Variety (Dec 1942)

% Wednesday. December 2, 1942 LEGITIMATE 11 Triorities Still Tops in Chi 21G; Torgy'Fine 17G/Arsenic'OK $11000 Chicago, Dec. 1. Biggest business still being done by 'Priorities of 1942,' with Vunlor Miss,' 'Maid In Ozarks' and -'Good lilght, Ladies' all doing very well. Estimate* for Last Week 'Good Night, Ladies,' Blackstone (33rd week) (1,200-12.75). Around 115,900, great. •Jnnior Mias,' Harris (10th week) (1,000; $2.76). Patronage has given management confidence enough to put seats on sale up to a special New Years' Day matinee. Fine gross approached $12,500. 'Mold In Oaarks,' Great Northern (10th week) (1,300: $2.20). Fanned by the critics and playing In an out- of-the-way house, but drawing 'em In on two-for-ones; 6,500 and plenty ot profit . 'Poffy and Bess,' Studebaker (4th week) (1,400; $3.30). Getting highest top prices In town to tune of $17,000 on week. Trlofltles.' Erlanger (4th week) (1,300; $2.75). Still topping all box- office takes with $21,000. 'Arsenic and Old Laoe,' (3rd week) (1,000; $2.75). Boris Karloff and or- iginal New York cast responsible for 111,000. 'ARMY' WINDS UP2WEEKSIN HUB WITH 122G Boston, Dec. 1. Now that "This Is the Army' has left town with about $122,000 In its poke, and'a solid three days of rain \ thing of the past, legit grosses should reflect a distinct rise this week. There are five houses open now, 'Willow and I' having bowed last night at the Shubert and 'Fire- fly' at the Majestic. 'Sun Field' finishes out the week at the Colonial to generally satisfactory business (Boston being famous as a basebell town), while 'Angel Street' at the Plymouth and 'Junior Miss' at the Wilbur remain steady, the latter building every week. Estimates for Last Week 'Angel Street,' Plymouth (1,400; $2.75). Picked up a little during sec- ond "This Is Army' week notwith- standing rain and no extra matinee; $10,300 estimated. No end in sighit. 'Jnnior Miss,' Wilbur (5th week) (1,227; $2.75). Gaining with every gerformance and drawing plenty of ids; $11,500, estimated. Here for keeps, apparently. 'Private Lives,' Majestic (1,667; $2.20). Recovered in second frame to touch $7,000. very solid. •Son Field,' Colonial (1,634; $2.75). Generally mixed notices for this baseball yarn, but gathered In about $5,000 for six performances; encour- aging. "This b the Army,' Opera House (3,200; $3.86). A fabulous money- maker, taking over $58,600 In second week, $63,200 first, for a grand total of nearly $122,000. Nothing like it. Lush {6,000 for'Havoc' In LA.;'Rookie'{9,000 Los Angeles, Dec. I. Switch of 'Cry Havoc' from little theatre to main drag commercial- ism at Music Box is proving profit- able. In first week play collected $6,000, figure representing profit aplenty for show with cast of 13 females and one set. 'Hey, Bookie' at Belasco also in the money, again beating previous high to get close to $9,000 in seventh week. Upping top to $2.20 helped. 'Blackouts of 1942' at El Capitan approached former high of $16,000 In Its 23d week. Hampden-Loftos OK $13,100 in Toronto Toronto, Dec. 1. Holdover here of Frank McCoy's company of 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' with Walter Hampden and CIssie Loftus featured, saw a fine gross of about $13,100 last week at Royal Alexandra (1,551), scaled at $2 top. Previous week's gross was an ex- cellent $14,000 and comedy could h. ve held over but for the 'Life With Father' commitment for the v eek of Nov. 30. 