Variety (June 1924)

VARIETY LEGITIMATE Wecincsdiiy, jfune I'l, lOSff CHICAGO'S LOOP DOWN TO CASES, WITH $12,000 HIGHEST FOR DRAMAS "Abie" Hitting Along at That Figure, Expecting to Stick for Year—"Topsy and Eva" at $21,000 Now May Last Until Sept.—10 Theatres Open Chicago, June 10. Of the four late iipring premieres laHt week "Artists and Models" (Apollo) stepped off at a lively gait, but "Werewolf" (Adelphl), "On the Btalrs" (Central) and "L*nh Klesch- na" (Cireat Northern) experienced low sales, the last named so small it makes a hasty exit this Saturday. The Adelphi attraction drew a pre miere gross of around $1,400, promises little here. Wednesday's matinee was called off and money refunded because it didn't look as if there was over $30 worth of patron- age piesent for this performance. Cool weather had much to do toward holding the general sales all over town at the figures obtained. Saturday finished sironir .ifler weak advance eales, something that the managers now anticipate for all Sat- urday and Sunday business. A heavy lain set in around 6 Saturd.iy night, hilling all outdoor feativitics, and there was a grand rush of bo\-c.'llce window sales. The loop revealed one of the worst tiafllc jams ever when ihn theatres turned out the'.f .Satur- day r;ght audiences. The switch from the Apollo to the (iarrick movfed "Wildflower" into third place in the musical play com- petition. "Topsy and Eva," p'ayiny the 23d week of the Selwyn engage- ment, drew $21,000, as against a lit- tle better than $19,000 for the Oar- tick piece. "Wildflower" slumped tadly in the Monday night gross. The real effort to "put over' a fhow is hai)pening at the Harris^, where JIarry Krazee continues to make overnight cast changes for "No, No, Nanette." Despite the new addition of names the piece didn't do no well as on the previons week, but its holding a little under $15,000. Tlie luggest fault is the lack of matinee ilravv nt the Harris. Ulan-'ho Ring went into the cast Sund.iy night, fill- ing Ann W'hcaton's vao.jncy. No Dramatic Over $12,000 'LAUGHING LADY," $11,500 Other Legit Grosses Week in L. A. Last L/os Angeles, June 10. Local box office estimates lor tho past week in the legitimate theatres tabulate Ethel Barrymore in her biit it first week at the Blltmore with "The Laughing Lady" as securing a tu.... of $11,500; "Just Married," also in its first week within the Maeon, took $8,000; "Lombardi, Ltd.," at the Ma- jestic, got $6500 for Its opening week, while "Six Cylinder love," second week at the Morofico, drew $4,500. $9,500 FOR "OLD SOAK" Tom Wise Opened in "Julio," $S,800 Fri San Francisco, June 10. At th* Curran last week Tom Wise in "The Old Soak' did $9,B00. "Julio, and Romyette," the new piece with Genevieve Tobin at the Alcazar (stock) got $5,800. Columbia was dark last week; currently Irene Bofdoni in "Little Miss Bluebeard." Hold overs at Curran and Alcazar. BOSTON IS BALANCED FOR SUMMER SHOWS "Bamville," Colored, Gets $16,000 Start —"Dream Girl" Doing $18,000 PEGGY'S HUBBY Swedish Noblemen Wse Once Cowboy—Miss Joyce's Fourth Boston, June 10. The two musicals and one comedy which played this city last week had very good business, everything con- sidered. The weather was in their favor and just now the town seems to be properly balanced in the way of attractions. "In BamviUe," the colored aihow which opened at the Tremont last week, seems to be good for a sum- mer run. It got away to good re- views and hit over $16,000 the open- ing week. In a house ecaled at $2.50 top. It can do t>etween $18,000 and $lt.OOO, capacity. ••The Dream Girl," at the Wilbur, continues to pull. X^ast week the show ran to $18,000, about what it has been doing with the regular number of performances. The show is also figured upon for a summer run unless stiff weather opposition develops. The Selwyn opened up Monday night for a week with Jane Cowl in a new show, "The Depths.' Last week's estimates: I "In Bamville," Tremont (2nd 1 week).' Got away to good start with $16,000 first week. "The Dream Girl," Wilbur (5th week). Still holding up to $18,000; pretty close to capacity. "The Whole Town's Talking," Plymouth (2nd week). $10,500 first week. "The Depths," Stlwyn (1st week). Jane Cowl starred for one week. New play review elsewhere in this issue, sue. None of the dramatic .ittractioiis (iKurtd ovci $12,000. "Abie's Irisli l.'