Variety (May 1941)

10 PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, May 14, 1941 Philly Nifty; J. Dorsey-HIelodrama Grab Fine $26,000, Doe Neat $18,500. Philadelphia, May 13. (Best Exploitation: Stanley) Three winners and two flops Is the boxscore of the newcomers this weelc, while several holdovers con- tinued to show plenty of punching power. Best exploitation stunt was Stan- ley's tieup with the Daily News for •John Doe.' For the past two weeks a man, impersonating the lead char.-, acter of Capra's production, has been searching the city for people doing 'good turns.' If someone is found, the pseudo-John Doe forked | over $2 as reward. Stunt merited Slenty of space and pictures in the , Fews. • •, ] Estimates (or This Week I Aldlne (WB) (1,303; 35-46-57-68)— ' •Uncertain Feeling' (UA). First week of return to pop prices is net- I ting putrid $7,000. Last four days of 'Fantasia' (Disney) at $1.71 got okay $7,'000. Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 35-46-57) ■ —'RaRe Heaven' CM-G) (2d run)., „ Fair $3,000 for six days. Last two Holding up for possible $6,000, after "They Met in Argentina,' Is inching out fair response. Estimates (or This Week Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 28-40)—'Ziegfeld' (M-G). Attract- j ing very' healthy $15,000. Last week, 'Hamilton-Woman' (UA), satisfying $13,200. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,205; 14-28-38-44-^5-66) — 'Met Argentina' (RKO) and Guy Lombardo' orch. Strong weekend response means fair I $13,000 for stanza. Last week, sec- ■ ond of 'Penny Serenade' (Col) and vaude, held fairly well at $9,200 after reaching'out for $12,800 on first round. . Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406; 15- 28-35-40)—'Topper Returns' (M-G). Drawing -some daytime response to mild $5,000. Last week, second of 'Flame of N. O.' (U), fair $4,700. New (Mechanic) (1,581; 15-28-35- 40). 'Dr. Kildare" (M-G). Ambling along to light $4,000. Last week, 'Sis Hopkins' (Rep), fair $4,600. Stanley (WB) (3,280; 15-28-39-44- 55) — 'Zanzibar' (Par) (3d wk) days of second week of 'Men Boys Town' (M-G) fair $500 for third run. Boyd (WB) (2,560; 3")-46-57-68)— •Hamilton Woman' (UA) (2d wk). Still plenty of magic in Leigh-Oli- vier, with neat $14,500 for this trip. Opener hangup $21,000. May hold for third ride. • Earle (WB) (2,350;. 35:46-57-68)— •Washington Melodrama' (M-G) with Jimmy Dorsey band. Jive customers shelling out to the tune of xsushy $26,000. Last week, 'Magic Music' (Par) and Raymond Scott's band, cad $17,500. Fox (WB) (2,423; 35-46-57-68)— •Pot O' Gold' (UAX. No gold at the gate with puny $13,000. Last week "Miss Jones' (RKO), lots better with $14,700. Karlton (\/B) (1.066; 35-46-57-68) —'Zanzibar' (Par) (2d run) (Sdwk). : Rollicking along for husky $4,700 totaling strong brace. $22,800 in previous Pro?, flealthy; 'Wagons' Moves for-Good $8,500 Providence, May 13. Grosses fairly good in general, with 'Ziegfeld Girr at Loew's State stepping along at top of list. 