Variety (Mar 1941)

Wednesday, March 19, 19^1, Sari. Francisco, March 18; Admjsh for 'Mtet John Doe' has been upped frorti .50 to 65 cents at night at the Waffield, where the new Frank Capra picture opened well last Friday (14). Only rieal competish. 'Back Street,' which stole a. march on other riewcoriiers on the main ietfem by mbvlnig- up opening date eeveral days. Best of the holdovers- is 'Fantasia;'' which is plenty sweet at the Geary at $1.65'top.. . Estimates tor This Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-40-50)— •Hard Bofled . Canary'- (Par) . arid •Hienfy', (Par).. Biz is way off this week. Pretty sad at $11,000; Last week, 'tobacco Road" (20th) and 'Sleepers West' (20th) opened .strong biit suffered irom. bad notices and poor fword-of-mouith to end with , |l7,b0d, considerably under expecta-^ ■ tions.- : '. •■ ■'• ■-. Geary (Curran) (1,286; 55-75-1.10 1.65)—'Fantasia' (RKO). Will hit around $14,000 the first cornplete week, which is great going. Mail order rfeservations are high. Nights capacity, with matinees . running a little over, half; ■ ' . • Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850;. 39-44 65)^'Girl, Guy' (RKO) and .viude (24 wk). Carl Brisson on the. stage Is getting a blay from the big Danish population here. Holdover justified at $10;000. . Last week, big $17,000. Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2,440; 35 40-50)—'Back- Street' (U) and /La Zonga'. (U). Move-up of opening date helped considerably. Biz fiell ,off a bit when other houses brought In new shows; However $11,000 . Is satisfactory going,: Last week 'Buck Privates' (U) and 'Boston Blackie* (Col) grabbed $6,000, which; is okay considering stint was short tyro days of a full week Paramount (F-WC) (2,740; 35-40 50)—'Footsteps' (WB) and 'Father's Son' (WB). Can't get more; than $10*000. ^Last week, 'Strawberry Blonde' (WB) and 'Honeymoon Three* (WB) (moveover), good $11,- 000. . St. Francis (F-WC) (1,475; 35-40- 50)—T 0 b a c c o Road' (20th) and 'Sleepers West' (20th) (moVeover) Win do the usual, $5,000 here, iiast week, 'Liberty' (M-G) and 'First Romance' (Mono) was pitiful at $2;200, lowest fake this house has had in years. United Artists (Cohen) (i;200; 35 40-50)—'Ends Night' (UA) (2d wk) A disappointriient; so will piill after two weeks. Fair $5,000 on the . hold over. Last week, around $8,000. Warfleld (F-WC) (2,680; 40-55-65) —'John i>oe' (WB) .Expected to grab 121,000, which Is sturdy. Picture Is getting wondierful word of mouth gublicihr. Capra name means plenty ere. Last week (4th), 'Gone' (M- -G), below expectations at $9,000, iOBACCO'-TRIVATES' lOIG, OMAHA OKAY Omai^a, March 18, With liast week's first feature, 'Buck Privates' held over, this week as a co-feature, 'Tobacco Road* opened at the Orpheiini with long lines that presage—aside from Lent —a very, big week running to $10,500. The experiment of holding over half the show which seemed, all awry ac cording to .^he rules, is turning out successiful In the face of ^ome man agerial criticism. . The Omaha with 'Footsteps in the Dark' and 'Golden Hoofs' isn't doing anything to speak of and will sag to the low figure of about $6,800.~ At the Brandeis, It isn't believed that . 