Variety (May 1926)

VARIETY PICTURES Wednesday, May 5, 1926 M VICKER'S, $22,000, WITH ASH OUT; IRENE' AT CHICAGO, $39,009, LIGHT III "Stella Dallas 9 " Running Start at Roosevelt, $28, Best in Long While—"Parade" and "Hur" Shortly Leaving—Front-Page Wife, Peggy, Drew Curious Chicago, May 4. "S'olla Dallas" has started like a prairie lire at the Roosevelt, open- ing last week to a trade figured at dose to $28,000, the best money the house has taken In months. The picture is getting great word- ol'-mouih plugging. McVicker's gross last week sliced down to $22,000, lowest in a year. This is the effect of the continued but not officially unnounced absence of Paul Ash, who has been taking several weeks to rest up, preparing for his debut in his new Oriental on Randolph street, scheduled to open tomorrow (May 6). The Chicago also had an off week failing to hit $-10,000 for the second successive week. Colleen Moore version of "Irene" not considered so warm. With last weeks an- KARYL NORMAN HITS HOME TOWN JUST RIGHT Stage Act Sensation at Rivoli, Balto.—Loew's Whitehurst's Century and Parkway Baltimore, May 4. The big Century is apparently sold. It has been apparently sold before. A few weeks back. Fox was announced as the purchaser, but never took possession and eased out of the deal without so much as a forfeit. The whole thins; was nounced on both pictures, "The Big I shrouded in much mystery that Parade" has been giving forceful I never lifted. Marcus Loew now demonstration of its apparent box | steps up and signs. According to oftlce ascendency over "Ben-Hur," well-substantiated reports, the the- its $2 running mate, by widening atre is now his. Only the comple- the margin between the grosses. | tion of the title search remains, and Last week "Parade" held better than $13,000, while "Ben" dropped to $8,000. Peggy Hopkins Joyce In The Skyrocket" attracted a lot of wo- men curious to see what the pale faced vamp looks like. The Ran- dolph'took $6,200, but did not hold over the picture because of Uni- versal^ desire to get Its own "Watch Your Wife" a showing. "Sandy" grossed $5,000 In its sec- ond week at the Monroe in the face of the Castle, second run grind that is scheduled for this week. It marks the re-entry of Loew into the Baltimore amusement field, a Held that he abandoned when he was succeeded by Keith-Aibee at the Hippodrome a few years back. The reputed price paid for the Whltehurst enterprise is $1,800,000. The property involved in the trans- fer consists of the Century theatre and roof, the uptown Parkway and several parcels of real estate. The policy for the big Century under the regime is not definitely set. A "Wreck" as Special Los Angeles. May 4- Harrison Ford has been definitely selected to play the title role in "The Nervous Wreck," which Al Christie will make for P. D. C. re- lease. The picture will be sold as a spe- cial. SUNDAY SHOW IN PROVIDENCE TO BIG BIZ But Cost Business During Week—Exhibs Not Wild Over 'Sunday 9 Latitude house two blocks away, also run- policy of Metro-Goldwyn features, ning the picture. Estimates For Last Week Chicago—"Irene" (F. N.) (4,100; GO-75). Picture not rated high here with excessive footage commented on. $3S,000. Garrick—"Big Parade" (M.-G.-M.; 18th week) (B0c-$2). One more week for this box-office knockout. $13,500. McVicker's—"Lucky Lady" (F. P.) (2,400; 60-75). Campaign to keep house from becoming dud augmented by presentations and a big act, is the likely policy. The transfer of these properties leaves the Whltehursts with the New and Garden theatres, which, according to present plans, they will continue to operate under the policies now prevailing. Last week was a generally good one for the local first-run houses. The Rivoli bettered its average large draw, with Karyl Norman's again is on. Elaborate plans include stage act ("Creole Fashion Plate") Henry Gendron's orchestra, Ocorge getting most of the credit, and de GIvot, Paul Ash's assistant of earlier months, and other features. Last week around $22,000. Monroe.—"Sandy" (Fox, 2d week). (973; 50). $4,900. Orpheum—"Oh What A Nurse" (Warner's, 3d and final week) (776; 50). Finished at $8,100. "Hell Bent Fer Heaven" next. Randolph—"Skyrocket" (A. E.) («50; 60). Marshall Neilan's con- version of famous front page wife into movie actreBs drew well, par- ticularly among the gals. $6,200. Roosevelt—"Stella Dallas" (U. A.) (1,400; 50-75). Looks like beat run Roosevelt has had In many moons. OfT to $23,000. Woods—" Ben-Hur" (M.-G.