Variety (Sep 1941)

10 PICTURE GROSSES Wedneeday, September 8, 1941 Titt Kid'World Preem in Pitt. OK 9G. 'Caroline'-Frankie Masters $27,000 Pittsburgh, Sept. 2. The Golden Triangle will live up to its name this week. Despite hot weather, the annual County Fair which will draw an estimated mil- lion people, and all the mills under defense order pressure operating all day Sunday and Labor day, -there isn't a downtown theatre that won't be In the black. Outstanding attrac- tions, solid gelling, and more loose change in the pockets than ever be- fore will tell the story. Leading the monejr parade, the big Stanley is depending on flesh in the persons ot Frankie Masters band, Jerry Colonna, and the Mills Bros, for a smash bill and gross. Despite critical reviews .'Dr. Jekyll' will give the Penn a potent week. For its opening week after a six- week summer shutdown, the Fulton chose 'Pittsburgh Kid' starring home- town hero Billy Conn. Big cam- paign aimed at sports fans via sports pages and including personal ap- pearances opening day (Sat.) by Conn sent house off to a fast start, 'Charley's Aunt' at the Senator is flirting with the record set by. the first week of 'Hold Ghost.' 'Life Andy Hardy' in holdover week at Warner after solid session at Penn is giving an excellent account of it- self. Estimates for This Week Folton (Shea-Hyde) (1,600; 25-30- 60)—'Pittsburgh Kid' (Rep)—World premiere opened house after six- week summer shutdown. Excellent ballyhoo built around Billy Conn, with the mayor proclaiming Conn Day, and Conn making appearances on opening day gave the house a big start. Heading for a substantial $9,000. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3.300; 25-35- 60)—'Dr. JekyU' (M-G). Critics no- like but customers do. A superb $18,000 in prospect, maybe more. Last week, 'Life Andy Hardy' (M-G), bang-up $18,500. BiU (WB) (800; 25-35-50)—'Man- power' (WB). Third try after one week each at Penn and Warner. Still a little something left for this small- seater at $2,800. Last week, 'Blos- soms Dust' (M-G) fourth week downtown, excellent $2,800. Senator (Harris) (1,750; 25-35-50) —'Charley's Aunt" (20th). Off to a flying start and heading for a great $11,000. Last week, 'Hold Ghost' (3d wk.). Buckled a bit imder pres- sure of fresh opposition but passable at $3,900. Stanley (WB) (3,800; 25-40-60)— •Life With C^aroline' (RKO). Plus Frankie Masters and orchestra, Jerry Colonna, Mills Bros., on stage. House has developed terrific momentum and stage show is a magnet for flesh hungry workers. Heading for a sizzling $27,000. Last week,'Kildare's Wedding' (M-G) and Lou Breese Or- chestra, Dennis Day, Brenda and Co- bina on stage up in the clouds at $27,500. Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-35-50)— •Life Andy Hardy' (M-G) (2d wk.). Up there with the best of the Hardy series for a neat $8,000. Last week, 'Manpower' (WB) okay $5,800 on move-over from Penn. 'Jungle Cavalcade" (RKO) and 'Two in Taxi' (Col) (2d wk), $4,200, big. Music Box (H-E) (850; 30-40-50)— 'Life Andy Hardy' (M-G) and 'Navy Blue, Gold' (M-G) (3d wk). Hot release from Fifth, swell $3,800. Last week, 'Wild Gee-se' (20lh) and 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), dual, 3d week, socko $3,600. Orptaeum (H-E) (2,600; 30-40-50) —'Dive Bomber* (WB) (2d wk). Great $6,700. Last week, same film, magnificent $10,500. Falomar (Sterling) (1,350; 21-40)— 'Fiesta Stars' (Rep) and 'Rags to Riches' (Rep) plus stage show, headed by Fifl D'Orsay. Big $5,800. Last week, 'Bowery Blitz' (Mono) and stage, Pollack Bros, circus, $7,600, smash. Paramount (H-E) (3,039; 30-40-50) —'Charley's Aunt' (20th) and 'Pri- vate Nurse' (20th). Immense $12,000. Last week, 'Caroline' (RKO) and 'Mad Doctor' (Par), $6,100, good. Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 30-40- 50)—'Hold Ghost' (U) (4th. wk). Nice $2,800. Last week, same fiim, $3,800, wonderful. Winter Garden (Sterling) (16-30) —'Love Crazy' (M-G) and 'Ride on Vaquero' (20th) (2d run). Trim $2,700. Last week, 'Pot O' Gold' (UA) and 'Singapore Woman' (WB) (2d run), $2,500, big. Seattk Cool, B.O. Hot; ladies'Great {10,500, 'Aont' Immense 12G Seattle, Sept. 2. Majority of major houses have new shows and they got a 'double ^^oliday' break when it rained, ■feooler weather holding down treks ■to the country and resorts. 'Here ■rComes Mr. Jordan' is new show at ^ the Liberty. 'Charley's Aunt' opened at the Paramount and 'When Ladies Meet' is at Fifth for a first stanza. 'Dragon* surprised at B.M. and stays for a second. Palomar is giv- ing top attention to its stage show, with Fifl D*Orsay the hot one there. 'Dive Bomber* did best gross' in a blue moon at Orpheum opening week and roars along in its second week. Estimates for This Week Blue Monse (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 30-40-50)—'Dragon* (RKO) and •Meet Again* (RKO) (2d wk). Big $3,000. Last week, same fllms, swell $4,700. Coliseum (H-E) (1,900; 21-35) — •Caught Draft* (Par) and 'Shepherd Hills' (Par) (2d run). Excellent $3,500. Last week, 'Bombay* (M-G) • and 'Rage in Heaven* (M-G) (2d run), nice $3,000. Fifth Avenne (H-E) (2,349; 30-40- eO)—'When Ladies Meet* (M-G) and •Ringside Maisie* (M-G). Great $10,500. Last week, 'Life Andy Hardy* (M-G) and 'Navy Blue, Gold* (M-G) (2d wk), $6,000f big. Liberty (J-vH) (1,650; 30-40-50)— 'Mi. Jordan' (Col). Big blasts in press, billboards and other stunts getting public attention, zooming ttMBHiifllMiiMiiiii Holidays Up Denver; 'Snn Valley'$13,000, 'Aloma'12G,'Kane' IIG Denver, Sept. 2. Labor Day put the first-runs over the top here, with the Orpheum's 'Citizen Kane* and Denham's 'Aloma of the South Seas* strong enough to holdover. Theatres packed after the laborites parade. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 25-40)— 'Dive Bomber* (WB), after a week at the Denver. Nice $4,500. Last week, 'Hold Ghost* (U), after week* at Denver, fine $5,500. Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 25-35-40) —'Life Andy Hardy* (M-G) and 'Meet Again* (RKO). After two weeks at the Orpheum. Fair $2,500. Last week, "Charley*s Aunt* (20th), after a week each at Denver and Aladdin and day-and-date with Rialto, nice $4,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1.750; 25-35- 40)—'Aloma' (Par). Giant $12,000, and Is holding. La.st week, Tarson Panamint' (Par), poor $5,000. • Denver (Fox) (2.525; 25-35-40)— 'Sun Valley* (20th) and 'Queen's Perfect Crime' (Col). Superb $13,- 000. Last week, 'Dive Bomber* (WB), fine $11,000. Orphenm (RKO) (2.600; 25-35-40) —'Citizen Kane* (RKO) arid 'Scat- tergood Broadway* (RKO). Hefty $11,000, and Is staying a second session. Last week, 'Life Andy Hardy* (M-G) and 'Meet Again (RKO). fair $7,000 for second week. Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)— 'Rugples Red Gap* (Par) (reissue) and 'Broadway Limited* (UA). Fine $5,500. Last week, 'Puddin* Head* (Rep) and 'Highway West* (WB)' strong $8,000. RUlto (Fox) (878; 25-40)—'Hold Ghost* (U), after a week each at Denver and Aladdin, and 'Robbers Range* (RKO). Good $2,000. List week, 'Charley's Aunt* (20lh). afler a week each.at Denver and Aladdin and day-and-date with the Broad- way, and 'Deadly Game' (Mono), good $2,500. extra time here and show a profit Second week died at $1,900. Nebraska (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,- 236' 10-15-20)—'Old Colorado' (Par) and 'Father Son' iWB). Just about average $1,600. Last week, 'Kisses Breakfast' (WB) and 'Sleepers West (20th). Likewise. Stuart (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1.884; 10-25-40)—'Whistling Dark' (M-G). Mild exploitation, mild $2,800. Last week, 'Kildare Wedding* (M-G). Pleasant surprise at $2,500. Varsity (Noble-Federer) (1,100; 10- 20-25)—'Strange Alibi* (WB) and 'Sons o' Guns* (WB). First got four days, latter five for $2,000. not too bad. 'Jungle Cavalcade' (RKO) opens Wednesday (3). Last week. Blondie Society' (Col). Fairish $2,100. JEKYLL' 2 HUB SPOTS. W20G 'Dr. mHing'-Beniie Hefty $24,000 In PhiOyfJekyrm'BomberBigH.O. FORTE PORTLAND •Bomber* Beoord $10,000 on Seootad StonEO—'Ladles Meet' 80 Fair Is Lone Lincoln Winner; *Aloma' $3,500 Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 2. State Fair is virtually the only winner In town this week with biz only so-so in the cinemas. Previous years exhlbs have been able to pocket a little of the overflow but quality of the grandstand .show Oarnes-Carruthers 'Belles of Lib erty*) has kept most of the after dark coin at the fair grounds. 'Aloma of the South Seas* Is leading the pack. Variety, Noble-Federer owned subsequent house shuttered Sunday (31) and Is now coming down to make way for a street ex- pansion project. Replacement house, State, may be ready Oct. 1. Estimates for This Week Colonial (Monroe-Noble-Federer) (750; 10-15)—'Girl Havana* (Rep) and 'Kid Santa Fe' (PRC) split with 'Still Alive* (RKO) and 'Arizona Bound' (Mono). Off key £800. Last week, 'Arkansas Judge* TRep) and 'Outlaws Grande* (PRC) split with 'Meet Missus' (Rep) and 'Kansas Cyclone' (Rep). Ditto. Lincoln (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1.503; 10-25-40)—'Aloma' (Par). Tops the list at okay $3,500. Last week, 'Life Andy Hardy' (M-G). Proved that Boston. Sept. 2. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' started off to standee biz. at the Orpheum and stuck to character throughout most of the holiday weekend. Also doing big biz at the SUte. 'Citizen Kane* is a hefty ticket for the Keith Memorial, while the RKO-Boston, with stage show headed by Gypsy Rose Lee and Billy Gilbert, is run- ning about even with it. 'Aloma of the South Seas' is more or less shipwrecked, but garnering .some coin from the holiday influx. MetroiJOlitan is mulling stage shows this season, but thus far is planning them only for occasional weeks when big names are avail- able. . EstlmaUs for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 28-33-44-55- 65)—'Private Nurse* (20th). With stage show headed by Gypsy Rose Lee, nifty $22,000. Last week, 'Lady Scarf ace' (RKO) and Abbott and Costello on stage, $30,100, terrific. Fenway (M&P) (1.373; 28-39-44- 55)—Dive Bomber* (WB) and 'Pas- sage Hongkong' (WB) (both con- tinued from two weeks at Met). Around $5,000 indicated, okay. I^ast week. 'Bad Men Missouri' (WB) and 'Forced Landing* (Par), $3,800. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 28- 39-44-55)—'Citizen Kane' (RKO) and 'Scattergood Broadway' (RKO), tak- ing $20,000, hefty and holdover. Last week, third stanza for 'Hold That Ghost* (U) and 'Accent on Love* (20th), good $13,500. Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 28-39- 44-55)_'Aloma* (Par) and 'Bride Wore Crutches' (20th). Flirting with hefty $16,500. Last week, 'Dive Bomber' (WB) and 'Passage Hong- kong' (WB), second week, $14,000, Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 28-39-44- 55)—'Jekyll and Hyde* (M-G) and 'Whistling In Dark* (M-G), shaping up for a smash $22,000. Last week, 'Life Andy Hardy* (M-G) and 'Queen Perfect Crime' (Col), hold over, $15,500, terrif. Paromoont (M&P) (1,797; 28-39 44-55)—'Dive Bomber* (WB) and 'Passage Hongkong' (WB) (both con- tinued from two weeks at Met), oke $7,500. Last week, 'Bad Men Mis- souri' (WB) and 'Forced Landing' (Par), $6,000. State (Loew) (3,600; 28-39-44-55) —'Jekyll and Hyde' (M-G) and 'Whistling in Dark' (M-G), headed for possible $18,500. very big. Last week. 'Life Andy Hard:!"^ (M-G) and 'Queen Perfect Crime' (Col) (2d wk), $11,000. good. Translnx (Translux) (900; 15-25 44)—'Cock of Air' (UA) (revival) and 'Two in Taxi' (Col), marking time at $2,000 gait. Last week, 'Give Me a Sailor' (Par) (revival) and 'Officer and Lady' (Col) (1st run), $3,100, good. FAIR SOCKS INDPLS. 'Ladles* Nice $9,000 — 'Sons Gnns' Plus Del Courtney IIG Indianapolis, Sept. 2. Ordinarily the extra holiday would keep the turnstiles spinning over an extended weekend, but theatre man- agers this year again have the com- petition of the Indiana State Fair, always a sellout. So the final count will be just about' average. Loew's and Indiana are dividing top coin among the film houses, former duel- ing 'When. Ladies Meet' and 'The Get Away' and latter playing "Dive Bomber,' single feature. Circle Is doing all right with 'Aloma of the South Seas* and 'World Premiere.' Lyric is in the black with 'Three Sons O* Guns* on the screen and Del Courtney orch on the stage. Estimates for This Week Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,600; 25-30- 40)—'Aloma* (Par) and 'World Pre- miere* (Par), okay $7,500. Last week, 'Man Hunt* (20th) and 'Dance Hall' (20th) about the same with $7,400. IndUna (Katz-Dolle) (3,100; 26-30- (Continued on page 31) Portland, Ore.. Sept. I. 'Diva Bomber* is heading for a record-breaking figure while 'Char- ley's Aunt' and 'When Ladies Meet* are giving the whole town a strong tone. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Pifirker) (2.000; 35-40- 50) — 'Dive Bomber* (WB) and 'Broadway Limited' (UA) (2d wk). Still going big for a record $10,000. First week took a terrific $11,000. Mayfolr (Parker-Evergreen (1,500; 35-40-5(F)—'Charley's Aunf (20th) and 'Very Young Lady' (20th), move- over of 'Aunt* from Paramount for fourth week. Strong $5,000. Last week, 'Barnacle Bill* (M-G) and 'Ringside Maisie' (M-G), closed third stanza for okay $3,500. Orpheum (H-E) (1,800; 35-40-50) —'Aloma' (Par) and 'Blondie So- ciety* (Col) going over ior a nice $5,600. Last week, 'Caroline* (RKO) and 'Dance Hall" (20th) satisfactory $6,500. Paramount (H-E) (3,000; 35-40-50) —'Wild Geese' (20th) and 'Nurse's Secret* (WB). Good enough at $6,000. Last week, 'Charley's Aunt* (20th) and 'Bride Crutches* (20th), ended third week for a high $6,800. and moved to the Mayfair. United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 35- 40-50)—'When Ladies Meet' (M-G) and 'Rookies on Parade' (Rep). In line for great $8,000. Last