Variety (Sep 1926)

Stpttmbtr M( 1089 LEGITIMATE VARIETY 4* SHOWS IN N. Y. AND COMMENT FigurM Mtimattd and comment point to tomo attraetiont baina •uccostful, whilo th« Mm« gross accreditsd to others mi'oht suggest msdioerity or loss. Tha varianca is sxplainad in tha diffaranca in houaa capaoitfas, with tha varying avarhaatf. Alaa tha aisa af aast, with consaquant difFsranca in nscsssary gross of profit. Varianca in business nscsssary for musical attraction aa against dramatic play ia also considsred. Classification of attraction, houss capacity and top price of the admission acala given below. Key to classification: C (comsdy); P (drama)! R (ravwa)> M (mualcal comedy)! F (farce); O (operetta). «>Abla'a Irish Rose," Republic (228th treak) (C-m-|2.20). Business slackened distinctly last three days of last weak; humid weather principal factor; *'AMa** held to good trada withal* tolnf wall ovar 19.000. ^Americana," Belmont (9th week) (R-515-$5.56). Summer revival that figures to stick well into fall; always good agency ticket; last week somewhat under normal IMice but groaa credited with over 112.000. ^A Night In Paris," 44th St. (38th week) (R-1.326-95.50). Question if this revue will last much longer, already haa long run piled up; busineRs estimated under |20,000 l&st week. «(At Mrs. Beam's," Guild (28d week) (C-914-$2.75). Will be moved to Garrick after another week here; engagement extended because of preparation for new prodUQ(lon; rated at $7,000 or over. ^Broadway" Broadhurst (8d week) (CD-I,118-13.30). New non-musi- cal leader; last week, which was first full week, takings almost 122,500; season's first real smash will reach higher figures, scale being puahad to $1.86 top nazt week* #^aatiaa in the Air," Selwyn (4th waek) (M-l,0<7-|8.60). Not qult^ last week's takings about 125,000; at scale show could get over |30»- 000; may pick up witl|,>attar ^wather VCountess* Maritza," Shubert (3d week) (O-1.395-I5.60). Another musical hit; went to 132,000 first week, trade close to aipaelty; should bo in for season. Cradle Snatchara,** Music Bos (ittll . week) (C-1,000-|S.30). Looka like » another three or four weeks, with house getting "The Oardan of Eden" probably in Decambar; iMt week about $11,500. ^^Fanny,** Lyceum (2d week) (C- 957-13.30). New Belasco offering sot in and out notices, with first waak'a trade fairly good; about |1(I,<NNI in seven performances; • baiter weather may give it higher rating. «^rrick Gaieties," Garrick (21st weak) (R-537-13.30). One week mora to go; ravua than gaaa on tour; K.OOO; "At Mrs. Beam's" moves hare, house going into rep- artory tharaaftar. ^'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," Times . Square (Ist week) (C-l.057-18.85). Bdgar Selwyn'a smash that es- tablished great rep in Chicago; first night scaled at |11 top; opened Tuesday. ^Happy Go Lucky," Liberty (1st waek) (M-1,202; 83.85). Out of town reports moderate; cast changes made last week in Bos- ton; premiere here Thursday (to- morrow). •Henry, Behave," Bayes (6th week) (C-880-88.30). Playing extra mat- inees, with out rataa aiipplying most of trade, as at night, re- puted averaging 85.000, which may ba o. k. because of hookup. •Honest Liars," Cohan's (11th week) (€-1,043-82.75). Must find an- other berth or go on tour, house going to Famous Players for pic- ture exploitation after another weak: ahow had been battering 17.000; last week, 85,500. ^Honeymoon Lane," Knickerbocker (2d week) (M-1.042-8S.S6). Bx- oallent notices with first week's buainess indicating run, gross about $21,000, nearly capacity at •If 1 Was Rich," Mansfield (4th week) (C-1.097-8S.20). Manage- ment confident despite little atrength to date; approximately f6^000; if business does not jump another attraction likely soon. •lolanthe," Plymouth (24th week) (O-1.043-83.30). Ending sixth month, claimed record for any Gilbert and SuUivan revival; last week rated around $12,000. •Just Life," Henry Miller's (3d week) (D-946-83.80). Picked up further and credited with beter Ing 810.000; surprise * in face of noticea, atrong matinee card "Kept,** comedy (2nd week) (D- 862 - 83.30). Closed Saturday; around 83,000 indicated; "Black