Variety (May 1926)

VARIETY PICTURES Wednesday, May 12, 192* LANOXIN'S 1ST FEATURE IN L A. British war film liiuiwvii m.m*r m m mm* mm ^mmmm mmw am CUAHfC HI TIMAHI GETS $31,500-TAKES 2 RECORDS "" BCAN A Chaplin's "Gold Rush," 1st Time at Pop Prices, Does Flop—LPs Re-Issue with Lon Chancy Money- Maker for Criterion—'Parade' Finished to $20, .•mi. Los Angeles. May 11. (Drawing Pop. 1,350,000) Harry Langdon proved a record- breaker at Loew's State with his first feature picture, "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp," by breaking the Sunday high with $7,012.25 on the day. It Is about $860 over what was corraled by "Never the Twain," which had the record up to that time through Hearst publicity. The Langdon picture started oft* like a cyclone on its first three days, doing around $17,000, overcapacity for the house, with five perform- ances daily. Had not the house record b?9n made with two holidays in one week the Langdon opus would easily have made the tap by its start. The balance of the week was a turnaway for the picture at night, but matihees were a bit light, saying this new star is more of a male than female favorite. While Langdon knocked them over, Charlie Chaplin's "The Gold Rush," which had Its first popular- price showing after a $1.50 run at the Grauman Egyptian, took what was considered a flop. Seems as though the Grauman prolog was the Rolling point of this picture at the high top, as at the Million Dollar at the picture house scale and with, out a prolog the gross fell at least $10,000 on the week below the aver- age first week draw of any run pic- ture In this house. George Beban's The Loves of Ricardo," presented In conjunction with the personal appearance of the star himself, did fairly well at the Metropolitan. It got off to a fairly good Saturday and Sunday showing, but, due to the probable fact that the house did very little exploiting on It, did not draw so well toward the end of the week. Though the attraction drew around the $26,000 mark, the house did not show any profit, as Beban is said to have re- ceived a guarantee of $7,500 for the picture and the services of himself and company. Criterion cut loose again last week with a reissue Universal picture, "Outside the Law." This is one that was made featuring Priscllla Dean. With Lon Chaney In this picture, all of the exploitation was on his name. Result was that the house broke a record under Its low admis- sion scale by playing to around $6,- 000 on the week. Grauman's Egyptian saw the flncl week of "The Big Parade," which had been in the house for half a year. As Grauman concentrated heavily on its departure and save three shows Sunday. business climbed up considerably on the week. Estimates for Last Week Metropolitan—"Loves of Ricardo" (Reban) (3,595; 25-65). With star appearing In sketch In person, did far better than average attraction Fairly good at around $26,000. Million Dollar—"The Gold Rush" (U. A.) (2,200; 25-85). Much disap- pointment In first week at local pop prices for this Chaplin. No prolop and Interest very slim. Poor at ap- proximately $17,000. Grauman's Egyptian — "The Rig Parade" (M-G-M) (1,800; 60-$1.50). [Final week brought rush. About $20,000. Loew's State — "Tramp. Tramp, Tramp" (F. N.) (2,300; 25-$l). Harry Langdon best of comics so far as draw is concerned to play this house. Initial feature appear- ance broke two of dally house rec- ords, Friday and Sunday, with final gross $31,500. Criterion—"Outside the "Law" (IT) (1,600; 25-35). Reissue a darb. Drew more people to this house than any other since low admission scale resorted to. Close to $6-000. Plenty of profit for house. Lon Chaney heavily starred. Forum—"Stella Dallas" (U. A.) (1,800; 25-75). Hopped ahead of fourth week and finished the fifth close to $8,600. Lenves Wednesday (May 12). "La Roheme," at $1.05 top. opening Thursday (May 13). Figueroa—"Fifth