Variety (September 1922)

44 PICTURES Friday, September 29, 1922 B'WAY'S BIG FIVE GET $125,0(10 WITH ONE FEATURE FLOPPING Strand, Capitol and Rivoli Attract Greater Part of Big Grots—Rialto Housed Weak Sister in "Miss- ing Millions"—Strength of "Knighthood" With one single exception, Broad- way motion picture theatres last week held attractions of unusual strength. Their advance importance was borne out by the box office showing of three of these. The Strand held the Norma Talmadge feature, "The Eternal Flame"; the Oapitol the Mae Murray starring production, "Broadway Rose." while at the Rivoli, Thomas Meighan in "Manslaughter" was the attraction. All threw of these pictures held a tremendous drawing strength. The one weak sister of the street was the Alice Brady picture, "Missing Millions," which showed at the Rialto and caused that house to drop almost $5,000 below the aver- age business it has been doing play- ing second runs on the street to the Rivoli. "Missing Millions" was a pre-release premier run for the house and it finished the week with • gross of only $14,000. "Knighthood" Turnaway The turnaway business, both mat- inee and night, the Marion Davies picture, "When Knighthood Was in Flower," Is doing at the Criterion Is the wonderment of the street. There was many predictions that the business of the first days of the picture was forced by the heavy advertising campaign, and that the second week would ace a marked falling off at the box office. In- stead of this being the case, the opposite seems to be true, with the turnaway assuming greater propor- tions. The picture topped $H.500 last week, which with the Strand doing $31,000, the Capitol $39,000 and the Rivoli's $29,000, brought the gross of the big five on Broadway to almost $125,000 on the week. . The Cameo also managed to get a first run with "What's Wrong With the Women," but the picture failed to create any great stir. At the Broadway "More to Bo Pitied Than Scorned," played with a vaudeville bill presented in conjunction, while the Astor continued with "The Pris- oner of Zenda"; the 44th still had "Monte Carlo" and the Lyric pre- sented "A Little Child Shall Lead Them." The latter attraction is being made the object o'f an extra advertising campaign with the hope of arousing the interest, and a spe- cial offer of $1,000 for a new title for the picture is being made by the Fox people as part of the scheme to attract patronage. There may be a short engagement at the house of "My Friend the Devil" prior to the advent of the Douglas Fairbanks picture, "Robin Hood," here on Oct. 80, although It Is possible that Fox may hold that offering for his ad- vent at the Astor, which the Shu- berts have promised to let him have for making way for "Robin Hood" at the Lyric. An estimate of the gross takingR at the Broadway picture houses last week follow: Astor—"Prisoner of Zenda" (Me- tro). Seats, 1.131; scale, $1.65. Has been dropping steadily for the past two weeks, with last week's gross going almost to the $7,000 mark. I«oew readying new picture for the house for next week. Cameo— "What's Wrong With the Women" (All Star). Seats, 550; scale, 55-75. Failed to cause any particular^stir, although title was expected To be a draw. Got about $4,000 on the week. House returned to following the Rlalto-Rivoli with pre-release third run policy this week. Capitol—"Broadway Rose" (Me- tro). Seats. 5,300; scale, mats.. 30- 60-$l; eves.. 55-85-$1.10. Mao Mur- ray star. Pulled a corking week's business, with other strong features, getting a little above $39,000. Criterion—"When Knighthood Was In Flower" (Cosmopolitan). Scats, 886; scale, mats., $1.50 top; eves., $2. Interest In the picture unabated after the first ten days of Its run, although Broadway wise ones pre- dicted a flop after the first week. Picture is doing a turnaway at two performances daily and played to a little bettor than $11,500 last week. 44th 8treet—"Monte Cristo" (Fox Special). Seats 1,323. Scale, $1 mats.; top, eves., $1.65. Business Cell a little last week with the gross Solas to around $8,000. Picture Is to remain, however, until "When Winter Comes" is ready. Lyric—"A Little Child Shall Lead Them" (Fox Special). Seats 1,400. Scale, mats., $1 top; eves., $1.65. Despite terrific efforts to attract the public, this picture does not seem to be making any headway. A $1,000 offer for a new title to the picture was issued this week In the hope that it would attract further patronage. Rialto— "Missing Millions" (Par- amount). -^Soats 1.960. Scale, 50- 85-99). Alice Brady, star. This picture proved to be the weak sis- ter of the attraction offered at Broadway's big five. It failed to stand up under the fire of strong opposition and the gross on the week was $14,000, which is about* $5,000 under the average business that the house has been doing. Rivoli — "Manslaughter" (Para- mount). (Seats 2,200. Scale; 50- 85-99.) Thomas Meighan star. This was hailed as one of the big pictures of the year In the Paramount lay- out, and It pulled a corking week's business at the Rivoli, getting a little_above $29,000 on the week. Strand—"The Eternal Flame" (First National). (Seats 2.900. Scale: 30-50-85.) Norrrfa Talmadge star. A costume play that was ex- pected to remain over for a second week on Broadway, but it finished with a slogle week, although the gross on the week was $31,000. The picture, however, failed to hit the mark set by Wednesday which would have assured it of an extra week on the main stem. "BLOOD AND SAND" FLOPS IN PITTSBURGH Good Weather Helped All the Houses—New Cameo Opens Pittsburgh, Sept. 27. Start of cool weather last week had u tendency to bolster receipts in most of the local picture houses, though the Olympic, with its sec- ond week of "Blood and Sand," was far away from its earlier returns. The Valentino vehicle, having been shown also at the Liberty the week before, had about drawn the bulk of Valentino fans. "Human Hearts," which \ opened the new Cameo, which rivals any of the medium- sized houses on the Rialto for gen- eral beauty of construction, record* ed good returns and has been held over. The Milton Sills feature, "Skin Deep," nt the Grand and Lib- erty, started out mildly and im- proved gradually into a strong week-end at both places. The American Legion angle didn't mean much here, where interest is at low ebb. "Silver Wings" received perhaps the best commendation of the critics, and the State benefited. The most advertised picture here in many months, "in the Name of the Law," which was shown by Row- land and Clark at their Blackstone. did no wonders, but, withal, was an effective draw and boosted receipts at that house. Estimates: Grand—"Skin Deep" (Seats 2,500. Scale: 25-40-55). Milton Sills was credited with unusually fine work, and his support also was praised. Business latter part of week was gratifying to management, and more than mado up for a weak opening. About $12,500. Liberty — 'Skin-'Deep" (Seats 1,200. Scale: 25-40-55). The Sills vehicle outdrew its stiff opposition in Fast Liberty, and starting with Wednesday night, attendance was up to par. About $7,500. Olympic—"Blood and Sand" (2d week. Seats 1.100. Scale 25-40). The favors given all female patrons was not a big en-ugh factor to keep attendance up to the mark set the first week, and. but for a spurt at tho finish, it would have been a s:id total. About $S,500~ randolph benefits by b. & k:s dark house Drop Girl's Charges Against"^3tar Los Angeles, Sept. 27. District Attorney Thomos Wool- wind refused to accept seriously tho charges of misconduct against Her- bert Rawlinson, brought t<> his at- tsntion by the mother of Dorothy Clark. Monday Closed Through Fam- ily Death—U's Profession Midnight Show \ -Chicago, Sept. 27. The Randolph gave a special midnight pre-release showing on Thursday for professionals and ex- hibitors and In doing so Prlscilla Dean's "Under Two Flags," which was the special shown, drew more attention than any other event on the rialto for the week. Invita- tions had been broadcasted to the legit and vaudeville shows In town, and the stars appearing with them, and a gala crowd turned out which filled the house to the walls. Outside of that the closing of the Chicago and Roosevelt theatres on Monday-(owing to death in the B. & K- family), left only the Ran- dolph open of the big three houses, and so the week showed a spurt in gross at the Randolph. It finished to $6,000, the highest this house has done since Its U tenancy, playing the U picture, "The Long Chance." At the Chicago the week was listed to be a top-notcher through the vaudeville bill, which was being run In conjunction with "The Val- ley of Silent Men." The film was given second consideration in tho press and exploitation work, but just the same was treated with a lot of grace by the critics. Had the house remained open Monday it is likely that it could have easily run up a score of $42,000, but as it was it climbed much higher than any previous one for the past few months; witfi/the gross overlapping the $38,000 mark. The Roosevelt was the real suf- ferer of the week. "Blood and Sand" was a gamble In its fifth- week, and with the drawing power of the Chicago to the loop, it was figured this final week of the pic- ture would come back for some of the bad breaks It has been receiv- ing. However, the Monday closing contributed toward making the showing worse, and it Is not likely "Blood and Sand" drd $10,000. Tlrere was no real competition for this week on the street, because the Chicago was the bigger drawing house, and helped along the others with a turnaway. This was un- usual and out of the ordinary. Estimates for the week: "Valley of Silent Men" (Para- mount), Chicago. Seats 