Variety (June 1942)

10 PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, June 3, 1942 'Juke (drl' Smash $29,000, Best Bet In L A.; IHooiitide' Also Br^t At m/iQ, 'Spoflers' $2Sm 'Gone 9G Los Angeles, June 2. All first-runs grabbed terrific grosses on the Saturday, holiday with Siinday biz good but tapering off. 'Juke Girl' at the Warner Hol- lywood and Downtown spots is roll- ing up a smash $20,000. •Moontide*. at the Chinese and Loew's State shines bright with $28,- 500 for the combo. 'Spoilers' and 'Butch Minds the Baby' at the Pan- tages and Hillstreet are proving a slick duo for fine $25,800 while re- turn of 'Gone With the Wind' to the Carthay Circle is headed for a great $9,000 session at pop prices and con- tinuous policy. Estimates for This Week Carthay Circle (F-WC)' (1,516; 33-44-55-65-75)—'Gone With Wind". (M-G). Back for run at pop prices on grind policy. Picture originally opened at this house on twice-daily basis and ran 26 weeks. First week, trim $9,000. Last wee:c, Twin Beds| (UA) and 'Gentleman After Dark (UA), in moveover first run, good $3,600. ■ . Chinese fGrauman-WC) (2,034; 33-44-55-65-75) — 'Moontide* (20th) arid 'Kings On Fingers' (20th). Good combo here for $12,500. Last week, 'Rio Rita' (M-G) and 'Sunday Punch' (M-G). rang up fine $10,3(H). Downtown (WB) (1.800; 33-44-55- 65-75)—'Juke Girl* (WB). Slick $14,- 000 as solo attractiorr. Last week, This Our Life' (WB) (3d wk), nice t8,500. Four SUr (UA-F-WC) (900; 33-44- 65-65)—'Fantesla (RKO) (8th wk). Still hanging on awaiting another booking, $1,700, still profit Last week, $1,300. HawaU (G&S) (1,100; 33-44-55-65- 75)—'Bashful Bachelor' (RKO) and ♦Sing Worries' (RKO). Good open- ing for oke $5,200. Last ^week, •Hellzapoppin' (U) (15th wk), tabbed $2,500, providing slight profit Hollywood (WB) (2.756; 33-44-55- 65-75)-'Juke Girl' (WB). Lively $15,000. Last week, "This Our Life' (WB) (3d wk), wound up with okay $8,000. Orphenm (D'town) (2,200; 33-44- 65-65)—'Young America' (20th), 'Klondike Fury(Mono) and Major Bowes 'Stars .1942* on'stage. Bowes vaude troupe mainly responsible for $13,000. Last week, "You're Telling Me' (U) arid Tramp, Tramp' (Col) with vauae; poor $0,()00. Pantkgea (Pan) (2,812; 33-44-55- 65)—'Spoilers' (U) and 'Butch Minds Baby* (U). Bangup $12,300. Last week, 'Wife Takes Flyer' (Col) and •Yanks Trinidad' (Col) (2d wk), just lasted out sesh with weak $7,500. Fanmount (F&M) (3,596: 33-44 85-65-75)—'Gold Rush' (UA) and •Fly By Night' (Par) (2d wk). Last- ing for second stanza with light $8,600. First week, profitable, but under expectations, with $13,000. Panunonnt Hollywood (F&M) (1, 409; 44-55^-75)—'Gold Rush' (UA) (2d wk). Depending on weekend play for moderate $7,000. First week, good $10,000. . BKO Hllbircet (RKO) (2,872; 33 44-55-85)—'Spoilers' (U) and 'Butch Mlrids Baby' (U). Neat pairing for downtown trade Will tab $13,500. Last week, 'Wife Takes Flyer' (Col) and 'Yanks Trinidad' (Col) (2d wk). moderate $8,500. SUte (Loew-F-WC) (2,204; 33-44. 65-85-75)—'Moontide' (20th) and •Rings On Fingers' (20th). Opened strong and geared for big $16,000. Last. week, 'Rip Rita' (M-G) and "Sunday Punci' (M-G), strong $15,- 800. United Artists (UA-F-WC) (2,100: 93-44-55-65)—'Rio Rita' (M-G) anH •Mokey' (M-G). Clicko $4,500 in moveover. with Abbott & Costello responsible for take. Lust week. Twin Beds' (UA) and 'Gentleman After Dark' (UA). fairish $4,300. WUahtre (F-WC) (2,296; 33-44-55- 65)—'Rio Rita' (M-G) and 'Mokey' (M-G). Aiming for excellent $4,500. Last week, second for 'Gal Sal' (20tb). and 'Hope Schuyler' (20th). trim $5,300. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Groi* This Week $334,3M (Based on 12 thtarrts) Total Gross Same Week Last Tear:- $314,300 (Based on 12 theatres) m-'ORCHID' B1G21GINDET. Detroit, June 2. Picture market here continues bull- ish, with the Memorial Day exodus from the city failing to put its usual dent in the grosses. Although there was considerable traveling by those using the three-day holidajf for a ^ood trip before gas rationing sets in for this area, the usual depar- tures were balanced by the fact that all the huge defense plants boomed right through Memorial Day. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1.700; 40-55-65) —'Moontide' (20th) and "Rings on Fingers' (20th). Pair moved over after big week at Fox for solid $6,- 800. Last week, 'Dumbo' (RKO) and 'Sweetheart Fleet' (Col) (2d wk), good $6,000. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 40-55- 65)—'My Gal Sal* (20th) and 'Broftk- lyn Orchid' (UA). Liooks like choice $21,000. Last week, 'Moontide' (20th) and 'Rl' gs on Fingers' (20th), great $22,000. Miehinn (United Dttrolt) (4,000: 40-55-65)—Tortilla Flat' (M-G) and 'This Time Keeps' (M-G). Big $20,- 000. Last week, 'Jungle Book' (UA) and -'Gentleman After Dark' (UA), sturdy $19,000. Psims-Steie (United Detroit) (3,- OOO: 40-55-65)—'Jungle Book' (UA) and 'GenUr.-nan After Dark' (UA). Pair riioved here after strong week at Michigan. Fair $9,000. Last week, 'Favorite Blonde' (Par) and 'Lar- ceny* (WB) (3rd wk), nice $8,600. United ArUsta. (United Detroit) (2,000; 40-55-65)—'Rio RiU' (M-G) and :'Mokey* (M-G). Great $13,000. Last week, 'Kings Row' (WB) and 'Body Disappears' (WB) (6th wk), nice $10,000. ALL BlQiHT, BIG-HEAHTED HEN Hollywood, June 2. Aim Sothem continues to star in the-. Maisle series at Metro regard- less of her demand for more serious roles; - Nejtt on the list is 'Big-Hearted Malsie,' to be produced by J. Walter Ruben. Invaders' Fine $3,400, TortiUa' $3,300, Line Lincola, June 2. Sudden onslaught of heat. Is bring- ing theatre takes down. Leading are 'Invaders* at the Varsity and Tor- Ulla Flat' at the Lincoln. Estimates for This Week LInooln (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,503; 9-30-44)-'Tortilla Flat' (M-G). Probably wUl hit $3,300. Last week, 'Reap Wild Wind' (Par), exceUent $3,700. Nebraska (J. H. Cooper) (1,236; 9- 20-28)—'Joe Smith' (M-G) and 'Whispering Ghosts' (20th). Nice $1,400. Last week, 'Riemarkable An- drew' (Par) and 'Lone Star Ranger' (20th), oke $1,300. SUte (Noble-Federer) (986; 10- 25-30)—'Bashful Bachelor' (RKO) and 'Hurricane Smith' (Rep) split with 'Home In Wyoming' (Rep) and 'About Face' (UA). May hit $1,500. Last week, 'Manpower' (WB) and 'Pardon Stripes' (Rep), split with 'Beyond Singapore' (SP) and 'Aunt Emma' (Mono), $1,200. "Slnart (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,859; 10- 30-44)—'True Army' (Par) -and 'Mr. Bug' (Par) and three-day radio talent show for Memorial weekend. Will do $3,300. Last week, 'Broad- way' (U), not so good, $2,800. Varsity (N-F) (1,10Q: 10-30-44)— 'Invaders' (Col). Excellent $3,400. Last week, 'Tuttles' (RKO), $3,000. Good Pix flypo Bnff.; Keap'Heavy $18,000, ~ 'Saboteur' Fine ^9,000 Buffalo, June 2. Ace pix are again sending thL markers into the upper money alti- tudes along the main stem this chukker. Bad weather over the opening holiday weekend helped swell the coffers. Gene Krupa, with some'assist from 1 Married an Angel' at the Buffalo, is hitting a hot pac'e, while 'Reap the Wild Wind,' at the Lakes, is also set to nail up a heavy tally. Estimates (or This Week BnfTalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55)— 'Married an Angel' (M-G), Gene Krupa Orch. Pounding out fine $20,- 000. Last week, 'Moontide' (20th) and 'Whispering. Ghosts' (20th), $11,- 000, fair. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-55) —'Reap Wild Wind' (Par). Pointing to smash $18,000. Last fveek. This Our Life* (WB) and Tingers at Win- dow' (M-G), huge $17,500; BIpp ,(Shea) (2,100; 30-45 )-^'Thls Our Life' (WB) arid 'Fingers tifWllI- dow* (M-G) (2d wk). ExclUng sec- ond sesh, over $8,500. Last week, 'Rio Ritar (M-G) and 'Bullet Scars' (WB) (2d wk), blowofl holdover bir, $8,700. Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 30-44) -'Saboteur* (U) and 'JaU House Blues' (U). Geared for^loftyv $9,000. Last week, 'Go West, Young, Lady' (Col) and 'Man Returned Life' (Col), slow $6,000. 20th Century (Ind.) (3,000; 30-44) —'Remember Pearl Harbor' (Rep) and 'Yokel Boy' (Rep) (six days). Thin $5,000. Last week, 'Mayor 44th St' (RKO) and 'Wild BiU Hickok* (WB), pleasant $8,000. Hoontide Socko $18,000 in Frisco; Tortilla'20a ICnigs Row 15G in 2d Key City Grosses Xttlmated Total Greav ThU Week flfiilfif (Bated on 27 cities, 187 thea- tres, chle/ly first runs, tnciudino «. Y.) Total Gresa Bama Week Laat Tear $1,663,300 (Based on 25 cities, 174 theatres) TORTILLA' HNE $14.0001 CINCY Cincinnati, Jtine 2. Holiday lift overcame heat wave and two days' of doubleheaders by the Cincy Reds to shove b.o. slight- ly ahead of last week's general pace. TortUla Plat,* with a swell Albee mark, is the cage sweetie currently. Close behind is 'Juke Girl', at the Palace. Shubert theatre shutters for the summer after present stanza. Estlnutea for Thla Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— "Tortilla Flat' (M-G). Swell $14,000. Last week, 'Moontide* (20th), dismal $7,500. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 33-4()-50)— 'My Gal Sal' (20th), (2d wk). Hold- ing for second week on moveover. Big $6,000 after last week's socko $7,000. Pic fetched wham $15,000 in initial week at Palace. Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-28)— 'Alias Boston Blackie' (Col) and 'Night Before Divorce' (20th), split with 'Blondie's Blessed Event' (Col) and 'Dawn Express' (PRC). Alright $2,000. Same last week for 'Fly by Night' (Par) and 'On Sunny Side' (20th), divided with 'Murder Big House (WB) and 'Panther's Claw' (PRC). Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50)— 'Kennel ■ Murder C^ase' (WB) and 'Gambling Lady* (WB) (reissues). Blah $3,500. Ditto last week on 'Grand Central Murder' (M-G). Keith's (Lisbon) (1,500; 33-40-50)— 'Ship -lAhoyi ■•(M-«').'-aiWansferred from Palace for second stanza. Dan- cy $5,000. Last week, 'Twin Beds' (UA), very comfy $6,000. Lyrlo (RKO) (1,400; 28-33-42)— 'BasKfuI Bachelor' (RKO). Fair S3,- 000. Same last week with 'Rio Rita' (M-G) for third week on main stem. PaUoe (RKO) (2,600; 33-40-50)— .'Juke Girl' (WB). Tuneful $11,000. Last week, 'Ship Ahoy' (M-G), big $13,000. Shobert (RKO) (2,150; 33-40-50)- 'Twin Beds' (UA). Switched from Keith's for second week, Iionely $2,- 500. Last week, 'This Our Life" (WB) (2d run), slow $3,500. House goes dark Friday (5) for summer. A.&C. PuU Big $16,000 In J.C.; 'Saboteur* 2d IIG Jersey City, June 2. With the Stanley and the State both sponsoring holdovers, Loew's, with 'Rio Rita,' is playing to classy returns and reaping most of the holi- (day biz. ■ Estimates for This Week Loew's (Loew's) (3,205; 30-35-55) —'Rio Rita' (M-G) and 'Fingers at Window' (M-G). Dual, thanks to Abbott and Costello, clicking for big $16,000. Last week, "Dancing* (M-G) and 'Joe Smith* (M-O), so-so $13,000. Stanley (WB) (4,500; 30-35-55)— This Our Life* (WB) and 'Sleep Time Gal' (Rep) (2d wk). On way to okay $14,000, after turning in towering $18,000 in Initial stanza. State (Skouras) (2,200; 30-35-55)— 'Saboteur* (U) and- 'Butch Minds Baby* (U) (2d wk). ,W111 yield alright $11,000. Setup clicked for goad f 14,000 In first session. NATIONAL BOXOFFICE SURVEY Holiday Weekend Bolsters Theatre Attendance—'Above All,' 'Juke Girl' and 'Yankee Doodle' Look Strong San Francisco, June 2. "Moontide',* opening here on a