Variety (Sep 1940)

10 PICTURE CROSSES Wednesday, Septemiier 18, 1^4o Nothing Helps in Mpls.; love Back' Plus Ted Le^ Minneapolis, Sept. 17; Past fortnight has witnessed an- other nose dive of ^grosses. After a brief spell of comparative prosperity it's all very disconcerting, and efforts ftre being made to search: out .the cause or causes. Some feel that the unceribaiAties consequent to conscrip- tion and fears engerideriBd the vicioiis assault: on Great : Britam are tightening pursestririgs. Others de- clare that gisneral business condi- tions, still, diepressed iri this section, are being reflected it the bdxoffice. , The main stem currently has its strongest eritertalinmeht amn>uhition in. ai long time, but even the hefty array , of coin coaxers, recalling the good old diays when the loop hummed with super-activity every: week, doesn't seem able to bring 'em down- town in the iexpected drbyies. Uhder normal circumstances,: it's . believed, *B6om "Town,' heavily plugged at State; arid Ted L^wisy would be doing considerably better. Arid consider- ing what's on tap . the results are all the more disriiaylng. The: AlViri gets into the sitage sho\v 1[oing :with a policy of modified bur- esque, provided by road cpmpariiies, plus a: house: line of . girls,' added viudeVillCi first-run pictures, and short screen subjects. Ted Lewis and his re.vue are at the Orpheum. •Skylark' opens at; the. Lyceum for three daiys. starting ;iThursday. . Estiniaties for This Week : Alvin (Hirsch-Katz) (1,400; 28-44- 55)^*Son Navy* (Mbno) and 'Cock- tails of 1941' on stage. Pleasing stage show, but lacking, in boxof fice names. Seasori's sinagagursff-i»nd early results . shoiald deref mine if public wants this type , of modified and :'refined' bur- lesque-musical, minus ; names. , and stage bands. . Disappoiriting $4,000 seen. in past. week. , Aster (Par-Singe^) (900; 15-29)— *Scatterbrain' (Rep) and '(Girl God's Country' (Rep). Flashy front helps. Should cop good $1,500: in .;five' days. 'Military Academy' (Col) and 'Money arid Women' (WB), dual first-runs, open today (Tuesday). Last week, Tlorian' (M-G) and 'Wild Cat Bus' (RKO), dual first-rttns, five days; $1,- £00, okay. ; Century (Par-Singer) (1,600; 28-39- 44)—'Lucky Partners' (RKO) (2d wk).. Moved here after fairly good week at State. Rather tepid clip for final seven days. Looks like mild $3,000. Last week, 'Rhythm River' (Par) (2d wk), $3,500, pretty good after nice $8,700 first week at: State. Esquire (GiUman) (290; 28)—'Wolf New ybrk' (Rep). Yanked after only two poor days, $200. 'Doomed to Die' (Mono), current, doing better and may^ reach fair: $800. Last week, :'Plainsman' (reissue), $700, fair. Gopher (Par-Singer) (998; 28)r- 'Daltons Rode' (U). Rushed in when •Golden Gloves' was yanked after five days, and is. delivering^ nicely. Good $4,000 for eight days in pros- pect, Last week, 'Golden Gloves' (Par), five days, light $1,500, drpheuin (Par-Singer) (2,800; 39 44-55 )^'Love Back' (WB) and Ted Lewis band arid revue on stages Stai-ted slowly. May reach $12i000, which would be considerably under expectations and probably unprofit- able. Last week, :Hired Wife' (U); $6,600, fairly good. State (Par-Singtir) (2,300; 39-44-55) —'Boom Town' (M-G). Advertised and exploited to fare-ye-well; Doors ' open at 10:30 a.m,, hour earlier than usual, and scale lipped, from 40c to 556; top. However, no wild rush of -customers at