Variety (July 1942)

Wednesday, July 22, 1942 PICTURE GROSSES 13 I^y Kyser-1lisj» New Peak h 0et. Terrffic 'Our life Z2G +1- . • iJebrblt July 21. ' - of fresh 1)1118 In the ■ £r'st-runs, this city Is Juttog a great ^Bic» in the . face of » heat wave. Kellne Is rampant that the welightf dfttense dbugh. Js making Itself felt sfnce even a short-lived streetcar Jtilke liere failed to whittle grosses. : I Biggest boom is at the Fox where, for the third time, Kay Kyser seems, likelyto brftaic Ws own,iouse record in a team-up with 'Whisper- ■ ijitf Ghosta' on ihe screen. "Michigan will he far above normal with *In This Oiir. Life* and 'Always in" Wy Heart,' whUe the United Artists. Is aiming for a holdover of 'Crossroads' and ''Affairs of Martha.' Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 40-55-65) —'Broadway' (U> and'Private Buck- aroos''(U). Good $7,000 in switch- over from Fox. Last week, 'Gentle- men West Point' (20th) and 'Meet Stewarts' (Col), also Fox moveovers, choice $7,200. Fox (Fo:(rMichlgan) (5,000; 40-55- gS):—'Whispering Ghosts' (20th) and :ay Kyser orchestra on stage. Looks like a new high at $60,000 or near that Last week, 'Broadway' (u) and 'Private Buckaroo* (U), sur.; passed expectations with a choice $22,000. TMiehlraD (United Detroit) (4,000; 40-55-85)—'This t3ur Life' (WB) and 'Always in My Heart' (WB). Great $22,000. Last week, 'Gun for Hire* (Par) and Tommy Dorsey band on stage, smash. $47,000. Palms-State (United Detroit) (3, 000: 40-55-65)—'Gun for Hire' (Par) <2d wk). and 'Sweater Girl' (Par). Fair $10,000. Last week, 'Reap Wild Wind'^ (Pa"r) and "Hay Foot' (UA), pair-of moveovers, after three weeks at Michigan, big $13,000 in fourth stanza in loop, ■ United Artists (United Detroit) (2000; 40-55-65)—'Crossroads' (M-G) and 'Affairs Martha' (M-G7. Strong $16,000 and holdover. Last week, Tarzan's Treasure' (M-G) and ^Isle Man'- (M-G) (2d wk), good $10,000 after $14,000 in first sesh. IViiigs for Eagle' Tops SL Louis, Trim $17,500; miiiiYer'17G for 3d Wk. St. Louis, July 21. • It has been many years since a Bicker has had enough appeal to jus- tify a third week in a local deluxer, but 'Mrs. Miniver' is currently ac- complishing this feat at I/)ew's. Double-headers in a crucial series between the Dodgers and Cardinals, Saturday (18) and Sunday (19) re- sulted in an. influx of but-of-town- ers and the midtown deluxers got plenty of additional biz after each game. Fox, with 'Wings- for the Eagle' and 'Ship Spy,'is. out in front fi,- .ir^i.'-'i m-lead- the-town;- '""^ Estimates for This. Week Loew'g (Loew) (3,172; 30-40-50)— 'Mrs. Miniver' (M-G) (3d wk). Good for a swell $17,000 to lack onto $20,- Opo for second and $26,500 for first ' stanzas. - F«x (F&M) (5,000; 30-40-50)— •Wings for Eagle' (WB) and 'Ship Spy' (WB). Swell getaway and will cop a robust $17,500 to lead the town. Last week, ThU Above All' (20th) and 'Juke Box Jenny' (U),.flne $18,- 000. ' Mlssonrl. (F&M) (3,570; 30-40-50) —This Above All' (20th) and 'Lady in Jam' (U) (2d wk). Neat $8,000. Last week, 'Lady in Jam' (U) and .Sweater Girl' (Par), surprise of week with a strong $11,500. „St. Loiils (F&M) (4,000; 30-40)— - "Men of Texas' (U) and 'Escape Hong Kong' (U). Average $4,000. Last week, 'Gun for Hire' (Par) and *Thia Our Life' (WB), beat expecta- tions, good $4,500. ter» (Par) and 'Henry Dizzy' (Par) (2d wk), $8,000. Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 30-44) —'Submarine Raider" (Col) and 'Blondle College' (Col). Trim $7,000. Last week, 'E^gle Squadron' (U) (3d wk) (40-55), sturdy $8,000. Mth Centnry (Ind) (3,000; 30-44)— Kennel Murder' (WB) and 'Gam- bling Lady' (WB). Bogging down to brutal $4,500. Last week, 'Big Shot' (WB) and 'Scattergood Rides High' (RKO), bettered neat $10,000. 'BRIDE' 12G. CLEVE. ACE Cleveland, July 21. 'Big Shot' is shooting the biggest score ■ currently at the Palace, with Clyde Lucas' band and Hal LeRoy adding more b.o. 'Maisie Crets Man' at State is being smothered by yeair's hottest heat spell. 'AH Kissed Bride' coasting along for average take at Hipp. Estimates for This Week Allen (RKO) (3,000; 30-40-45-55)— 'Juke Girl' (WB) (2d wk). Ordinary $4,000. Last round, 'Gal Sal' (20th) (3d wk), $4,000. Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 35-40-45- 55) —'Kissed Bride', (Col). Joan Crawford pulling shop-girl trade but not enough of it, 'okay $12,000 in sight. Last week, 'Juke Girl,' so-so $10,300. , Lake (Warners) (800; 3S-40-45r55) —'Gal Sal' (20th) (4th. wk). Nice $2,000. Last week, 'Sgt. York' (WB) (2d wk), fine $4,000. Faloee (RKO) (3,700; 35-40-45-55 70)—'Big Shot' (WB) plus Hal Le Roy, 'Clyde Lucas' orch, Louise Beavers on stage. Well built bill, trade steady if not big, $18,000 will be pleasing in this weather. Last week, 'Magnificent Dope' (20th) and Phil Harris' orch, okay $17,000. State (Loew's) (3,450; 35-40-45-55) -'Maisie Gets Man' (M-G). Al- though Red Skelton is a dandy draw; not more.than fair $9,500 indicated. Last week, 'Take Letter' (Par), fair $11,500. Stlllman (Loew's) (1,872; 35-10-45 55)—'Mrs. Miniver' (M-G) (3d wk) Excellent reactions in every respect and win cop great $10,000, after sock $15,000 last week, second of run. "Tiiis Ai)ove All' Sends L'ville, Robust $8,000; 'Miniver' 7G in 2d Week Tlew Alone' Fair $6,000 In Sad Mont'l; 'Flyer' Ditto Montreal, July 21. Hottest weekend of year dented business to some extent. Estimates for This Week Palace (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 'They Flew ..Alone' (RKO). This should bring 'in fair summer gross of $6,000. Last week, 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), goo. enough $6,000. Capitol (CT: (2,700; 30-45-62)^ 'Wife Takes Flyer' (Col) and 'Blonde Singapore' (Col). Nice $6,000. Last week, 'Broadway' (U) and 'You're Telling Me' (U) (2d wk), oke $5.50.0. Loew's (CT) (2,800; 35-63-67)— 'Mister V (UA) (2d wk); Fading to $5,000 after very nice $8,000 last week. Prhioess (CT) 2,300; 30-40-53)— 'Marie Roget' (U) and 'Private Buckaroo' (U). Middling $4,000 ahead. Last week, *Yanks Trinidad' (Col) and 'Sweetheart Fleet' (Col), mild $4,500. Orphenm (Ind) (1,100; 30-40-60)— 'This England' (Esq). Pachig fair $3,000. Last week, 'Miss Annie Rooney* (UA) and 'FiesU' (UA). Be- low hopes at $3,000. St. Denis (France-Film) (2,500; 30- 40)—'Secret de la Mer RoUge' and Le Neuf de Trefle.' In line for weak $2,500. Last week; rifoshiwara' and 'La Route Heureuse,' feeble $2,400. 'CROSSROADS' $11,000, BUFF; SAME ON TttAIL' Buffalo, July 21. Combination of hot weather, medi- ocre screen fare and mammoth Navy ■Relief show is bogging down biz over recent weeks. