Variety (Apr 1942)

Weimsitj, April 1, 194* PICTDBE CttOntt dn Maiiies11(^ Wedi for Cvroit IpnpM Paces Field; 'Courbhip Hardy' 16G Cblcago; March 31, Now It's Holy Week and all man- oaeu have peifectly jood'alibis If SJiBlness Is bad. Present week shapes tip considerably better than many previous religious weeks. Couple of big money wlnneiw In the loop. currenOy, -with 'Ride 'Em Cowboy,' at the Palaoe headed for a nSghty $22,000, best straight picture newcomer in town. Picture came up with excellent notices. Other money Item. Is 'Courtship of Andy Hardy,' new Mickey Rooney starrer, starthig Saturday (26) in the Unlt^ Artists. Looks like $16,000 or better despite pressure, of Holy Week. 'Louisiana Purchase' continues nicely in the State-Lake, getting a sturdy $12,000 on' Its fourth session. •Song of the Islands' plus stage show at the Chicago will do $32,000, profit- able. EtUvatc* for Thla Week AffoU* (B&K) (1.200: 35-&5-65-75) —'Appointment Love' CU) and 'Gen- tleman Heart' (20th). Good $7,000 on Initial <week. Last week,^ 'Green Valley (20th) finished great nine-, week run In loop and will now go Into the nabes. Wound up with fine $7,100 on final seven days. Chloaro (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— 'Song Islands" (20th) and stage show, Holy Week seems to be affecting this a bit, but is making a profit at $32,- 000. Last week, 'Man to Dinner' (WB), olcay $33,800. Osrrlck (B&K) (900; 35-55-05-76) —'Man to Dinner* (WB) and 'Bullet Scais' (WB). -Keat $4,500. Last week, To Be' (UA) and Torpedo Boat' (Par) a fair $4,300, under ex- pectations. Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 33-44- 56)—'Blondle College' (Col) and Red Nprvo orch on stage. Hjply Week not helping here either. Fair enough $16,000. Last weefc 'Frisco LU' (U) and Henry Busse orch on stage, splendid $20,100. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 33-44-66-76) -'Ride "Em Cowboy", (U) and "Young Lady' (RKO). Abbott & CosteUo still boxofllce dynamite, mighty $22,- 000. Last Veek, 'Look I<aughing' (RKO) and 'Call Marines' (RKO) (3d wk.), all right $11,100.. Rooaevelt (6&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 76) — 'Were Dancing* (M-G)- and 'Bom to Sing* (M-G). Nice $14,000. Last week, ^Bedtime Stor/ (Col) and 'BUI Hlckok* (WB) (2d wk.), oke $7,000. StaU-Lake (B&K) (2,700;. 35-55- 66-75)—'La. Purchase' (Par) (4th vfkX Holding oh excellently, sturdy $12,000 for fourth stanza, after solid $16,500 lest wec^ United Artist* (B&K-M-G) (1.700; 36-85-65.75) — 'Hardy Courtship' (M-G). Opened Saturday (28) and started strong despite the time ele- ment. Figures to come up with a bright $16,000 or better. Last week, 'Johnny Eager' (M-G) finished great three-week stay, at $9,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,200; 35-55-65-. 76)—'Men In LUe' (COl) and "Mar- tta Eden' (Col) IZd wk.). Holding up well, sweet $6,5oO currently - fol- lowing snappy $6,700 on first sesh. .—. £ L Itiiigs On Fmgers' Tops h yyille; Others 'Gentleman' MednnnlXI Louisville, March 31. Rings On Her Fingers' coupled 'Secret Agent of Japan' at the with Rialto Is leading the way here with n.os and mild product as main opposlsh. TUngs Row' has made a strong impression and Is nice in Its fourth week. 'Gentleman After uark .Is only-»6-so, even beloxv last week's mild biz at the State. Estimates for This Week , B'own (Fourth Avenue) (i;400; 15- ?A:?''