Variety (Nov 1940)

10 PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, November 6, 1940 Pittsburgh, Nov. 5. (Best Exploitation: Stanley) Biz- very good, everything consid- ered. . Public ^.'.obviously . getting , a little fed up oh political hoorah oh the radio and they're looking around lor some amusement Election Bay being: for tilled,, too,- with everybody; announcing . regular returns in. the theatres at 10-minute intervals fol- lowing close of-polls^_ • Stanley taking the lead easily with 'Scandals' on stage and:; 'Dispatch from Reuter's* and shooting for merry dOugh while 'Arise My Love* is plenty okay at Penn. and 'Ramparts We Watch' has the Ritz in line for small-seater's biggest, week since it went' first-run. 'Great Dictator' at Warner slipping few grand in second week and opening session's short fig- ures indicate generally disappointing engagement. .H.o. of 'Spring Parade' plenty satisfactory at Fulton and Diirbin picture should get a third round. Only Alvin, with heavily- panned 'Kit: Carson/ and Senator, which took 'Down Argentine Way' -from Alvin where it had played fort- night, are oft*. F6r 'Scandals' and 'Reuter's. 'Stan- ley went to town on both, screening picture for press and publishers .and coming in for some nice breaks, sending pigeons to columnist and spotting its flesh generously on the radio, and making much of fact that :■ show, had been, at Nixon last season for $3:30.. ■ ; ; Estimates for This. Week / Alvlh (Harris) (1,850; 25-35-50)-^- 'Carson' (UA). Western didn't rate very good notices. Will be. lucky to get $5,000, which isn't. sb hot here these days. Last week second of •Argentine Way' (20th) around $5,700., Fulton (Shea) : (1.750: 25-40)— ♦Spring Parade' (U) (2d Wk.). Do- ing very nicely on h.o- Well enough, in fact, to rate a third week and management is even hoping for a fourth. Looks easy for $6,000, and that's really dgugh for this spot. Last week, swell $8,500. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300: 25-35- 50)—'Arise Love* (Par); Heading for at least $14,500 and may jump over that figure. Last week 'Third Finger' (M-G) about the same, arid would have moved to Ritz had not WB-Loew pool wanted to get in . 'Ramparts' immediately following censors' okay. ** Rita (WB) (800: 25-40)—'Ramparts' '(RKO.). Small-seater all that was available so March of Time feature . was. shot in 48 hours after censor board lifted, its ban, with hefty cam- paign hastily assembled. Gave house biggest opening day in its history arid should have no trouble clocking $5,- 400, little short of phenomenal here. Last week 'Knew What Wanted' (RKO), on move-over from Penh, only fair at $2,200. Senator (Harris) (1,700; 25-35-50) —'Argentine Way' (20th). Hardly rated a third session downtown, mu- sical having obviously absorbed its first-run draw in fortnight at Alvin. Won't do more than $1,800 here. Last week 'Mummy's Hand' (U) and •Yesterday's Heroes' (20thV terrible at $1,300. • Stanley (WB) (3.600; 25-40-60)-^- •Reuter's (WB) and 'Scandals.' Swell combination. ■ First stage show here in almost two months, and they're ready for it. Around $22,000 looked for. Last week 'Wyoming' (M-G) out of the money at $8,700. Warner (WB) (2,000; 75-$1.10)— 'Dictator' (UA) (2d wk.). Dropping off a few grand on h.o. and around $11,000 is all that can be hoped for Picture didn't get a very good recep- tion : f rorn crix, word-of-mouth . has been poor, arid that stiff . scale is hurting, tod. - Opening . stanza for Chaplin starrer around $16,000. in- cluding reserved-seat premiere. That's disappointing. tier' (U), split with 'Argentine Nights' (U) and 'Money and Woman' (WB). Okay, especially last half, $2,500. Last week. 