Variety (Sep 1941)

Wednesday, September 8, 1941 PICTURE GROSSES 11 'Ghost' Grabs Top Del Coin, $24,1 'Aloma'Okay 17G;'JekyU'Big $14,< Detroit, Sept. 2. Continuing to run strong, this town's five flrst-runs are set to garner a tidy $75,000 this week helped by the added holiday. Bulk of the money seems headed for the Fox where Abbott and Costello in 'Hold That Ghost,' paired with 'Tillie the Toiler' is the continuation of a stream of comedies which have hit the house. This bill may fall short of Jack Benny's 'Charley's Aunt' which preceded it for two weeks. United Artists got away to a strong start in its Initial week with 'Jekyll and Hyde' and 'Whistling in the Dark,' which promises plenty of holdover time in next few weeks. Michigan is hitting above average with 'Aloma of South Seas' and 'Pot o' Gold.' 'Charley's Aunt,' after two strong weeks at the Fox, still is showing prenty in its switch to the Adams while the Palms-State has taken over the Michigan's 'Life Begins for Andy Hardy' and 'Ringside Maisie.' Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40-55) —'Charley's Aunt' (20th) Od wk) and 'Officer and Lady' (Col). Still brisk at $8,000. Last week, Tom, Dick' (RKO) (4th wk) and 'For Beauty's Sake' (20th), o.k. $5,500. Foi (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40- 65)—'Hold Ghost' (U) and 'Tillie Toiler' (Col). Choice $24,000. Last week, 'Charley's Aunt' (20th) and 'Dance Hair (20th) (2d wk), healthy $19,000 behind a terrific $30,000 in its first week. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 80-40-55)—'Aloma' (Par) and 'Pot of Gold' (UA). O.k. $17,000. Last week, liife Andy Hardy' (M-G) and 'Ring- side Maisie' (M-G), smash $20,000. Palms - State (United Detroit) H.OOO; 30-40-55)—'Life Andy Hardy" iM-G) and 'Ringside Maisie' (M-G) |5d wk). Slick $12,000 coming up. Last week. 'Kiss Boys' (Par) and Tog" (WB) (3d wk), satisfactory $7,500. United Artists (United Detroit) (2,000; iO-40-55)—'Jekyll and Hyde' nil-G) and 'Whistling Dark' (M-G). Reopened for the season is making a big start with $14,000 in sight. "Sun Valley'SweU lOa ^ h Okay Omaha; 'Kane' SjiC/Aloma^ Big $8,900 Omaha. Sept. 2. G.rossas very good here with 'Sun yali«T Serenade' and 'Accent or Love at the Orpheum going nicely SJltizen Kane* and 'Repent at Leis lire' at the Brandeis are also do- ifig okay. 'Aloma' and 'West Point Widow' at the Omaha are good for fibove average grosses. EsUmates for This Week Orphenra (Trlstates) (3,000; 10-30- 40)—'Sun VaUey* (20th) and 'Accent 6h Love' (20th). Swell $10,000, Last week, 'Million Dollar Baby' on screen and Gene Krupa band and fcts on stage, smash $20,850 at 10-40 Sc. Brandeis (Mort Singer) (1,500; 10 £5-35-40)—'Citizen Kane' (RKO) and Repent Leisure' (RKO), $5,500, good. Last week, 'Dive Bomber' (WB) and 'ilurry, Charlie' (RKO) second week, okay $4,000. Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 10-30- 40)—'Aloma' (Par) and 'Point Widow' (Par), big $8,900. Last week, 'Manpower' (WB) and 'Beauty's Sake' (20th), light $7,500. State (Goldberg) (900; 10-20-25)- •Dictetor' (UA) and 'Rookies Pa tade' (Hep) split with 'Lady Chey enne' (U). 'Blondie Society' (Col), •underground' (WB). fair $900. Last •week, 'Caught Draft' (Par) and 'Woman's Face' (M-G) split with 'Washington Melodrama' (M - G), Tlight Destiny' (WB) and 'Time for Bhythm* (Col), good $1,000. Town (Goldberg) (1.500; 10-20-25) T-Wide Open Town' (Par). 'Caught Draft' (Par) and 'Man Lost Self (y) split triple with 'Thundering frontier' (Col). 'Bjscuit Eater' (Par) fend 'Desert Bandit!' (Rep), 'Blood Sand' (20th), 'Parole Fixer' (Par). «n Improved $1,000. Last week. Saddle Mates' (Rep). 