Variety (Dec 1926)

ednesday, December 1, 1926 PICTURES VARIETY PARAMOUNT^ WORLD RECORD (Continued from page 7) ing the year occurred. It held down the receipts for the final day or the record would have been higher. It rnunt be figured that house had the benefit of a holiday Thursday when it did the biggest business registered thus far. On the opening Saturday, on Sunday and Thursday the scale in force was 40 cents from 10.45 a. m to 1 p. m. with M cents after that hour. On the other days it was 40 cents to 1 n. m., 75 cents from then until 6 p. m., and 99 cents after that hour. The opening show was unusually long, running about two and a half hours. That tended to prevent a quick turnover, as also did the fact that people once in the house did not leave after seeim* the perform- ance, but spent hours wandering about the thoatre, gazing at the dec- orations and many innovations. Handling Crowds A remarkable phase of the op- eration of the new Paramount is the manner in which the house staff is handling the crowds and the im- pression thai the theatre makes on those entering it. Crowds in- stinctively remove hats on entering the lobby. In the grand hall back of the auditorium the house at- taches line-up those waiting on both sides of the place, four abreast, thus leaving the center open for those who want to exit. Orig- inally it was planned to have a number of brass rails down the center of this hall for the handling of the waiting crowds, but tlu; rails were prohibited by the fire depart- ment at the last minute. Every day during the week there were long lines outside of the the- atre of those waiting to purchase tickets and the lines stretched into 43rd as well as up Broadway and around the corner into 44th street. The second week started Satur- day, last, with Thomas Meighan in •The Canadian" as the attraction, and with a Frank Cambria stage presentation. The business on the second Saturday was not as big as that of the opening day because of the cold snap and strong winds that made the 43rd street corner one of the coldest spots in the city. Other Houses Helped The opening of the Paramount seemed to stimulate business all along the street, with the other pic- ture houses getting a lot of over- flow business that was intended for the new house but which could not get in. Along the street other man- agers were figuring what the Para- mount was going to do after the building was opened in regard to handling their crowds that were lined up outside of the door, It be- ing generally figured that a 43d street box office would be the only TO MANAGERS, AGENTS and PICTURE PRESENTATION PRODUCERS I Walter Stanton C/AAfT Gqoster WALTER STANTON THE ORIGINAL 8TAGE "CHANTECLER" OR "GIANT ROOSTER" Is readv to put on bin "KAKM- YARI > FOIJ.IKS' ;i s j-iven l.y him in New York at the New Vork Hippodrome. NOW enhanced with "OLD MOTH.RK OOOSK" nnd "I'd.NX V HU<! RABBIT* " Address: Care Variety. State- Lake, Bldg.. Chicago, Ml. solution, and it is also possible that a marquee might be placed on that side of the building for its entire length to protect from the elements hose waiting outside. Estimates for Last Week Astor—"The Big Parade" (M-O- M) (1.120; $1.65-$2.20) (54th week). Last week business showed a Jump on account of the holiday, the week helm? $19,672.50. with the Saturday of the second week of the second year $77 better than the same Sat- urday of a year ago. The total on the run to date is $1,050,911.70. Cameo- Repertoire (549; 50-75)— For the latter half of the week the house again showed Emil .Tannings in "The Last Laugh." Holiday sent the business to almost $6,000. Capitol —"The Flaming Forest" (Cosmopolitan-M-tJ-M) (5.450; 50- $1.65). This one was looked to stand up for a second week, but failed to click; even with the holiday the business only hit $59,751.75. Central—"The Searlet Leter" (M- C5-M) (922; $1.10-$2.20) (17th week). Metro-Ooldwyn's original lease for 16 weeks having expired, they have renewed for elKht weeks more here and will continue on eight-week periods as long as they care to hold the house. Business last week ran to $11,800 on holiday push. Cohan—"Sorrows of Satan" (F. P.-L.) (1.111; $1.10-$^.20) (7th week). This is the final week for the (iriffith picture, Publix having leased the house to Universal, which will bring "Michael Strogoff" in next Sunday. Last week the busi- ness was $0,000. Colony—"The Better 'Ole" and Vitaphone (VV. B.jj (1.980; $1.65- $2.20) (8th week). Got in the neighborhood of $28,000 last week. Criterion—"Beau Geste" (F. P.- L.) (812; $1.10-$2 2O) (15th week). Still going along as strong as ever. Last week the business was $14.- 825. Embassy — "Ben-Bur" (M-G-M) (596; $1.10-$2.20) (48th week). Busi- ness up about $1,500 here over the preceding week, the total running to about $10,000. Harris — "What Price Glory" (Fox) (1.051: $1.65-$2.20) (2d week). Opened on Tuesday night to an in- vited audience, daily paper notices very strong for the picture. On e!ght shows the receipts were $8,763. Paramount — "God Gave Me 20 Cents" (F. P.