Variety (Mar 1941)

Wednesday, March 12, 1941 Minneapolis, March 11. . Judging tiy. the way they're sink- ing, grosses here have hit . a bbttoni- Itss pit. They're on the skids with a vengeance and, .cuirently.-the total Ibop haul will .be puny. Plenty of causes are advanced for the drop. : Basic industrial condi- tions have been japne too healthy, "There ate niany other, adverse faCr- tors with which to contend—Lent, Impiehding income tax .payments, im- expectedly: large: fuel • expenditures due tb the'long, drawn out winter, the Shi-iners' indoor circus which reached into local pocketbboks to the. tune of more than:$30,000 the . past week, and :the 'Ice. Follies' which Will extract, another $80,000 or . more the ensuing fortnight. So , it's little wonder that, the alibi boys have, ihuch; to talk about. .• Orpheum again has a stage show headache. Jan^ Frohman and Gray. Gordon's orchestra head, a swell in-person array, with 'Hudson's Bay' for screen , support. Yet box-pfflce returns, aren't any where nearly com'- mehsXirate. ■• ■ ' ; Spotlight grabbing film newcomer lis 'Western Union' at the State where it's setting^ a moderately fast'clip ; . Estimates torThls. Week ; Aster (Par-Singer) (900;. 15-28)— • 'Blackout' fUA> and 'Ride. Kelly' . (20th); dual first-runs. In .for five days, and should reach pretty good . $1,500. 'Devil commands' (Gol) and 'Meet Churhn' (U), -al.so diial first- runs, open Thursday (13). Last week, 'Behind Maisk* • (Col). and 'Make Music* (RKG). dual. first-runs,, split with 'Alontf Rio Grande' (RKO) and . 'Father's Son' (WB),-also dual first- runs, okay $2,000. • . ' Centiiry. (Par-Singer) (r;600; 28- 39-44)-^'Mr. and Mrs: Smith' (Col) (2d wk). Moved here from State; arid headed for good $5,200. Last week, 'Virginia* (Par) (2d wk), good $5,000. Gopher (Par-Singer) (998; 28)-7^ •Kildare's Crisis' (M-G).. Strong at- ' tractloA for this house and should stretch to nice $3,000.. Last week, 'Road Show* (tJA) split with 'Shayrie Detective* (20th), light $2,Oqo: brpheam (Par-Singer) (2.800; 28- 44-55)—'Hudson's Bay* (20th) .and stage show with Jane Froman and Gray Gordon, band. Tip-top stage line-up and strong picture for vaud- fllm. May climb beyond light $8,000. Last week, 'You're the One'; (Par) and International Casino Revue on stage, $8,600, bad. Stotc (Par-Singer) (2,3()0; 28-39- 44)—'Westfem Union* (20th). Going along at profitable pace in general direction of good $8,000. Last week. •Mr, and Mrs. Smith' (RKO), $8,700, good. ■ ■ Ijptown (Par) (1,200; 28-39)— •Kitty Foyle' (RKO). First nabe showing.. Looks for profitable $3,000. Last week. Tin Pan Alley* (JJOth), ' first nabe' showing, good $3,200.^ World (Par-Singer-iSteiTes) (350; 28-39-44-55)— •Virginia* (Par) (3d wk). Moved here from Century after good $5,000 week there, follow- ing pretty good $6,800 in seven days at the State. Moderate $1,500 In prospect Last week, 'Flight Destiny' (WB) (2d. wk), disappointing $1,200. TASTOR' GOOD $2,700, UNCOLN; 011IERS SLOW 20-25) rPastor ttall* (UA) and 'Remedy Riches' (RKO).-*Hair film is much in the conversations, and is lifting the take to a high $2,^00, or better.. Last week, 'Boston Blacki^ (Col) and 'Kit Carson*^/ <UA), slow $1,700.'* \ ■ • Varsity CN;oble-Federet) Cl,100; 10- 1-40)—'Adam' (Col). Didn't get 25 „, . started very . well, - and won't cut much ice at^ $2,600, Last week, •Strawberry -^Blonde': (WB); $3,300, a^l^r^ght,' ■•. ■ ' ■■..