Variety (July 1924)

VARIETY Piefditki . :':y.fa»iw'."^r*^'^'^wv!^'-i*j'y>'>'>'-"''' ,v fi,-.. Wednesday. July 2, 18Si B'WAY'S WORST HLM WEEK IN YEAR, AND DURING CONVENTION Capitol Light at $34,600—Rivoli Low with $10,803— "Sea Hawk" Led Legit Specials on Draw— "Dorothy VernonU" Bad Tumble to $3,500— Little Better This Week liast week was the worst Broad- way haa ezperienoed in a year as tar as general receipts at picture theatres were concerned. Every one let out a howl. Some blamed the weather, others the Democratic Convention. At any rate, the receipts were shot. No distinctions. Kvery one got a rap at the box office. The biggest flop was the Mary Pickford picture, "Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall," at the Criterion. Ita receipts fell below |4,000 on the week. As against that, even though It Is playing at regular picture prices, "Girl Shy" fared better at the little Cameo Theatre. There Is no great diffluilty in seating ca- pacity in the two houses, but the Criterion is in a 100 per cent, bet- ter location than the Cameo. "Dorothy Vernon" Is scheduled to remain at the Criterion until the end of August It is hardly prob- able the picture will remain that length of time unless the receipts take a brace. Labor Day "The Ten Commandments" is due to move up from the Cohan to the Criterion and remain there until the flrsft ot tbe year. At the Cohan last week "Com- mandments" drew 17,978, which was a fair average, considering what the other bouses were doing. The Liberty, with "The Thief of Bagdad," had the worst week since the picture opened. Us receipts be- ing In the neighborhood of $11,500. This week on the first three per- formances looked somewhat better, the picture Jumping about 1800 up to Tuesday afternoon. At the Astor "The Sea Hawk" Is holding its own in comparison. The business there last week was off In proportion with the other houses along the street, but the picture did show it still has a little edge on the others on Broadway for a longer period. A billing cam- paign almost as far West as Chi- cago was started for the picture this week. It's Broadway strength Is shown In $12,800 lart week. Regular Houses Also Off The quartet of regular picture houses with their weekly change of program also suffered from the gen- eral depression. Rivoll, with "Changing Husbands" as the bill, hit the low of the four, getting $10,- (Contlnued on page 26) WILL MISS NORMAND BE LEFT FLAT ON THE LOT? Sennett Contract Ended With- out Renewal—Mabel's Pro- pensity for Notoriety ■ \ ■ ■ Los Angeles, July 1. Mabel Normand's contract with Mack Sennett is completed and has not been renewed. It looks like a permanent business split between the film star and the comedy pro- ducer. A further prospective Is that Miss Normand's future film career is un- certain. Recognized producers are somewhat wary of the comedienne /IS a result of the publicity she has obtained during the past few years. The two shootings in which Miss Normand was named, the Taylor killing and the more recent Dines afCair, are said to have cost Sennett extra expenditures for the overcom- ing of the notoriety, while Miss Nor- mand's last release necessitated a special publicity staff, by itself, to offset the' Dines odor. JESKE CRITICALLY BURNED May Prove Fatal—Rescued Three Women While in Bathing Suit Los Angeles, July 1. George Jeske, director of Hal Roach comedies, was probably fa- tally burned Sunday, when he res- cued three women and attempted to extinguish i Are in the apartment beneath his. Jeske was in a bath- ing suit at the time. The blaze resulted from the ig- niting of a pan of gasoline and se- verely burned the women. Phyelclans regard Jeske's recov- ery as doubtful. 