Variety (May 1941)

Wednesday, May 28, 1941 PIGTURE GROSSES II Frisco Slow; Trazy' $17,000 Sole Bright Spot W Mild lOG 3an Francisco, May 27. Tha b.o. depression continues in full swing this week. Switch of opening dates had. three houses breaking new shows on Wednesday, which turnid out to be the hottest day of the year, sloughing every- body. Only biz on the street is being done by 'Love Crazy' at the Paramount. Most peculiar situation concerns the run of ' "Fantasia,' which was pulled 'off Sunday (25) while doing capacity, due to inability to get an extension. House changes operators and managers In behalf of RKO's 'Citizen Kane' opening tonight (27). Estimates for This Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-40-50)— 'Wanted Wings' (Par) and 'Cowboy Blonde' (20th) (2d wk). Will be lucky to touch $10,000. First week, disappointing $16,000. Qeary (Curran) (1,286; 55-75-$1.10- $1.65)—'Kane' (RKO). Opens to- night (27). 'Fantasia' (Disney) fin- ished its last (13th) week of eight days Sunday (25) with a sensational $12,000, after grabbing an amazing $13,000 on the 12th stanza. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 39-44- 55)—'Little Men' (RKO) and vaude. Efforts of Ella Logan, Butch & Buddy and Nick Lucas on the stage plus Louis-Baer fight pictures, over- coming the feature film for fair $14,000. Last week 'Rookies Parade' (Rep) and vaude, slim $11,500. Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2,440; 35- 40-50)—'Dare Not Love' (Col) and 'First Beau' (Col). May not even last the week, and won't get over $6,500 if It does, bcutal. Last week 'Flame New Orleans' (U) "and 'Phan- tom Sub' (Col), held eight days, $9,- 000, not enough to warrant further holding. Paramount (F-WC) (2,470; 35-40- 80)—'Love Crazy' (M-G) and 'Peo- ple Kildare' (M-G). Brightest spot on the street, with $17,000 probable. Last, week 'Broadcast'- (20th) and 'Flight Destiny' (WB) (2d wk) bad a struggle to reach $8,000. St. Francis (F-WC) (1,478; 35-40- 80)—'Broadcast' (20th) and 'Flight Destiny' (WB) (moveover). Can't hope for more than $4,500. liast week moveover of 'Wagons Roll' (WB) and 'Penalty' (M-G), ditto. Vnited Artists (Cohen) (1,200; 35- 40-50)—'Uncertain Feeling' (UA). Despite nice reviews, won't do over a mild $8,000. Last week, five days of 'Dictator' (UA) (6th wk) feU off to $4,500. Warfleld (r-WC)-(2.650; 35-40-50) —'Woman's Face' (M-G) and 'Wash- ington. Melodrama' (M-G) (2d wk). Fair $8,500. First week, not what it should have been at $12,500. Omaha Okay; 'Crazy* 9«/2G, 'Dictator' $9,200 Omaha, May ^27. Business picked up again this week after a slide into the doldrums. 'Great Dictator' at the Omaha will wind up with a good $9,200. The Orpheum, too, is showing signs of life with 'Love Crazy' and' 'Trial of Mary Dugan.' Estimates for This Week Omaha (Tristetes) (2,000; 10-30- 40)—'Dictator' (UA) and 'Scotland Yard' (20th). Lively $9,200. Last week 'People Kildare' (M-G) and 'Rage Heaven' (M-G), light $6,800. Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 10-30- 40)—'Love Crazy' (M-G) and 'Mary Dugan' (M-G). Strong $9,500. Last week 'Broadcast' (20th) and 'Henry' (Par), extra good $11,000. Brandels (Mort Singer) (1,500; 10- 25-35-40)—'Affectlonafely' (WB) and 'Singapore Woman' (WlB). Nifty $5,500. Last week 'Man Monster' (U) and 'Horror Island' (U), satis- factory $4,200. State (Goldberg) (000; 10-20-25) —'Eve' (Par), 'Girl, Guy' (RKO), split with 'La Zonga' (U), 'Vivacious Lady' (RKO) and 'Dangerous Game' (U). Good $900. Last week 'Straw- berry Blonde' (WB), 'Tobacco Road' (20th), split with 'Footsteps Dark' (WB), 'Meet Chump' (U) and 'Play Girl' (RKO), fair $800. . Town (Goldberg) (1,500; 10-20-25) —'Ridin' Rainbow' (Rep), 'Jennie' (20th) and 'Frisco Docks'^(U), triple, split with 'Shayjie Detective' (20th), 'Hitch Hike Heaven' (Cap) and •Texas Rangers Ride' (Par), 'High Sierra' (WB), 'Hudson's Bay' (20th). Fair $1,000 indicated. Last week . 'Daniel Boone' (Col), 'Girl News' | (20Eh), 'Arkansas Judge' (Rep), tri- ple, split with 'Victory' (Par), 'Con- demned to Live' (Cap), 'Buck Pri- vates' CU) and 'Back Street' (U) and 'Son Cristo: (UA), Hgl)t $900. Avenue - MlUUry • Dundee' (Gold- berg) (960; 600; 300; 25)—'Eve' (Par) , and 'Girl, Guy' (RKO), split with 'Son Cristo' (UA), 'Vivacious Lady' (RKO), and 'Rangers Hide Again' i (Par). Fair $1,000. Last week' 'Strawberry Blonde' (WB), 'Tobacco Road' (20th), split with 'Footsteps Dark' (WB), 'Meet Chump' (U) and , 'Play Girl' (RKO). medium $800. ' Key City Grosses Estimated Total Groia Thli Week $1,470,80* (Based on 26 cities, 182 thea- tres, chie/Iv yiTst run*, fncludfntf Total Gross Sam* Week Last Year.... |1,421>0* (Based on 25 dtles, 170 theatres) Strikes Knock Bottom Out of Minneapolis; Xrazy'Swift $8,000 Minneapolis, May 27. Grosses still are %oing from bad to worse. Even cool, favorable weather apparently doesn't help. An epidemic' of strikes undoubtedly Is one of the reasons for the curtailed entertainment buying which also has been hitting bowling, baseball, wrestling and other forms of amuse- ment as well as the show houses. 'Love Crazy,' State offering, la really the only major money-making attraction. Estimates for This Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 28)— 'Murder Friends' (20lh) and 'Wild Man Borneo' (M-G), dual first- runs. In for five days and fair $1,200 looks about all. 'Vaquero' (20th) and 'Repent Leisure' (RKO), also dual first-runs, open today (27). Last week, 'Mad Doctor' (Par) and 'Monster Girl' (Par), first-runs, very big $2,200 in six days. Century (Par-Sintfer) (1,600; 28-39- 44)—'People Kildare' (M-G). Very bad, $1,200. Last week, 'Men Boys Town' (M-G) (2d wk), bad $2,800 after tepid $6,300 first week at State. Esqolre (Berger) (290; 26-35)- "Virem Bride' and 'School for Hus- bands' (French). Sensationally ad- vertised and good $1,500 indicated. Last week, 'Thing Called Love' (Col) (3d run), light $700. Gopher (Par-Singer) (998; 28)— 'Rage Heaven' (M-G). Mild $1,800. Last week, 'Victory' (Par), bad $1,200 in six days. Orpheum (Par-Singer) (2300; 28- 39-44)—'Reaching Sun'. (Par). Being yanked after five terrible days and $1,000. Last week, 'Nice Girl' (U), light $4,800. State (Par-Singer) (2,300; 28-39-44) —'Love Crazy' (M-G). Running away from the field at good $8,000, but very disappointing for eight days. Last week, 'Broadcast' (20th), bad $4,200 in six days. Uptown (Par) (1,200; 28-30)— 'Hardy's Secretary' (M-G). First nabe .showing. Reaching toward good $2,200. I,ast week, 'Lady Eve' (Par), first nabe showing, $2,000, okay. World (Par-Steffes) (3S0; 28-30-44- 55)—'Broadcast' (20th) (2d wk). Pulled after fifth