Variety (Apr 1942)

VednMibr. Aprfl 22, 1942 PICTiniB GROSSES Kyser-'ScandaT Powerful $46,000 Chi Best Bet; Raye-'Man to life 19a 'CaptamsMSGiii3d;'Juiigle'10GP. Chicago. April 21. Kay Kyser orchestra at the Chicago and Martha Raye headlining the Oriental are' the reasons lor the eX' cellent trade in these two vaude houses currently. Both are big names for local houses and have rated high toln on every appearance. Kyser outfit, coupled with 'Design for Scan- dal,' Is headed for a powerful $48,000, Mss Raye, another Chicago favorite, Is headlining the vaude at the Orien. tail with 'Man Who Returned to Life' on the screen. Wjll do a trim $19,000. ' ■ 'Joan of Paris' drew rave notices from the dailies, but will get only $13,000 at the Palace, teamed with •Mayor of 44th St' Rest of -the town has a flock of holiWwer pictures, with 'Captains- of the Clouds' leading the pack at the State-Lake at great $15,000 for its third stanza. EstlmaiM fon Thla Week ApoUo (BScK) (1,200; 35-55-05-75) —'Joe Smith' (M-G) and 'Vanishing Virginian' (M-G) (2(i wk). Excellent $7,500 after fine $9,300 last week. Chloago (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— ■Design Scandal' (M-G) and Kay Kyser orchestra on stage. Strong ' Item on the stage Is pushing this to a powerful $46,000. Last week, 'Male Animal' (WB) and Four Inkspots big $42,200. Garrlok (900; 35-55-65-75)—'Rus- sian Fronr (Indie) andl 'Fly by Night' (Par). Nice $5,500, largely on Russo newsreel documentary, I,ast week, "La. Purchase' (Par) finished six great weeks In loop at neat $4,800. OrienUI (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-33- 44-55)—'Man Returned-to Life' (Col) and vaude. Martha Raye headlining latter and helping plenty, trim $10,- 000. Last week, 'Canal Zone' (CoD and 'Hawaii Calls' unit, all right $16,600. Fslaoe (RKO) (2,500; 33-44-66-75) —•Joan" Paris' (RKO) and' •44th St.' (RKO). Got fine notices fdr the first picture, but lack of marquee names Is hindering take, but profitable at $13,000. Last week, •Ride 'Em Cow- boy' (U) and •Mississippi Gambler' (U), finished three weeks to good $11,000. Boosevelt (B&K) (1.500; 35-55-65- 75)—'Lady WlUing' (Col) and Two Yanks' (Col). Oke $12,000. Last week, 'Always In Heart' (WB) and 'Dangerously lAvtf (WB), finished two weeks at trim $7,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2.700: 35-55-65- 75)—'Captains aouds' (WB) (3d wk). Still strong on third session, great $15,000, following neat $16,100 lost •Vrcclc United Artlata (B&K-M-G) (1,700; 35-55-65-75)—'Jungle' (UA) (2d wk). Holding up well- in face' of tough competition, $10,000 this week after bright $13,100 last week. Woods (Essaness) (1,200; 35-55-65- 75)—'Ghost Frankenstein' (U) and "Dr. Rx' (U) (3d wk). Every now and then this house gets a couple of pictures and proceeds to go to town. Currently has the horror combo in its third week and will get at least $8,500, excellent, following a big $10,- 00() for tha, combo last week, its second. PROV. SLIDES A BIT; 'ANIMAL' OKAY $9,000 Providence, April 21. Grosses are lower generally, but still going strong. Loew's State's 'In Twin Beds' heads the list, with Majestlc's "The Male Animal' coming along nicely in second place. RKO Albee is holding third place with 'Joan of Paris.' K».Um«teLlQr.TIila Week Albee (RKO) (2.200; 28-39-56)— - 'Joatt--e*- Parls^-f«KO>-aiid~sMo}Hw. 44th Street' (RKO). Plugged nicely and holding up for good $8,000. Last week, 'Call Marines' (RKO) and •Playmates' (RKO), swell $9,000. