Variety (May 1926)

Wednesday, May 12, 1926 PICTURES VARIETY DEM' FALLS UNDER $14000; LEAVING COHAN FOR EMBASSY lilt Week a Dropper for All Broadway—"Parade" Also Felt It—Other Specials Out—Capitol Got $49,000—Strand, $33, in i Fine weather of last week with racing and baseball as counter afternoon attractions resulted In a fensral falling off In the Broad- ly picture palaces around Times ■Quare. Only two houses maintain- ed anything like their near average for business: Capitol, which, with "Brown of Harvard," pulled $49,- 146.45. and the Strand, with "The greater Glory," a picture panned by the press, with the receipts $33,- S00. Everything else In town was off. Bven "The Big Parade", dropped •bout $500 from what it did the week before and registered the low- est receipts the picture has had since opening on Broadway. It is now in Its 25th week at the Astor and the current week should And it nearly hitting the $500,000 mark In receipts at that theatre for the run thus fur. In the other regular picture bouses the Rlvoli with "Skinner's Dress Suit" got $23,300 while at the Rialto Harold Lloyd's "For Heaven's Bake" finished with $21,800 to its credit at the end of the fifth week. The Colony with "The Midnight Bun" in its second week at legiti- mate house prices did $13,527 and the picture was withdrawn Satur- day, followed by a revival of the eight-year old "Outside the Law" Sunday, with the house reverting to a grind policy and popular prices. At Warner's where "Hell Bent Fer Heaven" held forth the box office showed $12,225, the lowest the house has had since "The Sea Beast" left and it returned to a grind. "The Sea Beast" at the little Cameo in Its second week got $4,- 449. Two of the specials left Saturday after extended runs. "The Black Pirate" finished at the Selwyn with business down to around $10,000, and "Stella Dallas" slipped out of the Apollo after 24 weeks with the final week under $5,000. "The Volga Boatman" in its fifth week at the Times square finishes Sunday (May 16). One of the big wallops of the street is that "Ben-Hur" has dropped two weeks running under the stop limit of $14,000 set for the Cohan theatre and leaves the end of next week, going to 600-seat Embassy where the same $1.10 and $2.20 scale of prices will be main- tained. Last week the gross at the Cohan was down to $11,110. "La Boheme," which leaves the Embassy next week, will have com- pleted 13 weeks at the house. Last week's receipts showed $6,727, while at the Criterion "Mare Nostrum" got $7,724.75. Estimates For Last Week Apollo—"Stella Dallas" (Qoldwyn- U. A.) (1,300; $1.10-$2.20). Closed Sunday after completing 24-week run. First eight weeks had fairly good box office return, but balance was about an even break or worse. Final week found receipts under $5,000. Picture goes into the Capitol next week. Astor— "RJg Parade" (M.-G.-M.) (1.120; $1.10-$2.20) (25th week). Current week will undoubtedly find this picture hitting almost $500,000 In receipts at this house. Last week business went to $18,902, low- est thus far on run. Cameo—"Sea Beast" (Warners) (549; 50-75). Second week did $4.- 469. Capitol—"Brown of Harvard" (M.- O.-M.) (5,450; 50-$l.G5). Well re- ceived but with general depression on street failed to touch mark en- titling hold over. Showed $49,- 346.45. Cohan — "Ben-Hur" (M.-G.-M.) O.H2; $1.10-$2.20) (20th week). Wearing the end of run at this house. Stop limit at Cohan $14,000. Dropped below for two successive weeks and will move to Embassy after n^xt week, opening at smaller house May 23. Last week $11,110. Colony — "Midnight Sun" (U.) O.980; $1.10-$1.65). Special failed to hold up here for more than two weeks. Revival of 8-year-old "Out- side the Law" at pop. prices and grind policy reinaugurated Sunday, ^ast week, $13,527. Criterion — "Mare Nostrum" (M.- G.