-L.) (4.000; 40-75-99- $1.65). For the first week the the- atre that is a monument to the mo- tion picture industry, proved Itself by creat'ng a world's record for re- ceipts. The remarkable total of $80.- 180 was registered. It would have been bigger had not the rain on Friday brought that day down to the lowest receipts of the week. This week Thomas Meighan in "The Canadian" opened on Saturday and had a hold-out all day and way into the evening, despite the cold. Rialto—"We're in the Navy Now" (F. P.-L.) (1.960; 35-50-75-99) (4th week). Brdng nearest to the new Paramount got the overflow break go'ng to $38,000. Rivoli—"The Great Gatsby" F. P.- L.) (2,200; 25-50-75-99). Last Sat- urday marked the passing of this house as a popular priced grind the- atre. Beginning Dec. 6 when it re- opened with "Old Ironsides" It will be a two-a-day theatre with a $2.20 top admission scale, flaying big productions for a run. The final week as a grind house showed $25,- 000. Strand-"The Blonde Saint" (F. N.) (2,900; 35-50-75). With Vin- cent Lopez as the added attraction and really the box office draw the house last week drew $36,700. Warner's—"Don Juan" and Vita- phone (W. B.) (1.380; $1.65-$2.20) (17th week). Business was up about $2,000. the house getting bet- ter than $26,000. SYMPHONIC HAWLEY ZUKOR—MUSIC By NATHANIEL FTNST0N Mu».c Director, Publix Theatres) Adolph Zukor—an electrical name this Is, in motion picture circles as well as other arts and sciences. When one stops to consider the rare vision and remarkable ability a man has to possess to be able to sub- sidize successfully hundreds of mu- sical organizations, including some of the finest orchestras in the United States, whereas in times past a man would pride himself on being able to successfully promote one orchestra or musical organiza- tion, is there any wonder that mu- sic in all 'ts tributaries join to p:t> homage to the man responsible and successfully projecting such a series of institutions. This man is Adolph Zukor, "pa- tron saint of the musicians-' and of opportunity for the singiW— "new fount of Inspiration for Amer- ican conductors"--"a Mecca for American as well as other com* posers." A comparatively short time a^o a wealth of musical talent found it- self handicapped for want of op- portunity in this country. In Eu- rope the great opera houses were endowed by government or nobility. Their symphony orchestras similar- ly supported were educating and building love for fine art in the masses and professional opportunity for the student and aspirant We had no such opportunity In this country; but how different it is this day, due to the development Mr. Zukor has permitted and created in the motion picture theatres. He has at the present moment the ability to give play to the greatest violin- ists, to the" most ambitious con- ductors, singers seeking grand opera, comic opera, musical comedy, jazz revue, or any experience where development will insure a future. The American artist of all range need no longer look towards Eu- rope as the land of opportunity for him. Adolph Zukor has the land of opportunity within a stone's throw of every aspirant right here in this country. One hears constantly the feeling of relief that in pursuit of musical ambition it is no longer necessary to leave the country, the State, and very often ones city. Surely the vision of the man. and the develop- ment of this condition can only be measured in mammoth terms. May this sublimity forever more endure. All hail Adolph Zukor. PICTURE POSSIBILITIES OF PLAYS "Broadway"—Favorable "BROADWAY'* (Comedy-Drama, .led Harris, Droadhurst), The -ma h of the new season is a push over for pictures, .lust a question how rum-li the producers and authors can get for It. Aside from "Broadway's' top rating as a comedy drama. It touches on a topic that has Interested the country since Volstead landed on the front pages. "Broadway" Is excel- lent drama, heightened by irresistible comedy. There are thrills and laughter finely paced. It kids about death and any play that can do that and get away with it. must be there. Scramble for this one became it might make a very special picture. Besides tho best title "Broadway" a play or picture has had in year.'. Ibee, "This Was a Man"—Unfavarablu "THIS WAS A MAN" (Comedy, Basil Dean, Inc. Klaw). A play of English writing which centres around the Infidelit! a wit*.-. Not strong enough dramatically and a. topic that would never pass tie lira censors. Ihrr. A BEACON FOR THE UNIVERSE By HAROLD B. FRANKLIN A Continental Estimate? By SIEGMUND JACOB Director of the Universum Film Ak- tiengssellschaft and Oi of Parufamet. ORIGINAL SINGING DANCING ORGANIST COVENT GARDEN THEATRE CHICAGO DICK LEIBERT Featured at ths Organ Loew's Palace, Washington, D. C. CY LANDRY anrTjACK NORTH Are Good, Too! Herlin, Nov. 16. Although the New Paramount Building Is dedicated, I foel as I though I have already seen it and worked In It. For Heveral months past, a beautiful plaster model of the new building has been on exhi- bition in the offieeH of Paramount'.