10 YEARS FOR KILLING 3 PEOPLE WITH AUTO Guy M. Woods, Picture Man, Sentenced on Coast— Crash Occurred Feb. 18 Los Angeles, July 2. Guy M. Woods, picture location manager, received a maximum sen- tence of 10 years in the San Quen- tin prison following his conviction of manslaughter on three counts. Woods killed three people Feb. 18 In an automobile crash. mONTMARTRE; NEGRI IMPORTED FILM, DID $10,000 IN BALTIMORE Lubitsch-Directed, Critics Said Best Negri Since "Passion"—Premiere and at Wrong Time— Weather Held Business Down Generally Baltimore, July 1. The hot spell eased up around mld-wcek, but with the call of the Chesapeake, the summer parks and the state poads, movies have little appeal over a week-end. The Negri film, "Monlmartrc," premlcrlng at the Century, was an example. This foreign production got and deserved excellent press notices, but the public did not re- spond. The Rivoll went dark Saturday, reopening July 14. Manager Won- ders feels that even a well-trained house staff and an excellent orches- tra need a vacation, and now is the time to take it without unduly em- barrassing the box-office. The negotiations for the sale of the Centu.-y, Baltimore's largest film house, are likely in the hands of the directors, but the outcome is conjecture. Meanwhile gossip seems to center on Metro-Goldwyn as the probable bidder. Loew has been out of the local amusement field -aince the Hippodrome went to the Schanberger interests. Estimates for Last Week Century (8,300; 25-75)—"Mont- martre." American premiere of this Negrl-Lubltsch film. Acclaimed by local crjtlcs as best vehicle and pro<Auctibn for Polish star since "Passion." Too bad it was brought In during ain off-season. Public in- different. About $10,000. Rivoli (2.2r>0; 25-7.'5)—"The Love Master" This animal featuring film ftcoved (ro<jd off-season draw, and gros.scfj arc reported ahead of corresponding week of last year. House went dark S;iturday. Re- opens 14th. New (1,800; 15-50) —"Arizona Ex- press." This Lincoln J. Carter "mcUer" proved good film fodder, but bu.slnes.'< H"tt'ed hatk into sum- mer groove, with takings about $7,800. Hippodrome (2,800)— "The .Storm Daughter" .ind vaudeville. Nothing exceptional In bill or business. Around $9,000. Garden—"King of Wild Horses" and v.iudeville. Steady aea8on.il takings. About $t),000. Metropolitan (1,500)— "Wandering Husbands." Usual summer busi- ness. Ud from previous week, with better break In weather. Parkway (1,:;00; 25-44)—"Happi- ness." Critics caustic over this latest Laurcttc Taylor screen ven- ture. Garland, in the "American," described the Hartley MaiJners heroine ns "the kind of child every- one would like to murder." About $3,200. This Week Century, "Tiger Love"; Rivoll, dark; New "Innocence"; Hippo- drome. "The Kighting American"; Garden. "Love Letters"; Metropoli- tan,' "tJeorg© ■ 'Waehljngton.. , Jr."; Parkway, "What Shall 1 Do?" UGHT QUARANTINE (Continued from page 1) cafes do this, but business plants, stores and residences have received notice from the Los Angeles Cham- ber of Commerce and bodies in dif- ferent localities to co-operate in the power saving campaign. The first of the theatre people to agree to curtail on lighting is the West Coast Theatres, Inc., control- ling a chain of 140 theatres in the state. Harry Arthur, Jr., manager of the circuit, prior to issuing an order directing that all their houses cut the use of electricity and current 40 per cent, Instead of 25 per cent, as had been asked, made a thorough survey of the conditions. He found that as there had been only six inches of rain, compared to 15 inches lost year, the lakes and reservoirs had gone dry and that even the mountain streams from which c<^es the reserve power were also begin- ning to show the strain, with the re- sult that by August It might be nec- essary for the Southern California Edison Company and municipal plants to shut off current entirely in this section before that time on account of the waste of current that has been going on. The ranchers are reporting their crops are burning up on account of lack of water. The ranchers have been using considerable power in trying to reach water for Irrigating purposes. The Los Angeles Restaurant As- sociation of 140 members has also decided to co-operate in the con- servation plan. All department stores and business places • using lights at night are also affected. Many of the concerns