Variety (Mar 1942)

!• PICTURe GROSSES Wcdaeiday, March 11, 1942 Fftt Recuperatn^ From Blizz; Turchase' $15^, tm IIG. Great I Pittsburgh, March 10. With mld-sprlng weather foUow- Ing In wake, of worst snowstorm In city's history, Golden Triangle was back on the beam again over the weekend and heading for favorable grosses all along the line. As it turned out, things w-ren't nearly as bad as expected last week and takes went way above low estimates, re- sult of blazing finish after town had dug Itself out of drifts, which para- lyzed traffic completely for two days. * Big noise currently Is 'Citizen Kane* at Fulton, city going in big way for picture it has waited nearly a year to see. 'Louisiana Purchase Is getting a nice play at Penn, although Ipooking (>icture right on heels of stage version's visit Isnt the boon it was originally expected to be. Only other new attraction, •Shanghai Gesture,' at Stanley, with Bob Chester's band, will be lucky to stay on right side of ledger. Estimates for tlils.Week Folton (Shea) (-.700; 30-55)— •Citizen Kane' (HKO). Press and public alike have been clamoring fo- Orson Welles* first for nearly a year now. Lack of attention in Hearst press isn't hurting the least LookL lUce better than $11,000, great here. Last weiek, second of 'Hellz- appopin' (U), only $3,200 after $9,800 opener. Fcnn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 30-40- 60)—'Louisiana Purchase' (Par). Few complaints at $15,500, although something a bit better than that was looked for in view of show's enor- mous trade at Nixon (legit) and added name power on screen (Bob Hope). Last week, 'Captains Clouds' (WB), was riding for $20,000 when snowstorm broke, but had to be con- tent with $16,000. Rita (WB) (800; 80-40-50)— •Woman Year* (M-G). Moved here after fortnight at Penn and single week at Warner and geared for a regulation figure at this spot, which is around $2,500. Last week, 'Dumbo' (RKO), got $1,000, fcUowing great $15,000 In two weeks at Warner. Senator (Harris) (1,750; 30-40-50) —'Ride 'Em, Cowboy' (U) (2d wk). Abbott and CosteUo comedy got a tough break from weather man last week, snow costing it a possible new house record. As it was, 'Cowboy* grabbed around $10,000. this week tihould easily do another $7,000 and tnayhold. Stanley (WB) (3,800; 30-44-60-66) '^'Shanghai Gesture' (UA) and Bob phesters band. Picture roundly tapped and Chester hasn't big enough r^p yet to overcome weak- nesses of his screen support That means arotmd $16,500, ordinary. Last week, 'Skylark' (Par) and Charlie Spivak's band, $16,500, hit by weather. » '.Warner (WB) (2,000; 30-40-50)— V^aptalns Clouds' (WB). Brought from the Penn and getting benefit of former house's- natural first week trade, which was deflected in the wake of the big'snow. Looks like around $6,500, fine, and at least, an- other, week at the subsequent h.o. ?>ot, the Rltz; Last week, 'Woman ear* (M-G), foUowing fortnight at Penn. got $5,C00. Benny-Lombard $9,000 h Port; Dancing' 6G Portland, Ore., March 10. To Be or Not to Be' at the Broad- way Is the top new entry this week but 'Ball of Fire' is not far behind though on its second session at the Paramount 'We Were Dancing' is not cutting many fancy capers at the ITnited Artists. 'Son of Fury' is ' real money on holdover at the Orpbeum. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 35-40- BO)—To Be' (UA) and 'Bombay .CUpper* (U). Strong $9,000. ^Last week, 'Cai>tains Clouds' (WB) and •Miss Polly' (UA), second week, solid $6,000. M a y f a I r (Parker - Evergreen) (1,500; 35-40-50) — (Roadshow this week). Last week, 'Woman of Year' (M--G) (3d wk), exceptionally good $4,000 for third stanza. Orphenm (Hamrick - Evergreen) (1,800; 35-40-50)—'Sen Fury' (20th) (2d wk) and 'Confessions Blackie' ■ (Col) (1st wk). Power starrer get- ting nice $6,800 on second session Last week, teamed with 'Obliging Young Lady' (RKO), sturdy.$8,700. Paramount (H-fi) (3,000; 35-40-50) ^'BaU Fire' (RKO) (2d wk) and •Among Living' (Par) (1st wk) Holding up in second week tor a high $7,100. I^ast week, with -Week- end Three' (RKO), tremendous $9,700. United ArUsts (Parker) (1,000; 35 40-50)—'We Were Dancing' (M-G) and 'Klldare's Victory' (M-G). Good enough $6,000. Last week, 'Design Scandal' (M-G) and 'Joe Sfnith, American' (M-G). snappy $7,300. • TO BE'SMASH f 15,000 IN DENVER; 'EAGER' IIG Denver, March 10. To Be or Not to Be' coupled with •Castle in the Desert' Is getting big money at the Denver while 'Johnny Eager' and 'Shut My Big Mouth' at the Orpheum is a distant second. Heavy snowfall Friday did not crimp grosses much. Estimates tor This Week AUddIn (Fox) (1,400; 25-40)— "Through Night' (WB), after week at Denver. Fair $3,500. Last week, 'Son Fury' (20th), after Denver week, trim $4,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 25-35- 40)—'Sullivan's Travels' (Par) (2d wk) and 'Torpedo Boat' (Par). Mild $5,000. Last week, 'Sullivan's Travels' (Par), good $8,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-40)— To Be' (UA) and "Castle Desert' (20th). Smash $15,000. Last week. Through Night; (WJ) and 'Body Disappears' (WB), trim $11,000. Orphenio (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40) —'Johnny Eager' (M-G) and 'Four Jacks, JiU' (RKO). Big $11,000. Last week, 'Call Out Marines' (RKO) and All Money Buy' (RKO), oke $8,800. Faramonnt (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)— 'Lady for Night' (Rep) and 'Shut Big Mouth* (Col). Nice $6,000. Last week, 'Adventures Martin Eden* (Col) and 'Wise Guy' (Mono), good $6,000. Blalto (Fox) (878; 25-40)—'Son Fury* (20th), after a week at Denver and Aladdin, and 'KiUed Man* (Mono). Good $2,300. Last week, 'Died Boots On* (WB), after Denver and Aladdin weeks, and 'Melody Lane* (U), •Btisfacto;in2,000. ONCY BIZ OFF; m OK $6,500 Cincinnati, March 10. Cinema center's trade is at so-ac level and several shades imder last week, which is no surprise to ej^bs in face of L«ht, Income tax payments and auto tire {^oom. Oirrent lineup has five new releases, a bit heavy for Cincy, Bright spots are 'Song of Islan<^' at Albee,. and 'Danger- ously They live,' In the Grand. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-ISO)— 'Song of Islands* (20th). Satisfac- tory $12,000. Last week, 'Woman of Year* (M-G), big $16,000, Capitol (RKO) (2,000: 83-40-50)— 'Woman of Year* (M-G). Moveover from Albee. Great $7,000. Last week, 'Gone with Wind* (M-G), third week of second revival, and 17th week of pic's stay in this theatre, al- right $4,000. Scale was 45-55c. Family (RKO) (1,000; 17-28)— 'Blue, White and Perfect^20th) and 'Sing for Supper' (Col), split with ■Yank Burma Road' (M-G) and 'Law Jungle' (Mono).. Average $2,100. Ditto last week with 'Harvard Come' (Col) and 'Riding Wind' (RKO), di- vided with 'Enlisted Man' (Pop) and 'Today I Hang' (PRC). Grand (RKO) (1.430: 33-40-50)— Dangerously Live' (WBV. Swell $6,- 500. Last week. 