-M 12th week) '1.073; 50c-$2). $8,000. Out this Saturday (May 8). (Copyright, 1926, by Variety, fne.) Gilda in Person and Film at Riako May 15 Gilda Gray will come into the Rialto, N. Y., for a special run of six weeks in conjunction with the showing there of her first motion picture feature, "Aloma of the South Seas," beginning May 16. The initial performance of the feature will be given at midnight. May 15. In order to play the New York date and to prepare a special pre- sentation hi harmony with the pic ture. h\U's Gray was corn pel led to cancel three weeks of dates in the middle wist where bhe was being guaranteed $7,600 weekly with the option of taking 75 percent of the receipt*. Leonora Ulrich and a number of the technical assistants of David Belasco will stage tho presentation for "Aloma." serving it. The big Century got a surprisingly good week out of "Sandy," and the moderate-sized Now mopped up with "For Heaven's Sake." Only the Embassy slipped. The box-office here hit the skids the previous week with "The New Klondike," and "Count of Luxem- bourg," rushed in at the eleventh hour to replace "Let's Get Mar- ried," failed to help. The DJx film is now in, a week late, and may prove the needed box-office stim- ulus. Ford's, with the legit season over, goes over to the films temporarily, and took on "The Naked Truth," beginning last night. Estimates for Last Week Rivoli—"Dancer of Paris" (2,300; :15-G5). Credit for theatre's out- standing business goes to stage act. Karyl Norman made his picture house debut in his home town and proved sensation. By Thursday, patrons were repeating at tho b. o Could have held over to a second Aook turn-away, but previous War- ing's Pennsylvanlans booking pre e luded this. Week was blj; through out. Century—"Sandy" (3,000; 30-65). Surprised by heavy draw, advanc- ing about $2,500 over previous week. Business uniformly good $14,000. Embassy — "Count of Luxem- bourg" (1,500; 35-76>. Baltimore's high-top house foiled to recover from setback administered previ- ous week when "The New Klon- dike" started a nose dive. "Count" rushed In at Inst moment, with lit- tle opportunity for advance work, and developed little. Result was a further sliding off. Week's gross under $5,000. New—"For Heaven's Sake" (1,800; L\"-fiO). Best week house has had sinci! "Merry Widow." About $13, 000. Another week. Providence, May 4. (Drawing Population, 300,000) Warm weather and spring's balmy breezes have reached Provi- dence, to the disgust of the local exhibitors. Another excuse for the average receipts Is the opening of Sunday movies in Providence, for the first ^time in Rhode Island's history. Lots of theatregoers deferred their weekly visit to the movies until Sunday, Just for the novelty of the thing. The Sunday shows May 2 did ex- traordinary business. Practically all the houses stood them up In the evening. Managers are not opti- mistic about the immediate success of the new regulations, however, for they figure that with the sum- mer coming on it will be difficult to fill the house on week-day nights, to say nothing of Sundays. Most of them give the Sunday movies about a month of life, until the next winter season sends the biz up again. Last week • < Klki" walked away with the palm. "The Self-Starter," with Reed Howe, was a very ade- quite second feature. "Sandy," with the dazzling Madge Bellamy and taken from the much- touted newspaper serial, did good business at the Victory. House Peters in "The Storm Breaker," sec- ond feature on the Victory's bill, was merely poor. Estimates for Last Week Majestic—(2,600; 10-40). M Kikl" (1st N.) Norma Talmadge. A wow. "The Self-Starter" (Ind.) agreeable comedy. $9,000. Strand— (2.200; 15-40.) "Miss Brewster's Millions" <F. p.), despite the magnetic Bebe Daniels, did not draw to excess. "Whispering Smith" (P. D. C.) little. $5,500. Rialto— (1,448; 15-40.) "Why Girls Go Bark Home" (Warners) done with the usual Warner excellence. "Her Second Chance" (1st N.) ordi- nary. BUI boasted little drawing power. $4,700. Victory—(1,950; 16-40.) "Sandy" (Fox), unhappy ending, attempted to be true to life, almost hit muik. Madge Bellamy filled role easily. "The Strom Breaker" hardly worth time spent. Good week at $C,500. This Week Majestic, "The Blind Goddcs," "Hearts and Spangles"; Strand, "Clothes Make the Pirate," "The Dancer of Paris"; Rialto. "The Night Cry," "Oh, What a Nurse"; Victory, "The Exquiuito Sinner," "Lazybones." (Copyright, 1926, by Variety, Inc.) MET, L A, AGAIN LOW AT $23^00 WEATHER OFF-TOURISTS LIGHT Two Pictures Winding Up Engagements Dropped Off Badly —"Beverly" at Loew's State Reached $32,000, 2d High of House FILMS AT MINNEAPOLIS; UNTAMED LADY, $13,000 "His People/' $7,400 and Held Over—"Greater