Variety (Mar 1929)

VARIETY PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, March 6, 1928 NeirMastbaiiins Fast Start Bumps PhiUy; Stanley Slides to $2S^ Philadelphia, March 6. Naturally, the new Mastbaum was the big noise here last week. The bouse got a great break with the parade and ceremonies on Wednes- day, oftlclally known as Mastbaum Day, and had support from the city administration. The big new Warner Brothers- Stanley Company bouse, with its capacity of 6,000, was reported at around $11,000 in its first day (Thursday), and at almost 136,000 on its first three days. The picture was "Sonny Boy," rushed on from the coast. The stage presentations were the most elaborate ever seen at a picture house in Philly. As expected, the Stanley theatre, one block away, took an aWul sock- ing from the new theatre. The pic- t\jre was "Redskin," and the week's gross was claimed at about $26,OD0. The Fox theatre, on Market street, three blocks away from the Mastbaum, suftered almost ais much as the Stanley, although a corking bill helped hold up trade. Reported at about $27,000 on the week, and the management Is not worrying a great deal. The Mastbaum Is holding Its pro- gram over this week, and the Stan- ton, Fox-Locust and Boyd are also reUining their pictures. The Stan- ley starting this week will change and begin Its week on Saturday In- stead of Monday. This Is new bere except In some of the smaller bouses. The Mastbaum's second bill, start- ing next Monday, will have "The Doctor's Secret," and a stage show, "Sunny Skies." Estimates for Last Week Mastbaum, (6,000, 40-60-76-86).— "Sonny Boy," dialog (WB). House opened to public. Thursday and did sensational business last three days of week, reporting alnlost $36,000, Bill held over. Stanley (4,000, 36-60-76)—"Red- skin," color-sound, (Par) Richard Dlx, greeted moderately well. Mast- - baum's opening kicked bnslnesa all- ejoart Thursday and Friday. Hardly $26,000. Aldine, (1,600, 60 and 76).—"Wo- man of Affairs," sound (M-Q-M,) 8rd week. Went all to pieces after two good weeks. Under $8,000. Boyd (2,400, 40-60-76).—"My Man" dialog, (WB, 2d week). Held first week's pace, something of surprise. Just under $20,000. Fox-Locust (1,800, $1).—'Tn Old Arizona." dialog. (Fox, 4tb w^k). Slid a bit, but ought to be easily good for month more, $13,000. Fox (8,000, 90).—"Strong Boy." (Fox) Picture fairly well' liked and stage blU went big; Hit sharply of course by new house's opening, but reported $30,000. Stanton, (1,700, 86-60-76).—"TraU of '98" (sound) (M-O-M. 1st week). Started strong despite competition' and may make a month's stay of It, somethlnjg bouse has not bad In some time. , Karlton, (1,000, 60-76).—"Stark Mad" dialog, (WB, 2d week). Down to $4,000 or less. mst' $40,()00, Brooklyn; Met $24,300, Itescoe' Brooklyn, March 6. Paramount, with "The CamaUon Kid" and a Clara Bow appearance one night brought the house $62,100. a big drop. Strand had "The Bar- ker" on a hold-over and did excep- Uonally well at $24,800. Loew's Met- t9P0)ltan displayed "The Rescue" -and oroHnary vaude Ut nothing ex- ceptional. Fox offered "The Ghost Talks" with stage show featuring Johnny Marvin. Well attended all week. Estimates for Last Week Albeo—"Ned McCobb's Daughter," sound (Pathe) (8,248; 85-60-60-76). . Vaude. $23,400. Fox—"The Ghost Talks," dialog (Fox) (4,000; 86-40-60-60-76). Mys- tery picture, and nice stage show featuring Johnny Marvin. $40,000. Metropolitan — "The Rescue," sound (UA) (3,667; 86-40-60-76). Just another week; $24,800. Paramount—"Carnation Kid," dia- log (Par) (4,000; 36-60-76). What- ever life , house had last week due to one night appearance of Clara Bow, local girl; stunt got loads of publicity written by all the by-line boys and girls; $62,100. Strand — "The Barker," dialog (FN) (2,000; 26-3B-60-60-76). Hold- over and okay; everyone satisfied. _at $28,600. BATHE'S FIBST SOUmQi STAGE IjOS Angeles', March. 