Avenue" (P. D. C.) (1.650; 25-75). Good picture without names to draw them to this neighborhood house. Trade very light, onlv about $5,000. (Copyright, m«, by Variety, Im.) STAGE ACT HELD STATE 0UT0F W-$11,0(K Other Minneapolis Film House Way Off Last Week—'Greater Glory' Fell to $4,000 •Ypres' Has Canadian Forces —$4,000 Last Week at St. John's Imperial $29,000, CHICAGO LAST WEEK, LOOP'S LOWEST FOR MONTHS St John, N. B., May 11. Daylight saving time became ef- fective here last week, another trouble for the exhibitor. Owing to chilly weather, particularly at night, there was little effect on the box office. The major effect of the daylight saving time will develop In about two weeks, when the weather becomes warmer. Amateur twilight baseball on city dumps and motoring will become the chief op- position. High spots in local bills last week were "Yprcs," historical film pro- duced In England of Canadian sol- diers in action during the war. Estimates for Last Week Imperial (1.600; 35-50), "Ypres." Produced under supervision of Brit- ish War Council in England, and Minneapolis* May 1L based on defense of Ypres. Bel- Elements conspired to deal ft glum, by Canadian Expeditionary knockout blow to business at the Joree. Opening and closing Thurs- . . t . . _. , . I day, and reverting to $5c. top. movie houses last week. Sissle and « SkInner . 8 Dresa suit" (U.), one of Blake, tip-top local favorites, helped I the few single day showings at this the State to survive mid-summer I house. Friday and Saturday, h«&t Ted Lewie and his musical I "That's My Baby"; $4,000. heat. Ted Lewie and ma musical i Uniqu# (850 . 26)f -Heart of a clowns pulled no Inconsiderable slre n" (1st N.), first half. Second number into the Hennepin-Orpheum I film starring Barbara La Marr here in the face of 86' temperatures; but|» lnco her death. Final half "Range the other theatres looked at eve- I Buzsards" (Lariat), western; $1,100. ning, as well as matinee perform- I *** < 90 °: 25 >» " To ° Mucn ances as though a boycott had been I Money (1st N.), for Monday and instituted against them. Tuesday, despite acting If the State hadn't had Sissle and I Stone uninteresting film Bloke, it Likely would have been in the "red" for the first time in many, many months. These two colored artists, however, drew In enough trade to keep the house in the win- ning column. Estimates for Last Week 8tate (2,040; 60)— "First Year" (Fox) and Sissle and Blake. Pic- ture well liked, but "Shuffle Along" stars responsible for most of draw; $11,000. Garrick (1,829; SO)—"Desert Heal- er" (F. N.) and a tenor. Did not cause even a ripple; $4,209. 8trand (1,277; 80) — "Greater Glory" (F. N.). Second week. of Lewis Wednes- day and Thursday, "Paris at Mid- night" (P. D. C). Final shift, "Fighting Buckaroos" (Fox), Buck Jones western, plus comedy and news weekly, all-Fox bill; $1,000. Palace (650; 20), "'My Son" (1st N.), Monday and Tuesday. "Three Faces East" (P. D. C), Wednesday and Thursday. "All* Around Frying Pan" (F. B. O.), Fred Thomson western, for week's finale, together with "The Love Bug," Pathe com- edy; $600. Gaiety (600; 20). "The Bad Lands" (P. D. C.K Monday and Tuesday, plus "Sneezing Beezers," comedy. My Son" (1st N.). Wednesday and After profitable" W^wVekT picture' 1 T£ u ™ da £\ -"T^E? J* ce * „ East " tnnu tori-iHi* A™ w.o»w n.rti v I C.) and "Bankrupt Honey- moon** (Fox), short comedy, Friday took terrible flop. Weather partly to blame* Under $4,000. Lyric (1.200; 36)-*THemory Lane" M g J?! 1 "^ ' * 500 n 200 . if BOO. 0 ' ^ ***** ~ H^ure H C?rs** "(P.)