-M.) (C08; $1.10-$2.20) (12th Week). Dropped about $300 last week, returns showing $7,723.75. Embassy—"La Bohemo" (M.-G.- 5J-) (600; $1.10-$2.20) (12th week). £ext week final for picture here. $6,727. Rialto—"For Heaven's Sake" (Lloyd, F. p.-r,.) (1,960; 35-50-73- 3J ). Sixth and final week for Lloyd cornody Last week about $21,800. *nls gave picture) total of $163,060 on flve weeks. GIHl a Gray In per- a °n and on screen in "Aloma" opens "GOLD RUSH" CUT SHORT Los Angeles, May 11. The unexpected flop of "The Gold Rush" has cut Its stay in the Mil- lion Dollar to three weeks. "Kikl" is scheduled to open May 20. The Chaplin picture was to have been held in for six weeks. LANGD0N SHOT AHEAD IN PORTLAND TO $8,500 Early Warm Weather Too Much Opposition—Light Grosses Generally Portland, Ore., May 11. Local houses did not fare so well this week, for the warm weather drove them to the parks and beaches. The week's money leader was Harry Langdon'a "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp" at .he Liberty. It got near $8,500, in spite of the heat. "That Royle Girl' at the Majestic, which created muci publicity, ow- ing to the Censorship Hoard's deci- sion in canceling it, could not click big, as expected. Got $h,000 for the week, though, and held over. Estimates for Last Week Liberty (2,200; 35-50). "Tramp. Tramp, Tramp" (1st N.). Harry Langdon looks like money for this town, having draw from local vaudeville fans. Around $8,500. Columbia (822; 36-50). "Skin- ner's Dress Suit" (U). Did not pull as big as previous Denny's features. This house is using an act, usually operatic type, and proving highly satisfactory. Around $5,200. Held over. Rivoli (1,210; 35-50). "Beverly of Graustark" (M. G.) Drew well at $7,400. People's (936; 30-45). "Kikl" (1st N.) This 900-seater evidently be- coming second-run for circuit's lo- cal theatres. Pictures going big at Liberty rushed In here following week. Do better than under ordi- nary run. Gross jumped to $4,000. Majestic (1.000; 35-50). "That Royle Girl" (1st N.) Picture cut by censors, with public discouraged, with* girls' band brought fair rating at $5,500. Held over. Blue Mouse (850; 25). "Sea Beast" (Warners). John Barry- more great draw. Film at Heilig for Ihree days at advanced scale earlier in season. At thin house at 25c. drew in hordes; $5,100 exceptional. Held over. (Oopyrlrht, IMS, by Variety, Inc.) HEAT IN WASH. With Film Grosses Tumbling Last Wsek STANLEY, $%500, AND FOX, $19,000 BIG GAINS Philly Houses Picked Up Last Week—Not Sensa- tionally Though Washington, May 11. (White Population, 380,000) Everything did a terrific tumble here last week. Got away to a fair start before the heat hit. Estimates for Last Week Columbia—Harold Lloyd In "For Heaven's Sake" (F. P.) (1,232; 35- 50). Third week. About $6,500. Metropolitan — "Other Women's Husbands (F. N.) (1,542; 35-50). No one particularly excited over tllm. Had some appeal with women. Gene Austin on stage. About $7,000. Palace—"The Runaway" (F. P.) (2,432; 35-50). Pleasing picture. Near $7,500. Rialto—"Gilded Butterfly" (1,978; .15-50). Fritzi Scheff on stage; $8,500. This Wssk Columbia. "Blind Goddess"; Met- ropolitan, "Mile. Modiste"; Palace, "Let's Get Married"; "Itialto, "Still Alarm." (Copyright, 1»2«, by Variety, Ine.) with special midnight performance ' Rivoli—"Skinner's Dress Suit" (U.) (2.200; 35-50-75-99). Reginald I\nny in this remade comedy drew $23,300 last week, below average for house, although about $3,000 better than week previously. Selwyn — "Black Pirate" (Fair- banks. U. A.) (1.080; $l.l0-$2.20). Last week final one, dropping to al- most $10,000. Strand—"Greater Glory" (F. N.) (2,900; 35-50-75). Although daily proper notices bad dM $33,200. Times Square—"Volga Boatman" (DeMillc, P. D. C.) (1.036: $1.10- $2.20). Final week. It will give total of five weeks on Broadway. Around $7,300 last week. Warner's—' HH1 Brnt Fer Heaven ' (Warners) (1,360; 50-75). Pulitzer prize plav In screen form made by Stuart BInrkton turned In worst grosn this house has had slnrc^ re- turning to grind policy. $ 11M'-.'