Variety (November 1954)

8 PICTURE CROSSES Wednesday, November 10, 1954 ‘Widow’ Hotsy 256, ‘Contessa’ Boff I2G, ‘AlibT 43y 2 G; ‘Xmas’ 33G, 2d Los Angeles, Nov. 9. 4 Entry of several stout newcom ers is giving a decided lift to first run pace this round after severa. lagging weeks. First frame of '•.Carmen .Jones;” in two theatres finished with fancy $38,500 "Barefoot Contessa” is gunning for smash .$11000 in initial stanza at the small Fine Arts. ‘‘Black Widow” is rated good $25,000 in four situations. “High and Dry” looms okay at small El Rey. "Naked Alibi” looms .iust okay $13,500 in three spots while "This Is My Love” is mild $11,- 000. also in three. And "Alibi” is adding about $30,000 from six oz oners. Surprise grosser . is reissue combo of "Reap Wild Wind” and "Appointment With Danger,” With nifty $15,000 in two hardtops. plus $29,000 in four drive-ins.. .Second week of "White Christ •imas,” fn two houses, is smart $33.: 000 "Star Is Born” is good $18,000 in sixth week at Pantages. "Sa- bri ” continues handsome $9,500 in seventh week at Hollywood Par. Estimates for This Week Fox Wilshire, Los Angeles (FWC) (2.296; 2.097; $1-$.1.501— "Carmen Jones” (20th). Finished first week Sunday (7} with fancy $38,500. Fine ArtsjF.WC) (631; $1-$1.75) i— "Barefoot Contessa” (UA). Smash $12,000. Last week. "Van- ishing Prairie” (Disney) (11th wk- 6 days), $1,800. El Rey (FWC) (861: 70-$1.10)— "High and Dry” (U); Modest $3,500. Last week, "Down 3 Dark Streets” (UA) and “Victory at Sea” (UA) |2d wk-5.days), $i;i00. Orpheum, New Fox, Ritz. Loyola (Metropolitan-FWC) (2,213; 965; 1.363; 1,248: $1-$1.50): — "Black Widow” (20th) and. "Outlaw’s Daughter” 120th). Good $25,000. Last week, in different units. Warner Downtown, Wiltern, Hol- lywood fSW-FWC) (1,757; 2,344; 756; 70-$l. 101—"This My Love” (RKO) and "Two Guns and Badge” (AA). Mild $11,000. Last week, "Passion” (RKO) and African Ad- venture” (RKO), $13,200. Hillstreet, Vogue, Four Star (RKO-FWC-UATC) (2,752; 885; 900; 60-$L10)—"Naked. Alibi” (U) and ”Four Guns to Border” (U). Modest $13,500., Last week, Hill- street with New Fox, Uptown, ■‘Sitting Bull” (UA) (2d wk), $10,- 000; Four Star with Vogue, Orpheum, "Bengal Brigate" (U) and "Ricochet Romance” (U), $9,000. Palace, Iris (Metropolitan-FWC) (1,212; 814; 60-$1.10)—‘.‘Reap Wild Wind” (Par) and "Appointment with Danger” (Par) (reissues). Nifty $15,000. Last week, Palace, sub-run; Iris with Los Angeles. Ritz, Loyola, "Egyptian” (20th) (3d wk-5 days), $14,200. Warner Beverly, Downtown Para- mount (SW-ABPT) (1,612; 3,200; 90-$1.50) — "White Christmas” (Par) (2d wk). Smart $33,500, Last week, $37,400. State, Egyptian (UATC) (2,404; 1,536; 70-$1.10)—“Athena” '(M-G) (2d wk). Slow $13,000. Last week, $19,300, Hawaii (G&S) (1.106; 80-$l) -r "Julius Caesar” (M-G) (3d wk). Neat $4,000, Last week, $5,000. Chinese (FWC) (1.905: $1-$1.75) -r- "Woman’s World” (20th) (5th wk). Okay $9,000. Last week, $ 8 , 200 . Pantages (RKO) (2.812; $l-$2.25) —"Star Is Born” (WB), (6th wk).. Good $18,000. Last week, $20,000. Hollywood Paramount (F&M) (1,430; $lr$1.50)—"Sabrina” (Par) (7th wk). Handsome .$9,500. Last week, $10,000. Warner Hollywood (SW)' (1,364; $l,20-$2.65) — "Cinerama” (Indie) (80th wk), Into current, frame Sunday (7) after good $22,500 last week. ‘SABRINA’SOCKO16G, PORT.; ‘BABA’ FAT 8 G Portland. Ore., Nov. 9. Best bet here this, round is “Sa- brina” which , is soaring to a sock- eroo total at the Broadway, “Ad- ventures of Hajji Baba’’, also looms lusty at the smaller Fox Theatre, "Barefoot Contessa” shapes hotsy m second Liberty week. .''Down Three Dark Streets” is just okay at Orhpeum. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1.890; 75-$ 1) —"Sabrina” (Par). Smash $16,- 000 or over. Last week, "Bengal (Continued on page 20) Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week . $562,700 (Bdsed on 21 theatres.) Last Year .. $616,300 (Based on 25-theatres;) Indianapolis, Nov. 9. "White Christmas”, opened sen- sationally here, helping . ..other downtown, attractions with' its weekend overflow. .Smash, at the Circle, it’s sure to hold: "Drum Beat” at the Indiana looms good. "Sitting Bull” at Loew’s drawing big Saturday-Sunday kid trade, for modest results. Estimates for This Week Circle (Cockrill-Dolle) (2,800; 75- $1)—"White Christmas” (Par), SmAsh $27,000. Last week; "Bengal Brigade” (U) and "White Fire” (Indie), $9,000 at .50c-80c scale. Indiana. (C-D) (3,200; 50-80) — "Drum Beat” (WB). Good $12,500. Last week, “Star Is Born” (WB) (2d wk), $11,000; at $1 top; Loew’s (Loew’s) (2,427; 50-80)-r- ‘‘Sitting Bull” (UA) and "Khyber Patrol.” (UA). Modest $8,000. Last week, "Brigadoon” (M-G), $10,000. Lyric. (Cockrill-Dolle) (1,300; 35- 70)—"Passion” (RKO) arid "Sins of Rome” (RKO). Sluggish $4,000 in •six days plus Sunday afternoon, Last week, "Not Wanted” (FC) and "Jail Bait” (Indie) (reissues);, $4,- 500, same setup. ‘Xmas’ Wham $25,000 In Toronto; ‘Window’ Tall 20G, ‘World’ $12,000,3d Toronto, Nov. 9. . "White Christmas” and "Rear Window” are-off to wham sessions on nightly tUrnaWay biz,to top the newcomers here this round. "Brigadoon” and "Woman’s. World’’ also are hefty in third stanza plus "Betrayed” in the second stanza. Estimates for This Week Downtown, Glendale, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (1,059; 955; 698; 694; 40-70)—"Saracen Blade” (Col) and "Devil Girl from Mars” (IFD); Oke $12,000. Last week, "Southwest Passage” (UA) and "Kyber Patrol” (UA), same. Hyland (Rank) (1,354; 60-80)— "Doctor in House” (Rank) (10th wk). Big $4,000. Last week, $5,000. Imperial (.FP) (3,373; 60-.$lK- "White Christmas” (Par). Wham $25,000. Last week, "Broken Lance” (20th) (2d wk), $10,000. Loew’s (Loew’s) (2,090; 60-$l)— Brigadoon” (M-G) (3d wk). Hefty $12,000, Last week, $16,000. Odeon (Rank) (2,380; 75-$l)— "Woman’s World” (20th) (3d wk). Holding big at $12,000. Last week, $14,500, . Shea’s (FP) (2,386; 75-$l)— "Rear Window” (Par). Smash. $20,- 000. Last week, "Caine Mutiny” (Col) (4th wk),. $6,000 in 4..days. Uptown (LoeW) (2,745; 60-80)— Betrayed” (M-G) (2d wk). Hefty $10,000, Last week, $12,000. ‘WIDOW’ SMOOTH 14G, ST. L; ‘12 MEN’ $6,500 St, Louis, Nov, 9, Biz is spotty here, this frame, with "Black Widow” grabbing the heavy coin with a nice week at the St. Louis. "Caine Mutiny” looks good in second round at Loew’s. "Her 12 Men” is rated fair at Orpheum. "Cinerama” con- tinued to hold with a good average at Ambassador. "Human Desire” got a trim total last week at the Fox. ? Estimates for This Week Ambassador (Indie) (1,400; $L20- $2.40)—"Cinerama” (Indie) (49th wk). Good $14,500 after $15,500 in 48th week. . Fox (F&M) (5,000; 75)—"Drum Beat” (WB), Opened today (Tues.). Last week; "Human Desire” (Col) and "Bullet Is Waiting” (Col), trim. $15,000. Loew’s (Loew’s) (3,172; 75-$l)—- "Caine Mutiny” (Col) (2d . wk). Good $11,000 after $16,000 initial frame. Orpheum (Loew’s) (1,700; 50-75) —'.