Variety (Apr 1942)

Wednesday, April 22, 1942 PICTURE GROSSES 11 Tuttles'-Vaude Good $19,000 Leads Frisco; 'FleetMSG, Invaders 12G 2d -fr San Francisco, April 21, Town Is full of holdovers and moveovers this week with total busi- ness suffering slightly accordingly. Built of h.o. films however are hold- ing up nicely. . . , Tuttles of Tahiti,* principal new attraction, is satisfactory at Uie Golden Gate, aided by routine vaude. WUl go to $19,000 or thereabouts. 'Ball of Fire' on retiurn date at the St Francis is strong considering Its previous runs here. 'Invaders still traveling at nice clip on second sesh at Orphcum. 'Fleet's In' also is do- ing nice bir at the Fox. Estimates tor This Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-40-55)— •Fleet's In' (Par) and 'Among Living (Indie). Will hit close to $15,000. nice. Last week, 'Shores Tripoli' (20th), fat $17,500, and moveover. Golden Gate jOlKO) (2.850; 40-44- 65)—'Tuttles Tahiti' (RKO) plus vaudeville. Good $19,000 mainly be- cause service men.go for stage talent. Last week, Earl CarroU's 'Vanities' oa stage and 'Spitfire at Sea' (RKO.), terrific $24,100, almost entirely on 'Vanities' lure. Orphenm (Blumenfeld) (2,440; 35- 40-551—'Invaders' (Col) (2d wk). Oft slightly from first session, but still plenty profitable at $12,000. Last week, picture soared at $17,400, new house record. Paramoont (F-WC) (2,470; 35-40- 65) —'Shores of Tripoli' (20th). Moveover from Fox. Elegant $13,- 000. Last week, 'Bill Hickok' (WB) and 'Lady for Night' (Rep) (2d wk), nice $10,500. St. Francis (F-WC) (1.475; 35-40- 55)—'Ball of Fire' (RKO). Return' engagement is showing astonishing strength, climbing to neat $11,000. Last week, 'Song Islands' (20th) and 'Last Duanes' (20th) (2d wk), fairly good $6,000. United Artists (UA-Blumenfeld) (1,100: 35-40-55)—'To Be' (UA) and 'Brooklyn Orchid' (UA) .(€th wk). Should bring in $4,800, not bad. Last week, same combo, nice $5,800 for fifth sesh.' Warfleld (F-WG) (2,650; 35-40-55) —'Remarkable Andrew' (Par) and •Gentleman at Heart' (20th). Came In over weekend, with opening biz not indicating much over $11,000. Last week, 'Courtship Hardy' <M-G) and 'Kathleen' (M-G) (3d wk), final five days of third stanza brought in ' around $6,000, after remarkable'$12,- 000 on second week. "Bashfiil Baebebr'Big $7M Surprise Entry L'viIle;Vilers'7iG Louisville, April 21. •Bashful Bachelor,' Lum and Abner film at the Strand, is proving a strong magnet for the folks from the rural districts. Moveover of 'Shores of Tripoli' to the Brown is bringing a terrific week for that house. 'Spoilers' at the Rlalto and 'Invaders' at Loew's State each pointing to medium biz. Some 7,000 school teachers in toym to attend three-day conventlou (16-17-18) '.of Kentucky Education Assn. helped business somewhat. Estimates tor TUs Week Brown (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15-30-40) — 'Shores TrlpoU' (20th) and 'Hope Schuyler* (20tb)> On moveover this pair shaped up better than anything snown here In months. Neat $4,500. Last week, 'Fleet's In' (Par) and 'Fly By Nl«hf (Par), on moveover, swell $4,000. • Kentucky (Swltow) (1,200: 15-25) —'Ball Fire' (RKO) and 'Call Marines' (RKO). Excellent $1.9)0. Last week, 'Suspicion' (BKO) and 'Belong to Me' (Col), line $1,500. Loew's SUte (3,300; 15-30-40)—'In- vaders' (Col) and 'Bom - to Sing* (M-G). Medium $8,000, Last week, 'Courtship Hardy' (M-G) and 'Man Returned Life' (Col), big $11,000. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 15-30-40)—'Captains Clouds' (WB). Looks like plenty big $6,000. Last week. 'Blues in ?Iigh? (WB)," juicy $4,000. KUlto (Fourth .<*veflue) (3,400; 15- 30-40)—'Spoilers' (U) and 'Missis- sippi Gambler' (U).. Remake of old action film received lukewarm re- views but b.o. trade Is pointing to average $7,500. Last week, 'Shores Tripoli' (20th) and "Hone Schuyler' (20th), terrific $12,000 and moveover. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1.400; 15-30-40)—'Bashful Bachelor' (RKO) and 'Affairs Jimmy Valentiiie' (Rep). Real surprise entry. Lum and Abner bringing in the shekels. Patrons seem to come from small towns and rural districts, ; nd are radio fans. Film was plugged with plenty of spots following local hiUbllly shows, and effective. Great $7,000. Last Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $1,856,900 (Based on 26 cities,' 185 thea- tres, chiefly first runs, (ncluding W. Y.) Total Gross Sarnie Week Last Tear $1,562,400 (Based on 24 cities, 168 theatres) ROONEY, $8,500, TOPS IN MPLS. week, 'Ghost Frankenstein' (U) and ^nseen Enemy' (U) (2d wk), good" ?2,800 on h.0. stanza. Minneapolis, April 21, With only one holdover, 'Captains of the Clouds," and with the Alvin joining the film theatre ranks, pub- lic currently has a wider assortment of screen fare than usual from which to choose. However, business gen- erally has'slumped In recent weeks and is continuing on the down grade, with spring-like weather one of the adverse factors. The only really Important new- comer is the State's 'Courtship of Andy Hardy,' but the Mickey Rooney fans aren't flocking to this onfe. The Orpheum is well fortified, with an- other good stage show and fairly strong picture, but Dick Jergeng' orch doesn't seem enough of a name in these parts to mean much to the boxoffice. Estimates for'TbIs Week AlvIn (Hirsch-Katz) (1,000; 30-40- 50)—'No Greater Sin' (Mono). For- merly the home of burlesque, this house now is going in for sensational and unusual films. This anti-syphilis picture has been well received, but biz poor at $1,800. Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 17-28)— 'Frisco Lil' (U) and 'Yank Burma Road' (M-G), dual first-runs. Looks Uke pretty good $1,500 in four days. 'Bullet Scars' (WB) and 'Obliging Young Lady' (RKO), dual first-runs, opened Tuesday (21). Last week, 'Scorched Earth' (PJIC) and 'Mr. and Mrs. North' (M-G), dual first-runs, fairly good $1,400 in five days. Century (P-S) (1,600; 30-40-50)— 'Captain's of Clouds' (WB). Moved here after good week at State. Poor $3,000 indicated. Last week, 'Fleet's In' (Par), pretty good $4,000 after hefty first week at State. Gopher (P-S) (998; 28-30)—'Call Out Marines' (RKO). Timely pic- ture in good spot to lure youngsters, to "whom the house principally ca- ters. Light $2,400 looks about all, however. Last week, 'Joe Smith, American' (M-G), Ught $2,500 for good picture. Orphenm (P-S) (2.800; 39-44-55)— 'Rings on Fingers' (20th) and Dick Jergens' band and vaude. Three fine supporting acts, for band and sufficiently pleasing picture should offset lack of strong name draw. Jer- gens' -first theatre engagement here. Mild $12,500. Last week,'Lady Plans' (Par) and Gene Krupa'a band and vaude, $15,500, fair. State (P-S) - (2300: 30-40-50)— 'Courtship Andy Hardy' (M-G). This one only fair at $8,500. Last week, 'Captains Clouds' (WB), $9,000, good. Uptown (Par) (1,100; 30-40)—'Son Fury' (20th). First nabe showing. Looks tike good $3,000. Last week, 'Man to Dinner' (WB), big $3,800. World (Pai--Steffes) (350; 30-40- 50-55)—'Men in Life' (Col). Mild $1,500 indicated. Last week, 'Ride Cowboy' (U) (2d wk), light $1,100. CINCY BIZ GOES BUH; /JUNGLE' FAIR $10,000 Cincinnati, April 21. . No outstanding pulls among fresh product and general b.o. is ordinary, bogging under last . week's brisk trade, Current topper is 'Jungle Book,' fair at Albee. Next best is 'Lady Has Plans," at Palace. Grand is light with 'Joan of Paris.' Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3.300; 33-40-50)— 'Jungle Book' (UA). Fair $10,000. Last week, 'Shores Tripoli' (20th), big $16,000. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 33-40-50)— 'Kings Row' (WB) (3d wk). Swell $6,000. Last week (2d), socko $8,000. Family (RKO) (1,000: 17-28)—'Tor- pedo Boat' (Par) and 'Stick to'Your Guns' (Par), split with 'Nazi Agent' (M-G) and "Tuxedo Junction' (Rep). Steady $2,100. Ditto last week for 'Duke of Navy' (PRC) and 'Frisco Lil' (U), divided with 'Tragedy , at Midnight' (Rep) and 'Mr. Wise Guy' (Mono). Grand (HKO) (1,430; 33-40-50)— 'JoaiTParls' (RKO). Dull $3,500. Last week, 'Fleet's In' (Par) (2d run), swell $6,000. Keltfi^'s (Libson) (1,500; 33-40-50)— 'Shores of Tripoli" (20th). 'Move- over from Albee okay $6,000. Last week, 'Mister V (UA), fair $4,000. Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 28-33-42)— 'Fleet's In' (Par). Second transfer for third week on front line. Fairly good $3,500. Last week, 'Eternal Gift; (Ind), sponsored by Catholic group at 55c for adults and 17c for juves, fair $4,000. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 33-40-50)— •Lady Has Plans' (Par). Ordinary $8,000. Last week. 'Male Animal" (WB), dandy $11,500. Shnbert (BKO) (2,150; 33-40-50)— •Male Animal* (WB). Switched from Palace. Okay $4,000. Last week, 'Remarkable Andrew* (Par), six days, poor $2^00. . Dem Bums Open, Blclyn Biz Okay; 'Cowboy/ 18G Brooklyn. April ?1. Opening game of Dodgers and Phillies at Ebbets Field had little effect on attendance at downtown de- luxers. EstlmatM for This Week Albee (IHCO) (3,274: 30-40-50-55)— 'Ride "Em C^owboy* (U) and 'Secret Agent of Japan' (20th). Strong $18,- 000. Last week, 'Song Islands' (20th) (2d wk) and 'Call Out Marbles' (RKO). good $16,000. Fox (Fabian) (4,023; 30-40-50-55)— Tleet's In' (Par) and 'Carter Case' (Rep). Pleasant $18,500. Last week. 'Invaders' (Col) and 'Shut Big MotJth' (Col) (2d wk), good $18,000. Pxramount (Fabian) (4,126; 30-40- 50-55)—'Kings Row' (WB) and 'Har- Vard' (Col) (4th wk). Holding up well and destined to retire with good $13,000. liast week, swell S16.000. Jllet (Loew's) (3,618: 30-40-50-55)— 'Shanehai Gesture* (UA) (1st wk) and 'Mr. V (UA) (2d wk). Unevent- ful $15,000. Last week, 'V (UA) and 'Bugle Sounds' (M-G), nice $18,000, 'Jungle Book' Best Filmer in L A., Nice $28,000 at 2 Spots; 'Invaders Hefty 18i^Gon2ci;KingsRow'Big3d Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Grot* This Week $352,800 (Based on 12 theatres) Total Gross Same Week Last Tear $314,100 (Based on 13 theatres) W $24,000, NIFTY IN HUB Boston, April 21. 'Roxie Hart' - looks like the best item in town this week, with 'Cap- tains of the Clouds* pointing to good second money. Count Basie band- Maxme Sullivan and all-colored show onstage at the RKO Boston Is okay. Estimates for Tbis Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 30-44-60-65- 75)—'Butch Minds Baby* (U) and all- colored stage show topped by C!ount Basie and Maxlne Sullivan. Heading for $22,000. good. Last week, 'Joan Paris" (RKO) and Chlco Marx band, $22,000, dandy. Fenway (M&P) (1,373; 30-40-44- 60)—'Mr. Bug' (Par) and 'Sleepy- time Gal* tRep). 'Very sleepy, around $4,500. Last week, 'FleeVs In' (Par) and 'Yank Burma Road' (M-G), con- tinued from two weeks at Met, $7,500, excellent. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 30- 44-55-60) —'Roxie Hart' (20th) and 'Almost Married' (U). Aiming at socko $24,000 and holdover. Last week, 'Hellzapoppin' (U) and 'Blue, White' (20th), second week, $12,500. Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 30-40- 44-60)—'Captains Clouds' (WB) and 'Bullet Scars' (WB). Staunch $23,000 and holdover Indicated. Last week, 'Male Animal' (WB) and 'Wild BlU Hickok* (WB), $15,500, poor. Orphenm (Loew) (2,900; 30-40-44- 50-55-60)—'Bugle Sounds' (M-G) and 'Vanishing Virginian' (M-G). Fair $17,500. Last week, 'Courtship Andy Hardy' (M-G) and 'Adventures Mar- tin Eden* (Col), second wedc, $17,- 000, good. Paramount (M&P) (1,800; 30^10-44- 60)—'Mr. Bug" (Par) and "Sleepy- time Gal* (Rep). Skidding to around $7,000. Last week, 'Fleet's In' (Par) and 'Yank Burma l^oad' (M-G), con- tinued from two weeks at Met, $14,- 000, socko. I ' Stete (Loew) (3,600; 30-40-44-90- 55-60) —'Bugle Sounds' (M-G) and 'Vanishing Virginian* (M-O). Okay $14,800. Last week, 'Courtship Andy Hardy* (M-G) and 'Adventures Mar- tin Eden' (Col), second stanza, $12,000. Transloz (Translux) (900; 17-35-44) —'Ellery Queen' (Col) and 'Coast Guard' (Col) (revival). Shooting for t4,000, good. Last week, 'Unseen Enemy* (U) and 'Affairs Jimmy Val- entine' (Rep), $4,300. NATIONAL BOXOFFI CE SURVEY 'Wild Wind,' 'Tripoli,' 'Kings Row,' 'Invaders,' and New 'Hardy' Dominate the First Runs—Chaplin's Reissue Terrific Leaders of the week In the nation's theatres are 'Reap the Wild Wind' (Par), 'Shores of TrlpoU' (20th), 'Kings Row" (WB), The Invaders' (Col) and 'Court- ship of Andy Hardy' (M-G). They have taken over the dominant first nms from their hefty predecessors, 'Woman of the Year' (M-G), 'Man Who Came to Din- ner* (WB), 'Captains of the Clouds' (WB), 'Ride 'Em Cowboy" (U) and others of late winter release. Potency of the latest Cecil B. DeMille" entertainment is In yesterday's announcement from the Music Hall, New York, that the feature will be held over for a fifth week, joining the select group which includes from past and present seasons, 'Snow White,' 'Re- becca," 'Philadelphia Story,' and 'Woman of the Year.' Picture has been successful also in Los Angeles hold- over. It opens In Philadelphia during the coming week. 'Tripoli' s!hd the U. S. Marliles are occupying a large slice of friendly territory. Detroit, first week, was.a sock $30,000; Buffalo openfH to 20G, and there are holdovers In Louisville, Seattle, Philadelphia, Pitts- burgh, Providence, Cincinnati and Memphis. Few films have run so contrary to early guessing as •Kings Row' (WB), which had a bad press on Its Broadway opening but remained some weeks at the Astor notwithstanding. Business of the engagement was good. Elsewhere, It is big to great. In yesterday's' wires from 'Variety' correspondents, qutstanding box- office figures were cited. These include Cleveland 17G; PhUadelphIa, 3rd week; Detroit, $18,000; Newark, 2d week, $15,000; following a smash 22G opening. Third weeks also reported in Cincinnati and Los Angeles, The Invaders* (Col), is being strongly supported and Is an outright war melodrama with unabashed ap- peal for the United Nations* cause. 'Courtship of Andy Hardy* is in the groove of ex- cellent business which the others of the series have marked up. Cleveland is a holdover, Denver Is In 3d week and good biz Is reported In both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Some high spots: 'Hellzapoppin' (U), is in its 10th consecutive week at the Hawaii, In Los Angeles. Ginger Rogers in 'Roxie' (20th) knocked off $24,000, first week in Boston. 'Woman of the Year* (M-G) Is In its fourth week in Seattle. 'The Spoilers' (U), Just starting, is a holdover in Baltimore, hlg In Seattle and ■good in Kansas City. 'Fleet's In' (Par) draws the youngsters. Bob Hope In 'My Favorite Blonde' (Par) still holding on Broadway. 'Jungle Book' (UA), doing a good second week in Chicago, the best in town in Los Angeles, but just so-so in Cleveland and Pitt. That Charles Chaplin reissue, 'Gold Rush,' (UA) is dynamite at N. Y.'s Globe. 'Rio Rita' (M-G), starring Los Angeles, April 21. 'Jungle Book' is the town's leader . this week, with the Korda picture tabbing $28,000 in dual showings at the Chinese and State. Otherwise it's holdovers in most flrstruns, with all catching capacity trade on week- ends, which seems the established procedure here, Monday through Thursday trade being particularly light. Only other new opening is 'Joan of Paris,' at the Carthay Circle, which is aiming for a strong $5,800. 