^r^SP8 Islands' (20tii) and Frisco LU' (U). Did so well last wek that additional stanza was «aae.i making three weeks In aO. ^^Ifii^^'^' a^'er last week's socle $4,000 on moveover. Ke^noky (Swltow) (1,200; 15-25) :*f°?*?Tfani 'La. Pur- T.?!* Ataaing at okay $1,500. }^ week, 'Foot in Heaveh' (WB) $?.400 ^'^y^ates' (RKO), fairish ao^*7'' f^J^^y's) (3.300: 15- _ 'Gentleman After liark' fM^^ ^S.^ 'Vanishing Virginian' "«-G). Current week wiU be under previous stanzas, medium $7,000. w«^,;Lady WllUng- (Col) and hnt^»X ^PA) not up to par either, "ut satisfactory at $8,000. la^^L^^S??'"*" (^Libson) (1,000; wk? w^r^^'^ (WB) (4tli mft,.;u"''^'^8 up weU, with word-of- 01. a .prune factor. Good $3,000, Srt^^S plenty good after iiiSf^'^l; aWghf $3,500. 3o3f2?^.^F°*^^Avenue) (1,000; 15- and^A7?i"?» Fingers' (20th) "•4 Agent Japan' (20th). CurrenUy copping buUp of the Important coin, solid $10,000. X^ast we^ "Lady Flan? (Par) and 'Sing Worries Away* (RKO), fine $9;oi». . ' Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400: 15-30-40) — 'Remarkabla Andrew* (Par) and tAlinoS Married' (U). Satisfactory $3,000. Last week, 'What's Cookin' (U) and Treat "Etn Rough' (U), fine $3,600. BALTON.G.BUT lOG, H.O. Baltimore, March 31. A near-blizzard over the weekend, added to iisual Holy week dip. Is socking the entire downtown list. The Wolf Man' benefited by some strong selling, at Keith's with plugs for 'Menace of 'Rising Sun,'.- short special, making It the best best In Baltimore. 'Citizen Kane* with vaude is doing well on the second session at the Hipp. .Estimates for This Week Century (Lqew^s-UA) (3,000; 17-28- 44-55)^'GenUeman After Dark' (UA). Fairish $9,000, but consider- ably below recent biz. Last week, •To Be' (UA) (2d wk), held nicely at $10,200 after ringing the beU soUdly on initial round. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2.240; (17-25-28-39^-55-66)—%:itlzen Kane' (RKO) (2d wk) plus vaude. Slipped but still not bad at $10,000 after good opening sesh at $14,800. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406; 17- 28-33-39-44-"5S)—"Wolf Man' (U) plus 'Menace of Rising Sun' (U diort). Sold nicely for trim $11,000, and top gross-in town. Last weekilia. Pur- chase' (Par) (3d wk), brought total of run to $26,300, strong figure here. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 20^)— ■Martin Eden' (Col). Just fair at $3,000. Last week, 'Frisco LU' (U) tried hard, but only $3,400. New (Mechanic) (1.581; 17-28-35- 44)—'Roxie Hart' (20th)- (3d wk). Stretching out to accommodate new booking- for Easter' holiday. Only fairish $12,700 for three weeks played. Boslyn (Levin) (800; 17-28-40-55)— Torpedo Boat' (Par). Mild at pos- sible $3,000. Last week. 'George Air* (Indie), meagre $2,900 the final count. Stanley (WB) (3,280; 17-28-40-55) —'Dangerously Live' (WB) plus Louis-Simon fight pix. Only ' mod- erate at $10,500. Last week. 'Sultt- van's Travels' (Par), okay $11,200. ABBOTT-COSTELLO LEAD DENVER, WHAM ^0,400 Denver, March 31. Business good excepting at hold- over spots. 