'Wag- ons Roll at Night' at Majestic also in the higher brackets. Fay's has reverted to duals for the wr""" and will probably bring vaude back in the fall. Estimates (or This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 28-39-50)— 'Uncertain'Feeling' (UA) and'South Panama' (Ind). Pulling good $6,080. and m^y'"rate'anl)ther h.o. here.'Last Last week, 'Model Wife" (U) and week sock $5,000 at opening'of sec- , 'Met Argentina' (RKO), okay $5,000. end run I Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 28-39- Kelth's (WB) (1,970; 35-46-57-68) —'Great Lie' (WB) (2d run). Satis- factory $4,300. Last wftek 'Dictator' (UA), bare $3,500 for second run of pop price showing after long run at Initial house. Stanley (WB) (2,916; 35-46-57-68) —'John Doe' (WB). Good ballyhoo and advance publicity helping to build this one up to neat $18,500. Last week 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G), fine $7,500. for four days of third Stanton (WB) (1,457; 35-46-57)— •Wagons Roll' (WB). Clicking along to fine $6,000. Last week'Man Made Monster' (U), bright $5,200. ONLY 'ZANZIBAR,' 19G, GETTING PLAY IN WASH. Washington, May 13. If the tourists are stiU in town they're touring the monuments and Government buildings, not clamoring to get into the picture houses. Ex- cept for 'Zanzibar,' biz Is just fair all over. Estimates (or This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 28-39-44-66) —'Washington Melodrama' (M-G). Owes it all to Ted Weems orch on stage if it hits even light $15,000. La.st week 'Dr. Kildare' (M-G) plus vaude, n.g. $15,000. .Columbia (Loew) (1,234; 28-44)— •Night Rio' (20th) (2d run). Ailing at $4,500. Last week 'Lady Eve* (Par) (2d run), okay $5,200. Earle (WB) (2,216; 28-39-44-66)— •Affectionately Yours' (WB). Ap- pearance of Charlie Spivak's local' orch bolstering this to fair enough $17,000. Last week 'Serenade' (Col) and Joe Cook personal (2d wk.), came through with goad $14,000. Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 30-55)-^ •Lady Cheyenne' (U). Customers don't like it any.better than critics did, meaning only $8,000, poor. Last week 'Miss Jones' (RKO) (4th wk.), came through with strong $8,000 for flnale. Meiropollton (WB) (1,600; 28-44)— •Sis Hopkins' (Rep).- Homespun comedy should do average $5,000. Last week 'GreatTjle' (WB) (2d run) below expectations at $4,5()0. . Palaoe (Loew) (2,242; 39-55)— •Zanzibar' (Par). Having no trouble coasting to very good $19,000. Last week 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G) (2d wk.), held up for satisfactory $12,500. Opposish Clips Balto; 'Ziegfeld'Big 115,000 50)—'Hamilton Woman' (UA) and 'Big Boss' (Col) (2d run). Slated for. nice $3,500. Last week, 'Great Lie' (WB) and 'Strange Alibi' (WB) ' (2d run), also good $3,500. I Fay's (4ndie) (2,000; 10-25-35)— :'Two-Gun Sheriff' (Rep) and : Thieves Fall Out' (WB). Making I play for juve trade and looking for I good $4,000. Last week, 'Mutiny ■ Arctic' (U) and vaude, fairish $4,500. < Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 28-39-50)— ,'Wagons Roll' (WB) and .'Flight Destiny' (WB). Looks like swell $8,500. Last week, 'Flame New Or- leans' (U) and 'Man Lost Himself »(U), nifty $9,500. SUte (Loew) (3,?n0: 28-39-50)— 'Ziegfeld Girl' (I/t-Or-^.J 'Missing 10 Days' (Col). Had one of biggest weekends In some time and slated for swell $16,000. Last week, 'Hamil- ton Woman' (UA) and 'Big Boss' (Col); good $13,000. Strand (Indie) (2,000; 28-40-50)— 'Reaching Sun' (Par) and 'Under Age' (Col). Fairish $5,500. Last week, 'Power Dive' (Par) and 'Lone Wolf Chance' (Col), so-so $5,000. Baltimore, May 