Variety (May 1941)

Wednesday, May 21, 1941 Circus, Weather Batter PhiDy; tae $5m But ?€ast'Sour PICTURE GROSSES 11 Philadelphia, May 20. New product isn't attracting pea- nuts And to add to the headaches of the managers came a rash of muggy weather over the weekend along with the opening of the Ring- ling Brothers, Bamum & Bailey Cir- cus yesterday (Mon). Only one of the new arrivals, •Flame of New Orleans,' 1b causing the turnstiles to click. Other pics- making their bow are definitely in the disappointing class: Topper Re- turns,' 'Great American Broadcast' and 'Sis Hopkins.' Estimates for This Week Aldlne (WB) (1,303; 33-48-57-88)— Topper Returns' (UA). Under par with $9,500. Last week 'Uiicertain Feeling' (UA), soup $3,500 for four days of second sesh. AreadU (Sablosky) (800; 35-46-57) —'Ziegleld Girl' (M-G) (2d run). Okay $3,600, despite three-week run at Stanley. Last week 'Rage Heaven' (M-G), fair $3,000 for second nin. Boyd (WB) (2,560; 35-46-57-68)— 'Hamilton Woman' (UA) <3d wk). Hetty $11,200. Last week, stout $14,- 600. Earle (WB) (2,350; 35-46-57-68-75) —'Sis Hopkins' (Rep) with Gujr- Lombardo's orchestra. Lucicy if cash registers show poor $18,500 for the week. . Last week 'Washington . Melodrama' (M-G) with Jimmy Dorsey brought a hangup $26,000. Fox (WB) (2,423; 35-46-57-68)— •Broadcast' (20th). Puny $12,000. Last week 'Pot Gold' (UA) fared even worse with $10,700. Karlten (WB) (1,066; 35-46-57-68) —'Uncertain Feeling' (UA) (2d run). Moveover no tonic. Bare $4,000. I,ast week 'Zanzibar' (Par), heavy $4,700 for second week .of a second run. Keith's (WB) (1,970;'^85-46-57-68) —'Miss Jones' (RKO) (ad run). Un- der-par $4,000. Last week 'Great Lie' (WB), only slightly better $4,- 300' for second run. Stanley (WB) (2,916; 35-46-57-68) —'John Doe' (WB) (2d wk). Bright $13,000 for this semester. Last week cheery $18,000. SUnton (WB) (1,457; 35-46-57)— •Flame New Orleans' (U). Standout of the lot with- good $5,800. Last week 'Wagons RoU' (WB), neat $6,000. m $21000, WASH^ %m Au RIGHT \m Washington, May. 20. Government payday last week boomed the weekend, and calibre of product is considerably higher. 'Citizen Kane' and 'Jolm Doe*^ ar- rived simultaneously (Friday) to join 'Fantasia' which opened week ago Monday (12). 'Doe^ looks like tte winner at this point, other two being shown on reserved seat price scale. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 28-39-44-66) — Uncertain Feeling' (UA) plus vaude. N.s.g. ,$14,000. Last week. 'Washmgton Melodrama' (M-G) owes to Ted Weems orchestra even Its light $14,000. Columbia-(Loew) (1^; 28-44)— •Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G) (2d run). Good $5,000. Last week, 'Night Rio' (20Ui) (2d run), flopped to sad Earle (WB) (2^16; 28-39-44-66)— John Doe' (WB) plus no-name yj,"oe- Sailing toward excellent $21,000. Last week, 'Affectionately Yours' (WB), plus Charlie Splvak orchestra, dropped to poor $14,000. <^0> <1^05 7B-$1.10- $1.65)—'Kane' (RKO). Sent critics w the housetops to sing, but three- show daily policy holding it to only good $10,500. Last week, 'Cheyenne' (U), poor $7,000. Metropolitan (WB) (1,600; 28-44) — Penny Serenade' (Col) (2d run). Still good for $4,500. Last week. W700 ^^^9). fair enough National (1,300; 55-75-$1.10-$1.65) — *^antasia' (Disney). In on two-a- aay policy and, not sensational last m^^u' enough $12,500. This week (2d) advance sale Indicates ap- proximately $12,000. (Loew) (2,242; 29-55) — »,?'J?„'i'«'"' (Par) (2d wk). Healthy $11,000. Last week, led town witti strong $18,000. Dottie and the Gobs . •, Hollywood, May 20. Dorothy Lamour Is slated for the 'Op femme role in Paramount's re- make of The Fleet's In,' provided her schedule can be arranged to start Aug. 11, Victor Schertzlnger Is director and 5»ul Jones -producer, with Eddie •Bracken as comic lead. Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross Thb Week $1,49S,M0 (Based on 25 cities, 176 thea- tres, chiefly first runs, tncliidtno N. y.; ToUI Gren Same Week LMt Ytas $1,485,90* (Bosed on 27 cities, 175 theatres) PROVIDENCE OKAY •ziegfeld' 2d Hot $11,0<W —'Broad- east' Good $9,3M 'Face' $14,000, Pitt; Tenny' $10^00 Bnt Tlame' Weak $2,800 Pittsburgh, May 20. Biz is l>oth good and bad this week. Two leaders are 'Penny Sere- nade,' which will probably get ttiree weeks at least at the Senator, and 'Woman's Face' at the Penn, which holds over at another house. Tlame of New Orleans' is dying at the Ful- ton and comes out after one week, while the Stanley is dropping to a new recent low with There's Magic in Music' and Pan-American Revue. Estimates for This Week FoltoD (Shea) (1.700; 25-40)— 'Flame New Orleans' (U). Crix pro- nounced it one of dullest pictures of the year. Doubtful if it will do'$2,- 800, brutal. Last week 'Night Rio' (20th) (2d wk), just bit under $3,000. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3.300; 25-35- 50)—'Woman's Face' (M-G). Got the tiad hand from the reviewers, hould touch $14,000, okay. Last week 'Hamilton Woman' (UA), ditto. Bits (WB) (800; 25-35-50)—'John Doe' (WR) (3d wk). Moved here after successive stands at Warner and Penn, Still getting attention, and wiU go to $3,000 or bit better. Last week 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G). which followed same route as 'Doe' here, did about $2,800. Senator (Harris) (1,750; 25-35-50) —'Penny Serenade' (Col). Heading for $10,500, best this house has done since 'Tin Pan Alley.' Ijast week 'Sis Hopkins' (Rep), n.s.h. $2,500. Stanley (WB) (3,600; 25-40-60)— 'Magic Music' (Par) and Diosa Cos- tello-Ciro Rimac band. No interest at all in this combo at $10,000. Last week Wayne King helped '-Wagons RoU' (WB) to swell $23,000. Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-35-40)— 'Hamilton Woman' (UA). Moved here after week at Penn. Looks like at least $6,500, very good. Ijast week 'John Doe' (WB), also brought here from Penn, did $7,000, excel- lent. Providence, May 20, Holdover of 'Ziegfeld Girl,' at Loew's State, and hefty pull of 'Great American Broadcast,' at Ma- jestic, highlight activities this week. RKO Albee pulls up stakes for the season today (Tuesday), with re- opening planned for late in summer. Estimates for This Week RKO Albee (2,200; 28-39-50)—'Top Hat' (RKO) and 'Bringing Up Baby' (RKO) (re-issues). Closing' house for summer with so-so $4,500. Last week, 'UncertainReeling' (UA) and 'South Panama' (Ind), ditto. CarltOTi (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 28-39- 50)—'Wagons Roll' (WB) and 'Flight Destiny' (WB) (2d run). Weak $2,500. Last week, 'Hamilton Wo- man' (UA) and 'Big Boss' (Col) (2d run), good $3,200. Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 10-25-35) — 'Man Monster' (U) and 'Pals Pecos' (Rep). Holding own fairly well, and slated for good $4,000. Last week, 'Two-Gun Sheriff' (Rep) and Thieves Fall Out' (WB), okay $3,500. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 28-39-50) — 'Broadcast' (20th) and 'Sleepers West' (20th). Swell $9,300. Last week, 'Wagons Roll* (WB) and 'Flight Destiny' (WB), neat $7,400. State (Loew) (3,200; 28-39-50) — 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G) and 'Missing Days' (Col) (2d wk). Hefty $11,000, after wow $16,000 last session. Strand (Indie) (2,000 TtOBODr-CROSBY 14G, BUFF • REST WOBBLY Buffalo, May 20. Continued cool weather does not seem to be helping the coin too much at this session. With the ex- ception of the Century, where 'Great Nobody' is teamed wUi) Bob Crosby on stage for an effective turnstile clicker, the pace over the week- end seemed to be lagging. 