Variety (Nov 1941)

•^edAesi&j, NovemBer B, 1941 PICTURE GROSSES 'Navy Blues-Shaw $33,000 in Rainy ChiiTveFmelSaiobTown'Plus Britton $16,000, TorklOG on H.O. Chicago, Nov. 4. It's been lalnliig here for days, or so It seems. If radio ever got action, they're getting It these days. De^Ite this, downtown theatres are not do- inc badly. 'sergeant York" goes Into Its gecond week In the State-Lake, which now has a straight film colicy. Came through with over 135 000 on Its opening week and will nab a brilliant ^0,000 this session. Publicity backing Is excellent Ctilcago has the 32-piece Artie Shaw orchestra on the stage with ■Navy Blues' as the picture and is managing to attract a flock of youngsters. On profit side at $33,- On Saturday (1) Palace lirought. In in It Started With Eve* as double- - feature topper, with a slick $15,000 likely the first week. United Artists came up with 1<ydla,' with $13,000 for week. Roosevelt is continuing Its double-featu^te policy, Teminine Touch'- being teamed with "Buy Me That Town' for sturdy $13,000. Mllt Brltton's band is attracting robust $16,000 at the Oriental, where It's paired with "Mob Town' on screen. Eiitlmatcs (or This Week 1, • Apollo (B&K)' (1,200; 35-55-65-75) —"Hold Dawn' (Par). After a^s- sion at the Chicago, fair $6,000. Last week, 'Retirement' (Col) finished jprtnight sbjourn at mild $4,100. Chloaso (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— •Navy Blues' (WB) and Artie Shaw's band unit on stage. Combination is good for the younger crowd but hav- ing a little difficulty with the ma- \ trons at matinees. However, on the profit side at $33,000. Last week, Tlold Dawn' (Par), neat $34,400. Oarrlck (B&K) 900; 35-55-65-75)— •Nothing But Truth" (Par). Fourth week in loop, good $5,000 after fine $6,900 last week. OrienUl (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-44- 65)—"Mob Town' (U) and Milt Brit- ton band on stage. Combination policy- in its second week and bulldi Ing a following. Nifty $16,000 this week. Last week, 'Pittsburgh Kid' (Rep) with 'Jumbo Circus Revue' on stage, fine $17,100. Palaoe (RKO) (2,500; 33-44-66)— •Started With Eve' (U) and 'Burma Convoy' (U).' Opened well on Sat- urday (1) following bang-up ex- ploitation. Fine $15,000. Last week (3d) 'Uttle Foxes' (RKO) and 'Spit- fire Baby' (RKO), neat $9,600. Boosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 75)—Temlnlne Touch' (WB) • and 'Buy Me Town' (Par). (3ot good getaway in midweek. Sturdy $13,000, 'best in long time here. Last week (2d), 'Weekend Havana' (20th) and 'Smiling Ghost' (WB), okay $S,800. SUte-Xake (B&K) (2,700; 35-55- 65-75) — 'York' (WB) (2d wk). Straight film policy on this picture pulling new patronage here. Dand^ $30,000 on second stanza after pow- erful $35,100 last week. May stay several weeks more. Has been get- ting powerful publicity and adver- tising. ' Vnltcd ArUsts (B&K-M-G) (1,700; 85-55-65-75)—'LydU' (UA). Opened Saturday (1) with plenty of news- paper spreads. Good trade at $13,- OOO. Last week, 'Jekyll' (M-G) fin- ished three-week stay at fair $7,300 on final round. Tanhies' UniAon' Socko $14,000 in K.C.; lydia'-Texas' SorSo 7G Kansas City, Nov. 4. Weather has been affecting theatre attendance for a week or more. Per- sistent rains at end of last week and early in current week stymied patronage. However, some exhibs blame it on the oroduct. Tower leads the street with Earl Carroll's 'Vanities''imit on stage as the magnet and 'Moon Over Her Shoulder' on screen. Off to good start Friday despite rain and could cop swell week. 'Little Poxes' at \ the Orpheum is disappointing v/hlle Lydia' dualled with "Texas' at Mid- lands is mediocre. Estimates for This-Week Esqaire vdA Uptown (Fox-Mid- west) (820 and 2,043; 10-28-44)— Weekend Havana" (20th) (2d wk.