■ . Lincoln, Neb., March 11. •Pastor. Hall' is providing the color at the b.o. here this week, all other plx. moving slowly. •HaU* opened with: a hang at th9 cheap-priced Variety, aiid the tenipo never let go. It has prospects' of bettering $2,700 or about double the average take of the house. . 'Hudson's BayV took It easy^ and •Dr. Kildare Goes Hoine' with a local talent show on -the stage,, is' only mpderate.. 'Adam Had Four iSbns' .. also light.. • Estimates for 'TKIs Week ^Jolonlal (Monroe-Noble-Federer) 750;; 10-15) — 'Along Rio Grande' (RKO) arid 'Reno' (RKO), split with —T^airie Schooner' (Col) and 'Married Love' (RKO). Fair $800, .Last week, •Texas Terrors' (Rep) and 'Wildcat Btis* (EKO), split with 'Robin Hood Pecos* (Itepi) and 'Beyond Tomorrow' (itKO), ditto. . : Lincoln (J; H; Cooper-Par) O.503; 10-25-40) —'Kildare Home' (M-G) with amateur (Ibcal) show on stage. About $3,100,. if lucky, arid that's only fair. Last week, 'Western Union' (20th), \ylth tfebraska setting; ac- counting for a good take here, $3,900. Nebraska' (J. • H. Cooper-Par)' (1,236; 10-20-25)'— 'Spy Murder* (M-G) and'Earl CarrbLs* (Par), So- so $1,800. . Last wifek, 'Gallant Sbiis' (M-G) - and •La Zbnga' (U), .slow Jl,700. .. Stnkrt: (J; H. Cooper-Par) (1,884; 10-25-40) 'Hudson's : B^tr* (20th). .Getting amiiiid $J,500, wMch is about even money. Last week, 'Come- Live' (M-G), neat $3.800... ". Variety (NpblerFederer) (1,100; 10- V Detroit, :M^ Lent hasn't riiade itself felt here because, grosses in .the downtown houses this week aire Vaulting far iabove normal. Fox has shbt up to a' start on 'Tpbaccb Road,' which bver the -weekend tbpiped. the similar :pei;iod on.'Grapes of Wrath,' to what promises to be double the house's regular, income, the kind .of .figures the bigger stage shows have reached here. The house continues with its policy of soloing its imain:f^a;ture at night, although afternoonis 'tobacco Road' is. coupled with 'Murder Among Friends.* Michigan will be way up there, too, with Earl Carroll's 'Vanities' on. the stage and 'Four Mothers' as the screen end. It reflects the policy of the houses here which brings' in the strongest bills available for early Lent to start wearing doWn the fan resistance. Other houses have matched up their holdovers withifiesh fare to cut in on tiiie business. Adams has held 'Western ""Union' for a second week after it did two at the Fox, and has added to it 'Adani Had Four Sons,' last week's topper at the Fox. Palms-State hangs on to 'Virginia,' which just finished two weeks at the Michigan, and freshens up the. bill with 'Victory.' Other two holdovers are 'Gone With the Wind,' still show- ing vitality in its fourth week at the United Artists, and 'Fantasia' which has started to slip in its fourth week at the Wilson. Esiimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40-55) —'Western Union' (20th) (4th wk) and 'Adam* (Col) (2^1 Wk). House is extracting plenty out of pictures taken over from Fbx in relays, with a strong $8,000 indicated. Last week, •Western Union* and •La: Zohga' (U)» gleaned $7,500. ' , Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5.000; 30-40- 55) — "Tobacco Road' (20th) and 'Murder Among Friends' (20th) Shooting high with better thai:^ a huge $30,000 indicated. Last week, •Adaim* (Col) and 'Shaynie Detective' (20th). fair $14,000.. Michicran (United Detroit)' (4,000: 30-40-55)—'Four Mothers' (WB) and Eairl Carroll's Vanities' on stage, Getting a