Variety (May 1941)

Wcdneedaj, May 7, 1941 MCTUHE GROSSES Public, Not U.S. Decree, Creating New National Exhibition Trend Scanning the national exhibition scene, film distrlbutori, aaillatad the- atre circuit managements, Independent chains and solo operators may vif- ualize, with more or less accuracy, Irom the key olty boxoflioe reportf herewith, the situation confronting the Industry when the U. S. oonaent decree terms become operative, come Sept. 1, Not in courtrooms, not In lawyers' conferences, but In the pubUo attitude towards its favorite, popular-priced theatre entertainment rest* the an- swer to the changing conditions of the industry. The story U told In bold-faced type in boxoflice reports from more than a hundred first and subsequent run theatres, spread fanlike across the country from coast to coast, from the Great Xiakes to the Gulf. Big films, big in names, theme and production outlay are getting the business from the customers; the flller-in pictures are becoming less Im- portant, of less commercial and entertainment value, gradually approach- ing the point when some of the majors wiU inevitably drop them entirely from their release lists. As subtly as the spread of double-featuring two years ago, a radical transition in exhibition policy already has taken firm root in principal cities. Extended runs for the 'bigger and better' pictures are displacing what many older showmen believed was the lifeline of the film theatre— the regular, established weekly, or bi-weekly change of shows. Holdovers in Plenty Holdovers are reshaping the entire exhibition field. Extended runs for a few of the more popular Alms has been in practice for some years, but the almost universal breakdown of the larger weekly-change type of houses presents both sales and exhibition problems of a scope not hereto- fore encountered during the block-booking, blind-selling era. The trend is traceable back through a decade but, as usual in business modifications, sudden impetus to a switchover is given by a few outstand- ing signposts. The immediate condition, in the opinion of one of the top executives of a leading affiliated circuit, originated with the release of 'Gone With the Wind,' followed up by 'Fighting 69th,' 'Boom Town,' 'North West Mounted Police,' 'Snow White' and a few others of like strength. Currently there are in the national exhibition hopper a dozen or more holdovers, which are commanding extended playing time in subsequent as well as initial runs. Although the season is advancing into early summer doldrums, it is likely that the holdover list is longer presently than at any previous time. As a corollary, showmen cannot recall a period when 'B' product meant so little to the exhibition field. Scores of theatres have stopped advertising the names of 'supporting' features. 'Fantasia' Top among the holdovers in present first run release is the Disney fllmu- ' sical melange, 'Fantasia.' Its territorial preems have been limited because of the costly 'Fantasound' installations, but it is soon going into general release through RKO. Continuing engagements and length of runs In- clude the following cities: New York, 25 weeks; Los Angeles, 14; Chicago, 11; Philadelphia, 12; Minneapolis, 4; San Francisco, 8. In the popular-priced admission, houses, two new films were added dur- ing the past week to the holdover hits. They are "That Hamilton Woman' (UA), just now moving into general showings, and 'The Devil and Miss Jo nes' (RKO). which is much s tronger 'boxofCice' t han e icher the sa l es or- ganization or some first-run operators anticipated. 'Hamilton' started like a Nelson broadside in Chicago, Providence, Brooklyn, Baltimore (2nd wk), and Philadelphia. New York first run at the Music Hall has been exceeded by one stanza In the minute 'Four Star,' in Los Angeles, where the film' is completing its sixth week. Only in Cleveland is the take disappointing. On the other hand, 'Miss -Jones' has stood up for three weeks In Cin- cinnati, four weeks in Washington, and is a holdover in Boston and Phila- delphia. 