Variety (Oct 1941)

W«'<lnc9('ay, Oclober 8, 1941 PICTURE GROSSES 11 Rain, Run-of-Studio Pix Dent Chi; lady Be Good'-Vaude Mild $32^ fcan; lia llustling; 4G, N.G. Chicago, Oct. 7. ■ Sloppy and rainy weather during the opening days of the week are stunting the grosses In the loop cur- rently, and the theatres will come out of the session in coin consider- ably under last week's takes. There is relatively no action In the downtown houses at present, with the pictures being run-of-the- studio .sluflF. Chicago is leading the loop, but primarily on its seating capacity. And the money will be under last we€k by several grand. State-Lake, across the street, is depending on its 'Sweater Girl' unit for its coin, and business there is alright- The Hlm is meaningless, as it usually is in this house. State- Lake will go straight pictures Oct. 24 or Oct. 31 with 'Sergeant York.' Palace had one of its rare Friday openings with 'This Woman is Mine' and 'Mob Town.' .House threw plenty of solid advertising copy behind these films, but nothing, exciting is coming out of It. . Only other opening in town was •Whistling in the Dark,' which is pretty stagnant in the Garrick. Estimates for This Week Apollo (B&K) (1.200; 35-55-65-75) —'Sun Valley' (20th). Moved here after good week in the Chicago and will manage fine $6,000. Last week, 'Aloma' (Par), in second Chi week, was soggy at $4,100. Chicago (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— 'Lady Be Good' (M-G) and vaude. Not much for this combo, which will have to be .satisfied with mildish $32,000. Last week, 'Sun Valley' (20th) and vaude, stronger than fig- ured and came in with nifty $37,500. Garrick (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) 'Whistling Dark' (M-G). Pretty quiet here for this, one and will skimp in with $4,000. -Last Week, 'Dive Bomber' (WB), finished four fine loop se.ssions to $4,700. OrlenUI (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-44)— 'Hold Ghost '(U) and 'Out of Fog' (WB). Repeaters have been pretty well played out around town, but strength of house's location and pres- tige will manage $7,000 for the pair. Last week, 'Kiss Boys' (Par) and 'Blossoms Dust' (M-G), about the same at $6,800. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 33-44-66)— ■This Woman' (U) and 'Mob Towij' (U). In on Friday (3), but not likely to last long despite good press handling. Maybe $11,000, mild, for initial week. Last week, 'Father Takes Wife' (RKO) and 'Parachute' (RKO) finished fortnight to good $10,400. Koosevell (B&K) (1,500: 35-55-65- 75)—'Slarr' (20th) and 'Nine Lives' (WB) (2nd week). Combination pulled a surprise and came in with $11,700 for its first week and looking for $7,000, okav, currently. State-Lake (B&K) (2.700; 28-44)— •Spooks' (Mono) and 'Sweater Girl' unit on stage. Strictly on the Holly- wood names in the unit this house will come up with good $18,000 cur- rently. Last week, Lionel Hampton orch on stage, was a walloper at the b.o., snaggiha brilliant $21,400 with 'Big Store" (M-G). United Artists (B&K-M-G) (1,700; 35-55-05-75) — '.lordan' (Col) (2nd week). Will, .garner neat $9,500, after having come in last week with healthy $13,500 on initial stanza. OMAHA LOOKS DUU; 'FOXES'H.O. N.G. 3G (20th). Fair $1,000. La.st week, '6- Gun Gold' (RKO). 