Variety (Apr 1949)

ir<>aite»dlay, April 6, 1949 PICTURE GROSSES 13 M'flits Powerful $27,000, Chi; 'Door-Hoagy-Gibbs Great 1 Chicago, April 5. * Bain last Wednesday (30) cut ,„j^ng day take of "Set-Up" at palace. But for this it might have hit 'recent highs at house. Fight pic Jooks lusl^ $27,000 despite this. Cliicago also is doing well with "Knock On Any Door," written by local author, plus Hoagy Car- michael and Georgia Gibbs. Great *68 000 looms. ''Bribe," at State- Lake, heads for sturdy $25,000. Second-weekers are being paced bv "Joan of Arc," at Grand, with potent $30,000. "Command De- dsioii," at Woods, will be excellent S27,000. "Canadian Pacific," at RdoseVelt, looks strong $14,000. "Bed Shoes," at Selwyn, is in l!5th j week at lofty $13,000. "Paisan" is sharp $4,000 in 11th week at World. Estimates for This Week Apollo (B&K) 1,400; 50-98)— •'Johnny Belinda" (WB) and "Sierra Madre" (WB) (2d wk). Bright $11,000 on return date. Last week, $13,500. Chlcaro (3,000: 50-98)—"Knock On Any Door" (Col) with Georgia Gibbs and Hoagy Carmichael on- stage. Great $68,000. Last week, "Whispering Smith" (Par) with Tony Martin p.a. (2d wk), fine $50,000. Garrick (B&K) (900: 50-98)— "Homicide" (WB) and ''Last Ban- dit" (Rep). Tidy $9,500. Last week, "Bomba" (Mono) and "Big Fight" (Mono) (2d wk), $6,000. Grand (RKO) (1,500; 75-$1.25)— "Joan of Arc" (RKO) (2d wk).Lusty $28,000. Last week, $36,000. Oriental (Essaness) (3,400; 50- 98)—"Mother Is Freshman" (20th) ' plus Nell/e Lutcher and Charlie Ventura topping stageshow (3d wk). Down to $30,000: Lsstmek, sturdy $37,000. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 50-98)— "Sel-Up" (RKO) and "Blondie'S Secret'* (Col). Potent $27,000 or over. Last week, "Woman's Secret'! (RKO) and "Blackle's Chinese Revenge" (RKO), $14,800. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 50-98)— "Canadian Pacific" (20th) (2d wk). Strong $14,000. Last week, $20,000. Selwyn (Shubert) (1,000; $1.20- $2.40)—"Red Shoes" (EL) (15th wk). Nice $13,000. Last week, $13,500. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 50-98) .—"Bribe" (M-G). Stout at $25,000. Last week, ''Undercover Man" (Col) (2d wk). nice $20,000. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 50- 98)—"Sun Comes Up" (M-G) (2d wk). Down to $10,000. Last week, fine $16,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,073; 98)— Command Decision" (M-G) (2d „Stout $27,000. Last week, $o<i2i000i Estimates Ar« Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net, i.e., without the 20% tax. Distribu- tors share on net take, when playing percentage, heni^e the estimated figures are net in- come. The parenthetic admission prices, liowever, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement tax. K.C. Cold, Biz Warmer; 'El Paso'$12,000,'Sel-Up' Same,'Game'BanguplSG Kansas City, April 5. lake Me Out to Ball Game," on Orday stand at Midland, will get top gross this week. However, "El Paso at Paramount and "Set-Up" at Oipheum both are doing com- paratively better. The weather contmues cold. Estimates for This Week „_l5squire (Fox Midwest) (820; 45- 6p)~"In Navy" (Indie) and "Saps %\ iln<l>e) (reissues). Pleasant |4,p0(^ Last week, "To Sea in ^li'ps (20th) (m.o.), slow $3,000 in D days. ■ : ■ ■ no?"