Variety (December 1950)

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12 PICTUIIB CROSSES P^IEIT Wednesday 9 December 69 1950 LA Lags Again But ‘Cra^’ Good L05 Angeles, Dec. 5. "f First-run pace, is lagging this ^i cck with only four new bills, and eome of them not much help. A heavy fog was blamed for failure of last week’s biz to measure up, but it still finished ahead of recent sessions. Best of new bills is “Harriet Ciiiig” Which is shaping good S2g,000 or near in two theatres “Tripoli” looms very mild around $20,000. al.so in two liotises. .lust fair $17,000 is shaping for “High Lonesome” in five sites while “Soulhside 1-100’* is fair $15,000 ui two spots, Third frame of “King Solomon’s l\lines” still is nice at $30,000 for third frame in two locations while second round of “All About Eve” is good $36,000 in five houses; “C\ rano’’ looms fine $7,500 in sceond roadshow. frame. Second s( ssion of “West Point Story” is oil' to $22,000 in three .spots. F.slinvates for This Week Los Angeles, Chinese, Uptown, I.oydia, Wilshire IFWG) i2,097; 2.n-^i8: 1.719; 1.248; 2,296; 6.041 About Eve” (20th) (2d \vk|. Good $36,000;. Last week, sock $63,000. ' : Hollywood, Dow’iitow'm Wiltern Estimated Total Gross This Week , . . $422,900 ( Based on 18 theatres.) Last Year . . .. . ^. $485,600 ^ Based on '17 theatres i ' Kansas City. Dec. 5. Wickets are doing moderately . ^'^-SOO this , week, after Upbeat last. sCvS- si'on. “West Point Story,” at Missouri,. shapes fine. . Jackpot” is slow in, three houses as is “Tripoli” at the Paramount. Mid- land continues to do well with “King Solomon’s Mines” in a second week. Mild weather .pre- vailed up to weekend when colder temperatures hit. Estimates for This Week Mmit’l; W Bit 14C Montreal, Dec. 5, Three new entries are giving biz generally a boost with two hold- overs shaping neatly. “Tripoli” looks best of newcomers with great session at the Princess. “Pretty Baby” also is hefty at Capitol. Estimates for This Week Palace (C.T.V (2.625; 34-60) — “Sunimer Slock” (M-G) (2d wk). Oke $15,000 following socko first at $18,000. : Capitol (G.TJ (2,412; 34^60)-^ “Pretty Baby” (WB). Hefty $14,- 000. Last week, “Copper Canyon” (ParV (2d wk). Okay $11,000. Princess (C.T.) (2.131; 34^60) — “Tripoli” (Par). Great $15,000. Last Week, “Union Station” (Par), $13,000: , Loew*s (C.T.) (2,855; 40-65^— “Let’s Dance” (Par) (2dwk). Still fine $17,000. after hefty opening week at $21,000. . Imperial (C.T.) (1,839; 34-60) “isle of Samoa” (Col) and “Palo- mino’^ (Col), Big $8,()00. Last week, “Road to Glory” (20th) and “Four Men and Prayer” (20th) (re- ;‘Solomon’Fat 29G, 2d Ke; City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week . . L .. $2,065,000 (Based on 22 cities, 190 the- atres, chiefly jflrst rims, includ' ing N/Y,) Total Gross Same Week Last Year ,. . . . $2,347,000 ( Based o.n 24 cities, ond 202 theatres.) 4 $37,000. Loew’s State, Egyptian (UA) (2.404; 1,538; 60-$!)—“King Solo- mon’s Mines” (M-G) (3d wk). Nice $30,000. Last week, sock $36,000; Hillstreet, Pantages (RKO) (2,- 800; 2.812; 50-$l)—“Harriet Craig” (Col) and “Blues Bu.sters” (Mono). Neat $28,000. Last week, “Mad Wednesday” (RKO) and “Pgymy IMand” (Col), $16,700. ' , Los Angeles, Hollywood Para-' mounts (F&M) (3,398; 1,451; 50- $1)—“Tripoli” (Par) and “Indian ! Territory” (Col) (L.A. Par only). l (Indie), at house “Im- Last week, (20th) and (20th) (reissues). nrri, -i rre-r oo.... I Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 