'We Are Young* (M-G) and 'Magnificent Fraud' (Par), split with 'Flowing Gold' (WB) and 'Calling Husbands' (WB), not bad, $2,400. Stuart * (J. H. Copper-Paramount) (1,884; 10-25.-40)—'Wyoming' (M-G). Making it eight days, and doing neat $4,000-. on the stretch.. Last week 'Golden Fleecing' (M-G) and Bowes' uriit on stage,. three days, $2,700, okay, '•'••• •.. 1 Variety (Nobie-Federer) (i.000; 10-20r25)—'Ape' : (Col) and 'Boys City' (Mono). Kicked off with a Hallowe'en midnight show, should get $2,400 on the week, good. Last week 'Father Prince' (WB) and 'Orphans North' (Mono);. five days, light $1,300. Varsity (Noble-Federer) (1,100; 10-25r40)—'Kit Carson' (UA). Will' bite off its share, around $3,200, okay. Last week 'Too Many Girls' (RKO), couldn't get . more than average money,- although bombshelled in ad- vertising, finishing with $2,900 on the week. Wyoming' 4G 8 Days, Lincoln; W $3,800 . Lincoln, Neb., Nov. 5 Two westerns are in the money, and'*. one-sophisticated pic is • making but rather nicely, .this week. 'Wyo mihg' is getting an extra day to day (5) at the Stuart* making eight in all, and 'Kit Carson* is. In easy stride for pretty fair gate, Varsity. 'Hired. Wife' is being word-of- rriouthed into a build at the Lincoln Estimate* for This Week . Colonial (Monroe-Noble-Fedefer) (750; 10-i5)—'Wild Horse Range' (Mono) and 'Fisherman's Wharf (RKO), split with.'Great Man Votes' (RKO) and 'Bill Hickok' (Rep). Fair $800. Last ■: week 'Rainbow Range' (Mono) arid 'Saint London' (RKO), split with 'Annabel' (RKO) and 'Gentleman California* (PrinjL also $800. Lincoln (J. H. Cooper-Paramount) (1,503; 10-25-40)—'Hired Wife' (U). Very good $3,800. Last week 'Strike Up Band' (MG), which piled up total of $7,000 oh 12 days; fine. Nebraska (J. H. Cooper-Para- mount) (1,236; 10-20-25)-r-'Nobody's week 'Wyoming' (M-G) and •Dr. Kil« dare Home' (M-G).. Nice $5,000, and moved to the Mayfair. . May fair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,- 500; 35-40-50)—'Wyoming' (M-G) and 'Dr. Kildare Home' (M-G). Moveover average $3,000. Last week 'Rockne' (WB) and. 'Young People' (20th) closed second stanza to aver- age $2,800.. Orpheum (Harririck r Evergreen) (1,800; 35-40-50)—'Knew What They Wanted' (RKO) and 'Dance, Girls' (RKO). Looks good for $4,700. Last week 'Reuters' (WB) and 'Profile' (20th) fair $4,000; Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen) (3,000; 35-40-50)—'North West Mount- ed' (Par) (second week). Still get- ting nice $4,400. ■ Last week great, $5,800. ■ .- United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 35- 40-50)—'Third Finger' (M-G) and 'Haunted Honeymoon' (M-G), Hold- ing up well in its second .week, $4,- 200. Last week strong $5,000. But Lolly- Cincinnati, Nov. 5.. Hypoed by three-day fiesta honor- ing homecoming of Tyrone Power for the world premiere of 'Mark- of Zorro,' burg's aggregate b.o. cur- rently is plenty high. . 'Zorro' is racking up Cihcy's biggest gross for sqme time, due . to personal appear- ance of Power and pic's simultane- ous showing Oft first day, Friday (1) in Albee. arid Shubert. Also doing a p.a. with Power at both. theatres that night, were his wife, Annabella, and Kate Smith and Ted Collins. Kate Smith's • CBS program \ for Grape-Nuts originated here in the indie': Emery auditorium the .night of Zorro's' kickoff, with Power guest- ing. '" "Too Many Girls' likewise is on the healthy, b.o. side this week, with good Palace figure. It fetched 1 lotcha notices. Keith's and Lyric are under par on 'Rangers of For- tune' and 'Blondie Plays Cupid,*. Estimates for This Week: Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— Zorro' (20th). Preeming to a wham ! 