Variety (November 1922)

Friday, November 24, 1822 PICTURES S7 iSECZ^SCZX. rzsc PiCniRES IN BOSTON GAIN ' LEGITIMATE niEATRE-SEWYN HOLD-OVER FILMS '•**•: ;.* .,- StarU Next Week, Following "lt*s a Boy** Flop— Loeiy't Local Houses Try New Plan Successfully v^.^^id a ToUl of $43,000 Business Fri«c% Had Thr«« F««turM Holdinf Ov«p • BIG SUNDAY BUSINESS IN WIDE OPEN BUFFALO Iv l« ^ : ~^^' Boston, Nov. 22. Shown at Loew'a State theatre, uptown, and the maaalve Orpheum downtown, the Valentino fllm, "The Young Rajah" was reaponsiblo for over 143,000 bualneas betw-een the two houses last week. The showing sintultaneously was full of dreaded possibilities, accord- ing to those who watch. It was figured the State would bo hurt by the picture at the house in the heart of the city, a house which under ordinary conditions does» not take over a picture until it has run at the State. But the dope was all wrong and while the State did over $15,000. as much as could be done with its seating capacity, the Orpheum did over $18,000. It was a grand little week for the two local Loew houses. "Knighthood" did not do the big business last week that character- ised it the previous week, weakness showing MoQ,day and Tuesday mats and Sunday afternoon. At the other showings the houso was well filled and the gross ran between $8,000 and $9,000. This film has several weeks of time left here and the house is on a rental basis for as long as it can be used by Cos- mopolitan. There is a possibility o< the Fair- banks people taking over the Selwyn and putting "Robin Hood" in there for a fight against the Hearst pic- ture. If the Fairbanks people could have gotten Tremnnt temple on a satisfactory arrangement they might have started this opposition before, but "One Exciting Night" had the house—and still has—and the Fox Interests have a hold on it when Griffith finishes. Up to last week there didn't seem to be a chance of the Selwyn, com- ing into the picture field for the season. But the flop of "It's a Boy" has thrown the house on the market. In fact a film la booked in there for * next week and supposed to stay four weeks. This la "Down to the Sea With Ships," the Clifton production filmed at New Bedford and which has been shown at the Shubert- Majestic In Providence to good bus- Ineaa. The time that haa been al- lowed the Clifton picture could probably h% secured In part by the Fairbanks' interests If they were anxious to get It and the shortage of legitimate attractions In the Belwyn ranka probably meana they will let the house out to films on a percentage busineaa for the next couple of mbntha. "One Exciting Night" ia advertised as being close to the finish. A couple of weeks longer will aee the picture out of the houae and there la no chance of It sUylng longer because of any exciting popular de- mand for It The groas for last week waa figured In the neighbor- hood of $5,000 and at thla figure the SCHOOL TEACHERS HELP Convention in Kansas City Last Week Kansas City. Nov. 22. Some 16.000 aohool teachera from all parte of the state, here for their annual meeting, and incidentally looking for amusements, not to be found in their own town*, were re- sponsible to a large extent for th^ increased business at the silent drama houses, particularly the last half of the week. To the surprise of the "wise ones," the Constance Talmadge picture "East Is West" started badly at the Newman Sunday, and up until Wednesday looked like a flop, but with the first day of the teachers* convention capacity and turn-aways were the rule, putting the gross a . little, above that of the previous week. The other first-run houses also enjoyed the benefit of the visiting ■ 't San FVanciaco, Nov. 22. improveBa«nt In weather last week brought a general lift In business at the downtown first-run houses. The outstanding event of the week was the special presentation of "Knight- hood" at the Curran. Practically every night of the first week was sold out for "Knighthood," but the matinees were decidedly off. Toward the end of the week, ^how- ever, a alitrht pickup in the matinee attendance was noticeable, and the predictions are that the fllm will bold up well during the engagement. The Imperial held over for a sec- ond week "The Old Homestead." and the receipts equaled those of the first seven days, although not very big. At the Tivoll "East Is West" stayed for a third week. California.