Variety (Oct 1942)

10 PICTURE GROSSES W^ftn^sday^ October 7, 1942 Tunepix Dominate Philly; Inn' Nifty mM We Looks for Bright 21G Philadelphia, Oct. 6. Musicals hold the limelight in Philly this sesh and the tune-pix are getting the lion's share of the shekels that are pouring into Philly's bright lights belt. "Holiday Inn,' at the Stanley, and •Panama Hatlie,' at the Fox, are the top-grossers. Also in the heavy inonev class i.s the vaudfllm combo of 'A-Haunting We Will Go' and Al- vino Key's band. Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (1,303: 35-46-57-68- 75)—'Gay Sisters' (WB) (4th wk). Okay S7.000 for this scsh. Last week good $8,000. 'Pied Piper' (20th) bows in tomorrow iWcd). Arcadia iSablosky) (600; 35-46-57- 68)—'Are Husbands Necessary' (Par) (2d run). Poor S2.40D. Last week 'Crossroads' (M-G). pallid $2,400 for second week of second run. Bovd (WB) (2.569: 35-46-57-68-75) — Talk of Town' iCol) (2d wk). Sat- isfactory $12,500 for holdover sesh. Initialer ok.-iy $19,000. dIus $2,500 for bonus lihowing at Earle last Sunday. Earle (WB) (2.768: 35-46-57-68-75) — A-Haunting We Go' (20th) with Alvino Rey orch. Jitterbugs sending bo. up to nice $25,500. Last week 'Apache Trail' (M-G) plus Ink Spots and Luckv Millinder, fine $30,000. Fox (WBp (2,425: 35-46-57-68-75) —'Panama Hatlie' (M-G). Grabbing off next-lo-top coin with bright $21,- 000. Last week 'Orchestra Wives' (20th), nailed okay $12,500 for hold- over chucker. KarUon (WB) (1,066: 35-46-.'>7-68) —'Tales of Manhattan' (20th) (2d run) (2d wk). Fifth week down- town, but still fruitful $5,800. Ini- tial week of second run try good for $7,000. Keith's (WB) (2,220; 35-46-57-68) —•Mrs. Miniver' (M-G) (2d run) (3d wk). Very fine $5,200 for tenth week in midtown. Last week great $6,000 for second week of second run. Mastbaum (WB) (4,692; 46-S7-75) — Pride of Yankees' (RKO) (2d wk). Nice $18,000, after good $2'7,500 for opener. Will hold for third round. Stanley (WB) (2,916; 35-46-57-68- 75)—'Holiday Inn' (Par). Grabbing off the duke in the b.o. stakes with neat $22,500, in addition to cushy $3,- 200 for extra showing at Earle Sun- day. Last week 'Eagle Squadron' (U), bowed out after its second week with pale $10,000. SUnton (WB) (1.457; 35-46-57-68) —'Invisible Agent' (U) (2d wk). Lots of customers for war thriller with $7,500 for second sesh. Bow-in got $9,500, bright for this small-seater. /WAKE'GREAT {12,000 IN STURDY LOUISVILLE Louisville, Oct. 6, Plenty ot high-powered product In town and all are doing fine busi- ness. 'Wake Island,' well exploited and timely, is the top grosser, but all the -others will be well up there when the returns are all in. 'Pride ot Yankees,' solo at Strand, is prov- ing to be an unusually opportune booking during the World Series and is cleaning up at slightly upped prices. 'Across the Pacific,' at Mary Anderson, is keeping up with the rest of the field. Estimates for This Week Brown (Fourth Avenue-Loew's) (1,400: 15-30-40)—'Tales of Manhat- tan' (20th). Moveover from Rialto after bumper week at that house. Probably excellent $3,000. Last week. 'Panama Hatlie' (M-G) and •Calling Dr. Gillespie' (M-G) (2nd wk), good $2,500 on moveover from Locw's Stale. Kentucky (Swilow) (1.250? 15-25) —'-Mis. Miniver' (M-G). Return en- gagement, but patrons not overly numerous. Looks like they expect double features at this hou.se. Aim- ing at fair $1,800. Last week, 'Blue Horizon' (Par) and 'Magnificent Dope' (20th), medium $1,700. Loew'9 State (Loew's (3.300; 15- 30-40)—'Yank at Eton' (M-GJ and •Atlantic Convoy' (Col). Catching sound $9,000, but under expectations Last week, 'Tish* (M-G) and 'Sabo- tage Squad' (Col), average $8,500. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 15-30-40)—'Across the Pacific' (WB). Single bill getting reasonable share of the generous biz around this week. Pointing to solid $4,500. Last week. 'Gay Sisters' (WB) (3d wk), wound up engagement with husky $3,000. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 15- 30-40) — -Wake Island' (Par) and •Blondie Victory' (Col). Pic has had tremendous exploitation and final tally should be one of the best of the current season, probably $12,000. Last week, 'Tales Manhattan' (20th), sturdy $10,000. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400- 18-40-60) — -Pride of Yankees' (RKO). Prices upped slightly and patrons giving this one plenty of support. Eveiything pointing to sock $9,000. Last week 'Always in Heart' (WB) and 'Berlin Correspond- ent' (20th), medium $3,000. W Loud $12,100 In Port.; 'Gay Sis' $10,700 Portland. Ore., Oct. 8. 'Sergeant York" returned at popu- lar prices and is doing fairly well teamed with 'Spirit of Stanford' at the Ma.vfair. "Talk ot the Town.' at the big Paramount, is pacing Die city with a sock total. Estimates for This Week Broadwav (Parker) (1,900 ; 75- $1.10)—'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) (2d wk). .Racking up strong $10,000. First week, giuanlic S17.500. Mayfalr (Parker-Evergreen) (1,500: 40-50-65)—Sgt. York' (WB) and 'Spirit of Sl:nifoi-d' (Col). Nice $6,- 500. Last week, 'Are Husbands Nece.'ifaiy' (Par) with Major Bowes Girl unit on stage. $9,000. Orpheum (Hamrick-Evergrecn) (1,800: 40-50-65)—-Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'Enemy Agents' (Col). Stout $10,700. Last week. "Holiday Inn' (Par) and "Spy Ship' (WB) clo.sed five days of third stanza for $5,400. Paramount (H-E) (3.000; 40-50-65) —"Talk of Town" (Col) and "Love Edgar A. Poe' (20th). Sock $12,100. Last week, 'Magnificent Ambersons' (RKO) and 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th), okay $8,400. United Artists (Parker) (900; 40- 50-65) — 'Crossroads' (M-G) and 'Friendly Enemies' (UA) (2d wk). Good $5,000. First week, $7,000. Kaye Ordi-'Key' Great $36,000 In Healthy Del Detroit, Oct. 6. Even with six houses now operat- ing in the loop here, holdovers con- tinue to back up product under the generally strong patronage In this boom center. Only two of the six theatres have new entries this week. Michigan will go out in front with strong biz on 'The Glass Key,' cou- pled with Sammy Kaye's orch. Only other new product is at the small Adams, with 'Invisible Agent' end 'Daring Young Man.' Estimates tor This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700: 50-65)— 'Invisible Agent' (U) and 'Daring Young Man' (Col). Nice $8,000. Last week 'Pied Piper' (20th) (4th wk) and 'Lucky Legs' (Col) (2d wk), okay $6,500. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 55-75) —'Pride Yankees' (RKO) (2d wk) and 'Just Off Broadway' (20th) (1st wk). New coupling with top pic- ture should bring choice $26,000. Last week with 'Give Out, Sisters' (U), smash $37,000. Madison (United Detroit) (1,800; 50-65) — 'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 'Road Happiness' (Mono) (2d wk). Bill, which got three big weeks at Michigan, is set for fin? $7,500, after neat $10,000 last week. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 50-65)—'Glass Key' (Par) and Sammy Kaye orch. Big $36,000. Last week "Juke Girl' (WB) and "World at War,' fair $15,000. Palms-State (United Detroit) (3,- 000; 50-65)—"Wake Island' (Par) and 'Twin Beds' (UA) (2d wk). Having bowed in as first-run house, theatre is doing great biz: $17,000 sighted, after $24,000 in first stanza. United Artists (United Detroit) (2,000; 50-65)—"Married Angel' (M- G) and 'Cardboard Lover' (M-G) (2d wk). Strong $10,000, following nifty $14,000 in first week. Roar' (WB), Despite recent In- creased price scale, this second-run house isn't realizing proportionate b.o. gain. Not much better than mild $2,700 in sight, 'Inn' having been milked during its flve-week stay at the Paramount. Last week 'Tarzan Adventure' (M-G) and 'Jackass Mail' (M-G), poor $2,100. Paramonnt (Adams-Par) (2,000; 35-45-55-60-75)—'Major and Minor' (Par) (2d wk) and 'Moscow Strikes Back' (Rep) (Ist wk). In sec- ond time aroupd, 'Major' buttressed by Russian pic, looking for heavy $17,500. Last week great $18,600. Proelor'B (RKO) (3,400:35-44-60- 70-85)—'Footlight Serenade' (20th) and 'Just Off Broadway' (20lh) (2d wk). Leaning toward tat $18,000 second time out, two nights of vaude helping. Last week terrific $24,800, grosses swelled by vaude Monday and Tuesday nights. Slate (Loew's) (2.G00: 30-40-55-65- 75)—Miss Annie Rooney' (UA) and 'Friendly Enemies' (UA). Dull $13,- 000. Last week Somewhere Find You'. .(MtG). .and .'Brookljm.-iJrchid^ (UA) (2d wk), smash $15,800. 'Iceland' Nice $15,500 Pacing Oke St. Louis; 'Yank at Eton' 13G, 2d St. Louis, Oct. 6. Mobs in for the world series games the middle of last week gave the St. Louis a swell play and theatres en- joyed the best week in many moons. And biz currently Is a bit above average with midsummer heat pre- vailing at getaway. Estimates for This Week Loew'a (Loew) (3,172; 30-40-50)- "Yank at Eton' (M-G) and 'Affairs Martha' (M-G) (2d w-k). This is the 13th holdover at this house since Jan. 1. Should tack on another $13,- 000 to the swell $17,500 first stanza. Anbaasador (F&M) (3,000; 30-40- 60)—'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'World at War' (U.S.). Not more than $12,- 500 average. Last week 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) and shorts, $16,600, tUted scale ($1.10 top) not being any help. Fm (F&M) (6,000; 30-40-50)-'Ice- land' (20th) and 'Girl Trouble' (20th). Weekend biz will boosf gross to fl5^ to top the town. Last week 'Desperate Journey' (WB) and 'Secret Enemies' (WB). $16,000. MIsseurl (F&M) (3,570; 30-40-50)— 'Desperate Journey' (WB) and 'In- visible Agent' (U). Moveover from the Fox won't garner more than $6,- 600, but above average. Last week 'Orchestra Wives' (20th) and 'Holi- day Inn' (Par), also m.o., surprise at swell $8 300. SI. £«'dIs'(F&M) (4,000; 40-50-60) —'Pride Yankees' (RKO) and 'Spit- fire's Elephant' (RKO) (2d wk). Ex- pected to add $10,000 to the $14,000 grabbed for first week. Both far above average. Dandy' Strong $30,000 in Pitt, Hlfives' Above Average at $9,500 -44- 'JOURNEY' DUAL BIG $6,000 IN OMAHA Omaha, Oct. 6. 'Desperate Journey' and 'Lucky Legs,' at the Brandeis, are getting a nne figure. Bob Crosby's band at the Orpheum plus 'A Gentleman After Dark,' also heading for nice take. Estimates for This Week Brandeis (Mort SingerT (1,500; 11- 30-44-50)—'Desperate Journey' (WB) and 'Lucky Legs' (Col). Very big $6ln)0. Last week, 'Big Street' (RKO) and 'Spilfire's Elephant' (RKO), weak $3,500. Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 20-40- 55-65)—Gentleman After Dark' (UA) and Bob Crosby band. Strong $17,000. Last week. 