. (Copyright, 1»S6. »»y Variety. Ine.) Philadelphia, May 11. Nothing notable In the film busi- ness downtown last week. As a whole the week wasn't quite as no- ticeably bad as the previous one had been. The Stanley staged a comeback, though not a great one, with Colleen Moore in "Irene," which did about $26,500, The Stanton held Its own with the third week of "For Heaven's Sake." About $10,000. This Lloyd picture, however, has not been as notable as some of his others. Its run is listed to end this week. The Fox had a great surrounding bill and also gained, both Ukulele Ike and Aaronson's Commanders pulling more strongly than the pic- ture, "Stella Marls," which was panned by most of the critics. The combination did about $19,000— great for this time of year and a further tribute to the fine comeback this house has staged recently. The Arcadia did so well with "The Dancer of Paris" that it was unex- pectedly held over. Business was surprisingly satis- factory without being big. Film people are again 'encouraged for summer continuance by all houses with the possible exception of the Arcadia. The Stanton has "The Bat" to fol- low "For Heaven's Sake,** which means that "Stella Dallas" has been again held up. Many believe that this indicates that "Dallas" will eventually come into the Aldlne, seemingly the best house for it This Week This week's lineup of pictures holds out a fair amount of promise. Stanley has "The Blackbird," Karl- ton "The Lucky Lady/* Fox "Si- beria." This, together with "Bo- heme" and the two holdovers, "For Heaven's Sake" and "The Dancer of Paris," completes the'lineup. In the matter of presentation, the Stanley has Tom Brown and his minstrels as the big feature, also Helena March, soloist. Fox has Aunt Jemima, Aaronson's Comman- ders (held over) and Hazel Bond, soloist. Estimates for Last Week 8tanley (4,000; 35-50-75)—"Irene" (1st N ). Colleen Moore big follow- ing here. Although picture panned by some critics, business good, with about $26,500; nice gain. Stanton (1,700; 35-50-76) — "For Heaven's Sake" (F. H., 3d week). This week last for Lloyd comedy. It has done well but not tremen- dously. Last week about $10,000, maybe bit under. Aldine (1,500; $2)—"La Boheme" (M.-G.-M.). Opened this week, but not figured for longer than a month at outside. Bio Parade"—Made gain and got $12,000 in last week of long stay. Fox (3.0C0; 99)—"Stella Marls" (Fox). Picture not very well liked, but stage bin, Including Ukulele Ike and Aaronson's Commanders, held up business to fine gain; about $19,000. Arcadia (800; 50)—"The Dancer of Paris" (P. N.). Unexpectedly good business, with $3,500. Karlton (1,100; 60)—"Crown of Lies." Just so-so, with about $2;000 reported. (Copyright, lMf, by Variety, Ine.) S. A. DISTRIBUTION PAPER THEATRES EXCITE BALTO; EVEN K-A PICKING UP HABIT Chaplin's "Gold Rush'*" Thud on 2d Run, $8,000— "Tower of Lies," with > Stan, Not So Good— $10,500 tW "Nars," Best Showing Last Week New Orleans, May 11. The Saenger Theatres and Robert Wilcox, distributor of pictures In Panama, have formed a corporation to be known as the Wllcox-Saenger Company, Inc. Wilcox is presi- dent; E. V. Richards, vice-presi- dent; Frank Scott, secretary, and L. M. Ash, treasurer. The new corporation will han- dle theatres and the distribution of films in Panama, West Indies and Central and South Americas. Wilcox books and operates 36 theatre's in Panama. He is a plo- r.eer distributor there. Baltimore, May 11. This town Is in the midst of the greatest picture theatre construc- tion boom known here since the passing of the 6-cent picture par- lors. Most of the activity is still In the blue print