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 28-39- 50)—'Shores Tripoli' (20th) and 'Night Divorce' (20th) (3d downtown wk). Carryover biz Is peppy and heading for good $3,000. Last week, 'Jungle Book' (UA) and 'Born to Sing' (M-G) (2d run), fair $2,500. ,„Fay'« (Indie) (1,400; 28-39-50)— Secret Agent Japan' (20th) and Sammy Cohen heading vaude. Doing good job, with hefty weekend help- ^g to nice $7,000. Last week, 'Ghost Frankenstein' (U) and vaude, good $0,500. Majestio (Fay) (2,200; 28-39-50)— Male Animal' (WB) and 'Hope Schulyer' (20th). One of best in town and showing It with neat $9,000. Last week, •Shifires Tripoli' (20th) «nd 'Night Divorce' (20th) (2d wk), big $12,000. Metropolitan (Indie) (3.200; 44-55- w)—Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians and 'Mr. Wise Guy' (Mono). Band responsibl* for big $10,000 in three-day run. State (Loew) (3,200; 28-30-50)— Twin Beds' (UA) and ^Yank Burma Road' (M-G). Paced for good $12,000. Last week, 'Courtship Hardy' (M-G) and 'Canal Zona' (Col), skyhlgh $16,000. Strand. (Indie) (2,000; 28-39-50)— 'Lady Has Plans' (Par) and 'Remark, able Andrew' (Par). Also man- aging to smile with good $7,500. Last week, 'Fleet's In' (Par) and 'Sleepy- time Gal' (Rep) (2d wk), nifty $9,000. TRIPOU'BOFFS BUFFjaOOO Buffalo, April 21. With all managements hanging out potent stage and screen lure, the main line coin windows are again raking in good harvests this sesh. Continuance of fine weekend biz, which has been setting blow-oS pace for some time past, has managers considering upping of Sunday scale shortly. 'Shores of Tripoli' at the Lakes Is top b.o. item. ^Ua Fitzgerald and the Ink Spots, with some help from 'Bemarkiable Andrew,' racing along close behind at the Buffalo, while Lou Breese and Gertrude NIessen get chief credit for staunch marker at 20th Century. Estimates for Tills Week Bnffalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55)—He- marfable Andrew* (Par) and EUa Fitzgerald orch and Ink Spots. Will register around $18,000, fine. Ijast week, •Rings on Fingers' (20th) and Alvino Rey orch, excellent $19,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000: 35-6S) -'Shores TripoU' (20th). .Rolling for boffo $20,000. Last week, 'Kings Row'. (WB), sock money getter, nearly $17,000. Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 30-45)—ICings Row*^ (WB) (2d run). StlU plen^ powerful, maybe $9,000: Last .week, 'Song Islands'^ (20th) and 'On Sunny Side*^ (20th) (2d run), $7,500, oke. Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 30-44) —'Ride Cowboy' (U) and •Frisco Lil' (U) (3d wk). Last stanza wUl see satisfactory $7,000. Last week (5 days), good $7,000. ^ 20th Centary (Ind.) (3,000; 30-55) —Tuttles TahiU' (RKO) plus Lou Breese orch and Gertrude NIessen. Should ring up hefty $13,000. Last week, 'Road to Happiness' (Mono) and Carl Hoft orch, mUd $11,000. Blackout Hits Newark Bnt To Be'Big $16,500; ICings Row'15G for 2d Newark, April 21. Loew's State's 'To Be or «ot to Be' and 'Kings Row,' on its second week at the Branford. .are attracting packed houses. At Proctor's, 'Roxle