'Misbehaving Husbands' (Cap) and 'Tom, Dick' (RKO). triple split with 'Prairie Stranger' (Col), 'Men Talk Too Much' (WB) and 'Rawhide Rangers' (U). and 'Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Safari' (Par), good $1,200. Avenue-Mllltary-Dundee (Gold- berg) (960; 600; 300 : 25)—'Shepherd Hills' (Par) and 'Bride C. O. D.' (WB), split with 'Moon Burma' (Par), 'Fighting 69th' (WB) and 'Too Many Blondes' (U). Nice $1,100. Last week, 'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 'Ellery Queen' (Col), split with 'Life Caroline' (RKO), 'Little Men' (RKO) and 'Getaway' (M-G), fair $900, Omaha, Oct. 7. ■ 'Wild Geese Calling.' with Omaha's Henry Fonda, always a draw here, plus Horace Heidt's band, will give the Orpheum a big lead this week. 'Hold Back the Dawn' and 'Dance Hall,' at Omaha, doing average busi- ness. Estimates for This Week Orpheum (TrisUtes) (3,000: 20-40 55)—'Wild Geese' (20th) and Horace Heldt band. Big $19,500. Last week (10-30-40), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G) and 'Great Mr. Nobody' (WB). fair $9,500. Brandels (Mort Singer) (1,500; 10 25-35-40)—'Little Foxes' (RKO) (2d ^vk.). Disappointing $3,000. Last week, big S6.500. State (Goldberg) (900; 25-35)— Shepherd Hills' (Par) and 'Bride C. O. -D.' (WB) split with 'Moon Burma' (Par). Too Many Blondes' (U) and 'Fichting 69th' (WB). Good SI,200. aided by cosmetics and ama- teur night. Last week, 'Met Bom- hay' (M-G) and 'Queen Penthouse Mystery' fCol). split with Xife Car- oUne' (RKO). 'Little Men' (RKO) and 'Getaway' (M-G). fair $1,000. Town (Goldberg)^ (1.500; 10-20-25) —'Outlaws Cherokee' (Rep),'Thieves Fall Out' (WB) and 'Knockout' (WB). triple, split with 'Billy Kid' (Cap), 'Invisible Stripes' (WB) and Power Dive' (Par), and 'Lady Louisiana' (Rep) and 'Bride Crutches' 'RAF; $23,1 BUTZES HUB Boston, Oct. 7. 'Yank in the R.A.F.' is yanking in top coin here in its fltst week at the Met; and 'Honky Tonk' holds over at both Loew houses after breaking a record at the Orpheum last week. 'Honky' turned in the best tally at 55c top In the recent history of the house. "This Woman Is Mine,' on dual bill at Paramount and Fenway, is doing well: the RKO Boston stage show, starring the Andrews Sisters, is big. Estimates for This Week - Boston (RKO) (3,200; 28-33-44-55- 65)—'Bad Lands' (U) and stage show headed by Andrews Sisters and Joe Venuti band Aiming at zippy $24,000. Last week, 'Mexican Spitfire' (RKO) and stage show with John Boles, 'Three Stooges and Mitzi Mayfair, $18,500, very good. Fenway (M&P) (1,373: 28-39-44- 55)—'This Woman Mine' (U) and 'Free and Easy' (M-G). Breezing towards $7,000, very good. Last week, 'Hold Back Dawn (Par) and 'Aldrich President' (Par) (both con- tinued from two weeks at Met), dual, $6,500. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 28-39-44-55) — 'Sun Valley' (20th) and 'Gay Falcon' (RKO) (3d wk.), with March of Time added- Draw- ing okay $13,500, with possibility of playing only six final days. Last week, $17,000, okay. Metropolitan (M&P) (4.367; 28-39- 44-55)—'Yank R.A.F.' (20th) and 'Chan in Rio' (20th). Whamming home with $23,000, terrific. Looks set for holdover. Last week. 'Navy Blues' (WB) and 'Highway West' (WB). dual, $17,500. Orpheum (Loew) (2.900: .28-39- 44-55)-'Honky Tonk' (M-G) and 'Harmon Michigan' (Col) (2d wk.)- Continuing standee biz over week- end and pointing to $18,000. big. First week, $26,500. best gross for this house at 55c top scale, and best tally since 'Gone' (M-G) at tilted Fnramount (M&P) (1,797; 28-39- 44-55)—'This Woman Mine' lU) and 'Free and Easy' iM-G). Aiming at $9,000. big- Last week. 