Boy," which attracted comment out of town, next week. •Kitty'a Kisses," Playhouse (22d week) (M-87d-83.80). Final week; might have lasted lonper. hut house will oflfer "The Good Fel- low" aa fall attraction next week; "Kitty" had baan battarint |10,- 000. — T hat O ff , " Wallttrk' i (49 th week) (C-770-83.30). Nearly year for comedy switched to another hou!9e and back again laat sea- son; averaging ovar $M00 and making money. *Loose Ankles,".. Biltmore (7th week) (C-94483 30). Like most of list, business affected last week; fight Thursday distinctively felt; rated at $14,000, however, and in for run. "Lulu Belle," Belasco (34th week) (D-1.000-83.85). Holding up like thoroughbred against incoming productions; last week approxi- mated $20,000, with only "Broad- way" lopping that gross. "Naughty Riquette," Cosmopolitan (3rd week) (M-1,500-84.40). First week claimed to have bettered $18,000; last week's heat affected trade and gross about 816.000, fig- ure that should be satisfactory for this musical. "Number 7," Sam H. Harris (4th week) (D-1.051-83.30) Moved here from Times Square, where it took a stop-gap booking for three weeks; mystery piece run- ning behind other two ("Donovan Affair" and "Ghost Train"), with gross around $7,000. "One Man's Woman," 48th St. (19th week) (D-969-$3.30). Final week; made money after weak start; re- cent takings around $8,000, though less last week; "The Jewel Tree" next week. "Potash and Perim utter, Detec- tives," Ritz (5th week) (C-945- $3.30). Not what was expected of "P & P" comedy, and limited engagement here would not be surprising; perhaps $S.O0O last week. "Queen High," Ambassador (4th week) (R-1.168-$3.85). Off to strong start and figures to be In for real run; estimated pace about $23,000 last week, almost capacity at scale. Sandalwood," Gaiety (2nd week) (CD-808-$3.30). Opened Wednes- day and in five performances got well over $6,000, indicating week- ly pace of between $10,000 and $11,000 tot normal weather; much better support than Indicated from notices. "Scandals," Apollo (leth week) (R-l,168-$5.50). New musicals not expected to affect trade here, which continuea to standee pro- portions; none «f recent arrivals are revuea; ovar <f40,00$ weakly average. "•oetah Mlat," Klaw <2nd week) (CD-S8O-$3.30). Going off Sat- urday; first week estimated ardnnd HMO, diaappolntmant in face of promising Indications out of town; "Treat 'Em Rough" next week "Sex,' Daly's (23d week) (D-1.173- $3.30). Management expectant of going well Into new aeaaon with freaky drama; trade averaged around $10,000 during cool spell; aatimatad at $8,000 or better last "She Couldn't Say No," Booth (5th week) (C-707-$3.80). Muat find another house after next week, "White Wings" arranged for houao prior to current offering's premiere, which started like hit; last week eased off to about 8$.000. "Sour Grapes," (Longacre (4th week) (CD-l,019-$3.30). Another potential success that must get another berth; 'An American Tragedy" will open here Oct. 11; trade 4|tarted at $10,000 pace; weather beat it down to $8,000 laat week. t "Sunny," New Amsterdam (B4th week) (M-l,702-$5.50). Expected to last well into winter and may- be longer; with normal weather trade virtual capacity; last week gross bettered $41,000. "The Slonde Sinner," Frolic (12th week) (F-602-$3.30), Moved twice; roof house under rental arrange- ment; first week in new apot gross dropped under $5,000. "The Captive," Empire (1st week) (D-1.09$-$8.80). Initial production of season from Charles Frohman office; drama from French expect- ed to attract considerable atten- tion; opens tonight (Wed.). "The Donovan Affair," Fulton (5th week) (D-918-$3.30). While not yet rated smash, cleverly present- ed mystery play among best money getters of new shows; last week som^'what -under previous pace but rated around $12,000. "The Girl Friend," Vandorbllt (30th week) (M-771-$3.85). Srason out- lined for musical attractions of this type so long as current show makes money It will stick; last week approximately $12,000. "The Ghost Train," Eltlnge (6tb week) (n-S02-$3.30). English mystery play getting fair trade but not exc*»i»tlonal; at 810,000 weekly making money. "Ths Great Temptations," Winter Garden (20th weok) (R-1.4KS- $5.50). ^Vhi]p new edition of "Gay Paree" mentioned for f'.arden. it will remain out of town for time nnd may be spotted »'!sewhere: "Temptations" not exactly big but should pick np; estimated u«lcr $25,000. The Home Towners," Hudson <6th One of f»« B*^™..