! half week. "The Nit 26)—"Golden Prin- Suffered along with Aster (896; cess" (Fox), rest; $2,200. Hennepin-Orpheum (2,882; 60-88) —"Free to Love" (A. B.) and raude- 25-36). opening week. "The Night Cry" (Warn.) and Larry Semon short comedy last half. House announces an old-time fiddling competition, the first here, although small centers all through eastern Canada have "Stella Dallas/ 9 2d Week, Fell to $17,000, from $28,000 1st Week—McVicker's, $22,000, Only Healthy One Last Week—New Oriental Open 2D SUNDAY IN PROV. SAVED BY LATE RAIN Majestic High Last Week With $8,500, But Rialto's $6, Better Showing • II vllle. Ted Lewis, big drawing card ~* "*™ u *" here, boosted trade. PicTure^unt- I W .arranging these-contests since ed for little; $17,000. Pantages (1,664; 60) — "Other Women's Husbands" (Warners') and vaudeville. Picture well liked and advertised In more sensational fashion than any film atractlon of recent memory, but unsuccessful In combatting the heat; $4,800. Seventh St. (1,480; 60)—"Lover's Tsland" and vaudeville. Adversely affer-ted Tnv wenther; $5,100. (Coprrftfit, 1020, by Variety, la*.) last fall; $1,200. tOvsyifcfcft, It**, by Variety, ) BUFFALO, FILM, ACT AND PRESENTATION, $22, hi Sea-Battle Mishap Los Angeles, May 11. Sixteen actors working In a battle scene In "Old Ironsides" were res- cued from the ocean when a ship participating in the fight (filming the battle of Tripoli) crashed on a reef and sank Immediately. Rescues were made by the crew of the D. M. RJston. Thirty-eight wooden ships were used in this battle, and 3,000 extras were employed. $20,000 in Milwaukee, Big; Wisconsin Down to $15,000 Milwaukee, May 11. With a sudden change In tem- peratures from mid-winter blasts to mid-summer sultriness Milwaukee held Its own during the past week, caused probably by the "names'* at the theatres. Dnvidson, playing legit stock, marked up a record when "Lom- bardl, Ltd.," with Leo Carrlllo as guest-star hit around $20,000. A style show in addition helped bocst this gross. Two burlesque houses, bucking each other on stock policy, wero both knocked down hard, neither of the two going over $3,600 on the week. Duo to tho opening of the new neighborhood house, the Tower, the Saxe people neglected their down- town houses a bit In advertising, and as a result the Saxe downtown playhouses, with the Wisconsin lead 1 up, fell off a bit Estimates for Last Week Alhambra— "Cohens and Kellys" (3,000; 00). With high house mark to shoot at, set by "Sea Beast" In its first week, this Universal house came within $150 of It, doing about $20,000, leading the street. Stand- out business nearly every night. Wisconsin—"Kiki" (3,600; 60-60). Despite Norma Talmadge drawing card here, Wisconsin was hit by Tower publicity and dropped under $15,000. Nicely profitable, but lower than usual. Strand —"The Barrier" (1,200; 26-50. With Llchter's band also puller, got $8,000. Merrill—Ibanez's "Torrent" (1,000; 25-50) Hearst advertising in two papers helped this picture in second week, but flop generally at around $4,000. Garden—"Outside the Law" (1,000; 25-50). Lon Chnney's name helped; $4.soo. (OpyrlfM, 19t«, by Variety, Ine.) Buffalo, May 11. Taxings fell off slightly again last week, all of the downtown houses receiving about an even break at the hands of the public. The Buffalo, which looked for heavy business by virtue of the Van and Schenck special engagement, which failed to hold up to the pre ceding week's figure. Some part of this fall-off was due to the fact that the feature act did not receive the proper publicity, the picture befwg billed above the singing attraction In all of the publicity. Last Week's estimates Buffalo (3,600; 30-40-60)—"Infat- uation." Van and Schenck, "Bride's Fantasy" (presentation). Busiiioss dropped over preceding week. Van and Schenck took precedence over everything In the show. Matinee business light, which probably ac counts for drop. Would seem that with heavy-salaried feature act such as Van and Schenck coupled with a weak picture vaudeville feature should have received more attention in the publicity. Not over $22,000. Loew's (3,400; 35-50)—"Beverly of Graustark" and vaudeville. Picture gonerally pronounced one of best seen at the