Variety (Sep 1940)

Wednesday^ Scipt«n»*>«* 4j 194© PICTURE GROSSES BcwmCreatM Spots; Fine 18^ Chicago, Sept, 3; • Three-day holiday weekend aided the loop^ boxofltides all down the line; Outstandingj Is^-Boom T^^ Am doubling In both the United Artists and Roosevelt at ^ advanced prices. Onericd Saturday (31) andjooks for Walloping Initial session. There was Plenty o£ advance space in the papers >ind a h6t ad can^ '^Sso sirtart iirv'L^^ Palace. Sent away in excellent fashion with fine advertising spread, the picture looks for a hangup week. Other houses are primarily inter- terested in their stage shows. Chi- cago has the Bing Crosby 'Rhythm on the River' flicker and Joe Penner persohalinjg on the stage and' is rid- ing to a profitable stanza. Local radio fiv, Dick Todd, is getting his crack at a stage in the State-Lake currently, where he is coupled with the Joe Reichman orch. Aroiind the torner at the indie Oriental, the Glen Gray Casai Loiha, band , is accounting for a continued ride of profits. \ . Holdbvers are 'I Love You Agairi;' at Apollo, and 'I'rahk James,' . at Garrick. . Estitnale* •This Week Apollo (B&k) (1.200; 35-55-ei5-73j —r'Ldve Again' (M-G). Moved here after two good week^i in the United Artists, and headed for good $5,500 currently. Last week, 'Drive Night' (WB), completed three loop sessions to oke $4,200. • Ciliica^o (B&k) (4,660; 35-55-75)^ •Rhythm River' (Par)"arid Joe Pen- ner headlining. Combination run- ning to strong $42,000. Last week, 'Frank Jamies' i20th): and . vaude, needed ,assistan<^e of a double-feature 'preview' on final performance; and came up with satisfactory $32,100, , Garrick (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) -^'Frank James*^ (20th). ' Switched , here from Chicago and indicaities, . $4,000, good enough; Last Week, 'Heaven Too' (WB), finished: bani- : up foUr-we6k loop riiH to $4,200, bright. ' \ Oriental (Jones) (3,200: 28-44)— •Lucky Cisco' (20th) and Glen Gray . Casai Loma band on stage, Coni- ^binatioh looking .for • $19,000. /ex- cellent. Last week. Shep Fields orch on stage . carhe through above ex- pectations with -Private Affairs': (U) and hit whani $19,900. Palace (RKO) (2.500; 33-44-66)— •Lucky P a r t n e r s' (RKO) and 'Tempted' (U). Ginger Rogers- Ronald' Colnian partnership hitting bHlllaht, $18,000, bdst since reopen- ing. Last week, 'Syracuse' (U) (2d Wk:) and 'Tom Brown' (RKO), fine $8,400. Roosevelt (B&K) :(1.500; 55-65-75- 85)—'Boom , Town' (M-G)> Upped .prices for this one and whirring the register. to rousing $19^000. Last week (35-55-65-70), MeGihty' (Par) inanaged $9,000 for solo session. StaterLake (B&K) (2.700; 28-44)-^ 'Hardy Debutante' (M-G) and vaude. Joe Reichnian, orch, and Dick Todd —!ieading.;v^ud& -lineupr-^bhibinalioii If going to $18^000. happy. Last week, 'Queen Mob' (Par) and Bert ■Wheeler and Mit^i Green on stage^ good $16,500. United Artists (B&K^M-G) (.1,700; 55-65-75-85 )--'Bobtti Town' (M-G). , Will get $26,000 here, a wow take. Last week (35-55-65-75), 'Love Again' (M-G), $9,200, g6od for second ses- 'Slon.' . ^ Woods (Essaness) (1,200; 75-$1.10- $1.65)—'Gone' (M-G) <32hd week); Has suddenly zoomed again into im- Wrtant money and currently looks for great $9,500, after ditto amount last week/ v ■ <$00; 25-50)^'Je t^attertdrii' (3dwk.)V Likely $1,060, after fair $1,200 last St. Deiiis: (FrancerFilnii) (2,300; 25- i)—'Dam& de Coeiir' and 'Boutique aUx Illusions.' ' Around average $4,500 in sight. Last week, v'Nadia' and 'iSux et Nous,'good $4,000. Baltimore, Sept, 3. Continued rain, which played hob with nearby resorts over the holiday weekend, kept them, lii;' town and headed . for. the . theatres, - Entire. doWntown list is repprting satisfac^ tory .r.esultis with extra strong, prod- uct lineup a big h^lp. ^ Out front in big styje' is 'Boom Town,' ^at LoeW's Cehtury> . .The Sea Hawk' is also very bright at the iStanley: ::Upped scales, for both of . these filnis adding up to sub- stantial figures.. Estimates for This Week Cientury (Loew's-UA) (3.000; 29-: .*19-60)---'Bbom TFown' (M-G).;Draw- ing them in in smash style, with ex^ tra big $22>000 looked for, ■ Last week (15-28-44). 'Captain Caution' (UA), poor $5,400. ■ Hilipodiroine (Rappaport) (2.205; 15^28-39-44-55-66 )—'LUcky Partners' (RKO) plus vaude headed by Henry A'rmetta; Holding its- own against strong conipetition and: pointing to olcay $ 16,000. Last Week, 'MiUion- aires Prison' (RKO) and George White's 'Scandals,' gobd $16^200. Kciilhi's (Schahberger) (2,^6;; 15- 28-33-39-44) — 'Rhythm, oh River' (Par).■ : Maintaining pace: to possible $7i000. Last week, .DiSney Festival of cartoons featuring 'Snow White' (RKO), drew surprisingly well at .$(>,C00. . ' ■' ■ '. ■ ■ New . (Mechanic) (1,581; 15-:28-35- 55)—Young People' (20th);; Draw- ing some . daytinle and jUVe trade to $5,O0O. Last week, 'Man Married' (20th); failed to excite at$3,900. Stanley (WB) (3,280; 29-39-60)— 'Sea Hawk' (WB). ■ Oflf to flying start and heading for great: $19,000. Last week (15-28-39-44-55),. second of 'Drive Night^ (WB). added good $6;700 to strong initial sesh at $10,- 300. ■ I '- ' '<■' First Runs on Broadway .. (Subject to Change) . Week''<iif. Se|»t.'S .'-;: . Aisitor—'Gone With the Wind' (M-G) (38th wk ), Capitoi-^'Boom Town' (M-G). (Reviewed in VAioEtr, Aug^. ^^ Criterion —^ 'Girl from God's Country' (Rep) (7). V Glbbe-r'Flowing Gold' (WB) , (2d wk,). ., Music Hall—Lucky Partners' (RKO). ■ :, (RewietDcd in Vamety, Aug. 21) ; Paramountr^'Rhythm on the River' (Par) « (2d wk,). Bialto—'Black Diamonds' (U) (9). _ v.- Bivoll — 'Foi-eign Correspond- ent' (UA) (2nd wk), : Boxy—'He Stayed for Break- fast' (Col) (2d wk.), : • : Strand—'No Time for Comedy' (WB) (6). . ■-. ■. Week of Sept. IS Astor—'C^one With the Wind' (M-G) (39th wk!);. Capitol—'Boom Town' (M-G) (2d wk.). Globe-^'Hell's Cargo' (Film Al- ■ iiance). ' ; ■ Music Hall—Lucky Partners' (RKO) (2d wk ). :;.■ ■■ Paramoant—'Rhythm the RiverJ (Par) (3d wk.). Rivoii —'Foreign Correspondr . ent' (UA) (3d wk.). : Roxy — 'The Great Prbflle' (20th) (13). (Reuiciucd in Variety, Aug. 21) ' Strand—No Time for (jomedy' . (WB) (2d wk.). . ' Montreal, Sept. 3. .. . Return bf .vacationists ■■■ frdm sum- mer resorts will jack upi - grosses with wet weekend helping. . Top grossers in town are 'Foreign Corre- spondent^ and 'I Love You Again.' Estimate for This Week .Palace (GT) (2,700; 25-45-55)— Love Again' (M-G). This is a Loy- 2?^^^ town and take should be $7,000. good. Last week's. 'Convoy' (Emp), $5,500, good enough. .„C»pitol (CT) (2,700; 25-45-55)— Rhythm River* (Pair) and 'Golden Gloves' (Par). Possible $4,500. good. Last week, 'Lady Question' (Cbl) and Blondie Servant' (Col), fair $3,500. _Loew's (CT) : (2.800; 30-40-60)— •Foreign Correspondent' (UA). Top- notcher locally, ps^cing for $8,500. verr nice. Last week, third repeat of .Heaven Too' (WB), good $4,500; .c, ■ J?