Variety (December 1922)

■"!' . ■-'!.' 36 P i C T U R E S f. '■y^ii •">■' Friday, December 22, 1922 BROADWAY HOUSES IN SLUMP OF PRE-HOLIDAY BUSINESS Better Than Looked For, However — Grosses From $4)000 and Under Below Previous Weeks Although Strand Just Topped Last Week's Gross The business In the big pre-re- lease houses alongf Broadway took a further slump last week in line with the usual pre-hollday lot down. None of the houses with one excep- tion managed to hold up to the cross business that was done the previous week. Strange to say, however, this week leading rij^ht up to the Christmas holiday is allowing an improvement The exhibitors cannot account for this, as they ex- pected this week to be the worst of the month, with the big rusli of business to come along tomorrow. The Capitol, Rivoli and Rialto all felt the depression last week, while the Strand just about topped the business that it did the week pre- Tious. At the Capitol -JJroken Chains" dropped about 14.000 under what the week ahead had done, while the RivoU was off $3,000 and the Rialto dropped 13,500. The Rivoli held a Wallace Reld l>Icture and the Rialto had "Outcast." which was at the house further up the street the week previous. Both ttie ''Hoods" dropped off as their runs lengthened. With ''Knighthood'* having 12 weeks to its credit the receipts dropped slightly below $9,000. while "Robin Hood" at the Lyric did around $12,000. Tha William Fox special still re- maining on*tbe street is "The Town That Forgot God" at the Astor, en- tering its final two weeks. It start- ed fairly well and commenced to pick up on its second and third weeks, but since has slumped off so that there is little stirHng at the box office, although the run is hav- ing its value in advertising. Next week Fox is coming to the 44th St. for two weeks with a re- vival of "Over the Hill," which had a phenomenal run on Broadway two years ago. He is presenting the pic- ture to fill the open time at the house rather than In the hope that it will do any particular business. At the Cameo the American Re- leasing Is still holding forth under Its rental arrangement and pre-rc- Jeasing their product. Thoy have taken the house for an additional eight weeks and ^111 continue to present the greater part of their next 12 releases during that time. The Broadway theatre which plays a feature in conjunction with ' the Keith vaudeville sprang a nov- elty this week with an all-comedy bill, showing a trio of comedies with Charles Chaplin, Bustor Kca- ton and Larry Semon, billing it as a "Komedy Karnlval." Seemingly it had some box office dratight. to- gether with the all-romedy vaude- ville bin given in conjunction. Estimates for last week: Aster.—"The Town That Forgot God" (Fox) (seats 1,131; scale: mats., |1 top; eves., $1.50> (7th week). Next week will be final one, followed by the F. B. O. feature. "The Third Alarm," house taken on straight rental from Shuberts. The Fox experience on Broadway this season in the matter of exploi.ta- tlon runs has been rather unsuc- cessful from the standpoint of box- offlce success, but has had tremen- dous advertising value. In succession "Silver Wings," "Nero." "Monte Crlsto." "The Village Blacksmith" and "The Town That Forp:ot God" have all been shown. This latter picture, however, has a great deal of the punch that made "Over the Hill" successful. It Is a tear com- peller. Last week gross under $.'.,000. Csmeo.—"As a Man Lives" (Amer- ican Releasing) (seats r)50; scale: 60-75). Production otie of serio.s American Releasing has hr^cn pre- releaslng at this house. Not world- beater but fair picture. Got little better than $3,800. Capitol.—"P.roken Chains" (Gold- wyn) (seats G.300; scale: mat?., ?3- 50-$l; eves., B5-85-$l). Played big- f:est house on Broadway during one of worst weeks theatre has had In long time. Gross on week went little over $33,000, considered weak for house with big capacity. This week business picked up during first three days and will undoubtedly top last week by several thousand dollara Criterion. — "Knighthood" (Cos- mopolitan-Paramount) (seats 8S6; scale: mats.. $1.50 top; eves., $2) (12th week). Nearing end of run. Just topped $8,800 last week. — Lyric—"Robin Hood" (United Artists) (seats 1,400; scale: mats, $1.50 top; eves., $2) (8th week) Doing very good business but not tumaway, but with two months on Broadway is naturaL Little ovei $12,000 last week. Rislto. — "Outcast" (Paramount ^ (seats 1,960; scale: 65-85-99). E]si< Ferguson.