‘Her 12 Men” (M-G) and "Re- turn. Treasure Island” (UA). Fine $6,500. Last week, "Brigadoon” (M-G) (2d wk), $6,000. Pageant (St. L, Amus.) (1,000; 82)—"The Assasiin” (UA). Fast $3,500. Last week, "French Touch” (Indie), $3,000. St, Louis (St. L. Amus.) (4,000; 75)—"Black Widow” (20th). Fine $14,000. Last week;. “Hajji Baba” (20th), $9,000. Shady Oak (St. L. AmuAJ (800; 82)—"Holly and the Ivy”..(Indie). Good $3,000. Last week, "Le Plaisir” (Indie), $2,500. Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week .... ..$2,618,800 (Based on 24 cities, find 216 theatres, chiefly first runs, in- cluding N'. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year ..... $2,846,500 (Based oh 22 cities and 203. theatres.) Pittsburgh, Nov. 9. Only one new entry , here this round but biz is holding very, well at most first-runs. Lone, new pic is "Black Knight,” fast at the Har- ris. "Sabrina” Was a surprise hold- over when it soared to a huge $25,- 000 opening, week at the Pehn. It is still big in second round! “Star Is Born” shapes to get practically the same as the third round, making the fourth week very sturdy at the Stanley., Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 65-$l)— "Hajji Baba” (20th) (2d wk). Held over at last minute when biz took a spurt.. Looks okay $5,500. Last week, $7,500. Harris (Harris) (2,200; 65-85)— “Black Knight’’ (Col). Getting a break since it’s the only new pic- ture in Golden Triangle. Fancy $10,000, being helped bv sneak preview. Last week, "Woman’s World” (20th) (2d wk), $8,000. Penn (UA) (3,300; 65-85)— "Sabrina” (Pat) (2d wk). Was to come out last Friday (5) for "Sud- denly,” but held so well it was continued for six days and $12,000, fine. Last week, "Sabrina” was above early expectations at terrific $25,000. Squirrel Hill (SW) (900; 65-85)— "Vanishing Prairie” . (Disney) (3d wk). Holding up nicely and should rate at least one more h o. Looks like fast $2,500 on top of $3,000 loef Vl/Anlr Stanley' (SW) (3,800; 75-$ 1.25)— “Star.Is Born” (WB) (4th wk). This looks like the same as third ses- sion or about $12,000. Stays a fifth. Last week, sturdy $12,500. Warner (SW) (1,365; $1.25-$2.65) —"Cinerama” (Indie) (49th wk). Pre-holiday drop let this down to fair $8,000. Last week, $8,500. San Francisco, Nov. 9. Better weather and football crowds over : the past weekend are contributing to a solid session, at the wickets currently. ‘.‘Human Jungle” looks, good at the Golden Gate while "Shield For Murder” is rated okay at the United Artists. Topping the holdovers is "White ■ Christmas,” still smash in second | round at the Paramount. "Black Widow” looms okay in second frame at the Fox, Estimates for This Week Golden . Gate (RKO) (2,859; 80- $1).—"Human Jungle” (AA) and' “Weak arid Wicked” (AA). Good $11,000 or near. Last Week, "Shanghai Story”, (AA) and "Tobar the. Great” (Rep), $7,000. Fox (FWC) (4,651; $1.25-$! .50)— "Black Widow” (20th) (2d wk). Okay $11,000. Last week, $15,000. Warfield fLoew’s) (2,656; 75-$l) —"Rogue Cop” (M-G) (2d wk). Slim $5,000. Last week, — Paramount (Par) (2,646; 90-$D— "White Christmas” (Par) (2d wk). Sock $23,000. Last week, $32,000. St. Francis (Par) (1,400; $1-$1.50) —"Star Is Born” (WB) (6th wk). Oke $7,500 in 5 days. Last week, $ 11 , 000 . Orpheum (Cinerama Theatre, Calif.) (1.458; $l!75-$2.65)—“Ciner- ama” (Indie) (45th wk). Good $21,- 000:. Last week, $19,500. United Artists (No. Coast) (1,207; 70-;$l)—-“Shield for Murder” (UA) and "Yellow Tomahawk” (UA). Okay $8,000. Last week, '‘Bengal Brigade” (U) and "Diamond