Glory" Strong at $6,500 Minneapolis. May 4. Cool weather and strong screen attractions brought back many of the film fans who had been weaned away by the lure of the outdoors during the recent warm spell. As a result, leading first-run houses en- joyed a moderately good week?. In the case of the principal F. & R. theatres, the pictures did the pulling. The supporting stage shows at the State and Garrick amounted to little from a box-office standpoint. Just the opposite held true at the Hennepln-Orpheum. There Ethel Barrymore was the magnet. Mon- day night, poorest of the week at this house, had complete sell-out. Estimates for Last Week State (2,040; 60). "Untamed Lady" (P. P.) and Nellie Sterling and Her Snow Shoe Revue. .Gloria Swanson has big local following. Business held up well. $13,000. Garrick (1.829; 60). "His Peo- ple" (M-G-M) and Hawaiian tenor. "One of best pictures of year" com- ment. $7,400. Strand (1,277; 60). "Greater Glory" (F. N.). Strong sex appeal. Sensational posters did share; $6,- 600. Held over. Lyric (1,200; 35) "Miss Brew- ster's Millions" (F. P.). Bebe Dan- iels no local draw, but picture pleased; $3,400. Aster (896; 25). "Tony Runs Wild" (Fox). Tom Mix lifted re- ceipts above average; $3,000. Hennepin-Orpheum (2,852; 50-99). "The Pinch Hitter" (A. E.) and vaudeville. Ethel Barrymore in pernon kept box office busy; over $7,600. Pantages (1,554; 60). "The Night Cry" and vaudeville. Usual busi- ness. Seventh 8treet (1,480; 60). "The Prairie Pirate" and vaudeville. Satisfactory takings. About $5,400. (Copyright, 1926, by Variety, Inc.) B. WALLACE FREE-LANCING Los Angeles, May 4. Richard "Wallace, former under- taker, directing Hal Roach come- dies for three years, has obtained his release and will free lance. He may sign a contract with Corinne Grimth Productions*" to direct Miss Griffith in her next production, "Tin Pan Alley," a screen adaptation of the play "Ashes." GOOD BILLS BUT LIGHT NEWMAN, $12,200 Lois Weber Not Marrying Lob Angeles, May *<• Lois Weber denied reports that she is to marry Captain Gttntz, an MAEY STUART'S WEDDING DAY Los Angoles, May 4 Culminating a Hollywood ro ma nee. It is announced Mary Stuart, film actress, and Garrett Fort, C. R. I>eMill>> scenario writer, will be married in Riverside Christmas Day. SUMMER SUBSCRIPTION to "VARIETY" $1—3 Months Send remittance with name quoted in local dailies. "I'm far to Warner-Metropolitan —"Hrlde orlbusy to think of getting married," Storm" (1.300; 25-50). Dolores Cos- I Miss Weber said, tello rapidly becoming established as draw in this town. Nice week, with gross advancing over previous six days to total of about $7,500 Hippodrome — "Fighting Heart" and vaudeville (3,300; 25-50). Vaude headllnor the tabloid "Old Homo- stead." I>id well. House running on pretty steady hl^h these days. About $10,500. Garden—"righting Ruckaroo" and vaudeville Cl.000; L'fl-.IO). Buck Jones pop favorite, but house ap- parently affected slightly by warm- er weather last half, and failed to better previous week's figures. $10,- 000. Parkway- —"Revrlv of Grnustnrk" Hearst press tie-up aided draw of second run ot this feature. House follows downtown New on Davids .. .. -i. Well over weekly average. $4,000. This Week New, "For Heavens Bake" (I'd week); Rivoli." The Reckless Ladv"; Embassy, "Let's Goi Married"; Century, "Tho Tower of Lies'; "Ford's "The Naked Truth"; Park- way,'The Storm P.reaker"; Warner- Metropolitan. "Oh. What a Nurse"; Garden, "Tudor Western Skies"; Hippodrome, "The (iold Rush." . (Copyright, 1926, by Variety, Inc.) Kansas City, May 4. Good film entertainment last week. The Newman with "Brown of Harvard," "Great Moments From Grand Opera" and a fine musical program by both the orchestra and organist, offered a big money's worth. In spite of the generous bills business was off. About the only reasonable excuse was the weather Estimates For Last Week Newman —" Brown of Harvard" (M.-G.-M.) f 1,890; 40-50 regular; 60c Saturday and Sunday) "Great Moments From Grand Opera," stage presentation and well received. Business started fine and held up well over Sunday—weakened in the middle of the week but came back strong for finish. $12,1200. Royal—"Tho Song and Dance Man" (F. P.) (920; 35-50) Louie Forbstein and Syncopators continue as only attraction other than screen entertainment. Drew their share of applause. The Royalltes liked this one but regulars alone don't mean big business for this house. After thee weeks' grind with "For Heaven's Sake," result rather dis- appointing, only $4,000. Liberty—"The Combat " (V.