Variety (Oct 1942)

Wednesday, Ocitolicr t8, 1^41 Chi Legit Pace Strong: 'Spring' Fme $13m 'Jnnior Miss' Neat $13,000 ChlcMO, Oct. 27. Legit here U, racing afoM •! «- ceUent pace, with 'Oood Nlgit Ladies,' in ite 28th week at the BlBckBtone, stiU leading the pack. 'Junior Miss' and 'Spring Again* axe holding up nicely, and 'Maid in the Ozarks,' advertising as the funniest show since 'Tobacco Road,' Is picking up steadily. Estimates for Last Week <Good NlfU Liadles' (Blackstone) (28th week) (1,200; $2.75). Smash 116,000 last week. 'Junior J«l«s' (Harris) (6th week) (1000; $1.65). Sailing along smooth- ly' got fine $13,000. •auid In the Osarki* (Great North- ern) (6th week) (UOO; $2.20). Man- agement making use of 'Tobacco i^oad' in advertising, telling people this is funnier show. Made profit with $5,000 gross last week. 'SpriDK Asatn' (Selwyn) (2d week) (1,000; $1.65). Thanks to American Theatre Society subscrip- tions, exceUent $13^00. SYCAMORE' OK $11,000 IN HUB Boston, Oct. 27. Straight - vaude 'Priorities' still tops the local legit list. Got sock $25,000 in second week and started something new here with a Sunday show (25) to a good house. Esttmates for Last Week Bosten Comic Operm Co., 'Gondo- liers' and 'Patience' (3d and Anal week-split) (Majestic) (1,667; $2.20). Weaker than previous repertory bills in drawing power, but caught esti- mated $9,800. dandy. 'Coest In Honse' (Plymouth) (1,- 400; $2.75). Neat take at about $9,- 600, but quit after one week. •Life WUJi Faihcr' (WUbur> (3d and last week) (1.227; $2.75). Went to $17,500, terrific, and pulled out in favor of 'Junior. JlSiss,' 'Triorities' (2d week) (1.590; $3.30). Three matinees and Sunday show, novelty here, brought this vauder well above $25,000, fine. One more week to go. "My Sycamore' (Colonial) (2d week) (1,643; $2.75). Guild-ATS show quoted around $11,000, pleas- ant Luntfi' 'Pirate' opened here last night (Monday). 6ALT0CRIX PAN teeth; B.O. GOOD AT $19,800 Baltimore, Oct. 27. Negative reception by crix here nicked the bullish advance built for The Skin of Our Teeth' at Ford's last week, cutting down what point- ed to a smash week to a nevertheless healthy take estimated at $19,800. New Thornton Wilder play, with Fredric March, Florence Eldridge and Talulah Bankhead starred, cre- ated considerable local discussion on }ts Saroyanesque technique. (Current is 'Lady in the Dark,' set for a two-week stay starting today (Tues.). Strong advance already in the tai. 'Road'}9,200b Toronto „ ,^ Toronto, Oct. 27. Holdover here of Tobacco Road,' nrst tune shown in Canada, saw Hoyal Alexandra scoring estimated nice $9,200 as followup to $11,000 on nrst stanza, with 1,551-seater scaled at $1.50 top. Two cold, wet nights hurt, but Koad could have held over here 'hird week but for commitment at the Nixon, Pittsburgh. OPEN FOR BOOKINGS Near theatres...booking offices. 24-hour switchboard service...special house de- livery, messages taken. Maid and valet services available. a ROOMS (Serving Pantry) . . . fr«m $ 70 ' ROOMS (ram $100 4 ROOMS (2 Moarnt) .... from $US 5 ROOMS (a hoHn) from $135 6 ROOMS (2 bonis, lovotafy) . froai $140 SofM tmrmmd and dupJeji operfMaff 101 West 55th Street (Corner of 6lh Avenue) Hou^lasLEUiman Ei Co. Monooemenl l5Eail49thS*r«e» PUim 3-9200 L Barrymore'i 'Corn' Fine $19,000 in Cleye, Cleveland, Oct. 27. Best reception Ethel Barrymore ever got hare In mor* than a dozen visits was given to her '(Jorn Is Green." Emlyn Williams' vehicle did smash evaning and matinee biz at the Hanna, getting estimated $19,000 in nine performances. 'Papa b AU' Is ourrent Milt Krantz handing out free ducats to all 18-19-year-olds who enlist In the Army this week. mUDIA'BUILDS TO STRONG ISG IN LA. Los Angeles, Oct. 37. 'Claudia' rolled up a neat profit in its second week at the Biltmore, chalking up estimated $15,000. Lip service la playing important part in the b.o, spurt end third week may even top the first two. Play is rated as one of the best all-around produc- tions to play the downtown house. 'Student Prince' and 'Blossom Time' are booked in for one week each, starting Nov 8. 