Variety (May 1941)

Weintadmj, May 28, 1941 TatiierGoodSUOOOfaliiidhFiiial Chi Wk; tabm' $9.0001 Unbppy Chicago, May 27. ■Life With Father' fbally wound up In Chicago, smashing through for a 86-w6ek record run and grossing almost $1,000,000 in a theatre which had been considered tod lar oS the main stem (or Chlcagoans. Oscar Serlin's method ot management, presentation- and operation was a revelation In building goodwill. Otherwise the loop situation was Leopold Stokowski's Dai{liter in Strawbat Philadelphia,. Hay rr. Sonya Btokowtkl, blonde 19-year- old daui^ter of conductor Leopold Stokowskl and Ub former wife, Olga pretty much the same. 'Hellzapop-1 Samarofl, will be the Ingenue -lead pin* was a bit better in its second for the lummer Mason at the Bucks '^^i^A^. County-Playhouse. New Hope. Estimates for Last Week Miss Stokowskl has appeared in 'Arscnlo and Old I<aoe,' Grand summer ttock in New England the (7th week) (1,200; $2.75). Holding to I past two seasons. She makes her debut at New Hope June S In Yjieorge Washington Slept Here,' In which Charles Butterworth plays the lead. Toronto, May 27. With Ruth Chatterton and Barry (14th i Thomson leading oS the week of a sameness of pace, considerably oS capaci^ but safely on the proflts side at $10,500. 'Cabin In the Sky,' Selwyn (3d week) (1,000; $2.75). One more week and then to the Coast. Has not been happy' here, with the money con- siderably under expectations; $9,000. 'Hellxapoppin,' Auditorium (2d week) (4,000; $3.30). Far under the house potential. Lifted a bit last week, coming up to $20,500. Xlfe With Father/ Blackstone (eeth and final week) (1,200; $2.75). Cracked all money and run records for Chicago and was a lesson in Sroper Uieatre and show operation, n finale picked up to $13,000. 'My Sister Eileen,' Harris week) ^(1,000; $2.75). Going along jjune 2 in Shaw's 'PygmaUon,' Royal satisfactorily and no mdlcatlon ofl , , , ^ ,x any closing notice, but eased to , Alexandra here Inaugurates Its sec- $9,000. I ond summer season of visiting guest- TweUth NIcht,' Erlanger (3dlrf--, inaccurate nerhBos. to call week) (1,400; $3.30). Now sending f™"" perhaps to call out flock of special-rate school du-l" strawhat, Inasmuch as the 1,581- cats and getting customers. On the seater is an air-conditioned metro- - . poiitan 'house, but low nunmer- prlces will prevail. With Ernest M. Rawley and Frank McCoy at the helm, duo last year kept tiie Royal Alexandra open dur- ing the summer for 10 weeks with such stars as Ethel Barrymore, Fran- cis Lederer, Cornelia Otis Sklmier, Peggy Wood, Violet Heming, Mar- garet Bannerman, etc. This season, after 'Pygmalion,' New 20% Admish Tax In Cuuda; AJ[. Musicals OK Montreal, May 27. Brao* of musicals following one anotlMr at His Majesty's for opening of aarly lummer season here gar- nered fair grosses and offer some encouraMment to Sfauberts to send more. - llose Marie' last week to Saturday- (24) and 'Blossom Time' previous >week at $2.82 top each rofsed about the same estimated Extra Federal tax of 20% on ad- mish had not then hit legitimate stage shows in Canada, but will do so under last week's amendment of the Budget for the future. 'RITA'S' BANG-UP $31,000 IN L A. LEGITIMATE 81 Heat Wilts B'way B.O^; Hattie' $25,000, 'Joey' $17,000, 'Eleen' $12,000, 'Corn' 13G. AO Ease Off Roth Chatterton Starts Toronto's 2d Sommer Of fillMt-.Star ljMnt<°^*'°°''B stru^led to $5,500. UI Ua«H-iMar Legn o^^^^i^ Mason folded. , Los Angeles, May 27.' Spring operetta festival at the Philharmonic Is the only legit offer- ing in town.'- 'Pins and Needles* held over for second week at the right side of the ledger at $15,000. WQOLCOn'S DINNER' BIG $15,000 IN HUB Boston, May 27. •The Man Who Came to Dinner,' with Alexander WooUcott, topped It! mi^pi'^^»?n''Hi%H*,-M"5L^ they'll have Ruth Gordon In the the money race and holds for at least I ' Am«rip,.„ «r»,„io« -«f r» Festival's opener of a four-week stand, 'Rio Rita,' chalked up neat $31,000. 