6. Pathe, against special stages tor sOund and making a number of dialog pictures on regular sets, has decided that a sound proof, stage would help after all.. -Work has started on a $300,000 ■tniotui^ to contain three chambers. Loew's, $20,000, Syracuse, To Keith's $13,000 Syracuse, N. T., March 6. (Orawinig Population, 220,000) ' Weather: Cold . lioew's State, In second week of its new film-straight vaude, con- tinued to top the groves, clicking with $20,000. This Was $6,000 under Keith's saw a drop of $1,000 for the week. Keith's the first half was decidedly off, but a better bill last halt helped to bring it up. Estimates for Last Week Loew'a SUta (2.908; 26-60) "Bel- lamy Trial" sound (M-G-M). Five acts. New policy In 2d week, $20.- 000, or $6,000 under draw Ht "Flying Fleet" and vaude. Strand-(Ind.) (1,600; 20-40) T«ne Wolfs Daughter" sound (Columbia). Approximately |7,600, 'figure of pre- ceding week with "Stark Mad," sound, (FN). Empire (Ind.) (1,491; 40) "Gbost Talksv.sound (Fox). Fair at $6.0A$, Jump of $1,000 over "Give 6Uid Take," sound, U, which It foUoiwed. Eekol (Scblne). (1.446; 3$) "My Man" sound (Warners). Got $8,600 a9 against . $7,000 of "Wolf of Wall St.," Mund (Par). Keith's (2,614; 20-60) Vaudfllm. Off another $1,000 to draw $18,000. Weather Hits Providence; Tavements,' $18,000, State FroTldenoe, .March 6. (Drawing Population. S16/W0) Woathert Rain and Snow Although this town had some ex- cellent films lost week unfavorable weatbor sent grosses tumbling to a new low record. ESv^n Iioow's State with ^'OAdy of the'Pav^ent" and all sound program was oaught in the slump and rep'orted'$6,000 undw this previous week. "Qedskln" at the S^and and "Wolf of Wall Street" at Majestic faUed to bring both houses out of the bad streak of the week before. " First three days okay but rain and snow for the rest Of the week put the taboo .on what-bad started out to be a Mff killing. EatlmatM^dr Laat WeelT LoeWii Stato (8,600; 16-60) "Lady of Favettents" sound (tTA). Also Qraf Zeppelin special (M-G) sound feature. Show won much praise; $18,000, drop ttfim t28,0P0. Strand iJiii) (2,200; 16-50) "Red- sklq" sound (Par). Two splendid talkie shorts. Big tie-ups t^tb dallies'helped" some but not enough. "Redskin" bronght no raves; $li;- 000. MaJntFo (Fay) (2.200; 16-60). "Wolf of Wall Street" dialog (Far). No stampede reported. Picture ex- ploited big and house played to big crowds over the week end; $11,600, not so good. Victory (RKO) (1.600; 16-60) "Ghost Talks'T. dialog (Fox) Bll- talkjar . comedy bill. Business ao- so; around $7,600. House having great deal of dlfllculty In passing that figure and haan't made any real coin in weeks. SENT BY AIRPLANE A Meyw Davis Orchestra recently played In FblladelphfiU' Richmond and Dayton on successive nights. Such demand for any. single or- chestra of Meyer Davis' 116 units is strong endorsetnent of the ability of his organization to maintain In- dividuality of performance that dis- tinguishes one Meyer Davis orbh'es- tra £rom the other. Fox $47^500 in St Louis; New Attitude on Talkers St. Xx>uls, March 6. (Draw. Pop., 935,000). Weathart Fair; Mild Ten years ago D. W. GrIISth was the first producer to make a "sound" film. "Dream Street" attained pop- ularity but there were no theatres equipped to produce the sound ef- fects. The iiublle was apathetlo'ahd most producers viewed with doubt the financial poasiblllties of a talk- ing, picture. And now comes"A tady of;'-tb,e Pavements," Grifiltb^s latest sound ' production. Flgutieis show b treia,t change In the trend of the t>ubllc's 'Vl^witolht. EctimatM tor Lart Week Ambassador (8,000; 86-60-66-76)— "ChUdren of RItz" (P. N.), with Jack Mulhall and Dorothy Maokalll; fast-moving entertainment. Ed