'Blackouts of 1942,' at the Holly- wood El Capitan, pounded into the 18th week with a bountiful $13,200, and that means another ripe melon to l>e cut up for the backers. Fort McArthur yardbird revue, 'Hey, Rookie,' at the Belasco, posted strong $7,500 in its second week. (j«orge Shafer, longtime lessee of Hollywood Playhouse, now El Capi- tan, reopened the Hollywood Music Box wiUi a revival of the Duncan Sisters' Topsy and Eva.' Ads call it a two-week limited run. mw' Gets Panning, N.G. )10,000 in Pitt Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. 'Merry Widow' had tough sledding last week at Nixon. 'Modernized' revival of Franz Lehar operetta got the most brutal set of notices ever dished out to a show here and had to be content with estimated slim $10,000 at $2.76 top, with the mats going, for $1.65. at face of the re- views, however, that figure's not too bad, since diows which have fared a lot better from the reviewers have done much poorer at b.o. Hurting, too, no doubt, was the competition of the week before, when ■This Is the Army' took a mighty chunk, nearly $56,000, out of the town's legit entertainment allotment for the month. 'Tobacco Road' Is current at $1.65 top. It's show's ninth time here. "Best Foot' 14G in St. L. St. Louis, Oct. 27. After one week of darkness, Amer- ican, sole legiter here, brought in 'Best Foot Forward' for a one-week stand and, with plenty of stiff op- posish, George Abbott musical did fair biz. Piece encountered opposish from the New York Columbia Opera Co., Firemen's Thrill Show ;nd Rodeo, and cuffo show in which Con- rad Nagel and Bea Wain made p.a. in opening of War Chest campaign. Eight performances of 'Foot.' with the house scaled to $3.30, grossed es- timated $14,000. New edition of 'Hellzapoppin' opened one-week engagemenl last night (Monday) at $3.30 top. 'Prince' 8G in Indpls. Indianapolis, Oct. 27. The Student Prince,' here for the first lime since 1935, did estimated lusty $8,000 In four performances. Thursday through Saturday, at $2.75 top at English's (1,500 sealer) this week. Advance interest Is brisk in both 'Be-st Foot Forward' and 'Angel Street,' splitting next week at the house. Season is making great start here, with bookings in steady stream and only five dark nights between Oct. 12 and Nov. 18. 'Papa Is AU' is dated for Nov. 2-4; 'Tobacco Road." week of Nov. 9; 'Claudia.' Nov. 16-18. 'Arsenic' 17G in S. F. San Francisco. Oct. 27. Arsenic and Old Lace," was still strong in its sixth session here. Comedy got estimated $17,000 at $2.75 lop in the 1.500-seat Geary. LEGITIMATE II M'19iGinMilw. Milwaukee, Oct. 27. gWhen 'Hellzapoppin' came into the Bvldson theatre last season with idle Garr and Billy House, the wiseacres said it wouldn't do biz be- catise Olson and Johnson were not In the cast, yet It did capacity. When the show came back last week with Lew Parker and Jackie Gleason, they again said it wouldn't click. However, when the count-up came Saturday night (24), 'Hellz' had beaten its previous gross with an estimated $19,500 at $2.75 top. lADV 4TH BIG $35,000, PHELY Philadelphia, Oct. 27. Gertie Lawrence's 'Lady In the Dark' turned in a whale oi a fourth and final week, which was not sur- prising in view of cancellation of the two Saturday performances of her third week at the Forrest due to the star's serious attack of laryngitis. Last week's other show did not fare so happily. This was Tom Weatherly's tryout of the new Eric Match comedy, 'Little Darling.' There was a sharp divergence of opinion among the critics, but it was lack of marquee names that held biz down. Last night, Philly was host to four openings. Most spectacular was Irving Berlin's big service show, 'This is the Army,' which opened a two weeks' run at the Mastbaum (Warner film house) with an $11 top. Dramatically most important was Michael Myerberg's production of Thornton Wilder's fantasy, 'Skin of Our Teeth,' with Fredric March, Tallulah Bankhead, Florence Eld- ridge and Florence Reed. It's at the Locust lor two weeks. A revival of 'The Merry Widow,' with Muriel Angelus, started a run of similar length at the Forest, and 'Life With Father' began a three-week return engagement at the Walnut, where it had a highly successful run two years ago. Estimates for Last Week 'Lady in the Dark,' Forrest (4th week) (1,800; $3.85). Cancellation of two third week performances, due to star's illness, resulted in a capa- city fourth week at nearly $35,<M)0. 