week, 'Life Andy Hardy* (M-G) and 'High- way West' (WB) "closed second week for oke? $5,500. Heat Wallops Mpls.; 'Sunny'-Scandals 16G, 'Aloma' Medium 7iG Minneapolis, Sept. S. Unexpected return of hot weather is probably responsible for current boxoffice let-down. Taking many people out of town. Labor Day weekend holiday Isn't any help either, and the State Fair, winding up, also takes a toll. However, con- ditions still are fairly healthy. Combination of George White's Scandals' on the stage and the flim. In front. It's a strong bill. The fact that stage shows have beep in- frequent in recent weeks aids Its pulling power. Among the straight film new comers Doth 'Parson of Panamint and 'Aloma of South Seas* are hold- ing up well. There's a trio of hold- overs, 'Life Begins for Andy Hardy,' 'Moon Over Miami* and 'Wild Oats,' with the first-named In the lead. Estimates for This Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900: 15-28)— ■White Zombie' (Indie) (reissue) and 'Wide Open Town* (Par) and 'Queen's Perfect Crime' (Col) and 'Kisses for Breakfast* (WB). First pair headed for godd $1,500 in Ave days. Latter pair open Tuesday (2) for four days. Last week, 'Getaway' (M-G) and 'Her First Beau* (Col), satisfactory $1,000 for five days. Century (P-S) (1,600; 28-30-44)— 'Life Andy Hardy' (M-G) (2d wk). Moved here from State after big week there. Big $4,700 Indicated. Last week, 'Dive Bomber' (WB) (2d wk), mild $3,100 after good $9,300 first week at State. Esquire (Berger) (290: 28-44)— 'Wild Oats* (Indie) and 'Sun Wor- shippers* (Indie), with Mrs. Jardine McCree, sex lecturer (2d wk). Going hard after sex seekers. Looks like satisfactory $700. Last week, big $1,500. Gopher (P-S) (998; 28)—'Parson of Panamint' (Par). Aeavily ex- ploited and may reach mild $2,000. Last week, 'Ringside Maisie' (M-G), $3,000, satisfactory. . Orpheum (P-S) (2,800; 39-44-55)— 'Sunny' (RKO) and George White's 'Scandals' on stage. Picture holding up Its boxoffice end and should share in credit for draw. Stage show liked. Stretching to big $16,- 000, very good, all things considered. Last week, 'Moon Over Miami' (20th), mild $6,000 in eight days. State (P-S) (2,300; 28-39-44)— 'Aloma' (Par). Heavily advertised and selling appeal built on sexy angle. Getting stronger male than feminine play, although • roughly handled by some critics. Light $7,000 looks about all. Last week, 'Life Andy Hardy' (M-G), big $9,500. Uptown (Par) (1,300; 28-39)—'Met in Bombay* (M-G). First neighbor- hood showing. En route to fair $2,800. Last week, 'Caught Draft* (Par). First neighborhood showing. Very big $4,000. World (Par-Steffes) (350; 28-39- 44-55 >—'Moon Miami' (20th) (2d wk). Here after eight days at Orpheum and not so forta at $1,000. Last week, 'Shining Vlctorv* (WB), light $1,200. Philadelphia, Sept. 2. With wickets getting a nice work- out over the long weeE-enO, there's a cheery note along Philly's film rialto this sesh. Although there was heavy stream of citizens out m town for the last fling of summer, thera also were plenty who stuck close to home because of the can« cellatlon of holiday leaves by de- fense plants. Netting the biegest take is the Earle with 'Whistling In the Dark' plus Ben Bernle and stage show. The combo was aided by a special midnight showing on Sunday night. Also In the blue chips are 'Sun Val- ley Serenade,' 'Wild Geese Calling,'• 'Dr. Jekyll' and the holdover of 'Divt Bomber.' The week also marked the reopen- ing of the Aldlne, downtown deluxer. shuttered all summer. Estimates for This Week Aldlne (WB) (l,303;'35-46-57-68)— 'Our Wife' (Col). Jeeoft week for the Chestnut street house is good for $10,000, par tor this course. Arcadia (Sablosky) (800; 35-46-57) —'Kiss Boys' (Par) (2d run) (2d wk). Tlve days of this run netted a poor $1,200. First week of the sec- ond run showing okay $3,500. 