— five days). Fair $4,300. First week same film hit strong $8,000 at two houses. Midland (Loew's) (4,101; 10-28-44) —"Lydia" (UA) and Texas" (Col). Pair broke in-Thursday, day ahead of usual opening. So-so at $7,000. Last week, 'Our Wife' (Col) and Ladles Retirement' (Col), only six days for mild $4,500. Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10- 28-44)—'Nothing But Truth' (Par) (2d wk). Average holdover figure of $5,000 following first week'i nice $9,000. Orphenm (RKO) (1,500; 10-28-44) —'Little Foxes' (RKO) and 'Bepent at Leisure' (RKO). Under expec- tations at $6,500. Last week, 'Sgt. York' (WB), completed a four-week run at strong $6,000 with BSo top. Tower (JoSee) (2,110; 10-30-50>— 'Moon Over Shoulder' (20llh) on screen with Earl Carroll'i 'Vanities' on stage. Sockeroo $14,000, town's leader and best here in months. Last week, 'Badlands Dakota' (U) with six-act vauda bill, average $6,000 at 10-30e. 'NEVER RICH' m BOSTON Boston, Nov. 4. Stage show headed by Jlmml* Lunceford and Bill Robinson at the RKO - Boston Is topping all houses here this week, with 'You'll Never Get Rich' at the Orpheum and State doing strong second-place biz. 'Week- end In Havana,' featuring Carmen Miranda, at the Met, is playing across the street from "Sons O' Fun,' where the Brazilian charmer is play- ing in person. Heavy rain , Saturday night cut down trade a little all over town. Estlmaie* for Tbli Week Boston (RKO) (3,200: 30-35-44-56- 65)—'Swing It Soldier' (U). With Jimmie Lunceford band and Bill Robinson oh stage, will hit- $23,000, excellent. Last week 'Never Give Sucker Even Break' (U), with Sally Rand and MUb Brothers on stage, $22,400, dandy. . Fenway (M&P) (1,3'73; 30-40-44- 55)—'Our Wife' (Col) and 'Bullets O'Hara' (WB). All right at around $6,000. Last week 'Nothing but Truth' (Par) and 'Buy Town' (Par), $6,800. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 30- 40-44-55)—'Belle SUrr" (20th) and 'Meet Again" (RKO). Unexciting $15,000. Last week 'Little Foxes' (RKO) and 'Unexpected Uncle' (RKO) (3d wk), $13,000, okay. Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 30-40- 44.55)—-Weekend Havana" (20th) and "Great Guns" (20th). On hefty side, $18,500. Last week 'Maltese Falcon' (WB) and "Law Tropics" (WB), $16,500, okay. Orpheom (Loew) (2,900: 30-40-44- 55)—'Never Get Rich' (Col) and ■Tillie Toiler* (Col): Good $18,000. Last week 'Smilin' Through' (M-G) and 'Tanks Million' (UA), five-day holdover, nice $12,000. Paramount (M&P) (1,797; 30-40- 44-55)—'Our Wife' (Col) and 'Bul- leU O'Hara' (WB). Flirting, with $8,000, satisfactory. Last week 'Nothing but Truth' (Par) and 'Buy Town" (Par), mild $10,500. SUte (Loew) (3,600; 30-40-44-55)— 'Never Get Rich" (Col) and 'Tlllle Toiler' (Col). Okay $14,000. Last week 'Smilin" Through' (M-G) and 'Tanks Million' (UA), five-day hold- over, pert $8,000. Translux (Translux) (900; 17-28 44)—'Down Mexico Way' (Rep) and •Sailors on Leave' (Rep). Pallid$2,- 800. Last week 'Spooks Run Wild_ (Mono) and 'Frightened Lady (Indie), $4 ,200, good. 'HAVANA' TRIM $8,900 IN PORT.; TO'SUCK 8G Portland, Ore., Nov. 4. W. C. Fields invaded city to give Mayfair best biz In years with 'Never Give a Sucker an Even Break.' Theatre usually gets move- over films. "Smilin" Through' at the little UA and 'Weekend in Ilavana at Paramount are doing well. BusU ness is generally on the upbeat Estimates tor Tbla Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 38-40- 50)—"Started with -Eve' (U) Mid ■Flying Cadets' (U.). Great $8,000. Last week 'Lydia' (UA) and "Niagara Falls' (UA). Mildlsh $6,500, and be- low expectations. Mayfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,- 500- 35-40-50)—'Never Give Sucker Break' (U) and 'Badlands Dakota (U). Trim $4,500, which is unusual for this spot. Last week legit Orpheum (Hamrick - Evergreen) (1,800; 35-40-50) — 'Yank R.A.F." (20th) (3d wk) and 'Riders Purple First Rons on Broadway CSubject to Change) Week of Nov. 6 Aatot^The Chocolate Soldier* (M-G) (2d week) (7). (Rovlaued in VAHIETY, Oct. 15) Broadway—'Dumbo' (Disney) (8d