Variety (Sep 1942)

Wednesdajt September 16, 1942 PICTURE GROSSES CliiHealthyWidiE0.'s;1iin,'2dWlL. Pins Sphrak. Big $55,000; Tind You' 25G m 2(1 rride' Bright 19G in 3(1 41- Chicago, Sept 19. Only two new shows in the entire loop currently, other spots holding. Roosevelt brought In 'Jackass MaQ' and 'Live on Danger,' but this is a quickie deal which will be yanked soon to make room for 'Wake Island' which will have a fecial preview, with seats selling at $500 to $5,000 in war bonds. 'Holiday Inn' holds over with a new band, Charlie Splvak, at the Chicago. May top first week with great $55,000. 'Miniver,' in its ninth week, "Pride of Yankees' in third, ° and 'Some- where I'll Find You' in second weelc, are strongest holdovers. Estimates for Thia Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 3S-5S-6S-7S) —■Married Angel' (M-G) (2d wk). Holding to $6,000 currently follow- ing snappy $8,200 last week. Chicago (B&K) (4.000; 35-55-75)— 'Holiday Inn' (Par) and Charlie Spi- vak band on stage. Great combina- tion that will ring the rafters at wow $55,000. Last week, 'Inn' plus Claude lliornhill orch on stage, bril- liant $52,300. Garrlok (B&K) (000; 35-55-65-75) —'Footlight Serenade' (20th) and Through Different Eyes' (M-G) (2d wk). Oke $5,000 for second sesh after bright $6,700 in first week. Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-33- 44-55)—'Tomorrow Live' (PRC) and •Ted Lewis orchestra-^ on stage. Strictly Lewis for fine $22,000. Last week, 'Remember Pearl Harbor' (Rep) with vaude, headed by Black- stone, latter boosting bill to smash $24,800. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 33-44-86-75) —'Pride of Yankees' (3d wk) and 'Give Out Sisters' (U) (1st wk). Biz still holding brightly for fine $19,000 after hotcha $24,100 in second week solo. Roosevelt (B&K) (1.500; 35-55-65- 75)—'Jackass Mail' (M-G) and 'Live on Danger' (Par). Fairish $10,000. Last week, 'Maisie Gets Man* (M-G) and 'Little Tokyo' (20th), okay $6,200 for second stanza. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 35-55-65- 75)—'Somewhere Find You' (M-G) (2d wk). Galloping along in great fashion to $25,01)0 currently follow- ing giantic opener at $31,600. United Artiste (B&K-M-G) (1,700; 85-55-65-75)—'Miniver' (M-G) (9th wk. No end to this one, taking great $15,000 currently aftes remarkable $17,300 last week. Trossroads' $11000, Seattle; % Sis' XW, miiday' {8,700 in 2d Seattle, Sept. 15. Thus far the feeler' of Sterling chain in raising the admish at the Palomar to e5c. from 98c, Saturdays, Sundays .and holidays, hasn't slowed attendance much and has meant iast that much more money. 'Holiday Inn,' after getUng $16,000, best mark in years, at the Para- mount last week, is still strong on its second session currently. Liberty still is great on its third stanza with 'Talk of the Town.' EatiBuUea for This Week Blae Hense (Hamrick-Evergreen) (800; 30-40-58)-'Sarong' (U) and 'No Hands Clock' (Par) (4th wk). Heading for a big $4,000. Last week, same duo, magnificent $5,700.- Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2,349; 30-40- 58)—'Crossroads' (M-G) and 'Affairs Martha' (M-G). Big campaign help- ing this duo Uy a great $11,000. Last week, 'Pied Piper' (20th) and "Thru Different Eyes' (20th) (2d wk), big $6,400 in five days. Liberty (J-vH) (1,650; 30-40-58)— Talk Town' (Col). (3d wk). Strong $8,000 for third session. Last week, strong $10,000. Mnale Bra (H-E) (850; 30-40-58)— 'Pied Piper' (20th) and Through Different Eyes' (20th) (3d wk). Hot release from Fifth Ave., good $3,500. Last week, 'Minivei* (M-G) (8th wk), in six days, big $3,100. Muale Hall (H-E) (2,200; 30-40-58) —'Are Husbands Necessary' (Par) and 'Live on Danger' (Par). Slow $4,800. Last week, 'Reap Wild Wind' (Par) and 'Fly by Night' (Par) (2d wk), $4,400, swell for five days. Orpheom (H-E) (2,600; 30-40-58)— 'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'Spy Ship' (WB). Trim $10,500. Last weelt (40-50-65). 'Eagle Squadron' (U) (2d wk), great $9,500 for holdover ses- sion. Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 30-40- 58-65)—'Joan Ozark' (Rep) plus vaude with Phil Reagan headlining. Good $8,800. Last week, '40,000 Horsemen' (Indie) plus stage, good Paramount (H-E) (3,039; 30-40-58) —'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 'Loves Edgar A. Poe' (20th) (2d wk). Giant $8,700. Last week, this pair broke records at $16,000. BooMvelt (Sterling) (800;40-SO-«5) —'Eagle Squadron' (U) (3d wk), Big $4,500. Last week, (23-40), 'Cardboard Lover' (M-G) and 'True to Army' (Par) (2d- run, big $3,000. Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 20- 30)—-Rio Rita' (M-G) and 'Always in Heart' (WB) (3d run). Fin* $3,800. Last week, 'Ship Ahoy' (M-G) and 'Larceny, Inc' (WB) (3d run), grand $4,000. Tied Piper' To Wow $23,000 In Robust Newark Newark, Sept 15. With every downtown first-run housing clicko product, business is definitely smash and even reminis- cent of the lush 20's. Holdovers and new pix are playing to sock returns. Setting the pace is 'Pied Piper,' at Proctor's, oft to a record-breaking first day and is climbing to a ter- rific $23,000. 'Priorities on Parade,' at the Par- amount, is proving a hefty tugger and may hold. 'Gay Sisters,' in second, and 'Mrs. Miniver,' in its fourth week, are getting staunch results. Estimates tor This Week Adams (Adams-Par) (1,950; 25-40- 65-75-99) — 'Moonlight Masquerade' (Rep) plus Four Ink Spots and Lucky Millinder orch. In abbrevi- ated six-day stretch, sock $18,000. Last week, 'Joan of Ozark' (Rep) and Judy Canova with Teddy Powell band, smash $10,200. Branford (WB) (2,800 ; 30-44-55-60 75)—'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'No Escape from Crime' (WB) (2d wk). Soaring to trim $15,500 after hitting giant $25,000 in first stanza. Capitol (WB) (1,200; 20-28-30-44- 50)—'Cardboard Lover* (M-G) and 'Maisie Gets Man' (M-G). Okay $3,000. Last week, 'Crossroads* (M-G) and 'Vanishing Virginian' (M-G), ditto. Paramount (Adams-Par) (2,000; 35-45-55-60-75) —'Priorities on Pa- rade' (Par) and 'Live On Danger' (Par). Sparkling $19,500, and looks set for holdover. Last week, 'Holi- day Inn' (Par) and 'Dudes Pretty People' (UA), $15,800, excellent for nine days of fourth week. Proctor's (RKO) (3,400; 35-44-60- 70-85)—'Pied Piper' (20th) and 'A- Haunting Will Go' (20th). Pacing along to terrific $23,000, helped by five acts of RI^O vaude Monday and Tuesday nights. Last week, 'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Little Tokyo. U. S A.* (20th), spurted after slow getaway, with usual two nights' vSude help- ing, very good $20,000. State (Loew's) (2,600; 30-40-50-60- 75)—'Mrs. Miniver' (M-G) (4th wk). In its final week will chalk up won- derful $17,500 and could probably stay indefinitely except for previous film commitments. Last week, smasheroo $20,000. Holdoyer Week in Buff; W $17,000 on 2d Sesh Buffalo, Sept. 15. For the first time in years all main stem houses are offering holdover programs. Some leveling off is ap- parent in most quarters but takings still stick close to upper brackets. Second session of 'Holiday Inn* at the Great t.akes is the leader with second week of 'Somewhere I'll Find You' at the Buffalo not far behind. , Estimates for This Week Boffalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55)— 'Somewhere Find You' (M-G) (2d wk). Still showing stamina, prob- ably $15,000. Last week, rousing $23,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-55) —'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 'Night New Orleans' (Par) (2d wk). Nifty $17,000. Last week, sparkling $19,500. Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 30-45)—Tish' (M-G) and 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th) (2d wk). Continues forte, $8,000. Last week, nice $9,500. Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 30-44) —'Talk Town' (Col) (2d wk). Ex- hibiting extended b.o. prowess at around $10,000 on second sesh. Last week, bettered swell $14,000. Century (Ind) (3,000; 30-44)— 'Across Pacific" (WB) and 'One Thrilling Night' (Mono) (2d wk). Nice at about $8,500. Last week, pert $15,000. First Rons on Broadway (Subject to change) Week of Sept 17 Aater—'Pride of the Yankees* (RKO) (10th week). (Retrieuied In 'Variety' July IS) Oapltol—'Somewhere I'll Find You* (M-G) (4th week). (Jtevieued <n 'Variety* Aug. S) Criterion—'Pardon My Sarong' (U) (4th week). (Revtetsed in 'Variety' Aug. 8) Globe—'Moscow Strikes Back* (Artklno) (6th week). (Retiieuied In 'Variety' Aug. 19) Hollywood — 'Yankee Doodle Dandy* (WB) (17th week). (Reviewed In 'Variety' June 3) Mado HaU—Talk of the Town* (Col) (4th week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' July 29) Paramennt—'Major and Minor' tPar) (16). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 2) EUlto—'Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror' (U). RIvoll—'Wake Island' (Par) (3d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Aug. 12) Boiy — 'Footlight Serenade' (20th) (2d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' July 8) Strand—'Across the Pacific* (WB) (3d week). {Reviewed in 'Variety' Aug. 19) Week of Sept 24 Astor—'Pride of the Yankees' (RKO) (11th week). Capitol—'Between Us Girls* (M-G). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 2) Hollywood — 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) (18th week). Moalc Hall—'Talk of the Town* (Col) (5th week). Paramonnt—'Major and Minor* (Par) (2d week). BiTOll—'Wake Island' (Par) (4th week). Boxy—'Orchestra Wives' (20th) (23). (Reviewed In 'Variety' Aug. 12) Strand — 'Desperate Journey* (WB) (25). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Aug. 19) 'GAY SIS' 12G INH.O.CLEVE. Cleveland, Sept 19. "Find You* on its second week Is still hitting magnificent pace at State. It ii almost neck and neck with Pelace*8 'Across Pacific,* which is being assisted by Judy Canova and Stan Kenton's orch on stage. Estimates tor Thla Week Allen (RKO) (3,000; 35-40-45-59) —'Pride Yankees* (RKO) (6th wk). Fine $9,900 on sixth lap, after gar- nering $6,800 last week. Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 35-40-45 55)—'Gay Sisters' (WB). Stanwyck- Brent combo good for nice $12,000. Last week 'Wings For Eagle' (WB) mUd $0,500. Falaee (RKO) (3,700; 40-60-70)— 'Across Pacific' (WB) plus Judy Canova und Stan Kenton^s orch on stage. Latter ratiner disappointing: Bogart's name doing most of work in coining about $18,500 or hear. Last frame, 'Big Street* (RKO) with Ted Lewis orch, yery pleasing $20,000. State tLoew's) (3,450; 35-40-49- 99)—'Somewhere Find You' (M-G) (2d wk). Digging more gold out of holdover, walloprng $17,500 or pos- sibly higher, following a sizzling -$24,700 last chapter. First to rate In.o. this semester. SUUman (Loew's) (1,872; 35-40-45- 59) "HoUday Inn* (Par) (3d wk). Playing a sweet tune at the b.o., $6,900 on third frame after reaping big $9,700 last week. B'way Rosy, Bnt H.O,s Clip Total; 'Footlight' Bright $60,000, 'Jam' Plus Vaude Fair 21G, Talk' 3d Wow 95G "Squadron' J22,000 In B'kiyn,Topl(ewconier Brooklyn, Sept. 19. Second week of 'Holiday Inn* and 'Enemy Agents Meet Ellery Queen' at Fabian Paramount will come through with snappy returns. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,274; 30-40-50-55)— 'Pied Piper' (20th) and 'Off Broad- way* (20th). Satisfactory $20,000. Last week, 'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th) fair $16,000. Fox (Fabian) (4.023 ; 30-40-50-55) —'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'Night New Orleans' (Par) (2d wk). Strong $20,000. Last week, first rate $22,000. Met (Loew's) (3,618; 30-40-50-55) —'Elagle Squadron' (U) and 'Annie Rooney' (UA). Strong $22,000. Last week, 'Mrs. Miniver' (M-G) (3d wk), $14,000. Paramount (Fabian) (4.126; 30-40- 50-55)—"Holiday Inn' (Par) and 'Agents Meet Ellery Queen' (Col) (2d wk). Holding up well; beau- tiful $23,000. Last week, socko $30,- 000. Complexion of business In the downtown New York sector remains ruddy, though holdovers will