Variety (Feb 1942)

Wednesdaf, February 4, J942 PICTURE GROSSES ll Andrews Sis-*Spitfre Baby Terrif $25,000mFrisco;WTriml2GH.O. San Francisco, Feb. 3. Andrews Sisters stealing the spot- light this week, easily topping their business of last visit In June, coupled with 'Spitfire's Baby.' First two days on the Golden Gate stage were $1,500 ahead of the-corresponding period the last time here. Holdouts are the rule Although night prices are 65c now against 55c last time trio was here, service admissions, pull the average down—and the Gate has been packed with tmiforms. But a week of rainy, miserable weather hasn't hjirt biz to any ex- '^Mostly holdovers otherwise, with 'Died With Boots On" at the Fox, 'Hell7.apoppin' in the Orpheum and 'Remember the Day' at the Warfleld doing best biz. "Bahama Passage' at the Paramount is strong despite mild reviews. Estimates for This Week Fox (F-WC) (6,000; .35-40-55)— 'Died With Boots On* (WB) (2d wk). -May-- liold-up-ta-$12.QQ0, extremely. good. Last week, strong $20,000. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 44-55- 65)—'Mexican Spitfire's Baby* (RKO) and Andrews Sisters on stage. Gals get tuU credit for capacity biz, house rolling up a sensational ^,000. I,ast week (4&), 'Ball Fire' (RKO) with Jan Garber band on stage, swell $15,000, being first sesh for band. Orphenm (Blumehfeld) (2,440; 35- 40-55) — 'Hellzapoppin' (U) and 'Queen Murder Ring' (Col) (2d wk). Still solid at $10,000. Last week, same combo, excellent $15,800. Paramoont (F-WC) (2,470; 35-40- 65)—'Bahama Passage' (Par) and 'Night Jan. 16' (Par). Reviews no help, but good trade at most spots is helping to sturdy $17,000. Last week (2d). "Through Night' (WB) and 'Steel A-gainst Sky' (WB), fair $11,000. SI. FranolB (F-WC) (1.475; 35-40- 65) —'Johnny Eager' (M-G) and 'Devil Pays OiT (Rep) (second moveover week).* With the new night prices should hold up to around $6,000, nice. Last week, same biU. okay $6,000. United ArtlsU (UA-Blumenfeld) (1,100; 35-40-55)—"Men in Life' (Col) and "Three Girls' (Col). Breaking away from UA product for a change which should Drlng about $9,000, fairly satisfactory. Last week (5th), 'Corslcan Bros.' (UA) and 'Fiesta* (UA), $4,700, nice. Warfleld (F-WC) (2,650; 35-40-55) —•Remember Day* (20th) and 'Right to Heart' (20th) (2d wk). May do $11,500, socko for this combo, on second stanza: Last week, below expectations at $15,000 for same pair. Greta Garbo Sockeroo $18,000 SL Lods Best 'Son of Fary' Big ^ St. Louis, Feb. 3. There is plenty of marquee strength currently and the controversial Two- Ficed Woman' Is off to a fine slarl. Should enable Loew's to lead the pack at the b.o. After a week of higher temperatures colder weather is helping business. Estimates (or This Week Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 30-40-44)— T^vo-Faced Woman' (M-CD and 'Sing Supper' (Col). Off to a nice get- away for solid $18,000, banner take In town. Last week, 'Corslcan Bros.' (UA) and 'Hay Foot' (UA) (2d wk). Finished with a nice $12,300 after fine $16,500 last week. Ambassador (F&M) (3.000; 30-40- 60)—'Man to Dinner' (WB) plus shorts. Nice $13,500 In offing. Last week, 'Playmates' (RKO) and 'All Money Buy' (RKO). Bettered ex- pectations, neat $12,400. F6x (F&M) (8,000; 30-40-50)—'Son Fury' (20th) and 'Gentleman at Heart' (20th). This dualer should MP a nice $16,500. Last week, 'Bill Hlckok Rides' (WB) and 'In Army Now (WB). Sagged at finish, fair _Mlssonrl (F&M) (3,570; 30-40-50)— Playmates' (RKO) and 'AU Money Buy RKO). Moveovers from Fox and Ambassador, $5,500, fair. Last week 'Hold Dawn' (Par) and 'Men In Life' (Col), surprise of week with fine $6,100. St. Louis (F&M) (4,000; 30-40)— Waltese Falcon' (WB) and 