'Little Darlinc,' Walnut (one week only) (1,700; $2.20). Tryout was greeted by sharp difference of criti- cal opinion. Only about $6,500 in single week here. LUNTS' riRATE' SMASH $27,000 IN WASH. H.0. Washington, Oct. 27. The Lunts, in 'The Pirate,' rang up estimated $27,000 for the second week at the National theatre, two grand more than for the first seven days. Swollen gross was due to heavy window trade at regulation $3 price, without cut-rate American Theatre Society subscriptions. Test of Theatre GuiM's two-week policy on E street comes with *Mr. Sycamore.' Ketti Frings' fantasy has nQ marquee dynamite, with ATS watching closely take for the second week, which will have no subscriber support. Value of names is demonstrated by heavy mail order applications for •Skin of Your Teeth,' which has Tal- lulah Bankhead. Fredric March, Florence Eldredge and Florence Reed dated here for Nov. 9. Appli- cations are also trickling in for Katharine Cornell's 'Three Sisters,' due here week of Nov. 30. Torgy's' Del 2d, $26,500, Bigger Than 1st Week Detroil, Oct. 27. All three legit houses are in op- eration here, with Jane (jowl mov- ing in with 'Old Acquaintance' Thursday i22) to keep the Lafayette rolling along on its popular-priced policy. Cass climbed up to a big second week, with "Porgy and Btcss' col- lecting an estimated $26,500 after a big $22,500 in the first week at the $2.73 top. Could have stayed longer, but was moved on for Katharine Hepburn in 'Without Love,' which opened here Mor.day. Henry Duffy's new musical, 'Life of the Party,' continued at a good pace into its third week, register- ing approximately $12,500 last week at the Wilson at $1.65 top. 'Papa' $6,000 in Buff. Buffalo, Oct. 27. 'Pzpa is All," in for three-day stint at Erlanger last week, was hypoed to oke money by Guild subscription li.M. At $2.75 top. upper tier biz was es- pecially .sturdy, estimated gross Ijcing tlfite to $6,000. B way Maintains Fme Legit Pace; $19,000, 'Count; 17a Both Disappointing, 'St. Mark' SRO18G Big weekend business continues to highlight Broadway and most musi- cals are now playing Sundays. Not much change in grosses last week and no new standouts. Last week had three arrivals, 'The Damask Cheek' standing a fairly good chance. 'Time, Place and The Girl' was heavily panned, while 'Bird in Hand.' put on as a stock show, fared so badly in the press and at the box- office that it was yanked after one week. Estimates tor Last Week Keys: C (Comedy), D (Drama), CD (Comedy-Drama). R (Reuuc), M (Musical), O (Operetta). 'Angel Street,' Golden (46th week) (D-789; $3.30). Eased off last week, when the takings were around $10.- 500, and that is very good money for one set import. 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Fulton (92d week) (CD-893; $3.30). Run- ning along to profit every week and still figured to last into winter period; slight dip last week, when the pace was around $11,000. 'Beat The Band,' 46th Street (1st week) (M-1,347; $4.40^. Rather dis- appointing first full week, when the gross topped $19,000; not real money for major musical; playing Sundays with expectation of upping pace. 'Blithe Spirit,' Booth (50th week) (CD-712; $3.30). Moved up to $12.- 000, which is good money in ',his spot and at pace English comedy can extend well into new season. 'By Jupiter' Shubert (21$t week) (M-1,325; $4.40). Management tickled at strength of draw, which continues to be virtual capacity week after week, with the gross approach- ing the $28,000 level. 'Count Me In,' Barrymore (1st week) (M-1,104; $4.40). Another new musical that went on Sunday schedule; business estimated around $17,000, or bit more, which is dis- tinctly under pace expected after strong Boston showing. <Hello, Ont Tberc' and "VUgle,' Belasco (4th week) (D-1,000; $3.30). Continues at around $5,500; cast helping by taking limited pay with expectation of business improving; players will get percentage, if and when. 'Jaale,' MUler (7th week) (C-940; $3.30). With a flock of parties help- ing, laugh show with partly juvenile cast is getting good money for house; rated well over $13,000. "■Janior Miss,' Lyceum (51st week) (CD-1,004; $3.30). Completing a year's stay and engagement should extend into.winter; Studays helping the pace to around $12,000. ■Let's Face It,' Imperial (48th week) (M-1,450: $4.40). Slightly off but attendance regarded as great for show that has played 11 months; should go well Into new season; $29 000 'LIUIe DarUng,' Biltmore (C-991; $3.30). Presented by Tom Weatherly; written by Eric Hatch; opened Tuesday after brief tryout. 