'Fog' (WB) and 'South Panama' (PRC), triple WUt with 'Arizona Gang' (PRC), £eyy Bat' (PRC) and 'Outlaws Rio' (PRC), 'Model Wife' (U), 'Farmer's Daughter' (Par), fair $850. Avenne - Military - Dundee (Gold- perg) (960-600-300; 25) — 'Dictator' (UA), 'Rookies Parade' (Rep) split ylth "^ady Cheyenne" (U), 'Blondie yoclety' (Col) and 'Underground' ,y™B), good $1,000. Last week. Caught Draft' (Par), 'Woman's (M-G) spUt with 'Washington Melodrania' (M-G), 'Flight Destiny' (WB) and 'Time lor Rhythm' (Col), Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $1,828,100 (Based on 24 cities, 165 theo- ti-es, chie/tv /irst runs, includino N. Y.; Total Gross Same Week. Last Tear $1,858,600 (Based on 25 cities, 167 theatres) 'JEKYU' $10,1 IN LUSn K.C. Kansas City, Sept. 2 Labor Day week is being greeted by a royal straight flush, with every regular film house playing attractive films. '.'Sun Valley Serenade' in the two Fox first-runners, and 'Dr. Jekyir at the Midland opened on regular opening days. Newman brought in 'Aloma of the South Seas on Monday, and Orpheum was al- ready in the swim with 'Tom, Dick and Harry' holding over for a strong second week. Town's total will be one of the better ones of the year. Extended playing time is on the docket for 'Sun Valley,' 'Aloma' and 'Tom, Dick,' latter likely going a third, very unusual here. Estimates for This Week Esquire and Uptown (Fox Mid- west) (820 and 2,043; 10-28-44)—'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th) day and dating in both spots. Shining bright- ly and week will be one of best in months :at $10,750. Last week, 'Hold Ghost' (U) played a second week, light $4,500. Midtend (Loew's) (4,101; 10-28-44) —'Jekyll-Hyde' (M-G) and Tanks a Million' (UA). Tracy picture do- ing okay at $10,000. Last week, 'Mr. Jordan' (Col) and 'Dare Not Iiove' (Col), above average at $8,500. Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10- 28-44)—'Manpower' (WB) gets held over for five days and coupled with 'Parson Panamint' (Par) as new en- try on a dual bill for that short week. Combo, light $2,800. 'Aloma South Seas' (Par) opened solo on Labor Day. Last week, 'Manpower' (WB). pleasant $7,300. Orpheum (RKO) (1,500; 10-28-44) —'Tom, Dick' (RKO) and 'Highway West* (WB) (2d wk). Rogers is the reason for big biz.- and film has earned this .<^cond week extension. Top heavy $7,000. Last week, the first for same bill, lusty $9,250. Tower (Joffee) (2.110; 10-30)— 'Bachelor Daddy' (U) on screen with stage vaude bill. Film helping to better than average $6,500. Last week 'Private Nurse' (20th) eind vaude. average $6,000. 'Aloma' Leads L'viHe $8,500;'JekyirBig8G, Tork' Robust 2d WL Louisville, Sept. 2. Three-day holiday gave plenty of localites an opportunity to gas- up the old jalopy and hit the road for a last weekend trip before school and the daily grind set in, but the Labor Day holiday also discovered a good por- tion of the population staying in town to patronize the downtown first runs. H.o.'s continue to get the top rating of the current pix, with the new product nothing to write home about. 'Aloma of South Seas' is bringing 'em in in fine style, but otherwise 'Andy Hardy' at the Brown (3d wk.) and 'Sgt. York' at the Mary Anderson. (2d wk) are the attention getters. National reopens Friday (5) with a policy of musical' shows and pix, three shows daily. Town has been barren of live talent shows for quite a spell and venture at the National should be timely, particularly with town populated by a large number of defense workers who have the coin to spend for live talent shows. Soldier trade, with Fort Knox and Bowman Field close by, is practically