'John Doe' is fairly lively, but not too forte. Estimates for This Week Boffalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55)— ■Woman's Face' (M-G) and 'Wait for You' (M-G). Just ambling along with $8,500, or slightly over. Last week "Cheers Bishop' (UA) and Horace Heidt orchestra, topped zip- py $18,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-55) —'John Doe' (WB) 'Knockout' (WB). Not bad. but should be bet: ter. Under $10,000. Last week 'Hamilton Woman' (UA) and 'Wash- ington Melodrama' (M-G) (8 days), very nifty, over $11,500. Hipp (Shea) (2.100; 30-45)—"Ham- ilton Woman' (UA) and 'Washing- ton Melodrama' (M-G) (2d run). Nice $8,000. Last week 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G) and 'Strange Alibi' (WB) (8 days), soft $6,000. Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 30-40) —'Lone Wolf (Col) and 'Blondie Latin' (Col). Unimpressive $5,500. Last week 'Penny Serenade* (Col) (2d wk) and 'Glamour Sale' (Col), satisfactory $6,500. 2«th Centnry (Dipson) (3,000; 30- 55)—'Great Nobody' (*"B) and Bob Crosby on stage. Swanky $14,000. Last week 'Sis Hopkins' (Rep) and 'Stars Over Hollywood' revue on stage, so-so $9,000. Some Hard Ridmg Here Hollywood, May 20. Col. Tim McCoy joins Buck Jones as one of the top buckaroos in the series of eight westerns under the general titie of 'Rough Riders' at Monogram. Scott R. Dunlap is producing the gallopers for the 1041-42 program. Outdoor AttFactions Murder LA.; Hlfings-Himber m, Bdt 'B'cast' Weak $16,500. 'Cheyenne $16,400 Broadway Grosses - Estimated Total Gross ThU Week $249,«H (Based on 12 theatres) Tetoi Gross Same Week Last Tear $255,500 (Based on 12 Vxeatres) Det. Hopes to Mend Grosses by Ayoidiiig H.0^ 'Pace' $14,000 Detroit. May 20. (Best Exploitation: United Artists) Majority of the downtown houses have new bills, and the two theatres with holdovers have added new sec- 28-40-50)—|ond features. Tendency now seemt First Beau (Col) and 'Rookies I to be to get away from longer runs Parade (Rep). Only so-so $5,000. i in the hoite of curing sour box- Last week. 'Reaching Sun' (Par) and' offices. 'Under Age' weakie $4,200. (Col), slipped for 'B'cast' Sole Pleaser In Lincoln, $4,000 Lincoln, Neb., May 20. Worst week in months landed a knockout punch on biz here gener* ally. That is to say not only are the- atres suffering. Retail stores, too, a;ce a long way off their quotas. 'Great American Broadcast' at the Stuart is lone exception. Estimates tor This Week Colonial (Monroe-Noble-Federer) (750; 10-15)—Two Gun Sheriff* (Rep) and 'British Intelligence' (WB), spUt with 'Lone WoU Date' (Col) and "Pioneers' (Mono). Av- erage $900. Last week 'Devils Island' (WB) and 'Billy Kid' (PRC), split with 'No Place' (WB) and Tumble- down Ranch' (Mono), weak $600. Lincoln (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,503; 10-25-40)—'FlaAe New Orleans' (U). Meager $1,900 on five days. Last weA 'Woman's Face' (M-G) faded badly at end of run to grab so-so $3,100. Nebraska (J. H. Cooper-Par) (i;236: 10-20-25)—Uberty' (M-G) and 'Wild Man Borneo' (M-G). Off key at $1,200. Last week 'Dotible Date' (U) and 'Penalty' (M-G), not bad $1,600. Staart (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,884; 10-25-40)—'Broadcast* (20th). Town's leader.at $4,000 for nine days. Word- of-mouth chiefly responsible. Last week 'Rage Heaven' (M-G), skidded to pretty Iwd $1,800. Taratty (Noble-Federer) (1,100; 10-25-40)—'Sis Hopkins'(Rep). Slack $2,500. Last week 'Hamilton Woman' (UA) topped the town with a swell $3,300. United Artista looks to top the town this week with 'A Woman's Face' and 'I^U Wait for You.' Fox, with 'Great American Broadcast' and 'Dare Not Love," wUl also do okar. United Artista likewise geta the exploitation nod, if on courage alone. Although house had hard time find- ing uglified faces.of Joan Crawford in the stills, they got up their own, using them for all advertising and displays. Trick was to get away from pretty heroines and play up the picture as 'A Female Scarface.' Gross seems to indicate they have something. Estimates, for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40-55) —'Penny Serenade' «^ol) (2d wk) and 'Boston Blackie' (Col). Just plugging along with dull $5,000. Last week 'Penny' (Col) and 'Black Cat' (U), fair $6,000. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40- 55)—'Broadcast '(20th) and 'Dare Not Love' (Col). Okay $15,000. Last week 'Cheyenne' (U) and "Model Wife' (U), poor $13,000. Miehlfsn (United Detroit) (4,000; 30-40-55>-*HamUton Woman' (UA) and 'Road Show' (UA). SUm $12,- 500. Last week»'Ends Ni^t' (UA) and 'Footsteps' (WB), duU $12,000. PiUBs-State (United Detroit) (3,- 000; 30-40-55)—'Men Boys Town' (M-G) end 'Liberty' (M-G). Former moved here after two good weeks at United Artists. Okaj $8,000 due. Last week 'Great Li? (WB) and •Las Vegas Nights' (Par), ditto. United Artlsto (United Detroit) (2,000: 30-40-SS>—'Woman's Face' (M-G) and "Wait for You' (M-G). Powerful $14,000. Last week "Men Boys Town' (H-G) and Teople vs. KUdare' (M-G) (2d wk), nice $8,000 after big $12,000. Hfings $17^ in Tepid Frisco 'Rookies'-Nick Lucas Slow $12,000 — Tace'-'WMh. ington' Same, Okay San Francisco, May 2(). Town very quiet tius week for no visible reason. Most creditable theory is that folks are just sitting tight and waiting, uncertainty over International situation clipping ex- penditures to a minimum. Most promising newcomer is 'I Wanteid Wings' at^the Fox. Estimates for This Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-40-50)— 'Wanted Wings' <Par) and 'Cowboy Blonde' (20th). Extra ad space, one- sheeta planted on boards in front of recruitmg offices, and an aerial pre- view in a United Airlines plane hypoing 'Wings' for an anticipated $17,500. Last week "Great Lie' (WB) and 'Come? Happiness' (WB) (2d wk), faded with $8,500. Geary (Curran) (1^286; 55-75-$1.10- $1.65)—'Fantasia' (Disney) (11th wk). Splurge of three-sheeta an- nouncing 'leaving soon' is boosting this session to a phenomenal $12,000. Last week excellent $9,500. Efforts to hold beyond the 25th blocked by opening of 'Citizen Kane' (27). Golden Gate (RKO) (2.850; 39-44- 55)—'Rooldes Parade' (Rep) with Nick Lucas On stage. Lucky to get $12,000. Lucas, however wUl stay second week with new bill featuring Ella Logan and Butch and Buddy. Last week 'Repent at Leisure' (RKO) and Revue Internationale, swell $14^, . stage haU pulUng the weight Orphenm (Blumenfeld) (2,440; 35- 40-50)—"Flame New Orleans' (U) and 'Phantom Submarine' iCoY). Sold with aid of a flock of billboards, Dietrich opus bedding toward $10,- 000. Last week 'Penny Serenade' (U) and 'Lone Wolf Chance' iOoX) (3d wk), wound up with $6,70Q. Parsmonnt (FtWC) (2,47*0; 35-40- 50)—'Broadcast' (20th) and 'Flidit Destiny* (WB) (2d wk). Around 500. Last week fair $11,500. St. Fnuieto (F-WC) (1,475; 35-40- 50)—'Wagons RoU' (WB) and 'Pen- alty' (M-G) (moveover). Average $5,000 in view. Last week 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G) and 'Shadows Stairs' (WB) (moveover), ditto. United ArtlsU (Cohen) (1,200; 35- 40-50)—'Dictator" (Chaplin) Ceth wk). About $6,500 in sight for final frame. Same last week. Warfleld (F-WC) (2,650; 35-40-50) — Woman's Face' (M-G) and 'Wash- ington Melodrama' (M-G). Loolu like okay $14,000. Last week 'Wagons Roll' (WB) and 'Penalty* (M-G), bet- ter than anticipated at $11,000. MacMorray Back to Par Hollywood, May 20. Fred MacMurray goes back to Paramount, his home lot, for the male lead in the Fred Kohlmar pro- duction, 'Mr. and Mrs. Cugat,' based on a novel by Isabel Scott Rodck. Filming starU when MacMurray finishes bis current Job in 'Dive Bomber* at Warners. Los Angeles, May 20. Business U pretty well shot all over town, with outdoor attractions proving more magnetic than films. Only the Paramount is showing any signs of prosperous trade with '1 Wanted Wings' and Richard Him- ber's orchestra sharing the billing. Great American Broadcast' failed to catch on either in Hollywood, or downtown and will have to be con- tent with very mild returns. 