Variety (December 1954)

W'«lnr*<lay, December 8, 1954 PICT HIE GROSSES Chi Holding Well; ‘Wild Wind’ Big $13,500, ‘Track’ Smooth 20G, ‘Paris’ 33G, ‘Desiree’ 28G, ‘Xmas’ 36G, 5th Chicago, Dec. 7. l ine biz is in the making this round, before the Christmas lull «.pts in. as three new bills help to Sir up trade. Reissue of "Reap Wild Wind” tees off to lusty $13.- Joo at the Loop while “Track of rn- and “Bob Mathias Story” combo looms good $20,000 at Roose- velt *1011111316 Relations Is trim $3 700 at Carnegie. In second frame, “Last Time 1 S .w Paris” still is big at Woods but ‘•Desiree” at Oriental is only okay. Mr Vickers is having a lush week with “Phffft” while “Drum Beat” snares big chips at the Grand, both in second weeks. -Carmen Jones” is hefty in third at United Artists. “White Christ- mas’ is holding at terrific pace in filth at the State-Lake. In sixth Seek at the Surf, “Mr. Hulot’s Holiday” is tidy. “Cinerama” is stout in 71st frame at Palace. Estimates for This Week Carnegie (Telem’t) (480; 95) ‘ Intimate Relations” (Indie). Tidy $3 700 with adults only designa- tion. Last week. “Flamenco” (In- die <3d wk), $3,900. Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 98-$1.50) “Star Is Born” (WB) (8th wk). Offish $22,500. Last week. $27,500. Grand (Nomikos) (1.200; 98- $1.25'—’' Drum Beat” (WB) (2d wk). Big $12,000. Last week, $23,000. Loop (Telem’t) (606; 90-$1.25)— “Real) Wild Wind” (Par) (reissue). Sock $13,500 developing. Last week. “She-Wolf” (Rep) (3d wk). $6,500. MrViokers (JL&S) (2,200; 65- $1.25* — “Phffft” (Col) (2d wk). Strong $24,000. Last week, $30,000. Monroe (Indie) (1,000; 65-87)— “This Is My Love” (RKO) and “Africa Adventure” (RKO) (2d wk). 50- so S4.500. Last week, $6,700. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 98-$1.25* —“Desiree” (20th) (2d wk*. Okay $28,000 alter last week’s $42,700. Palace <Eitel) (1,484; $1.25-$3.40) —“Cinerama” (Indie) (71st wk). Boffo $33,500. Last week, $35,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1.400; 65-98)— •Track of Cat” (WB) and “Boll Mathias Story” (AA). Nifty $20.- 000 Last week. “Suddenly” (UA) and “Yellow Mountain” (U> (2d wk'. $21,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 98- $ 1 50'—'White Christmas” (Par) (5th wk». Still smash at $36,000. Last week, $46,000. Surf i H&E Balaban) (685; 95)— “Mr. Hulot’s Holiday” (GBD) (6th wk*. Bright $3,700. Last week. $4,900. United Artists (B&K) (1.700; 98- 51- 25*—“Carmen Jones” (20th) (3d wk*. Fast $26,000. Last week.*$31.- 500. Woods (Essaness) (1.206; 98- 51-25)—"Last Time I Saw Paris"* LM-G) 1 2d wk). Tall $33,000. Last week, S41.000. World * Indie) (697; 98)—“Bread Love. Dreams” (IFE) (4th wk) heat $3,500. Last week, $4,000. ‘PHFFFT’ POTENT 9G, BALTO; ‘XMAS’ 8G, 5TH Baltimore, Dec. 7. irinr'* 1 ’ l ‘ ie curren t list virtually 100 c holdover, grosses are on dull side here this week. “White Christ mas still is out front in its fifty jound at Keith’s. “Phffft” is healthy in second stanza at the town. ’Last Time I Saw Paris” coins mild in second week at the ventury while “Drum Beat” is dull hi second at the Stanley. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew’s UA) (3.000; 25- fo r~ ‘La.st Time Saw Paris” (M-G) Ld wk)-. Mild $7,500 after $12,500 opener. Cinema (Sehwaber) (466; 50-$l> of destiny” (Indie). rip" 1 Last week, “Madanie Be * Indie) (2d wk), $2,500. Centre (Rappaport) (960; Ok?i m- n!L brina ” <Par) ,9lh wk) - kav $3,500. Last week, $4,000. fi 0 sn ,)Od ? m ® ‘Rappaport) (2,100; finfi b ° n Waterfront” (Col) (7th- MO‘in sixth 004 $5,80 ° a, ‘ er ,6 '‘ SI w t ll?..' Fr '.', chtman * «.40«; 50- *10 n, hite Christmas” (Par) (5th “fourth g $8,00 ° after $12 ’ 500 ShSvffij ,!