'Arsenic' goes into the Lafayette, Detroit, but will Immediately return to the Royal here for another two weeks at least. Zasn's Tnrst Murder' Sock$HOOOinStL. 8t. LouU, Dag. 1. line* Ita preem In Prlnoaton, N. J., 'Her First Murder,' la which Zasu Pitts is starred, has been rewritten and restaged by Phil Dunning. Na- tives here gave It a swell reception. With the house scaled to $2, eight performances ending Saturday (20) at the American theatre grossed sock $14,000. Crlx were liberal with raves for the piece. VeIoz and Yolanda started a week's engagement at the Amerioan Sunday (20) with the house scaled to $2.80. lady,' Draws SRC 29G h Cleye., Held Up By Misliap on Way to Del Cleveland, Dec. 1 'Lady In the Dark,''wlth Gertrude Lawrence, set a new house record at the Hanna theatre here last week with eight sellout performances at $3.85 top. Gross estimated $29,000. A train wreck Involving the cast delayed the troupe five hours in get ting to Detroit, where It was sched- uTed to open tonight (Tuesday) at the Cass theatre. Current Road Shows (Deo. S-12) 'Angel Street' (Bd Co.)—Plymouth, Boston (2-12). 'Arsenic and Old Lace' (1st Co.)— Cox, Cincinnati (3-3); Nixon, Pitts- burgh (7-12). 'Arscnie and Old Lace' (8d Co.)— Lafayette, Detroit (7-12). •Biackenta of 1942' (vaude)—El Capitan, Hollywood (2-12). •ClandU' (Ist Co.)—Selwyn, Chi cago (2-12). 'Corn b Oreen'—Wllma, Missoula, Mont (2); Fox, Spokane (3); Metro politan, SeatUe (8-12). 'Dooghglrls' (tryout)—Klein Audi- torium, Bridgeport (B) (premiere); National, Washington (7-12). 'Firefly' (tryout)—Majestic, Boston (2-12). Gilbert and SnUlvan—Locust, Phil- adelphia (2-12). 'Good Night Ladles'—Blackstone, Chicago (2-12). 'Hellzapoppin'—Forrest, Philadel- phia (2-5). 'Her First Morder' (tryout)—Vic- tory, Dayton (2); English, Indianap- olis (3-5); Ryman Auditorium, Nash- ville (7); Bijou, Chattanooga (8); Bi- jou, Knoxvllle (9); Clanger, Atlanta (10-11); Temple, Birmingham (12). 'Junior Miss' (2d Co.)—Harris, Chi- cago (2-12). ■Jnnior Miaa* (8d Co.)—Wilbui*, Boston (2-12). ■Lady in the Dark'—Cass, Detroit (2-12). 'Life of the Party' (tryout)—Wil- son, Detroit (2-12). 'Life With Father' (Id Co.)—Royal Alexandra, Toronto (2-5); Hanna, Cleveland (7-12). 'Maid In the Oiarks'—Great North- ern, Chicago (2-12). 'Merry Widow'—Erlanger, Buffalo (2-5); Davidson, MUwaukee (7-12). 'Porgy and Bess'—Studebaker, Chi- cago (2-12). 'PrioriUes of 1942' (vaude)—Er- langer, Chicago (2-12). 'Sailor, Beware'—Shubert, Phila- delphia (2-5). 'Spring Again'—Michigan, Ann Ar- bor (2); Hartman, Columbus (3-S); Shea's, Erie, Pa. (7); Auditorium, Rochester, N. Y. (8); Erlanger, Buf- falo (9-12). 'Stndent Prince'—Curran, San Francisco (2-12). 'Sun Field' (tryout)—Colonial, Boston (2-5). 'This b the Army'—Music Hall, Cleveland (2-6); Taft Auditorium, Cincinnati (7-12). 'Three Curtains' (tryout)—Ford's, Baltimore (2-5); Walnut, Philadel- phia (7-12). 'Three Sisters' (tryout)—National, Washington (2-8); Ford's. Baltimore (7-12), Tobacco Boad'—Lafayette, Detroit (2-5). 'Watch on the Bhlne'—Nixon, Pitt.<;- burgh (2-5); Virginia, Wheeling, W. Va. (7); Park, Youngstown, O. (8); Colonial, Akron, O. (9); Michigan, Lansing, Mich. (11); Keith's, Grand Rapids (12). 'Willow and r (tryout)—Walnut, Philadelphia (2-5). Hoad' Big $13,500 In 1st of 2 Del Weeks Detroit, Dec. 1. The three legit houses operating here last week all finished to fine biz. 'Tobacco Road' grossed approxi- mately $13,500 in the first two weeks at the Lafayette; 'Arsenic and Old Lace' replaces Dec. 6. 