45- 65)—“Ravaged Earth” (Indie) and West Point Story (WB) (2d wk). “Blood and Timndf^r” (TnUip) lair ,$22,000. Last week, good■ Solid $3,800, best in many Weeks, mortal Sergeant” and a Prayer” $2,500. Kimo (Dickinson) (550; 50-75) “Henry V” (IJA) (2d wk). Near j pace of first week, pleasing $1,800. Last week, $2,000. Midland (Loew’s) (3,500; 45-65) —“King Solomon’s Mines” (M-G) (2d wk). Big $14,000. tast week, great $23,000. Missouri (RKO) (2,650; 45-65) — “West Point Stbry’l (WB) and Mild $20,000. Last w'eek, “Copper , “Avengers” (Rep). Fine $11,000 Canyon” (Par) and “Music in! for Cagney opus. Last week, IMoonhght” (Rep) (reissue) (2d : “Where Danger Lives” iRKO) and u k), $15,300. i “Border Treasure” (RKO), mild Orpheum, Hawaii (Metropolitan)! $9,000. I Orpheum (Fox Midwe.st) (1,913; 1-1000” (Mono) and “Two Lost Worlds” (EL). Fair $15,000. Last week, “Right Cross” (M-G) and -Dial 1119” (M-G) (2d wk), $13,000.: |8:o6o ‘oTnelu^. United Artists, Ritz, Vogue,^ Studio City, Culver (UA-FWC) (2.100; 1,370; 885; 880; 1,145; 60- $1)—-“High Lonesome” (EL) and “Good Time Girl” (FC). Light $17,000. Last week, “Milkman” (U) and “Bandit Queen” (Lip) (9 days), $23,500. Four Star (UA) (900; 60-$l) — “Faust and Devil” (Col) (3d wk). Slow $1,000. Last week, $1,600. Fine Arts (FWO (677; $1.20; $2.40) — “Cyrano” (UA) (3d wk). Opens third frame today (Tues.). Last week, big $7,500. Philadelphia, Dec. The Army-Navy annual • classic last Saturday meant little to first-runs although biggest ' crowd in years was here for game. . Best of newcortiers is “The Jack- pot,” Which shapes fancy at the ! Fox even if it did not measure up , to hopes on initial shows. “Emer- gency Wedding” looks dull at Aldine. Second week of “King ; Solomon’s Mines” still is great at Stanley. “West Point Story” con- : tinues brisk in second MastbaumJ 'week. Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (1.303; 50-95)— “Emergency Wedding” (Col). Wan $7,500. Last week, “Edge of Doom” (RKO) (2d wk), nice $10,500. Boyd (WB) (2,360; 50-99)— “Harriet Craig” (Col) (2d wk). Slim $12,000 after fair $18,000 opener. Earle (WB) (2.700; 50-99)— “Killer That Stalked New York” (Col). Fair $14,000. Last week, 55-75)—-“No Way OUf' (20th). Re-[“Where Danger Lives” (RKO), turns house to solo film policy, after intermittent legits Light Last week, legit. Paramount (United Par) (1,900; ' 45-65)—“Tripoli^! (Par) and “Cas- 1 sino to Koreta” ^ar). Light $8,000. i Last week, “Let’s Dance” (Par) (2d wk), $8,200. Tower - Uptown - Fairway (F o x Midwest) (2,100; 2,043; 700; 45-65) —“Jackpot” (20th). Sluggish $12,- 000. Last week. “I’H Get By” (20th), good $16,000. ‘Kiss’ Tasty $12,500 In Toronto; ‘Tripoli’ lOG Toronto, Dec. 5. Such action films as “Two Flags West,” “Tripoli,” “Wyoming Mail” and “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” are keeping the first-runs in a happy I mood. Biz also is holding steady j on such holdovers as “All About, Eve” in two houses and “Trio.” j Estimates for This Week j Downtown, Glendale, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (1,059; 955; 698; 694; 35-57)-—“Wyoming Mail” ''U) and “Chain Gmig” !Col).. Neat $13,000. Last week, “Cairo Road” (Mono) (Continued oh page 24) ‘Eye’Fancy $18,000 In St. Loo; ‘Guerrilla’ OK 16G; ‘Solomon’ 19G, 2d St. Louis, Dee. 5. Trade in downtown sector is be- ing hypoed by practically all retail st ores remaining open twice week-1 ly up to 9 b’eipek until Chri.stmas. “All about Eve” is grabbing fancy coin