Variety (Mar 1941)

^^edncBday, March 12, J941 PICTURE GROSSES M)erry^O'Brieii^ ■ Chicago^ March 11. -. Week-end was good : throughout the tijwh, with Saturday and Sunday especially solid. : Weather, was well- njgh P^rt'^*^* and /the downtown streets werie filled with people ready to drop their shekels lor some qui<;k 'amusement..' • Topping the town is the. Chicago W'ith a combination of /Strawberry Blonde' on the screen . arid Pat O'Brien heading the stage line-up. Double helping of name value Is a cinch for high coin brackets here. At the Oriental, thisi. trade is ' in good shape'primarily on the strength o£ the stage attraction, a unit tagged Tan-American Follies;' Has excel- lent wbrd-.of-mouth, arid Is huildirig to one of the best Weeks this house has seeri in a loriig tiriie; 'Dancing «n Dime' holds down the screen end. Otherwise, the town is so-so, mainr ly because of the many holdovers, meaning that the cream is -off most of the bbxoiffices. Roosevelt holds •Gone with the Wind,* United Artists continues with 'Come Live with Me,' and 'Fantasia' stays on:;With its re- cerved-seat rim in the' Apollo, Dis- ney opus has been doing great on week-ends, but matinees and week- nights are slipping badly.. 'Back Street' and 'La Zonga* com- bination finished three grieat weeks at the Palace yesterday-(Monday) and was replaced with double, bill headed by 'Mr. and Mrs.' Smith.' . .EsUmsteB for This Week Apolld (Disney) (1,200; 75-$i,10- $1.65)—'Fantasia' (Disney) Od .wk). Matinees are slack iand week-nights could be better, with the weekends figuring as the real punch of the ses- sion. However, total good at $12,000, after fine $13,400 last week. : Chicago (B&K). (4,000; 35-55-75)— •Strawberry Blonde' (WB) and stage show. Pat O'Brien headlining on the rostrum: . Fine b.d. combo that heads for $38,()00, neat. Last week "Tall, Dark' (20th) and 'Vanities' unit on stage snagged healthy $35,200. Garrick (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-7j5) -^'Victory' (Par). Just anothei: week in the offing at $4,000.- Last week •Western Union' (20th) took all right $5,100 for second lo.op session. Oriental (Todd) (3,200; 28-44)- *Dancing Dime' (Par) arid 'Pan American Follies* on stage. Unit is accounting for plenty of business, arid will manage fine $17,500 for the week. .Last week 'Comrade.X' (M-G) and Muriel Page iand Don Pedro or- chestra, fat $17,800. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 33-44-66)— •Back Street' (U) arid 'La Zohga' (RKO) (3d and final wk). Had an excellent run of it, and was handled niftily by the front office,; Taking bang-up $10,000 for final session, after brilliant $12,200 last week. Itoosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65^ 75)—'Gone' (M-G) (2d wk). Going along to healthy trade.* Will bring home $11,000 for the current session, after a snappy $15,400 last week. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 28-44)t- •Irivisible Woman' (U) and vaude. Milt Britton orchestra and Patricia Ellis on stage/ Combination is get- ting the coin, arid will manage $17,- 000. fine. Last week 'Night Train' (20th) arid Ray Herbeck band unit on stage, smacking $18,700. Vnited AtUsts (B&K-M-G) (1,700; 35-55-65-75)—'Come Live' (M-G) (2d wk). Holding to $10,000, a strength- ening, of place after a so-so take of $12,700 last week. HIGHT' 8G; tOBACCO: $7300, IN HUD K.C. Kansas City. March 11. Leading entries this week are fTobacco. Road/ doing good but riot exceptional at the Esiquire and Up- town, and 'So Ends Our Night' as top of ai dual bill at thei Midland.: Newman is, showing 'Hard Boiled Canary* and 'Life Witl* Henty,' and breiaking its months-long string of single features; Bill- doing only: •fair arid rnoveis out after six d^iys, with footsteps In the IJairk'. re- placing, today (11).