Variety (Jan 1942)

Vednefiday, Jannary 14, 1942 PICTUBE GB088E8 toots On'-GriffWlaffls Bright $42,000 in Chi; M Fire'Hot 16G On U Week, 'Bahes Rroadway Ditto I. Chicago, Jan. 13. This week shoxild reveal a con- siderable boost ot business over last week, due primarily to warmer weather. Thermometer plummeted some 10 degrees below zero last week and stayed therefor several days, and the loop hou«s really took it on the noggm. Number of holdovers still In the downtown area, but a couple of newcomers indicate considerable strength, best being the Chicago, where 'Died With Boots On," coupled with Grifl Williams' band, will do a strong $42,000. Opened in bruUl weatfier but managed to overcome the chills. Of the holdover items, the best is ifBall .of Fire' at Palace, where it is racking up a dynamic $16,000. 'Birth of Blues' at the State-Lake for its third week is getting a neat $12,000. 'Babes on Broadway' is managing a fine $16,000 on its second stanza at the United Artists. Estimates for This Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65-75) —'Kathleen' (M-G). Got away all right, good $7,500. Last week, 'Babes Broadway' (M-G), scored im- pressively at $14,600. Cbloaso (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— •Died Boots On' (WB) and Grift Williams orch; unit on stage. Strong coipbination that should take at least $42,000 for an Impressive initial stapza. Last week, 'Shadow Thin Man' (M-G) plus Xavler Cugat orch (2d wk.), held nicely to $34,700 despite sub-zero. Garrlok (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) —Thin Man' (M-G). M6ved here for third loop session, good $5,000. Last week, 'Keeo 'Em Flying' (U) on fourth loop sesh, okay $5,100. Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-44- 55)—'Go West' (Col) and 'Meet the Ijs^ole' imit on stage: This revue haa big click run in Chicago last season and in condensed form it's a draw, at least $17,000, okay. Last week, 'iady Scarface' (RKO) and Art Jarrett orch on stage, Jarrett orchestra's getting credit for good $16,200 after plenty of raps on the flicker. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 33-44-66-75) —'BaU Fire" (RKO) and 'Gay Falcon' (RKO) (2d wk.). Dynamic $16,000, attet havlne powdered the register last week with a mammoth $27,700. Boosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 75)—'Sundown' (20th) and 'Night Jan. 16' (Par). MUdlsH $10,000. Last week, 'Pacific Blackout' (Par) and Tarzan Treasure' (M-G), mild $11,300. SUte-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 35-55-65- • 75 ).^'Blrth-Blues'- (Par) -<3d^-wrtk)r Will stick close to neat $12,000 cur- rently after having snagged okay $16,100 last week. 'How Green Was My Valley' (20th) next. • United Artists (B&K) (M-G) (1,700; 35-55-65-75) — 'Babes Broadway* (M-G) (2d wk.). Will manage fine $16,000 currently after having scored well with $24,400 last week. NEWARK BACK TO NORM; mPW BIG $14,500 Newark, Jan. 13. Business in Newark has moved back to normal, following a packed- house week. The Man Who Came to Dinner,' 'Suspicion' and 'Louisi- ana Purchase,' all hold-overs, are -still good. Estimates for This Week Adams (Indie) (2.000; 25-35-50-60) — Devil Pays Off' (Rep) and Claude Thomhill's band, Cass Daley on stage. Fair $13,000. Last week, Twarry Boss' Daughter' (20th) plus Orln Tucker's band, great $19,000. . Branford (WB) (2,800; 28-38-44- 55)--*Man to Dinner' (WB) and Sealed Lips' (U) (2d wk). Good $21000 week, same setup, huge Capitol (WB) (1,200; 20-28-39-44) — Shadow Thin Man' (M-G) and Three Girls' (Col). Fair $2,400. Last week, 'Died With Boots On' (WB) jnd 'Moonlight Hawaii' (U),- good .c,?''