13. Plenty of opposition with hoss rac- ing, -circus, opera and Stokpwski Youth orchestra nicking grosses In* the lead Is 'Zlegfeltf Girl' at Loew's Century. Combo Hipp, lean- _ Ing heavily on p.a. of Guy Lombardo better draw at $7,000, with the plC' and orch to bolster screen portion of- ture responsible. K. C. Picks Up; 'Serenade' OK $11,500,'Doe'$8,700 Kansas City, May 13. Biz at theatres la improved over last week al«ng with the upped calibre of pictures. Looks like a brace of leaders in •John Doe,' at Orpheum, and "Penny Serenade,' at Midland. Spring rains have subsided, but show houses will get new opposition from Fairyland Park, which opens for season next week. Estimates (or This Week Esoolre and Uptown (Fox Mid' west) (820 and 2,043; . 10-28-44)— 'American Broadcast' (20th). Solo In both hpuses with Wednesday opening. Solid $8,000 combo. Last week, 'Horror Island' (U) and 'Mon- ster' (U), Ught $4,200 and did not stay full week. Midland (Loew's) (4,101; 10-28-44) —•Penny Serenade' (Col) and 'Pent house Mystery' (Col). Cary Granf' Irene Dunne team the draw and look for strong $11,500. Last week, 'Hamilton Woman' (UA) and 'Mary Dugan' (M-G), nice $9,000 Orpheum (RKO) (1,500; 10-28-44) —'John Doe' (WB). Playing solo breaks long dual precedent here. Getting heavy play nights, but mats weak; $8,700 and will h.o. Last week. 'Adam' ■ (Col) and 'Argentina* (RKO), average $6,500. Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10- 28-44)—'Great Lie' (WB) (2d wk). A bit slow and qiilts this evening (Tuesday) for 'I Wanted Wings' (Par). Mild $4,700. First week was better, $7,600. Tower (Joffee) (2,110; 10-30)^ 'Mr. District Attorney' (Rep) and vaude bill headed by Dick Todd. Only fair $5,700. Last week, 'You're One' (Par) and mild stage bill was First Rons on Broadway /Subject to Change) Week o( May 15 Astor—'Major Barbara' (UA) 14). (Reviewed in Variety May 7) - Broadway—Fantasia' (Disney) (27th wk). Capitol — 'A Woman's face' (M-G). (Reuiewed In Varieiv hlay 7) Criterion—'Lady from Louisi- ana' (Rep). Globe-'Girl in the News' (20th) (3d wk). Music Hall—'Devil and Miss. Jones' (RKO). (Reviewed In VAWtiv April 9) Palace—'Citizen Kane' (RKO) (3d wk). Paramount—'Reaching for the Sun' (Par) (2d wk). Bialto—'Great Swindle' (Col) (12). (Reviewed In Current Issue) Hoxy—'Great American Broad- cast' (20th) (3d wk). Strand—Wagons Roll at Night' (WB) (2d wk). Week o( May Z< Astor—'Major Barbara' (UA) (2d wk). Broadway—'Fantasia' (Disney) (28th wk). Capitol — 'A ' Woman's Face'" (M-G) (2d wk). Criterion—'Rookies on Parade' (Rep). (Reviewed In Vasietv April 30) Music Hall—'Devil and Miss Jones' (RKO) (2d wk). Palac^'Citizen Kane' (RKO) (4th wk). Paramount—'I Wanted Wings' (Par) (21). (Reviewed in Variety March 26) aUllo—'Big Boss' (Col) (19). Roxy-'Blood and Sand' (20th).' Strand—'Affectionately Yours' (WB) (23);- (Revieuied in Variety Mai; 7) L A. Heatwave SIoui^ Frisco 'Wagons Roir Slow $10,500, But Local Unit Ups 'Leisure' to $15,500 — ■♦■ — 'Doe,' $24,000, Socko In H.O.-Ridden B'klyn Brooklyn, May 13. Business In downtown Brooklyn ranges from "good to strong In at least three of the houses. Leader is the 'John Doe' dual at the Para- mount. Estimates for This Week | Downtown Tlvoli lighted tempo- ' rarily for a short run of 'Blitzkriee ;m Wa.;*' /inPA \ aT%A fU^ ...