Lowry's presentation; $22,700. Fox (6,000; 86-76)—"Mother Knows Best" (Fox). No m. c. Bal- let, an orchestral production and atmospheric prolog for $47,600. Loew'a Stato (3,300; 26-36-66)— "Lady of Pavement," with Lupe Velez. Talking shorts; $14,800. Missouri (3,800; 86-60re6-76}— "Lucky Boy" (T-S). Stage show; $16,900. Midtown (1,400; 60-76)-"Abie's -Irish-RDBe""tPar)Retum;-$6,600i'- . Grand Central (1,700; BO-76)— "Canary Murder" (Par). Mystery sensation now splendid talkie. Talk- ing shorts; $16,700. St. . Louis (4,280; 86-66)—"A Single Man," vaude. Capitol (smair downtown house)— "Uncle Tom." Talking shorts. Grand (2,200; 26-40-60)—"Hey, Rube." romance of carnival. Vaiude. FN-PAR FILMS TIE UP MINN; $17,iMii2(IO Publix Plug Hdp»—Henn- Orpy» Ui Sound Week Bad, $11,000 Minneapolis, March 6. (Drawing Populatton,.600,000) Weather: Falriy favorable Several factors combined to make for rushing trade at nearly all the show- shops last 'wieek. Principal of these were outstSfndlng screen and other attractions and the Publix ;Celebratlonv week. Minnesota and State ba4 tbelr- best grosses In many a moon, Lyrio did a solid.'weelc,'and a terrific mid-week snowstorm alone Is believed to have kept several rec- ords from being shattered. Heavy fall of flakes prevented thousands motorists- Journeying to loop the- atres. ■ 'I Publix celebration was exploited to a f^e-ye'-well In a campaign, of herculean - proportions. Had the populace 'wondering what it waa ail about, and the folks. came to the Publlx-F.' .& K, bouses to satisfy their curiosity, . Just as was hoped. Customers . found entertainment muph to their liking and went forth and helped keep the ball rolling. "Desert Song^" 'was the leglt oppo- sish at the Metropolitan. Despite the panning of the one-night stand company by critics show had a good Both "Weary River,** at the State, and "Canary Murder Case," at the Minnesota, had the fans coming. Single flop was tha,t of tbe.Henne- pln-OrpheUm, with Its RCA Photo- pho'ne advent., F." N. Phelps, dis- trict manager, bad put over a heavy and seemingly excellent exploitation campaign to- signalize the much- belated introduction of sound pic- tures at this RKO house, and it de- served better results. Initial screen attraction, "Strange Cargo,"' all- talker, however, lacked pulling pow- er, and a weak vaude bill was a detriment. After a big Sunday opening, trade fell away sharply. One development of the week was the announcement that the Strand, 1,400-Beater F.' & R.-Fubllx sound equipped house, which closed sev era! weeks ago; because of bad busi ness, would reopen as a second-run loop theatre, 'with week stands and a 26-cent scale.' This means two loop theatres with Identical policy and prices, oth'er being the Grand. "Abies' Irish Rose," recently at the State, is the Strand's reopening at traction now on view. Estimates for Last Week Minnesota (F. & IL-PublU) (4, 100; 76)—"Canary Murder Case," dialog (Par) and 'Publix unit. Thriller scored smsishlng hit here; all-around fine program; opening days started like record breakers, but let down during week, due to heavy snow; -Publix celebration week, $26,200; best-In some time. State (F. & R.-PublIX) (2,200; 60) —"Weary River," dialog (FN), ana ,"Shlp .-AhpjTjl' stage show. First Barthelmess pIcture' tiT'clIok "here liS" long while; aroimd $17,900;. splen- did. ^ Lyric (F. & It.-PubllX) (1,300; 36) —"Night Club,'' sound (Par). Box- offlce4raw; $6,600. .'' Henneptn-Orpheum (RtK-O) (2,- 890; 60)—"Strange Cargo,'* dialog (Pathe), and vaude. Long-delayed inauguration, of •pund plotuns; K. C. Refoimre Notty; Daiifies Say So; XIanary Murder $2^i)jii, Newmaa liODLESS GIRL,'$21,400; iyiASK,'$15,006,SEA1TLE "Dummy," $19,200Pan. and Orph. $2d0 Apart- Blue Mbuse^ $8,000 Seattle. March 6. (Drawing Pop, 600,000) W^thors Warmer and clear . For straight, jticture dratv' past week "Iron Mask," at Muslo Box. had-"It." . Gross attendance plckiiig up in Seattlia's downtown flrst-ni'n'faou^es. Liberty, Strand, Third Avenue and President are; dark. Fox will add about 2.700 seats tO town by Mayfleld. Pictures and muslo to dominate' there. FanchOn and Marco planned' to rema4?i. at Fifth Avienue. Fox "will be beauti- fully fitted up; sound is being in- stalled. .Exterior of real tbeatre.de?