'Naughty Marietta' follows, both being at $2.75 top. Tariff lifts to $3.30 top for the last two musicals, 'Chocolate Soldier,' with John Charles Thomas, and 'Cabin In the Sky,' with Ethel Waters. SlL's $323,100 Total LegH Gross Best Since Banner '27-28 Season one more frame -here. 'Meet People' opened Monday (26). Two shows left town Saturday (24): 'Gay Divorce' and 'Women Aren't Angels.' Both did okay biz, considering the heat wave. . Estimates for Last Week "Man Who Came to Dinner' (Co- lonial); (1st wk) (1,643; $2.75)—This show drew hefty trade when it preemed here and the road company North American premiere ~of St John Irvine's 'Robert's Wife* prior to the Broadway run. Also an- nounced are Mary Boland in 'Meet the Wife*; C. Aubrey Smith in Gals- worthy's 'Old English'; Tallulah Bankhead in 'Her Cardboard Lover'; Charles Butterworth in 'George Washington Slept Here'; Edward Everett Horton in 'Springtime for Henry,* Lenbre Ulrlc in 'Pagan Lady.' is doing all right, too. WooUcott is; Madge Evans and Pauline"Lord, 'in no match for Woolley but he has a' pi^ys ^ ^ selected, are also slated, following. Around $15,000 for initial ^ ' stanza. 'Gay Divorce,' Shubert (2nd wk) (1,590; $2.75)—Not terrific b.o., but gave satisfaction as light summer fare. Second and final week around $12,000. ■Women Arent Angels,' Wilbur' among the matter maUed to the (2nd wk) (1,227; $2.75)—Had trouble | membership, along with reprints of J.'ff i^^„illf.„'jf.K*i oni^rS*"^, ^''^'^ arUcles in Equity's magazine. The Equity {ConUnoed from pace *»- Haven, then to New York. 'Blossom' lOG in Toronto . Toronto, May 27. Shubert revival of 'Blossom Time,' with Everett Marshall in the lead, grossed estimated fair $10,200 at $2.50 topat Royal Alexandra last week. Empire Day exodus plus splendid weather hurt take. NORMAN HARRIS and SYLVIA SHORE HBSarencBti WM. KENT 1776 Broadway New Xork judgment was questioned, also their ability to select a representative slate, and that they rejected some names on unsubstantiated charges of un-American activity and had re- jected others, ^*ho-are 'only natural- ized citizens.' Latter referred to Mady Christians, who Is an indie candidate. Nominating committee' emphatically denied that the matter of citizenship entered into its dis- cussions. Lambertson'g Charges Irrational' Indie people stated the reason Hewitt was not nominated was be- cause he was named in the irra- tional and undocumented broadside ! charge of Communism leveled |.against several members of the council—although they (nominators) I agree to the falsity of Rep. Lam- berton's charge against him.' As- st. Louis, May 27. The 1940-41 legit season here of 23 we^ks, which closed two weeks ago, was the best since 1927-.28 and the total estimated gross topped that of, last year, which had previously held the blue ribbon. Total gross for the season just wound up was $323,100, topping that of last season by an es- timated $4,000. Nine dark weeks caused by the inability of Paul Bels- man, manager of the American, town's sole legiter, to obtain road pieces prevented the gross from go- ing over the $400,000 mark. 'Hellzapoppin' was easily the out- standing coin grabber, the take for the two-week stand reaching $57,200. "The Man Who Came to Dinner' was the runner-up. and during Its two- week engagement copped an esti- mated $31,000. The old perennial, Tobacco Road,' which opened the season with a two-week stand, carted ofl $14,700. Other, pieces that grabbed five- figure takes were 'Little Foxes,' $16,- 500; "The Male Animal,' $19,400 (two weeks); "Philadelphia Story,' $24,- 400; 'Time of Your Life,' $10,800; 'There Shall Be No Night,' $24,400; 'DuBarry Was a Lady,' $25,400; Twelfth Night,' $20,000; and 'Cabin In the Sky,^ $12,500. 'Mornings at Seven' was the season's fiop with an estimated take of only $3,100. Playgoers of St, liouis. Inc., the non-profit organization formed sev- eral years ago to hypo legit in these parts, contributed much to the local success by enrolling 1,500 members who patronized 15 of the pieces that came here. Summer heat, with the thermom-; as much as some musicals thoueh off H^'^nTL^i S-^^?""" Thursday (15). I some what last week agiin: Sf?uSd ttere lere''loJ?fJ"^^n«« T^'' """^ *"'=''!?: ^""^ durlnl ^. Sly"%iTu'dd^rc1osinTs "ot SS^lm'n"' "^"^^ *° '"'^ eurred, ^ut at least two are dated for • p„.