wave of local publicity, is packing 'em in at the Paramount to the tune of a socko. $18,000. At the imuch larger larger Fox Theatre, Tortilla Flat,' topping the straight picture houses, at a big $20,000. .Ted Lewis on the stage, coupled with 'Sing Your Worries Away,* Slso forte with a bjg $21,000 at the Golden Gate. Estimates for Thli Week Fox (P-WC) (5,000; 35-40-55)— TortiUa Flat* (M-G) and "Born to Sing* (M-G). Not as big as other recent hits at this house, but still food at $20,000. Last week, 'Gal al' (20th), and 'Man Wouldn't Die' (20th) (2d wk.), $14,000, big. Golden Gate (HKO) (2,850; 40-44- 65)—'Sing Worries Away' (RKO), £lus Ted Lewis orch on stage show, ewis, popular here, Is pulling a very good $21,000. Last week, 'Un- expected Uncle' (RKO) and Duke Ellihgton on stage, $21,000. Orpehnm (Blumenfeld) (2,440; 35- 40-55)—'Spoilers' (U) and 'Mario Roget' (U)~(2d wk.). Hitting $6,000, nice. Last week, $12,000. Par«monnt (P-WC) (2,470; 35-40- 55)—'MoonUde' (20th) and 'Hope Schuyler' (20th). Going ovei: here in a big way at snappy $18,000. Last week, TBSo Rita' (M-G) and 'Nazi Agent* (M-G) (3d wk.), $9,000 for five days, big. St Franels (F-WC) (1,475; 35-40- 55)—'Gal Sal* : (20th) and 'Man Wouldn't Die' (20th) (third week on Market St). HBldhig up to neat $6,000 on third ^round. Last week, 'Favorite Blonde' (Par) and 'No Hands on Clock' (Par) (fourth week on Market St.), $5,500. United ArtUto (UA Blumenfeld) (1,100- 35-40-55)—'Gold Rush' (UA) ana ^Dudea Pretty People' (UA) (3d wk). . Oke $4,300 on third sUnza. Last week, hit $6,700, fair. Warfleld (P-WC) (2,650; 55-65)— 'Kings Row' (WB) (2d wk.). Ring- ing up sturdy $15,000. Last week. - did even better than expected, $20,-> 000, terrific. . 'Syncopation' Dual Sour f12,000 in Brooklyn Brooklyn-, June 2. Excellent' attendance at 'Fabian Paramount, where 'Reap Wild Wind" and 'Cadets on Parade'^ are in third week. Disappointing is 'Syncopation' and 'Whispering Ghosts' at KKO Al- bee. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,274; 30-40-50-S5)— 'Syncopation' (RKO) and 'Whisper- ing Ghosts' (20th). Weak $12,0Qp. Last week, 'Shorefi Tripoli* (20th) (2d wk), and 'Juke Box Jenny' (U), okay $13,000. Fox (Fabian) (4,023; 30-40-50-55) —Ijarceny, Inc.' (WB) and "This Gun for Hire' (Par). Attractive-$20,000. Last week, 'Dangerously Live* (WB) and 'Lady Willing* (Cot) (2d wk), good $141000. Met (Loew*s) (3,616; 30-40-50-55) —'Rio Rita* (M-G). Opens today (Tuesday ). Last week,.- Jungle Book* (UA) and "Crentleman After Dark' (UA), feeble Sll.OOO. Paramonnt (Fabian) (4,126; 40-50- 60-75)—'Reap Wild Wind' (Par) and 'Cadets on Parade' (Col) (3d wk). Holding up for good $17,000 this stanza. Ldst week,, booming $25,000, 'RITA' LEADS MONT'L Abbott-Costello Comedy Smash $9,- 000—'Jnnfle Book' 40 In 3d Neither gas rationing, tire conservation nor . hot weather cut into customary good business over tiie Memorial Day weekend this year. In fact, some ex- hibitors expecting an exodus out of town were caught shy of customary strong holiday product Per usual, theatres with stalwart product spurted at the box- office. • General complexion of field of moneymakers varies little from the previous week with 'Rio Rita' (M-G), 'My Gal Sal' (20th), 'Reap WUd Wind' (Par), This Out Life' (WB), TortiUa' (M-G) making up large portion of top key-city grosses. Right behiiid this quintet is "Moontide' (20th). Fresh starters showing most likely promise are "This Above All' (20th), 'Syncopation' (RKO), 'Juke Girl* (WB) and, of course, "Yankee Doodle Dandy' CWB), which premiered as road show attraction in New York. Warners likely will not decide how the George M. Cohan opus wUi be shown generally for about four weeks, but it already looms as an outstanding hit Film did near $14,000 in first three days including some standing room. 