- Jewel) (1,000; 35-50) Homer Mcg- genberg and Ella Zimmerman, hilled as the Charleston Champions of the United States, appeared as the added stage feature, together with Charleston contest, with sev- eral contestants at each perform- ance with the finals Friday night. House lucky with contest, able to secure winners of numerous con- tests held during winter. This attraction helped greatly. ^4,600. Mainstrect—"Mile. Modiste" (1st N.) (3,200; 25-50, with top 60c Sat- urday and Sunday). Five acts, $13,600. The Pantages featured "Tumble- weeds" on Us Bcreen and "Rustling For Cupid" was the Globe's screen showing in connection with thr Loio Bridge musical stock which presented "Tho Partnership Baby." (Copyriaht, by Variety, Jn^) , Los Angeles, May 4, (Drawing Population, 1,350,000) With rather unsettled weather most of the week and the usual April condition of a scarcity oft tourists In town, the first-run houses, with one exception, had air almost panicky week. The on* house which got over the hurdle* big was Loew's State, playing the Marion Davlea picture, "Beverly of Graustark," doing about $10,000 more on the week than its nearest competitor, the elephant-sized Met- ro poll tan. The Hearst papers were liberal, aa usual, with their apace for the Davies vehicle, and five in- stead of four shows were given on weekdays and six Saturday, result- ing in the final total running to around $32,000, the second highest gross the house has played to in its history. Metropolitan, with a rattling good picture. "Let s Get Married" (Rich- ard Dlx), started off at its regular poor gait, but picked up as the week went along. Seems as though the house made somewhat of a mis- take in trying to sell Verne Iiuck over the picture, which happened to be the real drawing magnet. Had the selling method been reversed, this picture might have gotten aa extra $5,000 or $6,000, instead of only around $23,500. Harold Lloyd's "For Heaven's Sake" getaway at the Million Dol- lar was rather Inauspicious. With the house laying off on the exploita- tion angles for the past two weeks and concentrating heavily on Chap- lin's "Gold Rush," the final six days of the four-week run were not aa productive as they usually are for a Lloyd picture. "The Big Parade," in ita next to last week at Grauman's Egyptian, picked up a bit over the preceding - week. "Skyrocket" Mild "The Skyrocket** did not flare aa expected at the Forum. Instead of being held over for a aecond week, as originally intended, it waa moved out at the end of the first. Seems as though folks out this way are not so keenly Interested in Peggy Hopkins Joyce, "Stella Dallas," In its fourth week at the Forum, took a sudden "nose dive," responsible for the picture coming out at the end of its sixth week. After the picture had drawn the class trade from Beverly Hills and Hollywood, Interest began to subside, as the youngsters and flap- per element did not thrill much about seeing this type of picture. The result was around a $4,000 drop over the preceding week. With rather a poor screen attrac- tion, "The Exquisite Sinner," the Criterion did not tumble as much as anticipated from the week De- fore, as a stage sketch sort of helped keep things going and en- abled the house to show around $600 profit on the week. Estimates for Last Week Metropolitan—"Let's Get Married" (F.P.-L.) (3,5'J5; 25-65). This picture* had it been properly handled, would have done remarkably well. How- ever, with wrong exploitation by house and through mouth-to-mouth advertising it picked up toward end o( week and finished with around $23,500. Million Dollar — "For Heaven's Sake" (F. P.-L.) (2,300; 25-85). This Harold Lloyd got bad break on final week. In last six days did around $8,500. Chaplin's "Gold Rush" had second run, and down- town showing started Thursday to good business. Grauman's Egyptian — "The Bltf Parade" (M.-G.-M.) (1.800; 50- $150). For 25th and next to last week, this war epic begun to pick up bit in trade, finishing with around $18,000. Loew's State—"Beverly of Grau- stark" (M.-G.-M.) (2,300; 25-$D« Capacity of houso taxed at almost every one of five daily perform- ances. with gross skirting close to $31\000. Criterion—"Exquisite Sinner" (M.- G.-M.) (1.S00; 25-35). Despite pic- ture none too good, stage act helped. Total of $3,S00. Forum—"Stella Dallas" (U. AJ (1.800; 25-75). Skidded early In fourth week, with total declining to around $10. r »00, leaving good margin of profit for hour.o. Figueroa —"Tho Skyrocket" (A. E.) (1.«'50; ^3-75). Peggy Hopkins Joyce has no seductive theatre drawing power locally. Picture was withdrawn after fli\«t week, when »t drew around ?7 10a. ^Copyright, 1926, by Variety, Inc.)