Variety (Sep 1941)

10 PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, September 24, 1941 Tather Wife'-Monroe-Louise OK I8I/2G In Happy Pitt, Lamour Mild Pittsburgh, Sept. 23. Bells tolling merrily for practical- ly everybody this week; weather's just right, attractions are okay and people seem to be in a fllm-going mood. Only the Penn isn't enjoying general prosperity and, at that, •Aloma of South Seas' is doing bet- ter than either its single b.o. lure Dorothy Lamour, or the notices would indicate. Senator has itself a smash of sizeable proportions in 'Mr. Jordan' and will probably hang on to it for at least another fortnight while excellent combo of Vaughn Monroe and Anita Louise on stage and 'Father Takes a Wife' at Stan- ley is getting that house right back Into the heavy coin again. Elsewhere, it's exclusively h.o. territory and In every case the com- plaints are nil. 'Sun Valley Sere- nade' at Fulton may stock for few days beyond second full week; 'When Ladies Meet' is doing well enough at Warner to rate another stanza at Ritz, and at Ritz in third downtown session, 'Divt Bomber' needs no apologies. Estimates tor This Week Fulton (Shea) (1.700; 25-35-50)— •Sun Valley Serenade' (20th) (2d wk). Sonja Henie starrer holding up pretty well, much better, in fact, than usual h.o.s at this spot and may stick again, depending on the wind- up. Looks like better than $5,500, which isn't bad at all since average falloS at Fulton is generally consid- erably more than 50%. In opening week 'Serenade' grabbed close to $9,000. Will hold over three extra days. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 25-35- 60)—'Aloma' (Par). With Bing Crosby or Bob Hope or both, Doro- thy Lamour may mean something locally, on her own, she never has. A fair^ mild $10,000 generally sums up the general satisfactory tone of film biz locally. Last week 'When Ladies Meet' (M-G) sagged below $15,000 estimate by almost a grand. Bltz (WB) (800; 25-35-50)—'Dive Bomber' (WB) (3d wk). Errol Flynn-Fred McMurray starrer fol- lowed the usual Penn to Warner to Ritz revue here and should hit around $2,700, all right. Funny thing about this small-seater; it sel- dom moves more than a couple of hundred bucks either way on these downtown- wind-up runners. Last week 'Jekyll and Hyde' (M-G), which traveled same course, got around $2,800-. Senator (Harris) (1,750; 25-35-50) —'Mr. Jordan' (Col). Had an excel- lent advance campaign and the raves everywhere cemented its chances. Heading for a great $10,- 000 on getaway and should stick around for a while. Word-of-mouth Is immense, too, and that will also help. Last week 'Wild Geese Call- ing*^ (20th), didn't call loud enough, and finished at $5,000. Stanley (WB) (3,800; 25-40-60)— Tather Takes Wife' (RKO) and Vaughn MoAroe's band with Anita Iiouise on stage. First-rate bill at both ends and building smartly to what looks like $18,500 or better. Monroe practically a home town boy, haibng from a town 20 miles away, and getting-a l9t of civic at- tention. Last week 'Law of Tropics' (WB) and John Boles-Pinky Tomlin wound up better than anticipated, about $16,300: Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-35-50)— •Ladies Meet' (M-G). Shifted here from Penn. an4 marquee is just as strong on Fifth avenue as It is at Penn and Sixth, with result that star names will overcome indiffer- ence of picture. .That means close to $5,00(1, just about what 'Dive Bomber' (WB) did last week, also on a moveover from Penn. *Kane' Tops Prov., 13G; 'Harmon^Kich' Fue 12G Providence, Sept. 23. •Citizen Kane,' backed by consid- erable ballyhoo at' RKO Albee, is riding the crest In a strong pic town this week. Also high is 'Dive Bomber,' which is in its second week at Majestic, and 'Our Wife," which is being held over for an additional four days at Strand. Rochester unit at Metropolitan also nice. