Variety (Mar 1942)

Wednesdaj, March 4, 1942 UAriety PICTURE GROSSES Mostly a 0^ But Good Kzio Chi: W-Mews-Breese Big $45,000, W 3i 12a Not Hurt by Murder Chicago, March 3. This week figures to be one of the brighter coin periods of the year. Weather has been fine and the films all Indicate pretty good boxoSlce ability. Leading the town conUnues to be the big Chicago, where the Andrews Sisters, who rocked 'em last Week, are now supplemented by the Lou Breese orch, Chi fave as a result of long runs at the Cheg Paree and a radio ride over NBC. Oriental, the vaude competlsh, has the Count Basle orch and Is going okay. 1 Murder in the balcony of the Pal- ace did not ruin the business as had been expected Despite shrieking headlines about the youth who killed his sweetie, trade for 'Hellzapoppin' held up well In Its third week. There was a slackening oft, however,.of the youngster biz, ho doubt due to parental prohibitions. Woods is doing well with Its new dual flrst-nm policy and continues to hold "playmates.' Estimates for This Week Apollo (B&K) (UOO; 35-55-65-75) _'Bahama Passage' (Par) and 'Glam- our Boy' (Par) (3d wk). Got good $4,800 last week and holding to in- dicated (4,000 currently. Chleaco (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— 'All Thru Night' (WB) and stage show. Lou Breese orch and An- drews Sisters headlining. This is the second week for the Andrews Trio and they are still-powerful boxoftice. Breese, CHil favorite, and with pic- ture total look like fine $45,000. Last week, 'Remember Day* (20th) with Andrews Sisters and Johnny Long orch, solid $47,500. Garrlok (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) —'Sullivan's Travels' '(Par) and 'No Hands CJock' (Par) (2d wk). Going along well in hold-over, looking for $4,000 currently after fine $4,600 last week. Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-33 44-50)—'Honolulu Lu' (RKO) and Count Basic orch. Looks for good $18,000. Last week, 'Moon Over Shoulder* (20th) and Don Pedro orch and Ramon Navarro, good $18,500. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 33-44-66-75) —'Hellzapoppin' (U) and 'Sealed Lips' (U) (3d wk). Murder-in-bal- cony publicity not harmful at box- office, with house tuminf in $13,600 for bright second week and looks for $12,000 currently. Boosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65 75)—'Burma Road' (M-G) and 'KU. dare Victory (M-G) (2d wk). After fine $11,800 last week, looks for okay $8,500 this session. Stete-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 35-55-65 75) —'Green Was Valley' (20th) (7th wk). Will just at)Out wind up great run for this flicker, getting excellent $10,000 currently, after strong $10,700 last week. United Artists (B&K-M-G) (1,700 36-55-65-75)—'Pulham' (M-G) (2d wk). Got. away neatly on initial stanza at $16,400, and will hold well despite meek notices to $11,000 this session. Woods (Essaness) (1,200; 35-55-85 76) —'Playmates' (RKO) and 'Jacks and Jlir (RKO) (2d wk). Holding up excellently in this well-exploite<l house to $7,000 currently, following fine opening at $8,500. 'Dinner,' $3,800, Tops Very Slow Lincoln Lincoln, Neb., March 3. Man Who Came to Dinner' in the money. Rest of the town is in step behind it at varying distances. Estimates tor This Week Colonial (Monroe-Noble-Federer) (750; 10-15-20)—'Western Mail' (Mono) and 'Scattergood Strings' (RKO), split with 'Nurses Secret' (WB) and 'South Sante Fe' (Rep). Poor $500. Last week. 