'Zanzibar' Record Good Meanwhile 'Zanzibar' (Par) continues to hog the screens in a dozen cities. The score: Buffalo, two weeks; Philadelphia, three weeks; Minne- apolis, three; Baltimore, two; Louisville, three; Los Angeles, three; Cin- cinnati and Brooklyn, each two. 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G) is leading in Los Angeles ($31,000 in two houses and continuing) and is in its third week in Chicago and Philadelphia, and now playing second weeks in N. Y., Washington, Buffalo and Detroit. From Minneapolis the report is 'bad.' Others of recent release that are in the 'extended run' class are "The Great Lie' (WB), which is being believed in Cleveland, Brookl3m, Wash- ington, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Detroit public has given It the snub. With openings at advanced admissions in New York and Chicago only, it is too early to estimate with any accuracy the maximum wicket power of Orson Welles' 'Citizen Kane.' It is strong. "The Great American Broad- cast' (20th) also is a new starter, registering above average at its only two preems, Buffalo and Roxy, N. Y. So-so list of features include 'Pot o' Gold' (UA), 'Uncertain Feeling' (UA) and the new Dietrich starrer, 'Flame of New Orleans' (U). The fillers, or secondaries, are having an unhappy time. They seem to be about as good or bad as their teammates. Lacking any drawing value of their own, they are handled more or less indiscriminately. Although the production investment in the 'B's' runs Into the millions, none of the major company advertising departments gives them a tumble. There's nuggets of entertainment buried away in many of these forgotten films, but distributors seem satisfied to let the public dig 'em out—If the audiences are that much interested. •Jcpeoted $6,400, good. Iiast week, jBlgn ot Wolf (Mooo) and 'Dark Streets of Cairo' (U), dual, plus vaude, $4,000, slow. Faramonnt (Hamrick - Evergreen) (8,089; 30-40-50) —'Zanzibar' (Par) and 'Penalty' XM-G), dual, 2d wk, anticipated $8,100, immense. Last week, same films, grand biz, $10,200. Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 30-40-50) —'Great Lie' (WB) and 'Strange Alibi' (WB), dual, 4th wk, holding on nicely, expected $2,800, big. Last week, $2,900, strong. Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 16- 30)—'Kitty Foyle' (RKO) and Tall, Dark and Handsome' (20th). No longer ban on RKO publicity In the local Hearst P. I,, this duo )ooks to do $2,400, powerful. Last week, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith' (RKO) and 'Second Chorus' (Par), dual, 2d run, slow $1,900. Qeve. War Boom No Help to Be 0.; Teimy fine 12G Cleveland, May 8. Spring exodus of cottage-owners to Lake Erie resorts is on, which Is one reason for a noticeable weekend slump felt by theatres. Exhibs can understand that, but they can't compre why thousands of workers in defense plants aren't spending more coin on amusements. Local experts claim plants are keep- ing men working so hard on over- time war orders that they haven't got the time or energy for shows. Gypsy Rose Lee and 'Gay New Orleans' unit are demonstrating that there's a lo* of coin floating around by giving Palace bumper biz,, with 'Wagons Roll By Night' on screen. 'Penny Serenade' also looks like a smart figure for the Hipp, but That Hamilton Woman' is wabbling badly at SUte. Estimates for This Week AUen (RKO) (3,000; 30-35-42-55)— Great Lie' (WB) (3d wk). Third miinrt fnr <hig mnvonvpr frnm Hipp mFELD GIRL' A lOiG BEAUT IN SEATTLE BOW (Best Exploitation—Fifth Avenne) Seattle, May 6. 'Ziegfeld Girl' opened to better biz than 'Men of Boys Town' or 'The Dictator" at the Fifth Avenue and looks to go places, although customer reports vary on its rating. 'Dictator' moves to Blue Mouse for third week. Penny Serenade' is catching on at the Liberty, holding second stanza. Orpheum has 'Nice Girl' as new of- fering. Palomar, a Sterling house, has a-Paramount pic. The Roundup.' 'Zanzibar' has plenty on the ball, holding second week at Paramount, foUowmg oke reaction on initial stanza. 