**'!!. <In<31e> (300; 33-39-55)— J.Bali' (Indie) and 'She-Devil Island' (Indie) (8th wk). Nice $900. Last week, $1,400. ,„'»«""°''* (Adams-Par) (2,000; JO-35-44-55) — 'Louisiana Purchase' (Par) and 'District Attorney Carter Case (Rep) (2d wk). Fine $13,000. Last week walloping $20,000. Prootpr'a (RKO) (2,400; 28-44-55) — Susplcloft';i(RKO) and 'Cadet Girl (20th) (2d wk), and vaude on Monday and Thursday evenings. Huge $14,500. Last week, solid $25,- 000, house record here. Slate (Loew's) (2,600; 28-33-44-55) —^Iham' (M-G) and 'Secrets Lone wolf (Col). Mild $12,000. Last y!i??5,x^^ ^ays) 'Tarzan's Treasure' (M-G) and 'Latins Manhalten' (Col), 'Dinner' Trim $14,000, •VaUey*12G,J.C.2dWks. Jersey City, Jan, 18. Big let-down in attendance here but nice grosses are in offing for 'How Green Was My Valley' and 'Man Who Came to Dinner,' held for second weeks. Estimates for This Week Loew's (Loew's) (3,205; 30-?S-55) —'H. M. Pulham' (M-G) and 'Secrets Lone Wolf' (Col). Moderate $13,000. Last week, 'Taiwan's Treasure' (M-G) and 'Latins Manhattan' (Col) (eight days), good $15,500. Stanley (WB) (4,500; 30-35-55)— 'Man to Dinner' (WB) and 'Steel Against Sky' (WB) (2d wk). Strong $14,000. Last week, dandy $21,000. State (Skouras) (2,200; 30-35-55)— 'Green Valley' (20th) and 'Melody Lane' (U) (2d wk). Fine $12,000. Last week (eight days), sensational $18,000, and a house record. laughing'-McCoy $20,000 Pitt Acer; 'Corsican' $16,000 4, Pittsburgh, Jan. 13. Biz tapering off again in the face, of a new cold wave, following a brief let-up, but neither sleet, snow nor storm can stop 'How Green Was My Valley' at Fulton. It's running up a record second-session gross after hit- ting a new ell-time high in both coin and attendance at the Fulton. last week. Strong stage line-up of Clyde McCoy, Lucille Ball-Desl Anaz'and Hal LeRoy helping 'Look Who's Laughing' at Stanley to a stanza in the black, vrith picture credited for some of draw. 'Corslcan Brothers' is doii\g pretty well at Penn despit« being kidded by the crix. Elsewhere, n.s.h. Estimates for Thls.Week^ ~ Fulton' ''(^hea) '"(i,70(j;" "30-56h^ ■Green VaUey' (20th) <2d wk). Big- gest thing this house has ever had. Still packing 'em in on second sesh, and the talk of town. Sturdy $10,000 on h.o., which Is sensational and top holdover figure of all time. Fulton really went to town on this one, gave it a great campaign via press and radio. AJso cashed in heavily on raves two months ago by Ioe£l crix who' caught the N. Y. preem. Under way properly with big Welsh- sponsored, reserved-seat opening •night before New Year's Eve. Open- ing' week, 'Green' took terrif $15,- 800, new record for house, toppling previous mark by about $3,000, Penn (Loew-UA) (3,300; 30-40-50) —'(>>rsican Brothers' (UA). Got kid- ding reviews for the most part but soaring to a hefty '$16,DDD. Last week, 'Babes Broadway' (M-G) tapered off but socky at $23,000 for 9 days, extra two being tacked on to allow the house to get back to Friday opening. Bite (WB) (800; 30-40-50)—'Sun- down' (UA). Moved here after week at Stanley. Should get bit better than $2,000 here, all right Last week (9 days) 'H. M. Pulham' (M-G) on moveover from Penn, pretty weak $2,300 for a holiday session. Senator (Harris) (1,750; 30-40-50) —'Belong to Me' (Col). This on* was brought In hastily when 'Ae- member the Day* (20tb) fa&ed to hold up for exi>ected fortnight. Weak $4,000. Last week, 'Remember the Day' (20th), a disappointment for holidays at $5,500, especially after the crix raves. Stanley (WB) (3,800; 30-44-60-86) —'Look Laughing* (RKO) and Clyde McCoy orch with Lucille BaU, Deal Arnaz and Hal LeRoy. House bill- ing Ball 'on stage and screen,* and that's always good b.o. Radio names in picture helped, and stage array Is potent. $20,000 or better, not bad. Last week, 'Sundown* (UA) and Harry James got away sensationally but weather held it to $21,000, but still aU right. ^ Warner (WB) (2,000; 30-40-50)— 'Babes Broadway' (M-O). Apparently 9-day stand at Penn squeezed Rooney-Garland musical pretty dry. Maybe $3,500, weak. I,ast wedc, 'Klldare's Victory' (M-G) and Tanks Million' (UA) in the dumps, $3,250 in 9 days. First Runs on Broadway (Subject to Change) Week ot lannary IS A s t o r — 'Shanghai Gesture' (UA) (4th week). (Revleued in 'Vartety,' Dec. 24, 1941) Broadway—'Fantasia' (Disney) (2d week). (Revieued in 'Variety,' Nov. 13, 1940) Capitol—The Corslcan Broth- ers* (M-G). (Reviewed in 'Variety,' Dec. 24, 1941) Criterion — 'Pacific Blackout' (Par) (14). (Reviewed in 'Variety,' Dec. 10. 