Variety (Sep 1941)

Wednesday, September 24, 1941 PICTURE GROSSES 11 Miller Orch-m Kid' Near Philly House Mark, 33G; Bob Hope BoffZOG Philadelphia, Sept. 23. Business this week started with a bane when huge crowds jammed central-city thoroughfares for a eander at Bob Hope, makmg an in- Serson appearance at the SUnley in connection with the preem of his •Nothing But the Truth' on Wednes- day 07). The zingy pace is con- tinuing: aided no a little by the lift supplied by the Jewish holidays, with matinee biz reported extra heavy. With Hope's latest vehicle easily copping the duke for the straight film grosses, it looks like aU-time house records for the Earle vaude- fllmer may be shattered this sesh by Glenn Miller's band and 'Pittsburgh Kid ' The combo looks headed for a smashing $33,000. within one grand 6f the all-time house record set by the late Joe Penner. Estimates for This Week Aldlne IWB) (1.303; 35-46-57-68)— 'Lady Be Good' (M-G) (2d wk). Fairish $8,000 for holdover after $10,500 which shaded par for initial try last week. Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 35-46-57) -•Jekyll- (M-G) (2d wk). Okay $3 200. Last week sour $1,200 for four days of 'KUdare Wedding (M-G) (2d run). Bovd (WB) (5,560; 35-46-57-68)— 'Jordan- (Col) (2d wk). Plenty profitable for h.o. with $12,500. In- itialer snared plushy $16,000. Earle (WB) (2,758; 35-46-57-68-75) —•Pittsburgh Kid' (Rep) with Glenn Miller orch on stage. It's all Miller and the joint's jumpin' to the tune of a socko $33,000. Last week 'Ice- Capades' (Rep) with Alvino Key orch and Anita Louise on stage netted cheery $21,500. Fox (WB) (2,423; 35-46-57-68)— 'Navy Blues' (WB). Okay $li.OOO. Last week, 'Aloma' (Par) pulled out with mediocre $8,000 for six days of second week. 'Blues' will probably h.o., with 'Yank in the R.A.F.' set to follow. Karlton (WB) (1,066; 35-46-57-68) —'Aloma' (Par) (2d run). Saronger not Setting anv b.o. blazes with un- spectacular $4,000. Last week, 'Our Wife' (Col) got $4,200. Keith's (WB) (2,220; 35-46-57-68) —'Belle Starr' (20th) (2d run). No better than the first run with poor $4,000 for this ride. Last week, 'Sun Valley' (20th) nailed satisfactory $4,500 for second mm. Blanley (WB) (2,916; 35-46-57-68) —•Nothing But Truth' (Par). Bob Hope's personal plus plenty of high- powered plugging adding up to hefty $20,000 for world preeming of his latest laugh opus. Last week, 'Belle Starr" .(20th) no worldbeater with so-so $13,000. SUnton (WB) (1,457; 35-46-57)— 'Highway West' (WB). Getting the overflow from the Stanley and checking in with good $4,800. Last week, 'Stars Look Down' (M-G) hangup $5,000. BUFF BOFFO; T. DORSEY HYPOESmDARE,'25G Buffalo, Sept. 23. Downtown wickets are experienc- ing another sizzling session cur- rently. Even unseasonably warm weather is not doing much In the way of nicking the figures. Tommy Dorsey will ring up a rousing frame at the Buff. 'Little Foxes' at the Century is a peak of- fering and 'Dive Bomber' is In for a powerful second round at the Lakes, with 'Our Wife' plenty potent at the Lafayette. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3.500; 35-55)— 'Kildare's Wedding Day' (M-G) and Tommy Dorsey orch on stage. Shoot- ing for sockeroo $25,000. Last week, 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th) and 'Down San Diego' (M-G) dandy $16,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3.000; 35-55) , —'Dive Bomber' (WB) and 'Chan Rio' (20th) (2d wk). Strong hold over stamina at around rosy $10,000. Last week, bang-up $13,500. Hipp (Shea) (2.100; 30-45) —'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th) and 'San Diego' (M-G) (2d run). Mildish pace on re-run Indicates $6,000. Last week, 'New Wine' (UA) and 'High- way West' (WB), dipped to n.s.g $5,200. Lafayette (Hayman) (3.300; 30-40) —'Our Wjfe' . (Col) and 'EUery Queen' (Col). Proving tall tugger for around $9,000. Last.week. 