(Ke' put a low ecale of summer I'life.s into effect at the Studebaker, I'ot oicliestra seats fox tiie suminor ticjiiK featured at $2. It has been (.(liiially announced th.it ",\bi'.'' will lit' kijit at the StudebiUer lor a •.\ liole year. Carl Barrett, now .a partner of l.tMtcr Bryant at tiie Central, found p'onty cl nasons for exiiert linan- iial ;iiuf)ing un hin mai'lcn effort as .1 iiromo'ei. "On the m.U! h," jointly iipcratid l:y I'.arrett and liiynnt. will liuve to tilt whatever life 'here wil! le for it from cut rates. Over at tlie Playiionse "liasy f-Urcet' unOirwent further finantial wtirriment for Bryant, but lliilph l<»lterint; continues to husftc, for !■. idently he spots ailvantaK's from u Chirapo i un for his piece from iioiKhhonng territory in the fall as well as from stock comp iny sales, 'i'hry'vc been pulling hard for Ket- irnng's gamble in this town to win lit the Playhouse. "Sun-Up" runs along moderately u»ll at the La Salle, but it doesn't lake high grosses to operate this l>i«cp into a profit. The Cort i;witclirs attractions Sundiiy, . when "The Uelut-e," featuring Polini, wi!l Ik given a Chicago try. When "Lrf'ah Kkschna'' goes out Saturday the Great Nortlurn slips into the list Of unoccupi'>d houses, leaving 10 thiaties doing business, four niiisJcal attraction", six dra- naiics. No new attractions arc heralded, and It will take a big fii;h; on the pait (1 ■■\Vtr< wiilf." "On tho Stairs" and "Katy Street' this week to hold up the av< rage for Chicago. All tlic iiiusicals now in town are sure for July 4tli performances, with "Topsy and Eva" promising to •.tay imtil Aug. 11. piving the Duncan Sisters an tngagf^ment ol 30 wcelis. in tills town. L.ast wccli's estimates: "Leah Kleschna" iGreat Northern, 1st weil<). liiviv.il of eaily irooU play. Willi notable cast, stiried up ineaper interest. Prnliably didn't strike $7,000. Leaves this week. "Werewolf" (.^delphia, 1st wedi^. After Monday night's gross follow- ing Sunday jneniiere figure of $1,4(I0 ( iit-rates hurriedly ordered out, Kight performances made it look ~Tike $C.S00. "Artists and Models" (Apollo. 1st week). Drew smash premiere tap.i- (ily «<le and easily ran to $32,000 Will hold liigh for two weeks more and then settle into normal gait. "On the Stairs" (Central, 1st week); No chance for profit money uMless from cut rates. Around $4,0fl(i "Wildflower" (Garrick, 7th week In town)! I'nder pace set at Apollo, with scveial off nights holding Minneapolis, June 10. Count Josti Morner, who martiel Peggy Hopkins Joyce, started his career in America in this city. He was n salesman here, later going to Montana as a cowboy. Later, with another L'wedish nobleman, he start- ed a toothiKiste factory. THOMASHEFSKY'S $1,000 Bankruptcy Petition Filed Against Producer By Arthur Block The Coiintess Morner was married thiee times prior to her niarriage to the count. Her first marriage last- fed three hours. The countess has returned with her husband to her apartments in 57til «:tre"t. New York city. SHORT'S OWN SHOWS Hazzard Short will retain his of- fices at 227 West Forty-fifth street, originally taken for his use by Sam H. Harris. Short is signing people for several productions out- lined for next season, to be pro- duced under his own management. Hedda Hopper's Operation Los Angeles, June 10. Hedda Hopper, film actress and former wife of DeWolf Hopper, was operated upon Monday at the An- gelus Hospital