^ iQULY THREE IN LOf CASHING LN; REVUE, OPEREHA AND COHIEDY 1 "First Love" Does Nicely—First Run Film Theatres Hurting tegit Baltimore, Sept. 28. The regular legit season is now several weeks old. Both the Au- ditorium and Ford's are open for buaine e a if any. These two houaaa are all there Is to it so far as legit is concerned In this town. In spite of the three- quarters of a million the consu gives Baltimore, it is hardly uio:\ than a one-show town. And with tlio tirst run picture capacity of th iu\N n about to bo Increast il by 3.0u. or more, when the now Stanley- Crandall is completed, plus the new Valencia making a bid for limitct'. but select patronage, the town's legit is in for keener competition Last week the pendulum of prolh swung over thi Auditorium wher<. Fay Bainters new vehicle, "Firs: Love," got a surprisingly good weel. for a break-In production. The critics were all favored and, both Miss Dalnter and Bruce McRae have large local folio wings. Ford's alsv drew a near try-out but little pat- ronage. "Starweed" wilted and died calling It a season last Saturday night when it waa routed to thi storehouse. This week Ford's draws "Cocoa- nuts," and naturally most of the legit trade. . Eatimatea for Laat Weak Auditorium—"First Love." Go. the first string critics for Uie open- ing and drew good reviews; busi- nes.s built nicely and weathercu humid weather laat half; about $14,000. Ford's—"Starweed." Decided con trast to great intake fo "Fanny," previous week; new ahow, in^Htt^r- cnt notioaa, little draw. V This Week Auditorium—"The Patay"; Ford's. 'Cocoanuts." (Copyright, by Yariety, Inc.) "Affairi," $34,000; "Vagabond King," $31,000. -x^u] ^Poor N«l^'^ #13,000i the Leaders — ' Blon< QuiU to $8 COO—'Tlame" Around $24,000 les new laugh shows that should be getting more but making money with last week a bit oft at $11.- 000; flguraa to go higher. "The Immortal Thief," Hampden's (Ist week) (D-1.473-$3.30). Hamp- den opena aeaaon Thursday flight; switched away from older classics to produce new play by Tom Barry. ''The Judge's Husband/' 49th BtrMt (1st week) (CD-707-$3.30). Wil- liam Hodge starred in this com- edy. Played out of towv last aaa- son; opened Monday. "The Little Spitfire," Cort (7th week) (CD-1,046-13.11). While not smash, making money both ways; climbed to $9,000 and better with last weak S«wil t» |7«MS. "The Ramblers," Lyric (2d week) (M-l,406-$6.50). Philip Goodman has real musical heavy wel^t with lirst week grossing nearly $34,000; that rates It among Broadway's three biggest money shows; drew capacity lata laat waak Saaplte heat. ''The Shanghai Gesture," Chanln'a 46th Street (30th waek) C1>«1.413- $3.85). Newer shows may affect trade of this drama, sensation last aeaaon; management expectant of running Into winter paripd; laat week about $15,000. "Tha Shelf," Moroaeo (lat waA) (D-893-$3.80). Frances Starr, star of new drama, rated among best of spring try-outa. Did vtey well out of town raeantly; vpmtd Monday. "The Vagabond King," Casino (54th week) (0-1,447-15.50). Though company has opened In Chicago, New York run expected to go un- til holidays or longer; iMil waak estimated at $18^000. "The Woman Disputed," Forrest (1st week) (D-l,000-$3.30). Came In Tuesday after promising In- dications. Judging from business in outlying houses. Where it was called ' The Prisoner" and where gross waa between $14,000 and $15,000; A. H. Woods production, "Two Girls Wanted," Little (4th week) (C-530-$3.80). Claimed to have picked up bit last week, with gross over $6,000; some of John (Jolden's shows have started slow- ly and built Into hlta; aame hoped for this one. "Vanities," Karl Carroll (6th week) (R-998-$6.60). Little question about Carroll revue being money show; while not actually capacity among leaders, rated laat Week at almost $30,000. "What Every Woman Knows," Bi- jou (25th week) ((:-60.'i-$3 30). Tnless sudden change of plans, n.irrle revival will go through fall; last week about $8,000, good, considering run. "Yellow," National (2d week) (D- 1.164-$3.30). GcorKf M. Coli.ins s' Tond ofTorlng, nu lodram.i rat^'d liaving c hance: opened Sept. 21 with trade thereafter fairly gootf> $10,000. Outside Times Sq.