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 28-39-50) — •Citizen Kane' (RKO) and 'San An- tonio Rose' (RKO). Building to rpwie $13,000. Pic drawing elderly patrons. Last week, 'Reluctant Dra- gon'. (RKO) and 'Parachute Bat- talion' (RKO), nice $7,500. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 28-39- 60)—'Jekyll' (M-G) and 'Tanks a MilUon' (UA) (3d downtown wk). Still pulling for nice $2,500. Last week knocked off nifty $3,000. Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 10-25-35) — •Fiesta -Stars' (Rep) and 'Father Steps Out' (Mono). .Autry Is popu- lar hereabouts and promises nice $3,000. Last week, 'Chan Rio* (20th) and 'Bad Man Dead wood' (Rep), good $2,700. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 28-39-50)— 'Dive Bomber' (WB) and 'Accent on Love' (20th) (2d wk). Heading for hot $11,000 after knockout $12,000 in opening stanza. MetropolKan (Indie) (3,200; 30-40 55)—Rochester on stage with Dick Stabile orch, and 'Let's Go Collegi ate' (Mono) on screen. Pulled in nifty $7,500 in three-day weekend run. State (Loew) (3,200; 28-39-50) — 'You'll Never Get Rich' (Col) and 'Harmon of Michigan' (Col). Opened Sunday (21) to heavy biz and head- ing for grand $12,000. Last week 'Lady Be Good' (M-G) and 'Tillie Toiler' (Col), kicked in with nice $14,000 in 10 days. Strand (Indie) (2,000; 28-39-50)— 'Our Wife' (Col) and 'Two in Taxi' (Col) (extra four days). Proved steady for extra days and should end up tomorrow (24) with swell $11,500 in till. TO WIFE' VERY NIFTY IN BALTO AT $14,000 Baltimore, Sept. 23. Biz here still on the upbeat all around. 'Our Wife,' at the combo Hipp, is building in highly satisfac- tory manner, and 'Aloma of South Seas' has them coming to the deluxe Stanley. B.o. continues extra-heavy on weekends,' when defense coin hereabouts is turned loose. In spite of decided recent drop in retail business, blamed mostly on continu- ation of unreasonable heat, show business has been consistently hold- ing its own. Estimates for This Week Centnry (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 28-44)—'Lady Be Good'- (M-G). Fairish $11,000. Last week, 'Major Barbara' (M-G) didn't get the masses at $9,400. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,500; 15-28-39-44-55-66)—'Our Wife' (Col) plus vaude. Building to strong $14,- 000. Last week,- "Parachute Bat- talion' (RKO), leaning heavily on p.a, of Andrews Sisters, hit the bell for $15,700. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406; 15- 28-39-44)—'Unfinished Business' (U7 (2d wk). Holding nicely at possible $8,000 after very good $11,300. New (Mechanic) (1,581; 15-28-35- 44)—'Belle Starr' (20th). Maintain- fng moderate pace and attracting house's steady femme following for okay $6,000. Last week (3d) of 'Sun VaUey' (20th) completed weU-sold run for strong $17,200. Stanley (WB) (3,280; 15-28-39-44- 55)—'Aloma' (Par). With big week- end under belt, indicating solid $12,- 000. Last week, third of 'Dive Bomber* (WB), held up to rosy $37,- 700 for the run. 'Starr' NG $8,500. %ss Boys' m, Omaba Omaha, Sept. 23. Downtown business pretty much off this week. Leader will be 'Belle Starr' and 'Road Show' at Orpheum with around $8,500, not much for this ace Tristates house. 