nil as far as being a b.o. factor is concerned, Estimates for This Week Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15-30-40)—'Life Andy Hardy' (M-G) and 'Queen Perfect Crime' (Col). Stepping into third down- town week, and still catching a healthy b.o. trade. Pacing for ex- cellent $2,500 after last week's fine $3,500. Kentucky (Switow) (1,200; 15-25) ■'Blood Sand' (20th) and 'Night in Lisbon' (Par). Bumper biz over La bor Day holiday and promises to hold to usual steady pace thereafter, pointing toward fine $1,700. Last week, 'In Navy' (U) and 'Fog' (WB), pulled better than average $1,500. Loew's Slate (Loew's) (3,300; 15- 30-40) — 'Jekyll-Hyde' (M-G) and 'Whistling Dark' (M-G). Wrapped up big holiday biz, and can take things easy the balance of the week. Excellent $8,000. Last week, 'Mr. Jordan' (Col) and 'Tillie Toiler' (Col), strongly rated by cricks and managed fine $8,200. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; $1-62-30)—'Sgt. York' (WB). Eight days on first stanza brought in plenty of shekels, and h.o. stanza is following through in first-class man- ner. Currently pacing for fine $6,- 000, after last week's terrific $11,000. Blalto (Fourth Avenue) (3.400; 15- 30-40)—'Aloma' (Par) and 'Flying Blind' (Par). Dorothy Lamour is strong marquee name, and pulling 'em in plenty strong. Will be town's b.o. topper this week, with h.o.'s in the other houses the only opposish. Headed for strong $8,500. Last week. Wild Geese' (20th) and 'Private Nurse' (20th), fairish $6,500. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; .15-30-40)—'Woman Is Mine' (U) and Hello Sucker' (U). Aiming at aver- age $3,200. Last week, 'Caroline' (RKO) and 'Men Timberland' (U) well liked by critics and tabbed all right $3,000. 'Aloma LA Opening Tops $26,0001 'Sun Valley Big $33,000 in 2 Spots, 'Bomber'$23,500 on Two H.O. Runs Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $420,400 (Based on IS theatres) Total Gross Same Week Last Tear |424.0«« (Based on 11 theatres) 'SERENADE'14G CINCY LEADER Cincinnati, Sept. i With Labor Day working in its b.o. bulge, biz by and large in cinema center is in holiday stride and a few degrees up over last week, Current top-coin tuggers are 'Sun Valley Serenade.' in the Palace, and 'Citizen Kane' at the Albee, both with great marks, with Son}a Henie pix in front. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— 'Citizen Kane' (RKO). Excellent $13,000. Same last week with 'Dive Bomber' (WB). Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 33-40-50)— 'Dive Bomber' (WB). Movcover from Albee for second week. Slow $4,000. Last wfek, 'Hold Ghost' (U), second week of switchover, fair $3,500. Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-28)—'San Antonio Rose' (U) and 'Officer and Lady' (Col), split with 'Rawhide Rangers' (U) and 'Bullets O'Hara' (WB). Nice $2,100. Last week, 'Desperate Cargo' (PRC) and .'Ac- cent on Love' (20th), divided with 'Dance Hall' (20th) and 'Fugitive Valley' (Mono), okay $2,000. Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50) — 'Mr. Jordan' (Col). Transferred frdhi Palace for second week. Nifty $5,000. Last week, 'Life Andy Hardy' (M-G) (2d run). sweU $5,200. Keith's (Libson) (1.500; 33-40-50) —'This Woman Is Mine' (U). Poor $3,500. Last week, 'Manpower' (WB) (2d run), dull $2,800. Lyrlo (RKO) (1,400; 33-40-50) — 'Life Andy Hardy' (M-G) (3d run). Okay $3,600. Last week, 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), second moveove'r and fourth week on front line, all right $3,000. PaUce (RKO) (2,600; 33-40-50) — 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th). Wham $14,000. Last week, 