Variety (June 1922)

*" ■^■1 wm ■m mm PICTURES X ■ Friday, June 23, U B'WAY TRADE UP LAST WEEK; CAPITOL DID AROUND $36,000 Others of Big Four Fare Well—Mind Reading Act at the Central Which Did $8,200 with Reissue— "For Women Only" Show K. C/S GROSS SO BAD, ASHAMED OF RECEIPTS Last Week Worst on Record— The Heat and the Beaches the Cause Business in tfte picture theatres of the Broadway district resumed something like a normal aspect last week following the terrific slump that they all suffered the week be- fore. Of the houses the Big Four- Capitol, Rialto, Rivoli and Strand— all staged a come-back at the box office during the week. The smaller houses, with the exception of the Central, failed to profit by the re- turn of business, and the houses playing specials did not show any noticeable Increase in patronage. The Central, with a reissue starring Mae Murray and having Rodolph Valentino in the cast, did real busi- ness. "Nanook of the North." tho at- traction at the Capitol, pulled the receipts at that house up from $27,000, which it played to the previous week, to $36,000, an In- crease of $9,000. At the Strand "My Wild Irish Rose," while not a great picture, got a little over $18,000, which gave the house a good break. The Rialto and Rivoli both showed a healthy increase in figures, with the former getting $19,400 and the latter $18,200. One of the freaks of the street is the mind-reading act that A. J. Cobe put in at the Central. The act is a small-timer that has played the Pan time in the past. Right on Broadway it is pulling a lot of money and creating considerable Interest. A special morning per- formance "for women only" yester- day was worked out on a percentage basis, with the mind-reader getting 60 per cent, of the gross. The estimated grosses last week were: Apollo — "Silver Wings" (Fox Special). Seats, 1,200. Scale: $1.65 top. Picture in the third week of its run with Mary Carr the star of the production making personal ap- pearances to help business. Bus- iness averaging around $300 a day during the week with Sunday night going a little stronger. Cameo—"False Fronts" (Amer- ican Releasing). Seats, 550. Scale: mats., 55; eves., 75. Last week was final one, American Releasing Corp. had house under rental. Business was way off with less than $2,000 grossed. This week house took leap with ''Sherlock Holmes," Jack Barrymore starring, at Capitol few weeks ago. It looks as though the house would do about $6,000. Central—"The Delicious Little Devil" (Universal). Seats, 960. Scale: 55-75. A reissue with Mae Murray as the star and Rodolph Valentino in the cast. Drew excep- tional week's business for this house, getting $8,20J>1 Picture held over this week and will continue at house next week. Capitol—"Nanook of the North" (Pathe). Seats, 5.300. Scale: mats.. 35-55-85; eves., 55-85-$1.10. Proved distinct novelty and got good week's business. Cross, $36,000; about $9,000 better than previous week. This week putting over another smash with Universale special •The Storm." Criterion—"The Strike of Mid- night" (Metro-Swedish Bio). Seats, 886. Scale: 55-99. First week of Swedish made production, original- ly brought to this country under title of "The Death Cart" brought fair business to Criterion. Picture held over another week, by Metro which has house on rental. Gross under $4,000. Lyric — "Nero" (Fox Special). Seats, 1,400. Scale: $1.65 top. Pic- ture Is in third week with business not improving over that registered the week before. Gross going be- tween $4,000 and $4,500. Rialto—"The Devil's Pawn" (Par- amount). Seats 1,960. Scale: 50- 85-99. Pola Negri. German-made. Business jumped considerably over previous week. Gross $19,400. Rj vo |i — "Our Leading Citizen" (Paramount). Seats 2.210. Scale: 50-85-99. Thomas Meighan. Per- sonal popularity of star responsible for certain part of advance in busi- ness. Picture fair program produc- tion. Drew around $18,200. getting just about same play as Strand did. 8trand —"My Wild Irish Rose" (Vitagraph). Seats 2.989. Scale: mats., 80-50-85; eves., 50185. Type •f meller fair for cheaper houses. Placed he*e by Vitagraph under an agreement to share on gross If it went above, $19,000. Gross on week about $18,200, which got house pic- ture without cost. Business this week with "One Clear Call" much better from early indications. State — "Evidence" (Select) and "Missing Husbands" (Metro). Seats 3,300. Scale: mats., 30-50; eves., 50-65. Two features split the week at the house, being shown in con- junction with vaudeville. House goes along with a steady grind. Got around $17,300. MANAGERS HOPEFUL FOR CHANGE IN PATRONAGE WASHINGTON IMPROVES "Foolish Wivoo" Pull* 8trongly— Two Loow Houm* Got