Variety (Dec 1927)

VARIETY PIC TV RES WMneiday, December 7» 1927 ORIENTAL'S $53^ SWAMPS 00; ASH'S BEST TOPPED BY SOPH Gilbert Film, $46,000 at Chicago — "Wing*" Is Dpwn to $12,000-^"Heaven," $8,250 and Going Oak^'«J«tt Siagw^ IMOO te 8 Day* Chicago, Doc. 6. Someone must have written al^t- ter to the Oriental last we^k. •'Witllt a Good Liiugh —See Tucker." '•You Won't Need to See a Doctor—See Tucker.'* '*A Wow and How- Tucker." Also, 1| you want a better )au£h. aee how a ptoture house han- dles a *«haiiie^^^^tiu>ut lotten. This in Soph's town, anyway, and she Is crediteu with smashing the Orien- tars rmM of a year's standing. She accomplished the feat without Paul Ash and plus one of the best Rtagt shows ever seen at the house. The picture was quite forgotten last week, "Rose of the Golden West.** The Ohtcago's feature was "Man. Woman and Sin," held re»Ponsible for a large part of the week's $46,- 000. No go at this big house lately, and the flisure is less than desirable. Jolson*» *Jiii« Wrnrer" lb Tlta- phone, at the Garrlck. Increased the town's list ot specials to two.. Com- ments by the drama critics as well as th® ilhn roviowers all favorable, and mm got |9.S00 on five days. *^lnts/* at Ui« Brlanger, slipjped a bit. but emmUH^ t|l» 'Wttm' i Pf J?*!'' a break. -Ben-Hur" and "Underworld" /profited in their third weeks and both are held over for fourths. Cur- rent week Is likely the flnal for each miless "ilur" shows some under- cover wtrengrth. Whether ''Seventh Heaven" will continue at the Mon- ro* after this week is also uncer- tain. ''liOte* of Carmen** M ilated for the Fox house next week, but "Heaven's" businfss. still steady, inrftt make the iMiftee think twiee. The neighborhoods had a relapse "^S^Li^^ ^S^li"^^ holiday week. The COLD BUMPS TORONTO; PAN BEST AT $13^0 Liked "13th Juror"—Loew's Down to $10,800 and Uptown $10^ iraither notioe«lilt lii iMllMft town. ' -f , , Estimates fer Last Week Chicago (Publix)—"Man, Woman and Sin" (M-G) (4.100; 60-75). Realistic newspaper film and John Gilbert accountable for HMM; staae entertainment still olt. Erlange* (J. L. & S.)—"Wings' (Par) (1,345; 50-12.60) (5th week). Dropped $6,000. but still doing bet- ter than specials are supposed to do hf're; |12,000; announced that house is rented ahead for "Kins of Kings" to fblMr. s> -Wfim -flUNire " < ross" OfilO. VdltiMi "Wings.** Qarriek (Shubert)—"Jass Slhger'* and Vita (W. B.) (1.29S; 50-W.20) (l8t week). For five dnys, |9,800: at that rate full first week would have brought al>out $13,500; "Pa- rade" and "Glory" opened at this house to $17,000 under same scale. McVioker's (Publix) — "Ben-Uur" (M-G) (2.400: 50-75). Under week before by $l.r.00 for $18,500: enough for fourth week, with another con- templated. Monroe (Fox)—"Seventh Heaven" and Movietone (Fox) (975; 75) (4th week^ Rounds oet moath wtth good sum, $8,250; may go out next week, which would please neighbor- hood houses; beUOTed lllm would do better in larger house and then have clumce to equal present en- ^Mgement in return date; too late now. Oriental (Publix)—"Rose of Gold- en West" (F. N.) (2.000; :i5-r)0-75). Sophie Tucker and great stage bill; house reeOM strung up with $58,800; extra show dally from Wednesday on. and recently raised scale all counted, ' Orpheum (Warner) — "Silver Slave" and Vita (W. B.) (776; 50). Films llSdO sebond"1V«ik'"irtmiMi h«»ldover undeserved.. Playhouse (Mindlln)—"Tillers of the Soil" (Mindlln) Rn<l (Irass" (Par) (1,07$; 50-$1.10). Tumbled, but not much; should have had More publicity for "Grass" $3,750. Reoaevelt (PublU) — "Under- WorW (Par) (1,400; 50-65). This week, the fourth, probiibly the Mt; $12,000 not bad. •tete- Lake (Orpheum) — "Home Made" (F. N) (2.800: SS^ft^rM). Picked up to get $19,500. Toronto, Dec. t. ' (Drawine Population, TOOiOOO) Pantagea, eold this week by E:aet- ern Theatres, Ltd., to Famous Play- ers Canadian Corp., handed the di- rectors Ji tonic by leading the town with $13,000 with "The l$th Juror." Everytliing else waa flopping in both directions. Even the Loew house, usually out front, took a no.sodive with "In Old Kentucky," and went under $11,009 for the first time in five weeks. Weather was terrible. Wednes- day they couldn't even be dragged In on paper. Strength came toward the end of the week. "Les Miserables" handed Tommy Daley an excellent first week at the Tivoll. but dipped to aX»dttt $4,300, below summer average. "The Somme." British war effort, came In for a run despite the steady de- crease in grosses piled up by "wa.