Variety (September 1924)

Wedne-day, September 10, 1924 ■ VEQ IT I M'ATE VARIETY 15 ANOTHER SMASH WEEK IN LOOP; TWO HOLDOVERS AT $24,000 EACH "Beggar on Horseback" Remains Hit of New Crop— "Shame Woman" First Flop in Chi. of New Sea- "BIoMom Time" at $1.50 in Auditorium— ■ "Abie" and $14,000 in 37tfa Week at Studebaker Chicago, Sept. ». Favorable weather had much to do with the increased sales In the legit field laat week, particularly for the three performance* specified a* the Labor Day trade. For those all the musicals In town sold oat and the •low-moving comedies picked up. For general average gross business It wasjtbe best Labor Da* week de* mand.'n, years, further increasing the velocity of .the season's start In Chi- cago. Qut of the lively business, how* ever, there came a flop, marked Off without ceremony. '"The Shame Women" (Princess) got a mid-week notice, shuting Saturday, with. "In the Next Room" hurried here to.kef p lighted the,Clark; street bouse. •to offset' this aero average'"Of * the Khuberts at the Princess, along came -Blossom Time" to inaugurate 'the Auditorium as a legit house in a most healthy, fashion. If* a repeat engagement, yet the first two per- formances (Monday) were sellouts. The scale Is $1.50 top for nights., In- stead of remaining for two weeks "Blossom Time" will now be a four weeks' visitor. • There's big capacity at the Auditorium, and when the folks start coming, regardless of the prices charged, there's a fine gross at the week's finish. "The Fool"' was talked of for the second atractlon at the Auditorium at reduced prices, but the two extra weeks given to "Blossom Time" makes it appear as If Channing Pollock's pleae Is off. MusleaMJne-Up In the musical Held the competi- tive line-up is getlng close to what it Is expected -to be In the dash known , as the pre-Thanksglvlng bookings. "Mary Jane MoKane" went Into the Oarrick . Sunday, switching "Dixie to Broadway" to the Great Northern, making the list of Shubert houses In full active ser- vice. "Vogue* and Frolics" unravels Its worth at the Apollo next Sunday, leaving the Apollo dark this week, since "Artists and Models" went out Saturday. "McKane" expects to bat- tle the popularity of "Nanette" at the Harris. Instead of weakening "Nanette" Is growing stronger in advance demand. Chicago patrons back from summer vacation are seeking it . "Topsy and Eva" contnlues to be the freakiest of freak musical shows. It marches on madly, Internally and at the box-office window. If ever there Was an example of the theatre- going public following "a leader," here it la. Those who make up their mind not to go, finally do go out of curiosity. The "specs'* were stopped some time ago by the sight of the long box-office window lines. Ma- jority'of the folks who attend this atractlon probably never heard of a ticket broker. What to do with "Rain" and Jane Cowl on the book- ing sheets Is probably giving Sam Harris and the Selwyns a iot of worry, despite the profits gained by "Nanette" and "Topsy and Eva" It's a situation that comes up once in a life-time, wholly derived from the unexpected success of two knockouts . Aide by side. Hit Wallop of New Ones There'll be no worrying at the Adelphl for some time to come, with 'The Beggar on Horseback" hitting 6ff the present gait It's the hit wal- lop of the new atractlon*. "Tarnish" ' is the runner-up. "Early to Bed" is •> a dark horse. If the Choos piece doesn't hit big money here it's going to do so somewhere. There's too many laughs in "Early to Bed" to chalk It up as a flop on the face of the inability of the piece falling around $2,500 from reaching the $10,- 000 class. It takes time for new plays to get going In Chicago. This x town runs the other way from bed- room stuff. Such is the present In- ference from the title of "Early to Bed." Without the Colonial and Powers to be included in the new season's calendar there appears to be some- thing missing, yet the present array of theatres seems to give the loop's legit field an era Of a "new punch." At any rate, it's certain there are New Tork producers casting an en- •' vlous eye toward Chicago for the ■ - speed with which the new season has started off. The tendency of the a playgoers here of this era is to "roll ,. their own"; or, in other words, cre- ate a gold mine for the shows that ' 'strike their fancy, Broadway stamp of approval notwithstanding. "The Best People's* present existence in New York strengthens the slogan: "What Chicago likes New York dis- approves, and vice versa." Last week's estimates: "Blossom Time" (Auditorium, 1st week). Started Sway with capacity ' ttiWUnee ana nigh* fitaturflnyv i*n<1 .