Variety (Apr 1949)

■Vcdneaday, April 13, 1949 Chi Slips But Jane Russell Takes 'Ball Game for Sockeroo $55,000; IQss'Sweet ISG, M NSG14G PICTTRE isnOssES Chicago, April 12. -f Holy Week depression is here a hit early, taking a bite in mid- week take. However, slump isn't as drastic as last year. Oriental has brought Jane Russell m to head the stageshow plus "Take Me Out to Ball Game," and dandy $55 000 lopms. "Kiss in Dark" at Roosevelt shapes trim $18,000. Other new fare is weakish with •'Force of Evil" at United ■ Artists minor $14,000. "Cover Up" and "Tuna Clipper" at Apollo is so^so Interest remams high with "Knock On Any Door" at Chicago, backed by Hoagy Carmichael and 'Georgia Gibbs on stage-at lush $55,000. "Set-Up," also in second week, at Palace should garner bright $19,000; "Joan of Arc" is holding well in third stint at the Grand ' with excellent $24,000. "Paisan" at World ig neat $3,500 . for 12th week. Estlttiateis for This Week Apollo (B&K) (1,400; 50-98)— "Cover Up" (UA) and "Tuna Clip- per" (Mono). Mildish $8,000. Last week, "Johnny Belinda" (WB) and "Sierra Madra" (WB) (2d runs), $10,000. . Chicago (B&K) (a.900; 50-98)— * "Knock On Door" (Col) (2d wk) .• With Hoagy Carmichael and Geor- s gia Gibbs p.a. Great $55,000 pos- sible. Last week, gigantic $74,000, and way over hopes. Garrick (B&K) (900; 50-98)— '; (Continued: on page 18) 'St. Louis Ace Pic In Cincy, $l4j Cincinnati, ApriM2. Main line trade is doing a sur- prise Holy Week nipup in the face of an overdose of reissues. Out- side of combo Albee, with Louis Prima band and "Cover Up," the town topper is "South of St. Louis," sturdy at Palace. "Pride of Yankees," on a reissue, is but- grossing many other films at Cap- itol,"Red Shoes" is still okay in sixth week at the Guild. Estimates far This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 60-04) — "Cover Up" (UA) plus Louis Prima orch, others, onstage. Favorable $23,000. Last wtfek, "Slightly French" (Col) plus Desi Amaz prch; others, moderate $19,000. Capitol (RKO) (2,00T); 50-75) — Pride of Yankees" (RKO) (re- issue). Good $9,000. Last week, 'Caught" <M-G), tepid $7,000. Grand (RKO) (1,400; 50-75) — "Act of Violence" (M-G). Fairish y7'K- ^"s* week, "Sun Comes UpV (M-G). $8,000. K^ilttrt-(City-Inv.)-(lT542; 50-75) I Shot Jesse James" (SG). No buUs-eye at $7,000 in 9 days. Last week, "Family Hoiieymoon" (U) l4tU wk),v.slick $7,200, ..c*"*!?"* <R^O> (^.SOO; 50-75) — ,??"th of St. Louis" (WB). Sturdy ?«i9l?>°' Last week, "Set-Up" (RKO), ail right $11,000. Shubert (RKO) (2,100; 50-75) — ».5f''"PP (RKO). (mio.) split with ,*lfsh and Fantasy" (Indie) and nr, Suspect" (Indie) (reissues). Weak $4,000. Last week. "The Pearl' (RKO) and "San Francisco" (M-G) (reissue), $4,500. 'Wives' Winning $13,000, Omaha; 'Canyon' $5,000 „. Omaha, April 12. Letter to Three Wives" at the paramount is tops for week with resoundmg total. "The Walking Wills and "Dark Past" are fairly good at Brandeis. "Grand Canyon irail and 'M'iss Annie Rooney" «re good at State. Estimates for This Week B-f ""mount (Tristates) (2,800; 16- c„ h^^^^^ Three Wives" (20th). n, 'f'..^A?'°00. Last week, "Kiss in Dark" (WB) slim $8,300. ...""■""deis (RKO) (1,500; 16-65)— p!;?J.'"'},S Hills" (CoD and "Dark <C<?,"- Saturday $7,500. Last week, "The Sot-Up" (RKO) and <-'Un Smugglers" (RKO), $6,800. fi.;r''V.5l"'""' (Tristates) (3,000; 16- "l , r'^i'""^ O'Flynn (U) and Act ol Murder" (U). Light $9,500. week, "Tliis Is N. Y." (UA) ■ and Connee Boswell topping stage- show lair $18,000 at 80c top. istate (Goldberg) (865; 16-65) — Urand Canyon Trail" (Rop) aiid «^ nnA ^V^^^ Rooney" (SG). Good $5,000. Last " Estimates Are 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, hence the estimated figures are net in- come. The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement ■■■tax. 