'High : Slferra' plus 'Tugboat . Annie Sails Again' will continue the amazing fiin of twb-weekets 'which started at the Brandeis on New Year's day. However, it is planned to-hold it .at least' two days and may be more on the face of business Which so far Iboks like a pretty good ,15,500. ■■ Jriterinlttttit snow, rain, sun and •wind haven't brought oiit a lot of people to the downtown houses at night. . :■ - ■ ■•' Estlmaie^ for This Week . Qrpheam (Tristates) (3.000; 10-30 40)—'Tobacco Road' (20th> and !Buck Privates'' . (U). WillV do - a livelv ;$K),500.. This makes the second -week for !Priyates.' Last week, 'Privates' (U) and You're the One' (Par), ^alr bmabi (Tristates) Vi-OOO; l6r30-4b) —'Footsteps' (WB) and 'Golden Hoofs' (20th.).. Light $6.,800; Laist Week, 'Hardy's Secretary' (M-G) and •Blonde. Inspiration' (M-G), ; pretty fair $8,800. . Brandeis' (Mort Singer) (1.500: 10 25r35-40)—'Sierra' (WB) and 'Tug boat Anrtie Sails' (WB), .'Very good • $5,500. Last 'week, 'Mr. and' Mrs, Smith* (RKO), and 'Black Parirof (WB) (2d wk), a fair $3,200; State (Goldberg) (900; 10-20-25)— •Arizona' (C6l) and 'Second Chorus' (Par), split with '(Go West' '(M-G) •Gallant. Sons' (M-G ) . and 'Mairgi (U"), Ordinary $900. Laist week ^ve Neighbor' (Par) and 'Chad Knnna' (20th). .cpHt.with 'Ari.<!" Tyive' (Par), 'Barnyard Follies' (Rep). and 'Youth Served* ; (20th), .trifle above ! ;900, very good.' Town (Goldberg) (1.500; 10-20-25) —'Love Neighbor* (Par), 'Doomed Caravan* (Par) and 'Saint Palm Springs* (RKO), triple,-split with 'Bullets Rustlers' (Col), 'Romance Redwoods' (Col), and 'Hear Trouble' ■ (Col), 'Brigham Young' (20th), 'Murder New York' ,(20th). Rather lively $1,100. Last^eek, 'Plane Rob- bery' (Col), .'Charter Wldt* (20lh) and 'Night Tropics' (U), triple, split with 'Pinto : Kid' (Col), •^WoTld Flames' (Par), and''Nanette' (RKO), 'Cowboy Star' (Col);. 'Our Town' (UA), slightly;.under $1,000.: • Avenae-lWilllary-.Dundee : (Gold^ berg) (950; 300; 600; 25)—'Arizona' (Col) and 'Sdcond Chorus' (Par), stilit with 'Go West' (M-G), •Gallant Sons' (M-G) and 'Murder Ne^y York' (20th). Just fair $900. Last, week, 'Love Neighbor' (Par), and .'Chad Hanna* (20th), spUt with ,'Youth Served' (20th), 'Arise Love' (Par) and 'Charter Pilot'. (20th), ditto. ■ i Detroiti ; March IB. Still ino sign' of Lent making Itself felt here. ■■. Picture gi-osses have, been climbing—must be that armament money—until straight movie bills have started to pull the same figures that once, were hung up witti the stage shows. , ■ •Greiat Dictator,' makhig Its: first appearance here and being sold at regular prices, has shot way. Up where it will come close to gleaning $.35,000 at the Michigan, coupled with 'Father's Son.' After shooting a ter- rific $32,000 last week with "robacco Road,' the Fox is sending it for a second stanza. Evidence that two of the smaller houses downtown, which have been taking over the -first-run pictures for extenuation, are going to cash in on the plentiful money hereabouts is s(5en in the fact that both the Adams and Palms-State are shaping up their own fresh bills tjiis week. Former is trying a pair of the horror school with what looks like Just fair results, 'Gone With the Wind' finally has started to weaken, in Its fifth week at the United Artists and probably will move' out. 'Fantasia,', also in its fifth week, remains L'stless, but is being carried on the hopes that it may get another Up spell in its ups and-downs. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40-55) —'Devil Commands' (Col) and 'Face Behind Mask' (Col). Not showing much with fair $6,000 indicated. Last week, 'Western Union' (20th) .(4th wk) and 'Adam' (Col) (2d wk) Strong $8,000. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40 55)—Tobacco Road' (20th) (2d wk) Nice $19,000 alter , a terrific $32,000 last week. This week the topper is being coupled with 'Mr. Dynamite' (U) instead of last week's companion, 'Murder Aftioiig Friends' (20th). Michigan (United Detroit): (4,000 30-40-55 )-^'Dictatbr' (UA) and 'Fath ei-'s iSbn' (WB).. Smash $35.0Q0 in sight. Last week, 'Four Mothers' (WB) and Earl Carroll's 'Vanities' on stage; big $24,000. Palms-Sfate (United Detroit) (3,- 000; 30-40-55)—'Flight Destiny' (WB) and 'Convoy' (RKO). With fresh bill house can get good ■ $7,500. Last week, 'Virginia' (Par). (2d wk) and 'Vic tory^ (Par), strong $10,000. United Artists (United Detroit) (2,000; 40c to 4 p.m., 55c evenings, 40c to noon iSaturdajrs)—'Gone* (5th wk). Firiallj' started.tb iall off with hot-bad. $10,000/ after last week's $14,000. ' Wilsoii (2.000; weekday mats 75c and. $1.10; wieekend mats and nights, $1.10 and $1.65)—'Fantasia' (Disney); Still, dullish with hot more than $7,00()- after .last week's $9,000. TOOTSTEPS'BIG $6,800 Stof IllSHiDP' Cheers for Miss Bishop' at the Lib erty, are ringinig up the best grosseB. Estimates for this Week Blue Moose (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 30-40-50)—'Hardy's Secretary' (M-G) (3d wk). Paced at good ,$2,200. Last week, swell $3,000. Collseum (Hamrick-Eviergreen) (1,900;. 21-35)—'Philadelphia' iM-Q) ;and 'Gallant Sons' (M^G) (2d run). Gbbd $3,200. Last week, . 'Love; Neighbor' (Par). and 'Charter PiloV iZOth) (2d run), $2,800, fair.-. . . Fifth Avenue (Hamrick-Evergreen) (2,349; 30-40-50)— 'tobacco . Rbad' (20th) : (2d wk); - Managing a. fair i;4,500; Last-week,, great $9,500.' Liberty: (JivH) (1,650; 30-46-50 )-- Cheers Bishop' (UA) and 'Boston Blackie' (Cbl). . Good enough $5,500. Last Week, 'Thing Called Love' (Col) (5th wk), $3^200, good for .siii; days. Music Box (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 30-40-50) — 'Western Union* 20th) and 'Wild Man Borheo* (M-G) (3d Wk). Fair $2,100. ~ Last Weeki ,I12,80(), gocid. , «i . . O r p"li ie u m (Hamrick-Evergireen) (2,600;; 30-40-50)—'Footsteps' ' (WB) arid 'CortJes Happineiss' (WB);' Big 116,800. 'Laist week, 'Stiawberty. Blonde' (WB) and 'Behind News' (.Rep) (2d wk; flve. dayis), hig $4,300. Falomar: (Sterling) (1,3^0; 20-50)— Make Music' (RKO) ^nd 'Shadows Stairs' (WB) plus vaiude. Fair $4,800. Last week, 'Youth Served' ,(20th) and La Conga revue oh stage, mod- erate $5,000. . •' :.. Par^moont (Hamrick - Evergreen) (3,039; 30-40-50)—'Girl. Guy* (RKO) arid 'You're the One* (Pair). Alright 115,000. . Last week, 'Maisie* (M-G) and 'Mary DuganV (M-G), $3,700, bad. ■ : , Boovevelt (Sterling) (800; 30-40- 50) —'StraWberry Blonde* (WB) Moved o\er frbrri Orpheum for a third Week. Headed for big $3,100, Last Week, (21-35) 'Nanette*, (RKO) and 'HoneymoonThree* (WB) (2d xUn), no rave at $2,O0iD. : winter Garden (Sterling) (80Q; 16- 30)—'Comrade X' (M-G) and 'FoUf Mothers* (WB) (2d run). Fair $1,- 900. Last Week, 'Go West' (M-G) and 'Lorig Voyage' <UA) (2d run), gbod $2,300, Mpk (^roggy^ So-Sci» 1^ ^ IViyates^ $4, 5iG . Seattle, March 18, Biz dropped in this past week, ^and is not up to tlie mark of l>rioi' ses sions. No accountable rea.son seems to be on hand, except that the town is full of holdoveris... Among the. neWcomers,; 'Footstepi in the DtV at the .O^pbetim. and split with; 'Rrairle Schooner' (Col) and 'Married Love' (RKO), ditto, Lincoln (J. H. Cbbper-Par) (1,503; 10-25-40)r-T'Hardy'« Secretary' (M- G). Going great giins with $4,200 likely. Last week^ 'Kildare Home' (M-G). with amateur show on stage, weak $2,900. . . ^ . : : „ ■ Nebraska (J. H- Gooper-Par) (li236; 10^20-25)—'Mary