'Hold Back Dawn' (Par) and 'Aldrich for Presi- dent' (Par) (both continued from two weeks at Met). $8,000, very good. State (Loew) (3.600: 28-39-44-55)— 'Honkv Tonk' (M-G) and 'Harmon Michigan' (Col) (2d wk.). Holdover will garner around $12,500. excel- lent. First frame added up to socko $20,000, bPst week in long time. Translux (Translux) (900; 15-25- 44)—-Pittsburgh Kid' (Rep) and 'Al- giers' (UA) (revival). Cashing in on current interest in prize fight.-;, around $4,500. Last week. 'Mystery Ship' (Col) and 'Only Live Once (Par) (revival). $4,000. 'BUSINESS' GETS BIZ, $15,500, JERSEY CFTY Jersey City, Oct. 7. 'Unfinished Business' and 'Lady Be Good' are earning neat grosses for the Stanley and Loew's, respectively. The Stanley's profit lead is partly due to higher prices. The Slate is keeping 'Sun Valley Serenade' a second week, smash hit of first week continuing to draw. Estimates for This Week Loew's (Loew's) (3,205; 28-33-50)— 'Lady Be Good' (M-G) and 'Perfect Crime' (Col). Nice $14.000.. Las^t week, 'Ladies Meet' (M-G) and 'Wild Man Borneo' (M-G), good $14,000. SUnley (WB) (4,500; 30-35-55)— 'Unfinished Business' (U) and 'Nine Lives' (WB). Fine $15,500. Last week, 'Navy Blues' (WB) and 'Lady Scarface' (RKO). o.k. $14,500. SUte (Skourps) (2,150; 30-35-55)— 'Sun Valley' (20th) and 'Charlie Chan Rio' (20th). Anticipate $7,600, good for a second week at the State. Last week, powerful $13,500. First Runs on Broadway (Subject fo Change) Week of Oct. 9 Asior—'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' (M-G) (9lh week). (Reviewed In VAUiBry, Jutv 23) B r o a d w a y—'Fantasia' (Dis- ney) (48th week). Capitol—'Honky Tonk' (M-G) (2d week). (Reviewed in Vahieiv, Sept. 17) Criterion-'Tanks a Million' (UA), (Reviewed in -VarictV, Aug. S) Globe—'Law of . the Tropics' (WB). (Reviewed in Variety, Sept. 3) Music Hall-'It Started With Eve' (U) (2d week). (Reviewed In VAniETV, Oct. 1) Paramount—'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par) (2d week). (Reviewed in Varictv, July 23) Rlvoll—'This WoTnan Is Mine' . (U) (11). (Reviewed in Variety, Aug. 27) Roxy—'A Yank in the R.A.F.' (20th) (2d week). (Reviewed In Varirv, Sept. 10) . Strand—'The Maltese Falcon' (WB) (2d week). (Reviewed in Variety, Oct. 1) Week ot Oct. 16) Astor—'Dr. Jeky\l and . Mr. Hyde' (M-G (10th week). B r 0 a d w a y—'Fantasia' (Dis- ney) (49th week). C a p 11 o 1—'Smiling Through' (M-G). (Reviewed in Vasiety, Sept. 17) Muale Hall—'AH That Money Can Buy' (RKO). Paramount—'Hold Back th» Dawn' (Par) (3cl week). Rlvoll—'This Woman Is Mine' (U) (2d week). Roxy—'A Yank In the R.A.F.' (20th> (3d week). Strand-'Sergeant York* (WB) (17). (Reviewed In VASimr, July 23) GABLE-TURNER simmLE Louisville, Oct. 7. First-runs are doing okay in spite of the fact the Kentuckiana In- stitute, annual fun and culture festi- val promoted by the Courier-Jour- nal, got underway Monday (6). Tuesdays' (7) big event was appear- ance of Edgar Bergen and his Char- lie and Mortimer dummies at Jeffer- son County Armory for two shows at $1.49 top. Tomorrow evening (8) will be a dance carnival with Sammy Kaye and Monchito bands. ■The week will be crowded with plenty of free events, lectures and musical concerts, and attracts people from,an area of many miles both in Ke'ntucky and Indiana. Estimates for This Week Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) (1,400: 15-30-40)—'Get Rich' (Col) and 'Harmon of Michigan" (Col). Continuing pleasing pace after move- over from Loew's- State. Indicate okay $2,200. Last week, 'Citizen Kane' (RKO) and March of Time, medium $1,800. Kentucky (Switow) (1,200; 1.5-25) —'Shepherd Hills' (U) and 'Tight Shoes' (U). Holding to good $1,500. Last week. 