'Ride 'Era Cowboy' and 'What's Coofcin' at the Denver is the town's leader while 'Bugle Sounds' and 'Mr. and Mrs. North' at the Orpheum Is a close second. Estimatm far "nu* Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 25-40)— 'Shanghai Gesture' (UA). after a week at the Denver: " I«af $4^00; Last week, 'Roxie Hart'•(20th), after a Denver week, trim $4,500. Broadway (Fox) (1.040: 25-35-40) —'Vanishing Virghiian' (M-G) and Tarzan's Secret' (M-G), after a week at Orpheum. Meagre $2,300. Last week. "Valley iof Sim' (RKO) and 'Joe Smith, American' (M-G), after Orpfieum wefiK, lair ^,300. _ _ ' Denham (Cockrlll) (1,750; 26-35. 40)—'Lady Plans' (Par) (3d wk) and 'Remarkable Andrew* (Par) (2d wk). Not bad at $5,000 for holdover ses- sions. Last week, "Lady Plans' (Par) (2d wk) and 'Remarkable Andrew* (Par) better than opener at $8,000.. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-40)— 'Ride 'Em CovWwy' (U) and "Whafs Cookln" (U). Trim $10,400. ' Last week, "Shanghai Gesture' (UA) and 'Brooklyn Orchid' (UA), good. $10,500. Orphemn (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40) —'Bugle Sounds' (M-G) and 'Mr., Mrs. North' (M-G). Mighty good $9,500. Last week, 'Vanishing Vir- ginian' (M-G) and Tarzan's Secret' (M-G), good $9[000. Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)— 'Secret Agent Japan' (20th) and 'Juke Box Jenny" (U). Nice $8,000. Last week, 'Dangerously Live' (WB) and 'D. A. Carter Case' (Rep), good $6,500.' ■ . Blalto (Fox) (878; 25-40)—'Roxie Hart' (20th), after Denver and Aladdin weeks, and Treat 'Em Rough' (U). Oke $2,000". Last weet To Be' (UA), after Denver and Aladdin weelcs, and "Road Happiness' (Mono), same at $2,100. First Rids OB Broailway ■■- _ .-■t'lttbtt sLte.C ftanflt). WMk •! April t Oa»Itol—The Bugle Sounds^ (MO). (Rcptmed to •Variety,' Dee. 17, mi) Crltartoa—'Jo« Smith, Amer- lean' (M-G) (1). (II«tfl«tii«d In "Variety,' Jon. 7) Globe—Two Yanks In Trin- idad' (Col) (4). Uteotoued in "Variety,' March 29) Mule HaU—"Reap the WUd Whid: (Par) (2d week). (Retrfotof d in 'Varle^,' Jtfarch 29) Paramonnt—^'My 'Favorite Blonde' (Par) CI). (RevieiAtd in 'Variety,' March M) Bialt«—"The Ghost of Franken- stein' (U) (3). (RAvietDCd in "Variety,' March 4) . Blvoll—'Jungle Book' (UA) (4). .. (.Revievoed in "Variety," March 25) Boxy—To the Shores of Trip- OU' (20th) (2d week). (Reuictocd in 'Variety,' March 11) Str and-r^'The Male Animal' (WB) (2d week). (Reuietoed in "Variety," March 4) Week of April 9 - Capitol—"The Courtship of Andy Hardy' (M-G). . (Rouictoid in "Variety," F«b. U) Criterion—'Joe Smith, Amer- ican' (M-G) (2d week). Hnsla HaU—'Reap the WUd Wind' (Par) (3d week). Paramount—'My Favorite Blonde' (Par) (2d week). Boxy-To the Shores of Trip- opir (20th) (3d week). Strand — 'Dangerously They Live' (WB) (10). Tnry'-'Gentleman' Tops Newark, Sock $25,000;^ 'Shan^' Fairish 12G Newark, March 31. Warm, sunny aftemoocs and a snowy Sunday have cut into the grosses this week. Only powerful grosser is 'Son of Fury,' at Proctor's. The Remarkable Andrew" Is pulling fairly well at the ^^arampimt, but others are not so good. Estimates for This Week Adams (Indie) (2,000; 25-35-50-00) —■Go CoUegiate" (Mono) plus Clyde McCoy's band Henny Voungrjian and Susan Miller on stage. Good $14,500, but somewhat below recent grosses. Last week, "Right to Heart' (20th), Charlie Bamers orchestra and Aunt Jemima, trim $15,500. Branford (WB) (2,800; 28-33-44-55) —'Always In Heart' (WB) and 'gul- let Scars' (WB). Slow afternoons and fair evenings, mUd $12,000. Last