?,"'P''''''"son (Dickinson) (550. /ooU^^'l^"^^—"Portrait of Jennie" v'f$6.000.'''''' ^'"^ ^'''^ ,.J"',»"land (Loew's) (3,500; 45-65^- B,ill Game" (M-G) and "Blackle's ^-'""ese Adventure" (Col). Smash *18,000: stays 4 extra days. Last S**-' Knock On Door" (Col) and $H000 "'^ Journey" (FC), okay ..JP'P'je'"" <RKO) (1,900; 45-65)— The Set-Up" (RKO) and "Gun '•mueglers" (RKO). Sturdy $12,000 La.'it week, "Kiss in Dark" IjWBi and "Homicide" (WB), $11,- „„»*a];a"nount (Par) (1,900; 45-65)— fcl Paso" (Par). Pleasant $12,000, J c, "r'^y ^'o'^- Last week, "South ot Si. Louis" (WB) (2d wk), $8,500. A/r Ti^^'"'' " Uptown - Fairway (Fox Midwest! (2,100, 2,043, 700; 45-65) r- Ma and Pa Kettle" (U) (2d wk). I'l-eal $16,000. Last week, with per- sonals by four principal players irom cast, near capacity for whop- mns $29,000, almost neck and neck with great of "Egg and I" (U> a yeai' ago. 'Paso' Paces Pitt With Hep $18,000 Pittsburgh, April 5. Bjg westerns in downtown loca- tions used to be poison, but appar- ently no more. "El Paso" at Stan- ley, despite indifferent notices, got away fast and will be leader this week by a wide margin. Both "Take Me Out to Ball Game" at Penn and "Ma and Pa Kettle" at Fulton are holding up well in second ses- sions. Also new, "Dark Past" at Harris, shapes slim. < Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 45-80)— "Ma and Pa Kettle" (U) (2d wk). Surprise click, and at least $7,000 looms. Last week, husky $10,000, over hopes; Harris (Harris) (2,200; 45-80)—! "Dark Past" (Col). Crix liked this one but it's having tough; sledding at $9,000. Last week, "To Sea in Ships" (20th), di.sappolnting at $13,000 in 8 days. Penn (Locw's-UA) (3,300; 45-80) —"Ball Game" (M-G) (2d wk).. Oke $14,500 after last week's strong $22,000. iStanley (WB) (3,800: 45-80)—"El Paso" (Par). Bang-up $18,000. Last week, , Academy laurels weren't much help to "Sierra Madre" (WB) and "Johnny Belinda" (WB) on re- turn date, dismal $9,000. Warner (WB) (2,000; 45-80)— "Own True Love" (Par) and "Homi- cide" (WB). Barely hanging on to houser franchise with these two at $4,500. Last week, "South St. Louis" (WB) (m,o.), fair $7,000. 'WITCH' WONDERFUL $16,000, LEADS PORT. Portland, Ore.. April 5. VWake of Red Witch" is smash entry at Broadway this week. "Knock on Any Door" is also faring fairly well ^at two theatres. ' Estimates for This Week . Broadway (Parker) (1,832; 50-85) -"Wake of Red Witch" (Rep) and "Homicide for Three" (Rep). Tor- rid $16,000 or over.' Last week, "Criss Gross" (U) and "Angel in Exile" (Rep), strong $9,500. Oriental (H-E) (2,000; 50-85)— "Knock On Door" (Col) and "Strike It Rich'' (Mono), day-date with.Par- amount. Fine $5,000. Last week, "Mother Is Freshman" (20th) and "Amazing Mr. X" (EL), torrid $7,000. Orpheum (II-K) (1.750; 50-85)— "Walking Hills" (Col) and "Song of India" (Col). Good $7,500i Last week. "Mother Is Freshman" (20th) and "Amazing Mr. X" (EL), torrid $11,500. Paramount (II-E) (3,400; 50-8.=5)— "Knock On Door" iCol) and "Strike It Rich" (Mono), also Oriental. Good $8,000. Last week, "Chicken Every Sunday" (20th) and "Night Wind" (20th) (2d wk), fine $8,200. United Artists (Parker) (895; 50- 85)—"Sun Comes Up" (M-G). Okay $8,000. Last week, "Command De- cision" (M-G) (4th wk), $5,800. Mayfair (Parker) (2,000; 50-85)— "Velvet Touch" (RKO) and "Inner Sanctum" (FC) (4 days). Sad $2,- 700. Last week, legit.. 'Belvedere' Buoyant At $17,000 on Balto Preem Baltimore, April 5. Business here is in moderate groove with some better than aver- age trade recorded by the leaderiS but^ nothing exciting. Standout is the'fancy biz being recorded by "Mr. Belvedere Goes to College." sold as world preem at New. "Kiss in Dark" is vfery dull at Stanley. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 20- 60)—"Ball Game" (M-G) (2d wk). Holding well at $11,000 after strong $17,600 opener. Hippodrome (Rappaport)' (2,240; 20-70) — "Million Dollar Week- end" (RKO) plus Mischa Auer, Marilyn Maxwell and Three Suns onstage; Stage layout spells okay $14,000. Last week, "Clay Pigeon" (RKO) with Tommy Dorsey orch, solid $18,200. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,460; 20- 601—"State Dept—File 649" (FC). Not much at $6,000. Last week, "Red Canyon" (U), $9,800. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 20-65)— "High Fury" (UA). Uneventful $4.- 000. Last week, "Own True Love" (Par), $4,200. Stanley (WB) (3.280; 25-75)— "Kiss in Dark" (WB). Lambasted by local crix and ignored by public, with $8,000 about all expected. Last week, "Johnny Belinda" (WB) (2d run), $7,700. Town (Rappaport) (1,500; 35-65) —"Paisan" (Indie). Swell $11,000 or near. Last week, "Mourning Becomes Electra" (RKO), $7,300. New (Mechanic) (1,800; 20-60)— "Mr. Belvedere Goes to College" (20th). Fancy $17,000 or near. Last week, "Letter Three Wives" (20th) (3d wk), okay $7,700, W Brisk 13G, Best Bet in Mpls. Minneapolis, April 5. Fresh fare is at a minimum, cur- rently,, only ma.ior newcomers bcr, ing "Family Honeymoon" and "Nick Beal." Former is fancv at Radio City, while "Beal" shapes sturdy at State. "Knock On Any Door" is doing well in -second RKO-Orpheum session. "Red Shoes" still is very profitable in sixth World week. Estimates for This Week Century (Par) (1,600; 50-70)— "Letter Three Wives" (20th) (m.o.). Strong $6,000. Last week, "Coun- tess Monte Crislo" (U), okay $7,000. Lyric (Par) (1,000;- 50-70)— "Johnny ' Belinda" (WB) and "Treasure of Sierra Madre" (WB) (2d runs) (2d wk). Prestige of Academy Awards helping hold at hot $5,000 pace alter big $7,500 initial stanza. Radio City (Par) (4,000; 50-70)— "Family Honeymoon'', (U).. Good at $17,000.. Last week, "Letter Three Wives" (20th) (2d wk). sock $14,000. RKO-Orplieum (RKO) (2,800; 50- 70)—"Knock On Door" (Col) (2d wk). Okay $9,000 in 5" days after hefty $19,000 first canto. ! RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 50-70) i —"Sgt. York" (WB) and "Castle on Hudson" (WB) (reissues). Good $8,- 000. La.st week, "South of St. Louis" (WB) (2d wW, Virile $8,500. Slate (Par) (2,300 ; 50-70)^"Niek Beal" (Par). Brisk $13,000. Last week, "Kissing Bandit" (M-G), {light $9,000. B way Stiil Spotty But New Pix Soar; 'Set-Up'Knockout at $32,000,'Jennie Lofty 38G,'Fan'-Simms-Iceshow 80G Continuance of mild. weather is I helping'Broadway fli*strun business I this session to overcome the very I minor inroads made by the current I taxicab strike. Actually, the Lenten ' Season and surplus of holdovers I and extended-runs are contributing I more to the highly uneven appear- I ance of the Broadway- film . box- I oftice than the cab walkout..: Three major pictures were launched during the past week, and all are doing extremely well in view of general conditions and Lent. Two of them, "Set-Up" and "Portrait of Jennie," substantiate the fact that want^to-see pictures will do biz no matter. "Set-Up,'' which started out sock and got; uniformly excellent re- views, is very solid $32,000 in first week at Criterion. This is strongest done; at this .:house in months; "Jennie" is just as big with $38,000 for initial Rivoli stanza, despite be-, ing hurt more by the taxi strike than other theatres. House always has had a considerable carriage trade., "The Fan," with Ginny Simms and new ice show topping stage, layout at Boxy is heading for good $80,000 even in the face of crix; barbs."Shot Jesse James" is dis- appointing $15,000 at Palace, and won't hold. Same applies to "Mob- town "T"Hit Road" reissue combo at $7,500 for Rialto. . Virtually: all holdovers are way ofi!, typical being the tumble taken by "Ball Game" at State. This is down about $6,000 to $21,000 in fourth round. Paramount opens "Bride of Ven- geance'' with Charlie Barnet band, and Jerry Colonna heading stage- show/ today (Wed.). Capitol brings in "City Across River" with Art Mooney band tomorrow (Thurs.). , Estimates for Tliis Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 60-$1.50y —"Knotk on Door" (Col) (7th wk). Down to $11,000 this round after okay $13,000 for ^xth week; below hopes: Stays only few weeks longer. Bi,1ou (City Inv.) (589; $1.20- $2.40)—"Red Shoes" , (EL) (24th wk)*. Still in blue chips ,at $14,- 000, after $14,500 for last round. Continues indef. Capitol (Loew's) (4,820; 80-$1.50) —"Outpost in Morocco" (UA) plus; Gordon Jenkins orch, Cardini top- ping stage bill (2d wk); Down to smaH $48,000 or less after modest $58,500 for first, below expectancy^ "City Across River" (U) with Art Mooney orch. Rose Murphy; Stan Kavanagh, James Barton onstage opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 50-$1.75) —"Set-Up" (RKO) (2d wk). First week ended last Monday (4) night soared to very solid $32,000, best here in months, theatre realigning its scale in view of crowd.s. In ahead, "Criss Cross" (U), thin $7,- 500 in final 4 days of third week. Globe (Brandt) (1,.500; 50-$1.20) —"Impact" (UA) (3d-final wk). Down to $9,000 after thin $11,500 in second round. "Champion" (UA) opens Saturday (9). Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 50- $1.20)—"Casablanca" (WB) (re- 'Set-Up' Hub Sockeroo, $30,000; 'Game Hotsy 40G, 'Honeymoon Torrid 24G issue) (2d wk). Off at $16,000 after fine $20,000 opener for this oldie. Holds a third. Palace (RKO) (1,700; 50-$l,20)— "Shot Jesse James" (SG). Looks mild $15i500 and not holding. In ahead, "Bad Boy" (Mono), dim •$15,500 in 10 days, and pulled. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 55-$1.50) —"Bride of Vengeance" (Par) with Charlie Baniet orch, Jerry Colonna, Jack Carter, others, onstage. Opens today (Wed.). Last week, "El Paso" (Par) and Louis Jordan Five, Ray Anthony orch topping stage bill (2d wk), slipped off to $50,000 after very good $69,000 'Opener, Park Avenue (U) (583; $1.20- $2.40).—"Hamlet" (U) (28th wk). Twenty-seventh , week climbed to $16,000, virtually capacity on basis of Academy awards. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- feHers) (5,945; 80-$2.40).—"Little Women" (M-G) with stageshow (4th-final wk). Down to $100,000 or less on blowoff after okay $112,- 500 for third session. "Connecticut Yankee" (Par) with annual Easter Pageant and stageshow opens to- morrow (Thurs.). Rialto (Mage) (594; 44-98)— "Mobtown" (FC) and "Hit the Road" (FC) (reissues). Just pass- able $7,000. Won't hold. In ahead, "Daughter of West" (FC), about Rivoli (UAT-Par) (2,092; 60- $1.25) — "Jennie" (SRO) (2d wk). First week ended last night (Tues.) reached fine $38,000. In ahead, "Snake Pit" (20th) (21st wk-5 days), slim $4,000. Roxy (20th) (5.886; 80-$1.80)—' "The Fan" (20th i with Ginny Simms, Arnaut Bros., "Merry Widow" iceshow.. Doing fairly well at $80,000 or less, and holds one week. In ahead, "Mother Is Fresh- man" (20lh) with Phil Baker, Cab Calloway, iceshow (3d wk),, light $55,000. State. (Loew's) (3,450; 50-$1.50). —"Ball Game" (M-G) (5th wk). Starts today (Wed.). Fourth frame was down to $21,000 after fine $27,- 000 third. Stays a few weeks more. Strand (WB) (2,756; 70-$1.50i— "Kiss in Dark" (WB) with Guy Lombardo orch heading stageshow:' (2d wk). ' Slipping down to modest; $40,000 -or less in initial holdover round after merely good $52,000 opener. Holds a third. "My Dream is Yours" (WB) with Lionel Hamp- ton orch opens April 15. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 95- $1.80)—"Joan of Arc" (RKO) (21st wk)., Being helped by Academy publicity and looks steady at $13,- 000 or near after fine $14,000 for 20th stanza. 