'Green Valley' (20th). A new and old one may gamer $4,500. good. Last week, ^lue. White, Perfect' (20th) and Jfoung America' (20th), disappoint- ing $2,000. Vallee'c Par Musical Hollywood, Feb. 3. Paramount signed Rudy VaUee for one of the top spots with Mary Mar- tin, Eddie Bracken and Betty Hut- jon in the musical picture, 'Happy Oo Lucky.' Vallee contract provides options »r a long-term deaL Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Oroii Thto Week ISSl.tee (Based on 13 theatres) Total'Gross Same Week Last Year..... 1377,190 (Based on 13 theatres; Tarzan'-Vande Sofid $19,000, Pitt Leader, 'Dinner'Robust 14iG Pittsburgh. Feb. 3. Just when it looked like a big weekend here, along came hail, snow and ice early Saturday night (31) -jUBt-when-the-nlght-CFOwds-generaUy set out, and bottom tell out of every- thing. There was enough action prior to this to insure at least an average week. 'Man Who Came to Dinner' is do- ing briskly at Penn although the sensation continues to be 'How Green Was My Valley,' in fifth week at Fulton, still going like a house afire. Estimateg (or Thla Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 30-50)— 'Green Valley' (20th) (5th wk). Con- tinuing to smash every existing run and money record here, with end still not In sight. May do bit' above $7,000 this week but still phenomenal. Has already passed previous run mark, set five years ago by 'My Man (Jodfrey' (U). Last week 'Green' got a swell $9,200. Penn (Loew's-UAO (3,300; 30-40-50) — Man To Dinner' (WB). Plenty of marquee strength and rave notices. Fact that the play got three weeks at Nixon last season also helping to add up to big profit at around $14,- 500. Last week, 'Suspicion' (RKO), about $14,000. Bits (WB) (800; 30-40-60)—'Johnny Eager* (M-G) (3d wk). Films wind- ing up extended first-runs here, on customary moveovers from Penn to Warner .to Ritz, stlU very little what- ever the attraction. For instance, 'Eager' will get arouhd $2,400. Last week, 'Corsican Bros' (UA), follow- ing the same route, got $2,500. Senator (Harris) (1,750; 30-40-50) —'Confirm, Deny' (20th). Film got a nice campaign and praise from crix. Around $6,500, oke. Lest week, 'Bed- time Story' (Col), better than $6,000. Stanley (WB) (3,800; 30-44-^0-66) —'Tarzan's Treasure' (M-G) plus George Murphy and Block and Sully on stage. First time In months that WB deluxer has been without a stage name band. Lay-out should account for $19,000 anyway, not bad at all. Last week. Cab Galloway band and 'Design for Scandal' (M-G), very good at $21,800. Warner (WB) (2,000; 30-40-50)— 'Suspicion' (RKO) (2d wk). Brought here from Penn for fair $5,000. Last week, 'Johnny Eager' (M-G), also from the Penn, very good at nearly $7,000. 'Green VaUey* $4,900 Lincoln; Tarzan' Oke 3G Lincoln, Feb. 3. Original plans to hold 'Louisiana Purchase' two weeks were changed Sunday (1) when 'Green Valley' took oil at the Lincoln. 'Purchase' got big money in 11 days. Estimates (or This Week Colonial (Monroe-Noble-Federer) (750; 10-15-20) — 'Citadel Crime' (Rep) and 'Mysterious Rider' (Par) split with 'Strange Alibi' (WB) and 'Forbidden Trails' (Mono). Slim $800. Last week, 'Rags Riches' (Rep) and 'Range War' (Par) split with 'Comes Happiness' (WB) and 'Sierra Sue' (Rep), good $900. Lincoln (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,503; 10-30-44) — 'Green Valley' (20thV Took off Sunday (1), .sock $4,900. Last week, 'La. Purchase' (Par) ran up $9,000 on 11 days, super grosser. Nebraska (JHC-Par) (i;236; 10-20- 281—'Buy Town' (Par) and 'Bride CCD.' (WB). Not too strong at $1,- 500. Last week, ■ 'Burma Convoy' (U) and 'Unholy Partners' (M-G), slow $1,100. State (Noble-Federer) (986; 10-20- 28)—'Blondie College' (Col) and 'Date Falcon' (RKO). Finished five days yesterday (Monday), good $1,500. Last week, 'Go Collegiate' (Mono) and 'Jacks. Jill' (RKO ). lig ht S90 0 Ijl five days. Stuart (JHC-Par) (1,884; 10-28-44) —'Tarzan's Secret' (M-G). Only $3,- 000, if lucky. Last week, 'Remem- ber Day' (20th), n. s. g., $2,900. Varsity (N-F) (1,100: 10-30-44)— ■'Playmates' (RKO). Okay $2,900. Last week, 'Texas' (Col), just short of $2,400, not bad. lOVE' SWEET $6,000, MEMPHIS; W $5,800 Memphis, Feb. 3. Biz fair-to-middling. 