'Life of the Party' knocked off estimated $11,800 at the Wilson, while, at the C^ss, 'Spring Again' was fair at $11,000. First two-named shows played to $1.65 top. mOf NG 6G. YANKED IN ^ PHILLY Philadelphia, Dec 1. Four shows closed here Saturday night, two of them earlier than ex- pected, and now Philly has only one legit offering, The quartet which ended their stays Saturday were "The Merry Widow' after a week's return visit at the Locust; the Mask and Wig Club's 'Paoll Local' after 10 days at the Erlanger; 'Hellzapoppin' after a three weeks' return stay at the Forrest, and The Willow and I' after a week's tryout at the Walnut. Last-named had been skedded for two weeks, but was generally panned and is understood as being withdrawn for rewriting. 'Hellzapoppin' was origi- nally booked for only two weeks, but house had plenty of time and hoped for indefinite (at least four weeks') stay. Musical made the grade for three in all. Wiggers from the University of Pennsylvania easily topped the week's biz records. 'PaoU Local' previous Saturday matinee and played usual eight performances last week. With a $3.30 top, 'Local' got about $32,000 in 10 performances. Opening matinee and last week's Friday matinee were only perform- ances with any appreciable number of vacant seats. Last week's night shows were virtual sellouts. Lone attraction in town this week is the Boston Light Opera Company in Gilbert and Sullivan repertory at the Locust. Estimates lor Last Week 'Paoll Local,' Erlanger (10 days only) (1,900; $3.30). Opened Saturday matinee of previous week. Very strong $32,000. No tour. ■Merry Widow,' Locust (one week only) (1,600; $2.28). Week's return to city netted satisfactory $13,000, okay for scale. 'Helliapoppln,* Forrest (3d week) (1,800; $2.85). Had hoped to stay a week or two longer but final stanza's $18,500 was good considering lengthy original run. Dark two weeks, then 'Three Sisters.' 'Willow and I,' Walnut (one week only) (1,700; $2.28). Crlx said 'thumbs down' and public strung along. Martha Scott name helped get about $6,000. Ended stay here Satur- day, cancelling second week. *Three Curtains' in for week starting next Monday. CORNELL-'SISTERS' OVER 20G ADVANCE IN D.C. Washington, Dec. 1. Katharine Cornell's revival of Chekhov's 'Three Sisters' sold out both balconies through mail orders; has some orchestra seats left for the week's engagement. Company ar- rived Sunday and gave two dress re- hearsals before the Monday (30) cur- tain. More than $20,000 was In the (ill before arrival. The Boston Comic Opera Co.'s repertoire of Gilbert and Sullivan grossed an estimated $16,000 at the National theatre, selling at $2 top. From Tuesday night on business was capacity. Max Gordon is bringing in his new Joseph Fields comedy, 'The Dough- girls,' at a $2 top. Popular scale Is expected to prove a lure to Govern- ment employees in the low-wage brackets. All shows playing here this season at the $2 scale have sur- passed $10,000 in weekly grosses. While boxoflice business has been abnormal due to war conditions, Wednesday and Saturday matinees have to be pushed. "The Douehglrls,' coming Dec. 7, will scale both mat- inees at $1.50 top. Tapa' Fair $9,000 In 5 Shows, Milwaukee Milwaukee, Dec. 1. 'Papa Is All.' at $2.75 top, did fairly good $9,000 here last week. Theatre Guild comedy starring Jes- si<! Royce Landis, with Robert Keith, played five nights at the Pabst, including Thanksgiving, Critics raved over the play. Lunts-Tirate Wow MYiQ on B way In 1st 6 Shows, Muni-XounseDor Strong 14^26 for I Doorstep 6G in 4 Despite press differences, 'The Pirate' looks like another good thing on Broadway. 