for acute appen- dicitis, following a hasty removal from her home early in the morn- ing. An involuntary petition in bank- ruptcy has been filed in the P*ederal Court against Boris Thornashefsky, Tiddish theatrical manager and producer, by Artl.ur Block, former treasurer of the "yiddish theatre. Block'e claim is $1,365.35, of which $1,000 is -^r cash deposited as a bond to insure gocd will, which sum Thornashefsky is alleged to have converted to his own use. The bal- ance ie for salary due. Another act of bankruptcy al- leged is having a. receiver appointed for Thornashefsky while allegedly Insolvent. Block is the sole petition- ing creditor. Thomasheftiky is now in South America, having sailed incognito shortly after his buelness affairs fell on the legal rocks. He has said he will return to New 'York In August and adjust matters. gross just little stronger than $16,- ooo. "Topsy and Eva" (Selwyn, 23d week). Down to nine performances on summer schedule, but grossed $21,000. London Palace girls went Into show Saturday matinee, caus- ing further belief show is apt to fur- nish more surprises and stick until Si titeniher if same doesn't interfere with I'.roadwav premiere. "No. No, Nanette" (Harris. 5tli week). Hard to explain why it do( sn't move f.istor, particularly at ni.it• irifcs. l-'iKiiied iritle below $iri,OliO if niatinot pare wasn't undcr-est.- maled (.ipeiating expense for com- pany inii eased with cist eh.'inges. "Easy Street" (ri.'iylioiist, 5ri week). Midweek slump held gross around $r.,80C Talk of cast switi hes this \\(el(. Ralph Kettering work- ing every angle to hold in attraction fir 10 weeUs. "Abie's Irish Rose" (Stude!.a!:ir. 24th week) Down to average gross of $12,000. due to lowering of pru" s for summer. Planning renewed campaign for fall spason and will make it yeai's run by jiresent ar- rangements to keep it here until Christmas. "Sun Up" <La Salle, 5th week). Drawing tine clientele of playgoers, with gross figuring $8,000 or little heller. Good profits. "The Climax" (Cort, 9lh week) "The Deluge" ready for prenm ro here Sunday. "Climax' grossed around $6,500. HEALY'S PLAT FOR DEXTER Chamberlain Brown has opened a play brokerage adjunct in charge of Ted Healey. who has been as- sociated with the Brown staff for several years. Healey has just obtained a play for Eliott Dexter. SHOWS IN N. Y. AND COMMENIi FiflurM Mtlmatod and eommant point ta soma attraotlona balng auecaaaful, whila tha sama groaa acoraditad to othara might auggaat madiecrity or loaa. Tha varlanca la axplainod in tha dilfaranca In houM eapaeitiaa, with tha varying ovarhaad. Alao tha aiza of cast, with conaaquant diffaranca in naeaaaary grosa for profit Varlanea in buainata naeaaaary for muaicai attraction aa againat dramatia play ia alao conaldorad. Dorothy Pitou Debuts Dorothy Pitou, young daughter of August Pitou, Jr., whose mother is a sister of Rose Ccghlan, has made her debut in a minor role in "Abie's Irish Rose" at tho Republic. Dorothy will appear in one of her father's companies next season. Bertha Kalich Resting P.ertli.i Kalich, who <loscd in the "Kinitzu- Sonata " -at tlie Frazec Saturday, will rest until early July before starting rehearsals for her next starring veliiile, "P.astimes of an Kmp:ess." FIRST REVIEW OF PLAY BY RADIO The fii.'t review of a play by rruliv will appear in this week's ClipiiCr. The play \v;is awarded .1 prize of $500 by WGY, the General KIcctric station at Sche- nectady, N. Y., and is titled "A Million- Ciisks, Pronto," with Ag- nes Miller credited as the author. "Abie's Irish Rose," Republic (108th week). Withdrawal of number of successes last week forced oft by Equity strike did not better busi- ness in other houses. "Abie" do- ing nicely with about $10,600 grossed last week. "Baggar On Heraaback," Broad- burst (18th weeli). Compara- tively strong pace ot $12,000 or little over lately. Formerly topped