reduce the total considerably below what it was last week. Most kids, Including college students, are back with their books now and that has a tendency to lessen the draw. Also, vacations are just about over now. An outstander is 'Footlight Sere- nade,' which attracted bulky trade to the Roxy over the weekend and ended its first seven days last night (Tuesday) at a whammy $60,000, moving into its second inning today (Wed.). This was the only new show of the week, outside of the dual bill at the Palace and 'Lady in a Jam' at the State first-run. Mitchell Ayres or- chestra and several acts are on the stage at the State, but they are seemingly not helping the picture much, since fair $21,000 is all that appears in prospect. Holdovers show sustained strength, ranging to a big $95,000 for the cur- rent (third) week of 'Talk of Town,' which, with this pull, will go an- other at the Music Hall. Strand is maintaining terrific draught with 'Across the Pacific' and the Dick Jurgens' band, with the first holdover week looking $41,000, or thereabouts. Goes a third heat. Also potent at the boxoffice is 'Wake Island.' It took the straight- film Rivoli to $40,000 on the second stanza ended last night (Tuesday) and holds to its guns mdeflnitely. The Capitol is moderately good this week, its third, with 'Some- where I'll Find You' going to $27,000 or over. It starts fourth (final) lap tomorrow (Thursday). 'Pardon My Sarong,' slambang biz-getter for the Criterion, wound UD Its third semester last night (Tuesday) at $21,000 and starts an- other today (Wed.). A new show opens at the Para- mount this a.m. (Wednesday), film being 'Major and Minor' while stage complement includes the Andrews Sisters and the Tony Pastor band. House went six weeks with 'Holiday Inn' and two different stage shows, showing an exceptionally large profit. The blowoff week ran to $40,000. Estimates for ThU Week Astor (Loew's) (1,140; 55-65-$1.10) —'Pride of Yankees' (RKO-Gold- wyn) (9th wk). Running at a ven^ steady gait this week (9th) suggest- ing $23,900, while the prior hebdo- madal stint was $25,000. Capitol (Loew's) (4,620; 35-55-85- $1.10-$1.25)—'Somewhere I'll Find You' (M-G) (3d wk). Not fancy at $27,000, or over, but entirely satis- factory and holds another week. The prior seven days, over Labor Day, hit close to $40,000, strong. Criterion (Loew's) (1,062; 35-44-55- 75-85)—'Pardon My Sarong' (U) (4th wk). Abbott and Costello still pil- ing 'em in, the third round through last night (Tuesday) having rolled up $21,000. Previous (2d) week was $30,000, immense. Remains. Globe (Brandt) (1,250; 35-55-75- 85)—'Moscow Strikes Back' (ArV kino) (5th wk). Holding up well for probable $8,500 this week (5th), but may not remain another. Last week (4th) struck $10,000. Hollywood (WB) (1,225; 83-$1.10- $1.65-$2.20) — 'Dandy' (WB) (16th wk). Slipping a little on the start of the 16th wk, but no exit date set as yet though it may be sometime next month. Last week, (15th), over Lal>or Day, was $18,500, good profit, while the prior (14th) stanza went to $17,000. PaUoe (RKO) (1,700; 28-35-44-55- 65-75) — 'Ambersons' (RKO) (2d ruo) and 'Spy Ship' (WB) (1st run), dualed. Take going away over aver- age for this house at around $11,000. Last week, wheu the theatre kited the scale to $1 top, 'Bambi' (RKO- Dlsney) (2d run) and 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th) (1st run), struck oil at $17,800. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 35-55- 85-09) —'Major and Minor' (Par), Andrews Sisters, Tony . Pastor, others, on stage, opening today (Wednesday). 