*??* <CT) (2,300; 25-34-50)— Sea Raider' (Par) and 'Round Moun- tain (Par),. Sighting fair $3,000. Last week, 'Snow White' (RKO). good $3,500. _Orpheuin (Ind) (1.100; 25-40-50)— ■fago-Pago' (UA). Pacing for very ??»°?vH500. Last week, •Turnabout' (UA), faded $2,000. Cinema de Paris (France-Film) Kansas City, Sept, 3.- The Midland is breaking a prece- dent of over ^10 years standing with a stiff hike in prices on 'Boom Town, Nights are going for 60c. main floor, and 40c. balcony, with a matinee fee of 35c. House is maintaining its regular dual policy with 'Lady iii Question' also on the bill, and is opening at 10 a.m. to get in four full shows daily. Only time in decade top ha.s gone over 40c., with excep- tion : of 'Gone • With the Wind* last winter. ' '. ' . 'Rhythm on the River,* playing solo, i.s doing nice job at Newman. Bing Crosby always -hits. an assuring level here and this onie above his usual run. ■■■'.•': . Estimates for This Week Esquire and - Uptown (Fox Mid- west) (820 an'^ - 2;403; 10-28-44)— 'Young People' (20th). Picture get- tihg good nbticcs. but, combo mild at $6,200. Last weelc, 'Frank James (20th). in holdover, played six days for satisfactory $4,800.. r,. Midland (Lbew's) (4.101; 10-35-40- 60)—'Boom Town' (M-G) and 'Lady Question"' (Cbl )^. tUppied prices will probably huge $21,500. Last week (10-23-44). 'Stayed Breakfast' (Col) and 'Golden Fleecing' (M-G), good $11,500. ■ . Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10- 28-44)—'Rhythm River' (Par). Looks like sure h.o. Getting $9,300, very good. Last week, 'Flowing Gold' (WB) beat Metro to the punch by a week on release of the oil film,;but played to.only mild $6,000.; Orphenm (RKO) (1.500; 10-28-44) —'Drive Night' (WB) (2d wk.). and •Pop Pays' (RKO). Okay at $5i700. Last week, with ••Christian Meets Women' (RKO). good $8,500. Tower (Joffee) (2,110;. 10-30)-^ 'Carolina Moon' (Rep) and vaude. Average take at $6,200. Last week, 'Private Lives' (20th) and vaudOi okay $6,.500. . Louisville, Sept. 3. . .; (Best Exploitation: Loew's State) Ideal setup for fine film biz cur- rently, what with the long holiday, cooler temperatures, and,an array of pics that pack plenty of b.o; appeal. Plenty of people took advantage of the pleasant weather to make ehdr of-season trips and picnics, but the lure of outdoor' sports is weakening and attention is again turned toward the film houses. Okay biz is the general rule, with Bing Crosby's 'Rhythm on the River' pulling strongly at Rialto, 'Sea Hawk' at Mary Ann. also pacing for mighty nice returns.: 'Great, Mc- Ginty' is light at the Strand, and 'Foreign Correspondent,' at Loew's Stafe, had benefit of Bernard Sobel's presence to whoop things up, with radio talks, color adg, and a general whoop-de-dbo V to acquaint local patrons with the product he was in to town to represent. •. Estimates for This Week Brown (Lbew's-Fourth Avenue)— 'Frank James,' (20th) arid 'Pier 13' Started off at fair pace, but Tride $105,000 Fourth Week Tops s laKe; King m, roren ndent' 50G; B way Terrific • Rain which followed cbld. weathier last week was augmented by record Labor Day .crowds oyer thie week- end. Consequently the past week's