day- today for 'Magic in Music' Poor $600. Last week, 'Ends Night' (UA) (2d wk). good $2,000 after strong $2,500 first week. enade' (Col) and 'Break News' (Mono) (4th wk), $3,400, okay. Muslo Box (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 30-40-60)—'Wanted Wings' tPar) and- 'Maglo Music' (Par) (2d wk). Moved from Paramount theatre, and expecting a good $2,400. Last week, 'Zanzibar' (Par) and 'Penalty' (M-G) (4th wk), big $2,500. O r p h e n m (Hamrick-Evergreen) (2.600; 30-40-50)—'Cheyenne' (U) and Thieves Fall Out' (WB). Slow $3,500. Last week, 'Wagons Roll' (WB) and 'Man Lost' (U), $6,200, good. Palomar (Sterling) (1,360; 21-40)— 'Singing Hill' (Rep) with 'Midnight in Miami Revue' on stage. Fair $4,0(KI. Last week, 'Roar of Press' (Mono) and Major Bowes unit, $5,000, mild. Paramonnt (Hamrick - Evergreen) (3,030: 30-40-60)—'Broadcast' (20th) and 'Rage Heaven' (M-G). Fair $4,600. Last week, 'Wanted Wings' (Par) and 'Magic Music' (Par), $6,800, big. Bootevelt (Sterling) (800; 30-40-50) —'Wagons Roll' (WB). Moved over from- Orpheum for second week. AUright $2,800 sighted. Last week (21-35), 'DevU Dogs'.(WB) and 'Ends Night' (UA) (2d run), good $2,600. Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 16- 30)—'Thing Called Love' (Col) and 'Behind News'(Rep) (2d run). Slow $1,800. Last week, 'Virginia' (Par) and 'Henry' (Par), same. Dull and Dismal in LA.; love Crazy' $21,400,'Victory* lOa'Flame'13i/2a N.T.G. Boosts 'Rookies' to $9,000 Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $286,500 (Based on 12 theatr&s) Total Gross Same Week Last Tear....- $297,800 (Based on 12 theatres) SEATTLE NOSEDIVES 'Broadcast' MHd $4,500, Bat Best In Town—Horror Bill Fine Seattle, May 27. Biz is again badly off, and little reason can be sighted except the opposition from 'Ice Follies' at the huge civic arena. Best gross goes to 'Great American Broadcast' at the Paramoimt, and even that is barely fair. Estimates for This Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 30-40-50 )^'Devil and Miss Jones' (RKO) and 'Washington Melodrama' (M-G), dualed, coming In from Fifth Avenue. Fair $2,200 Is alL 'Fantasia' in next week. Last week, 'Ziegteld Girl' (M-G) (3d wk), same. C o 11 ■ e a m (Hamrick-Evergreen) (1,900; 21-35)—'Sea Wolf (WB) and 'Road Show' (UA) (2d run). Brutal $2,000, worst gross here in ages. Last week. 'John Doe' (WB) and 'Melody Three' (RKO) (2d run), $2,600, fair. Fifth Avenue (Hamrick-Evergreen) (2,349; 30-40-50)—'Pot Gold' (UA) and 'Scotland Yard' (20th). Big cam- paign for former, but bad $1,600 foreseen. Last week, 'Miss Jones' (RKO) and 'Washington Melodrama' (M-G), $5,100, mild. Liberty (J-vH) (1,650; 21-40-50)— 'Horror Island' <U) and 'Man Made Monster' (U). Billed as 'double shock horror show," and sighting good $4,000. Last week, 'Penny Ser- Topper in Wash. Is Hamilton'With Mild $16,500; Rest Droopy Washington, May 27. This Is still. a 'boom town,' "but you'd never guess it looking over the theatre grosses. 'Hamilton Woman,' at Palace, Is leading the town and disappointing at the same time with a mere $16,500, which shows how things stand. EstlDiates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434;'28-39-44-66) —'Pot Gold' (UA), plus no-name stage show, done to pot with no gold, $13,500. Last week, 'Uncertain Feeling' (UA), sad $14,000. Columbia (Loew) (1,234; 28-44) — 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G) (2d wk, 2d run). Fourth downtown week fair enough $3,800,. Last week, same film, good $5,000. Earle (WB) (2,216; 28-39-44-66) — •John Doe' <WB) plus vaude (2d wk), -Sustaining Its pace for fair enough $14,500. Last week, average $18,500. Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 75-$I.10- $1.65)—'Kane' (RKO) (2d wk). Just hanging on with nJ.g. $7,500. Last week, barely got by with fair $9,500. Mctropolllan (WB) (1,600; 28-44)— 'Dare Not Love' (Col). Anemic $4,000. Last week, 'Penny Serenade' (Col) (2d run) fair enough third week at same figure. National (1.300; 6S-79-$1.10-$l.e5) —'Fantasia' (Disney). Wound up last week (2) with healthy $12,500, approximately same as first week. Unless heat hits non-alrcooled house, advance sale Indicates third Week close to same figure. Palace (Loew) (2,242: 28-99) — 'Hamilton Woman' (UA). Leading the town, but can't brag about its merely fair $16,500. Last week, 'Zanzibar' (Par) (2d wk), still healthy $11,000. Sommer Hits Cmcr> 'Crazy' $12,000, But 'Affectionately'N. H Cincinnati, May 27. Trade skidded to summer level last week when record May temper- atures prevailed. .Coney Island, top amusement park hereabouts, and bathing pools opened their . seasons over the -Aveekend, creating addi- tional outdoor opposish. Top b.o. currently is 'Love Crazy' at the Palace. 'Fantasia"is off to a fair start for its indef run at the Shubert, which switched from its vaudfllm policy and goes dark for summer when the Disney pic ends. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— 'Woman's Face' (M-G). Mild $9,500. Last week, 'Broadcast' (20th), slow $8,500. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 33-40-50)— 'Broadcast' (20th). Moveover from Albee for second week. 'Terrible $2,500. Last week, 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G) (2d run), fairly good $4,800. Family (RKO) (1.000; 18-28)— 'Vaquero' (20th) and 'Man Betrayed' (Rep), split with 'Singing HlUs' (Rep) and 'District AttornejP (Rep). Okay $2,000. Same last week for 'Robbers Range' (RKO) and 'Foot- light Fever' (RKO), divided with 'Invisible Ghost' (Mono) and Train Robbery* (Rep). - Grand (RKO) (1.430; 33-40-80)— 'Affectionately' (WB). Awful $2,800. Last week, Tlame New Orleans' (U). poor $3,000. Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 33-40-60) —'Hamilton Woman'(UA). Switched from Palace for second week. Poor $3,000. Last week, 'Topper Returns' (UA), alright $4,500. Lyrlo (RKO) (1,400; 33-40-50)— 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G). Moveover from Capitol for third week's stay on front line. Satisfactory $3,500. Last week, 'Penny Serenade' (C^ol), third week via Albee and Capitol, limp $2,000. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 33-40-50)— 'Love Crazy' (M-G). Swell $12,000. Last week, 'Hamilton Woman* (UA), slow $8,500. Shabert (RKO) (2,150; 50-75-$1.50) —'Fantasia' (Disney). Fair $8,500. Will hold. House shutters for sum- mer after run on this pic. Last week, 'Dare Not Love' (C^l) and Abe Lyman's band heading vaude for final week of combo policy, favor- able $9,500 at 33-44-60-cent scale. Week of Patriotic Raffies Murders PhiUy: 'Wings $20,000 on Bally (Bert Exploltatlen; Fox) Philadelphia, May 27. This week