^ San Francisco, May 13. A Los Angeles heat wave snuck UD this far north, keeping the gross graph on the downward slant. Boys are all crying the blues, with pos- sible exception of George Bole at the Golden Gate, who surprised himself by tossing together a stage- review which is pullin way above I expectations. Albee (RKO) (3,274; 25-35-50) Met in Argentina' (RKO) and 'Cow- boy and Blondie' (20th). Dullish $14,000. Last week, 'Lady Cheyenne' (U) and 'Girl, Guy' (RKO), mild $15,000, Fox (Fabian) (4,023; 25-35-50) — 'Blondie Latin' (Col) and 'Zan2lbar' in the West' (UFA) and the last-run Embassy took a fling at stage shows with a 33c top two dayc a week. Estimates (or This Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-40-50)— 'Great Lie' (WB) and 'Comes Happi- ness' (WBi (2d wk). Tough going (Par) (3d wk). Good $14,000. Last here, with $9,500 giving house as week, bright $18,000. poor a sesh as It has had In years. Met (Loew's (3,618; 25-35-50) — pLast week, fair $15,000. 'Hamilton Woman' (UA) and 'Free Easy' (M-G) (2d wk), Nice.$16,000. Last week, strong $20,000. Paramount (Fabian) (4,126; 25-35- 50)—'John Doe' (WB) and 'Comes Happiness' (WB). Booming $24,000. Last week, 'Great Lie' (WB) and Geary (Curran) (1,286; 55-75-1.10- 1.65)—'Fantasia' (Disney) (10th wk). 'Leaving soon' notices keeping this up to about $8,000. Last (9th) week same. 'Citizen Kane' set to follow. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 39-44- 55)—'Repent at Leisure' (RKO) and 'District Attorney' (Rep) (2d wk), 'Revue Internationale' on stage. good $16,000. i Locally-built stage unit drawing Strand (WB) (2,870; 25-35-40) — critical raves and the weak picture 'Great Train Robbery' (Rep) and is being lifted to an unexpected $15,- Wild Man Borneo' (M-.G). So-so . 600. Last week, 'Met Argentina' $4,000. Last, week, 'Federal Fugi-' (RKO) and Major Bowes unit, nifty tives' (Prod) and 'Shadows Stairs' (WB), quiet $4,000. BEHE ON DUAL NIFTY $9,500 IN HOT DENVER Denver, May l'3. Weather is warming up and put- ting crimp in theatre biz. Estimates (or This Week ' Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 25-40)— 'Lady Cheyenne' (U) and 'Black Cat' .^^ ^ . , /,„„v / (U), after week tt Denver. Good Shadows Stairs' (WB) (moveover), $13,500. Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2,440; 35- 40-50)—'Penny Serenade' (U) and- 'Lone Wolf Chance' (Col) (3d wk). Holding up well for around $7,300 on third lap, nice. Last week satis- factory $9,400. Paramount (F-WC) (2,470; 35-40- 50)—'American Broadcast' (20th) and 'Plight Destiny' (WB). Expect $13,000, but this may be optimistic. Radio plugging may help. Last (4th) week, 'Zanzibar' (Par) and 'District Attorney' (Rep), -okay I $4,000 on abbreviated final stanza. -> St. Francis (F-WC) (1,475: 35-40- 50) — 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G) and- Circus Is Hub Exhibs' Alibi; 'Sun' Cold IIG, 'Cheyenne' Fair $14,000 ■ Boston. May^ 13. Ringling-Bacnum-Bailey circus did practically cap'acity during five-day run at the Boston Garden, closing May 10, and that's the main alibi for the film house managers. 'Fantasia' wound up a healthy 15- week run Saturday (10) at the Ma- jestic. 