Dugan' (M-. G) and 'Keeping Company" (M-G).; About ayetagCi $1,600; List week, 'Sky Murder' (M-G). and 'Earl Car- roll's' (Par), ditto; StnaH (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,884; 10-25-40) -^'Tobacco Road' (20th). Word-of-mbuth -is bad, but b.o, is good. Might ruh to $3,500 by the time ■ It finishes, which ■ is okay. Last week^ 'Hudson's Bay' (20th), fell apart to bum $2,900.' '■ : " ' Variety (Nbble-Federer) (l.lOOi 10- 20-25)—King Kong' (RKO) and 'Train Robbery* (Rep), four days, split with 'Lone Wolf Chance'. (Cbl) and 'Oklahoma Kid' (W-B), four days. Pretty good $2,200. Last week, 'Pastor Hall' . (UA) and 'Remedy Riches' (RKO)i went six excellent days tb $2,000. < : . Varsity (Noble-^Federer) (1,100; 10- 25-40 )-r-'Road Show' (U-A). Pulled after doing only $1,800 on four days; •Dictatttr' (UA) replacing. Last Week, '^Adam''; (Col), light all the way, $2,300. : 'Har(pr,lln MEMPHIS OK Memphis, March 18, Hiedy Lamarr and Jimmy Stewart are the. big Main Street noises this week, 'Come Live With Me' finding a. ready response in boxoflice lines at LoeW's Palace. Surprise of the week, however. Is showing ihade by The Baker's Wife,* French film at the Warner. Pic that would ordinarily die looks likely to last out week to fairish grbss on strength of Howard Waugh 'Not for children' bally. Biz so-so at the New Maldo for 'Adam Had Four Sons.' Loew's State has a pop price second showiric of 'Great Dictator' and is doing Well with same. . Estimates for This Week Coew's SUte (Loew) (2,600; 10-33 44)-:-'DIctator' (UA), Chaplin take bettering indications from original run. Should rate $5,500. Last week, 'Rage Heaven' (M-G), $2,900, very poor. Warner (Warner) (2,300; 10^33-44) -'Baker's Wife'.: (French). Looks like risque implications back of rave notices might up this one to $4,800, much ahead of anticipations. Last week; .'Footeteps' (WB), $5,000, good New Maico (Lightman) (2,800; 10- 33-44)—'Adam' (Col). Picture well liked. May do fair $3,000. Last week, •Buck Privates' (U), (2d run), four days, and 'BIbndie Latin' (Col), tWo days, $4,200, okay. Loew's Palace (Loew) (2,200; 10 33-44)—'Come Live' (M-G). Stewart Lamarr combine clicking away for $1000. Last week, 'Tobacco' Road' (20th), $6;0.0<), fine. Strand (Lightman) (1;000: 10-22 33)r^'After Melp Kampf (Crystal), and 'Mr; Dynamite' (U). siplit week. Moving toward nice $1,800; . Lasit' week, 'Kitty Foyle' (HKO) (2d run three days;. •'Lorie-; Wolf; C^iahce' (Col >, tWo days, and 'San Francisco Docks' (U). two days, $1,600,. okay. 11AIU)Y'Hmir$4;200, LINCOLN;J^T SPOTTY '. Lincoln, Neb., Mairch 18. 'Andy Hardy's Private Secretary; .going well over. $4,O00, Which is ripe pickings fbr any shigle attraction. Running; a good. race is. 'Tobaceb Hoad,' which came in eiarly in the week, and had .'chased lip a fancy gross by 'the time It cleared the weekend.. Seemed to be a lot of eon fusibn about it, as m&'^y as 20%. oX the patrons thinking they were go irig to see. the stage viersion. All others are moderate. Estimates for This Week Colonial (Monroe-Nbble-Federer) (750; 10-15)—'Cairolina Moon' (Rep) and 'Meet Christian' (RKO), split with 'Millionaire Playboy'. (R§( and 'Riding Cherokee' (Mono), so, $800, Last Week, 'Along Grnnrle' (HTtOV rind "Reno' (RKO), Q) So Rio Louisville, March 18, 'Andy Hardy'a Private iSecretiary' at Loew's State and 'Nice Girl' at the Rialto are heading for sweet grOss^ this week. 