- Sign throughout. Fifth, Avenue led last.'week, with two .film stars to help. draW^LMa Basquettei and Mildred Harris. Best "In person" draws since Ifeie'Mur- ray; ' Business started to fall down about middle of week, especially at Seattle, Coliseum, Pan and Orphe-. nm. Fifth held up fairly well. > So did Music Box, which was going strong. "KlssQs" stole the show at the Settle. . Estimates for Last'Week Seattle (Pub) (8,106; 26-60)— "The Dummy" (Par). Started well, but weakened. $19,200. ' 6th Ave. (WC) (2,600; 26-60)— "Godless Girl" (Pathe). Some hor- rors in picture, but mob seemed to like 'em. Lina Basquette, star in picture, on stage In person, wow in her dance number. Mildred ^trrls, with main Fanchon-Marco show, sings, talks and dances. $21,400. Coliseum (WC) (1,800; 26—"Sln- thetio Sin" (FN). Cute and puUed. $6;300. Columbia (U) (1,000; 26-36)—"In- terference" (Par). Very good; $4,- 100. , Music Box (Hamrick) (1,000; 60- 76)—"Iron Mask" (UA)., Groit opening, threatening record. Looks like case of trying to break In for a couple of weeks and good for five Weeks' run. ■ Big at $6,000..' Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (960; SO- 76)—"Greyhound Limited'' (WB) Ful) of entertainment; good shorts, too. Biz up; $8,000. Winter Garden (U Cibaln)-"Phyl- lis of Follies" (U). (3ood. with girl revue helping draw; $3,100. Pantaflos (1.600; 26-60) — "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (U). Manager Cook stepped, on publicity with name' in Ughts. Fairly for $10,200. Orpheum (2,700: 26-W) —"Chil- dren of the Rltz" (Pathe). Biz fair. $10,400. PORTLAND FAIR Broadway in Lead, MJUXt—Pmn'*, $13,000-Portland, $11,400 Portland, Ore., -ttaftdi - 6. (Drawing Pop., 360,000) lAst week fairly good one for most houses without -outstaudlug attraction, Portland has offered a bill of general merit In connection with Its ieelebratlon of its thir4 an- niversary. House had a radio show in Its lobby which drew some new faces. Ertlmates for Last Week Broadway (WC) (2,000; SF-^0)— "The Flying Fleet" and FffSohon and Marco on stage. Fair. ~tl9,0O0. Portland (Publix) (8,100; 86-60)— "The Dummy" and Publix revue. $11,400. United Artists (Parker-WC) (OE- 80)—"Godless Girl." Fair. $12,000. Muaie Box (Hamrick) (1,200; 86- 60)—"Stark mad." Good. $12,400. Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (760; 26- 36)—"On Trial." Fair. $6,600, Oriental (Tebbett's) (2,700; 25- 86)—"Tenth Avenjie" and ^'razier Players on stage. Good. $7,000. Pantages (2,000; 86-60)—Vaude and "Lone Wolf's Daughter." Good. $13,000. Hip (Local) (2,000; 10-20-80)— Vaude and "Tropic Madness." Fair, $4,800. Dufwin (Henry Duffy) (1,600; 26- $1,25)—"The Big Pond." Big. $6,000, great exploitation for debut resulted Jn.-hea.vy.£undax.o.iieD(ag; .t_rade 'fell, away sharply during week; pioture. entertained, but not unusual; vaude weak; near $11,000, drop of more than $6,000 from preylous week of good vaude. - .\ '' ! Pantages' (Pantages) (1,600; 2E- 60)—"Taxi 13" (U) and vaude. Nothing on screen and ,atage to serve as magnet; satslf&ctory en tertalnment, however; about $7,600. - K&nsas City, March 6. thoto on the Inside knew an at* taolt on pMtqres by the society for the SuppressloDi of Commercialized ii^ice was coming sooner or later, but all were surprised when the wrath of some oit the members fell on "Wild Orchids," at the Loew Mid- land last week. Early In the week Manager H. H. Maloney was visited by a rep> resentativ^ of the. society and warned that he would probably save a lot "of trouble by pulling the plo> ture. 