'Set-Up' Smash $21,000, Det.; 'Door' Solid 28G. 'El Paso' Brisk {20,000 Detroit, April 12.' The Easter season apparently is having little effect on Humphrey Bogart fans for the Michigan looks big $28,000 with "Knock On Any Door.'^ Other houses are most- ly feeling the seasonal slump. However, "The Set-Up" at Madi- son is slightly terrific and "Paisan" at United-Artists looks trim. . Estimates for Tliiis Week Fox (Fox-Mich) (5,000; 70-95)— "Song of Bernadette" (20lh) (re- issue). Mild $18,000. Last week, "Mother Is Freshman" (20th) and "Intermezzo" (SRO) (reissue) (2d wk); okay $22,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,- 000; 70-95)—"Knock On Any Door" (Col) and "Ladies of Chorus" (Rep). Big $28,000.. Last week, "South of St. Louis" (WB) and "Parole, Inc." (Mono) (2d wk), $15,000. ■ Palms (UD) (2,900; 70-95)—"El Paso" (Par) and ''Dynamite" (Par). Solid $20,000. Last week, "Cover Up" (UA) and "Valiant Hombre" Rep), $16,000. United Artists (UD) (2,000; 70- 95)—"Paisan" (Indie). Trim $17,- 000. Last week. "Nick Real" (Par) and "Big Fight" (Mono), $18,000. Madiswn (UD) (1,800; 70-95)— "The Set-Up" (RKO) and "Clay Pigeon" (RKO). Smash $21,000. Last week,, "Sierra Madre" (WB) (2d run) and "Background to Dan- ger" (WB) (reissue), weak $10,000. Adami (Balaban) (l,700;"7b-95)— "Command Decision" (M-G)* (3d wk). Fading to $8,000. Last week. Sturdy $11,000. Downtown (Balaban) (2,800; 70- 95)—"Force of Evil" (M-G) and "Tampico" (UA) (2d wk). Dim $6,- 500. Last week, weak $8,000, 'Joan' Fancy $14,000 In Port.; 'Ship,s' Stout 13G Portland, Ore., April 12. Good weather is teaming up with nice product this week to show solid returns at downtown spots. "Joan of Arc," at advanced prices, is doing well at Paramount. Down to Sea in Ships" looks fine in two spots. "Wake of Red Witch" will be solid in second Broadway week. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,832; 50-85) —"Wake Red Witch" (Rep) and "Homicide Three" (Rep) ,(2d wk). Solid $9,500. Last week, torrid $16,000. Mayfair (Parker) (1,500; 50-85)— "Let's Live Little" (EL) and ^'Strange Mrs. Crane" (EL). Okay $4,800. Last week, "Velvet Touch" (RKO) and "Inner Sanctum" (FC) (4 days), $2,700. Oriental (H-E) (2,000; 50-85)— "To Sea in Ships" (20th) and "Shockproof" (Col), day-date with Orpheum. Excellent $5,000 or near. Last week, "Knock On Door'! (Col) and "Strike It Rich" (Mono), same. Orpheum (H-E) (1,750; 50-85)— "To Sea in Ships" (20th) and "Shockproof" (Col), also Oriental. Solid" $8,000. Last week, "Walk- ing Hills" (Col) and "Song of In- dia" (Col), $7,700. Paramount (H-E) (3,400; 50r85)— "Joan of Arc" (RKO). Fine $14,- 000 at upped scale. Last week, "Knock On Door" (Col) and "Strike It Rich" (Mono); $8,000. United Artists (Parker) (895; 50- 85)—VSun Comes Up" (M-G) (2d wk). Okay $5,500. Last week, $8,- 000. New Pix Help B way; 'River-Mooney Fast $72M Crosby-Easter Pageant Big 147G, Xhampion' Sockeroo $41,000 *Sun-WSlow in Dim K.C. Snow Hurts Denver But Me' Bright 1^18,000 Denver, April 12 Sunday snow is hurting this week but mild weather Monday helped. "Ma and Pa Kettle" is packing :lParamount and Esquire to win holdover. "El Paso'Ms-brisk enough at Denham to hold a sec- ond. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Cinema) (1,500; 3,V 74)—"Knock On Door" (Col) (2d wk). Good $9,000. Holds again. Last week, socko $15,000. Denham (Cbckrill) (1,750; 35-74) —"El Paso" (Par). Fancy $13,000 or near. Holds. Last week^ "Nick Beal" (Par) (2d wk), and "Dy- namite" (Par), $11,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 35-74) — "South St. Louis" (WB) and "Flaxy Martin" (WB), day-date with Web- ber; Nice $14,000. Last week, "Red Canyon" (U) and "Ladies of Chorus" (Col), $15,000. Esquire (Fox) (742; 35-74)—"Ma and Pa Kettle" (U) and "Appoint- ment with Murder'- (FC), day-date with Paramount. Big $4,000, and holding. Last week, "Dear Secret tary" (U) and "Rose of Yukon" (Rep), fine $3,000. Orpheum (RKO> (2,600; 35-74) —"Kissing Bandit" (M-G) and "Act of Violence" (M-G). Mild $12,000. Last week, "Set-Up" (RKO) and "Strange Mrs. Crane" (EL), same. Paramouilt (Foxl (2.200; 35-74) —"Ma, Pa Kettle" (U) and "Ap- pointment Murder" (FC), also Paramount. Big $14,000. Last week, "Dear Secretary'' (UA) and "Rose of Yukon" (Rep), fine $11,500. Webber (Fox) (750; 35-74) — "South- St. Louis" (WB) and "Flaxy Martin" (WB), also Denver. Dull .'?2,000. Last week, "Red Canyon" Kansas City, April 12. Pre-Easter week sees only a fairish pix line-up and moderate grosses right down the line. "Un- faithfully Yours" at Tower-Up- town-Fairway, likely leader, looks very slim. Midland with "Sun Comes Up" and "Force Of Evil" is medium. "Portrait of Jennie" continues in third week on ad- vanced prices in Kimo.. Estimates for This Week Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 45- 65)—"Moonrise" (Rep) and "Act of Murder" (U). House back to first- runs, pleasant $4,000. Last week, "In Navy" (Indie) and "Saps at Sea" (Indie) (reissues), $3,500. Kimo (Dickinson) (550; 61-75-$l) -^"Portrait of .lennie" (SRO) -(3d wk). Nifty $3,000. Last week, day- date with suburban Dickinson, splendid $5,000. Midland (Loew's) (3,500; 45-65) —"Sun Comes Up" (M-G) and "Force Of Evil" (M^G); Slow $12 - 000. Last week, "Ball Game'' (M-G) arid "Blackie Chinese Adventure" (Col) hefty $23,000 in 11 days. Orpheum (RKO) (1,900; 45-65)— "Castle on Hudson" (WB) and i^Sgt_York'iXWJB)_ (EeissuesL-SorasL $9,000. Last week, "The Set-Up" (RKO) and "Gun Smugglers" (RKO), $10,000. Paramount (Par) (1,900; 45-65)-^- "El Paso"' (Par) (2d wk). Okay $8,- 500: Lai^t week, pleasant $12,000. Tower - Uptown - Fairway (Fox Midwest) (2,100; 2,043; 700; 45- 65)—"Unfaithfully Yours" (20th). Slight $13,000 for 3 houses. Last week, "Ma and Pa Kettle" (U) (2d wk), big $15,000. (M weelc, "The Bribe; uvi-ti) and "Violence" (Mono), $4,-. (U) and "Ladies of Chorus" (Col), i nice $2,500. 500. 'Violence' $17,000, Mont'l Montreal, April 12. New entries in most of big houses but Holy Week is clipping all theatres.. Best showing is being made by "Act of Violence," but just good at Capitol. Estimates for This Week Loew's (C.T.) (2,855; 40-65)— '•Kissing Bandit" (M-G). Just okay $18,000. Last week, "Snake Pit" (20th) (3d wk), $14,000. Capitol (C.T.) (2,412; 34-60)— "Act Of Violence" (M-G). Good $17,000. Last week, "Accused" (Par), $15,000; ■ Palace (C.T.) (2,625; 34-60)— "Wonderful Urge" (20th). Fair $1&,000. Last week, "Every Girl Married" (RKO) (2d wk), nice $14,- 500. Princess (C.T.) (2,131; 34-60)— "Unfaithfully Yours" (20th). Mild $6,500. Last week, "Road House" (20th) (2d wk), oke $11,500. Imperial (C.T.) (1,839; 26-45)— "Slightly French" (Col) and "Black Eagle" (Col). Slight $8,500. Last week,"Dark Past" (Col) and "Blondie's Big Deal" (Col), $6,000. Orpheum (C.T.) (1,040; 34-60)— "Siren of Atlantis" (UA) and "High Fury" (UA) (2d wk). Down to $C,- 000 after sock $9^000 first week. Despite four new bills, unveiled in the last seven days, Broadway firstruns currently shape up very unevenly because of double handi- cap of Holy Week and ideal out- door weather over the past week-; end. Seasonal