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55)-^ Jackass .Mall' (M-G) and 'Pacific •Rendezvous' (M-G). Slow $1-1,000. Last week, 'Cardboard Lbver' (lyi-G) and Samm.v Kaye orch on stage, very .fine $22,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-55) r-(crossroads' (M-G) and 'Happened to Platbush' (20th). Mild takings, $11,000. Last week, 'Ship Ahoy' (M- <3) .and 'Grand Central*^ (M-G) (2d Vfk), oke $9,500. . Hipp (Shea) (2,i00; 30-45)—'Annie Rooney' (UA) and 'True to' Army' (Par). Preserving above par pace, about $8,000. Last week, 'Take Let- ing toward pleasing $13,500, after nifty ..$18,000 in initial sesh. Stanley (WB) (4,500; 30-35-60-70) —'Reap Wild Wind' (Par). Sturdy $18,000 and figures to' hold for an- other week. Last weeic, 'Beyond Blue Horizon' (Par) and 'Private Buckaroo' (U), satisfactory $15,000. State (Skouras) (2,200; 30-35-55- 60-75)—'Magnificent Dope' .(20th) and 'Wife Takes Flyer' (Col). Point- ing to $12,000, average. Last week, 'Happened in Flatbush' (20th) and 'United We Stand' (20th), finished with dull $11,000. vm%\% DENVER FLASH Louisville, July 21. Tows-is TUBB: >g heavy to hold- overs during current week, and b.o. is only medium. Unusual for Loew's State to hold for a second week, but 'Mrs. Miniver' is doing the trick at a healthy pace. Of the new product "This Above All' at the Rialto prob- ably win be the best in town. 'Weather has been' hot. Matinees are light, but nights okay. Estimates for Tills Week Brown • (Fourth Avenue-Lioew's) (1,400; 15-30-40)—'Lady in Jam' (U) and 'Escape Hong Kong' (U). Light $1,700 for this moveover. Last week, 'Tarzan's Adventure' (M-G) and 'El- lery Queen' (Col), pretty fair $2,000 on moveover. Kentucky (Switow) (1,250; 15-25) —'Tarzan's Secret Treasure' (M-G) and Twin Beds' (UA), split with 'Dumbo' (RKO) and 'Were Dancing' (M-G). Holding up well for nice $1,700. Last week, 'Shadow Thin Man' (M-G) and 'Invaders' (Col) split with 'Design for Scandal' (M-G) and 'Male Animal' (WB), about same. Loew's State (Loew's) (3,300; 15- 30-40)—'Mrs. Miniver' (M-G) (2d wk). Terrific reaction to this one, with word-of-mouth strong. Bulk of coin garnered in the first week, but h.o. stanza looks like satisfactory $7,000. Last week, swell $13,000. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 15-30-40)—'Juke Girl' (WB) (3d wk). Still picking up some busi- ness in third session for oke $2,800, after excellent $3,500 for second week. RUIto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 15- 30-40)—'This Above All' (20th). First time in long while that this house has run a single pic with short subjects. May be the beginning of a trend away from double features. Single feature will pull good $8,000. Last week, 'Lady in Jam' (U) and 'Escape Hong Kong' (U), so-so $7,000 and moveover. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 15-30-40)—'W h i s p e r 1 n g Ghosts' (20th) and "Through Different Eyes' (20th). Medium $3,000. Last week, 'Favorite Spy' (RKO) and 'Spitfire Sees Ghost' (RKO)^ fine $4,000. 'Sweater Gnrl'-Krupa $19,000^ Balto Topper, 'Crossroads' Fme 15G Baltimore, July 21. Biz holding up here in spite of tor- rid temperatures and oversupply of holdover product 'Sweater Girl' is getting terrific support from Gene Krupa band on the stage at the combo Hipp. Will do rousing $19,' 000. 