Motion Picture Daily (Oct-Dec 1944)

Thursday, October 5, 1944 Motion Picture daily 11 I $14,300 for Fifth Week of 'Way' Toronto, Oct. 4— "Dragon Seed" points to a $14,700 gross at Loew's, "Going My Way" is heading for $14,300 in its fifth week at Shea's and "Step Lively" at the Imperial* is promising $13,800. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 5 : "Between Two Worlds" (WB) ! EGLINTON — (1,086) (18c-30c-48c-60c) 6 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average: $4,000). "Step Lively" (RKO) IMPERIAL — (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $13,800. (Average: $12,800). "Dragon Seed" (M-G-M) LOEW'S — (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c) 6 days. Gross: $14,700. (Average: $11,200). "Going My Way" (Para.) SHEA'S — (2,480) (18c -30c -42c -60c -90c) 6 days, 5th week. Gross: $14,300. (Average: $12 800) "Between Two Worlds" (WB) TIVOLI — (1,434) (18c-30c-48c) 6 days. Gross: $3,900. (Average: $4,400). "The CanterviUe Ghost" (M-G-M) UPTOWN— (2.761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $9,300. (Average: $9,800). 'SYWA' Hits Record On $26,000 Take Providence, Oct. 4. — Loew's State, set a house record of $26,000 with the first week of "Since You Went Away." Elsewhere business was not too brisk. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 5 : "The Merry Monahans" (Univ.) "Falcon in Mexico" (RKO) RKO ALBEE — (2,239) (35c-44c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $9,500. (Average: $12,800). "The Impatient Years" (Col.) "Louisiana Hayride" (Col.) STRAND — (2,200) (44c-5Sc) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,400. (Average: $10,500). "Since You Went Away" (UA) LOEW'S STATE— (3,232) (35c-44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $26,000. (Average: $17,700). "In the Meantime, Darling" (20thFox) "Dangerous Journey" (20th-Fox) MAJESTIC— (2,250) (35c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $13,500. (Average: $12,100). "Greenwich Village" (20th-Fox) "The Last Ride" (WB) CARLTON— (1,526) (35c-44c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week, on a moveover from the Majestic. Gross: $2,900. (Average: $4,000). "My Friend Flicka" (20th-Fox) FAY'S— (1,800) (35c-44c-55c) 7 days. On stage: Tanit Ikao, Norma Kreiger, Bob Hopkins, Wilfred Dubois, Earl and Josephine Leach, Brian O'Mara. Gross: $7,000. (Average: $6,500). "Swing in the Saddle" (Col.) METROPOLITAN — (3,050) (44c-60c) 3 days. On stage: Shep Fields and Orchestra, Three Edwards, Criss Cross. Gross: $7,700. (Average: $6,900). 'SYWA's' $24,000 Tops in Buffalo Buffalo, Oct. 4. — "Since You Went Away" looked like top business here, heading for $24,000 at the Great Lakes. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 7 : "I Love a Soldier" (Para.) "The Last Ride" (WB) BUFFALO— (3,489) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average: $17,400). "Since You Went Away" (UA) GREAT LAKES — (3,000) (50c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $24,000. (Average: $16,200). "Greenwich Village" (20th-Fox) "Take It or Leave It" (20th-Fox) HIPPODROME— (2,100) (50c-70c) 7 days, 2nd week, on a moveover. Gross: $8,900. (Average: $9,700). "Heavenly Days" (RKO) • "Night of Adventure" (RKO) TWENTIETH CENTURY— (3,000) (40c60c) 7 days. Gross: $11,500. (Average: $12,200). "Christmas Holiday" (Univ.) "The Singing Sheriff" (Univ.) LAFAYETTE— (3,000) (40c-60c) 7 days ("Christmas Holiday," 2nd week.) Gross: $17,000. (Average: $12,000). Short Subject Reviews "Inside France" ( United Artists — W orld-inAction) From Canada's National Film Board comes another of the World-inAction series. Although not as engrossing as previous subjects, because of a diffused impression of the French nation, "Inside France," nevertheless, shows the France that represented culture, gracious living and qualities which symbolized culture. The film shows how France was divided, how its conservative generals distrusted the masses ; how the cleavage went deep into the heart of the nation, until the element that nominally governed France threw in its lot with the Germans, and thus was born the 'Vichy-set' with