Variety (Apr 1942)

10 PICTURE GROSSES Vedneeday, April 1, 1942 Trank^teiB'SingleSunn^forSlow- Pitt, Big $7^; Dancing' N.SJ1.9G Pittsburgh, March 31. Holy Week is Just about, as ex- pected, but producing one surprise. It is 'Ghost of Frankenstein,' with Castle in the Desert," at Fulton. Blazing through to house's biggest twin-bill gross y.et, and sticks at least three extra days. 'We Were Dancing' is weak at Penn. Blue Barron's band at Stanley has a better picturt than this house usu- ally gets in 'Sullivan's Travels,' which will help account for better than average Holy Week. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 30-35-55)— •Ghost Frankenstein' (U) and 'Castle in Desert" (20th). .Also Louis-Simon fight pix,' added Sfinday (29), four days after bill got under way. A smasheroo, with 'Frankenstein' get- ting the credit, despite lambasting from the crix. At least $7,500, great for an ordinary session here, and ' little short of sensational on Holy Week. Holds through Friday (3) and may stick ior full extra week, shov- ing 'Roxie Hart' (20th) opening back to Wednesday (8). Last week, 'Citi- zen Kane' (HKO) (3d wk), near $4,- 000 to give film $19,000 on run. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 30-40-55) —'Were Dancing' (M-G). Tip-o£f on what management thought of this one Is a Holy Week booliing for Shearer. Will hardly too $9,000 on six days, shortened session due to house's shift to regular Thursday getaway. Last week, 'To Be' (UA), around $16,000, slick. BlU (WB) (800; 30-40-55)—"Ball Fire' (RKO) (3d wk). Followed the usual Penn-Wamer-Ritz route, about $2,500, mild for six days. Last week, •La. Purchase' (Par), which traveled same route as "Fire," okay $2,700. .Senator (Harris) (1,750; 30-40-55)— 'Shut Big Mouth' (Col) and 'Juke Box Jenny'(U). Looks like custom- ers are shopping for bargains, since this Is the second twin-bill in a row to make the grade here. On six days should better $4,500, not bad. Last Ttfec^, 'Sleepytime Gal' (Rep) and •Martin Eden'. (Col), $5,000, fine. Stanley (WB)~~(3,800; 30-44-55-66) —'Sullivan's Travels' (Par) and Blue Barron's band. Orel, doesn't have name potency of usual bands at the WB deluxer, which accounts for in- sertion of stronger picture than gen- erally. Satisfactory $15,000, satis- factory, that is, for Holy Week. Last week, 'Night Jan. 16' (Par) and Duke Ellington-Ethel Waters, disappoint- ing $19,000. Warner (WB) (2.000; 30-40-55)— To Be' (UA) (2d wk). Moved .here ^from Penn, $5,000 for six days, all Tight and enough to insure third sesh at Rit2. Last week, 'Ball Fire' (RKO;, also move-over from Penn, clean-up $8,500. (20th) fared poorly with $2,800 for second week of second run. Keith's (WB) (2,220; 35-46-57-88) —To Be' itTA) (2d run). Not bad considering conditions with nice $5.- 500 for this trip. Last week, 'Ball Fire' (RKO), netted same for second run. Stanley (WB) (2,016; 35-46-57-68) —'Ride 'Em Cowboy" (U). Gallop- ing along to zlngy-$16,000 plus a cushy $2,000 for Sunday 'gravy* show at Earle. Last week, 'To Be' (UA), even $10,000 for holdover sesh after hot start. Stanton (WB) (1,457; 35-46-57-68) —'Ghost of Frankenstein' (U). Seems to be what Stanton audiences cry for, hangup $9,000. Last week, 'Gentleman After Dark' (UA), neat $5,000 on holdover. 