Variety (Sep 1942)

Wednesdajt September f, 194t PICTURE GROSSES 15 'Sereirade-llioriihiD Hot $50.0(10 h Oii; Tride' Sockeroo 30G 'G. C Mnrder'-llonrorStoiih^i Chicago, Sept 1. popularly dubbed the Burma Road,' because principal Loop streets still are in a mess but attendance holds up well. Thousands of serv- ice men on the streets are helping to keep grosses high. Name bands are still managing to do top business this week as previ- ously. Claude Thorohill with' 'Foot- light Serenade' heading lor i sock $50,000 at the Chicago, while Vaughn Monroe, making his first appearance in this sector, with "Grand Central Murder,' will hit a terrific $25,000. 'Pride of the Yankees' got off to a great start at the Palace, hitting an amazing $30,000. This Above AH,' In its fourth week at the State-Lake, came throu^li with $12,000. Estimates for This Week ApoUo <B&K) (UOO; 3S-55r6S-7S) —•Her Cardboard Lover* (M-G). Sad $5,000 currently. Good $8,000 last week for 'Kings Row' (WB). Chlcac* (B&K) (4,000; 35-S5-7S) ■Footlight Serenade' (20th) and Claude Hiomltiirs orchestra on stage. Great $50,000 or near despite trou- ble in reaching'' house over the messed-up street Last week, Alvino Key band with "Wings for Eagle* (WB>, sock $54,300. Garriek (B&K) (000; 35-56-65-75) —'Wings for Eagle' (WB) and *Dr. Broadway' (Par). Not so bad at $8,000. Last week, 'Blue Horizon' (Par) and 'United Stand' (20th), $5,000. OrieaUl (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-33- 44-55) — 'Grand Central Murder* (M-G) with Vaughn Monroe's or- chestra on stage. Itemendous $25,- 000. Last week. 'Sabotage Squad' (Col) and Duke Ellington's l>and, $21,300. PaUce (RKO) (2,500; 33-44-66-75) —'Pride of Yankees' (RKO). Giv- ing Palace one of its greatest weeks with a terrific $30,000. Last week, 'Pardon My Sarong' (U) and 'Men Texas' <U), mUd at $12,100. Boosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65 75)—'Maisie Gets Man' (M-G) and 'LitUe Tokyo' (20th). Only so-so with $8,000. Last week, 'Dr. Gilles- pie* (M-G) and 'Postman Rings' (20th). only $6,800. SUt«-Lak« (B&K) (2,700; 35-55 65-75)—-This Above All' (20th). Holding up fairly well with $12,000, but a heavy dip from last week's $18,400. United Artists (B&K-MG) (1,700; 35-55-65-75)—'Mrs. Bliniver' (M-G) (7th wk). In Its seventh session hold- ing to $15,000, exceptional, although last week, nitty $18,200. Broadway Grosses Estimated Toui Oroa This Week $474JM (Based on 12 theatres) Total Gross Sam^ Wen Last lew $42*,4M (Based on 13 theatres) 'CROSSROADS' ^,500, t'YILLE PACEMAKER Louisville, Sept L Business at downtown houses is settling somewhat Both Rialto, with 'Magnificent AmtMtcons,' and Loew's State, with "Crossroads,' are only mild currently^ All downtown houses cooperated with the September War Bond Drive and staged a big parade Monday (31) night Cliff Buechel, Mary Anderson manager, was in charge of arrangements, and local houses went all out. EsUmates for This Week ' Brown (Fourth Avenue-Loew's) (1.400; 15-30-40)—'Pardon Sarong' tUJ aFidL-Top. SergeanV (UJ. - ^Srans- ferred from Rialto for second stanza. Fine $3,800. Last week, "Footlight Serenade- (ZOth^ and 'Little Tokyo' (20th),'okay $2,500. Kentncky (Switow) (1,250; 15-25) —"Bugle Sounds' (M-G) and 'Take Letter' (Par). Satisfying $1,800. Last week, "This Our Life' (WBJ and Wife Takes Fiier' (Col), fair $1,700. Loew's State cLoew's) (1.250; 15- 25)—'Crossroads' (M-G) and 'Sun- day Punch' (M-G). Not much com- petlsh fh town, so this pair looks to do fairly well at $8,500. Last week. Talk of Town' (Col) and "Sweet- heart of Fleet' (Col), sock $11,000. Mary Anderson (Libson; (1,000; 15-30-40)—'Sgt. York' (WB). Old boy is back at the same stand after only two-week lapse. Fine $4,500. 