^. j„ vltil^ t *^ ^ ^ ^ ' week) (C-1.450; $4.40). Will drop ofl Estimates for Last Week list soon; down under $20rOOT for Key: C (Comedy), D (Dramo), R some time and ^last. week's heat (Retme), M (Muaicol), F (Farce), pushed pace to $16,000; low for en- lO (Operetta). gagement. L„l^'**°''. Pultoni 'Man Who Came to Dinner' Musie (20th week) (CD-938; $3.30) Con-,Box (84th Wtk) (C-K'$2.20)! ^"iVJ^ "? Affected a little by the ^iseksonable up to now wm play until flrgt of the weather, but credited with better year; rated over $16,500. than $8,000; that's okay for laMh •CUndte,' Booth (15th week) (C- show It thi^ tone ^ 712; $3J0). Making fine profit right .mv sister irn„„' mur^^,^ iv>a along and there may be*^two com- ^eek) (CD-991 /a /o^ ^n^"^^^^ panics sent on tour next season; der tizoon for flJs ti,;,. 1?.^ original show should continue weli Sect Id to V^m^r^B^-'^.n-. toto fall period; $12,000 and better. ?|rded as vlA SSS f^.^UJ?*"^!"' 'Hellaapoppln,' Winter Garden „ straight pUy. (140th week) (R-1,671; $3J0). With "f* „ ^orQi,' Belasco. only two or three musicals slated f'."?' 20th week; after doing through summer, this long run revue il'SX' dropped down around should be among survivors; around *5>o<'*' or less. $18,000. I 'Native Son,' St. James (9th week) It Happens on Ice,' Center (8th (D-1,520; $3.30). Plenty of theatre week) (repeat engagement) (R-3,087; parties here and one such sellout $2.75). Went to new low last week, helped keep gross from tumbling; when gross was around $15,000; pos- however, did dip to aroimd $10,500. skating show wiU be i Val Joey,' Barrymore (22d week) ?i„£«-l wJiillSl^-T » ' (M-l,104; $4.40). Not worrying about .„.lvw?» on?"*^?."^* » musical, which draws conslst- TJ^i ir"i'°^^= .^'l?"** o'lanUy good business though under fenune lead may be aflecttog_ at- capacity; dropped under $17,000 flirt tendance, as gross has tapered aowri time. • * • " ""•SSdf'r-the Dark.' Alvin (18th(30th week) (M-1,375: $4.40 . Little doubt J^eek) <M-1,347; $4.40). Fotmer that capacity willprevail untU show, }^«^" ^^hich^is figured to stay soon suspends fof summer; better ^I^^^^J^I^^I't^l^^t^^^,^ than $31,500 right along with stand- 5f ^^'^ claimed ees; box office wUl remain open for *<* satisfactory, sale of tickets for resumption, early 'Sepatate Rooms,' Plymouth (61st in September. week) (C-1,107; $3.30). Long stay has Xlfe With Father,' Empire (80th been surprising, but adroit cut- week) (C-1,005; $3.30). GetUng nearly j rating has been principal factor; around $6,000 claimed and that la okay for one-setter. TATHER', 14G, TRINCE',' i,'^%e^T\.^r&'-^^ $12,000, FINE IN PHILLY 2r^?«rlfi^kS^^^^^ rating cost may stick into sumnrer. I "The Corn U Green,' National (26th ;week) (D-1,162,--$3.30). Like most Philadelphia, May 27. 'The wickets are turning at a zingy I other stayers tiie hot'weather re- pace as'Life With Fatiher* geU ready | acted at the boxoffice and taktags to fo d ite props after a ^record-1 dijlped to around $13,000; another- breaking stay at the Walnut Street ^ new low, but ah:lght for straight Saturday (31). Last week the play show. netted hangup estimated $14,000,1 The Happy Days,' Miller (2d with Indications that the 13th and week) (D-040;'$3.30). Doubtful after final week wiU show even a higher this week unless there is chance to fleure. , , . , ^ ,.1 sell fihn rights; estimated around Only other play In town last sesh $4,500. was 'Student Prince,' at the Forrest, Tobacco Boad,' Forrest. Final and 299th week; had been which surprised everybody with approximately $12,000 for second week. 