week). (Reviewed In VAHIETY, Oct. 1) , Capitol — 'Ladies In Retire- ment' (Col). (Reviewed In VARIETY, Sept. 10) Criterloi»—'My Life with Caro- line'. (RKO) (2d week). (Reviewed in VARIETY, July 16) Globe—'Frightened Lady" (8). Hnslc Hall—'Appointment for Love' (U). (Reviewed in VAHIETY, Oct. 29) Poramonnt—'Nothing but the Truth' (Par) (3d week). (Reviewed In VARIETY, July 30) Bialto—'Never Give a Sucker An Even Break" (U) (3d week). (Reviewed in VAHIETY, Oct. B) Blvoll—'How Green was My Valley'-(20th) (2d week). (Reviewed In VARIETY, Oct. 29) Roxy—'Week End in Havana' (20th) (7). (Reviewed in VARIETY, Sept. 17) Strand-'Sergeant York' (WB) (4th week).- (Revlewed in VARIETY,. July 23) (Week of Nov. 13) Astor—'The Chocolate Soldier* (M-G) (3d week). Broadway—'Dumbo' (Disney) (4th week).. - Capitol — 'Ladies in Retire- ment', (M-G) (2d week). Poromoant—'New York Town' (Par). Blolto—'South of Tahiti' (U) (15). (Reviewed in VAHIETY, Oct. S) Boxy—'Week End In Havana' (20th) (2d week). Strand — 'International Squadron' (WB) (14). (Reviewed In VARIETY, Aug. U) Smiim -uigat $20,000 in Pitt; DaWNM12G Pittsburgh, Nov. 4. Bad break in weather Friday (31), with steady downpour all day and night got new bills off to a poor start but sunshine following day and town packed with footbau fans bound for Pitt-Ohio State game, winning stride soon was resumed. Holdovers continue to dominate local scene. 'Weekend in Havana' got Senator off to its biggest Sunday opening In months and should stick until Nov. 17, when 'Life With Father,' legit show, comes in for two weeks. "Hold Back the Dawn,' despite notices, do- ing only fairly well. Estimates for This W^ek Fnlton (Shea) C,1700: 30-50)— 'Started with Eve' (U) (3d wk). Best biz any Durbin picture has done here. Fine $4,500 on third, canto. Last week 'Eve' claimed happy $6,000. Fenn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 30-40- 50)—'Hold Dawn' (Par). "The crlx like it but the customers aren't so keen over pix. Below expectations, but okay af $12,000. Last week 'Honky Tonk,' fine $13,750 in six days. BIti (WB) (800; 30-40-65)—'Sgt. York' (WB) (5th wk). Plenty of stuiT left in this one after fortnight at Warner and Penn. At least $3,600, nice. It'll hold again. Last week 'Navy Blues' (WB),'transferred from Stanley, oke $2,200. Senator (Harris) (1,750; 30-40-50) —'Weekend Havana" (20th). Pulled biggest Sunday crowd here in months, and should be a push-over for $9,s00, swell. May bring h.o. Last week 'Unfinished Business^ (U), disappointing $5,600. ' Stanley (WB) (3.800; 30-44-60-66) —'Smilin' Through' (MG) and Xavler Cugat band. It's about 50-50 on credits for an okay $20,000. Last week 'Maltese Falcon* (WB) and Dolly Dawn-Truth or Consequences,' $18,500. Warner (WB) (2.000; 30-40-50)— 'Honky Tonk* (WB). Gable-Turner combo Is still, b.o. dynamite here, even after big fortnight at Penn. At least $8,500, and holds. Last week 'Sgt. York' (WB) (4th wk), great $9,000. FootbaD Crowds Help Spotty B'way; W Great $45,000,'Soldier'OK $17,500,'Belle Starr'Quiet $3^,000 Sage' (20th) (1st wk). Nice $6,400. Last week (2d) 'R.AJ.' teamed with ,'Chan Rio' (20th), high $7,400. Paramount (H-E) (3,000; 35-40-50) —'Weekend Havana' (20th) and 'smiling Ghost' (WB). Strong $8,900. Last week 'Nothing But Truth' (Par) (2d wk) and 'Dady Scarf ace' (RKO) (1st wk), big $7,000. Unlled ArtlsU (Parker) (1,000; 35- 40-50)—'Smilin' Through' (M-G). Hearty $7,400. Last week, 'Honky Tonk' (M-G) closed fourth stanza for great $6,500, higher than second or third weeks. Large crowds poured Into New York for the football games Satur- day (1), notably the Aimy-Notre Dame tussle, and they helped the downtown houses a good deal over the weekend, but business none the less was somewhat spotty. Addi- tionally the election yesterday (Tues.)