'Woman'Great $11,000' Away in Front, Seattle; ToBe'Solid6G,2dWL 'Cowboy' Zingy $16,000 Pacemaker in Dismal Phiny; mst' Live 9G Philadelphia, March 31. Film theatre trade is taking the usual dive as Holy Week sets in. Only a couple of spots are bucking the trend. Brightest spot is the Stan- ley, where Abbott and Costello are keeping things percolating in 'Ride "Em Cowboy.*^ 'Cowboy' also award- ed the extra-showing plum on Sun- day, a "bonus' reserved for'the "big- gest grower of the week. Also doing as well as could be ex- pected is 'Ghost of Frankenstein' at the Stanton. Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (1,303; 35-46-57-68)— •Citizen Kane' (RKO) {4th wk). Winds up Its stay here with so-so $6,000 for canto number four. Third sesh last week was slightly better at $7,000. Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 35-46-97) —*La. Purchase' (Par) (2d run). Still plenty robust at $4,300. Will hbldover at least one more round. Last week, 'Green Valley' (20th), sad $900 for five days of a fourth run downtown. Boyd (WB) (2,568; 35-46-57-68)— •Male Animal' (WB) (2d wk). Dip- ping to mediocre $10,000 for hold- over after okay S14,000 for initialer. •Kings Row' (WB) preems Sat. (4). Earle (WB) (2,769; 35-46-57-68-79) —'Call Out Marines' (RKO) plus liOu Breese orch, Gertrude Niesen, Jinx Falkertburg and Lew Parker. Pair $18,000. Last week, 'What's Cbokin' (U) teamed up with Ina Ray Button's orch and Bls^ckstone's tricks for profitable $21,000. Fox (WB) (2,425: 35-46-57-68)— •Bahama Passage' (Par) (2d wk). Also suffering from Holy Week with meagre $10,000. Bow-In last week brought nheery $15,000 plus A2,000 for "bonu."!' .Sunday showing at Earle.' KarM«n-(WB) (T.066: 35-46-57-68) —"Mr. Bu"' fPar). Too wppk to buck thp tide Qnd barely '$2,500. thin for " a first run; Last week, "Hoxle Hart' Seattle, March 31. Two more signs that this city Is going places as pop and payrolls reach new highs (figured 500,000 now call Seattle Metropolitan area their home)' are the planned re- opening of Music Hall by Hamrick- Evergreen and higher- prices at the Palomar, Sterling's ace local house. Music Hall opens April 4, with 'Fleet's In' and will play big pictures for runs. 'Fantasia' and a return at pop prices of 'Gone With Wind' are on tap also. Town Is mostly holdover this week, excepting 'Woman of Year' which is way out ahead on its first stanza. 'To Be' Is good on its second stanza at Paramount. Estimates for This Wek Blae Moose (Hamrick-Evergreen) (850; 30-40-58)—'Roxie Hart' (20th) and 'Confirm, Deny' (20th) (3d wk.). Getting on for very good $3,100. Last week, same pair, swell $4,000. Collsenm (H-E) (1,900; 23-40)— 'Siispiclon' (RKO) and 'Corsican Bros.' (UA) (2d run). Stressing Academy Award angle, for a big $3,900: Last week, 'La. Purchase' (Par) and 'Swamo \''ater! (20th), (2d run), $3,700, good. Fifth Avenne (H-E) (2,349 30-40 58)—'Woman Year' (M-G). Wonder ful $11,000. Last week, 'Were Danc- ing' (M-G) and 'Nazi Agent'' (M-G), not too big at $7,200. Liberty (J-vH) (1,650; 30-40-58)— 'Invaders' (Col) (3d wk.). Trim $4. 700. Last w£ek, same film, dandy $5,100. Mnsie Box (H-E) (800; 30-40-58)— 'Bugle Sounds' (M-G) and 'Obliging Lady' (RKO), (3d wk.). Sturdy $3, 200. Last week, same duo, excellent $3,800' lot second session, Orpheom (H-E) (2,600; 30-40-58)— 'Mad Doctor' (U) and 'Wolf Man' (Ur. Hefty $8,500. Last week, 'In Army' (WB) and 'Juke Box Jennie' (U), no soap, pulled after 6 days, weak $4,500. Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 23-35- 58)—'Riders Purple Sage (20th') and 'Telling Me' (U) plus vaude. Good $7,400. Last week, 'SulUvan's Trav- els' (Par) and vSude, dandy $8,200. Paramonnt (H-E) (3,039; 30-40- 58)—'To Be' (UA) and 'Castle Desert' (20th) (2d wk.). Pointing <UA). 'Were •Gentleman Alter Dark' Meagre $3,500. Last week, JVUlP^ngLi»fcGi.M.^0O.:pka3^ Palace (Loew) (£«»; ,W-33-4tl^ 'Nazi Agent' (M-G). Veldt double- role pix no b.o. bait Will be lucky to top $3,000. Last week, 'Song Is- lands'^ (20th) (2d wk), $2,600, okay. Strand (Llghtman) (1,000; 10-22- " (U) (2d run). Gesture* (UA) Strange Case Dr. Rx' (U), pne day. Getting nice run to fairish $1,700. Last week, •Little Foxes' (RKO) (2d run), three days; 'Jailhouse Blues' (u), two days, and 'Night Jan. 16' (Par), two days; $1, 800. good. . Mpls. Biz and Product Dull; W Weak $3,000, *Woman' Fme 7iG, EG. .Minneapolis. March 31. Probably because it's Easter vaca- tion time, the current screen fare largely has been chosen with a weather eye to the youngster trade. Also, selections have been Influenced by a desire to hold back the stronger product'until after Easter. The line- up sizes up as the weakest in recent weeks. Woman of the Year' Is a shining exception. After a bang-up first week, it has been held over at the State and continues contrary to the bearish trend. Estimates tor Ttia Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 17-28)— 'Blue, White, Perfect' (20th) and 'Shut Big Mouth' (Col) , split with Torpedo Boat' (Par) and 'Young America' (20th). Pretty good $2,000 oil eight days. Last week, 'Man Re- turned to Life' (Col) and 'Tanks Mil- Uon' (UA) split with 'Bombay Clip- per' (U) and 'Treat 'Em Rough' (IJ), oke $2,200 on eight days. Century (P-S) (1,600; 30-40-50)— 'Mr. Bug' (Par) and 'On Sunny Side' (20th). A deviation'from the single feature policy, with 'Sunny Side', advertised as 'special added attrac- tion'. Poor $3,000. Last week. To Be' (UA) (2d wk.), fair $4,100 after mUd $8,000 first week. Gopher (P-S) (998: 28-30)—"Kath- leen' (M-G). Light $2,500 indicated. Last week, 'Blues in Night' (WB), big $3,500. Orphenm (P-S) (2,800; 30-40-50)— 'Bugle Sounds' (M-G). Trying for juvenile trade. Pretty good $7,500. MBiiHoI(kUpWen:'kd]LWilIing' Best Bet. $18,000, ^icionlSGEO. -4- BROOKLYN BIZ STRONG; lONGS ROW STOUT 23G Brooklyn, March 31. Hefty biz at Fabian Paramount, showing "Kings Row' and 'Harvard, Here I Come.' Second week of Worn- an of Year* and 'Hay Foot' at Loew's Metropolitan also in the money. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,274; 30-40-50-55)— 'Roxle Hart' (20th) (2d wk) and ■What's Cookin" (U). Satisfactory $15,000. Last week, 'Roxle* plus 'Joan Paris' (HKO), okay $17,000. Fox (Fabian) (4,023; 30-40-S0rS5)— Remarkable Andrew' (Par) and 'Al- ways in Heart' (WB). Dull $10,500, Last week, 'Lady for Night' (Rep) and 'WoU Man' (W, so-so $12,000. Met (Loew's) (3,618; 30-40-50-55)— 'Woman Year' (M-G) and 'Hay Fool' (UA) (2d wk). Q)nttnuing strong with $17,000 on second sesh. Last week, opulent $20,000. Paramonnt (Fabian) (4,126; 30-40- 50-55)—'Kings Row' (WB) and 'Har- vard, Here 1 Come' (Col). Sturdy $23,000. Last week,' 'Lady Plana' (Par) and 'Mr. Bug' (Par), meagre $13,000. . Strand (WB) (2,800; 30-40-50-55)— 