at Ambassador but “American Guerrilla” did .hot finish its first week at the Fox much above ah okay figure.. “King Solomon’s Mines” is holding nicely in second round at Loew’s. /V Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M) (3.000; 60- 751—“All About Eve”. (201h). Fancy $18,000. Last , week, “Let’s Dance” (Par) and “Jackpot” (20th), $15,000. Fox (F&M.) (5,000; 60-75)—“West Point Story” (WB), and “Under- cover Girl” (U). .Opened today . , . , .. . , (’rues.). Last week. “American '^Hirdy trend m of record '20111) and “Wyohiing; early-winter freeze Vast week. '1 'U), okay $16,000. Woman Oh Pier 13” plus support, of Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts; has biggest coin total currently, “West Point Story” is sturdy at Palace while “Milkman” looks oke in Keith’s. These are the only new bills. “King Solomon’s Mines.” and “Jackpot” are holdover winners. Estimafes for This yVeek Aibce (RKO) (3,100; 55-95)— “Woniau On Pier 13” (RKO) and Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts on.stage. Latter the' builder-upper for art okay $20,000. Last week, “Let’s Dance” (Par), pleasing $11,- 000 at 39-75C scale. Capitol (Mid-States) )2!000; 39 same. Fox (20th) (2,250; 50-99)— “Jackpot” (20th). Fast $22,000: Last week, “American Guerrilla” (20th) (2d wk), $14,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 50- 99)—“Two Weeks With Love” (M-G) (2d wk). Okay $10,000. Last week, neat $16,000. Mastbaum (WB) (4.360; 50-99)— “West Point Story” (WB) (2d wk). Good $21,000 after solid $28,000 opener. Randolph (Goldman) (2,500; 50- 99)—“Let’s Dance” (M-G) (3d wk). Trim $12,0.00 after $17,500 for sec- ond week. Stanley (WB) (2,950; 50-99)— “King Solomon’s Mines” (M-G) (2d wk). Great $26,000. Last week, terrific $37,000. Stanton (WB) (1,475; 50-99)-^ “Hell Town” (Indie) and “Buffalo Stampede” (Indie) (rei.ssues). Fine ' $12,500. La.st week, “Captive Girl” I (Col) and “Counterspy” (Col), i $11,500. Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 50-99)— I “Trio” (Par) (3d wk). Nice $(i,000. ' Last week, S.7,500. I World (Golclwurm & Scli\yartz) I (460; 50-99)—‘‘Bitter Ricisi” ilndib) ' (2d.w'k). Solid $7,500 after mighty $9,000 opener. . Minneapolis, Dec, 5. Among current newcomers, ‘‘All About Eve” stands oiit best, but even it is not so good. Current downbeat stems partly from prox- imily of Chri.stmins. Aside from “King Solomon’s Mines;” in third week, some moveovers, most pix are turning in dull totals. Estimates for This Week Century (Par) (1,600; 50-70)— “Lets Dance” (Par) (m.O-). Mild $4,000. Last week, “Woman on the Run” (U), .slow $4,500, Gopher (Berger) (1,006; 50-70)— “King Solomon’s Mines” (M-G) (3d wk). Still in hi^h. One of season’s real boxoff ice performers here. Big $7,000 after smash"$9,500 sec- ond canto. Lyric (Par) (l.OOO; 50-70)-^ “American Guerrilla” (20th) (m.o./. here from State. Okay $4,500. Last week, “Southside 1-1,000” (Mono) and “Blues Buster” (Mono), sad $3,000. Radio City (Par) (4,000; 50-70)— “All About Eve” (20th). Widely heralded but only good $12,000 looms. Last week, “Let’s Dance” (Par), mild $10,000. RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 35- 70)—“Harriet Craig” (Col). Fair $7,000. Last week, “Where Danger Lives” (RKO), same. RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 35-70) --“The Torch” (EL) and “I Killed Gcronimo” (ED, Strong twin , bill combo for this spot. Light $5,000. Last week, “Prehistoric Woman” (EL) and “Chain Gang’’ (Col), good $ 6 , 200 . State (Par) (2.300; 50-70)-^ “Right Cro.ss”, (M-G). Film’s merits and. cast names attracting doiigh. Fair $7,000. Last week, “American Guerrilla” (20th),$7,500. World (Mann) (400; 50-05)— ‘“roast of New Orleans” (M-G). Winning favor and gettinig help, too, from cast names. Good $3,500. Last week, “New Miniver Story” (M-G) (3d wk), okay $2,000: Boston, Dec. 5. Afterniath of last week’s gen* erally solid grosses resulted in holdovers at most houses with “King Solomon’s Mines” at State and Grpheum still holding up nicely. “West Point Story” at Met is fair, while “Let’s Dance” kt Paramount and Fenway is mild, both in, second round. Only new* comer “Joan of Arc” at Memorial is a bit disappointing. Boston eloseci last week for an interior decoration job, and is. skedded to reopen Christmas Day with “Ven- detta” and possibly a stageshow. ' Estimates foi* This Week Astor (B&Q) (.1,200; 50-95)— “Slate Becret” (Col) (2d wk): Okay $7,500. Last week, nice $10,000. Beacon Hill (BeaCoh Hill, Iric.) (780; 40-95)-^“G0lden Salamander” (EL) (2d wk). Down to $5,000. Last week, fair $7,000. Fenway (NET) , (1,373; 40-85)— “Let’s Dance” (Par) and “Young Lovers” (Indie) (2d wk). Off to about $4,000 after neat $7,500 for first. Memorial (RKO) (3,500; 40-85)— “Jpan of Arc” (RKO). First time at pop prices but mild $10,000; Last week, “Never Dull Moment” (RKO), good $15,0(60, MetrdpoUtan (NET) (4,367; 40-85) —“West Point Story” (WB) and “Bandit Queen” (Lip) i2d wk). Down to $15,000 after nifty $25,- 000 for first. Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 40-85)— “King Solomon’s Mines” (M-G) (2d wk). Still solid $19,000 after boff $28,000 in first. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 40-85) —-“Let’s Dance” (Par) and“Young Lovers” (Indie) )2d Wk). Off to $9,000 after good $15,000 for first. State (Loew) (3,500; 40-85)— “King Solomon’s Mines” (M-G) (2(1 wk). Holding nicely in with $10, 000. Last week, hefty $17,000. 5. Cincinnati, Dec. Biz generally has regained a 4., I Loew I 13.172; 50-75)— King Solomon’s Mines” (M-G) (2d wk). Holding to nice W(»W' after $19,000 $20,000 first .st nnza, .., *.ssoui‘i (F&M) (3.500; 60-75)- .Loi s Dance’ <Par) and “Jackpot” . <20th) 'm.o.), Oke $10,500. Last ‘U) and . “Rio ■ Grande (Rep). $10,000 ^ St. Louis (F&M) Closed. La.st (ED and slow $4,000. ^Shubert find) (1,500; 60-75)— Breakthrough” (WB) and “Blues Blisters” (Mono), Nice $5,000. Last Week, “Trigger. Jr.” (Rep) and (4,000; 60-75)— week,“Kind Hearts’’ Little Island” (U). ^‘CowtAWhe,T{Coi); $2i500x ii75>^:jlhckpdt**' laoth) )l5Ul‘:\yk). Good $6,000 trailing . $6,.500- preeni. Grand (RKO) (1,400: 39-75)— ; , “King Solomon’s Mines’’ (M-^G) (3d ; I wk); Solid $7;500 on heels of strong $8,500 .second round. KeitlFs (Mid-Stales) (1,542; .39r 75)—“Milkman” 'U), Big $3,000 or near, reflecting lift from creamy advance campaign. Last week’ “Kansas Raiders” (U), ,$6,500. Lyric (RKO) (1,500; 39-75)— “Holy Year At Vatican” i Indie) dualed in first half with “Happy Years” (M-G) and in second half with ^‘Let’s Dance” (Par) (m.o.). Fairish $4,500. La.st week, “Hell Town” (Indie) and “Buffalo Stam- pede” (Indie) (reissues), $4,000. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 39-75)— “West Point Story” (WB). Sturdy $12,000 Or over. Last week, “Where ^^vorable y8|500* ^ '.f » v’ ) I 1 Denver,‘On Run $11,000 Denver* Dec. 5. “West Point Story” is the big news here this session, being smash in tw’o theatres. “Woman on the . Run” also is-nice in three spots. “Quicksand” shapes okay at Paramount. Mo.st holdover.s are clow’n sharply, “Miniver Story” now show ing enough to stay more than four clays of second round. Estimates for This Week .Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 3.5-74) .— “Woman on Run” (U) and “Bed- side Manner” (Indie), (lav-dnte with Tabor, Webber. Fine .$3..500. Last week, “Three' Ilu.sbands” (UA) and “Chain Gang” (Col) $4,000. . Broadw'ay iWolfberg) fj.500; 35- 74 ) :— ‘Two Weeks with Love’’ 'M-GI (2d wki. Good $6.,5()0. Last week, fine $10,,500. Denham (CockrilD (1,750; 35-74) —“Let’s Dance” (Par) (2d wk). $14^0()()^ at $7,500. Last .week, big Denver Fox) '2.52,5;. 35-74) : -- ‘AVext Point Story” (.WB) and “Big Timber 'Mono), clay-date w'ith Lsciuire. Big $19,000 or near. Last week, “Jackpot” (20th) and “Miljv tary Academy’’ (Col). $18,000. Esquire -iFox) (742; 35-74) — “West Point Story” (WB) and “Big liinber ■ (Moifio), also Denvei*. Sock L^ast week, “Jackpot” (20th) and 'Military Acaclemv” ‘Col), $3,500. (RKO) (2.600; 35-74) ~ Mimver Story” (M>G) and Cowtown” (Col) (2cl w’k-4 davs) split with/‘China Sky’* inKO)1n^ Bpmbarcher (RKO) (reissues), 3 $9,000. Last week, Miniver” and “Cowtown,” fair $11,500. . “ . Paramount, (Fox) (2,;200; 35-74) (C;o»tin Ujd jon • page ?4) .. Pitt Digs Out, Biz Up; ‘Solomon’ Socko $23,000, ‘Eve’ Big 15G, Both 2d Pittsburgh, Dec. 5. Golden Triangle has finally dug out of wors^ .snow in histOi'y of city, anci biz is zooming all along line. Combination of shopping crowds and people just eager to get out again after being cooped up for a full week is doing the trick, and sending gro.sses up sharply, Of course, after last stanza, in which amusement indus- try practically came to a standstill, anything would be an improve* ment. “King Solomon’s Mines” is kicking forward at Penn after be- ing stationary for days. “All About Eve”, is Shooting into high at Har- ris after getting worst break of them all, having opened bn day thjR storm was at its peak. “West Point Story” at Stanley and “Des- tination Moon” at Warner both are getting back on Hroir feet. Only “The Jackpot” at Fulton is not re- capturing lost momentum. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 45-80)— “Jackpot” (20th) (2cl wk). Excellent noliees. good word-of-mouth but sHli weake.st of all ihe dow’ntow ii bills. Holclirig for 9 days, but won’t make $6;50.0: Last week, miserable S4.000, getting in only one good day before .storm broke. . If arris (H ar ri s) (2.200; 45-80)—r “-•Ml About Eve” )20tli) (2d wk). l^icking up .‘Strong after deva.<itating oiiener and in;iy slick around until nearly Xmas. Should hit great S15.0()0 or Over, and more than double last .se.ssipn. La.st week, snowbound take was barely $6.060: Penn «Loew’s) '3.300; 45-80>— “King Solomon’s Mines” (M-G) '2d w k). Sma.siiing through to $23,000, sliooting into high as .soon as snow got out of w\ay. Holds two extra d.'ii s In second week before mov- ing to Ritz. Last week, “Mines’* had-two and a half big days in be- fore §torm dropped it ti $15,000. Stanley (WB) ( 3,800; 45-80)— “West Point Story” (WB) (2d wk). Alsp climbing out from under and will hit elo.se to $12,000 or over. Got in only Thanksgiving Day and part of following day last week be- fort the Big Snow, so U was $7,000. Warner (WB) (2,000; 45-80)— “De.stination Moon” (EL) (2d w k). Another one that*s picked up momentum after storm, strong $8,000. Xii'st .week, same as others, only $4,000, ;..j vA .