'Moon Miami' (20lh) and 'Man Hunt' (20lh), very good $1,700. Loew's State (Loew's) (3.300; 15- 30-40)—'Honky Tonk' (M-G) and 'Officer and. Lady* (Col). Clark Gable-Lana Turner following storm- ing the doors for this one and getting terrific femme .trade. Plenty of males, too. Steaming along for socko $18,000. Last week, 'Never Get Rich' (Col) and H.nrmon Michigan' (Col), excellent $8,500. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,100; 15-30-40)—Dive Bomber' (WB) (2nd week). Promise an okay holdover at S3.400. Last same, tremendous $7,000. N.-itlonaI (Indie) (2,400; 35-50) — 'Cock-eyed Sailors' (UA) and stage .thow produced by Bert Smith. Town's only live talent hou.se is going at a pretty even pace, but biz could be better. Indications are for fairish $4,500. Last week, 'Pastor Hall' (UA) and stage show, very good $6,000. Rlalto (Fourth Avenue) (3,40d; 15- 30-40)—'Hold Back Dawn' (Par) and March of Time. Boyer-DeHaviland- Godard names spell nice b.o. Pull- ing plenty of femme patrons and will wind up with profitable $9,000. Last 'week, 'Belle Starr' (20th) and 'Chan in Rio' (20th), medium $7,000. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1.400; 15-30-40) — Tather Takes Wife' (RKO) and 'Lady Scarface' (RKO). Looks like tepid $2,400. La.st week, 'Badlands Dakota' (U) and 'Sing An- other Chorus' (U), second stanza, light $2,600. Tourists' Vaude Yen Felt in N.Y.; Tve;mO«0/R.Af;2d,55G,lady; 25G, Talcon/ 38G, Big With Shows Broadway theatres were not hurt as much as expected by last week's Jewish holiday, the World Series and the unseasonably hot weather which lingered through Monday (6). Al- though matinees were off sharply starting last Wednesday (1), night business has been good. Managers report that Saturday night (4) was one of the biggest ever scored for this time of the year. While the ball games particularly interfered with day busines.s, the out-ot-town- ers drawn by the Yankees-Dodgers struggle became film patrons at night. Legit theatres also benefited. 'Hold Back the Dawn,' with Xavier Cugat on the stage, at the Para- mount, and 'It Started with Eve,' Music Hall's new one, are leading the new shows, while 'Yank in the R.A.F." is a very redoubtable hold- over. 'Hold Back' and Cugat finished the first week last night (Tues.) at the Par with a terrific $62,000, and re- main two more stanzas. A holdover ts won for 'Eve' on the strength of a' pace Suggesting $88,000 for the first seven days ending tonight (Wed.). Likewi.se. 'Yank' continues at the Roxy with its second week in high gear, looking for possible $55,- 000. Picture went to sock $69,000 on first seven days. " 'Maltese Falcon.' which has Jan Savitt's orch with it, enjoyed a pow- erful weekend at the Strand and should score around $38,000, good. Not getting what was expected of it, 'HOnky Tonk' will have to extend itself to get $32,000, good profit, but hardly a contender with the rest. Capitol is a straight filmer and that always hurts when out-of-town busi- ness is being picked up. They want to ^ go where they can see