stage, but allow- ing for the usual discount, the city stands a good chance of acquiring 6,000 or 7,000 more seats within the 18 months. Following persistent rumors and a local press story to the effect that the projected Stanley-Crandall the- atre on the Academy site was in- definitely delayed, a Washington official of that organization an- nounced that work of clearing the site would begin within the next several weeks. A local representa- tive of the Mastbaums declared he had not been advised of any change of plans and that the reports of insecure foundation on the Academy site were groundless. An earlier re- port had declared that the Stanley- C rand all engineers reported only five feet of foundation, whereas the projected theatre calls for 12 feet. Meanwhile Frederick C. Schan- berger, head of the Kernan The- atrical Enterprises, announces the Keith-Albee people will erect a large picture theatre in Baltimore. The report followed closely on the heels of the K-A announcement of a buy- In on P. D. C. No announcement of a site was made. Another up-town site now looms as a possible picture house location. The big lot on North and Mary- land, bought from the State of Maryland for a Hotel Shelton proj- ect, has been taken over by a new holding company. Plans for im- provement are still indefinite, but a persistent rumor points to a combi- nation hotel and theatre with Wil- liam Fox taking the theatre end of it. 8potty Last Week Last week was spotty in the box offices. The majority were off, only the Rivoli and the Warner-Metro- politan reporting outstanding weeks. At the Rivoli the picture had little to do with it Warlng's Pennsyl- vanians were on the program, and did their usual capacity business. Warner-Metropolitan found Syd Chaplin in "Oh, What a Nurse" fine b. o. material, and the week was big. The Century eased off some- what with "Tower of Lies" and Charlie Chaplin failed to ring the box office bell at the big Hipp. The Embassy has not yet re- covered from the box office nose dive of several weeks back. Fol- lowing a difference with Berman over policy. La Rose retired from the management of the Embassy and is succeeded by Cherry. The house dropped to 65-cent top scale. This conforms with the across-the- street RlvolL The management an- nounce this as a summer cut only. It was what La Rose had a*ked for. When refused, he qu't Estimates for Last Week Century—"Tower of Lies" (3.000; 30-65). Critics lavish in praise of ' Chaney in, new type role. Norma Shearer popular here, but combina- tion of stars failed to develop draw expected. Around $11,000. Rivoli—"Reckless Lady" C2,300: 35-65). Pleased, but not plctnre that got house practically capacity throughout. Warlng's Pennsylva- nlans on stage and deserve credit for draw. Started capacity and hit nightly. Warner-Met—"Oh, What a Nurse" (1,300; 25-50). Syd Chaplin got Warner Brothers' local box office largest week's gross cash business since first week of "Sea Beast." Excellent. About $10,500. New—"For Heaven's Sake" (2d week. (1,800; 26-50). This Harold Lloyd not up to "Freshman" stand- ard and failed to touch hold-over week's figures of earlier comedy. Heavily exploited and adroitly han- dled; with second week $8,000 Embassy—"Let's Get Married" (1,500; 35-65). Richard DIx film previously announced for previous week, but changed at last moment for "Count of Luxembourg" Ar- rived week late, but failed to de- velop outstanding b. o. potentialities. House not yet out of rut into which it plunged with "New Klondike sev- eral weeks back. Business still de- cidedly off. Hippodrome—"Gold Rush" (2d run). (3,300; 26-50). Following dis- astrous second week in crack Rivoli when playing first run little ex- pected of Chaplin film in big combi- nation house and little realized. Off week with picture handed most of blame. About $8,A00. Psrkway — "Storm Breaker" (1,400; 26-60). Business eased off after good showing previous week with second run "Beverly.