Wiz- ard” (UA), . $7,500. .. Stagedogr (A-R) (400; $1-$1.25) —"Little Kidnappers” (AA) (3d wk). Good $3,000. Last week, $3,- 700. LarkiU (Roserier) (400; $1)— "Bread, Love and. Dreams” (IFE). Sock $3,800. Last week, "Hobson’s Choice” arid "Last Holiday” (AA) (6th wk), $2,300. Clay (Rosener). (400; $1)—‘‘Holly and Ivy’? (Indie). Good $3,000. Last .week, "Naughty .Marti ” (Indie), $2,000, Bridge (Schwartz-Reade) (399; $1-$1.20)—"High. and Dry” (U). Nice $3,500 looms in first week ending Wednesday (10); Last week, "Hulot’s Holiday” (GBD) (8th wk), $2,400. Cincinnati, Nov. 9. Downtown trade holding to crisp fall pace this, week despite oppo- sition from Liberace sellout at Music Hall, "Sabri ” is shaping solid at the Albee while "Beau BrummeU” is stackihg up okay at the Palace, "Highway Dragnet” is barely, okay. tempo for the Grand. "White Christmas;” in second stanza at Keith’s continues to top the major stands with another smash week. Estimates for This Week , Albee (RKO) . (3,100; 50-90)— "Sabrina” (Par).: Solid $15,000. Last week, "Star Is Born” (WB) (3d wk), at $1.25 top, $10,000. Capitol (Ohio Cinema Corp.) (1,- 376; $1.20*$2.65)—-"Cinerama” (In- die (20th wk), Continuing strongly ’ 9G. ‘Xmas’ 20G. 2d at $23,000 or better. Second L. & N. Railroad excursion from Louis- ville,- Ky.; will bring folks: in for Saturday matinee. Last week, $21,500. Grand (RKO) (1,400; 50-75)— "Highway Dragnet” (AA) and “Loophole” (AA). Just okay $6,- 000. Last week, "Her 12 Men” (M-G) and "Law Vs. Billy Kid” (Col), $6,500. Keith’s (Shor) (1,500; 75-$1.25)— "White Christmas” (Par) (2d wk). Still plenty sock at $20,000 in. wake of record $25,000 preem. Holds on. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 50-84)— "Beau BrummeU” (M-G). Okay $9,000 or over! Last week, "Wom- an’s World” (20th) (2d wk), at 75- $1 scale, $8,000. ‘Drum’ Beats Solidly In Philly, 18G; ‘Xmas’ Sock 34G, ‘Contessa’ 16G, 2 d Philadelphia, Nev. 9. Notre Dame-penn grid game boosted midtown biz over the past weekend, with strong holdover list cutting into possible take of new- comers. "DrurmBeat” looms fine at Stanley while "Down 3 Dark Streets” is rated good at Goldman, best showings for. new bills. Bulk of strerigth is being furnished by holdovers, with "White Christmas” leader in that regard, being smash in second Randolph roilnd. Opener was terrific, "Black Widow” shapes smart at the Fox as does ‘Barefoot Contessa”. at the Midtowri. Etimates for This Week ; Arcadia' (S&S) (625; 80-$1.35)-r- “Rear Window” (Par) (11th wk). Bright $5,600. Last week, $6,000. Boyd (SW) (1,430; $1.25)—‘‘Cine- rama” (Indie). (57th wk). Fair $10,- 200. Last week, $10,000. < Fox (20 th) (2,250; 99-$1.49)-- "Black Widow” (20th) (2d wk). Smart $19,000. Last week, $25,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 65- $1.30)—"Down 3 Dark Streets” (UA). Fancy $19,000. Last week, "Reap Wild Wina” (Par) (reissue), $13,000. Mastbaum (SW) (4,370; 75-$1.30) —“Star Is Born” (WB) (4th wk). Steady $17,000. Last week, $19,000. Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; 74- $1.49)—"Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (Continued on page 20) • Providence, Nov! 9. Christmas has arriydd early for the Strand, this proving a wonder- ful week there with "White Christ-, mas.” Capacity session looms. Majestic is. next in line with "A Star Is Born”.in second stanza with a ; great total! "Suddenly” shapes strong at Loew’s.