Variety (Dec 1942)

Wednesday, December 2, 1942 PlCnmS GB08SB8 major'-L Welk Hefty $48,000. Chi Ace; 'Cargo' Robust 19G, Traitor' Plus Vande, 20G; Voyager' Same, 3d Chicago, Dec. 1. •Major and the Minor* with Law- rence Welk's band on the stage, at Chicago is headed for a big $48,000. 'Now Voyager' at the State-Lake has talten the lead of the straight fllm houses with a swell $20,000 in Sie third week. 'White Cargo' is robust $19,000 at small United Ar- ****** EstlmaUs lor This Week ADoUo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65-75) —•flSunder Birds' (20th) and 'Girt Trouble' (20th). Good $6,800. Last week Talk of Town' (Col), okay $e,20(). Chicago (B&K) (4.000; 35-55-75)— •Maior and Minor* (Par) and Law- r«ttce Welk's orch. Headed for a big •46 000. Last week, 'Flying Tigers' (Rep) and Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe Revue, nice $40,000. Oarriek (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) —■Forest Rangers' (Par) and 'Coun- ter Espionage' (Col) (2d wk). Dandy $7,400. Last week, good $6,500. Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-33- 44- 55)—'Traitor Within' (Rep) plus Merry Macs and Three Stooges head- ing vaude bill. Smart $20,000. Last week 'Laugh Blues Away' (Col) and Charlie Bamet orch, Bne ..$21,500. Palsoe (RKO) (2,500; 33-44-66-75) —■Here Go Again' (RKO) and 'Fal- con's Brother* (RKO) (2d wk). Good $13,000. Last week, excellent $20,000. BmscvcH (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 76)—'Sister Eileen* (Col) (4th wk). Big $18,000. Last week, stout $19,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2.700; 35-55-65- 76)—'Now, Voyager* (WB) (3diwk). Excellent $20,000. Last week, bound- ed to nice $22,000. United ArUsto (B&K) (1,700; 35- 45- 65-75) — 'White Cargo* (M-G). Opened to robust $19,000. Last week, fourth of "Yank at Eton* (M-G), fair $10,000. Wooda (Essaness) (1,200; 33-44-55- 75)'Wlngs and Woman* (RKO) and Trumpet Serenade* (U). Trim $7,- 000. l«st week, 'Mummy's Tomb' (U) and 'Night Monster* (U). fine $8^00. ^Navy'-^talnle ffig 236, Qeve.; 'Gar Huge 20G Cleveland, Dec. 1. It's tha aU-soldier ThU Is the Army' that's kicking some skin cS the exhibitors' shins this week, but biz la strong despite this. Trade is generally good, with the Dick Stabile orch helping 'Navy Comes Through' •Wl U JiPi:t '>iiii'i tiit1wiT|irirn,jFaft Me and My Gal' also heading lor a terriflc week at the State. Hipp also is strong with 'George Wash ington Slept.' Estimates tor This Week AUen (RKO) (3.000; 35-40-45-55) —"Bambr (RKO) (2d wk). Excel- lent $8,000 on moveover. Last week, Tales Manhattan' (20th) on similar moveover. hearty $7,000. Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 35-40-45- 85) — 'George Washington Slept' (WB). Jack Benny and Ann Sheri- dan helping to bullish $16,000. Last week. 'Bambi' (RKO), so-so $11,000, IdUie (Warners) (800; 35-40-45-55) —Tales Manhattan' (20th) (3d wk). StUl worthwhile at $2,500. Last week, 'Gentleman Jim' (WB) (3d wk), fine $2,600. PaUoe (RKO) (3,700; 40-60-70)— 'Navy Comes Through' (RKO) plus Dick Stabile's orch, Gracie Barrie. others, on stage. Full steam up for this corking bill, $23,000 indicated. Last week, 'Seven Days Leave' (RKO) with Tommy Tucker's orch, satisfactory $18,500. State (Loew's) (3.450; 35-40-45-55) —'Me My Gal* (M-G). Oldsteis go- ing for nostalgic saga in big way, terriac $20,000. Last week. 'Cairo' (M-G) nearly buried by cold sands at $9,000. Stillman (Loew's) (2.700; 35-40-45- 55)—'War Against Mrs. Hadley' (M G). Only ordinary at $5,000. Last week, Tish' (M-G). blah $3,200. 'Rangers' Crack $10,000 Best in H.O. Montreal Montreal, Dec. 1. Town again jammed \iyth hold- overs, which shows the week's total. Palace, with 'Forest Rangers,' is in front with stout biz. Estimates for ThU Week ^ Palace (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)- Forest Raneers' (Par). Pointing to crack $10,000. Last week. 