Variety (February 1926)

'i VARIETY LECSlTIMAT'E W«dnca<!U7, Pelxnury 10, ttM SHOWS IN N. Y. AND COMMENT I ' FiBi^raa ••timated and commant point to aoma attractiona bainp auccaasfui. whit* tha tame qrot* accraditad to othara might auggaat madiocnty or loaa Tha varianca la axpiamad m tha diffaranca m houaa capac<tiaa. with tha /arymg ovarhaad Alao tha aiza of oaat. with conaequert diHaraoca m n«c««aary groaa ♦or profit Va'-'anoa in buamaaa r«ecaaaar> tor muaical attraction aa agamat dramatic piay 18 alao conaidarad •Abie's Irish Rose," Republic (195th wet'k). Heavy snow 8ti>im Wed- nesday and Thursday cut at- tendance, traffic conditions bein^ bad for balance of the weelt; "Able" affected like oihws but rated over $13,000. •Aliaa the Deacon." Hudson (12th weel;). Wavered for some weeks but is no.v roKuri'ed h.i\ing K<> '■ chance to stick through season; buslne^a climbed to profit after removal from Harris; last week est.mated we:i over $10,000. *A Lady'a Virtue," Bijou <12th week). Extra Thursday matinee Inserted starting last week, but performance drew bad break be- cause of storm; takings about same, around $9,000. "A Night in Parit," Century Roof (6.h week). Under name of Ca- alno de Paris not drawing smart crowds; claims to be bettering $22,000 weekly; easily possible at S5.50 scale. •A V/eak Woman," Ritz (3rd week). Has agency call and looks like lower i.oor draw; llrst two weeks about an even break with gross around $9,000. ''Arms and the Man," Garrick (22nd week). Final week; opened at the Guild and moved to Klaw; doing very well though slipped after moving here; however made ex- ceptionally good run for a re- vival; "The Right to Kill" next •A ..sta and Models," Winter Gar- den (31th week). House always did get strong play from vlsltO'rs and show is first rate revue which should run through season; around $30,000. •By the Way," Gaiety (7th week). Knglish show affected about $1,500 by storm; gross last week around $13,500; satisfactory. •Chariot's Revue," Selwyn (14th week). Another three or four weeks, then tours; last week be- tween $21,000 and $22,000; house may book new Douglas Fairbanks picture "The Black Pirate." •Cradle Snatchers," Music Box (23rd week). Money leaders protected against storm damage by advance sale; that was case here with little difference In gross; $20,500, capacity. • "Craig's Wife," Moroaco (18th week). Takings here between $12,000 and $13,000; ahould come b.ick to improved pace that mark- ed attendance after first of year. •Dearest Enemy," Knickerbocker (22nd week). Liable to remain for balance oi season; had been averaging '14,000 w< ekly for a small profit but lately Jumped; $16,000 V 3t weel.. •Easy Come, Easy Go," Blltmore (16th week). Another attraction that is indefinite after bobbing up and down; business has set- tled to between $11,000 and $12,- 000; okay; last week off. $9,500. •E-sy Virtue," ICmpire (lOlh week). J&ne Cowl has been making money and should last well into March; normal gait since New Year's not far from $15,000; last •week suffered a bigger drop than most others; $11,500. •Ember s," Henry Miller (2nd week). Henry Miller starring in new play from the French; fig- ures to be a draw for a time at least; light with first week ap- proximating $8,000. •Goat Song," Guild (Srd week). Most ambitious try by Theatre CJt'ild this Bea.son; is a production pplurge calling for more than or- d nary grosses to be profitable; started off ..t $14,000 weekly, which is regarded quite favorable. •Greenwich Village Follies," Cha- nins 46th Street (8th week). In actual grosses this edition of "Vil- la rjje Follies" la ahead of previous seasons; Is expensive troupe to operate but Is showing a profit; luHt week about $25,000. •Hedda Gabler," Comedy (3rd wreU). Actors Theatre drew fa- vorable comment with this Ibsen revival; business fair In this house at $6,500; expected to grow, •Kello, Lola," Maxine Elliot's (5th week). Moved here Monday from Kltinge; musical version of "Sev- enteen" is a moderate monty show as first Indicated; normal pace around $10,000; strong matinee business. •la Zat So?" Central (59th week). ~~ Bad weather dented trade for about $1,500 last week; Indicated gross around $9,000. •Laff That Off," Wallack's (IRth week). Never has drawn real money but is an attraction which can go along to moderate money; had been getting around $7,000, but less last wetk. •Lova 'Em and Leava 'Em," Sam H. Harris (2nd week). Opened Wednesday last week to fairly good promise; storm almost riiitvd second night, but business r'*r"h<y1 tbere:»ftrr. With S.atur- da\'8 trrde excellent. "Lulu Bella/' Delaaco (1st week). David Belasco's much discussed mixed cast drama opened Tues- day night, with Lenore Ulric starred; abnon.ially heavy de- mand for tickets in advance. "Magda," 49th Street (Srd week). Final week; moved here from Maxine Elliott's Monday; Bertha Kallch now controlling show her- self; revival which is figured for short engagement; plans are for touring. "Merchant of Venice," Hampden'a (7th week). Final week; thia en- gagement ends dual starring of Walter Hampden and Ethel Bar- rymore; Hampden, alone, starting next week with revival of "Cyrano de Bergerac." "Merry, Merry," Vanderbllt (tUt week). Another four weeks to go; Lyle Andrews musical comedy then going to road, with Boston probably the first stand; business $10,000 to $11,000 last-week. "Moscow Art Musical Studio," Jol- aon's (9th week). "Carmenclta and the Soldier" Is outstanding offering by Russians and Is to be presented regularly for balance of engagement, which has another three or four weeks to go; pace $25,000 is profitable. "Naughty Cinderella," Lyceum (14th week). Routed out after another week; has done well here, but big- ger money expected on tour as In- dicated by out-of-town showing prior to Broadway; $10,500 last week; "The Creaking Chair" will follow. "No, No, Nanette," Globe (22nd week). No question about Fra- nce's musical smash going through season on Broadway; road com- panies appear to make little dif- ference, for attraction Is mopping up; off last week, but made plenty at $26,500. "One of tha Family," Eltlnge t8th week). Moved here from Klaw Monday, being third house for at- traction, which originally started at 49th Street: Jones and Green interested with John Tuerk and reported guaranteeing Eltlnge; last week around $7,000. "Open Houaa," Criterion (9th week). Final week; average trade has been a little more than $5,000, which means a loss; house reverts to pictures next week, getting "Mare Nostrum." "Port o' London," Daly's 63rd Street (1st week), vyas tried out under the name of "The Maelstrom"; management and title changed at same time; opened Tuesday. "Princess Flavia," Shubert (16th week). Doubtful If Shuberts ever will get their money back on this operetta; attracted attention in early weeks at Century; moved here last week; estimated at about $18,000. "Puppy Love," 48th Street (Srd week). Laugh show that should click; last week did not furnish a real line on chances because of storm; gross was between $8,000 and $9,000. "Song of the Flame," 44th Street (7th week). One of the best op- eretta effects OTi this side of the water; commands strong agency call and Is among the musical leaders; last week affected, but approximated $30,000. "Student Prince," Century (63rd week. Moved In big Central Park West Theatre last week to replace the faltering "Princess Flavla"; scale for "Prince" low- ered to $3.30 top, which should c;:rry it along for some time: »'l'.00O. "Sunny," New Amsterdam (21st week). Little effect in business noted last week; agencies' heavy allotment protected house and gross was over $43,000 as usual; blgcrest money on list. "Sweetheart time," Imperial (4th week). Claimed to have bettered $15,000 (stop limit) first two weeks, but probably dipped under that last week because of adverse conditions; change in manage- ment and cast may affect chances. "Tha Beaten Track," Frolic (Ist week). A new drama probably framed to operate at small money, which explains roof house book- ing; Oustav Blum produced show, which opened Monday night. "The Cocoa nuts," Lyric (10th week). Sells out with the regularity of a smash, with weekly