* pictures of any kind. Picture spon- sored by "Evening Telegram** and has no plot. "Garden of Allah'* got away to one of the best matineee at the Uptown, where Ash policy has been temporarily thrown overt>oard. Band back in pit under personal direc- tion of Manager Jack Arthur. Busi- ness slackened Monday, but came on to better IIO.OOO. Only house in town to better last week's blx. Some adverse comment on the comedy, '*Now ril Ten One,** low burlesque on courts of law. Up here Judges are appointed for life and are great on dignitt« Vitles were changed to show tb|Biil^:.lN»»:;r JlffpW^ , Canada. l4eew*n l«lf '1i# preparing advance ballyhoo on "Fatty" Arbuckle as master of ceremonies at a special bin fet IMi week. But the tkt boy is not coming. Posters are going into the storei-oom for use "after he geU better." but who said Arbuckle was sick? Looks like the censors or one of the women's reform units got in a squawk. With Ai»cl. f<»rmer First National publicity cljief for Canada, in the saddle at the Hip. business steadily building despltit.a ieugb brenk on pictures. •,,.. liillfNttlee l<Mr 1^ Week Pantages (F. P. Canada), "13th Juror* ill.) (3,450; 30-60). Good show around this one; with every- thing else skidding, held to $13,000. Loew'a~-"In Old Kentucky" (M.- G.) (2.800; 30-60). Below the aver- age at $10,800; racing season over In this town. Uptown (F. P.). "Garden of Allah" (M.-G.) (2,965; 30-60). Started with rush, got caught in weather slump, and then strengthened to $10,500; stage show below avorapc. Hipp (F. P.). "Sally in Our Alley" (Col.) (2,600: $0-60). Nan Unlpirln on the stage added help; fllHl "Well thought of; $6,600. Tlveli <P. P.). "Les Miserables (U.) (I.-IOO; 23-50). Apparently every one who wanted a look at this one took It the flret week; bnid at $4,200, STAGE JTJVilNILE SIGITED Los Angeles, Dec. 6. Oeorge Dunrea, who played •"Able** In the New York company of "Abie's Irish Rose." has been signed by Cecil DeMille for the letd tn^lThe Godleee Olrl.** Dunjl^ was brought here a few weeksago to make a test, after De- Mille had tried every available etnaMate. •uH T«OII« III Iioe Angeles. Dec. 6. ' Burl Tuttle, director of .Slim Summorvllle comedies, was taken seriously ill when about to etKft #n ttm flrat picittrt of the mrtm. m BEAUT/ ^i%m WEAK IN BALTIORE Baltiffloro Off. But "Hoavon" $14,800 and Stays 3d Wk. * —Stanley $18,i III Boston Film Houtses Hold Up Better Than Legits Boston. Dec. 6. (Drawing Population, 850,000) Picture houses did not feel the reaction In the way of business like the . legit theatres. Film grossee stood up pretty well all over town. The Metropolitan, with "Get Your Man." did $87,650, compared with $48,000 the week before. At the State business was Just about $22.- 000. Estimatea for Last Wsek Metropolitan (4.000; 60-60)^"Get Your Man" (Par.). House okay at $37,650. •tale—O^tev) iiooo- a^.fio)-^ "Two Arabian KnIghU'* (U. A.). Brought in $22,000. Orpheum (Loew) (S.500; 26-S5- 50).