Variety (May 1942)

\t^ednc9day, M»y 27, 1942 PICTURE GROSSES II % Life PaeesBiiiily. Wow $23^; True to Amqr'-Gray-Mills Bros., 21G FhUadelphla, May 29. Tfpnvv erosses at many ot the de- lu?er3 thii sesh proves that PhUly flim Jans wlU turn out for igood pic tures, gasoUne rationing or not Re- fleeting this trend is the husky take bifng chalked up^ by <In This, Our Life' at the Boyd as weU as ;Shlp Ahoy' at the Stanley. Biz of Tleap tte Wild Wind,' at the Aldine, con- . tinues healthy. 'Weekend trade is especially .heavy here, apparently becajuse less people leave town at the elid of the week because of gas rationing. Esllmatet for This Week Aldlne (WB) (1.303; 35-46-57-68- 75)—'Reap Wild Wind' (Pat) (4th wk) Continuing brisk business Vlth an elegant $11,500 ior this trip. Third ■round, last week, netted solid $12,000. Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 35-46-57) —'Fleet's In' (Par) (M run) (2d wk) ■ Dropping off to "a mediocre $2,800 alter husky-$4^ for first week of second run.v Boyd (WB) (Z.B88: 33-46-57-88)— This Our Life* (WB). Flock of iemme fans building this to smash $23 000. In addition, picked up extra $3,000 at 'gravy*. Sunday showing at Earle reserved for pld topping week's gross. Last week, .'Moontide' (20th), ?tumbled on home stretch to wind up pallid $12,000. • Earle (WB) (2,768: 35-46-57-68-75) —'True to Army' (Par) with Glen Gray orch plus Mills Bros. Looks like okay $21,000. Last. week. *Yanks Trinidad' (Col) and Lionel Hampton orch, good $22,000. Fox (WB) (2,425; 35-46-57-88)— •Wife Takes Flyer' (Col). Getting slapped down by crlx and looks like unsatisfactory $12,000. Last week, 'Larceny. Inc.' (WB), unspectacular $12,800 plus an added $2,000 for extra Earle showine on Sunday. Karlton (WB) (1.068; 35-46-97-68) —'Moontide' (20th) (2d run). Fair- ish $4,500. Last week. 'Were Danc- ing' (M-G), poor $3,800 for second run. Keith's (WB) (2.220; 35-46-57^68) —'Jungle Book' (UA) (2d run). N.s.h. $3,500. Last week, 'Kings Row* (WB)'. flne $6,500 for second week of second run. Stanley (WB) (2.016; 35-46-57-68) —'Ship Ahoy* (M-G). Luring ex- cellent $19,500. Last week, 'Favorite Blonde' (Par) (2d wk), neat $12,600. SUnton (WB) (1,457: 35-46-97-68) — Dangerously Live' (WB) (2d wk). Healthy biz for holdover with $5,000 after fine $7,500 for Inltialer. m', GOOD $8,000, BEST IN DULL MPLS. Minneapolis, May 26. Standing out among the contend ers, 'Rio Rita' holds- thfr current boX' office edg^. Business generally, hoW' ever, has been on the downgrade the past fortnight, and even the takings for the Abbott-Costello comedy will not be anything to shout about. Estimate* for This Week Aster (Par-Singer). (900; 17-28)— 'Big House' (WB) and 'Bom to Sing! (M-G), dual first-runs. Looks like . good $1,800 in four days. 'Land of Open Range' (RKO) and 'Niagara Falls' (UA), dual first-runs, open Wednesday (27). Last week, 'Alias - Boston-31acMe»-«JoH-an*'Fly by Night' (Par), split wlth"Canal Zone' (Col) and 'Sons Sea' (WB), first runs, big $2,700 in eight days. Century (P-S) (1,600; 80-40-50)— 'We Were Danclng",(M-G). Shearer- Douglas combo bringing In some cus- tomers, but only fair $4,500 in pros- pect. Last week, 'Dumbo' (RKO) and 'Hayfoof (UA), fairly good $4.