Hart' continues nicely while the Paramount's 'Adventures of Martin Eden' is fair. Last Wednesday'! New Jersey blackout slashed attendance all over town. During the test managers and assistants took their air raid posts but pictures were kept rolling. Estimates for This-Week Adams (Indie) (2,000; 25-35-90-60) —'Cadets on Parade' (Indie) plus Muggsy Spanier's band, Diosa Cos- tello and Eunice Healey on the stage. Vaude-features not so well known here; "mediocre $11,000. Last - week, 'Harvard, Here I Come' (Col) and Count Basle's orchestra, nice $16,000. Branford (WB) (2,800; 28-33-44-55) Branford, powerful $15,000. Last week, $22,000, huge and Just below record-breaking gross by 'Sergeant York' and far over best predictions. Capitol (WB) (1,200; 20-28-39-44)— 'Design Scandal' (M-G) and 'Bahama Passage' (Par) (2d run). Excellent $2,900. Last week, 'Captain Clouds' (WB) and 'Don't Get Personal' (U) (2d run), meagre. $2,000. FBramonnt (Adams-Par) (2,000; 30-35-44-55) — 'Martin Eden' (Col) and 'Yokel Boy* (Rep). Okay $13,000. Last week, 'Sleepytime Gal' (Rq)) and 'S. O. S. Coast Guard' (Rep), fair $12,500. Proctor's (RKO) (3,400; 35-60-70)— 'Roxle Hart' (20th) and'CaU Marines' (RKO), plus Monday and Tuesday evening vaudeville (2d wk). Fine $14,500. Last week, great $23,000. State (Loew's) (2,600; 28-33-44-55) —'To Be' (UA) and 'Man Returned Life' (Col). Strong $16,500. Last week, 'Woman Year' and 'Yank Burma Road' (M-G) (2d wk), good $13,000. First Rnns on Broadway (Subject to Change) Week of April 23 CapWol—'The Lady Is Willing* (Col), (Reolouad In 'Variety' Jan. 28) Criterion—'Fingers at the Win- dow* (M-G) (22). (Reviewed <n 'Variety' March 18) Globe—'The Ctold Rush' (UA) (2d week). (Revieioed In 'Variety' March 4) Mnslo Hall—'Reap the Wild Wind' (Par) (5th'week). (Reviewed In. 'Variety' March 25) Paramonnt-^'My Favorite Blonde' (Par) (4th week). (Reviewed In •Variety' March 18) Bl»lt»—'Kid Glove Killer' (M- G) (2d week). (Reviewed In 'Variety' March 11) BlvoU—'Moontide' (20th) (22). (Reviewed In current Issue) Boxy—'Rings on Her Fingers' (20th). (Reviewed In 'Variety' March 11) Stanley — 'Guerrilla Brigade' (Artkino) (2d week). (Reviewed In 'Variety' April 15) ■ Strand—'Larceny, Inc.' (WB) (24). (RetHewed In "Variety' March 4) Week of April 30 C^iltol—'Twin Beds' (UA). (Reviewed In current issue) Globe—'The Gold Rush' (UA) (3d week). Mnsic Hall—'We Were Danc- ing' (M-G). (Reviewed In 'Variety' Jan. 21) Paramonnt—'The Great Man's Lady' (Par) (29). (Reviewed In 'Variety' March IB) RIvoll—'Moontide' (20th) (2d week)* Boxy—'My Gal Sal' (20th). (Reviewed In current issue) Stanley — 'Guerrilla Brigade* (Artkino) (3d week). Strand—'Larceny, Inc.' (WB) (2d we^). Hio Rita' Sets Pace In Memphis, Socko $8,000; 'Spoilers' Rugged 6iG Memphis, April 21. Combo of Abbott-Costello pull and the 'Rio Rita' rep is rolling up an outstanding gross this week at Loew's Palace. The Spoilers* also is strong at the Malco. Leslie Howard's 'Mis- ter V started only so-so at the War- ner. Competlsh of Helen Hayes, base- ball and great outdoors pretty keen, but Main Street is still doing welL Estimates for This Week Warner (WB) (2,000; 10-33-44)— 'Mr. V (UA). Good campaign might push this .over $4,000, but still mild. Last week, 'Male Animal' (WB) (2d wk), $3,000, not bad at all. Malco (Lightman) (2,800; 10-33-44) —'Spoilers (U)..