outset. Stretching to- ward big $14,000, which, however, is tat least several grand less than had bieen expected. Last week, 'Lucky Partners' (RKO) $6,500, fair. Uptown (Par) (1,200; 28-39)— TJrive Night' (WB). First neighbor- hood Showing. Satisfactory $3,000 indicated. Last week, 'Maryland' (20th), first neighborhocd showing, $3,200, okay. World (Par-Singer-Stefres)> (350; 28-39-44-55)—'Hired Wife' (U) (2d wk), Transferred from Orpheunv for extension of loop .flrst-ruri. Fair $1;t 200 in , proispiect Last week, :'Sea Hawk' (WB) (3d wk), $1,500. okay after big two first weeks. liiM Mat AT« PROV; Providence, Sei)t. 17^ Entrance of the^ Metrdfeblitah this tveek into the main sterii field with Glenn Miller's orch on stage arid the ilirst^ruri 'Boys of the City* on the, screen is about the only new note, hereabbuts. Biz on the whole is; bnly average, with matiriees" especially low/- •■'■■.' ;■■:■ .V.-:.. '.: 'P 0 reign (Correspondent* gave toew's a cjhance to work a tie-in with WPRO, which provided latest news flashes direct from the lobby of the theatre. Estlmaiea for Thla Weeli Albee (RKO) (2,200; 28-39-50)^ TElairipaits' - (RKO) : and 'Saps Sea^ (UA). Spotty, but istill good for okay $6,000. Last week, 'Dalton^' (U) and 'Snow White' (RKO) (re- issue) and' four Disney shorts, swell $7,200,.. :Carltori (Fay-toew) (1,400; 28-39- 50)—'Boom Town* (M-G) and 'Lady ^Question? (Col) :(2d run). Fair $2,500. Last week, 'Sea HaWk', (WB) (2d run), good $3,000.. Fay's (IndiQ) (2,000; 15-28)—'iStage Chirio' (RKO) ahd:^Ganlbiing Ship' <WB). With youngsters back to school, matinees have fallen off. Spot getting fair $3,000. Last week, 'Ten- derfoot' (Rep) arid 'Earthbound' (20th), good $3,500. . Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 28-39-50)— 'Talked Much' (WB) and 'River End' (WB)i. Paced for Weak $5,500; Laist week, fHired Wife' (U) and .'Young People' (20th), hefty $7,000. ; Metropolitan (Associated) (3;000; 28-39-55-75 )-^'Boys of City' (Mono) and Glenn Miller's brch on stage. Operiihgweek is .in the problematical stage. Looking for its :heav.iest iplay in the evening. ' Opened slowly, but gaining momentum and should end up in the vicinity of promising $15,- 00O.V- Stata (Loew) (3,2(j0; 28-39-50)— 'Foreign Correspondent' (UA) and 'Golden . Fleecing' (M-G). (Sood $11,00(>. Last Week, 'Boom Town'. (M-G) and 'Lady Queistion' (Cbl) (2d wk), syirell $13,000. Strand (Indie)V (2,000; 28-46-50)■- 'Want Divorce' (Par) and 'Girl God's Country' ; (Rep )i Looks like weak $5,500. Last week, 'Rhythm River' (Par) (2d wk) and 'Island Dobriied Men'(Col), swell $6,000. Cincinnati, Sept 17. Autumn's first chill tanged week- end traffic in cinema center, giving ciirrent b.o. a slight edge over last week. Top tugger is 'Nd Time for Comedy,' at the Grand. It is the second pic for that new house. 'Wyoming,' at Palace, and 'Dr. Kil- dare Goes Home,' at Albee, are in second and third spotis this week with fair rriarks. Keith's has its sec- bng straight flbpjpo in 'Lady in Ques- tion.'.. ; All RKO theatres except the smallie Family have revised admish scales from 39-47c to 33c up to 6 p.m., then 40c for balcony and 50c for main flobr seats. Keith's operated by Ike Libson, made the same change. Estimates for Thfs Week . Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— 'Dr. Kildare Home' (M-G). Fair $8,000; Last week, 'Hired Wife* (U), big $14,000. \ Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 33-40-50)— 'Hired Wife' (U). Moveover from Albee for second week. Fair $4,000. Last week, 'Boom Town* (M-G) (5th wk), swell $5,500, winding up riin with socko $54,000. Family (iEUCO) (1,000; 15-28)^ 'Wild Cat Bus" (RKO) arid 'Ranger Lady* (Rep), split with 'Three Faces West* (Rep) and 'Ladies Must Live' (WB). Okay $2,100. Last wieek, 'Stage Chino' (RKO) and 'Can't Fool Wife' (RKO), divided with 'Wagons Westward' (Rep) and 'Earl Pyddle- stone' (Rep), norrhal $1,900. Grand (RKO) (1,439; 33-40-50)— •No Time Comedy' (WB): Wham $12,000. Last week, 'Love Again' (M-G) (3d wk), great $6,000 to hit nifty $29,000 for the three-week stay, Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 33-40-50)— 'Lady Question? (Col). Brutal $2,500. Ditto last week on 'Young People' (20th). tyrlo (RKO) (1.400; 33-40-50)— •Love Again' (M-G). Transferred from Grand for second run and fourth week. Fair $3,500. Last week, 'Lucky: Partners' (RKO), $2,600, nb dice. ,■:■ ■■'.: Palace (RKO) (2,600; 33-40-50)— 'Wyoming' (M-G). Pleasing $9,000. Last week; 'Dance Girl' (RKO), poor .$5;500. ^ '; Shubert (RKO) (2,150; 33-40-50 )— •Sea Hawk' (WB>, <:2d wk). Holding over; for second week of second run. So-so $3,500. Last week (1st), dandy $5,500. Pic got big $15,000 in its opening week at the Albee. Young Set for 'Union' Holly wbod, Sept. 17. Robert Young moves over from Metro to 20th*Fox on a loan agree- ment to take oyer the role originially assigned to Don Ameche in 'Western Union.* • Ameche Is slated for i top role in .'Rings on Her Fingers,' which rolls before the completion of 'West- ern'. Young reports this w6ek. I Nine on the Line at 20th »Kblly wood, Sept. 17. Start of three new pictures makes a total of nine in production on th* 20th-Fox lot. New films, are 'West- ern Union,' 'The Private Practice of Michael Shane' and !Corrtcob Kelly's Benefit.' Waiting to roll in the near future are 'Rings on Her Fingers' and 'Down to the Sea In Shlpsi* ,IIOOinPliilly; $7,000, Rest DuD REWARD Bli pood But Cheoker-Iflaylnff MaS' •fcr Got Canchl ^ ^ Detroit, Sept. 17. With the newmodels having start- ed to roll off the automobile pi-oduc- tiori lines, business, Us usual, grows better here. Quite a spending splash has been evident in Detroit, with, the picture houses playing , along with holdovers to capture the widespread cash. :■ ■ ' • ■■ Something of . a , .phenomenon cropped up this week in this town, given to double-feature first-runs. Both the United Artists, with the fourth week of 'Boom Town,' and the Fox, with 'Brigham Young,' are of- fering solo attractions. With the ex-, ceptlon of the Michigan's new bill, everything else downtown is in the h.b. class, but double-feature. EsUmates for This Week , Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40)— 'Stayed Breakfast' (Col) and 'Lady Question' (Col). This pair moved over after two weeks at the Fox. Look for fair $4,500. Last week, 'Fritnk James* (20th) and 'Blbndie Servant' (Col) (2d wk), dull $3,800. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40- 55)—'Brigham Young' (20th). This one was brought in two days ahead of %isual opening and soloed. Expec- tations are for good $16,000. Last week, 'Stayed Breakfast' (Col) and 'Lady Question' (Col), five days in second week, and two days of 'Brig- ham Young,' strong $17,000. MIchlKan (United Detroit) (4,000; 30-40-55 )^'Sea Hawk' (WB) and 'Ladies Live' (WB). Headed for big $17,000. Last week, 'Want Divorce' (Par), Charlie Bamet orch and Ray Bolger on stage, big $24,000. Palms-State (United Detroit) (3,000; 30-40-55)—'Want Divorce' (Par) and 'Coming Round' (Par). Former pic ture moved frorii Michigan and bill looks for fair $7,000. Last week, 'Rhythm River* (Par) and 'Way of Flesh' (Par), dull $6,500. United Artists (United Detroit) (2,000; 30-50-75) — 'Boom Town' (M-G) (4th wk). This keeps rolling along, with $7,000 indicated after $9,000 last week. 'FOREIGN' lOG, MUD IN BUFF. : Philadelphia, Sept. 17 The top exeo of one of the circuits was making the rounds of his nabes ^last week. His first stop was a last runner in West Phllly. 'To his pleasant surprise the house was playing to S.R.O. biz with a long line waiting outside the ticket window. The boss went Into the theatre/ to hunt up the manager for a verbal pa ; on the back. A search Of the house failed to locate him. The ushers shrugged their shoulders ivhen Mr Big asked where the hianager was In exasperation he walked into the men's room. Inside was the hoUse manager enjoying a placid game oi checkers with the flrenian; The h;m, was fired on the spot. Buffalo, Sept. 17. General b.o. average continues to be substantial. 'Foireigri Correspond ent' is decidedly disappointing at the Buffalo, but 'Boom Town,* in its third frame at the Lakes, is still just about showing its heels to everything else. 'Argentine Nights' dueled at the La- fayettei and 'Dance, Girl, Diance,* doubled up also at the 20th Century are close behind and running neck and neck. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 30-40-60)— 'Foreign Correspondent' (UA). Very mild $10;000. Last week, 'Great Mc- Ginty' (Par) iand Jimmy Dorsey orch strong $21,500. Great Lakes (Shea) (3.000; 44-65) VBopm Town* (M-G) (3d wk). Still roaring along to $10,000. Last wieek, heavy wampum $12,000. .Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 30-45)— "Rhythm River' (Par) (2d run) and 'Mystery Sea Raider* (Par). Neat $7,000 indicated. Last week, 'Frank James' (20th) arid 'Sing, Dance,' (Rep) (2d run), poor $4,300. Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 30-40) —'Argentine Nights' (U) and 'Pirates of Sky' (U). Nifty $8,500. Last week, (Hired^Wife* (U) and 'Framed' (U), slick $9,000. ^ 20th Century (Dipsbn-Basil) (3,000; 30-40)—'Dance; Girl, Dance' (RKO) and 'Men Against Sky' (RKO) (nine days). Stout $9,000, Last week. Lucky Partners' (RKO) (2d wk) arid 'Wagons Westward' (Rep) (five days),: sloughed off. to tame $5,000. on 'Trail' ' Hollywood, Sept; 17. Allan Dwan.geti the director chore bn 'Trail of the Vigilantes,* the next high-budget western at Universal, islated' to^tairt iritwo" wel^ks;''" - Franchot Tone is set for a top role. • ■ ; V Cleveland, Sept. 17. There's little gravy floating around, since most of It is being soaked up by 'Boom Town,' pulling near-recorc film attendiances for State. House blotted up $15,000 in initial three days and caa bank on $27,000 at least. .. ■; 'Pubiio Deb No. 1,' with Will Os home's orch and Stanley Fields, are falling into Palace's. just^fair classi- fication. 