Variety (Dec 1942)

10 PICTUBE GROSSES Wednesday, December 2, 1942 'Witch'-SiHvak Giant $36,000 Tops Det; 'Navy' Fine 16G, Tiers' 12G, 2d Delrolt, Dec. 1. Loop keeps biiildinR up here, with the Broadway-Capitol, oldest ot the big downtown houses, back in the first-run setup this week. Gives United Detroit Theatres five of the seven houses. Newest entry will be used as the moveover house taking the extenuation ol runs. Biz continues brisk with the Mich- igan shooting out in front this week with 'I Married a Witch" aided by the Charlie Spivak band heading the stage .•Jhow. Fox aL-iO is on the strong side with 'Thunder Birds' and 'Ber- lin Correspondent.' Madison also is good with 'Navy Comes Through' toppine a' dual bill. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 50-65)— •Sister Eileen' i20lhi and 'Under- ground Agent' (Col) (2d wk). Move- over after st^'ong week at Fox, choice $8,200. Last week, 'Iceland' (20th) (2d wk) and 'Moonlight in Havana' (U). flne $8,500. Broadway-Capitol (United Detroit) (2,800; 50-65)—'Road to Morocco' (Par) and 'Wings and the Woman' (RKO) (3d wk). Pair moved in from big weeks at Michigan and great $15,000 is sure to start off the new policy here. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 50-65) —'Thunder Birds' (20th) and 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th). Fine $21,000. Last week, 'Si.ster Eileen' (Col) and 'Destination Unknown' (U), big $29,000. Madison (United Detroit) (1,800; 60-65) — 'Navy Comes Through' (RKO) and 'Henry and Dizzy' (Par). Looking for a hefty $16,000 with Thanksgiving Day opening making It eight days. Last week, 'Desperate Journey' (WB) and 'Night New Orleans' (Par) (3d wk), okay $8,000. MIchiKan (United Detroit) (4,000; 60-65)—Married a Witch" (UA) plus Charlie Spivak orch and Harmonica Rascals, on stage. Choice $36X)00. Last week, 'Road to Morocco' (Pv) and 'Wings and Woman" (RKO) (2id wk), sock, $20,000. Paliiiti-State (United Detroit) (3.000; 50-65)—'Flyipg Tigers' (ftep) !nd 'Big Street' (RKO) (2d wk). feasant $12,000, after first week's orte $16,000. United ArtUU (United Detroit) (2,000; SO-eS) — 'Panama Aattie' (M-G) and 'Pierre of Plains' (M-O) (4th wk) no complaining at fB.OOO following last week's $11,000. IMy Gal'Snappy 19G Id Stout Providence; 'Morocco' Ragged ISG Providence, Dec. 1. Everything is big this week, with Tor Me and My Qal' leading the list at Loew's State. Next in line ^reStrsmJ'-; 'Road to Albee's "The Navy Comes Through.' Estimates (or This Week Albee (RKO) (2,300; 30-40-50)— •Navy Comes Through' (RKO) and •Moonlight in Havana' (U). Step- ping along for nifty $14,000. Last week, 'Who Done It?' (U) and Sin Town' (U) (3d wk), zowie $8,000.- Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 30-40- 60)—'Now, Voyager' (WB) (third downtown wk). Nice $3,500, after going for sky-high $9,000 in surpris- ingly big run last week. Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 29-39-50)- "Secret Enemies' (WB) and vaude. Swell $7,500. Last week, 'Miss 'V From Moscow' (PRC) and vaude, good $7,200. BUJestio (Fay) (2.200; 30-40-50)— •Springtime Rockies' (20th). Sturdy (14,000. Last week, 'Thunder Birds' (20th) and 'Girl Trouble' (20th), good $12,000. MetrepolilaB (Indie) (3.200; 30-55) —'Foreign Agent' (Mono) plus Ink Spots and Lucky Millinder orch on sta^e. Stout $9,500 in four days. Last week, 'Hi, Neighbor' (Rep) plus Bob Crosby orch, hot $9,000 in three days. Playhouse (Indie) (2.200; 30-40-50) —"Major and Minor' (Par) and 'Live on Danger' (Par) (third downtown week). Previously dark house opened under arrangement which shifts product from Strand for addi- tional downtown run. Looks fairly good at $7,000. StoU (Loew) (3,200; 30-40-50)— •Me My Gal' (M-G). Biggest in long time with snappy $10,000 looked for. week, 'One Aircraft Missing' (UA) and 'Boston Blackie' (Col), average $11,000. Strand (Indie) (2,000; 30-40-50)— Ttoad to Morocco' (Par) and 'Spirit Stanford' iCol). Smash $15,000. Last week, 'Major and Minor' (Par) and 'Uve on Danger' (Par) (2d.wk), flne in .000. 'Done It' Fine $13,000, Indpls.; 'My Gal' Ditto Indianapolis, Dec. 1. Extra brisk Thanksgiving trade re- flected in heavy take at most down- town houses currently. Biz is gener- ally at the highest level in month. 'For Me and My Gal.' at Loew'.s. and 'Who Done It?' at the Indiana, are running away \vilh the lop money. Estimates for This Week Circle (Katz-DoUe) (2.600; 28-33- 44)—'Navy Comes Through' (RKO) and 'Get Hep to Love' (U). Not so hot at $7,000. but opened Friday to miss the Thanksgiving boom that helped get a smash gross of $18,700 for 'Girl Trouble' (20lh) and Ina Hay Hutton band at 55c top last week. Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3.200; 28-33- 44)—'Who Done It?" (U) and 'Moon- light in Havana' (U). Press scofled. but fans are crowding boxoffice for sock $13,000. Last week, 'Gentleman Jim' (WB) and 'Flying Fortress' (WB), mild $8,800. Keith's (Ind) (1.200; 28-33-44-50) — 'Old Homestead' (Rep), with vaude- ville. Price boost on holiday, Satur- day and Sunday from old 28-44-scale. Good $5,500 in four days. Last week, 'One Born Every Minute' (U) and vaude, oke $4,700. Loew's (Loew s) (2,450; 28-33-44)— 'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Boogie Man Get You' (Col). Strong $13,000. Combo looks like c>nch for second week. Last week. 'Married a Witch' (UA) and 'AfTairs Martha' (M-G), slim $8,000. Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (1.850; 28-33-44) —'Sin Town' (U) aod 'Sherlock Holmes Voice' (U). First-run bill ought to get $S.00O If It stays full week, l^st week, 'Major and Minor' (Par) took 18,500 in six days on moveover, after big first week at (Srcle. Sarong' (U), split with 'Talk Town" (Col) and 'Wings and Woman' (RKO). Oke $1,800. Last week, 'Orchestra Wives' (20th) and 'Tar- zan's Adventure' (M-G), $1,700. Loew's Slate (Loew's) (3,300; 15- 30.40)—Me and My Gal' (M-G) and 'Counter Espionage' (Col). Biz is zooming at this deluxer, and lines are steady. Marching to solid $13,- 000. Last week, 'War Vs. Mrs. Bad- ley' (M-G) and 'Lucky Legs' (Col), medium $9,000. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1.000; 15-30-40) —'Gentleman Jim' (WB). Going along at a pretty fair pace for a single, but hardly up to expecta- tions. Good $4,000. Last week, 'Now, Voyager' (WB) (3d wk). fine $3,500. Rlallo (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 15- 30-40)—'Road to Morocco' (Par). Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour and Bing Crosby names on the marquee are just what the doctor ordered. Zooming along for whopping $15,000. and possible h.o. Last week, 'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Priorities Parade" (Par) pulled hefty femme, kid trade and included strong biz Thursday (26), excellent $12,000, and moveover. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400: 15-30-40) — 'Seven Days Leave' (RKO) and 'Falcon's Brother' (RKO). Aiming at slick $6,000. Last week, 'Glass Key' (Par) and 'Strictly in Groove" (U), okay $3,500. 1«YGAL'24G. TOPS ST. LOO St. Louis, ec. 1, nanks- 'Swan' Record $16,000 Despite Pitt Blackout Niz; Done It' Smart 12G rosses are up currently, I Day BIe helping all deluxers. Jg of public schools ("riday (28) _ivi tna ktds a ihree-day holiday festjlted in mobs rushing downtown. AmbasMaor and Lo^W's were jammed 81 BU three day?. 'For Me and My al U the best girosser, heading for a wow week. Estimates for This Week Loew's (Loew) (3.172; 30-40-50)— 'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Spirit Stan- ford' (Col). Off to a flying start, and should hit smash $24,000. and h.o. Last week, 'Cairo' (M-G) and 'Apache Trail' (M-G) " $13,500. Ambassador (F&M) (3.000; 40-50- Upped price scale and small house will hgld take to good $17,000. La.st week, 'Moonlight in Havana' (U) and Andrews Sisters on stage, rugged $19,100. Fox (F&M) (5 000: 30-40-50)—'Who Done It?' (U) and 'Falcon's Brother' (RKO). This dualer should get nice $16,500. Last week, 'Thunder Birds' (20th) and 'Navy Comes Through' (RKO), neat $17,000. Missouri (FitM) (3.570; 30-40-50)— 'Thunder Birds' (20th) and 'Navy r;omes Through' (RKO). Moveover trom Fox, good tpr another $8,000. fine. Last week, 'Gentleman Jim' (WB) and 'Sister Eileen' (Col), solid $9,800. St. Lonls (F&M) (4,000: 30-40)— Tlying Fortress' (WB) and 'Hidden Hand' (WB). Trim $7,000. Last week, 'Across Pacific' (WB) and 'In- visible Agent' (U), disappointed with $4,300, below average. 'MOROCCO' SOCKEROO $15,000, L'VILLE ACE Louisville. Dec. 1. Plenty of b.o. stamina being dis- played by the product now. Topper will be 'Road to Morocco.' clicking for a resounding $15,000 at the Rialto, with possibility of h.o. 'For Me and My Gal' at Loew's State is packing 'em in, and not far behind. Memorial Auditorium is being ac- tive, with S. Hurok's Russian Ballet set for Thursday (3). Estimates for This Week Brown (Fourth Avenue-Loew's) (1,400; 15-30-40)—Bambi' (RKO) and 'Priorities on Parade' (Par). Moved over from Rialto. Light $2,500. Last week 'Who Done It?' (U) and 'Moon- light Havana' (U) on moveover, zingy $4,000. Kentnoky (Switow) (1.250; 15-25) —'Pled Piper' (20th) and 'Pardon 'Done It' Wow $19,000 Ties Mark in Buffalo; 'Morocco' Terrif 21G .Buffalo. Dec. 1. Another smasheroo session at the downtown deluxers. Eight-day ses- sions for the Buffalo, Great Lal^es and Hipp Is pushing the totals at these large houses to great figures. Road to Morocco' is pacing the city with a terrific $21,000 at the Buffalo. Me and My Gal,' at the smaller Great Lakes is not far behind. 'Who Done It?' is equalling the house record at the Lafayette with smash $19,000. Estimates for This Week Boffalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55)- 'Road to Morocco' (Par) and 'Live On Danger* (Par). Skyrocketing to a terrific $21,000 or slightly higher for 8-day session. Last week, 'Ice- land' (20th) and 'Manila Calling' (20th), (8 days), rousing $16,500 in six days. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 80-60) —'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Apache Trail' (M-G). Sizzling $18,000 in eight days, tiast week, 'Springtime Rockies' (20th) and 'Loves Edgar A. Poe' (20th), nearly $13,000, great for six days. Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 35-55)—'Ice- land' (20th) and 'Manila Calling' (SOth) (secortd week downtown). Close to nifty $12,000 for 8-day stan- za. Last week, 'Cairo' (M-G) and 'Tombstone' (Par), excellent $9,000 for six days. Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 35-50) —'Who Done It?' (U) and 'Great Impersonation' (U). Smash $19,000 which equals house record here. Last week, 'Never Lovelier' (Col) and 'Hello Annapolis' (Col) (2d wk), oke $7,500. 2<Hh Century (Ind) (3,000; 35-55) —'Once Upon Honeymoon' (RKO) and 'Men of Sky' (RKO). Clickeroo "iSMnr slightly better. Last week. Sees Ghost' $13,000. (RKO) (2d wk), potent 'Voyager'Trim $25,000, B'klyn;'Moon'Stout 24G Brooklyn, Dec. 1. Moneymakers in downtown area a:e Fabian Paramount with 'Now, Voyager' and 'Daring Young Man,' RKO Albee with 'Tales of Manhat- tan and 'Undying Monster' and Loew's Metropolitan ^■ith 'Moon and Sixpence' and 'Seven Sweet- hearts.' Estimates tor This Week Albee (RKO) (3,274; 30-50-65)— 'Tales ManhatUn' (20th) and 'Undy- ing Monster' (20th). Smash $25,000. Last week, 'Iceland' (20th) and '7 Miles Alcatraz' (RKO) (2d wk), okay $15,000. Fox (Fabian) (4,023; 80-50-65)— 'Forest Rangers' (Par) and 'Hidden Hand' (WB) (2d wk). Fair $16,000. Last week, healthy $22,000. Met (Loew's) (3,618; 30-50-65)— 'Moon and Sixpence' (UA) and 'Seven Sweethearts' (M-G). Stout $24,000 expected. Last week, 'Night- mare' (U) and 'Moonlight Havana' (U), tolerable $16,000. Majestio (Siritsicy) (1,850; 25-50)— 'Prisoner of Japan" (PRC) and 'Sun- set Serenade' (Rep). Dull $1,850. Last week, 'Bowery Midnight' (Mono) and 'Texas to Bataan' (Mono), so-so $2,000. Paramount (Fabian) (4,126; 30-50- 65)—'Now, Voyager' (WB) and 'Dar- ing Young Man' (Col). Response first rate, with $25,000 coming up. Last week, 'Washington Slept' (WB) and %ive on Danger' (Par) (2d wk), nice $15,000. Strand (WB) (2,050; 30-50-65)— 'Flying Tigers' (Rep) and 'Street of Chance' (Par). Satisfactory $15,000. Last week, 'Wake Island' (Par) and 'Joan Of Ozarks' (Rep) (4th wk), good $8,000. 'JIM'-VAUDE, 231/26, WASH. Washington, Dec. 1. Downtown business is still on the upbeat with no sigh of a pre- Christmas slump yet. 'Gentleman Jim' was socked by crix here for violation of facts but crowds are pushing the Earle into the top brackets. "Thunder Birds' is racing with it for a boxoffice photo-finish. Holdovers are also in the chips with 'For Me and My Gal' and 'Who Done It's rolling up swell second week grosses. 'Thanksgiving opened slow with 15% of the Government worlv- ers at their desks, but n'nht business was terrific and the fast pace carried over to Friday, usually a dull day here. 'Iceland' TaU $24,000, Newark; 'Moon' Bright 17G,'Washington' 19iG Newark. Dec. 1. Hypoed by potent holiday biz, downtown houses are enjoying a sock sesh. Every house was packed over the weekend. Most potent coin- getter is 'Iceland,' at Proctor's, skat- ing along to terrific $24,000. 