Variety (June 1924)

22 VARIETY PICTURES Wednesday, June 11, 1924 B'WAY DROPPED $35,000 LAST WEEK Wrra RIALTO STRIKING LOW AT $10,453 Previous Week, $190,000; Last Week, $155,750— Capitol Got $36,350 with "Women Who Give"— "Miami" at Rivoli Did Well with $16,162 The pace along Broadway slowed down last week. Everything along the street waa off with the exception of the new arrival in a legitimate house, "The Sea HawK" at the Aator which did $14,300 in 13 performances lip to last Sund.-iy night and "The Marriage Cheat," at the Strand, $24,706 on the week. The business was off about $35,- 000 on the week when all of the houses were reckoned. With Dec- oration Day in and holiday prices in vogue the business was almost tl90,000 the week previous, last week the returns showed around $155,750. That tells the story of .i general fall- ing off. "Girl Shy" at the little Cameo held Up to a surprising extent getting $8,243 for the week as against $10,- 068 the week before, and it looks like this week was going to batter the second week. Of the other regular picture houses the Capitol with "Women Who Give" came along with $36,000, below the annual average of the house, but it comes along at a time when It won't hurt the average for this year as so far over the $40,000 mark weekly that has been set that it will fill out the year above that. This week with "The Shooting of Dan AIcGrcw" the business is up again and the draw through unex- pected is a welcome one. The Rialto did the worst business fn a long long time with "Maytime," the figures showing $10,453. At the Rivoli "Miami" a Hodkinson release showed a very good week with all conditions considered the statement carrying $1$,162. Of the attractions In legitimate houses "America" is leaving this week and the 44th Street looks as though It will be dark. "The Ten Commandments" at the Cohan man- aged to get $10,382, while "Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall" at the Cri- terion came along with Just a little under $9,000. At the Liberty "The Thief of Bagdad" pulled $16,650 on the week. Yesterday It was stated that busi- ness generally for the current week was on the up grade. The rain on Sunday helped all of the houses, but on Monday the fine weather did not pull the business down to any great extent and the biggest Monday afternoon and evening houses in ■everal weeks were the result. Estimates for Last Week A«toi^-"The Sea Hawk" (First National) (1.131; $1.65). Opened Monday of last week, so only got in 11 performances on Week, but start- ed oft like house afire, gettinK prac- tirally all business house could hold, til •■ $14,300 in 13 performances. Cameo—"Girl Shy" (Pathe) (549; 65-8.')). For secohd week of 10-week run at little Cameo got $8,243, as af;aln.st $10,053 it did opening week, with current week looking to top $8,200 figure little from early indica- tions. Practically sure thing pic- ture will finish its 10 weeks, with average of about $7,200, unless ex- ceedingly hot weather sets in. Capitol—"Women Who Give' (Metro) (6,300 65-$1.65). With the business here only hitting $36,360 there is a general indication of What was done along the street. The Capitol is always the top house in figures, and when a slump shows here it is generally reflected along Broadway. The picture Itself was rot counted particularly strong, al- though the surrounding bill was a good one, especially a tabloid pres- entation of "The Spring Maid," which brought favorable comment all along the line. This week things look stronger for the box office with "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" as the feature. Cohan—"The Ten Command- ments" (Paramount) (900; $l-$2) Business dropped a couple of hun- dred last week during the general slump. The picture got $10,382. II will remain here through the sum- mer, however, the Famous holdinfi the lease at the Criterion until Sept. 1, with the summer rental price be- ing $1,750 weekly. The Los Angeles company will be the only other one of the picture continuing through the summer. Late in August the first of the 10 road companies will start on tour. Criterion—"Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall" (Mary Plckford). (608; $1.66.) The fifth week of the Plckford special got Just a little un- der $9,000, which shows a profit at the house under the rental that the picture is paying for the theatre. This week looks a little better. 