^ Rave notices over that Wayne-Scott brawl and Dietrich helping this to neat $6,500. . Last week, 'Lady Plans' (Par), $5,300, good, but a sag from early hopes. State (Loew) (2,600; 10-33-44)— 'Shores Tripoli' (20th) (2d wk). Ma- rines might land $4,000. Last week, same film, $7,700, a sensation under circumstances. Palaee (Loew) (2,200; 10-33-44)— •Rio Rita' (M-G). Clicking toward a merry $8,000. Ijast week, 'Courtship Hardy* (M-G) (2d-wk), $3,000, okay. Strand (Lightman) (1,000; 10-22> 33)—'Ball Fire' (RKO) (2d run), three days; 'Almost Married' (U), one day; 'Outlaws Desert' (Par) and 'All-American Co-Ed' (UA), double feature, three tlays. Crood $1,600. Last week, 'Son Fury' (20th) (2d run), three days; Date Falcon' (RKO), two days; 'North Klondike' (U), two days; $1,500, mild. Chaplin, $35,000, Record Sbike in N.Y.; 'Gendeman'-Teople Unit Fine 29G, 'Gone3dBigl7G,lieap4di85G The gross yield on Broadway, where holdovers are greatly in the majority, continues to spell large profits. Only a couple holdovers are gaited slowly. Sensation of the street la the sound version, of Chaplin's 'Gold Rush,' which came into the Globe Saturday. (18) and is mopping up. Picture will do $35,000 or in that vicinity, highest the house has ever grossed, including years back when it played twice-daily attractions. This take is all the more remark- able since the Globe seats only 1,250,- as pointed out by Lou Brandt, who operates the theatre, but the turn- over is great, however, since show runs only an hour-and-a-half. Also, with Brandt reporting no complaints so far, the admission for the 'Rush' run has been jumped to 35c morn- ings, 99o, evenings weekdays and $1.10 Samrdays-Sundq^s. On scale this puts the Globe up with the big- gest of the downtown New York first-runs, in fact above several of them. Other new pictures of the current week are 'Kid Glove KUler,' which will get the little-seater Rialto a good $7,800, and 'Gentleman After Dark,* at the State first-run. With Buddy Rogers and ZaSu Pitts . in person at the State in 'Meet the People' unit, house should round out swank $29,000 or -better.. Among holdovers, 'Reap Wild Wind* is running such a strong race at $85,000 this week, its fourth, that the Music Hall will keep it a fifth. 'Reap* thus becomes the fifth picture to so longer than four heats at the Hall In more than nine years of operation. , Equally big is 'Favorite Blonde' and Tommy Porsey on the third week at the Par concluded last night (Tuesday), which talUed a sock $53,000. Show goes into fourth stanza today (Wedneisday) and may remain a fifth. 'Datigerously They Live* and a stageshow of Dick Stabile, John Garfield and Grade Barrie, on hold- over at the Strand, looks sturdy $33,000, but wUl not be reUined a third week due to prior booking commitments: 'Larceny, Inc.,' Abe Lyman and Jackie Cooper move in Friday morning (24). Going eight days beyond a third week./'Shores of Tripoli' will puU stakes tonight (Wed.) with anofiier $43,000 added to its fine Roxy gross- ing record; 'Rings on Her Fingers' opens tomorrow (Thursday). Astor, still drawhig heavily with 'Gone,' which topp'ed $17,000 oh the third week ended Sunday night (19), will tenant 'This Above AU' early in May, opening date probably being May 12. The 20th-Fox film will play the house on a twice-daily basis at either $1.65 or $2.20 top. Estlmatea for This Week Airtor (Loew's) (1,012; 44-05-85- 99)—'Gone With Wind* (M-G) (4th wk). Remains strong, the third week through Sunday nJiht (10) having been better than $R000. The sec- ond round was $16,600. 