118,000, sparked by p a. of Tyrone Power. Estimate includes first day's additional simultaneous showing of pic in the Shubert. Last week, Westerner* (UA), excellent $14,000. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 33-40-50)— Westerner* (UA). Moveover from Albee, for '■ second week. Okay. .$5,- 500. Last week, 'Rhythm River' (Par) (2d run), fair $4,000. Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-28)— 'Range Busters* (Mono) and 'Yester day's Heroes* (20th), split with 'Mystery Sea Raiders* (Par) arid Calling Husbands' (WB). AH right $2,100. Same last week on 'Gay Caballero* (20th) and 'Military Academy' (Col), divided with 'River's End' (WB) and 'Sing, Dance (Rep). Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50)-- 'Hullabaloo* (M-G). Pleasing $5,500 Last week, 'Rockne' (WB) (2d run), good $5,000. Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 33-40-50) —'Rangers Fortune' . (Par). Poor $2,800. Last week, 'Christmas July' (Par), no dice at $3,000. Lyric (RKO) (1.400; 33-40-50)— •Blondie Plays Cupid' (Col). Nisih for $3,000. Last week, 'Strike: Up Band' (M-G), third run and fourth week. on front line, hotsy-totsy $4,- 000. ■' ';. ; Palace (RKO) (2,800; 33-40-50)— 'Too, Many Girls' (RKO). Surpris ingly good $10^500. Pic pulled rave reviews, and was. puffed with extra ad. campaign to spread spotligh; from 'Mark of Zorro' kickoff. Las; week, 'Burma' (Par), dipped to $4,- 500 for Mason's low in this house. Shubert (RKO) (2,150: 33-40-50) -^'Rockne' (WB) (3d ruff), six days. Fair $2,500. Last week, 'Quarter- back* (Par) and 'World in Flames' (Par), combo, sorry $2,000. Washington, Nov. &VV Third Finger, Left Hand' is riding on Loy-Douglas lure:to lead town by an easy margin this week at Oapitol. LoeW's big vauder. 'Rhythm River at Earle arid 'Down Argentine Way' at Palace are battling it out for av- erage second honors. Major disappointment is 'Too Many girls' at Keith's, which rated hefty praise in all reviews, but is dying, apparently from lack of riames. Estimates for This Week ' Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 28-39-44-66) —Third Finger' (M-G) and vaude. No-name revue leaves it: up to Loy arid Douglas to lead town with good $20,000. Last week 'Kit Carson' (UA) pitiful $11,000. Columbia (Loew) (1,234; 28-44)— 'Brigham Young' (20th) (2d run). Back downtown after fair week at Capitol and will see passable $4,000. Last week, 'Strike Up Band' (M-G) (3d run) solid $5,000. , Earle (WB) (2,216; 28-39-44-66)— 'Rhythm River' (Par) arid vauder Oke $15,000. Last week, 'Christmas in July' (Par) arid Jimmy Dorsey orch slipped after sock weekend for solid $18,500. ; Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 39-55)—'Too Many Girls' (RKO). Dying despite good reviews with weak $6,000. Last week ,'Knew What Tthey_Wanted' (RKO) (2d wk) held to strong $7,500. Met (WB) (1,600; 28-44)—'City for Conquest' (WB) (2d run). Back on main stem after good week at Earle and will hit average $5,000. Last week 'Westerner* (UA) (2d wk) oke $8 500 '■'■"■ Palace (Loew) (2,242; 39-55)— 'Down Argentine Way' (20th). Aver- age $14,500. ; Last week /Westerner*, (UA) (2d wk). oke $8,500. 