44th Street—"America" (D. W. OrMflth). (1,323; $1.65). This is the final week of the Griffith picture on Broadway. It has been doing a fair- ly •onsislcnt business (uri /Uicr Jf ^'REFUGE'' IN DENVER DID $1785 ON'WEEK "Girl Shy" Cleaned Up Town Last Week in 2 Houses— America Going to U Denver, June 10. "Girl Shy" took Denver by storm last week. Rialto and the Victory (Paramount) played the film. The Universal will take over the America (Rishop-Cass) June 15, It Is reported here, leaving the Bishop- Cass people with only one houtm. Colorado. Last week's estimates: Rialto (Paramount) (1,060; SS- 40). Harold Lloyd in "Girl Shy," with news reel; About $8,850. Victory (Paramount) (1,250; SS- 40). "Girl Shy." Grossed $8,200. Colorado < Blshop-Cass) (2,470; 40-50). "Wandering Husbands." Near $6,660. America (BIshop-Cass) (1,B80; 20). Katherine MacDonald In "Ref- uge." Slightly over $1,785. ETJOENE STBONG'S PUBLICITT Chicago, June 10. Eugene Strong, named by Jack Clifford as co-respondent In the latter's euccessful action for a di- vorce two weeks ago from Evelyn Nesbit, is making personal appear- ances in conection with "Damaged Hearts," a picture in which Stivng appeared. The "tie-up" seems to be a pub- licity stunt based on any value the film can get ae a result of the di- vorce, which Evelyn let go by de- fault. ORCHESnU AND HINES RAN FIRST IN WASH. Rialto Ust Week With $12,- GOO—"Goldfish" Had to Follow at $11,000 Waahlnrton. June 10. The picture houses have been "•flying" along with weather condi- Uons ideal, hut last week the old mercury Jumped upward and the bualness Jumped opposite. The cut wasn't one that could be termed se- rious, but it was felt. OutsUndlng waa the advent of Ted Weems and his orchestra at the Rialto. As on previous occasions when orcheatraa have been booked into the local picture houses receipts have Jumped considerably. This, when coupled with a good comedy film, Johnny Hlnes In "Conductor 1492," forced the Rialto into the lead for a week when all were run- ning very close together. The Rial- to, Jumping ahead, put Constance Talmadge Into second place. That in Itself Is something to dwell over here In Washington. Estimates for last week: Rialto —"Conductor IMZ."' Ted Weems and orchestra featured. Good $12,000. Metropolitan — Constance Tal- madge In "The Goldfish." Talmadge family usually leads all houses, but Constanco "slid" Into second place. $11,000. Columbia—"Icebound." Droip for this house, but fair week at $10,000. Palace—Dorothy Dalton In "The Moral Sinner." Not so good. About $8,500. Tivol'—James Klrkwood In "Wan- dering Husb«uids." House still running low. Last week not over $8,000 and all night business. Mat- inees very light. SELL SEMPSET AS SESIES Universal Pictures Corporation has decided to sell the Jack Demp- sey two-reelers as a series. This will make it Impossible for the ex- hibitors to book one picture with- out contracting for the others. JULIUS STEGER ALONE Reoigns frowi Fox—Will Produce His Own Picture* Julius Steger, production manager of the Fox Film Corporation, a di- rector of pictures, actor and stage celebrity, has resigned from the William Fox organization. After a visit to Europe that will occupy the entire summer, Steger will enter the production field fOn a large scale, releasing probably through Fox or under an arrange- ment to be made by Joseph M. Schenck. Steger achieved fame as a tenor singePr-afterward going on the legit- imate stage, where he was even more successful. His association with pictures is also a notable chap- ter. When William Fox p^ad Steg«r's letter of resignation he wrote to Steger to "make himself wholly at home" in the Fox studio and office building at 10th avenue and 65th street Just as long as he desired, pending the settlement of details re- garding offices, etc. Friendships of this character are not often devel- open in the show business. Mr. Steger will sail on the "Paris" today (June 11) returning about Sept 15. TEXAS TOWNS PUCE BAN (M SEVEN nuns 30% LOS ANGELES DECREASE ON PICTURE HOUSE RECEIPTS That Much Below Normal for This Time of Season— "Manhandled" and "Wild Horses" Only New Pictures to Hold Up Out There Last Week Los Angeles, June 10. Business generally in the picture houses is according to estimates at least 30 per cent below normal at this season. The possible exception during the past week was the healthy gross piled up at the Million Dollar "Man- handled" threatened to top all in its second wtek, although the Met with average business beat it out. The other surprise proved to be the animal picture in Miller's "The King of Wild Horses," held up for a second week and from the inter- est manifested should remain for quite a while at t^jis 900-seat house. "Boy of Mine" developed into a light draw for Loew's State. The California has not been doing so well the last three weeks