- 'High Sierra' is having a seconH week (with ?Play Girl': as partner) at the (Drpheum. and icontinues to hold its good night play.- ;, Pictures had. some Aeavy oppo sitlori in the Hamid-Morton iridobr circu? for .five days in the auditorium under sponsorship of the police ben- efit fund: Return of the 'Ice Ca- bades' for three days slated this .week..- .■.•'•■■■'■;; Estimates for This Week - . Esquire and Uptown (Fox Mid west) (820 arid 2.043; 10-28-44)—'To bacco Road' (20th). Gettinig .a nice . play and stands- a : chance of ex- tendeel playing tiriie after $7,300. very acceptable.. Last week..'West- ern. Union' (20th) playing a hold- oyer. week,, could do no better than * fair $4,700. Midland (Lbew's) (4.101; 10-28-44) —•Ends Night' (UA) arid »Blondi« Latin' CCoI). Soriiewhat over aver*- age $8,000. Laidt.week. 'Thlnfr-Called Love' (Col) and. 'Wild Man Boxneb' (M-G), ditto. ■ . Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10- 28-44)—'Hard Boiled Canary' (Par) and' 'Henry': <Par). dualled^ breaking, usual singlerfeatiire policy i here. None too strong, and bloised Monday (10) aftier six . days. Fair $4,800. 'Footsteps in Dark' opens solo today (11) . Last - week, 'Virginia' (Par) (2d wk), was favorable though iK>t large, $5,000. . Orphenm (RKC)) (1,500; 10-28-44) —'Sierra'^ (WB) and 'Play Girl' (RKO).. (2d wk)i Giving' good ac- count of itself at $5,500,, after' In- itial week grabbed a neat $8,000. Tower (Joffee) (2,110; 10-30)— •Arkansas Judge* (Rep), with stage bill headed by Pepito. Good $6,600. Last week, 'Nijht Train' .(20th) with Pinky Tomdin orchestra on stage, rolled along to nice $7,000.. : ; Cincinnati, March 11. . Ace tugger ' currently Is .'Andy Hardy's Private Secretary* with, a hefty mark for. the Palace. 'Tobacco Road' is fetching a fairly good gross at the. Albee, but not as much as was expected in view pt play's long suc- cess and extra advertlsirig. Grand is quiet with 'Trial of Mary Dugan.' 'Strawberry Blonde,* among the holdovers, is racking up a swell! third-week take for Keith's. Combo Shubert Is having a let- down ori 'Golden Hoofs* ahd the 'Screwballs of 1941' unit following season's smash b.o. last week by Glenn Miller. Main stem's blz^^y arid large this week is several lengths back of test week. No weather howl in first half. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3.300; 33^-50)— 'Tobacco Road' (20th). Fairly good $11,000, yet below expectations in face of extra ad campaign ^nd popu- larity of stage play. Last week, •Ends Night' (UA), $7,000, lowest lor a long time. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 33-40-50)— 'Nice Girl' (U). Switched from Pal- ace for second week. Fair $4,000. Same last week for 'Virginia' (Par) (2d run). . Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-28)— ^Saint Palm Springs' (RKO) arid 'Be- hind Mask' (Col), split with ^Devil Commands' ((^ol) and 'Arkansas Judge' (Rep). Steady $2,100. Ditto last , week on 'Elleiy Queen' (Col) and 'Remedy Riches' (RKO), divided with 'Riding Rainbow' (Rep) ind 'Secret Svldence'(Ind)J Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50)— 'Mary Dugan' (M-G). Poor $3,000. Last week, 'You're the One' (Par), mild $4,000. Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 33-40-90)— •Strawberry Blonde' (WB). Holding over for second .Week after move- over from Palace. Swell $4,000. Last week, socko $6,000. Pic fetched 4in excellent $12,000 in first seven dayis at Palace.' ''.'.' Lyric (RKO) (1.400; 33-40-50 )-r 'Virginia' (Par) (3d run). Fair $3,- OOO. Last weiek, • 'Western Uriiori' (20th) (3d run), sK days, slow $2,000. Palaice (RKO) (2.«00; 33-40-50)— •Hardy's. Secretary' <MrG). iSreat $13.000;. Last week, 'Nice Girl' (U), good $11,000. Shubert (RKO)' (2,150; 33-44-60)— 'Golden Hoofs' (20th) arid 'ScreWr- balls of 1941' unit. Fair $11,000. Last week, . 'La Zonga' (U) arid Glerin Miller's band, season'« high with $18,000. •VA.* $7,400 J»PORT^ First Runs on Broadway ■ iSiibject to Change) :. (UA) Doe' Miss 15) ■ Eve* (U) Week of March: IS Astor—•Great Dictator* (22d wk). Broadway-'Fantasia' (Disney) (18th wk). eapitdl—'Andy Hardy's Pri- vate Secretary' (M-G) (2d .wk). . Criterion—^.'The R o u ri d li p' '.(Par).;'-.... ■..';;■.. Globe —'Night; Tjrairi^ (20th) (12th wk). Holly wood—'Meet John (WB) (12). . Music Hall^'Cheers. lor: Bishop' (UA). (ilet)(eti>cd t»ii .yARisry. .Jdh. Paramount—The -Lady (Par) (3d wk).. . Slalto—'Mr. Dynamite' 'a2).';■ (Reviewed in Current issue} BivoU^'Meet John Doe' (WB) •.(12). •■■.'■•;" .':■ .;.':.:■.: .-.'r - '; - \Boxy —"That Night in , Rio' , (20th) (2d wk); - Strand—Footsteps In. the Dark' (WB) (14).: . . •--"'•.; (Reviewed .in Vajucty March 8) Week of Mareli. 20 Astor-'Great Dictator' (UA) (23d wk). Broadway:—'FantaslaV (Disney) .(19th*wk). 'Capitol—-'Rage of Heaveti' (M-G). :.iReviewed in VAarenr Morch 5): . Criterion— 'Monster and the Girl' (Par). ,: Globe—•Night Train' (20th) (13th wk). Hollywood—•Meet John Doe* (WB)-(2d wk). . Mnsic Hall-^'(3heer3 : lor Miss Bishop' (UA)'(2d wk). iParamoririt—'Hard-Boiled . Ca- nary* (Par) (19). : (Reviewed in VAioitt Feb. 88) Boxy —'That Night in Rio* (20th) (3d wk). Strand—'Footsteps In the Dark' (WB) (2d wk). Ing along iri its fifth week to good $3,500. Fourth week was better than usual for this house, with nice $4,000. Orpheum (Hamrick r Evergreen) (1,800; 35-40-50)—'Play Girl' (RKO) and 'Blondie Latin' (Col) with vaiide. Okay $5,300. Last week, 'You're the Qne^ (Par) single-billed with Gary Nottingharii's band on stage, great $C,700. Paramoont (Hamrick - Evergreen) (3,000; 35-40-50) —'Virgiriia' (Par) and 'Shayne Detective' {20th). In line for strong $7,400. Last week, •Western Union' (20th) and 'Saint Palm Springs' (RKO), closed a sec- ond stanza to. satisfactory $5,200. United Artiste (Parker) (1,000; 35- 40-50)'—'Son Cristo' (UA) and 'Pas-^ tor Hall* (UA). Second week doing average $3,500. First week, big $5,000. mm Portlarid, Ore., March 11. <Best operier iis 'Virginia' playing to good returns at the big Paramount, with 'Play Girr arid 'Blondie' combo doing Okay for the Orpheum: All Parker houses holdirig, - with 'Wind' at the Broadway still topping takes. . ' : Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 43-55) —'Gone* (M-G). Still doing a wow Job in its third week, Looks like high $8,000. Second week went to great $11,000. Mayfair (Parker-Evergreen) (l,5o0: 35-40-50)-'Philadelphia' (M-G). Rac- Buffalo, March 11. Grosses here are still up and coming. Current going^ is brisk, and with all screens offering a mixed field of solid film fare, the b.o.s are showing the : stanchest. kind of drawing power. It's , a case of duals everywhere this week.. 