'Appointment for Love' at Malco and 'Remember the Day' at Loew's Palace are doing pretty well, with both 'Joe Smith, American,' at Loew's State and the Warner theatre's 'Wild Bill Hickok Rides' pulling better than expected, but not much. Torrential rains on opening days, follawed by surprise cold snap, didn't help any. Estimates (or Thi« Week Warner (WB) (2,000; 10-33-44)— 'Wild Bill Hickok' (WB). Pulling ad- venture customers for medium $5,- 000. Last week. "Through Night' (WB) (2d wk), $3,200, oke. Mako (Llghtman) (2,800: 10-33-44) —'Appointment Love' (U). SuUa- van-Boyer got good notices, nice $6,000. Last week, 'Little Foxes' (RKO), $7:500, socko. State (Loew) (2,600; 10-33-44)— 'Joe Smith' (M-G). Strong campaign and presence of real Joe Smith prob- ably adding $1,000 to an otherwise weak take for this type film. May pull $4,000. Last week, 'Johnny Eager' (M-G) (2d wk), $3,200. ^ Palace (Loew) (2,200; 10-33-44)— •Remember Day' (20th). Mild $5,800 despite favorable comment from crbc. Last week, 'Shanghai Gesture' (UA), $4 000 sad Strand (Llghtman) (1,000; 10-22- 33)—'Pacific Blackout' (Par), three days; 'Sing Supper' (Col), one day; and 'Secret Wasteland' (Par). Bull- ish $1,900. Last week, "Bahama Fas- sail' (Par) (2d run), three days; 'Bullets CHara' (WB), one day; and Tleturn James' (20th) (2d run), three days; $1,800, nice going. Dinner Stoutl^l^OO for 2 Spots ' In LA.;'Gesture Ditbt^ Ads, 'Suspicion 22G foi^floldover Key City Grosses Estimated Total C(rosi Last Week.... .V, $l,810,4«t (Based on 26 cities, 176 thea- tres, chie/(v first runs, fncluding jv. y.; Total Gross Same Week Last Year .$1,753,009 (Based on 25 cities, 172 theatres) fi Fine $17,500 b OK Newark; Wy' Hoge 18G on 2d Newark, Feb. 3. Local first-i'un houses are booming this week. Proctor's, holding 'How Green Was My Valley' a second week, continues to earn the town's best money. Neat grosses are also being racked up by the- Branford, with 'All Through the Night,' and Loew's with 'Chocolate Soldier' and 'Unholy Partners.' Estimates (or This Week Adams (Indie) (2.000; 25-35-50- 60) —"Tragedy at Midnight' (Rep) and Martha Raye in person. With stage bill doing most of pulling, Adams will get a fine $17,500. La^t week, 'Perfect Snob' (20th) plus Eddy Duchln's band and Stapletons oh stage, neat $16,500. Branford (WB) (2,800; 28-33-44- 55)—'Through Night' (WB) and 'Blondie College' (Col). Snappy $15,- 000. Last week, 'Keep 'Em Flying' (WB) and 'Steel Against Sky' (WB) (2d wk), nice $12,000. Capitol (WB) (1,200; 20-28-39-44) 'Feminine Touch' (M-G) and "Tar. zan'g Treasure' (M-G). Moderate $2,700. Last week, 'Smilin*" Through' (M-G) and 'New York Town' (Par), fair $2,600. Little (Indie) (300; 33-39-55)—'40,- 000 Horsemen' (Indie) (3d wk) Good $2,000. Last week, dandy $2,700. Paramoont (Par-Adams) (2,000; 30-35-44-55)—'Men in Life' (Col) end 'Honolulu Lu' (Col). Mild $12,. 