and busi- ness the past week with "Happi- ness" had the management worried when the Saturday and Sunday business (usually good) was way oft. "The Ten Commandments" In Hollywood Is stepping despite de- pression elsewhere. "The Bedroom Window" meant little for the big Metropolitan, where the first two days of each week ordinarily get around $14,000. Fifth week with days of each week ordinarily gets announcement it will shortly be withdrawn will not be surprising. The little Rialto started Wednesday night with "The Galloping Pish" to good business. The comedy adver- tisements around the title is at- tracting considerable attention. The Mission terminated a suc- ccs.sful run with "Shooting of Dan McGrew. The Forum with "Amer- ica" in its third week did about 40 per cent of capaoity. The manage- ment, however, stated they are do- iag, hotter than.,«x»««t«d, ajid >Mt|tt ' \ t '. '.' 1. ( 1 ^ :l > o I V y I !■ ' Dallas Rejects Three—K.K.K. Implicated in "White Sister" Denial—1st Nat'l Appeals "The White Sister" (Metro-Gold- wyn) has been denied a permit to show' in Dallas, Tex., and, picture people blame the Ku KIux Klan for the Incident. This is the picture Director Henry King made in Rome, from the novel by F. Marion Crawford. The theme touches on Roman Catholicism, but the picture enjoyed a protracted run in a New TorkN|egitinyate the- atre and played two weeks at the Capitol, without the slightest criti- cism. Other pictures barred In Dallas include "The Perfect Flapper" (First National) and "Those Who Dance" (Ince-Pirst National); In Waco, "Cythcrea" (Samuel Gold- wyn-First National); in Houston, the manager of the Crown Theatre was arrested for showing "The Temple of Venus" (Fox). "A Woman of Paris" (Chaplin-United Artists) and "Thy Name is Woman" (Metro- Goldwyn) are barred In Texas. An appeal has been brought by First National In behalf of the. Col- leen Moore starring vehicle, "The Perfect Flapper." "JANICE" JUNE 22 Opens at Cosmopolitan — Deems Taylor Writing Score the long run policy waa Inaugurated to establish the house which will probably undergo a change of pol- icy after the completion of "Amer- ica's" run. Estimates for last week: California—"Happiness" (M tro), (2,000; 26-85). Business consider- ably off past three weeks, showed no signs of picking up with this Laurette Taylor feature. Title meant little for box office. $10,000. Million Dollar — "Manhandled" (Paramount), (2,200; 26-65). Lead- ing all other houses. Second week holding up fine, considering business below par for this time of year. $18,000. Grauman's Metropolitan — "The Bedroom Window" (Paramount), (3,700; 25-65). Failed to attract more than ordinary business. $26,000 Rialto—"Galloping Fish" (First National), (800; S6-85). Opened Wednehday night. Comedy ads on title created interest. Opening ca- pacity. $8,800. Grauman's Egyptiai>^"Ten Com- mandments" (Paramount), (1,800; $1.66). Holding up despite depres- sion. $16,600. Misaiorv—"Shooting of Dan Mc- Grew" (Metro), (900; 60-$1.10). Fourth and flnal week's figures reached $5,100. Loew's Stat*—"Boy of Mine" (First National), (2.400; 36-65). Business disappointing here. $12,900. Criteriorv—"Girl Shy" (Pathe), (UOO; 55-85). Fifth week, falling off gradually. $7,300. Milter's—"The King of Wild Horses" (Pathe), (900; 25-76). Sec- ond week held up to good jMce of opening. $6,600. Forum—"America" (D. W. Orlf- flth), (l,S0O; $i.0O-$1.60). Business past week held to about 40 per cen< of capacity.. $«,$<Wi -,•>..■. .. ■..• 1» c ♦ I fii*'! out i.<» *»<' "Janice Meredith," Marl.on Davles' newest vehicle, will have Its pre- mier at the Cosmopolitan theatre about June 22. Deems Taylor, music critic of the "World," has been selected to pre- pare the score for the picture. Fred- erick Stahlberg will be the musical director of the house. Stahlberg was formerly associated with Victor Herbert and later di- rected at the Rivoli. He went to the Cosmopolitan when Victor Her- bert was engaged to direct the over- tures at that house for one year at $1,500 weekly. Herbert's contract with the Hearst organization had a week to run when Herbert died. The theatre had been closed for several months, but W. R. Hearst paid the salary for the last week to the composer's daughter. NEWMAN'S 5TH YEAR; BIG BILL PRESENTEDi Formidable Show Headed by Irene Franklin—New Stage in Picture House HO SET BULES Exhibitor organizations In New Tork City will adopt no general rules for theatre owners to follow with regard to giving the public the benefit of the admission tax re- peal up to 60 cents. The several organlzatoins feel that each exhib- itor can map out his own plan without a set of rules. JESSE D. HAMTTON IN N. W. Jesse D. Hampton Is going to the northern part of the Pacific Coast, around Spokane, to produce a series of pictures. Word was received from the coast yesterday that Hampton is on the Scene at Spokane and would have one unit underway within a Ifff^ f>*oifhii\ ' ^,..w ).I'll,'.a. I ..