(Continued on pnire 4kth > r t . i Bert Brown's Paper Bert Brown, manager of the Playhouse, appreciates .hot weather, but Charles Stewart manager of "The Show-Off," proves his Indifference - by sporting vest reaardless of temperatures. Recently, when the pavement started to smoke, - Brown took - one peek at Charlie's vest and Quit the lobby, saying: "Well. kid, I'm going to sit under the cold shower for an hour gad a half and I'm going to have nothing with me but a rubber newspaper." FRISCO'S CO-OPERATIVE STOCK DID $1,500, GROSS 5 "Whole Town's Talking" Gat $10,000—Fairbanks' Film, $15,000 San Francisco, Sept. >. A gross of $1,500 was piled up last week by the co-operative stock at the Casino playing "Seven Keys to Baldpate." This week the same stock is doing "A Stitch in Time." Taylor Holmes in "The Whole Town's Talking" did $10,000 last week at the Curran and is holding over. At the Columbia the Fair- banks* picture. "Thief of Bagdad," got $15,000. It is also holding over. alcaiar dark. PHLLA'S DELAYED START WITH "DEAR SIR" FIRST COLORED COAST SHOW "Steppin" High" in Loo Angela* Looks Good for That Section IjOS Angeles, Sept. t. "Steppln* High," colored musical show in t« q acts and IS scenes, fea- turing Basel Meyers, colored record- ing star, opened to a capacity house at the Philharmonic Auditorium last night The production is a typical plan- tation show with a east of about 40, and' moving along at a smart pace that should make it a corking attraction In this territory, espe- cially in the one and three-night stands. The piece looks to be expensively hooked up with Dike Thomas and "Strawberry" Russell successfully undertaking the comedy assign- ments. Miss Meyers also scores heavily. A good looking and hard working chorus Is a feature. _ 1 " —i Alex. Can* Has Hunch to Finance "April Showers" Los Angeles; Sept t. Alexander Carr is going to be- come a picture producer. For the present he has forsaken the speak- ing stage. Carr Is now endeavoring and secretly to obtain financial aid in the making of "April Showers," used by him for several years as a vaude- ville vehicle. Carr told a few of his friends regarding his venture and suggested that they get in touch with different producers to ascertain whether they would go in on the ventura Each of the friends was asked to keep the matter as quiet as possible, with none being in- formed that others were function- ing in c similar capacity. One of the friends went to an In- dependent producer telling him he had a great proposition for him. The man listened to the story and when the interview was concluded said: "You are the fifth person to talk to me about this, and all have said not to tell anyone." Should Carr not obtain backing it is quite likely he may make the pic- ture on his own. Carr has purchased a home In Hollywood, and maintains Rush Commences Next Week —"Grab Bag" This week - . >'..