'Affectionately Yours" (WB) and 'Thunder River Feud' (Mono), split with 'Singapore Woman' (WB) arid 'Roaring Fron- tiers' (Col), so-so $600. Lincoln (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1.503; 10-30-44)—'Man to Dinner' (WB). Might do $3,800, excellent. Last week. Bugle Sounds' (M-G). fair $3,000. Nebraska (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,- 236; 10-20-28)—'Blues in Night' (WB) and 'Riders Purple Sage' (20th). Started weekly amateur show, first of series of 10 here, and It helped. Pair $1,800, but better than usual. Last week, 'Marry Boas' Daughter' (20th) and 'Body Disappears' (WB), poor $1,600. Slate (Noble-Federer) (98«; 10-20- 28)—'Shut Big Mouth' (Col) and 'All American Coed' (Col). Alright $1,- 500, Last week, -Lady for Night' (Rep) and *Repent at Leisure' (RKO), fair $1,300. ^Stuart (J. K Cooper-Par) (1.884; 10-30-44)—'Son of Fury* (20lh). May set $3,600, not bad. Last week, 'Dr. KUdare'i Victory* (M-Q), five days, slim $2,100. Vardty (Noble-Federer) (1,100; 10- 30-44)—'Dangerously They Live' (WB). Average $2,000. Last week, ■Bedtim* Stoiy (Col), $2,300, fairish. A. & C-POWELL BIG $35,000 IN HUB Boston, March 3, Whoop-de-do biz up'and downtown this week. RKO Boston with Ab- bott and Costello's 'Ride 'Em Cow- boy' on the screen and Dick Powell on the stage Is the heftiest taker. Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 30-44-95-65- 75)—'Ride 'Em Cowboy* (U) and stage show starring Dick Powell. Whizzing towards socko $36,000 at tUted scale. Last week, 'What's Cookln'' (U) and stage show topped by Dave Apollon, hit $21,000, good. Fenway (M&P) (1,373; 30-40-44-69- 60)—'Man to Dinner' (WB) and 'Steal Against Sky' (WB), continued from one week at the Met. FUrtlng with $7,500, big. Last week, <Loulslana Purchase' (Par) end 'Pacific Black' out' (Par), continued from two weeks at the Met, $6,600. Keith MemorUI (RKO) (3,000; 3»> 44-85)-'Green Was Valley* (20th) and 'Niagara Falls' (UiO (Sd wk). Continuing at big $21,000 pace and fourth frame. Second stanza, $26,' 200, smash. MetropoUton (M&P) (4,367; 30-44- 55-60)—'Song of Islands' (Par) and 'No Hands Clock' (Par). WIU gat around $24,000, great. Last week, 'Man to Dinner* (WB) and 'Steel Against Sky' (WB), $22,500, fine. Orpheom (Loew) (2,900; 30-40-44- 55)—'Johnny Eager" (M-G) and 'Hay Foot' (UA) (2d wk). Socko $19,000. First week, $26,500, terrific. Paramonnt (M&P) (1,800; 30-40-44- 55-60)-'Man to Dinner' (WB) and 'Steel Against Sky* (WB), continued from one week at Met Around $13,000, very good. Last week, liOu islana Purchase' (Par) and 'Pacific Blackout' (Far), continued from two weeks at the Met, $14,000, socko. SUte (Loew) (3,600; 30-40-44-96>— 'Johnny Eager* (M-G) and 'Hay Foot* (UA) (2d wk). Around $14,' 000, very big. First week, $17,400, smash. Tranalnx (Translux) (000; 17-39 44)—'Shut Big Mouth* (Col) and 'Man Headquarters' (Mono). In tha chips for around $9,000. Last week, 'Mr. Wise Guy* (Mono) and 'Sub- marine Patrol' (20th), $4,200. FIERY $9,700 IN PORT^TURY'HUGESiG Portland, Ore., March 3. 'Ball of Firs' living up to Its til at the Paramount and pacing Ue the town. 'Son of Fury' is only a step behind at the smaller Orpheum. In its second week, 'Captains of the Clouds' still is running strong.at the Broadway, after smashing records opening week. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (2.000; 36-40 50)—'Captains Clouds' (WB) and 'Miss Polly' (UA). Running up strong $7,900 on second stanza. First week, terrific $11,500. M a y t a I r (Parker - Evergreen) (1.500; 35-40-50)—'Woman of Year' (M-G). Movcover from United Art- IsU. taking high $3,000. Last week (nine days), 'Bedtime Story' (Col) with 'Gentleman Heart' (20th), four- day holdover for $i;800 and 'Pulham' (M-G) with 'Fiesta' (UA), average $2,800 on five days. Orpheum (Hamrick-Evergreen) (1,800: 35-40-50)—'Son Fury' (20Ui) and 'Obliging Young Lady* (RKO). Unexpectedly high, snappy JW.500 near best in town. Last week. Through Night* (WB) and 'Body Disappears' (WB) (2d wk), satis factory $5 100 Pcrsmoont (H-E) (3,000; 35-40-50) —'Ball Fire' (RKO) and "Weekend Three' (RKO). Gigantic $9,700, and town's topper. Last week, 'Bedtime Story' (Col) and 'Gentleman Heart (20th) strong $7,400. United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 35-^ 40-50)—'Design Scandal' (M-G) and 'Joe Smith, American' (M-G). Great $8 000. liBSt week, 'Woman of Year (M-G), snappy $7,500 for second session, and moved to the Mayfalr. First Rons on Broadway CSubieet to Change) Week of Bfaioh 5 Astar—'Kings Row* (WB) (Sth week). Utetrieued in 'Variety,* Dec. 21,1941) Capitol—"The Invaders' (CoU. CrHerien—'Ride "Em Oiwboy* (U) (4). Hnsle Halt—"Woman of the Year' (M-G) (9th week), (RetHeuxd in 'Varied,' Jan. 14) ParsmooBt—The Lady Has Plans* (Par) (4). (Reolatoed in "Variety,* Jon. 21) Blalt4>—'Mr. Wise Guy' (Mono) (4). BlyoU—To Be or Not to Be' (UA) (6). (Herteieed In "Variety,* Jfeb. 18) Boxy-'Roxle Hart' (20th) (3d week). (Retrieued in "Variety," Feb. 4) State—"The Remarkable An- drew* (Par). (ReiHeutd in "Variety," Jon, 21) Ptrand—'Captains of tha Clouds' (WB) (4th week). (Retrieuied in 'Variety,' Jan. 31) Week of March 12 Aster—'Kings Row* (WB) (Otb week). Capitol—The Invaders' (Col) (2d week). Criterion—'Ride "Em Cowboy' (U) (2d week). Hasle Hall—'Bed Time Story' (Ool). (R«of«up«d in "Varletv' ->te. 10,1941) Paramonnt—^Th' ' ady Has PlaniT (Par) (2d w^ /. BlTOll—To Bo or Not to Bo' (UA) (2d week). Boxy-'Song of the Islands^ (20th> (13). {Rvrinotd in "Variety,' r«b. 4) Strand—"Always In My Hearts (WB). (RnHeusd in current <uu«) DUCHIN-DNCLE' S11lONG$15,000 IN BUFF. U& Glut N.Y.; loman.' $85,000, In 4tli Big Wt'Rose'Good $40,000 In 2d, Ual'-Auer Okay $22,500 Buffalo, March 3 Downtown show houses, by hang- ing out choice films, continue to snaro good tallies. Following a big holiday round last week, grosses are still In high, with even the holdovers hitting creditable levels. Edmn Duchin's orch, with "Unex- pected Uncle,' is punching out a fine canto at the Century for the best munerals In town. "Sullivan's Trav- eb," dualed at the Lakesi also hefty. Estimates for This Week Boffalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55)— "Woman of Year' (M-G) and''Young America' (20th) (2d wk). Repeat doing nicely, over $10,000. Last week, great $17,500. Orest Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-55) —"Sullivan's Travels' (Par) and "Pacific Blackout' (Par). Heading for tidy $12,000. Last week, "Gone With Wind' (M-G) (reissue), tall $14,500. Hipp Shea) (2,100; 30-45)—'Gone' (M-G) (reissue). Still bullish, around $7,000. Last week, 'Bugle Sounds: (M-G) and 'Kathleen' (M-G), dandy $11,000. Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 30- 44)—'Paris Calling' (U) and 'Bad- lands Dakota' (U). Plenty backbone, $8,500. Last week, "Lady WilUng (Col) and 'SecreU of Lone WolT (Col), substantial $8,000. TwenUeih Centory (Ind.) (3.000; 30-55)—'Unexpected Uncle' (RKO). and Eddy Duchin orch. Riding for better than $15,000, good. Last week, 'Blues In Niglif (WB) and Martha Raye on stage, smash $18,000. Cagney. $11,000, Day,' 7G, Mont'l Winners Montreal, March 3. 'Captains of the (nouds* got gala opening Friday (27) at Loew's and will top town at $11,000. 'Remem- ber the Day' also setting hot pace for good $7,000. Estimates for This Week Palace (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 'Remember Day'. (20th). Pacing for good $7,000. Last week, 'Green Val- ley* (20th) h.o., nice $6,000. Capitol (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 'Bahama Passage' (Par) and 'No Hands Clock' (Par) (2d wk). Fair $4,000, after very good $7,500. Loews (CT) (2,800; 35-53-67)— 'Captains Clouds'' (WB). Cagney starrer prime $11,000. Last week's h.o., 'Babes Broadway' (M-G), good $6,000. Frinoess (CT) (2,300: 30-40-52)— 'Kathleen' (M-G) and 'Dr. Kildare's Victory' (M-G). Pointing to fair $4,. 500. Last week, 'Call Marines' (RKO) and 'Playmates' (RKO), $4,000. ■ Orpheum (Ind) (1,100; 30-40-60)— 'Give My Life' (Regent) and 'One In all probability a new record number of holdovers was set in downtown New York's leading film houses this weeic, with the boxoftice total on the lighter side as a result Only the combination State, playing pictures second-run, and the Crite- rion, winding up a one-week date last night (Wed.) with 'What's Cookln,' are outside of the holdover column. One picture, 'Woman of the Year,* Is in its fourth smash semester at the Music Hall and will go a fifth, while another, 'Kings Row,' started Its fourth week yesterday (Tues.). Three films are on third weelcs and five are on second weelis, latter group including 'Bahama Pa.