open evenings have decided to close during the summer months after dark. Though no relief is expected until late in October or "^Jovember from rainfall, the power companies are building steam plants for the gen- eration of electricity through the use of ga.sollne for power, which they expect to be completed late in Au- gust. It is said nat more than 50,000 people will be thrown out of work in Los Anseles by the shutting down of industrial establishments and stores. All of the outdoor shows In this territory have been denied light by communities they have been playing In with the result that several that are now playing In Southern Cali- fornia have bought generating out- fits-, which they have attached to Ford Tractors, which are supplying the'-i sufficient light to operate with. The beach resorts and parks all have plfedged to cut down the use of light 40 per cent during the shortage pe- riod, with mc.st of the beach estab- lishments :,t present being sparsely Illuminated. Motion picture houses are re- quested to give a minimum amount of performances dally, /itli the numbe not having been set. Most of the houses which have been run- ning continuous w-11 do so, but in- stead of shoving features five and six times a day, they may cut to tour times and augment the pro- gram by vaudeville and other fea- tures. BOSTON UNINTERESTING Summer Weather Drop* Receipt* Way Down Boston, July 1. Bucking the weather which has had anything but a beneflcial effect on the business of the houses open in town, the Park, a downtown house, used extensively for first- run releases and features, opened this week with $1.50 top and the new Talmadge picture, "Secrets." The picture has been passed for Sunday showing here. This is the first real opposition whioh "The Thief has encountered for some weeks. "The Thief" has been holding up exceptionally well, and last week went close to $12,600, even with the weather against it. At the other houses In town the situation is not very Interesting from a business standpoint. The arrival of the summer months and the warm weather has resulted in the week-end business falling off badly, and this has dropped the weekly receipts down to a low fig- ure. The State, Loew's uptown house, is this week using the Metro pic- ture, "Revelation," and "Tiger Love" featured at tbe Fenway. The Modem and Beacon, twin houses here, are using "Fight and Win" and "Recoil" this week. $14,000 FOR m hlh; BEST IN BUFFALO Town Still PIctorially De- pressed—"Confidence Man,'* Full Week, $12,000 Buffalo, July 1. Last week offered little variation or relief to Buffalo exhibitors from the depression under which business has fallen during the past month. Another stretch of warm weather kept the takings below par, the downtown managers being unani- mously agreed that there Is little hope for any change in the immedi- ate future. Last week's estimates: Loew'e (3,400; 35-55). "Lone Star Ranger" and vaudeville. Practically only house that got anything like a decent break on the week. Picture and vaudeville held up surprisingly: $14,000. Hip (2.400; 40-55). "Confidence Man." Held over for week with opinions divided. Seemed to have littl« appeal with feminine draw; $12,000. Lafayette (3,400; 35-60). "This Freedom" and vaudeville. Nothing exciting. Barely reached $11,000. ISEAD BRlimiEL' DRAW ON DENVER'S HOT DAYS Did Business in Intense Heat and Drew the IVIob Besides Denver, July i. John Barrymore In "Beau Brum- mel" wa« one of the surprises pf the week in ^t It pulled heav^ crowds Saturday and Sunday of the opening, days usually seized upon by the proletariat for the gratifica- tion of their pleasure-loving ten- dencies; and "Beau Brummel" is supposed to be distinctly not for thla class. It was used at the Rialto (Paramount), business keeping up well throughout a week character- ized by some of the hottest weather Denver has ever had. The America is still closed, under- going repairs, as Is the Strand (Fox). Curtis street looks rather gloomy at nights now, the brilliant electrical Illumination of former days being