- Philadelphia, Sept. I. I The delayed season finally got un- der way last Wednesday, but not with the traditional bang, since only one house opened Its doors, a second following Saturday arid a third Mon- day (yesterday). It was. the most leisurely theatrical beginning Phllly haa had In a long time, the old- timers agred,and not a -few* jot them predict that, the- tradition once" broken, the customary'Labor Day opening wl^ not retnrti. The one show scheduled to open last Monday night was "Pear Sir/' but Monday morning hurry ads,wer« Inserted In the'dailies thatT^he to the "masslveness of the., production,* the show was not yet In readiness and could not open until Wednesday. It is reported that the delay waa due to the fact that one ot the principals was nowhere nearly up in- his part. However, far from being a. tough break, 1 the delayed opening for "Deaf Sir" proved a blessing in disguise. Monday (Labor Day) night Was one of the -hottest of the summer here, with the humidity worse than the heat Wednesday, Oft* the contrary, a cool wave had some along, and the Labor Day exodus was over. A real box-office demand developed. The notices on "Dear Sir'*' were laudatory in the highest degree and they were surprisingly long, consid- ering that they ran Thursday, when none of the dalles has a dramatic page. The reviews of 'Wildflower" were run on Monday Instead of Sunday (the following day) or Tues- day, the. usual review day. With these two shows opening during the week, only on* house Was left with a Monday debut this week. That was the Garrtok, where Ed Wynn made his bow in "The Grab Bag." These spread-out openings have meant that the first-string men could cover all the new shows So far. Next Weak Busier Next Monday, however, the rush commences, four shows being sched- uled to open. "The Potters," instead of coming to the Chestnut Street opera house, as announced, is ■witched into the Lyric; where It ex- pects to stay a long time. "Moon- light'* announced for* the Lyric, comes into the Chestnut Street in- stead. The Walaut, having can- celled its original booking, "In the Next Room," scheduled for Labor Day. opena Monday with "The Shame Woman." in for two weeks. The fourth show is the "Music Box Re- vue" at the Forrest following "Dear Sir." . The following Monday win see the two other legit houses get under way, the Broad with "Hell Bent fer Heav- en" and the Adelphl with "The Goose Hangs High." These two are always the last houses to open. The Lew Fields "Melody Man** booking was cancelled at the Adelphl. The Nth will bring "Bitting Pretty" into the Walnut but other future bookings are undetermined. Ed Wynn may stay two or he may stay four weeks at the Oarrick. The house's next booking is Ethel Barry- more In her revival of "The Second Mrs. Tanqueray." This placing of a Hopkins show Into a syndicate house surprises everybody here. Broad bookings, announced last week. Include "The Nervous Wreck," "Meet the Wife," return engagements of "Little Miss BtUebeard" and "Rain" and "Seventh Heaven." Oar- rick bookings Include "Aren't We All" and "St Joan," and Forrest bookings, "Madame Pompadour," "Lollipop," Walter Hampden's "Cy- rano" (also a surprise), "Stepping Stones" and "Scandals." Estimates for last week: "Dear Sir" (Forrest 2d week). Opened last Wednesday with im- proved weather breaks, and did real business. Reports almost $8,500 on Ave performances. Last week. Music Box following. "Wildflower** (Shubert, 1st week). Opened Saturday to most encourag- ing house and plenty of real money. Hopes to stay six weeks. "The Grab Bag" (Oarrick. 1st week). Opened Monday for limited engagement. May stay four weeks If business warrants. SHOWS IN N. Y. AND COMMENT Figures eatlmstod and comment point to seme attractions being successful, while the ssme gross accredited to other* might suggest mediocrity or loss. The variance la explained In the difference In house capacities, with the varying overhead. Also the *lxe of cast with consequent difference in neoesssry gross for profit. Variance in business necessary for musical attraction as against dramstio play la also oonaldered. "Abie'* Irish Rose,* Republic (121st week). After heat wave broke early last week, business picked up; exceptionally cool, but no particular kick In general ticket demand. Extra matinee for "Able" (Labor Day), with gross again over the $16,000 markl "Be Yourself," Sam H. Harris (Id week.) Opened Wednesday last . week, critics expressing differ- ence of Opinion but commending show's strong points. Business promising, with nightly gait $1,«00 to $l,TO0. Lively Window sale in- dicative