It's a rash of patriotic rallies cutting Into the b.o. Over the weekend the veterans organizations held memorial services and parades. Tomorrow <Wed.) a giant meeting will be held at Convention Hall by the 'Save the Freedom Committee,' at which Mayor LaGuardia and for- mer Ambassador William Bullitt' will speak. The next night an America First rally is skedded at the Arena, featuring Col. Charles A. Lindbergh. On top of that Connie Mack's Ath- letics had to perk up and begin at- tracting crowds, I Only two pictures are overcoming | these obstacles and showing respect- i able grosses; 'I Wanted Wings' and 'Penny Serenade.' Exploitation palm goes to the Fox- with the air show held at Wings: Field, Ambler, last Sunday for the, benefit of the Royal Air Force. It was one of the most elaborate film, promotions ever held with a crowd . of nearly 10,000 attending. Show was held under the auspices of Philly socialite sportsmen fliers with army aviators participating. Hit of the spectacle was a mass drop of parachute troops. There was a spe- cial screening of 'Wanted Wings' prior to the air event. i Estimates for This Week I Aldlne (WB) (1.303: 35-46-57-68) —'Topper Returns' (UA) (2d wk), Hit hard along with the rest. Poor $6,300. Last week, equally miserable $7,500. { Arcadia (Sablosky) (800: 35-46-' 87)—'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-O) (2d run) (2d wk). Fair $2,600 for this sesb. tiast week, okay $3,500. Boyd (WB) (2,560; 35-46-97-68)— 'Penny Serenade' (Col). Kudos from crix helping toward satisfactory $17,- 500. Last week's third trip for 'Ham* Ilton Woman' (UA) a hefty $10,500, Earle (WB) (2.350; 35-46-57-68-75) —'Adam' (Col) with 'Truth or Con- sequences' and Victor McLaglan p.a. Fair to middling $19,000 for this combo. Last week, 'Sis Hopkins' (Rep) and Guy Lombardo orches- tra, n.B.h. $18,000. Fox (WB) (2,423; 35-46-57-68)— 'Wanted Wings' (Par). Topping the league with stocky $20,000.' Last week, 'Broadcast' (20th), a punk $12,800. Karlton (WB) (1,068; 39-46-97-66) —'Broadcast' (20th) (2d run). Move- over no hypo with sour $3,500. Last week, 'Uncertain Feeling' (UA) even worse with $3,000 for a second run. Keith's (WB) (1,970; 35-46-57-68)— •Hamilton Woman' (UA) (2d run). Satisfactory $4,500. Last week, 'Miss Jones' (RKO), mediocre $4,000 for second run. Stanley (WB) (2,916; 35-46-57-68) —'Affectionately' (WB). -Takes the booby prize with terrible $7,500. 'Love Crazy' (M-G) opens tomorrow (Wed,). Last week, 'John Doe' (WB) (2d wk), good for $10,500. Santon (WB) (1.457; 35-46-57)— 'Penalty' (M-G). Pulled alter six days with fair $4,000. Last week, 'Flame of New Orleans' (U), olcay $4,800. Los Angeles, May 27. Grosses are grovelling among th» bitter dregs and the immediate pros- pect of an upturn is not in the offing. Old Sol has been beating down for a full week and chasing the citizens to the beaches and other sites of al fresco diversion. Even the usual sure-fire combina- tion ot William Powell and Myrna Loy won't break out in a rash of fancy figures in 'Love Crazy' at the State and Chinese.. Orpheum is in there as a contender for top coin with Nils Granlund's girly show from Florentine Gardens on the stage. 'Flame of New Orleans' is pulling some Marlene Dietrich fol- lowing but not in sufficient numbers to warrant any glow of optimism. 