—"Sevemh Heaven" (Fox). Around $22,000. Cos Angeles, Dec. 6. Ben Turpin has been signed by Fanchon and Marco for a tour of Wett CoMi Theatree olreult Baltimore. Dec. 6. (Drawing Population, 860,000) The event of the local first run picture field will be the opening of the Little Theatre. Motion Picture Guild. This 280-8eater will turn on the lights for a private shovving Thursday night. "Tartuffe * is the opening attraction. There has been a shake-up in the personnel at the new Stanley. Here- after Bernard Depkin, Jr., will de- vote his time to staging the pro- grams while Harry E. Lohmeyer, late of the Earle, Washingrton. will haLUdie the executive end of the house. Guy Wonders, former man- ager of the looal Rivoli, succeeds Lo hm eyer nt the Earle. The Loew organization is also un- dergoing a change. Kingsmore, flrom Memphis, succeeds Bernstein as general manager here. Bernstein has been assigned to the general managership of northern territory, including Toronto. Business felt the pre-holiday let- up last week. Only two houses, the New and. Parkway, came through with unimpaired b. o. showings. Added to the seasonal shopping is a general complaint of unemploy- ment, enpecially affecting the fam- ily eombinatlon houses. ThMe two reasons, coupled with the increased seatage, furnish the h. o.'s witlt something to worry about. "King of Kings," at Ford's for a fortnight, ran into opposition in the form of Jewish press proteats. Plus general conditions it held down the groas. "City Gone Wild" and the inauguration of stage band at the Century failed to turn In anything handsome, although the film was generaUy Uked. ^rden of Allah," in for the customary two weeks at the Valencia, failed to get off to a good start and never really gained momentum. ''American Beauty," at the new Stanley, didn't show any- thing outstanding. "Tell It to Sweeney" drew prett;r good nights but indifferent mats at the Rivoli. and the Garden took a nose dive for its flnal week under the Whitehurst regime. The house keys were turned over to the Schan- MTgers Monday morning. The t h ea t r e Is now being refurbliriied as Kellh-Albee combination stand. The Kew was in its.second week of ^*Qiveutti Hearetf* and name throui^ with the bunting flying gaily; , A strenuous bnilyhoo by Harry Van Hoven ttad I^eon Victor put the film across and decided the Whitehursts to break a precedent of some years' standing and hold the picture for a thrrd week. The uptown Parkway has '*Two Arab- Ian Knights," moved up from/the Valencia, and cleaned up. Estimates for Last Week Stanley (Stanley-Crandall)— "American Beauty" (F. N.) ($,500; 25-60). Off to a weak start, star not being strong enough here to off- set generally adverse conditions; b. o. went blotto Thursday with heavy rain; about*$18,000. Century (Loew-U. A.)—"City Gone Wild" (Par) (2,600; 26-60). Did better than might have been expected Judging by recent show- ing of Meighan Alms in town; pic- ture and star generally liked, hut b. o. let down; mats okay, but nights off; around $16,000. Valencia (Loew-U. A.)—"Garden of Allah" (M-G) (1,300; 25-60). Disappointed by failure to get open- ing draw; around $11,600.. Rivoli (Wilson Amusement Co.)— "Tell It to Sweeney" (Par) (2,000; 25-60). Mhtlnees continued off, title being nothing to lure feminine contingent: nights fair to better, but week only fair. New (Whitehursto)—"S e v e n t h Heaven** (Fox) (8d week) (1,800; 25-50). Continued high on second week and holding for third; Qrst time slnoe early days of pioneer house that film has stayed this long; Just under "Qlory" for cone- sponding week: means $14,800. Garden (Whitehursts)—"The Ir- resistible Lover" (U) and vaude (2,500; lS-60). Swan song week of Whitehurst regime in this house; F. C. Schanberger came in Monday and house turned over to contrac- tors: when reopens after holidays Keith-Albee in lights over runway; flnal week about $8,500. Parkway a^ew-U. A.)