000. Last week "La. Purchase' (Par) and 'Among Living' (Par) (4th wk), oke $8,000. Frootor'a (RKO) (2,400; 28-44-60) —'Green Valley' (20th) and 'Moon Over Shoulder' (20th) (2d wk). This dual and a vauda show on Monday and Tuesday night* will equal a hefty $18,000. Last week, aocka $25, 000, a house record. State (Loew's) (2,600; 26-33-44 39)—'Chocolate Soldier' (M-O) and •Unholy Partners' (M-G). Dandy $15,000. Last week, 'Sundown' (UA) and •Niagara FalU* (UA), pleasing $15,000. eb. 3. er' is' NATIONAL BOXOFFICE SURVEY 'Green Valley' Leads Big Grossers; 'Ball of Fire' Next; Ty. Power in 'Fury' and Doug. Jr., in 'Bros.' Also Strong Congested first run booking situation which has maintained since the turn of the year is easing In some of the key cities with the result that strong product, which has been held in reserve, finally Is getting its real test at the boxoffice. Meanwhile, two new films have had first showings, 'King's Row* (WB), which preemed Mon. (2) at the Astor, New York, and Tyrone Power In 'Son of Fury' (20th), which has opened to extended runs in St. IiOuis, Boston, Phila- delphia and at the Roxy on Broadway. These two are being penciled by circuit bookers as 'big.' After several weeks of staggered first tuns, 'Cor- slcan Brothers' (UA) has had its chance to demon- strate real strength. It Is in upper brackets in Chi- cago, Seattle, Boston, Denver, and a creditable hold- over in Philadelphia. 'Remember the Day' (20th) also has brightened the calendar in- 'Frisco, second week; Kansas City, Baltimore, Portland, with a hold- over in Jersey City, 'Suspicion' (RKO) is another that is eclipsing early estimates. It is holding, a'second week in two spots in Los Angeles, holding to extended first run" in Pittsburgh, and doing well elsewhere. Films of the front line show no loss in popularity. These include 'How Green Was My Valley' (20th), which continues extraordinary .extended engagements: Chicago, third week; Detroit, fourth week; Pittsburgh, fifth, and remaining, and Philadelphia, fifth. Also in this class of giant grossers is 'Ball of Fire' (Goldwyn- RKO), which Is holding for its sixth week at Keith's, Boston; Palace, Chicago; Albee, Providence, and Keith's, Washington, and in its fifth stanza at the Orpheum, Kansas City, and Golden Gate, Trlsco: •Louisiana Purchase' (Par) has completed most major engagements, and Is set for strong subsequent business. Other holdovers hiclude 'Man Who Came to Dinner' (WB), 'They Died with Their Boots On' (WB) and 'Hellzapoppin' (U). . 'Johnny Eager' (M-G), which has yet to show on Broadway, is in second week In Baltimore, with good reports from Providence, Omaha, Indianapolis and Portland. Another of the newer releases is 'All Thru the Night' (WB), made to order for the Strand, on Broadway, and solid In Newark, Philadelphia and Indianapolis. ' 'Sullivan's Travels' (Par) has had excellent open- ings in Detroit and Boston, aided by strong stage sup- port. Too early for accurate classification nationally. 'Joan of Paris' (RKO) is being watched carefully by the trade as potential boxoffice, despite public unfamiliarlty with its stars, Michele Morgan and Paul Henreld. Press notices good. There seems no limitation to draft of 'Sergeant York.' 'Variety' correspondent in Seattle wires it is doing big in second run, following an initial engage- ment of nine weeks. 'Paris Calling' (U) finishes oft a good week In De- troit. In the fair to good classification are 'Bugle Sounds' (M-G), 'Joe Smith, American' (M-G), and 'Bahama Passage' (Par). Last named did well in 'Frisco and Denver, but only mild In Indianapolis. 'Shanghai Gesture' (UA) touched 27G in two spots in Los Angeies. Los Angeles, . ^ •The Man Who Came to Dlnh way out front In happy first-run^ for all houses,'Warner starrer ai ing for a hefty total of. $31,500 be- tween the Downtown and the Holly- wood. Holds at least one week. Trade is the same old story, vwith Friday to Sunday weekends presknt- ing the problem of exhibitors finding, enough scats while only coasting on week days. Paced by racy ads. 