}**<**> (980; 20-70)— (Wed i t fIte P’- Starts tomorrow Yr U ). ahead, “Cattle Queen 'VorPmued on page 20) Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net; i.e., without usual tax. Distrib- utors share on net take, when playing percentage, hence the estimated figures are net in- come. The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement tax. Carmen’ Bright * % I, Denver Denver, Dec. 7. “Carmen Jones” is easily cap- turing top coin here currently, with a sock take, and may stay for three weeks at the Denver. “Last Time I Saw Paris” is doing fine in second round at Paramount. “Desiree” is trim in third stanza at Centre, and stays again. “White Christmas” is still fancy in sev- enth session at Denham, and could stay longer except for backlog of films at house. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 75-$D— “Aida” (IFE* (2d wk>. Fine $3,500. Last week, $4,000. Centre (Fox) (1,247; 60-$D— “Desiree” (20th) i3d wk). Fast $12,000. Stays. Last week. $15,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1.750; 70- $1.25)—“White Christmas” (Par) (7th wk). Fancy $11,000. Last week, $15,000. Denver <Fox> (2,525; 60-$D— “Carmen Jones” (20th). Very big $25,000. Holds. Last week. “Phftll” (CoD and “Law Vs. Billy Kid” (Col), $18,000. Esquire (Fox) (742; 50-85)—“Lit- tle Kidnappers” (UA) (2d wk). Poor $1,500. Last week, $3,500. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 50-85)— “This Is My Love” (RKO) and “Kisenga” (Indie). Fair $8,000 or less. Last week, “Cattle Queen Montana” (RKO) and “Turn Key Softly” (Indie), $10,500. Paramount (Wolfberg) (2,200; 60-$l)—“Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (2d wk). Nice $14,000. Stays on. Last week, $21,000. ‘Phffft’ Rousing $9,000, Port.; ‘Xmas’ 10th, 4th Portland, Ore., Dec. 7. First-run biz is definitely slug- gish this round with bad weather and upped tabs blamed. “White Christmas,” however, still is smash and setting a new playing time mark for the last 7 years for the Paramount. First three weeks were tremendous and fourth is still big. “Desiree” is rated good in second inning at Fox. “Phffft” looms tall for best new entry at Orpheum. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,890; 75-$l) —“Cattle Queen Montana” (RKO) and “Africa Adventure” (RKO*. Okay $7,000 or near. Last -week. “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) and “Dawn Socorro” (Ui, $15,000. Fox (Evergreen) (1.536; $1-$1,25> —“Desiree” (20th) (2d wk). Good $7,500 or less. Last week, $16,200. Guild (Indie) (400; $1)—“Always A Bride’’ (U). Mild $2,000. Last week, “Malta Story” (UA) and “Beauties In Night” (UA) (2d wk), $2 900 Liberty (Hamrick) (1,875; 65-90) —“Beau Brummel” (M-G) and i"Black Glove” (Lip). NSH $7,500. Last week, “Shield For Murder” (UA) and “Yellow Tomahawk” (UA), $7,200. Orpheum (Evergreen) (1.600; 75- ;$1)—“Phffft” (Col) and “Black Da- kotas” (Col). Tall $99,000. Last iweek, “Track of Cat” (WB) and | "Miss Robinson Crusoe” (20th) (2d wk), $6,200. Paramount (Port-Par) (3,400; $1- $1.25) — "White Christmas” (Par) (4th wk). Hefty $10,000. Last week. $17,900. This was ahead of second frame and bigger than anything else downtown. Second week was $16,000. Xmas Shopping, H.0.s Clip B’way; Track’ Light 31G, Paris’ Fancy 34G, ‘Christmas’-Stage 125G, 8th ‘Track’ NG at $10,000, Pitt; ‘Xmas’ Great 19G, ‘Desiree’ 8TG, Both 3d Pittsburgh, Dec. 7. Stanley has the only new pic- i lure in Golden Triangle this week. | but that isn’t helping “Track of the Cat.” which is only modest. Big winner continues to be “White Christmas” in third stanza at Penn. Bing Crosby-Danny Kaye starrer will probably stay again, and a fourth week looms, too. for “De- siree” at Fulton. Second stanza of “Phffft” at the Harris is fair enough. Pre-holiday slump setting in on “Cinerama” but first anni hoopla is helping to check the slide. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1.700; 65-$l.10) —“Desiree” i20tli> (3d wk). Hold- ing up fairly well at around $8,500. Rates another h.o. Last week, $ 11 , 000 . Harris (Harris) (2.165; 65-$l)— “Phffft” (Col) (2d wk). Not off too much on holdover; okay $8,000. Last w eek, $13,000. Penn <UA> (3.300; 75-$l .25)— i “White Christmas” (Par) ‘3d wk>. Starting to show age but still great, considering what house has been doing lately, at $19,000. Probably stays again. Last week, $33,000. Squirrel Hill (SW) <900; 65-85)— “Little Kidnappers” (UA) (4th wk). Dipping to $2,000, but it’s been a fine run. Coming qut for pop-price run of “Julius Caesar” (M-G). Last week, $3,000. Stanley (SW) <3.800; 65-$l)— “Track of Cal" (WB). Lone new entry. Modest $10,000. Last week, “Drum Beat” (WB), $13,000. Warner (SW) (1.365; |1.25-$2.65> —“Cinerama" (Indie) (53d wk). Hypoed a little by extensive bally- hoo for first annl, but doesn’t look for any real Improvement until after holidavs. Modest $8,500. Last week. $8,000. eoPCMd Cfl5 ‘Carmen’ Hot 19G, Philly; ‘Xmas’ 18G Philadelphia, Dec. 7. Christmas buying sloughed first- runs with about the only biz com- ing on the weekend. Cold spell also was no help. Most houses are hold- ing current fare and marking time until the year-end holidays. “Crest of Wave” is getting no place at the huge Mastbaum. Dual bill topped by "Fire Over Africa” is dull at Stanton. Key nabes ran strong profiting from the midtown loss. Biggest coin total is going to “Carmen Jones,” solid in third Stanley week. However, greatest showing is being made by "White Christmas.” still big in sixth round at the Randolph. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S&S) (625; 80-$1.35)— “Rear Window” (Par) (15th wk). Mild $4,500. Last week. $5,200. Boyd (SW) (1.430; $1.25-$2.60)— “Cinerama” (Indie) (61st wk). New low for run at $8,700. Last week, $11 700 Fox <20th> (2.250; 90-$1.40)— “Desiree” (20th) (3d wk. Fair $16,- 000. Last week. $27,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 65- $1.30)—“Phffft” (CoD (2d wk). Nice $11,000. Last week. $19,000. Mastbaum (SW) (4,370; 75-$1.30) —“Crest of Wave” <M-G>. Com- plete washout $11,500. Last week, “Track of Cat” (WB), $12,000. Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; 74- $ 1 . 49 )—“Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (Continued on page 20) ‘Dragnet’ Dandy $18,000, Mont’l; ‘Xmas’ Wow36G Montreal. Dec. 7. Paramount's "White Christmas” continues standout here this ses- j sion with a smash second week at t I Loew’s. It is running far ahead of * its nearest rival. “Dragnet” shapes : j solid at the Capitol while “Broken I 1 Lance” still is okay in second frame at Palace. ■! Estimates for This Week Palace (C.T.) (2.625; 60-$D— ! “Broken Lance” (20th) (2d wk*. Okay $13,000 following $20,000 opener. Capitol (C.T.) (2.422; 45-75)— j “Dragnet” (WB). Solid $18,000. ; Last week. “Betrayed” (M-G) (2d | wk), $15,000. I Princess (C.T.) (2.131; 40-65)— “Rogue Cop” (M-G) (2d wk*. Okay $8,000 after good first week at $15,000. Loew’s (C.T.) (2.847; 60-$l>— “White Christmas” (Par) (2d wk>. Sockeroo $36,000 following i^harn $41,000 first round. Orpheum (C.T.) (1.048; 40-65)— “Suez ’ (20th* and “Halls of Mon- tezuma” (20th) (reissues). Average $6,000. Last week. “Golden Mis- tress” (UA) and “Shield for Mur- der (UA), $7,000. Broadway film business Ls on the skids this stanza, the pre-Xnias slump being unusually early. Cold- est weather of the present winter Monday and yesterday (Tues.) put a further dent in trade. Majority of Rust-run houses are just coast- ing this session with holdover fare and awaiting until near the year- end holidays to launch