'Tragedy at Midnight" (Rep) and stage show with Ethel Waters and Les Hlte's c^rchestra Fairish $7,000 for four-day run. Last week, 'Among Living' (Par) and stage show featur- ing Red Norvo's orchestra and Jim- my Durante, so-so $6,500. Will Hays ^Continued from pate 8; Last week, 'Roxle Hart' . ty good $6,200. • ' 20th), pret- State (P-S) (2,300; 30-40-50) — 'Woman of Year' (M-G) (2d wk.). Much praise heaped on picture, and word-of-mouth plus..critlcs' superla- tives is helping. Good $7,500 in sight after hefty $10,000 first week. Uptown (Par) (1,100; 30-40)—'Sgt. York' (WB). First neighborhood showing for this ace and it's clean- ing up. 'Vety stron- $4,500. Last week, 'Johnny Eager' (M-G), mild $2,400. World (Par-Stefifes) (350; 30-40-50- 60)—'Paris Calling' (U), Elisabeth Bergner a favorite with this thea- tre's carriage trade patrons, nice $3,000. Last week, 'Lydia' (UA) (2d wk.). light $1,500, out took big $4,000 first week, way ahead of advance estimatjes. —«• for_a solid $6J)00, sweet fox 5SCPn.4. 'stanza Oils week. "Last week, same pair, wonderful $12,000. Boosevelt (Sterling) (800; 21-40)— 'Appointment Love' (U) and 'Look Laughing* (RKO) (2d run). Big $3,200. Last week, (30-40-58), 'Man to Dinner" (WB) (5th wk.>, oke $2,- 800. Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; ZO- 30) — 'Green Valley" (20th) and •Cadet Girl' (20th) (3d run). Big $3,200. Last week, 'Foot in Heaven* (WB) and 'Married Bachelor' (M-G) <3d run), good $2,600. Invaders' Socks Thru For $6,000 in Memphis ■ ' Memphis, March 31. The Invaders' have taken Mem'^ phis. E](Citing Import is doing a nice trade at the Maico while bal- ance of the town lolls In the dol- drums. Warner's has 'Wolf Man.' Loew's State Is showing 'A Gentle man After Dark.* Loew's Palace of- fers 'Nazi Agent.' None getting much play. Estimates tor This Week Warner (WB) (2,000; 10-33-44)— 'Wolf Man' (U). Horror item doing about as well as expected at $4,000. Last week, 'Always Heart' CWB), $3,- 000, sad. Maioo (Llghtman) (2.800: 10-33-44) —'Invaders' (Col). Swell $6,000. Last week, 'Paris Calling' (U), four days,'$1,900, off badly. " S»a«ft (Loew) (2,600; 10-33-44)— mTESE'-'BURMAROAD' $10,000, PACING OMAHA Omaha, March 31. Town slipped back to more con- .servatJW-Jigures. After.. Wg_ dfttnga. last. week. 'Maltese Falcon' plus 'Yank on Burma Road' is. doing nicely at the Orpheum. The Van- ishing 'Virginian' and 'Joe Smith, American,' at the Omaha,. wUl go below recent biz at this house. brph^om CSistates) (3,0()b; U- 30-44)—'Maltese Falcon' (WB) and Yank Burma Rood' (M-G). Nice $10,000, Last week, 'Lady Plans' (Par) and Sammy Kaye band on sUge (20-40-50-65), smash $22,300. Brandels (Mort Singer) (1,600; 10- 25-35-40)—'Dangerously Live' (WB) and 'Martin Eden' ((jol). - Only fair $3,800. I^st week, 'Captains Clouds' (WB) (2d wk), nice $4,000. First week, Eocko $6,200. Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 11-30- 44)—'Vanishing Virginian' (M-G) and 'Joe Smith, American' (M-G). Mild $7,500. Last week, 'Ride 'Em Cowboy' (U) and "Young America' (20th), big $10,000. Town (Goldberg) (1,400; 11-20-30) —'Riders Purple Sage' (20th), 'Hono- lulu Lou' (Col) and law of Tim- ber' (PRC) triple spilt with 'Bill Hickok' (Rep), "Meet Chump* (U) and 'Lawless Plainsmen' (Col), 'Hay- foot' (UA) and 'Miss Polly' (UA). Meagre $9,000. Last week, 'Law Open Range' (RKO), 'Among Living' (Par) and 'Jungle Man' (Indie) triple split with 'Criminals Within' (Indie), 'Argentina Nights' (U) and 'Rider Cheyenne' (C^ap), 'Playmates' (RKO) and 'Fiesta' (UA), good $1,100. critical mat^lals needed to supply films lor civilian and military uses at home ^nd abroad. Lanrbter and Liberty- "Laughter and liberty are re ciprocally invigorating factors in the American way of life,' Hays said. Therein lies our strength, our re- siliency In even the darkest, hour, and our avoidance of the blind fanaticism which the totalitarian tryant demands. The tryant not only ' banishes freedom from the world, but with It comedy. Laughter, which Is the restorative of sanity, and the comic sense which preserves man's humanity by reminding him of Its weakness, are alien to the world which breeds tjrplcal Nazis of every creed and color.' Hays covered - the work of the War Activities Committee, how the industry had voted, films for Aiherl- can Expeditionary forces throughout the world, the part played by the film business 'in making training films, the setup of the' Hollywood Victory Committee to provide talent for service camp shows, etc. Freedom of Films Regarding freedom of the films. Hays referred to the industry's suc- cessful fight before th?..U. S. Senate sub-committee, and explained why he did not appear. Hays reported that he had been Invited to appear, but that before he was called, the Senate ogliis|llx s.wsfiendeiJ. th.t work of the committee. "Then Hays read into his annual report portions of the statement he had prepared to read before the committee. Hays said that one result of the Senate inquiry, of inestimable Importance,, 'is a broader understanding of the first article in the Bill of Rights, where by" it Is i:e'66i£nlze'd thai fre'edbm of the radio and of the films Is in- tended, as well as free speech and free press.' ^ In his summary of departmental activities. Hays pointed out that two feature pictures were finally rejected by the Production Code Administra- tion In ,1941 while 21 completed fea- tures, originally rejected, were suc- ces^uUy revised to conform to PCA code provisions. Also that 43 scripts or treatments for fe&tures rejected in original form were re-written, and re-submltted, and approved. Hays said that 73 additional scripts, re- jected during the year, were In the process of correction at the end of last year. Among subjects In the rejected or eliminated list ' were those for excessive killings, illicit sex without adequate compensating moral values,' offensive sex sugges- tlve'ness, nudity, unpunished crimi- nal heroes, sex perversion, white slavery and glorification of suicide. Full scope of the (immunity Serv- ice department also was detailed by the MPPDA head. ~ Detroit, March 31. Final week of Lent has started to whittle away at the persistently high grosses'In first-runs here. However, the decline will be nothing to what It once was with the street doing what once was' considered average biz. 