Brook Public Interest Renewed— Only "Fool There Was" Doesn't Pick Up Los Angeles, June 21. N A renewed interest in the picture theatres here on the part of the pub- lic last week has made the manage- ments hopeful that the turn for the better has come. There was but one house, the Mission, with the William Fox feature "A Fool There Was," that failed to show any improvement at the box office. Grauman's showed the highest mark that it has reached in months in point of receipts with "The Woman That Walked Alone," and the early part of the current week indicated that business was still improving. The California held up nicely, while the Kinema showed a tremendous improvement over pre- vious weeks, and while the business has not returned to normal there, it is climbing toward that mark steadily. During the last few days It has been extremely hot, and that will cut this week's receipts somewhat. The final week of the Fox feature "Monte Crlsto" at the Mission proved a slaughter. There was hard- ly a handful in the house at any time, and the placing of "A Fool There Was" in the house does not s m to have helped matters any. An estimate of the business last week is: G r a u man's—"The Woman Who Walked Alone" (Paramount). Seats 2,300; scale, mats. 35, eves. 55. A George Melford production, with Dorothy Dalton, Milton Sills and Wanda Hawley. Brown's Saxophone Six added attraction, but didn't mean a thing at the box office. The picture was responsible for what business there was. Grossed $16,800. Cal if ornia—"The Wall Flower" (Goldwyn). Seats 2,000; scale, mats. 25-35, eves. 35-55. A Rupert Hughes production starring Colleen Moore and Richard Dix. Monty Banks in his latest comedy, "F. O. B. Africa," proved a good stimulant at box of- fice. Dix and Miss Moore have been coming along very rapidly of late and now are good attractions in this <ty. Managed to draw $11,500. Kinema—"Fools First" (First Na- tional). Scats 1,800; scale, mats. 25- 35, eves. 35-55. This is Marshall Neilan's latest picture and was greeted with capacity audiences opening day. Film got off great and should get a two weeks' run, al- though Kinema seldom lifts the bar over a week. Rene Williams is back on the Job directing the orchestra. Got around $8,000 on the week. Mission—Seats 800; scale, mats. 55, eves. 55-80-1.50. "Monte Crlsto" ran through until Saturday, when "A Fool There Was" opened in the morning without any ceremonies at all. This is the world premier of the i.ew Fox, which in the original Fox form was the making of Theda Bara. Estelle Taylor is the star of the new "Fool," directed by Emmctt J. Flynn. Grauman's Rialto—"The Bachelor Daddy" (Paramount). Scats 800; scale, mate. 35, eves. 35-55. Tommy Meighan star. This picture was shpwn at Grauman's theatre a short while back, but was brought to the Rialto for a return engagement be- cause of the popularity of the star. Played to $5,100. Kansas City, June 21. "Old Sol" certainly got In his deadly work on the box offices at the film theatres last week. With the thermometer ranging around 95, and the parks and bathing beaches crowded, there were few left to look for pleasure indoors. The Doris, the second best of the Harding string, but located two blocks off the regular theatrical beat, felt the bad business the worst and closed Saturday. "The Adven- tures of Robinson Crusoe," a 12- week serial, had been' extensively circused for the house, but only the first chapter was shown. The house will probably be reopened as a pic- ture theatre again in the fall. JTho Newmans' third house, the Twelfth street, Is also up against It and finding it hard to draw with a 25- cent admission, with half a dozen other houses in its immediate neigh- borhood shooting for lessr A try will be made with a musical tab show for a couple of weeks to see if the change will show results. From all reports the w ek was the worst for years and the receipts so low no manager could be found who had thetierve to tell how small they were. Newman—"Trouble," First Na- tional (seats 1,980; scale, matinees, 35c; nights, 50c.-75c.). Jackie Coo- gan starred with Wallace Beery and Gloria Hope featured. Lloyd Ham- ilton comedy, 'The Rainmaker." Novelty film, "Washington Irving," completed pictures. Lillian Cross- man and Frank Ridge, with Six Dutch Kiddies, in a condensed ver- sion of "The Red Mill," extra. Bill constantly interesting. Liberty •-* "Reported Missing," Selznick (seats 2,000; scale, 35c- 50c). Owen Moore circused in fea- ture, described as season's best com- edy. Louise Fazenda in "A Rural Cinderella" thrown in for good measure. Feature got away to slow start, but built up about middle and concluded with happy finish. Fa- zenda film pleasing hot weather af- fair. Royal—"The Ordeal," Paramount (seats 900; scale, 85c-50c). The first of Sir Conan Doyle's "Adven- tures of Sherlock Holmes" and Lar- ry Semon comedy, "The Show" making up program of variety. Twelfth Street — "Shackles of Gold," Fox special (seats 1,100; scale, 25c.