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) (2d wk) at $1.10 top, wound up with fairish $5,000. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3.400; 15- fS,-*?) — 'Magnificent Ambersons' }gKO> and "Spitfire's Elephsrtf (KKO). Orson Welles opus lacks appeal to mass of patrons in this town. Medium $7,500. Last week. Pardon My Sarong' (U) and Top Sergeant- (U), terrific $13,000 and moveover. .n^'fand (Fourth Avenue) (1.400: 15- 'Invisible Agent' (U) and Timber' (U). Both pics rated among best by crix. Stout $5,000. Last week 'Men of Texas' (U) and 'Rub- ber Racketeers' (Mono), oke S3.500. Hfings For EagleTme $7^, Hpls^'Serenade' Swingy $11,000 Soloed Minneapolis, Sept 1. The fifth week of 'Mrs. Miniver* is announced as its last downtown, but the record-breaking picture stiU rolls along, 'Footlight Serenade," at the State, is' the town's leader, while "Wings for the Eagle,' also is Ing all right Another holdover, 'Gay Sis'ters," is okay in its third loop week. After a brief absence, stage shows return to the loop Friday (4) when Claude Thomblll comes into the Or- pheum for his fir^t local engage- ment Estimates (or This Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900: 17-28)— 'Happened in Flatbush' (20th) and 'Juke Box Jenny' (U). Headed for good $2,000 in five days. Last week, 'Submarine Raider' (Col) and 'l^it- fire Sees Ghost' (RKO), split with 'Drums Congo' (U) and 'About Face' (UA), big'$3,200 in nine days. Century (P-S) (1.600; 30-40-50)— 'Mrs. Miniver' (M-G) (Sth wk.). The sensational boxoSice performer con- tinues on its amazing way. An- nounced this is the last week down- town. Ctood $5,000. Last week, stout $7,500. making a total of more titan $48,000 for the initial month, a local record. Gopher (P-S) (1,000; 28-30)—Tar- zan's N. Y. Adventure' (M-G). Good $4,000. Last week, 'Maizie Ciets Man' (M-G), very big $5,600. Orphenm (P-S) (2,800; 30-40-60) —'Wings for Ea^e' (WB). Time- liness and cast helping this one to good $7,500. Last week, 'All Kissed Bride' (Col), mUd $6,500. State (P-S) (2,400; 30-40-50)— 'Footlight Serenade' (20th >. Aided by heavy advance advertising and publicity. Nice $11,000 in prospect Last week, "Crossroads' (M-G), very good $10,200. Uptown (Par) (1,100; 30-40)— 'Ship Ahoy* (M-G). First neighbor- hood showing, satisfactory $3,000. Last week, 'Tortilla Flat' (M-G), good $3,400. World (Par-StefTes) (350; 30-40-30- S&.>—'Gay Sisters' (WB) (3rd wk.). Nice $2,000 after hefty $IT,000 and $3,000 first and second weeks, re- spectively. 'Sarong' Torrid $8,000, Best Monti New Entiy Montreal, Sept 1. Perfect weekend weather pared down grosses slightly but still left enough people In town to pace an- other socko $10,000 .for third week of 'Miniver,' currently at Loew's. 'Pardon My Sarong' at'Palace will be runner-up at solid $8,000. Estimates tor Thto Week Palace (CTT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 'Pardon My Sarong' (U). Will be best in town next to 'Miniver,' wow $8,000. Last week. ICissed Brkle* (Col), good $6,000. Capital (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 'Footlight Serenade* (20th) and "Through Different Eyes' (20th) (2d wk). Nice $5,000 foUowing lush $7,000 last week. Loew'^ (CT) (2.800; 35-53-67)— 'BIrs. Mihiver' (M-G) (3d wk). Packing them in for a great $10,000 currently after smash $15,000 last week. Princess (CT) (2.300; 30-40-53)— 'Men of Texas' (U) and "Almost Mrrried' (U). Fair'$4,000 in sight Last week, 'Magnificent Dope* (20th) anu 'Pacific Rendezvous' (M-G), fair $4,000. Orphenm (Ind) (1,100; 30-40-60)— 'Blockade' (UA) and 'House Across Bay' (UA). Weak $2,000. Last week, 'Favorite Spy' (RKO) and 'Powder Town' (RKO). mild $2,000. St Denis (France-Film) (2,500; 30-40)—'Lumlere de Paris' and 'La Pochade.' Fair $4,000 ahead. Last week. 