Variety (Jun 1941)

Weineadaj, June 4, 1941 PIGTUIIE GB0SSE8 Product Once More Hypoes Chi; II111 fmgs-Vaude Fly to 456. . $15,000.'Sunny 12i/2a U OK Chicago, Juna 8.' Grosses around the loop are con- eiderably better lor a second consec- utive week. Basically, there Is a real line-up oi product strength through- out, with powerful films lor all types ot patrons. , „ Topping the loop parade la 1 Wanted Wings,' which came In to meet a stream ot great notices Irom the papers. It's holding up the Chi- cago once more, and that mammoth arena will come through with a nilty take that will carry the picture through two weelts easily in this house, plus additional loop time else- where. . Walt Disney gave up the ApoUo on Sunday (1) after 14 weeks of "Fan- tasia' and the house reverts to Bala- han & Katz operation. Stays dark for a few days and then Is slated to reopen on Thursday ■ (5) with 'Bad Man' (M-G). Disney flhn started weakly, but built well towards the finish. Word on 'Citizen Kane' is getting around and the picture is now show- ing considerable strength in its stay In the Woods. Estimates (or This Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200: 35-55-65-75) —'Bad Man' (M-G). Comes in on Thursday (5). House now dark, shuttering on Sunday (1) alter 14 excellent weeks of 'Fantasia' (Dis- ney) (40-50-60-75-$1.10-$1.65), finUh- Ing to good $9,300. Chicago (B&K) (4.000; 35-55-75)— •Wanted Wings' (Par) and stage show. Strictly the picture which is flying to brilliant $45,000 from pres- ent Indications. Last week, 'Penny Serenade' (Col) was aided plenty by the Dick Jurgens orchestra to come in with healthy $41,300. Gorrlck (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) —'Penny Serenade' (Col). Moved here from the Chicago and is going to good $6,000. Last week, {Great Lie' (WB), finished second week here and third in loop to olcay $4,100. Oriental (Todd) (3,200; 28-44)— •Eve' (Par)'and "Topper Returns' (UA). House is moving alone alright under its new policy and currently will take $9,000. Last weelc, 'Hardy's Secretary' (M-G) and 'Rage Heaven' (M-G), snappy $11,600. Palaee (RKO) (2,500; 33-44-66)— 'Sunny' (RKO) and 'Scattergood Strings' (RKO). Fine $12,500. Last week, 'Flame New Orleans' (U) and •Black Cat' (U) went 10 days for solid $12,300. BOosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 75)—'Blood Sand' (20th). Heading for $15,000. brilliant Last week, 'Dictator' (UA) finished a smashing four-week stay to excellent $10,800. Slate-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 28-44)— •Free Easy' (M-G) and vaude with Willie Shore headlining. Fine $16,- 000. Last week, 'Go West' (M-G) and 'Grandfather's Follies' unit on sUge, okay $13,400. United Artists (B&K-M-G) (1,700; 35-55-65-75)—'Woman's Face' (M-G) (2d wk). Looking for $11,000, fine, after corraling beautiful $14,800 last week. Woods (Essaness) (1,200; 50-75- $1.10-$1.65)—'Kane' (4th.wk). Perk- ing on fine word-of-mouth and going currently to $8,000, neat, after en- couraging $8,100 last week. mS' AND 'BLOOD' EACH $11,000, CINCY . Cincinnati, June 3. Holiday-padded weekend took sev- eral lengths of slack out of general b.o. wilting caused by unprecedent- ed early-summer hot spell. 'I Want- ed Wings' at the Albee, and 'Blood and Sai\d' at the Palace are in a dead heat for top biz. Only other fresh release, 'Beaching for Sun,' in the Grand, is floppo. Indef nm of 'Fantasia' at the Shubert ended Sunday (1) on 10th day with a take that measured fair. Engagement fell short of expecta- tions. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— 'Wanted Wings' (Par). (Jood $11,000. Last week 'Woman's Face' (M-G), dull $8,000. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 33-40-50)— •Woman's Face' (M-G). Switched from Albee for second week. N.s.g. $3,500. Last week'Broadcast' (20th) (2d run), poor $2,500. Family (RKO) (1.000; 15-28)— ^trange Alibi' (WB) and 'South Panama' (PRC), spUt with'Roundup' (Par) and 'Rookies Parade' (Rep). Normal $1,900. Ditto last week on Vaquero' (20th) and 'Man Betrayed* (Rep), divided with 'Singing HilU' (Rep) and 'District Attorney" (Rep). Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50)— Reaching Sun' (Par). Terrible $2,- 500. Same Jast week on 'Allection- ately Yours' (WB). Keith's (Ubson) (1,500; 33-40-50) — Love Crazy' (M-G). Moveover from Palace for second .week. Ex- cellent $5,000. Laat week •Hamil- ton Woman' (UA) (2d run), sorry $2,500. Lyrie (RKO) (1.400; 83-40-SO)— "Ziegfeld Girl' (M-6). Holding lor second week and fourth weu on main stem. Strong $3,000, same as for last (3d) week. Palace (RKO) (2,800; 83-40-50)— 'Blood Sand' (20th).' (iood $11,000. Same last week on 'Love Crazy* (M-G). Shnbert (RKO) (2,150; 50-75-$l- $1.50)—'Fantasia' (Disney). Ended lO-day nm Sunday (1) with a fair $9,S0(). Gross for first week >wa8 $6,000. Engagement was shorter than expected. House shuttered for sum- mer. Dnchin Blows Thme' To $18,500, Cle?e^ IS' Cleveland, June 3. Eddy Duchin's orchestra, winding up Palace's vaude semester, and hypoing 'Flame of New Orleans,' Is kicking up biggest commotion' In a profitable holiday week for all houses. Magnetized such a smart we.ekend trade that the RKO de- luxer will experiment with another name-band in mid-June. 'I Wanted Wings' is a timely natural lor the State, but 'Blood and Sand' Is slower at° Hipp. Estimates for This Week Allen (RKO) (3,000; 30-35^-55)— 'Broadcast' (20th). Not Improving on i move-over, second round garnering i average $3,000. Last week, 'John I Doe' (WB) (3d wk), good $3,300. Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 30-35-42- 55)—'Blood Sand' (20th). Just okay $10,000. Last week, "Broadcast' (20th), miserable $5,500. Palace (RKO) (3,700; 30-35-42-55- 66)—'Flame New Orleans' (U) plus vaude. Eddy Duchin's orchestra in the groove here, with swell opening and weekend. Fine $18,500 on the platter. Last week, 'Aflectionately' (WB) with Major Bowes' unit, hardly hit $9,000, sad. State (Loew's) (3,450; 30-35-42-55) —'Wanted Wings' (Par). Patriotic ballyhoo and miniature airplane con- test getting this one oft the ground for satisfactory $11,000. Last week, 'Love Crazy' (M-G), affable $12,400. SUIIman (Loew's) (1,972; 30-35-42- 55)—'Love Crazy' (M-G), moveover from State. Smart $5,500. Last week, 'Woman's Face' (M-G) (2d wk), $5,0 00. Omaha Better Despite . Heat; 'Blood' Leader Omaha, June 8. Omaha theatres successfully fought off the usual Memorial day events to give the current week a lift in the face of hot clear weather. "Blood and Sand' plus 'Murder Among Friends' at the Orpheum is headed for the leading rally. Estimates for This Week Brandels (Mort Shiger) (1,500; 10- 25-35-40)—'Knew Answers' (Col), 'Dare Not Love' (Col) and Baer- Louis fight. Big $6,000. Last week •Affectionately' (WB) and 'Singapore Woman' (WB), nifty $5,500. Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 10-30-40) — Wanted Wings' (Par) and 'Shot in Dark' (WB). Average $8,800. Last week 'Dictator' (UA) and "Scotland Yard' (20th), good $9,500. Orphenm (Tristates) 3^000; 10-30- 40)—'Blood Sand' (20th) and 'Mur- der Friends' (20th). Pretty good $11,000. Last week "Love Crazy (M-G) and "Mary Dugan' (M-G), strong $9,500. State (Goldberg) (900; 10-20-25)— "Nice Girl' (U) and "Miss Jones (RKO) split with "Man Betrayed' (Rep), "Bad Man' (M-G) and 'Free Easy' (M-G), Looks good for around $900. Last week 'Eve* (Par), 'Girl, Guy* (RKO), split with "La Zonga* (U), "Vivacious Lady' (RKO) and "Dangerous Giame" (U), fair $800. ^ Town (Goldberg) (1,500; 10-20-25) —Train Robbery' (Rep), "Pals Pecos* (Rep) and 'Make Music' (RKO) also Baer-Louls fight, triple, split with "Flaming Lead' (Cap), "Calling Hus- bands' (WB) and "Code Range* (Col), "Play Girl' (RKO), "Eve* (Par). Fair $1,000. Last wee^t "Rldin* Rainbow' (Rep), "Jennie" (20th), "Frisco Docks' (U), triple, split with "Shayne, De- tective* (20th) "Hitch Hike Heaven* (Cap) and "Rangers Ride' (Par), "Sierra* (WB), 'Hudson*s Bay* (20th), ditto. First Rons on Broadway (Subject to Change} Week of Jane B Astor—'Major Barbara* (UA) (4tb wk). Broadway—Tantasla* (Disney) f (80th wk). Capitol—"Love Crazy* (M-G). (Revletoed In Vajotiy May 14) Criterion—There's Magic in Music* (Par). (Reviewed in Vanar Feb. 26 at 'The Hard Boiled Canaru') Moale Hall—"Penily Serenade' (Col) (3d wk). raUce—"Citizen Kane' (RKO) (6th wk). Paramonnt—"I Wanted Wings* (Par) (3d wk). Rlalto—"Nurse*8 Secret* (WB) (7). Rojcy—"Blood and Sand' (20th) (3d wk). Strand—'MUIlon DoUar Baby* (WB) (6). (Reviewed in VMoarr May 28) Week of Jane 12 A8toi^"MaJor Barbara* (UA) (5th wk). Broadway—"Fantasia* (Disney) (31st wk). Capitol—"Love Crazy* (M-G) (2d wk). Mnsle HaU—"Sunny* (RKO). (RerHeuied in VAmrr May 21) Palace—"Citizen Kane' (RKO) (7th wk). Faramonnt—'One Night in Lis- bon* (Par) (11). (Reuietued in VAiUEir May 14) Boxy—"Man Hunt* (20th) (13). Strand—Million Dollar Baby' (WB) (2d wk). Weather Aids Babo; W 15G, 'Blood' $8,000, Rest Solid Baltimore, June 3. Rain and frigid weather kept them in town here over the week- end and helped sweU b.o. totals all around. Standouts being chalked up by 'Blood and Sand,' at the New, and "Love Crazy,' at Loew's Cen- tury. Estimates for This Week Centary (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 28-44)—"Love Crazy' (M-G). Lots of newspaper mentions, and lots of b.o. at $15,000. Last week, "Woman's Face* (M-G), fair $11,400. Hippodrome (Rappaport) ^ (2,240; 15-28-39-44-55-66) — 'Sunny* (RKO) plus Baer-Louis fight pix and stage layout headed by Howard & Shelton, Powers Models and Jimmie Walling- ton. Big $16,000. I^t week, "Dare Not Love* (Col) plus Woody Her- man orchestra, rather unexciting at $10,900. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406; 15- 28-39-44)—'Wanted Wings' (Par) (2d wk). Good $5,000, after solid open- ing round at $8,900. MaryUnd (McLaughlin) (1,500; 56- 85-$l.ll-$1.67) — "Fantasia* (Disney) (3d wk). Started third stanza "Thursday (29), after steady total of $9,300 for first two rounds. New (Mechanic) (1.581; 15-26-30- 44)—'Blood Sand* (20th). Rosy $8,000, a strong figure for limited seats here. Last week, 'Broadcast' (20th) (2d wk), added alhrlght $3,800 to good openhig sesh at $5,900. Stanley (WB) (3,280; 15-28-39-44- 35)—"John Doe" (WB) (3d wk). Fair $5,500, after totalling an okay $23,600 for previous brace. Memorial Day Weekend Boosts B way With'Serenadel90mW^ 'Blood' 45G Leading Ace Holdovers Memorial D^ weekend gave the holdovers on Broadway a shot In the arm, theatres reporting holiday bushiess even exceeding a year ago in some instances. The holdovers are doing best, after the terrific- licking the whole Stem took from President Roosevelt's speech Tues- day (26) night, putting a 30-50% crimp in evening biz that day. "Wings," with a sensational $50,000 at the Paramount; 'Penny Serenade,' with a mighty $90,000 at the Music Hall; and ^Blood and Sand,' at the Roxy, -with a nifty $45,000, all climbed past opening week's busi- ness in their second stanzas this week. All three also stay on for a third session. Along with these holdovers, 'Woman*s Face' looks for a nice ttilrd week with $21,000, not far be- hind the second session at $23,000. Sole first-run is 'Shining Victory,* at the Strand, which is doing tmder $27,000 for the single week, with the same stage ^how as played with •Affectionately Yours* the previous ses^on. House has been dragging near bottom now for three weeks or so. Both 'Citizen Kane* and 'Fantasia* felt the influx of holiday crowds, Orson Welles picture at Palace climbing to $16,500 for the fifth week and ahead ot the previous session, and the latter soaring to $11,500 for the 29th- week, after $9,000 the preceding week. Pickup