house in weeks, failed to excite much In way of additional takings; $14,000. Hip (2.400; 50)—"Beautiful Citv." flrst half; "Bluebeards Seven Wives," second half. I<irst split week house has played in several months, with majority of business going to first-half feature; $11,000. Lafayette (3,400; 35-50)—"Heart of Siren" and vaudeville. Bill Just another show. Little to upset usual order of business; $16,000. (Copyright, 1»2«, by Variety, Im.) Mildred Harris on Small Time Los Angeles, May 11. Mildred Harris took to tho smal time vaudeville route last week when she played the Broadway Palace, local Ass'n. house in her ■ketch, "If Husband's Only Knew.' Harry Von Meter and Harold Waters were In support. Providence, May 11. (Drawing Population, 300,000) Despite ideal spring weather, local houses grossed satisfactory figures last week. The Impetus given the show business here by the inno- vation of Sunday movies May 2 seemed to last throughout the week. How much longer the "Sundays" will remain profitable Is being meas- ured by the managers in terms of hot weather. . Perfect weather last Sunday sent most of the city folks out Into the porks and on the roads, but a spring shower set in about 3 o'clock and brought them all home again. The movie houses, in consequence, stood them up without exception during the late afternoon and evening. It was even a bigger Sunday than the first one a week before. Final checkup at the end of the week showed the Strand way up in the lead. With "Clothes Make the Pirate" and Mike Arlen's "Dancer of Paris," Manager Reed banked as considerable a sum as the box office has taken In for some time. Local opinions differed about "Clothes Make the Pirate," some contending that it was simply silly, but the majority asserting that it was a wow. The Majestic and the Rlalto ran neck and neck. Comparing the size of the theatres, the Rlalto, with "Oh, What a Nurse!" and "The Night Cry" drew far more heavily than the Majestic, which showed "The Blind Goddess" and "Hearts and Spangles." Eatimates for Last Week Strand—(2,200; 16-40). "Clothes Make the Pirate" (1st N). Leon Er- rol liked on whole. "The Dancer of Paris (1st N) with Dorothy Mack- aill variously received, but success with majority. Extra big at $8,500. Majestic — 2.500; 10-40). "The Blind Ooddess" (F. P.) not so good as deserved. "Hearts and Spangles" (Columbia) adequate second-fea- ture. $6,000. Rialto— (,448; 16-40). "Oh. What a Nurse!" (Warner) liked by alL "Night Cry" (Warner) with Rin-Tln-Tln; good, according to whether you like animals. $6,000. Victory—(1,960; 16-40). The Ex- quisite Sinner" (M. G.) far-fetched, but appealing. "Lazybones" (Fox) poorer half of bill. $5,500. This Week Strand. "Mile. Modiste," "Test of Donald Norton"; Majestic, "Social Celebrity," "Out of the Storm"; Rl- alto, "The Bat," "Racing Romance"; Victory, "The Barrier," "Early to Wed." (Copyright, IMS, by Variety, Ine.) Chicago, May li. Loop topsy-turvy last week. Its "HUR" LEAVING BOSTON ■G.- Hanging Around $10,000 — "Parade Will Linger, $13,000 Boston, May 11. (Drawing Population, 850,000) "Ben-Hur" Is due to leave the Colonial the end of this week. It has not been announced, however, if another picture will go into the house for the balance of the sum- mer. "Hur" picture has not been hold- ing up; the past few weeks it has been dropping off steadily. Last week the gross wafl reported at $10,- 000, without any indication that business would increase. "The Big Parade." which came in a little In advance of "Ben-Hur," is being kept at the Majestic, with nothing as yet to indicato that It will be withdrawn. I/ast week the business was reported at $13,000. The Fairbanks picture, "The Black Pirate," opened at the Tre- mont last night, with the house sr.aled at $1.50 top and with two performances daily. It is scheduled to stay four weeks. (Copyright. 