takings sec- ond only to "Sunny"; last week around $36,500. "The Enemy," Times Square (17th week). Channing Pollock's dra- matic contribution this season is holding Its own and Is making money; last week th" storm hurt gross, which w«nt to $9,400. "The Great Gatsby," Ambassador C'd week). Got corking notices, with first week getting $10,500 in seven performances; good agency call. "The Green Hat." Broadhurst (22d week). Scale has been revised to |8 30 top, original price of show; (Continued on page 26) L. A. Grosses Los Angeles. Feb. t. Tba Baa Carlo Opera Company la ckMlng Its three-week engagt- meot at the Philharmonic Audi- torium Saturday. The gross by that lime la expected to reach $60,000 for the stretch. -The Student Prince" ta In Its sixth week at the Blltmore, and al- though tha groaa It down to $20,000. that figure is atill prolitable. "Weak Siatars" In ita third week at the .Majestic go; $6,TOO. while the sec- ond week of 'The Oorilla" at the Mason drew $12,000. "Thank You" In Ita first week at the Morosco got $5,600. while the fourth and flna' week of "The Pall Guy" at the Orange Grove dropped to $3,600. "LULU BELLE" TORE PHILLY APART-$26,900 Home Record Despite Blizzard—<*7th Heaven" Held Own CHICAGO GIVES 'MIRACLE' $70,000; I 13 O THERS TO TAL $202.000 Tremendous Publicity for Gest's Spectacle—^^*BIos» som Time" Sensational at $25,000 on 4th Visits Tigs" $13,000—"Castles" $31,000 Again STORM BUMPED BOSTON; HAIN'HOLDS AT $21,000 Eagels' Show Local Smash— ''Rainbow Rose" $10,000 and "Abie" Under That Philadelphia, reb. ». Tiohi Belle's" tremendous busi- aeaa In Ita aeoond and final week at the Broad waa easily the feature of the legit aituatloa. Theatrical men aaM that naver In the history of local show business have they seen such a demand and overwhelming iatareat In an attraction of thia na- tiira. The entire week was a com- plete sell-out, and for the first time ■lace the war apeculatora were in front of the theatre. Without an extra matinee the ahow claimed the house record, paaalng that of "The Rivals," made laat year, for eight performances at almost $26,000. Outside of the Broad, local houses felt the effecta of the heavy snow a.id grossea dropped all along the line. The two musicals both suf- fered, "Naughty Riquette" to a far greater degree than "Topsy and E^ra." The management, to com- bat t!he weekly Mitzl matinee recep- tion given by the Duncans for chil- dren, advertised that Mitzl would hold a reception on the stage Satur- day afternoons. •"White Cargo." although definitely off from its former pace at the Wal- nut, ascribed much of the drop to the blizzard. If the show stages a come-back this week, the original plan to keep It here until spring looks okay. Otherwise. It seems as if the Walnut will have to get a new booking for around March 1. The North Broad street houses felt the weather keenly, among which waa "The Judge's Husband," having moved from the Lyric to the Adelphl for an additional two weeks. "The Kiss in a Taxi," a newcomer laat week, started off briskly but hit the dkids the middle of the week. Notices, aa a whole, were quite glowing for this one. "Seventh Heaven." at the Garrick, felt the weather less than some of the others, the advance sale helping considerably. The Golden show ap- pears likely to fulfill Its promise of staying for eight weeks, and pos- sibly 10. HoudinI opened to nice business at the Chestnut, the magi- clan drawing hla usual clientele, which meant a big Saturday, when the children came in droves. Hou- dinI should roll up a nice profit in hla three weeks here. Estimates for Laat Weak "Ladiea of the Evening" (Broad, 1st week). Opened to promising at- tendance, though an anti-climax to "Lulu Belle'a" sensational business. Gelasco show claimed house rec- ord for eight performances with al- most $26,000. "White Cargo" (Walnut. 4tli week). Tropical melo tumbled with the others, due to weather; got $14.- 000 and expects come-back this week. "Naughty Riquatta" (Shubert. 