'Shanghai Ges- ture' is catching an exceptionally strong play for $27,000 at the State and Chinese. 'Look Who's Laughing' at the Paramount is garnering strong matinee and early night attention for a rugged $18,500, holding a second sesh. Pantages and H;llstreet is ex- cellent on the second stanza of 'Sus- picion,' with a $22.0]aO^otal, and Der .anna DurbirUn.'It Started With-EveL scheduled to come in Ut a minimum of two weeks. Estimates (or This Week Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1,516; 33. 44-55-75)—'Dumbo' (RKO) (7th wk). Tapering slightly but in black with $3,000. Last, week (6th), okay $3,- 500. Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2.034: 33- 44-55-75)—'Shanghai Gesture' (UA) and 'Perfect Snob' (20th)'. Opening big for ti'im $11,000. Last week, 'Babes Broadway' (M-G), grand $14,000. Downtown (WB) (1,800: 33-44-56) —"Man to Dinner' CWB). Heavy weekend play and aiming for terrifla $13,000. Last week, 'Playmates' (RKO) and 'Bombay Clipper' (U), $11,500, super'i: Four Star (UA-F-WC) (900; 33-44- 55— 'Vanishing Virginian' (M-G). Okay $4,800., Last week, Tulham' (M-G), closed five weeks with ■ light $2,600. Hawaii (Ci&S) \l.lO0; 33-44-55-75) —'Kane' (RKO) (lOth wk). Good $3,600 and profit here. I.ast week, steady at $3,750. Hollywood (WB) (2.756; 93-44-55) —'Man to Dinner' (WB). Capacity getaway Saturday and can easily hit stout $18,500. Last week, 'Playmates* (RKO) and 'Bombay Clipper' (U), profitable $10,000. Orpbeam (B'way) (2,200; 33-44-55) —'Cowboy Serenade' (Rep), 'Body Disappears' (Col), and Henry Bussa band with stage show. Fair $9,500 the outlook. Last week, 'Pardon Stripes' (Rep), 'Three Girls' (Col), and vaude, thin'$8,500. Pantages (Pan) (2,812; 33-44-55)— 'Suspicion' (RKO) (2d wk) and 'Never Give Sucker Break* (U). Holding strong at $11,500. Last week, coupled with 'Spitfire's Baby' (RKO), rousing $16,50a Paramoont (Par) (3.595; 33-44-55) —'Look Laughing' (RKO) and 'Tor- pedo Boat' (Par). Hitting socko $18,500. Last week, 'Bahama Passage* (Par) an^ Tacific Blackout' (Par). Dropped sharply after weekend and was yanked after six days of second session. Previews final two days helped tilt take to $12,000. BKO Hlllstreet (RKO) (2,872 ; 33- 44-56)—'Suspicion' (RKO) (2d wk) and 'Never Give Sucker Break' (U). Second stanza, profitable $10,500. First week, with 'Spitfire's Baby* (RKO), big $14,000. State (Loew-F-WC) (2.204: 33-44- 56- 78)—'Shanghai Gesture' (UA) and •Perfect Snob' (20th). Heading for surprise $16,000. Last week, 'Babes Broadway* (M-G). smackinc $18,500. United Artists (UA-F-WC) (2.100; 33-44-55)—'Babes Broadway' (M-G). Continuing fast stride on moveover for hefty $6,600. Last week, 'Green Valley* <20th) (2d wk), and 'Cor (lean Bros.' (UA), terrific $9,700. Vorne (Vogue) (920; 33-44-55). •Wolf Man' (U) and "Mad Doctor Market St' (V) (2d wk). New first, run policy at this small-seater good $4,000, First week finished with sur- prlslrtg $5,600 for profit all around, Wllsbire (F-WC) (2.206: 33-44-55) —'Babes Broadway*. (Mi-G). Great $7,600. Last -week. 'Green Valley* (20th) (2d wk) and 'Corslcan Bros.' (UA), powerful magnet at $9,500. ^1 CJukebolies Conttnoed from page 1 ^^^ tunes are, in top spots on the other side of listings: 9. 'Get Your Gun and Com* Along'—Carson Robeson, 14. 'White Clitts'—Jimmy Dorsey. The jukebox operators here were singled out previously for praise for spotting in the No. 1 place on every player in Michigan, 'Any Bonds To- day,' which was credited, with bring- ing unusually heavy bond sales In the state. Treasury officials used the Michigan campaign as a pattern for setting up similar patriotic proj- ects throughout the country.