Variety (Sep 1942)

Wednesday, September 30, 1942 UBGITIMATE II 'Best Foot' $iaOOO. ladies.' 17G. IHiss,' $11500, All Oby in Chicago Chicafio, Sept. 29. Following a swell week's run, •Best Foot Forward* moved to the Studebaker to make room for 'Helz- apoppln,' which came Into the Er- laoger Monday (28). 'Junior Miss,' which got mixed notices from critics, ]£ doing nicely, thanks to ATS sub- scriptions. Estimates for Last Week ■Best Foot Forward' (3d week) (1,- 400; $3.30). Came through with strong $18,000 and will probably re- main indeanitely. •Good Mrht Ladles' (Blackstone) (24th week) (k200-$2.75). Show continues sensation of rialto; got $17,000 last week. •JoBlor Miss' (Harris) (1st week) (1,000-$1.65). Some of the critics were so-so, but subscription audi- ence gave it strong $12,500. •Maid In the Oiarks' (Great North- ern) (2nd week) (1,300; $2.20). Hang- ing on by some miracle; garnered poor $2,000. Current Road Shows (Sept. 30-Oct. 10) 'Angel Street' (2d Co.)—Hanna, Cleveland (30-3): Palace, Ashtabula, 0. (5): Shea's, Bradford, Pa. (6); Em- pire, Syracuse (7-8); Masonic Audi- torium, Rochester, N. Y. (9-10). 'Arsenic and Old Lace' (1st Co.)— Biltmore, Los Angeles (30-10). 'Beat the Band' (tryout)—Shiibert, Boston (30-10). 'Best Foot Forward'—Studebaker, Chicago (30-10). ■Blackonts of 1942' (vaude)—El Capitan, Los Angeles (30-10). 'ClandU' (1st Co.)—Metropolitan, Seattle (30-3); Mayfair, Portland, Ore. (5-8); Civic Auditorium, Fresno, Cal. (10). 'Corn Is Green'—Locust, Philadel- phia (30-10). 'Coant Me In' (tryout)—Majestic, Boston (30-3). 'Damask Cheek' (tryout)—Plym- outh, Boston (5-10) (premiere). •Eve of St. Mark' (tryout)—Wilbur, Boston (30-3). Gilbert and Sullivan — Majestic, Boston (5-10). 'Good NiKht Ladies'—Blackstone, Chicago (30-10). 'Gnest in the Honse'—McCarter, Princeton, N. J. (3); Ford's, Balti- more (5-10). 'Helliapoppln' — Erlanger, Chi- cago (30-10). 'Jonlor Miss' (2d Co.)—Harris, Chicago (30-10). 'Lady in the Dark'—Forrest, Phila- delphia (30-10). 'Life of the Party' (tryout)-Wil- son, Detroit (8-10). 'Life with Father' (2d Co.] Bushnell Auditorium, Hartford (1-3); Wilbur, Boston (5-10). •Merry Widow* (stock)—Windsor, Bronx (30-4); Playhouse, Wilming' ton (9-10). •Mr. Syearaore' (tryout)—Shubert, New Haven (9-10) (premiere). 'My Sister Eileen* (2d Co.! American, St.-Louis (30-10). 'My Sister Eileen' (3d Co.)— Ford's, Baltimore (30-3); Metropoli- tan, Providence (5-7); Klein Audi- torium, Bridgeport (8-10). 'NaUve Son' (stock) — Platbush Brooklyn (30-4); Windsor, Bronx (6-10). 'Papa Is Air—Playhouse, Wilming ton (3); Walnut. Philadelphia (5-10). 'Pirate' (tryout) — English, In. dianapolis (30); Taft Auditorium, Cincinnati (1-3); Nixon, Pittsburgh (5-10). •Porjy and Bern'-Masonic Audi- torium, Rochester, N. Y^(30)r Er langer, Buffalo (1-3); Hanna, Cleve- land (5-10). 'Priorities of 1942* (Vaude)—Nixon, Pittsburgh (30-3); Shubert, New Haven (5-7); Bushnell Auditorium, Hartford (8-10). 'Pysmallon' (stock) — Mosque Newark (30-4). 'Show-or (stock)—Lafayette, De- troit (30-10). 'Spring Again' — Shubert, New Hav«j (1-3); Royal Alexandra, To rdnt& (5-10). 'Stage Door' (stock).—Flatbush, Brooklyn (6-10). This Is the Army* — NaUonal Washington (30-10). Tobacco Boad*—Erlanger, Buffalo (5-10). "Watch on the Bhine* — Curran, San Francisco (30-10). . 'Angel' ZG in Toronto , Toronto, Sept, 29. Angel Street' was disappolntin at estimated $7,000 at the Roys Alexandra here. The l,S51-seater was scaled at top. $2 Shows in Rehearsal The Bkin of Tour Teeth'— Michael Myerberj. The Damadc Cheek'—Dwlght D. Wiman. •Mr. Syeamor*' — Theatre Guild. •Little D«rlln«>—Tom Weath- •rly. 'Life of the Party'—Henry Duffy. 'Time, Place and the Qlrl'— Oeorges D. Oersene. 'Let Freedom Sing' — Youth theatre. Tliree Men on a Horse' (stock, revival) Alex Yokel. The Merry Widow* (road)— Shuberts. ^'0K9GfflN.H. New Haven, Sept. 29. 