'Crossroads' is also attracting solid response to Loew's Century, Rest of . town, mostly h.o.. Is steady ■ Estimates for This Week Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 17- 28-44-55)—'Crossroads' (M-G). Nicely spotted' in town of h.oj -.for extra good $15,000 and a better than even chance for a second sesh. I^st week, 'Jackass Mail' (M-G), steady $10,400. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240; 17-25-28-38-44-55-66)—'Sweater Girl' (Par) nicely tied to Gene Krupa and orch on stage. Biggest returns in weeks, rousing $19.,000. Last week, 'Flight Lieutenant' (Col) plus Russ Morgan's prch, held up nicely to $15,800. . • Keitlt's (Schanberger) (2,406; 17 33-40-5S-65)—'Eagle Squadron' CU) (4th wk). Getting soine action to bring the only four-week run in this house in. montlis to potent grand total of $5^,200'for run. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 20-40)—'Old California" (Rep). . Getting some trade to possible $2,500. Last week, "True to Army' (Rep), wound up two-week stay at okay $6,400. New (Mechanic) (1,581: 17-28-35- 44)—'This Above All' (20th) (2d wk). Holding strongly to solid $8,- 000 after "terrific opening roimd at $12,700. Stanley (WB) (3,286; 17-28-40-55) —'Favorite Blonde' (Par) (2d wk). All right at Indicated $9,500 after highly pleasing $14,400 initial sesh. Valencia (Loew's-UA) (1,450; 17- 28-44-55) — 'Jackass Mail' (M-G) (moveover). Better than average at $3,500 after the same reaction in pre- vious week in downstairs Century. Last week, similar handling of 'Tar- zan's Adventure' (M-G), mild $2,400. 'Gun for Hire'-Benny Goodman Sotk $38,(XI0; Hub; lover' 35G in 2 Spots H4- Denver, Jtily 21, 'Great Man's Xady' in initial week at the Denham and 'Mrs; Miniver', on second session'at the Orpheum are tied for top. money currently. Former stays for a second week while 'Miniver' holds for a third. 'Gentlemen of West Point' is'strong at the Denver. Estimates for This Week AUddin (Fox) (1,400; 40-60-70)-^. 'This Our Life' (WB), after week at the Denver. Good $4,000. Last week, 'Kissed Bride'' (Col) and 'Happened in Flatbush' (20th), after Denver week, $4,500, - Broadway (Fox) (1.040; 30-35-40 50)—'Gone With Wind'-^M-G)\ Nice $3,000. Last week, 'Ship Ahoy' (M G) ahd 'Fingers at Window' (M-G), after two weeks at Orpheum, ffiilr $2,500. • ' Deiiham (CockriU) (1,750; 30-40,- 50-60)—'Great Man's Lady*. (Par), Big $12,000 and holding over. Last week, 'Reap Wild Wind' (Par), fine $9,000 fpr fifth week. • Denver (Fox) (2,525; 30-40-50-60) —'CJentlemen From Point' (20th) and 'Meet Stewarts' (Col). Strong $10,000. Last week, "This Dur Life' (WB) and 'Born to Sing' (M-G), good $10,000. . Orphenm (RKO) (2,600: 30-36-40- 50-60)—'Mrs. Miniver' (M-G) (2d wk). Extra fine $12,000, ai;id likely will stay a third stanza. Last week, 'Mrs. Miniver* (MrG), easily topped the town in Its first week at strong $15,000. Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 30-45)— 'Friendly Enemies' (UA). ahd 'Bullet Scars' (WB). Good $5,600. Last week, 'Annie Rooney' (UA) and 'Re- member Pearl Harbor' (Rep), trim $6,000. Boston, July 21. Benny Goodman and his orchestra tied up with 'jGun. for Hire' moved into the Met with increased prices, racking up hefty score. Despite such opposlsh, 'Cardboard Lover' at two spots pulled substantially, and 'Eagle Squadron,' in its second week at Memorial, rode along comfortably. Estimates for This. Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 30-44-55-60) •'Lady -in Jam' (U) and 'Man Wouldn't Die' (Fox). Doing a fair biz,' headed for $12,500. Last week. ■ 'Gal Sal' (20th) and 'Night Divorce' (20th), hit $14,000, good for hold* over. Fenway (M&P) (1,373; 30-44-60)— Bit Shot' (WB) and 'This Thne Keeps' (M-G). Staunch $12,000. Last week, 'Moontlde' (20th) and Mad' Martindales' (20th), meagre $5,000. Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 30- 44-55-60 )-^'Eagle Squadron' (U) and 'You're Telling Me' (U) (2d wk). Doing a healthy $19,000 in second stanza. Last week, same bill hit $27,000, griat. Meti'opaUUn (M&P) (4,367; 40-55- 75)—^Benny Goodman on stage and 'Gun for Hire' (Par). Touching $38,000, .' sockQ.' Last week, 'Juke Girl' (•WB),and 'Was Framed' (WB), $20,000, so<-so. Orpheam (Loew) (2i900; 80-40-50- 60)—?c:ardbOBrd Lover' (M-G) and Maisie' (M-G. Aiming for $20,000, hefty. Last week, 'Kissed Bride' (Col), and 'Desperate EUery Queen* (Col), $18,300, lukewarm. Paramount. (M&P) (1,800; 30-44- 60)—"Big Shot' (WB) and Ttaie for Keeps' . (M-G), Pleasing $12,000. Last week, 'Moontide^ (SOth) and 'Mad Martindales': '(20th), $9,500, lean. State (Loew) (3,600; 30-40-50-60) — Cardboard Lover* - (M-G) and 'Msdzie' (M-G). Around $15,000, sat- isfactory. Last week, IClssed Brid^ (Col) and 'Ellery Queen* (Col), $14,100, medium. ^ ' Translnx (Translux) (900; 17-2S< 44-55)—'Death Cell' (Mono) and *Dr. Cyclops' (Par). Sftunttring toward $2,800, slow. Last week, 'Meet Mob* (Mono) and 'Flight Command' (M- G), thin $2,500. . ONLY TORK,'$17,000, GOOD IN HOT B'KLYN . • Brooklyn, July 21. City of Churches was blitzed by the weekend heatwave. Only house reporting biz was Fabian Fox, play- ing 'Sgt. York' and 'I Was Framed.' Estimates for ThU Week Albee (RKO) (3,274; 30-40-50- 55)—'Magnificent Dope' .(20th) and 'The Spoilers' (U). Fairish $14,000. Last week, 'Broadway' (U-) and 'Hap- pened in Flatbush' (20th), swell $20,000. Fox (Fabian) (4,023; 30-40-50-55)— 'York' (WB) and 'Was Framed' (WB). Good $17,000. Last week, 'Juke Girl' CWB) and 'Old California' (Rep) (2d wk), okay $15,000. Met (Loew's) (3.618; 30-40-SO-55)— 'Ship Ahoy' (M-G) and 'Vanishing Virginian' (M-G) (2d wk). Fair $14,000. Last week, splendid $20,000. Paramount (Fabian) (4,126; 30-40- 50-55)—'Blue Horizon' (Par) and 'Sleepy Time Gal' (Rep) (2d wk). Uneventful $11,000. Last week, dull $13,000. 'Reap' Gleaning Up In Jersey C, High $18,000 Jersey City, July 21. 'Reap the Wild Wind,' at the Stan- ley, is reaping most of the coin. Heat wave isn't doing the grosses any good. Estimates for This Week Loew's (Loew's) (3.205; 30-35-40- 55-60)—'Ship-Ahoy' (M-G) and 'Kid Glove KiUer' (Col) (2d wk). Lean- 'Miniver' Sniasheroo $21,000,Prov.;'Big Shot' Sturdy 15G,W9iG Providence, July 21 "Mrs. Miniver,'* at Loew's State, is playing one of the biggest weeks ever seen herealMuts. Considering time of year and summer heat, its colossal, with standing room practically throughout day. Other stands are also playing way over their heads. 'Big Shot.' at Majestic, and 'This Gun for Hire,* at Strand, are also burning up the road. Heavy biz on reissues of 'Gunga Dhi' and 'King Kong,' at RKO Albee, prompted a- second week, and combo still is good. Estimates fon This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 28-39.