'Great Big Doorstep drew mixed opinions, too, but the chances are favorable. Revival of 'Counsellor-at-Law' started unex- pectedly well, but 'Yankee Point,' also an entrant last week, looks quite doubtful. 'Mr. Sycamore' stopped. Big money was drawn by the new straight-play standouts. On Thanks- giving there were 25 matinees, some switching from the usual Wednesday, with seven spots drawing standees and most of the others faring well. Estimates for Last Week Keys: C (Comedy), D (Drama), CD CComedv-Dranui), R (Revue), M CMiisicat), O (Operetta;. 'Angel Street,' Golden (51st week) -(D-789; $3.30). Commands goodly money considering limited capacity: last week with the help of an added matinee, takings around $10,500, but first part ot week off. 'Arsenfe and Old Lace,' Fulton (97th week) (CD-893; $3.30). Holiday matinee, instead of usual Wednesday mat, helped takings to $10,500; indefi- nite stayer. 'Beat the Band,' 46th St. (6th week) (M-1,347: $4.40). New musical claimed to be sticking; around $14,- 500, ordinary at scale. 'Blithe Spirit,' Booth (SSth week) (CD-712; $3.30). Holdover standing up to very good money right along and likely to extend beyond winter; $12,000 estimated. 'By JopMer,' Shubert (26th week) (M-1,325; $4.40). Among the best of list's musical fare; played Thanksgiv- ing and benefited to some extent, but has been close to capacity, anyway, usually more than $27,000 weekly. 'Great Big Doorstep,' Morosco (1st week) (C-939; $3.30). Opened late last week, with somewhat divided press; $6,000 in four times, however, indicates fairly good chance. 'Janle,' Miller (12th week) (C-940; $3.30). Making grade, and while not among the best money-getters, is doing well with around $12,000. 'Junior Miss,' Lyceum (56th week) (CD-1,062; $3.30). Had been doing fairly good business for run show, then spurted last week to $13,000, ex- tra matinee counted. 'Let's Face It,' imperial (53d week) (M-1,326; $4.40). In the money right along; around $28,000. •Lifeline,' Belasco (D-1,000; $3.30). Presented by Gilbert Miller; written by Norman Armstrong; merchant marine drama with all-male cast opened Monday (30); fair press. 'LIfa WHh Father,' Empire (158th week) (CD-1,062; $3.30). Held to usual eight performances, but went up somewhat because of holiday; quoted well over $15,000; excellent for long stayer. 'Mr. Sycamore,' GuUd. Withdrawn Saturday (28) after two weeks; rec- ord skort engagement for Theatre Guild attraction. 'Hy Sister Eileen,' RiU (101st week) (CD-945; $1.65). Getting by with small profit earned in operation lately; rated around $7,000; continu- ance much longer uwcertahi. 'Sosallnda,' 44th St. (5th week) (0-l,325; $3.30). i^ively boxoSice tyjT operetta emanating from grand opera indicates stay through winter; $20,000 approximately. 'Skin of Our Teeth,' Plymouth (2d week) (CD-1,075; $3.85). Indications are that freak comedy is real click; big money to date with first full week's takings approaching $24,000. 'Sons o' Fun,' Winter Garden (52d week) (R-1,519; $4.40). Has conxr pleted year's stay and should stick through winter or longer; extra matinee last week sent gross to around $29,000. •Star and Garter,' Music Box (28d week) (R-991; $4.40). Demand In agencies has tapt-red but business still big with about $24,000. 