'Mr. V (UA) and 'A-Haunting We Go' (20th), light $7,800. Omaha (Tristates) (2.000; 11-30-35- 50)—'Wake Island' (Par) (2d- wk) with 'Men of Texas' (U) (1st wk). Nice'$7,300. Last week, with 'One Born Every Minute' (U), smash $12,- 300. one of biggest weeks in the- atre's history. Town (Goldberg) (1,400; 11-20-30) —'Boot Hill Bandits' (Mono), 'Pan- ther's Claw' (Indie), and 'Mad Monster' (Indie), triple, split with 'Robbers ot Range' (RKO), 'Sleepy Time Gal' (Rep), and 'Lone Star Law Man' (Mono), and 'Gentlemen from We.it Point' (20th), and 'Marie Roget' (U), good $1,300, with stage .show Saturday ancl Sunday helping. Last week, 'Sons of Pioneers' (Rep), 'Joan of Ozark' (Rep), and 'Mayor ot 44th St.' (RKO). triple, split with 'Double Trouble' (Mono), 'Mercy Is- land' (Rep), end 'Skyline Serenade' (U). and 'Boss of Hangtown Mesa' (U) (first-run), 'Magnificent Dope' (20th), and 'Secret Agent of Japan' (20th), fair $1,000. rWAKEIS.'17G UEADS DENVER 'Major' 2d Plus Russe Pic Big $17,500 in Newark Newark. Oct. 6. Couple of potent hold-overs, 'Ma- jor and Minor." at the Paramount, and 'Footlight Serenade,' at Proc- tor's, are in the b.o. van this week. New films are mostly dull and carry- ing little weight. Estimates for This Week Adams (Adams-Par) (1,950; 25-40- 65-75-99)—'This Time for Keeps' (M-G) and. on stage, Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe revue, 'Mrs. As- tor's Pet Horse.' Brilliant $20,000, with the stage unit carrying all the weight. Last week "Marie Roget' (U), plus Martha Raye and Sam Donahue orch, good $17,000. Branford (WB) (2.800; 30-44-55-60- 75)—'Between Us Girls' (U) and "Men of Texa.s' (U). Spotty dual doesn't figure for much belter than mediocre $13,500. Last week 'Across Pacific' (WB) and 'Give Out, Sis- ters' (U) (2d wk), held up well with $13,000. Capitol (WB) (1,200: 20-30-35-44- 55)—'Holiday Inn'(Par) and "Busses' tales; 'BIG st; each GOOD $12,000 IN PROV. Providence. Oct. 8. The World Series was played else- where, but its effects were felt here- abouts when matinee fell off during airing ot the game. A civilian de- fense parade Sunday (4) didn't help either, but biz is still so much bet- ter than average that no one is kick- ing. All even in honors for high spot of the week are 'Tales of Manhattan ' at Majestic, 'The Big Street.' at RKO Albee, and 'A Yank at Eton.' at Loew's State, which is enjoying an additional week's run. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2.300; 30-40-50)— Big Street' (RKO) and 'Sherlock Holmes Terror' (U). Paced for strong $12,000. Last week 'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Highways by Night' (RKO) (2d wk). nifty $8,000. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400: 30-40- 50)—'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'Care- ful, Soft Shoulders' (20th) (2d run). Good $3,500. Last week 'Footlight Serenade' (20th) and 'Loves of Poe' .(20th) (2d run), nice $3,500 Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 29-39-50)— 'Raid by Night' (20th) and vaude. Falling off slightly to fair $6,000. Last week 'A-Haunting We Go' (20lh) and vaude, good $6,500 Majestio (Fay) (2,200; 30-40-50)— 'Tales Manhattan' (20th). Though weekend slightly off, everything else to keep spot happy; nifty $12,000 m sight. Last week 'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'Careful, Soft Shoulders' (20th), ditto. MetropollUn (Indie) (3,200; 30-55) — Kid from Kansas' (U) and Johnny Scat Davis orch and Marion Hullon. Hurl on Sunday matinee because of civilian defense parade, but mart- aged nice $7,500 in three days. SUte (Loew) (3,200: 30-40-50)— "Yank at Eton' (M-G) and 'Pierre of the Plains' (M-G) (2d wk). Rooney .still a strong drawing card, and giv- ing this one swell $12,000. Knocked off grand $18,000 in opening sesh Strand (Indie) (2,000; 30-40-50)— "Holiday Inn" (Par) (2d wk). Sec- ond week nearly rivalling hefty first week gross. Looking tor swell $10,- 000. First week took in zowle $12,000 Denver, Oct. 6. 