1941) Globe—'Paris Calling' (U) (17). (Reviewed in 'Variety,' Dee. 10, 1941) Music Hall —'Ball of Fire' (RKO). (Reviewed In 'Variety,' Dec. 3, 1941) Paramount — 'Louisiana Pur- chase' (Par) (3d week). (Reviewed In 'Variety.' Nov. 26, 1941) Blalto —'Burma Convoy' (U) (10). (Reviewed In 'Variety,' Oct. 1. 1941) Blalto—'Bombay Clipper' (U) (10). Boxy—'I Wake Up Screaming' (20th-Fox) (16). (Reviewed in •Variety.' Oct. 22, 1941) Strand—'The Man Who Came to Dinner' (WB) (3d week). (Reviewed In 'Variety,; Jan. 7) Week of Jan. 22 A 81 o r — 'Shanghai Gesture' (UA) (5th week). . Broadway—'Fantasia' (Disney) (3d week). Capitol—'The Corslcan Broth- ers' (M-G) (2d week). Globe—'Paris Calling' (U) (2d week). Moslo Hall — 'Ball of Fire' (RKO) (2d week). Paramonnt — 'Louisiana Fur- chase' (Par) (4th week). Boxy—'I Wake Up Screaming* (20th-Fox) (2d week). Strand—The Man Who Came to Dinner' (WB) (4th week). TlJLHAnriOG TOPSLmE LoulsvUle, Jan. 13. Business at the first-runs here Is nice, after a break in the zero weather which prevailed the past week. Temperature started upwards Sunday (11), after a solid week of cold and hazardous driving con- ditions. In spite of the handicap, all houses are^tloing -fairly -well follow--, ing a tremendous New Year's biz. iWolf Man' at the Strand got the jump on the rest of the first-runs by opening Wednesday (7), and horror pic Is doing all right 'H. M. Pulham, &K1.' at Loew's State is shaping up for best biz here. 'Suspicion^ at the Rialto also is up in the money. Stage shows at the National are maintaining a profitable pace. NBC 'Breakfast Club,' with Don McNeill and company, gave two shows at the Memorial Auditorium Saturday (10). Estimates for This Week Brown (Fourth Avenue-Loew's) (1,400; 15-30-40)—'Babes Broadway' (M-G) and 'Mr. and Mrs. North' (M-G). Continuing to get tremend- ous play on moveover from Loew's State. Slick $4,000. Last week, 'Louisiana Purchase' (Par) and 'Sealed Lips' (U), sweet $4,000 on moveover. Kentucky (Switow) (1,200; 15-25) —'Weekend Havana' (20th) and 'Parachute Battalion' (RKO). Mild $1,200. Last week, 'Yank R.A.F.' (20th) and 'Our Wife' (Col), good $1,600. Loew's SUte (Loew's) (3,300; 15- 30^0)—'Pulham' (M-G) and 'Kil- dare's Victory' (M-G). After the break in the extreme cold spell, patrons are getting back to regular attendance, fine $10,000. Last week, 'Babes Broadway' (M-G) and 'Mr. a;id Mrs. North' (M-G), rousing $15,000, and moveover. Mary Anderson (Llbson) (1,000; 16-30-40)—'Died Boots On' (WB) (2d wk). Fine $3,800. Last week same pic jammed 'em, exceptional $7,000. NaUonal (Indie) (2,400; 35-50)— 'Devil Pays OS' (Bep) and stage show, 'Why Girls Walk Home.* Okay 4t $4,600. Last week, 'Mercy Island' (Rep) and stage show 'Ladies from Hades,' bumper $7,000. Blalto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 15- 30-40) —'Suspicion'' (RKO) and '4 Japks, Jill' (RKO). Received lavish praise from local crix, but only fair $7,500. Last week, 'Hellzapoppin' (U) and '9 Lives Not Enough' (U). off to a zooming start, but dropped off to medium $7,500. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15-30-40)—'Wolf Man' (U) and 'Kid Kansas' (U). Crot jiunp on other first-runs by opening Wednesday (7), splendid $5,000. Last week, play- mates' (RKO) and 'Date with Falcon' (RKO), meagre $2,500, N.Y. B.O. Spotty for Post-Holiday H.O.; 'Bahes' 2d Fine $SO,000, 'Shanghai 3d OK 12a Tantasia' Nifty $17,000 After a big year-end holiday take, downtown New York film empo- riums have become somewhat spotty, with severe parking restrictions in the town believed to be costing the boxoffices a certain amount of money. However, three attractions,' all of them on holdovers, are doing strong business. There are no new pictures this week excepting a minor first-run at the Rialto, 'Bombay Clipper,' and 'H. M. Pulham, Esq.,' latter on sec- ond-run at the State. 