'Great Lie' is nifty at Roose- velt, going into fourth'week in pref- erence to a second week (on move- over) of 'Back Street' (U), which didn't shape up sufficiently strong .during first week at Orpheum. . Best exploitation for 'Ziegfeld Girl' includes jewelry store displays, mu- sic at apropo stores, advance news- paper advertising and increased budget for the papers. Estimates for Tliis Week Bine Mouse (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 30-40-50)—'Dictator' (UA) and Dead Men Tell' (20th) (3d wk). Re- lease from Fifth, headed for $3,100, big. Last week, 'Night in Rio' (20th) and 'Sleepers West' (20th), dual, 3d wk), $1,900, fair. Coliseum (Hamrick - Evergreen) (1,900; 21-35)—'Tobacco Road' (20th) and 'Maisie' (M-G), dual, 2d run, traveling for $2,200, slumping badly, Last week, 'Private Secretary' (M-G) and 'Mary Dugan' (M-G), dual, 2d run, n.g. $2,400. Fiftli Avenne (Hamrick-Evergreen) (2,349: 30-40-50) — 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G), solo, away to flying start, in- dicated $10,500, great. Last week, 'Dictator' (UA) and 'Dead Men Tell' (20th), dual, 2d wk, $4,500, okay. Liberty (J-vH) (2,349; 30-40-50)— 'Penny Serenade' (Col) and 'Break the News' (Mono), dual, 2d wk, looks to reach $6,800, great. Last week, same fllms, dandy $8,000. Music Box (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 30-40-50)—"Men of Boys Town' (M-G) and 'Scattergood Bains' (RKO), dual, 4th wk, getUng on for indicated $1,900, fair. Last week, $2,200, okay. Orpheum (Hamrick-Evergreen) (2,600; 30-40-50)—'Nice Girl' (U) and 'Model Wife' (U), sounds like a happy setup, getting along for $8,500, great. Last week, 'Back Street' (U) and 'Her First Romance' (Mono) dual, didn't live up to hopes, through in one week, $4,700, fair. Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 21-40) —'Roundup' (Par), solo, and vaude going in fine shape, around $3,50O, after excellent $5,500 last week. Hanna (Carl Hanna) (1,435; 50-75- $1.10-$1.65)—'Fantasia' (Disney) (8th wk). Skedded to close Sunday (4), but at last minute got a shot in the arm and earning an eighth week. With two extra matinees added, and special newspaper breaks,, very nice $7,000 likely, with $7,500 for last stanza. Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 30-35-42- 55)-:-'Penny Serenade- (Col). Cary Grant is a hot number here, playing for fine $12,000. Last week, 'Night in Rio' (20th), way off at $6,300. Palace (RKO) (3,700; 30-35-42-55) —'Wagons RoU' (WB) plus 'Gay New Orleans' unit. A heavy load of stage s.a. and high-pressured for sweet $18,000 despite the heat spell. Last week, 'Model Wife' (U) and Ted Weems' Orch, fair $11,500. State (Loew's) (3,450; 30-35-42-55) —'Hamilton Woman' (UA). Too much history and costume stuff for localites, and poor start puts it in a comer for anemic $9,000. Last week, Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G), pleasant $13,^ 500 without critics' help. SUUman (Loew's) (1,972; 30-35 42-55)—'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G). Moved over for a second whirl and capital- izing first-run by doing strong $6,000. Last week, 'Zanzibar (Par), good $6,000 on moveover. INDPLS. USHERS LONELY; DIETRICH BRUTAL $4,100 Indianapolis, May 6. Traffic through the downtown turn- stiles this week wouldn't churn butter. Managers point to Cole Bros. Circus, in town for two days, and the finals of the Roller Derby as the best apparent alibis. Loneliest people in town are employees of the Circle and Indiana. Estimates for This Week Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,600; 25-30- 40) 'Flame Orleans' (U) and 'Model Wife' (U) Marlcne Dietrich starrer, n.g. $4,100. Last week,'Adam' (Col) and 'Blondie Latin' (Col), brutal $3,900. Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,100; 25-30- 40) 'Lady Cheyenne' (U) and 'Viva- cious Lady' I RKO). Mourrfu' .S4.000. Last wecl:. 'Great Lie' (WB) and 'Man Lost' (U), v.ooi $7,200. Loew's (Loews) (2,400; 2.5-30-40) 'Ziegfeld Girl', (M-G) and 'Penalty' (M-G). Okay $9,500. Held down by the fact that the four-hour showin;; time hampers turnover. Last week. 'Miss Bishop' (Par) and "Bad Man' (M-G), poor $4,700. Lyric (Lyric) (1,900; 30-40-50) 'District Attorney' (Rod' and Eddy Duchin orch. Good $12,000. Last week, 'Sis Hopkins' (Rep) and Ray Herbeck's orch, okay $8,500. N.Y. Citizens Go for Kane, m In 4 Days; 'Broadcast' $40,00(1 Ain't Ether ; Grand Opera Aids M.H. to 77G 'HAMILTON' OK IN B'KLYN Getting $20,000 on Dnal; 'Cheyenne,' Paired, Mild $15,000 Brooklyn, May 8. 