'Wake Island' had no trouble cop- ping most money here with its open- ing week at the Denham, end stays over. Smashed record for most people seeing a film at this house over the weekend, but there were so many children, it failed to crack the money mark by narrow margin. Denham grabbed publicity on their 'Letters from Marines' contest on 'Wake Island.' Stories were run a week prior to opening, with letters so full of news that on opening day of film one paper ran four pages ot them. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1.400; 40-50-60)— 'Orchestra Wives' (20lh), after week at Denver. Fair $4,500. Last week, 'Big Shot' (WB), after Denver week, fair $4,000. Broadway (Fox) 1.040; 30-35-40-50- 60)—'Cro.s.<!roads' (M-G) and 'Sunday Punch' M-G), after two weeks at Orpheum. Mild $3,000. Last week, 'Talk Town' (Col), after a week at each Denver and Aladdin, fair $3,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1.750: 30-40-50- 60)—'Wake Island' (Par). Smash $17,000, and holding over. Last week, 'Holiday Inn' (Par) (4lh wk) and 'Live on Danger' (Par) (2d wk), nice $8,000. Denver (Fox) (2.525: 30-40-50-60) —'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'Escape from Crime' (WB). Great $14,000. Last week. 'Orchestra Wives' (20th) and 'Just Off Broadway' (20th), big $13,500. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600: 30-35-40- 50t60) —'Somewhere Find You* (M-G) and 'Affairs Martha' (M-G). Sock $14,800. and holds. La.'st week. 'Crossroads' (M-G) (2d wk) and 'Sunday Punch' (M-G 5 (2d wk). $8,300. Paramount (Fox) (2,200: 30-45)— 'General Died at Dawn' (Par) (re- issue) and "Spirit of Stanford' (Col) Fine $8,500. La.st week. 'Gold Rush' (UA) and 'Spy Ship' (WB), big $9,000. Pittsburgh, Oct. 6. Big noise this week, of course, i; •Yankee Doodle Dandy' at Penn, at 75c-$l,10. While money's way up at Penn, attendance hasn't been extra- or(linary and general opinion is that the price may not only have been too tough, but wasn't exactly right for this house, where 'Dandy' marks first break in history in policy, Fulton, with 'Pardon My Sarong,' is . doing swell in second week, but Ink Spots-Lucky Millinder, at Stan- ley with Tish,' won't get nearly the trade the stage combo grabbed just a yeair ago. 'Orchestra Wives' it only doing moderately well at Har- ris and unlikely to move, while 'Panama Hattie will get barely average h.o. biz at Warner. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1.700: 30-40-55)— 'Pardon My Sarong' (U) ,(2nd wk). Abbott and' Costello comedy still going strong on h.o. and presages at least $7,500. That's more than enough to insure anofher session and possibly even a fourth. Last week, ]ust under smash $11,000. Harris (2,200; 30-40-55)—'Orches- tra Wives' (20th). Around $9.50C. over average. Last week. 'Talk of ■Town' (Col), wound up second weeft at almost $9,000. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3.300; 7B- $1.10)—'Yankee Doodle' iWB). No film in years has received the raves this one got, but hou.