'An- gels Broken Wings' (Rep) and Lady from Louisiana' (Rep), went wobbly, under $5,000. 20th Century (Dipson) (3.000; 30 44)—-Little Foxes' (RKO).' Zoom "ig and will snag fancy take, over $13,000. Last week. 'Parachute Bat- talion' (RKO) and 'Scattergood Meets Broadway' (RKO), just fair, Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week fl,T65,eM (Based on 27 cities, 184 thea- tres, chie/lv Jlrst runs, including N. Y.) Total GroES Sam* Week Last Year .$1,493,S04 (Based on 25 cities, 172 theatres) 'Scandals Ups 'Smiling Ghost' In Geve. to 22G Cleveland, Sept. 23. Phenomenal fall heat spell cut down some of the weekend takes, but 'Smiling Ghost' and (George White's 'Scandals,' with latter being the magnet at Palace, are knocking off a hefty $22,000. 'When Ladies Meet' is not doing four-star biz for State,- but attend- ances are more than above normal, and Hipp's 'Sun Valley Serenade' is skating for third place. Estimates for This Week Allen (RKO) (3.000; 30-35-42-55)— 'Dive Bomber' (WB). Smart $5,500 in sight for third week on this move- over. ■ Last week, 'Hold Ghost' (U) (3d wk) satisfied with $5,600. Alhambra (Printz) (1.200; 10-20- 35)—'Naval Academy' (Col) and 'Cracked Nuts' (U). Ordinary $1,100 for three days. Last week, 'Sweet heart of Campus' (Col) and 'Raider of Desert' a bit better, $1,600, four days. Circle (Polster) (1,800; 20-35)— '40.000 Horsemen' (Indie) and 'World Premiere' (Par). Aussie war film showing unexpected pull, spotted for fine $3,200 for full frame. Last week, 'Stars Look Down' (M-G) plus 'Bul- lets O'Hara' (WB) extra nice $2,900. Hipp (Warner) (3,700 ;30-35-52-55) —'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th). Liked more than Sonja Henie's last one, and sprinting for $12,000, okay. Last week, 'Dive Bomber' (WB) ex- cellent on second lap. $9,200. Palace (RKO) (3,700; 30-35-42-55 66)—'Smiling Ghost' (WEQ with George White's 'Scandals' off stage, Illness of Helen Morgan forced house to change all its posters and billing, but show still has enough oomph to run up excellent $22,000. Last week, •Father Takes Wife' (RKO) and Ted Lewis unit were perfectly teamed, catching a sweet $21,000. State (Loews) (3,450; 30-35-42-55) —'When Ladies Meet' (M-G). Im- pressive lineup of names bolstering thin comedy and biz; $14,000 not to be kicked at. Last week, 'Aloma' (Par) took a slugging from natives, too; average $11,000. Stillmnn (Loew's) (1.972; 30-35-42- 55)—•Aloma' (Par). All right for a shittover, $5,000. Last week, 'Lady Be Good" (M-G) (2d wk), pleasing $0,300. 'KANE' WOWS NEWARK FOR 20G, NEAR RECORD Newark, Sept. 23. Biggest local smasheroo in years is 'Citizen Kane,' currently in its sec- ond week at RKO Proctor's. Pic rang the bell last week for a terrific $20,000, and for a time threatened the all-time house record of $24,- 000. Both the Paramount and the Little had their three-week holdover streaks come to an end. Former said goodby to 'Aloma,' which stopped clicking, after its first week. Little closed out 'Intermezzo' because of previous pic commitments. Estimates for This Week Paramount (Adams-Par) (2.000; 30-35-44-55) — 'Ice-Capades' (Rep) and 'Bowery Blitzkrieg' (Mono). Should do average $10,000. Last week 'Aloma' (Par) and 'Parson Panaminf (Par), dismal $6,500. Pix played three weeks. Proctor's (RKO) (2,400; 28-44-55) —'Citizen Kane' (RKO) and 'Mexi- can Spitfire's Baby' (RKO) (2d wk). Should be good for healthy $14,000 after ringing the bell last week for a terrific $20,000. State (Loew's) (2,000; 28-33-44-55) —'Life Begins Andy Hardy' (M-G) and 'Blackout' (UA) (2d wk). Neat $12,000 after clicking in initial week for $15,000. Little (Franklin) (300; 33-39-44- 55)—'No . Greater Sin' (U). Headed for sock $2,200. Last week 'Inter- mezzo' (UA) (3d wk), nice $1,200 for six days. 