Variety (December 1925)

y^,ine»d«yJ^ecembefJ^JM«^ PICTURES VARIETY piCniRE SMASH OF BROADWAY; BROKERS'BUT FOR'BIG PARADE' pid $20,000 First Full Week—"Stella Dallas" An other Hit Special, $15,000—"Freshman" Got $344,000 Gross in 10 Weeks at Colony, Record Thanksgiving Ordinarj Week for K. C. Houses •pha real picture smash of Broad- wa? at present seems to be "The 5*/Tirade." Notices on the second funday after the opening were ter- rifle in praise. Specs on Uie out- dde are reaping a harvest. In the «,eular agencies the demand for the .Ai» is so strong the premium brokers are talcing a buy, while at ?i« tox office there is said to be ^advance sale of »5,000 for the i.«Tt two weeks. The reason that the advance Is _„t greater is because the box office .t the Astor is so small only two «M>ka' tickets can be racked at ono ♦Tme Its nrst full (last) week Bhowed almost |20,000 In a house "in "he regular picture houses the ton money last week went to the Capl"l with $54,400 for Klinor Olyn'8 "The Only Thing." It was about $4 000 greater than what the ordinary week would have been be- muse of the Thanksgiving I>ny Sy. The Strand with "The Beautiful City" got second money, taking $36,400, the picture having a duo of stars in Dorothy Gish and Richard Barthclmesa. The two Famous Players theatres also had good bu.^ine.'is. "Irish Luck" the Tom Meighan produc- tion bettered $26,000 at the Rivoli, while at the Hialto was Gloria Swanson in "Stage Struck." which moved down from the Kivoll for a second week on the big street and did better than $25,000. At the Colony "The Freshman" rounded out the tenth week of its run with a startling gross of $344,- 848, almost an average of $35,000 weekly for the run. That consti- tutes a record for a run in a reg- ular picture house at regular pic- ture prices. Unlversal's "I'hantom of the Opera" went Into the house lor a run at pop prices on Sunday following its legitimate house en- gagement at the Astor with but three weeks Intervening. Warner's pulled something un- tiBuai In holding over "Hogan's Alley" at the house bearing their name. The picture probably w-as the hardest panned In the daily papers of any that has come to Broadway In a long time, yet the business was aufflclent to hold it for a second week with $14,784. At the Cameo "Classified" show- ed for a second run for a full week on Broadway to a fairly satisfac- tory box office return. In addition to "The Big Parade." the big pictures In for a run were topped by "Stella Dallas," the Samuel Goldwyn production at the Apollo, which just topped $15,000 on 1.^ fifst full week. At the Criterion The Vanishing American" went along at about $8,100, better than Ik u^^^ previous by about $800. the holiday being given credit for tnis The Merry Widow" at the Embassy a!so lifted sliijhtly last week, petting $10,155. Estimates for Last Week Apollo—"Stella Dallas" (Goldwyn- U. A). n.lSO; $2.20.) 3d week. La.st week, second, with holiday at top "cale, almost $15,000. l-artlcularly strong at matinees. ,,7**<>''—"The Big Pamdo" (M-G- M). (1,120; $1.10 and J2 20.) l;i!,'gPHt Plctuio hit In lof,'itimate house in "Tv,'^" ^^"<'l<s lilve succes.sor to irr,f .1 ""'" '^'''■<'- J^'"' fu" week fcoi ji9,s75, with .standees at every Perrornianto and advance stIp sironger th.-xn J5,000 without couiit- mg UKcncics. 5o1\"'*°~"*^''''^''«"'ed" (!•'■ N.). (549; irVui' .^*'«i'nd run on Broadway, at 1 ."Jf .''""'y strong box office play ill iiltle house, getting $!.7i(8. M^'?i*?ir"'^''*' 0"'y Thing" (M-G- M)J5,450: 5f>-$l.65.) Elinor Glyn rw^*""'* ^"""r Gllyn supervision: iin . "lUsh. but box office .showed up strong last wook. gettins $51.