<:e and scale don't jibe and while $30,000 Is e sensational figure for Penn. it repre- sents only average attendance and isn't nearly what everybody had looked for. Moves to the Warner for ^ second week. Last week, 'Panama Hattie' (M-G), fell down at finish line and wound up at $16,500. Senator (Harris) (1.750; 30-40-56) —'Talk of Town' (Col) (3d wk). Moved here after fortnight at Harr ris and should clock nearly $4,500 ?ood. Last week, 'Spirit of Stanforil' Col) and 'Counter Espionage' (Col), around $2,000, light. Bit! (WB) (800; 30-40-55)—'Hoi. idV.Jna! <Pa') <3d wk). Followed regular Penn-Warner-Rilz route here and by comparison doing bet- ter in h.o. spots than it did at orlgf inal stand. Looks like $3,000 at small-seater, very good. Last weeli, 'Somewhere Find You' (M-G), Hi fourth week, sot $2,350. StMley (WB) (3,800 ; 30-44-55-66) —"Tish' (M-G) and Ink Spots-LuckSr MlUinder. Picture panned to fare> thee-well and Inkers and Millinder will have to be satisfied this tim< with $18,000. as against nearly $25,- 000 they rolled up in '41. Rated a disappointment. La.st week, Charli* Barnet-Diosa Costello and "Synco- fation' (RKO) a wash-out at under 16,000. Warner (WB) (2,000: 30-40-55)— 'Panama Hattie' (M-G) (2d wk). Brought here from Penn and lent picking up the slack musical started to show at tag end of engagement there. Maybe $5,800, just fair. Last week 'Holiday Inn' (Par), also moved from Penn, fine at $7,000. 'Moon' Into N. Y. Rivoli The Rivoli. N. Y., now owned SO- SO by Paramount and the United Artists theatre circuit, has brought "Moon and Sixpence' from UA to follow "Wake Island' (Par), which reopened the house recently after a summer .shutdown. Par, to supply the house with whatever product it can, has 'Glass Key' slated to follow 'Mobn,' while another possibility for the Riv is 'Mrs. Wlggs of the Cabbage Patch.' 'EILEEN'-YAUDE HEFTY $18,000 IN BALTIMORE Baltimore. Oct. 6. Town's new entrie.^ of 'A Yank at Eton,' at Loew's Century, and My Sister Eileen,' spliced to a strong vaude layout at the combo Hipp, are registering extra slronc grosses. Former opened with special War Bond admission preview, which grossed $350,000 for the effort an<l attracted a capacity crowd. "Eileen is very potent in spite of oppojish of legit version here during first three days of run. Estimates for This Week Centnry (Loew"s-UA) (3.000: 17- 28-35-40-55)—'Yank at Eton' iM-G). Maintaining strong pace to indicated $15,000. Last week 'Seven Sweet- hearts (M-G), mild $10,900. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2.240: 17-28-38-44-55-66) — Si.sler Eileen' (Col) plus vaude. Strong combo drawing town's top biz at possible $18,000. Last week 'Wings and Wom- an' (RKO) and vaude, good $16,2*0. Keith's (Schanberger) < 2,406: 17- 40-44-55-66) — 'Reap Wild Wind' (Par) (moveover). Some months later than previous three-week run at Stanley, but rather steady at $12,- 000; upped scale helping. La.<:t week 'Between Us Girls' (U), okay $11,400. Mayfair (Hicks) (980: 20-40)— 'Husbands Necessary' iPar) c2d wk). Holding all right at $3,000, Hfler good $5,100 on Initial sesh. SUnley (WB) (3.286: 28-40-75- $1.10) — "Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) (3d wk). Holding well at in- dicated $14,000, after very solid $4fl,- 800 total for previous two rounds. Revised admish helping. Valencia (Loew's-UA) 11,450: 17- 28-44-55)—'Panama Hattie' iM-G) (2d wk) (moveover). Attracting good trade to indicated grand total of $11,200 tor two stanzas, after equally brisk response previously in downstairs Century.