Variety (Dec 1942)

Wednesday, December 30, 1942 Playwrights Co. Plays Santa The Playwrights Company has been the most consistent legit firm to distribute bonuses, and for the fifth straight season gifts in cash were given at Christmas. Total amount disbursed was around $4,000. Dramatist-managerial outfit has two hits on Broadway. 'The Pirate' at the Beck, and The Eve of St. Mark,' Cort All in those casU re- ceived $100 or $30, according to their salaries. Stagehands engaged by the two shows got $50 each, so did the box- office staffs, while all those In the Playwrights' office were recipients of an extra week's pay. Inside Stuff-Legit Despite letters of protests received by management of the Nixon, Pitts- burgh, over charac'.er of the Jewish film producer as portrayed by Michael Rosenberfi in the C. Aubrey Smith-Grace George comedy, 'Spring Again,' the Guth'.-ie McClintic office, which is presenting the play, characterized the Incident on Monday (28) as a tempest In a teapot. Stanley Gilkey, of the McClintic office in N. Y., said he caught the show in Boston, where It opened Christmas eve, paying careful attention to the Hollywood tycoon role. Gilkey claims that while Rosenberg is playing the part on the road ■more broadly' than Joseph Buloff did during comedy's N. Y. run last season, 'there's not a single line or gesture at which one can take offense.' Gilkey attributed the protests to a 'super-sensitive soul in Pittsburgh who tried to make an issue of the Jewish characterization and went so far as to drum up antagonism.' McClintic representative further stated that when show played Chicago, prior to its week in Pittsburgh, Rosen- berg took great pains to sound out reaction of Jewish friends, none of whom saw anything offensive in his portrayal. Both Buloff and Rosen- berg are from Yiddish legit originally. That the engagement of 'Without Love,' starring Katharine Hepburh at the St. James, N. Y., will conclude in February, is again reported. Al- though there was a critical difference of opinion about the play, attendance has been big and grosses are among the tops of straight shows. Whether it is Miss Hepburn's estimation of the play, or her contract with Metro in Hollywood that may curtail a run that could go well through the season, is not clear. 'Love' has been a good thing for the Theatre Guild. It had a spring tour of at least eight weeks, when the show earned considerably more than the production cost. On the road it was reported in the process of being revamped several times. With grosses as high as $25,000 at the St. James, the attraction is well out In front. The Metro office says it is likely that the start of the next Hepburn film might be delayed, if she desires to remain on Broadway. Guild says there is a chance of the star returning to 'Love' after the picture is completed. There were pre-Christmas parties galore in Broadway offices, particu- larly in film circles, but the most elaborate legit affair was in the lounge of the Music Box. the 'SUr and Garter' company being feasted and wined by Michael Todd, show's producer, who made a flying trip from Boston where he had just opened 'Something for the Boys.' Estimated that Todd went for over $5,000 for the 'SUr party. Men were given money clips made of gold and silver, emblematic of the show, and a small gem was set in the bauble. Girls got bracelets with similar insignia. Stagehands and house staff, including ushers, were given orders for a pair of Florsheim shoes. 'One of the Florsheim family is said to have a piece of 'Star,- which is away out in front. LouU Calhern has resigned from Equity's council with the explanation that he found it impractical to attend that body's meetings, which are held every two weeks. He is the first councilor to withdraw, although for some time Equity's officers and others who attend regularly have in- dicated they would welcome resignations of the absentees. Last season Calhern was on tour with 'Life With Father," then stepped Into the original cast (Empire. N. Y.) through the summer. Most recently he appeared in "The Great Big Doorstep,' which was withdrawn after a brief Broadway engagement. Frank Gillmore, former head of Equity and currently managing di- rector of the Associated Actors and Artistes of America, was in the hos- pital for observation recently. He was discharged after doctors did not find any serious ailment. Gillmore made