'CiUdelle du Silence* and 'Ma Soeur de Laif good enough $4,100. 'Broadway'-Tmizafire' Unit $13,000 in Omaha; Talk of Town'6G m 2d Omah^ Sept. 1. "Broadway' plus 'Funzafire' on stage a^the Orpheum should get a pretty sturdy $13,000 or near. 'Jack- ass Mail' plus 'Sunday Punth' at the Omaha is only fair. The Brandeis has good prospects on the second week of Tttlk of the Town.* BaUmaiea for This Week Or^ewn (Tristates) (3,000; 15-40- 55-65)—^"Funzafire* on the stage and 'Broadway* (U). Nice $13,000 indi- cated. Last week, 'Blue Horizon' XPar) and •'True to Army' (Par), very big $9,900 and exceeding ex- pectations. ' Omaha (Tristates) (2,000: 11-30- 35-50)—'Jackass MaU' (M-G) and 'Sunday Punch' (M-G). May pos- sibly lit $7,500 but still mild. Last week, 'Gun Hire' (Par) and 'Moon- tide' (20Ui), light $6,500. Brandets (Mort Singer) (1,500; 11- 30-35-50)—Tklk of Town' (Col) (2d wk) with 'Elscape From Crime' (WB). Okay $6,000. Last week, $8,- 500, big money for this house. Town ((^Idberg) (1,400; 11-20-30) —"Ghost Law' (Mono). 'Girl From Alaska' (Rep), 'Parachute Nurse' (Col) triple split with Drums Desert' (Mono), 'Rags to Riches* (Rep) and 'Riding Cherokee lYail' (Mono), "King Kong' (RKO) and 'Gunga Din' (RKO) (last two reis- sues), (jood $900 aided by Saturday stage show. Last week, 'Dust on Ssige' (Rep), TeUing Me' (U), 'Yu- k<»i Patrol' (Rep), triple spUt with 'Bandit Trail* (RKO), 'Hit Parade' <R^) end 'Drifting Kid' (Mono), "Klondike Fury* (Mono), 'Old i:ali- fomia' (Rep), fair $800. Holiday lim' Hottest Thing ii LA„ $42,000; Tankee Doodle'Dandy 32G ln3dWk.'Orciilves'Big28a6Days Key Chy Grosses Estimated ratal Ora» TUa Week $i,221,SM (Based on 24 dtier, 160 thea- tres, chiefly Arsi twa, dicrudtng N r.) Total Gross Same Week Last Tear .$1,8284M (Biased on 24 cities, 165 theatres) Sl LoflDs Kz Points Up As Many Season Ends; 'Serenade'Big $18,000 St Louis, Sept 1. With the Municipal Theatre com- petlsh with al fresco entertainment in the Forest Park playhouse con- cluded, film theatres stand to do bet- ter soon. Season at the open air theatre wound up Sunday (30) with average weekly attei^dance of 70,000. Currently the midtown Fox with 'Footlight Serenade' aUd 'Little T<diyo, U.S^' wiU grab oS a swell $18,000 to lead the city. Loew's with 'Crossroads' and Veet the Stewarts' is having its elevent'i holdover since Jan. 1. St. Louis revived a couple of chillers, 'King Kong* and 'Gunga Din,' and will reap plenty. Estimates for TUa Week Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 30-40-50)— 'Crossroads' (M-G) and 'Meet Stew- arts' (Col) (2d wk). Another $12,000 to tack onto the swell $18,500 gar- nered on first session. Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 30-40- 50)—"Take Letter" (Par) and "Dr. Broadway' (Par). An average $10,- 500 in sight Last week, 'Pied Piper' (20th) and 'A-Hauntlng We ,W111 Go' (20th), skimmed above average with $11,000. Fox (F&M) (9.000; 30-40-50)— "FooUight Serenade* (20th) and 'tat- tle Tokyo, U.S.A.' (20th). SweU geU away point to sock $18,000 to lead the town. House is back at regular prices again. Last week, 'Reap Wild Wind' (Par) and 'Night New Or- leans' (Par) (2d wk), trim $17,000. ' tMissavl (F4eM) (3,970; 30*40-50) —'Pied Piper* (20th) and 'A-Haunt- ing Win Go' (20th). Moveover from Ambassador only average at $5,000. Last week, 'Pardon My Sarong* (U) (2d wk) and 'AU Kissed Bride' (Col), neat $7,000. St Lanis (F&M) (4,000; 30-40)— lUne Kong' (RKO) and "Gunga