^ iSecond week on Broad way, moving down from Rivoli where it got over $2?,000 provlou; w«eJL . Ai ,B^to gt9m dropped on about $5,000, picture getting $17,400 on week. Rivoli.—"Thirty Days" (Para- mount) (seats 2.200; scale: 55-85- 99). Wallace Reld. Picture Just got und^r wire before Reid dope story broke. Got $19,100 on week; in line with general slump along the street. Strand. —"The Beautiful and Damned" (Warner Bros.) (seats 2.900; scale: 30-50-85). First of Warner Bros, series of features to piny this house. Business far from beitiK unusual, although little better than house did preceding week. The second Warner Bros, picture Is in this week. "Heroes of the Street," after which there will be wait of several weeks before "The Little Church Around the Comer" and •Brass" are ready for showing. Later "Main Street" Is to be con- cluding piqture of series for Strand. Gross last week was $20,700. HOLDING OVER FILM TO KEEP DOWN EXPENSE Expedient by Chicaao Houses —Everythina Fell Down Last Week Chicago, Dec. 20. The picture situation for the week past In Chicago was a repetition of the legit business. It probably is just a forerunner of the business to be chalked up this week. The Roosevelt and the Randolph pro- tected themselves by continuing a second week of their same pictures, which will hold down expenses, al- though low records \*ere marked up for both pIrtnr«H nnd houses. Estimates for last week: "One Exciting Niflht*' (Griffith) (Illinois) (5th week) (seats 1,600; scale, $1, 75, 50). Touched new low gross with around $7,000. Must have lost money on week, as house alone stands $4,000 a week, ard with other running expenses can't pos- sibly show profit. Did less than $10,000. Goes out In two more weeks, when it is 'listed for neigh- borhood houses. "All Nioht" (Universal) (Ran- dolph) (scats 686; scale, mat., 35; nights, 50) (2d week). Rodolph Val- entino killed off with showing of many pictures. Even younger ele- ment don't care to see "Sheik." Around $4,500. "Lorna Doone" (Roosevelt) (seats 1.275; scale, mat., 30; nights, 55) t4th week). Picture listed to stay another week, not on account of strength, but to keep down running expenses for natural bad week. Pic- ture said not to match up with book. Stopped at $12,000. "Triflinq Women'* (Metro) (Chl- t -go) (scats 4.200; mat., 50; nights, er.c). Probably hit one of lowest grosses this house has had since opening, although picture received complimentary notices. "Pride of Palomar" (Paramount) (McVicker's) (seats 2,500; scale, mat., 49; nights, 59. Adapted from "Saturday Evening Post" story. Drew attention, but hit lowest gross new picture palace has yet had. RAIN PLAYS HAVOC WITH FRISCO HOUSES Downtown Business Hurt But Neighborhood Theatres Profit —'Trifling Women' Record San Francisco. Dec. 20. Rainy weather played havoc with the downtown picture houses last week, the Saturday openings draw- ing scarcely any patronage. The Sunday business, however ,picked up with a bang and reached abnor- mal proportions. The rain lasted throughout the week and discour- aged theatregoers. Neighborhood houses gleaned additional busii\ess that usually goes to the first run theatres. The Sunday, business at the War- field, where "Trifling Women" was in Its second week, scored a tre- mendous box office record, smashing by a wide margin any business that this house has done since its open- ing. The Sherwoods, a musical or- ganization that got over well dur- ing the first and second week, fell down the third because the novelty of playing in the audience and pull- ing freak stunts had lost Its "kick." At the California "Ebb Tide." the picture based on Robert Louis Stev- eson's celebrated novel, proved but a mild dravvk Business was about normal. The Grenada showed "The Ken- tucky Derby," with Reginald Denny In the lead, and did a little better than Its average. Weather condi- tions prevented this house from