slowup of business in general is being reflected in holdover and extended-run situa- tions to the greatest extent. It also is paring down initial weeks at several theatres. Capitolv Music Hall and Globe are doing the top; lAiisness. • "City Across River,"., with Art- Mooney band, Stan Kavanagh, others, on- stage, looks to reach solid $72,000 at Cap after one of biggest open- ing four-day periods this year.; '^The Champion" is soaring to sock. $41,- 000 or near, greatest at this Brandt house in many months. It is get- ting this figure despite coming in behind "The Set-Up." ; "Connecticut Yankee," with~^an- nual Easter. Pageant and stageshow, is roaring ahead to very strong $147,000 or close at Hall, after big- gest four days experienced by the vast house for opening week of Easter bill. Paramount is doing only fairly well at $65,000 with "Bride of Ven- geance*' and Charlie Bamet band, Jerry Colonna topping stage bill., "Set-Up" is holding nicely at $25,- 000 in second Criterion week, as is "Portrait of Jennie" With $28,000 for second RivoU round. Many * new bills are being brought in this session to take Ad- vantage of the Easter uplift. Roxy launches "Mr. Belvedere Goes to College,'' with Vivian Blaine head- ing stageshow Friday ; (15). On same day, Strand opens "My Dream Is Yours" with Lionel Hampton band. Palace is bringing in "Pride of Yankees" on reissue that day, feeling it can cash in on start of baseball season next week. May- fair opens "Wizard of Oz," .another oldie, Saturday (16). Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 6O-$1.50) r-"Knock On Door' '(Col) (8th Wk). Holding to $13,000, taking in Easter Sunday, after $14,000 last week, "We Were Strangers" (Col) opens April 26. Bijou (City Inv.) (589; $1.20- $2.40)—"Red Shoes" (EL) (25th wk). Still holding well at $14,000; after $14,800 last Week. Stays on. Capitol (Loew's) (4,820; 80-$1.50) ^"Gity Across River" (U) plus Art Mooney, Rose Murphy, Stan Kav- anagh, James Barton onstage. Do- ing big $72,000, best here in months, and may stay more than two weekSi which would, be first; time this has happened at house in some time. In ahead, "Outpost Morocco" (UA) with. Gordon Jen- kins oi-ch, Cardini (2d wk), slim $43,500 and way below hopeS; Criteridn^ ( Moss) (1.700: 50- $1.75)—"Set-Up" (RKO) (3(1 WK). Second week ended last Monday (11) held very well at strong $25,- 000 after big $32,000 opener, best initial week here in months. "Life of Riley" (U) opens Saturday. ^ Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 50-$1.20) —"The Champion" (UA). Climb- ing to sock $41,000 or close. Holds, natch! In ahead, "Impact" (UA) (3d wk), $8,000. Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 50-$1.20) —"Casablanca" (WB) (reissue) (3dr final wk). Down to $13,000 and be- ing replaced by"Wizard of Oz" (M-G) (reissue) next Saturday (16). Second Stanza hefty $17,000. Palace (RKO) (1,700; 50-$1.20)— "Princess O'Rourke" (WB) and "G-Men" (WB) (reissues). Doing only mild $14,000, and won't hold, with "Pride of Yankees" (RKO) (reissue) opening Friday (15). In ahead, "Shot JeSse James'? (PC), dim $11,000 in 9 days, below ex- pectancy. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 55-$1.50) —"Bride of Vengeance" (Par) with Charlie Barnet orch, Jerry Col- onna, others, onstage (2d wk). First week ended last night (Tues.) was good $65,000. Stays only two weeks. Barnet was out sick 'Thurs- day and Friday. In ahead,"El Paso" (Par) with Ray Anthony orch, Louis Jordan Five topping stage bill (2d wk). dowji to $49,000. Park Avenue (U) (583; $1.20- $2.40) — "Hamlet" (U) (29th wk)! Twenty-eighth week held well at $15,000, about same as preceding session. Continues, with extra matinees sUitQd for coming weeki 1 Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- ! fellers) (5,945; 80-$2.40).