6th week). A sharp drop, with $20,000 ]uat attained: Inst two weeks and may have stayed too long. "Seventh Heaven" (Garrick, 4tli week). Held Ita own, due to nd- van*^; between $14,000 and $15,000. "Topay and Eva" (Forrest, 6th week). Town's current long stayer felt weather; annroached |?2,000 due to fine Saturday matinee. Houdini (ClJhestnut, 2d week). Had excellent atart, with matinees and Saturday making up for bad weather. "Tha Judga'a Husband" (Adelphl !d week). After three good weeic at the Lyric Hodge show moved here for nddltional fortnight; les? thnn $9,000. "Tha Kiaa In a TaxP' (Lyric, ?.l week). Good notices and starf' .well, but dropped with snow; ma\ 'have touched $12,000. Boston. Peb. t. The worst atorm thia city had seen since the blizzard of '$8 re- sulted in the legit theatres getting a wallop laat Thursday night. Ad- vance reservations were cancelled wholesale and many of the houses were practically empty. Every show in town was affected by the storm. Including the Opera House, where the Chicago Opera Company was playing its second and last week, and the Park, where "Rain," on Its first week, proved it- self one of the biggest money- makers that ever struck here. In Its first week "Rain," at a $:" top, did around $21,000. The house figures to hold $22.600—and don't forget that storm. The aecond week is also aold out The only new show this week was the opening of the "Music Box Re- vue" at the Colonial. This musical. In for two weeks, follows the pic- ture "Stella Dallas." Business, outside the night of the •itorm. was considered good. With one or two exceptions, all the shows in town rolled up grosses that were considered better than fair. Aa the list this week la practically the same as It waa last week, the box- offlce receipts are expected to hold up with a decent weather break. Eatimatea for Laat Week "fa Zat So," Wilbur Ord week). Did $11,000. "Gay Paree," Shubert (2d week). Did $".'1,000. "Rainbow Rose," Plymouth (»d week). First week. $10,000. "Muaie Box Revue," Colonial (1st week). "Stella Dallas" (picture) closed last Saturday. "Rain," Park r2d week). Hit $21.- 000: figures as big local hit. "The Poor Nut." Hollls fBth week). Storm pulled gross down io $10000: show will stav for a while. "No, No, Nanette," Tremont (6th week). Did $21,000; about $1,000 'ess than previous week, with th"" "'torm figured as responsible for thf drop. "Abie's Iriah Rose," Castle Square n9th week). Slipped b^low $10,- "^00: the storm araln. "PRINCE" $20,000, 3D WEEK One More to Co in B''to—"CHerry Bloaaom" flO.CXW—"Charles St. Folliea" Record Baltimore, Peb. t. The Academy continued in the lead, with about $20,000 for "The Student Prince," In Its third week of a four-week run. It was a week with three musicals, both the Audi- torium and Ford's housing ne.ar try-outs. The Auditorium had "Cherry Blo.ssom." The music received high praise, but the libretto was voted weak. Business started off nicelv but e.nsed off gradually and finished close to $10,000. "The Big Parade" (film) comes In here next week. The week nlso m.Tr''ed the end o^ 'he remark.able run of "The Charles Street Fonies" at the uptown Gull' theatre. This Intimate revue opened around Thanksgiving and waa 'ooked upon as Just another of those "torchbearcr" affairs. It caught on. however, and built stendllv. With ♦ he prc-Xmas week out, the revue f^Iayed 10 weeks and hung high t> record for this sort of thing out- Mde of New York. The Guild man- agement Is planning a spring edi- tion. Meanwhile the house wil' stage dramatics, with a two- ncrformance rent-out this Thursdiv •o the Carolina Players from the TTnlverslty of North Carolina. Baltimore's other Intimate play- ^ouno, the Vngnbond, Is atacing a ''ouhle hMl of two plays from the Sp«pish. In for two weeks. Ford's poes dark next week, du" to the postponement hf the "Topay nnd Kv.-i" en»T.'