—"Two Arabian Knights" (U, A.). Proved b. o. pip at uptown stand; even bet tered good showing at downtown Valencia: proved two weeks down- town do not exhatist local first class h o u w« po esibilill ee in— tewn i e ve r $7,000. TACOMA FAIR B*wsy 18,600—Irene Rich $3,200— Parrot fe eOO t ilk StockinQs |1,660 Taooma. Dec 6. (Drawing Population, 125,000) FareweU week of Ollie Wallace, m. of c. at Broadway, proved good week for house. Ollie has completed 30 weeks' stay and opens next week in Portland at the Broadway. Bddie Peabody billed heavily in four weeks as guest conductor here. All houeen «M fhlr bosUMM last week, , Estimatea for Last Week Broadway (W. C.) (1,650; 26-60) —"The Gorilla" (F. N.) Farewell week for Ollie Wallace incenUve: $8,600.'' Pantages (1,650 ; 25-50)—"Pas- sion" (Par). Both Jannings and Negri' al#asni etronc here; vaude helped; $6,000. Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (660; 26- 50)—"The Desired Woman** and Vita (W. B ). Irene Bleh. good eard in t.iwn; $3,200. , Rialto (W. C.) (1.2fO; ti-tC)— Chinese Parrot" (U). Another mystery; $2,600. Colonial (W. C.) (860; 26)<^**Sllk Stockings" (U). Did $1,660. mVEN" OUTRUNS 2 HOLDOVERS IN LC Pan's $12,000 Spells 3d Wk. —Bow Reissue $3,000 2d Wk. —-Tai^" Off^ $6^ Waraers Sign Jackson Loe Angeles. Dec. 6. .Joeeph Jackson signed a long- term contract to write scenarios for Warner Bros., to go Into effect when Warners resume production in the ganeea City, De& f. (Drawing Pop. SQOyDQO) An unusual occurrence last week was the fact that three pictures on downtown screens were diewlng for their second week. These were "Seventh Heaven," "The Big Pa- rade" and "My Lady of Whims," Liberty. The first named developed the greatest strength and was held for a third week, like "Gtory" at the same house c. few weeks ago. The Midland started its stage band policy with rrhe 18th Hour" on the screen, a pr'^sentation built r ound the regular orphes^ and with Al Moore imported as- master of ceremonlesr Mloore's voice failed to reach far enough in this 4,000 seater, and he Is giving way to Jack Sidney. Another ch nge Is the ap- pearance of Arthur Hayes at the ortan In place of Hana Flath. The expected pre-Chrlstmaw slump has arrived and business at all the houeea shows It. Tbe greatest op- l osition Friday and Saturday to all amusements was the initial show'- - of tho new Ford cara The display was given in Convention Hall and over 100,000 ptople dropj>ed in on the two days; The Capitol, which recently changed from vaude-AIm to the Bert Smith mmtoal ntoek, with pic- tures between shows. Is out with a screaming ad annotmeing 10 eents before one p. m«; 21 until six and 40 for night shows. The Globe has announced the return of the Loie Bridge PtagWS^ tv^gtart Bee. IT. The Shubert will have ncing of Kings" for two weeks, while the Newman is showing "Ben-Hur'* for the same time at pop pricea Estimates for Last Week Loew*a Midland, "The 18th Hour" (M-G) (4.000; 26-26-60). Week inaugurated .stage band policy; pic- ture liked as. light entertainment and business fairly steady for about $24,000. Mainatrest (Orpheum), "Man Crasy" (F. N.) (2,200 ; 26-60).— L<jt.<j of entert;iinment for HO cents; bu8lne.s8 spotty with some sellouts; close to $11,000. Pantages, "Seventh Heaven" (Fox) (2,600;- 25-30-50). Second week for film and many rep^ters; returns warranted holding'&r third week; $l2.q00. Newman (Loew), "The Big Parade" (M-O) (1,980; 25-35-60).— Second week failed to show, strength expected;-In fact, engagement dis- appointed; strong publicity and good reviews failed to bring fans out; —n~i $6,000. Royal (I^ew), "Nevada" (Par.) (920; 20-25).—Zane Grey's stories usually good for nrofltable week at this little first run: thla one no ex- ception; hit $2,700J Liberty (Ind.), "My Lady of Whims" (IJ) (1.000; 2.'-.';0). Second wf«'k for Clara Bow "nocker"; 13.000. At tho f:iobe "One Round Hogan" was the picture, together with a Vltaplu tu bill, and the Capitol had "The Tlgre.ss" when the Bert .