** House) averages fair business, and got Just about that with this one. Say $2,600. Garden—"Under Western Skies" (3,000; 25-60). Big combination house missed leading cowboy heroes) and business lightened sympathetic- ally. Week far from bad. About $9,000. Ford's — (60c). "Naked Truth.• Legit season over and m> x sensa- tional booked in to pick up change from shock absorbers. Found pick- ings anything but good. Returns light. This Wssk Century, "Brown of Harvard"; 1 Embassy, "The Wanderer"; Oar- den, "The Phantom Bullet"; Hip- nod ro me. "Wild Oats Lane"; War- .ier-Met, "Why Girls Go Back Home"; New. "Desert Gold"; Park- way, "For Heaven's Sake"; Rivoli, "High Steppers." (Copyright, lttS, by Variety, Ine.) Is Very Low % For Maistreet, K. C. (Drawing Population, 600,000) Kansas. City, May 11. Lewis Stone, Adolphe Mcnjou, Lon Chaney, Lionel Barrymoro and Rod La Rocque last week. But box office reports just middling. The alibi was weather and roads too good, with gasoline cheap. The Newman Is spending a bunch of money for publicity for the Pub- lix entertainment trade-mark, etc., and is using elaborate display notices in the daily press. In addition to Its "Isle of Retribu- tion," on the screen Pantages of- fered one of the best vaudeville bills of the season, with Charles Athoff drawing the greater part of the ap- plause. The Liberty's feature, "Outside the Law." reissue, did as much as a newer picture in the off week. It would have taken something un- usual to get 'em In. Estimates for Lsst Week Newman—"A Social Celebrity" (V. P.) (1,890; 35*60). Frank Cam- bria's "Garden Festival" on stage. One of most colorful offerings here since Publix units started. Met with more favor than Its prede- cessor, "Moments from Grand Opera," by same producer. Busi- ness off, but hit $11,800. Royal—"The Barrier" (M.-G.-M.) (920; 35-50). Takings, $4,200. Mainstreet —"Too Much Money" FRISCO HELD UP No Alibis on Coast—$21,000 at Warfield (3.200; I5-5 0). Also live arts. Business not good; only $11,000. Liberty—"Outside the Law" (U.) <27,- r o0). Reissue; $7,100. Pantages screened "The. IhIo of Retribution" and gavo excellent variety bill. Globe's picture. "Hraveheart," In connection with musical stock. (Copyright, 1936, by Xmtlrtf, The,) San Francisco, May 11. Normal weather conditions and other things being equal, business generally was satisfactory at the box offices of the pleture houses last week. The Warfield agnln stepped into the lead. Harry Langdon'a "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp" was the medium that brought an unusually big opening and a steady patronage. Even the matinees held up better than ordinarily. Second position fell to the Gra- nada with "Sea Horses." The title was against the feature, and only average business resulted. The fact that it was Eddie Peabody's final week as a musical attraction did much to help receipts. "Stella Dalian," at the Imperial, more or less of a disappointment the opening week showed an In- crease. Estimates for Lsst Week California—(2,400; 65-90.) "Reck- less Lady" (F. P.). Management featured Belle Bennett heavily. Gross better than normal; $12,000. Granada — (2,734; 65-90.) "Sea Horses" (P. P.). Title hurt. Only average business; $18,000. Imperial—(1,300; 65-90). "Stella Dallas'' (U. A ). Second week and material pickup; $11,000. St. Francis—(1.400; CfT-OO). "La Boheme" (M-G-M). Pulled from start. Opening two days very big. Looks in for profitable run; $14,000. Warfield—(2.840; 65-90). "Trump. Tramp, Tramp" (F. N.). First full length comedy of Harry I^angdon's got away to splendid opening. Pic- ture clicked. Matinee business through we« k bigger tbr\n ordlnnr- IIv l.«-d v»r.-«'t in receipts. $21,000. «up> H*ht, 1926, by Variety, Ine.)