non-musicals, Bzpected to pick up last week after successes dropped out but appears to be in groove at present gait. " "Bloasont Tima," Jolson's 69th St. Stopped Saturday, return engage- ment extending for three weeks and failing to attract attention. Cut-rated and two-for-ones. Probably $6,000 last week. "Chariot's Ravua," Selwyn (23d week). English show continues among most popular attractions on Broadway and all Indications are for run through the summer to gravy business. Last week $23,500, which easily beat Deco- ration Day week. "Cheaper to Marry," -Belmont (9th week). Getting $5,000 or little better. With attraction and show under same management that figure satisfactory, though this one was counted on to draw bet- ter money and would have turned trick earlier In season. "Cobra," Hudson (8th week). Has good chance for suAimer trade. Dramatic field has narrowed' down and this one ia in good theatre. Business profitable from start with pace between $11,000 and $12,000. "Cyrano de Bergerac," National (29th week). Listed to continue until July 4 but will hardly at- tempt summer continuance. The revival is among the season's leading successes. Getting be- tween $11,000 and $12,000. "Expressing Willie," 48th St. (9th • week). Certainly has surprised many along Broadway, but hold- ing to virtual capacity for the first two months; $14,000 and over, only gallery not selling out. "Fata Morgana," Lyceum (15th week). Has a certain draw that keeps gross at profitable figure though takings are moderate. Around $7,000 recently. Can drop $1,000 and still -break even both ways. "Flossie," Lyric (2d week). First night got some money, biit tak- ings thereafter oft and show does not figure to land. Depending on cut rates principally. First week (seven performances) about $7,500. "I'll 8«y She Is," Casino (4th week). One of the strongest tickets in agency demand. Last week held opening promise and gross was around $22,000. Looks like Marx Brothers show would easily ride through summer. "Innocent Eyes," Winter Garden (4th week). Business last week reported having eased off with estimated gross about $23,000. ^istinguett show will probably run into July but another pro- duction may be Inserted then. "Keep Kool," Morosco (4th week). Good call In the agencies though the sale is principally for lower floor, balcony being oft to date. Gross last week estimated be- tween $15,000 and $16,000. Mak- ing some money. At $3.50 top house can do close to $21,000 weekly. "Kid Boots," Earl Carroll (24th week). Still vies with the top demand in ticket agencies and show is leading the musical field with better than $30,000 weekly. Cinch for summer with reputa- tion giving it an edge for visitors' trade. "Little Jessie James," Little (44th week). Figuring on getting con- ventlonites. Length of run should give this sm;ill cast mu- sical break in 1hat direction. Get- ting by at present gait of around $0,000, "Meet the Wife," Klaw (29th week). Laugh show still making money and has chance to extend into July, With hou.sc and attraction pooling present pace of $7,000 is s.atisfartory. "Moonlight," Longacrc (20th week). Cast changes have been going on for seme weeks. Is starting sum- mer season with operation ex- pense reduced somewhat; $10,000 to $11,000; house and show s.ime management. "Mr. Battling Buttler," Times Sq. l37tli week). Listed to run until the Fourth of July. Is pooling with house and making a little profit; List' week somewhat un- der previous pace with gross at $9,000 "One Helluva Night," .Sam H, Har- ris, billed as world's worst show, and nobody differed from classi- fication. Withdrawn after first performance, though the takincs were $1,724. '. ti 1| ' a II :\ "Plain Jana," New Amaterdam (6tK week). Ahead of previous week until Saturday. Gross last weak was again $18,600. Considerabl^j cut rating because of large cai paclty. Will move to Sam H^ Harris