'Citizen Kane' has hit the droopy stage and won't much longer tenant the £1 Capitan. Estimates for This Week Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1,516; 83c- $1.10-$1.65) — 'Fantasia' (Disney) (17th wk). Weak $6,000, after last week showed just under $7,000. Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,034; 30-44-55-75)—'Love Crazy' (M-G) and 'Sleepers West' (20th). Fair $9,400. Last week, 'Broadcast" (20th) and 'Washington Melodrama' (M-G), sickly $7,200. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-44-95) —'Shining Victory' (WB) and 'Thieves Fall Out' (WB). Poor $5,000. Last week, 'Affectionately' (WB) and 'Strange Alibi' (WB), woeful $4,000. El Caplten (RKO) (1,571; 83c- $1.10-$1.65)—'Kane' (RKO) (3d wk)» Brutal matinee biz holding the grosi down to $9,900. Lost week, $7,200. Four Star (UA-F-WC) (900; 30-44- 65)—'Major Barbara' (UA) (3d wk). Going down, and best in fight $2,000. Folds after next week. Iiast week, around $3,000. Hawaii (G & S) (1,100; 30-44-55)— 'Baker's Wife' (Film Alliance) and 'Let George Do IC (Film Alliance). Around $2,800, 'Baker's Wife' had a brief earlier run at the neighborhood Esquire. Last week; 'Lonesome Pine' (Par) and 'Stolen Life' (Par), $2,100. Hollywood (WB) (2,796; 30-44-55) —'Shining Victory' (WB) and 'Thieves Fall Out' (WB). So-so $5,000. Last week, 'Affectionately* (WB) and 'Strange Alibi' (WB), poor $4,000. Orpheum (B'way) (2,200; 30-44-55) —'Reokies Parade' (Rep) and Nll« Granlund's 'Hollywood Revels' on the stage. Should top $9,000 with Granny s stager accounting for bulk of it. Last week, 'Singing Hill' (Rep) and 'Free Easy' (M-(J), $5,800. PonUtei (Pan) (2,812; 30-44-55)— 'Flame New Orleans' (U) and 'Naval Academy' (Col). So-so $7,000. Last week, 'Cheyenne' (U) and 'Black Cat' (U), $8,300. FMametint (Par) (3,585; 30-44-59- 75)—'Wanted Wings' (Par) and Richard HImber orchestra on the stage (2d wk). Easing off to around $12,500, after first week rolled up big $19,000. BKO (RKO) (2,872; 30-44-55)— 'Flame New Orleans' (U) and 'Naval Academy' (Col). Around $6,500. Last week, 'Cheyenne* (U) and 'Black Cat' (U). $7,900, State (Loew-F-WC) (2,404; 30-44- 55-75)—'Love Crazy' (M-G) and 'Sleepers West* (20th). Okay $12,- 000, Last week, 'Broadcast* (20th) and 'Washington Melodrama' (M-G), $9,100. United ArtUts (UA-F-WC) (2,100; 30-44-65)—'Broadcast' (20th) ani 'Washington Melodrama' (M-G). Diving to $1,800. Last week, 'Zieg- feld Girl* (M-G) and 'Uncertain Feeling* (UA), $4,300. • Wllshire (F-WC) (2,290; 30-44-59) —'Broadcast' (20th) and 'Washington Melodrama* (M-G-). Also In tht depths with $3,600. Last week, 'Zieg- feld Girl* (M-G) and 'Uncertain Feeling' (UA), slick $6,500. A Foot m the Clouds 1/ Hollywood, May 27, Olivia de HavlUand shares with Fredrlc March the co-starring in tha religious picture, 'One Foot In Heaven.' Production starta in July at Warners. Hobart Bosworth, Who starred when the current stars were un- known, Is playing a ctjaracter role. Shooting Up Florida Hollywood, May 27. I Metro's outdoor marksmen winged everything worth shooting in the vicinity of Ocala, Florida, and fetched the footage home to be in- serted Into the dramatic filming of 'The Yearling.* Victor Fleming, directof, started \ the studio scenes on the Culver City ■ lot with Spencer Tracy, Gene Eck- man and Ann Revere leading off.