Variety (December 1954)

PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, December 22, 1954 L.A.Trade Hard Hit Albeit ‘Xmas in 8th Wk.; 'Desiree* Bright $14, 10G,‘Fate-‘Mistress’Light 16G Los Angeles, Dec. 21. < First-run business is running along the bottom this frame, with only a few spots showing any signs of boxoffice life. Nearly all houses are marking time until Christmas brings in new fare the latter part of the week. Still rated best is the bright $14,000 being garnered by “White Christmas’’ in its eighth week at the Warner Beverly and the down- town Paramount. Fifth week of “Desiree” also looms good at the Chinese. Estimates for This Week Los Angeles, New Fox, Hits, Lo- yola (FWC) <2,097; 965; 1,363; 1.248; 70-$l.10)—“Twist of Fate” (UA) and "Golden Mistress” <UA). Thin $16,000. Ritz, Loyola, with Rialto, “Woman’s World” <20th) and “Deadly Game” <Lip) <3d wk), $10,700; others in different units. Orpheum (Metropolitan) (2,213; 60-$l)—“Garden of Eden” (Indie) and “The Window” (RKO) (re- issue). So-so $4,500. Last week, 2d-run. Warner Downtown, Wiltern, .Vogue (SW-FWC) (1,757; 2,344; 885; 70-$1.10)—"Saratoga Trunk <WB) and “Big Sleep” (WB) (re- issues). Light $12,000. Last week. Downtown, Wiltern, with New Fox, “Cry Vengeance" <AA) and "This Is Your Army” (20th), $11,100. State, Egyptian, Fox Beverly (UATC-FWC) <2,404; 1,536; 1,352; 70-$l.10)—“Hansel and Gretel” <RKO) and “Mighty Fortress” (AA) (not at Beverly). Slow $14,- 500. Last week, without Beverly, “Crest of Wave” (M-G) and “Atomic Kid” (Rep) (8 days), $14,- 900. Hillstreet, Hawaii (RKO-G&S) (2,752; 1,106; 60-$ 1.10)—“Cattle Queen Montana” (RKO) and "Wore Yellow Ribbon” (RKO) (reissue) (2d wk). Dull $7,000. Last week, $11,700. United Artists. Four Star (UATC) <2,100; 900; 70-$1.10) — “She-Wolf” (Rep) <3d wk). Scant $2,000. Last week, with Vogue, $ 6 , 000 . El Rey (FWC) <861; 70-$1.10)— “Earrings Madame De” (Indie) (3d wk). Slow $1,500. Last week, $ 2,000 Hollywood (FWC) (756; 70-$1.10) —"Sabrina” (Par) <4th wk). Okay $3,300. Last week, $3,600. Chinese (FWC> <1.905; $1-$1.75) —"Desiree” (20th) <5th wk). Good $10,000. Last week, $10,100. Hollywood Paramount (F&M) (1,430; $1-$1.50)—“Last Time Saw Paris” - (M-G) <5th wk). Okay $6,500 or near. Last week. $7,400. Wilshire, Iris. Rialto (FWC-Met ropolitan) <2,296; 814; 837; $1 $1.50)—"Carmen Jones” (20th) (7th wk Wilshire; 2d wk Iris: 1st Rialto). Oke with $10,000 or near. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $551 100 (Based on 22 theatres.) Last Year $512,000 (Based on 24 theatres.) Paris’ Lusty 16G, Philiy; ‘Xmas’ 13G Last week, with Los Angeles, with- out Rialto, $13,600. Fine Arts (FWC) (631; $1-$1.75) —“Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (7th W'k). Good $5,000. Last week, $6 200 . Warner Beverly, Downtown Paramount (SW-ABPT) (1.612; 3- 200; 90-$l.50)—“White Christmas” (Par) (8th wk). Bright $14,000. Last week, $16,500. Pantages (RKO) <2.812; $l-$2.25) —“Star Is Born” (WB) (12th wk). Modest $8,000. Last week, $8,800. Warner Hollywood <SW) (1,364; $1.20-$2.65) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (86th wk). Into current frame Sun- day (19) after slow $16,800 last week. Canon (ABC - Rosener) (533; $1.10)—"Bread, Love, Dreams” (IFE) (7th wk). Thin $1,800. Last week, $2,100. Philadelphia, Dec. 21. Philiy first-runs are undergoing the same experience as other keys in that many are dragging bottom pre-Xmas. Viking’s “Last Time I Saw Paris” is lone newcomer to show real signs of life. The eight round of “White Christmas” still is big at the Randolph. Elsewhere, it’s very sluggish with few excep- tions. However, biz at cinemas is better than same period last year. Estimates for This Week Arcadia <S&S) (625). Shuttered until Dec. 25. Boyd «SW) (1,430; $1.25-$2.60)— "Cinerama” (Indie) <63d wk). New low at $6,500. Last week, $8,500, Fox (20th) <2,250; 90-$1.40) — Desiree” <20th) (5th wk). Fair $9,000 in 5 days. Last week, $ 12 , 000 . Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 65- $1.30)—“Black Knight” <Col) <2d wk). Mild $9,500. Last week, $16, 000 . Mastbaum (SW) (4,370; 75-$1.30) —“Cry Vengeance” (AA). Drab $10,000 or less. Last week, “Cattle Queen Montana” <RKO) and "This Is our Army” (20th), $10,500. Midtown (Goldman) <1,000; 74- $1.49)—"Barefoot Contessa” (UA) <8th wk). Oke $7,000. Last week, $ 8 , 000 . Randolph (Goldman) (1,200; 75- $1.40)—“White Christmas” (Par) <8th wk). Big $13,000 or close. Last week, $17,000. Stanley (SW) (2,900; 74 r $1.30)— “Carmen Jones” <20th) (5th wk). Off to mild $9,000. Last week, $15,000. Stanton (SW) (1,473; 50-99) — “This Is My Love” (RKO) and "Gog” (UA). Lean $6,000. Last week, “She-Wolf” (Rep) and "Make Haste to Live” (Rep) $8,000. ' Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 80-$1.50) —“Sabrina” (Par) (9th wk). Oke $4,500. Last week, $5,000. Viking (Sley) (1,000; 74-$1.50)— "Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G). Fancy $16,000 or near. Last week, “Athena” (M-G) <4th wk), $4,000. Trans-Lux (T-L) (604; 99-$ 1.50) —“Suddenly” (UA) <10th wk). Slow $2,500. Last week, $3,000. CARMEN’ FAIR $8,500, BUFF.; OTHER PIX LIMP Buffalo, Dec. 21. It’s mighty dismal at most first- runs here this session, with the usual pre-Xmas slump in high gear currently. "Carmen Jones” in sec- ond round at the Center is about best bet with a fair total. “Crest of Wave” and “Bob Mathias Story” are particularly lightweight of new pix. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loew) <3,000; 50-80)— “Battleground” (M-G) and “As- phalt Jungle” (M-G) (reissues). Dismal $5,000. Last week, “Sitting Bull” (UA) and “Return Treasure Island” (Indie) (9 days), $15,000. Paramount (Par) (3,000; 50-80)— Crest of Wave” (M-G) and “Hell’s Outpost” (Indie). Gloomy $7,000. Last week, “Golden Mistress” (UA) and “Steel Cage” (UA), $9,000. Center (Par) (2,000; 50-80) — “Carmen Jones” (20tli) (2d wk). Fair $8,500 in 9 days. Last week, $15,000. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 50-80)— Sands Iwo Jima” (Rep) and War of Wildcats” (Rep) (reissues). Dull $6,000. Last week, “Glenn Miller Story” <U) (reissue) and “South Sea Sinner” (U) <6 days), $4,000. Century (Buhawk) (3,000; 50-80) —“Bob Mathias Story” (AA) and “Port of Hell” (AA). Thin $6,000 in eight days. Last week, “Cry Vengeance” (AA) and “Target Earth” (AA) (8 days), $7,500. Xmas Shoppers Slough Del But ‘Battleground’-‘Asphalt’ Fair at 8G Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $1,887,000 (Based on 23 cities and 215 thebtres, chiefly first runs, in- cluding N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year $1,731,800 (Based on 22 cities and 205 theatres.) Bull’ Modest $8,500 in Pitt ’Hansel’ Modest $7,000, Cleve.; ‘WOd Wind’ 12G Cleveland, Dec. 21. Most firstruns are bare of biz here this session, with slump in line with what always occurs at this time of year. “Cry Venge- ance” is doing mildly at the Allen. “Reap Wild Wind” looms good at the