-50)— 'Gunga Din' (RKO) and ^ng Kong' (RKO) (reissues) (2d wk). Pulling nice $6,600 after zowfe $11,000 in first week. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,300; 28-30- 50)—'Moontlde' (20th) and 'Postman Did Not Ring' (20th) (2d run). Neat $3,500. Last week, 'Sgt. York' (WB) and 'Lady Gangster' (WB) (2d run), strong $3,500. Fay's (Indie) (1,400; 28-39r50)— 'Drums of Congo' (U) and vaude. Also receiving a hefty lift for strong $7#00. Last week, 'Different 'Ey<>s' (20th) and vaude, good $6,500. Majestto (Fay) (2,200; 28-30-50)— 'Big Shot' (WB) and 'This Was Paris' (WB). Pachig to swell $15,000. Last week, 'Moontlde' (20th) and 'Postman Did Not Ring' (20th), nifty $15,000, State (Loew) (3,200; 35-40-55)— 'Mrs. Miniver' (M-G). Slight boost in price not hurting one bit in this spot's race for one of biggest grosses in years. Present pace should carry to a record-breaking $21,000. Last week 'Jackass Mail' (M-G) and 'Pa- cific Rendezvous* (M-G), good $12,700. Strand (Indie) (2,000 28-39-50)— 'Gun for Hire' (Par) and 'Sweetheart Fleet' (Col). Town is crowded night- ly and .Strand is getting its share with a robust $9,500. Last week, 'Take Letter' (Par) and 'Old-Califor- nia' (Rep) (2d wk), good $6,000. Ennis-'Spitfnre' Oke $14,000, Best m hdnk . ; Indianapolis, July 21. Band shows continued to lead ths field in Indianapolis. as Sklnnay Ennis followed Kay Kyser's record- breaking week on Circle stage with. $14,000. quite a comedown, but still good' for town. Busihess was aver- age or better at most - downtown houses, in spite of sultry weekend and late Sunday afternoon down- pour. Estimates for This Week Circle (Katz-Dolle) 2,600: 30-40-55) -^Spitfire Sees Ghost' (RKO) with Sklnnay EnnIs band show on stage. Smooth music with good acts.for a healthy $14,000 following record- breakhig $34,000 set up by Kay Kyser with 'Man Who Wouldn't Die* (20th) last week. Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,200: 28-33- 44)—'Take Letter* (Par) and 'Night in New Orleans' (Par).- Sel for aver- age $8,300. Last week, 'Gun for Hire* (Par) and 'Butch Minds Baby' (U) took, $5,100 in five days; cut short to shift frdm Friday to Wednesday opening. Keith's (Ind.) (1,200; 28-44)— 'Anjerican Coed' (UA) with 'Hit Parade' on stage. Vaudeville main draw for so-so $3,600 In four days: Last week, $3,900 w'lth 'Lady Gang-, ster' (WB) and 'Americana' on stage. Loew's (Loew's) (2.450; 28-33-44) —'AH Kissed Bride* (Col) and 'Des- perate Ellery Queen' (Col). Pros- pective $7,400, over par. Last v/eek, 'Tarzan's N, Y. Adventure' (M-G) and 'Yanks Trinidad' (Col), strong $9,300, Lyric (Katz-DoUe) (1,850; 28-33- 44)—'Gunga^Dhi' (RKO) and 'King Kong'-(RKO) (reissues). $5,000 in five days week cut short to change from Friday to Wednesday opening. Last week, $4,000 with 'Old CaU- fornla' (Rep) and 'Remember Pearl. Harbor* (Rep). LINCOLN ' (Continued from page 11) Wouldn't Die' (20th) and 'Nazi Agent' (M-G). Not so hot. $1,000. State (Noble-Federer) (986; 10-25- 30). 'Sis Hopkins' (Rep) and 'Mur- der' Big House' CWB). Average $1,100. Last week, 'Real Glory* (UA) and ,'Flying Music' (UA), $1,300. Stuart (J. H- Cooper-Par) (1,859; 10-30-44). 'Lady in Jam' (U). Bet- ter than fair, $3,500. Last weefc •Tarzan's Adventure' (M-G), coasted off to $3,200. VarsWy (N-F) (1,100; 10-30-44). 'Yanks Trinidad' (Col). Pretty good $2,700. Last week, 'Favorite Spy* (RKO), fair $2,500.