Variety (Sep 1942)

12 PICTURE GROSSES Wjedneoddy,, September 30, 1942 Tankees,' With Press, Radio Plugs. Heads for Great $32,i0 in PhiUy Philadelphia, Sept. 29. Picture biz continues to have healthy tinge here despite a rainy weekend, which reached deluge pro poi'tions Sunday night. Aided by puffs from sports writers and radio commentators, 'Pride of the Yankees' has a solid wallop In Its initial week at the Mastbaum Also getting heavy play is 'Talk of the Town,' while jive fans are pack- ing the Earle for The Inkspots, Li cky Millinder's band plus "Apache Trail' on screen. Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (1,303; 35-46-57-68- 75)—'Gay Sisters' (WB) (3d wk). Still lou of punch, with $9,000 after okay $10,500 for second sesh. Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 35-46-57- 68)—'Crossroads' (M-G) (2d run) (2d wk). Bogging down to poor $2,400, after good $3,500 for initial week of second run. Boyd (WB) (2,569; 46-57-68-75)— —'Talk of the Town' (Col). Back to popular prices with zingy $21,000. Also netted bright $2,500 for extra Sunday show at Earle. Last week •Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) wound up six weeks at 75-$1.10 with good $20,000. Earle (WB) (2,768; 35-46-57-68- 75) — 'Apache Trail' (M-G) with stage show featuring Lucky Millin- der orch and Ink Spots. Nifty $28,- 000. Last week, 'Are Husbands Necessary' (Par) with Louis Prima band, Joe £. Lewis, Linda Ware, managed to eke out bare $16,500. Fox (WB) (2,425; 35-46-57-68-75) —'Orchestra Wives' (20th) (2d wk). Propping to $13,000, still okay, after hefty $21,000 for initialer last sesh. Karlton (WB) (1,066; 35-46-57-68) —'Tales of Manhattan' (20th) (2d run); Very good $8,000 in view of three weeks at 4,500-seater Mast- baum. Uast week, 'Across Pacific' (WB), good $6,000. Keith's (WB) (2,220; 35-46-57-68) —'Mrs. Miniver' (M-G) (2d run) (2d wk). Ninth week downtown, yet Metro's war epic garnering husky t6,000. Opening sesh of second run last week good for $7,000. Mastbaom (WB) (4,692; 46-57-75) E-'Pride of the Yankees' (RKO). aseball saga definitely in the chips with $32,000. Last week, Tales of flanhattan' (20th), finished third week with okay $17,500. SUnley (WB) (2,016; 36-46-57-68- 75)—'Eagle Squadron' (U) (2d wk). !logging down this trip for mere 10,000,alter spunky $17,600 for bow- n, plus good $2,800 for 'bonus' show- ing at Earle. 'Holiday Inn' (Par) preems tomorrow (Wed.). SUnton (WB) (1,467; 35-46-57-68) •T-'Invisible Agent' (U). Chiller get- ting bangup $8,500. Last week, flight Lieutenant' (Col), nice $7,000 for holdover ride. Good Timing in SL Where Ifankees; Kg 12iG, Day-Dates Series HOTB.O.INCOOLPROV.; ROONEY FINE $18,000 Providence, Sept. 29. Cooler weather is sending them into the theatres. 'Bambi' is riding nicely through its second week at the RKO Albee. Mickey Rooney's 'A Yank At Eton' is also packing them into Loew's State. 'Holiday Inn,' at Strand, and 'The Gay Sisters,' at Majestic, are also up among the leaders. Estimates (or This Week Albee (RKO) (2,300; 30-40-50)— 'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Highways By Night' (RKO) (2d wk). Sure bet for nifty $8,000, after big $13,000 in opening session. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400: 30-40- 50)—'Footlight Serenade' (20th) and 'Loves of Poe' (20th) (2d run). Maintaining lively pace for good $3,500. Last week, 'Pardon Sarong' (U) and 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th) (3d downtown wk). zowie $3,800. Fay's (Indie) (2.000; 29-39-50)— 'A-Haunting We Go' (20th) and vaude. Adding up to nice $6,500. Last week, 'Busses Roar' (WB) and vaude, .very good $7,000. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 30-40-50)— 'Gav Sisters' (WB) and 'Careful, Soft Shoulders' (20th). Good $12,000. Last week, 'Footlight Serenade' (20th) and 'Loves of Poe' (20th), nifty $13,000. MetropollUn (Indie) (3,200; 55)— 'Girl from Alaska" (Rep), Gene Krupa orch with Ray Eberle. House had one of best three-day stands in long time with swell $10,000. State (Loew) (3,200; 30-40-50)— 'Yank At Eton' (M-G) and 'Pierre of the Plains' (M-G). Going for this one in a big way and packing them in for swell $18,000. Last week, Cairo' (M-G) and 'World At War,' average $12,000. Strand (Indie) (2,000; 30-40-50)— Holiday Inn' (Par). Attracting plenty of attention and pacing for knockout $12,000. Last week, 'Wake Island' (Par) and 'Alias Boston Blacki^: (Col) (3d wk), grand $5,000. (WB). With upped admlsh terrific $17,500. Last week (35-40-60), 'Par- don Sarong' (U) and Timber* (U), hefty $8,500 in second week. May fair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,' 500; 40-50-65)—'Husbands Necessary* (Par) with Major Bowes unit on stage. Strong $9,000. Last week, 'Sherlock Holmes Voice' (U) with Ina Ray Hutton orch on stage, nice $6,500. Orpheum (Hamrick - Evergreen) (1,800; 40-50-65) — 'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 'Spy Ship' (WB) (3d wk- 5 days). Good $5,400. Last week, snappy $10,000. ' Paramount (H-E) (3,000; 40-50-65) 'Magnificent Ambersons' (RKO) and 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th). Okay $8,400. Last week, Tales Manhat- tan' (20th) and 'Postman Didn't Ring' (20th), fine $9,500 in second week and moved to Music Box. United Artists (Parker) (900; 40- 50-65) — 'Crossroads' (M-G) and Friendly Enemies' (UA). Nice $7,- 000. JLast week, 'Eagle Squadron' (U) (3d wk), good $57100. wm, m, FINE IN DX St. Louis, Sept. 20. With hotels turning away cus- tomers here for the World Series between the Yanks and Cardinals, two of Fanchon St Marco's deluxers, one in midtown and in the general vicmity of the ball park, have an upped admish scale in effect cur- rently. However, not much above" normal biz is looked for at the Am- bassador, downtown, where 'Yankee Poodle Dandy' is being shown for ySc-fl.OO At the St. Louis, where 'Pride of the Yankees' Is being pre- sented at 40-50-60 scale, house ex- pects best w«ck-in.-3(««n}r— Estimates (or Last Week Loew'B (Loew) (3,172; 30-40-50)— TTank at Eton' (M-G) and 'Affairs of Martha' (M-G). Points to fine $17,- ySS'^f^^' y^^^ 'Maisie Gets Man' (M-G) and 'Jackass Mail' (M-G) oopped $18,500, swell. Ambassador (F&M) (3.000; 75-$l) ^•Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) and fhorts. Highest admish price since Gone with the Wind,' and natives dont like high prices. Good $16- 600. Last week 'Through Different Eyes' (20th) and Alvino Rey orch fnd King Sisters on stage, swell 18,500. Fox (F&M) (5,000; 30-40-50)— •Desperate Journey' (WB) and 'Secret Enemies' (WB). Neat $16- 000. Last week 'Across Pacific (WB) Agent' (U), okay $16,000. ' Missouri (F&M) (3,570; 30-40-50) jr^'Orchestra Wives' (20th) and 'holiday Inn' (Par). A trifle above average, $6,500. Last week 'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 'Tombstone' (Par). $7,500, good. St Lools (F&M) (4,000; 40-50-60) —■Pride of Yankees' (RKO) and 'Mexican Spitfire's Elephant' (RKO). Upped scale will gamer $12,500, the best in years at this midtown house. Last week "Pardon My Sarong' (U) and 'Joan of Ozark' (Rep), $4,200, fair. Washington, Sept. 29. New entries are catching the Im- portant first-run coin this week. 'Holiday Inn' at the Palace is run- ning neck and nack with 'War Against Mrs. Hadley,' which had a $2,200,000 War Bond world pre- miere Wednesday night (23). Estimates (or This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 28-39-44- 66)—'War Against Mrs. Hadley' (M-G) with vaude headed by 'Truth or Consequences." Nice $23,000 at- tributed to premiere ballyhoo and kind words from critics. Last week Tish' (M-G) with vaude headed by Patricia Bowman and Jack Durant all right $21,500. Colombia (Loew) (1,234; 28-44)— •Footlight Serenade" (20th) headed for first-class $6,000. Last week 'Mrs. Mmiver' (3d wk) (M-G), clicked for big $8,500. Earle (WB) (2,210; 75-$1.10)— 'Yankee Dandy' (WB), with vaude (3d wk). Will get $18,000, fine. Pre- vious sessions, $34,000 and $24,000, "great; ■ * • • • •"*■ •*•*' - Keith's (RKO) (1,800; 40-50-65)— Tardon Sarong' (U) (3d wk). Healthy $8,500. Earlier sessions were nifty $17,000 and $11,500. Metropoliten (WB) (1,600; 28-44) —'Moscow Strikes' (Artkino) and Tombstone' (Par). Good for $8,500. Last week 'Across Pacific' (WB) and 'Midway' and 'The World at War,' just reached $7,000, fair. (Loew) (2,242; 28-55)— Holiday Inn' (Par). Terrific $22,000 in sight. Last week 'Somewhere Find Yo" <M-G), third stanza, great 'Dandy' Great $17,500 At $1 Top in Portland Portland, Ore., Sept. 29. All major houses upped admish prices last week from 50c top to 65c. Town IS milling with an infiux of defense workers and the traffic can bear the price rise. 'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' at $1.10 top, rolling up a great score for the Broadway. Estimates (or This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,900: 76- $1.10) — 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' 7ales of Manliattan' Smasheroo $11,000 In L'viUe; W Oke 9G Louisville, Sept. 29. Rialto is back in the running with Tales of Manhatan,' the star-studded opus going great guns as a single. Weather has turned cooler, this be- ing an important factor in the healthy hue of the local b.o's. Estimates for This Week Brown (Fourth Avenue-Loew's) (1,400; 15-30-40)—'Panama Hattie" (M-G) and 'Calling Dr. Gillespie" (M-G) (2d wk). Strong $2,500 on moveover from Loew's State. Last week, 'Holiday Inn' (Par) (2d wk), moveover, $3,000. Kentucky (Switow) (1,250; 15-25) —'Blue Horizon" (Par) and 'Magnifi- cent Dope' (20th). Aiming at excel- lent $1,800. Last week, 'Shores Tripoli' (20th) and 'Favorite Spy' (RKO), ditto. Loew's State (Loew's) (3,300; 15- 30-40)—'Tlsh' (M-G) and 'SaboUge Squad' (Col). Nice bill for the family trade; probably okay $9,000. Last week, 'Panama Hattie' (M-G) and 'Calling Dr. Gillespie' (M-G), big $12,000, and moveover. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 15- 30-40)—'Gay Sisters" (WB) (3d wk). Pacing for nice $3,000 after last week's healthy $3,500. Blalto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 19- 30-40)—'Tales ManhatUn' (20th) and 'Battle of Midway' short. Extensive list of marquee names is a big help. Should easily top the town with a sock $11,000. Last week, 'Orchestra Wives" (20th) and 'Soft Shoulders' (20th), $10,000. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (MOO; 16- 30-40)—'Always in Heart" tWB) and 'Berlin Correspondent* (20th). Satisfactory $3,000. Last week, 'Wings and Woman' (RKO) and ^Live on Danger' (Par), $3,500. 'Orchestra Wives' Swing Big $17,500 in Denver Denver, Sept. 29. Two first-runs are copping high coin this week. 'Orchestra Wives' and 'Just off Broadway,' dual at Denver is the topper, but close be- hind are 'Gold Rush' and 'Spy Ship' at Paramount. Estimates (or This Week AUddIn (Fox) (1,400; 40-50-60)— .'JBjgJShot' (WB), after week at the Denver. Fair $4',000. Last "week, 'Talk Town' (Col), $6,000 after Den- ver week; Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 30-35-40- 50-60)—'Talk Town' (Col), after a week at each Denver and Aladdin. Fair $3,000. Last week, 'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Highways by Night' (RKO), after two weeks at Or- pheum, $3,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1.750; 30-40- 50-60)—'Holiday Inn' (Par) (4th wk) and 'Live on Danger' (Par) (2d wk). Plenty good $8,000. Last week, 'Holiday Inn'.(Par) (3d wk) and 'Live on Danger' (Par), big $12,000. * Denver (Fox) (2,525; 30-40-50-60) —'Orchestra Wives' (20th) and 'Just Off Broadway' (20th). Pulling big $13,500. Last week, 'Big Shot' (WB) and 'Loves of Poe' (20th) big $13,000. Orpheom (RKO) (2,600; 30-35-40- 50-60)—'Crossroads' (M-G) (2d wk) and 'Sunday Punch' (M-G). Okay h.o. at $8,300. Last week, 'Cross- roads' (M-G) and 'Pierre Plains' (M-G), big $13,500. Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 30-45)— 'Gold Rush' (UA) and 'Spy Ship' (WB). Big $9,000 and holding, though h.o.s are rare here. Last week,'Invisible Agent' (U) and 'One Bom Every Minute' (U), big $7,500. Tride' Qant $38,000. Best Del Bet; lake Hot 22G.'Me Girl'Thin 15G 'WINGS'-YAUDE, $17,000, SOAR HIGH IN BALTO Baltimore, Sept. 29, B.o. action continues good here, with 'Between Us Girls' faring nicely at Keith's, and 'Wings and the Woman,' leaning on a strong stage layout, attracting some trade to the Hipp. Encores of last week's leaders, 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' and Tales of Manhattan," are very steady at upped scales. Estfmates for This Week Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 17 28-35-40-55) — 'Seven Sweethearts" (M-G). Rather mild at $12,000. Last week, 'Panama Hattie" (M-G), rang bell lustily at $16,700. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240 17-25-28-38-44-55-66) — 'Wings and Woman' (RKO) plus vaude Including Bea Wain, Miss America and 'Ice Parade of 1943.' Leaning on stage show to bounce -in with strong $17,000. P.a. of 'Dr. I.Q.' as added feature on Monday nights stimU' lating b.o. considerably. Last week, 'Big Street' (RKO) plus Blue Barron orch and James Barton, alright $13,400. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406: 17- 28-35-44-55) — 'Between Us Girls' (U). Surprising with good $11,000. Last week, third of 'Holiday Inn' (Par), brought grand total for run up to very nice $33,300. Maytair (Hicks) (980; 20-40)— 'Husbands Necessary' (Par). Fairish $4,000. Last week, reissue of 'Gen- eral Died at Dawn' (Par), mild $3,200. New (Mechanic) (1.581: 17-28-35- 44-66)—'Tales of ManhatUn' (20th) (2d wk). Holding strongly to pos- sible $9,000, after extra big $141800 on first time round. SUnley (WB) (3,286; 28-40-75- $1.10)—'yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) (2d wk). Very merry at $20,000, after record $31,700 on initial stanza. Some slight beefing registered on upped scale In opening days of run, but all quiet now and biz consist- ently steady. ValencU (Loew's-UA) (1,450; 17- 28-44-55)—'Panama Hattie' (M-G) (moveover). Pushlm? toward strong $7,500. Last week, 'Somewhere Find You' (M-G), in similar move, drew good $9,800 after gratifying brace in spot below. mm $18,500, BUFFALO BOFF Buffalo, Sept. 29. 'Pardon My Sarong,' highpowered by increased admish scale at the Lafayette, Is the top grosser this frame and will skyrocket to a smash- ing tally for the house. 'Panama Hattie' and 'Tales of Manhattan,' at the Buffalo and Lakes respectively, are due for a photo finish, with fine numerals coming up for botii. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 36-55)— 'Panama Hattie' (M-G) and 'Pierre of Plains' (M-G). Will probably col- lect sparkling $17,000. Last week, 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) ($1.10), rousing $27,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-56) —'Tales of Manhattan' (2pth). Aim- ing for better than $16,000, sturdy. Last week, 'Footlight Serenade' (20th). potent $15,000. HJpp. (Sbe^O. .'2J00; 35-55)—'Foot- light Serenade' (20th) (2d wk). Mild $7,500. Last week, 'Somewhere Find You' (M-G), good $9,200. Lafayette (Hayihan) (3,300; 35-66) —'Pardon My Sarong' (U) and 'North of Klondike' (U). Smash $18,5007 Last week, 'Invisible Agent' (U) and 'Butch Minds Baby' (U). nifty $11,000. 20th Century (Ind) (3,000; 35-55)— 'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Joan of Ozark' (Rep) (2d wk). Satisfactory $8,000. Last week, bright $14,000. 'Inn' Great $10,000 In Mont'l; 'Moon' Big iViG Montreal, Sept. 29. 'Holiday Inn,' at Loew's, is the big show and should be smash $10,- 000 to lead town. 'Moon and Six- pence,' at Orpheum, also is strong. Estimates for This Week Palace (CT) (2,700; 30-46-82)— Eagle Squadron' (U) (2d wk). Out- look for good $6,000 after great $9,- 000 last week. Capitol (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— rjank at JBton" (M-G) and 'Affairs Martha' (M-G) (2d wk). Nice $6,- 500 In sight, following $8,500 last week. .