- 300, with Disney picture responsible . for takings. Gopher (P-S) (998: 28-30)—'Joan of Paris' (RKO). Highly praised pic- ture, but cast names mean nothing to . boxoffice. However.jnay reach good $3,000. Last week, 'Gentleman After park' (UA), $3,200, good. Orphenm (P-S) (2,800; 30-40-50)— ■Rio Rita' (M-G). Won favoraWe re- views, and Abbott and CosteUo stiU potent boxoffice names here. Head Jng for good $8,000. Last week, 'Shanghai (Sesture' (UA), light $6,700. , Slate (P-S) (2,300; 30-40-50)—'Song Islands' (20th). Not particularly strong fare for this house, but strong advertising campaign helping. Sat« Jsfactory $7,500 In progpect. Last week, 'My Favorite Blonde' (Par) wk), good $7^00 after big $10,- boo first week, making powerful $18,- 000 for fortnight , Uptown (Par) (1,100: 30-40)—'Cap- tarns Clouds' (WB). First neighbor- hood showfaig. Looks like good $3,- 1 20CL Last week, 'Fleet'* In' (Par) first nal>e showing, lair' $3,800. .World (Par-StefTea) (350; 30-40-50- 55)-_'Mr. V (UA) (2d wk>. Looks like fair $2,000, after good $3,000 first week. ' . " Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gres> This Week $l,86T,3t« (Based on 27 cities, 175 thea- tres, dhie/ly first runs, wcrudinii «• y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Tear $1,47MM (Based on 26 cities, 182 fhealTes) TANTASIA' FINE $20,(100 IN HUB Boston, May 26. Good trade all over town this week, with rainy weather giving film- houses a good start, for the. cur- rent stania. 'Reap the Wild Wind' is holding for third frame at the Met: 'Rio Rita' is staunch In Its- second week at the Orpheum and State, and 'Fantasia' is aiming at big coin for its first showing at pop prices 'here. Estimates far This Week Baston (RKO) (3,200; 30-44-60-65- 75)—'Whispering Ghosts' (20th) and stage show headlining Ann Corio and Happy Felton. Tuning up to hefty $22,500 on standee biz. Last week, 'Wife Takes Flyer' (Col) and stage show headed by Morton Downey and Ken Murray, $17,500. Fenway (MiP) (1,373; 30-40-44- 60)—"True to Army* (Par) and 'On Sunny Side* (20th). Around $6,000, food. Last week, 'Favorite Blonde' Par) and "Frisco LU' (U) (2d wk), $6;300, excellent. Kelih Hemerlal (RKO) (2,900; 30- 44-55-80) — 'Fantasia' (RKO) and 'All-American Co-Ed' (UA). FlirUng with fancy $20,000. Last week, 'Saboteur* (U) and "Get Person^ (U) (3d wk), $13,000, good. MetropoUtan (M&P) (4,367; 40-55- 75)—'Reap Wind' (Par) (3d wk). Pointing to $18,000, strong. Second stanza tallied nifty $25,000. Orphenm (Loew) (2,900; 30-40-50 60)—'Rio Rita* . (M-G) and 'Nazi Agent' (M-G) (2d .wk). Heading for $17,500, very good. Initial week hit $23,700, socko. Faramennt (M&P) (1,800;' 3D-40- 44-60)—'True to Army* (Par) and 'On Sunny Side* (20th). Around $10,000, good. Last week, 'Favorite Blonde* (Par) and 'Frisco LU' (J" (2d wk), $11,500, dandy. State (Loe«r) (3,600; 30-40-90-60) —'Rio Rita' (M-G) and 'Nazi Agent' (M-G) (2d wk). Pointing to $13,500, very good. First week, $17,800, ex' cellent, Translnx (Trahslux) (900; 17-28- 44-59)—'Corpse Vanishes' (Mono) and "Tower of London* (U) (revival) (2d wk). Around $3,500, good. First week, $4,800. Tprtaia*, SVzG^'Saboteur* $7,500, Both Biff in Monti Montreal May 26. Victoria Day (25), national holi- day, made fqr a'long weekend and boost in grosses currently. 'Tortilla Flat' and 'Saboteur' will get the cream. Estimates tor This Week His Majesty's (CT) (1,800; 35-53- 67)—'Girl from Leningrad' (Esq). Started Monday (25) for six-day run. Palace (CT). (2,700; 3045-62)— 'Saboteur' (U). PoinUng to lush $7,- 500. Last week, repeat 'Favorite Blonde' (Par), $5,000. Capitol (CT) (2,700;. 30-45-62)— 'Great'Man's Lady' (Par) and 'True to Army' (Par). . Nice $6,000 in sight. Last week, 'Roxie Hart' (20th) and 'On Sunny Side* (20th), good $6,500. Laew*! (CT) (2,800; 35-53-67)— Tortilla Flat' (M-G). Sighting strong $8,500. Last week, repeat Reap Wild Wind' (Par), fair $6,000. Prineess (CT) (2,300; oO-40-S3)— 'Lady Is Willing' (Col) and 'Canal Zone' (Col). Good $4,500 ahead. Last week, 'Nazi Agent' (M-G) and 'Bom to Sing' (M-G), good $4,000. Orpheom (Ind) (1,100; 30-40-60)— 'Jungle Book' (UA) (2d wk). Fine $5,000 in sight, after near record for house of $6,000 last week. St Denis (France-Film) (2,500; 30-40)—'Vertige d'un Soir* and 'Pri- son sans- Barreaux.' Fair $3,800. Last week, French legit 'Vie .de Bo- heme' with Jean Pierre Aumond and Jeanine Crispin, 40c to $1, grossed handsome $6,500. 