Variety (Jan 1930)

: Wednesday, January 1, 1930 Xmas Week Brought Out Odd ¢ Grosses PICTURE GROSSES InB way Houses—Roxy Big, sill, SO Christmas week.. hhematitched an uneven ‘course up -and down the Broadway cinema map, ' ragged ends at the Colony and Ri alto but giving the three big houses, | | Fox. Does $17,20 200, Columbia ' Roxy, Capitol.and, Parariount, some ‘fancy’ figures, _A major share of Roxy’ ) ‘$1, 800 “pelongs to the family draw. of the |special Christmas stage shows which -have become an annual classic. for.| New York’s children, comparable to: London's pantomimes. ‘Kids ‘flock to: the big:temple from all-over town |< : “Christina” made a! nice program blend with, picture and .on this. week. _phow both held over. _An upset was ‘chalked ‘at: ‘the Ri ogee’ ‘when “The: Virginian". on its. ‘first. seven days, inclusive of Christ ‘mas, obtained but $28,000, very: in| ‘different business for an opening. . week at this location. Picture came ‘into Gotham fresh from big grosses around the country. “Taming. of the’ Shrew”. left ‘the “Rivoli with $26,600, having stayed only four “week and falling con-siderably short of the. vigorous: box office registered by ‘Saturday “The Mighty" followed and in: its: first two days tilled $28, “500, splintering the. week end house: -arecord. ° Estimates: for ‘Last “Week . * Astor—"“Devil ‘May Care” (Metro): . xe 120; $1-$2) (2nd week). Novarro |. “picture started witht $23,800, hig. . Carroll.— “7. Keys » to Baldpate” (Radio) © (988; $1-$2). Opened |" Chiistmas “night . and generally 4 panned. Merely trestle over a couple of open:. weeks before. .. Deck” Jan. 15.. ' Capitol— “Mysterious: Island” (Metro) (4,620. "eo 3550-75-$1. 50). Very: good at $71,8 ‘Central: te pisraell” ‘((WB). (922;.'$1-$2) (12th week). Took spurt with holiday going to $16, 400. Popular. “buy among classes’ not regular film- . ogts. an 8 Cohan — “Blaze O'Glory” (World " ‘Wide) (1,400; $1-$2).: Second Eddie _ Dowling picture in. for four weeks ‘only. Previous picture at. Selwyn for six weeks. Better location. this: time, Opened: Monday. ’ Cotony—"Shannons of Broadway” -(U) (1,900; 36-50-75). Another tale of show biz. Public snub eloqnent in $7,900. Current attraction “Hell's Heroes” will be held over for second week, , a Criterion _ “Love Parade” (Par) (862: $1-$2). (7th week). Bounced back, -reasserting its. clearcut lead: of the $2 contingent with $18,500, ‘Jess: in total than’ “General Crack” | and. “Sally”. but well ahead in pace. About five more weeks for “Parade” as Paramount. wants house for “Vagabond King” early in February. Embassy ““Newsreel House” (Fox-Hearst)."’ (568; 25)... Daddy Browning ‘as Santa Claus and Peaches Browning's lecture on “Why We American. Women Should: ‘Be Grateful for: the Long Skirt’ figured :a-good two bits worth. For the first time since opening Newsreel House during Christmas week “had seats available at peak hours. That probably indicates between ‘$7,000-$8,000. Gayety — “Party Girl” (Tiffany). “(8085 $1-$2). ‘Tiffany started its ‘Tease at Tuesday midnight (1930) ‘with special showing of this pictfre. “Sky Hawk” in third and final week around: $9,000. New sound W.. E. ‘equipment for house with change of operation. Globe—“Rio Rita” (Radio) (1, 065; 35-50-85), With first strong attraction house’s new policy started to mean something. “Rita” came ‘in Christmas Day and on first seven ‘days was zooming along around. $27,000, extremely smart. House has been legit or -$2 pictures for years. and public has to be educated. Paramount—“The Kibitzer”. (Par) (3,665; .35-65-75-$1). ‘Laugh film quite. katish. at $76,100. Rialto — “The Virginian” . (Par): ~ (2,000;' 35-50-65-85). (2nd . week). ‘Snail pace on. opening distinct dis-: appointment, Only around . $28, 000 ‘aret week. ivoli—The. Miehty" (Par) (2,‘200; 35-50-65-85), Came in Saturday, “Taming of Shrew” exiting after four weeks. Bancroft