'Tobacco' and 'Live with Me' are nicely out iri front for com- fortable-money levels, while 'Vir- ginia' arid 'Strawberry Blonde' are following satisfactorily,, and riot too far behind. iSstiiriated .for ,This Week . Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55)— •Gome Live' (M-G) and 'Liberty' (M-G).. Nicely mixed, card should get up around good $12,000. Last week, 'Western Union' (20th) and •Girl News' (20th), failed to hold, but .passable at under $10,000.. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-55) —Tobacco Road' (Fox) and 'Sleep- ers West- (Fox). Takings ori the upbeat, and may go as high as $15,- 000. Last week, 'Sierra' (WB) and •Blonde Inspiration' (M-G), $8,500, sturdy^ ■ Hipp (Sheia) ^ijOO; 30-45)—'Vir- ginia' (Par) and 'Henry' (Par). (2d. run). Sailing along for nice second run session. Around $8,000. Last week,; 'Mary Dugan' (M-G) and 'Streets of Paris' on stage, with stage show recelvin" major credit', trapped cl6se to slick $i2,000; . Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 30r40) •Adam' (Col) and ■. •Ellery, Queen' (Col)' (2d wk). Tapering on-hold- over, but okay at $6,500. Last week over $10,000. 20th Century (Dipson) (3,000; 30- 44)—'Strawberry Blonde' (WB) and 'Black Parrot' (WB). Around $9,500, hefty. • Last week 'Bowery; Boy' (Rep) and CoUnt Basie on stage, good, enough $7,500.. Leads to 'Rio,' a Very Carioca $45,000; ., A combination of factors, all com- ing at bribe,' is creating a minor panic in the downtowri New .York theatres with but'a couple exceptions and'in those cases they would also be doing better if the cards weren't stacked against the street as a whole. The managers place the weather at the top Of the list in considering the handicaps. Friday's sriowstorm, inter- fering badly with traffic, came just in: time to m.e^ up the weekend. Little business froni the suburbs was believed to have been snared. Then on Monday (10) the bus strike canie along;-addirig to the trouble. On top of all this. Lent and income tax are to be considered; ' .' ' Attendance on Moriday (10> in the downtown, area' is believed to have set a new low for that day but the Roxy still got $4,500 on the day, which is good but normally it would have been more. 'Tfiat; Night in Rio*, opened Satur- day (8) and upset most dope by do- ing over $20,000 on the weekend. On the week the filrii should hit . about $45,000,, making it by far the town's leAder. 'Andy, Hardy's Private Sec- retary,*, also new to the street, is very disappointing. Frorii .indina- tions it will be only $18,000 or a bit above; yet the Capitol will hold it over in the hopes that relenting con- ditions will give it a boost. Holdovers . are off -sharply but 'Lady, Eve,' with a stage show at. the Paramount, is not so noticeably af- fected as the others. Fin'>bi.c'«' j*s second week last night' (Tues:) at $38,000, this compares with $51,000 the:first seven ('ays. Final week be- gins today (Wed.). 'So Ends Our Night* will, be lucky, to hit $60,000 on its current (2d) week, endinir toright (Wed^), a sharn decline, while -'Strawberrv Blonde' and the Raymond Scott Quintet is meeting with much Interference at about $22:000 on this, its third, week at the Strand. The State a^ain law away behind, with 'Go West.' which has been gen- erally mediocre throufthout the coun- try. Vaude bill Includes , the .Toe Reichman oi-chestra. Block and Sully and Sontrwriter."