'Forest Rangers,' at the Paramount. Is burn- ing up the wickets. Loew's is doing a stout total with 'Moon and Six- pence.' 'George Washington Slept Here.' the Branford attraction, is also forte, but disappointing. Estimates tor This Week Adams (Adams-Par) (1,950: 25-40- 65-75-99) — 'Sabotage Squad" (Col) and stage bill headed by Bob Crosby orch. (Setting nifty response from the jive clan, around $18,500. L.ast week, 'Mississippi Gambler' (U) plus Ted Lewis orch on stage, fairly good $15,300 Branford (WB) (2,800: 30-35-60-75- 90)—'Washington Slept Here' (WB) and 'Eyes Underworld' (U). Staunch $19,500. but figured to do better. Last week. 'Now, Voyager' (WB) (2d wk). fine $17,500. Capitol (WB) (1.200; 20-30-35-44- 55)—'Mummy's Tomb' (U) and 'Night Monster" (U). Nifty $3,700. Last week, 'Cla.ss Key' (Par) and 'Pardon Sarong' (WB), good $3,200. Paramount (Adams-Par) (2.000; 35- 45-55-60-75)—'Forest Rangers' (Par) and 'Aldrich, Editor" (Par). Corking $18,500, and will probably hold. Last week, 'Wake Island' (Par) and 'Fly' ing With Music' (UA) (3d wk), fin- Capitol (i.oew) (3,434; 28-39-44-66) —'Thunder Birds' (20th) with vaude- ville. Torrid $23,500. Last week. Married Witch' (UA) with vaude- ville, nifty $21,000. Columbia (Loew) (1,234; 28-44)— 'Yank at Eton' (M-G). Good $6,000. Last week, 'Cairo' (M-G), thin $4,500. Earle'(WB) (2,216; 28-39-44-66)— 'Gentleman Jim' (WB) plus vaude- ville headed by Betty Bruce. On eight days, bang-up $23,500. Last week, 'Sister Eileen' (Col) (2d wk) with vaudeville. Great $16,500 after rousing $^4,000 first week. Keith's (RKO) (1.830; 40-50-65)— 'Who Done It?' (U) (2d wk). Headed for trim $12,500. Opening session, dandy $16,000. MetropollUn (WB) (1,800; 28-44)— 'Flying Fortress' (WB). On eight days, corking $8,500. Last week, •Priorities Parade' (Par), not so hot $5,000 in six days. Palace (Loew) (2,242; 28-55)—'Me and My Gal' (M-G) (2d wk). Grand $18,500 after a sizzling $23,500 open- ing stanza. Will be yanked Thursday because of heavy backlog with 'Major and Minor' (Par) next. Pittsburgh, Dec. 1, Holiday session got a bad break over the weekend when weather went sour. In addition, city-wide blackout in the middle of heavy Saturday night (28) rush, together with concern over gas rationing also hurt. Even so 'Black Swan' will set a new house record at the Fulton. 'Now, Voyager' will shoot the Penn into smart dough. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1.750; 30-40-55)— 'Black Swan' (20th). Biggest thing in town and biggest the Fulton's ever had. With a holiday midnight show and Thanksgiving, Tyrone Power starrer should have no trouble topping $16,000. new house record. Previous mark of around $15,000 was held by 'How Green Was My Valley' (20th). Last week, third of 'Iceland' (20th) just a little short of $4,000. Harris (Harris) (2.200 ; 30-40-55)— 'Who Done It?' (U). Abbott and Costello's' latest rushed in several days ahead of schedule. Will show trim $12,000. Holding for three days of second week, then moving Wed- nesday (2) t6 Senator. 'Us Girls' (U) was sa(^ $2,000 in four days. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3.300; 30-40- 55)—'Now. Voyager' (WB). Mixed notices for this one but majority lauded it to the skies. Good $19,- 000 and top figure here for several weeks. Last week. 