'Sister Eileen* (Col) (2d wk), nice $6,000. Capitol (CT) (2.700; 30-45-62)— 'Flying Fortress* (WB) and "Two In Taxi* (WB) (2d wk). Pacing fair $5,000 after trim $7,500 last week. Loew'i (CT) (2.800; 35-53-67)— 'Major and Minor* (Par) (3d wk). Sighting fair $5,500 following good $6,500 last week. Prlnceas (CT) (2,300; 30-40-52)— 'Girl Trouble* (20th) and 'Manila Calling* (20th). Good $4,500 in sight Last week. 'Can't Escape Forever* (WB) and 'Busses Roar* (WB), $4,000. OrpheuB (Ind) (1,100; 30-40-60)— 'Married a Witch* (UA) (3d wk). Good enough $2,300. Ahead after nice $3,000 last week. St Denis (Franco-Film) (2,500; 30- 40)—'Les Deux Gosses* and 'Gang- sters du Chateau d*If.' Pix policy re- sumed here up to early in January. Current show looks like fine $4,000. Last week, no fllm policy. W 'GAL' 16G EACH. BALTO Baltimore, Dec. 1. Business is holding up strongly after the big Thanksgiving Day get' away. Loew's Century, with "For Me and My GaV is attracting bullish at- tention, and 'Gentleman Jim,' at tha Stanley, is also up in the higher brackets. Rather steady response re- ported also for "The Forest Rangers,' at Keith's. Special holiday midnita shows at- tempted by the Century and Stanley, Thurs. (26), didh*t pan out so well, and bad weather on week-end also nicked all flgures moderately. Estbnatea for Thla Week Centvyi (Loew*s-UA).(3,000; 17-28 35-44-55)—'Me My Gal' (M-G). At tracting rousing $16,000. Last week, 'Eyes in Night* (M-G), fair $10,400, Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240: 17-28-38-44-55-66) —'Never Lovelier* (Col) (2d wk) plus h.o. of vaude. Held up strongly to $14,000 after very good $18,200 on first week. Kelth'a (Schanberger) (2,406; 17- 28-35-44-55)—'Forest Rangers' (Par). Okay $13,000. Last week, 'Who Done It?* (U) (2d wk), stout $12,700 after sock $16,600 Initial sesh. Bbyfair (Hicks) (980; 25-50)—'Give Out Sisters' (U). Nice $5,500. Last week, second of 'Reap Wild Wind' (Par), in third moveover In down- town sector at upped prices, didn't pan out with total for brace only $7,700. New (Mechanic) (1.680; 17-28-40- 55)—'Thunder Birds* (20th). Pointini: il"?-14J100I*st week. 'Iceland* One $15,300. good figure for limited seating here. Stanley (WB) (3,380; 17-28-38-40- 55)—'Gentleman Jim* (WB). Steady draw for solid $16,000, and sura h.o. Last week, 'Wake Island' (Par) (2d wk), consistent $13,800 after hangup first round at $20,200. Valencia (Loew's-UA) (1.450; 17- 28-44-55) — 'Eyes in Night' (M-G) (moveover). Holding house average of $4,000. Last week, similar dating for 'Aircraft Is Missing' (UA), so-»o $3,800. 'SWAN' GIANT $25,000 IN 2 DENVER HOUSES Denver. Dec. 1. With all flrstruns packing them in, 'Black Swan" coupled with T^augh Blues Away.' is getting the big coin this week playing the Denver and Esquire day-and-date. 'Swan* goes to the Aladdin for moveover run. 'Forest Rangers' is not far behind at the Denham with 'Me and My Gal at the Orpheum likely to get almost the same total. 'Gal' holds. 'Rangers also stays over. Estlmales for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1.400; 40-50-60)— 'Gentleman Jim' (WB). after week day-and-date at Denver and Esquire. Fine $6,000. Last week, Thunder Birds' (20th). after week day-and- date, Denver and Esquire, good $5,000. Broadway (Fox) (1.040; 30-35-40 50-60)—'Yank at Eton' (M-G) and •Falcon's Brother' (RKO). atter Or, pheum week. Big $4,000. Last week •Navy Comes Through' (RKO) and 'Eyes in Night' (M-G). after Or- pheum week, good $3,500 Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 30-40-50 First Rons On Broadway (Subject to Change) Week of Dee. 3 Aator—'For Me and My Gal' (M-G) (6th week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 9) C»pltol—'White Cargo' (M-G) (2d week). ' (R«t>(eu)ed in 'Variety' Sept. 16) Criterion—'Who Done It?' (U) (2). (Reviewed In 'Variety' Nov. 4) Globe—'One of Our Aircraft la Missing' (UA) (6th week). (Reviewed In 'Variety' April 29) Hollywood—'Casablanca' (WB) (2d week). (Reviewed In current issue) Music Hall—'You Were Never LoveUer' (Col). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Oct. 7) Panunonnt—'Road to Morocco' (Par) (4th week). (Retriewed in 'Variety' Sept. 7) KUIto—'Cat People' (RKO) (5). BlvoU-"The Avengers' (Par) (2d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Nov, 4) Boxy — 'Springtime in the Rockies' (20th) (4th week). (Reviewed in "Variety' Sept. 23) Strand—'Gentleman Jim' (WB) (2d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Nov. 4) Week of Deo. 10 Aator—'For Me and My Gal' (M-G) (7th week). Capitol—'White Cargo* (M-G) (3d week). Criterion—'Who Done It?' (U) (2d week). Globe—'One of Our Aircraft Is Missing' (UA) (7th week). Hollywood—'Casablanca' (WB) (3d week). Mnale HaU-'You Were Never Lovelier* (Col) (2d week). Paramonnt—'Road to Morocco' (Par) (Sth week). RIvoU-'The Avengers* (Par) (3d week). Boxy—'Life Begins at 8:30* (20th) (0). Strand—'Gentleman Jim' (WB) (3d week). Turkey Day Boosts N.Y. 'Casablanca' Nifty $37,000, 'Jim' Plus Gray Orch Fine 546, 'Cargo' OK 31G 60)—'Forest Rangers' (Par). Loolcs lik« may hit smash $16,000. if turn- over continues at current gait Holds over. Last week, 'Major and Minor' (Par) (3d wk), $10,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 30-40-50-60) —'Black Swan' (20th) and 'Laugh Blues Away' (Col), day-and-date with Esquire. Terriflc $19,000, for top money in town. Last week, 'Gentle- man Jim* (WB) and "That Other Woman' (20th), day-and-date with Esquire, big $13,000, EKQlre (Fox) (742; 30-40-50-60)— 'Black Swan' (20tb) and 'Laugh Blues Away' (Col), day-and-date with Denver. Stout $6,000. Last week, '(lentleman Jim' (WB) and "That Other Woman' (20th), day-and-date with Denver, nice $4,500, Orphenm (RKO) (2.600; 30-35-40- 50-60)—'Me Mv Gal' (M-G) and 'Scattergood Survives Murder* (RKO). Great $15,500, and stays for second session. Last week, "Yank at Eton'. (M-G) and 'Falcon's Brother* (RKO), big $13,500, PwamoDBt (Fox) (2,200; 30-4S>— •Manila CaUing* (20tta) and 'Smith Minnesota* (Col). Big $9,500. Last week, 'Ox-Bow Incident' (20th) and $10,000. Several new shows in the down- town New York area end their weeks tonight (Wednesday), having come in Thanksgiving Day in order to get some of the holiday gravy. Among other attractions, four wound up their weeks last night (Tuesday) after having grabt>ed a part of last Thursday's iMxoiTice turltey. Although this year's execution day for the gobbler wasn't quite as big as had been expected, it was better than last Thanksgiving. Patronage of servicemen amounted to al>out 10% of the attendance shown. Music Hall and Paramount, l>oth on third weelcs with their pictures, were substantially ahead of other theatres on the holiday. 'Once Upon a Honeymoon,' winding up this week at the Hall at a big $95,000, surpasses the prior (2d) rounds tally of $89,000. while at the Par 'Road to Morocco' and Woody Herman came under the wire last night (Tuesday) on its third stanza with sock $79,000. House on its second week, ahead of Thanks- giving, got $78,000. New shows, both opening last Thursday (27), included two clicks from the Warner plant. They are 'Casablanca' and 'Gentleman Jim.' Former, at the Hollywood at a high- er-than-normal scale for run houses, will hit $37,000 or better, highest ever scored by the theatre under any policy. 'Jim,' which has Glen Gray band on the stage with it at the Strand, has been near capacity since opening, with result the week's take will be al>out $54,000, excep- tionally big. Holds, as does "Casa- blanca.' Aided by the holiday, 'Springtime in the Rockies,' which today (Wed, nesday) begins the fourth-flnal week at the Roxy, hit $56,000 on the third as compared with $52,600 on the second, in both instances unusually strong. 