'Gay Divorce' unveiled at Forrest last night (Mon.). Cnrrent Road Shows (May. 2A-June 7) BiHie Burke's Tree' N. G. $7,100 in Frisco San Francisco, May 27. Billie Burke's 'Vinegar Tree' didn't do so well In its first week at Henry Duffy's Alcazar, taking only $7,100. However, patronage has held a con- sistent level at the house and things sertlng that the Issue is 'Democracy '''Sflif* ^M^r^hf^^^^ i_ fi,,f <.:„nv, r=«. Manager Richard Marshall is taking announced closing a number of times, but man- agement says it's the final blow-off; dropped under $2,500. 'Watch on the Rhine,' Beck (8th week) (D-1,214; $3.30). Should saU through summer to big business; im- affected last week, when the gross again was quoted at $19,500; capacity plus. Revival The Doctor's Dilemma,' Shubert (11th week) (0-1,402; $3J0). Few weeks more for revival that Is play- ing lohger than expected; has been slipping, with last week rated around $16,000. Subway Clrcolt. 'Ont of the Frying Pan.' Windsor, In Equity,' they feel that 'such cases ^ds Sf the cl^^n thertre p~gr^^^^^ of discrimination and failure to sup port Equity members suffering irre , sponsible attack have proved the nominating committee of not fairly selecting candidates.' Members were SAMUEL FHENCH SINCE leu AUrHORS> REPRE8ENTATIVC nan tm 8UH. Stma u* Ridlt U Wail 41tb atTMt Nm Y«rk •II WmI Itk Stntl, Ln Aaitlo although latter house hasn't sought I space in his program as yet. Curran got off to a good start with its Los Angeles Light Opera Assn. festival, 'Naughty Marietta,' taking asked not only to stand by the Indie approximately $20,000 with Francis candidates, but to raise funds among ; White Topping the cast. Second In companies to defray the cost of , series, 'Rio Rite, Is current printed matter and postage. Who | ■ ROSALIND IVAN in THE CORN IS GREEN" NATIONAL THEATRE, N. Y.. is supplying the front money for either side is not otherwise indi- cated. During the indie meeting last week . a telegram from Margaret Webster, who is on the regular ticket, was read: 'Please convey to your meeting assurance of my best wishes and support. I know your candidates have the best interests of actors at heart and will judge-every i •People'N.G.3</iG in N.H. New Haven, May 27. 'Meet the People' drew enthusias- tic comment here, but, without Cast names, show wasn't in town long enough to build on favorable word- I of-mouth. Drew an approximate Toronto (28-31). so-so $3,400 Into Shubert 1,600-seater Twelfth Night' 'Aooent on Tooth' — Mun. aud., Kansas City, Mo. (28-31); Selwyn, Chicago- (2-7). 'Arsenic and Old Lace* (Erich von Stroheim, liaura Hope Crews)— Grand, CHilcago (28-7). 'Cabin In the Sky' (Ethel Waters) —Selwyn, Chicago (28-31); Russ aud., San Diego, Cal. (7). Bronx , '^^'t' ^"^'r^^^^^' l'""'"! 'CloVley'a Aunt,' Flatbush, BroiSk lyn, N. Y. (28-1); Windsor, Bronx,'lyn, N.Y. (3-8). ' 'Chocolate Soldier* (John Charles Thomas) — Philharmonic aud., Los Angeles (2-7). | 'Gay Divorce'—Forrest, Philadel- phia (28-7). I 'Hellzapoppin' — Aud., Chicago 1 (28-7). •Life With Father* (Dorothy Gish) —Walnut, Philadelphia (28-31); Cass, j Detroit (2-7). I 'Little Foxet'—Mem. aud., Holy- oke, Mass. (28-31); Aud., Worcester, Mass. (2-7). IWsn Who Came to Dinner' (Alex- ander WooUcott)—Colonial, Boston (28-7). 'Meet the People'—Shubert, Bos- ton (28-7). 'My Sister Eileen'—Harris, Chi- cago (28-7). 'Nanghty Marietta' (F r a n c 1 a White)—Philharmonic aud., Los An- geles (28-1). 'Got of the Frying Fan'—Windsor, Bronx, N.Y. (28-1); Flatbush, Brook- lyn, N.Y. (3-8). 'Bio BJta'—Curran, San Francisco. (28-31). "Rose Marie' — Royal Alexandra, Mat.! VOV OLAlTOa (22-24) at (Helen Hayes, In four performances $2.75 top. issue fairly and not be deflected by AA„,''tU'Tn'My KrTt. ^-^i" political considerations. As a can- half (26-28) to brush up on cast'-„,^?"° „ „ didate with similar objectives I changes prior to Broadway opening Clark)-^Shubert<> New-Haven (28- would welcome their election,' 'June 2. ZD. Maurice Evans)—Erlanger, Chicago (28-31); Maplewood, Maplewood,' Aren't Antels' (Bobby EDDIE GARR CO-STABBINQ IN RECORD BREAKING "HELLZ-A-POPPIN" .ON TOVB ■ - _-.M gt.» WM. KENT "■'""'Wft' B'way. New York