scoring what otherwise probably would have been a big week. TY\e Imperial held over "To Have and to Hol<J" for a second week. The picture, featuring Bert Lytell and Betty Compson, is proving a better than the average drawing card. Anita Stewart In "Rose o' the Sea" was the Tlvoli attraction. Picture fans have rather tired of Miss Stew- art, apparently, for the picture, well conceived and produced, drew but a fair business. Dorothy Phillips In "The World's a Stage" was the offering at the Strand. It did well for th's house, which likes Its pictures on the melo- dramatic ord'»r. San Francisco picture attractions week Dec. 10, 1922: California—"Ebb Tide** (Para- mount). (Seats 2,700; scale. 50-75- 90.> Llla liee and James Klrkwood featured. This Is farewell week for Glno Severl, who Is being succeed- ed by Ben Black and his orchestra. The picture created but mild Inter- j est and. with the weather also against attendance, got $12,000. Granada—"The Kentucky Derby" (Universal). (Seats 2.940; scale, 50- 75-90). Business below usual, at- tributed to wet weather. The ex- cellent program offered here In con- Junction with the feature nlcture Is gaining In popularity. Paul Ash with his novelty concerts and Oli- ver Wallace at the organ are prov- ing their worth at the box office. "High Power," a mermaid comedy, had the house howling. Drew $14,000. Imperial—"To Have and to Hold" (Paramount). . (Seats 1.425; scale. 35-75.) Bert Lytell and Betty Compson. Holding Its own this second week. Gross $8,000 Strand—"The World's a Stage" (All Star). (Seats 1700; scale. 40- 55.) Dorothv Phillips. Box office showed $4,800. Tivofi—"Rose o* the Sea" (First National). (Seats 1,800; scale. 40- 55.) Anita Stewart. Drew $7 500. Loew** Warfield—"Trifling Wom- en" (Metro). (Seats 2,800; scale, 35-75.) The second week held up big. First week being $16,000, sec- ond $13,000. Frolic—"Another Man's Shoes" (Universal). (Seats 1.000; scale. 10- 30.) Just topped $2,200. zr^c BUFFALO DIVES Grosses Fell Way Down Last Week Up-Stats Buffalo, Dec. 20. Business at local picture houses took a dive last week, general holi- day activity reacting unfavorably on show houses. All of downtown theatres offered excellent bills but failed to get anything beyond ordinary returns. Showmen unan- imously think the condition Is solely the result of holiday Interest on part of public and are hopeful for heavy grosses after the current week. Last week's estimates: Lafayette Square — "Moonshine Valley" and vaudeville. Capacity, 3.400; scale, mats., 20c.-25c.; nights. 30c.-50c. Did not have much to offer In novelty but 'although business was far from sensational, satis- factory reported for the week. The Farnums very much overplayed. A 50c. top went long way toward push- ing this house to front during past seven days. Estimated at $11,000. Loew's State — "Forget-Me-Nof and vaudeville. Capacity, 3,100; scale, mats., 20c.; nights, 30c.-40c. Business fell away, although show appeared to be well rounded and good entertainment. House adopted new advertising stunt for week. In- stead of playing up the card its di.'nlay add merely road "Always a dood Show—Get in Early." This theatre- and Lafayette see-sawing, big nights at this house being slim across street and vice versa. Around $10,000. Hip—"Tailor Made Man" first half, "Domestic Relations" second half. Capacity, 2,400; scale, mats., 15c.-25c.; nights, 25c.-50c. Ray fea- ture got away to splendid start Sunday, but dropped off toward middle of week. MacDonald film second half caught patrons' favor although seemingly devoid of any- thing extraordinary. Result Is that middle of week held up fairly weM with most emphasis coming at beginning and end. Last week con- siderably under satisfactory returns for this house. Olympic—"The Jilt" and Mary PIckford reissued. Capacity. 1,500; scale, mats.. 15c.-20c.: nights, 20c.