Variety (March 1957)

PICTVHB OROSSBS LA. StiD Lags; ‘Barretts’ Sad But ‘80 Days’ M^ty $2^300, llth; ‘10Cs’Sockeroo2iy2Gforl6th Los Angeles, March 5. - First-run biz continues on skids here. Damaging is the fact that few new bills are on tap fo;r cur¬ rent frame, and only hard-ticket pix are holding well. "Around World in 80 Days" is holding vir¬ tually capacity at Carthay in llth week after $23,300 last session. "10 Commandments” is shaping a nifty $21,500 for 16th sUnza at the Warner Beverly. "Cinerama Holiday" pulled a nice $16,800 for 68th week at Warner Hollywood. Repeat bookings of both "Giant” and "Friendly Persuasion," tied in with Academy nominations, are only so-so. "Barretts of Wimpole Street” is rated poor $6,500 in two locations. Estimates for This Week Warner Downtown, Hawaii (SW- G&S) (1,757; 1,106; '80-$l,25)— "Barretts Wimpole Street” (M-G) and "Spin Dark Web” (Col). Poor $6,500. Last week, D’town with JJew Fox, "Blonde Sinner” (AA) and "Vigilante Terror” (AA), $5,- 200; Hawaii, "Blackboard Jungle” (M-G) and "Love Me or Leave Me” (M-G) (reissues), $2,000. Iris (FWC) (756; 90-$1.25)— "Friendly Persuasion” (AA). Back for repeat run via Academy nom¬ inations. So-so $3,000. Last week, "Teahouse” (M-G) and "Storm Center” (Col) (3d wk), $4,900. New Fnx (FWC) (965; 90-$1.50) ^"Giant” (WB); Back for repeat date with Academy race. Modest $4,500 or near. Last week, in unit. Fox Wilshire (FWC) (2,296; $1.25-$1.75)—"Battle Hymn” (U) (2d wk). Slow $7,300. Last week, $9,600. Chinese (FWC) (1,908; $1.25-$2) —"Oh, Men! Oh, Women!” (20th) (2d wk). Light $11,000. Last week, $13,000. State, Pantages (UAT<i!-RKO) (2,404; 2,812; 80-$l.50)—"Wings of Eagles” (M-G) and "Hot Summer Night” (M-G) (2d wk). . Modest $13,000. Last week, $22,300. .. Los- Angeles, Vogue, Loyola (FWC) (2,097; 885; 1,248; 90-$1.50) —"Anastasia (20th) (2d wk). Okay (Continued on page 16) 'James’ Fine $12,000 In K. C.; ‘Affair’ Okay 8G, ‘DeGnquents’ Big 76,2d Kansas City, March 5. Pace is moderate this session, better newcomers being "True Sto¬ ry of Jesse James” in three Fox Midwest houses and "Top Secret Affair” at Paramount. "The De¬ linquents” holding over at Esquire continues sock pace, and will stay a few weeks. "Men in War” is dull at Midland. "This Is Cinerama,” entering its final days here is hold¬ ing up well. "10 Commandments” in third wetk continues sock pace, and stays on at the Roxy. Weather has turned milder. . Estimates for This Week Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 75- 90)—"The Delinquents” (UA) (2d wk). Fancy $7,000; holds. Last week, house combined with Fair¬ way and Granada in 3-way showing of "Delinquents” to sock $22,000. via local interest in film produced here. Midland (Loew) (3,500; 60-80)— "Men in War” (UA) and "Daniel Boone, Blazer*’ (Rep). Light $6,000. Last week, "Wings of - Eagles” (M-G) and "Ride High Iron” (Col), $7,000. Missouri (SW-Cinerama) (1,194: $1.20-$2) — "This. Is Cinerama” (Cinerama) (38th wk). Bright $11,- 000 as holdouts rush to see it be¬ fore closing on March 10, Last week, same. Paramount (UP) (1,900; 75-90)— "Top Secret Affair” (WB). Okay $8,000, may hold. Last week. "Rainmaker” (Par), $9,000 in 9 days. - RockhiU- -(Little- • Art' Theatres')" (750; 75-90)—"Life, Music of Ver¬ di” (Indie). Mild $1,200. Last week, "The doctors” (Indie), same, Roxy (Durwood) (879; $1.25-$2) —“10 Commandments” (Par) (3d wk). Handsome $11,000; holds, tiast week, $'12,000. Tower, Fairway, Granada (Fox Midwest) (2,000; 700; 1,217; 75-90) —"True Story of Jesse James” (20th). Fancy $12,000; may hold over. Tower opened up for this after being dark several weeks. Robert Wagner did autograph ap¬ pearances at theatres opening day and spent two days in town boost¬ ing film. Uptown (Fox Midwest) (2,043; 75-90)—"Oklahoma” (20th) (2d wk). Okay $5,000. Last week, $8,000. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week ... .$548,500 (Based on 23 theatres) Last Year .$544,800 (Based on 23 theatres) ; Xan’tHelp Hotsy $12,000 in Balta Baltimore, March 5. Biz picture remains unexciting here this week. "Girl Can’t Help It” is a brisk newcomer currently at the Century. "Paris Db6s Strange ThTfi^s” looks drab at the Stanley.^ "Wiiigs of Eagles” shapes good at the Town in second, week. Eleventh rounds for both "10 Com¬ mandments”. at the New and "Around World In 80 Days” at the Film Centre are bullish. Return run of "La Strada” is good in sec¬ ond round at the Cinema. Estimates for This Week Century (Fruchtman) (3,100; 50- $1.25)—"Girl Can’t Help It” (20th). Fancy $12,000. Last week, "Ana¬ stasia” (20th) (5th wk), $5,500. Cinema (Schwaber) (460; 50- $1.25) —"La Strada” (Indie) (2d wk). Nice $3,500 after $4,000 open¬ er for return date in city. Film Centre (Rappaport) (890; $1.50-$2.50) — "Around World” (UA) (llth wk). Still staunch at $12,000 after $15,000 last week. Five West (Schwaber) (460; 50- $1.25)—"Oedipus Rex” (Indiel (3d wk). Okay $2,000 after $3,000 for second. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,100; 50-$1.25) — "Full Of Life” (Col). Opens tomorrow (Wed.). Last week, "Teahouse” (M-GL (7th wk), $5,000. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 50-$1.25)— "Written On Wind” (U) (9th wk). Continues potent at $3,0OO after $4,000 for eighth, , New (Fruchtman) (1,600; $1.25- $2.25)—"10 Commandments” (Par) (llth wk). Still sturdy at $11,500 after $13,500 in 10th stanza. Playhouse (Schwaber) (410; 50- $1.25)—"Great Man” (U) (6th wk). Fair $2,000 after $3,000 for fifth. Stanley (WB) (3,200; 50-$1.25)— "Paris Does Strange Things” (WB). Drab $5,000. Last week, "Big Land” (WB), $6,500. Town (Rappaport) (1,400;' 50- $1.25)—"Wings of Eagles” (M-G) (2d wk). Good $8,000. First week, $14,000. PSfUEft ‘War’ Wham SG, Denver; 10 C’s’ 25G, ‘Hymn’ 9G Denver, March 6. "10 -Commandments” continues to -lead the city, being currently great in third frame at Denham, and holds a fourth.' "Men In War’* which is sockeroo opening round at Paramount, will hold. ."Battle Hymn” shapes fine in third session at the Centre. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 70-90) — "Westward Ho, Wagons” (BV) (6th wk). Good $5,000. Last week, $ 6 , 000 . Centre (Fox) (1,247; 70-$1.25)— "Battle Hymn” (U) (3d wk). Fine $9,000. Last week, $10,500. Denham (CockriU) (1,428; 90- $2.20)—"10 Commandments” (Par) (3d wk). Great $25,000. Stays on. Last week, $27,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 70-90) — "Full of Life” (Col) and "Joe Macbeth” (Col). Fair $10,000. Last week, "Oh, Men! Oh, Women!” (20th) and "Storm Rider” (20th), $10,500. Esquire (Fox) (742; 70-90)—"Wee Geordie” (Times). Big $4,500. Last week, on reissues. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 70-90)— "Rainmaker” (Par) and "Duel at Apache Wells” (Rep) (2d' wk). E^ir $7,500. Last week, $11,500. Paramount (Wolfberg) (2,200; 70- 90)—"Men in War” (UA) and "5 Steps to Danger” (UA). Terrific $19,000. Holding, of course. Last week, "Big Land” (WB) and "Crime of Passion” (UA), $16,000. ‘Oh Men’Okay 14G, PliiDy;‘IJ(e’18G Philadelphia, March. 