stage shows. Thus, the 'Tonk' figure is no reliable guide as to- its general b.o. worth. An indication of what stage shows mean is suggested by what 'Lady Be Good' and a vaude bill is doing at the State. Picture disappointed at the Capitol, but here on second run. with Lou Hottz, The Hartmans and others in person, it will hit $25,000 or over, very good. Estimates for This Week •Astor (Loew's) (1,012; 35-55-85- $1.10-$1.25) — 'Jekyll-Hyde' (M-G) (9lh wk). Down to $8,500 last week (8th) and will no doubt pull stakes before month is over. No departure date set as of yesterday (Tues.). Broadway (Disney) (1,895; 55-75- $1.10-$1.65-$2.20) — 'Fantasia' (Dis- ney) (48th wk). Last week (47th) bucked the line to hit $11,500, still good profit here. Picture winds up run here Oct. 18. 'Dumbo,' latest Disney feature, goes into house on grind engagement, Oct. 24, preceded by society-charity opening the night before. Capilol (Loew's) (4,820; 35-55-85- $1.10-$1.25) — 'Honky Tonk' (M-G) Gable-Turner item failing to reach high brackets, but at $32,000, the limit indicated for it on the first week, satisfactory profit for house. Last week, second for 'Lady Be Good' (M-G"), under $15,000, poor. Criterion (Loew's) (1,662; 35-44- 55-75)—'Tanks a Million' (UA). Streamlined feature running only 50 minutes, opens here today (Wed.) with shorts filling out. 'Harmon of Michigan' (Col) got only $5,000, bad, while ahead of lhat 'Ice-Capade.s' (Rep) didn't do much better, $5,500. Globe (Brandt) (1,180; 28-35-55)— 'Great Guns' i20th). Doing well, probably $7,000. Last week, 'Smil- ing Ghost' (WB), $6,500, o.k. Hollywood (WB) (1,225; 75-$1.10) —'Sergeant York' (WB) (9th-final wk). Closed Sunday night (5), with ninth week here, after six previously at the Astor, adding $12,000 to the take on the highly profitable run. Goes into the Strand at pop scales Friday (17). PaUce (RKO) (1.700; 28-38-44-55- 65-75)—'Dive Bomber' (WB) and 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th) (both 2d run), dualcd. Carried eight days through tonight (Wed.) for gross of $9,500. good. La-st week, 'Hold That Ghost' (0) (2d run) and 'Unexpected Uncle' (RKO) (1st run), $8,400. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 35-55-85- 99)—'Hold Back Dawn' (Par) and Xavier Cugat (2d wk). Begins sec- ond round today (Wed.) after com- ing through with smash $62,000 on initial seven days. Last week, sec- ond for 'Our Wife' (Col) and, on stage. Ken Murray, Judy Canova and Mitchell Ayros' orch, $28,000, fairish. Radio City Music Hall (Rockefel- lers) (5,945; 44-55-85-99-$1.65)—'It Started With Eve' (U) and stage show. Strong $88,000 sighted and will hold over. The second week of 'Lydia' (UA), which held up very well, was $81,000. Rlalto (Mayer) (594; 28-44-55)— 'Burma Convoy' (U). Brought in Monday (6) . and got away fairly well. Last week, 'Bowery Blitzkrieg' (Mono), $5,200, mild. 'Pittsburgh Kid' (Rep) went eight days up ahead, getting $7,500, altright. BlvoH (UA) (2,092; 35-55-75-85)— 'Unfinished Business' (U) (6th-final wk). 