? • on Parsed'*. TTouse will be lucky to hit a pallid $18 000. New shows comin,g:in are headed by 'Meet John Doe* which Opens to- night (Wed.) at both the IWvoli and Hollywood - at tilted admissions. Prices will- be 55r to 1. 77c to. 6 and 99c to closlne? .weekdays: SRc to 1 77c to 3 and 99c to closing' Saturdays-: Sundays. On Wednesday (26) Paramount opens 'I Wanted Wiii«' at the Astor Uon a roadshowmn at $2 top. with IR tjshow-t weekly. , Company Is renorted spending $25 000 on advance and first week. It will be P^«r*s first roadshow picture In some Tears, Hall brings in •Cheers, for Miss Bishop' tomorrow (Thtirs.'), wh'l" the Strand on Friday ushers In 'Foot- steps In Dark' and Beri Bernie. . Estimates for This Week -Astor (1,012; 75-85-$1.10-$1.65. $2.20)—'Dictator': (UA) (22d week). Last week (21st), $11,000, medium. Goes out Sunday (23) with hou.se to be readied for •I Wanted Wings' (Par), which opens Wednesday night (26). Broadway (1,895; 55-75-$1.10-$1.65. $2.20)—^'Fantasia' (Disney) (18th week). Down a couple pegs last week (17th) to $20,000, but still good profit. Capitol (4,520; 35-55-85r$l.i0-$i.25) —'Andy Hardy' (M-G). Failing to show any speed, only $18,000 or some over. Holds, ho\^rever, with-possibil- ity of a pickup.' Last week 'Come Live With Me!, (M-G) under $20,000, also very unwelcome." Criterion . (1.662; 28-44-55-65)— •Roundup' (Par), Opens here today (Wed.) following sdven days of 'Mary Dugan* (M-G), a weakie at $5.500.. Previously 'Mad Doctor' (Par) did" pretty well. $8,000. . Globe (1,180; 28-35-55)—'Night Train' (20th) (11th week). Tapering off but expected to get over the $5,00P. mark -arid: will hold a. l2th stanza Last week (10th), $7;000. Hollywood (1,454; 55-77-99)—'Meet John Doe' (WB)'. Opens here' to night (Wedi) siiiiultariebus- with a consecutive run ^at the Rivoli at the same prices which repre.serit an in^ crease for the Riv. Hollywood closed down Sunday; night (9) with a ballet .show. ' Palace (1.700: 20-35-55)—'Mr, and Mrs. Smith' (RKO) (2d ■ run) arid 'Vivacious Lady' (RKO) ' (fei.ssue) doubled. Open today . (Wed.) after week of 'Buck Privates' (U) and 'Honeymoon for .Three' (WB). both 2d riin, at fair $7,600. Behind these 'Western Union' (20th) (2d run) and 'Meet Chump' (U) (1st ruri), $7,200, mild. .Paramount (3.664i 35-55^85-99)-- ■Lady Eve' (Par) and Tony Pastor, Ella Log$n, . Ben Blue ,(3d-flnal week). A strong b.o. entry and good at $33,000 on .second wo'^'^ S'^'ic'l'''''"! last night (Tues.) iri spite of current drawbacks. Windup session begins today (Wed;). First seven days sock $51,000. Radio City Music Hall (5,960; 55,85-99-$1.65)—'So Ends Our Night* (UA) and stage show (2d-final week). Got $78,000 the first week, satisfactory, but suffering from cbn- ' ditions on holdover plus fact film is not of. uriusual strength and lucky if $60,000. 'Cheers for Miss Bishop' (UA) Opens.tomorrow (Thurs.). BUIto (750,v 28-44-55) — 'Ellery Queen'5 Penthouse Mystery' (001)1 ■ Mild $5,000 indicated.: 'Dariderous- Gariie' (U), only $3,000 on four days; 'Meet Boston Blackie' (Col) was $5,500. RivoH (2,092; 55.-77-99) — 'Meet John Doe' (W-B);: ' Day-and-dating with the Hollywood, which is re- turned to pictures, opens here to> night (Wed.) at boosted admissions, though still in the, pop-price columni Riv's regular tbp is 99c, but morning and mat prices are less, ranging from 35c a.m.'s up. 