'Citizen Kane' takes over the house for a road showing be- ginning next Monday (19). Estimates for Tht Week . Boston (RKO) (3.200; 33-44-95)— 'Scattergood* (RKO) and 'House Mystery' (Mono), dual, with Ina Ray Hutton heading stage show, four days; and 'Adam' (Col) and 'Queen Detective' (Col) (both 2nd run), dual, three days. Shooting for okay $9,000, thanks to Hutton band. Last week 'Roar Press' (Mono) and 'In- visible Ghost' (Mono) with stage show topped by Hal LeRoy, four days, and 'South Panama' (Prod) and 'Robbers of Range' (RKO), dual, three days, $8,500. okay. Fenway (M&P) (1,373; ^28r39-44- 55)—'Great Lie' (WB) and 'Knock- out' (WB) (both 2d run). Will take medium $4,500. Last week 'Wagons Roll' (WB) and 'Las Vegas Nights' (Par); $5,000. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 28- 39-44-55)—Hady Cheyenne' (U) and 'Model Wife' (U). So-so S14.000 In- dicated. Last week 'Miss Jones' (RKO) and 'Met Argentina' (RKO), dual, $15,500. Majestic (Shubert) (1,014; 55-75- $1.10-$1.65) — 'Fantasia' (Disney). Wound up 15-week run Sat. (10)' with spiffy $12,300. MetropoIlUn (M&P) (4,367; 28-39- 44-55)—'Reaching Sun' (Par) and 'Power Dive' (Par). Very puny, maybe $11,000 at best. Last week 'Pot (Sold' (UA) and 'Penalty' (M- G), $14,000. Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 28-39-44- 55)—'Penny Serenade' (Col) and 'Mary Dugan' (M-G) (2d wk-5 days). 'Still powerful and aiming at $12,000. Last week combo hiked it up to $18,700. Paramount (M&P) (1,797: 28-39- 44-55)—'Grjeat Lie' (WB) and 'Knockout' (WB) Qjoth 2nd run). S07S0 $6,500 pace. Last week 'Wagons Roll' (WB) and 'Las Vegas Nighte' (Par), $7,000. ScolUy (M&P) (2,538: 28-39-44- 55)—'Wagons Roll* (WB) and 'Las Vegas Nights' (Par) (both continued run from Par and Fenway). Around $3,500,'n.s.h. Last week 'Night Rio' (20th) and 'Shadows Stairs' (WB) (both continued from Par and Fen- way), ditto. - State (Loew) (3,600; 28-39-44-55) —'Penny Serenade' (Col) and 'Mary Dugan' (M-G) <2d wk-5 days), aim- ing at okay $9,000. Last week hefty $15,000. $4,000. Last week, 'Sea Wolf (WB), after week at Denver, good $5,000.~ " Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 25-35-40) —'Men Boys Town' (M-G) and'Foot- light Fever' (RKO); second jireek Average '$5,000 at best after two^ weeks at Warflel^. Last week's re- turn nm of 'John Doe' (WB), at pop prices, nice $7,500. United Artists (Cohen) (1,200; 35- 40-50)—'Dictator' (UA) (5th wk). S."*"^ «t , O'P^S"""- This one still healthy here at $7,000. Fair $.2,500. Last week. 'Men Boys I will sUy sixth frame. Last (4th) Town' (M-G) and 'Footlight Fever,' week, satisfactory $7.300; nice $3,000. - Warfleld (F-WC) (2,650; 35-40-50) Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 25-35- ^'Wagons Roll' (WB) and 'Penalty' 40)—'Wanted Wings' (Par) (2d wk). I (M-G). Weakie bill will be lucky Good $6,500. Last week, plenty 1 to Pick up $10,500, same as second- strong $12,500. ^ "-^^ Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-40)— 'Great Lie' (WB) and'Ride Vaquero' (20th). Bette Davis starrer getting nioe $9,500. Last week, 'Lady Chey- enne' (U) and 'Black Cat' (U), nice $9,500. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40) —'Ziegfeld Girl'' (M-G) (2d wk). | Fair $7,000. Last week, 'Ziegfeld \ Girl' (M^G), strong $13,500, final week of 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G) and 'Shadows Stairs' (WB). . PAR'S SHORTS More With 'Quiz KIdA'—Ditto Number With Hedda Hopper Paramount has lifted its option on the 'Quiz Kids' and will release six Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)— more shorts next season. 