Variety (Jun 1941)

TCednesdar, June 18, 1941 PICTURE GROSSES 11 Sophie Tucker-Devil Dogs Smash 18G h Frisco; My'Mild M; Tog IIG San Francisco, June 17, Golden Gate is grabbing oft the cream with Sophie Tuclcer on the fitage and reissue of 'Devil Dogi of the Air' on the screen, a heavy com- bination which has the manager grinning. Much exploitation on 'Million Dol lar Baby' at the Fox, including teaser ads, radio tieups and a lucky-girl contest with trip to Hollywood, got the film oft to only a mild start. 'Kane' holding fairly well at Geary, with HKO being urged here to ex- tend the run beyond the four weeks. Other new entry is 'Out of the Fog' which is only average. Re- mainder are holdovers, or older. Estimates for This Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-40-50)— •Million Dollar Baby* (WB) and 'Thieves Fall Out' (WB). Plenty of exploitation behind this one, includ- " Ine a newspaper contest, but only fl3,000 in sight. Geary (Cyrran) (1,286; 55-75-$1.10 $1.65)—'Kane' (HKO). Fourth week starts today, with biz still sufficently profitable to warrant holding fur- ther although RKO took house for only four weeks. Last (3d) weelc, picked up $6,000, okay.- Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 39-44- 65)—'Devil Dogs' (WB) (reissue) and ^ophie Tucker on stage. Both draw- ing nicely for smash $18,000. Last (2d wk) week, 'Sunny' (RKO) and Ray Bolger, in person, fine $10,000. Orphenm (Blumenfeld) (2,440; 35 40-50)—'In Navy' (U) (3d wk) and Timberland' (U) (1st wk). With a new second feature to bolster the Abbott-Costello comedy in its third week, show is being sold on a 'see it again' angle for satisfactory $6,000. Last (2d) week, with 'Mr. Dynamite' (U) as co-feature, okay $9,20i0. Paramount (F-WC) (2,470; 35-40- 60)—'Night in Lisbon' (Par) and 'Power Dive' (Par) (2d wk). Prob- ably around $8,000, okay. First week, with aid of preview of 'Caught in Draft,' Rot $12,000. St. Francis (F-WC) (1,475; 35-40- 60)—'Billy Kid' (M-ff) and 'Reach- ing Sun' (Par) (moveover). Third week on street will net an average $5,000. Ditto last week, on move- over of 'Love Crazy' (M-G) and 'People-Kildare' (M-G). United ArtlsU (Cohen) (1.200; 35- 40-50)—'Hamilton Woman* (UA) (3d wk). This one generally disappoint- ing with only $6,000 in till. Last (2d) week, fairish $7,000. WarBeld (F-WC) (2,650; 35-40-50) —'Out of Fog* (WB) and 'Affection- ately Yours' (WB). Nothing much to sell so can't expect more than average $11,000. Last (2d wk), 'Billy Kid' (M-G) and 'Reaching Sun' (Par), a little better than hoped at $8,500. L'VILLE ONLY SO-SO 'Blood' Fine $8,000; 'Craxy' $7,500— Others Holdovers, Second Bona Louisville, June 17. Biz Is levelling oflt currently, after last week's terrific turnout for Hor- ace Heidt's band. Crop of pics is only so-so, with Indifferent new product and reissues. Topper is Rl- alto's 'Blood and Sand' with March of Time as running mate. Balance of town is lightweight. Estimates for This Week Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15-30-40) —'Woman's Face' (M-G) and 'Wait For You' (M-G). Shuttled here after fair week at State. Mildish $1,700. Last week, 'In Navy' (U) and 'Many Blondes' (U) registered satisfactory $2,200, after moveover from Rialto. KentDcky (Switow) (1,200; 15-25) r-Lady Eve' (Par) and 'Topper Re- turns' (UA). Pacing for medium $1,400. Last week, 'Pot Gold' (UA) and 'Tobacco Road' (20th), good $1,600. Loew's.SUte (Loew's) (3,300; 15- 30-40)—'Love Crazy' (M-G) and 'Big Boss' (Col). Doing all right con- sidering that patrons were on spend- ing spree last week. Daylight saving time has brought a special 'owl' show Saturday night starting at 11:30, and pulling nicely. Indications are for satisfactory $7,500. Last week, •Woman's Face' (M-G) and 'Wait For You (M-G) in spite of terrific op- posish of Horace Heidt at Rialto, took fairish $7,000, and moveover. ,c Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 15-30-40)—'Fog' (WB). Looks pretty potent as single, and shaping up for okay $3,200 on eight days. Last week, 'John Doe' (WB) (return en- fMenient).not.:too hefty at medium $2,800 in six tlay^.,.,. ■/ ^n^'^"}*' 'J'oiirth Avenue)..(3,400; 16- 30-40)—'Blood Sand' (iOth) and March Qf Time. Shaping up as po- tent b.o. fare and leadership of the town. Aiming at fine $8,000. Last week, 'Beauty's Sake' (20th) and Horace Heidt orch. Smash hit, with orchestra making many friends. Hay to stop selling tickets at several Key City Grosses Estimated Total Grose . ThU Week $l,500,<et (Bated on 29 cities, 169 thea- tres, chie/I]/ Jlrst run*, tncludinp N. v.; Tatol Oroaa Same Week Last Tear $1,4B4,MI (Based on 26 cities, 171 theatres) Rain and Holdovers Help Mpls^ Tisbon' Fair $6,500; Doe'4iG Minneapolis, June 17. Unseasonably cold and rainy weather is playing right into the theatres' hands by driving people indoors. First bit of cheer to the trade for a long time but biz is still nottiing to boast about. Estlrastea for This Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 28)— 'Scotland Yard' (20th) and 'Pirate on Horseback' (Par). Should reach good $1,600 In five days. 'Play Girl' (RKO) and 'Mail Train' (20th), open today (Tuesday). Last week, 'Shot Dark" (WB) and 'Melody Three' (RKO), fair $1,000 in six days. Century (P-S) (1,600; 28-39-44)— 'John Doe' (WB) (2d run). Moved here from Orpheum for loop first' run extension. Well liked and hold- ing up nicely. Good $4,500. Last week,.'Wings' (Par) (2d wk.), $3,600. fair after £lick $7,500 first week at State. Esquire (Berger) .(290; 15-20)— 'Forbidden Adventure' (Indie) (2d wk.). Jungle film's sensational an- gles stressed. Mild $500 indicated. Last week, $700. Fair. Gopher (P-S) (998; 28)—'Wagons Roll' (WB). Bogart and Albert drawing well. Good $3,000 'on eight days in prospect. Last week, 'Penalty' (M-G); bad $1,800 in six days. Orpheum (P-S) (2,300; 28-30-44)— 'Million Dollar Baby" (WB). Well received by critics and got strong advertising campaign, but will get only $3,600, bad. Last week, 'John Doe' (WB). big $9,000. State (P-S) (2,300; 28-39-44)— 'Night Lisbon' (Par). MacMurray Carroll combo okay. Looking toward fair $6,500 for eight days. Last week, 'Hamilton Woman* (UA), very dis- appointing $4,500. Uptown (Par) (1,200; 28-39)— 'Great Lie' (WB). First nabe show ing. Looks like good $2,400. Last week, 'Night Rio' (20th), first nabe showing, okay $2,700. World (Par-Steffes) (28-39-44-55) -'Hamilton Woman' (UA) (2d run). Moved here from State after un- satisfactory canto at that house. This is a better spot for picture, but it's still having tough sledding. Light $1,000 in prospect. Last week, 'Model Wife* (U), five days punk $800. 'Blood' 16G in B'klyn, 'Wings' Same 2d Week Brooklyn, June 17. RKO Albee with 'Blood and Sand' and 'Melody for Three' is getting the principal mazuma in the downtown sector this stanza. Fabian Para- mount's second week with 'I Wanted Wings' and 'Her First Beau' will come through okay. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,274; 25-35-50)— 'Blood Sand' (20th) and 'Melody for Three' (RKO). Nifty $16,000. Last week, 'Devil Jones' (RKO) and 'Vanquero' (20th), swell $15,000. Fox (Fabian) (4,023; 25-35-50)— Shining Victory' (WB) and 'Lady Louisiana' (Rep). Fair $14,000. Last week, 'Dare Not Love' (Col) and 'Affectionately Yours' (WB), good $15,500. Met (Loew's) (3,618; 25-35-50)— 'Woman's Face' (M-G) and 'Wash- ington Melodrama' (M-G) (2d wk). Nice $15,000. Last week, swell $19,- 000. Paramount (Fabian) (4,126; 25-35- 50)—'Wings' (Par) and 'First Beau' (Col) (2d wk). Attractive $16,000. Last week, first-rate $22,000. Strand (WB) (2,870; 25-35-40)— 'Under Age' (Col) and 'Missing Ten Days' (Indie). Quiet $4,000. Last week, 'Flying Wild' (Indie) and 'Knockout' (WB), peaceful $4,000. shows, with standees the rule most of engagement. Proved local patrons will support live talent, and tallied gigantic $17,000 at regular prices. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15- 30-40)—'Prisoner of Zenda' (UA) and Tom Sawyer' (UA) (reissues). Old- ies still make good summer fare, but hardly in the money class. Will manage medium $2,800. Last week, 'Magic Music' (Par) and 'Mutiny Arctic' (W> pulled some music lovers to register under par $2,500. INDPLS. PERKS UP Ted Lewls-'Angels' Big 11 ^( 'Craxy' $7,000; 'Blood' $7,500 Indianapolis, June 17. In comparison with recent weeks, when theatre managers were taring hair from their worried heads, cur- rent week looks like the end of the rainbow. Loew's is holding over 'Love Crazy' and 'Free and Easy' for a second weeV. Circle is in the chips with 'Blood and Sand' dualled with 'Beauty's Sake.' Ted J^wis orch on stage is boosting the Lyric into the upper brackets. Estimates for This Week Cirele (Katz-DoUe) (2,600; 25-30- 40) — 'Blood Sand' (20th) and 'Beauty's Sake* (20th), okay $7,500. Last week, 'Night Lisbon' (Par) and 'West Point Widow" (Par), fair $5,900. Loew's (Loew's) (2.400; 25-30-40) —'Love Crazy' (M-G) and 'Free Easy' (Col) (2d wk). okay $7,000. Last week, same bill in first stanza did nice $9,800. Lyric (Lyric) (1,900; 30-40-50)— 'Angels Wings' (Rep) and Ted Lewis orch, profitable $11,500. Last week, 'Cowboy Blonde* (20th) and "Grand- father's Follies' ont^age, poor $7,000. Weather Okay But Pix Ni.G. in Det; 'Flame' $15,000; lisbon' 13G Detroit, June 17. Now narrowed down' to four houses with the shuttering of the United Artists for summer, Detroit won't hit above average this week, despite new pictures. Weather is helping, but the product isn't. Fox with 'Flame or Orleans' and 'Knew All the Answers' will lead the town with biz slightly above seasonal level. Helping here is a $1,000 added hypo for dead Mondays through ''Dr. I. Q.,' proving a sell-out on his six- week stand. Michigan can't beef too loudly with an average take on 'Night in Lisbon' and 'Wagons Roll.' 'Blood and Sand,' which got two big weeks at the Fox, moves to the Adams, while Palms-State takes over "Wings' and 'Honeymoon for Three,' after two strong weeks at the Michi- gan. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40-55) —'Blood Sand' (20th) (3d wV) pnd •Cowboy Blond' (20th). With the former picture having kicked in $4U.- OOO in its two weeks at Fox, $6,500 is not bad. Last week, 'King of Zom- bies' (Mono) and 'Invisiwe Ghost' (Mono), brisk $7,500. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40 55)—'Flame Orleans' (U) and 'Knew Answers' (Col). Working toward o.k. $15,000, with 'Dr. L Q.'^on stage to help Mondays. Last week, 'Blood Sand' (20th) and 'Naval Academy' (Col) (2d wk), tucked splendid $15,- 000 behind a teri-ific $25,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 30-40-55)—'Night Lisbon' (Par) and 'Wagons Roll' (WB). Has a chance to better a fair $13,000. Last week, 'Wings' (Par) and 'Honeymoon for Three' (WB) (2d wk) garnered $12,- 000 after a strong $19,000. Falms-SUte (United Detroit) (3, 000; 30-40-55 ^'Wings' (Par) and 'Honeymoon Three' (WB) (3d wk). Pair, shifted here after good weeks at Michigan, may get oJc. $7,500. Last week. 'Love Crazy* (M-G) (3d wk) and 'Billy Kid' (M-G) (2d wk), nibe $8,000. mVY' HEFTY $13,000, 'SUNNY' BIG 12G, CINCY Cincinnati, June 17. Biz Is on upbeat with 'In the Navy,' hefty at the Palace. In close pursuit is 'Sunny' at the Albee, while 'Devil Dogs of Air' is doing good -b.o. for Keith's fo.- a reissue. Estimates for ThU Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— Sunny' (RKO). Good $12,000. Last week, 'John Doe' (WB), nifty $12,- 300. Captlol (RKO) (2,000; 33-40-50)— 'John Doe' (WB). Moveover from Albee for second week. Mild $3,500. Ditto last week on 'Wings' (Par) (2d run). Family (RKO) (1.000; 15-28)— Black Cat' (U) and 'First Romance' (Mono), split with 'Under Age' (Col) and "King of Zombies' (Mono). Nor- mal $1,800. Same last week for 'Scotland Yard' (20th) and 'Great Swindle' (Col), divided with 'Cow- boy Blonde' (20th) and 'Knockout'' (WB). Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50)— Broadway Limited' (UA). Fair $4,000. Last week, 'Blood Sand' (20th) (2d run), all right $4,200. Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 33-40-50) —'Devil Dogs' (WB) (reissue). 'Very good $5,500. Last week, 'Million Dollar Baby' (WB), slow $3,300. Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 33-40-50)— Love Crazy' (M-G). Holding for second' week on four-week move- over run. Strong $3,800. 'Last week (3d), swell $4,200. Palace (RKO) (2,600: 33-40-50)— In Navy* (U). Hefty $13,000: Last week, 'Knew Answers' (Col), six days, limp $7,200. In Navy' Sweeps LA. wiA 3-Year High, $31,500 in Two Spots; W Corrals ^ 26G, 'Fog' Mnrky 13G Broadwaj Grosses Estimated Total Gross This week $2«7,li0« (Based on 12 t\KeatTai\ Total Gross Same Week Last Tear.. $225,700 (Based on 11 VxeaVres) Seattle Biz Better; Tace' SweH $7,800, Holdovers Do Okay Seattle, June 17. Blue Mouse goes its checkered price-way with second-run films and scales this week, and not long ago it was roadshowihg''Fantasia.' B.O. generally shows a pickup after some dull weeks. Outside of the stage show at the Palomar plus 'Gay 'Vag- aboiid,' the town's best bet is 'Woman's Face.' Fifth Avenue helped it with a heavy campaign playing up the scar- face angle. Estimates for This Week Blue Mouse (Hamrlck-Evergreen) (850: 21-35)—'Lonesbme Pine' (Par) and 'Cat Canary' (Par) (2d run), an- ticipated $1,700, slow. Last week (30-40-50), 'Great Broadcast' (20th) and 'Rage Heaven' (M-G) (2d wk), $1,400, terrible. CoUseam (H-E) (1,900; 21-35)— 'Dictator' (UA) and 'Great Lie' (WB) (2d run), great combo but only good $2,900 in si^t. Last week, 'Men of Boystown' (M-G) and 'SleepersWest' (20ih) (2d run), floppo $2,100. Fifth Avenoe (H-E) (2,349; 30-40- 50.)