'Major and Minor" (Par), oke $17,500. Bits (WB) (800; 30-40-55)—Gen- tleman Jim" (WB) (3d wk). Came here via Penn and Warner. $2,800, not bad. Last week, 'Desperate Journey" (WB) fourth in Golden Triangle, okay $2,200 for second ses< sion here. Senator (Harris) (1.750: 30-40-55) —'Boogie Man Get You' (Col) and 'Sin Town' (U). Will be lucky to get $2,700, ordinary. Last week. Thunder Birds' (20th), shifted here from Harris, nearly $3,000. SUnley (WB) 3,800; 30-44-56-66) —'Seven Sweethearts' (M-G) and Cab Calloway orch. Friday (27) opening a smasheroo but weather flagged biz. Should get around $19,- 000, or slightly more, barely In black. Last week, 'Here We Go Again' (RKO) plus 'Funzafire' unit. Thanks- giving as well as holiday eve mid- night show helped to flne $22,000. Warner (WB) (2,000; 30-40-65)— 'Major and Minor' (Par) (2d wk). Moved here from the Penn and well- liked comedy doing fine $8,500. Last week, 'Gentleman Jim" (WB). also on moveover from Penn, just fair at $4,700. ished final eight days with trim $12,600. Proctor's (RKO) (3.400; 35-55-65- 75-85-99)—Iceland' (20th) and 'Ma- nila Calling' (20lh). Sonja Henie's skating to terrific $24,000. Last week, 'Tales Manhattan' (20th) and 'Spit- fire's Elephant' (RKO) (2d wk), com- fortable $16,500. House temporarily switched from vaude policy on two nights. SUte (Loew's) (2,600; 30-40-55-65- 75)—'Moon and Sixpence' (UA) and 'Seven Sweethearts" (M-G). Crix praise plus word-of-moulh is helping this to swell $17,000. Last week, 'Cairo' (M-G) and 'Tish' (M-G), dull $12,500. Bob Hope High $12,500 In Omaha; 'Birds' Phs R. jGnney Unit $15,500 ■ I ■ -111 Hi mmm_ammimmf>am Omaha. Dec. 1. With a holiday, closed .school."!, elc, the weekend turned inlo a theatre holiday with smash grosses every- where. The Omaha is top straight filmer with 'Road to Morocco' and 'Berlin Correspondent' while the Orpheum is very bijg with 'Thunder Bird.s' plus Ray Kinney band and stage unit. Estimates for This Week Omaha (Tristates) (2.000: 11-30- 35-50)—'Road to Morocco' (Par) and 'Berlin Correspondent' (Par). Smash $12,500, one of biggest weeks here in a long time. Last week. 'Forest Rangers' (Par) and 'Night New Or- leans' (Par), nice $9,300. Orpheum (Tristates) (3.000: 20-40. 55-60)—'Thunder Bird.s' (20th) plus stage show, 'Salute From Hawaii' unit and Ray Kinney's band. Great $15,500 with five shows daily ovei weekend. Last week. 'Girl Trouble' (20th) and Ru/«> Morgan orch on stage, big $15,000. Brandcis (Mort Singer) (1.50fl: H- 30-35-50)—'Once Upon Honeymoon (RKO) and 'Blackie Goes Holly- wood' (Col). Good $8,000. LasI week, 'Gentleman Jim' (WB) unc 'Laugh Blues Away' (CoH. onlj $7,500 for nine days, not particular!} strong. Town (Goldberg) (1.400: 11-20-30: —'Danger Pacific' (U), "Queen Meet; Enemy Agent' (Col), 'Flying Wit! Music' (UA) split with 'Eagle Squad, ron' (U), 'Lady in Jam' (U) anc 'Blue Montana Skies' (Rep), will stage show Saturday and Sunday Fine $1,400. Last week. "Lun Islands' (Mono), 'Bells Capi.strano (Rep) and 'Gentlemen at Heart (20th) tripft split with 'Overland t< Deadwood' (Col), 'Gal Sal' (20lh and 'Trail Ends' (Mono). Rubbei Racketeer' (Mono), nice $1.20C helped by Snub Mosely stage band Saturday and Sunday.