- brought coin that would otherwise not be nabbed. However, despite these favorable factors the Broadway first-runs are not running up a big total on the week. Several holdovers, all doing well with excep- tion of 'Honky Tonk,' are among the fiUns on display. 'How Green Was My Valley,* a new one at the Rivoli, is very strong at $45,000 on the first week ended last, night (Tues.). 'Chocolate Soldier,* brought into the Astor Friday (31), looks about $17,500 on the first week, not socko, but good. Another that was uncorked this week is 'Belle Starr.* Falling to arouse much interest. It wlU be lucky to wind up at $38,000, rather weak, and takes air after just one week, with the Roxy opening 'Week- end in Havana' Friday (7). 'You'll Never Get Rich' is a sub- stantial holdover at the Music Hail , on the current (2d) week looking for $84,000, while both 'Dumbo' and 'Nothing But Truth' are very potent on second weeks. The Disney car- toon at the Broadway got such a big weekend and Tuesday (election day) that'it will beat the opening stanza, with possibily $34,000. 'Truth' is ob- taining support from the Par stage- show, including Andrews Sisters, Johnny Long orchestra and Larry Adier, with second round winding up last night (Tues.) at $58,000, less than $5,000 behind the initial seven days: Holding it&°pace' okay, 'Sergeant York' wiU get $31,000 this week (3d) at Strand, aided by the Phil Spltahiy band, and as a result will remain a fourth frame; The State gets back In the chips this week with stout film draught in 'It SUrted With Eve.' Should get $26,000 or close, very good. Vaude bill Includes Paul Draper, Lenl Lgmn and 'Songwriters on Parade.* Esetlmales for This Week Astor (Loew's) (1,012; 35-55-8S- $I.10-$1.25)—'Chocolate Soldier' (M- G). Not causing a b. o. blitz, but good at indicated $17,500 on first week. Final 10 days for 'Jekyll- Hyde' (M-G) was $8,900, carrying It three days beyond an llth week. ^ Broadway (Disney) (1,895; 55-75- $l.'10-$I.e5-$2.20) —'Dumbo*. (RKO- Dbney) (2d wk). Continuing at sock .pace, looking for $34,000 this week (2d), which tops the first seven days at $30,000. Capitol (Loew"s) (4,620; 35-55-85- $1.I0-$I.25)—'Honky Tonk" (M-G) (5th-flnal wk). About $16,000 is all that's seen on the finale for the Gable-"rurner opus, light Last Week (4th), $20,000. 'Ladies in Retirement' (Col) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Criterion (Loew's) (1,062; 35-44-55- 75)—'My Life With C^aroUne' (RKO) (2d-final wk). On strength of close to $9,000 over first seven days through last night (Tues.), this one is. being held another week. 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), $7,000, fair up ahead. Globe (Brandt) (1,180; 28-35-55)— Target for Tonight* (WB) (3d-final wk). Nice little money-maker. Eng- lish documentary will get about $7,- 500 on its concluding round. Last week (2d) was $9,500. Palace (RKO) (1,700; 28-35-44-55 65-75)—'Moon Over Her Shoulder' (20thX (1st run) and 'Navy Blues' (WB) (2d run), dualed. This combo opened yesterday (Tues.) to catch election crowds. 'Unfinished Busi- ness' (U) (2d run) and 'Nine Lives Are Not Enough' (WB) (1st run) pulled after six days, only $7,000. Behind these, also for six days, 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th) (2d run) and 'Weekend for Three' (RKO) (1st run), $7,200. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 35-55-85- 99)—'Nothing But Truth* (Par) and, on stage, Andrews Sisters, Johnny Long, Larry ^Adler (3d-flnal wk). Tees off on concluding semester to- day (Wed.) after second week's take of $58,000, very big. Initial seven days was $62,500. Badio City Mnslo Hall (Rocke fellers) (5,945; 44-55-85-99-$1.65)— ■You'll Never Get Rich' (Col) and stageshow (2d-flnal wk). Dropped under anticipations on first week to finish at $91,000, but snapped back strongly and on holdover will get around $84,000 for nice profit on the 14 days. 