'In- vaders' is especially sturdy on second sessions, with more than $18,000 at Pantages and Hillstreet 'Kings Row' also is running close to tliEit figure for third weeks at tha_ Warner's and Holly Wood". 'R^ap" tha Wild Wind' still is going great guns, being in fourth stanza at the Par- amount and fifth at the Hollywood Par. Estimates for This Week Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1,516; 33- 44-55-65-75) —'Joan Paris' (RKO) Launched run here for walloping $5,800 Lfist week, 'Shores TripolP (20th) and 'Kid Glove KUler' (M-G), strong $5,100. Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2,034; 33« 44-55-86-75)—'Jungle Book' (UA) and 'About Face' (UA). Slick ex- ploitation campaign got this combo away to flying start for rousing $11,- 000. Last week, 'Shores Tripoli' (20th) and 'Kid Glove Killer' (M-G), fine $10,300. Downtown (WB) (1,800: 33-44-55) —'Kings Row' (WB) XSd wk). Biz held steady for eood $8,800. Last week, clicko $10,000. Four Siw (UA-F-WC) (900; 33-44.' 55-65)^'Fantasla' (RKO) (3d wk). Good $3,300 and holding well after long run previously in Carthay wilb Fantasoimd. Second week, $3,700. ' Hawaii (G&S) (1,100; 33-44-55-75) —'HeUzapoppin' (U) (10th wk). Hot weekend Diz' holding up gross here to profitable $3,800.' Last week, nic« $4,000 for ninth sesh, Hollywood (WB) <2,7S6; 33-44-55) -'Kings Row' (WB) (3d wk). flappy ^,000. Second week, tabbed $9,500.' OrphcBm (B'way) (2,200; 33-44-S3> 65)—'Martin Eden'^(Col), 'Stork Payj OS* (Col) and'Beachcombers of 1942,' stage revue/ I<OQe downtown vaud* spot healthy with $13,000. Iiast week; •Honolulu Lu* (C^l),' Weekend Three* (RKO) and Bob Crosby band, $12,500. Pantaces (Pan) (2,812; 33-44-55-65) —'Invaders' (Col) (2d wk) and 'Juka Box Jenny' (U). Hefty $9,500. First week of 'Invaders' topnotch $15,000, teamed with 'Go West*^(CV>I). Paramonnl (F&M) (3,596; 33-44-5S. 65-75)—"Reap Wild Wind* (Par) (4tl» wk). Heading for grand $10,000, fol- lowing $12,500 on third week. Paramennt Hollywood (F&M) (1,- 450; 44-55-65-7S-88)—'Reap Wild Wind* (Par) (5th wk). Good profit at ,$9,000. Fourth week, hit strong $10,200. BKO HUlstreet (RKO) (2,872; 33> 44-55-65)—Invaders* (Col) (2d wk) and 'Juke Box Jenny* (U). Hitting for stronif $9,000, and due for four« week stantf here.' Initial stanza, ter- rific $15,500, ' State (Loew-F-WC) (2,204; 33-44- 55-65-75)—'Jungle Book* (UA) and 'About Face' (UA). Solid hit at $17,- 000, biggest biz here in some time. Last week,- great $16,700 for 'Shores Tripoli* (20th) and -Kid Glove Killer* (M-G). United Artbts (UA-F-WC) (2,100; 33-44-55-85)—'Shores Tripoli* (20th) and "Kid Glove Killer' (M-G). Big $6,200. Last week,'Courtship Hardy* (M-G) and 'Bom Sing' (M-G), good $4,000. , WllsUre (F-WC) (2,29'6^ 33-44-55- 85)—'Shores Tripoli' (20th) and -Kid Glove Killer* (M-G). Top grosser in moveover with $6,000. Last weel^ 'Courtship Hardy' (M-G) and 'Bom Sing' (M-G), fine $4,700. Film Custodians Would , Renew Its Educ. Service Film Custodians, Inc., the organi- zation set up by the picture businesa to handle oldfe shorts'deemed suited for classroom use, will ask major companies to renew its old contract in the next few months. Renewal seems assured since Film Custodians is on a self-supporting basis, and even the product which Is at- least a year old goes strictly to audiences which are non-paying, hence not competing with exhibitors. Film Custodians has been in oper- ation for three years, representing the Industry's most constructive, all-- Abbott 4c Costello, doing terrific at its first tryout at ) sweeping effort to cooperate with Norlolk. U. S. educators.