'Ride 'Em Cowboy' (U) (2d run>, good $5,000; Keith's (Libson) (1.500; 33-40-50)— 'Lady for Night* (Rep). Sad $2,500. Last week, 'Captains Clouds' (WB) (2d jun), okay $4,500. lyric '(RKO) (1,400: 28-33-42)— 'Ride 'Em Cowboy'. (U). Second transfer for third week on front row. Fair $3,000. Last week, 'Louis- iana Purchase' (Par), second move- over and fourth week, good $3,000. Palace (RKO) (2.600: 33-40-50)— ■We Were Dancln?* (M-G). Slow tenioo at $8,000. Last week. 'Sulli- van's Travel.<i* (Par), rough $7,500. Shnbert (RKO) (2.150: 33-40-50)— 'What's Cookin" (U). Poor $3,000. Last week, .'Paris Calling* (U), .falr $5,000. To Be', $4,000, *Woman' $3,200, Hot in Lincoln Lincoln, Neb., March 7. •Front-nmning grossers this week are 'Woman of Ye4r,* at Stuart, and Carole Lombard's finale, 'To Be,' at Varsity. Estimates tor This Week Colonial (Monroe-Noble-Federer) (750; lO-lB-20)—'Arizona Terror' (Rep) and 'Man Betrayed'' (Rep), split with 'Silver Sage' (Par) and 'Borrowed Hero' (Mono). Poor $500. Last week, 'Western Mall' (Mono) and 'Scattergood Pulls Strings' (RKO), split with 'Nurse's Secret' (WB) and 'South Santa Fe' (Rep), ditto. Lincoln (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,503; 10-20-44)—'Roxie Hart* (20th). Slim $3,000. Last week, "Man to Dinner' (WB), 10 days, good $4,100. Nebnuka (J. ft CkK)per-Par( (1,- 236; 10-20-28)—'South Tahiti* (U) and 'Strawberry Blonde* (WB). Probably poor $1,000. Last weelt,'Blues Night* TWB) and 'Riders Purple Sage* (20th), fair $1,900. Stable (Noble-Federer) (086; 10- 20-28)—'Cadets Parade* (Col) and 'EUery'Queen* (Col). Weak $U()0. Last week, 'Shut Big Mouth* (Col) and 'AU American Co-ed' (Col), fair $1,300. Stuart (J. H .Cooper-Par) (1,884; 10- 30-44)—'Woman of Year* (M-G). Possible $3^00, nifty. Last week. 'Son Fury* (20th). excellent $3,800. Varsltv (Noble-Federer) (1,000; 10- 30-44)—To Be or Not* (UA). Splen- did $4,000. Last week, 'Dangerously Live* (W B). $1.800. poor. OMAHA COOLS OFF, BUT TO BE' FANCY $11,000 Omaha. March 10. To Be or Not to Be* is a smash at the Omaha, and at Orpheum, Jan Savltt's band on stage with Buddy Clarke, and 'Appointment for Love* on screen, will get a nice but not particularly big figure for that house. Balmy, weather changed to rain and cold over weekend. Estimates for This Week Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 11-30-44) —'To Be* (UA) and 'Brooklyn Orchid* (UA). Last for Lombard, smash $11,000. Ijast week, "Woman of Year* (M-G) and 'Never Give Sucker* (U), big $9,300. Brandels (Mort Singer) (1,500; 10- 25-35-40)—'Lady WiUlne* (Col) and 'Wild Bill Hickok* (WB). Swell $6,000. Last week, 'Blues Night* (WB) and '40,000 Horsemen' (Prlnc), $3,800, poor. Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 15-40- 55)—jan Savltt band and Buddy Clarke- on stage, 'Appointment for Love' (U). Good $14,0Q0. Last week. 'Roxie Hart' (20th) and 'South Tahiti' (U), pretty good $10,000 at 11- 30-44C Paramount (Tristates) (3.000; 11- 30-44)—'Roxie Hart* (20th), move- over from Orpheum and 'Castle Desert' (20th), first-run. Poor $6,000. Last week, 'Son Fury' (20th) and 'No Hands Clock' (Par), light $7,000. State (Goldberg) (900; 25-35)— liouislana Purchase* (Par) and 'Scattergood Strings* (RKO). -spUt with 'Playmates* (RKO), 'Boston Blackie' (Col) and Tanks Coming' (WB). Good $1,000. Last week, 'BaU Fire' (RKO) and 'Kathleen' (M-G), spUt with 'Beast Berlin' (PRC), 'Burma C^onvoy' (U) and 'Swing It Soldier' (U). fair $800. Town (Goldberg) (1.500; 10-20-25) —'Code Outlaws* (Rep). 