'Father Takes Wife' and 'Parachute Bat- talion' not clicking heavily at the Brandeis and if they get $4,200 it will be a little more than now looked for. 'Kiss Boys Goodbye' and 'Blackout' at Omaha will barely reach $7,500. High schools opened night football season Saturday, may be a factor. Estimates for This Week Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 10-30-40) —'Kiss Boys' (Par) and 'Blackout' (UA). Light $7,500.-Last week 'Kil- dare's Wedding' (M-G) and 'Ring- side Maiisie' (M-G), pfetty good $8,200. Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 10-30- 40)—"Belle Starr' (20th) and 'Road Show' (UA). Not very good, $8,500. Last week 'Tight Shoes' (U) and Or- rin Tucker band with Bonnie Baker on stage, smash $21,400, very close to house record at 10-40-55. Brandeis (Mort Singer) (1,500; 10- 25-35-40) — 'Father Takes Wife* (RKO) and 'Parachute Battalion* (RKO). Slim $4,200. Last week 'Jordan* (Col) and 'Highway West' (WB), fair $5,000. State (Goldberg) (900; 25-35)— 'Moon Over Miami' (20th) iand 'Bar- nacle BiU' (M-G) split with 'Voyage Home' (UA), 'Double Date' (U) and 'Magic Music* (Par). Nice $1,100. 'Tom. Dick, Harry* (RKO) and 'Big Store* (M-G), split with 'Flame New Orleans* (U), 'Wait for You' (M-G) and 'Reaching..Sun* (Par), for fine $1,200. Town (Goldberg) (1,500; 10-20-25) —'Ban Men Missouri' (WB), 'Men Tlmberland* (U) and 'Mr. Dynamite* (U), triple, split with ^Love Rides On* (Cfap). 'Mr. District ■ Atty' (Rep), 'Kansas Cyclone' (Rep) tri- ple, and 'Flame New Orleans* (U)- •Roundup* (Par), dual. Pretty fair $900. Last week 'Gangs Sonora* (Rep)-'Poison Pen' (RepT-'In Navy' (U), triple, split with 'So Ends Night' (UA), 'Man Betrayed* (Rep), 'Night Lisbon' (Par) and 'Under- ground* (WB), 'Frontier Fury* (Cap), fair $900. Avenue - Military - Dundee (Gold- berg) (960; 600; 300; 25)—'Moon Miami' i20th) and 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G), split with 'Voyage Home' (UA), 'Bride Crutches* (20th) and "Magic Music' (Par), an improved $1,000. Last week 'Tom, Dick, Harry' (RKO) and 'Big Store' (M-G) split with 'Flame New Orleans' (U), 'Wait for You' (M-G) and 'Reaching Sun' (Par), a nice $900. 'Lady-'Stars' Pace OK L'yille, $9,000; 'Kane' Medinin 8G 'Jordan/ Ulaisie' Dual Tops Hub h 2 Spots. Fme 3(iG: Wy' 19G Louisville, Sept. 23. Continuing to run strong, this town's first runs are set to garner a right tidy sum with the help ,of tremendous weekend biz. Defense spending seems to be hitting its stride hereabouts, and the downtown district looks like boomtown on a Saturday night. Film houses have not as yet fallen in line on the mid- night show idea, but the National, now drawing neat biz with stage shows and films, has been successful with added midnight performances on Saturdays. Current we«k spotted Sally Rand in the midnight show only, and packed *em in. 'Lady Be Good,' at Loew*s State, is shaping up for the best gross downtown, while 'Citizen Kane,' on a single at the Rialto, was given columns of praise by the critics, but the bulk of the patrons are not ex- cited, being more or less on the fence as to 'what it's all about.* The av- erage patron doesn't seem to savvy the story. Take on the Orson Welles opus will Be under that of the Loew's State entry. 