of chance. "Best People," Lyceum (4th week). Npt able tq approach paoe sat in Chicago" last spring, even though attraction is liked. Last week, approximately $8,000. "Bye, Bye, Barbara," National. Closed Saturday after playing two ' very' poor' weeks, co-operative, ■ eatcept for chorus.. Under $5,000. r 'House dark until later tn'month, then "Purple Cow." iq . ; "Chariot** Revue," I Times Square - < 34th week), i Another, week to go, English show then-going'to road tivn motor ""irs .S*< '/ill t. L. A. GR0SSE8 Los Angeles, Sept I. The first four performances of Harry Carroll's "Pickings of 1024" at the Orange Grove drew $4,100. "The Nervous Wreck," la Its 10th week at the Majestic, got $$,200, and "The Oat and the Canary." term|- naMPg In Jts.Uth. sfeek at.the Mo- rocco, took i errii* of H.fOrt, , , fox, about 20 weeks,, with Beatrice Llllie, Gertrude Lawrence;. Sam ' Hardy .' replaces. . Nelson . Keys. " Attraction an unqualified Success here. $16,000 last week.. "CKocbJate Dandies.*' Colonial (2d ' week). New colored musical off "to strong start and figures to reg- ' Mter. First week between $12,000 •and tlS.000, rated good bpt not ■ exceptional. "Cobra;*' LOngacre (21st 'week). Management expectant of Indefi- nite run for ■ holdover drama. ' Spring success though not a smash. Weight of hew produc- tions govern chances. Between . $3,000 and $9,000. "Conscience," Belmont (1st week). A drama listed for the Village originally, but taken over by A.H. Woods. Premiere Thursday. "Dancing Mothers," Booth (5th week). , Seems to have good chancel Particular kick With wo- men patrons. Not capacity, but none of new show* hit that gait and $10,500 very good- in this house. "Expressing Willie,** 48th Street <22d week). Test of whether "Willie" can remain until holidays will coma when other houses re- open and. season gets Into stride. Estimated between $5,600 and $6,- 000. "Fata Morgana," Oarrick (21th week). Probably will run for an other three weeks. Guild's new season not being timed to start until Oct 6. Business still prof- itable though comparatively mod erate now. Over $5,000. "Follies,'' New Amsterdam (12th week). Ran slightly behind nor mal because of torrid weather early last week. Claimed to have grossed approximately $$$,000. 8UU leads street. "Glory," Plymouth (2d week). Opened Friday night and hailed by audience and critics- as great war drama. Best notloes of all new shows and perhaps mo*t fa- vorable comment In year, and uniformly so. Fy indications. It is in. Title changed to "What ' Price Glory 7" "Havoc," Maxlne Elliott's (2d week). Also war play, of English writing and playing; Imported. Some- what mildly received, agencies having light call. Quoted getting $6,000. "High Stakes," Hudson (1st week). A. H. Woods' first production of the season. Opened Tuesday night. Lowell Sherman featured. Writ- ten by Wlllard Mack and first called "Lace Idols"; other titles, among (Hem "Blackmail," which was used in Baltimore, where show opened last week "I'll 8»y She Is," Casino (17th week). No reason why this sum mer musical hit should not con tlnue throughout fall. Only chance of new musicals due into town. Pace over $18,f00 last week. "Keep Kool," Earl Carroll (17th week). Moved hers laat week, Carroll being third theatre fer at- traction. At Globe previous week heat victim. Last week, around $$.000 indicated; "Kid BOotk,' 'Selwyn (37th week). Moved here from Carroll last week, holding io same $5.50 top scale. Business about sain around $29,000. Expected to last until spring. "Marjorie," Shubert (5th week). One of new r.-.uslcais, well liked, but not getting, exceptional trade. Can make money. when bettering $H,ooo. Will move to 44tht Street after next week. "Greenwich Vl| lag* Follies" succeeds. "Nerves," Odmedy (2d week). New drama with war background. Re- views (nixed. wMh Indication* ■ ' -' run ,!••:;.