'Mr. Jordan' (Col), dandy $10,000. NATIONAL BOXOFFICE SURVEY Sonja Hehie Cutting Figures, 'Dive Bomber* Soars, * Aloma' Hot—Good Reports on 'Jekyll,' 'Kane' and Crawford-Taylor With the start of the new film season and the re- lease generally in key spots of strong product, film theatres of the nation were taxed to th« limit of their capacities by weekend holiday crowds. To the house staffs, whose Job it wag to handle the crush, It was a day of labor—and no foolin'. From key cities in every section of the country, Varibtt correspondents report universal upsurge at the boxoffico. Holdover films in many first runs in the current week are topping earlier stanzas both In attendance and receipts. Standout, of course, is the all-time new. second week record at Radio City Music Hall. 'Little Foxes' (Goldwyn-RKO) turned in a giant $120,000, following initial $114,000. And end of the run not yet in sight. Excellent business Is credited to the new films. Sonja Henie Is skating on solid ice in 'Sun Valley' (20th). which has started big Jn Kansas City, Cincin- nati. Los Angeles, Denver and half a dozen other cities, 'Jekyll and Hyde' (M-G) bowled over bad newspaper criticisms to a smash ISO in Pittsburgh, big $14,000 in Baltimore, and giant $40,500 in two houses in Boston. Strong also in Cleveland. Washington and Louisville. Charley's Aunt' (20th). already out several weeks, held to $35,000 in third week in Chicago, opened to capacity $12,000 In Seattle, and knocked off 17G in Newark. There is keen interest in first popular price show- ngs of 'Citizen Kane' (RKO). which reached $22,000 and a holdover in Frisco; an excellent $13,000 in Cin- cinnati; $20,000 in Boston and a terrif $20,000 in Chi- Washington and Denver, is heartening to RKO sales staff. Meanwhile, the ultimate releases of the 1940-41 sea- son are in the upper money brackets everywhere. 'Dive Bomber' (WB) swooped to $23,500 In a two thea- tre holdover in Los Angeles, and 12G In tiilrd week in Boston. It opened in Washington to $21,500, touched a new second week record at $10,000 in Portland, and had 'em standing in Baltimore, $16,000. 'ALOHA' TBOnCAL SMILES TO B.O. 'Aloma of the South Seas' (Par) brought troplg smiles with $26,000 opening at the Metropolitan, Los Angeles, and was satisfactory in more than a dozen other important keys. Latest of the Hardy series. 'Life Begins for Andy' (M-G) maintains a fast pace. In Washington, sock $22,500; holdovers in Pittsburgh, 'Frisco, Detroit and Chicago. And from Los Angeles comes figures of $23,500 for 'Life with Caroline' (RKO) In two theatres, indicating approval of Ronald Colman's new film. Boxoffice closeups. 'Little Foxes' (RKO) won in competition against .sunshine and ocean at seashore bookings In Atlantic City and Asbury Park. 'Ser- geant York' (WB) had a good second week at upped admissions in Louisville. 'Here Comes Mr, Jordan' (Col) full-fledged holdover in Providence, Cincinnati and Frisco. 'Hold That Ghost' (U) led Detroit with $24,000. 'Fantasia' (Disney-RKO) passed l\t 3Ut week at the Carthay Circle, L.A. 'When Ladles Meet' <M-a) starting strong in first few bookings, which means that Joan Crawford is in a sturdy sequel to 'Scarfacc Woman.' She's teamed with Robert Taylor. -t- Los Angeles, Sept. 2. 'Sun Valley Serenade' is topping the town in the straight picture divi-- slon, turning in a big $33,000 for the combined State and Chinese. 'Aloma of the South Seas,' with a stage show at the Paramount, is ringing the bell for a swell $26,000. 