'Ball of Fire* (RKO) and 'Keep *Em Flying* CU). triple split -with 'West of Tomb- stone* (Col). 'Boston Blackie* (Col) and 'Billy Kid Returns* (PRC), end 'Broadway Limited* (UA) and 'Danger on Wheels' (U). Nice $1,100. Last week, 'Last Duanes' (20th), 'Army Girl* (Rep) and 'Niagara Falls*^ (UA), triple spUt with 'Roar- ing Frontiers' (Col), 'Take Oath' (PRC) and 'Haiders of the West' (PRC),, and 'International Lady' (UA) and 'Date with Falcon' (RKO), light $900. KOW,' $7,500, TO BE,' $7,200, BIG IN MEMPHIS Memphis. March 10. Main Street b.o.'s were rolling in coin iihtll snowstorm hit yesterday (9). Even with freeze, week should begone olbestthis.season 'Kings Row' is surprising town with heavy iKtxoffice draft at War- ner's, and may eveij top Lombard- Benny's 'To Be or Not To Be' at Loew's State, though should be close. Malco's 'Lady Is Willing' is pulling. Estimates for This Week Warner (WB) (2,000; 10-33-44)— 'Kings Row'. (WB). Terrific, exploi- tation should account in part for probable $7,500, gre^t Last week, 'Captains Clouds' (WB) (2d wk), $3,600. very 'good. Maloo (Lightman) (2,800; 10-33-44) —'Lady WiUing' (Col). Dietrich ap- pears to be getting over better than past efforts. Indicates good $6,000. Last week. 'Ride Cowboy* (U), $7,- 600. fine. Slate (Loew) (10-33-44)—'To Be' (UA). Lombard presence on screen seems to be working both for and against feature, some preferring not to see and others anxious. Looks for $7,200, big. Last week, 'Joan Paris' (RKO). $3,000. weak. Palace (Loew) (2,200; 10-33-44)-^ 'Vanishing' Virginian' (M-G). Rave notices pfus ad campaign mapped by Boyd Fry and Todd Ferguson nudg- ing this one to $5,000, good. Last week, 'Woman Year' (M-G) (2d wK), ,$3,500, okay. Strand (Lightman) (1,000; 10-22-33) —'Bedtime Story' (Col) (2d run), three days; 'Melody Lane* (U), two days; 'Twilight ftail* (Par), two days. Ought to get good $1,700. Last weiek, 'You Belong Me' (Col) (2d run), three days; 'Bowery Blitz,* one day. and '(jorsican Brothers* (UA) (2d run), three days; $1,300, fralL %ine,' At Long Last in Pl%, Snudi $17,000; 'Pnrdiase' Great $19,000 LOMBARD-BENNY fINE {14,000 IN.KANSAS C Kansas City, March 10. Carole Lombard-Jack Benny's 'To Be or Not To Be,* in at the Midland as bill topper, has things more or less Its own way this weelc "Fan- tasia,* as dual topper at the Orpheum, is also giving a good report 'Sulli- van's Travels' at the Newman Is proving average. Theatres played against- heavy competition the end of last week and opening days of current week. Po- lice indoor circus packed them into the arena of the municipal audi- torium for five days. Estimates (or This Week Esanire and Uptown (Fox Mid- west) (820. and 2,043; 11-30-44)— 'Roxie Harf (20th) (2d wk). Current $5,000 pleasing, after first week's $10,000 combo. Midland (Loew's) (4,000; 11-30-44) —To Be' (UA) and 'Brooklyn Or- chid' (UA). Preceded by plenty of notice and going along strongly for $14,000. Last week, 'Mr. V,' (UA) and 'Miss Polly' (UA), fairUh $7,500. Newman (Paramount) (1,900;"11- 30-44)-'Sullivan's Travels' (Par) playing solo and getting average $6,d00. Last week, "Man to Dinner' (WB), second week, fancy $7,000. Orphenm (RKO) (1,600: 11-30-44) —'Fantasia* (RKO) and 'Jacks and JiU' (RKO). Disney feature long awaited and $7,000, more than satis- factory, but won't hold over. Last week. 