'He Was astounded, as the fain had been' shown at a preview to orltf,f^ and a small audience. AH Wece .<>t the opinion that it was one of the cleiinest pictures of the sea> At a meeting of the Federation o< Womien's' Clubs for this district, the subject; 'Of "Wild Orohids" was brought' yiit. One member reported that' shei. ''understood it was "very passionate" and that while .lack of clothing was not BO terribly shock* ing in; this-day and age. that some of the South Sea Islands scenes did not leave'much to the' imagination. It was stated that the picture had .been 'passed by the city board of reviewers but had'been rejected by the :Farent-Teachers Association as undesirable tor Friday night show* tngs at neighborhood theatres. The da,illea called attention to the action , of the society and In the re* views stated there was no reason for an attaok on the film. .. At -the Newman, where "The Can* ary Murder Case" waa the feature^ business , was boosted by one of the cleverast publicity stunts that had been put . over here for years. WU* liam^ Powell, starred, is a home* towner and a graduate of the Cen* tral High School. Tuesday evening a party was given, with ^le old classmates and teaohers as guest^i J. M. Knappenberger, former class* afiiste of Powers, acted as host, and although Powell was only preofni on the screen he was given an ova* tloh. Business at all houses holding up fairly well during Uie Lenten season^ Downto'wn houses'continue to otfe^ strong tbllls. Eallnriates for Last Week . MainstReet — "Children of Rltz,* (8,200; ^6-86-60-60), Hot, fast pic* turOb 'When Dorothy MaokiaUl dances she > dances. Stage sbow.. Business held 'UP' nicely after tumaway open* Ings. $17,600. Loew^a. iMidland—"Wild Orchldsf* (4,00pf.26-86-60). It must have been noised about there might ~be . an at* tempt: tO: stop the showing of the picture. .For first time Ih weeks Sat* uriday openings were capacity. wlt4 holdouts. Many so uUOb "hotter" films have been i^asaed without a Biurmu'r. Several shorts and newa $18,700. » Newman—"Cfenary Mulder," (1,* 980; 26r40-e0). William Powell in his first starring picture,, and seems to have just about the best voice In the talkers. Picture one of the best tUlkers seen here and good enter* talniineut. Shorts and news com* pleted all-plcture bUL $28,000. Big. Reyal^"The Dummy," (020; 26* 86-60). ' One of best pictures on street but may have suftered on account of poor box oiSce titles Shorts and news reel. $3,800. Pantagee—"The Side Show" (2,> 200; 26-86-60). Louis. Chamisky dressed his theatre up In flags and side show banners, sprinkled some sawdust on the floor and you liked It, for It was certainly side showi l^IctUre good clrcUs drama and fit* ted well with the vaudeviUe. $19,20<h "The Fugitives," pioture at th* Globe, also musical stock. Keith-Memorial, $26,200; DisapiKunting Croakeni Boston, March 6. (Drawing Population, 850,000) Weathers Poor Business at the picture houses of^ General. But one of the big houses picked up any business over that of the week before, the big Met. Previous week this house had rather a bad gross. Last Week well picked up and led the town with $42,200. Keith-Memorial did f&lrly last week at $26,200. This house U showing surprising strength and giving the croakers something to thinic about. ' State had a fair week at $20,70% bit under the week before but not enough to worry about. Ettimatea foi* Last Week *"M^'(Pub)''(Too6TT«-6K^J-''Th»- Dummy" (Par); $42,200. Keith-Memorial (3,000; $1) "Mar^ quls Preferred" (Par); $26,200. Keitli-Albee (vaudfilm) (3,000; SO* 60)"Red Hot Speed" (U); »18.80Q» Loew'a State' (vaudfllm) (3,500; BO-eO) "Lady of Pavements" (UA)? < $20,700.