• fff'i ,., a } i r tie demand In agencies. $4,000; closes Saturday. No Other Girl," Morosco (5th week). Last week's business about same as previous week, with tak- ings between $8,000 and $$,000. Unless business takea Jump, will leave in week or so. Passing Show," Winter Garden (2d week). Twelfth annual revue of series. Opened Sept. S, with com- ment laudatory. Business outlook, however, must .consider musical opposition due in this fall. Plain Jan*," EltInge (18th week). Unable to recover from slump of tWo weeks ago arid about through for Broadway lit another week. Pace around $7,500. "Pigs,": Little (2d week). Comment favored this comedy, but opening pace moderate. Inrush of new •$/■ . tractions may be reason, Approx- L Innately $6,000 last week. , "Rain," Ga|ety (2d engagement. 2d week). Started Oft 4 brilliantly, Aral week's gross-for second engage- ment HMOS or tittle mere; HsssM capacity about $14,000. Fooi weeks only announced, but busi- ness may cause extension. . . "Ro**-Marie," Imperial (2d week). Arthur 1 Hnramersteln's new musi- cal play accorded corking Pot ices, and attraction believed to have excellent chance. Opened Tues- day, but played only six perform- ances . . (Wednesday . i matlne* dropped), with $18,000. Not ca- pacity, but promising.. .._..., "Scandals," Apollo (11th week). Ex- ' tra matinee Labor Day "got capaci- ty despite heat, and the count for week went to $21,500. Despite in- coming rush of musicals, this one ought to hold Its own. Stepping Stones," Globe (2d en- gagement; Id- week). Resumed engagement time for four weeks; got .off to good start, gross last week around $21,500. Top now 14.40. When show was closed by strike It was doing $2»,000, but at $5.60 top. "Grab Bag*' Oct 6. "8trang*> Bedfellows," Henry Miller 18th week). Another three or four weeks to go and, on strength ot showing, ought to pick, up nloe profit on tour. Around $7,000 last week. "Sweeney Todd," Frasee (9th week). Was to have closed last week, but "Le Coq d'Or," Russian revue, de- layed on other side for two weeks. "Sweeney" probably getting $$,000. House guaranteed •8,500, starting Labor Day. n "The Dredm Girl," Ambassador (4th week). Musical play rated excel- lent entertaniment Promising business since premiere, though not capacity; true of Others; $16,000. . The Easy Mark," 8$th St (2d week). Though little business drawn, pro- ducers using extra advertising and expect beterment Business sec- ond week no better and liable to close any time. $$,000. The Green Beetle," Klaw (2d week). Got fair break la notices, with business after opening moderate, then Jumping toward end of week. Indicated pace $7,000 for seven per- formances, or about 91,000 oa week's basis. "The Haunted House," Geo. M. Co- ban (2d week). Farce mystery piece rats good laughing show. Under handicap of multiple pre- mieres, business fairly good for ■tart Got nearly'$9,500 la seven performances, or well over $10,004 weekly pace. "The Miracle," Century (2d engage- ment; 4th week). Seem* big taka to resume with so big project, Another two months to go. Busi- ness at modified scale sounds big but doubtful If profitable. Quoted about Utile tinder $25,000. "The Mask and the Face," Bijou (1st week). Due to open tonight (Wednesday). William Faveraham starred. Latter was to have come in with "The Ostrich Man." sud- denly shelved. "The Show-off," Playhouse (*2d week). New arrivals had no effect on this laugh show; picked up slightly over previous week, gross- ing $9,600 or better. "The Swan," Empire (2d engage- ment td week). Another week listed for resumed engagement Originally stopped by strike May SI. "Grounds for Divorce" due Sept 22. "Swan's" gait about $8,000. "The Tantrum," Cort (2d week). Opened Sept. 4, notices in and out, with praise for Roberta Arnold, featured. Light business after pre- miere. "The Werewolf," 49th St. (8d week). Much expected of foreign comedy because of rawness. Business to date-leaves plenty of room for fcn- rovement. About $4,000. he Wonderful Visit," Princess (17th Week). Final Week. Co- operative attraction drew atten- tion, but little money. Average lately around $2,000. "My- Son" listed next week. I.J -|,i » '.'top We- Fulton C^wq^cV -Mu- ll ilni iiurn o- im.* <L.i' . . Thi