<'-emont until t''" ""nd. Ford's hfid "Suzanne." a new nnislcal. Inst week, and hiis'ne<--s wfis Inst about average for nc.ir ♦ry-outs. Ac.ndemy, "The .Student Prince" Mth and final week; Auditorium. "Kosher Kitty Kelly"; Vag.ibond "No Smoking" and 'The Wife o' T FamouH Man"; Guild the.itre '''lie Carolina I'liners (Thursday); Ford s, "American Born." Chicago, Feb, ». Eight dramatic shows drew ap^ proximately $95,000 last week. "Tha Dove" again led the dramatic field, with "Old English" quite a con- tender, and "They Knew What They Wanted" looking good on the strength of a little less than $1C.OOO at the Harris. The spectacle of the week waa "The Miracle." which baa turned the amusement portion of the town up- side dowu- "The Miraclo" reeled otC $70,000 for ita maiden week of a six- weeks' stay. Unexcelled publicity turned the trick, and it looks us if the newHpapers intend to keep up the barrage of "Miracle" stuff. In the musical play field the five attractions pulled out approximately $107,000. Not much help from tha auto show visitors in town either. "Dancing Mothers" finished up six weeks at the Solwyn with an aver- age gross that the premiere didn't predict. There's still middle-class money in town for "Mothers," and that's probably the figuring that transferred the piece to the La Salle. Cyril Maude opened at the Selwyn last night for two weeks only. Then comes "The Vortex," wltii a mention made of "Chariot's Revue" stopping for three weeks en route to Cali- fornia. "Scandals" encountered Its first luck in years here upon arriving at the Illinois. It escaped the stiff competition if Jolson and Ciintor hadn't siniultjincously closed. The box oflflce line yesterday and to- day was as of yore. "Castlea In the Air" la Just about "set" for an all-summer, making it possible for the fall opening In New York. "Blossom Time" is one of the sur- prise treats of the /eason at the Studebaker. where really splendid business exists. Down at the Great Northern "The Student Prince" goes into its 6Ist week, with records all its own and the possibility of re- maining until Memorial Day. None of the "specs" arc loaded up. They are playing "Castles" safe and are getting what they want for "Scandals," which in some quarters went for «11 a seat at the opi-ning. The city fathers evidently have put it up squarely to the public in the matter of kicks about the "specs." "Leave the specs alone and there won't be specs" seems to be the slogan since tho city hall rumpus. Estimates for Laat "Week "Those Charming People" (Sel- wyn. 1st week). Opened last night for two weeks only. "Vortox" to follow; "Dancing Mothers" bet- tered $13,000 average for the six weeks' stay. "They Knew What They Wanted" (Harril. id week). Looks like run on, $18,000 for initial week; dialog somewhat censored after first per- formance. "Old English" (Adelphl, 5th week). Mgures $70,000 on first four weeks, giving average gross of bettor than $18,000. "The Dove" (Blackstone. I3th week). Still drawing at $20,000 gait: dramatic lead of town; now listed to go Feb. 27. "Young Blood" (rrinc<-ss, 4th week). Better than moderate pace; has spurts that may soon exceed present $12,000 mark. "The Haunted Houae" (I'layliouso, 3d week). Moderate gait but prob- ably profitable under system of or- ganization; between $6,000 and $7,000. "Piga" (Cort. 12th week). Clip- ping big profits for both ends and particularly for house on $13,000 draw; has displayed importfint strength in last month. "Tha Miracle" (Auditorium, 2d week). Tremendous publicity has town talking; reported around $70,- 000 for first week. "Scandals" (Illinois, 2d week). In great spof with closing ot Jolson and Cantor; figured $3o,000. "Castlea in the Air" H)lyroplc, 12th week). Another $31,000 week. "Bloaaom Time" (Stiidcb.-iker, 2d week). Company liked better than previous one, with call sens.itiimal; around $25,000; good enough to war- rant extra weeks. "The Student Prince" (Great Northern, 51st week). Has grasped local run record for musicait-; no end in sight for engagement; about $18,000, and big profit. "Dancing Mothers" (La Sall<", 7th week in town). Moved here from Se'uyn. If lower floor }u^^^^■^ i'S good here as It wa.s at Selwyn ch.iiice.s are cut rates in lia'cmiv ^nnf used at Selwyn) will benefit total. , "Jack o* Hearts" (Cenlial. fitli ar.d final week). Fniluro to hit hettcr nveiape tlinn $ri,r.00 caiise<l nniovnU "Some (ilrl" (niusicul) opona Sim- da.1.