Variety (Oct 1942)

Wednesday, October 7, 1942 PICTURE GROSSES 'Crossroads'-Vaude So-So $38,000 Tops Chi; 'Neighbor'-Beimy Fields Sock 23G, Trnd You 12G for 5th Chicago, Oct. 6. Slight letdown in theatre patron- age this week, but entertainment- minded weekend crowds are help- ing maintain grosses at above aver- age levels. Holdovers of important pictures are doing nicely. Third week of 'Wake Island,' second week of 'Gay Sisters* and final week of 'Pride of Yankees,' are stout. Benny Fields, topping vaude, at the Oriental, with 'Hi Neighbor,' is getting a sock total. Estimales for Thb Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 3S-5S-6S- 75) —'Mrs. Miniver' (M-G) (12th wk). Holding up to $8,500. Last week, grand $9,800. CUeago (B&K) (4.000; 35-55-75)— •Crossroads' (M-G) with Louise . Massey and Westerners on stage. So- so $38,000. Last. week, 'Across Pa- cific' (WB) plus Eddy Howard orch, fine $43,800. Garrlck (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) — Across Pacific' (WB) and 'When Busses Roar' (WB). Fair $6,000. Last week. 'Holiday Inn' (Par) plus 'World at War' (U. S.), $6,800. OrlenUI (Iroquois) (3.200; 28-33- 44- 55) —'Hi Neighbor' (Rep) plus Benny Fields and Chicago favorite Jimmy Joy. Sock $23,000. Last week, 'Man's World' (Col), Shep Fields and Dolly Kay, good $20,300. Palace (B&K) (2,500; 33-44-66-75) —'Pride of Yankees' (HKO) (6th wk). Holding up amazingly in final week, grand $12,000. Last week, sock $13,400. Boosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 75)—'Wake Island' (Par) (3d wk). Taking in big $Il,0OO. Last week, $12,600. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 35-55- 65-75) — 'Somewhere Find You' (M-G) (5th wk). Bright $12,000. Last week, terrific $14,800. United Artiste (B&K) (1,700; 35- 45- 55-75)—'Gay Sisters' (WB) (2d wk). Doing business at $10,000. Opening last week, $14,800. Woods (Essaness) (1.200; 33-44-55- 75) — 'Between Us Girls' (U) and 'Destination Unknown' (U) (2d wk). After great opening week, still strong at $6,000. Last week stout $9,200. DANomooo IN HUB SPOTS (Col) (2d wk). Good $14,000. Last week $16,800. Truulax (Translux) (900; 17-28- 44-55) — 'Bowery at Midnight' (Mono) and 'Phantom Killer' (Mono). Average $4,500. Last wedc 'Joan Ozark' (Rep) and 'Foreign Agent' (Mono), $5,W)0. Boston, Oct. 6. 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' and "Tales of Manhattan' are bellwethering Hub films this week. The first is a slight disappointment, its fancy prices keeping the take down to $38,000 in two houses, while the sec- ond, double featured at the Me- morial, is skipping along to fine $27,- 500. 'Yankee Doodle' figures to switch to the Esquire, which reopens Thursday, and hold on as long as possible. A cold snap and the fact that three legit houses are doing a hefty trade seemed to offer no particular com- petition. A defense demonstration Sunday brought a mammoth crowd to town, the film spots benefiting considerably. Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 44-55-65-75 85)—'Footlight Serenade' (20th) with Stan Kenton orch, Mary Brian, Frank Paris and Three Stooges. The Stooges are popular here and the film's a sleeper, the take coming to fine $29,000. Last week 'Pardon Sarong* (U) with Bill Robinson, Ella Fitzgerald, Doc Wheeler orch; on second week, ft1ftyt22,500. Fenway (M-P) (1,373; 75-$1.10)— Tfankee Doodle Dandy' (WB). Show- ing in a well-heeled neighborhood, but they won't go for fancy prices, and b.o. is slack at $12,000. Last week 'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 'Thru Different Eyes' (20th), $5,500. MemorUI (RKO) (2,000; 44-55-65- 75)—'Tales Manhattan' (20th) and Highway By Night' (RKO). Sub- stantial drawing card doing very well at $27,500 and set for another *'J'ne. Last week 'Pride Yankees' IviS"' 'Flying with Music' (20th) (7th wk). $13,000. ^ M'tropollten (M-P) (4,367; 30-44- 55-65-75)—'Wake Island' (Par) and A-Haunting We Go' (UA) (2d wk). Drooping fast as expected, but not oad on second take at $16,500. Last week, same bill, smash $29,000. Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 44-65-75) — Talk Town' (Col) and 'Atlantic Convoy' (Col) (2d wk). Pleasing enough at $18,000. Last week $21,000. Faramonnt (M-P) (1,800; 75-$1.10) wJi*2^®.^ Doodle Dandy' (WB). well-ballyed and advertised and Vf. \ '^"'^ spot at $26,000. No i,;^:. Last week 'Holiday (Mfu'v^V;^^"^ 'Thru Different Eyes' (20th), $12,500. Tifu**'* r^^oew) (44-85-75) — 'Talk Town (Col) and 'Atlantic Convoy' 'DandyV^l Top Too High For Cincy, So $12,000 Is Under Expectations Cincinnati, Oct. 6. For the second consecutive week there is a climb of several notches in the main line's general b.o. 'Iceland,* at the Albee, and 'Wake Island,' in the Palace, are in a photo for top coin. Close behind is Yan- kee Doodle Dandy,' at the Shubert for a fortnight's stay at upped scale, yet returns are under expectations, the burghers shying on the advanced prices. Estimates tor This Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— 'Iceland' (20th). Good $13,000. Same last week for 'Desperate Journey* (WB). Capitol (RKO) (2,000: 40-44-50-60) —'Tales of Manhattan' (20th) (2d wk). Perking swell at $8,000, fol- lowing last week's (1st) dandy $13,000. Family (RKO) (1.000: 17-28)— Little Tokyo' (20th) and 'Mexican Spitfire Ghost' (RKO), split with 'Riders of West (Mono) and 'Baby Face Morgan' (PRC). Steady $2,100. Ditto last week for 'Sweetheart of Fleet' ((Tol) and 'Thundering Hoofs* (RKO), divided with 'PoUce Bul- lets' (Mono) and 'Regular Fellows' (PRC). Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50)— 'Desperate Journey' (WB). Move- over from Albee for second week. Okay $5,000. Last week 'Somewhere Find You' (M-G) (2d run), big $7,500. Keith's (Libson) (1.500; 33-40-50)— 'Panama Hattie' (M-G). Transferred from Palace for second stanza. Sat- isfactory $4,500. Last week "Tomb' stone' (Par), fair $4,000. Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 28-33-42)— 'Somewhere Find You* (M-G). Sec- ond transfer for third week. Pleas ing $4,500. Last week 'Holiday Inn' (Par) (4th wk), fair $3,000. PaUce (RKO) (2,600; 33-40-50)— 'Wake Island' (Par). Hefty $13,000. Same last week on 'Panama Hattie' (M-G). Sbobert (RKO) (2,100; 25-40-75- $1.10) — 'Yankee Doodle Dandy" (WB). In for a fortnight at ad- vanced prices. Under expectations at $12,0(10. Natives don't like high scale. Last week 'Pride of Yankees' (RKO) (4th wk), at 33-40-50c scale, dull $3,500. Pic fetched sweet $32, 000 for the engagement. 'WAKE ISLAND' SOCK $10,000 IN INDPLS. Indianapolis, Oct. 6. Grosses are spotty, some up and some down, with business running strongly on weekends. Dick Jurgens band at the Circle is a cinch to take top money. 'Wake Island' is leading the straight film competition. Estimates for Tbis Week Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,600; 33-44- 55) — 'Mexican Spitfire's Elephant' 1KK07 with Dick Jurgensi- band Another newcomer here, Jurgens* energetic jive is pacing for $16,000, matching Ihe good take of 'Just Off Broadway' (20th) with Woody Her- man band last week. Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3.200; 28- 33-44) — 'Wake Island' (Par) and 'Live on Danger' (Par). War thriller is big reason for sock $10,000 draw. Back at regular scale, house is do- ing almost as well as last week, when Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) got $10,500 at 75-$1.10. Keith's (Ind) (1,200: 28-44)—'Not Ladies Man' (Col) with vaude. Do- ing average $4,000 in four days. 'Powder Town' (RKO) plus vaude gathered swell $4,400 last week. Loew's (Loew's) (2,450; 28-33-44) —'Tish' (M-G) plus 'Sabotage Squad' (Col). Old folks are taking mild $8,600 worth of sentimental comedy. 'Panama Hattie' (M-G) and 'Miss Annie Rooney' (Rap) breezed to smash $11,500 last week in spite of cool press reception. Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (1,850: 28-33- 44) — 'Across Pacific' (WB) and 'Pierre of Plains' (M-G). Sleeper success at Circle two weeks ago still good for $3,700 on comeback here. Last week, 'Tales of Manhattan' »(20th) clicked for $4,500 at 40-55 scale. First Rons on Broadway (iSubject to change) Week of Col. 8 Asior—'Pride of the Yankees' (RKO) (13th week). (Reviewed <n 'Variety' July IS) Capitol — 'Panama Hattie' (M-G) (2d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' July 22) CrIlcrloD—'Wings and the Wo- man* (RKO) (7). (Reviewed In 'Variety' May 13) Globe—'Manila Calling' (20th) (3d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 16) Hollywood — 'Yankee Doodle Dandy* (WB) (20th week). (Reviewed In 'Variety' June 3) Music Hall—"Tales of Manhat- tan* (2Qth) (3d week). (Reviewed In 'Variety' Aug. 3) Faramonnt — 'The Major and the Minor' (Par) (4th week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 2) Rialto—'Boogie Man Will Get You' (Col) (10). Rivoll — 'Wake Island' (Par) (6th week). ^ (Reviewed in 'Variety' June 3) Boxy—'Girl Trouble' (20th) (7). (Reviewed In 'Variety' Sept. 23) Strand — 'Desperate Journey' (WB) (3d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Aug. 12) Week of Oct. 15 Astor—'Pride of the Yankees' (RKO) (14th week). Capitol —'A Yank at Eton' (M-G). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Aug. 12) Hollywood — 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) (21st week). Mnslc Hall—'Tales of Manhat- tan' (20lh) (4th week). Paramount — The Major and the Minor* (Par) (5th week). <lvoli — 'Wake Island' (Par) (7th week). Boxy--Iceland' (20th) (14). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Aug. 12) Strand-'You Can't Escape For- ever* (WB) (16). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Aug. 28) TiPER'-SPIVAK OK $20,000 IN BUFF. Series Mobs Skyrocket N. Y. Biz; Tales'2d Great $102,000, lives'H.O. Fme 43G, 'Somewhere'-Vaude, 30G Bufialo, Oct 0. "Pled Piper,' coupled with CharUe Spivak's orch, is registering a box- oflice wdllop here at the Buffalo. Rest of the major houses have h.o.'s, but okay biz. Estimates (or Hila Week '■ Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55)— 'Pied Piper' (20th) and Charlie Spi- vak orch. Heading for excellent $20,000. Last week, 'Panama Hattie' (M-G) and 'Pierre of Plains' (M-G), good $15,400. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-55) —"Tales of Manhattan' (20th) (2d wk). Holding strong for probable $10,000. Last week, excellent $18,400. - Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 35-55)—'Pana- ma Hattie' (M-G) and 'Pierre of Plains* (M-G) (2d wk). Looks like good $7,500. Last week, 'Footlight Serenade' (20th) (2d wk), only fair $6,500. Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 35-50) —'Pardon My Sarong' (U) (2d wk) and 'Mystery of Marie Roget' (U). Second week still whirling the wick- ets for fine $12,000. Last week, splendid $18,500. 20th Century (Ind.) (3,000; 35-55)— 'Big Street' (RKO) and 'Friendly Enemies' (UA). Fine start indicates $11,000. Last week. 'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Joan of Ozark' (Rep) (2d wk), sturdy $8,500. TALES' SOCKTOOOO, MONT'L; W 8G, RO Montreal, Oct. 6. 'Tales of Manhattan' is the bell- ringer this week with handsome $10,000 in sight. 'Holiday Inn.' in its second stanza, is also going great. Capitol dualer is stout with 'Across the Pacific' while Orpheum is click- ing on 'Moon and Sixpence.' hold- over. Estimates for This Week Palace (CT) (2.700: 30-45-62)— 'Tales Manhattan' (20th). Pacmg fine $10,000. and topping town. Last week 'Eagle Squadron' (U) (2d wk), $6,000. Capitol (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 'Across Pacific' (WB) and 'Blondie's Event' (Col). Another click, hit- ting high S7,500. Last week 'Yank at Eton' (M-G) and 'Affairs Martha' (M-G), $5,500 on h.o. Loew's (CT) (2,800: 35-53-67)— 'Holiday Inn' (Par) (2d wk). Socko $8,000 after smash $10,500 last week. Princess (CT) (2,300; 30-40-52) — 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th) and 'Postman Didn't Ring' (20th). Sight- ing good $4,000. Last week 'Bic World Series crowds, in New York to see the games and have