doddering Marshal Petain as its spokesman. But indomitable Frenchmen rallied behind General de Gaulle and fought through to liberation. Stuart Legg edited and Lome Greene commented. Running time, 19 minutes. "Proudly We Serve" (Warners) The plea for enlistements in the Women's Reserve of the Marine Corps, previously unexploited by films, makes a dramatic entrance into the series of service shorts produced by Warners in "Proudly We Serve." Unfolded in a manner that will appeal especially to the women for which it is intended, the film plays upon the emotions of its potential female audiences. It is an admirable endeavor from every vantage point. The compact plot relates the story of a Marine in the South Pacific and the Woman Marine who trained him for his job in air gunnery. He tells the story of his training at the hands of the lady Marine to his foxhole buddie. The subject maintains a high degree of interest throughout. A fitting climax to the story is the fact that the Marine married the lady Marine. Andrea King and Warren Douglas are featured. Crane Wilbur wrote and directed. Running time, 20 minutes. "That Men May Live" (RKO-Pathe) Here is the oft-told and still inspiring story of what the American Red Cross is doing for the war effort at home and abroad. In addition to showing blood banks, dormitories, canteens and other institutional trade marks of the organization, the audience is treated to what is called the first camera record of a wounded soldier, from the time he is removed from the battle line, through the treatment he receives in the improvised field hospital, his trip to an Army medical center in England, and the final journey— a flight home to the U. S. The latest "This Is America" release has universal appeal. The subject is one which is close to the hearts of Americans everywhere — the welfare of our boys. Frederic Ullman and Pathe have again come up with a subject to bolster the hopes of the people at home, at the same time giving credit to the gallant men and women of the Red Cross. Larry O'Reilly directed and photographed. Dwight Weist handled the narration from the script by Ardis Smith. Running time 19. minutes. "Goldilocks and the Jivin' Bears" (Warners) The three bears are a trio of 'redhot jivesters, strictly on the beam' and Red Riding Hood is a jitterbug. The bears arrive at grandmother's with Goldilocks and the wolf is led through a wild jitter routine which literally leaves him limp. Meanwhile grandmother escapes from the cupboard where the wolf has put her and she puts the finishing touches on the wolf with a groovy rendition of the Lindy Hop. Fairy tales haven't lost their appeal. This is a mirthful i cartoon. Running time, 7 minutes. Kalmenson, Others To Clark Meeting Ben Kalmenson, general sales manager, will head a group of Warner executives who will leave tonight for Toronto to hold a meeting for the formal installation of Ralph H. Clark as new general manager for Canada, succeeding Wolfe Cohen, who assumes an executive post in the foreign department with headquarters at the home office. In addition to Kalmenson, the group attending the meeting will include Mort Blumenstock, in charge of advertising and publicity, Norman H. Moray, short subject sales manager, and Cohen and Clark. All except Clark will return to New York at the end of the week. Dezel Opens 'Classics' Office in Cincinnati Cincinnati, Oct. 4. — Albert Dezel, franchise holder for Film Classics in Detroit and Cleveland, has opened an office for that company here, to be known as Film Classics of Cincinnati. Louis Van Baalen, former office manager for RKO, has been named manager, and Mae Schoole has been appointed head booker and assistant manager. Stern Calls Third M-G-M Field Meet M-G-M's third and final meeting of office managers and field auditors will be held Oct. 21-23 at the Netherlands Plaza Hotel, Cincinnati. Attending the three-day meeting from the home office will be : Charles K. Stern, assistant treasurer of Loew's ; Alan F. Cummings, in charge of exchange operations ; William Brenner, in charge of branch maintenance; Arthur Sterling, assistant to Cummings ; Rose Klein, assistant to Sterling ; A. J. Nelson, head of statistics ; Leonard Hirsch, assistant to E. K. (Ted) O'Shea, Eastern sales manager ; Paul Richrath, assistant to John J. Maloney, Central sales manager ; and Mike Simons, editor of the Distributor, company publication. Shapiro to Distribute "We Accuse," documentary dealing with the Kharkov trials and German atrocities in conquered countries, will soon be shown to American film audiences, it has been announced here by Irving Shapiro, independent producer and former Film Classics general manager. The film is basically the same one which has been playing in Britain for the past 16 weeks as "Justice Is Coming." 4Wild' Is 150% Over Average in Denver Denver, Oct. 4. — "Youth Runs Wild", on a dual at the Rialto, ran up a 'wild' box office figure of $17,500, 150 per cent above average. Most moveovers were doing a fair business. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 2-4: "The Impatient Years" (Col.) "Kansas City Kitty" (CoL) ALADDIN— (1,400) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days, on a moveover. Gross: $8,400. (Average: $3,600). "Two Girls and a Sailor" (M-G-M) "Underground Guerrillas" (Col.-Brit.) BROADWAY — (1,040) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days, on a moveover. Gross: $5,850. (Average: $3,900). "Hail the Conquering Hero" (Para.) DENHAM— (1,750) (35c-45c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $9,500. (Average: $9,000). "Gypsy Wildcat" (U.) "The Pearl of Death" (U.) DENVER— (2,600) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $18,750. (Average: $15,000). "Wilson" (20th Fox) ESQUIRE— (740) (76-$1.12) 7 days on a return engagement. Gross: $4,500. (Average: $4,500). "Mr. Winkle Goes to War" (Col.) "Swing in the Saddle" (Col.) PARAMOUNT — (2,200) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $11,525. (Average: $9,300). "Youth Runs Wild" (Col.) "Girts Under 21" (Col.) RIALTO — (900) (35c-45c-74c) 7 days. Gross: $17,500. (Average: $5,000) 'SYWA' and 'Soldier' Are Week's Best Kansas City, Oct. 4. — "Since You Went Away" brought another great week to the Midland with a $26,000 gross. The Newman, with "I Love a Soldier," also in a second week, did well with $13,500. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 3-6: "The Big Noise" (20th-Fox) "Sweet and Lowdown" (20thFox) ESQUIRE— (800) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $6,000. (Average: $6,000). "Since You Went Away" (UA) MIDLAND— (3,500) (40c-60c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $26,000. (Average: $14,000). "I Love a Soldier" (Para.) NEWMAN— (1,900) (40c-60c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $13,500. (Average: $10,000). "Mask of Dimitrios" (WB) "7 Days Ashore" (RKO) ORPHEUM— (1,900) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $10,000). "Jungle Woman" (Univ.) "Call of the Jungle" (Mono.) TOWER— (2,000) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average: $9,400). "The Big Noise" (20th-Fox) "Sweet and Lowdown" (20th-Fox) UPTOWN — (2,000) (45c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $5,000. (Average: $5,600). FAIRWAY — (700) (45c -65c) 7 days. Gross: $1,400. (Average: $1,600). 'Moonlight' Grosses Very Big $18,000 Indianapolis, Oct. 4.— "Moonlight and Cactus" and a stage show at the Circle, expecting $18,000, will top box office receipts here this week. Loew's, with "Seventh Cross" and "Stars on Parade", will do $14,000. Estimated receipts for the week ending Oct. 3-5 : 'Moonlight and Cactus" (U.) CIRCLE — (2,800) (55c -70c) 7 days. Stage ;how. Gross: $18,000. (Average: $11,800). "Wilson" (2flth-Fox) INDIANA — (3,200) (75c-$1.10) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $6,000. (Average: $11,500). "Jimmy Steps Out" KEITH'S— (1,500) (60c) 4 days. Stage show. Gross: $5,400. (Average: $5,000). "Seventh Cross" (M-G-M) "Stars on Parade" (Col.) LOEW'S— (2,800) (32c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $14,000. (Average: $11,500). "Youth Runs Wild" (RKO) "Mademoiselle Fifi" (RKO) LYRIC— (2,000) (32c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $6,800. (Average: $4,900).