Variety (Sep 1942)

PICTURE GROteES 11 ^ig Street^^^iway Hot $37,000. Frisco: WlSaA&ClOG. Both 3a 4t- San Francisco, Sept. 27. Tha combo of 'Big Street' and Cab galloway on th6 stage Is pushing th« olden Gat«- theatre to a great $37,- 000, Grosses at other theatres lagged because of long-term holdovers pre- dominating. Of these, Tales of Man- hattan' into its fourth week at the Warlleld, and 'Holiday Inn*" at the Paramount for a third week, are sturdy. 'Pardon My Sarong' also is strong in third semester at Orpheum. Kay Kyser last week exceeded ex- pectations and pushed the Golden Gale to a new all-time high of $42,000. Estimates tor This Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-40-55)— •Orchestra Wives' (20th) and 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th). Strong $14,- 500 for 5-day run. Last week, 'Pied Piper' (20th) and 'Little Tokyo' (20th) (2d wk), $11,000 In five. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 44-55- 7.S)—'Big Street' (RKO) and Cab Calloway's band on stage. Torrid $37,000. Last week, 'Spitfire's Ele- phant' and Kay Kyser's orch, $42,000, all-time record. Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2.440; 35- 40-55)—'Pardon Sarong' (U) and ■Sherlock Holmes,' Voice Terror* (U) (3d wk). Stout $10,000 or near. Last week. $15,200 for second sesh. Paramount (F-WC) (2,470; 50-65) —'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 'Dr. Broad- way' (Par) (3d wk). StiH worth big $15,000. Last week, $18,500. St. Francis (F-WC) (1,475; 35-40- 55)—'Pied Piper' (20th) and 'Little Tokyo' (20th) (moveover). Good for $6,000. Last week, 'Footlight Sere- nade' (20th) and 'Henry, Dizzy' (Par). $6,900 for second week of moveover. United Artists (UA-Blumenf eld) (1.100; 35-40-55) —'Broadway' (U) 'Madame Spy' (U) (2d wk). Okay $9,000. Last week, $12,300. Warfleld (F-WC) (2,650; 60-65)— 'Tales Manhattan' (20th) and 'Thru DifTerent Eyes' (20th) (4th wk) Holding up to $13,500, fine. Last week. $16,000. Tlvoll (Blumenfeld) (1,590; 35-40- 55)—'Battle Cry China' (UA) and Too Many Women' (PRC). Hitting $2,300. Last week, 'Lady In Jam' and 'Drums Congo' (U) (moveover, after three weeks on Market St.), $1,800. BUENOS AIRES WAY OFF; 'HARDr BEST AT $7^00 Buenos Aires, Sept. 19. Colectlvo (bu?) strike, plus the weather, again hit B. A. first-run boxofTices last week, with resultingly poor grosses everywhere. Nothing hit 30,000 pesos and best was 'Court- ship of Andy Hardy' (M-G) at the Gran Rex, which grossed 29,000 pesos (about $7,300), far less than the last Hardy. Other estimates, all given <n Ar- gentine pefos, currentlv ot about 27c V. S., /oIWw: Ambuaador (Lautaret & Cavallo) (1,400; 2.50; 2.00)—'Man Who Seeks W Truth' (French made). Excellent 24,000 considering. Shpws the old Paris-mades still have plenty of drawing power with Latin audiences. Last week. 'Bajo un Angel del Cielo' ( An Angel Came Down From Heav- en ) (Arg.-made), not bad 9,000 on second week. Ideal (Locbco) (970; 8.00; 2.60)— ^Jister V (UA). Not so hot 8,500 for the second week at this house. Last week did a fair 14,600 after moving over from the Opera where its open- ing stanza drew a terrific 00,000. Ktx (Cordero, Cavallo tc Lautaret) (3.305; 2.50; 2.00)—'Courtship of Andy Hardy' (M-O). OJC M,000. Last week, 'Rio Rita' (M-G), anemic 20.000. Ocean (Coll. Gattl & Cla.) (2,800; 2.00; 1.50)—'Moontlde' (20th). Dls- sppolming 26,000. Popularity of French star was expected to be a strong draw. Last week, 'Syncope tion' (RKO), vitamin-less 15,000. Normandle (IjOCOCo) (1,400; 2.00; }-50)—'In This Our Life' (WB). O.K. 10,000 on second week of pop prices. Last week, not bad 14,000. Monumental (Coll, Gattl & Cia.) 1,300; 2.00; 1.50)-!