'Citi- ?en Kane' is soloing at the El Capi- tan, but the grosses aren't any too encouraging nor do they portend any kind of a run. Weather has been perfect for show-going, warm days and cool nights, so the blame must be shoul- dered by wliat's on the screens plus the exodus on weekends. Estimates for This Week Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1,516; 83- $1.I0-$1.65) — 'Fantasia' (Disney) (16th wk). Heading for arf*okay $6,- 200 after last week turned up $6,800. Ends run first week in June. Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,034; 30-44-55-75)—'Broadcast' (20th) and 'Washington Melodrama' (M-G). Just not to this clientele's liking and t>est in sight is so-so $7,500. Last week 'Uncertain Feeling' (UA) and 'Ride on Vaquero' (20th), miserable $5,900. . Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-44-55) —'Affectionately Yours' (WB) and 'Strange Alibi' (WB). Meek $6,500.- Last week 'Wagons Roll' (WB) and 'Sis Hopkins' (Rep), just off $8,000. El Capltan (RKO) (1,571; 83-$1.10. $1.65)—ICane' (RKO) (2d wk). Dropped off to 17,800. House hope- ful of six-week run. ^ Last wedi $11,000. Fonr Star (UA-F-WC) (900: 30-44- 55)—'Major Barbara' (UA) (2d wk). Around $3,200. First week $3,8l)0. Hawaii (G & S) (1,000; 30-44-55)— 'Lonesome Pine' (Par) and 'Stolen Life' (Par). A Utile better than average biz at $2,200. Last week 'Man Made Monster' (U) and 'Hor- ror Island' (U), $1,900. Hellyweed (WB) (2,756; 30-44-55) -'Affectionately Yours' (WB) and 'Strange AUbi" (WB). Not ^ very hefty at $6,000. Last week 'Wagons Roll' (WB) and 'Sis Hopkins' (Rep), $7,400. Orphenm (B'way) (2,200; 30-44-55) —'Singing Hill' (Rep) and 'Free Easy' (M-G). Right down the sea- sonal groove for $6,500. Last week^ no first runs. Paatages (Pan) (2,812; 30-44-55)— 'Ch^enne' (U) and 'BUck Cat' (U). No better off than the rest of the town at $8,500. Last week 'Penny Serenade' (Col) (3d wk) ahd 'Lit- tle Men' (RKO), $7,000. raramennt (Par) (3,595; 30-44-90- 75)—'Wanted Wings' (Par) with Richard Himtier orchestra on the stage. Town's leader and earmarked at $20,000 insuring a holdover and possible third week. Last week ^odel Wife' (U) and Carmen Mi- randa on the stage, strong $19,000. BKO (RKO) (2372; 30-44-55)— 'Cheyenne' (U) and 'Black Cat' (U). Back to day-dating with Pantagei after a week of 'Citizen Kane.' Gin- tht^7,900. Last week-'Kane,' sUm StiUe (Loew-F-WC) (2,404; 30-44- 55-75) — 'Broadcast' (20tb) and •Washington Melodrama' (M-G). Brutal $9,000. Last week •Uncertain Feelin/ -(UA) and 'Ride Vaquen/ (20th), poor $7,500. United Artists (UA-P-WC) (2,100; 30-44-55)—'Ziegfeld Girl* (M-G) (2d wk) and 'Uncertahi Feeling" (UA). Lead picture .t>olstered new- comer. So-so $4,300 sighted. Last week 'Ziegfeld' (M-G) end 'Dead Men TeU' (20th), $4,600. WUshIre (F-WC) (2,296; 30-44-55) —'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-gV(2A wk) and 'Uncertain Feeling' (UA). This combo is spelUng real biz at Bevhills . house and should run up count to around $6,500. Last week 'Ziegfeld' (M^) and 'Dead Men TeU' (20th), $6,700. THAT REMINDS US Par's •Don't Tell' Cues Bep to Similar Tarn Hollywood, May 20. Republic is dusting off 'Doctora Don't TeU' aft^r three years on the shell Picture is stated for produc- tion by Albert J. Cohen when ht completes his current job, 'Puddln* Head.' 'Doctors' bad been forgotten until Paramount announced Ita intention of filming 'Nurses Don't TelL' Sim- Uarity of the tlties reminded Be- pubUc that It had a 'Don't TeU' itoiy of ita own.