rush, with a bie $24,000 coming -up. Last week, 'Virginia'' (Par) and 'You're the One' (Par) (2d wk), good $13,500 after dandy $18,500 Paims-Statc (U n 11 e d ^ iDetroit) (3,000; 30r40-55) — 'Virginia' (Par) and 'Victory' (Par). Former taken from Michigan and iresheried with a .first-run, Looks foi: strong $ll,000. Last week. •Kitty Foyle' (RKO) and 'Sierra' (WB) (3d wk) spurted up on Acadeihy awatd interest to a choice $9,000. ■ United Artists. (U p 11 e d 'Detroit) (2.000; 406 to 4 p.m.: 556 evenings; 40c to noon Saturdays)-^'Gbrie' (4th Wk). Rolling up $14,000.after $18,000 last week., . Wilson (2,000; • weekday ihats 75c and. $1.10; .Weekend..mats and nights, :$1.1() and $1.65:)-^'Fantasia' (Disney). Has been up and down, but seems fading with $9,000 after $j5,000 last week.. ■■; Western Union' (20th), alfter a week at the Denver, $4,300. • : Broadway (Fbx) (1,040! 25r35r40) —'Come Live' (M-G) and 'Play Girr (RKO),: after a week at the .Or- pheum, fair enough. $2,500. : Last ! Week, -'Gone; (M-G), good $4,500. , Denham (bockrill). :(1,756; 25-35- 40)—'You're the One' (Par) and Bbwes unit. Solid $14,000, with numerous: standblats attesting the drawing power here, . Last week, 'Mad Doctor' .'(Par) and 'Monster G ii-r (Par), packed the house ■■ to^ a smasho: $14,000, evep beating, vthe opening week on 'Virginia' twb weeks previbus.. ' behver (Fox) (2,525: 25-35r40>^ | 'Strawberry Blonde' (WB) and 'Lone Wolf ;Chance', (Col). Healthy $10i- 500, - Last week, 'Nice. Girl'. (U), good $9,500; . :: /. Orplieum (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40) — Hardy's ' Secretaty' . (M-G) iand 'Liberty' (M-G). • Strong $11,000. Last week, 'Come Live' (MrG); and 'Play Girl'' (RKO); hicre .$10,(jOO.^ Paramonni (Fox) (2,200; 25t40)— 'Son Cristo' . r(UA) ■ and 'Boston Blackie' (Col). Very . respectable $6,000. Last w(eek,VMaizie Ladr (M-G) and 'Wild Man. Borneo' (M-G), nice $5,500. . Rlaltd (Fbx) (87«;: 25-40)—'West- :ern Union' (20th), after a week at each the Denver and Aladdin, arid 'West with Peppers' (Col), Good $2,100. -Last week, 'Back Street' (U),: aftler a week at each the Denver and Aladdin, and 'Out of Luck' (Mono)* pkay. $2,100; Girl' (U) and •Miirder - A^^ Friends' (20th), gobd $7,50(), • > SUte (Lbew) (3,200; $8-39-50)-^ Rage in Heaveri' (M-G) arid 'Blonde liispiration* (M-(3), Paced, sit fairish $10,000. Last week, 'Hardy's Secre- tary' (M-G) and 'Wild Man Borneo' (M-G), sweir$15,000. . V ," ^ Strand (Indie) (2.000;. 28-40-50)-- Hard Boiled Canary* (Par) arid 'Rangers Ride* (Par). Weak; and looking for only so-sb $5,000, Last week, 'Virginia' (Par) and 'Girls 21' (Rep) (2d wk), nifty $6,800. BOSTON Washington, March . ll.. Heaviiest snow and blizzard in 15 years played havoc with- weekend, tics but the b.o. staged a comeback Sua day and most spots look to' finish in the riibney. Easy tbps is 'Andy Hardy's Private Secretary,' playing at the Capitol, Loew's big vaude house. Other vauder, WB's Earle, is. secbnd with 'Adam Had Four Sbns,' :,, Boston, March 11. •So Ends Our Night' is bullish, at the Orpheum arid Staite this. week, and Cab CalloWay on the RKO-Bos- tbri stage is aiming at second money With ./'Meet the Chump' -on .the screeri. 'Fobtstepis in the. Dark' is doing medium trade at the Metro- politan." ' ■< ':..