'Meet John Dbe' opened Thursday (13) at the: Mairy Anderson; With a heavy splash in the newspapers, and prices upped to 60c. Opening was aired over WINN» with usual bright lights, interviews with Important local persons, etc., which got the! pic off to a fine start. Should ivxn In a swell, gross as a single, aided by . 24-sheeti—hnd the . nice build-up campaign. Duo of hbrrot pix at the; Strand are making a good shoWing. H.o. of Come Live' at the Brown is on the mild side. . Weather oVer the weekend was rainy and mild, which helped down- town houses to some extent; Oppo sish (e;ccept< for Lent) Is' noticeable by its abs^ce. • EstimatesVor. This Week Brown (Loew'si-Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15-30-40)—'Come Live' (M-G) and 'Road Show' (UA).. MoveOVer should hit okay $1,800. :. Last week, 'Western Union' (20th) and 'Golden Hobfs' (20th) grabbed better than average, with fine $3,000 on mbye over from Rialto. * , Kentucky (Switow) (1,200; 15-25) r-'Love Neighbor* (Par) and .'Li'l Abner* . (RKO). Copping quite '& hefty juve trade, arid matinees are shaping up strongly. Indications are for satisfactory $1,700. Last week, 'Santa Fe* (WB) and 'Laddie' (RKO), excellent $1,800. Loew's State (Loew's) (3,200; 15 30^40)—'Hardy's Secretary* (M-iG) arid 'Lone Wolf Date' (Col). Hold ing up well to other aiming at a bumper gross, probably . $11,000, Last TVeek, 'Come Live' (M-G) and •Road Show' (UA), made a healthy showing in face of strong opposish to cop sweir $9,000 arid moveover Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000: 40-50-60)—'John Doe' (WB). Opened Thursday (13) With a broadcast over WINN, interviews with incom- ing patrbris and prominent local per- sons, at ia special show, with invited audience, and plenty of-fanfare. With help of newspaper ads and bill bbards, pic should^ romp home for a swell $9,000 and h.o. well in sight Last week/ 'Fbotsteps' (WB) on sec- bnd we^,_lsix-days, wound up with llghtwe®rf $2,500; : Blalto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 15 30-40)-^'Nice Girl' (U). and 'Meiet Chump' (U). .Deahna Durbln nartiie: on the niarquee means'plenty of b.b. Strength, with pic off to a fast stairt Factors: arie favorable -to give this pair a profitable week, prbbaUlyi $8,500. fine, ; Last, week, ' Among Friends', (20th)/ tremendously ; by having Marjorie Weaver In femriie lead, and,Sammy Kaye's orchestra arid stage show, the first since last Fall, brought resouriding $10,000. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1.40() —'Monster Girl' (U) arid 'Mad Doc tor' (U). Pair of horror plx going along okay, aind look.to grab satis- factory $3,400. Last week, 'You're the One* (Par) and (20th), Bvera tfp .«1f:nn : Mlnneajpbiis/M^^ 18. . With' nuhierbus : adverse factors still Working- overtime, grosses con- tintie .to remiiin far belbW par. In consequence, 'gnashing of teeth has become a daily exercise along the rialto;..:. . . .■ : - Stabbing the bbx-offi<}e in: the back is thei' seiemingly endless .winter' weather, tough opposition from the 'Ice" Follies' jamming, 'eriv' in at the \ Arena, and other nqn-theatrical .at- tractioris including the Auditolium's Builders Show, v Lent,. plus income tax payments; For the first tinie in months there's hb vaiidfllrii.! doWntown; However, the filrii linfe-up is potent, with '(Jbrie With the Wind' topping the array,. ; bllbwed by .' ?Back Street,' 'Biick Privates' and . 'StraWberry Bloride,' The first-namied, of; course,: in'-lts initial pop price erijgageriienti leads the pack, but-even it isn't getting the expected response. And once more total takings for the loop will be un- impressive and indicative of the low estate to Which Mi ■ neapolis has sunk as. a. show town- After a Week's' absence, .yaudflim- returns to the Orpheurii Friday <2l), with Joe Reichmian arid his band the hcadUnei:. . 