Din' (RKO) (reissues). These revivals wiU do sweU $6,500. Last week, 'Syncopation' (RKO) and Talcon Takes Over* (RKO), 16,200, best in weeks. NATIONAL BOXOFFICE SURVEY Exhibitors GeneraUy Marking Time for Labor Day—^*Hattie/ *Find You,' 'Orch Wives' and * Priorities' Open Aside from a few scattered openings' of hew jn>odn<:t; current week is largely a repetition of the previous week, with former money-makers further establishing themselves as boxoffice winners or additionally back- ing up earlier forecasts. Holdovers are plentiful as houses await Labor Day. "Panama Hattie' (M-G)*, 'Orchestra Wives* (20th), 'Somewhere 1*11 Find You* (M-G) and 'Priorities on Parade' (Par) are just start- ing out but hint real possibilities. 'Priorities' played the Paramount N. Y., more than a month ago, and presently in Brooklyn is, doing equally well with stage- band policy. 'Footlight Serenade' (20th) is bearing out earlier promise, being strong in all six key spots this week. Frisco reports $21,000, St. Louis 18G, Detroit $28,000, Minneapolis socko, Indianapolis $10,000, and Chicago $50,000 with nice band support. "Holiday Inn" (Par) is in the same category being smash $87,000 in fourth week at the big N. Y. Paranwunt, tops in K. C, hot $42,000, and best in L. A. (two houses), and excellent $17,000 in Cleveland. 'Pied Piper' (20th) also is livlnfi up to its N. Y. preem with big total in Seattle and record-breaking $13,800 in Portland. It is taking a sockeroo $60,000 in its third N. Y. sessions. In much the same position is 'Talk of the Town" (Col) with a wow $110,000 at the vast New York Music Hall and smash IIG in Seattle. Picture is sturdy $18,000 in its second Washington stanza, and nice on its second weeks in K. C. and Omaha. "Tales of Man- h.Tttan' (201h) is the best busine.ss-gctter in San Fran- ■ Cisco with $24,000,.s<tnd nice on its second K. C. session. Of the old reliabies, 'Gay Sisters' (WB), 'Pride of Yankees' (RKO), "Wings for Eagle" (WB), "Crossroads' (M-G), 'EUigle Squadron' (U) and 'Pardon My Sarong' (U) shape up best. "Sarong* is smashing the house record at N. Y.'s Criterion with a terrific $36,000. 'Wings' is big at $17,000 in Plttaburgh and solid in Providence. 'Crossroads' is a solid $25,000 in Wash- ington with vaude. It also is sturdy in three other spots. 'Squadron' is going to a record $15,000 in Seattle and is forte in two other key cities. 'Pride' is solid 20G on its second Boston session, okay on its seventh N. Y. week, and sock $30,000 In Chicago. 'Variety' correspondents also report it is going big in some four other cities, being mild only in L. A., where film is in its second stanza. 'CTay Sisters' looks a fine $40,000 for its third N. Y. week al the Strand, choice Detroit moveover, speedy in Boston and strong second Buffalo week. From the ticker: "Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB), tidy $18,200 for 13th N. Y. week end strong $32,000 in two L. A. theatres for third session. 'Men of Texas' (U) continues to rack up surprisingly fine results, getting a giant $32,000 in Boston with a band attraction, stout in Buffalo and great $10,000 for Portland. 'Mrs. Mini- ver' (M-G), now largely in smaller communities, hold- over, moveover or subsequent run, coined a healthy $25,000 for its second Brooklyn week and $19,000 In its third Wash, session. "Male Animal' (WB), sturdy $44,000 in Detroit, with band. 'Annie Rooney' (UA), strong in Portland. Los Angeles, Sept. 1. Hottest thing In town is 'Holiday Inn.' day-dating at the two Para- mounts, with brilliant $42,000 likely toi the two houses. Looks like two weeks of solid business — maybe three. Also amazing is the surpris- iiigly strong pace of 'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' posting a smart $32,000 in the third week. Stays around for a fourth. Few pictives have exceeded that figure for a third stanza. 