^^'•w'" (CT) (2,800; 86-33-67)- Holiday Inn" (Par). Wham $10,000 Detroit, Sept. 29 With six houses now functioning in the loop and plenty of fresh prod, uct In tha first-runs, biz is plenty forte. Madlfon has joined the new line-up of downtown theatres, be- coming the switohover house for tha United Detroit chain with the Palms> State, the former holdover house, elevated to first-runs. Fox will be out in front with sock trade on 'Pride of Yankees' and 'Give Out, Sisters.' Marking its start as a new loop clearing house for fre^ product, the Palms-State started the new policy with 'Wake Island' and Twin Beds' to be a strong runner-up. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 50-65)— 'Pled Piper' (20th) (4th wk) and 'Lucky Legs' (Col) (2d wk). Still sound with $6,500 after $8,000 last week. Fox (Fox-Mlchlgan) (5,000; 55-75) 'Pride Yankees' (RKO) and 'Give Out, Sisters' (U). With slight price raise, expectations are a smash $38,000. Last week 'Magnificent Am. bersons' (RKO) and 'Lady in Jam' (U), strong $22,000. Madison (United Detroit) (1,800; SO-es)—'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 'Road Happiness' (Mono). Former picture moved over after three great weeks at Michigan and with a freshener added, neat $10,000. . Miotalgan (United Detroit) (4,000; 60-65)—'Juke Girl' (WB) and 'World at War' (U.S.). Fair $16,000. Last week 'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 'Spy Ship' (WB) (3d wk), brisk $16,000. ' Palms-Stete (United Detroit) (3,. 000; 50-69)—'Wake Island' -(Par) and 'Twin Beds' (UA). Starting off first- run policy with a sock $22,000. Last week 'Take Letter' (Par) and 'Call- ing Dr. GlUespie' (M-G) (3d wk), nice $11,000. United Artiste (United Detroit) (2,000; 60-65)—'Married Angel' (M- G) and 'Cardboard Lover' (M-G). Trim $14,000. Last week 'Mrs. Mini- ver' (M-G) (7th wk), still strong at $9,000 in seventh session. 'serenade; 25G, GINGER. $18M BIG IN NEWARK Newark, Sept. 29. New first-runs getting tremendous momentum this week, both 'Foot- light Serenade' and 'Major and tha Minor' riding high, wide and hand- some. The Adams, with Martha Rayi'and Sam Donahue's orch featured, is get- ting fat returns, and the Branford and Loew's State are playing to staunch holdover biz. Estimates for This Week Adains (Adams-Par) (1,950; 25-40- 65-75-09)—'Marie Roget' (U) plus Martha Raye, Sam Donahue's orch and three acts. Pacing for fine $18,. 000. Last week, 'Parachute Nurse' (Col) teamed with^Vaughn Monroes band, record $22,200. Branford (WB) (2,800; 30-44-55-60- 75)—'Across Pacific' (WB) and 'Give Out, Sisters' (U) (2d wk). Holding up well at $13,000, following smash $21,500 last week. Capitol (WB) (1,200; 20-30-35-44- 65)—'Tarzan's Adventures' (M-0) and 'Jackass MtsU' (M-G). Move- over was milked dry at Loew's and doesn't figure for better than weak $2,000. Last week, 'Are Husbands Necessary' (Par) and'Sunday Punch' (M-G). dull $2,000 in six days. Paramount (Adams-Par) (2,000: 35-45-55-60-75)—'Major and Minor' (Par). Ginger Rogers starrer climb- ing to wham $18,000. Last week, Flight Lieutenant' (Col) and 'Meet Stewarts' (Col), bright $14,500. Proctor's (RKO) (3.400; 33-44-60- 70-86)—'Footlight Serenade' (20th) and 'Just Off Broadway' (20th) and two nights of vaude. Powerful dual aiming at terrific $25,000. Last week, 'Pied Piper' (20th) and 'A-Haunting We Go' (20th) (2d wk). sturdy $18,- 500, two nights of vaude helping. Stete (Loew's) (2.600; 30-40-55-63- 75)—'Somewhere Find You' (M-G) and 'Brooklyn 'Orchid' (UA) (2d wk). Continuing sturdy at $14,000 after great $22,000 in first round. to top town. Last week 'Miniver' (M-G) (6th wk); handsome $7,000. Prineess (CT) (2,300; 30-40-52)— Big Street' (20th) and 'Date with Falcon' (20th). Good $3,500. Last week 'Sweater GirV (20th) and Tombstone' (20th), $4,000. . Orpheum (CT) (1.100; 30-40-60)— Moon and Sixpence' (UA). Smash returns over weekend point to hand- some $4,500 or near. Last week Blockade' (UA) and 'House Across Bay' (UA) (4th wk). $1,500. St. Denb (France-Film) (2.500; 30- 40)—'L'Enfant du Carnaval' and 'Les Rols Du Sport.' Fair $3,000 In six days.