'Kids' 'Sis Hopkins' (Rep) (2d wk) and , were originally inked for one trial 'District Attorney' (Rep). Good briefle, which* was made during the $6,000. Last week. 'Sis Hopkins' Christmas vacation period. Second S'l^l """^ 'Model Wife' (U), good one has since been issued from the $6,000. ' excess footage at the Initial filming. ^it^^^J^^l ^V^^^T-'??* Shooting for the new series will take Wolf (WB) after week Et each the j ; y ^^^^ summer Denver and Aladdin, . and 'Roar f „ ,.,^^^r, Press' (Mono). Good $2,000. Last « ^'"^le session of several weeks, week, 'Night in Rio' (20th), after a week at each Denver apd Aladdin, and 'Great Swindle' (Col), ditto. Par will also release a half-dozen one-reelers "featuring^ Hedda Hop • per, in which the radlo-gossiper will Intro a "variety of Hollywood names. Brlefles will be made, independently by Herb Moulton for Par distrlbut, tion: First one has been completed s/ 'Hamilton' Each $7,000 in Memphis Duel'^^^j^i^s^ Memphis, May 13. { 'I Wanted Wings' and 'That Ham- i ilton Woman' are waging a first- ' money duel on Main street this week. Rest of biz lalso above ex- pectations. Estimates for This Week Warner (WB) (2,300; 10-33-44)— •Sis Hopkins' (Rep). Crix didn't think much of this one, Fairish $3,500. Last week, 'Wagons Roll' (WB), $3,200, so-so. 'Palace (Loew) (2,200; 10-33-44)— 'Hamilton ■■ Woman' (UA). Leigh- Olivier lure good here; mebbe'$7,000. Last week, 'People Kildare' (M-G), four days; 'Let's Make Music' (RKO), two days, $2,000,'poor. New Maico (Lightman) (2,800; 10- 3ff-44)—'Wanted Wings' (Par). Air defense stuff gets 'em all for likely $7,000. Last week, 'Flame New Or- leans' (U), six days, $3,100, off. State (Loew) (2,600; 10-33-44)- 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G) (2d wk-4days) and 'Penalty' (M-G), three days. Pulling ahead of probabilities' for $3,000. Last week, 'Ziegfeld,' $8,000, wham. Strand (Lightman) (1,000; 10-22- 33)—'First Beau' (20th) and 'Smith' (RKO), split. Encouraging £1,800. Last week, 'Lady Eve' (Par) (2d run), three days; 'Night Train* (20th) (2d run), two days, and 'Adam' (Col) (2d run), two days, $1,400, n.g. Fred MacMurray, Freddie Bartholo- mew and others. 730 Educational Shorts' . Sale Is Being Contested Sale of the 16 mm. and sub-stand- ard non-theatrical rights to some ,730 one and two-reel shorts made by Educational Film .Corp. of America, and now the property of Grand Na- tional Pictures, was put over to May 23 following the rejection by a cred- itors committee pf a bid of $10,000 against 50% of the gross receipts for this property by Irving Levine, an attorney. The bidding was before referee Peter B. Olney, Jr., in N. Y. federal court, and was held Friday (9). Before the day ended, Edgar Wil- son, an Englishman, offered a bid of $16,500 for the property, and on May 23 the bidding will resume from that point.. The rejection of the previous of- fers was based on two appraisals which declared the property to be worth between $30,000-$37,00p. The films' 35 mm. rights have previously been sold, to Mohawk Film Corp., and it is understood that Levine is acting as attorney for Mohawk.