“Crossed Swords” looms! fairly good at Albee. Estimates for This Week. ‘ Albee . (RKO) ((2,200; 50-75)— "Crossed SWords” (UA) and "Cap- tain Kidd and the Slave Girl” (UA). Good $8,500. Last week, "Human Jungle” (AA) and "Meet the Monsters” (AA), $7,500. Majestic (Fay) ((2,200; 75-$1.25) —"Star Is Born” (WB) (2d wk). Still hotsy at $17,000 after terrific $27,000 opener. , State (Loew’sV (3,200; 50-75)— "Suddenly” (UA) arid “Her Twelve Men” (M-G). On the strong side at $12,000 or near. Last week, "Man With Million” (UA) and "99 River Street” (UA), lean $8,500, . Strand (Silverman) (2,200; .50- .$D_“White Christmas” (Par). A really bright spot for this hurri- cane-ravaged house with .SRO $22,r 000 or better. Last week, "Push- over’’ (Col) and “Law Vs. Billy Kid” (Col), $6,000. ‘Xmas’ Brilliant $21,000, ‘Rogue’ 82 G, ‘Waterfront’ 8G,3d Baltimore, Nov. 9. "White Christmas” is the big one here this week, mopping up at Keith’s. "Rogue Cop” is enjoying the overflow at the Century, but is still fairish.! Double bill of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” arid "A Woman’s Face” is modest at the New but "Bengal Brigade” is pleas- ing at the Mayfair, Second week of "Black Widow” shapes okay at the Town. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew’s-UA) (3,000; 25- 80)—“Rogue Cop” (M-G). Mild $8,500. Last week, "Brigadoon” (M-G) (2d wk), $7,000. . Cinema (Schwaber) (466; 50-$l) —"High And Dry” . (U) (4th wk). Good $2,500. Last week, $3,300: . Film Centre (RappapQrt) (960; 50-$l)—"Sabrina” (Par) (5th wk). Holding nicely at $5,000. Last week, $6,000. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,100; 50-$ 1)^—"On Waterfront” (Col) (3d wk). Still potent at $8,000 or near. Last week, $11,000. Keith’s (Fruchtman) (2,400; 30- $1)—"White Christmas” (Par). Big $21,000 or! close. Last week, “Reap Wild Wind” .(Par) (reissue), $6,500. Little (Rappaport) (310; 50-$l)— ‘Victory At Sea” (Indie). Nice $3,- 600. Last week, "Turn Key Softly” (Indie), $1,200 in : 4 days. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 20-70) — Bengal Brigade” (U); .Nice $4,000. Last week, "Princess of Nile” (20th), $3,000. New (Fruchtman) (1,800; 30-90) —"Jekyll and Hyde” (M-G) and Woman’s Face” (M-G) (reissues). Mild $5,000 i 5 days, with "Bare- foot Contessa” replacing today (Tues). Last week, "Hajji Baba” (20th), $7,500. Playhouse (Schwaber) (420; 50- $1)—"Rear Window” (Par) (3d wk). Sturdy $5,000 after $5,500 in sec- ond. Stanley (WB) (3,200; 50-$1.25)— ‘Star Is Born” . (WB) (4th wk). Slipping to oke $7,500 after $10,- 000 for third. Town (Rappaport) (1,600; 35-$l) "Black Widow” (20th) J2d wk). Oke $8,000 after $12,500 opener. ‘Bengal’ Okay $6,000 In Omaha; ‘Star’ 11G, 2 d Omaha, Nov. 9. Only two new. entries, this week, "Brigadoon” at the State and "Bengal Brigade” at. the. .Omaha,! Both are okay but far from sensa- tional. "Star Is Born” still is stout in second week, at the Orpheum while "Black Knight” is light as Brandeis holdover. Estimates for This Week., Brandeis (RKO) (1,000; 50-75) "Black Knight” (Col) and "Un- holy Four” (Lip) (2d wk). Slow $3,000 after $5,000 opener. Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 50-75) —"Bengal Brigade”. (U) and "Laughing Anne” (Rep). Okay $6,000. Last week, "Sabriria” (Par) (2d wk), $6,000 at 70e-90c scale. Orpheum (Tristates) (2,890; 75- $1)—"Star Is Born” (WB) (2d wk). Neat $11,000. Last week, $16,000. State (Goldberg) (875; 50-80)— “Brigadoon” (M-G). Okay $6,000. Last week, ^'Rogue Cop” (M-G) and "Cowboy” (Lip), $4,500 at 55c-80e scale.