State, for best showing in town. “Hansel and Gretel” and “Tarzan and She-Devil.” dualed by Palace, are disappointing since Its too early for the kiddies. Estimates for This Week Allen (S-W) (3.000; 60-90(—"Cry Vengeance” (A A). Slow $9,000. Last week, “Track of Cat” (WB>, $11,000 tn 9 davs. llipp (Telem’t) (3.700; 60-90) — 4 Guns to Border” (U) and “Black 13” (Indie). Mild $10,000 Last (Continued on page 20) Pre-Xmas in K.C.; ‘Guns’ OK $15,01)0 Kansas City, Dec. 21. Pre-Christmas week is light- weight all around as film theatres wait for the upcoming holiday trade. Film fare is light with new bills in only two situations while reissues and holdovers hold other screens. Fox Midwest is combatting doldrums with series of sneak previews in addition to “Four Guns to Border,” and doing quite well. “Fire Over Africa” dualled with “They Rode West” is urab at the Midland. “Saratoga Trunk” at Mainstreet looms thin.' Hans Chris- tian Andersen” at Paramount shapes light. Weather is holding a seasonal trend of near-freezing temperatures over weekend. Estimates for This Week Fairway (Fox Midwest) (700; 65- 85) — Currently back in fourway tieup with other Fox Midwest first- suns. Last week. "Desiree” (20th) (3d w’k), oke $3,000. Glen (Dickinson) (750; 85-$l) — “High and Dry” (U) (7th wk) and “The Promoter” (U) (2d run) (2d wk). Fair $1,000. Last week, same. Kimo (Dickinson) (504; 85-$l)— “Julius Caesar” (M-G) <4th wk). Oke $1,000. Last week. same. Midland (Loew’s) (3,500; 60-80) — “Fire Over Africa” (Col) and “They Rode West” (Col). Drab $6,000. Last week “Athena” (M-G) and “Masterson of Kansas” (Col) $7,500. Missouri (RKO) (2,650; 50-80)— “Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and “Crim- (Continued on page 20) Pittsburgh, Dec. 21. Town's In the doldrums this week, and everybody is just wait- ing around for Christmas, when seven pix are opening for the big- gest crush of new product around here in years and years. Penn had the best weekend with “Sitting Bull” but even so it was sluggish by ordinary standards. “Bounty Hunter” at Stanley also is swing- ing low. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 65-85)— “Princess of Nile” (20th) and “Gambler From Natchez” (20th) Will be lucky to hit slight $4,000 Last week, “Desiree” <20th) (4th wk), $3,500. Harris (Harris) (2,165; 65-85)— “The Raid” (20th). Looks like very weak $4,000 in 6 days. Last week, “Bengal Brigade” (U), $6,500. Penn (UA) (3.300; 65-85'—’"Sit ting Bull” (UA). Modest $8,500, not very hot even at this season. Last week. “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G), $13,000. Squirrel Hill (SW) <900; 65-85)— “Lili” (M-G) (reissue*. Art naber smartly stuck in a couple of fine oldies for fortnight preceding Xmas. Should be oke $2,500 or near. Last week, “Julius Caesar” (M-G), (reissue), $2,000. Stanley (SW) (3,800; 65-85*— “Bounty Hunter” (WB). Lean $6,000. Last week, “Athena” (M-G*,. $7,000. Warner (SW) (1,365; $1.25-$2.65) —“Cinerama” (Indie) (55th wk*. Hitting rock bottom at slow $5,000. About same last week. Detroit, Dec. 21. " Christmas shoppers currently are streaming right past the down- town cinemas bent on getting that last gift. As nsual, it’s the dismal season for exhibs. Only two new double-bills in first-runs and both are oldies. “Asphalt Jungle” and "Battleground” combo shape fair at Madison. “House of Wax” plus Phantom of Rue Morgue” looms slow at the Broadway-Capitol. And all the holdovers are dragging bot- tom except “Reap Wild Wind,” mildish at the Palms. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5.000; $1- $1.25)—“Carmen Jones” (20th) (4th wk). Drab $14,000. Last week, $17,000. Michigan (United Detroit) <4,000- 80-$l)—“Black Knight” (Col) and "Race for Life” (Lip) (2d wk). Thin $8,000 in 5 days. Last week, $13,000. Palms (UD) (2,961; 80-$l) — “Reap Wild Wind” (Par) and “Si- lent Raiders” (Indie). Mildish $9,- 000. Last week. $22,000. Madison (UD) (1,900; 80-$l)— “Asphalt Juncle” (M-G) and “Bat- tleground” (M-G) (reissues). Fair $8,000. Last week. “A Woman’s Face” (M-G) and “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (M-G) (reissues), $7,000. Broadway-Capitol (UD) (3.500; 95-81.15)—“House of Wax” (WB) and “Phantom of Rue Morgue” (WB) (reissues). Slow $7,000. Last week. “Shield for Murder” <ITA) and “Steel Cage” (UA), $12,000. United Artists (UA) (1.938; $1- $1.25)—“Desiree” (20th) (5th wk*. Thin $6,000. Last week, $7,500. Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 80-$l) —“Last Time Saw Paris” <M-G) (4th wk). Drab $5,000. Last week, $6,743. Music Hall (Cinerama Produc- tions) (1,194; $1.40-$2.65)—“Ciner- ama” (Indie) (92d wk). Dowrn to mild $7,000. Last week, $9,300. ‘Streets’ G iii Pre-Holiday Bops Balto But Xmas Fat $7,000 In 7th; ‘Love’ Dim ^ $8,000 in Prov. Providence, Dec. 21. Christmas lull prevails currently and most stands are just content to stay open. Majestic is the leader with “Down 3 Dark Streets.” Loew’s is sagging with “Beau Brummell.” RKO Albee with "Bengal Brigade and Strand with "Three Hours To Kill” are next in line. Albee (RKO) (2,200; 50-75)— ‘♦Bengal Brigade” (U) and “Go Man Go” (UA). Steady $6,000. Last week, “Carmen Jones” (20th) and Week-Before-Xmas Blues in Mpk; ‘Cinerama’ Oke 14G, ‘Beau’ Dim $7, Minneapolis, Dec. 21. 1 Traditionally one of year’s worSlf boxoffice periods, the W’eek-before- Christmas here is following the usual pattern. It finds many weaker pix on tap with bigger hits held until Xmas day or just prior to Dec. 25. Even newcomer “Beau Brummell" is taking it on the chin at Radio City. However “Cine- rama,” in its 36th week at the Century still is okay for a new longrun second in Minneapolis, “Karamoja” also is okay in fifth week at the Gopher. Estimates for This Week Century (S-W) (1,140; $1.75- $2.65)—“Cinerama” (Indie) (36th wk). Starting 10th month, by far an allliirte longrun record here in Minneapolis and one that would be unbelievable in advance. Helped over seasonal hump by special re- duced priced school children’s matinees. Okay $14,000. Last week, $12,000, below hopes. Gopher (Berger) (1.000;’65-85)— “Karamoja” (Indie) and “Halfway to Hell” dndie) (5th wk). Winding up a sensational longrun. Nice $3,000. Last week, $4,000. Lyric (Par) <1,000; 65-85)—"Re- turn From Sea” (AA) and “Paris Playboys” (AA). Got good weekend I play from youngsters and looks to get fast $3,500. Last w’eek, “Track Cat” (WB) (2d wk), $4,000 at 85c- $1 scale. * Radio City (Par) <4,100^ 65-85)— “Beau Brummell” (M-G). Biz un- believably bad. Dull $7,000. Last week, “Tonight’s Night” (AA), $8,500. RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 65- 85)—"Dawn at Socorro” (U). Fair $5,500 in 4 days. “Crimson Pirate” (WB) and “Saratoga Trunk” (WB) (reissues) opened yesterday (Mon.) to carry through Christmas eve and permit Saturday Yuletide opening for “20,000 Leagues Under Sea” <BV). Last week, “Bengal Brigade” (U), $6,000. RKO-Pan (RKO) 1,600; 50-75) —“Princess of Nile” (20th) and "Thy Neighbor’s Wife” (20th). Lur- ing bargain hunters and action fans, but not expected to hold up near Christmas. Slow $4,000. Last week, “Phffft” (Col) (2d wk), $4,500 at 65c-85c scale. State (Par) (2.300; 65-85)— “Bounty Hunter” (WB). Just barely okay $5,500. Last week, “Human Jungle” (AA), $5,000. World (Mann) (400; 65-$1.25)— “Illicit Interlude” (Indie). Word- of-mouth and daring ads helping this Swedish pic. Satisfactory $3,000 in 10 days. Last week, $3,900. Baltimore, Dec. 21. As usual, week before Xmas is coming up with some sad totals for first-runs here this week. “Crest Of Wave” is modest at the Town. This Is My Love” is dull at the Hipp. Reissues like “Saratoga Trunk” at Stanley and double bill of “Battleground” and “Asphalt Jungle” at Century are faring badly. But “White Christmas” at Keith’s looms fancy in seventh week. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew’s-UA) (3.000; 25- 80)—“Battleground” (M-G) and Asphalt Jungle” (M-G) (reissues). Limp $4,500. Last week, "Athena” (M-G), $7,000. Film Centre (Rappaport) (960; 50-$l)—“Sabrina” (Par) (llth-final wk). Okay $3,000 after $3,500 in 10th. Hippodrome (Rappaport) <2,100; 35-80)—“This Is My Love” (RKO). Meek $6,000. Last week, “On Waterfront” (Col) (8th wk), $5,000. Keith’s (Fruchtman) (2.400; 50- $1)—“White Christmas” (Par) <7th final wk). Fancy $7,000. Last week, $8,000. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 20-70)— “Yellow Mountain” (U). Dull $2,500. Last week, “She-Wolf” (Rep), $3,000. New (Fruchtman) (1,800; 35-75- $1.25)—“Barefoot Contessa” (UA) <6th-flnal wk). Oke $5,000 after $6,000 in fifth. Playhouse (Schwaber (420; 50- $1)—“Rear Window” (Par) (9th wk). Holding steadily at $3,000 same as last week. Stanley (WB) (3.200; 30-80)— “Saratoga Trunk” (WB) (reissue). Blah $4,000. Last week, “Private Hell 36” (FM), $5,000. Town (Rappaport) <1,600; 35-80) —“Crest Of Wave” (M-G). Mild $6,500. Last week, “Black Knight” i (Col), $7,800. Majestie (Fay) (2,200; 50-75)— "Down 3 Dark Streets” (UA) and "Four Guns to Border” (U). Very good $8,000. Last week, “Black Widow” (20th) and “Royal Tour” (20th) $11,000 at upped scale. State -(Loew’s) (3,200; 50-75*— "Beau Brummell” (M-G) and “Dia- mond Wizard” (UA). Light $7,500 in six days. Last week, “Athena” (M-G) and “Khyber Patrol” (UA), $9,000 Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 50- 75)—"Three Hours to Kill” (Col) and “Black Dakotas” (Col(. Slow $4,000. Last week, “Black Knight” (Col) and “Massacre Canyon” (Col), $ 8 , 000 . ‘Bounty’ NSG $10,000, Denver; ‘Carmen’ 6G, 3d Denver, Dec. 21. Downtown spots are loaded with reissues again this w r eek and the four remaining first-runs with fresh product are not getting far. “Bounty Hunter” is getting biggest coin total but it is only fair at Paramount. “Carmep Jones” is very mild at the Denver and “Desiree” at the Fox is not much better. Estimates for This Week Centre (Fox) (1,247); 60-$D— “Desiree” (20th) (5th wk). Fair $7,000. Last week, $9,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 60-$l) “Carmen Jones” (20th) (3d wk). Mild $6,000. Last week, $14,000. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 50-85*— “Shanghai Story” (Rep) and “Sleeping Tiger” (Astor). Poor $5,000. Last week “Private HeR 36” (Lp) and “Race for Life” (Lp) $8000. Paramount (Wolfberg) <2.200, 50-85)—“Bounty Hunter” tWB> and “Operation Manhunt’ <UA). Fair $10,000. Last week, “Bengal Brigade” (U) and “Crest of the Wave” (M-G) $11,000.