Variety (December 1954)

PICTURE GROSSES * « Pebcmber 29, 1954 'Sea Huge 75G Paces Chi; “Show Biz’ Socko 48G, Chalice’ Bright $33,000, ‘GreteF Solid 16G, Heart’ Fine 23G Chicago, Dec. 28. ♦ Post-Christmas biz in here looks smash round, with 11 new unloaded for holiday Exceptionally good the Xmas weekend ‘Deep In McVickers is this pix being showings. brought throngs to all situations. However min late Sunday and again Monday hurt some. • No Business Like Show Busi- looks to get sock $48,- 0()0 at the Oriental, while “20,000 earn es Under Sea * at State-Lake looms a terrific $75,000_ Mv Heart" at the fahcv with $23,000. Silver Chalice" promises a very bright $33,000 at United Aftists, ‘ Hansel and Gretel" is a lush $16.- 000 at the Loop. At the Monroe, •Trouble In Glen" looks fancy s 1 0 000 “The Detective" is hotsy with $6 000 at the Surf. “Aida" kicks off at the World for a sock $8,000. “Young At Hearts*" with Don Cornell heading vaude. looks tall in second frame at the Chicago. “Black Knight” and ‘‘Law vs. Billy Kiel" at the Roosevelt continues strong Estimates for Tills Week Carnegie 'Telem’t) (480; 95)— “George K. Arthur’s Prize" (Indiet. Lush $4,600. Last week, "Hamlet" (Indie* 'reissue). $1,500. Chicago *B&K) 3,900; 98-$1.50> — Young At Heart" (WB> with Don Cornell topping vaude (2d wk 1 . Tall $56,000. Last week. $54,000 Grand (Nomikos) (1,200; 98- $1.25'•—"Fire Over Africa" (Col) and “They Rode West" Coll. Fair $10,000 Last week, “Drum Beat" *WB* <4th wk), $6,000. Loop (Telem’t) (606: 90-$l:25>— "Hansel and Gretel” (RKO). Lofty $16,000. Last week. "Reap Wild Wind" <Par> .reissue) (3d wk), $4,500 in 5 days. McVickers (JL&SM2,200; 65- $1 25'—"Deep in My Heart” (M-G>. Nice $23,000. Last week, "Phffft” (Col) 1 4th wk). $10,000. Monroe (Indie) 1,000; 65-87)— "Trouble in Glen” (Rep). Tall $12,000. Last week, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” <M-G) and "Wom- an's Face” (M-G) (reissues) 2d wk', S4.500. Oriental -Indie) (3,400; 98-$1.25) —‘ No Business Like Show Busi- ness” (20th'. Smash $48,000. Last week. “Desiree” (4th wk), $17,500. Palace (Eitel) (1.484; $1 25-$3.40> — Cinerama” (Indie) 74th wk). Good $19,000. Last week. $21,000. State-Lake <B&K) (2,700; 98- $1.25'—•‘20.000 Leagues Under Sea -Disney). Colossal $75,000. Last week, “White Christmas” (Pan <7lh wk), $20,000. Surf -H&E Balaban) 685; 95)— Detective” (Col). Hotsy $6,000. week. "Mr. Hulot’s Holiday" '8th wk'. $2,000. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 98- $1.2a- — “Silver Chalice” (WB). Sock $33 ooo Last w eek, “Carmen Jones 20th) (5th wk), $13,500. Moods (F.ssaness) (1,206; 98- 7 -, — Last Time Saw Paris” LM-G -5th wk». Sturdy $18,000. Last week. SI7.500. World -Indie) (697; 98>—"Aida” • n , Sockeroo $8,000. Last week. ,“[ ead - Love and Dreams" (IFE) (6th wk) $2,000. Last (GBD- ‘Show Biz’ Great $16,000, Prov.; ‘Cruz’ Sock 14G Majestic " 'th “No Business" Providence, Dec. 28. is hitting it off nicely Business Like Show c,,, (his session. Loew’s ^tate Is hep with •'o il e the Strand is J H;ng Circus only fair Gretel.“ with ‘Vera Cruz” happy with RKO Albee is “Hansel and Lstimates for This Week Alheo - RKO» <2.200; 50-75)— ®' ld Gretel" (RKO) and S?nnn a * dve nture” (RKO). Slow gar ‘ ' n ' 3St ' veek - “Bengal Bri- -lA,S«W“ nd ■' G °‘ Man - G °'' U,,.... l (2.200; 70-$ D— (20 t, ? ess Like Show Business” , 'h Lpoed scale $16,000. Hark Streets Guns t 0 •\^ ate ' L °eWa> (3,200; 50-751— Lao J 5™; «UA). Big $14,000. (M c> voek - “Beau Brummell” (L A , S7 : 'i] d “Diamond Wizard” Mrand Siiverman) (2,200; 70-90) $13n<», n " Circus ” (Par). Sock Hours » H' t- r. ear - Last week “3 Bakotas” (Con - (Con and “ Black 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. ‘Show Biz’ Great $19,01)8 Tops Pitt Pittsburgh^ Dec. 28. • Downtown is looking up sharply again, with the shopping season ovct and fine weather over the Xmas weekend helping. Harris has the Yule winner in "There’s No Business Like Show Business,” w'hich should hit a socko figure. Penn’s “Deep In My Heart” shapes smart. Squirrel Hill is smash with “The Detective.” "Carmen Jones” doing well enough to hold at Fulton. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 65-$1.10)— "Carmen Jones” (20th). Doing fair- ly well at $12,500. Will hold. Last week. "Princess of Nile” (20th) and "Gambler From Natchez" (20th), $3,500. Harris (Harris) (2.165; 65-$1.25) —"No Business Like Show Busi- ness” (20th>r Should kick in with a socko $19,000. Last week. "The Raid” (20th), $4,000 in 6 days. Penn (UA) (3.300; 65-SI)—“Deep In My Heart” (M-G). Heading for smart $16,000 or over. Last .week, “Sitting Bull” <UA», $9,000. Squirrel Hill (SW) (900; 65-85)— "Detective” (CoD. Should do great $5 500 and holds. Last week. $2,500. Stanley (SW) (3.800; 65-$l)— "Young at Heart” (WB), Opened only -yesterday (Mon.. Doris Day- Frank Sinatra pic going in ahead of schedule when “Hansel and Gretel” <RKO> was yanked after four days at anemic $3,000. Last week. "Bounty Hunter” (WB), $5 000. Warner (SW) <1.365; $1.25-$2.65) —“Cinqrama” (Indie) (56th wk). Holiday pickup expected to contin- ue down the stretch with announce- ment that it’s finally closing Feb. 12 to make way for the second one, "Cinerama Holiday.” Edging close to oke $9,000 this week. Last week, $4,500. ‘SEA’ LIVELY $28,000, BUFF.; ‘CIRCUS’ 8G Buffalo. Dec. 28. Christmas holiday week trade is soaring here. "Show Business” is rated strong at the, Buffalo. But real sock newcomers are "20.000 Leagues Under Sea” at Century and “Silver Chalice” at the Cen- ter. "3-Ring Circus” looms bright at Paramount. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loew) (3.000; 50$D— “Show Business” <20th). Strong $20,000 or better. Last week, "Battleground” (M-G) and "As- phalt Jungle” (M-G) (reissues), $5,000 in 6 days. Paramount (Par) <3,000; 50-80)— “Three Ring Circus” (Par). Bright $18,000. Last week, “Crest of Wave" (M-G) and “Hell’s Outpost” (Indie), $7,000. Center (Par) <2.000; 50-80) — “Silver Chalice" (WB). Heading for smash $16,000 or over. Last week, “Carmen Jones" (20th) (2d wk-9 days), $8,000. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 50-80)— “Hansel and Gretel” (RKO) and “Yellow Mountain” (Indie). Okay $10,000. Last week. “Sands Iwo Jima” (Rep) and “War of Wildcats” (Rep) (reissues), $5,000 In 6 days. Century (Buhawkt (3.000; 50-$l) —‘‘20.000 Leagues Under the Sea” • BV). Soaring to wham $28,000 or close. Last week. ’’Bob Mathias Story” <AA) and “Port of Hell” (AA), $6,400 in 8 days. helping to Last week, "Down 3 ’ <UA) and "Four Border” (U). $8,000. $4,000. Tagan’ Smash $25,000 In Hot Hub; ‘Circus’ Wham 30G, Thffft’ Fancy 43G Boston. Dec. 28. Downtown majors are back in business again with new product at all firstruns. While several houses unveiled new pix on Christ- mas Day, "3 Ring Circus” bowed into the Paramount and Fenway last Thursday. It is fancy. "Phffft” in the Orpheum and State is solid. Christmas Day openings included “No Business Like Show Business" at the Memorial. “Silver Chalice" at the Met. “Sign of Pagan" at the Astor, and “Romeo and Juliet" at the Beacon Hill. “Pagan" looks wow. Lone holdover is “Cinerama" which celebrates Its first anni at the Boston Theatre this week. Estimates for This Week Astor (B&O) (1,500; 70-$1.10)— "Sign of Pagan” <U). Sockeroo $25,000 shapes. Last week. “Last Time Saw Paris" (M-G) (5th wk), $ 8 , 000 . Beacon Hill (Beacon Hill) (800: 74-S1.25)—“Romeo and Juliet" (UA). Opened Saturday (25). Big $11,000 or near. Last week. “Hob- son’s Choice” (UA) (8th wk). $3,000. Boston (Cinerama Productions) (1.354; $1.20-$2.85» — “Cinerama” (Indie) (52d wk). With three extra performances should hit neat $20,- 000 against $8,500 for previous week. Exeter (Indie) (1.300; 60-SI>— "Bread, Love, Dreams” (IFE). Opened Sunday (26*. Last week. "Inspector Calls” (Rank) (4th wk', fair $4,000. Fenway (NET) (1,373; (75-SI.25) —"3 Ring Circus” <Par> and “Jam- (Continucd on page 16) ‘Pagan Lusty 10G, D.C.; Chalice’ 23G Washington, Dec. 28. Film biz generally is smash along the mainstem with upbeat of Christmas Day and holiday week ticket supplanting the weakness of pre-Xmas week. Top drawer new product moving into virtually every showcase for week provides a strong assist in the loud b.o. music, with upped tab on children admissions also helping. "Sign of Pagan,” “Silver Chalice.” “Show Business,” “20,000 Leagues Under Sea” and “Deep in My Heart” lead boxoffice parade, with “Hansel and Gretel” providing a big disappoint- ment. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (SW) (1.400; 70-$l) —“Silver Chalice” (WB). Big $8,- 000 or over. Last week. “Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and "Big Sleep” (WB) (reissues), $3,500. Capitol (Loew’s) (3,434; 75-$l)— "Deep in My Heart” (M-G)... Fancy $22,000. Last w'eek. “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (3d wk), $9,000 in 9 days. Columbia (Loew'si <1.174; 70-95) —“Hansel and Gretel" (RKO). Dis- appointing $7,000 despite advanced prices. Last week, "Crossed Swords” (UA),’$7,000. Dupont (Lopert) (372; 65-$l)— "Romeo and Juliet” (UA* Big $8.- 000. Last week. "Ugetsu” (Indie) (4th wk), $2,000. Keith’s (RKO) (1.939; 75-$l>— "20.000 Leagues Under Sea” <BV). Boff $25,000. Last week. “White Christmas” (Par) (8th wk), $5,500. Metropolitan (SW) (1,200; 75-$l) —“Silver Chalice” (WB). Sock $15.- 000. Last week. “Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and “Big Sleep” (WB) (re- issues). y Palace (Loew’s) (2.370; 90-$1.25) —‘‘Show Business” (20th). Wow $26,000. Last week. “Desiree” (20th) (4th wk), $9,000 in 9 days. Playhouse (Lopert) (435; 70-$l) —“Sign of Pagan” (U>. Mighty $10,000. Last week. “Rear Window” (Par) (16th wk), $2,500. Did $93,- 000 in 16 weeks. Warner (SWF (1,300; $1.20-$2.40) —“Cinerama” (Indie) <60th wk>. Profitable $12,000 after $7,000 last week. Trans-Lux (T-L) (600: 70-$l)— “On Waterfront” <CoI> (15th wk). Oke $3,000 in 6 days, and end run. Last week, same. B’way Booms; 'Chalice’ Boff o 80G, ‘Sea’ Wow 63G, 'Cruz’ Sockeroo 90G, 'Circus’ 60G, ‘Heart-Stage Huge 190G ‘SHOW BIZ’ FAST 28G, ST. LOO; ‘SEA’ LOUD 22G St. Louis. Dec. 28. Biz at mainstem houses has taken a sharp upbeat after a mild session last week. “Show Business” is rolling up a great total at the St. Louis to pace city although ; “20.000 Leagues Under Sea” is not j far behind and playing the much ; smaller Orpheum. “Hansel and i Gretel” looks nice In two arty theatres. “Sitting Bull” Is rated only fair at Loew’s. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (Indie) (1,400; $1.20- $2.40) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (48th wk>. Good $11,000 after $10,000 , last round. Fox (FAM) (5,000; 65-90) — I (Continued on page 1G) Combination of usual Christmas week holiday upbeat, mild and clear weather until late yesterday (Tues.) and launching of nine new pictures is spelling a terrific week at Broadway first-runs this session. Fact that Christmas fell on Satur- day this year made Dec. 25 one of the biggest in many years at most of the deluxers. There was a slight dip Monday, and then trade roared ahead yesterday (Tues.). Of the newcomers. "Vera Cruz” at the Capitol, “20,000 Leagues Un- der