'Ended fifth stanza Sunday night (5) at $.12,000 and goes five ad- ditional days, with 'This Woman- Ij Mine' (U) slated for Saturday (11). The fourth week for 'U.B.' was $16,- 000, fair. Roxy (20th) (5,886: 35-55-65-75-85) —'Yank in R.A.F.' (20th) and staga show (2d wk). Beautiful at the b.o. looking for $55,000, or close, this week. On the first seven days, aided immensely by Hal Home's swell ex- ploitation campaign, the gross was $89,000, best tal<e for house since 'Ragtime Band' in August, 1938, which nabbed $86,000. SUle (Loew's (3.450: 28-44-55-75- 90-$1.10)—'Lady Be Good' (M-G) (2d run) and Lou Holtz, Hartmans, others. Vaude show serving as strong support for picture, with strong $25,000 or over appearing the answer. Last week 'Andy Hardy' (M-G) (2d run) and Joe E. Lewis, $21,000, good. Strand (WB) (2.756: 35-55-75-85- 99)—'Maltese Falcon' (WB) and Jan Savitt. Remake 4gixi&-^ nice busi- ness with aid of Savitt's orchestra; may hit $38,000 and holds over. Last week, on holdover week (2d) of 'Navy Blues' (WB) and Eddy Duchin $29,000, not bad. TANK' SOCKO $13,000. BUFF. Buffalo, Oct. 7. Ace cinemas are putting plenty of punch into the main line coin nu- merals this stanza. 'Hold Back Dawn* and 'Yank in R.A.F.' are get- ting slick winnings at the Buffalo and Lakes, respectively, with hold- over sessions for 'Lady Be Good,' 'Unfinished Business' stacking up profitably. 'Little Foxes' is very mild on its third stanza. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55) — 'Hold Back Dawn' (Par) and 'World Premiere' (Par). Looks like viril* coin-getter for around $15,000. Last week, 'Navy Blues' (WB) and 'Man Hunt' (20th) chalked up very satis- factory $10,500. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-55) —'Yank In R. A. F." (20th) and 'Smil- ing Ghost' (WB). Sizzling pace indi- cates more than $13,000. Last week, 'Lady Be Good' (M-G) and 'We Go Fast' (20th), sweet $10,800. Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 30-45)—'Lady Be Good' (M-G) and 'We (5o Fast* (201h) (2d run). Pleasing gait should insure $7,000. Last week, 'Dive Bomber' (WB) and 'Chan In Rio* (20th), oke $6,000. LafayeUe (Hayman) (3,300: 30-44) -^-'Unfinished Business' (U) and 'Moonlight Hawaii' (U) (2d wk). Should score better than mighty gratifying $7,500. Last week, paid oft with extra bullish $10,500. 20th Century (Dipson) (3,000; 39- 55)—'Little Foxes' (RKO) (3d wk). Poor $4,500, after fair $6,000 on second stanza. Lincoln Plenty Dull; 'Caroline' N.G. $2,600 Lincoln, Neb., Oct. 7. 'Hold Back the Dawn,' bolstered by kindly reviews and word-of-mouth boosting. Is pacing the town. Ne- braska disappointed In first week of split policy. Estimates for This Week - Colonial (Monroe-Noblc-Federer) (750; 10-15-20) — 'Petticoat' Politics' (Rep) and 'Billy Kid Outlawed' (PRC), split with 'Prairie Stranger* (Col) and 'Little Men' (RKO). So-so $800. Last week. 'Ellery Queen, De- tective' (Col) and 'Pioneers West* (Rep), split with 'Little Abner* (RKO) and 'Arizona Gangbusteri* (PRC), ditto. Lincoln (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1.503; 10-30-44)—'Hold Back Dawn" (Par). Fat, bjack $3,800. Last week, 'Navy Blues' (WB), okay $3,200. Nebraska (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,236; 10-25-30)—'Hit Road' (U) and 'Murder Among Friends' (20th), spilt with 'San Antonio Rose' (U) and 'Stars Look Down' (M-G). Disap- pointing $1,500. Last week, 'Horror Island' (U) and 'Man-Made Monster* (U), n.g. $1,400. Stuart (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,884; 10-30-44)—'New York Town' (Par). Midweek opening no help. Slow $2,600: Last week, 'Wild Geese* (20th), about the same. Varsity (Noble-Federer) (1,100; 10- 30-44) — 'Life Caroline' (RKO). Slightly under-par $2,600. Last week; 'Mr. Jordan' (Col), average $2,800.