<tsage,* which closed Its holdover stanza last night (Tues.), however, at the Par. Outstander among the holdies Is 'Woman,' steadiness of which means about $85,000, strong, for the fourth stanza. ITiis will be the fourth pic- ture to go five weeks or more at the Hell, other three having been, "Re- becca," 'Philadelphia Story" and 'Snow White.* "Roxie Hart,' which got $63,000 last weeic, its first, with the aid nf WashIngton*s birthday, is coming down to around $40,000, still good, and holds over another session at the Roxy. Surprise business-getter has lieen "Bahama Passage' and the Alvino Ray band at the Par, which held very firmly to $42,000, fine, on the second week, comparing with $55,000 the first seven days. House ushen In "Lady Has Plans' today (Wed.), with Ina Ray Hutton band, Joan Edwards, Hal IjeRoy and Jack Haley on the stage. 'Captains of Clouds' at the Strand, with Blue Barron's orchestra on the pit lift, should top- $30,000, fair enough, on the thted '(final) week. Holds another stanza, becoming the fourth picture to do so in four years of the pitband policy at the house. "Kings Row," which continues to do a very strong weekend business, fin- ished Its fourth week Monday night (2) at $19,000, good. It win remain here until at least March 29, possibly longer. nie State show of 'Design For Scandal' and Ulscha Auer In person Is doing a pre^ good business at $22,500, or a bit better. "Johnny Eager,' which exits from the Capitol tonight (Wed),' has weak- ened somewhat on the holdover to end at less than $20,000, mild, while also tapering off considerably Is "Mr. V,' now In its third week at the Rivoll, where it will be only about $18,000. To Be or Not to Be' opens at the RIv Friday (6). Estimates for This Week Astor (Loew's) (1.012; 35-55-05- $1.10)—'Kings Row* (WB) (5th wk). Holding up well, with main play nights and on weekends; fourth week ended Monday night (2) was $19,000, whUe third over Washing- ton's birthday was over $20,000. Broadway (Disney) (1,895; 35-55-; 75)—'Fantasia' (RKO-Disney). closed a seven-weelcs' nm at pop scales Saturday night (28). with finale counting to over $15,000, good. The sixth week was $11,000. House Is in darkness awaiting a date on 'Bambl' (RKO-Disney), which may be held up for some time fn m reoorts. Capitol (Loew's) (4,620 : 35-55-85- $1.10-$1.25)—'Johnny Eager' (M-G) (2d-final -wk). Went over $30,000 on the first seven days, satisfactory, but on holdover will end at less than $20,000, not so good. 'Invaders' (Col) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Criterion (Loew's) (1,062 : 35-44- 55-75)—'Ride 'Em Cowboy' (U). New Abbott-Costello comedy comes in here this morning (Wed.), succeed- ing 'What's Cookln* (U) which did fairly well at around $8,5Q0. Behind that 'Bom to Sing* (M-G) proved weak at $6,000. ' Globe (Brandt) (1.250: 28-35-55)-:- 'Gentleman at Heart' (20th) (2d-final wk). This one is okay at $6,500 or better on the holdover, following first seven days' take of $10,500, very good. Revivil of 'EmUe Zola' (WB) opens Satui-day (7). Palace (RKO) (1.700; 28-35-44-55- 65-75)—'Ball of Fire' (RKO) (2d- final wk). Looks a sturdy $9,500 this week (2d), while first was a rousing $15,200. House goes back to double bills tomorrow (Thurs.). Paramount (Par) (3,664; 35-55-85- Night Paris* (Regent). Fair $3,500 in sight. Last week h-o., 'Shanghai Gesture,' good $3,500. St Denis (France-Film) (2,500; 30- 40)—'Les Yeux Noirs" and 'Barbjer dc Seville.'. Sighting gor,' $5,300. Last week, 'Charette Fantome' and 'Vieille d'Armcs," good $5,000. 