business is proving morie tonic than the first real sunshine in days. With old- b.o. marks tossed into the dis- card by Broadway houses. Managers are even . optimistic enough, after the tsensationaL. biz over the holidays, to , forecast. ex- tended prosperity at the wickets, and to detect a wave of business im- provement. They expect aid from school kids until Siept: 10 or 11, with classwork scheduled to - resume Sept. 15.. .. Probably the mosrt phenomenal showing is being made by the Music Hall with 'Pride and Prejudice' in its fourth week; with the unheard-of figure of $105,000 likely. If it hits this figure, it will beat opening week. Equally fine is 'Rhythm ;bn River,' at the Paramount, which looks for $65,000 the opening week, after the best Labor Day business' in .five years, br since the present stage band policy went: into effect, Bing Crosby starrer is aided by Will Brad- ley, orch, . Ken Murray and others. Sure to go three weeks, 'Foreign Correspondent' :at: Rivoii. with $50,000,: and 'He Stayed for Breakfast,' at Roxy, also around $50;000, are other new pictures/^how- iiig startling strength; The Roxy is the surprise of . the street. . Tippff on what the. Labor Day weekend crowds meant to all . downtown houses is shown by 'Gone With Wind' at Astbr, which soared to $14,600 or $2,500 ahead of the pre- vious week. . ^ ■: 'Pride' could easily hold a fifth week but makes way for 'Lucky Partners' which originally was set for Labor Day week at the Music Hall, Picture likely will shbw morie than $400,000 for th^ four weeks, un- heard of' for summer season and probably topping first four weeks of ^Rebecca,' Which ran six weeks at ihis house last spring. \ 'Foreign Correspondent' iprbbably will tenant the reopened Rivoii for many weeks, according tb present in- dications. Opening week's' take bested last season's opener. Man- agement upped its scale about 20% tb 75c at matinees, .99c at night, starting Thursday : (29), patronage taking it in stride. Holdovers at IStrand - and Capitol both are doing.,solidly. 'Sea Hawk' and Phil Spitalny is: a sturdy fourth week contestant . with $36,008 or above anticipated. 'Flowing ■ Gold.' originally set to follow, has been switched tb the Glbbe, with 'No Time for Comedy' and Larry Clirtr ton's hand opening Friday (6). Spi- talny-'Hawk* combo may hit $170,000 for, the four weeks. This, too, war- rants a fifth lap but for Spitahiy's previous commitments, . Third week of 'I Love You Again (20th). - hardly expecting any big pickings af- ter last week's okay stariza at Rialto; . , . , *ooAnA . Fairish—$l,800r^—^Lask : weeki-^Love-iJS-headed.. for. .$33,000- or-about-even Again' (M-G) and 'Out West Pep- pers' (Col), secottd . week at this house after movcbver from State, light $1,500. . Kentucky (Switow) (1.200; 15-25) —Tbur Sons'. (20th) and 'Irene' (RKO) split with 'Can't Fool Wife' (RKO.) and 'Sailoir's. Lady (20th). Sharing in generar pickup for okay $1,500. Last week, 'Biscuit Eater' (Par) and 'My Way' (U), split with 'Sandy Lady' (U) and 'Safari'. (Par), average $1,400.' Loew's State (Loew's) (3.100; 15- 30-40)—' For e i g n Correspondent' (UA) and 'Girls' Road' (Col). Good with the second week. Some ques tioh^as to whether picture would hot stay a fourth but desire to get 'Boom Town' oiit on pre-release is bringing the Metro four-starrier in tomorrow (Thurs.). .' Ed Sullivan and his Harvest Moon finalists are chiefly responsible for the terrific $32,000 being rolled up at the State where 'New Moon' is the second-run film. Estimates for 'This Week dice' (M-G) and itage show (4th wk). Heading for terrific $105,000, despite three hefty weeks previ- ously. Could hold but must make way for 'Lucky Partners' (RKO). Rialttf (75b: 25-40-55) —'Stranger Third Floor' (RKO). Opened^Satur- day (31) when 'One Crowded Night',. (RKO): fallied to crowd after five days. New picture likely to get okay . $7,000 aided by out-of-town visitors. •Night' only $4,000 in its brief stay. : Bivoll (2,092; : 25-40-55-75-99) 'F o r e i g n . Correspondent' (UA). Rounds out first week with excellent $50,000; in for Indefinite long run. Mighty fine takings for this house, shuttered most of summer, and beats ; 1939 opening mark. . Boxy (5,836; 25-40-55-75): — 'He Stayed for Breakfast' (Col) and stage show, looks to. top $50,000. Last week, 'Yoiihg People' (20th) and Bowes, .unit, $40,000, also real profit- State (3,450; 35-55-75) — 'New Moon' (M-G) ' arid stage show con- : sisting of Ed Sullivan and Harvest Moon Ball dancers. Amateur terp- ers helping this.'.hbuse to around $32,000, dandy. Last week, 'Daltons Rode' (U), first run, and Betty Hut- ton, Giro Rimac orch, others, $27,000, plenty bf profit. Strand {2,lQ7: 25-50,-55-'r5r85-99)— 'Sea Hawk' (WB) and Phil Spitalny (4th wk). Holding Up' sturdily in fourth stanza with Labor Day mob a big help; $36,000, phenomenal for fourth week at this time of year here. Hefty $40,000 turned in fbi- ' third week, after $43,500 in second and nearly. $50,000 opening, seven : days. 'Flowing Gold' (WB) origii- nally set to follow is supplanted by 'No Time for Comedy' (WB) and Lariy Clinton band Friday (6); Boston, Sept. 3. . Spasms of hot, sunny ■ weather. crimped somewhat the b.o. takes of the. film stands here over the holi- day weekend.. 'Love You Again' is leading the town, with 'Lucky Part- ners' running a strong second. Holdover of'Rhythm on River' hitr ting fair pace. Estimates for Tliis Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 28-39-44-55) —'Hold Woman' (Prod) and 'Doomed Die' (Mono), with Lucky Millinder band on stage, five days; and 'Daltons ■Rode'"(U)~(2d' run )~and~'Mrs. Brad- ford' (RKO) (reissue), two days: Should add up to fine $12,000. Last wieek, 'Babies Sale* (Col) and 'Caro- lina Moon' (Rep), with vaude, four days; and 'Military Academy' (Col) and 'Private Affairs' (U) (both 2d run), three days, tallied $6:800. Glenn Miller plays here solid week open- ing Thursday (5). .. ' , Fenway (M&P) (1,332; 28-39-44- 55)—'Flowing (Sold* (WB) and 'Sing. Dance' (Rep). Around $5,000 at best. L^st week, 'Comin' R^und Mountain' Country* Astor (1,012; 75-85-$l,10.$1.65-, . . ^ , ^ ^, $2.20)—'Gbhe' (M-G) (38th week). !" Pi»r> and ^ 'Girl God's Last Week (37th), surprising $14,600. (Rep), $4,000, poor hefty takings,: Outtowners credited exploitation helping;, but folks rather | with pushing business up enough to cool on war pics. Facing pretty stiff • best $12,100 of previous- week. . opposition, but should manage okay Captoi (4,520; 25-40-55-75-$!. 10- $7,000, Last week. 'Stayed Break-' $1.25)—'I Love Yoii Again* (M-G) fast' (Col) and 'Gold Rush Maiisie' .