'Ring- side Maisie' (M-G) opened yesterday (Mon). Boyd (WB) (2,560; 35-46-57-68)— 'Dr. Jekyll* (M-G). Chiller connect- ing for satisfactory $16,000. Last week, 'Lffe Andy Hardy' (M-O) skidded on Its second round to mild- ish $9,000. Earle (WB) (2.758: 35-46-57-68-76) —'Whistling Dark* (M-G) with Ben Bernle, and Brenda and Cobina heading stage show. Hefty $24.00o thanks to an extra midnight show Sunday night. Last week, 'Parson Panamint' (Par) with Cab Calloway good for $21,500. Fox (WB) (2.423; 35-48-57-68)— 'Dive Bomber* (WB) (2d wk). Hold- over still gettinir the trade with good $12,000 in the tills. Opening week, a chirpy $19,500. Karlton (WB) (1,066; 35-46-57-68) —'Life Andy Hardy* (M-G) (2d run). Just even with the board with $4,500. Last week 'Charley's Aunt' (20th) slightly under with $4,000 for second run. Keith's (WB) (2.220: 35-46-57-68)-- 'Hold Ghost' (U) (2d run). Stm plenty of vitamins with ok^ $5,000 for this. Last week, 'Caroline' (RKO), plenty punko for $3,000 on secorid-run try. . Stanley (WB) (2.916; 35-46-87-68) —'Sun Valley* (20th). Glen Millar fans pepping this one up to tuneful $16,500. Last week. 'Hold Gihost* (U), disappointing $9,500 for holdover Stknton (WB) (1.457; 35-46-57)-- 'Wild Geese' (20th). Solid $6.0O0. Last week. 'Kildare Wedding Day' (M-O) cleared the tape with $4,500. Yanities-'Battalion' Smash $23,000, Cleve; 'JekyH' Smart $17,500 Cleveland, Sept. B. After a lean summer, the Palace U back in the big league again with vaude. Earl Carroll's 'Vanities,' backed by 'Parachute Battalion/ is keeping trie turnstiles whirling with the RKO deluxer heading for $23,000. Ideal weather conditions also are galvanizing 'Dr. Jekyll* at the State for a socky figure, with 'Hold That Ghost' at Hipp nearly stepping on its heels In a close race. It looks like the beginning of a theatrical boom in every stand. Estimates for This Week AUen (RKO) (3.000; 30-35-42-55)— 'Charley*s Aunt* (20th). Knocking *em over on moveover, and assured of around $7,000 and h.o. Last week. 'Manpower' (WB) (3d wk), smart $5,500. Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 30-35-42- 56)—'Hold Ghost' (U). Rolling utt a sizzling $17,000, doing the besl matinee biz in town. Last week, 'Charley's Aunt' (20th) beat the pre- holiday jinx by nabbing a fine $13,- 500. Palace (RKO) (3,700; 30-35-42-53r 66)—'Parachute Battalion* and Earl Carroirs 'Vanities* on stage. Initial flesh show of season Is potent dyna- mite, with bouse uncorking every ballyhoo trick in its repertory. Standee line started flrst day and holding up so consistently that a smash $23,000 is In sight. Last week, 'Caroline* (RKO), nice $8.d00. SUte (Loew's) (3.450; 30-35-42-66) —'Jekyll-Hyde' (M-G). Ribbed by cricks, but the Spencer Tracy name is pulling it up to smart $17,500, with the aid of shrewd selling. Last week, 'Life Andy Hardy' (M-G) copped more than satisfactory $10,- 000 on second round. Stillman (Loew's) (1,972; 30-36-42- 65)—'Whistling Dark' (M-G) (2d wk). Red Skelton's cabght on like wildfire here, due to local vaude dates, pleasing $5,000. Last week it landed $8,000.