picture wow from start with extra midnight shows crowded. Collected $28, 400 first two days. Roxy—"Christina” (Tox) (6,205; 50-75-$1.50), Box office took $111,800. That implied and got holdover for Picture and show, latter always imbortant at holidays‘here. Strand—“Girl From Woolworth’s'? (FN) (2,900; 35-50-75).. Film-shop=: pers.. ritzedAliceWhite“pletureal= ‘though rated good entertainment. ’Weak-kneed at $28,700. Warners—"General Crack” (WB). G80 . $1-$2) (5th week), Helped cture Around: $23,000 no bullseye locally. inter Garden-—“Sally" (FN) (1,hai ‘$1-$2) (2nd week). Marilyn lier widely praised for -perfor-. mance but picture considered slow iversion. Five-day week, Christmas included, around $20,000... .| Laugh” for $17, 200. “Iron Mask." “Hit the 2005 very. good business. “Navy Blues” (M-G-M). [CAPITAL COMEBACK LED leaving | BY PALACE’S $18, 500 $12 ,000—‘Vagabond Lover’ “$8,000 in 3 Days and Holds . a. “washington, ‘Dec. 31; | (Estimated White Pop., 450,000) Weather—Cold and Snow ; Recovery from the annual slump was cheering. With the turkey ‘out. of the way Christmas night showed the comeback urge. “Mysterious Is land,” at the. decrepit: Columbia, got $12,050. That's . business. “Battle | ‘of Paris,” at. the other Loew house, copped the top of the town on: $18,500. .Fox close behind, though, with . “Love, ‘Live and “Half Way to, Heaven” helped the Earle along. to a: fair count: while “Is Everybody Happy” : did likewise for the. Warner. Met. — ‘Complicated . switching ‘of. bookings: at’ the, RKO: and U houses brought varying results, -. ‘Estimates for. Last Week Columbia — (Loew) “Mysterious island” (M-G) (1,232; 3660). Sur prise at reported $12, 000.: oe Earle—(S-G Warner) “Half Way to. Heaven” (Par) | , 244; Fair ‘at) $11,400 Fox—(Fox)“Love, ‘Live . Laugh”, (Fox) ‘stage show’ (3,434; 35-50-75). No complaints on $17,~ Met—-(S+ om Warner) . body Happy” (WB) (1,585; 35-50). Good: week. considering; $10, 500. Palace—(Loew) “Battle of Paris” | (Par) stage show (2,363; 355060). Boostea@. scale helped plus ° house’s “habit husiness’’;" about $18,500. es a Rialto — aes) CU) first five days ‘Shannons of Broadway” (U) last two days. d,978: 35-50). “Hold Your Man” got about $3,500, two days. of “Shan nons” about ‘$1,800; $5,300-0n week;(Tuesday) : Side . Up’ “Shannons” out today with “Hell’s Heroes” in tomorrow, RKO — (Keith’s) “Great Gabbo” (Sono-Art) first four days “Vagabond Lover" (Radio) last three days (1,870; 35-50). “Gabbo” died on its portion of the week at around $3,000;-Rudy Vallee film came in with somewhat of a rush for $8,000. on. three days; Vallee holds over. for entire current week; about $11, 000 on week, “LOST ZEPPELIN” LIKED. IN ST. LOUIS—WET XMAS (0 P St, Louis, Des, St. rawing Population Weather; Cool ‘and ‘Wet ) Sloppy. streets and coal weather hurt last week with the post-Xmas rush not enough of an offset. Competition was also furnished. by both legit houses, the American having a session of Genevieve Hamper's Shakespeare and the ShubertRialto,| playing “Journey's End.” Estimates For Last Week Ambassador (3,000; 35-50-65-75) “Pointed Heels” (Par). Fair at $26,500. oo Fox (6,000; 35-75) “Love, Live, and Laugh” (Fox). .Not too good at $24,000. ; oo Loéw’s State (3,300; 25-35-65) “Navy Blues” (M~T). Usual Haines. stuff: -$22,600. Missouri (3,800; 35506575) “Wedding Rings” (FN ). Light with $9,700. _ Grand Central (1,700; 50-75) | “Show of Shows” (WB). Started Christmas day, $11,000. St Louis (4,280: 35-65) “Lost Zeppelin”. (Tiff). .Good picture of. Antartic. $30, 900. Boston Hasn’t: Complaint; “Sunny Side” Ran 4 Wks. Boston, Dec. 31. (Draw Pop, 850,000 Weather: Fair * _ Picturés did well.-in. Boston, together with the legit shows, which always have one‘of their best weeks between Christmas and New Year's. ' “Navy Blues” at Loew's State got $30,000, best this theatre has had for some time, Metropolitan and Keith’s Memorlal also were on top. “Sunny *}side-Up” “played“its “fourth-andlast-|-= week at the Memorial theatre to. -Estimates for Last Week| . Met (Publix) (4,380;. 