'Barbara' Sets Pace In Montreal, Good $9,000 Montreal, Sept. 23. Three of the five first-runs are out in front currently, with repeat at Orpheum heading for another nice take. Best will be 'Major Barbara' at Loew's, which is pacing for very good $9,000. It's a good week with weather and lack of other shows helping. Estimates for This Week Palace (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 'Jordan' (Col). Good $8,000. Last week 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), good $8,000. Capitol (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 'Our Wife' (Col) and 'Penthouse Mystery' (Col). Ckiod $6,500 ahead. Last week 'Wild Geese' (20th) and 'Accent Love' (20th), good $5,500. Loew's (CT) (2,800; 35-53-67)— 'Major Barbara' (UA). Tops cur- rently with nice $9,000 in sight. Last week 'Dive Bomber' (WB) (repeat), good $5,500. Princess (CT) (2,300; 30-40-53)— 'Puddin' Head' (Rep) and 'Ice-Ca- pades' (Rep), weakish $3,000. Last week 'Devil's Island'" (Col) and 'Til- lie Toiler' (Col), soso $2,800. Orpheum (Ind) (1,100; 30-40-60)— 'New Wine' (UA) and 'District At- torney' (Rep) (2d wk). Pointing to good $3,500 after excellent $5,000 last week. ..Cinema de Paris (France-Film) (600; 30-60)—'L'Empreinte du Dieu' (3d wk). Still clicking for nice $1,- 000 after good $1,200 last week. St. DenU (France-Film) (2,500;30- 40) — 'Porteuse de Paris' and •L'Homme a la Barbiche.' House fill- ing well with good $4,800 likely cur- rently. Last week '(jirconstances At- tenuantes' and 'Mauvais Garcon.' nice $4,200. JORDAN' NEAT $7,000, MPLS. Minneapolis,'Sept. 23. For still another week the Or- pheum is setting the boxoffice pace here. This time 'Here Comes Mr. Jordan' is turning the trick, even pulling away from 'When Indies Meet' despite the letter's impressive names. There's a lone holdover currently, but it's a plenty strong one, 'Hold That Ghost,' which has moved over to the Century after a terrific seven days at the Orpheum. Estimates for This Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900;15-28)— 'Dangerous Game' (U) and 'They Meet Again' (RKO). Dual first-runs in for five days and pointed toward satisfactory $1,200. 'Jungle Caval- cade' (RKO) and 'San Antonio Rose' (U), also dual first-runs, open Thurs- day (25). Last week 'Three Sons Guns' (WB) and 'Very Young Lady' (20th), dual first-runs, 'split with 'Broadway Limited' (UA) and 'Six Gun Gold' (RKO), also dual first- runs. Nice $1,800 in eight days. Century (P-S) (1,600; 28-39-44)— 'Hold That Ghost' (U) (2d wk.). Heading for big $4,500 after terrific $9,000 first week at Orpheum. Last week 'Blossoms Dust" (M-G) (2d wk.). big $4,500 after great $8,500 first week at State. Esquire (Berger) (290; 28)—'Souls in Pawn' (Indie). Another of the sex films which seem to keep this house going. Good $1,000 indicated. Last week 'Mr. Smith' (Col) (reis- sue), light $500. Gopher (P-S) (998;28)—'Dance Hall' (20th). Picture not so forte, but title putting it over mildly in this theatre that caters to the younger element. So-so $2,400 in prospect. Last week 'Flame of New Orleans' (U) only $2,600 for six days, fair. Orpheum (P-S) (2,800; 28-39-44)— 'Jordan' (Col). Raves sure to bring profit. Enroute to good $7,000. Last week 'Hold That Ghost' (U), sock $9,000. State (P-S) (2,300; 28-39-44)— 'When Ladies Meet'- (M-G). Names bringing in many customers, but di- vision, of opinion regarding film's merits holding down takings. May reach mild $6,400. Last week 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), disappointingly light $6,000. Uptown (Par) (1,100; 28-39)— 'Shepherd of Hills' (Par). First neighborhood showing. Looks like good $2,700. Last week 'Tom, Dick and Harry' (RKO), okay $2,300. World (Par-Steffes) (350; 28-39-44- 55)—'Cockeyed Sailors' (UA). Not type of picture apparently for this carrlagetrade house. Weak $1,000 may be about all. Last week 'Our WUe' (Col) (2d -wk.), mild $1,400. Wood's Two-Way Tester Hollywood, Sept. 23. Sam Wood looked at Betty Field's screen test for Maria in 