'Call Marines' (RKO) and 'All Money Can Buy' (RKO), mild $5,500. Tower (Joflee) (2,100;' 11-30)— 'Sleepytlme Gal' (Rep) and vaude. Judy Canova helps along somewhat here and week should hit $6,700, over average. Last week. 'Paris Calling (U) and vaifde. ditto. mm HUGE $44,500 IN HUB Boston. March 10. Snowstorm dented film trade here Friday (6). but biz perked up over weekend. 'Ride 'Em Cowboy,' hold- over, with new stage show topped by Woody Herman band at RKO- Boston, la up In the ace money, with 'Woman of the Year' at Loew's Or- pheum and State leading the town and whamming for a holdover at both .stands. Fourth week of 'How Green Was My Valley' is big at the Keith Memorial Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3.200; .30-44-55:65- 75)—'Ride *Em Cowtwy' (U) (2d wk). with Woody Herman orch on stage. Shaping un to okay $22,000. Last w6ek, 'Ride 'Em' (U) and Dick' Powell on stage, socko $34,800. Fenway (M&P) (1.373; 30-40-44-55- 60)—'Song of Islands' (20th) and 'No Hands Clock' (Par), continued from Met Will hit around $5,500. so-so. Last week, 'Man to Dinner' (WB) and 'Steel Against Sky' (WB), con- tinued from Met, $8,000. biggest week in months. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2.900; 30- 44-65)—'Green Was Valley' (20th) and 'Niagara Falls' (UA) (4th wk). Flirting with $18,000 and fifth frame. Third week garnered $23,400. socko. MelropoTIlan'(MiiP) "(4;367;- 30^0-- 44-60) — 'Kihw Row' (WB) and 'Melody Lane' (U). Heading for tepid $17,000. Last week, 'Song Islands' (20th) and 'No Hands Clock' (Par), $21,000; good. Orphenm (Loew) (2.900; 30-40-44- 55)_'Woman of Year' (M-G) and 'Man Returns' (Col). Aiming at $26,000, smash. Last week, 'Johnny Eager' (M-G) and 'Hay Foot' (UA), holdover, $20,000, ;socko. Paramount (M&P) (1,800;* 30-40- 44-60)—'Song Islands' (20th) and 'No Hands ClocW (Par). Continued from Met; around $9,000, satisfactory. Last week, 'Man to Dinner' (WB) and 'Steel Sky' (WB), continued from Met, $13,000, excellent. Stete (Loew) (3,600; 30-40-44-55) —'Woman of Year' (M-G) and 'Man Returned' (Col). Big $18,500. Last week, 'Johnny Eager' (M-G) and 'Hay Foot' (UA), second week, $15,000, very good. Transinx (Translux) (900; 17-35- 44) — 'Law Jungle' (Mono) and 'Black Dragon' (Mono). Around $4,600. Last week, 'Shut My Mouth' (Col) and 'Man Headquarters' (Mono), $5,000. Wrap Up Those Feet Hollywood, March 10. Gene Tierney's next starrer at 20th-Fox will be 'China Girl,* a mod- em Oriental yarn based on an idea by Darryl 2anuck. Ben Hecht is working on the script with Harold Godsoe as technical ad- visor. Philadelphia, March 10. •Citizen Kane' and Ixtulslana Pur- chase' are leading the field by several lengths this week, and both look like they'll hang around for a long spelL ICane,' in particular,' is enjoying. hefty patronage, finally being. un- veiled here after almost a year of bickering - between Warners and HKO. . "Lady for a Night,' coupled -with local debut of Chico Marx band, only creating mild boxofflce ripple, while holdovers of <Ball of Fire' and 'Cap- tains of the Clouds' continue profit- able. 