<^mith musical stor'; was not pre- senting "Oo Easy MabM" PROV. STRAND mm; fm XHAS SLW) But Satisfied on Grosse&--i Fays and Victory $500 Apart —Jessel's Show Didn't Help ' Providence, Dec. 6. (Drawing Population, 30(),000) Business generally fair la.st week, with Xmaa shopping causing slight •lump. Straight picture houses did wen, eoreen attmotlons being strong enough to offset vaude hillings. "The Crystal Cup" and "The Open Range" for a pop filler-in, did great biz for the Strand. George Jeseel's appearance at the O. H. In "The Jazz Singer" didn't help his picture. "Sailor Izzy Murphy** at Fays very much. The other Fay vaude-plcture house, Carlton, reported a similar week with "A Reno Divorce" and nothing startling in vaude. The third Fay house. Majestic, failed to wow them with "Swim. Girl, Swlm.T "Women's Wares" and Vita. This, house installed Movietone last Sat« urday. and device did bis for the., house over the weekend. Estimates For Last Week Uptown (Ind.) (1.500; 10-26) first- half, "Nevada" (Par.) and "Mrae^ Pompadour" (Par.); second half; "Camllle" (F. N.) and "Service for^ Ladles" (Par.). Fell off and Just topped $2,000; good week. Fays (Fay) (2,000; 16-60) '*8ailor ' Iny Murphy" (W. B») and irauda Juat fair, $6,500. Mejsstie (Fay) (2,500; lf-60) "Swim, Girl, Swim" (Par.) and' "Women's Wares" (Tilf.). Bin done on Bebe*s rep; MovieMiT fltattsd'^ to full houses: $6,000. 1 Carlton (Fay) (1.474; 16-60) "A , RmiO Divorce** (W. B.) and vaude.- Show deserved HO bflter tlM l^if^ gross: $4,200. ^ Strand (Ind.) (2.200; 16-50). "Crystal Cup" (P. N.) powerful draw, while "Open Range" (Par.) clicked too; biz up to $11,000. , Rialto (Fay) (1,448; 10-25). Sec- end loop house managed to hold'< own and bo mere; "The Circus.** Charlie Ohaplln*s latest. Is definitely scheduled for Jan. 14. It has been booked Into this house for the past 18 months. Chaplin win go Into production OB hit next picture Dec. 10. 'Kniglits' H. 0. ii N. 0., $16300; State, $12,000, New Orleans, Dec f. ^ (Drawing Population, 450,000) An average week in the cinema temples with business at about the flgureti of recent periods. Loew'f State, for some> iBilwwrt«iitahle Mh«« son. drdpped to $12,000. "She's If Shlek" must have been responsible' for the wicked slump because the house held one of the best vaudO entertainments of the year. Bebe has never been strong at the wl<MI here, and was almost a forgotten entity until her newest picture bobbed into vle^'. ^ "Two Arabian KnightlT showed real pulling power at thO> SaengeTy sending the hbiiee above flO.OOlU^ The natives liked the military com-' ' edy and, peculiar under the cir* cumstaaoas, the plctm!<e drew the femmes. ^ "Ben-Hur" hatl the Strand look- • ing populous again, being in at pop prices and getting over $7,000. It is being retained a second we^ the Saengers daring the fateg^ BOt« withstanding this town has never . been a film two-weeker. "Roee of the Golden West" passed out eariy_ at the Liberty. The conventional' title had something to do with It The Orpheum had one of Iti worst weeks of the year. The vaudi end held little of consequence la a box ofllce way and "Cheating Cheaters" failed to stand up. Houaa - dropped under $6,000 and went heavily Into the "red." Too bad with the Palace, which had an ap* pealing picture of yt>uth, "Hlgl$ School Hero," but was Impeded by an inept musical comedy that ranked an the poorest the Danaf^ Duncan company has presented. The Tudor sported Madge Bel*^ lamy In 'XTolIeen.'* Ah. well! Ketimates For Last Week Saenger (3,568; 65) "Two Arabia* Knights" (U. A.). Came in for general praise and grossed $16,300. Loew's State (3,218; 50) "She'p a Sheik" (Par.). Bebe Daniels not popular here; obvious by retuma which dropped to $12,000. Strand (2.200; 60) "Bon-IIur." Mighty classic still mighty when U can draw $7,400 at house, which hlf been flirting around $3,000. Liberty (1,800; 50) "Rose of th« Golden West" (F. N.). Started TMLdiy and nnishC'dmiTne way; b touched $2,200. Orpheum (2,400; 75) "Cheating Cheatera.** Meant little or nothla* getting but $5,800. the Strand, New York, week ot Palace (2.S00; 40) "High Schotl Hero** (Fox). Delightful flbn edy hurt by musical hedge* which kept patrons away. ^^.t Tudor (too; 40) "Colleen" (Fo«M Hardly noted by townspeople; 11,100.