'Strip for Action,' in on a four-day brushup stand prior to Broadway, did some sturdy biz. Favorable press helped to approximately ^,000 in five performances at $2.75 top. Current week has 'Spring Again' for last half (1-3). W $18,000. NICE IN BOSTON PHULY LEGIT B.O. OK; 'CORN'S' 1ST $17,000 Philadelphia, Sept. 29. Legit business continues great here and. as a result, bookings continue to line up for forthcoming weeks. Three Shubert-UBO houses have only a couple of single dark weeks from now on up to mid-December. This week's sole opening, which started a four-weelf engagement at the Forrest last night (Monday), is Gertrude Lawrence's "Lady in the Dark,' originally expected last spring. Seat sale started slow, but gained momentum with aid of some extra advertising space. Estimates for Last Week 'Magic* and 'Hello Ont There' Wal- nut (one week only) (1,700; $2.85). Crix were kind here and biz was good at $7^00. Some playgoers thought Chesterton revival too slow and talky. All liked the Saroyan one-acter. 'Corn Is Green' Locust (1st week) (1,500; $2.85). first American Thea- tre Society subscription play getting expected play. In for three weeks and should carry through to very nice profit Last week, $17,700. Kew Hellz,' il^M Big b 3d PHt Visit Pittsburgh, Sept. 29. Biz for 'New Hellzapoppin* last week at Nixon, where latest touring edition of screwball revue opened its tour, indicated that Shuberts and Olsen and Johnson itill have a go- ing concern in that title. In seven performances (Monday night was cancelled because of insufficient time for rehearsing) at $3.30 top, 'Hellz' grabbed estimated $18,500. big. Not up to past biz that revue's done here, but considering fact that It's been around twice be- fore and that a film version has played everywhere, that figure's plenty impressive. On first couple of visits, each for two weeks, show got better than a total of $1 08.000. 'Eileen' Nifty (10,500 In Legit-Starred Milw. Milwaukee, Sept. 29. Reflecting the current wartime prosperity of the town, the business done by 'My Sister Eileen* on its second engagement here, opening the limited season in prospect at the Davidson (UBO), has the local legit managers in tears because there aren't more diows on the road. The repeat comedy grossed estimated $10,500 for the week ending Satur- day (26), at $1.85 top, the last half of the week being a clean sellout. House is now dark, with few defi- nite bookings in sight. 'EUeen' Big $8,000 in 4 Springfield, Mass^ Days Springfield, Mass., Sept 20. 'My Sister Eileen,' headed by Bet^ Fumess, got the Springfield legit season this past week off to a phenomenal start with the biggest gross the city has known at $2.20 top. The Playgoers of Springfield got estimated $8,0Q0 on four sellout houses at the Court Square theatre starting Monday (21). There were a few vacant seats opening night, but a locdl undertaker had to provide chairs to take care of the overflow the following shows. This has been a one-night town for more than a decade, but the ^lecision to bring in 'Eileen* for an extended run proved as successful as it had been daring. Boston, Bept 29. The Hub's legit spots are com- mencing to light up as the season swings Into top gear with three of the main stem stands copping plenty of trade. 'Count Me In,' at the Ma- jestic, is in Its last week and shaping up for a strong Broadway bid. Beat the Band,' the George Abl>ott musi- cal, caught a mixed but generally unenthusiastic press but is doing biz nonetheless. Estimates tor Last Week 'Count Me In,' Majestic (2d week) (1,667; $3.30). SUll playing to ca pacity and standees. Got fine $24,000 last week. •Beat the Band,* Shubert (1,590; $3.30). Generally tepid press, but biz is satisfactory at about $18,000. One more week. 'Eve of St. Mark,' Wilbur (1.227; $2.75). War play of feminine appeal got generally favorable press on opening Thursday (24). Satisfactory $12,000. LUNTS' TIRATF GREAT $25,000 IN CLEVELAND Cleveland, Sept 29. Lunts' new comedy. The Pirate,' played a golden tune on the Hanna's cash registers last week. Coming within two notches of capacity biz, the S. N. Behrman satire reaped estimated $25,000 in eight perform- ances at $3.30 top. Would have been better but for eompetish of Uncle Sam's War Show on lakefront grounds. Behrman spent week here re- writing and tightening up play in preparation for Broadway date. Two out of three local critics didn't use much subtlety in trying to box the dramatist's ears as well as his new brainchild. Rain Slighdy Dents OK B way Biz; 'Janie Up. $iaj): 'Vicide' $7,500 'FRANKLIN,' N.G. $7,500, FOLDS AFTER D.C. WEEK Washington, Sept. 29. Max Gordon stubbed his toe with 'Franklin Street.' Far from ready for critical inspection, play limped out with estimated $7,500. Produc- tion closed Saturday night (28) un- til George S. Kaufman can do some rewriting. Both producer and direc- tor insist It will relight after revi- sion. 