'Holiday Inn' (Par) went six weeks, four with the Skin- nay Ennis band and Ink Spots, last two with Will Osborne and Chariot- eers; concluding lap brought $40,000, fine, while the prior seven days was sock $58,000. Badlo City Mnsic Hall (Rocke- fellers) (5,945; 44-55-85-99-$1.65)— 'Talk of Town' (Col).and staigeshow (3d wk). Hitting terrific stride to gallop in this week (3d) for about $95,000. Last week, with the aid of the holiday, the receipts mounted to $111,000, socko. Holds a fourth week. BUIto (Mayer) (594; 28-44-55)— 'World at War' (M-G) (2d-flnal wk). Looks no more than about $5,500. (air, while the first week was good $8 500 Blvoll (2,092; 35-55-75-85-99)— 'Wake Island' (Par) (3d wk). Be- gins third canto today after smash- ing through to $40,000 on the second and $51,500 on the first latter best gross house has scored in several years. Boxy (20th) (9,886; 40-55-65-75-85- 99)—'Footlight Serenade' (20th) and stageshow (2d wk). Kicks off on second week today (Wednesday); on the first seven days through last night (Tues.) a powerhouse at the b.o. at $60,000. House wUl not hold film a third week due to congested bookings. Last week, fourth for 'Pied Piper,' $57,500, very choice takings. State (Loew's) (3,450 ; 39-44-55-75- 09-$1.10)—'Lady in Jam' (U) and Mitchell Ayres orch, Cardini, other acts. Going's slow, fair $21,000 look- ing tops. Last week, second for 'Miniver' (M-G) (2d run) and Ed Sullivan, with Harvest Moon danc- ers, $36,000, fine. Strand (WB) (2,756; 35-55-75-85- 99-$1.10)—'Across Pacific' (WB) and Dick Jurgens (2d wk). Very stout $41,000 seen this week (2d). The first ended at $55,700, second best week house has had under its pit- band policy of several years' stand- ing. Show holds. 'Ork Wives'Out In Front CmiPf With Trim lliy^ Cincinnati, Sept 15. Six of the seven major houses her* are in velvet this week but hold- overs are slowing the pace. 'Or- chestra Wives' at the Albee Is the leader but only a shade ahead of 'Across Pacific' in the Palace. Of the 'holdovers, 'Reap Wild Wind' Is finishing an okay four weeks at Capitol, 'Pride of Yankees* is strong in second stanza at the Shu- bert, and 'Holiday Inn' is hefty in moveover at the Grand. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— 'Orchestra Wives' (20th). Smooth $11,500. Last week, 'Big Street' (RKO), six days, thin $8,500. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 34-44-55-60) —'Reap Wild Wind* (Par) (4th wk). Winding up run with good $5,000. Last week (3d), $7,000, all right Family (RKO) (1,000; 17-28)— 'Billy Kid Trapped" (PRC) and 'Postman Didn't Ring' (20th), split with 'Timber* (U) and 'Smart Alecks* (Mono). Average $2,100. Last week, 'Atlantic Convoy' (Col) and 'Not Lady's Man' (Col), divided with 'Boss Hangtown Mesa' (U) and 'Raid Night' (PRC), good $2,300. Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50)— 'Holiday.Inn'(Par). Moveover fronu.. Palace for second stanza. Big $7,000. Last week, 'Pled Piper' (20th) (2d run), fair $4,900. Keith's (LIbson) (1,500; 33-40-50)— Talk of Town* (Col). Second week here after initial one at Albee. Very good $5,000 following last week's fine $7,000. Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 28-33-42)— 'Pierre of Plains' (M-G) and 'CaUing Dr. Gillespie' (M-G). Sad $2,500. Last week. 'Ships With Wings* (UA), dull $3,500. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 30-40-90)— 'Across Pacific* (WB). Okay $11,000. Last week, 'Holiday Inn' (Par), sock $18,000. Slinbert (RKO) (2,100; 30-44-50)— 'Pride of Yankees' (RKO) (2d wk). Ckiod $9,000. Will hold. Last week (1st), great $15,500. Tacific'-'Give Sisters* Boff $14,000, Jersey C. Jersey City, Sept 15. 'Magnificent Ambersons* and 'Flight Lieutenant' are getting fair returns this week, but 'Across the Pacific,* Stanley hold-over, is gen- erating most of gravy. Estimates for This Week Loew's (Loew's) (3.205; 30-35-40- 55-60)—'Flight Lieut.' (Col) and 'Meet Stewarts' (Col). Dual is so- so $12,000. Last week, 'Mrs. Mini- ver' (M-G) (3d wk), okay $8,500. Stanley (WB) (4,600; 30-35-40-55- 60)—'Across Pacific' (WB) and 'Give Out, Sisters' (U) (2d wk). Trim $14,000 in holdover. Last week, terrific $23,000. State (Skouras) (2.200; 30-35-55-60- 70)—'Magnificent Ambersons' (RKO) and 'Little Tokyo, U.S.A.' (20th). Average $12,000. Last week, 'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Big Street' (RKO), after slow start soared to nice $13,- 800.