'Hills' Lively $11,000, Seattle; 'Kiss' Cool 8G Seattle, April 5. , Town is loaded with holdovers, and it is showing up in overall biz total. But new entries also are weak. "Walking Hills" looks best newcomer, being fine at Coliseum. "Kiss in Dark" is mild at Orpheum in 9 days. . Estimates for This Week Coliseum (II-K) (1,877; 50-84)— "Walking Hills" (Col) and "Song of India" (Col). Nice $11,000-. Last (Continued on page 24) ' Boston, April 5. , First run biz around town shapes i solid this stanza. "The Set-Up," at I RKO Boston, is a knockout at $30,- 000, with "Take Out to Ball Game" I at Orpheum and State looks, nice. '"Family Honeymoon" at Memorial is doing very strong trade. Estimates for This Week i Astor ,(.TaycoX) ( l;200; 40-85)— !"C,otta Slav Happy" (U) (2d wk). Mild $7,000 after $8,500 for first. Boston (RKO) (3,200; 40-85)— "The Set-Up" (RKOi and "Amazon GUest" (FG). Terrific $30,000. Last , week, "Chicken Every Sunday'' (20th) and "Smokey Mountain Mel- I ody" (Col), thin $16,000. Exeter (Indie) (1,100; 40-75)— "Don't Take It to Heart" (EL) and "Waterloo Road" (EL). Nice $6.- 000. Last week, subsequent-run. Fenway (NET) (1,373; 40-85)— ■ "Canadian Pacific" (20th) and "The ! Hideout" (Rem (2d wk). Okay $7,- iOOO after $8,500 for first. Mayflower (ATO (700; $1.25)— "Portrait of Jennie" (SRO) (7th iwk). Holding to about $4,000 after I fine $4,500 last week. Memorial (RKO) (3.000; 40-85)— "Family Honeymoon" (Ul), ■•and "Alaska Patrol" (SG). Fine $24,- 000. Last week, "Mother Is Fresh- iman" (20th) and "Black Eagle" i (Col), oke $24,000 in ten days. Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 40- 85)—"Kiss in Dark" (WB) and I "Strike It Rich" (Mono), Satisfac- ' tory $23,000. Last >eek, "South of ' St. Louis" (WB) and "I Cheated Law" (20th), $18,000. I Orpheum (Loew) (3.000; 40-85)— , "Take Out to Ball Game" (M-G). iTidy $25,000. Last week, "Knock i On Door ' (CoD and "Blondie's Big I Deal" (Col) (2d wk), $17,000. , Paramount (NET) (1,800; 40-85) —"Canadian Pacific" (20th) and "The Hideout" (Rep) {2d wk). Good $13,000. Last week, neat $18,000. PilKrim (ATO (1.800; 40-85)— "Red Canyon" (U) and "Shamrock ; Hill" (Indie) (2d wk). Down to $6,- : 500 after mild $8,000 first. I State (Loew) (3,500; 40-85)— "Take Out to Ball Game" (M-G). I Solid $15,000. Last week, "Knock On Door" (Col) and "Blondie's Big »Deal" (Col) (2d wk), nice $11,000. 'Saraband' Sultry 17G, Toronto; 'Riley' $7,500, 'NW Police' Tall 15G Toronto, "April 5. Trio of historical-background films, "Joan of Arc," "Saraband" and a reissue of ''Northwest Mount- ed Police," are sharing town's top coin this week for hefty grosses. "Red Stallion in Rockies" looms big in four-house combo. Estimates for This Week Downtown, Glendale, Scarboro, State (20th-Cent) (1,059, 955, 698, 694; 35-60)—"Red Stallion in Rock- ies" (EL) and "Jiggs, Maggie in Court" (Mono). Big $12,500. Last week, "Dark Past" iCol) and ''Ad- ventures Silverado" (Col), okay $10,000. Imperial (FP) (3,373; 36-66)— "Northwest Mounted Police'' (Par) •(reLssue). Terrific $15,000. Last week, "Sea in Ships" (20th) (2d wk), dull $5,000. Loew's (Loew) (2,096; 36-66)— "Bribe" (M-G). Satisfactory $12,- 000. Last week, "Force of Evil" (M-G), light $8,000. Odcon (Rank) (2,390; 35-$1.20)— "Saraband" (ED. Very big $17,- 000. Last week, "Wake Red Witch" (Rep) (3rd wk), wOw $13,000. Shea's (FP) (2.386; 36-66)— "Whispering Smith" (Par). Okay $8,500. Last week, "John Loves, Mary" (WB) (2d wk), so-so $6,500. , Tivoli (FP) (1,431; 36-66)—"Kiss in Dark" (WB) (2d wk). Okay $4,- . 000 after last week's good $5,500. , University (FP) (1,556; 75-$1.20) —"Joan of Arc" (RKO) (2d wk). Sock $16,000 after last week's smash $20,000. Uptown (Loew) (2,743; 36-66)— "Life of Riley" (U). Satisfactory $7,500. Last week, "R(6d Canyon" (U), $6,000.