'Appointment for Love' (U) opens tomorrow morning (Thurs.). BUito (Mayer) (594; 28-44-55)— 'Never Give Sucker Even Break' (U) (2d wk). WUl probably "get $6,000 fair enough, after grossing $8,500 the first week. Rivoli (UA) (2,092; 35-55-75-85-99) —'How Green Was Mv Vallev' (2flth1 (2d wk). Begins second sesh today (Wed.), first seven days being very good at $45,000, highest for house in a good long while. Theatre was closed several days in preparation for the charity "Valley" preem Tues- day night (28). Boxy (20th) (5,886; 35-55-65-75-85) —'Belle Starr* (20th) and stageshow. Unlikely to hit over $38,000, dis- appointing, and gets only the one week. The fifth stanza for 'Yank in R.A.F.* (20th), a honey at the b.o., $33,000. 'Weekend in Havana* (20th) opens Friday (7). State (Loew's) (3,450; 28-44-55-75- 90-$1.10)—'It SUrted With Eve' (U) (2d run) and vaude including Paul Draper, Leni Lynn, 'Songwriters on Parade.' Stage policy, which always draws- the out-of-towners. coupled with b.o. stoutness of picture, will mean very sound $26,000 or close. Last week, 'Aloma* (Par) (2d run) and Danton Walker, Cynda Glenn, Tito'Guizar, others, a little short of $17,000, sparse. Strand (WB) (2,756; 35-55-75-85- 99)^'York* (WB) and Phil Spitelny (3d wk). Holding up >well, looking for apprdklmately $31,000 after second week*s nab of $37,000. Goes another stanza. 'BUSINESS'$7,0M IN MILD MPLS. Minneapolis,-Nov. 4.- With town's initial stage show in many weeks, Jimmy Dorsey's band is giving the. Orpheum • -big edge over opposition currently. The very well-liked 'Unfinished Business,' at the State, .Is the only strong con- tender. Weekend business was boosted by throngs attracted bv the North- western-Minnesota football gam* which drew a record 65,000. - Estimate* for TIili Week AmUt (Par-Singer) (900; 17-38)— UlaU Harl' (M-O) (re-issue) and 'Navv Blue, Ck>Id* (M-G). Good $1,- 500 for five days. Last week, 'Cita- del Crime" (Rep) and 'Down San Diego' (M-G), oke $1,300 in five days. Centnry (P-S) (1,600; 28-39-44)— •Nothing But Truth" (Par) (2d wk,). Landed here after- week at State and combined with entire reel of Minne- sota-Michigan football pictures, fins $4,500. Last week, 'Honky Tonk' (M-G) (3d wk.), good $3,500 after nearly $21,000 in initial fortnight. Esqnlre (Berger) (290: 28>— 'Slaves Bondage' (Indie). Good $1,- 000. Last week 'Sinful Souls' (Indie) and 'How Take Bath' (Indie), strong $1,200. Gopher (P-S) (998; 28) — 'Buy Town' (Par). No cast names that mean much, mild $2,200. Last week, 'Kildare's Wedding Day" (M-G), $2,- 300 fair Orphenm (P-S) (2,800; 39-44-55)— 'New York Town" (Par) and Jimmy Dorsey orch on stage. This combina- tion is fine, soaring to new record at $19,000. Last week, 'Belong to. Me' (Col), light $4,500. State (P-S) (2,300; 28-39-44)—'Un- finished Business' (U). Hitting good $7,000 pace. Last week. Nothing But Truth' (Par), $11,000, big. Uptown (Par) (28-39) — 'Ladies Meet' (M-G). First neighborhood showing, nice $3,000. Last week. Blossoms Dust' (M-G), bie $3,500. World (Par-StefCes) (350; 28-39- 44.55)—-Belong to Me' (Col) (2d wk.). Moved here from Orpheum. Mild $1,200. Last week, 'Adventure Washington' (Col) and 'Schubert Serenade' (For), light $1,000. Tank,' $16,500;¥eads For New J. C Record Jersey City, Nov, 4. ■Yank In the R.A.F.' is expected to break the gross record at Skouras' State. Picture will probably earn the 2,150-seat house tremendous $16,500. 'Honky Tonk' and; 'Sceant York,' holdovers at Ixiew's and Stanley, re- spectively, continue to attract big biz. Estimates for This Week . Loew*! (Loew's) (3,205; 28-33-50) —'Honky Tonk' (M-G) and 'Walt for You* (M-G) (2d wk). Fine $12,500. Last week, terrific $20,000. Stonley (WB) "t.'iOO: 30-35-55)— 'Sergeant York' (WB) (2d wk). Thl» is first h.o. at Stanley in about two- years. Last one was 'Fighting 69th.* Neat $20,000. Last week, gigantic $30,000. SUte (Skouras) (2.150: 30-35-55)— 'Yank in R.A.F.' (20th). Mighty $16,- 500 expected. Last week 'Little Foxes' (RKO) aiid 'Moon Miami (V' (?H v':). rr"-" ""1