last week, 'Ninotchka' (M- G) (3d week), good $6,000. Minneapolis, Dec. 26 War-torn Europe hasn't got much on the local loop entertainment em- poriums currently. Tossing the tradU tional seasonal goodwill into the dis- card, the showhouses are slagini; an- other of their recurrent bailies. 'ITie hot stage fight between the Minne- sota and the Orpheurh is crabbing most of the spotlight.nlthough 'Gulli. ver's Travels' and 'Our Neighbors, the Carters', on their own, iilso are landing considerable public aticnlion. Orpheum has tossed in Johnny 'Scat' Davis and his band plus other acts against Charlie BuUerworth, Judy Starr and the usual impressive Minnesota theatre supporling array. With 'Day-Time Wife' on the screen, the Mort H. Singer Orpheum has a film advantage over the Gordle Greene spot, which is compelled to struggle along with an indie release ot no great consequence. "The State went to town advertise ing 'Gulliver's Travels* and the car- toon feature apparently merits the buildup. There's mixed critics' opin- ions regarding 'Remember,' Century offering, but customers seem to ap- prove It. With most of the houses opening Friday, the three pre-Christmas days naturally got the week off to a bad start, but the canto is expected to wind up in a blaze of boxoffice glory. Saturday and Sunday (23-24) wer« surprisingly good. ' EsUmates for This Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)— 'Law Pampas* (Par) and 'Bad Angel' (M-G), dual flrst-runs in for six days. Heading for good $1,800. Last week, 'Rio' (U) and 'Private Detec- tive' (WB), dual first-runs, split with 'Lost Flyers* (U) and 'Inspector Hornleigh* (20lh), $1,400, okay. Century (Par-Singer) (1,600; 25- 35-40)—'Remember* (.M-G). Robert Taylor, Lew Ayres, etc., in cast a dis- tinct boxoffice help. Patrons approve and should build. In spite of some reviewers* dissent, to good $6,000. Last week. 'Ninotchka' (M-G) (2d wk). $4,000, good enough after big $9,500 first eight days at State. Esaulre (Gillman) (290 ; 25-40)— 'Rasputin* (French) opened today (Tues.) 'Man Godfrey* (Col) (reis- sue) filled in acceptably for 'RaS" putin' (Ficnch), which was kept out when C.ntholic Legion of Decency protested against its ."ihowing. Did satisfactory $800. Last week, 'Nurse Caveir (RKO) (2d wk), $400, poor. Gopher (Par-Singer) (998; 25)— 'Allegheny Uprising' (RKO). Adapt- ed from novel written by a former local newspaperman and getting some extra publicity because of that Fair $2,800 looks about tops. Last week, 'Blondie Baby' (Col), $3,000, good. MlnbMoia" (Mpls:"Cb;) (4;000; 20- 30-40)—•Money Bum* (Rep) and Charlie Butterworth and Judy Starr heading big stage show. As usual, lots of show for the low admission price. Butterworth and Starr not proving magnets. With a slow start because of three-day pre-Christmas influence will do only about $7,000, mild. Last week, 'Calling Marinear <Rep) and vaude, terrible $3,500.. : Orpheum (Par-Singer) (2,800; 25- 35-40) 'Day-Time Wife' (20th) and Johnny 'Scat' Davis' band heading vaude. Stage show ■vvell liked; ditto, picture, and looks like big $12,000 m six days. Last week, 'Roaring Twen- Durbin, $10,000, %e/ 4G, Montreal Winners Montreal, Dec. 26. Upturn in grosses currently should see a five-figure take on Durbin opus at Loew's, with others also above j last week. Zero weather is cutting into grosses. Estimates for This Week PaUce (CT) (2,700; 25-45-55)—'Not Alone' (WB). Big baUyhoo for Muni getting $6,500, good enough. Last week, 'Daytime Wife' (20lh), poor $4,000. Capitol «rr) (2,700: 25-45-55)—'Dr. Kildare' (M-G) and 'Henry Arizona' (M-G). Lucky to get $5,000. feeble. Last week, 'Dawn I Die' (WB), poor $4,000 on repeat Loew's (CT) (2,800; 30-40-60)— Tlrst Love' (U). Getting all the biz in town, with excellent $10,000 in sight. Last week, 'Remember' (M-G), faded to $4,500, poor. Princess (CT) (2,300; 25-34-50)— 'Dress Parade' (WB) and 'Covered ties' (WB), $6,500 for nine State (Par-Singer) (2.^00; 25-35- 40)—'Gulliver's Travels' (Par). Help- ed by fine advertising campaign. Critics and customers spilling mucn praise on this one and matinee trade Is terrific. Stretching toward good 48,000. Last week, 'Ileal Glory' (UA), $4,000, poor. „. Uptown (Par) (1.100; 25-35)—^Mr. Smith' (Col). First neighborhood showing of boxoffice sock. Heading for bia $4,000. Last weeic, .'Babes Arms' (M-G) split with 'Disputed Passage' (Par). $2,500, mild. • World (Steffes) (350; 25-35-40-55) 'Neighbors, the Carters' (Par) (2d wk). Has the benefit of a record rave from one of the newspaper re- viewers and is building, but no cer- tainty yet that it possesses the stuff to make for a profitable extended run. even in a sure-seater spot such as this one. Fairly good $1,800 In- dicated. Last week, $1,400, mild. ^ Trailer' (WB). Pacing for fair $4,000. Last week, 'Barricade' (20th) and 'What a Life* (20th). poof $2,000- . Orpheum (Ind) (1,100; 25-40-50)-- 'Mice and Men' (UA). Looks like $«.- 000, go«d. Last week, third repeat filler of 'Housekeeper's Daughter (UA) and 'Man Dared' (Par), poor Cinema, de Paris (France-Film) (600; 25-50)—L'Entente Cordiaie (4th wk). This is equivalent ft Xmas week for French, and P'^.^fJ! gross at best $1,000 after poor $l.zw last week. , ,„ „.. «e St Denis (France-Film) (2,300; 25- 34)—'Men Pere et mon Papa ana 'L'Etrange Nuit de Noel,' Pacing for poor $3,500. Last week, Fcm^e^" Boulaneer' and 'Sommes-Nous w« fendus,*^ weak $3,700.