'My Life With Caroline' picked up smartly over the weekend and is heading for a good $23,000 at Pan- tages and RKO. Nice weather failed to dent picture house receipts, a. large portion of the holiday throngs staying in town over Labor Day weekend to give business a strong upward push. Mail carriers' convention and parade crowds rated as helping. Estimates for This Week Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1,615; 83- $1.10-$1.65)—'Fantesia' (Disney) (31st wk). Showing remarkable strength with $7,000 in sight due to the Labor Day weekend, which is upping juve^ nile attendance. Last week came through better than expected at $5,900. Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,034; 30-44-55-75)—'Sun Valley' (20th) and 'Charlie Chan Rio' (20th). Strong opening with holiday mobs giving this combo excellent $14,000. Last week, 'Our Wife' (Col) and 'Richest Man Town' (Col), so-so $9,200. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-44-55) —'Dive Bomber'. (2d wk). Rolling up hefty $12,500 on holdover as a singleton. Last week wound up with smash $14,900. Four Star (UA-F-WC) (900; 30-44- 55)—'Stars Look Down' (M-G). Neat $4,000 on initial week. Last week. Blossoms Dust' (M-G) (6th wk) completed run with poor $2,650. Hollywood (WB) (2.756; 30-44-55) —'Dive Bomber' (WB) (2d wk). Ap- proximately $11,000 in the bag on re- peat. Last week, also solo, rang up nifty $14,000. Orpheam (B'way) (2,200; 30--44-55) —'Passage Hongkong' (WB> and '.Sweetheart of Campus' (Col). With Nick Lucas topping stage show, good $9,500. Last week. "Reluctant Dragon' (RKO) and 'Hit Road' (U). with stage show, approximately $7,800, n.s.h. Panlare (Pan) (2,812; 30-44-55)— •Caroline' (RKO) and "Time for Rhythm' (Col). Running up robust $12,500. Last week, 'Hold Ghost' (U) (3d wk) and 'Meet Again' (RKO), slumped to slightly under $5,000, poor. Paramount (Par) (3,595; 30-44-55- 75)—'Aloma' (Par) and stage show packing 'em in to the tune of over $26,000. Last week, 'Parson Pana- mint' (Par) and "This Way Please' (RKO). with Ethel Waters (3d wk) and Earl Hines on stange, ended with strong $18,500. EKO (RKO) (2,872; 30-44-55)— 'Caroline' (RKO) and 'Time Out for Rhythm' (Col). Pointing to a swell $11,000. Last week, 'Hold Ghost' (U) (3d wk) and 'Saint's Vacation' (RKO), brought $8,500, better than expected on the third week of the Abbott and Costello starrer. State (Loew-F-WC) (2,204; 30-44- 53-75) —'Sun Valley' (20th) and 'Charlie Chan Rio' (20th). Mighty strong $19,000. Last week, 'Our Wife' (Col) and 'Richest Man in Town' (Col), fair $10,600. United ArUsta (UA-F-WC) (2,100; 30-44-55) —'Our Wife' (Col) and 'Richest Man In Town' (Col). Not so good $2,500, Last week, 'Life Andy Hardy' (M-G) and 'Private Niirse' (20th), oke $4,700. Wllahlre (F-V^C) (2,296; 30-44-55) —'Life Andy Hardy' (M-G) (2d wk) and 'Broadway Limited' (UA). A healthy $6,000 with this moveover. house repeating a picture for the first time in months and showing the UA (Hal Roach)'; streamliner first-run. Last week. 'Life Andy Hardy' (M-G) and 'Private Nurse' (20th), excellent $6,400 on moveover. 'SUN valley; 'JEKYLL' $7,000 EACH, MEMPHIS Memphis. Sept. 2. This Is the best all-round week the town has had all summer. Bullish takes are plentiful, I«oks like 'Sun Valley Serenade'' and 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' will give the two LO'ew houses a slender margin over the Malco's 'Aloma of the South Seas.' Warner is vamping nicely with second stanza of 'Dive Bomber.' Estimates for Thla Week Warner (WB) (2,000; 10-33-44)— 'Dive Bomber' (WB) (2d wk). Broke the year's record on first week and is holding strong to likely $3,000 on h.o. Last week, a booming $9,000. Palace (Loew) (2,200; 10-33-44)— •JeHyll and Hyde* (M-G). Yes-and- no reaction from press and public