'Stars on lee,' Center (20th week) (R-3,000; $1.65). One added matinee last week accounted for gross upping to over $30,000 In 10 performances. •Strip (or AeUon,' National (Bth week) (C-1,162; $3.85). Under pace of early weeks but still turning operat- ing profit; last week's takings more than $16,000 and, with Sundays now played, improvement expected. The Damask Cheek,' Plymouth (6th week) (C-896; $3.30). Getting moderately good trade for onesetter, as earlier indicated, and fair profit earned at approximately $10,500. •The Eve of St. Mark,' Cort (8th week) (D-1,064; $3.30). Three mat- inees last week accounted for close to $18,000; should hold to real money into spring. The Pirate,' Beck (1st week) (C- 1,214; $3.85). Had mid-week start and in first six times the takings were $17,500 for the Lunts' show, indicating another new high straight play grosser has arrived. 'Uncle Barry,' Hudson (27th week) (I -1,042; $3.30). Looks .';et throuKh winter; takings better than some s 'aight holdovers with the recent average $11,000 and more. 'Without Love,' St. James (3d week) (C-1.S20; $3.30). Grossing better than $24,500, which gives this new comedy the edge on other fresh st indouts among straight plays. 'Yankee Point,' Longacre (1st week) (CD-l,01d; $3.30). Takings first full week around $4,000, rather discouraging. Added 'Claudia,' Forrest (return engage- ment) (original date 56 weeks) (26th week) (C-1,195; $1.65). Has accom- plished half year of repeat perform- ances and slated here indefinitely unless pre-Christmas slump Inter- feres; gave added matinees and went t'. around $6,500. 'Native Son,' Majestic (return date) (5th week) (D-1,715; $1.65). Making small money at $8,200; show guaranteeing house. Bevivals 'Counselor-at-Law' Rjyale (1st week) (D-1,047; $3.30). Started off very well and in first seven per- formances the takings were $14,500; distinctly favorable press. 'R. V. WU,' Barrymore (D-1,104; $3.30). Presented by David Silber- man and Daniel Blank; attracted at< tention some time ago; opens to- morrow (3). Vaude-Bevoes 'Show Time,' Broadhurst (11th week) (1,142; $2...). Business not too good early in week, but last half stands up excellently; some help by holiday indicated by slight improve- ment to $21,000; *iig for vaudeville. 'Wine, Women and Song,' Am- bassador (9th week) (1,200; $1.65). Might have closed but for couit pro- ceedings; since then business picked up, with goodly $14,000 estimated. XLAUD1A'FINE$H500 IN2DPrrrSBURGHVISIT Pittsburgh, Dec. 1. Playing second engagement at Nixon in less than nine months, 'Claudia' banged out very good esti> mated $14,500 last week at $2.75 topk Came back with same cast, th« Broadway original headed by Doro- thy McGuire. On first trip around, Rose Franken hit did only around four grand more and it had th» benefit of subscription auspices thai. This time show played nine per- formances, adding an extra matinee on Thanksgiving Day (26). Nixon has 'Watch on Rhine,' also • repeat, current and gets Boris Karl- off in 'Arsenic and Old Lace' next week. • 'Firefly' NG 8G, Balto Baltimore, Dec. 1. Last week's dating of The Firefly* at Ford's drew the first bad week of biz since season's opening here. Given a blasting by local crlx be- cause of the unrecognizable, Jazzed* up version of the original Frlnd opus, musical drew very mild figure, estimated at $8,000, at a top of^.78. Mm*. hOV OlAITOH e/e Variety, Hollywood THROW A POSEY TO MILTON SHUBERT Who Made Wa«hlii«tOD Stace Vamt Canteen a Bcalltjr Oiractioni Wm. Morrla