week, 'RIme''Em^owboy'-(U) and 'Shig Supper' (Col) (2d--wk), neat $11,600. Capitol (WB) (1,200; 20-28-39-44)— 'Babes Broadway' (M-G) and "No Hands Clock" (Par). These second runs wUl get fah: $2,600. Last week, 'Corslcan Bros." (UA)'and 'Pacific RIackout' (Par), moderate $2,500. Paramonnt (Adams-Par) (2,000; 30-35-44-55)—Remarkable Andrew' (Par) and 'Lady Distress' (Indie). Nice $14,000. Last week, - "Lady Plans' (Par) and 'MaxweU Archer* (Mono), pleasing $15,000. Preetor's (RKO) (2,400; 28-44-60) —'Son Fury' (20th) and 'Gentleman at Heart' ' (20th). . Pictures plus vaude on Monday and Tuesday eve- nings are eaming-terrific . $26;000. Last week, 'BaU Fire' (RKO), 'Date Falcon' (RKO) (3d wk) and the vaude, good $10,000. SUte (Loew's) (2.600; 28-33-44-55) —'Shanghai Gesture' (UA) "'Maror^rbafa' tUA). Fair $X2?M0; Last week, "Johnny Eager" (M-G) and -Mr. and Mrs. NorS^ (M-G) (2d wk), BweU $12,500. N. Y^Okay DesiHte Holy Week Storai; 'Reap Harvests Ptttent SltOOO. Tripofi* Hdt (iOG. Hale'^ields 45G In addition to this being Holy Week, Sunday's (29) snowstorm laid a restraining finger, on Broadway business that-day, but dUe to thenin- usual. strength of several attractions complaints are in the minority.' 'Reap the WUd. Wind,' which came into the Music HaU Thursday (26), is raking in a big harvest and may hit $100,000 on its first week! An Easter spectacle, cbstomary here each year at this time, occupies the sitage. Another sock coin-getter is 'Shores of Tripoli," which has been 'powerful from the barrier at the Roxy and ended its first seven days last night (Tues.) at a cool $60,000. Picture starts Its second stanza to- day •(Wed.). Showing fine stamina, also, is 'MaI6 Animal' and Shep : Fields at the Strand. Initial week's take looks a strong $45,000 or close.' Goes' Into Easter week Friday (3). In view of oppositional boxttflic^ factors this weeiq_the State likewise Is doing welL Playing "Lady Has Plans' second-run and Johnny 'Scat" Davis orchestra, plus George Beatty and Beatrice Kay, ouUook is for bet- ter than $22,000. No' squawks have been ' Issuing from the Paramount, either, with 'Fleet's In' and Les Brown baud and Connee BosweU in person drawing a good $35,000 on the thbd week ended last night (Tues.).' New sho'w starting this morning (Wed.) consists of "Favorite Blonde' and . Tomn^ Dorsey orchestra. Criterion wound up satisfactorily last night (Tues.) its fourth and final lap of 'Ride "Em Cowboy,' a very proflteble business-grabber. Con- cluding week was near $9,000, which is over house average here. To Be or Not To Be,' which closes Friday night (3) at the RIvOlI, wUl be onljr about $18,000 on final nine^ays, but not bad considering. House brings In "Jungle Book' Saturday '(4). The current (4th-flnal) semester of Invaders' Is -down at an indicated $15,000 or a bit better for the Capl- toL Lesser runs. Including u*. double-bUl Palace, are' aU' on. the gloomy side this week. . Reclaiming the Astor from War- ner Bros; who had "Kings Row* In there for eight profitable weeks, Metro returned 'Gone, With Wind' to house yesterday (^es.) 