Sea” at Astor and “Silver Chalice” at Paramount shape standout. Par’s “Chalice,” is head- ing for a mighty $80,000 while “Vera Cruz” likewise is terrific with $90,000 in prospect. Both in- clude New Year’s Eve. "Sea” looks to reach an amazing $63,000 in first round ending today (Wed.). "Three-Ring Circus" is another smash newcomer, with a giant $60,- 000 in prospect opening round at State. Another Paramount pic, “Country Girl.” at nearby Crite- rion. is pushing to a sockeroo $67,- 000 in second week or about $10,- 000 ahead of initial session. Christmas stageshoyv with "Deep in My Heart” at the Music Hall continues to amaze, with a giant $190,000 probable for current (3d) stanza. The combo may crack the all-time money high for one week. "No Business Like Show Business” is soaring to nearly double open- ing week's take, with $142,000 in sight for present week, the second, at the Roxy. "Green Fire.” a -new entrant, looks like about '$19,000 in first round at Mayfair, not good for this season of year. “Athena” did okay $10,000 in initial stanza at the Globe while new combo of “This Is My Love” and vaude is soaring to smash $29,000 at Palace. Another new pic, “Romeo and Juliet,’’ is rated sock $15,000 at Sutton. "Tonight’s the Night.” also new. likely will reach big $10,000 at Trans-Lux 52d Street. "Gate of Hell” climbed to giant $22,500 in second week at Guild, phenomenal for this small house. “Star Is Born” did nice $23,000 in 11th week at Victoria. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) <1,300; 75-$1.75) — “20,000 Leagues Under Sea" (BV). Soaring to wow $63,000 but not a new record in first week ending today (Wed.). Holds, of course. In ahead. “Waterfront” (Col) (21st wk-8 days), $11,500. Little Carnegie (L. Carnegie) (550; $1.25-$2.20> — “Aida” (IFE) (7th w r k>. Present stanza winding today (Wed.) is pushing to great $11,500 or better after $7,500 in sixth week. Continues. Baronet (Reade) (430; 90-$1.55)— "Game of Love” (Indie) (3d wk). Initial holdover session ended Monday (27) continued big with $9,406 after $11,200 opening week. Capitol (Loew’s) (4,820; 85-$2.20) —“Vera Cruz” (UA). This is roar- ing ahead to terrific $90,000 or thereabouts in first stanza ending Friday (3D. First week includes New Years. Holds, natch! In ahead, “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (5th wk). $15,000. Criterion .Moss) (1.700; 75-$2.20) — "Country Girl” (Par) (2d wk). First holdover frame ending today (Wed.) appears headed for sockeroo $67,000 as against $57,000, in first week, terrific for pre-Xmas session. Stays on indef. Second session likely will be one of greatest ever at house. Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$1.80) —“The Detective” (CoD (9th wk). The eighth week ended Sunday (26) held up strongly with $6,000 after $6,500 in seventh roand. Con- tinues on. Globe (Brandt) (1.500; 70-$1.50> —“Athena” (M-G) <2d wk). First stanza ended Monday (27) hit okay $10,000. good in view of opening pre-Xmas. In ahead, “This Army" <20th> and "Utopia” (Indie', dull $5,000 with preview. Guild (Guild* (450; $1-$1.80) — "Gate bf Hell” (Indie) (3d wk'. 1 Second round ended Sunday (26' | hit mighty $22,500 after $21,000 opener. Stays on indef. naturally. 1 Mayfair (Brandt) (1,738; 79- $1.80)—“Green Fire” <M-G>. Head- , ing for $19,000. not so good for season of year. First session end- i ine tomorrow <Thurs.>. Will hold. Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; 95- $1.75>—“Big Day” (Indie) (2d wk>. Initial holdover frame ending tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to get ! smooth $4,200 after $6,200 open- ing week. Cor inues. Palace (RKO: (1.700; 50-$1.60)— ■ “This Is My Love” (RKO) and I \ audeville. Week ending tomorrow (Thurs.) looks like smash $29,000, best here in months. Last »eek, "Port of Hell” (AA) and vaude, $19,200. Paramount (ABC-Par) (3.664; 85- $1.75) — “Silver Chalice” (WB). initial week winding up Friday (31) is heading for mighty $80,000. First week includes New Year’s Eve. House brings in “Young at Heart” (WB) for the single day Friday (3D. with “Chalice” resum- ing its run Jan. 1. “Chalice” naturally is holding. In ahead, v Track of Cat” (WB) (3d wk-10 days), $26,000. Paris (Pathe Cinema) f568; 90- $1.80) — “Animal Farm” (Indie). Opens today (Wed.). In ahead, “Bread. Love, Dreams” (IFE* (14th wk-9 days), okay $7,000 after $5,200 for 13th full week, to round out a highly successful longrun here. < Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (6.200; 95-$2.75)—"Deep in My Heart” (M-G) with annual Christmas stageshow (3d wk). Current session is climbing to soar- ing to colossal $190,000 and may equal all-time weekly gross mark. Week only included three 5-show days where generally* Christmas week takes in more expanded- schedule days and this cut in some. Holding, natch! Second week was $168,000. Continues on, with re- served seats for New Year’s Eve show sold out many weeks ago. Roxy (Nat’l. Th.) (5,717; 65-$2.40) "No Business Like Show Busi- ness” (20th) (2d wk). Initial hold- over session (ending tomorrow) is pushing to whopping $142,000 or close after $77,000 opening week, not up to hopes, obviously the pre- Xmas lull hurting more than antici- pated. Holds on. State (Loew’s) (3,450; 78-$1.75>— “Three-Ring Circus” (Par). Looks to land huge $60,000 in initial stanza ending tomorrow (Thurs.). This Martin-Lewis pic is second Paramount VistaVision production. In ahead. “Phffft” (Col) (7th wk-9 tion. Naturally, it is staying on. days), $10,000. Sutton (R&B) (561; $1-$1.80>— “Romeo and Juliet” (UA) (2d wk). First session ended Monday (27) hit socko $15,500, with 140-minute running time hurting turnover. In ahead. “High and Dry” <U) (16th wk). $4,000 for a fine longrun of 16 weeks. Trans-Lux 60th St. (T-L) <453; $1-$1.50> — “Hunter? of Deep” (DCA) (2d wk». Current round ending today (Wed.) is heading for fine $3,000 or over after $5,700 for first week. Trans-Lux 52nd St (T-L) <540; $ 1 -$ 1.50) — "Tonight’s the Night” (AA). Looks to get socko $10,000 or better in first week ending to- day (Wed). -Holds. Regular run was preceded by gala preem on night of Dec. 22. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 50- $1.75)—“Star Is Bom” (WB* (12th wk). The 11th week ended Sun- day (26> perked up to sock $23.- 000 after $20,000 in 10th week. Holds on. Warner (Cinerama Prod.) (1,600; $1.20-$3.30) — "Cinerama” (Indie) <82d wk>. The 81st week ended Saturday (25 > held at big $30,000 after $31,000 in 80th session. An- nounced that this initial "Cine- rama” production has only six weeks to go at this house, next “Cinerama” pic being due early in February. ‘Pagan’ Powerhouse 18G, Toronto; ‘Circus’ Bangup 25G, ‘Show Biz’ Ditto Toronto, Dec. 28. With release of top holiday prod- uct. the town is jumping, with such items as “No Business Like Show Business," "Sign of Pagan” and “3-Ring Circus" off to socko starts, with trio neck-and-neck for town’s top coin. Also hefty are “Deep in Heart" and “So This Is Paris.” with “Young at Heart” also fine at a two-house combo. “Trouble in the Glen” and “Vanishing Prairie” likewise shaoe sturdy. Estimates for This Week Downtown, Glendale, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (1.059; 955; 698; 694; 40-70)—“Naked Alibi” (U) and "Dawn at Socorro” <U». Nice $14.- 000. Last week. “Law r Vs. Billy Kid” (CoD and “Iron Glove” (CoD, $10,000. Eglinton, University <FP) <1.080; 1,558; 50-80(—“Young at Heart % (Continued on page 16)