4,200; mats., 55; nights, 65. The Monday closing, due to a death in the family, ef- fected the gross on the week almost $4,000. The vaudeville portion of the show was the big thing, and was worked up to a terrific busi- ness; close to $3S,000. "The Long Chance" (Universal), Randolph. Had its biggest Sunday, Monday and Wednesday since the- atre was under U management, fin- ishing the week to $6,000. House Is being made a success and run- ning high score in grosses, but will show its real value when It has a fang run feature. Seats, 686; mats., 35; nights, 50. "Blood and Sand" (Paramount). Roosevelt, fifth week. Seats 1,275; mats., 39; nights, 50; holidays, 60. Film had a bad run at this house, with the final week being a flop; $10,000. WEATHER AND CHANGE OF TIME BOOSTS BOSTON'S BUSINESS CLAIMS -SANS GENE" Katharine Kidder Would Prevent Picture Release of Story Injunction proceedings to prevent the release of a picture version of "Mme. Sans Gene" by Albert Ken- nedy are threatened by Katharine Kidder, who achieved fame as the historic washerwoman in the Sar- dou play. * Kennedy, who,was genera! pro- duction director for CJoIdwyn and Universal before he entered' the In- dependent producing field, has been instructed by the dramatic star that steps will be taken to restrain the exhibition of the picture. It is scheduled for release Oct. 1 through Producers' Securities Corp. It is alleged the screen version is an In- fringement of the play, which she controls. Kennedy has replied he went to historic sources for his play ma- terial, which Is public property. Ho denies the Sardou play furnished his inspiration. The play has been done by Bern- hardt and another version was played by Amelia Bingham. Loew's State Strong Draw Amazing Wise Theatre Men—Fox to Continue at Tremont Temple De- spite Flop of "A Little Child Shall, Lead Them" AITKENS ACTIVE AGAIN Boost "Waukesha Idea" in Middle West—Revive Old Promotion The Altken Bros, come to bat again in the dissemination of litera- ture in Chicago boosting "The Wau- kesha Idea," which is a scheme for the development of waterways in the Great Lakes and nearby terri- tory. They want canal develop- ments, particularly In Wisconsin. The Aitkens, who were promoters of the Triangle Film Co., own a big dairy farm in Waukesha, to which they have retired, following litiga- tion growing out of the Triangle collapse. The publicity campaign for waterways and public education to that project via moving picture productions emphasizes the part played by the Aitkens in the ex- ploitation of Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford and other stars, al- though the name of Triangle is not mentioned. The "Waukesha Idttt" apparently Is a revival of the Amcen campaign in behalf of waterway development carried oh some time ago. The Alt- kens were pushing a screen educa- tional campaign with promotion features at that time. . HOPE HAMPTON PULLS RECORD IN DETROIT Heavy Publicity Gets Star and Picture Otfer Strongly Detroit. Sept. 27. Business was off the first part of last week on account of the contin- ued hot spell, l>ut as it became cooler toward the end business picked up at all of the motion pic- ture houses. The prize package for business was at the Capitol, where Hope Hampton's latest, "The Light in the Dark," was shown with a personal appearance by the star. Miss Hamp- ton's manager put over more pub- licity stunts than have ever been achieved by any film star that has appeared here In the past year. She personally was involved in many of them, such as giving a free mat- inee for all red-headed girls and a banquet for 50 of them at one of the hotels. No doubt the charming per- sonality of the star herself, meeting thousands of people during the week, had a lot to do toward in- creasing the box-office receipts. The picture itself Is the best thing she has yet done, and it was lauded by all the Detroit nowspapers. Partic- ular etress was made of the 1,100 feet of colored photography by a new process which wo understand cost $2 per foot per print. John H. Kunsky, who owns tho Capitol, said ho did nearly a record business during tho week, which means the rocelpts must have been somewhere in the neighborhood of $25,000. "Blood and Sand" did a corking good third-week business at the Adams, where it closed the first-run engagement. Business throughout the 21 days was very profitable. It will bo January 1 before it will be released to the neighborhood the- atres. It Is the only picture which Paramount has sold first-run with a four-months' protection. "Nanook of the North" had a sat- isfactory business at the Broad way - Strand. It did not break any rec- ord, but the picture did cause con- siderable comment, and no picture released this year received such praiseworthy newspaper notices. "Tho Prisoner of Zenda." at the Madison, was held