his ujual weekly visit to his office last week. He'll be 76 next May. DET. JUMPIN'. MOST LEGit IN YEARS Dotroit, Dec. 20. More shows are in the loop here this holiday season than at any time In years, with the majority as Christ- mas Day starters. Only old settler along the rialto Is Walter Hampden and Cissie Loftus company of 'Arsenic and Old Lace.' which registered a sturdy $8,300 in third week at the Lafayette with J1.85 top. It brought the three weeks' tally on the comedy over the $30,000 mark. Show will run off a double- header New Year's Eve along with ail others in the legitimate houses. Opening with an $11 top last Mon- aay, Irving Berlin's 'This Is the JV'jy 'S due to crack upward of wso.ooo in Its two-week stay at the e75?A°""^ Auditorium with more than s.OOO seats. Uncle Sam's show will W again at the $11 figure on New JfK* .Eve. although no double- header IS scheduled, n,,.!^*? 'Her First Murder' oP .w**^ I? "'<=6 0" Christmas Day 5,„,'"6„Cass. and will run through niV" Years with two shows, for a fnrv^:'''^-.**^"'*' 'The Eve of St. Mark' Jan ^eeks. startini? wiH^'''i"j^^^ "''t on Christmas Day ^nr.n3*"^ Everett Horton in loSL J?''"l^ Henry.' which had a Bm! «7?w''V;^'^^' summer. It also frt f«l '°P' with two shows "« tor New Year's. 'Russian People'Neat $11,000 in Washington Washmgton. Dec. 29. The Theatre Guild's production of 'The Russian People" clocked $11.- 000 in its second week at the Na- tional theatre. First week was $16.- 000. Interest is heavy in the third visit of 'Arsenic and Old Lace.' Mail orders produced $7,000 and first day's window sale $5,000 more. Mys- tery thriller did $45,000 in two weeks here last season. Top is $2.75. A. H. Wood's "This Little Hand' is underlined for week of Jan. 4. The Wilfred Pettit melodrama, with all- feminine cast, will play at $2 top. lOTH 'ROAD' VISIT TO ST. LOO OK lOG AT $1.10 St. Loui.":, Dec. 29. That hardy perennial, 'Tobacco Road,' wound up an ll-night en- gagement at the American theatre, sole legiter here, Wednesday (24) with a.gross of approximately $10,- 000. Drama was presented 15 limes with the house scaled to $1.10. 'Road' came to St. Louis 10 limes since its Broadway preem, played a total of 123 performances and left town with a profit for each engagement. Rose Franken's comedy, 'Claudia,' with Frances Starr. Donald Cook. Dorothy McGuire and Olga Bedan- ova in the lop roi^s, began a nine- night stand at the American Friday (25). The house is scaled to $2.20, except for New Year's Eve. when the admish will be uppcd to $2.30. LEGITIMATE 4S 'CHOCOLATE SOLDM' FINE 19iG, HOLLYWOOD Hollywood. Dec. 29. Holiday spending has brightened the legit scene here, with all houses profiting. Bulk of the trade since Xmas day has trekked downtown to the Biltmore for the revival of 'Chocolate Soldier.' It's here for two and a half v/eeks and. thanks to the pair of holidays embracing the first wtek. it's piling up'a smack- ing $19,500 for the initial stanza. Nostalgic piece opened Xmas night. 'Blackouts' at El Capitan bagged a smart $13,000 in 27th week with 13 shows last week. 'Hey Rookie' picked up $8,500 in ite 11th week at the Belasco and may last out many more weeks. Cry Havoc' (called 'Proof Thru The Night' in N.Y.) chalked up $5.- 500^ in fifth week and bowed out with possible Frisco date to follow. Trade proved disappointing as drama of war nurses had benefit of strong ad- vance campaign via lip service from those who viewed it in Little Thea- tre. SOMETHING' IS SUMP'N; 25G IN BOSTON ,.r-..- Boston. ^• Dec. 29. With Something for the Boys" as the Hub's standby during Christmas week, legit biz hasn't beeo bad at all and the end of the week found five houses making satisfactory grosses. The Michael Todd show is still packing them in at the Shubfert and the advance is terrific, only the matinees finding any empty pews. ■Three shows opened Christmas night, all of them drawing good nol- iday houses. 'Arsenic and Old Lace' closed on Saturday night to make way for 'Tobacco Road? at the Co- lonial, here, for its fifth session. The town has returned to normal after the Cocoanut Grove disaster, and the New Year is likely to bring with It some measure of the pre-Grove business all along the rialto. Estimates for Last Week 'Arseale and Old Lace," Colonial (1.634; $2.75). Finished its two-week stay here at an estimated $11,000. very staunch. •SomcthinK lor the Boys,' Shubert (1.590; $3.30). Only the maUnee lagged, other performances selling out to push this one to estimated $25,000, socko for Christmas week One more to go. 