Variety (Aug 1941)

Wednesday, August 6, 1941 'Charley's Aimf Big Tom' Smash $21,000 Tops Frisco, 'Kiss Boys Okay PICTURE GROSSES 11 San Francisco, Aug. 9. Golden Gate, with Tom, Dick and. Harry,' and the Warfleld with •Charley's Aunt," are doing the biz this week, okay for time ot year here. George Bole cooked up • 'No One Seated During Last Five Minutes' campaign on the Ginger Rogers opus which got the thing oft to a stert which topped 'Kitty Foyle; by sev- eral bucks the first day. Is follow- Ina. up inside with a trailer signed 'Janie'^ asking fans please not to tell •which man I marry.' Also got co-op irom the crix on keeping the payoff Disney Festival at the Geary Is celling a heavy matinee play In its fecond stanza, although nights are light. ■ Estimates for TbU Week FoK (F-WC) (5,000; 35-40-50)— •Manpower*- (WB) and 'Kisses for Briakfast' (WB) (2d wk). Holdover doing rather well lor only ipildish M 500 First week a little under ejc- oe'ctalions at $18,000, but still big. Geary (Cur?an) (1,286; 35-40-50)- 'Snow White' (BKO) (2d wk). Dis- ney Festival pulling daytime trade lor mild $5,000. First week finished with $6,500, nighU being light. Golden Gate (RKO) (2.850; 39-44- B5)-'Tom, Dick, Harry' (RKO) and vaude. Opened bigger than Kitty Foyle' and going great guns for smash $21,000. Last week, 'Tight Shoes' (RKO) plus Bowes Ams and O'Neill Kiddies surprised with $14,- *"orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2,400; 35- 40-50)-'Hold That Ghost* (U) and •San Antonio Rose' (U) (2d wk). Holdover moving along nicely for Strong $8,000. First week terrif $14,- *"paramounf (F-WC) (2,470; 35-40- 80)—'Kiss Boys Goodbye' (Par) and 'Shining Victory' (WB). Consider- able competish but healthy $15,000 probable. Last (8-day) week, ♦underground' (^B) and 'I'll Wait For You' (M-G) just average $13,- "^St. Francis (F-WC) (1.475; 35-40- BO)—'Underground' (WB) and 'III Wait For You' (M-G) (moveover). House usually averages around $5,000 and this looks average. Last (move- over) week. 'Shepherd Hills' (Par) and 'Dance Hall' (20th) got $4,800. Warfleld (F-WC) (2,650; 35-40-50) —'Charley's Aunt' (20th) and •Dressed to Kill' (20th). Benny opus got' off to a terrific start, mak- ing $19,000 possible. Last (2d-flnal) week, 'Blossoms in Dust' (M-G) and •Accent on Love' (20th) faded away to $7,000. New Films Up Denver Biz; Ulanpower' lOG, 'Dust; ICiss Boys' 9iG Denver, Aug. 5. 'Kiss the Boys Goodbye* Is strong enough to stay around another week ■t the Denham. But town*s leader Is 'Manpower' at the Denver. 'Fan- tasia' Is holding for a third week at the Aladdin. 'Bad Men of Missouri' looks fine for the Paramount. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 55-$l-$1.50) —'Fantasia' (RKO) (roadshow. 2d yk). Fine $5,000, and stays a third, last week, 'Fantasia* (RKO) did a smash $9,000 opening week 6n road- snow. Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 25-35-40) ^'Tom. Dick, Harry* (RKO) and Til Wait for You* (M-G), alter a week at the Orpheum, good $3,000. Last week, 'Big Store' (M-G) and •GeUway' (M-G), good $3,000, after • week at the Orpheum. Denham (Cockrlll) (1,750; 25-35- 40)—'Kiss Boys Goodbye* (Par). Fine $9,500, and Is holding over. Last week. 'Shepherd of Hills* (Par) (3d wk) and 'Forced Landing' (Par), nice $7,500. . Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-40)— •Man Power' (WB) and 'Blondie So- ciety' (Col). Mighty neat $10,000, and leads the town. I^ast week. 'Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Dance Hall' (20th) good $10,000. Orpheam (RKO) (2.600; 25-35-40) — Blossoms Dust* (M-G) and 'Navy, Blue and Gold* (M-G) (reissue), sur- prls ng $9,500, and nice profit. Last week, 'Tom. Dick, Harty* (RKO) and 1 11 Wait For You*^(M-G), good $14,- vUO. Paramonnt (Fox) (2^00; 25-40)— Bad Men Missouri* (WB) and 'Sweet- heart Campus* (Col). Going along to sturdy $7,500. Last week, 'Out of fog (WB) and 'Bachelor Daddy' (U). fair $5,000. Elalto (Fox) (878; 25-40)—-Man Hunt' (20th), after a week at the' Denver, and 'Daftce Hall* (20th). Good $2,000. Last week, 'Bride Came C.O.D.* (WB), after a week at each the Denver and Aladdin, and "Rich Man* (Col), good $2,300. Key City Grosses Esllmaled Total Gross Thli Week tl,405.e«0 (Based on 27 cities, 168 thea- tres, chie/lv frtt runs, includinj; Total Gross Same Week Last Year ,.$1,316,700 (Based on 26 ciixes, 169 theatres) BUFF. BEATS HEAT 'Blossoms* $11,000, •Bride' Terrif lOG on 2d Wk—'Tom' Good H.O. BENNY SWAMPS K.CJWELL11G Kansas City, Aug. S. •Charley's Aunt' at the Uptown and Esquire is th6 best bet on the- atre row, and the greatest Fox-Mid- west has had in months. It will get a swell total and be held over in both spots, with the name of Jack Benny the answer. Orpheum, re- opened last week is keeping its doors apart with a holdover of 'Jungle Cavalcade' although first week was very mild. Newman got a surprise in 'Bride Came C.O.D.' which turned out as one of strongest magnets of the season. Weather has been mercilessly hot and sultry for more than a week. Estimates for This Week Esquire and Uptown (Fox Mid- west) (820 and 2.043; 10-28-44)— 'Charley's Aunt' (20th) solo, day- and-date in two houses. Strong from- opening and one of the best here in months.' $11,000 is swell takings and a cinch to holdover. Last week, 'Tight Shoes' (U) and 'Singapore Woman' (WB) twinned for so-so $5,000. MIdUnd (Loew's) (4,101; 10-28-44) —'Ringside Maisie' (M-G) and 'Un- certain Feeling' (UA). Mediocre $7,800. Last week, 'Blossoms in Dust' (M-G) and 'Sweetheart Campus' (Col). Satisfactory $10,500, with much coming from big matinees. Newman (Paramount) (1.900; 10- 28-44)—'Bride C.O.D.' (WB). Topped expectations in its first week and rolls right along into a better than average second stanza. Currently $6,000. First week $10,000. very good. Orpheum (RKO) (1.500: 10-28-44) — 'Jungle Cavalcade' (RKO) com- bined with program gf four Disney shorts. Reopened the house last week for a mild take end runs into second week merely for the sake of policy. Currently $3,750; first week $6,000 okay: Tower (Joffee) (2.110; 10-30)— 'Dance Hall' f20th) with vaude. On strength of pictur.e,- $6,500, above par. Last week, 'Mountain Moon- light* (Rep) and variety bill on stage held up to the weaver Bros, stand- ard at $6,000. . PORT. PACKS PLENTY, m BOYS' BIG $7,300 Portland, Ore., Aug. 8. 'Kiss the BoyS Goodbye' is the only new opener this week, doing a heavy biz for the (!)rf)heiun aftef a good newspaper baUy. B?st h.o. Is 'Tom. Dick and Harry,' in its second stanza at the big Paramount, with 'In the Navy' holding Its own in a third week at the Broadway. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 35-40- 50)—'In Navy' (U) and 'San Antonio Rose' (U) still pulling well and beat- ing second week at good $6,000. Sec- ond week, with 'Flame of New Or- leans' (U), good $5,000. Maytair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,- 500; 35-40-50)—'Shepherd of Hills' (Par) and 'Vegas Nights' (Par), m.o. of 'Shepherd' from Orpheum for sec- ond week, swell $4,500. Last week 'Blossoms in Dust' (M-G) and 'Tight Shoes' (U) closed a second stanza for fair $3,500. Orpheam (Hamrick - Evergreen) (1,800; 35-40-50)—'Kiss Boys Good- bye' (Par) and 'Adventure Wash- ington' (Col) going over for nice $7,300. Last week 'Shepherd Hills' (Par) and 'Thieves Fall Out' (WB) took satisfactory $6,200, and 'Shep' moved to Mayfair. Faramount (Hamrick-Evergreen) (3,000; 35-40-50)—'Tom, Dick, Harry' (RKO) and 'Ride Vaquero' (20th), second week looks like great $5,100. First week clicked to strong $8,000. United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 35- 40-50)—'Underground' (WB) and 'Puddin* Head' (Rep) (1st), second week going around okay $4,000. First week, with 'Out Of the Fog* (WB), did high $5,500. Buffalo. Aug. 5. Ticket tills are continuing to pay oft in gratifying style along the rialto this chukker. Sweltering weather is slowing the turnstiles only a fraction. 'Blossoms in Dust,' at the Buffalo, Is leading, with a re- peat stanza for 'Bride Came C.O.D.' at the Lakes showing plenty of strength. 'Tom. Dick and Harry' is a sturdy holdover at the Century. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55) — 'Blossoms Dust' (M-G) and 'Dressed to Kill* (20th). Should do over $11,000. oke. Last week. 'Reaching for Sun* (Par) and Vaughn Monroe and orch on stage, moved up to bet- ter than $12,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3.000; 35-55) —'Bride Came C.O.D.' (WB) and 'District Attorney' (Rep) (2d wk). Strong second stanza round $10,000. Last week, very potent, over $12,500. Hipp (Shea) (2.100; 30-45)—'Stars Look Down' (M-G) and 'Puddin' Head' (Rep). Only fair, probably $5,000. Last week, 'Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Passage Hongkong' (WB) (2d run), down to poor $4,500. Lafayette (Hayman) (3.300; 30-40) —'San Antonio Rose' (U) and 'Big Boss' (Col). .Weakie, around $4,000. Last week. 'Under Age' (Col) and 'Richest Man in Town' (Col), sotso, under $5,000. 20th Century (Dipson) (3.000; 30- 44)—'Tom. Dick, Harry' (RKO) and 'Meet Again' (RKO) (2d wk). Still forte, around $7,000. Last week, very neat, $8,500. Seattle's Mardi Gras Helps; Tom, Dick' Slick $8,600;llanHnnt'7iG Seattle, Aug. 5. Seattle's mardl gras celebration, the Potlatch, emphasized aviation and defense and brought some folks to town, especially for the Friday parade. This broke at 11 a.m.. and flooded most of the theatres. Rated general^ favorable with Seattle live- wires credited with another success. Vic Gauntlett, adv. mgr. for Ham- rick-Evergreen, was executive chair- man. " Cooler weather likewise reacted favorably for a better tone at the theatres. But nothing to rave about, boxofflces being slow responding to the improved employment picture .locally. Liberty has two revivals that has the town on its ears,' looking to be good summer antidote. They are This Thing Called Love' and 'Can't Take It with You* at the Liberty. 'Barnacle Bill* wound up two good weeks at Paramount. 'Tom. Dick and Harry' is getting the publicity bar- rage at the Fifth. 