1 Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 35-40- e ■ »u ■ ■ ■ * , ~ ■ 50)—'Hullabaloo' (M-G) and 'Mum- Sweetheart* (U) and 'Diamond Fron- 1 my's Hand' (U). Okay $4,800. Last ., Ore. ••' Portland, Ore , Nov. 5; . Knew What They Wanted* got fine start at the Orpheum with personal of Charles Laughton. Looks as though it might hold two- stanzas. Only other new pic is 'Hullabaloo,' holding its own at the: Broadway.- ; Other three major houses were holdovers. Estimates for This Week Dictator^ Sock $18,000 In Seattle; Election Hurts Seattle; Nov. 5. Plenty of b.o. pix mark . this week's downtown film fare, with 'Dictator.' at Fifth Avenue at road show prices; Charles. Laughton in a one-night personal a* the Paramount for 'Knew What They Wanted'; Gary Cooper 'The Westerner' soloing at Liberty and 'No Time for Comedy' at Orpheum. Election has been hitting grosses, with 'Dictator' considerably under grosses for 'Gone,' put nifty nevertheless. Coliseum is stepping up second run of 'Boom Town,' top. being 41c instead of 35c. Figuring Monday a better change day. Sterling chain (John Danz) switches to this ^policy at Palomar and Roosevelt. Latter is subject to advance to Friday when taking Warner. Bros, moveovers from Or- pheum. ; Estimates for This Week •' Coliseum (Hamrick -Evergreen) (1,900; 21-30-31)—'Boom Town' (M-G) and 'Chari Museum' (20th) (2d run):. Indicated $5,500, great, and may hold. v Last week (21-35) 'Rhythm River' (Par) and 'Kit Car- son' (UA) (2d run) impressive $3,600. . Fifth Avenue (Hamrick, Ever- green) (2,349; v 75-1.15)—'Dictator XUA), Big newspaper campaign, lineage upped 300%, anticipates sock $18,000, with matinees near capacity, nights not. Last week (30-40-50) 'Third Finger' (M-G) and 'Yester- day's. Heroes' (20th) (nirie days) strong $9,200. Liberty (J-vtt) (1;650; 30-40-50)— 'Westerner' (UA). Using plenty of newspaper space, expect. big $7,000. Last week, 'Howards' (Col) (2d wk.), $4,100, . okay. ' / Music Box . (Hamrick-Evergreen) <850; 30-40-50)-^'Third. Finger' (M-G) and 'Yesterday's Heroes' (20th). Moved from Fifth, anticipat ing good $3,200. Last week, 'Argen tine' (20th) and 'Profile' (20th) $3,200 for nine days. Good. Orpheum (Hamrick.- Evergreen) (2,600; 30-40-50)—'No Time for Comedy' (WB) and 'World in Flames' (Par). Paced at excellent $16,000.: Last week, 'Tugboat Annie Sails Again' (WB) and 'Nobody's Sweetheart' (U), $4,500, slow. :' Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 30-40- 50 >—'Dispatch from Reuters' (WB) plus vaude; Looking for big $5,500. Last week, 'Hot Steel* (U) and 'Ladies Must Live' (WB) (five days) $3,400, good. - Paramount. (Hamrick-Evergreen) (3,039; 30-40-50)—'Knew What They Wanted' (RKO) and 'Mexican Spit- fire' (RKO) with personal by Charles Laughton opening day. Eye- ing fair $4,500. Last week, 'Dulcy* (M-G) and .'Cherokee Strip' (Par) poor $4,300. Roosevelt (Sterling) iBflO: 2J -35)— 'Stayed for Breakfast' (Col) and 'Captain Caution' (UA) (4 days), fair $1,100; split with 'Brigham Young* (20th) and 'Girl Avenue A' (20th) dual (2d run). Headed for big $2,400. Last week (30-40-50 )-^ •City for Conquest' (WB) $2,300, fair. Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 16- 32)—'Boys Syracuse' <U) arid 'Man Talked Too Much' (WB) (2d run): Expect fair $1,800. Last week,,'RamV parts', (RKO) and 'Maisie' (M-G) (2d run), $2,000, good. Boston, Nov. 8. House managers expect to take a beating from the last-minute, heat of the election, Which keeps the patron- age- glued to radios, but.-.they were beaming over the weekend as heavy rain drove would-be football fans into the film stands. 