'Pulham' and a vaude bill, including Romo Vincent and Joan Merrill, are doing very well, gate looking $24,000 or better. In the smash division are 'Louisi- ana Purchase' and Gene Krupa- Dinah Shore (Paramount), and 'Man Who Came to Dinner,' with Jimmy Dorsey on stage, at the Strand. 'Purchase' and Krupa, starting the third week today (Wed.), set a new high under the six-year-bid pitband policy at the Par on its first week by grossing $93,000, while the second round through last night (Tues.) was away up in the top brackets at $60,- 000. A minimum of four weeks is planned for the show. No less sensational at the b.o. is 'Dinner' and the Dorsey tiand. 'Din- ner' was thrown in on what amount- ed to a double-feature bill on Dec. 31 with 'You're in Army Now' and Will Osborne, and the following day (1) went on its own with. Dorsey. On the first seven days, starting Jan. 1, the take was slightly over $55,000 for a new high for any. single week at the Strand underwits stage-show pol- icy, in operation iiow for four years. Figuring the first eight days for 'Din- ner,' taking the Strand to its regular Thursday opening day, the take was $64,500, also highest ever grossed for any eight days at the theatre. The current (2d) stanza for 'Dinner' and Dorsey' will be about $48,000, very strong. Third week begins tomor' row (Thurs.). Music Hall tonight (Wed.) win/s up 15-day engagement with 'Babes on Broadway,' with the final eight days looking snug $80,000. The first week, which started New Year's Eve, was socko $115,000 for a smart profit on the run. •Two-Faced Woman," w)ilch teed off very big, has slowed down mark- edly on Its final eight days, taking Capitol back to regular opening day tomorrow (Thurs.); Hoxy Is on its final (3d) lao with 'Remember the Day,' also for a sharp drop. Both 'Shanghai Gesture* and 'Sundown* are on third weeks, l^^er its finale. 'HeUzapoppin,' also in its third stanza, is somewhat weak at less than .^15,000 4>ut-contInuesM>nr-'. 'Fantasia,' in cut form for general release, returned to the Broadway Saturday (10) for a pop run and broke fast from th« barrier, lookinit a probable $17,000 or better. It ended a SO-week run at $2 top, twice- daily, early last fall. Estimates for This Week Astor (Loew's) (1,012; 35-55-85- $1.10-$1.25) — 'Shanghai Gesture' (UA) (3d wk). Off somewhat at $12,000, but with expenses down in operation of house, o.k. at this figure. Last week (2d) was $19,000, good. Broadway (Disney) (1,895: 35-55- 75)—'Fantasia' (RKO-Disney). With running time chopped, opened here Saturday (10) on pop run and looks good $17,000 or.more initial week, [ouse was closed down a week in readiness for the opening. 'Fan- tasia' was previously here on a 50- week run at $2 top, longest any talker ever had on Broadway on a twice-daily basis. Capitol (Loew's) (4,620; 35-55-85- $1.10-$1.25) — 'Two-Faced Woman* (M-G) (2d—final wk). On windup eight days down a lot to $20,000, or a little over, mild. The first week, including New Year's was close to $45,000, big. 'Corsican. Brothers' (UA) opens here tomorrow morning (Thurs.). Criterion (Loew's) (1,602; 35-44- 55-75 )_'Sundown' (UA) (3d-flnal wk). Checks out tonight (Wed.) with around $13,000, satisfactory, for the concluding week, while second was $19,000, On 21-day run very profitable. Globe (Brandt) (1.180; 28-35-55)— 'Unholy Partners' (M-G) Od-final wk). Holding up well .at $6,000 this week (3d), clos) behind last stanza (2d), when slightly over $8,500 was grossed. PaUce (RKO) (1,700; 28-35-44-55- 65-75)—-They Died With Boots On' (WB) and 'Blues In Night' (WB) (both.2d run). Changing the open- ing day here to Friday. This snow will do about $8,000. Behind that, 'How Green Was Valley' (20th) (2d run), singly, was held nine days for take of $11,000, over average. ' Paramount (Par) (3,664; 35-55-85- 99)—'Louisiana Purchase' (Par) and, on stage. Gene Krupa, Dinah Shore, others (3d wk). A champ show, with the second week, ended last night (Tues.), clocking mighty $60,- 000, following an initial seven-day take of $93,000, highest house - has done during its six years of the present pit-band policy. The third stanza begins today (Wed.). Radio City Mnslo Hall (Rocke- fellers) (5,945; 44-55-85-99-$1.65)— 'Babes on Broadway' (M-G) and stageshow (2d-flnal wk). Leaves tonight (Wed.), with final eight-day gross of around $80,000, nice. First week over New Year's was $115,000. tremendous. 