'Spring Again," Plymouth (1,400; $2.75). Got an estimated $3,000 for three performances with a strong advance for this week. A good show for the Hub, gleefully received. Three Cortalna,' Majestic (1,667; $2.75). Gloria Swanson, Francis Lederer got the big gross of the year at Cambridge and Is drawing power- fully here to get a fine $3,500 for three performances. . .'Wife Takes a Child,' Wilbur (1,- 227; $2.75). Mixed notices and weak title held this one down to $2,100 estimated for three performances. Doughgirls Solid W In Philadelphia Philadelphia, Dec. 29. One of last week's three legil shows crashed through with solid biz thereby overcoming to a great ex- tent the pre-holiday slump and then hilling on all cylinders Friday and Saturday. The show was Max Gor- don's tryout production, 'Doughgirls.' which slashed' through to a $10,500 week at the Walnut, with the crix highly favorable and word-of-mouth enthusiastic. Estimates for Last .Week 'Dooghglrls.' Walnut (one week only) (1.700: $2.50). Very well liked here and got fine $10,500. Could have stayed with profit. 'Dark Eyes' this week, opening postponed until to- night (29). Two weeks. 'Sweet Charity," Locust (one week only) (1.600; $2.50). Difference of opinion, but general belief show still needs fixing, especially in first act; SS.OOO quoted. 'Junior Miss' this week for limited run, 'Full Speed Ahead." Forrest (1st week, opened Friday night) (1,800; S2.50). Too soon to get real line on show's chances, but crix and word- of-mouth were not exactly enthusias- tic. If it does anything at all this week it will hold for another stanza. 'Sisters Nifty 22G Despite Crix 1st B way Week; 'Rosalinda Tops List at $24,000; 'Pirate $23,500 Broadway presentation of 'The Three Sisters.' by far the best of Christmas week arrivals, resulted in its first week's gross being right up with the dramatic leaders. 'Flare Path' drew a weak press with an exception or two. 'Proof Thro' the Night' ('Cry Havoc'), another war play, ditto. 'New Faces' got a I'en- eral panning. Another quartet of premieres this week. Latter part of last week was very good, with grosses better than pre- vious week for most part. Estimates for Last Week Kews: C (Comedv), D (Drama), CD (Comedy-Drama), R (Revue), M (Musical), O (Operetta). 'Angel Street," Golden (55th week) (D-789; $3.30). Pickup last half last week sent takings to approximately $9,000: strong figure for stayer in small capacity house. 'Arsenic and Old Laoe,' Fulton (101st week) (CD-893; $3.30). Like some other run shows it had l>est Saturday afternoon in yepr; wept up to approximately $9,000. •Blithe Spirit," Booth (59th week) (CD-712; $3.30). Another run play that consistently operates in the black; somewhat off lately but rated over $8,000. okay. 'By Japlter,' Shubert (30th week) (M-1.32S: $4.40). Virtually as good as any of the long-running musicals, with the gross last week estimated over $22,000. 'Flare Path," Miller (D-940: $3.30). Opened last mid-week^ drew mixed notices with business thereafter light; should get share of holiday trade but this week hardly Indica- tive of new play's chances. 'Janie." Biltmore (lOth week) C-991; $3.30). Among number of at- tractions which improved during Christmas week; takings around $9,000; will pr(>bably get another house next month as Ask My Friend Sandy,' due shortly, was previously booked here. 'Junior Miss," 46th Street (60th week) (CD-1,347; $2.20). Moved here at reduced scale but laid off until Christmas when attendance was excellent; last week at £yceum around $9,000; $6,000 in three per- formances here. 'Let's Face It,' Imperial (57th week) (M-1.326; $4.40). Garrison finish last week sent gross to better- than quoted $23,000, tops among musicals. ■Life With Father,' Empire (162d week) (CD-1,062; $3.30). Figures to bound upward again this week; eased down after 'Thanksgiving, but last week bettered $10,000. 'My Sister Eileen," Broadway (105th week) (CD-1.910: $1.10). Move to big house and further drop in ticket price did not appear bene- ficial last week; no improvement at $6,000; new 'Ziegfeld Follies' may land here. 'New Faces of 1943," Rita (R-SeS: $3.30). Opened Tuesday week; drew doubtful press, and chances doubtful for intimate revue in inacvantageous spot. 