'Great Dictator,' at tilted prices, lis out in front oh gross basis, but disappointing in at- tendance. 'No Time for Comedy' Is a strong card at the Met, and 'Streets of Paris,' at 65c top, is a good stage draw at the RKO Boston. 'Long Voyage Home' is betterrthari-Ave'rage at the: Merriorial, and will probably hold oyer. . Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200: 33-44-55-65) •'Gay Caballero* (20th) with 'Streets of Paris' unit on stage for full week. Will hit a hefty $18,000. Last weekt 'Queen Yukon* (Mono) and 'Marked Men' (Prod), with Blackstone magic shoe bn ! stage, four days; and 'Lady Question' (Col) (2d run) and 'Who's Guilty?' (Mono) (1st run), three days, okay $10,000. Fenway (M&P) (1,332; 28-39-44-55) —'Knute Rockne* (WB) and 'Calling Husbands' (WB) (both continued run from tWp weeks at Met). ' Still okay football season draw. Around $6,000. Last week. 'Burjna* (Par) and 'World Flames'(Par), ditto. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 28- 39-44-55)—'Long Voyage* (UA) and 'Little Heaven' (U), plus two per- sonal appearances by Gloria Jeari on Monday (4). Will hit around $16,000, good. Last week, 'Too Many Girls' (RKO) and 'Sandy Gets Man' (U), same. . . • .. Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367: 28-39- 44-55)—'No Time Comedy' (WB) and 'Father Prince' (WB). , Aiming at very good $18,000. Last week, 'Knute Rockne" (WB) and 'Calling Husbands' (WB) holdover, $14,500. Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 75c-$1.10) —'Dictator* . (UA), Received politely but not enthusiastically by the press, and the opening was decidedly dis- appointing here. Film not strong enough to draw, capacity houses at these fancy prices. Rainy Weekend helped substantially, and final tally will be around $25,000. Last week. 'Howards Virginia' (Col) arid 'Dulcy' (M-G), okay $16,000. . Paramount (M&P) (17817: 28-39-44- 55)—'Knute Rockne' (WB) and 'Call- mg Husbands'. (WB) (both continued £ U P ^ om « two weeks at Met).. Should hit $9,000, Very good. Last week. ^ urma I„ I Par) and 'World Flames' (Par), $8,500. Scollay (M&P) (2.538; 28-39-44-50) —'Argentine Way' (20th) and 'For- eign Correspondent' (UA) (both 2d run).: Around $4,000 expected. Last week,/Wyoming' (M-G) arid.'Kildare Home' (M-G) (both 3d nin), same, i State (Loew) (3,600; 75c-$1.10)r- SA 01 r (UA); Headed for good ^6.500. Last week, 'Howards Vir- ginia' (Col) and 'Dulcy' (M-G), $10,- MohoV Gottiy Move ..... . . Hollywood, Nov. 5. Monogram's home, office trek from New. York to California meant the expenditure of $25,000 ori new con- struction at the Ralph Like studio and a. like amount within; the next few months. . ■ Two new buildings have been set up to accommodate various depart- ments, -and appropriations have been made for other irriprpVements, In- cluding the remoflpHng of stages. r»_ V « Philadelphia, Nov. 5 Pre-election day blues arc str kinc downtown b.q.'s this week, an ( it's bad news all along the line. Phi „! delphians are hugging their loud- speakers and^ shunning the bright lights.: Even the heavy product that's been ^potted here for this sesh is failing to .lure Mr. and Mrs. Voter- out of hiding. • ier Only the Earle, With Lolly Parson^' unit on the boards, the holdover ot •The Great Dictator' arid "World.in Flames'^ are doing profitable busi- ness. Paramount's -' documentary * being hypoed greatly by the advance p ^u Clt ^^ught.about by the bari or the film by the censors arid its subsequent release. ; Estimates for This Week ^Aldlne (WB) (1,303; 75-$l.l4)- Great Dictator' (UA) (2d wk) Fall- ing off, but still