'That Hamilton Woman' and 'Free and I^sy' at Loew's Metropolitan are getting most biz this stanza. RKO Albee is weak with 'Lady from Cheyerme' and 'Guy, Girl and Gob.' Estimates for This Week Albce (RKO) (3,274; 25-35-50)— 'Lady Cheyenne' (U) and 'Girl, Guy' (RKO). Mild $15,000. Last week, 'Penalty' (M-G) and 'Model Wife' (U), duU $14,000. Fox (Fabian) (4,023; 24-35-50)— 'Blondie Latin' (Col) and 'Zanzibar' (Par) (2d wk). Nifty $18,000. Last week, strong $20,000. Met (Loew's) (3,618; 25-35-50)^ 'Hamilton Woman' (UA) and 'Free and Easy' (M-G). First-rate $20,000. Last week, 'Men Boys Town' (M-G) and 'Blonde Inspiration' (M-G), good $17,000. Paramount (Fabian) (4,126: 25-35- 50)—'Great Lie' (WB) and 'Mr. Dis- trict Attorney' (Rep) (2d wk). Nice $16,000. Last week, excellent $21,000. Strand (WB) (2.870: 25-35-4Q)— 'Federal Fugitives' (Prod.) and 'Shadows on Stairs' (WB). Un- eventful $4,000. Last week, 'Land Liberty' (M-G) and 'Man Betrayed' (Rep), quiet $4,000. 'Serenade' Sweet $37,000 In 2 Hnb Snots; 'Jones' Nice $16,000 and Holds Boston, May 6. With the circus in town the man- agers have a fair alibi for the gen- erally depressed biz, but th ilump started several days before the big top camei in today (Tuesday). 'Penny Serenade' looks like the winner of the week with 'Devil and Miss Jones' nosing ou*. 'Pot o' Gold' for second place. 'Fantasia' biz steamed up when final days were announced last week, so it stays one week more. Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 33-44-55)— 'Roar Press' (Mono) and "Invisible Ghost' (Mono), with stage show topped by Hal LeRoy, four days: and 'South pf Panama' (Prod) and 'Robbers of Range' (RKO), dual, three days, with local talent show on stage Wednesday oijily. Shaping up to satisfactory $9,500. Last week, 'Streets Cairo' (U) and 'Train Rob- bery' (Rep) with Edith Fellows heading stage show, four days; and 'Federal Fugitives' (Prod) and 'Break News' (Mono), three days, fair $7,800. Fenway (M&P) (1,33. 28-39-44- 55)—'Wagon's Roll' (WB) and 'Las Vegas Nights' (Par). Getting so-so $5,000. Last week, 'Night Rio' (20th) and 'Shadows Stairs' (WB), both continued, run from Met. same. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,907; 28- 39-44-55)—'Miss Jones' (RKO) and 'Met Argentina' (RKO). Not up to expectations, but heading for $16,000 and holdover. Last week, 'Nice Girl' (U) and 'Man Lost' (U) (2d wk), nice $12,800.' . Majestic (Shubert) (1.014; 55-75- $1.10-$1.65) — 'Fantasia' (Disney) (15th wk). Will garner around $10,- 000 (for final frame. Last week (14th), very good, $12,000. ' Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 28-39- 44-55)—'Pot Gold' (UA) and 'Pen- alty' (M-G). Running at medium level, around $14,500. La.st week, 'Great Lie' (WB) and 'Knockout' (WB), staunch $18,000. Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 28-39-44- 55)—'Penny Serenade' (Col) and 'Mary Dugan' (M-G). Socko $21,000 or better. Okay for holdover. Last week, 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G) and 'Blondie Latin' (Col) (2d wk), $16,- 700, dandy.. Paramount (M&P) (1.797;. 28-39- 44-55)—'Wagons Roll' (WB).6nd 'Las Vegas Nights' (Par). Medium $7,000 indicated. Last week, 'Night Rio' (20th) and 'Shadows Stains' (WB) (both continued from Met), fair $6,- 700. Scollay (M&P) (2,538; 28-39-44-.55) —'Night Rio' (20th) and 'Shadows Stairs' (WB) (both continued from Par and Fenv/ay). Tame $4,000. Last ! week, 'Zanzibar' (Par) and 'Dead i Men Tell" (20th) (both continued from Par and Fenway), okay $5,000. I State iLoew) (3.600; 28-39-44-'i5)- i 'Penny Serenade' (Col) and 'Mary I Dugan' 'M-G). Aiming for .spifly $16,00!) nnd holdover almost tain La!>t '.eek (2nd) "Ziegfelr: Girl" 1 (M-G) and 'Blondie Latin' (Col), I $12,300, good. (Best Exploitation: Palace) 'Citizen Kane' opened at the Pal- ace, N. Y., Thursday night (1) and is the hottest thing in town. So far it has been within a few bucks of being capacity. On the first four days through Monday (5) picture had gotten $18,000, while the open.