—Little "The House of Ussher" making run of it at Mnyfalr; "Hare Facts," Triangle; "The French Model" closed last week. (Copyright, 1926, by Variety, Ina^ Chicago. Sept. 2^. Out of the 16 lef^lt the-xtre?: ov.\\ three are registering a real "kicli" in the way of trade. The topnotch- ers are •'Affa^" "Vapibdiid ifinir and "The PiMr Wut.^ Tl«i Mil are far from normal flgUji^ ibr this period of the season. " As a result of the low grosses changes in bookings will transpire. Usually Ott 1 givea tha Mhagers a line on how the booking* will st:i U up for the Thanksgiving period, but this situation is Impossibla to figura otitside of the three above-men- tioned attractions. 'N aprabond King" has taken up tha popularity at the Cvcnt Northern where "The Student Prlftce" left off. It's a fine break for a house that was suppdaod to be down and out. At the present scale of prices $31,000 weekly can be done It this thiatra, and the present pace is close to capacity. Affairs" hasn't been slowed up Uy tlffe handful of new muslcal:s, only finding stiff competition from the "King." Since these two pace .setters are entirely different in theme it Is figured both will prosper. "Song of the Flnme" falls to secure a footing, yet business Is highly profitable, although with tendency toward spottiness. Not one of the non-musicals is approaching the demand for "The Poor Nut" since "nentlemen Prefer niondes" went to pieces. "The Juzs Singer" is figured as a probable con- tender for "Nut's" supremacy. Inviting theatregolng weather wat on tap during the week, but other than aerambling for tha three lead- ers the calendar evidently held no particular appeal to draw folks into tha loop; miarp flgureri dalm the variation In the loop's lenU ^fmdc will grow as the new tbeatrag aan- tteva t« pop up in tha ttetghhorhdod loaiUtliti. Estimates for Last Week **My Country" (La Salle. Ist week). Reopening Sunday and puts every theatre In operation. "Kongo" (Princess. 4th week). Appeals to lovers of melodrama; strong enough to give average gross at present as $8,000; practically ca- pacity every Sunday night, figures approximately $2,000. ^'The Great Qatsby" (Studehakcr. 9th and final week). At no time got important demand; yet held around $11,000 average for first three weeks and then slipped to around $8,000; "Alias the Deacon" follows. *'Black Velvet" (Playhouse. 13th week). Credited with moderate but profitable pace of $7,000 gross; pros- pects of spotty trade, but inviting enough to make Thanksgiving date safe. ''Pay to Bearer" (Adelphl. Sd waak). Failed to click, n&i varying much over Initial weak; won't kuit long at $7,000 pace. "Coal Oil Jannla* (Blackstone. 4th week). Absolutely no call, but will probably atick it out for a couple mora weeka; hard to figure higher than $6,500 to $7,000. "Sweetheart Time" (Garrick, 2d Weak). Opened to under |1,006. but drew remarkable notices, causing management to make elaborate ad spreads; Saturday night helped ap- proach $11,000 on week. ''The Poor Nut" (Cort, 5th week). Batabliahing Itaalf aa high •money .<;how among the non-muslcals; big "fiash" in theatre front for collegi- ate season: $13,000. "Treat 'Em Rough^ CKarria. 5th and final week). Under ||,t06^ mak- ing it dottbtftlt If |tl»«f« #ai mis- tered on engagement; hlg Ibtfilliee sale for "Jazs Singer." Tha Mendera" (Central. Id waek). Drawing typical clientele for this house, which means satisfactory to- tal, or cloaa to it at $«i#f#; thay kaap going hara ragardlasa of M gross. The Paeaing Show** <Four Co- han.s, 2d week). With "Vagabond King" practically sell out, Shubert cdnnection with "apeca" being hurled at this one, hut apparently with no luck; stiff prices again made $16,000 possible, regardleaa of small audiences and without a Bat- urday-Sunday climb. *'Oentlemen Prefer Blendaa" (Sel- wyn. 22d and final w*ek). Went as high as $21,000 during first weeks, then went down to approximately $16,000 average; original comfiany inft a t — UXh —waakj—dropped Irom $11,000 to $7,000 upon change of '-ast; final week about $8,000. "First Love" next. 