501b)— “Loughing*Lady” (Par). $32,300.° __Keith’s. Memorial (RKO) (4,000; 35+50-65)—-Last week ae “Sunny Side Up” (Fox). $24,700 Keith-Albee (RKO) (3, 000: 50-60) —"“The River” (Fox). $19,600 Loew’s State (4,000; 304060)— $24,100. |-Nigge-Meyer’s “Marathon Frolics.” 35 “50).| and “Ig Every, this’ “Hold Your Man” | Daddies” (stock). . JOE. BROWNING ‘Presenting me “A ‘Timely: Sermon”. .; . “Assisted by. Joe Browning, Jr: This: week, Dec, 27, Ambassador |’ Theatre, St. Louis, in. Charles Direction ‘Abe Lastfogel, Harry Lenetska,. William Morris Agency. R-eK-O direction, Morris & . e Foils. “|PATHE’S ‘LOVE’ $12, 700; SEATTLE. ORPH $12, 000 "Beattie, ‘Dec, 31.“(orawing Population, 525,000). Weather: ‘Showers — Not much’ to‘say about ‘business. Matinees picked up and. especially ‘second run cheap seaters, shoppers | stopping in for breathing spell and to get away. from. the crowds. ~ ' “Sunny Side Up”. starting | on “8d, ‘week. better, : Estimates for Last Week ». Seattle | (Pub): (3, 106; ' 25-60) — “Pointed. Heels” (Par). Light: at. $9,000, 5th ‘Ave.:: “(Fox) (2,500; 2560)— “Thing ‘Called “Love”: (Pathe). Only fair, $12,700. Fox (Fox) (2, 500; 25: ‘60)—“Sunny (Fox), 2d .week.. Off seasonably, “but ‘ahead of” usual. $11,900. ‘Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (900; 255076)—“Mississippi Gambler” (U). Did $4,400. “Music Box (Hamrick) (1,000; 25-5075)—‘Mister © Antonio” (Tiff),. Rather light at $4,000. Co , Coliseum , (Fox) (1,800; —~ "Nix On. Dames” (Pox)... BB: 60) . Not 50 {hot; $2,700. Orpheum: (R-K0) (2, 700; 25 = 60) —‘'Careless Age” (FN): Fair at $12,000. a so President (Duffy) (1,800;.25-$1)— Emil "Bondeson ‘Scale from $1,25 top. ‘Starting now’ manager. to $1, and 50c. matinees. ° to. gain, . ‘ trade ‘| houses. likewise . played to almost -165-$1) “Pointed Heels” . (Par) ‘Tfair break “but didn’t: build and Chis Upstream | Fi ‘ight—Just Fair Wk: VARIETY Oriental a Wosry—Under $76,000. DUNCANS’ ‘GREAT LIFE’ OPENED IN BAD WEEK 7 San Francisco, ‘Dec. 31. Practically eyery: downtown. pic ‘ture house ‘did it last week and the | yells. were noisy.. No less than’ ‘four free Christmas attractions,. all to: :lure ‘the public's | ‘interest away from. shows. ’ The huge Fox and’ also. the Warfield ‘did. the worst: Saturday nightin their ‘history. PubHx Jempty benches. “It's A Great “Life,” with the Dun- cans ‘at the Fox, slipped well into the. red. “Hollywood: Revue,” at Warfield, ‘in. 2nd week; dropped nearly $6, 000 over the opening week, Granada, ‘with. “Pointed . ‘Heels,” and: California, | ‘with 2nd week of “Paris,” very poor, St. Franois held ‘up best with “The Love Parade,” ‘but its gross nothing to brag about: ' Orpheum bowed out “Flight” after ‘| three weeks to disappointing re ceipts; oth: Wagnon houses, Em bassy: with’ “Disraeli” and Davies with. “Lost. Zeppelin,” just fair. | Casino slipped also" with “Love, Live and Laugh,”...° + Estimates for Last We ek Fox — (Fox) (6,000; 50-65-75$1) “A Great.Life” (M-GM). This Dun-. ‘can. Sisters talker might have’ been ‘|expected to click heavy. here where ‘tthe two'gals made, their real start -|}but too ‘much. Christmas, or some thing. Only ‘got away fair and finIshed light; $30,000. Warfield-—(Fox) : 6725. 