-'Invaders' (Col) obbly 8,000 for second week at pop prices. Last week, poor 12,000. General Impression that best scenes have been cut, because of a German Embassy protest, probably keeping them away. Salpacha (Lococo) (950; 3.00; 2.50) —'Butch Minds the Baby' (U), Week's worst with only 5,000. Run- yon stuff much too Yankee to appeal here. Last week, 'Adventures of 4 000°' Releasing), flat (Lautaret 8c. Cavallo) (2,863; 2.00; 1.50)—'Cruza' (Sani^i fuel) (Arg.-made). Fairish 10,000 following strong advance publicity. Last week, 'Married Bachelor' (M. G). weak 6,000 for start of pop- pnced run. ,„Pper» (Lococo) (2,400; 2.60; 2.001 Wmgs for the Eagle' (WB) with nay Ventura band, stage show, fair 20.000. Last week, 'Remarkable An- drew' (Par), and band, 25.000. Key Chy Grosses Estimated ToUl Gron This Week $2,164,2M (Based on 26 cttiei, 174 thea- tre», chiefly first ruiti, tncrudtno N. Y.) Total Gross Sam* Week Last Tear $1,765,M* (Based on 27 cities, 184 theatres) dandy; $25,008. DANDY IN BUFF. Buffalo, Sept. 22. Aided by upped admission scales at the Hipp and 20th Century, and same action to follow next week at the Lafayette, main stem continues on the upsurge, with powerful grosses coming up again this semester. 'Yankee Do'odle Dandy,' scaled at $1.10, is climbing to an immense figure at the Buffalo, while 'Foot- light Serenade' at the Lakes is hit- ting a speedy stride. 'Bambi,' dualed at the Century, is astonishing by its adult night draught. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3.500; $1.10)— 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB). Will hit heavy pay dirt to tune of over $25,000. Last week, 'Somewhere Find You' (M-G) (2d wk), sUunch $14,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-55) —'FootUght Serenade' (20th). Swinging nifty $14,000. Last week, 'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 'Night in New Orleans' (Par) (2d wk), spark- ling $14,000. Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 35-55)— 'Somewhere Find You' (M-G). Moveover from Buffalo swell at $8,000. Last week. 'Tish' (M-G) and 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th), $8,200. Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 30-44) —'Inyisible Agent' (U) and 'Butch Minds Baby' (U). Will bag nice $12,000. Last week, 'Talk of Town' (Col) (2d wk), good $9,200. TwenUeth Century (Ind.) (3,000; 39-65)—'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Joan of Ozark' (Rep). Should ring up rousing $19,000. L,ast week, 'Across Padfi?' (WB) and 'One ThriUlng Night' (Mono) (2d wk), potent $8,500. Tales' Torrid f22,000 h Two Seattle Spots; % SbWIC, 2d Wk. Seattle, Sept. 22. Great showing of 'Tales of Man- hattan,* day-dating at the Paramount and Music Hall, Is the Ulk of the town currently. It will get a re- markable $22,000 at the two houses, with the $9,000 at the Music Hall establishing a new record since the theatre reopened. Film is heading for a sensational $13,000 at the larger Paramount. Town is mostly in holdover and moveover, with 'Gay Sisters' topping dual combo at the Orpheum doing great business in its second session. Estimates for This Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick-Evergreen) (800; 30-40-58)—'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 'Poe' (20th) (3d wk). Moved from Paramount, great $4,200. Last week, same pair, $3,900. Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2,349; 30-40- 58)—'Crossroads' (M-G) and 'Affairs Martha' (M-G) (2d wk). Holding up nicely for big $6,800. Last week, same duo, great $11,200. Liberty (J-vH) (1,850; 30-40-58)— 'Talk Town' (Col) (4th wk). Fine $6,700. Last week, $7,800. Music Box (H-E) (850; 30-40-58)— 'Pied Piper' (20th) and 'Through Different Eyes' (20th) (4th wk). Good $3,100. Last week, these two, $3,400. Music Hall (H-E) (2,200; 40- 50- 65)—'Tales Manhattan' (20th) and 'Soft Stioulders' (20th). Gigantic $9,000 for house record since reopen- ing. Day-and-date with Paramount. Big campaign helping sell film. Last week (30-40-58), 'Husbands Neces saty" (Par) and 'Live on Danger' (Par), $4,600. Orpheum (H-E) (2,600; 30-40-58)— 'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'S?y Ship' (WB) (2d wk). Great $7,500. Last week, this combination soared to sensational $11,900. Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 30-40- 58-65)—'Bashful Bachelor' (RKO) and 'Murder Big House' (WB) plus vaude. Good $8,600. Last week, 'Joan Ozark' (Rep), with Phil Reagan on stage, nice $9,000. Partmount (H-E) (3,039; 40-50-65) —"Tales Manhattan' (20th) and 'Soft Shoulders' (20th). Day-and-date with Music Halt S'eqsational $13,- 000. Last week (30-40-58), 'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 'Edgar A. Poe' (20th) (2d wk), big $8,700. Last week (30- 40-58), 'HoUd^ Inn' (Par), 'Poe' (20th) (2d wk), stout $8,700. Booaevelt (Sterling) (800; 40-SO- 63)—'Eagle Squadron^ (U) (4th wk). It is going for $4,000, nice coin. Last week, same film, great $4,700. Winter Oardea (Sterling) (800; 20- 30)—'Broadway* (V) andTAll Kissed Bride* (Col) (SA run). Hefty $3,900 for this spot. Last week, 'Rio Rita' m-G) and 'Alwaya in Heart' (WB) (3d run), $3,400. TanaM Hattie'$32,000 In Dullish LA; 'M Rolmst 21^ Tadlic'20G. Both 2i Inn'17G,4tli -14- Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Orott This Week ^.... $420,80« (Based on 13 theatres) Total Gross Same Week Last Tear $371,^ (Based on-14 theatres) fAKE'SOCK 13G INK.C. Kansas City, Sept. 22. 'Wake Island,' at the Newman, is tops here this week, with 'Cross- roads' at the Midland, also nice. 'Pied Piper' is holding up well in second weeks at the Esquire and Uptown. 'Gay Sisters' is starting with a rush at the Orpheum. Black- stone, the magician, is hypoing 'Men of Texas' at the Tower. Cooler weather has livened up the three- day national American Legion con- vention in session here over the oekend. Estimates tor This Week Esquire and Uptown (820 and 2,043; 11-35-50)—'Pied Piper' (20th) (2d wk). Holding up strongly at $7,000 after nice $8,500 last week at these day-and-date houses. MIdUnd (Loew's) (3,500; 11-35-50) —'Crossroads' (M-G) and 'Born to £^.ng' (M-G). Stout $12,000. Last week. 'Somewhere Find You' (M-G) (2d wk), hefty $10,000. r.ewman (Paramount) (1,900; 11- 35-50)—'Wake Island' (Par). Stert- ir off with Red Cross benefit, regu- la run is smashing toward $13,000 and h.o. Last week, 'Holiday Inn' (Par) (3d wk), $7,500. Orpheum (RKO) (1,600; 11-35-50) —'viay Sisters' (WB) and 'Escape from Crime' (WB). Trim $8,000. lAit week, 'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Highways by Night* (RKO) (2d wk), okay $7,000, after big $10,000 opener. Tower (Fox-JoSee) (2,110; 11-39- 60)—'Men of Texas' (U) and BUck- stone, magician. Sturdy $9,000. Last week, Tostman DidnH Ring' (20tfa) with vaude headed by Bonnie Baker, $10,500. NATIONA L BOXQFFIC E SURVEY Extended Runs Still Dominate Ke^s—Tanama Hattie,* *Major and Minor,* ^Between Us Girls* Most Likely Newcomers With only three new majot company plctiu'es break- ing into the keys and several previously mild entrlei showing nice b. o. gait, bulk of coin currently is com- ing from product now on holdover dates or extended runs. 'Panama Hattie' (M-G) is topping Los Angeles with $32,000 in two houses, is sock in Louisville, fine $16,000 in Baltimore and okay $15,000, Cleveland. The Major and the Minor' (Par), playing first major date at the big N. Y. Paramount, mounted to a smasheroo $82,000, with usual band show, making the second best week here outside of one New Year's. Third new- comer to do well is 'Between Us Girls' (U), with $10,000 In Cincinnati. 'Cairo' (M-G) is rated only average in Providence, one of its initial dates. 