* atflliated concern in Germany, Paru- famet The model, with its spires striving towards the sky, is an ever present reminder that behind the construction of this magnificent new building lies the productive geniuH and successful enterprise of Adolph Zukor. The new House of Paramount presents to tho world in external form the spirit of successfully car- ried out ideas through the medium of perfect organization. The large scale undertakings, so common in America, have always called forth my admiration and re- spect. I am mire that tho great suecesH of Adolph Zukor'n enter- prises in America will be paralleled by the success of Parufamet, his kindred concern in Germany; for the motion picture is an Interna- tional object of commerce; and when the economic conditions In Germany permit it. we hope to imi- tate Mr. Zukor's methode and du- plicate his success. My MWOctntion With Mr. Zukoi m representatives in Germany has given me additional evidence nl the international (haracter of the methods Which Mr. Zukor ha* used in such a tremendously construi the wa y . I hope soon to have th* pleasure of Congratulating Mr Zukor per- sonally ifi New York on lils great success, in the meantime I send Mm my best wishes a ad expi e join* of niv sincere ndrutraffon, since the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation is accepted as the lore- most exponent of progress within the industry, in the building of its permanent home it was to be ex- pected that the structure would be representative of the progress, beau- ty and solidity of the Industry. The Para mount building and theatre I dominates every building on Times Square, the crossroads of the world; it was conceived on a scale of mag- nificence. It is lilting that the world's finest theatre should stand on the greatest street of entertain- ment, symbolic of Para mount's world-wide leadership. It has been my privileged expe- rience to be so closely identified with the building of this glorious edifice; it was a labor of love! It stands as a monument to the spirit of Paramount and all that it rep- resents. His dream fulfilled—-It must be a source of gratification and pride to Adolph Zukor, whose vision made this tremendous undertaking pos- sible; to look back over the road which he has traveled and sec the splendid work that he has created. TH© name of Adolph Zukor Is indelibly written upon the scrolls of American achievement. He raised the standards of motion pictures. He gave the impulse and set the examples. His gift for lead- ership and his power to conceive and execute large plans have made him the most conspicuous figure In the Industry. Zukor's Leadership nis is a success that has been honestly earned—he holds the res- pect and admiration of all within the industry. His achievements demonstrate that truth, fairness, and sincerity ultimately bring last- ing success. The history of Paramount is a testimony to the leadership of Adolph Zukor, and Is convineing evidence of supreme attainment. His career is an epic of Amerl- 1 can ism. To the casual observer It would , seem that a iniraele had been wrought in tho building of the | Paramount theatre. Truly an un- usual feat—to complete this, the finest of all theatres, with Its 4,000 seats, in little more than a year. Tin- arChltCCtSj (\ W. and George 1.. Rapp, and It. R Hall Com- pany, engineers, spent over four years with the writer. Studying, planning and ( reeling this structure. The financing was arranged by Adolph Zukor. and It is a great trib- ute to the motion picture Industry that the underwriting was tinder- taken by Kuiin. Loeb & Company* and up to this time, represents the only real estate mortgage bond is- sue that was ever undertaken by this international hanking house. The architecture is that Of the French Renaissance period, the low- er live Stories being Indiana Lime- stone, carved in heavy relief. The upper part of the building towers skyward In el^ht setbacks. It Is a fine example of modern architect- ural treatment influenced by the tontllg act. Which governs the erec- tion of high building In tho City of New York. Pioneer and Engineer Kvery modern appliance has been Installed for the convenience and comfort of patrons, as well as em- ployes. The design of this theatre Is one of the last works of the late C. W. Rapp, and it is regrettable that he could not have lived to have seen the completed result. ' And the Paramount theatre In Times Square will stand for all time to enlighten the radiated uni- verse of the Wisdom Oi the work, the knowledge, experience, nnd above all else tho farsightedness of Adolph Zukor as a motion pic- tun pioneer nnd engineer. If y<m Uon'l ftdvwtl* In V\KIIT\. <!....! ...l.lffUf THE NEWEST ADDITION TO FANCHON & MARCO IDEAS JAN RUBINI OPKNIS-n A TO IB (IV West Coast Theatres, IVf OKI'OKM Fl» PAUL ASH NOW AT BALABAN A KAT2 New Oriental Theatre CHICAGO Paul Ash Presentations Produced by Louis McDermott PAUL ASH