506599) “Hollywood Revue” (MGM).. Second week-held up better than hoped for under conditions; $14,000. Granada—(Publix). (2,698; 35-6 0 closed ‘light but sat sfactory; $15,000. = California’ — (Publix) (2,200; :3550-6590) “Paris”. (F.N.) 2nd “week slipped plenty from first; $12,500. St. Francis—(Publix) (1,875; 3550-6590) “Love Parade” (Par). Still keeping .up unusual pace at b. o. but Christmas season hurt. $10,000. Orpheum—(RKO).. (2,270; 35-5065) “Pieht” (Col). Out after three weeks,. final six days’ disappointing after start it made; $8,0 Embassy—(Waegnon) . ree 368; -6065-90) “Disraeli” (WB). ‘Name of Arliss plus play helped‘this one to ‘bigger week proportionately than ‘thight. have been anticipated; —$14, 000, Davies—(Waghon) a, 160; 36506590) “Lost Zeppelin”: (Tift). Held abouf normal for this house “with trade. pretty. well sustained: ‘and profitable; $7,000. Casino—(Ackerman & Harris (2,400; 40-60) “Love; Live and Laugh” (Fox)... Supped. considerably, like most. of other houses but still on safe side at 89, 000. * Minneapolis Picks Ui in Of Week: Navy Blues’ and Kiddie Show, $25,000 Minneapolis, Dec, 31, (Draw Pop, 500, ; ‘Weather: Favorable .A spurt which started on. Christmas day carried grosses for several | of the ailing local show houses to their highest: levels in: séveral months. The. rialto ig hoping now. that the tide hag turned definitely upwards, but it.is keeping its fingers. crossed, . The portion of the “weelc: preceding Christmas saw box. offices, in most ‘instances, ‘almost completely. deserted. At that, as bad as they. have been, grosses at the leading ‘Publix houses for’ Decembér are said to be ahead of the corresponding period a year ago. At peak of Christmas night” ‘not ‘over 300 in Minnesota. Local. entertainment geekers lave ‘| a yen for kiddie revues. In recogni tion .thereof, both the “Minnesota and: Pantages staged ‘such revues as featured attractions. The Publix house imported ‘some outside juvenile talent to. augment the youngsters picked’ up locally, Manager E. C. Bostick of Pantages utilized Minneapolis, kiddies exclusively. The revues were magnets | at both houses, “Oe Minnesota” FAVE Its “‘quatomers a whale of a show that could not help but garner the shekels. In addition to its featured screen offering, “Navy Blues,” the first William ‘Haines talker and quite an attrac tion in itself, it regaled its. patrons with the kiddfe revue, “Toyland Fantasy,” employing 16 juvenile entertainers; “Snap Into It,” Publix unit show; the 40-plece pit orches| tra; featured organist, and m. c.. The box offiee clicked at a normal oe for the first time in some weeks. Estimates for Last Week Minnesota (Publix) (4,200; 75)— “Navy Blues” (M-G-M), PubHx-unit stage show, “Snap Into It,” and Kiddle revue.” Corking picture and great all-around program.. Deserved. patronage. Despite slow start gross $24,500. Very good. Century (Publix) : (1,500; 75)— “Show of. Shows” (WB). Reviews and comments. not ‘enthusiastic, but staggering list of stars made picture a magnet. $11, 900 okay and held -ove ‘State (Publix) «, 200: 60)—"“Marriage Playground” (Par). Took some panning. -from critics, but pleased customers immensely. $7,100. Good, considering slow start. R-K-O° ‘Orpneum (R-K-O) (2,890; 50)—"Great Gabbo” (W. W.). Lacking in:‘aud{lence appeal here. . About $7, 000. Bad. Lyric (Publix) (1, 300; 40)—"Girl from Woolworth’s (FN). — Alice White popular here. . Around $5, 900. Good Aster (Publix). (900; 35) —"Big ‘Time’ (Fox). Pleasing picture, but light, business. Around $2,000. “Pantages (1/4007 “25250)="Painted” Faces" (Tif). Vaude, including kiddie révue. pleased. -Kiddle revue a draw. About $8,000. Good. ; RK-O O 7th Stréet (R-K-O) (1,500; 50)—“‘Romance of Rio Grande” (I ox). First-rate picture and pleasing enough pop vaude.. Initial reopening program. $6,600. Tair, Shubert (dramatic stock) (1,400; 35$1)—"Holiday. " Lauded by crit. ics, but only mediocre draw. . with. “Footlights.and Fools.” seven ‘days; Picture liked and show. : Chicago, Dec, 31. ‘Mwo days following Christmas meant everything last week, especially at the runspots. This was noticeable at United Artists, where. . “Taming of the Shrew” replaced. “Three Live Ghosts” on the holiday ‘and. played the next two days to block-long holdouts. Oriental continued in the cellar, grabbing off a very poor $25, 300 gure'fs only $300 above: the previous