-; EstlriutcB for This Week Boston' (RKO) (3,200; 33-44-55)^ 'Meet Chump* (U) with Cah CaUb- way unit: oh stage. .Heading for healthy $14,000. Last week 'Secret Evidence' (Prod) and 'Petticbat Poli (Rep), with stage. show, four days; and 'Dracula! (U) and 'Frank- enstein' (U) (bbtli re-issues), three days, sOtSo $7,200, Starting March 17 this house will play , vaude- both halves of: the Week. . Fenway (M&P) (1,332; ' 28-39-44 55)_<Flight Destiny' (WB) and closely pushed by Palace, Loew's ace 'CSreat Nobody' (WB). Pallid $4*000 straight" pic. showplace, with 'West erri Union.' Tops in the h.o. field, and. winning hands down; is 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' at Keith's, roaring through second weeic and headed, for a third. Estimates for This Weeli Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 28-39^44-66) ^'Hardy's Secretary' (M^G) and vaude, Leading town with hand- some $23,000. Last week, 'Come i Majestic (Shubert) (1,014; 75-$1.10r Live* (M-G) can., thank Stewart- ^1.65)_.Fantasia' (Disney) (7th wk); Lamarr for beating off cool, notices Looks gbod. for $13,500. Last week for good $20,000, $14,000. Hinterland promotional ef Columbia (Loew) (1,234; 28-44)-:- forts are bringing in the Ibng-diS' 'Philadelphia* (M-G) (2d run). Stew- tance biz.. art*s Academy award sending return Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 28-:30- '0(ffi'-lM UNITING, PIVElt'HARDY'ItG Denver, March 11. Business continues on the bnglii side her^. Best gross, among humer pus strong figures, is being registered at the Dehham via 'You're the One' cpupled with a Major Bowes unit. EsUmates for This Week . Aladdin > (Fox) (1,400; 25-40)r /Nice Girl* (U). after a week at the DeriVer,.:flrie-. $4,500. Last week. indicated.. Last week- 'Virginia* (Par) arid 'Ride Kelly' (20th) (both con- tinued run from Met) With persbrial appearances by . Stirling Haydeh, very, gobd $6,000, Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 28- .19-44^r55)—'Son Cristo'. (UA): and •Playgirl' (RKO), holdover for^five days. Tepid $8,000. Last week, sariie duo turned in good $16,000.. 'Back Street' opens here today (11). dbwntown engagement soaring to strong $6,000.. - Last week, ' 'Son Cristo' (UA) (2d run), weak $3,200, fiarle (WB) (2,216; 28-39-44-66)— Adam- (Col) and vaude., Satisfac tory $14,000. Last :week, 'Sierra' (WB), okay $14,500. Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 39-55)—'Mr, aftd Mrs. Smith*, (RKO) (2d wk) Holding to strong $11,000. Last week same .pic took swell $14,000. Met (WB) (1,600; 28-44)—'Arizona* (Par) (2d wk). -Back downtbwn after nice week at Eairle, and will hit ' average $4,500. Last week, •Thing Called Love* (Col) (2d run), hefty $6,000, : Palace 'Western $13,000. Last week, '|:nds Night* (UA), light $11,000. •44-55)—'Footsteps' (WB) and 'Gold-, en Hoofs' (20th). Eking out a slow. $13,()00. liast week 'Strawberry Blonde' (WB) and 'Monster Girl* (Par), $20,000, big. Qrpheum (Loew) (2,90(); 28r39-44- 55)—•Ends Night* (UA) and 'Malsie Lady* (M-G). Very socko $1'7.500 on the way^ Last week .'Philadelphia' (M-G) and 'Road Show' (UA) (2d wk), whammo $19,300 easily worth a third stariza, but backlog of prod- uct forced it out, • . Pararaonnt (M&P) (1,797; 28-39- 44-55)—'Flight Destiny' (WB) and "Great Nobody' (WB). So^so $6,000 gait.. Last week 'Virginia' (Par) and Philadelphia, March il, Combinatibti of Nforth Pble.weather. which played a repeat 'erigagement hei-e over the weekend^ and the Len- ' ten iseason is giving deluxer nianage- ment plenty, of headachies this seshV Letup of blizzard on Monday is ; easirig the situation sbiriewhat, arid . all may : not be Ibst.' Standihg up best against the twin, hhrdles Ig 'Great Dictator* at the Stanton, which reopened Saturday (8) at top priqes. ' Also checkii|g ..In With..' respectable grosses are 'Mr. and-Mrs. Smith' and Tobacco Road.' .'Among the othet newcortiers are Xand of Liberty,' shbwing sad pull- Ing powers; 'So Binds Our Night,' . mediocre; and 'Trial of Mary Dugan' with; 'Fblies Bergere* on stage, :under .' expectations. H.o.s taking it on. the . chin. -/a- ' Anbtheir adverse factor are. two.' stnash . hits . running \ln legit hbUseS:' simultanebusly-^^Mari 'Who Came to Dinner'^and 'Life With Father.' Estliiiate$ for This. Week Aldine (WB) (1,303; 86-$lil4-$l.7l) —•Fantasia' (Disney'. (4th wk). Sluiriping badly as it.win d."! : up first month, with a paltry : $1.1,100 this time. Last week,^ disappointing $14,- 000 for third tryi : : . ArcadU (Sablbsky) (600: 35-46-.57): —'Flight Command' (M-G) ,(2dji-un). Having bad luck with scant $3,000 for eight, daiys. Last week. '.Diark Vic- : tory' (Par), sour $2,000 . for .second run; ■. ■ .■ ■ <. Boyd : (WB) (2,560; 35-46-5(5^68)— v •Mr. and Mrs. Sriiith' (RKO). Re- spectable in spite of obstacles, with nice $151700- Last week, 'Come Live' (M-G); disappointing $13,500 arid yanked after only one trip, Earie (WB) (2,350; 35^4(5-57-68) ^ ,^'Mary Dugari' (M-G) plus;. 'Folies ; Bergere' Unit. Not . up to smiff with $^19,500. Last week. 'Henry' (Par) arid Lou Holtz Hollywood troupe, skidded sadly toward end tb wind up: with punk $17,500. , . Fox (WB) (2,423;. 35-46-57-68)— . •Ends Night' (UA). Take not in keeping with eric, kudos. Poor $13.- 20(). Last week, 'We.sterri Union* (20th), even: worse $12,000, Karlton (WB) (l,066r 35-46-.S7-68) -:-'Liberty* (M-G). Plenty of ex-, plbitatibo, but ribt rnuch appeal, Di.s- appointing $3,300. Last week. 'Phil- adelphia* (M-G); wound up its long visit in midtown with pbwei-ful $5,900 for third week of secbnd run. keith*s (WB) (i.970; 35-46-57-68)^ "Thing. Called Lbve' (Cbl) <2d .rHn). Not had $4,200. Last Week, 'Cheers Bishop' (UA) (2d run), unhealthy $3,500.. Stanley (WB) (2,916; 35-46-57-68) -^'Tobaccb. Road' (20thy. : Bucking, elements for. a pi*oud $16,500. Last week, 'Virginia'. (Par), yanked after only orie ride with sour $12,000. Stanton (WB) (1,457; 35-46-.')7)— •Dictatbr' (UA). Pbp-price run looks like long one, Jnltlaler opened Sat- urday arid looks like hefty $14,000. Last week. 'Flight Destiny* (WB), ptmk $3,000. BLIZZARD CRIMPS PROV.; 'Hide, Kelly* (20th X (both continued (Loew) (2,242; 39-55)-^ run,from-the Met), with personail ap Union*. (20th). Adequate pearances by Stirling Hayden,. very " " " nice $8,300. Scollay (M&P) (2,538; 28-39-44-50) —Tllght Command* (M-G ) and 'Mad Doctor* (Par) (both 2d run). Should hit around $5,000, . big. Last week 'You're the One* (Par) and 'Western Unibn' (20th) (both 2d run), $3,500, State (Loew): (3.600; 28-39-44-55) -.'Ends: Night': (UA) and 'Malsie Lady' (M-G). Flashy $14,000. Last Providence, March 11; S'^*;^^^?T'l^^^^ Near record snowfall Saturday (8) l^*^"^ (T JA) (2d w k), $15,400, dandy ruined iriatiriee biz and put a :Sizeable crimp in evening take. City highway i n Vil > ni 1 • department ordered hari on parking XAatHA fi KlaPirA^ in the .downtown area after 4 p.m. so r^r^u^ • ■^•wyiwMi. that streets could be elearied. . R-lil'v a lli W H A Despite the storm, obvious strength PIIIZCS lUC D. U«| of 'Tobaccb Road' at Majestic, arid « « , ^w-. Mr. arid Mrs. Smith' at RKO Albee, Rllt *Thnflr>A V\ ^flfl prbmise hbldbyers. Other spots iso-so, 1 . *''*'«»W*U ^ JjtlUV Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO). (2.200; 28-39;50)-:-1 . Seattle March 11 ^Sl' ^P^^^ Seattle's:blac]S tt;e^?Sn Iriy 'Little Men' (RKO), Showinffpromise major U. S, city Was staged laVt Pri for ^well 18,000,, Last week. 