'on- a con- tinuous run at pop prices. House li scaled weekdays from. 44c. to 88c., while on weekends top goes to Mc Metro ha; taken over the Broad- way for an aU-shorts poUcr starting Saturday (4). Program of selected Metro shorts will be on a continu- ous basis. i EsUBwtcs tor Thl^ Week Astor (Loew's) (1,012; 44-65-85-00) —'Gone With Whid' (M-G). Brought in here yesterday (Tues.) on repeat run at pop scales tuder continuous 'poUcy. i^be final six day s on eighth, week of 'Khigs Bow* (WB) was $12,500, oke. ' '\ Capitol (Loew's) (4,620; 33-55-85- $1.10-$155)—'Invaders' «5ol) (4th. final wk). Pace slowing on blowffff (4th) stanza current to around. $15,000 or bit better, whUe last week (3d) held good pace at $27,000. 'Bugle Sounds' (M-G) opens to- morrow (Thurs.). CriterloB (Loew's) (1,062; 30-44- 55-76)—'Joe Smith' (M-G) opens thls morning (Wed.) after four fine money-getUng weelcs wUh Side "Em C^>wbor (U), final stanza behig close to $9,000 whUe third was $11,000. Globe (Brandt) (1^50; 28-35^5)^ ... 'Canal Zone' (Col). Ralher slow go- and Ing with this one, only about $6,w0. ™ week, ■'Secret'Agent" (if Japan* (20tii), $8,000. nrtetty good. ^_ . Fal^ (Rk<3) XUOO: 28-35-44-59- 65-75)—'Captains <5iouds' CWB) (2d No Flag Waving in Qeve. but B^art Nke Sim Travek'HU Cleveland. March 31. Nothing to wave flags about tHls. week. Key houses are being slugged by approach of Easter, shoppers and by uie Sportsmen's Show which drew 128.000 up to Sunday (29). Chlco Marx's new orchestra and Larry Adler are helping "VaUey of Sim' cateh a fairly okay gross for the Palace. 'AU Through Night' Is shoot- ing some life into the Hipp. Estimates for This Week AUen (RKO)' (3,000; 30-35-42-55)— 'BaU Fire' (RKO) (3d wk). Strong fortnight at Hipp keeps thU push- over rolling along, nice $4,500. Last week "Men hi Life' (Col), ordinary ^3 000 Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 30-35-42- 55)—'Through Night' (WB). Hum- phrey Bogart^s meUer Is drumming up trade here, nice $12,500. Last round, 'BaU Fire' (RKO) (2d wk), sweU $10,000. Lake (Warners) (8^; 30-35-42-55) —"Secret Agent Japan* (20th). Show- ing a mefodramaUe punch that's timely, nice $2,600. Last week, 'Hellzapoppln*. (U) (3d wk), average $1,600. ralaee (RKO) (3,700: 30<-35-42-59- 66)—'VaUey Siin' (RKO) plus CHiico Marx's orch, Larry Adler and GU Lamb topping vaude. Flesh depart- ment Is -me real maghet and 'well ex- ploited to offset static week, but stlU slow, barely satisfactory at $18,000. Last weet'Lady WUUng' (Col) with Andrews Slaters and'Johnny Long's orch, nearly $23,000, great. SUte (Loew's) (3,450; 30-35-42-55) —'SulUvan's Travels' (Par). Missing fire somehow, with thin opening crowds and mUdish $11,000 lUcely. Last week, 'Shanghai Gesture' (UA), more pleasant $13,000, SUIIman (Loew's) (1,672; 30-35-42- 55)—'Vanishing VlrgUiiarf (M-G). A sleeper that's getting fine reception, $5,000 or over. Last week. To Be' (UA) (3d wk), mighty sweet $5,200. rim) and "Road Happmess' (Mono> (1st run), dueled, plus Louis-Simon . fight films. No more than about $7,800. Ught. Last week, 'Roxie Hart' (20th) and 'BUI Hlckok' (WB), both 2d-run. $8,900, fairly good. FanuBonot IPar) (3;6e4; 35-55-35- 99)—"Favorite Blonde' (Par) and, on stage. Tommy Dorsey; Paul Regan, others. This show bows / in Ciia morning (Wed.) after three excellent weeks with 'Fleet's In' and the Les Brown band, plus Connee .BosweU; third week $35,000. second $48,000. Badio City . Hnsle HsU (Rocke- feUers) (5,045; 44-5S-85-99-$l.e5):— 'Reap Tfild Wind' (Par) and Easter stage spectacle. Very potent at the ticket windows, with possible $100,<- 000 indicated first week: starta second tomorrow (Thurs.). ' Ijast week,'Bedtime Story* (Col) finished at $79,000, aU right. Blalla (Mayer) (594; 28-44.55)— "Dr. Rx' (U), plus Louis-Simon fight' pictures. Disappointing at about $5.