when "Follies" la ready. "Poppy," Apollo (40th week). Man4 agement expectant on continuing this musical Into July. Sbo^ still making money, wl'th the paca nearly $10,000. House also profit'* Ing; pooling. "Saint Joan," Garrick (26th week). Theatre Guild has two attractlona ] on the list; "Joan" still being abla ' to turn a profit though the taim | incs are down to $5,000 or leas;' .j other attraction is "Fata Mor^ gana." "Sitling Pratty," Iroparial (10th iraek). Moved here Monday, 'With tbe scale reduced with the idea of attracting' trade to the largef capacity theatre. Ijast week was over $2,000 ahead of the prevloua week, the gross being $13,000. "Spring Cleaning," Eltlnge (82nd waek). Riding along to compare atlvely good business for thia stage of run, and may last through summer. Pace is around $7,000, which Is considerably better than even break on a pooling basis. "The Bride," 39th Street (6th week). Has not attracted more than me- diocre business. Management fig' ures on jumping because of steady withdrawals and few new shows . in sight. Last week, $5,000. "The Fatal Wadding," Rltz (2d week). Final week. Started oft all right, but that's all. After first three performances takings averaged under $400, and first week's total hardly $4,500. "Top Hole" may succeed. "The Goose Hangs High," Bijod 20th week). Still making money, though pace has eased off to $6,500. Under pooling conditions, that figtire good enough to keep show going through summer. "The Kreutzer Sonata," Frazee (5th week). Was announced to close last Saturday, but management changed mind; may try to last . ; through the month. Largely cut ; rated; gross quoted over $5,000. i ; "The Miracle," Century>(2l8t week), -^ Last three weeks for. Gest's big-* gest 1 roductlon effort. Figuring on presenting Impressive panto- mime in several large cities next season. Cleveland after It, guar- anteeing $325,000 for five weeks. Gross here now about $25,000. "The Melody Man," 49th Street (6th week). Moved over from Rltz. Business showed no strength front the start, and can hardly last much longer. Pace last week about $4,500. Late arrival may hav4 hurt chances. Extra advertising being used. "The Potters," Plymouth (27th" week). Held to nearly same grosa as week previous, the takings be- ing over $8,000. Is using cut rates. Betterment had been expected here, and for other attractionSi with the closing down of auc- I cesses, but that did not material^ Ize. "The Right to Dream," Punch and Judy. Stopped Saturday as ox- [ pected. Played two weeks, averag- ' ing $1,200 for each and that money gotten from cut rates. i "The Shame Woman," Comedy (35th week). Looks like this drama was ' about ready to call it season. Has ' made a good run of it which Is indicative of good road prospects. Grosses never exceptional but "~ percentage arrangement with cast i accounts for longevity. Last week i under $4,000. "The Show-Off," Playhouse (19th ; Week). Beating $14,000 weekly, or . virtual capacity. Has held firmly ! while most oTliers have slipped i and i» .a holdover candidate for i fall. With "Expressing Willie" it ; tops the non-musicals. ' "Two Strangers from Nowhere," Bayes. Stopped Saturday after eking out a meagre nine weeks. First five weeks played at Punch and Judy. Gait here $3,000, show having lost right along. Outside backing kept it going for some reason. "Vogues of 1924," Shubert (12th week). Took a sharp dive last week when total takings Were re- ' ported away under $10,000. Never ; did 1.1 ml for'real money. Shuberts likely to keep it going through month, expecting .some convention trade. "White Cargo," 03d St. (32d week). Dramnllc money rii.Tker which— .seems to have uniimited cut rate s.'xlfs Business between $7,000 $8,000; has chance to run through summer. Bee Palmer in "Passing Show" Bee I'almer has been engaged for Rhubetrt's "Passing Show." No re- hearsal date has Icen' set.