fun, jammed the theatres on the week- end. In some cases, also, the busi- ness on Monday (5) was extremely good, notably at the stageshow houses. All the holdovers show uncom- monly good strength, while the lone newcomer of importance, 'Panama Hattie,' should get the Capitol a rea- sonably substantial $30,000 and will be retained a second week. An indication of what the series mobs meant to the holdies is pointed up strongly by the $102,000 the Music Hall will do on the current (2d) stanza of 'Tales of Manhattan* and the sustained potency of bills in sev- eral other houses. Paramount, on its third week with 'Major and Minor,' ■Tony Pastor band, Andrews Sisters, others, concluded last night (Tues- day), hit a sock $61,000, only $6,000 behind the prior round. Likewise the Strand is holding to an exceptionally fast pace, with 'Desperate Journey' a smash $47,- 000 for the second week winding up tomorrow night (Thursday). Strand and Par both holdover. Roxy went to a good $43,000 with 'Orchestra Wives' on its holdover, ending last night (Tuesday), for a highly profitable two-week run. The house ushers in 'Girl Trouble' today (Wednesday). It's slated for only seven days, with 'Iceland' dated to follow. The second-run State is in the homestretch, burning up the track with Lana Turner-Clark Gable's 'Somewhere I'll Find You' and a stage bill including Joe E. Lewis and Bonnie Baker. Indications point to a fancy $30,000 or close. Unusual is the way ^Manila Call- ing,' secondary first-ruii, is perform- ing at the Globe. Starting out indif- ferently. It built on its initial week to $12,000, upsetting early calcula- tions of the management, and cur- rent second lap will not be far be- hind at staunch $10,000. Thus, it will be held another inning. 'Wake Island,' with a big weekend under its belt, mounted to $26,000 on the fifth semester at the Rivoll con- cluded last night (Tuesday). It holds. Astor, housing 'Pride of the Yan- kees,' which also got a nice lift from the visiting baseball fans, is slated to receive 'For Me and My Gal' on Oct 21. Estimates for This Week Astor (Loew's) (1,140; S5-65-$1.10) —'Pride of Yankees' (RKO-Gold- wyn> (12th wk). About $15,500 seen for this week (12th), which com- pares very favorably with last stanza's $16,500, added pull coming from series crowds. 'For Me and My Gal' (M-G) is scheduled to open here Oct. 21. Capitol (Loew's) (4,620; 35-55-85- $1.10-$1.25)—'Panama Hattie' (M-G). Doing very well at $30,000 and holds over. Last week, 'Between Us Girls' (U), fioundered, under $15,000. Criterion (Loew's) (1,062; 35-44- 55-75-85)—'Wings and the Woman' (RKO) opens here today (Wednes- day), succeeding 'Pardon My Sarong' (U) which got stout $11,000 on its final (6th) round and $15,000 on the fifth. Globe (Brandt) (1,250; 35-55-75-85) —'Manila Calling' (20th) (2d wk). Hitting forcefully, looking $10,000 this week on the holdover, while the first built far beyond expectations to nudge $12,000. Remains a third stanza. Hollywood (WB) (1.225: 83-$1.10- $1.65-$2.20) — 'Dandy' (WB) (19th wk). Near to departure, but still showing .suitable profit; last week (18th) rounded out to $10,500, fair. Leaves Oct. 18, with 'Now. Voyager' (WB) to open Oct. 22 at pop prices under a continuous run policy lo be established here. Palace (RKO) (1.700; 28-35-44-55- 65-75)—'Footlight Serenade' (20th) (2d run) and 'Falcons Brother' (RKO) (1st run), dualed. This twain will get about $8,300. mild. Last week. 'Gay Sisters' (WB) (2d run) and 'Bu.sses Roar' (WB) (1st run) $9,300. oke. Paramount (Par) (3.664; 35-55-85- 99-$l.10)—'Major and Minor' (Par) and. on stage, Tony Pastor band, Andrews Sisters (4th wk). Plenty of dynamite left in this show, with the third week through last night (Tuesday) piling in hefty $61,000 as against prior (2d) week's take of $67,000. Picture goes a fifth .stanza, with Gene Krupa supplanting Pas- tor and the Andrew.s trio. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (5.945; 44-55-85-99-11.65)— 'Tales of Manhattan' (20th) and stageshow (2d wk). Hammering hard at the boxoffice. this week (2d) appearing $102,000, smasho, and only a little behind the initial seven days* grab of $107,000. Does a third stretch. BUIto (Mayer) (594; 28-44-55)— 'Eyes of Underworld' (U). Though panned, title is apparently account* ing for an okay $7,700 or thereabouts. Last week, 'Counter Espionage* (Col), ^6,200, mildish. Blvoli (UA) (2,092; 35-55-75-85-99) —'Wake Island' (Par) (6th wk). Sustained gait brought nice profit at $26,000 for the fifth canto ended last night (Tuesday). The fourth was over $28,000. Remains on. 'Moon and Sixpence' (UA) set to follow. Boxy (20th) (5.886: 40-55-65-75-85- 99)—'Girl Trouble' (20th) and new stageshow open here today (Wednes- day) after two fine money-making weeks with 'Orchestra Wives' (20th), se:ond being $43,000, first $55,000. State (Loew's) (3.450: 39-44-55-75- 99-$1.10)—'Somewhere 1 11 Find You* (M-G) (2d run) and Joe E. Lewis, Bonnie Baker, others, on vaude show. A lot of action at the wicket here, with big $30,000. or close, sighted. Last week, 'Holiday Inn' (Par) and Carmen Amaya, Peggy Fears, Jack Durant, under $25,000, but satisfactory. Strand (WB) (2,756: 35-55-75-85- 99-$1.10)—'Desperate Journey' (WB) and Heidt-Carle (2d wk). Remark- able holdover stamina being exhib- ited here, thanks to the film, current (2d) round looking $47,000. On the first seven days gross skyrocketed to $52,000. Holds third week. 'BAMBI'HUGE 20GIND.C Street' (20th) and 'Date with Falcon' (RKO). $3,500. Orpheum (Ind) (1.100: 30-40-60)— 'Moon and Sixpence' (UA) (2d wk). One of the major attractions to play here, only theatre's size keeping down gross. Fine $4,000 after socko $4,500 last week. Washington, Oct. 6. Walt Disney's 'Bambi' is surprising this week by leaping out front from the opening wicket. Usually Disney draws big matinee trade, but this one is getting the grown-ups at night. Keith's calls it Santa Claus in October. 'Wake Island,* at the Earle, Is attracting the males, and 'Orches- tra Wives* at the Capitol is getting {he hip swingers. Estimates for This Week Capllol (Loew) (3,434; 28-39-44-66) -'Orchestra Wives' (20th) with vaudeville headed by Jim Barton. So-so $20,000. Last week 'War Vs. Mrs. Hadley' (M-G) and vaudeville, $24,500. Columbia (Loew) (1,234; 28-44)— 'Somewhere I'll Find You' (M-G). Neat $6,500 in sight. Last week 'Footlight Serenade' (20th), $6,000. Earle (WB) (2,210; 28-39-44-66) — 'Wake Island' (Par) with vaudeville. Stout $20,500. Last week 'Yankee Doodle' (WB) (3d wk), $1.10 top, $10,100. Keith's (RKO) (1,800; 40-50-65)— 'Bambi' (RKO). This one is a pleas- ant surprise, stupendous $20,000. Last week 'Pardon My Sarong' (U) (3d wk), trim $8,500. MctropolltoD (WB) (1,600: 28-44)— 'A-Haunting WiU Go' (20th). Trim $7,500. Last week 'Moscow Strikes Back' (Rep) and Tombstone' (Par), $7,400. Palace (Loew) (2.242; 28-55)— 'Holiday Inn' (Par). Will get sizzling $16,000 in second week. Last week walloping $22,500. Too^ht,' $15,000, Brilnant in Jersey C. Jersey City. Oct. 6. The Stanley is getting a terrific play with 'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' the George M. Cohan biog heading for wham $30,000. It is in for a lim- ited engagement of one week. 'Foot- light Serenade,' at State, is also keeping the wickets humming. Estimates (or This Week Loew's (Loew's) (3.205: 30-35-40- 55-60)—'Miss Annie Rooney' (UA) and 'Friendly Enemies' (UA). Not expected to top blah $10,000. Last week. 'Somewhere Find You' (M-G) and 'Sunday Punch' (M-G) (2d wk), trim $10,000. Stanley (WB) (4.500: 75-$1.10)— ■Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB). Get- ting a great play and figures for monumental $30,000. Last week (30- 35-40-55-60), "Pardon Sarong' (U) and 'Busses Roar" (WBi. big $19,000. State (Skouras) (2.200: 30-35-55- 60-70)—"Footlight Serenade" (20th) and 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th). Adding up to very bright $15,000 and may hold. Last week, "Lady in a Jam' (U) and "Invisible Agent* (U), .satisfactory $12,000.