—"Connec- ' ticut Yankee" (Par) with annual Easter Pageant and stageshow. 1 Looks big $147,000 and, of course. holds. Last week, "Little Women" (M-G) with stageshow (4th wk), very mild $101,000. Rialto (Mage) (594; 44-98) — "Hurricane'! (FC) and "Westerner" (FC); (reissues). Not doing better than average $7,500. Won't hold. Last week, "Mobtown" (FC) and "Hit Road" (FC) (reissues), $7,000. RivoU (UAT-Par) (2,092; 60- $1.25)^"Portrait of Jennie'' (SRO) (3d wk). Initial holdover round ended last night (Tues.) held nicely at $28,000 or a bit over; first was big $33,000. Roxy (20th) (5,886; 80-$1.80) — "The Fan" (20th) and Ginny Simms and iceshow heading stage bill (2d-final wk). Down to very mild $52,000 or close after $77,000 opener. "Belvedere Goes College" (20th) with Vivian Blaine, Mc- Carthy & Farrell, new iceshow, opens Friday (15). State (Loew's) (3,450; "50-$1.50) — "Ball Game" (M-G) (6th wk). Opens today (Wed.). Fifth frame dipped sharply to around $15,000 after $21,000 for fourth. "Bark- leys of .Broadway'' ' (M-G) openg. April 27. Strand (WB) (2,756; 70-$1.50)— "Kiss In Dark" (WB) plus Guy Lombardo orch- (3d-final wk). Just getting by at $30,000 or under after slim $38,000 for second. "My Dream Is Yours" (WB) with Lionel Hampton orch opens Friday (15)^ Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 95- $1.80)—"Joan of Arc" (RKO) (22d, wk). Current; session is down to $11,000 or less after nice $13,000' for 21st week. Stays on. 'Set-Up Sets Pace In Mpls. $li5i Minneapolis, April 12. Four major newcomers here this week, but few are showing too much. Most interest seems to be in "Tlie Set-Up" at Orpheum. "Shockproof" looks fair at RKO- Pan., Holdovers include the road- show "Red Shoes" in its seventh week, still steady at the small World. Favorable weather is stimulating trade. Estimates for This Week Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-70)—"Nick Beal" (Par) (miO.). Lots of steam left at $6,500. Last week, "John- ny Belinda" (WB) and "Treasure (Continued on page 18) Balto Pre-Easter Blues Albeit 'Set-Up'-Yaude Tall 15G.'Kettle'12G- Baltimore, April 12. Pre-holiday blues have set in : here this week with no particular help from product at hand. Doing best biz is "The Set-Up" tied to vaude starring, Patti Page and Bobby Jordan at combo Hippo-r dromei "Ma and Pa Kettle" also is pleasing at Loew's Century. Estimates tor This Week Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 20- 60) — "Ma and Pa Kettle" (U). Drawing pleasing $12,000. Last week, "Ball Game" (M-G) (2d wk), held well at $10,700. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240; 20-70) — "Set-Up" (RKO) plus vaude topped by Patti Page and Bobby Jordan. Strong $15,000 in- dicated. Last week, "Million Dol- lar Weekend'' (RKO) plus Mischa Auer, Marilyn Maxwell and Three Suns, all right $13,200. Keith's (Schanbergeii) (2,460; 20- 60) —"Sierra Madre" (WB) (2d run). Mild $5,000- Last week, "State Dept.-File 649" (FC) missed at $5,600. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 20-65)— . "Last Bandit" (Rep). Uneventful $4,000. Last week, "High Fury" (UA), $3,700. New (Mechanic) (1,800; 20-60)— "Mr. Belvedere Goes to College" (20th) (2d wk). Maintaining okay pace at $12,000 after big $15,700 opener. Stanley (WB) (3,280; 25-75)— "Flaxy Martin" (WB). Nothing much at $7,000. Last week, "Kiss; In Dark" (WB), $7,600. Town (Rappaport) (1,500; 35-65) —"Paisan" (Indie) (2d wk). Hold- ing well at $8,500 after solid $10r 500 opener.