'Capitol (Loew*s) (4,620; 35-55-85- $1.10-tl.25)—'Courtship Andy Hardy* (M-G) (2diflnal wk). No red cor- puscles in this one, holdover looking less than $14,000. while first seven day* didn't reach weak $20,000. •Lady Ii Willing' (Col), set back sev- eral times, opena-tomorrow (Thurs- day). Criterion (Loew*s) (1,062; 35-44-55- 76)—'Fingers at Window* (M-G), New Lew Ayres Item opena here this Huttiim4hpinte-'Gliost^$2^^ h Cleveland, April 2L With a cold-snap and department store sales drawing more people downtown, theatrical row is pros- pering, It*s standee trade at the Hipp, with 'Kings Row' grabbing big com, and possible h.o. Jimmy Durante and Ina Ray Hut- ton's orch are pushing 'Ghost of Frankenstein' for another substantial take at the Palace. 'Jungle Book' opened good for State, but It's most- ly kid attendance. Estimates for This Week Allen (RKO) (3,000; 30-40-45-55) —'Ride 'Em Cowboy' (U) (2d wk.). In the side-pocket for a sure $7,500, a swell moveover... -Last week, 'Song Islands' (20th) (2-d wk.),-oke'$4,200. Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 35-40-45- 55)—:'Kings Row' (WB). A smashing surprise here, tip top $17,000. Last week, 'Ride Cowboy' (U), worth- whUe $14,000. Lake (Warners) (800; 30-35-42-55) —'Song Islands' (20th) (3d wk.-). Slowing up a bit on moveover, fair. $1,200. Last week, 'Through Night' (WB) (Sd wk.), satisfactory $1,500. Palaee (RKO) (3,700; 35-40-50-55- 70>—'Ghost Frankenstein* (U) with Jimmy Durante and Ina Ray Hut- ton's o;'ch on stage. 'Schnozzola' ringing the gong with goodwill ap- pearances, since named as Loraine's 'Mayor For a Day* for U. S. Defense Bond campaign. Headed for big $22j^000 or better. Last week, 'Two Yanks Trinidad' (Col) with Xavier Cugat's orch, great $25,000. State (Loew's) (3,450; 30-35-42-55) —'Jungle Book* (UA). Matinees-con- sistently nice but evenings lighter; affable $12,S00. Last week, 'Court- ship Hardy' (M-G), worthy $13,600, but more was expected. Stillman (Loew's) (1,872; 30-35-42- 55)—'Courtship Hardy' (M-G) (2d wk.). Grooved for sweet $6,500 on moveover. Last week, 'Fleet's In' (Par) (2d wk.), all right $5,000. morning (Wed.) following three big money - getting weeks with 'Joe Smith, American' (M-G); final stanza $10,000, the second nearly $13,000. ■ Globe (Brandt) (1,2^0; 35-55-75- 99-$1.10)—'(Sold Rush' (UA)., 'Re- working an old mine and panning out big, the sound version of Chaplin picture made in 1025 is a smash busi- ness-getter; first week looks $35,000 or thereabouts, a new high for this house for all time. Good turnover and upped scale helping toward this figure. Lengthy run probable. Last week here, second for "Yanks in Trinidad' (Col), $9,500, good at 28-35- 55 scale. FaUce (RKO) (1,700; 28-3S-44t55- 65-75)—'Kings Row' (WB) (2d run) and 'Juke Box Jenny' (U) (1st run), dueled. Top picture getting the busi- ness, with a nice $11,000 indicated. 