5. With weekend trade off, the en¬ tire week shapes uneven. W&v pix at Goldman and Stanton are top¬ ping the city. "Battle Hymn” in second rqund at 1,250-seat Gold¬ man still is smash and bigger than some first weeks there. "Men in War” at the latter is rated loud, also in second. "Oh, Men! Oh, Women!” is barely .okay at the Fox but'shapes as best of newcomers.. "Full of Life*” is fairly good at Mastbaum but "Wings of Eagles” is rated slow for second Stanley session. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S&S) (526; 99-$1.80)— "Teahouse” (M-G) (10th wk). Cozy $8,800. Last week, $10,000. Boyd (SW-Cinerama) (1,430; $1.25-$2.60)—"Seven Wonders of World” (Cinerama) (45th wk). Steady $9,000 or near. Last week, $14,500. Fox (20th) (2,250; 55-$1.80)— "Oh, Men! Oh, Women!” (20th). Okay $14,000. Last week, "Thrill- arama” (20th), $10,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,250; 65- $1.35)—"Battle Hymn” (U) (2d wk). Socko $14,000. Last week, $ 21 , 000 . Green Hill (Serena) (750; 75- $1.25) (closed Sundays)—"Baby andrtBattleship” (Indie). Good $4,- (Continued on page 16) 'Wednesday, March 6, 1957 'Rainmaker Oke $9M Cincy; Taria Fairish 9^/^G, 'Hymn’ God 19G, 2d 'James Slick $22,000, Hub;'Oh, Men Mild 17G, 'Hpn Rousing 18G, 2d Boston, March 5. Biz at first-runs is sinking back after big* stretch with few new pix this frame.' "Oh, Men! Oh, Women!” shapes modest at the Metropolitan. "True Story of Jesse James” is slick at Para¬ mount and Fenway. "Wings of Eagles” is barely fair, in second round at State and Orpheum. "10 Commandments” is pulling great in 16th frame at Astor, "Battle Hymn” is smash in recond round at the Memorial. "Great Man” is holding hotsy at Beacon Hill in fourth round. "Drango” looks socko in second week at Pilgrim. .Estimates for This Week- Astor (B&Q) (1,372; $1.90-$2.75) —"10 Commandments” (Par) (16th wk). Hot $24,000. Last week, $26,000, Beacon Hill (Beacon Hill) (678; 90-$1.25)—"Great Man” .(U) (4th wk). Good $10,000. Last week, $15,000. Boston (SW-Cinerama) (1,354; $1.25-$2.65)—"Seven Wonders of World” (Cinerama) (28th wk).’ Smash $21,000. Last week, $21,600, over hopes. Exeter (Indie) (1,200; 60-$1.25) —"Albert Schweitzer” (Indie) (6th wk). Week ended Sunday (3), good $9,000. Last week, $11,000. Fenway (NET) (1,373; 60-$1.10)— "True Story of Jesse James” (20th) and "Oasis” (20th). Oke $6,000. Last week, "Big Land” (WB) and "Chain of Evidence” (AA), $6,000. Kenmore (Indie) (700; 85-$1.25) —"Lust for Life” (M-G) (15th ^a^k. final). Oke $4,000. Last week, $5,000. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 60-90)— "Battle Hymn” (U) (2d wk). Great $18,000. Last week, $32,000. Metropolitan (NET) (4,357; 75- $1.10)—"Oh, Men! Oh, Women!” (20th) and "Quiet Gun” (20th).' Mild $17,000, Last week, "Cin¬ derella” (BV) (2d wk-5 days), $24,- 000, way over estimate. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 60- $1.10)—"True Story of Jesse James” ~(20th) “and' "Oasis” (20th). Good $16,000. Last week, "Big Land” (WB) and "Chain of Evi¬ dence” (AA), $12,000. Pilgrim (ATC) (1,000; 65-95)— "Drango” CUA) (2d wk) and "Girl He Left Behind” (WB). ' Fast $10,- 000. Last week, "Drango” and "Silver Star” (Indie), $15,000, over hopes. Saxon (Saxon) (1,100; 90-$1.75) —"Rainmaker” (Par) (3d wk). Hotsy $16,000. Last week, $18,- 500. Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 90- $1.25)^"Wings of- Eagles” (M-G) and "Brass Legend” (UA) (2d wk). Fair $13,000. Last Week, $16,600. State (Loew) (3,600; 90-$1.25)— "Wings of Eagles*' • (MtG) and "Brass Legend” (UA) (2d wk). Fair $6,000^ Last week, $9,000, Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week .