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' at Paramount and picked her to play Cassandra in 'Kings How* at Warners, on loanout. Wood has contracts to direct both pictures, currently doing 'Kings Row.' Later he -will pilot the Hem- ingway yarn at Paramount Tork'Sets LA. Records With 42G At Upped Prices,'Starr'OK $21,000, Business Generally On Upgrade Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $37l,0«e fBo^ed on 14 theatres; Total Gross Same Week Last Year $324,500 (Based on 12 X\ieaires) 'Jordan; Hannon On Stage-Screen A 23G Touchdown Detroit, Sept. 23. Finally breaking away from the constant holdovers here, four of De- troit's five first-runs have fresh prod- uct this week, but only average biz in sight with one exception. Fox is running in front with the double- header of 'Jordan' and 'Harmon of Michigan,' the latter pulling plenty of added strength through the 'local boy' angle. Further bolstering . this the house has Harmon lending a per- sonal touch to the two pixes. Michigan will stay healthy with 'Manpower' and 'Reluctant Dragon,' while the United Artists will come out around average with 'Lady Be Good' and 'Down in San Diego.' Small 1,700-seat Adams made a nice catch here in taking over 'Sun Val- ley' after it clicked for $30,000 in its first week because pressure of prod- uct on the Fox caused it to be pushed along. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40-55) —'Sun Valley' (20th) and 'Mystery Ship' (Col). Should be potent $9,000 after 'Sun Valley' click at Fox last week. Last week 'Hold Ghost' (U) (3rd wk.)'and 'Private Nurse' (20th), nice $7,000. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40- 55)—'Jordan' (Col) and 'Harmon of Michigan' (Col). Further bolstered by i>ersonal appearance of Tommy Harmon, this looks for choice $23,000. Last week 'Sun Valley' (20th) and "Chan in Rio' (20th) terrific $30,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 30-40-55) — 'Manpower' (WB) and 'Reluctant Dragon' (RKO). Ok $16,- 000. Last week 'Dive Bomber' (WB) and 'Great Mr. Nobody' (WB) (2d wk.). fair $13,000. Palms-SUte (United Detroit) (3,- 000; 30-40-55)—'Dive Bomber' (WB) (3rd wk.) and 'Father Steps Out' (Mono). Fair $7,000. Last week 'Jungle Cavalcade' (RKO) and '3 Cockeyed Sailors' (UA), nice $7,500. United Artists (United Detroit) (2,- 000; 30-40-55) — 'Lady Be Good' (M-G) and 'Down San Diego' (M-G). Ordinary $9,000. Last week 'Jekyll- Hyde' (M-G) and 'Whistling Dark' (M-G) (3d wk.), slick $8,000. Indpls. Hot; 'VaHey' 9iG, 'Lady'-TiHie' $9,000 Indianapolis, Sept. 23. Theatre managers in downtown houses this week are sharing the wealth. Indiana is sliding along in front dualling 'Sun Valley Serenade' and 'Dressed to Kill.' Loew's is close be- hind with 'Lady Be Good' and 'Tillit the Toiler.' Circle is in show posi- tion with 'Unfinished Business' and 'Moonlight in Hawaii.' Lyric is hit- ting a new low with a holdover for a second week of 'Citizen Kane' and 'Baines' Meets Broadway' after duct played first stanza at Indiana. Estimates for This Week Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,600; 25-30- 40)—'Unfinished Business' (U) and •Moonlight in Hawaii' (U). Good $8,000. Last week, 'Bad Men Mis- souri' (WBD and 'Jungle Cavalcade' (WB) okay $7,000. IndUna (Katz-Dolle) (3,100; 25-30- 40)—'Sun Valley' (20th) and 'Dressed to Kill' (2ath'). Good $9,500. Last week, 'Citizen Kane' (RKO) and 'Baines Broadway' (RKO) fair $7,900. Loew's (Loew's) (2,400; 25-30-40) —'Lady Be Good' (M-G) and Tillie Toiler' (Col). Fine $9,000. Last week, 'Mr. Jordan' (Col) and 'Wait for You (U), okay $8,100. Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (1,900; 25-30 40)—'Citizen Kane' (RKO) and 'Baines Broadway' (RKO) (2d wk). Brutal $2,500 in holdover from big sister Indiana. Last week, 'Man- power' (WB) and 'Bachelor Daddy' (WB), red $3,500, Los Angeles, Sept. 23. All previous house records ara slated to be toppled by 'Sergeant York' at Warners' Hollywood and Downtown theatres this week. The two houses are rolling up smacko $42,000 to forge past former high set by 'John Doc.' Tlie Chinese and State are doing okay with 'Belle Star' for combined take of $21,000, backed by heavy exploitation. Para- mount counting around $17,000 on twin pictures and Matty Malneck orch on stage. •Here Comes Jordan' is holding strong for dual intake of $19,000 in second week. With last week's mul- tiple opposish out of way and pleas- ant weather prevailing, trade is slightly on upgrade all around. Estimates for This Week Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1,518; 83- $1.10-$1.65) — 'Fantasia (Disney) (34th wk). Despite school opening, biz holds fairly even with $4,000 in prospect. Last week wound up with $4,300. Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (1,034; 30-44-55-75) —'Belle Starr' (20th- Fox). Should bring $8,500. Last week 'When Ladies Meet' (M-G) and 'Whistling in the Dark' (M-G) held its own with $10,700. Downtown (WB) (1.800; 30-44-55) —'Sergeant York' (WB). With Uriff advanced to 85c top heading for socko $20,500. Last week 'Navy Blues' (WB) (2d wk). Closed below expectations with $5,700. Four SUr (UA-FWC) (900; 30-44- 55)—•Stars Look Down' (M-G) (4th wk). Sliding to poor $1,100. Last week $1,500. , Hollywood (WB) (2.756; 30-44-55) ' —'Sergeant York' (WB). Figures for smash $21,500. 'Last week 'Navy Blues' (WB) (2d wk) wound up with slim $3,700. Orpheum (B'way) (2,200; 30-44- 55)—•Broadway Limited' (UA) and 'They Meet Again' (RKO), with Charlie Barnet's band on the stage, figures so-so $7,600. Last week Ers- kine Hawkins' band with 'Iceca- pades' (WB) and 'Highway West* (Rep) grossed a nice $10,200. PanUres (Pan) (2,812; 30-44-55)— 'Jordan' (Col) (2d wk) and 'Officer and Lady' (Col). Holding strong for $11,000. Last'week 'Jordan,' with •TlUie the Toiler' (Col) fetched very good $12,500. Paramount (Par) (3,595; 30-44-55- 75)—'Badlands of Dakota' (U) and 'Flying Blind' (Par) with Matty Malneck's orch on stage. .Should garner $11,000. Last week 'Woman Is Mine' (U) and 'Aloma' (3d wk), with Clyde McCoy on stage, okay $17,000. RKO (RKO) (2,872: 30-44-55)— 'Mr. Jordan' (Col) (2d wk) and 'Offi- cer and Lady' (Col). Looks like $8,- 000. Last week 'Jordan' and 'Tillie the Toiler' (Col) brought nice $9,800. SUte (Loew-F-WC) (2,204; 30-44- 55-75) — 'Belle Starr' (20th-Fox). With strong plugging promises $12,- 500. Last week 'When Ladies Meet' (M-G) and •Whistling in the Dark' (M-G) made the estimate with $13,000. United Artists (UA-F-WC) (2,100; 30-44-55)—'When Ladies Meet' (M- G) and 'Whistling in Dark' (M-G). Should check in with $3,300. Last week •Jekyll and Hyde' (M-G) and 'Down in San Diego' (M-C) did well on movcover with $5.G00. Wilshire (F-WC) (2.29G: 30-44-55) —'When Ladies Meet' (M-G) and ■Whistling in Dark' (M-G). Con- tinued first run indicates $5,500. Last week 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' (M- G) and 'Down in San Diego' (M-G), $5,600. SEATTLE (Continued from page 10) campaign ups biz to smash $11,500. Last week, 'Charley's Aunt' (20th) and 'Private Nurse' (20th) (3d wk), good $4,100. Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 21-35)— 'Uncertain Feeling' (UA) and'Sunny* (RKO) (2d run). Heading for okay $2,200. Last week (30-40-50) 'Dive Bomber' (WB) (4th ^/k), $2,600, okay. Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 16- 30)—'Knew Answers' (Col) and 'Dare Not Love' (C(?l>-(2d run). Ex- pect fair $2,000. Last week. 'Million Dollaf Baby' (WB) and 'Woman's Face' (M-G) (2d run), $2,300, good. 'Very Warm' for Judy Hollywood. Sept. 23. Judy Garland and Marta Eggerth will be top-bracketed in Metrb'i filming of the Broadway musical, 'Very Warm for May.' Ray McDon- ald from the New York stage has a featured role. Arthur Freed produces after com- pletion of 'Babes on Broadway.*