'Proof Throngh the Night," Morosco (D-939: $3.30). Known as 'Cry Havoc' in Hollywood; opened Friday night; one notice strong but the others definitely doubtfulr 'Bosallnda," 44th St. (9th week) (0-1.375; $3.30). Jumped way up- ward, and gross, around $24,000, best since opening; steady boxoffice sale to certain class of music lovers. 'Skin of Oor Teeth," Plymouth (6th week) (CD-1.075; $3.85). Laid off two days last week; approximated $15,500. about proportionate to previ- ous week's takings of $21,000. 'Sens o' Fan," Winter Garden (56th week) (R-1.519: $4.40). Also was a 1,,—fF last week: dark until Christ- mas day. then drew very well: has been down to around $20,000 or less: should jump. 'Star and Garter," Music Box (27th week) (R-991; $4.40). Will more than make up any slack in past two -ecks or so. and last week's takings plenty profitable at claimed better than $21,000. 'Stars on Ice,' Center (24th week) (R-3,000; $1.65). Took healthy jump, estimated figure being around $25,- 000: with extra matinees this week may gel top money on list. 'Strip for Action," National (C-l.- 162: $3.85). Final and 14th week; announcements closing, did not help and takings figured under $10,- 000; show had to get considerably more to break even. 'Sweet Charity,' Mansfield (C-1,- 050; $3.30). Presented by Alfred B'oomingdale and Lee Shubert; written by Irving Brecher and Manuel Seff; adverse press. 'The Damask Cheek," Playhouse (10th week) (C-895; $3.30). Has been ofl but still moderately suc- ce.s.;ful and should last through winter; rated around $7,000. 'The Doughgirls," Lyceum (C-1,- 00-:; $3.30). Presented by Max Gor- don: written by Joseph Fields; scored in Washington tryout and opens (cnight (30); favorably re- ported. 'The Eve of St. Mark,' Cort (12th \ -ek) (D-1,064; $3.30). Drawing splendid business; more than held ita own by slightly topping $16,000, very litlle under capacity. - 'The Bnsslan PeopVc,' Guild (D- 958^ $3.30). Presented by Theatre Guild; adapted from Russian of Konstantln Simonov by Clifford Odets; opened last night (Tuesday). ■The Pirate,' Beck (5th week) (C- 1,214; $3.85). Quoted getting $23,- SSO, not only best money for plays but also exceeded most musicals, ex- cept 'Rosalinda' and 'Stars on Ice"; virtually capacity al'> periormances; same this week. The Willow and I," Windsor (3d week) (D-873; $3.30). Favorable fol- lowup comment may help but has not shown boxoffice strength as yet; approximately $6,000. 'Uncle Barry,' Hudson (31st week) (D-1,042; $3.30). Included in at- tractions which fared well, estimated at better than $8,000. 'WIthont Love," St James (7th week^ (C-1,520; $3.30). Got better than $20,000, which keeps it among tl ■ leaders; did not play Christmas day. 'You'll See Stars," Elliott (R-031; $3.30). Presented by David Kramer; score by Leo Edwards; book by Her- man "Timberg; intimate revue in strange spot for show of that type; opens Thursday (31). Added 'Clandla,' Forrest (return engage- ment) (original Jate 56 weeks) (21st week) (C-1,105; $1.65). With the help of bargain tickets takings went upward, with gross estimated around $6,500; unless another attraction Is booked will stay. 'Native Son,' Majestic (return date) (9th week) (D*I,715; $1.65). Slated to slide after this week; even though having light cost, it's been operating in red recently; may re- coup through New Year's business; $5,000 estimated last week. BeviTBl •Connscllor-at-Law," Royale (5th vreek) (D-1,047; $3.30). Among number of attractions which fared better last week than previously, g oss being quoted around $13,000. "The Three Sisters," Barrymore (D-1,104; $3.85). Newest money show on list; press long on cast but not the play; boxoffice line steady: first week approached $22,000. Vaode-Bevne 'Show Time,' Broadhurst (15th week) (1,142; $2.7S). Had Indicated red pace but business late laat week saw fairly good improvement; $16.- OOO estimated. 'Angel St.' Neat $4,500 In New Haven Weekend New Haven, Dec. 29. Two-day, four-performance stand of 'Angel Street" at Shubert pulled a satisfactory weekend (25-26) fig- ure of approximately $4,500 at $2.75 top. Pencilled for Jan. 21-23 is 'Counter Attack' which follows preem of the Roland Young 'Sandy,' set for Jan. 14-16. Another break-In due next month is Helen Hayes in 'Harriet,' coming in Jan. 28-30. UtU LOU OLAVTON c/o Variety, Hollywood THROW A POSEY TO HOWARD BAY THE .lONKril I'RBAN OF Ol'R DAY. Direction: Wm. Morris