-10c). "Torchy" comedy filled program. William Farnum In Fox film. Story reads as though written for Farnum; pretty near whole show. Doric—"Blind Hearts" with Ho- bart Bosworth and "Adventures of Robinson Crusoe," Universal special 12-reel serial (seats 1,000; scale 50c). Both films strongly featured and management announced one reel of serial each week in connec- tion with feature until 12 episodes shown. Crusoe picture has indorse- ment of Parent-Teachers' Associa- tion. Great things were expected of it. House expected its ten-cent admission would start kiddies to see Crusoe picture, but they failed to come in sufficient numbers, despite advertising and circusing. Manage- ment decided to call all bookings off and closed for season. Washington, D.'C June 21. Loew's two houses got the great- er break during the past week, the business done at the Columbia with Von Strohelm's "Foolish Wives" and Wallace Reid in "Across the Continent" at the Pal- ace was suggestive of mid season receipts, to such an extent that "Foolish Wives" has been held over for a second week and the business continuing right up to the mark. The 2.75 working hours are still in force, although practically all of the stores have gone back to the regular hours. Loew's Columbia—"Foolish Wives" (Universal). 1,200. Got a splen- did week's business and accom- plished that which many others have failed to do, namely, to be lield over for a second week. Scale 35 matinee; 35-50 nights). Forced the gross of the previous week up- ward an easy $3,000, touching about $10,500. Loew's Palace—"Across the Con- tinent." A regular Reid picture. The star is extremely popular here and the week was an improvement over the one proceeding. Scale 20- 35 matinees; 35-50 nights. Possi- bly got up to $13,500. Moore's Rialto—"Over the Bor- der." Capacity 1,900. Held up to about the usual business. Picture did not create any great comment, although seeming to be liked. Scale mornings, 30; afternoons, 40; even- ings, 50. May have gotten $10,000. PITTSBURG JUST FAIR; WORST YET TO COME SHRINERS' CONVENTION IQW FRISCO'S BUSI 200,000 Visitors in Town and Theatres Lose $27,000— 3 Night Parades Waiting for Hottest Weather —Grand Does $19,000 with "Sonny" CRITERION FOR LEGIT I The Criterion, New York, utilized for extended runs of features by Famous Players-Lasky for more than a year, may possibly return to the legitimate theatre ranks next season. Famous Players, it is un- derstood, has offered the house to several managers, but the price to date has made it impossible for them to get together. It is under- stood offers from between $50,000 and $60,000 per year have been turned down. The film people are expecting to get in the neighbor- hood of $70,000 for the theatre. Recently Famous Players have been renting the house to other pro- ducers on the basis of $5,000 a week for theatre and attaches. OPERATING IN HONOLULU San Francisco, June 21. Greenfield & Kahn who control several theatres here and on the coast are reported to have acquired the new People's, due to open soon in Honolulu. Joe Cohen's new house in Hono- lulu, to be known as the Hawaiia theatre, seating 1,700, is expected to shortly open Pittsburgh, June 21. "Sonny" lifted receipts at two of the largest picture houses here out of a temporary slough last week, but in the main business continued at most of the houses just fair. The expected strength of the Bart h el - mess feature at the Grand Induced the management there to call off any added feature, such as it has been offering for several weeks past, to overcome the hot spell. With the hottest weather yet to come, and some rain due following the recent dry spell, conditions are none too promising. Business at several of the North Side houses has been reported off, with several carnivals having been held there recently. The Savoy, one of Rowland & Clark's three downtown houses In the heart of the Rialto, and which is to pass from their possession, continues to show the western stuff and is drawing comparatively well enough to make them feel sorry to lose the house. Some of the lobby displays in the downtown houses of that firm have been both startling and artistic, as well as effective. Last week's estimates: Grsnd—"Sonny" (First National). (Seats 2,500; scale, 25, 40, 65.) Richard Barthelmess. Star's third picture for First National shows in- creasing popularity, though catchy title and good