'Dandy' was given a $25 to $25,000-per-seat opening, purchase of bonds (totalling $5,500,000) entitling one to admission. 'This Above All,' stiU strong at $19,000 on third week at N. Y. Astor, also opened in K. C, racking, up a huge $11,000 in two theatres day-and-date. 'Juke Girl' leads Los Angeles, with smash $29,000 in two theatres, is getting a good $18,000 in Washington aid- ed by band, is big in K. C, tops' in Memphis and a tuneful $11,000 In Cincinnati. 'Syncopation' is listed as very good at $20,00(( in Boston, aided by band; okay $14,000 in Chicago but weak in Brooklyn, where dualed. . Other newcomers, just getting. sturted are 1 ju- ried an An^el' (M-G), so-so in Cleveland end fine $20,000 in Buffalo, where boosted by Gene Krupa's band; This Gun For Hire' (Par), good in Philadel- phia but blah in Cleveland; 'Take a Letter' (Par), smash $58,000 at N. Y.'s Paramount; and 'Broadway' (U) nice in Providence and mild in Washington at $9,500. ■ Of the 'Big Five,' it's much the sariie story of smash biz and holdovers. 'Gal Sal,' with $40,000 in Chicago, also Is reaching the same figure on its fifth big week at N. Y. Roxy, choice $21,000 in Detroit, sock $20,000 in Philly, great in Washington and tops in Denver. 'This Our Life'is socko $23,000 in one Boston house, stout on second sessions in Newark and Jersey City, fast $40,000 in fourth K Y. week and nifty second weeks in Philly, Providence, Buffalo. 'Reap' is in about same category but getting into moveover status In several keys, leader being ^16,500 in two Boston houses after three weeks downtown. ■ Also good in Buffalo, Baltimore and Providence and ditto third Brooklyn week and fifth Philly sesh. 'Tortllla*'is good $20,000 in Frisco, ditto in Detroit, fine in Cincy and great second weeks in N. Y. and Seattle. 'Rio Rita' also is running stoutly, being smash leader in Montreal, good in Denver, socko in Seattle, big in J. C, trim in Newark, record $13,000 In Portland, great in Detroit 'Moontide' (20th), too. Is coming along better than previously, being sock~$18,000 in Frisco, bright $28,500 in two L.A. spots, nice in Mem- phis and big on Detroit moveover. "SpoUers' (U), "Suicide Squadron' (Rep), "Gold Rush' (UA), 'Ship Ahoy' (M-G), topped by classy $22,000 in Washington; "Mister V* (UA) "Saboteur* (U), 'Great Man's Lady' (Par) and "Fantasia* (RKO), aisp are showliig up weU in a few scattered key cities. Montreal, June 2. First Russian film here, 'Girl from Leningrad' is solid at pop prices, and held over four days. 'Rio Rita' is the best getter in town at smash figures. 'Jungle Book' continues to draw well at Orpheum. Estimates for This'Week His Majesty's (C-T) (1,600; 30-45- 62)—'Girl Leningrad' (Indie). On four days holdover,'fine $4,500, after excellent $6,500, last week. Palace (C-T) (2,700: -30-45-62)— 'Rio Rita* (M-G). . This musical is clicking to smash $9,000, best in city. Last week, 'Saboteur' (U), fair $6,- 500. Capitol (C-T) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 'Mayor 44th St* (RKO) and "Tuttles Tahiti* (RKO). Figuring to reach good $6,000. Last week, 'Great Man's Lady' (Par) and 'True to Army' (Par), good $5,800. Loew's (CT) (2,800: 35-53-67)— Tortilla Flat' (M-G) (2d wk). Just fair $5,500, after fine $8,5U0, last week. Prinoess CCT) (2,300; 30-40-52)— "Always in Heart* (WB) and 'Hickok Rides' (WB). Outlook for good $4,- SOO. Last week, 'Lady Willing' (Col) and 'Canal Zone' (Col), oke $4,000. Orphenm (Ind) (1,100; 30-40-60)— "Jungle book' (UA) (3d wk). Point- ing to good $4,000. after lush $5,000 last week, second stanza. St Denis (France-Film) (2.500; 30- 40)—'Camet de Bal' and 'A Nos Deux, Madame La Vie.' Good $4,000. Last week, 'Vertlge d'uri- Soir' and "Prison Sans Barreaiuc.' neat $4,200.