'The Avengers,' Rivoli tenant, ended ita first week last night (Tues day) at what amounts to a rather disappointing gross of $22,000 and begins the second stanza today (Wednesday). At the Capitol 'White Cargo* Is doing well enough at an indicated $31,000 to be held over an- other week, 'Moon and Sixpence,' just ,otl a first-run at the Rivoli. has the bene- fit on second-run at the State of the Ted Lewis band and will end up stoutly at $32,000. Estimates for This Week Aator (Loew's) (1,140; 65-65-$1.10) —'Me and My Gal* (M-G) (6th wk). On the fifth stanza, up last night (Tuesday), hit $19,000, nice. Mor (4th) week was $16,000, okay. Capitol (Loew's) (4,620; 3S-98-85- $1.10-$1,29) — 'White Cargo* (M-G). Doing nicely at Indicated ^1,000 and holds anotlier frame. Last week, 'I Married a Witeh' (UA) taUed to do so well at around $22,000. Criterion (Loew's) (1,062: 35-44- 55-78) — 'Who Done It?' (U) opena here today (Wed.). 'War Agalnat Mrs. Hadley' (M-G). which waa flgj^gt .o_nly one week; poor at IWorocco' Sdcko $31,000 Paces Hub; Done It'25G.'Gal'44G, 2 Spots Boston, Dec. 1. A flna break in the weather, plenb^ of football crowds and strong bills all around are combining to make this a hefty week in the downtown film spots. Five legit shows are diverting some of the money, but there's enough to go around. Since the fire, business all over town has been af- fected. The week's winner is 'Road to Mo- rocco.' which is catehing a wham $31,000 at the Met while 'Who Done It?' another powerful draw, is taking a great $25,000 at the Memorial. The Loew houses are in the front ranks, too. with 'Me and My Gal' going to $44,000 total for both houses. Estimates for This Week BosteD (RKO) (3,200; 44-55-65-75- 85)—'Falcon's Brother' (RKO). with 'George White's Scandals 1943' unit on stage. A neat combination nicely plugged, great $30,000. Last week, 'Manila Calling* (20th) plus Sammy Kaye orch. Ray English, others, trim $29,800. Fenway (M-P) (1.373: 30-44-60)— 'Major Minor' (Par) and 'Busses Roar' (WB). In here after two weeks at the Met and still good for $6,000, Last week, 'Flying Tigers' (Rep) and 'Sunday Punch' (M-G), $6,000. MemorUI (RKO) (2.900; 44-5S-65- 75)—'Who Done It?" (U) and 'Get Hep to Love' (U). Abbott-Costello are very big in the Hub and will start oft with sock $25,000. with prob- able fortnight*s holdover in offing. Last week. 'Navy Comes 'Througn* (RKO) and 'Moonlight Havana* (U) (3d wk), $13,000. Metropolitan (M-P) (4,367; 30-44- 55-65-75)—'Road to Morocco* (Par) and 'Aldrich, Editor* (Par). Sock at- traction going to giant $31,000, with h.o. inevitable. Last week, 'Major Minor' (Par) and 'Busses Roar* (WB) (2d wk), nice $22,000, six days. Orphenm (Loew) (2,900; 44-55-65- 75)—'Me My Gal* (M-G) and 'Boogie Man Get You* (U). Taking a hefty share of the trade at $25,500. Last week, 'Sister Eileen' (Col) and 'Spirit Stanford' (Col) (2d wk), okay $18,- 000, six days. Paramount (M-P) (1,300; 33-44-60) —'Major and Minor' (Par) and 'Busses Roar' (WB). Bill had two weeks at Met. but is still good for a substantial $12,500. Last week. 'Fly- ing Tigers' (Rep) and 'Sunday Punch' (M-G). fancy $15,000 in six days. Stale (Loew) (3,200: 44-65-75)—'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Boogie Man Get You'(U). Sweet $18,500. Last week. 'Sister Eileen' (Col) and 'Spirit Stan- ford' (Col) (2d wk), okay $13,000 in six day.s. Translux (Translux) (900: 17-28-44- 55)—'Flying Fortress' (WB) and 'Po- lice Bullets* (Mono). Title i.