'M7 Sister Eileen,' Beck (96th week) (CD-1,214; $1.65). Picture version opened at Music Hall Thurs- day; whether it will affect stage con- tinuance should l>e indicated this week; around $9,000. •Life With Father,' Empire (154th week) (C-1,062; $3.30). Run leader going along profitably both ways and likely to outlast good pari of list; over $11,000. 'Rosalinda,' 44th St. (0-1.32S; $3..')0). Pre.sented by Lodcwick Vroom for New Opera Co.; Johann Strau.ss oper- etta, known also as 'Die Flcdermaus.' dates back many years; new version opens tonight (28). 'Sons o' Fan,' Winter Garden (47th week) (R-1.519; $4.40). Get;, most of its gross at weekends, when house c.ip.icity and uppcd Saturday night scale counts; somewhat off, but over $30,000 claimed. 'Star and Garter,' Mu.sic Box (18th week) (R-991; $4.40). One of the most consistent sellout .ittractions, is getting $24,000 weekly, which means .standees. 'Strip for Action,' National (4th week) (C-1,162; $4.40). For a shgw that created difference of opinion, this one is doing alright; not selling out. but gross approximates $20,000; better than some musicals. 'Stars on Ice,' Center (15th week) (R-3.000; $1.65). Ice skating revue is on nine-performance basis and holding belter pace than anticipated; around $30,000; big at weekends. 'The Damask Cbetk,' Playhouse (1st week) (C-865; $3.30). Opened late last week, drawing rather good press; matinee strength indicated: better line on money chances this week. 'The Eve of St. Mark,' Cort (3d week) (D-1.064; $3.30). Getting about all house will hold at scale: quoted at better than $17,800: is surpri.sc hit of fall period «o far. 'L'ncle Harry,' Hudson '22d week) (D-1.042: S3.30). Showing more box- office strength than anticipated and .should extend into win'or: week's takings quoted well over $11,000. 'Vickie.' Plymouth (C-1,075; $3,30). Sixth and final week; laugh show had limited appeal from start, witii the average slightly more than $7,- 000 weekly; goes to subway circuit; next attraction here. The Skin of Your Teeth,' due Nov. 18. Added 'Claudia,' St. James (original en- gagement 56 weeks) (return engage- ment) (22d week) (C-1,520; $1.65). Plans to send stayer into neighbor- hoods cancelled and another house will be booked; makes some money at around $6,500 or over, and profit goes to war charities. 'NaUvc Son,' Majestic (D-1,716: $1.65). Brought back for repeat after playing neighborhood spots and road: opened Friday and got good press; was not a success originally at St. James. Vande-Revnes 'Show Hme.' Broadhurst (6th week) (1,142; $2.75). Looks like a stayer, with attendance excellent; vaude show rated over $26,000 in 12 times weekly. 'Wine. Women and Sodx,' Ambas- sador (4th week) (1,200; $1.65). SUrt- ing to ease off, .especially in bal- cony; rated around $11,000 last week, which provides mild profit. Bevlvals •Three Men on a Horse.' Forrest (2d week) (C-1,195; $1.65). Improved somewhat to approximately $5,000. but needs more to operate success- fully. 'Time. Place and the CUrl,' Mans- field (M-1,050; $2.75). Opened last midweek and drew severe panning; old musical In one set has very llttM chance. 'Bird In Hand.' Morosco. After mild press, business was so weak that show was yanked Saturday after one week and Idea of stock her* abandoned. CINCY'S POP LEGIT FOLDS AFTER 3D WK. ClnciimatLJ>ct. 27. Pop legit try in themOle 2^00- seat £mery auiditorlum folded Sun- day (25) at end of the third wedc't engagement. Closing show had Syl- via Sidney, and Staats Cotsworth in 'Pygmalion' and grossed approxi- mately $5,800. Previous plays were 'You Can't Take It With You,' with Fred Stone, and Francis Lederer In 'Pursuit of Happiness.' Eastern backers of the venture dropped several thousand dollars. It is estimated, Long jumps and fail- ure to link several neairby cities for a circuit figured in the flop. A simi- lar attempt with nop-prlced road shows was made here In 1934 and brodied. Cincy gave good support In first half last week to 'Student Prince.' In the 1,300-seat Cox at $2.76 top. On four night performances and a single $1.65 top matinee, the gross (vas ap- proximately $8,000. It was the show's ninth time here. Porgy and Bess' at $3J0 top opened a six-day engagement Mon- day (26) night in the Taft theatre, 2,500 seater. Hct. LOO CLAXTOR c/o Variety, Hollywood THROW A POSEY TO DAMON RUIVYON The 1942 O'Henry Direction: Wm. Morris