'Ball of Fire' (RKO) comes in tomorrow (Thurs.). Blalto (Mayer) (594; 28-44-55)— 'Bombay Clipper' (U). Doing fair, about $6,000 with aid of Louis-Baer fight films. Last week, 'Mad Dr. of Market. St.' (U), $6,200. Blvoll (UA) (2,092; 35-55-75-85- 99)—'Hellzapoppin' (U) (3d wk). Not holding on so well, less than $15,000 indicated this week (3d), Last week (2d) was near to $20,000, fairish. Goes another week start- ing tomorrow (Thurs.). Boxy (20th) (5,886; 35-55-65-75- 85)-T^'Rcmember the Day' (20th) and stageshow (3d-final wk). Slowing in pace to around $30,000, after sock second week of $54,000 and first of $85,000. 'I Wake Up Screaming' (20th) moves in Friday (16). SUte (Loew's) (3,450; 28-44-55-75- 90-$1.10)-^'PuIham' (M-G) (2d run) and, on vaude bill, Roino Vincent and Joan Merrill. Boxoffice good, with countup looking about $24,000. Last week, 'Smilin Through' (M-G)' (2d run) and Lucille Ball, Desi Ar- maz, others, $27,000, fine, ... Strand (WB) (2,756; 35-55-75-85- 99-$1.10)—'Man Who Came to Din- ner' (WB) and Jimmy Dorsey (2d wk). They're packing 'em in here, this week (2d) appearing $48,000 or thereabouts, exceedingly good. On the first eight days take was $64,500, best for any eight days here. 'The- atre has been getting $1.10 at night instead of its customary 99c, which helps make this sensational business possible. w sofid mm 'Babes' Okay $7,500 h Sloggisli h^s, Indianapolis, Jan. 13. - It's quiet In the downtown sector this week, with three of big houses riding along with holdovers. 'Hellz- apoppin' at the Indiana is biggest thing in town, but not up to expecta- tions; -'Base -Broadway" -and -'Mr;': and Mrs. North' is about average on the second week at Loew's, as is 'How Green Was My Valley' and 'Marry the Boss' Daughter' at the CTircle. Estimates for This Week Clrole (Katz-Dolle) (2,600; 25-30- 40)—'Green Valley' (20th) and 'Marry Bass' Daughter' (20th) (2d wk). Okay $6,000. Last week, same bill, good $9,800. Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,100; 25-30- 40)—'Hellzapoppin' (U) and 'Sealed Lips" (U). Solid $10,000, but under expectations. Last week, 'Died Boots On' (WB), fair in 8Vi days with $8,500. Loew's (Loew's)' (2,400; 25-30-40) — 'BpS's Broadway' (M-G) and 'Mr. and Mrs. North' (Col) (2d wk). Nice $7,500. Last weekr same blU, terrlfle $14,200. Lyric (KaU-Dolle) (1.900; 25-30-' 40)—'Louisiana Purchase' (Par) and 'FlyingCadets' (Par) (3d wk).^Break- even at $4,000. Last week, same bill, okay $5,800. Turcliase' Neat $9,900 Memphis; Holdovers Dip Memphis, Jan. 13. This is holdover week in Memphis with all four major first-runs re- taining top attractions beyond usual seven-day period. 'Louisiana Pur- chase' stuck around 10 days for one of best weeks here. Estimates tor This Week Warner (WB) (2,000: 10-33-44)— 'Man Came to Dinner* (WB) (2d wk). Nice $3,750 on h.o. after tall $7,800 first week. Maico (Lightman) (2,800; 10-33-44) —'Louisiana Purchase' (Par). Bob Hope musical garnered $9,900 in 10 days, swell. 'Belong to Me' (Col) opened Saturday (10) and may hit near $6,000. State (Loew) (2,800; 10-33-44)— 'Babes Broadway* (M-G) (2d'wk). This one led the town narrowly last week with $8,000 in its New Year week and is nudging $3,700 for the second stanza, currently. Palace (Loew) (2.200; 10-33-44)— •Green Valley' (20th) (2d wk). Labeled a critics' picture at start, but doing okay $3,600. Last week, socko $7,700.