largely absent. Remain- ing houses are doing fair business. considering the season: Last week's estimates: Rialto (Paramount) (1,050; 35- 40). "Beau Brummel." Grossed $6,626. Victory (Paramount) (1,250; S6- 40). Agnes Ayres in "The Quilty One." Around $4,260. Colorado (Bishop-Cass) (2,760; 40-50). Barbara La Marr in "The White Moth." Grossed $7,235. Harry Brand's Injures Leg Los Angeles, July 1. Harry Brand, press representative for the Talmadge sisters and Joseph M. Schenck's other enterprises, is ill at his home suffering from an injury that occurred to his left leg two years ago. Physicians have taken two X rays of the injured member and are to consult whether an op- eration is necessary. Robert Doman is oflflclating dur- ing Brand's absence at the United Studios. Maine Town Threatened East Cornlth, Me., July 1. Fire which started in a grocery store Thursday night in the busi- ness section here, wiped out a mov-, Ing picture theatre, a storehouse, dry goods store and garage before It was controlled. All the burned buildings were wooden and the flro threatened the town. -• XOVERED WAGOr DID $23,000 LAST WEEK IN LOS ANGELES "Changing Husbands," With Irene Franklin, Special Attraction, at Metropolitan Headed Improved Trade, with $27,000—Forum Down to $6,000 MRS. SELDEN CARRYING ON Mrs. Edgar Selden, widow of the play broker, will continue his busi- ness. Mr. Selden represented 60 celebrated authors, and Mrs. Selden will act for these writers. Mrs. Seldon was on the stage when she married .ant(rejtirpd to as- sist Mr. Selden, Los Angeles, July 1. While there was general Improve- ment In the attendance at most of the picture houses the surprise of last week was "The Covered Wagon" opening at the Million Dol- lar Tuesday. This feature which ran over nine months in Grau- man's, Hollywood, proved to be the first of any of the big features that took a chance on a second run in a big downtown house and started out with a smash. The Metropolitan had Irene Franklin as a heavily advertised .added feature and with other at- tractions, with the picture "Chang- ing Husbands," business was ex- ceptionally good. Loew's State with "The Perfect Flapper' 'started out what looked like a good week. At Orauman'e Egyptian in Hollywood the an- nouncement of the last two weeks did the business. Harold Lloyd re- mained over for an extra week com- pleting an eight weeks run In "Girl Shy." The final couple of weeke were only lightly attended. The California showed "Babbitt" and the Warner Brothers feature piled up a healthier gross than the house has enjoyed In several weeks. •The Galloping Fish' at the Rialto in its fifth week is going along well and looks good for at least two more weeks. The Mission' holding over "Daughters of Pleasure" for a second week did fairly well. At the Forum where Griffith's "Amerlba" i*l holding forth, no change for th« better. Estimates for last week: California — "Babbitt" (Warner Bros.) (2,000; 25-85). Buslnes* looked better than in weeks, $10,00(f was top reached here during past month. $11,000. Million Dollar — "The Covered Wagon" (Paramount) (2,200; »6- 65). First big feature to hit as second run in downtown house. Es- timated at $23,000. Metropolitan — "Changing Hus- bands" (Paramount) (3,700; 35-«6). Irene Franklin added and good .sup- porting program with favorable notices. Estimated at $27,000. Rialto — "The Galloping Fish" (First National) (800; 35-86). Fourth week held up well. Looks good for two weeks more. Esti- mated at $6,000. Egyptian—"The Ten Command- ments" (Paramount) (1,800; 60c- $1.65). Next to last week announce- ments drew good houses. $17,600. Mission—"Daughters of Pleasure' ^Principal) (900; 50c.$1.10). Second week. $6,700. „ State — "The Perfect Flapper (First National) (2,400; 36-65). $17,500. Criterion — "Girl Shy" (Path*) (1,600; 55-85). Jtemaincd over an- other week (elc/fith). Hetnrn.i light. $4,500. / ,. Miller's -/"The King of WIW Horses" (Piithe) (900; 25-75). F'""" final week] $4,200. , Forum >- "America" ((iriffltW ■ (V,^(rJ \ .50).< iifiihi' 'h'rr^. »«,«*