'Badlands of Dakota' Is looming up as a strong contender for b.o. honors at the Strand, while holdovers are likewise healthy at b.o. Estimates for This Week Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15-30-40)—'Unfinished Busi- ness* (U) and 'Moonlight In Hawaii' (U). Healthy $2,800 for moveover. Last week 'Sun Valley' (20th) and 'Dressed to Kill* ,(20th), excellent $2,700. Kentucky (Switow) (1,200; 15-25) —'Bride C.O.D.' (WB) and, 'Sunny' (RKO). Fine $1,600 for subsequent run. Last week 'Caught in Draft' (Par) and 'Underground* (WB), ex- cellent $1,500. Loew*s State (Loew's) (3,300; 15- 30-40)—'Lady Be Good* (M-G) and 'Stars Look Down' (M-G). Very good $9,000 and' leading the town. Last week 'Major Barbara' (UA) and 'Tanks a Million* (UA) pulled some class trade, but bulk of regular film patrons were conspicuous by their absence. Mild $5,000. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 15-30-40)—'Navy Blues* (WB). Flock of defense workers, show shopping over a busy weekend, kept the wicket busy. H.o. week should shape up for alright $3,500. Last week same pic was off to a sizzling pace and wrapped up resonant $5,000. National (Indie) (2,400; 16; 35-50- 60)—'Prisoner on Devil's ' Island* (Col) and stage show 'Belles-A- Poppin' produced by' Bert Smith. Aided by p.a. of Sally Rand at mid- night show Saturday (20), iQoks like biz is perking at this house. Current week good $6,800. Last week 'Her First Beau* (20th) and stage show wound up with satisfactory $6,500. Rlalto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 15- 30-40)—'Citizen Kane (RKO). Critics went to town raving about this one, and some class trade in evidence. May build as week progresses, al- though average run of patrons is not causing any b.o riots. Pacing for medium $8,000. Last week 'Unflnishd Business' (U) and 'Moonlight in Ha- waii' (U) brought the best biz in town, $8,000. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15- 30-40)—'Badlands of Dakota' (U) and 'Sing Another Chorus' (U). Western is really pulling 'em In this week, proving that Richard Dix and asso- ciate players still pack plenty of b;o. punch. Should easily click off fine $4,000. Last \*eek 'Ice-Capades* (Rep) and 'This Way Please* (Par), average $3,300. PORT., ORE., STRONG; 'JORDAN' DUAL $9,300 Portland, Ore., Sept. 23. Strong product and foul weather ganging up to give the burg's film spots a good break. Two openers showing their worth are 'Here Comes Mr. Jordan' at the big Para- l?ttle"uA"* '^^^ ^ •Hold That Ghost' leads the town's holdovers, still piling up queues at the Broadway. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 3B-40- 50)—'Hold Ghost' (U) and 'Shark Woman' (Rep). Second week of 'Ghost* going for high $7,400 after terrific first week's $11,200, paired with 'Hit the Road' (W. May (air (Parker - Evergreen) (1,500; 36-40-50)—'Unflnishefl Busl ness' (U) and 'Moonlight in Hawaii' (U). Moved from UA for second week for good $3,500. Last week 'When Ladies Meet' <M-G) and 'Rookies Parade' (Rep) closed a third stanza for aoove-average $3,800. Orpheum (Hamrick - Evergreen) (1,800; 35-40-50)—'Belle Starr* (20th) and 'Parachute Battalion' (RKO) Second week for 'Starr* and still doing good $4,500. First week, with 'Ellery Queen and Perfect (irime' (Col) went to great $6,100. Paramount (Hamrick - Evergreen) (3,000; 35-40-50)—'Jordan' (Col) and 'They Met Again' (RKO). Opened well and looks like strong $9,300, Last week 'Sun Valley Serenade* (20th) and 'Hurry, Charlie' (RKO) closed second week at nice $5,700. United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 35 40-50)—'Lady Be Good' (M-G) and 'Klldare's Wedding' (M-G). In line for whopping $7,000. Last week 'Unfinished Business' (U) and 'Moonlight in Hawaii' (U) took sat- isfactory $8,000 and moved to the Mayfair. . ^ 'DAWN'PLENTY TORRID IN DENVER AT $14,000 Denver, Sept. 23. 'Hold Back the Dawn' at the Den ham is leading the town, with 'Belle Starr' and '2 Latins in Manhattan' at Denver a close second. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 25-40)— 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th). After a week at the Denver, nice $5,600. Last week '.lordan' (Col), after a week at the Denver, nice $5,000. Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 25-40)— 'Jordan' (Col). After week at each Denver and Aladdin and day-date with Rialto , good $3,000. Last week 'Sun Valley' (20th) 2d wk here after week at each Denver and Aladdin, good $3,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1^50; 25-35- 40)—'Hold Back Dawn' (Par). Fine $14,000 and holding. Last week 'Aid- rich for President' (Par), with Major Bowes unit on stage, strong $14,000, Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-40)— 'Belle Starr* (20th) and 'Latins' (Col). Big $12,000. Last week, 'Wild Geese' (20th) and 'Chan Rio' (20th), nice $11,000. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 26-36-40) —'JekyU' (M-G) and 'Down In Rio' (M-G) (2d wk). Poor $6,500. Last week 'Jekyll' (M-G) and 'Down in Rio' (MkG), fine $12,000. Paramount (Fox> (2,200; 25-40)— 'Major Barbara* (UA) and 'We Go East' (20th). Yanked after three days, finishing week on 'Harmon of Michigan' (Col) and 'Smiling Ghost* (WB) to nice $5,000. Last week 'Jun- fle Cavalcade' (RKO) and 'Bowery >11U' (Mono) good $6,000. Rialto (Fox) (878; 25-40)—'Dive Bomber* (WB) after week at each Denver, Aladdin, Paramount, and 'Bride Wore Crutches* (20th), good $2,200. 'BOMBER' ZOOMS TO SMASH 4G, LINCOLN Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 23. Varsity piloting of 'Dive Bomber' to house's second biggest take since opening is the big news here. All palaces prospering. Flynn-MacMur- ray starrer only slightly behind 'Great Dictator,* the record holder. Exhibs generally highly pleased and feel present product lineup will keep the ball rolling all winter. Estimates for This Week Colonial (Monroe-Noble-Federer) (750; 10-15) — 'Wanderers Weif (Mono) and 'Wolf Takes Chance' (Col) splits with 'Saint Palm Springs' (RKO) and 'Son of Crockett* (Col). Swelegant $1,100. Last week, 'Rid- ing Rainbow' (Rep) and 'Spitfire Out West' (RKO) split with -Let's Make Music' (RKO) and 'Bad Man Dead- wood' (Rep). Fair $900. Lincoln (J. H, Cooper-Par) (1,503; 10-23-40)—'Belle Starr' (20th). Aver- age $2,800. Last week, 'Hold Ghost' (U) got nine days and hefty $4,500. Nebraska (J. ■ H-. Cooper-'Par-> (1,236; 10-15-20) —'John Doe' (WB) and 'Here Comes Happiness* (WB). 'Doe* return pulling very healthy $2,200. Last week, 'Tight Shoes' (U) and "Man Lost Self (WB) dre\v gne of house's best weeks with $2,400. Btoart' (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,884; 10-25-40) — 'Ladles Meet* (M-G). Strong femme word-of-mouth big factor In man-size $3,500. Last week, 'Sun VaUey' (20th) (five-day h.o.), after colossal $6,500 first week, got $2,200 on extended time. Varsity (Noble-Federer) (1,100; 10- 30-40)—'Dive Bomber'(WB). Town's leader at crackerjack $4,000, ahnost cinch h.o. Last week, 'Tom, Dick* (RKO) fell off badly end of run, but managed strong $3,000. Boston, Sept. 23. 'Mr. Jordan,' playing both Locw houses, Is out to cop the top biz here this week, with 'Sun Valley Sere- nade* at Keith Memorial running a close second. 'Parachute Battalion * with 'Beachcombers of 1942, on.-ilai^e at the ItKO-Boston, is very henlli'v and the holdover of 'Hold Bsck Dawn* at the Metropolitan is doiug okay. 