—'Woman's Face' (M-G) and 'Walt For You* (M-G), upped news- paper campaign helped to big_$7,800. Last week, 'Love Crazy' (M-G) and 'Cowboy Blon4^' (20th) (2d wk), $5,500, good. . Liberty (J-'VH) (1,650; 30-40-50)— 'Hamilton Woman' (UA) and 'Big Boss' (Col) (3d wk) for 'Woman,' going 'for good $4,500. Last week, 'Hamilton Woman' nearly $5,200, big. Mnsic Box (H-E) (850; 30-40-50)— 'Love Crazy* (M-G) and 'Cowboy Blonde' (20tb) (3d wk), hot release from Fifth, expected to get $3,300, swell. Last week, 'Pot o' <3old' (UA) and 'Scotland Yard' (20th) (3d wk), poor $1,500, Orphenm (H-E) (2,600; 30-40-50)— 'Affectionately Yours* (WB) and 'Re- pent Leisure'^ (RKO), poor $3,500. Last week, 'In Navy' (U) and 'Vaquero' (20th) (2d wk), $4,100, good. Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 21-40)— 'Gay 'Vagabond' (Rep) solo, plus Polack Bros, circus on stage, headed for great $7,000, with scale going to 50c at night. Last week, 'Lady Ijouisiana' (Rep) and 'Angels Broken Wings' (Rep), plus stage snow, $4,600, good. Faramonnt (H-E) (3,039; 30-40-50) —'Blood Sand' (20th) and 'Power Dive' (Par) (2d wk), will get $3,200, fair for six days. Last week, same films, great $8,300. Boosevelt (Sterling) (800: 30-40- 50)—'In Navy' (U) and 'Vaquero* (20th) (3d wk) from Orpheum, head- ing for big $'2,900. Last week, (21- 35). 'Back Street' (U) and -Scatter- good Bains' (RKO) (2d run), $1,900, slow. Winter Garden (Sterling) (800: 16- 20)—'Girl, (3ob' (RKO) and 'So Ends Night' (UA) (2d run) expected to hit okay $1,900. Last week, 'Foot- steps Dark' (WB) and "Miss Bishop' (UA) (2d run), $2,100, good. DENVER BIZ ZOOMS 'Caught In Draft' Seta New Becord, $14,500 — 'Hamilton* lOG J Denver, June 17. 'Caught in Draft' is breaking the house record at the Denham, and holds over. 'Hamilton Woman' at the Denver also is strong, with all biz on upbeat. Estimates for ThU Week AkddJn (Fox) (1,400; 25-40) — 'Blood Sand' (20th), after a week at the Denver. Good $4,000. Last week, 'Great Broadcast,' after a week at Denver, poor $3,000. Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 25-40) — 'Topper Returns' (UA) and 'Dead Men Tell' (20th), after a week at the Paramount. Fair $2,500. Last week, 'Love Crazy' (M-G) and 'Washing- ton Melodrama' (M-G), after two weeks at Orpheum, poor $2,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 25-35- 40)—'Caught in Draft' (Par). Swell $14,500, and is holding. Last week, 'Night Lisbon' (Par) (3d wk), and 'Power Dive' (Par), good $6,500. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-40) — 'Hamilton Woman* (UA) and Los Angeles, June 17. . Establishing new highs for at least three years, RKO and Pantages, with 'In the Navy,'Abbott-Costello-Powell comedy, is sweeping the town and wiU hit $31,500 on first week. RKO on Sunday piled up house to $4,300, a theatre record here with the ex- ception of 'The Hunchback,' on Sun- day after Christmas three years ago. 'Billy the Kid' is proving some- what of surprise, and should top $26,000 at the State and Chinese. 'Out of - the Fog' failed to emurgo from the mist, and wiU be content with only mild $13,300 at the "Warner Downtown and Hollywood. 'Fantasia*'showed unusual strength at the Carthay Circle in its 20th week, and will come witliin a few dollars of $6,000. in contrast. Four Star with 'Raga in Heaven,' is weak but $3,500 in sight for second week. 