'Back Street' (U) went lour weeks here, showirig OK profit; but final seven days hurt; only $10,000. • ; Roxy (5,835; 35-55-^65-75-85)—'That Night in Rio' (20th): arid stage show. Held down by weather, Lent. co.,:. but still doing big at $45,000, and starts second week Saturday (15). Final nine days on run .of 16 for 'Tobacco Road' (20th) was $30,000, considerably under hopes on hold-' over. : Fine, first week' of $47,000 clocked, however. : Stotc (3,400; 28-44-55-75-90-$1.10)— 'Go West' (M-G) (2d run) and vaudeville. Public jilting house again, only about $18,000, light, seen; Last week, 'Virginia* (Par) (2d-ran),, plus Bill Bardo. George Givbt, others, under $17,000, bad. Strand.. (2,767; 35^55-75-85-99)— •Strawberry Blonde' (WB) and Ray- mond Scott (3d-final week). Some- what downhill at $22,000 on the bow- out session, but with second week bringing $34,000 and the first $47,000 plenty of black Is recorded on the run. 'Footsteps ih Dark' (WB) and Ben Bernie arrive Friday morning (14). TRIVATES'9iG, "HARDY' $9,000, OMAHA NORMAL Omaha, March II. •Andy Hardy's Private Secretary* plus 'Blonde Inspiration' at the Omaha taking a small proportionate business lead of the town. Pair should get $9,000 or slightly better, While 'Buck Privates' and •You're, the One* at . the Orpheum are doing a fairly good $i9,500. Brandeis went into the second week of 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' plus "The Case of the Black Parrot.' good for $3,200, a fancy figure for the.h-o. attempt. Estimates for This Week Omaha (TristateS) (2,000; 10-30-40) -^'Hardy's Secretary* . (M-G) and •Blonde Inspiration' (MrG). Wee $9,000. Last wieek, 'Son Cristo* (UA) and 'Keeping Company' (M-G), dropped a little under $8,000. Orphenni (Tristates) (3.000;-10-30- 40)—•Buck privates' (U) and 'You're the One';(Par); Will get no better than $9,500. if that much—riothing to brag about. Last week, 'Western Union' (20th) and 'Red Hair* (WB), above-aVerage $12,000. for nine days, but still not as big as, expected, with this town the locale of the picture.,. Brandeis (Mort Singer) (1,500;. 10- 25-35-40) —. •Mr. and Mrs. Smith' (RKOy and 'Black Parrot' (WB) (2d wk). Healthy $3,200. First week,' big $6,700. State (Goldberg) (900; 10-20-125)— •Love Neighbor' (Par) arid 'Chad Hari- na' (20th), split with 'Arise Love' (Par), 'Barnyard Follies' (Rep) and 'Youth Served' (20th). Expected to tiirn in a pretty fair $900.' Last week, 'Flight Coriimand' (M-G) and 'Great Profile* (20th), split with 'Girls 21' (Col), 'Rhythm River'. (Par) and 'Night Tropics' (U), goOd $1,000. Town (Goldberg) (1.500; 10-20-25) —'Plane Robbery' (Col), 'Charter Pilot' C20th) and 'Night Tropics'(U), triple, .split with •Pinto Kid'. (Col), 'World Flames' (Par), and 'Cowboy Star* (Col), 'Nanette' (RKO). 'Our.. Town? (UA)w Around $1,000, -which is average. Last week, •Bullion City' fU). 'tin Pan Alley' (20th), 'Sandy Man* (U); split with 'Wildcat Tuc- son' (Col). 'Westerner* (UA) and 'Kitty Foyle' (RKO), ■ comfortstble $900. • Avenue - Military - Dundee (Gold- berg) ■ f950; 300! 600: ; 25)—'Love Neighbor' (Par) and 'Chad Hanna' (20th), split with 'Youth Served' (20th). 'Arise Love*.(Par) and 'Char- ter Pilot' (20th). Okay $1,000; but a trifle under average. La.st week, 'Westerner' (UA) and 'Flight Com- mandr (M-G), .snlit with 'Rhythrii River' (Par), 'Barnyard. . Fo'Mes' (Ren) and •Nif'ht trobics' (U), better