$2,727,300 (Based on 23 cities and 240 • theatres, chiefly first runs, in¬ cluding N, Y.J Total Gross Same Week Last Year .$2,986,600 (Based on 24 cities and 234 theatres.) '19 CV Smash i8G> Omaha;'HpnllG Omaha, March 5. Despite a modest opening, "Ten Commandments” bounced’ back with a strong Weekend at the Omaha to rate top position among first-runiS this stanza. It looks big. Other Tristates house, the Orphe¬ um, is . lusty with "Battle Hymn.”- Thanks to weekend teenager turn¬ out, "Rebel Without Cause” and "East of Eden” combo is fair at the Brandeis. Only holdover, "Wings of Eagles” is still lofty at the State. Estimates for This Week Brandeis (RKO) (1,000;. 75-90)— "Rebel Without Cause” <WB) and "East™ of Eden” (WB) (reissues). Good $3,000. Last week, "Full of Life” (Col) and "Duel at Apache Wells” (Rep)^ $3,500. Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; $1.25- $2) — "10 Commandments” (Par). Big $18,000 and appears set for a run. Last week. "Istanbul” (U) and "Barefoot Battalion” (20th). $3,500 at 90c top. Orpheum (Tristates) (2,890; 75- 90)—"Battle Hymn” (U). Excellent $11,000 or near. Last week, "Rain¬ maker” (Par). $6,500. State (Goldberg) (860; 75-90) — "Wings of Eagles” (M-G) (2d wk). Big $5,300. Last wek, $7,400, ‘Wings’ Lively $10>000, Mpis.; ‘Man’ Great 5G, ‘Hymn’ Rugged 9G, 2d Minneapolis, March 5. More boxoffice stalwarts appear on scene currently and infuse some vitality into takings. "Wings of Eaglet' and "The Great Man” are topnotch newcomers. "Oh, Men! Oh, Women!” is mild. Otherwise, It’s the 30th and 10th weeks for "Seven -Wonders of World” and "Teahouse of August Moon,” respectively. Both are great. Second week of "10 Commandments” looks sock. "Battle Hymn” still is smash in second round’at Orpheum. After nearly nine highly prosperous weeks "Anastasia” finally bowed out. For most part, weather has been flavoring the boxoffice. Estimates for This Week Century (SW-Cinerama) (1,150; $1.75-$2.65) — "Seven Wonders” (Cinerama) (30th wk). Under-esti¬ mated recently. Has been greatly- helped by conventions. Brisk $16,- 000. Last week, $18,000. Gopher (Berger) (1,000; 90-$1.25) — "Teahouse” (M-G) (10th wk). Nice $4,000. Last week, $4,600. Lyric (Par) (1,000; $1.25-$2.25)— "10 Commandments’' (Par) (2d wk). Overestimated in first week be¬ cause latter part of session fell below hopes. Great $13,000. Last week, $15,000, way under forecast. Radio City (Par) (4,100; 85-90)— "Oh, Men! Oh’ Women!” (20th). Given neat ad-exploitation cam¬ paign but fair $9,000 looms. Last week, "Rainmaker” (Par), $8,500 in 8 days. RKO Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 75- .90.)—-‘‘Battle Hymn” (U) (2d wk). Has come through splendidly. Tall $9,000. Last week, $14,500. RKO Pan (RKO) (lv800; 75-90)— "Beyond. Reasonable Doubt” (RKO) and "First Traveling Saleslady” (RKO). Mild $4,000. Last week, ''•Naked Paradise” (AI) and "Flesh and the Spur”. (AI), $4,500. State (Par) (2,300; 85-90) — "Wings of Eagles” (M-G). John Wayne’s cast presence, of course, an asset. Hep $10,000. Last week, "True Story Jesse James” (20th), $9,500. World (Mann) (400; 85-$1.25) — "Great Man” (U). For first time this theatre is offering money back to anybody who Isn’t satisfied with a picture—this one. Big $5,000. Last week, "Anastasia” (20th), I $1,900 for 4 days and approximate¬ ly $55,000 for run. Cincinnati, March 5. Two new bills, "Paris Does Strange Things,” fairish at the Pal¬ ace,' and "Rainmaker,” okay at Keith’s, in this week's lineup, clip¬ ping the downtown general gross picture.'However, it remains above par. "Battle Hymn” looms good in second round at the Albee. Strong paces are being maintained by "10 Commandments” in llth week and "Seven Wonders of World” in the 39th session. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 90-$1.25)— "Battle Hymn” (U) (2d wk). Good $10,000 after first round hit $16,000. Capitol (SW-Clnerama) (1,376: ■ $1.20-$2.65)—"Seven Wonders of World” (Clnerarfia) (39th wk). Lift¬ ing to -$18,000, hotsy, after last week’s $17,500. Grand (RKO) (1,400; $1.25-$2.25) —‘•10 Commandments” (Par) (llth wk). Continuing big with $15,000 after $16,000 In I'Oth week. . Keith's (Shor) (1,500; 75-$1.25) -"Rainmaker” (Par).-Okay $9,000. May hold. Last week, “Anastasia” (20th) (4th wk), $8,000. ! Palace (RKO) (2,600; 75-$1.10j— ‘•Paris Poes Strange Things” (WB). Fairish $9,500. Last week^ "Oh, Men! Oh, Women!” (20th), $10,000. ‘Oh Men' Trim $17,000, Det; ‘Hymn’ Sock 18G, 2d,‘Wonders’23G,38tli I Detroit, March 5. Only one newcomer downtown this week, "Oh Men! Oh Women!’* i and it looks okay at, the Fox. Hold¬ overs are sturdy with "Don’t Knock Rock” so strong it holds a third at the Broadway-CapitoL "Battle Hymn” is big in sec¬ ond. "10 (Commandments” holds great in 15th week at Madi¬ son. "Around the World in 80 Days” is socko in 10th round at United Artists. "Seven Wonders of World” is In for a wonderful 38th session at Music Hall. Estimates for This Week Fox (FoxrDetroit) (5,000; 90- $1.25) — "Oh Men! Oh Women!” (20th) and "Quiet Gun”- (20th). Okay $17,000. Last week, "3 Brave Men” and "Hot Summer Night” (M-G). $13,800. I Michiran (United Detroit) (4,000; 90-$1.25)—"Battle Hymn” (U) and "Four Gii’ls in Town” (U) (2d wk). Hotsy $18,000. Last week-, $25,000. Palms (UD) (2,961; 90-$1.25) — "Big Land” (WB) and "Big Boodle” (UA) (2d wk-4 days). Oke $10,000. Last week, $17,000. , Madison (UD) (1,900; $1.25-$2.75) —"10 Commandments” (Par) (15th wk). Socko $20,000. Last week, $28,000. Broadway-Capitol (UD) (3,500; 90-$1.25) — "Don’t Knock Rock" ; (Col) and "Rumble on Docks” (Col) (2d wk). Big $15,000 or over, and 1 stays a third,- unheard of at this house. Last week, $30,000. United Artists (UA) (1,668; $1.25- $3) —"Around World’' (UA) (10th wk). ' Swell $25,000. Last week, same. Adams (Balaban) (1,700; $1.25- $1.50) — "Teahouse August Moon” (M-G) (10th wk). Oke $8,000. Last week, $6,500. Music Hall (SW - Cinerama) (1,205); $1.50-$2;65) — "Seven Wonders” (Cinerama) (38th wk). Terrific $23,000. Last week, ditto. -Krira (Krim) (1,000; $1.25) — "Fantasia” (BV) (reissue) (3d wk). Good $10,000. Last week, $13,000. ‘LIFE’OK $7,000, PROV., ‘HYMN’ HOT lOG, 2D Providence, March 5. Loew’s State with "Zarak” is just okay but getting biggest coin total. "Battle Hymn” shapes big in I second Albee round. Strand looms okay witte*<r5Full of Life.” \ Estimates for This Week ! Albee (RKO) (2,200; 65-80) — "Battle Hymn’' (U) and "Duel at Apache Wells” (Rep) (2d wk). Big $10,000 after $13,500 in first Majestic (S-W) (2,200; 65-80) -- "Top Secret Affair” (WB) and "Ac¬ cused of' Murder” (Rep), Just opened. Last week, "Big Land” (WB) and "Passport to Treason’^ (AF), ©eat $10,000. Sttfte (Loew) (3,200; 65-80) -r "Zarak” (Col) and "Last Man To Hang” (Col). Oke $10,000. Last^ week, "Wings of Eagles” (M-G) and "Passport to Treason” (AF), $10,500 in 8 days. Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 65-80) —"Full of Life” (Col). Okay $7,000. Last week, "Rainmaker” (Par) (2d wk), $5,000. •