in the advance sale and the fact that Sunday and Monday ran ahead of the previous week makes 'Fantasia,' at the Broadway, a likely bet to stay on until at least the end of June. Improvement of 'Kane' also indi- cates a longer run than originally planned. In much the same category is "Major Barbara,* at ^he Astor, where it registered $15,000 in the third week as against $14,500 in the sec- ond stanza. Estimates for This Week Astor (1,012; 30-40-55-65) —'Bar- bara' (U) (4th week). Swings into fourth week today (Wed.). Third session, which filched last night, good for a healthy $15,500. This is a pickup over $14,50(1 in the second week, with the picture set for In- defluite run, likely well through the simimer. Broadway (1,895: 55-75-$1.10-$l.e5- $2.20) — "Fantasia"' (Disney) (30th week). Last week (20th) about $11,- 500, hefty Improvement over pre- vioiu week's $9,000. .Advance sale now rtmning so strong that film may be held here tmtil the last of June. Capitol (4,520; 35-55-85-$1.10-$125) —"Woman*s Face* (M-G) (3d weA). Holidays bolstered third stanza biz so that it held close to the second week, at $21,000, splendid profit. Second session, $23,000, better, than expected, making nearly $80,000 in view for three weeks, fine "Love Crazy* (M-G) set to open tomorrow (Thursday). Criterion (1,662; 28-44-56-69)— •Magic in Music* (Par). Starts run this morning after mild week of 'Power Dive' (Par), expected to be below $4,500, iheek. Previous week, 'Rookies on Parade* (Rep), even worse at $4,200. Globe (1,180; 28-35-65) — •DevU Dogs of Air* (WB). Reissue pushed Holiday Exodus Blasts Philly; 'Crazy' $17^, Broadway Sour Philadelphia, June 8. Judging from the b.o.'s at down- town deluxers, nobody was in town over the long three-day Memorial week-end. Only the fact that it drizzled Sunday and drove some of the vacationers home early, is saving biz from a complete collapse. Only "Love Crazy" at the Stanley, and 'Penny Serenade's' h.o. at the Boyd and second week of "I Wanted Wings' at the Fox, are approaching anywhere near their house par. Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (l,303;-35-46-57-68)— "Broadway Limited' (UA). Getting plenty of publicity, but little else witli only a sour $8,000, In the till for 10 days. Last week, "Topper Re- turns* (UA), all-time low $4,500 for the second week. House closes after Sunday's showing (8) for the sum- mer. Arcadta (Sablosky) (600; 35-46-57) —'Ziegfeld Girl* (M-G) (2d run) (3d wk). Getting $2,200 for this trip, not bad under circumstances. 'Flame of New Orleans' (U) bowing tomor- row (Wed.) for second run. Last week, "Ziegfeld* snagged an okay $2,600. Boyd (WB) (2,560; 35-46-57-68)— •Penny Ser.enade* (Col) (2d wk). Bouncy $13;800. Last week, profit- able $16,500. Ea^le (WB) (2,350; 35-46-57-68-75) —'Singapore Woman* (WB) with Clro Rimac orchestra and Romo Vim- cent on stage. Will be lucky to hit $18:500. Last week, "Adam" (Col) with Truth and Consequences' and Victor McLaglen*s p.a., a paltry $15,500. Fox (WB) (2,423; 35-46-57-68)— •Wanted Wings* (Par) 2d wk). Satis- factory $12,300 after okay $16,500 lor opener. Karlton (WB) (1,066; 35-46-57-68) —"First Beau' (Col). Puny $2,300. Last week, .'Broadcast' (20th>, sub- standard $3,000. Keith's (WB) (1,970; 35-46-57-68)— 'John Doe* (WB) (2d run). Fair $4,500 for this try. Last week, 'Ham- ilton Woman* (UA), so-so $4,200 for second run. Stanley (WB) (2,916; 35-48-57-68) —'Love Crazy" (M-G). Okay $17,500. Last week, 'Affectionately* (WB), sad $10,000. Stanton (WB) (1,457; 35-46-57)— 'Dare Not Love' (Col). Just under par with $4,800.