- ". p;Mticularly beean.so of the eiv n ''"''^''ly prices for Thanks- s'^mg and strong weekend infiux DAY RECORDS GO AT BALTO. Swanson, $16,500; Tal- madge, $13,000—Mix at Garden, $13,500 for A ■■my.Navy game. fl^sl ^rr ''^^ Fre.shmnn" (Pathc;. Snt,, i. ^"-^5.) Finished 10 weck.s a^a.i '^ ^-Ith total of $344.84.S. tourhL '"'"««'• Not heretofore touched In any of theatres. Avcr- weli, ioi"'*' $31,500 weekly. Final OnerJ."?''"*"' "^^"^ Phantom of the DrW^J" f«r extended Pi-ieea Sunday. Iean"*?ri°r~"'^'^e Vanishing Amer- wp«» (!•■ P.). (G08; $1.65.) Business went up little last week. $8,100. fM-G-.M^^e'"^^?- ^l^^'-'-y Widow" of as Baltimore, Dec. 1. Business generally hit a faster pace last week, and it was neck and neck between several of the box offices. There were big n.ames fea- tured at both the century and the Uivoll, Gloria Swanson and Norma Talmadge. Both got their usual patronage. Thanksgiving proved the bigfjest day in the history of several houses. The Ilipiiodrome broke its single day record, the Rivoll played to bigger busine.ss by $300 than a year ago. a record day for that theatre, while tho Garden, with Tom Mix, had to stop the ticket sale repeat- edly. The Whitehurst Theatres deal continues the major topic in local amusement circles. Nothing further has reached print since the unoffi- cial confirmation of the Fox nego- tiations, published last week. That something will break within the next few days is almost a certainty. The Met. came In for some un- expected publicity last Friday when yeggs gagged and Bound the night watchman and attempted to drill the office safe. They were after the heavy holiday receipts, which, how- ever, had been sent to the bank by Kpecial messenger. Estimates for Last Week C«ntury — "Stage Struck" (3,000; 30-75). Gloria held her popularity In spite of reviewers' disparage- ments. Receipts well under her last showing, which was coupled with a big act and special publicity stunt Thanksgiving helped and house sat- isf.actory at about $16,500. Rivoli —"Graustark" (2,300; 28- 75). Norma Talmadge, perhaps, biggest draw at this house. Coupled with Thanksgiving Day record, re- ceipts went to about $13,000. New —"Sun-l'p" (1,800; 25-50). Conrad Nagel'a name featured. Film was in wrong house, better adapted to the uptown Parkway. Week not out.staiiding and house did not keep pace with holiday re- ceipts elsewliere. Around $9,500. Hippodrome — "lUdin' tlie Wind," and vriudeville (3,200; 25-75). Re- vised policy has brought in western type of feature, long been a draw ;it tho opposition Garden. Ch.Tnge app.-irentiy a wise one. Reported bu.sincss Thanksgiving D.ay broke liouso day record. Around $12,000. Metropolitan — "Bobbed ILilr" (L.'iOO: 15-50). Big we.k at tiiis up- town first-run hoit.ie. Thanksgiving Day outstaiuling, with $2,200 esti- m.ited. Week's count-up around $7,500. Garden—"The Evcrlap.ting Whls- I)er" and vaudeville (I'.SOO; 25-50). Tom Mix had things .all his own way here. Tlie b. o. tinned in the usual cash. Around $13,500. Parkway—"Tlio Fre.shmnn" (1,400; L'u-50). After two weeks at the downtown New, the Whltchursts moved this one to their select up- town house. Good week. About 55,500. This Week Century, "Wild llorso .Me.sa"; Uivoll, "The Iron Horse"; Metro- politan, "The Ancient Ili^rhway"; P.arlvway, "The Cloose Wotnan"; New, "Tho Sportin^' Venus"; Hip- podrome, "The Coming of Amos"; 'Inrden, "The Kreshinnn." Kansas City, Dec 1. Dramas were In the majority Ust week. Pant&gea featured "Keeper of the Bees," given considerable publicity from havlnc been run serially in one of the lr>cal papers, and it drew nicely. The Newman used Its new organ, presided over by Earl Thursten. Lee Evans and his orchestra proved a better and bigger draw than on the openins week. He has taken the boys out of the formal uniforms of the "Royal Mounted," dolled them up In Tuxedos, and thejr seem mors "at home." In spite of the up-to-the-minute ulTerings, business was nothing to brag about, especially for a holiday