'Tha Vagabond King" (Great .N'orthrrn. 4(h week). <'')rit*'nfK r for honors held by "Affairs"; char^'ing $4 top and $5 on Saturdays, makes Wmn DROPPING OFF: JOISON TOP, $35 CCD Jcssel Again at $13,000— Town Getlinij Back to Nor- mal A(ler Big Start Boston. Sept. 28. I^ha fhajority of the ahowa pl.iy-" ing iicre re<;i)\«.>ied from the slump whlclk lilt them the week befora last None of the .shows runv htMt- will be in town at ihe end uf iie.\t weitk. Al Jolaon has a couple uf more waalia to run here at the Shubert. This show has been the big money maker tlie pa.si two ^ceks and \v.\h heen pi lying to practical enpac ly. It was the only show In town 1 usi week wliich was capacity, and the gross Is figured in th^ neighborhood of $35,000. Uoudini is also in his laut week at the Majestic. The house haa nothing scheduled until a week from Monday, when "The Student I'rince" comes in. There is a poeslbility that *'T^he Daring Duchess." at the Wil- bur, may be swiichcd acrosa tha atraat to flill lii the week. ' IJU lu'.,:,' has dono f;ilrly slndf It opened. This week will ma.Jb the lourth it haa been at the Wllhur. "One of the r.im.ly" ia booked Into the house startin*; Mon* day. -rwelve Miles Out," with Wil* liam Courtenay, remains ;.t the r.ynkouth for the next iw.i wei^ka unless something breaks. It i.ot oft to a rather poor start, but has done enough to warrant remaining, 'i he new attraction at this house will be "The Knemy." This is the iinal n^eek for "Bubbling Over" at the Tremont. This musical hasn't been a \ery strong entry, with tho grusa of last week $13,000. about $2,000 less than the week before. George Jessei m "The Jazs Singer" did ab^t $13,000. the same as tho pree<Mling week, .'os.sol h:i'.i another week at tha house, and then Otia Skinner In ''The Honor of the Fam* Ily" comes in. *'Piga" l9 on its last week at the Park. Last week the total went off about $1,000. It was a clear Ind: a- tlon that a change of attraction would be beneficial and "Craig'a Wife" Is due. "Happy Uo Lucky," in the final of It* tiro Wttkm at tha Colonial, did not ilMi# my ladlcatlofi of picking up. The only new attraction In town this week was the op'^nlng of Zleg- feld s "No i«^oolln'." at the Colonial. Estimates for Last Week "The Jazz Singer/* iiollls (last week). First show to open here and has shown surprising atrength; la.st week. $13,000. Houdini, Majostic (last week). Fair iiuMlness for this attraetion; rC*. "Bubbling Over," Tremont (last week). About $lS.tOO: off $1,000 from we<'k before. '"Pigs,". Park (last week). Did about $9,000; oft $1,000. "The Oaring Duohess," Wilbur (last week at this house). Jumped $1,000 to $12,000. "Ziegfeid Follies,** Colonial (1st week). Big opening Monday night to house hold out in advance. "Twelve Miles Out" Plymouth (3d week). Just going along to fair hunlness: $9,U0(> •*Big Boy," Shubert (3d week). Doing Uie big business of town; $36,000. tCopyright, 1926» hy Variety, Ina.) haa averaprejk $Xt.000 thus far; In for a g(K)d run. *'8ong of the Flame" (Apullo. 4lh week). Despite strong competUleli, holding own; tK'iireH $23,000 to $24,- 000 weekly to date. "Dearest Enemy'* (Illinois. 4th wofk). Quiff- a l»».ss after th*' Hus- ton success; has another we« k, with no prospects of the limited engage- merjt hf'Jr>Inc;; ha.sn't varied much from $15,000 weekly aver.ige. ••Affairs'* (Wood.% lifth Week). FMrst In hotel deni.ind ami ludilin;: to rc'niarka2*le gait con.'^^ldering new arrivals; ev»ry prospect of retum- to full rrip ai.ltJ w ltli foutball sea.S(«n; $34,000. ^attlea In the Air** fOlympic, 4rith wef»k). T.Mok^ .is 1' depai .uro in two week.s' time will Juwt ui'out I'xhaust demnnd: d«»es'nt look bet- ♦ 'r thi»n T3' ' 'Tt prf'^'-nt. posalble tot*l of around $tl.OOO; I (C«Py«*»«ht, 1926, by Vaiuety, IncJ iitiitttMi'iiirf"iiiirt«'' iiii'i '\ii.iiii>MttiaifiT?>iirittt!i'i^*ii4TinTtoi'i<l