-i forte, taking this spot to a bell-ringing $6,- 500. Last week, 'Agent Meets Queen' (Con and 'Timber' (U), oke $4,800, Through* (RKO). on its second week, was $10,500. good. Globe (Brandt) (1,250; 35-55-75- 85)—'Aircraft Missing' (UA) (5th wk). Holding up well, looking $9,000 this week (5th), while the prior semester hit $13,000. Remains on in- definitely. Hollywood (WB) (1,255; 65-75* $1.10-$1'.25) — 'Casabalanca' (WB). Brought in on Thanksgiving day, re- views also helping, and should hit $37,000 or better. This will be high- est gross ever scored here under any policy, steep prices on grind run being aid. The final (Sth) lap for 'Now, Voyager' (WB) was close to $12,000, okay. Palace (RKO) (1.700; 28-35-44-55- 65-75)—"Tales of Manhattan' (20th) (2d run) and 'Hidden Hand' (WB) (1st run), dualed. Goes eight days to bring house back to 'Thursday opening tomorrow; will snare $12,000, sturdy. Previously, 'Iceland^ (20th) (2d run) and 'Seven Miles From Alcatraz' (RKO), only $8,100, weak. Paramonnt (Par) (3,664; 35-55-85- 90-$1.10)—'Road to Morocco' (Par) and, on stage. Woody Herman, Hazel Scott others (4th wk). Whammed through on third week concluded last night (Tuesday' to $79,000, hol- iday having helpeid to better prior (2d) week's smash take of $78,000. Begins fourth week today (Wednes- day). BadI* City Masic Hall (Rockefel- lers) (5,945: 44-55-85-99-$1.65) — 'Once Upon Honeymoon' (RKO) and stageshow (3d-final wk). Heavy play received Thanksgiving day kit- ing total on windup to big $95,000, bettering prior (2d) week*s gross of $89,000. 'You Were Never Lovelier* (Col) moves in tomorrow morning (IChursday). BfaUto (Mayer) (594; 28-44-55)- ■Night Monster* (U). WiU manage satisfactory $8,000. Going nine days beyond a first week, 'Street of Chance' (Par) on that extended pe- riod did $12,000, very strong. BlveU (UA-Par) (2,092; 35-55-75- 85-99)—'Avengers' (Par) (2d wk). Finished first week last night (Tues- day) at $22,000, only fair. Final six days on fourth week of 'Moon and Sixpence' (UA) $15,000, fairish. imiy (5,886; 40-55-63-75-85-00)— 'Springtime in Rockies' (20th) and stageshow (4th-flnal wk). On the third round concluded last night (Tuesday) jumped to $56,000 as result of Thanksglvmg Day and higher £rices; prior (2d) week was $52,600, I both cases extremely good. State (Loew's) (3,450; 39-44-55-73- 00-$1.10)—'Moon and Sixpence* (UA) (2d run) and Ted Lewis. Stage band credited with lending substantial support for probable $32,000, strong. Last week, 'Wake Island' (Par) and vaude including Yvette, Johnny Downs, Cully Richards and Arlene Francis, $29,000, good. Btnwd (WB) (2,756; 35-59-75-85-09- $1.10)—'GenUeman Jim' (WB) and Glen Gray. Away up in the higher bracketa, belnt dose to capacity, at a sock $51000 and holds. Show waa .t ight In a day ahead of schedule • j'\r ' I I f ii ii » iiii imMimjj Thanksgiving gravy. Final six days on fouitt we«k of 'Washington Slept Here' (WB) and Phil Spitalny waa near to $29,000, with full run speUing fine profit. Hockies'Solid {24,500 2 Seattle Spots; Mh' lli€,H.O^TdierV10G Seattle, Dec. 1. Thanksgiving holiday plus school vacation is packing the folks in this week for big to sensational business all around. Gas rationing Monday cut into grosses but weekend attend- ance more tiian overcame that. "You Were Never Lovelier' is hitting a tifm pace at the Liberty. 'Bambl* In ita second week at the Fifth Avenue is coming close to opening stanza being aided by kid- dies out of school. 'Springtime in Rockies,* day-and-dating at the Para- mount and Music Hall, is getting the top total currently. There*s some letdown at the Orpheum from the record Tommy Dorsey's band and 'Desperate Journey' set the first week, but the picture stiil is remark- ably strong paired with a new film. Estimates for This Week Bine Moose (Hamrick-Evergreen) (800; -40-50-65) — 'Thunder Birds' (20th) (2d wk). Moved from Para- mount, with forte $4,800 on tap. Last week. •Panama Hattie' (M-G), great $5,500. Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2,349: 40-50- 65)—'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Aldrich Editor' (Par) (2d wk). Also at the Music Hall last week but carries on at this house. Remarkable $11,500, (Continued on page 52)