'Manpower' is strong enough for 2d week at the roomy Orpheum. Estimates for This. Week Bine Mouse (Hamrick-Evergreen) (^50; 30-40-50)—'Blossoms Dust' (M- G) and 'Sunny* (RKO) (2d run) hot from Fifth Avenue, indicated $2,600. okay. Last week 'Shepherd of Hills' (Par) and 'Accent on Love' (20th) (2d wk). $2,100. fair. CoUscDm (H-E) (1.90O; 21-35)— 'Blood Sand' (20th) and 'Million Dol- lar Baby' (WB) (2d run) two with ;ip, pointing for $2,900, good. Last w6ek 'In Navy' (U) and 'Hamilton Woman':,(UA) (2d run), $2,700. good. fifth Avenue (H-fi) (2.349; 30-40- 50)—'Tom. Dick, Harry* (RKO) and 'Bride Wore Crutches' (20th). bill- board campaign bolstered heavy newspaper blasts, with a great $8,600 on tap. Last week 'Blossoms Dust' (m-Qt) and 'Sunny' (RKO), nice total at $6,400. Liberty (J-vH) (1.640; 21-30-40)— •Can't Take It* ((Sol) and Thing (jailed Love* (Col) (both reissues), anticipated $4,600, good. Last week 'Naval Academy' (Col) and Sweet- heart Campus' (Col). $3,300. fair. Musle Box (H-E) (850; 30-40-50)— Barnacle Bill' (M-G), hot from Par- amount (3d wk), teamed with Saint's VacaUon' (RKO) (1st wk). Big $2,- 900 expected. Last week 'Caught in Draft' (Par) and 'Monster and Girl' (Par) (4th wk), $2,200. good. Orpheum (H-E) (2,600; 30-40-50)— 'Manpower' (WB) and 'San Antonio Rose'^ (U) (2d wk). Okay $4,000. Last week, same films, great $7,700. Palomar (Sterling) (1,350: 21-40) —'Puddin' Head' (Rep) and 'Passage Hongkong' (WB), ph.- vaude, ex- pected $4,500, good. Last week 'Man of Timberland' (U) and 'Bachelor Daddy' (U), plus stage. $4,200, good. Paramount (H-E) (3,039; 30-40-50) —'Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Dance Hall' (20th), headed for big $7,500. Last week 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) and 'Un- certain Feeling' (UA) (2d wk), $3,- 900| oksy. Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 21-35)— 'Pot of (jold* (UA) and 'Lady Chey- enne' (U) (2d run), nice $2,200. Last week (30-40-50), 'Bad Men Missouri' (WB) and 'Out of Fog' (WB) (2d wk). fair $2,400. Winter Garden (Sterling) (BOO; 16- 30)—'Nice Girl* (U) and 'Back Street' (U) (2d run), looking to hit around oke $2,000. Last week 'Zieg- feld Girl' (M-G) and 'Penalty* (M- G) (2d run), slow $1,700. 'Charley's Aunt' Trim $31000 in Two Spots, Big L A. Winner; 'Shepherd' Sturdyl4Gon2dWk.;Tom'OKH.O. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $294,400 (Based on 12 theatres) Total Gross Same Week Last Year $262,300 CBo-sei on 11 tliza.tTw'i 'MANPOWER'HUB TOPPER, $17,1 Boston, Aug. 5. 'Manpower' and 'Barnacle Bui' are pacing eiach other for top coin here this week, with 'Life With Caroline' also showing pleasing power. 'Tom, Dick and Harry' gets a third week in town; moving over from the Keith Memorial to the RKO Boston. Steady stream of Hollywood per- sonalities making appearances in strawhats around Boston are no great menace to the film houses, but they are figured to draw some trade away from the intown ::inds. Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3.200; 28-39-44-55) —'Tom Dick' (RKO) (3d wk in town) and 'Cyclone Horseback' (RKO). Heading for adequate $6,000. Last v/eek 'Mata Hari' (M-G) and 'Navy Blue and Gold' (M-G) (re- issues) skidded, after promising opening, to $5,000. Fenway (M&P) (1.373; 28-39-44- 55)—'Kiss Boys' (Par) and 'Shining Victory' (WB) (both continued from Metropolitan), will take so-so $4,000. Last week, same for 'Underground' (WB) and 'Sons o' Guns' (WB). Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 28- 39-44-55)—'Life with Caroline' (RKO) and 'Her First Beau' (Col), aiming at pleasing $14,000. Last week 'Tom. Dick' (RKO) (2d wk) and 'Scattergood Strings' (RKO) (1st wk). turned in $13,000. okay. Metropolitan (M&P) (4.367; 28-39- 44-55) — 'Manpower' (WB) and 'Kisses Breakfast' (WB), getting hefty night trade for a possible $17,000 tally, very good. Last week 'Kiss Boys' (Par) and 'Shining Victory* (WB). $15,000. Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 28-39-44- 55)—'Barnacle Bill* (M-G) and Time for Rhythm' (Col), pointing to near- ly a staunch $17,000. Last week ■^(six days), holdover of 'Met Bom- bay' (M-C}) and 'Sweetheart Cam- pus' (Col), $12,000. Faramount (M&P) (1,797; 28-39- 44-55)—'Kiss Boys' (Par) and 'Shin- ing Victory' (WB) (both continued from Met), will draw about $6,000, fair. Last week 'Underground* (WB) and 'Sons o' Guns' (WB), same. SUte (Loew) (3.600% 28-39-44-55) —'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) and 'Time Out Rhythm' (Col), flirting with okay $12,000. Last week (six days) holdover of 'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 'Sweetheart Campus' (Col), $8,000. ' Transloz (Translux) (900; 15-25- 44)—'Murder by Invitation' (Mono) and 'Angels Dirty Faces' (WB) (re- vival), may hit $2,00(1. with weather breaks. Last week 'Poison Pen* (Rep) and 'Hound Baskervllles* (20th) (revival), $1,500. JACK BENNY $12,000, Drrro 'maisie,' prov. Providence, Aug. 6. 'Charley's Aunt' is topping the town at Majestic this week, despite near record heat. 'Ringside Maisie' is not bad either at Loew's State. Estimates for This Week Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1.400; 28-39- 50)—'Million Dollar Baby' (WB) and 'Fog' (WB) (2d run). Not too good, and heat isn't helping either for so-so $2,000. Last week 'Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Tight Shoes' (U) (2d run), same, $2,000. Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 10-25-35)— 'Murder by Invitation' (Mono) and 'Tumbledown Ranch' (Mono). On the go with good $2,000. Last week 'Dead Man's Shoes' (Mono) and 'Des- ert Bandit' (Rep), okeh $2,000. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 28-39-50)— 'Charley's Aunt' (20th) and 'Ride on Vaquero'-(20th). Ever-popular Jack Benny dragging them in for a very high $12,000 for this sort of weather. Last week 'Million DoUar Baby' (WB) and 'Out of Fog' (WB), nifty $9,000. State (Loew) (3,200; 28-39-50)— 'Ringside Maisie' (M-G) and 'Officer and Lady' (Col). House holding own for neat $12,000. Last week ^Blos- soms Dust" (M-G) and 'Scattergood' (RKO), good $10,500. Strand (Indie) (2,000; 28-39-50)— 'Ruggles Red Gap' (Par) and 'Wings Los Angeles, Aug. 5. 'Charley's Aunt' is getting the top coin this week with $31,000 in pros- pect for combined take at the Chi- nese and Loew's State. Chinese started off with a $2 preem Thurs- day night (31) which brought in $3,400. Paramount is holding up well on its second session at around $14,000,' after good $17,000 on first week. 'Shepherd of the Hills' on its second week now is duaied with 'Sweet- heart of the Campus' with Rube Wolf on the stage. Business is spotty in other situa- ti9ns. Downtown and Hollywood will aggregate only $ll,000 with 'Bad Men of Missouri' and 'Angels With Broken Wings.' Estimates for This Week Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1,615; 83- $1.10-$1.65)—'Fantasia' (Disney)(27th wk). Ringing up another $5,000, plenty good after approximately $5,- 500 on .the 26th weelt. Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2 034* ^''"i''."!*"''^'—'Charley's Aunt' (20th) and Dance Hall' (20th). With ap- proximately $3,400 in the till on the premiere. Jack Benny picture looks like winner with $15,800 likely. Last week Ringside Maisie' (M-G) and 'Big Store' (M-G), light $9,500. Downtown (WB) (1.800; 30-44-55) — Bad Men Missouri' (WB) and Angels With Broken Wings' (Rep) "P."^ promising with less than $8,000 indicated. Last week. 'Man-- power (WB). corralled good $6,800 on holdover. ccf "'Ji..^'"'' <UA-F-WC) (900; 30-44- 55)—Blossoms Dust' (M-G) (3d wk) downbeat with approximately $3j600. Last week hit close to,$4,- Hollywood (WB) (2,756: 30-44-55) — Bad Men Missouri' (WB) and Angels With Broken Wings' (Rep). Disappointing $3,000. Last week. Manpower" (WB), rolled up $6,000 on holdover. Orpheum (B'way) (2,200 30-44-55) —'Too Many Blondes' (U) and 'Scat- tergood Pulls Strings' (RKO) with Brenda and Cobina on stage. Healthy $9,000 coming up largely due to stage show. Last week, 'Wait For You' (M-G) and 'Repent Leisure* (RKO), $7,000. Panta?es (Pan) (2,812; 30-44-55)— 'Tom, Dick and Harry' (RKO) (3d wk) and 'Jungle Cavalcade' (RKO). Fair $6,500 On the Ginger Rogers repeater indicated, with the jungla picture also helping. Last week profitable $9,500. ^ Paramoont (Par)' (3,595; 30-44-55- 75)—'Shepherd of Hills' (Par) (2d wk) end 'Sweetheart Campus' (Col) with Rube Wolf on the stage. Tap- ered off a bit but good at $14,000. Last week, first of 'Shepherd of Hills' strong at $17,000. RKO (RKO) (2,872; 30-44-55)— 'Tom. Dick and Harry' (RKO) (3d wk) and Frank Buck's 'Jungle Cav- alcade' (RKO). Mildish $5,300 in sight after good $8,500 last week. State (Loew-F-WC) (2.204; 30-44- 55-75)—'Charley's Aunt' and 'Dance Hair (20th), Benny starrer got off to a good start and should hit nifty $15,500. Last week, 'Ringside Maisie^ (M-G) and 'Big Store' (M-G), $11,- 500 on eight days. United Artists (UA-F-WC) (2,100: 30-44-55)—'Ringside Maisie' (M-G) and 'The Big Store' (M-G). Point- ing towards so-so $2,700 on move- over. Last week, 'Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Young Lady' (20th), less than $2,800 on eight days, weak. Wllshire (F-WC) (2,296; 30-44-55) —'Ringside Maisie' and 'Big Store" (M-G). Light gross expected with about $4,000 In sight. Last week, 'Moon Miami' .(20th) and 'Young Lady' (20th), rang up $4,500 on eight days. 'Blossoms/ Nice $10,000, 'Shepherd' S'/zG, Indpls. Indianapolis, August 5. Both Lyric and Loew's nad the best opening matinees they've had in several weeks, and business is holding up well. Estimates for This Week Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2.600; 25-30- 40)—'Shepherd of Hills' (Par) and 'Forced Landing' (Par), okay at $8,- 500. Last week, 'Tom. Dick' (RKO) and 'Meet Again' (RKO). Plenty good at $9,800. Loew's (Loew's) (2400: 25-30-40) —'Blossoms Dust (M-G) and 'Blondie Society' (Col) swell at $10,000. Last week. 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) and 'Sweetheart Campus* (Col), fair $8,300. Lyric (Lyric)—'Kisses Breakfasts (WB) plus Little Jack Little and Roscoe Ates on stage. Okay at $10,500. Last week, 'Shining Vic- tory' (WB) plus Jerry Colonna and acts on stage, fair $9,900. in Dark' (reissues). Moving slowly for so-so $4,500. Last week 'Sweet* heart Campus' (Col) and 'Naviil Academy' (Col), slow $5.500.