- 800. ' On nine days, 'VaUey of San' (RKO) got $9,000, okay. - BlvoU (UA). (2,092; 35-55-75-86-99> —To Be' (UA') (4tB.final wk). Goes two days beyond fourth'stanza for' alMut $18,000 on the nine days, fair* ish. Third week.. $23,000, suitable, '^unglis Book' :(UA) ojiens Saturdcqr Boxy (20th) (5,886; 40-55-65-75-85. 89) — 'Shores TrlpoU' (20tb) and stage$how-(2d .wk). Begins hold- ovit today (Wed.) after smash first week of $60,000. Last week, second for '9oDg of Islandi' (20th) $27,000, thku State (Loew's) (3,450; 28-44-55-7(S< 90-ILlO)—'Lady Haa Plans' (Par) (2d hm) and Johnny Davis band, plus George Beatty . and Beatrlcs Kay on stage. At $S^ or bit oVer. good for Holy Week. 'Johimy Eager* (M-G) (2d nm) and L4>uls Ttbam band, Henny Youngman, othen; hit over $31,000, very nice. ^ SItaad (WB) <a.786; 33-58-76-8^ : 09>—"Mala -Animal' (wS) and Sheg Fleldlr. Draught of picture and band ° wlU mean strong |49,000 or dose. Holds over. Last week, second fci^ 'Alwaya In My Heart* (WB) not drafhr, and CharUa Spivak, .'tmde^ $20,0M, weak. ■ . Kansas Cl^, March 31. Sammy Kaya and his orcb. as & stag* attraction at the'Newman ar* way ahead of other attractions tbl* week. ' Five shows daily oy«r Uia weekend at 6Sc. top even In tUa comparatlirely small Jiouse means real coin. May hit $16,000, sweet takings fqr this house iand for' K.C, 'VaUey of the Sun' and "Shining Vic* tory' at the Orpheum are doing fairly well, but generally the films are Ught and. trade Is likewise. ; c:ene Autry's lleart of the Rto Grande' at the Tower received heavr Slugging via Uie cowboy's song ?Oeep a the Heart of Texaf In pix, and ia registering oqc of his strongest takei at this house, Estinatestar TU* Week Es«Blre and Uptown (Fox Mid> west im and 2,043: 11-30-44)-^ 'Rings on Fingers' (20th), day-and- date. Only a bit above average at ^ $6,800. Last week, "WoU Mab' (U> and "Dr. Rx* (U), surprised on tba horror angle at $6JiOO.' v Miaiaad (Loiew^r (4,000; 11-30-44) —'(SenUeman After Dark^ (UA) weT 'Nazi Agent' (M-G), Rated mediocre attracUons, meagre $7,500. Last week,- 'Lady WUUng* (Col) and 'Vanlshijig American' (M-O) sJmUar mUd flgore. Newmaa (Paramount) (ISOO; It' 39-36)—'BTy By NIghf (Par) pli|» Sammy Kaye and orch on stage. Kaye proving hefty' magnet and house heading for $16,000, easUy top- ping town and one of largest weeks' in recent years here. Last week, •Re« markable Andrew*. (Par) and 'Mr. Bug* (Par), Usht $5,000. Orphenih (RKO) (1,600; 11-30-44) —"VaUey Sun' (RKO) and 'Shining Victory*. (WB). Above average $6,600. Last week, 'Captains Clouds' - CWR) and 'Spitfire Sea' (BKO)* (2d wk.) holdover week of nine days, nica $7000. Tower (Joffee ) (2,110: Xl-30) — 'Heart Rio Grande' (Rep) with variety blU headed by Sans Souci dancers. Gene Auiry's singing of hit song "Heart of Texas' is receiv- ing main billing and accounting for added trade. Socko $7,300. Last week, "Right to Heart' (20th) With Lawrence Welk band on stagel first. K.C. theatre date. Band virtUBlly Unknown here and $7,000 figured- satisfactory, though not 1}Ig.