(3d week). Near $33,000 or about (M-G), fine $8,000. Mary Anderson (Lisbon) (1,000; 15-30-40)—'Sea Hawk' (WB). Going great guns'as::a single here and, pac- ing for excellent $5,000, ■ Sure h.o. Last week, 'Drive Night' (WB), on h.o. stanza, alright $3,500. , Bialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 15-30-40)—'Rhythm River' (Par) and 'I Want Divorce' (Par),: Mats strong. Stepping along for fine $7,500, Last week, 'Frank James' (20th) and 'Pier 13' (20th)* excellent $9,000 and movieovei". .: Strand (Fourth Avenue). (1,400; 15- 30-40)-'Great McGinty' (Par) and 'Sing, Dance,' (Rep). ,:,Fiiie work: of Brian Donlevy bringing sonrie at- tention, but biz looks to shape up on the slow side- for $2,800. Last week, 'Young People' (20th) and. 'CHian Wax' (20th), weak $2,500. : ■ equal to second stanza. Make more than $100,000 , for three weeks, mighty nic.ie profit cbhsidering cprh- petish. 'Boom Town'. (M-G) goes-, in; at tilteii prices tomorrow (Thurs.). Criterion (1,662; 25-40-55-65)— 'Gold Rush Masie' (M-G). Real gold at slightly over $10,000. Last week, 'Mystery Sea Raider' (Par), .. neat $9,000. ■■•:::■■•/■■- Globe (1.700; 25-35-55)—'Flowing Gold' (WB). Originally skedded for Strand; zooming to $14,000 or bet- teri ' and. holds second week; Pre- vious week, 'River's End' (WB),-so- so $5,500, ,.■.:.- ■■ ■ Palace (1,700; 25-35-55)—'Heaven Tbb': (WB) (2d run) and 'Pop Al- ways Pays' (RKO), Failing to feel holiday crowds and lucky to get.l $7,800, ■ disappointing., Long : show ' '■ Last One In Is A— : - Hollywood,. iSept. 3. V Robert McGowan directs 'The Old Swimrhin' Hole' for Scott R. Dunlap at Monogram, starting in fouj: -weeks. , Marcia Mae Jones; aricl : Jackie Moran, currently bh .an' eastern stage tour, get the top toles. .. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 23- 39-44^55)—'Lucky Partners' (RKO) and 'Argentine.. Nights'- (U ). Rogers- Gblman whirling wickets to tune of dandy $19,500 and probable hold- over. Last week, holdover of 'Frank James' (20th) and .'Man Married' (20th), okay $12,800. Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 28-39- 44-55)—:Rhythm River' (Par) . and 'Money Woman' (WB) (2d wk). Okay $13,000. Last week, sweet $17,- 500. ; • .:'■ ': ■.•■ brpheum (Loew) (2,900; 28-39-44- 55)—'Love Again' (M-G) and 'Blon- die Servant' (Col). Looks like big $22,000, br better. Will hold. Last week, 'Stayed Breakfast' (Col) and 'Golden Fleeging' (M-G), ;$16.500, nice, ■;■.„: ..C Paramount (M&P) (1,797; 28-39- 44-55 )^'FloWing /Gold' (WB) and 'Sing, Dance' (Rep). On / the sQft side, around $7,000. Last, week,- 'Cbmin' Round Mountain' (Par) and 'God's Country' (Rep), $6,000, poor. Scollay (M&P) (2,538; 28-39-44-50) blamed; Last. week's twin combo, | —'McGlrity' (Par) and 'Love Back* 'Drive: by Night' (WB) (2d run) and.| (WB) (2d run). Win hit around $5,- 'Windy Poplars' (RKO) (1st run), 5OO, very good. Last week, 'Drive $8,000.• • •-1 Night' (WB) and 'Ladies Live' (WB) Paramount (3,664; 25-35:^55-88-99) 1 (2d run), $4,300, fair. ' —'Rhythm on River' (Par), and in .j state (Loew): (3,600; 28-39-44-55) person, Will Bradley, orch. Ken i 'Love Again' (M-G). and 'Blondie Murray.- others,; terrific; $65,000 in , Servant' (Col). Heading for big $15,. sight, and cinch to go three weeks. .Badib City Music Hall (5,980; 40- 60-84-99-$1.65) — 'Pride and Prcju- 500. Last week, ^Stayed Breakfast' (Col) and 'Golden Fleecing' (M-G). $11,000, nice.