* Last week, 'Penalty' (M-G), n.s.h. $4,000 for six days. tn last Saturday when 'Voice In Night' (Col) faltered in second ses- sion; airplane thriller expected to grab excellent $8,500, best In some time. "Voice" took In $8,000. in nine days. Falaoe (1,700; 75-85-$1.10-$l.e5- $2.20)—"Kane" (5th week). Holiday weekend pushed Welles* flloL to $16,- 500, plenty good and. ahead oi lourth' week*s, $15,000. Biz around either figure may extend the run longer than originally intended Paramount (3,664; 35-55-85-99)— "Wings* (Par), and on stage, Vaughn Monroe orch, Hal Sherman, others (3d week). Soared to $50,000 in sec- ond \veek concluded last night, which is substantially ahead of the opening session figure of $46,000. Badlo City Mnslo Ball (5,960; 44- 55-85-99-$1.65) — 'Penny Serenade' (Col) and stage show. (2d week). With help of out-of-towners and Memorial Day, second jteek looki good for $90,000, healthy pickup over the first stanza's $82,000. both highly profitable. 'Serenade' third session. Blalto (750; 28-44-55)—'I'll Wait. for You* (M-G) plus Laurel-Hardy comedy. Meagre $4,700 looming, patrons here not going for feature despite presence of theatre's lave comedy duo. 'Washington Melo- drama (M-G) and Louis-Baer fight film, mildish $5,500 preceding week. Boxy (5,835; 35-55-65-75-85)- 'Blood and Sand' (20th) and stage show (2d week). Picked up per- ceptibly with the holiday weekend, with nilty $45,000 in sight lor second stanza. Another instance ol Memp- rial Day crowds pushing the second week business ahead of the first ses* sion, a profitable $37,000. Stays a third week. State * (3,400; 28-44-55-7S-90-$1.10) —'Hamilton Woman* (UA) (2d run) and Gus Arnheim orch, Rosario and Antonio, others on stage. Both film and band taking bows for good $20,- 000, an improvement over recent week here. l,ast week, 'Zanzibar' (Par) (2d run) and Frank Idbuse^ Ben Cutler, others on stage, ex.- tremely mild $16,500. > Strand (2,767: 35-55-75-85-09) — "Shining Victory' (WB) and Wayne King orch, Dennis Morgan, others on . stage (2d week), N^w screen at« traction brought In Friday with stage show con,tinulng, pushed biz up to $26,500, so-so. Same stage sho w plus "Affectionately Yours* (WB), mighty weak $21,500. "Million Dollar Baby* (WB) opens Friday. RAIN HELPS MPLS. B.O^ TACE'-HGHT FILM 116 Minneapolis, June 3. Rain and cold the day before and during Memorial Day were a boon for the showhouses, keeping thou- sands of prospective motorists Irom taking ouf-of-ti 3wn trips. 'A Woman*s Face,*^ and 1 Wanted Wings' are the b.o, winners, Estimates for This Week Alter (Par-Singer) (900; 28)— •Blondle tiatln' (Col) and 'Strange Alibi' (WB), dual first-runs. In lor five days and headed lor nice $1,500, ' "Queen's Penthouse' (Col) and "Mr. Dynamite' (U), also dual flrst-nms,. open today (3). Last week, 'Murder Friends' (20th) and 'Wild Man Borneo' (M-G), dual first-runs, split with 'Vaquero' (20th) and "Repent Leisure' (RKO), light $1,800 in 10 days. Centary (Par-Singer) (1,600; 28- 30-44)—'Love Crazy' (M-G) (2d wk). Moved here alter good week at State, and may reach satisfactory $4,000. Last week, 'People Kildare' (M-G), bad $1,600. Esqnlre (Berger) (290; 28-35)— "Virgin Bride' and "School Husbands' (French) (2d wk). Satisfactory $1,000 In prospect after good $1,400 first week. Oopher (Par-Singer) (008; 28)— "Affectionately* (WB). Okay $3,000. Last week, "Rage Heaven* (M-G), $2,300, fair. Orphenm (Par-Singer) (2,300; 28- 30-44)—"Woman's Face' (M-G) and Louis-Baer fight pix. Much praise, and en route' to very big $11,000 for nine days. Last week, 'Reaching Sun' (Par), yanked after five days, terrible $2,100. State (Par-Singer) (2,300; 28-39- 44)—"I Wanted Wings' (Par). Swell exploitation, lots ol tie-ups, and extra heavy newspaper ads. Stretch- ing tpward nice $7,500. Last week, 'Lov^ Crazy" (M-G), good $8,700. Uptown (Par) (1,200; 28-39)—'Zan- zibar* (Par), First neighborhood, showing, with big $3,000 indicated. Last week, "Hardy's Secretary* (M-G), fair $2,400. World (Par-Steffes) (350; 28-39-44) —'Magic Music' (Par), Fair $1,500, looks about all. "Dare Not Love* (Col) opens today .(3). Last week, 'Broadcast' (20th) (2d wk), out after five light days to $800.. - v