'Onrlife/JOmW ^VOO, Good in Omaha Omaha, May 26. Omaha, with 'Rio Rita' and 'Nazi Agent," and Orpheum, with 'In This Our Life' and 'I Was Framed,' are doing, the biz here. EaUmateafor This Week Omah* (Trlstates) (2.000; 11-30-44) —'Rio Rita' (M-G) and 'Nazi Agent* (M-G). Big $9,700. Last week,'Sab- oteur* (U) and 'What's Cookin* (U) good $8,500. . Brandels (Mori Singer) (1,500; 10- 25-39-40)—'Juke Girl* (WB) aiid 'Falcon Takes Over' (RKO): Crood $4,000. East week, .'Wife Takes Flyer' (Col) and 'Yanks In Trinidad' (Col), $4,400, fine. Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 11-30- 44)—^This Our Life' (WB) and 'I W^ Framed* (WB). Good $9,000. Last week (20-40-50-65), Wayne King band with 'Remarlcable Andrew' (Par), wound up with good $14,200. Town (Goldberg) (1.400; U-20-30) —'Raiders of Range* (U), 'Desperate C^go'' (C^p), and 'Tramp, Tramp' (Cap), first-run triple, split with lione- Star Raiders' (Rep), 'Glamor for Sale' (Col), and 'VaUey of the Sun* (RKO), and 'Joan of Paris' (RKO). and 'Great Guns' (20th). Plus supporting Saturday night stage show, looks like gross of around $900. Last week, 'Stick to Guns' (Par) and 'Emergency Landing' (Cap), first- runs, and 'Alias Boston' Blackie' (Col), triple, spUt with 'Robin Hood of the Pecos' (Rep), 'Sweetheart of the Campus' (Col), and "Unsten Ene- my* ar), and To Be' (UA),. and 'Brooklyn Orchid' (UA), fair $800, AUwtt-Costelio B«[ $25JO; Best InTepidL.A.;'6oldRush'Smart24e, 'Our W V^y^ in 3d, Hyo'' Same 2d Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross Thte Week $356,300 (Hosed on 12 tftean-es; Total Grass Same Week Last Tear .... ${86,500 <Based on 12 theatres) » AHOY* BIG $14,000 IN CINGY Cincinnati, May 26. Far in the lead, 'Ship Ahoy,' at the Palace, Is bolstering Cincy's b.o. convoy currently. Keith's is good with Twin Beds.' Albee has a dim- mer in 'Moontide.' Estimate! tor This Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— 'Moontide' (20th). Poor $7,000. Last week,. 'In This Our Life' CWB), swell $13,500. Capitai (RKO) (2,000; 33-40-50)— My Gal Sal' (20th). Mbveover from Palace. Socko $7,000. Last 'week, 'Rio Rita' (M-G) (2d run), .fairly good $4,500. . . . |.. Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-28)—'Ply i^^ight* (Par) and 'On Sunny Side' (^h) - spUt - with 'Murder Big House' (WB). and 'Panther's ; Claw' (PRC). Normal $3,100. Ditto last week on 'Canal Zone* (Col) and 'Cas- tle" in' Desert* (20th), divided with 'Corpse Vanishes^ (Mono) and This Time K-eeps' .(M<<;), Grand (RKO) (1,430: 33-40-50)— 'Grand Central Murder' (M-G). Sluggish $3,500. Last week, fKings Row*^ (WB), seventh week after siX' week run at Capitol, hefty $3,500. Keith's (LIbson) (1,500; 33-4(1-50)- •Twin Beds* (UA). Very good $5,000. Last week, 'This Gun Hire* ,(Par), $2,800, no dice. Lyrle (RKO) (1,400; 28-33-42)— 'Rio Rita* (M-G). Second transfer for third week on main stem. Seedy $2,500. Last week, 'Real Glory*- (UA) (reissue), eight 4ays, okay $3,900. Palace (RKO) (2,600: 33-4(^60)- 'Ship Ahoy' (M-G). Rollicking $14, 000. Last week, "My Gal sir T20th), hotsy-totsy $15,000. Shnbert (RKO) (2.150: 33-40-50)— 'In This Our Life' (WB). Switched from Albee for second week. MUd $3,500. Last week, "Favorite Blonde' (Par), third week on front line, fair $3,000. Thia theatre's usual summer :closlng starts June 6. NATIONAL BOXOFFI CE SURVEY Gas and Tire Rationing Appears To Help Theatres—; 'Broadway,' 'Syncopation' Among Top Newcomers