week's. House. has a_ stiff nut, needing. about $28,000 to break. Chicago continued to be’ the loop pet, taking the lead by a couple of © miles at $45,700 on “Their Own De-.; sire.” McVicker’s closed “Disraeli” to. a weak. figure. and the picture | scrammed for “Welcome Danger.” Roosevelt changed Xmas. Day. from “Romance of Rio Grande” to “Dynamite,” but. house was off at $16,000 for. the entire week. . .At the Woods, “Vagabond Lover” chased “Great. Gabbo” on the 26th. and sent the house to $14,000 for the © figures: $9,000 for the. last five days of “Gabbo”. and. $5,000 for two days of Vallee. State-Lake — still messed around with a dark front while installing a new marquee, and the gross remained down,. although the bill was up to stand ° ‘Jard...:At. the two smaller houses, business remained. off; “Nix. -on Dames;” at the Monroe, and “Everybody Happy,” at ‘the Orpheum, just’ getting past. Estimates for Last Week :. ‘Chicago. (Publix-B & K), “Their — Own ‘Desire’ (M-G), stage. show (4,400; 60-85). Norma. Shearer a. ‘draw ; satisfactory at $45,700. MeVicker’s (Publix-B & K), “Disraeli” (WB) (1,856; 50-85). Dropped in third and last: "week to $22,300; “Welcome Danger” (Par) current.: Monroe (Fox), “Nix on Dames” . (Fox) (1,120; 60-75). Didn’t get no-= tices or patronage; house remained in slump at $3,800. . ' Oriental (Publix-B &. K), lights.and Fools’ (FN), stage show (3,500; 50-86). Only | $300. above previous week's low; has. bécome the worry of the loop; house ads ‘taken out.of the regular B-& K . space ‘and given special. attention; low: at $25,500. Orpheum (Warner), “Byerybody ” Happy”. (WEB) (199; 60-75). Second week and not sogood; $6,500. Roosevelt (Publix-B & K), “Romance of Rio Grande” (Fox) (1,600; 50-85). days of “Dynamite” (M-G); neither picture apparently meant much last ‘week; $16, 000. anemic, State. . Lake -(RKO), “gong. of Love” (Col), vaude (2, 200; 60-75). Off. again, With, dark front no: help; ” $23,300. : “United Artists (Publix UA), S “Three Live Ghosts” (UA) (4,700; .50-85).. Week's gross belongs to the . two days.of.“Taming of the Shrew”: (UA); about $12,000 for five. days. of pchosts” and ‘$9,000 for “Shrew”. ine two ‘days. Woods (RKO), “Great ‘Gabbo" Cort widey (1,200; 650-86). Abort $9,000 for five days of “Gabbo” and two good days. for “Vagabond Lover” (Radio); $14,000, —— STRONG FILMS BROUGHT GOOD GROSSES TOK C.. Kangas City, Dec. 31. . Although . the. managers Icnew | they were up against an almost.im possible chance to break even on their overhead, they did not chisel |.the programs. All had strong. Dic _ tures, stage shows and “names.” Most of. them fared a little better than expected... ‘Theatres are all decorated and. radiate. the season, and all have : given much publicity to the. New - Year's Eve shows. this: evening. The Mainstreet. is reserving. all seats at $1. Midland 18 selling its‘. show .with gifts and nolse makers E added, for the regulation 60 cents. The other" houges advertise regular . prices. All -will Probably. ‘be sold” out. Estimates for Last Week _Loew's ‘Midland—"“Untamed”. atG-M) (4,000; 25-36-50-60).° Kansas . City. claims Joan Crawford..as its own. But it did not help business much -until the Christmas holiday. Pres failed to enthusé over star or p.vcture.. Vaude., $22,000. Mainstreet—"Love Racket” (PN) (3,200:: 26-35-50-60).. .Talker: ver-~. sion of stage play, “The Woman on ° the Jury.” Good. Stage bill of five acts. $17,060 ; a Newnne“Marriage: >Playground”=~ (Par) (1,980; 25-35-50-60).. One of best on street. $11,200. Pantages—‘‘Most. Immoral Lady” (FN) (2,200; 26-35-50). Like other houses Pan gave strong film drama. Vaude among best. of season’ and ‘well balanced. $7,900. Royal—"Hlearts in Exile” (WB): This feature was opened Wednés-. day and gave way Christmas Day to “Kjbitzer.” Business not so goad. , . $3,500. 134,900 “Foot3. :Week’s figure includes two