week. The Strand, a big residential on the south side, cut loose with a spe- cial bill and callea It "Freshman Frolic." Estimates for Last Wssk Liberty—"As No Man Has Loved" (Fox) and "A Dors Life" (1,000; 25-50). Did not care for this one, and added Chaplin failed to attract. $5,000. Royal — "Black Cyclone" (920; 35-50). Film comedy, usual short reels and Royal &yncopators. Nov- elty of horse as headllner proved attractive. $5,500. Newman—"He's a Prince" (F. P.). (1980; 35-60). Extra reels and Lee Evans and orchestra, together with Vclma Lorraine Lyon. Tocalist. Nifty Thanksglvingr bilL $16,000. Mainstreet —"What Fools Men" (F. N.), (3,200; 25-BO). Five-act bllL Picture pleased majority. $18,000. Globe had "Tlw Fool* oa the screen. PHULY'S BEST WEEK; STANLEY, $29,000 u Stage Struck" Hits Town Hard—Fox's 2d Anniversary —'^Go West" Held Over MRRY WIDOW BUSTING WASH. ^.RECORDS „, ..„ i>0; J2.20.) Still spoken .Tnrt i"?° ^^ '*«»' pictures on street ,10,,-!.^"'"^ buslnes.s. Last week, (lorn'*°t~""''^^»''<' Rt'uck" (F. P.). Hrn, 1 -^"-SiS-OO.) Second week on ^ro.vhvay for Gloria Swanson In SDitl ■? v-^*"y papers panned, dc- ' " whicn sne managed to draw just little l).tter tli;^n C25,000. Rivoli — "Irish I.uck" (F. P.). (2.200: 5n-S.--03.) Thoni.is .Meighan in out and out Iiisli-iiiade picture. run at popi Topped $2(>.')no on the w(>ek, Strand-'Tho Beautiful City" (F. N). (L'.ftUO; 3.'>-50-S5.) Conildn.Tlion of three name.s, HiohtTrd Barfhel- niess. Dorothy Gi.sh and William T'owell. pulled corking -a eck's bu.si- nes?. $36,400. Warner's—"Hogan's Alley" (War- ner Bros.). (1.360; nO-S5.) Picturr got about worst notices In dally papers any film proilnction ever caiiL-ht on Brondway; still «atl<!fnc- tory enough from business stand- point to hold over second week with $14,784. , . STAGEi struck: 75% LIKED; DID $12,000 Critics Divided, Califor- nia's Manager Takes Vote Philadelphia, Dec 1. Ths best business of the season was recorded in downtown film houses last week, with Thanksgiving given Uie bulk of the credit. The Fox had a double break, in that It was the theatre's second an- niversay, and an elaborate bill had been arranged. Hilda Ferguson was billed as the topnotch added attrac- tion, but withdrawn at the last mo- ment, with a resulting shakcup in program. Notliing out of the ordi- nary, but. with the holiday, house grossed about $22,000. The Stanley had "Stage Struck.' and gave the house its best week in a long time, with almost $29,000 clalme<l. One of last week's biggest suc- cesses was Buster Kea ton's "Go West." at the Arcadia, although this was not as surprising as one might think. The booking of this Keaion picture into the small Ciiestnut street house, when all his recent re- leases have been shown at the Stan- ley, was unexpected, and tlie re- sponse. In a house that h.aa been anything but happy In recent pic- tures, proved the solitjity of Keaton's following and appeal. At the last minute It was decided to hold over "Go West" for second week. Last week. $4.000—best house has had In six months, or since "Quo Vadls," last spring. Estimates for Last Wssk Stanley (4.000; 35-50-75). "Stage Struck" (F. P.). Big draw. $29,000. Aldins (1,500; $1.65) — "Phantom of Opera" (U.), 7th week. Neat comeback, between $16,000 and $17,- 000. Last week. "The Merry Wid- ow" next. Fox (3,000; 99) — "Lazybones" (B'V>x), 2d anniversary, celebrated with big attendance, gross reported at $22,000. Stanton (1.700; 35-50-76)—"The Freshman" (Pathe). Fourth week. Will call It run with Hve Instead of six. Last week, $16,000. Arcadia (800; 60)—"Go West" (Metro-Goldwyn). Buster Koaton comedy held over. Almost $4,000 last week. Karlton (1,100; 60) — "Ths Best People" (F. P.). Better draw than average for this house, over $3,000 claimed. $16,000 2d Week—Held Over for 3d Week—Un- paralleled