- 25c. Still limping along alth ugh considerable money being spent to put It In running. Has had one or two good weeks recently on special films, but gone cold for balance Probably did not get over $3,000. "MONEY BACK" OFFER DIDN'T HELP KUCH $100,000 FOR SHOWING Equipping the Sclwyn for Teleview Device Costly Exploitation CAPITOL HEL Ay\}P Gleichman, Detroit, Tried It— "Young Rajah" Terrific Flop The backers of the Teleview, the new stereoscopic^ screen device which goes Int^^^he Selwyn, are spending $100,000 for this public introduction of their apparatus without any expectation that the engagement will even be a profitable one. The whole theatre Is being equipped with a hand device re- sembling a fan on a projection ma- chine Hirough which tlTe spectator views the screen. A device is sup- vl f (1 for each seat- This equipment had to be provided for the Teleview, but not in such quantity as neces- sary for the theatre showing. The Invention is aimed only at scientific use and not for general exhibition purposes, for which It Is too elaborate and costly, and the Selwyn engagement Is only for pub- licity ends. Financiers connected with the Sheffleld Farms-Borden ATllk Company are said to be back- ng the enterprise. Robert Long Is handling the publicity and E. R. Greathouse is th6 manageTiJ,, Didn't Drop As Expected Last Week Washington. Dec. 20. The pre-holiday period hit Wa.sh- Ington as was to be expected, but not with the drop In receipts as expected. No big names featured. . Estimates for last week: Loew's Columbia—''Trifling Wom- en" (Metro). Capacity, 1,200; scale, 20c.-3!5c. mats.; 35c.-50c. nights. Looked to have reached the previous week's figure of $13,000, although this Is a little under the usual done by the house where all the specials are shown. Rialto—Lionel "Rarrymore In "The Face In the Fog." Capacity, 1,900; scale, mornings. 25c.; afternoons, 35c.; evenings, 50c. This was ad- vertised as thriller and thrill it did. About $6,500. Loew's Palace—"A Fool There Was." About $7,000. Current week, house splits two features. Cranclairs Metropolitan — "liOra Doone." Capacity, 1,700; scale, 20c.- 35c. mats.; i5c.-50c. nights. Usual business,' holding close to that of Palace, with $7,000. Detroit, Dec. 20. The lack of box oflice pictures, coupled with close proximity to the holidays, caused business at tho picture houses to take an awful slump last week. Everybody oponed big Sunday, but from then on "nothing doing." The be.«?t play was at the Madison and Capitol, these houses doing fairly well and showing a slight profit for the week. Estimates for last week: Adam*—"The Young Rajah," ter- rible "flop" second week, surprls ng to John H. Kunsky, who had an- ticipated profitable business after doing so well the first week. Doubt if this picture did as much as $5,500 on the week. Washington—Tom Mix feature did around $4,500. Opened big Sat- urday and had a big Sunday, but nothing to brag about rest of week. Broadway-Strand — "Forget Me Not." Phil G-leichman. managing director of this house, for first time advertised to refund money to patrons not satisfied. It helped bus- iness some, but the total week's re- ceipts were disappointing. Around $4.r»00. Madison—"The Forgotten Law." Business not quite normal, but week was profitable. Around $9,000. Capitol—"Daughter of Luxury" and latest Buster Keaton comedy. What helps the Capitol Is Sunday, when business Is always good, otherwise week was weak. Orpheum—Last week of "Robin Hood." Business showed small profit. "Down to tho Sea in Phips" will remain at least two weeks. Edward Grossman, formerly ex- change manager for the Associated Producers In Denver, has joined Ithe AL Llchtman organization as s]>eclal representative. >• TWO **COPPERFIELDS" There are going to be two film productions of "David CopperfiekV ready for the exhibitors In a short time, both with noted kid screen stars. Sol Lesser Is making one version with Jackie Coogan, or pos- sibly some other youngster, as there have been several names submitted for the role of the English youth in the piece. The second production is to be made by the Warner Brothers with Wesley Barry play- ing tho role. The Lesser, organization Is driv- ing home the fact that Lesser was first In the field with the announce- ment that a production of the Dickens work was tc be made and early this month tho Warner Bros. announced theUr produotloiu i - TIRED SHOPPERS HELPED PHULY Matinee Attendance Increai —"East Is West," at Stan- ley, Did $22,000 Philadelphia, Dec. 20. Generally good business