Exhibitors and circuit heads are checking closely on what effect dimouts along the Atlantic seaboard, and gas-tire rationing are having on film theatre busi- ness. Initial results indicate shortages of rubber and gasoline are keeping people in town. Providence re- ports theatres overflowing last Sunday, a typical sum- mer day when folks usually ride into the country. Detroit, which experiences a dip around this time of year, is strong and steady.. New York downtown houses apparently feel no lU effects from stricter dim- out regulations, even the all-Manhattan blackout last Friday (22) having little effect on biz, Philadelphia also reports favorable reaction. Films which gave previous evidence of being sturdy boxoffice entries are carr^iing the big money load this week, but latest product is being spotted In so few places no true luie on them is available. 'Syncopation' (RKO), 'Ships With Wings' (UA), 'Broadway' (U) and "This Gun For Hire' (Par) are, In this classifica- tion. 'Syncopation,' added by smart'showmanship in- cluding the appearance of an all-state band on stage, got off to a nice start and swell $10,000 in Providence. 'Broadway' Opens Well 'Broadway' is holding up surprisingly on Its second CHiicago weeky getting a solid $13,000, and is nice in Lincoln. 'Gun For Hire' racked up $61,000 on its second session at N. Y. Paramount and wlU get $15,000 in Newark, both fine. 'Ship With Wings' is mild In New York, but stays for a second week. 'This Above AU' (20th), boosted by lavish crix praise, captured a strong $22,000 on its second' staiua at New York Asfor, indicating promise when the Power-Fontaine starrer geU general circulaUon. Sui- cide Squadron' (Rep) continues to Uve up to Initial possibilities with a sock $10,000 in Seattle, backed by stage show, and fine second Chicago session. 'In This Our Jjfe' (WB) still is galloping along, with' a terrific $47,000 on third New York week, smash $23,000 In Phllly, nice third week in L. A.; $15,000 each In Buffalo, Providence and Jersey City, stout; also fine in Newark and Omaha. 'Rio Rita' (M-G), robust on holdover and mOveover spots, is leading Los Angeles with $25,300 in two houses. Boston re ports very fine $31,000 on second sesh ^also In two theatres. In about. the same boat is Tortilla Flat' (M-G), with an unusually good $90,000 at New York Alusic HaU, 15G for Second St. Louis week, bullish in Memphis, great in Seattle at $10,000,. nice In K.'C. a swell $10^000 in Providence for second session, and strong in Montreal. 'My Gal Sal' (2Dth) is rated a slick baby In New York, where It is heading for $42,000 or better on -ita fourth week at the Roxy. Doing well elsewhere but on moveover in several spots, Tavorlte Blonde' (Par) also remains nice to great on holdover or move- over. 'Kings Row' (WB) likewise continues chalking up trim totals. ' 'Beap' Contlnnes Smash 'Reap the Wild Wind' (Par) is $25,000^ on second Brooklyn stanza, nifty; $22,000 in Chi; grand fourth week in Philly; sizzling $26,000 for second Washing- ton sesh; strong $18,000 third Boston week; record $17,000 in Providence and leader in Portland. 'Noon- tide' (20th) is the best newcomer in St. Louis, nice $14,000 in Buffalo; a choice $22,000 in Detroit, good second Chicago stanza, but meagre In Cincinnati and mild in Pittsburgh. Off the ticker: 'Ship Ahoy* (M-G) Is floating to nice takes in CIncy and Portland, while a wham $19,500 in Phllly. 'Saboteur* (U) rates $13,500 in Jersey City and is tush in Montreal 'Fantasia' (RKO) doing fancy $20,000 in Boston. Los Anceles. May 26. 'Rio Rita,' with a combined take of $25,300 at the State and Chinese, leads the town this week, rated a tepid session because of the first summer heat wave. Sundav night blackout cut deepiv into usual strong flrsb-run grosses of that day. 