(■•Iv.i-'or'l ' ..i.'i Kansas City, June 10. \ The Newman Is celebrating its fifth anniversary thH week with its annual revue the most elaborate and - costly of the series. Headed by '^ Irene Franklin, and with Rita Owen, Babe Payne, Lillian Porter Hilda Nichols, Lloyd Garrett, Mack and Long, Jimmie Dunn, Ten Kelley Dancers, Royal Syncopators and the Newman Concert Orchestra of 25, the bill was a record breaker for a picture house. u A new and enlarged stage ac* comodated nicely. Five years ago, when the theatre was opened the overture from "Wl). Ham Tell" was played and this week, as on all other anniversary occasions, the same number starf. ed the festivities. The revue Iq. troduced by Smiling Jimmie Dunn, who laughs at his own Jokes (ai>d makes his customers like It) Is de> scribed as menu of amusement and is served In a delectable manner hgr a "Chef" Dunn and his able assist* ^ ants. Jimmie, all dolled up in regulation chef uniform, started things when he introduced the Ten Little (Thefs (the Kelley Dancers) and the fuh was on. ^ The girls worked in front of a ^ special drop, representing a spot- ' less kitchen and romped around a circular run, built from one side of the stage to the other, completely encircling the orchestra. Babe Payne was next and kept the move- ment fast and furious. She was followed by Mack and Long, as waiters, who contributed a snappy dancing bit and then a beautlfhl number, "A Little Talk About the Weather," by Lloyd Garrett, Hilda Nichols and the Kelleys. A spe- cial garden set, with an arbor, flow- ers and everything, made this one of the most beautiful of the bill, and the effects was strengthened by an effective rain effect, with tho dancers working In transparent rain coats. Billed as "A Choice Dish From Mr. Ziegfeld's Pantry," Rita Owen put over an eccentric dance and the customers howled for more. Next came "Plastlgrams," third dimension movies, with colored glasses furnished the audience, with which to view It. It Is a nov- elty here and created great amuse- ment, although run but a few mo* ment4. "You're In Kentucky" brought Lloyd Garrett and the dancers on for a peppy, prancing number and the audience liked It and wanted more, but no encores were given. Then came Irene PYanklin and she could have stayed all night. Miss Franklin, with Jerry Jarnagan at the piano, did her regular big- time act, from her lost dog opener to the Fireman bit, and with the Commuter as the feature. Babe Payne, Mack and Long and the Kelley bunch had a "Shine" number and were followed by Lil- lian Porter, who came out on tho run and put over a couple of spicy numbers. .A California bit, by Garret^ i Nichols and the dancers was an< other beautiful set, with trees and real oranges, and a novel lighting surprise for the finish, the fruit lighting up on both trees and drop. This was the most beautiful set- ting of the revue. Rita Owen contributed another eccentric dancing novelty and waa followed by Jimmie Dunn, who talked a little, sang a number of verses, and kidded the customerSt who liked the stuff. The Royal Syncopators, Just about the Jazziest bunch of boys ever seen here, were a featured number. They were disclosed play- ing in front of a flaming drop and when the lights went on the boys were seen garbed in brilliant red suits looking like the very "Little Devils" they proved to be when they started Jazzing things up. Then followed Rita Owen, this time in a neat dancing costume, which made the male customers want more, who headed the entire company for the finale, which In- cluded a parade around the run and a show off of the performers. The revue ran a little over an hour and was "full value." The credit for the affair goes to Milton Feld, managing director of the Newman enterprises, who not only conceived and directed the pro- duction, but who wrote the special lyrics and the patter used by Jim- mie Dunn. Following tho revue the feature picture, "Bluff," was given, making the most elaborate entertainment ever offered by a picture theatre In this part of the country. TOD BBOWNINO ILL Los Angeles, June 10. Tod Browning, picture director, Is reported seriously ill at his home. It Is said that recently he had a mental collapse and will be Inac- tive fof apn}^ Hrp^. , ^ ■^,..,, : I c t I i. T !■ -. ' I I III ;!l