an okay $18,500 Opener socko $28;300. f ' . w Arcadia^Sablosky) (600: 35-46-57) -J^f Band (M-G) (third riin) (2d wk). A little shopworn, but still ^od^for $3,200. , First: week, fair 11 Boy*, <WB) (2,560; 35-46-57-68)- Arise My Lover (Par). Not hit as *?»i?;« as ^he others, With profitable ?16.50p. Last .week, 'Third Finger' ( 5 I i?A^ anked ***** one week's take Of $13,600: , (WB) (2 ; 758; 35-46-57-68)- *Quarterback* (Par) With Louella Parson's Hollywood unit. In the blue chips with $24,000. Last ; week, combo of 'Hit Parade* (Rep) with §4000 orch€S » equally potent • . Fox ' (WB); (2,423; 35-46-57-68)— •Dispatch Reuters* (WB). Weakie with bare $13,000 in the tills. Last- week's six-day trek for 'Spring Pa- rade* (U), in second sesh, so-so $10,- 400.. . Karlton (WB.): (1,066; 35-46-57-68) —'Knew What Wanted* ((RKO) (2d run). Better than expected with $4,200. Last week. 'Angels Broad- way* (Col), poor $3,700 for: second run. ■: '■■ . Keith's (WB) (1,970; 35-46-57-68)- •Spring Parade' (U) (2d run). De- fying doldrum with fair $4;500. Last week, 'Argentine Way' (20th), just under with $4,400 for second run. Stanley (WB) (2,916; 35-45-57-68)— 'Moon Burma' (Par) with 'London Can Take If (Par). Very poor $12.- 500. Last week, 'Hired Wife* (U), shade better With mediocre $1,300. ,«, Sto ^*? n «, (WB) . (M57; 35-46-57)- •World in Flames* (Par). Getting the news breaks and netting sweet $5/500. Last week, 'Rangers Fortune* (Par), neat $5,800. 'Mounties' 2d $9,000, K. C; 'Sinners' $7^00 Kansas: City, Nov. B. •Northwest Mounted Police* in its second week at: the Newman con- tinues to stand out in the boxoffice sprint.; In its No. 2 sesh it looks to exceed a gciod initial week for most of the better films in this spot, and at that rate it's a cinch to go on for additional time, all the more note- worthy in view of the 30% hike in admissions. 'Great Dictator f at.the Midland is running continuously, but at. prices of $1.10 and 75c. is finding the goinK slow and the take comparatively low. Upped prices evidently the stopped here, and house is operat- ing with closed balcony and still having plenty of seats. Estimates for This Week Esquire and Uptown (Fox Midwest) (820 and 2,043; 10-28-44)—'Seven Sinners' (U). At $7,300, fair enough. Last week, 'Spring Parade' (U) went nine days to reap a sturdy, though not big $8,500. Midland °Loew's) (4,101; 28-75- 1.10)—'Dictator* (UA). Customers are taking to it slowly, and while the take of .$8,500 is a fair week for the house, it's a turkey, at these prices. Last Week, 'Kildare Goes Home' (M-G) and 'Dulcy* (M-G) were a lightweight duo and slipped to $6,000. ; ■■ Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 15- 31-36-55)—'Northwest Mourite d' (Par). Goes strongly into second week, and $9,000 follow-up will be in advance of .any other second week in years and ahead of most first weeks. Third week easily in sight. Opening week of $13,000 beat any- thing in. recent years. Orpheum (RKO) (1,500; 10-28-44) ^'Too Many Girls'^ (RKO) and 'Laddie* (RKO). Getting the. musi- cal comedy fans\:and rejgistering. a pleasant though hot large $6,600. Last week, 'Knew What They Wanted' (RKO) and 'Mexican Spit- flre* (RKO) dualled with Charles.- Laughton p:a. Opening day drew $7,300, good, but not up to expecta- tions. Tower (Joffee) (2,110; 10-30)— 'Yesterday's Heroes' (20th) with Joe Sanders oi'ch on stage. Home town rep of leader helping arid take of $7,8Q0 is in advance of usual takv here. Last Week, 'Argentine. Nigtit^ (U) with vaude revue, above-aver- age at $6,500..