'Pride of the Yankees' failed to build on Its second session at the Hitlstreet and Pantages. It is being held as a five-day flUer until 'Talk of the Town' breaks on Labor Day at Pantages and the Hillstreet Estimates far TUa Week Carthar Clrde (F-WC) (1,516: 33- 44-55-65-75)—'Miniver* (M-G) (6th wk). C^ontlmilng apace, smooth $7,000, foUowing neat $7,900 last week. Chinese (Graumaa-WC> (2,034: 33- 44 - 55 - 65 - 79) — 'Orchestra Wives* (20th) and 'Postman Didn't Ring' (20th). Will do an okay $10,000 in six days. "Last week, 'Jackass Mail' (M-G) and 'CaUing Dr. GUlespie' (M-G), weak $8,700. Dawntawa (WB) (IJOO; 33-44-55- 85-75)—'Yankee Doodle' (WB) (3d wk). Holding strata at $17,000 after eorraling very smart $10,000'in sec- ond welek. Fav Star (OA-WC) (900; 33-44-55- 65-75) —n'aies Manhattan' (20th) (4th wk). Nice «9.000 foUowing last week's satisfacto^ |S,400. Bawall (G&S) (UOO; S3-44-5S-65- 7S>—'Lady iii Distress' (Indie) and ■Escape Froih Crime' (WB) (2d wk). Pioduct shortage causing holdover that won't get past $1,700 following, fair $2,100 on flnt week. HaUywaad -(WB) (2,796; 33-44-55- 65-75) — 'Yankee .Doodle' (WB). Pcunding along for slick $15,000. Last week, chunky $17^)00. Orpheam (lytown) <2,a00; 33-44- 55-65)—'Men of Texas' and 'Friendly Enemies' (UA) with Major Bowes all girl revue on stage. Looks like moderate $14,000. ^dst week, 'Shut Big Mouth' VUat and 'Alias Blackie' (Col), with In« Bay Hutton band and Borrah Mfaievitcfa, lair $16,000. Fantagea (Pan) (2,012: 44-55-65- 75)—'Pride Yankee^ (BKO) (2d wk) and "One Bora Every Minute' (U). Second feature thrown in for needed support and diould tally $10,000. Last week. 'Pride' disap- pointing $14,950. ranmaoBt (F&M) (3,906; 33-44- 55-65-75)—'HoUday Inn' (Far) and "Live on Danger* (Par). Socko $26,- 000. Last week, 'General Died at Dawn* (Par) (re-Issue) and 'Tomb- stone* (Par), surprisingly good $12,- 000. Paramaant HaUywaad (F&M) (1.- 409; 44-55-65-79) — 'HoUday Inn' (Par) and live on Danger' (Par). Broke 6t>enliig day reeotd with $2,- 100 and heading for nifty $16,000. Last week, 'General Died Dawn' (Par) (re-l5sue) and Tombstone' (Par), good $8,300. BKO HUlatraH (RKO) (2,872: .13- 44-55-65>—'Pride Yankees' (RKO) (2d wk) and There's One Bom Every Minute' (U). Supporting film broueht in but stOl not strong at $12,900. Last week, "Yankee^ soloed to $18,000. State (Loew-WC) (2,204; 33-44-55- 65-75)—'Orchestra 'Mves' (20lh) and 'Postman Didn't Ring' (20th). Strong , $18^ in six days. Last week. !•« *B»^15ii>f" Wa'' (M-G) and 'Calling ' Dr. GiUeqple' (M-G), okay $16,000. UA (UA-WC) (2,100; 33-44-55-65) —'Jackass Mail' (M-G) (1st wk) and 'Footlight Serenade' (20th) (2d wk). So-so with $5,500. Last week, "Foot- Ught Serenade' (20th) and "Whisper- ing Ghosts' (20th), weak $1500. Wll<4ilre (F-WC) (2.296: 33-44-55- 65)—"Jackass Mail' (M-G) (1st wk) and 'Footlight Serenade* (20th) (2d wk). Meagre $4,200. Last week. "Footlight Serenade" (20th) and 'Whispering Ghosts' (20th). slow $4.- 500. 'Defense of Stafingrad' Despite the war and transportaiion headaches, Artkino Pictures. Inc.. American distributors of Soviet films, last week received prinl.s of a picture that was completed only two months ago. Pic is The Defen.^e of Tzaritzyn' (now Stalingrad) and was produced by the Vasiliev Brothers who made 'CHiapayev.' With Stalingrad so vivid In theh war news, the film may be issued as. "The Defense of Stalingrad' even though the plot deals with the pres- ent crisis only by Inference.