at Capital San Francisco, Dec 1. Last week's weather was fine, with no counter attractions to cut in, but the business was below the normal for most bousea Gloria Swanson at the California split the critics' opinions, which aroused the management Into con- ducting a voting contest with a bal- lot box in the lobby to ascertain what the customers opined. Sey- enty-flvo percent liked it, and that's about the way the box office meas- ured it's value. Both the Warfleld and the Gran- ada failed to collect the accustomed rettirns. Estimates for Last Week Warfield—(2,fif.8; 59). Lew Cody and Norma Shearer In a dainty, f.ast moving comedy "His Secre- tary." Kanchon-Marco presenta- tion "The Undersea" ballet under the standard of entertainment ii.sually In this big house. Gross $1?.600; not highly prufltable week. Granada— (2,734; 59). "The An- cient Highw^ay" with Jack Holt. Story starts with a bang and then develops Into on«>« of "serial" qual- ity. Stage offerings very good. $16,500, pretty close to the cushion with big overhead here. Imperial—(1,361; 59). Third week of 'Annie Rooney." Still slipping; two-week run would havo been more than plenty. $7,000. I m per i a I —(1,440; 59). "The Merry Widow" ilni.'^hod Hve-week run to .satisfactory business. I'lc- ture gets credit for putting this house on Its feet Final week $9,000. "I'liantoin of the Opera" try for run. California— (2.348; 69). Henulres gre.it show to get money making bu:^iuess. Location out of amuse- ment center and getting further out yearly. ".Stage Struck." Gloria .Swanson'.^ latest, did not get nearer than 75 percent of the record for this season. Classical presentation "The Beautiful Garden" deserves prai.^e. $12,000. Cameo—(800; 40). "Lorraine of tlio Lions" with stags novelties. About $3,200. Capitol—(l.SOO; $1). German fea- ture "Siegfried," second and final week. $7,500. • . " "Washington, Dec. 1. (Estimated Population, EOO.OOO) "The Merry Widow" did as well its second as its first week Kn- tering a third week gives Indica- tions of a third week record. The picture Is without parallel In the local theatre.i, by praise from the scribex, and the citizens, who Inslft on flghtln* their way mto the theatre. The Palace did well with "The Tower of Lies," another M.-G. pic- ture, and thoush dropping a good $4,000 from the preceding wotk, got just about that much above the usual assured business of this lioiise. Corinne Grimth In her latest, "ClassUlcd." did considerable busi- ness at the Metropolitan, but in lace of the opposition not enough to carry the film Into a second week Estimjtee for Last Week Coljmhia —"The Merry Widow* (M.-G.) (1,232; 35-00). Breaking records. Another $16,000. Metropolitan — "Classined" (Co- rinne Grlfflth) (Ist N.) (1,54S; S6- 50). Right welL $16,000. Palace—"The Tower of Lies" (M- Q.) (2,432; 36-50). Above average at $14,000. Rialto—"SporUn« Llfe^' (U.) (1.- 978; 35-50). Jumped somewhat. Around $9,000. This Week "The Merry Widow," Columbia (3rd week); "The Man on the Box," MetropollUn; "Irish Luck," Palace; "The Wheel." Rial to. Willats in Mex. City Los Angeles, Deo. 1, Irvin Wlllat, F. P. director, and his wife. Blllle Dove, expected to take a lOuropean vacation, left Mon- day for Mexico City, where they will stay several weeks. DON! MISS AN ANNOUNCEMENT IN K/ET im ANNIVERSARY NUMBER The Special Issue Will Be Out Late This Month Carry Your Name AH Over the World—in "Vaviety" Small or large, your advertiseinent will be read in the circle of English-speaking show business girdling the earth. The best and cheapest publicity opportunity for value given ever presented by a theatrical paper. GET VALUE WHEN YOU ADVERTISE Advertise in "VARIETY" Don't be persuaded or intimidated into wasting money on useless publicity , REGULAR ADVERTISING RATES Copy Received at Any "Variety" Office