'Kings' will be held over with 'Bullet Scars' (WB) replacing 'Jenny' on the holdover. Last week.TRlde 'Em Cow- boy' (U) (2d run) and 'Night Before Divorce' (20th) (1st run), $8,300, okay.. • , ■ Paramount (Far) (3,664; 35-55-85- 99)—'Favorite Blonde' (Par) and Tommy Dorsey (4th wk). Still very big, $53,000 having been drawn on the third week ended last night (Tuesday), while the second was $74,000, treiAendous. Goes fourth week starting .today (Wednesday) . and may be held a fifth. Badio City MnsIc Hall (Rockefel- lers) (5,945; 44-55-85-99-$l.e5) — 'Reap' (Par) and stageshow (4th wk). Mighty at the' ticket windows, look- ing $85,000 this round (4tb) and will be held another stanza. Last week (3d) finished with rush to get $90,- - 500. DeMille picture will become fifth to be held longer then four cantos here in history of house. Bl»l(« (Mayer) (594; 28-44-55)— 'Kid Glove KUIer' (M-G). Doing well, about $7,600, and will be re- tained several extra days, with 'Man Who Won't Die* (20th) opening either Saturday (25) or Monday (27). Last week, on.holdover of 'Ghost of'' ' Frankenstein' (U)^. $8,000. exceUent. BIvoU (UA) (2,092; 35-55-75-85-00) —•Jungle Book* (UA) (3d wk). Iieayenlng off to around $15,000 or bit better, not so good. Last week (2d) topped $20,000, fair. 'MoonUde* (20th) opens Wednesday (29).- Boxy (20th) (6,886; 40-55-e5-75-89- 99)—'Shores Tripoli' (20th) (4th- final wk). Goes one day beyond a fourth week ' (current), on period auguring about $43,000, nice. Last week (3d) was. roUfCking $56,000. Itings on Her Fingers' (20th) comes In tomorrow (lliursday). Stete (Loew's) (3,450,-'28-44-55-75- 99-tl.lO)—'Cxentleman After DarkT (UA) (Ist-run) and, on stage. Buddy Rogers and ZaSu Pitts, amines are humming^ here for strong $29,000 or bietter. House seldom plays first- runs. Last week, 'invaders' (Col) (2d nm) and vaude show including Blllr Gilbert, Al Siegal and Susan MiUer. ' others, topped $28,000. Strand .(W" 09)- " and Grade Barrie onstage (iZdrflnal wk)! Holding up well, around* $33,000. Initial seven days was $44,500, pretty. Mont'l Picks Up; ^Kings' Rne J8,500/Paris,' 1^ Montreal, April 21. Attractive plx and only one re- peat, plus milder weather, are rat- ing better biz currently, with 'Kings Row* at laem's leading the pack. 'Joan of ;pari8' at Palace and 'Song of Islands' at Capitol are also point- ing to okay figures. Estlnutes for This Week , PaUea (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 'Joan of Paris* (RKO). Pointing to nice $7,500. Last week, rejieat "Son of Fuiy* (20th), fair $5,500." ".- Capitol (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 'Song of Islands* (20th) and 'Kid Glove Killer'- (M-G). Good $6,500 in sight Last week, 'Male Animal' (WB) and 'Bullet Scars' (WB), sat- isfactory $5,000. Loew'a (C?r) (2,800; 35-53-67)— icings Row* (WB). Best biz in town pacing fine $8,500. Last week, repeat 'Woman of Year' (M-G) faded to $5,000. Princess (C:t) (2,300; 30-40-53)— 'Joe Smith, American' (M-G) and •Vanishing Virginian' (M-G). Looks like nice $4,500 in sight. Last week, 'Bugle Sounds' (M-G) and Time for Keeps* (M-G), good $4,000. Orpbenm (Ind) (1,100; 30-40-60)— To Be' (UA) (3d wk). Good enough $2,000, after fair $2,500 last week. St Denis (France-Film) (2,500; 30-40)—'La Mort du Cygne' and 'Un de la Legion.' Should run average $4,200. Last week, 'Hotel du Nord'" and 'Abus de Conflance,' okay- $4,000.