all aloz the line was the report of the dowi town film houses last week. Mai showed drops In the evening crowd but reported an Influx of tired shp] pers at matinee performances. The best gross attracted hero bj a Constance Talmadge picture ii some time was turned In by "East Is West." at the Stanley last weel Although greeted by mixed notice In the dallies, this adaptation of tl stage success appeared little affects ed by the slump period, and approz^ imated the usual Stanley averaf. of business. The Aldine and Karl« ton had a good week, conslderli all things. Last week saw the end of the rui of "Down to tho Sea in Ships" ai the Metropolitan, although those oi the inside claimed a definite plck« up over the first week's business The backers had the house for foul weeks. "The Unloved Wife" qext week. It is not believed that mucli money was lost on "Down to th« Sea in Ships" at the Met. This week's pictures Include "Out* cast," at^he Stanley, where It is re^ celvlng assistance from Buster K.4^i ton's latest comedy, "The Electrl4 House." and a solo organist, who U being highly touted and advertls^^ by the Stanley people. For 11 Christmas week picture the 8tan< ley will have "Oliver Twist," whlcl the Stanley company has been sav- ing for the holidays. "Back Hom< and Broke" is the New Year weelc'i program, with a special showing a1 midnight to usher the new year ii Seats will be reserved for this occa- sion. All the main houses of th4 Stanley company will have this spe* clal performance. The other pictures this week an comparatively unimportant. Estimates for last week: Stanley—"East Is West" (Para* mount). Business good, better thai recent films of this star. House be^ lag removed from central dlstricl I'ffers some from pre-Christmai slump, but gross of $22,000 wiE turned in. (Capacity, 4,000; seal* 35-50. mats.; 50-75, evenings.) Stanton—"Knighthood." This flh r">mance showed last five weeks Passed $17,000 mark. (Capacltj 1.700; scale, 35-60, mats.; 60-^ evenings.) Aldine—"Forget-Me-Not" (Metro)! Faip-buslne.ss; feature won good no| tices and some knocks. Not up t^ recent standard of honse. "For^ gotten Law" this week. (Capacity 1,500; scale, 50.) Karlton—"The Pride of Palomar"* (Paramount). Business picked u] after weak opening. Some exH pressed opinion picture needed moi exploitation than received. "Til We Meet Again" this week. $6.000| (Capacity, 1,100; scale, 50 straight. Arcadia — "Glorious Adventure.l This costume picture didn't shoi piuch drawing power. About $2,00( K. C. BAD Nothing Drew There Last W*ok- 12th St. Did $1,000 Kansas City, Dec. 20. With the merchants of the clt declaring the week Just past oi of the best financially in the histoi of the town, but little of the fl< of dollars reached the coffers the picture theatres. Busines wi bad, despite publicity stunts at the extra attractions. "Brothers Under the Skin" at tl Royal which the distributers at tempted to put over with a wild oi ganizatlon scheme flopped with i\\\ rest and received*but little publlcit] although the Newmans bolstered th^ bill up with several special featurei I^ast week's estimates: Newman—"To Have and to Ho] (Paramount).—Seats, 1.980; b< 35c. matinees, 50c.-75c. nights. Betl Compson nnd Bert Lytell. Oth< Newman entertainment units, evei thing well received but failed draw. Around $9,000. Royal—"Brothers Under the SklnJ Seats, 890; scale, 35c.-50c. Oth< numbers on program. Featui failed to create talk and draw dli appointing, about $6,000. Liberty—"One Week of L»oveJ Seat.s, 1,000; scale. 35c.-50c. Elainl Tlammerstein, Offering added feal turcs. Picture suited Libertf natrons nnd should have gone ov« big but failed. Receipts about $5,20< Twelfth Street—"Good Men an| True." Seats, 1.100; scale. 10c.-26< Harry Carey. Business badly of about $1,000. Opposition features at the populi priced vaudeville shops — "Tl Sleepwalker." Mainstreet; "Soi Adrift," Globe. — ., Paramount will send Clare Wei and Mrs. Florence Meehan aroui the world to gather dat^. for th^ forthcoming production of the Commandments. Miss West Is charge of costumes for the Famot Players, and Mrs. Meehan Is an ei pert on characterizations, women will start la opposite dire( tioas. . - -*/