—"A Woman's Woman" (United Artists). (Seats 2.700; scale. 60-75-90.) All-star cast. Also "The I Educator" (Educational). IJoyd Hamilton, star. The feature, though devoid of any big names, was favor- ably received. Business showed Im- provement over preceding week, with the gross at $13,000. Qranda.—"Clarence'* (Paramount). (Seats 2.940: scale, 60-75-90). Wal- lace Reld. star. This William Do from start Also Paul Ash In a neat act. titled "In Scotland." that aided the box ofTloe. Drew $14 000. Imperial.- "The Old TTomestead" (Parnmoiint). (Seats 1.425; scale. a.'J-BO-Tfi). Theodore Roberts and all-star cast. Second week. Gross. $f; 000 Strand —"Skin Deep" (Thos. Tnce.) (Sents 1.700: .scale. 40-55. Milton Sills and Florence VIdor featured. There hns been much advance talk Lights Downtown on Sabbath Stimulates Theatres—Extra Attractions Last Week RArS DENVER FLOP Mix Did Wall Last Wsak—Alto "Rajah" in Two Houses - , Buffalo, Nov. 22. Bualneaa chmg persistently to high levels at local picture houses ' rest of the week Denver, Nov. 22. Rodolph Valentino In "The Young Rajah" bowled them over at the Princess and Rialto last week to over $9,000 at the Rlalto and nearly $8,000 at the Princeas. The cub- ton I 18 Kt. oil *ln lino at both houses Sunday afternoon and night, and did likewise at all the ni^ht ahows the % last week, all theatres turning in grosses above average, trade swing- ing along at top speed with heavy bills featured at downtown houses and special plays being made all round *or record takings. Notice- able feature of the aituation is the heavy draw all theatrea aeem to be getting Sundays. Criterion and Garden recently started Sunday picture programs. Majestic nad Teck open everv week-end, the former playing YidJlah perform- ances, which aeem to be having strongest draw in many seasons. Showmen attribute sensatiunal Sun Milton Sills at the Colorado In "Skin Deep" pulled only fair busi- ness, while Charles Ray at the America did a flop. Ilia "Alias JL»''« ••' V i" f«'ii a ou^ ji.s (lat as anything he haa ever bsen In locally, and Will Rogera in "The Roping Fool" waa unable to pull the week out of the hole. Tom Mix in "All Baba and the Forty Thievea" at the lala drew hia uaual hqjise. Mix la inighSy popu- iai- in la i w l«i-n- < <j, y ^^t•-Jiorn city, becauae he tiaually rides and ropea hla way through aeveral reels of the red-blooded action the west '* 1 day buainesa to the fact that all likea. Hia face out In front usually " ' " " la the signal for a rush. If the policy just announced by Louis Levand of the Empress la houses being open, hundreds of additional patrons are brought into downtown district by the extra ad vertlaing and the lighting upx>f sec- adopted generally pictures ought to ^ ^ ,. . ■, . . ^" this film, which was supposed to teachifrs, but the Increased business |^^ ^^ several other houses, but which was not as noticeable as at the fina'lv landed In Strand. Business Newman. The Mainstreet and Pan- i ^of off big and held up strongly alK tages continue to circus their pic- week, showing decided improv<»ment lures in addition to their vaudeville. > 'or ^^f" house, with the statement which is bound to have its effect on ' sh^."''"'^ $11,000 the regular film houses, as the fllm ' Tivoli. "Knsi Is West" (First Na- fan is a shopper and will go where tlonal). (Seats 1.80«: scjile. 2^-^0.) the greatest value is offered. , Con^tanre Talmadge star. Tbird Last week's estimates: 'week Big drop In receipts, due to Newman—"East Is West" (First >'*^Tncr<hened run. Two weeks o^good National). Seats. 1,9S0. Scale: results was plenty for pieture in Mats.. 35; nights. 50-75. Constance Tivoll. which has somewhat of Talmadge. Balance of the bill waa steady werUIy clientele. Final week arranged to carrv out the Oriental ■ showed $6 ROO. , • atmosphere. Around $14,800. Loew's Wsrfield.—"Enter Madame" Royal —"A JTailor-Made Man" (Metrf>) Seats 2.R00: scale. 35-75.) (Paramount). Seats, 890. Scale. 