'Citizen Kane' is in the doldrums and folds alter another week. Estimate; for This Week Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1,516; 83- $1.10-$1.65) — 'Fantasia' (Disney) (20th wk). Cartoon opus, after Uve-- month run, continues to show soma strength and may stick another , couple of stanzas. Current week bringing a highly satisfactory $5,900, after last week's big $6,100. Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,034: 30-44-55-75)—'Billy Kid' (M-G) anJ 'Scotland Yard' (20th). Neat $10,700 in prospect. Last week, 'Pot o' Gold' (UA) and 'People vs. Kildare' (M-G), only fair $8,000. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-44-55) —''Out of Fog' (WB) and 'Argentina* (RKO). Nothing to rave about, with $7,000 best in sight. Last week, 'Devil Dogs' CWB) and second week of 'Million Dollar Baby' (WB), sat- isfactory $7,300. El Capitan (RKO) (1,571; 83-$1.10- $1.65)—'Kane' (RKO). Nearing end of short run and folds (25). Cur- rent week is dismal at $3,000, after last week's $3,500. Four Star (UA-F-WC) (900; 30-44- 55)—'Rage Heaven' (M-G) (2d wk). Looks like sad $3,500 after first week held to so-so $4,500. Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-44-55) —'Out of Fog' (WB) and 'Argentina* (RKO). Opened just a trifle ahead of its day-dater but take on week probably will be only fair $6,000. Last week, holdover of 'Million Dol- lar Baby' (WB) and reissue of 'Devil Dogs' (WB), mild $5,100. Orphenm (B'way) (2,200; 30-44-55) • —•Old Colorado* (Par) (1st run) and 'Strange Alibi' (WB) (2d run), with Jimmy Lunceford ork on stage. In- dications are for big $11,000. Last week, second runs. Pantages (Pan) f2,812; 30-44-55)— 'In Navy' (U) and Tight Shoes' (U). Hefty $14,500 on first stanza and holds. Last week, 'Sunny' (RKO) and 'First Beau' (Col), okay $7,800. Faramonnt (Par) (3.505; 30-44-55- 75)—'Night Lisbon' (Par) (2d wk) and 'Lady Louisiana' (Par), with holdover stage show. May hit $12,- 500, just fair. Last week, 'Lisbon* (Par) solo and Harry Owens' Ha- waiian shoiy on stage, neat $18,000. BKO (RKO) (2,872; 30-44-55)—'In Navy' (U) and 'Tight Shoes' (U). Steaming towards terrific $17,000, in- suring holdover. Last week, 'Sunny* (RKO) and 'First Beau' (Col), fai* $6,700. State (Loew-F-WC) (2,404; 30-44-. 55-75)—'Billy Kid' (M-G) and 'Scot- land Yard' (20th). Looks like big $15,500. Last week, 'Pot Gold' (UA) and 'Kildare' (M-G), dismal $9,800. United Artist! (UA-F-WC) (2,100; 30-44-55)—'Blood Sand' (20th) (2d wk) and 'Pot Gold' (UA) on move- over, fair $3,500. Last week, 'Blood Sand' (UA) and 'Cowboy Blonds' (20th), okay $4,200. Wllshire (F-WC) (2,298: 30-44-55) —'Blood Sand' (20th) (2d wk) and moveover of 'Pot Gold' (UA), wiU likely hit okay $5,000. Last week, 'Blood Sand' (UA) and 'Cowboy Blonde' (20th), $5,700. 'Beauty's Sake' (20th). Nice $10,000. Last week, 'Blood Sand' (20th) and 'Naval Academv* (Col), good $9,000. Orphenm (RKO) (2,600: 25-35-40) —'Billy Kid' (M-G) and 'Argentina* (RKO) (2d wk). Slipped way down, and only mild $6,000 looms. Last week,* same pair fine $11,000. Paramount (Epx) (2.200; 25-40)— 'Flame New Orleans' (U) and 'Man- Made Monster* (U). Sturdy $6,000. Last week, 'Topper Returns* (UA) and 'Dead Men Tell' (20th). fine $7,000. Bblto (Fox) (878; 25-40) — 'Great Broadcast' (20th), after a week at each the Denver and Aladdin, and 'Voice in Night' (Col). Good $2,000. Last week, 'John Doe' (WB), after a week at the Denver and Aladdin, and 'Redhead' (Mono), fair $1,750.