99)—"Lady Has Plans' (Par) and, on stage, Ina Ray Hutton, Joan Edwards, Hal LeRoy and Jack Heley comprise the new show opening here this morning (Wed.). ^Eahama Passage' (Par) and the Alvino Rey band, plus the King Sisters, Gil Lamb and other acts wound up a highly-profitable 14-day run last nign' (Tues.), first - 3ek being $55,000, the second $42,000. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (5 §45; 44-55-85-99-$1.65)— "Woman of Year' (M-G) and stage- show (4th wk). Such a sound b.o. investment at ■ia5,00P this week (4th) that it will be held a fifth. Last week (3d), was a smash $101,000. Bialto (Mayer) (594; 28-44-55>— Our Russian Front' (Artkino) and 'Frisco Lil' (U) (3d wk). Good $7,- 000 is seen this week (3d) and, as result, 'Russian Front,' which is ac- counting for the business done, will be held a fourth week, with 'Mr. Wise Guy' (Mono) replacing 'I|il.' Last week for 'Front* and 'Lil,' Ine second, was $9,500, excellent BlvoU (UA) (2,002; 35-55-75-85-99) —'Mr. V (UA) (3d-final week). Losing earlier strength for about $18,000 this week (3d), while second was close to $27,000, good. To Be or Not to Be' CIA) opens Friday (6). Boxy (20th) (5,886; 35-55-65-75-85) —'Roxie Hart' (20th) and stageshow (2d wk). Down somewhat to $40,000 or bit better this stanza (2d), but good enough to be held a third. Ini- tial seven days went to whopper $63,000. SUte (Loew's) (3,450 28-44-55-75- 00-$1.10)—'Design for Scandal' (M- G) (2d run) and, on vaude bill, Mlscha Auer, Golden Gate Quartet others. At $22,500 or more indicated will be entirely satisfactory. Last week, Jimmy Durante in person pro- vided very worthwhile support for 'Mr. Bug Goes to Town*' (Par) (1st run) for a gross that topped $22,000. Strand (WB) (2,758; 35-S5-75-89- 00)—'Captains of Clouds' (WB) and Blue Barron (3d wk). This show should top $30,000, okay, this round (3) and will go another. Last week (2d) for 'Clouded and Barron was $40,000, good. MplSoHasAlilHS/ Taxes, Lent Etc., Dinner, $10,000 Minneapolis, March i. Lent and income tax time un- doubtedly are taking a boxoflico toll, but trade nevertheless holds up fairly well. Entertainment seekers currently have a wider choice, Inas- much as there are only two hold- over, 'How Green Was My Valley* and 'Corslcan Brothers," Instead of last week's three, and (he lli)e-up In- cludes an Orpheum stage show headed by Jan Savltt's orchestra. 'Of the newcomers, 'Man 'Who Came to Dinner" has the lead. Estlnulea for This Week Aster (Par-Singer) . (900; 17-28) —'No Hands Clock* (Par) and 'North to Klondike' (U), dual first-runs. In for five days and okay $1,300 looks set Last week, 'Blondle College' (Col) and 'Body Disappears' (WB), split with 'Marry Boss* (20th) and 'Riding Wind* (RKO) all first-runs, fine $2,500 In nine days. Centory (P-S) (1,600; 30-40-50)— 'Green Valey' (20th). Here after two terrific weeks at Stale and still delivering impressively. Reaching for dandy $5,000. last week, "York* (WB) (4th wk.), magnificent $5,700 on top of $30,000 initial three weeks. Gopher (P-S) (996; 28-30)— 'Swamp Water' (20tlr). Well and heavily exploited. Smash $5,200 in prospect Last week, "Rise and Shine' (20th), pretty good $3^00. Orpheom (P-S) (2,800; 39-44-55)— 'Bahama Passage" (Par) and stage show with Jan Savitt orch, Buddy Clark, etc. Pleasing show, with big $17,000 in sight Last week, 'Corsl- can Brothers' (UA), good $8,000. SUte (P-S) (2,300; 30-40-50)— 'Man to Dinner' (WB). They're lauding this one. Zooming toward big $10,000. Last week, 'Green Val- ley' (20th) (2d wk.). great $9,600 on heels of hefty $12,700. Uptown (Par) (1,100; 30-40>^ 'Died with Boots* (WB). First nabe showing satisfactory $2,600. Last week. 'Yank R.A.F.' (20th), big $3,600. World (Par-Steffes) (350: 30-40-50- 60)—'Corsican Bros.' (UA). Moved here from Orpheum: fair $1,500. Last week, 'One Foot Heaven' (WB), fine $1,800, making nearly $13,500 for entire run.