'Hold That Ghost,' doing a subse- quent run at the Translux, is tun- Ing into the best gross recorded there in many weeks. Estimates (or This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 28-33-44-55) —'Parachute Battalion' (RKO) with stagQ show. Flirting with pleasing $17,000. Last week, 'Father Takes Wife* (RKO) and stage show topped by Rochester, $20,500, very good. Fenway (M&P) (1,373; 28-39-44-^ 55)—'N. Y. Town' (Par) and 'Fly- ing Blind' (Par). Heading for com- fortable $6,000. Last week, 'Parson Panamint' (Par) and 'World Pre- miere' (Par), $5,200. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 28. 30-44-55)—'Sun Valley' (20th) and 'Gay Falcon* (RKO). Aiming at $19,000 and holdover. Last week (six days) 'Citizen Kane' (RKO) and 'Baines Broadway' (RKO) (3d wk), dual, paUid $9,500. Metropolitan (M&P) (4,307; 28-39- 44-55)—'Hold Back Dawn' (Par) and 'Aldrich for President' (Par) (2d wk). Around $14,500, okay. First week same combo turned in nifty $19,500. Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 28-39-44- 55)—'Jordan* (Col) and 'Ringside Maisie' (M-G). Will garner smasho $20,000 and almost certain holdover. Last week (nine days) 'Ladies Meet' (M-G) and 'Blondie Society' (Col) tallied $19,800, very good. \ Paramount (M&P) (1,707; 28-39- 44-55)—'N. Y. Town' (Par) and 'Fly- ing Blind' (Par). Hitting $8,000, good. Last week, 'Parson Panamint (Par) and 'World Premiere' (Par)j $7,000. Stat« (Loew) (3,600; 28-39-44-55)— 'Jordan' (Col) and 'Ringside Maisie' (M-G). Heading for $16,000, very bright. Last week (nine days), 'La- dies Meet' (M-G) and 'Blondie So- ciety' (Col), double, $14,700, good. Translux (Translux) (900; 15-25- 44)—'Hold Ghost* (U) and 'Men of Tlmberland* (U). Marking up $5,000 or better, excellent. Last week," 'Wings in Dark' (Par) (reissue) and Citadel of Crime* (Rep) (1st run), $3,000. 'Sun Valley' Plenty Strong, $11,500, Seattle Seattle, Sept. 23. Every year local plx feel competl-" tion of the western Washington fair at nearby Puyallup, which does the state*s biggest week*s gross, year in and year out. About 300,000 pass the turnstiles at four-bits each, and . grandstand fees add top this. How- ever, this week the showshops are doing big biz and apparently not being. hurt appreciably by the fair. Telenews theatre opened Friday (19) to nice biz'at 30c top. Estimates for This Week Blue House (Hamrlck-Evergreen) (850; 30-40-50)—'Ladies Meet' (M-G) and 'Ringside Maisie* (M-G) (4th wk). Indicated $2,200, okay. Last week, solid $3,300. Coliseum Hamrlck-Evergreen) (1,900; 21-35)—'Manpower' (WB) and 'Blossoms in Dust* (M-G) (2d run). Anticipated fair $2,500. Last week, 'Barnacle BiU* (M-G) and 'Moon Over Miami* (20th) (2d run), fair $2,500. Fifth Avenue (Haimrick-Evergreen) (2,349; 30-40-50)—'Jekyll' (M-G) and 'Whistling in Dark* (M-G) (2d wk). Good $5,700. Last week, $10,000, filne. Liberty (J-vH) (1,650; 30-40-50)— 'Jordan' (Col) (4th wk). Indicated okay $2,800. Last week, nice at $4,800. Music Box (Hamrick-Evergreeri) . (850; 30-40-60) — 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), moved from Paramount. Ex- 4ieoted.-$2,aD0, excellent Last week, 'Life Begins Hardy' (M-G) and 'Navy, Blue Gold' (M-G) (5th wk), $2,100, good. Orpheum (Hamrick - Evergreen) (2,600; 30-40-50)—'Aloma' (Par) antl 'Flying Blind* (Par) (2d wk). Point- ing to big $4,700. Last week, $8,200, great. Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 21-40)— Hello Sucker* (U) and 'Hurricane Smith' (Rep), plus stage show. Ex- pect fair $4,000. Last week. Moun- tain Moonlight' (Rep) and 'Raiders of Desert' U), plus sUge show, okay $4,300. Paramount (Hamrlck-Evergreen) . 3.039; 30-40-50)—'Sun Valley' (20th) . and 'Broadway Limited' (UA). Big (Continued on page 11)