1020, by Variety. Ine.) Bebe Did a Wales Los Angeles, May 11. Bebe Daniels' next picture, M Thc College Flirt," won't go into produc- tion until May $1, Instead of May 16. The delay Is caused by the re- cent accident In which Miss Daniels fell from her horse. bottom fell out and grosses dropped to the lowest in 10 months, with the Chicago down to $29,000. "Stella Dallas," after a big first week at the Roosevelt, tobogganed to $17,- 000.. Orpheum, the Randolph and the Monroe, first-run houses, all toppled, while "Ben-Hur" and "The Big Parade" went out at the low- est figure of their runs. McVicker's was the sole except tion. The house registered $22,000* the same tally as the week previous, and It looks as If the new policy will find favor. It seems a matter of Paul Ash, and It is the Oriental, not McVicker's, that will be the hard house to put over, according to early dope following the Friday night Invitation opening of the new house. The Oriental will need all of tho prestige of Paul Ash to put it across, and Paul Ash in the Oriental will hurt the Chicago, around the corner, more than it will hurt Mc- Vicker's, from the present perspec- tive on the situation. The weather, very warm and out-of-doorish, was partly respon- sible for last week's bad business, but commonplace film attractions helped. The Chicago had "The Barrier"; not liked by the fans be- cause of its trick photography, which occasioned unfavorable com- ment. Estimates for Last Week - Chicago — "The Barrier" (M M.) (4,100; 60-75). $29,000, against $35,000 week before. Garrick—"Big Parade" (M.-G.-M.; 10th and final week). Strongest $a film to play Chicago In years. Went out at $12,000. completing great pic- ture run. House gets "Betty Dear," musical comedy. McVicker's—"High Steppers (F 4 P.) (2,400; 60). Intelligent handling of house since Paul Ash left may set definite clientele that will offset loss of maestro. Henri Gendron and Jesting Jazzers liked, but continu- ance problematic, due to trouble with musicians' union. Last week again $?2,000; very good. In view of general slump, and equaling gross of previous week. Monroe—"Hell's 400" (Fox) (973; 50). This Fox program feature couldn't draw against depression; n.noo. Oriental—"Tramp, Tramp. Tramp** (F. N.) (2,900; 60-76). B. & K. opened house with job stil unfin- ished, as at Uptown last summer. Made young fortune Saturday grind* ing from 8:30 a. m. Until midnight. Private opening night before. Harry Langdon's first full-length comedy flrst feature. Orpheum—"Hell-Bent fer Heav- en" (Warner's) (776; 60). Tooth- less version of Pulitzer prize play seen here last season; $7,400; weak* Randolph — "Watch Your Wife" (U.) (650; 60). $4,600. Roosevelt—"Stella Dallas" (U. A.; 2d week) (1,400; 60-76). Terrible drop on this one; $17,000. Fell from $28,000 first week. Woods — "Bon - Hur" (M.-CJ.-M.; 13th and final week). $8,000; house diirU th's we"i.\ :\nd miybe lonirer. (CopyriirM. 10*6. by Variety, Ine.) Peggy Joyce with Film Asking $5,000 Weekly Buffalo, May It. Peffgy Hopkins Joyce appearing; in person with "The Skyrocket" at the Lafayette Square here this week is reported as receiving $3,500 for the week in addition to $700 for the picture rental. Added to this the house Kuaran- tees to spend $2,000 in extra pub- licity during the week. Local ex- perts figure that the theatre will have to do at least $800 per n&t extra In order to take care of the additional overhead. This is the second week of Mi»" Joyce's personal appearances, her first week in Detroit reported a» having opened heavy but falling: away before the end of the engage- ment. V The atVactlon Is known to have been offered to other Buffalo houses at a figure around $5,000 for both picture nnd the star. John Waters* 6-Year Contract Los Angeles, May 11. John Waters, who recently di- rected "Born to the We.<f tor Famous Players, has »>^n p.lac-od under a five-year contract with tliat organization.