'Purchase' is first picture getting the new two-theatre, day-and-date treatment by Warners. Hope starrer, played the Earle Simday (8) In addl-' tion to its regular screening at the Fox. Earle, ordinarily closed on the Sabbath, will, feature the biggest grosser of the week—each Sunday. First day of this experiment was re- ported profitable by Warner execs. Estimates for This Week Aldltae (WB) (1,303; 35-46-57-68)— 'Citizen Kane* (RKO). Playing to smash trade at $17,000. Last week, 'Vanishing Virginian* (M-G), poor $7,000. Aroadia (Sablosky) (600; 35-46-57) —'Lady WUllng' (Col) (2d run). Do- ing better than expected with okay $2,600. Last week. Through Night' (WB), mediocre $2,300 for third run. Boyd (WB) (2,568; 35-46-57-68)— 'BaU Fire' (RKO) (2d wk). Slough- ing off, but stUl lots of heat 'with $13,000; Initialer last week grossed heavy $20,000. Earle (WB) (2,768; 35-46-57-68-75) —'Liady for Night' (Rep) Chico Marx orch on stage. Only fair $16,000. (Figure does not include Sunday showing of Ijoulsiana' Purchase* here.) Last week. 'Kildare Victory' (M-G) with Martha Raye and Clyde Lucas band, did better with $19,000. Fox (WB) (2,425; 35-46-57-68)— 'Louisiana Purchase* (Par). Good for sock $19,000 for opehing sesh. In addition, 'Purchase' netted husky $2,100 at "Earle Sunday (8). Last week, 'Roxie Hart' (20th), wound up second week with satisfactory. $12,000, Karlton (WB) (1,066; 35-46-57-68) —'Dumbo* (RKO) (2d run). Doing nice biz, with $4,500 for this trick. Last week, 'Hellzapoppin* (U), $4,000 for second run. KeIth*B (WB) (2.220; 35-46-57-68)— 'Woman of Year* (M-G) (2d run) (2d wk). Looks like pix of year, with bright $5,500 for tills chucker. Ini- tialer' of second run netted clicko $7,000. Stanley (WB) (2.916; 35-46-57-68) —'Captains Clouds' (WB) (3d wk). Having neat flight toY round trey with okay $11,000. Second trip got okay $13,000. To Be or Not to Be' (UA) bows tomorrow (Wed.). Stanton (WB) (1,457; 35-46257-68) —'Sons of Sea' (WB). Poor 1,4,000. Last week, 'Pacific Blackout' (Par), ditto. HM BEST IN PROY.; 'CAPTAINS'2D $13,500 Providence, March 10. Two holdovers mark this week's blUs, with 'Captains of thejClouds'' in a big second week at the MaJesticL and 'Fantasia' showing but a slight falUng off at-RKO-Albee. 'Mister^,' at Loew's, is healthy. EstlnuUes tor This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 28-39-50)— 'Fantasia' (ItKO) and 'Mexicdn Spit- fire' (RKO) (2d wk). Paced for good $6,200. Last week, nifty $9,200. ' Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 28-39- 50)—'Woman of Year' (M-G) and 'Kathleen' (M-G) (2d run). Despite third downtown week, still going strong for .nifty. $3,500. Last week. 'Roxie Harl' (20th) and 'Sunny Side" (20th) (2d run), good $3,500. Fay's (Indie) (1.400; 28-39-50)—. 'Sealed Lips' (U) and vaude. Nifty weekend helping to good $6,500. Last week. 'Cowboy Serenade' (Rep) and vaude. nice $6,800. MaJetUc (Fay) (2,200; 28-39-50)— 'Claptalns Clouds' (WB) and 'JaU House Blues' (U) (2d wk). Knock- out $16,000 In opening stanza war- ranted a holdover, which is heading for zowie $13,500. Metropolitan (Indie) (3.200; 44-55- 65)—Dick PoweU, Ray Kinney or- chestra, and 'Crimlpals Within' (Pro). Kpocked off fair $8',600 in three-day run. State (Loew) (3,200: 28-39-50)— 'Mister V* .(UA) and 'Fiesta' (UA). Strength of Leslie Howard's name carrying this one to good $13,000. Last week, 'Woman of Year' (M-G) and 'Kathleen' (M-G) (2d wk), zowie $14,000. Strand (Indie) (2,000: 28-30-50T— 'Paris CaUing' (U) and 'Melody Lane' (U). Not doing too badly and should end UP with fair $6,000. Last weeKT" 'Mr. Bug' (Par) and 'Glamour Boy' (Par), ditto.