for a second week, having reached a figure of $9,000 tho first three days of the previous week. While the second week did not hit as high a mark as the first, tho receipts were very close, so that tho two weeks' en- gagement reached expectation* of both the producers :md the man- agement. "Silver Wings" at tho Fox-Wash- ington held up very nicely, and Maaager Shafer la continuing the engagement for another week. No doubt the run was forced somewhat In order to create a favorable im- pression for the rest of the city. Business the first Sunday of the second week was just as big a* the first, so that indications point to good attendance the remainder of the current week. Boston, Sept. 27. Although the Aim field is sharing In the general theatrical prosperity throughout Greater Boston its share is relatively low. The daylight- saving period expired Sunday, and the first of tho week showed such a marked increase in takings, com- bined with* the cold weather, that the gloom group along Celluloid alley began to take heart a little. Loew's New State, a 4,000-capacity house with a 50-cent top evenings, continues incrcdiby strong. This $4,000,000 building houses in addition to offices a 600-capaclty intimate theatre which is a miniature replica of the main theatre, and in addition a dance hall, which in the short time it has been opened looks like another Loew gold mine as regards future rental returns. Tremont Temple is filling in this week with a five-day showing of the Eustace African travel pictures, which started off surprisingly strong. The Fox Interests are a trifle dis- heartened over the exploitation flop of "A Little Child Shall Lead Them," but are to continue with tho house indefinitely as New England's ex- ploitation house for Fox releases. Thore is no question but what this house, which has a long-run reputa- tion, con be*put across aa a down- town first-release theatre, despite th£ fact that it Is of the auditorium type, with a large section of Its bal- cony unfit for pictures. The smaller first-run houses havo been hit the hardest, despite clever advertising and an occasional nigh spot. Suburban houses are showing strength. Second runs of "Blood and Sand" were issued for a number of Boston pop and larger ^picture houses this week, with much Interest displayed by smaller exhibitors who are contending that this feature, which broke aU Boston picture rec- ords Labor Day week at tho State and all pop records at Loew's Or- pheum, will not draw heavy in the second-run houses, but will clean up for the smaller suburban houses later when it reaches them. Estimates for last week: Loew's State (capacity, 4,000; 25- 50c). "Broadway Rose" and the Semon "Golf" reached nearly $12,000, far ahead of expectations. With a normal bill and with a full winter- season orchestra this house shows a profit at about $8,500, according to those who profess to know. "Man- slaughter" this week opened strong Monday night and looks like a $13,- C00 or $14,000 week. Next week "The Old Homestead" is announced, with Theodore Roberts (Paramount). Tremont Temple (capacity, 2,000: 25-SOc). "With Eustace in African Jungles" jumped in for flvo days un- expectedly after it looked aa If the Fox people would have the house dark for the week. Mr. and Mrs. Harry K. Eustace are appearing with the pictures dally. Park (capacity, 2,400; 28-40c). Third week of- Harold Lloyd'* "Grandma's Boy" fell off sharply, being reported at around $5,000. Picture started like a wow. This week' "Silver Wings," the newest. Fox mother-love series, opened quietly. Mary Carr, the mother, is being advertised to appear at every performance, her personal drawing power being still an open issue Tuesday night, when business was neither weak nor strong. Modern (capacity, 800; 28-40c). "Human Hearts" and "Married Peo- ple" last week reported at around $4,000. "What's Wrong With the Women" and "Queen of the Moulin Rouge" this week. Beacon (attraction, scale and seat- ing capacity identical with Modern). Takings last week under the Modern slightly. Southern Exchange's Partnership E. V. Richards of the Saengcr Amusement Co. and AI Lichtman have concluded a partnership agree- ment under which three subsidiary companies are to be formed for tho operation of a like number of 6X- changei in tho southern territory. The exchanges are to bo located in Atlanta, Dallas and New Orleans. The first will have the territory in- cluding Carolina. Tennessee. Ala- bama, Georgia and Florida; the second, Texas, Arkansas and Okla- homa, while the third will havo Louisiana and Mississippi. Rich uds and Lichtman will each hold 5(i per cent interest In the ex- change*. A fourth exchange is to be opemd at a latter date In Okla- homa Cit}. E. C. Leeves, former southwest sales manner for Asso- ciated producers, has been made genera! manager of the Dallas ex- change. I