'Siea Hawk' showing more push for Hipp even oj;l h.b. Estimates for This Week Allen (RKO) (3,000; 30^35-42-55) 'Not So Tough' (U). Ordinary $3,(H)0 if not pulled. Last week, 'Lucky Partners' (RKO), on h.o., nice $4,000. Hipp (Warner) (3,700; 30-35-42-55) —'Sea Hawk* (WB) (2d wk). Show ing a profit on second frame, $10, 000, after excellent $17,000 On initial week and certain to earn a move over to Allen. Palace (RKO) (3,200; 30-35-42-55) -^'Public Deb' (20th), with Will Os- borne's band: and Stanley Fields on stage. Lot of names, but they don't mean so much on this marquee; Only. about $12,000 in sight. Last week, 'Argentine Nights' (U) and Ben Bernie's brch, weak $9,100 due to too much opposish. State (Loew's) (3,450; 30-35-42-55- 66)—'Boom TownV (M-G). Sky- scraping money-maker. Should spurt to great $27,000, Last week, 'Great McGinty' (Par) was hypoed by Mickey Rooney's p.a. to colossal $3?,Q0O, lust $700 less than Jack Benny's house record. Stillniap (Loew's) (1,972; 30-35-42- 55)--?Coming Round Mountain' (Par). Ambling along to so-so $3,500. Last week, 'Foreign Correspondent' (UA), on second stanza, $6,500, extra fine, 'Sea Hawk,' 'Wyoming' Hot 17,500 in Seattle *o ,» , . Seattle, Sept. 17. ^ 'Sea Hawk,* solo sans vaude at the Palomar, is getting nifty newspaper campaign, but no billboards. Biz warrants holding. 'Boom Town' played two houses last week' and holds for second stanza at Fifth Avenue, going nicely. 'Rhythm River' moving across the street to the Music Box from the Bliie Mouse, while the latter gets 'Ramparts We Watch,' changed here to 'Baptism by Fire,' back for . solo. It's getting hefty billing. Latter has already done a week at the Orpheum and one at the B.M. Estimates: for This Week /oS?"*o«*!^l^'*'JHamrick-Evergreen) 30-40-)-r Ramparts We Watch' (RKO) (called 'Baptism by Fire' here), -After two recent weeks In town; anticipating big $3,100. Last week, 'Rhythm River' (Par) and Chan Museum' (20th) (2d , wk) $2,600, gobd.^ . ■: - . Coliseum (Hamfick - Evergreeri) (1,900; 21-35) — 'Gold Rush Maisie' (M-G) and 'Maryland' (M-G) (2d run).. Expect okay $3,000. ., Last week, 'Turnabout' (UA) and 'Un- tamed* (Par) (2d run),. swell $3,300. Fifth Avenue (Hamrick-Evergreen) <2.349; 40-50-65) 'Boom Town' (M-G) (2d wk)., Anticipates great $8,500. Last week,: immense'$12,50(), ; Liberty (J-vH) (1,650; 30-40-50)— 'Queen of Yukon' , (Mono) 'and llaunted House? - (Mono).- -Fine $4,500. Last week. 'Stayed for Breakfast' (Col) $4,100, okay. Meslo Box (Hamrick-Evergreen) Philadelphia, Sept. IT It's . practlcaUy all holdovers and second runs In the downtown ione this week, with 'Howards of Virginia' among the flrst^runs cornering thi» field with a hefty $19,000 indicated fo*- the Stanley tillJ. For the'?2? It's Just keeping ahead of the house averages. \ Roy RObbins. Karlton manager, tried to Inject some inter- est in 'Lady in Question' by offerins 10 pairs of oaklles to the ball-and- chainers submitting best letters on how they popped the question; but It will take much more than that to hypo the gross. rj^°^ °y %se opry sagas finds 'Wyoming' getting the best attention with the Stanton headed for nifty $7,000 round-up. 'Boom Town' is slipping plenty after two strons weeks at the Earlc; but is holding for a fourth while the house readiel for the return of vaude: Estimates for This Week A Wine (WB) (1,303; 35-46-57-68) —'Captain Caution' (UA). Not very courageous for the likings at this house and heads for disappbintinff $8,000. Last week 'Kit Carson* (UA) yanked after the second day of its second week, and the $9,300 for nine days was nothing to disturb the In- dians about AreadU (Sablosky) (600; 35-46- 57)—'Stayed Breakfast* (Col) (3rd run). Still plenty of money