- ing night's ticket sale //as $3,000 for a total up to yesterday (Tues.) of $21,000. As house is scaled on a . twice-daily policy at $2 top, capacity is $30,800. Because of bad locations around .200 orchestra and balcony tiox seats are not being sold. New entries are headed by 'Great American Broadcast,' which is doing well at the Roxy, and 'That Uncer- tain Feeling,' a somewhat disap- pointing business-getter for the Music Hall. Latter will get ap- proximately $77,000, and believed that much of this is due to. the 'Madame Butterfly' show on . the stage. Hall had planned a two- week run for both the opera tab and the picture, with result a second week will begin tomorrow (Thurs.), although the gross take is far from fancy. 'Broadcast' looks about $40,000, good, though not sensational, and it also holds with the second week starting Friday (9). Holdovers range from very weak to satisfactory. Poorest is 'Flame of New Orleans,' now in its second week at the Rivoli. It's doing very badly and won't get over $10,000. No one is challenging 'Citizen Kane' as the best exploited picture of the wecK. Estimates for Tliis Week Astor (1,012; 73-85-:^l.i0-$l.bJ-$2.20) —'wmgs' (far; (6tn week;, i^st weeK ^5th) $8,200, mild. De..arts Sunday night (11), 'luajor Barbj.a' (uA> opening 'ruesuay eveni.ig (13). Itroailway U,89&; u3-'i3-¥l.iO-$1.6S- $2.20)—'Fantasia' (Disney) (25th week). Register showed i^l2,500 last week (24th .1, good. Overhead brought I Gown to wh^re anyihint; ove.- ^tfuuj is now-profll^. Capltoi (4,520; 35-55-83-$!.10-$1.25) —'Ziegie.d Girl' (M-G) (.^u wteK;. On the first week a s.urdy $36,000 but off more than anticipated at $25,000 or less on the holdover. Goes third round. Criterion (1,662; 23-44-55-83)— 'People vs. Dr. Kildare' (M-G). Movis in today (Wed.) after dull week with 'Sis Hopkins' (Rep), only $5,000. 'Girl, Guy and Gob' (RKO) did $8,000, good. Globe (1,180; 2e-3|5-55)—'Girl in News' (20th). House increased ad budget on this one and it is doing nicely, about $7,500. NHolds. Last week, 'Strange Alibi' n(WB), only $5 000, poor. Palace (1,500; 75-85-$1.10-$.*.65- $2 20) — 'Citizen Kane' (RKO). Opened Thursday night (1). when '$3,000 wes taken in: gross for follow- ing four dcys up to yesterday (Tues.) an added $18,000 which is within inches of capacity. House can do $30,800 weekly, all .seats so'd. Notices on 'Kane' socko and the adv-n?e rale strong. RKO has house for e ght I weeks as. a star.'er. Paramount (3.664- 35-5S-B.'- 'Reacbin? for Sun' (Par). Alviho Rey orch. Eridic Bracken, others, on st.-.ge. Opens this morning (Wed.) after four weeks of 'Zanzibar' <Par), thre« with Benny Goodman and one with Harry James, stase show otherwise remain- ing the same. Final ."s'.inza $'!9.''00, o.k., the third M5 000. stronp. Radin CItv Mu-'ft HsM (5Q60- 44- 55-n5-99-:<t 65) — 'TTnre^-tjin Fe^'in?' (UA) pi'H 'Mmc Bi'tterflV iipjt. Not .<io pood b-'t also not si b-'d at «77.0')O or therepbou'". tto1''<! over. thoi";h other pictures haven't when not do- inn; better. Last week, fourth for 'Hamilton Wom?n' (UA), $71..'")00, fsir. E'alto (750; ?.8-44-.55)—'Mut'nv in Arctic' (U). Aiioears about *4.RO0, I weak. Last week, 'Black C?.t' 'U), I $6,000. fll ri-lht. I Rivoli (2092; 35-55-85-991—'Fl-me ; of New Orleap.s' (U) (2'\ -v/eck). I Dietrich failini; to draw, only $10,000 indi''-''ted. poor. F-rst week was un- der MO.OOO, very dis-onointing albeit profit. RoKv (5.R35; 35-55-65-75-R5)—'Great American Eroadca.st' (20tH) and stnge show. Not as hi" as cx-c^tcd, but good S40.000 and holds. Lnst v/eek, second for 'Lady from Cheyenne' (U). onlv S20.0nn. very weak. Slate '3 400: 28-44-.5';-75-90-<1.10)— : 'So Ends Our Nitrht' fUA) (2d run) i (Isl week) and 'Crazv with Heat' unit' '2d wk). Mnvbe $24,000. excel-- lent. Last week, first for the 'Heat* tab. -md 'Hardy's Private Secret.iry* ; (M-G) (2ri run), a niJwIitv .M4.00n. Strand (2.7r.7: 35-55-75-85-99)—'The i^rcat Lie' (WB) nnd .TImmy Dofsey '4th-nnal week). On 28-dav run this ' how has been a neat money-getter; (in?l .stanTiii look--- nbo"t *'S Oil. while we''- '3d) \""! 091. 'Wr'o'ons I at Niiiht' (WB) -o''. o" stpee, I Tommy Tucker plus Vic^-r McLnp- I len. open Frl''?y morpipo (9).