'Wake Island' (Par) continues measuring up to its early promise by topping Kansas City with sock $13,000. getting stout $35,000 on third N. Y. session, wham $22,000 in two Chicago houses and okay in third Providence week. 'Orchestra Wives' (20th) also is coming along well with trim $40,000 in Chicago with band, great in Louisville, solid $20,000 and topper in Philadelphia and $14,500 for five San Francisco days. 'Across the Pacific' (WB) is stacking up nicely in St. Louis, Omaha, Washington and Indianapolis. It is taking a hangup $21,000 In Newark, is bright on its L. A. second sesh and $38,000 for third week at N. Y. Strand with band show. •Inn' llolds Strong For 'Holiday Inn' (Par), 'Pied Piper' (20th), "Tales of Manhattan' (20th), 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB), Talk of Town' (Col), 'Pride of Yankees' (RKO),'Some- where I'^l Find You* (M-G) and 'Pardon Irfy Sarong' (U) the current week is merely a repetition of recent stanzas, only largely in extended runs. 'Inn' is brisk to strong in third and fourth sessions in Frisco, Balti- more, Brooklyn, Boston, Detroit, L, A., and Denver. First week in Pittsburgh is neat $17,000. 'Piper' also is getting big second and third sessions, is fine in Min- neapolis and $13,500 in Jersey City first weeks. 'Tale«.' which i.i cedin? away strnnglv in additional keys, has $12,000 in Indianapolis, rousing $16,000 in Baltimore and giant $22,000 in two Seattle hotises, Also still pacing Portland in its second stanza, okay for third Phllly week and $13,500 in fourth Frisco week. 'Dandy' is chalking up smash $25,000 in Buffalo, still making coin in its 16th N. Y. session, $17,600 for sixth Philly stanza, great $34,000 in Washington coupled with vaude and $30,000 in Baltimore. 'Talk' Is getting a hot $90,000 for third week at the vast N. Y. Music Hall, is fine in Indianapolis, oke in Pitt and $21,500 for two L. A. spots, second sesh. 'Find You' is smash $20,000 in Newark, snappy $18,- 000 for third Chi week, wham $18,000 in Clncy, ditto Jersey City and is $23,000 for third N. Y. stanza. 'Pride* now mostly on extended or circuit runs, is listed with $20,000 in 10th N. Y. week and pleasing $12,000 in sixth Boston week. 'Sarong' Still Swinging 'Sarong' is ringing up a great $36,000 in Boston coupled with a band, is wow $20,000 in fourth week of sustained N. Y. run, good in Minneapolis, torrid in Washington second sesh. ditto in third Frisco week and fine $8,500 for second Portland stanza. 'Eagle Squadron* (U) continues a big coin-getter in key cities covered by 'Variety' correspondents. It's stout in Omaha and Jersey City, sturdy on its third Portland week, nice for fourth Seattle session and fine $17,500, Philly. 'Invisible Agent' (U) still is doing sur prise biz for a small-budgeter, with a solid $25,000 in Cleveland with band, $12,000 in Buffalo and big tak ings in Denver. 'Bambi' (RKO) is a wow $15,000 in Providence, ditto in Buffalo. / Off the ticker: 'Highways By Night' (RKO) is doing $17,000 in Chicago aided by vaude. 'Footlight Seren ade' (20th), with big $50,000 in N. Y. second week, is doing nice $15,500 in Cleve. 'Big Street' (RKO), with band, torrid $37,000 in Frisco. 'Lady in Jam' (U) is topping Omaha at $16,500, helped by band. 'Cross roads' (M-G) is pacemaker in Denver, $13,500. 'Mag nlficent Ambersons' (RKO) is landing a sock $24,000 in Detroit 'Mrs. Miniver' (M-G) fine $14,000 in iU Los Angeles, Sept. 22. City is filled with holdovers and moveover runs with 'Panama Hattie' the only new entry. 'Hattie' natur- ally is pacing the town with S32.000 at the State and Chinese. Ten de- luxers are housing h.o.s and move- overs currently. ifli:_nf 'fliinga Hin' anri 'King Kong' are surprisingly strong at the Hawaii. Weather is perfect but most theatres apparently are coasting until the end of the month when big payroll coin is available. ~ Estimates for This Week Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1.516; 33- 44-55-65-75)—-Miniver' (M-G) (9th wk). Still holding attention at profitable $3,300, following $4,000 l&st week Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2.034; 33- 44-55-65-73)—'Panama Hattie' (M-G) and 'Pierre Plains' (M-G). Not knocking off any hats at $12,000. Last week, 'Crossroads' (M-Gr) and Affairs Martha' (M-G). $10,000. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 33-44-55- 65-75)—'Across Pacific' (WB) (2d wk). Holding on for $11,000 which is okay after initial stanza's $15,000. Four Stor (UA-WC) (900; 33-44- 55-65-75)—'Pied Piper' (20th) and 'Haunting We'll Go* (20th) (3d wk). Fair $4,000 after second stanza count of $3,300. Hawaii (G&S) (1,100; 33-44-'55-6S- 75)—'Gunga Din' (RKO) and 'King Kong' (RKO) (re-issues). Likely good $4,000. Last week, 'Parachute Nurse* (Col) and 'Spy Ship' (WB) (2cl wk) (9 days), trim $4,200. Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 33-44-55- 65-75)—'Across Pacific* (WB) (2d wk). Bridging the red at $9,000, after strong tide of $13,000 last week. Orpheum (D'town) (2,200; 33-44- 55.65)—'Not Ladies Man' (Col) and Tombstone' (Par) (2d run) with George Olson's band on stage plus three vaude acts. Limp $11,000. Last week, 'Hello Annapolis* (Col) plus Veloz and Yolando on stage, flagged $17,000. PanUgea (Pan) (2,812; 44-55-65- 75)—'Talk of Town' (Col) (2d wk) and 'Spirit Stanford' (Col) (1st wk). Plenty of talk and spirit for nifty $10,600. Last week, 'Talk' (Col) and 'Atlantic Convoy' (Col), topped town With $10,600. Paramount (F&M) (3,596; 33-44- 55-65-75)—'Holiday Inn' (Par) (4th wk) and 'Priorities on Parade' (Par) (1st wk). Still strong at $10,000. Last week, 'Holiday' (Par) and 'Live un Danger' (Par) (3d wk), sprightly $11,500. V Paramount Hollywood (F&M) (2,* 204; 33-44-55-65-75) —-HoUday Inn' (Par) (4th wk) and 'Priorities on Parade' (Par) (1st wk). Still some profit at $7,000. Last week, 'Holiday* (Par) soloing on third stanza, about the same. BKO HtUstreet (RKO) (2,872: 33- 44-55-65) —'Talk Town' (Col) (2d wk) and 'Spirit Stanford' (Col) (1st wk). Still in the chips with $11,000. Last week, 'Talk' (Col) and.'Atlantio Convoy' (Col), socko $19,000. State (Loew-WC) (2,204; 33-44-55- 65-75)—'Panama Hattie' (M-G) and 'Pierre Plains' (M-G). Husky $2^- 000. Last week, 'Crossroads' IM-G) and 'Affairs Martha' (M-G), $19,000. DA (UA-WC) (2,100; 33-44-55-68) —'Crossroads' (M-G) and 'Affalrt Martha' (M-G). So-so $4,900. Last week, 'Pied Piper' (20th) 'Haunting We'll Go' (20th) (2d wk), $5,900. WilsUre (F-WC) (2,296; 33-44-55- 65)—'Crossroads' (M-G) and 'Affairs Martha' (M-G). Aiming at good $5,500. Last week, 'Pied Piper' (20th) and "Haunting We'll Go' (20th) (2d wk), $4,400^ Xrossroails' $13,S00 In Denver, W12G on 3d • Denver, Sept. 22. Three downtown deluxers are run- ning a close race for top money thia week, with 'Holiday Inn,' in third session at the Denham, only a step behind the newcomers. 'Big Shot' is packing them in at the Denver while 'Crossroads' is drawing the top coin in the city at the Orpheum. Estimates tor This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 40-50-60)— 'Talk Town* (Col), after week at Denver. Fine $6,000. Last week, 'Pied Piper* (20th), after Denver week, fair $4,500. Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 30-40-50- 60)—'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Hlghwaya by Night' (RKO), after two weeks at Orpheum. Fair $3,000. Last week, 'Sgt. York* (WB), $3,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 30-40- 50-60)—'Holiday Inn* (Par) (3d wk) and 'Live on Danger" (Par). Big $12,000, and holding, hast week, 'Inn' (Par) (2d wk), ran even with opener, smash $16,500. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 30-40-50-60) — Big Shot' .(WB) and 'Loves Edgar (C- •■: ■ > - : - •