35- Clara Kimball Young star. The star tions hitherto dark Sundays. Hip forged to frort last week. Valentino feature sending house over. "Rajah" beat gro.ss of "Blood and Sand" at same house. Loew'a and Lafayette were nip and tuck, both offering high quality bills and heavy headline features both on yaudeviUe and picture enda. The Olympic haa forged ahead rapidly under new management (Universal) and is said to be turning in good business for house. , . Last week's estimates: Hippodroma — "Youn'g Rajah." (Ca])a<i(y. 2,400. Scale: Mats., 15- 25; nights. 26-50.) Heavy returns, and while consensus seems to have b'een that feature was not up to "Blood and Sand." film, beat for- mer's ^mark at this house by sev- eral hundred dollars. Over $14,000 last week. Loew'a State—Mabel Taliaferro, "P'or Big Stakes "and "Ladles' Man." (Capacity. 3.400. Scale: Mats., 20; nights. 20-40.) Taliaferro featured on this bill with double picture card d:'w>pplng into 'second place. Busi- ness contimies to average around $1.'),000; $13.C0O last week. beneflt in Denver. Levand saya vaudeville patrons are tired of ait- tlng througfrlin hour or so of fea- ture picture and proposes to sub- stitute a few additional Taudeville turns in its place. He is making the experiment this week. Last week's estimates: Rislto—(Paramount. Seats, 1,250 Prices: Matinee. 25 and 35; night', 40). Valentino In "The Young Rajaii" Standing room only at many shows. $9,2'>0 for week. Re- turn engagement likely. Princess — *(Paramount. Seats, 1,050. Prices: Matinee, 25 and 86; night, 40). "The Young Rajah." Business near capacity all week. Program of .Rialto duplicated. Around $7,960, ' Colorsdo—(BIshop-Cass. Seats, 2,488. Prices: Matinee. 30; night, 40). Milton Sills in "Skin Deep." Not heavy business getter, although fairly well advertised. Plenty of seats at most shows. About $6,000. America — (Blahop-Caaa. Seats, 1.T76. Prices! Matinee. 25; night. S5). Tom Mix In "A41 Baba and the Forty Thievea." Mix scored hla 50. Charlea Ray. Many of the atara' followers declared It the first real picture he has made since "The Old Swlmmln* Hole." Close to $7,000. Liberty—"Rags to Riches" (War- ner Brothers). Seats, 1,000. Scale: 35-50. Wesley Barry. Picture espe- cially entertaining to the younger generation, but failed to draw the Liberty regulars. Business off from previous week. About $6,000. Twelfth Street—"The Siren Call" (Paramount). Seats. 1,100. Scale: 10-26. l>orothy Dal^on. Around $2,000. Opposition first-runs at outside and popular vaudeville houses* "The $5 Baby," Mainstreet; -"Dusk *o Dawn," Apollo; "Another Man's Shoes," Globe. C I CONGRESS CONVENING Cspital Getting Lively—Good for Picturs Housss Cisco for some time as far as a feat- ured ntfrartlon Is concerned. Mu- sical Dirortor I^lpsrhuMz helned in what business there vinn, although the returns were under those of the preceding week, when a home-made picture waa the attraction. Got $7,000, Frolic —"Under Two Flaps" (Uni- versal-Jewel). (Seats 1,000: .scale, 10-30.) Prl.sciUa Dean star. Re- ceipts $2,700. 'KNIGHTHOOD' ENDS CHI RUN SUDDENtY film isn't making a mint of money , „ ^ , ^ ,. * after rental charges are deducted, put over locally during and before Leaves Roosevelt, Chicago, After Seven Weeks—New Paramount Did $25,000 -- Chicago, Nov. 22. Washington, Nov.- 23. j "One Exciting Night" Is making a "Knighthood" not only got the | tremendoua play for the moving greatest of advertising displays ever *, Jackie Coogan In "Oliver Twist" will come into the bouse when Grif- fith abandons it for a stay of two or three weeks and then It Is ex- p^ted the house will pass back to Fox and be used for the original purposs, showing of new productions from that outfit. Ths two consistent money making small houses in town. Modern and Beacon, came acrosa in their uaual aatiafactory manner laat week both turning In groaaea that were in the neighborhood of $6,000. Given an equal break these houses can be depended upon to do alMJUt this bus- iness week In and week out during the winter months, sometimes going as big as $7,600 and dropping down to al>eut $4,000 in the summer months. "The Curse of Drink" at the Globe waa off for the week, the business being about $3,000. This house had done far better than that in other weeks so far this season, and the business of this film was rather a disappointment. Estimates for last week: Loew'a Stats —Capacity. 4.000; scale, 25-50. Big week with Valen- tino In "The Young Rajah." Better than $15,000. Using "Trifling Wom- en" with the Buster Keaton film, "Frozen North ' this week. Tremont Templ e—Capacity . 