'This Is the Army,' opening to- night (Tuesday), will sell out for its two weeks' engagement at $5 top, after the $16.50 first night. 'Army' will probably have to pay the seven regular National theatre musicians who were forced out of the pit by the 50-piece military orchestra. Local 161 of the musicians union has the law in back of its demand, for the National Defense Act of 1916 specifically prohibits soldiers from competing with civilian trades, arts or professions. James C. Petrillo urged the local to cooperate with the Army, but card meml>ers here are unanimous in asking pay for the seven musicians. Other house em- ployees and stage hands get full sal- ary. 'Arsenic' Winds Up In S.F. With $22,000 San Francisco, Sept. 29. 'Arsenic and Old Lace' closed in great style at the Curran, to return in two weeks to the Geary. 'Claudia' also pulled out but on a more sub- dued note. Estimates for Last Week 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Curran (1,774; $2.75) (4th wk). Again got socko $22,000. Four weeks' takings of $85,000 great at scale. 'CUodla.' Geary (1,500; $2.75) (7th wk). Fair $14,000 on closing stanza. Uaplewood's Soad Flans Maplewood, N. J., Sept 29. Summer stock season of the Maple- wood theatre ended Sunday (27) with the final showing of Cornelia Otis Skinner in 'Black Narcissus.' Current plans call for the house to reopen occasionally during the fall in order to present Broadway shows prior to their going on tour. Broadway business okay generally, but weekend was somewhat dented by rain on Saturday and Sunday, temperature dropping sharply there- after. Last week's new entrant, 'Vickie,' drew decidedly mixed no- tices and business after premiere was not so good. 'Show 'Time' proved the best of the new vaude-revues, as earlier indicated, and climbed to important money. Coming weekend should be exceptional. World Series bdll games being due at the Yankee Stadium. Estimates for Last Week Keys: C (Comedy), D (Dramo), CD (Cofnedy-DToma), R (Revue), M (Musical), O {Operetta). 'Angel Street' Golden (42d week) (D-789; $3.30). Tapered somewhat recently, with last week's takings estimated somewhat over $8,500: date still indefinite. 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Fulton (88th week) (CD-893: $3.30). Hold- ing to a pace approximating $11,000 weekly, which provides okay prof- its; management looking for contin- uance through fall. 'Blithe Spirit,' Booth (46th week) (CD-712; $4.40). Another holdover that is going along about the same gait and is also expectant of stay- ing until the holidays; $11,000. 'By Jnplter,' Shubert (17th week) (M-1.325; $4.40). Completing the fourth month and, except for dip during July, has been getting great money; takings somewhat offish last week, but $26,000 indicated; big in this spot. 1 Killed the Count,' Cort. Taken off Saturday (26) after playing three and one-half weeks: house gels Eve of St. Mark,' due next week. •Janle,' Miller (3d week) (C-940: $3.30). Improved, with the gross ap- proaching the $13,500 mark: extra ads cost around $1,300 last week, but TRIORTTIES'RACKS UP BIG $25,500 IN BALTO Baltimore, Sept. 29. 'Priorities,' at Ford's last week mopped up in resounding style, gar- nering estimated $25,500 in 11 shows, which included four mats and Sun- day night. Good reception from crix and mounting biz to capacity on weekend drew plenty of custom- ers to the l.SOO-seater, scaled from S5c to $2.78. 'My Sister Eileen' is current in re- peat, this time at $1.67 top; 'Guest in the House,' with Nancy Kelly, and "The Merry Widow,' with Muriel An- gelus, set to follow in order. 'RHINE'15G IN L A^ 14G FOR'BLACKOUTS' Los Angeles, Sept. 29. 'Wateh on the Rhine' at Biltmore picked up slightly on the second and final week, grossing estimated $15,- 000. 