new prod- uct. “Track of Cat.” a newcomer, shapes mild $31,000 at the Para- mount. "Atomic Kid” with vaude- ville is heading for a good $24,000 at the Palace. Elsewhere hold- I overs or extended-runs prevail. The Music Hall still is garner- ing the most coin although cur- rently in the eighth and final week with “White Christmas" and stage- show*. The Hall looks to hold at big $125,000 in the closing session ending today. “Deep in My Heart” and the annual Christmas stage- show opens tomorrow (Thurs.). “Star Is Born” is holding in amazing fashion at the Victoria, with a smash $30,600 in eighth week ended last Sunday (5). It stays on. “Last Time I Saw Paris” continues solid with $34,000 likely in present (3d) stanza at the Capi- tol. “Sitting Bull” still is okay with $15,000 in second round ending to- day (Wed.) at the Mayfair. Oldie combo of "Battleground” and “Asphalt Jungle” likewise is satis- factory with a nice $9,000 probable for initial holdover frame at the Globe. “Desiree” is dipping to an okay $44,000 in third Roxy session. It stays a fourth, with “No Business Like Show Business” preeming Dec. 16. “Phffft” did an okay $13.- 000 in fourth round at the State. “Carmen Jones” Ls heading for a good $19,500 in sixth stanza at the Rivoli. “Sabrina” continued with good $12,000 in 11th week at the Criterion where “Country Girl” preems Dec. 15. “On Waterfront” still was nice with $14,000 in 19th round at the Astor, and stays on until Dec. 19 when “20,000 Leagues Under Sea” opens. “Cinerama” held at stout $35,000 in 78th week at the War- ner, and continues on. Estimates for This Wek Astor (City Inv.) (1.300; 50-$1.75> —"On Waterfront” (Col) <20th wk). Still doing nicely with $14,000 for 19th session concluded last night (Tues.). The 18th week was $18,- 000. "20,000 Leagues Under Sea” (Disney) opens Dec. 19. Little Carnegie (Indie) (528; $1.25-$2.20) — “Aida” (IFE) (4th wk*. This round ending today (Wed.) looks like good $11,000 after $16,000 for third week. Stays. Baronet (Reade) (430; 90-$1.55)— “Notorious” (Indie) Ireissue) (2d wk). Current frame winding to- morrow (Thurs.) shapes to get fast $4,200 after $4,000 for first week. "Game of Love” (Indie) opens Dec. 14. Capitol (Loew’s) (4.820; 85-$2.20) —"Last Time I Saw Paris” (M-G) (3d wk). Present stanza ending to- morrow (Thurs.) appears likely to get solid $34,000 after $45,000 for second week. Stays. I Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 50-$1.85) —“Sabrina” (Par) (12th wk). The 11th frame jended last night (Tues.) was still in chips with good $12,000 after $16,000 for 10th week. “Coun- try Girl” (Par) opens Dec. 15, with regular run starting Dec. 16. Fine Arta (Davis) <468; 90-$1.80) —"The Detective” (Col) (6Ui wk). The fifth stanza ended Sunday ‘5) was good $8,300 after $11,800 for fourth week. Stays on indef. Globe (Brandt) (1.500; 70-$1.50* —‘Battleground” (M-G) and “As- phalt Jungle” (M-G) (reissues) (2d wk*. Looks to hold with nice $9- 000 in initial holdover week end- ing tomorrow (Thurs.) after $11,- 000 opening week. Guild (Guild) <450; $1-$1.80>—- “Lavender Hill Mob” (U) and' “Tight Little Island” <U) (reissues) (3d wk). Second round ended Mon- day (6) held with solid $3,700 after $5,000 opening week. “Gate of Hell” (Indie) opens Dec. 13. Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 79- $1.80)—“Sitting Bull' (UA) (2d wk). This first holdover round end- ing today (Wed.) likely will reach okay $15,000 after $26,500 opening week. Continues. Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; 95- $1.80)—“Heart of Matter” (Indie) (3d wk). Current frame winding today (Wed.) looks to hit good $3,500 after $4,000 for second. Palace (RKO) (1.700; 50-$1.60>— “Atomic Kid” (Rep) with vaude-1 ville. Week ending tomorrow (Thurs.) likely will get good $24,- 000 or near. In ahead. “Human Jungle” (AA) and vaude. $26,500. Paramount (ABC-Par) (3,664; 85- $1.75)—“Track of Cat” (WB) (2d wk). First stanza ended last night (Tues.) was mild $31,000 or close. In ahead. “Drum Beat” (WB) w’ith Jackie Gleason and his tv show on- stage (2d wk), whopping $116,000 to top opening week. Paris (Pathe Cinema) (568; 90- $1.80)—“Bread. Love, Dreams” (IFE) (12th wk). The 11th session ended Sunday (5) held with fairly good $8,000 after $9,500 in 10th week. Holds on. Rivoli (UAT) (2.092; 85-$2)— “Carmen Jones” (20th) (6th wk). Present round ending tomorrow (Thurs.) probably will hold around $19,500, good. Fifth week was $26,000, slightly below hopes. Con- tinues on. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) ($6,200; 95-$2.75)—“White C/hristmas”* (Par) and stageshow (8th-final wk). Present session end- ing today looks like nice $125,000 to wind up longrun after $158,500 for seventh week. Annual Xmas stageshow and “Deep in My Heart” (M-G) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). "Christmas” wound up eight-week run with $1,202,500, one of great grossers to play Hall. Roxy (Nat'l. Th.) (5.717; 65-$2.40) —“Desiree” (20th) (3d wk). Cur- rent stanza ending today (Wed.) is heading for just okay $44,000 after $68,500 in seeond week. Stays on until “No Business Like Show Business” (20th) opens Dec. 16 with benefit preem that night for Actors Fund of America. Regular run starts Doo IT State (Loew's) (3,450; 78-$1.75)— “Phfftt” (Col) (5th wk). Fourth round ended last night (Tues.) was okay $13,000 or close after $17,500 for third week. Sutton (R&B) (561; 90-$1.50>— “High and Dry” (U> (15th wk). The 14th round ended Monday (6) held around okay $5,000 after $6,000 in 13th week. “Romeo and Juliet” (UA) opens Dec. 21. Trans-Lux 60th St. (T-L) (453; $1-$1.50) — “Little Kidnappers” (UA) (15th-finai wkl. The 14th frame ended last night (Tues.) was okay $3,600 after $4,800 in 13th week. “Hunters of Deep” (DCA) opens Dec. 16. Trans-Lux 52d St. (T-L) (540; $1-$J.50)—“Lili” (M-G) (92d wk). The 9lst round ended Monday (6) held with good $3,900 after $4,200 in 90th week. Now planned to bring in “Tonight’s the Night” (AA) about Dec. 23. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; $l-$2) —“Star Is Born” (WB) (9th wk). Still very big with big $30,600 in eighth session ended Sunday (5). The seventh week was $39,500. Stays on indef. Warner (Cinerama Prod.) (1,600; $1.20-$3.30) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (79th wk). The 78th stanza ended Saturday <5) continued very sturdy with $35,000. The 77th week, aided by holidays, was $40,000. Track’ NSH $11,000 in Cincy; ‘Xmas’ Loud 8£G, 6th, ‘Desiree’ 10?G, 2d Cincinnati, Dec. 7. Yule shopping is clipping trade at all downtown houses this week. Only new bill, “Track of Cat,” shapes moderately at the Palace. “Desiree” and “Drum Beat” are in second weeks at so-so rate. “White Christmas” in sixth stanza at Keith’s warrants continuation un- til Xmas. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 75-90)— “Desiree” (20th) (2d wk). Favor- able $10.§00 after $16,500 preem. Capitol (Ohio Cinema Corp.) (1.376; $1.20-$2.65) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (24th wk). Lofty $21,000 after $22,500 last week. Grand (RKO) (1.400; 75-90)— “Drum Beat” (WB) (ni.o.). Fairish $6,000. Last week. “Sabrina” (Par) <m.o.) (2d wk), $6,500 at 50c-90c scale. Keith’s (Shor) (1.500; 75-$1.25>— "White Christmas” (Par) (6th wk). Still jingling loudly at $8,500 fol- lowing $15,000 in fifth stanza. Warrants holding until nearly Xmas. Palace (RKO) (2.600; 75-90*— "Track of Cat” (RKO*. Moderate $11,000. Last week, "Drum Beat” lWB*, $13,500.