2.000; -Rcalc. 50-$1.507 "DTTS ExcilInK Night* due to leave In two weeks. Last week, neighborhood of $5,000. Park—Capacity, 2,400; scale, 50- $1.50. "KnightJiood," between $8,000 and $9,000. Beginning to slide off on matinees early in week. Modern—Capacity. 800; scale. 28- 40, By lucky break thin house hus feature, can be legitimately use<l to take advantage of oceans of pub- licity, being given ease of Gordon girl whose san its four weeks' run, but it evidently had all the breaks also. What would have normally been listed as but a fair week was forced over into a rather good one because of the large gathering in town of the members of the Eastern Star. "Nero," Fox, got heavy display in advance advertising and created considerable interest. The reconvening of Congreaa dur- ing the current week ought to re- flect Itaelf in 'the picture houaea. Estimates for last week: Loew'a Columbia—(Capacity, 1,- 200; scale, 20-35 afternoons, 35-60 nights.) Fourth and last week of "Knighthood." About $11,000. Crandall's Metropolitsn—(Capac- Lsfaystte-^immy Hussey and , "f"*^ »»Jt In thla film, with aomo- "Smudge." (Capacity. 3.400. Scale: *"'"? added '"r food meaaure. Re- Mats.. 20-25; nights, 30-50.) Hussey ^elpts about $7,60«. , shared bill with Ray feature, al- "^ though former real draw. TAct went over well and drew good comment. Picture above recent Ray level and found popularity. Between $13,000 and $14,000 last week. Olympic— 'Under Two Flags." (Capacity, 1,600. Scale: Mats., 16; nights. 20-26.) Getting hack Into running under Universal's wing. "Human Hearts" week before last started it, and preser t feature kept things running nicely for first re- spectable grosses house h/ls had since reopening. House now making first real money since I.«abor Day. PICTURE CRITICS PAN DOES GOOD BUSINESS "REMEMBRANCE" OFF Falls Down in Dstroit—This Wssk Otherwise picture business in the loop. Never claimed to be the greatest film that Grlflnth everr produced. It stIU proved [ one'exception. entertaining enough to make people . Washington, where "Remembrance" talk and buy seats. E^ren their prices was being shown and which was Detroit. Mich., Nov. 22. The picture houses did excellent business last week, despite several days of rain. It has been proven that whenever any of the first-run houses have unusual box-offlce pic- tures it serves tj stlmgJate attend- ance at the other picture houses, and this happened last week with — .. _ rpy,^^ ^^g ijj^ Fox- were wisely picked with 600 seats on the main floor at $1. with a few seats for $1.50 and running down to 60 cent.s, with the matlneea going for 60 and 76 oenta. It is aaid the bouse was rented for eight weeks at $4,000 a week, with Griffith pay- ing the extraa. Although the prea- entatlon Is nothing spectacular. It is pleasing and covers up 45 minutes. "Knighthood" without announce- ment bowed Its way out of Balaban ful and money-making run of seven weeks • It Is said Hearst solicited every legit theatre in the city to harbor this picture, but owing to prior arrangements could not con- nect 'pulled" Thursday on account of poor busij^sa. The picture received excellent newspaper notlcea, but, aa one newspaper critic aaid, "it is Im- possible to make a man a subject of sympathy, such as Rupert Hughes did in 'The Old Nest' with the mother." Orpheum.—"Robin Hood" con- tinues to capacity. Matinees not capacity. Third week. Adamc.—"Knighthood" holding up A Katz's Roosevelt after a success- splendidly. Remain at least one "Robinhood" (United Artists), Cohan'.s, Grand, 5th week; seats 1.- 600: seale, $1.65, $1.10. 55). Left Ity, 1,700; scale, 20-3.') matinees. 36 60 nights.) "Nero." Heavily adver- | Estimates for last week: tised. Picture advertised 12 reels, and Crandall had augmented or- chestra for week of 40 musicians, omitting all extra features. May have done $10,000. Loew'a Palace—(Capacity, 2.600; scale, 20-35 matlnqcv; 20-30-40-60 nights.) Thomas Meifshan in "The Man Who Saw Tomorrow" (Para- mount). Picture was well liked. Ahout $9,000. Moore's Rialto—(Capacity. 1,900; scale, mornings, 25; afternoons, 35; cvcniuiis. 50.) George Aiiiaa in "The Man Who Played (id" (United Artists). Arliss pi«ture w.aa liked and did about $7,000. more week, If not longer Madison.