'Gold Rush.' at the downtown Par- amount and Paramount Hollvwood, Is rnlllnf! alons at a combined $24,000 gait. This {<: eood. but not up to ex- pectation, Howev<»r. it stiys on sec- ond session at both houses. In Thi.<: Our Life* ia tabbinc an okay A16.500 on third stanzas at th« two Warner oneratlons—the Down-* town and Hollvwbodi TSie dual combo of 'Wife Takes a- Flyer* and Two Ynnks in Trtaldad.'. Is doing a fair X16.500 on the vcohd sessions at the Pantaees and Hillstreet Estimates far This Week CaHhar Circle (F-WCl (1516: S3- 44*55-65-75)—Twin Beds' fUA) and 'Gentleman After Dark' (UA). Move- over first-run will hit okav M.500. Last week. 'Were nanclng* (M-G) and "Joe Smith' (M-G) (2cl wk), cbh- ticuing run-oir Chinese-State, mSd $2,200. Chlnase (Grauman-WO (2.0S4: 3S- 44-95r65-7S)—"Rio Rita* (M-G) and 'Simdav Punch* (M-G). Solid 110,- 300. Last week. Twin Beds' (TlA) and VSentteman After Dark' (UA), good $9,900. nawntown (WB) (1.800; !M-44-S5- 65- 75)—This Om- Ufe' fWB> (Sd wk). Nice M.500. urU.h second stanza elostag at flne $10,900. , Poar RUr (UA-F-WC> (900: 33-4*; 55-69 )-^'Fantasla' (RKO) (8th wk>. Overstaytae until anothef pfrture !• booked In. tiibbinp ^1.300. SevenHi week lucky to tab |t,700. naw*ir'(G&S). (l.JO()':' 33-44-65-6B- 75) — fHellMnnontar CU) (ISIK. wk). Grabbing $2,500. on. cTosIng. Mssdojn, mosOy weckehd bfc. Same grbis 14th week, showing slight profit "with low overhead. ' . •' ■ i HallywaoA (WB) (2.758: .Vr44-55- 66- 79)^'ThIf! . Oiir Life' (WB) (3d wk). Neat M.O00, with stennd week hitting, fine $0,500. Hit hi 4iul. dayi by, first spring hot spelt-'c • • 6Mena m'town) /2.2bO; 33-44- «5t«5)— Telling Me' fO).; Tramp, Tramp, Tramp' (Col) and vaude. No stage .names, so ^ M(l;;'j|tO()0. laaA week, 'Cadets on 'Paiade'^.CCol) and Paul Whlteman :6rehestra..on itaga. Whltonan responslble.'for ((ood $lt,- 000, but gTQss hooped In final two days by heat wave. PantoffM (Pan) (2,812; 33-44-SB<«) —"Wife rSktx nrer* fCJol) and 'Yanks Trinldtad' (Col) (2d wk). HiU tine eood $8,000. First week 1Id» $11,900. .ParamaoDt (F&M) (3JI96; 33-44. 55-69-76)—T!OM Riish* (UA) and 17y by Night' (Par), Smart but not sen- sational at $13,500. Last wcdc'Great Man's Lady' (Par) and 'Our Russian.., Front' (ArtUno). Ugbtwefeht $9,000. Paramamt HaUytwaod (F&H) 409: 44-99-65-79)—'Gold Rtish' (UA). Under lexpectatiAni; but trim $10,000 eicpMted. -Lalt iM^eek; 'Great UaA'a Lady* (Par) and 'Russian Tronf (Artklno). weak tT.WO. BKO HUUireet (BKO) (2,879: 33- 44-95-69)—'Wife Takes Flyer* (fcol) and 'Yanks Tlrlnldad' (Col) (2d wek). Good $8,900 foUowlng befty $14,900 in first week. , Siata (Loew-F-WC) (2.204: 33-44- 55-65-75) —'Rio JUta' (M-G) and 'Sunday Punch'. (M-G). Big |1B,000 for Abbott and' Costello- pic. Last yveek, Twhi Beds' (UA) and 'C(cn- Ueman After Dark' (UA), flne f ia,MO'. VnHed Artists (UA-F<WC) (2,100: 33-44-99-69)—Twin Beds' (UA)-and '(lentleman After Dark' (UA). Nlc*. $4,500. Last week. '*GaI Sal' (20th) and 'Hi>pe Schuyler* (20th). Hot $9,300 in downtown moveover. 'flrst nm. Wllihlre (F-WC) (2,296; 33-44-9S- 65)—'Gal Sal' (20tb) and 'Hop* Schuyler* (20th) (2d wk). Ex<!eJIent $5,800 In second sesh of moveover nm. Last weekf rousing $7,000. Next Writing Job, A Stady in Figures Hollywood, May 26. ' Deadline for members of the Screen Writers Guild to pay up back duer and assessments has been set for June 10. On that date all member*, who are not paid up to April 1, 1942, will be declared not in good standing. Idea Is to qualify as many mem- bers as possible for good standing rating under the (julld shop pro- visions In the writer-producer basic agreement.