around for this one after having a twin- house opening and sticking for a fortnight on a second ruri; with $4,000 in sight on this showing. Last week 'Golden Fleecing' (M^G) (2nd run), for a single day, and 'Young People' (20th) (2nd run) for three days, es- tablished a new high for empty seats at the house, barely making $1,000 for four days, with 'Breakfast' com- ing to the rescue on Friday (13). JBoyd (WB) (2,560; 35-46-57-68)— Tirne Comedy* (WB) (2nd wk.). ll^i^ih,^ surprisingly well vvith $9,500 in sight for second week, after going great guns the first stanza with $18,700. Earle (WB) (3.758; 45-57-73)— Boom Town' (M-G) (3rd wk.). Slipping badly with $15,000 consid- ered lucky for. third stretch. Second week: was terrific $24,800, after rec- ord-breaking $36,700 bn , opener. However, will linger a fourth week, giving the house until Sent, 27 to get its stage set for George Jessel's Hol- Ijnvood unit. : Pox (WB) (2,423; 35-46-57-68)— 'Foreign Correspondent' (UA ) , (2nd wk.). Looks good for $12,000, after •opening with $17,200 bn strong side, Karlton (WB) (1.066; 35-46-57-68) — Lady Question* (Cbl).: First first- run In many weeks for this house, but will be plenty lucky If It hits. $3,300, poor. . Last week 'Love Agairf (M-G), fared much better and, con- sidering It was a third week on a :• second running, $4,800 was great. Keith's (WB) (1,970; 35-46-57-68) •'Pastor Hall' (UA) (2nd run). Sell- ing at a snail's pace, with poor $3,600 the best than can be hoped for. Last week 'Sea Hawk* (WB), brighter $4,900. Stanley (WB) (2.916; 35-46-57-68) -^'Howards of Virginia* (Col). With only a trade showing to get it started locally, proving to be the town's leader. Around $19,000 practically assured. Last week 'Lucky Partners' (RKO) went to pieces for its secbnd week, getting. $7,000. Stanton (WB) (1,457; 35-46-57)— •Wyoming* (M-G). House is In.in the groove for the hoof and herd spectacles, with $7,000 meaning plenty of chips. Last week 'Stayed Break- fast* (Col), kept up its merry pace with $4,800 in second week on second running. (850; 30-40-50) 'Rhythm River* (Par) and 'Chan Museum' (20th) shifted from Blue Mouse, indicating tuneful $2,100. Last week, 'Kit Car- son' (UA) and 'Girl from Avenue A' (20th) $2,000, okay. Orpheum (Ha mri c k-Evergreen) (2,600; 30-40-50)—'Want a Divorce' (Par) and 'Millionaire In Prison' (RKO). After three slow days; $1,600, 'Rangers of Fortune' subbed for 'Millionaires,* 'Divorce' holding; big $6,000 for week seen with change. Last week, 'Dance, Girl' (RKO) and 'Crbwded Night' (RKO) pulled after five slow days, $2,600. Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 30-40- 50)—'Sea Hawk' (WB), No vaude at this usual vatidfilmer this week; pulling great $7,500 and holding. Last week, 'Drive by Night' (WB) plus vaude, $5,000, hie. Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen) (3,039; 30-40-50)—'Wyoming' (M-G) and 'Kildare Home' (M-G). Paced : at nifty $7,500. Last week, 'Boorii Town' (MrG) socko $12,500. Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 20-35)— 'Daltons' (U) and 'Private Affairs' (U) (2d run). Eyeing okay $2,000, Last week (30-40-50), 'Heaven Too' (WB) (5th wk), $2,300; big. : Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 16- 32)— 'Waterloo Bridge' (M-G) and '2 Gals on Broadway' (M-G) (2d run). Expect gobd -$2,000. - Last..: week, 'Susan and God' (M.-G) and 'Ploriari' (M-G) (2d run), $1,700, slow,