—"Brothers Under the Skin." Goldwyn picture, suited to Madison audiences. Big business around $14,000. Capitol.— Brawn of the North." Particular interest was attached to this production on account of its author, Jane Murfin. former wife of a well-known Detroit Judge. Very after fifth week and will not be P«;i<J business shown again in city until .lanuary,'. Broadway.Strand. - "Sin Flood.' when it comes Into the Roo.sevelt at I'>-«y*tl to excellent business. It is said the picture "Man Who Saw Tomorrow" Holds Up in Philly—Fair Trade Ust Week Philadelphia, Nov. 22. No outstanding pictures but gen- erally good business last wevk. The dallies—most of them—ham- mered "The Man Who Saw Tomor- row" unmercifully, but, aa another evidence of the entire abaence of weight which movie reviewa carry here, the feature did nice bualneaa. Business at the Aldinc had several interesting features, especially the big matinee trade. It la likely that not since the opening of the houae— anyway except in perhapa two cases —haa there been such an afternoon Ajtclvv "The Old Homeatead" flnlahcd aatlsfactorily at the Stanton. The fourth of the bigger houaes had a pleasantly surprising gross with "Skin Deep." which received good notices and excellent word of mouth booming. A feature In the situation among the smaller houses was the midweek switch at the Arcadia, which did so little with "Honor First," with Jack Gilbert, that "Ths Prisoner of Zen- da" was suddenly booked In. As this same Ingram feature plays this week at the I'alace, that means six weeks straight for it at prominent down- town houses—a record that has been attained l)y few films here of late. Both the Aldine (with "Broadway Rose") and the Karlton (with "Skin Deep") /started their second weeks encouragingly. A feature booking was that of "Shadowa" at the Vic- toria, the only one of the Stanley downtown houaea which ever at- tempts ballyhooing. , Estimates ot last week: Stanley—"The Man Who Saw To- morrow" (Paramount). Hana Kln- dler, 'cellist, helped keep business up. Notices not flatt«fring. About $22,500. Stanton—"The Old Homestead" (Paramount). .Second week not so good as first. $13,000 satl.sfac tory to "Nero" this week given big 50 cents top. will run four weeks at thl.^ house, The dog, Strongheart, has got to be after which it will be shown at the rntpular idol, and strong picture outline theatres. Final w«>ek. $8,00(i helped. Around $31,000. "One EMciting Night" (D. W, Grif- "Kentucky Derby" (Universal),' all. fith), (Illinois. 1st week; seats l.r.OO; iKah(lol|)h; seats 686; mat., 35: [splurge In papers, but result la atill sr.ile. $1, 7.'"), 50). Plenty of money nights, iO). rompl«»tlng three weeks' i in dmitrt:—— ' ' sjient to put this one over. First run to yvh.it is considered good l>usl - ! Aldine—"Broadway Ros*'" (Metro), week .'iround $11,000. ness f/ir Ihi.s house. Op<?nlng Mon- '■ Fine matinee busine.c.*! off-^et some "The Man Who Saw Tomorrow" day, George Arliss film, "The Man ; weak nights, passing $12,000. Is in (Paramount), McVickers; 8«'ats, 2,- Who Played God"; tremen<lous for two weeks, and will be followe'l .500; mat.. 49; nlght.«', r>9). Business new8r>aper plugging. Looks good for by "Five Dollar Baby' and "Enter I fell down little at this new picture im-w record fortius little ihe.atre. by courts and trial i.^ sensational. ; T>nlare, although not enough to hurt.. "Knighthood" (Cosmopolitan), 'Tin We Meet Again,' is picture and Houtie said to run under overhead (Ro«)sevelt; .«eats 1,275; mat.. 39; being played big alrmg indicated of $20,000. Heavy new-opaper cam- nights, 58). Seventh and la.«<t wt ek. lines. "The Sin Flood," used for paign helping business materially, T.-lttle over $17,000. For some un- Eupporting feature. , around $2^.000. known reason, out without an Beacoi .Madame" for single weeks. Karlton—"Skin Deep' (First Na- tional). Good notices and friendly word of mouth odvertlslnf,' brought pross to about $7,590. Held for an- other week, hut Injslne.eR .xlrnped and n—Capacity, scale and at- "Bawn of ths North" (Chicago: nounrcmcnt and with '^Manslaugh- j 'Trouh''' " with Jaoklc Ct^zan, was l\y ^s "being decided I traction same aa Mode^^ i seats 4,200. mat^ 60; nights, 65). ter" .in. ; J-put In Tuesday, i ,. .. jyiH ,,^ •T» ri<r-*vl A'Vt'*.