'Buck |SS?*?ig^^^ iri.tb-.. the theatre - biz, Folks stayed Privates' (U) and 'Invisible Woman' (U) (3d wk), nifty.$6,50a Carlton (Fay-Loiew) (1,400; 28-39 50)—'Hardy's Secretary' (M-G) arid 'Wild Man Borrieo* (MrG) (2d riin). but on .;sceriic height^ to View .the fade-but arid relighting, br parked at side of their radios at . home. All told, Friday*s b.b. Was below that of Hurt badly by storm, and .fair $2,500 Thursday. Showmen here hope that looks. topsz-^Last. week. 'Strawbetry if there aire to he ,ariy more bfackout ?v'.9S^^ ni^^l ^ Son' rehearsals, the authorities will pick (WB) (2d run), good,$2,800. ; . sbme day which Is less harmful to Fay's (Iridfe) (2,000; 25-35)-'Along the film tradei .. : ^ Rio Grande' (RKO) arid vaude. Not Despite. the dehacle ■ of Friday top istrong,.but fair^$5.500..Last week, however, grosses manage to stay on 'Robin HrIrl Pecos' (Rep) and Sing-, the strong side; Leader is "Tobacco ers Midgets, on stage, swell $7.000.:.. Roaid,' which is. piling up. a brilliarit Majestic' <Fay) (2.200; 28-39-50^— $9,300 at the Fifth Ave, ., 'Tobacco Road' (20th): arid'Mr, . No- Estimates for Tliis Week body' (WB), Proving hefty grosser. Blue .Mo.iise (Hamrick-Evergreen) Warranting holdover with knockout (850; 30-40-50)—'Hardy's ' Secretary' $10,000 in sight. Last week, 'Nice (Continued bn page 23) lOBACCO ROAD,'WOW $15,000 IN INDPLS, Indianapolis, March 11. ■ Indiana theatre has hit pay dirt this week dualling_ •Tobacco Road with •Play Girl.' ' The sharecropper saga is hanging up' the top grOss_ of the year, much to the gratification of Colonel Ken Cbllins, major dome of the -Indiana, : who has seen some of the top money pictures bt the natibri snubbed at his house" in re- cerit weeks. Loew's is limping witii an Under-average take on 'Son of Monte Cristo' arid 'Keeping Com- j»ny.' Circle is also tepid dualling •Buck Privates' arild 'Where Did Ybu Get Girl,' despite the fact that the town is headquarters -fbr ari army oamp. However, recruits arent turned loose often enough, tb get into town to see the military; comedy. H they wanted to. » Lyric is doing okay with Jan Savitt orchestrion stage and 'Flight from Destiny' on the screen, but pic. is. rather heavy for average vaude- fain intellect. :■ EstimateiB for This Week Circle (Katz-DolliB) (2.600; .26-30- 40)—'Buck Privates' (U) and 'Where Get Girl' (U). Weak $5.600; Last week, •Mad Doctor'. (Par) and 'Monster Girl' (Par).: puny.$4,600. • Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3.100; 25-30- 40)—'Tobacco Road' (20th) and 'Play Girl' (RKO). Terrific $15.000.Last Sveek,. 'Footsteps' (WB) and 'Ride, Kelly' (20th), :brut£il $4,200, .: Loew's- (Loew's) (2,400; 25-30-40)-' •Son Cristo' (UA) and . 'Keeping .Cbmpany' (M-G). - Under average $6,500, Last week, 'Thing Called Love' . (Col) and 'Escape Glory' (Col), okay $8,500. Lyric (Lyric) (1.900: 25-30-40)— •Flight Destiny* (WB) and Jan Savitt orchestra. Fair'$9,000. Last week, 'Father's Son' (WB) and An- drews: Sisters plus Joe. Veriutl or- chestral okay $10,000. .