'Arsenic and Old Lace' followed in for fortnight repeat. Ken Murray's 'Blackouts of 1942' at El Capitan, Hollywood, still rolls merrily along, pulling approximately $14,000 in its 14th week. Harry Ab- bott's Laffin' Thru,' at Music Box, sloughed off to $4,500 and folds after one more week. Serlin Polls IHoon' Off Road; $13,500 m Del Detroit Sept 29. Sour notices drav/n by "The Moon Is Down' in its initial dates on the road, Pittsburgh and here, resulted in Oscar Serlin recalling his lease of the show to Jules J. Leventhal after its week at the Cass theatre here. Playing at a $2 top, grosses weren't bad at estimated $13,500. House will remain dark until Oct. 11, when 'Porgy and Bess' comes in. Meanwhile Joe E. Brown, In The Show-Off,' continued strong in a sixth week at the Lafayette. At pop prices, comedy got estimated 18,600. Length of the run now Is contingent on Brown's return to the Coast for picture commitments. Extend 'Eileen' in St. I. St Louis, Sept. 89. 'My Sister Eileen,' originally booked for a one-week stand to tee off the local legit season Sunday (2^) at the American theatre, will be held over for an extra week because The Moon Is Down,' skedded for its local preem Oct, B, has been cancelled. 'Eileen' played two successful weeks at the American last season and pop prices with a $1.50 top will prevail during the engagement. indications are this comedy Is • stayer. 'Junior Miss,' Lyceum (47th week) (CD-1,004; $3.30). Like some other run shows the gross is holding to an even level of around $11,000; (Jhicago company started off very well. 'Life With Father,' Empire (150th week) (C-1,062; $3.30). Longest stayer on the list with grosses claimed as good if not better than other run shows; $12,000. •Let's Face It,' Imperial (44th week) (M-1,450; $4.40). Pace of this holdover musical very satisfactory: attendance varies, but important money drawn; $27,500. 'My Sister Eileen,' Beck (92d week) (CD-1,214; $1.65). Talking of moving to another house when The Pirate' arrives in mid-October; slightly off, but $9,000 or better, okay. 'Sons o' Fun,' Winter Garden (43d week) (CD-1,519; $4.40). Tapered off to around $30,000, which was quite a drop from the spurt earlier in the month. 'Star and Garter,' Music Box (14th week) (CD-1,S19: $4.40). Expected to play well into new season; com- mands capacity right along and the gross of $24,000 and slightly more is all house can hold. 'Strip for AcUon,' National (C-1,- 162; $3.30). Presented by Oscar Ser- lin, Howard ' Lindsay and Russel Crouse; written by Lindsay and Grouse; opens tonight. 'Stars On Ice,' Center (Uth week) (M-3,000: $1.65). Leveled off to around $30,000 and may ease to some- what lower figures after sensational fir.<;t months; rated strong.enough to stay through new season.' 'The Morning Star,' Morosco (2d week) (D-939; $3.30). One of the shows that may have been hurt by rain more than others; estimated slightly over $9,000; fair. 'Uncle Harry,' Hudson (18th week) (D-1,042; $3.30). Appears to have been somewhat affected through switch to this spot; rated around $7,- 500, or bit more; shoi^ld better even break at that figure. 'VIokle,' Plymouth (1st week) (C- 1,075; $3.30). Notices not so good after Tuesday (last week) opening, nor was business; takings first seven limes estimated at $7,500. Added 'Clandto,' St. James cretum en- gagement) (18th week) (C-1,520; $1.65). Still making a litUe profit weekly, with management flgoring on another house If this one is booked for a new show; $6,500. Vavde-Bemes •Wine, Women and Song,' Ambas- sador (1,200; $1.05). Described as a vaude-burlesque revue; opened Mon- day night and fiercely panned. •Show Time,' Broadhurst (2d week) (1,142; $2.75). Getting fine attend- ance and the weekly pace estimated to top $24,000 In 12 performances weekly. •PrlorKlea of 1942,' 46th. St. (2d week) (1,347; $2.75). Another new vaude-revue running distinct second to 'Show Time'; estimated aroimd $17,000; mild. BevlvBla 'Magie,' Belasco (D-1,000: $3.30). Presented by Eddie Dowling; written by G. K. Chesterton: 'Hello Out There,' by William Saroyan, U eur- tain raiser; opened Tuesday. •Tobacco Bead,' Forrest (D-1,195: $1.10). Final and fourth week; goes to road; around $5,000 estimated; "Three Men On a Horse,' stock com- pany, follows in next week. Mat. hOV OI^TTOM •/e Variety, Hollywood THROW A POSEY TO Congrettnum Sol Bloom, who alto ay» remembers $hott) peoples > Oiractroni Wm. Morris