'Western. -Uriion'. is. the. only current holdover, .having moved from the State to the World for an . extension of its first-run. • . Estimates: for iThis Week Aster (Par-Siriger) (900; 15^26)-^ 'Devil Cbmmands' (Col) and; 'Meet chump' (U), dual first-runs. . :Hittirig. satisfactory $l,7d0 pace for five days. 'Lone; Wblf Chance'. (Col) arid •La Zonga' (U), dual .flrst-rUnsi open to- day (18) for five days. Last week, Blackout' (UA) arid 'Ride, Kelly' (20th), $1,500 in five days, fair. Century (Par-Singer) . (1.600; . 44- 55)-r-'Gone' (MrG) (2d ruri).' Three complete shows daily Urider present continuous. .pOp-priced policy. Eas- ily, the town's ace attraction; of course, but indications are that re- turns will be considerably under what's expected frohi a city.; of this- size. .May be good for four weeks, however. Around $12,000 in pros- pect. • Last week, 'Mr. and Mrs, Smith' (RKO). (2d wk), $5,100, fine after $9,100 first week. . Gopher (Par-Singer) (998; 28)— 'Buck Privates' (U). Copped plenty . of praise. from the crix. Well-spot- ted ait this house, too. May stretch tb big $4,000. Last vyeek,.'Kildare's Crisis' (MrG). okay $3,000. Orpheum (Par-Singer) (2,800; 28- 39-:44)—'Strawberry Blonde' (WB). Heavily advertised, but they're riot coming in .heavy numbers, and okay $7,500 looks about all.- Last week, 'Hudson's Bay' (20th) and Jane Fro- man and Gray Gbrdon orchestra on stage, light $7,500, despite fine stage show. . State (Par-Singer) (2.300; 28-39- 44)—'Back Street' (U). Heavy pub- licity, marquee tower, and critics' and customers praise failing to mean more than pretty good $6,500; Last week, 'Western Union' (20th), after gbod start slumped badly tb same figure. Uptown (Par) (1,200: 28-39)^ 'Philadelphia' (M-G). First nabe^ shoWing, and headed for very big $4,600; Last week, 'Kitty Foyle* (RKO), first nabe showing, $4,200, bi<?. World (Par-Singer-Stefles) (350; 28-39-44-55)—'Western Union' (20th) (2d wk). Moved here from State. Mild .$1,500.. Last week, 'Virginia' (t»ar) (2d wk), $2,0,00,. pretty good. 'STRAWBERRY'$9,000 IN K. C;'GIRL' JCartsas .City, March . Biz on the upbeat,. especially as compared to last week. Current top- per is .'Strawberry Blonde,' .on a dual bill at the. Orpheum, arid is skedded for an extender' run. NeW Durbin fllni came in on Saturday, art: un- usual opening day, at the Fox houses. Esquire arid Uptown,' and indicates, it will play at least 10 days, NeWmari is changing, to. a Tiiesr day (18) opening.on^Sea Wolf after 'Fobtsteps in the Dark' .made only fair imprint in six days. Midland is showirig - imprbvement over its pre- vious week," although 'Come Live With Me'; With 'Land of Liberty' for ^doal billing arien't getting the dough the. Stewart-LaMarr names would indicate. . . ^ .' . Weatheir is typica:! of -March with, snowstbrm* :rain and sunshine ,all in four days.* 5Jurdei^|fe>.E9iima^^ helbed' -^Esquire and Uptowii". ■ (Fox Mid- • Wiest) (820 and 2,043!; 10-28-44)—'Nice Girl'' (U); Opened Saturday ;(15), Looks to- stay more: than a week, Seven days will hit around $8,200; nice. Last. Week, 'Tobacco. ROad (20th) stretched its playing time to 10 days and its take to $9,500, good. Midland (Loew's) (4,101; 10-28-'14) -^'Come Live' (M-G) and 'Liberty, (M-CJ).. Only average, results at •Ride, KeUy' l$7,700.- Last week, 'Ends Nighf (UA t, ' (Continued on page . 24) ,