notices helped. Though receipts weren't much over the preceding week, edifying in view of tough weather. About $19,200. Liberty—"Sonny" (First National). (Seats 1.200; scale, 25, 40, 65.) Rich- ard Barthelmess. Returns here kept pace with those at Grand, topping previous week slightly. About $9,500. Olympic—"Man from Home" (Par- amount). (Seats 1,100; scale 25-40.) James Kirkwood, Anna Q. Nillson and Norman Kerry. Trinity of stars, heavily billed helped storm tough weather breaks at week-end, while balance of week registered only mildly. Not far below previous week. About $8,500. San Francisco, June 21. The Market street picture thea« tree were terrifically hit by the con. vention here last week of the Shriners. There were over 200,09$ visitors in the city, but they did not visit places of amusement, and the fact that the Shriners held parades on three nights killed show business entirely on those evenings. The loss on the week in the pic. ture houses alone is placed at $27,. 000, with the Market Street Realty Co., which controls the Granada, California, Imperial and Partola re. ported to have sustained a $15,001 loss. The Tivoli is the only houst in the town that broke a little bet* ten than even. During the nights parades were given the streets were jammed with people, but the theatres starved. The Orpheum tried to gain some advantage by announcing that its shows on parade nights would start at 10 p. m., but this plan failed to bring 'em in, only about 300 people present on one of the nights. Everyone of the picture houses were below normal in the business done. At the Strand "Lady Fair did the worst business of the town, It was voted a good picture, but the title Is blamed for not drawing. The Tivoli had Norma Talmadge la "Love's Redemption" held over for a second week, getting Its biggest play at the matinees. This was also true at the Granada, Imperial and California, but the business even in the afternoons was below what It should have been. Estimates for last week: California — "The Gray Dawn* (Hodklnson). (Seats 2,780; scale 50-75-90.) Claire Adams, Robert McKim. About $8,000. Granada—"Too Much Business" (Vitagraph). (Seats 3,100; scale 50-75-90). Edward Horton, Tully Marshall and Ethel Grey Terry. Around $7,000. Imperial—"The Prodigal Judge" (Vitagraph.) (Seats 1,425; scale 35-50-75.) Macklyn Arbuckle, Br- nest Torrence and Jean Paige Down to $3,000. 8trand—"Fair Lady" (United Ar« tists.) (Seats 1,700; scale 25-50- 75.) Betty Blythe; $3,100 on week. Tivoli — "Love's Redemption" (First National.) (Seats 2,240; scale 25-40.) Second week, Norma Talmadge. House broke about even, $5,000 gross. At the Savoy where "The Isle of Zorda" was showing the house did around $100 a day, the gross just about topping $700 on the week. STATE ROBBED OF $5,200 Los Angeles. June 21. During the second show at Loew's State here Sunday night two ban* dits stuck up H. P. Cressnuu* auditor of the theatre, In the office and looted the safe of $5,200. The police are of the opinion it was a job by those familiar with the house. Cressman was in the office alone when the bandits entered and or- dered him to throw up his hands at revolver point. They then struck him over the head with the butt of the gun, stunning him. He sayi that he heard one of the men state that they had better hurry, as Nat Holt, the manager of the house, wM due back In the office any minute. FILM MEN'S GUEST The Picture Advertising Associa- tion entertained at luncheon at the Biltmore yesterday (Thursday) Sir Charles Higham, who won a title and distinction in Engl**-- - during the war, and is in this country to attend the convention of advertis- ing clubs. Sir Charles came to the United States as representative of Lord Northcliffe and as the British dele- prate. A notable assembly of Amer- ican advertising men attended the lunchean, at which D. W. GriflUh made the principal address. G. A. GOCKE, JR., MISSING Los Angeles, June 21. G. A. Gocke, Jr., executive and business manager of Frederick Re* 1 Pictures, aged 53, has been missing from his home here since la* 1 Wednesday. The police have bee» notified of his disappearance and fear that he has met with foul pi** His bride of three months is" pros- trated over his failure to retuift home. Gocke was last seen at t» Robertson-Cole studios, where m had made arrangements for dm company to film an Oriental picture It is understood that he had a larg sum of money on his person at tn< time. BAND BOX, CHICAGO, CLOSED Chicago. June 21. The Band Box, a small downtowi movie house, which made a practic of running only sensational flum has Closed. The Band Box is J" a out Jf the "midway" of all theatre and has been faring poorly of late.