'Pox will step out In the van with one of the few new offerings. The Lady Is Willing' and 'Adventure of Martin Eden.' The only other new blU Is *AU Through the Night' and 'Glamour Boy' «t the Palms-State, which will finish behind the Michi- gan's second week of 'Suspicion' and ' 'Law of the Tropics.' It barely tops the third ..week of .'Woman - of the 'Year! and *Joe Smith, American' at the United Artists. Estimates tor This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 40-55-65) —'Ride JEm Cowboy' (U) (2d wk) and 'Juke Box Jenny' (U). Former moved over after great week at Fox to hold this up to a choice $7,500. Last week, 'Ball Fire' <RKO) (3d wk) and 'Spitfire at Sea' (RKO), good $6,500. Fox (Fox-Mlchlean) (5,000; 40-55- 65)—'Lady Wllllnf' (Col) and 'Mar- tin Eden' (Col). Not much strength for $18,000. Last week, 'Ride 'Em Cowboy' (U) and 'Wolf Man Re- ,. turns' (U), sock $29,000. MieUgan (United Detroit) (4,000; 40-55-65) —'Suspicion* RKO) and 'I>aw Tropics' (WB) (2d wk). Nice $15,000, coming after a great $22,000 first sesh. _ Palms-State (United Detroit) (3,- 000; 40-55-eS)-^Through the Nights (WB) and 'Glaipour Boy' (Par). , Using a fresh bill for a chanffe, neat $9,000. Last week. 'Fleet's In' (Par) (3d wk) and 'Shanghai Gesture* (UA) (2d wk), oke $7,000. United ArUita (United Detroit) (2,000; 40-55-66)—"Woman of Year* (M-G) and 'Joe Smith, American' (M-G) (3d wk), still perk'M with $8,000 after-test -week's $ll,00a mr Dark'$10,500 In ProT4 'Cowboy' Big 7G 3d Wk, Invaders'Ditto Providence, March 31. • Three holdovers mark a generally good Easter week hereabouts. 'Rtde %m Cowboy' Is on Its third stanza at RKO Albee. 'The Invaders' is stUl going strong In Its second session at the Strand. Majestic Is riding high with 'Dangerously They Live.' Estimates tor This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 28-39-50)- 'Ridtf 'Em Cowboy' (U) and 'B9mbay Clipper' (U) (3d wk). Still nifty at $7,000 after knocking off a grand $8,300 on second sesh. Icarlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 28-39- 50)—'Kings Row' (WB) and 'Dont Get Personal' (U) (3d downtown wk). Good $2,800. Took in nice $3,500 on second showing. Fay's (Indie) (1,400; 28-39-50)— 'Doctor Rx' (U) and vaude. Fair $5,500. Last week, 'Gambling Ladr (Indie) (reissue) and vaude, good $6,000: Majestic (Fay) (2.200; 28-39-50)- 'Dangerously Live' CWB) and 'Con- firm, Deny' (20th). Stepping along to zippy $10,000. Last week, 'Song Islands' (20th) and 'Gentleman Heart' (20th), zowie $12,500. Metropolitan (Indie) (3,200; 44-5S- 95)=-Alvirit) Rey orchestra plus Bor- rowed' Hero' (Mbho)'. ConsldSrlHg^ week, plenty good at $8,500 for three- '"'si^""(Loew) (3J200; 28-39-50)- •Gentlemen After Dark' (UA) and 'Vanishing Virginian* (M-G). Hold- ing own at V°'522-^s^=*.,'^ff^ •Were Dancing* (M-G) «nd Joe Smith, American* (M-G), *air ilO.SpO. Strand (Indie) (2,000r 28-39-50)-- Invader.s* (Col) and 'Blondie Col- lege* (Col) (2d wk). Still going strong at nifty $7,000. House took in socko $10,000 In first stanza. Sunday Snow Disrupts 75% of Balto*s Cinemas Baltimore, March 31. Sudden unseasonable snowfall of near blizzard proportions disrupted nabe showings here Sunday (29) with more than 75% of the town's subsequent nms unable to open, be- cause of lack of film. Changing pro- grams on weekend, houses couldn't get prints because of road conditions from nearby Washlngton^ One truck managed to get through In time for night shows but' onl^ In. sparsely separated communities. ' All downtown first runs opened with biz reported fairish and credited to large number of employees stay- ing In town overnight rather than risk transportation difficulties'In the momln'e.