Variety (Dec 1942)

Wrdiicsday, December t» 194t PICTURE GB688BS H fy Gal'Torrid $2(1000.'Jim'Ditto In Frisco; 'Lovelier' Booming 14G San FranclJico, Dec. 1. Ff i6C0 houses are hitting the jaclc- oot cunenlly, with an influx of good ni\ skyiocltcting business. 'For Me and My Gal," at the Warfleld, is soar- ing 10 close to a new record at $26,- OOU' 'Geutleman Jim' is bringing a terrific $26,000 into the Fox till, and 'You Were Never Lovelier' is hypo- ing Iho United Artists to $14,000. Holdovers continue strong. Eslimates for This Week Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 50-65)—'Gen- tleman Jim' (WB) and 'Soft Shoul- ders' (201h). Frisco setting is help- ing to boost Errol Flynn film, to trim $26,000. Last week, 'Black Swan' (201h) and 'Manila Calling' (20th) I2d wk). smash $20,000. Golden Gate (RKO) (2.850: 44-55- 75)—'Sill Town' (U) and Hay Mc- Kinley's orch on stage. Adding up to nice $23,000. Last week, 'Seven Days' Leave' (RKO) and Lionel Hampton orch on stage (2d wk), $21,500. Orpbeum (Blumenfeld) (2,440; 50- 65)—Sister Eileen' (Col) (4th wk) and Smith Minnesota' (Col). Still payinc ofT to tune of $12,500 over long slrolcli. Last week, socko $14,700. Paramoant (F-WC) (2,470; 60-65) —•Major and Minor' (Par) and 'Tombstone' (Par) (2d wk). Hold- ing up (o terriflc $20,000. ^ast week, great $27,000. St. Francis (F-WC) (1.475; 50-65) —'Black Swan' (20th) and 'Manila Calling' (20th) (moveover). Reach- ing for record $11,200. Last week, 'Desperate Journey' (WB) and 'Moonlight Masquerade' (Rep) (2d wk of moveover), $8,400. United ArllsU (UA-Blumenf eld) (1,100; 35-40-55)—'Never Lovelier' (Col) and 'Devil With Hitler' (RKO). Booming $14,000. Last week, 'Moon and Sixpence' (UA) and 'Counter Espionage' (Col) (5th wk), stout $7,100. Warfleld (F-WC) (2,650: 50-65)— 'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Night New Orleans' (Par). Strictly wildfire at $26,000. Last week, 'Glass Key' (Par) end 'Aidrich. Editor' (Par) (2d wk), okc $10,100 for five days. fiob Hope Leads Mpk.^ Record $20,000; Tride' Great 15G, Tigers'5G Minneapolis, Dec. 1. With two ace boxof&ce performers doing their stuff, this week prom- ises to hit a new high for straight fllmcrs downtown, 'Road to Morocco' and' 'Pride of the Yankees,' getting $35,000 between them. 'Morocco' is getting a terriflc $20,000 at the State for a new record in city for straight aimers. 'Flying Tigers,* at the Gopher, also is coming through tremendously. After a several weeks' lapse, stage shows return to the Orpheum Friday (4), with Russ Morgan topping the bill. i-** -fisU matea tor Thia Week AJlTr (ral5|irf m-. lJ-i»)^ 'Apache Trail' (M-G) and 'WUdcat' (Par). Fine $2,500 in Ave days. Fal- con's Brother' (RKO) and 'Meet Stewarts' (Col) opened today (Tues- day). Last week, 'Careful, Soft Shoulders' (20th) and 'Secret Ene- ijiie.t' (WB), good $2,000 in flve days. Century (P-S) (1.600; 20-40-50)— 'Panama Hattie' (Par) (2d wk). Moved here from State,'good $5,500. Last week. 'Iceland' (20th) (2d wk), lairly good $5,200 after big $11,000 first week. Gopher (P-S) (1,000; 28-30)—Fly- ing Tigers' (Rep). Given big cam- paign and attracting plenty. Trim $5,000. Last week, 'Invisible Agent' (U), fairly good $3,600. Orphenm (P-S) (2.800; 40-55)— 'Pride Yankees' (RKO). Critics and public going overboard for this one. Nickel tilt in night admission and elimination of 30c tariff before 1 p.m. apparently not keeping anybody away. Great $15,000 in eight days. Last week, 'Desperate Journey' (WB). big $10,000 in six days, moving over to World to permit 'Pride of Yankees' to open Thanksgiving Day. State (P-S) (2,200; 30-40-50)—'Road to Morocco' (Par). Opened with midnight show Thanksgiving. Bob Hope rated top boxofflce bet in this town, and plenty of raves for this picture. Heading for tremendous S20.000. new record In city for straight nlmers. Last week, 'Panama Hattie' (M-G), fairly good $9,000. Uptown (Par) (1,100; 30-40)— Bambi' (RKO). First neighborhood showing. Nice $3,800. Last week. Tales of Manhattan' (20th), good World (Par-Steffes) (350; 30-40-50- 55 > —'Desperate Journey' (WB) (2d X' ^^^^ after pros{>erous six days l\ Orpheum and rolling along at trim $3,200 clip. "Last week, 'Orchestra Wives' (20th) (2d •wk), good $2,500, after first week atOmheum. Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $2,540,500 (Biwed pn 26 cities, 175 thea- tres, chie/ly first rum, (ticltidiiio N. y.) Total Gross Sam« Week Last Year $1,933,400 (Based on 26 cities, 179 theatres) HEDY TORRID I51/2G, PHILLY Philadelphia, Dec 1 A rainy week-end plus a blackout Saturday night is putting a slight dent in this week's grosses at down- town deluxers, but not enough to worry about. 'Gentleman Jim' opening Thanksgiving Day is enjoy- mg a lucrative stay for its initial week. Also doing heavy biz are White Cargo' and 'Flying Fortress.' Estimates tor This Week Aldine (1.303; 35-46-57-68-75)— 'White Cargo' (M-G). Hedy is luring them in for torrid $15,500 at this comparative small-seater. Last week, 'Wake Island' (Par) finished strong fourth week at $8,500. Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 35-46-57- 68)—'Pardon Sarong' (U) (3d run). Not the type of picture for this class house: pallid $3,000. Last weSk, 'Somewhere Find You' (M-G), okay $3,700 for second week of second run. Boyd (WB) (2,569; 35-46-57-68-75) —'Major and Minor'- (Par) (3d wk). Enjoying healthy $15,000. Last week, got good $16,500. Earlo (WB) (2,768; 35-46-57-68-75) -'Priorities on Parade' (Par) with Johnny Long orch, Henny Youngman and Tip. Tap & Toe. Nice $M,000. Last week, 'Omaha Trail' (M-G) teamed with Duke Ellington orch, fine $24,000. Fox (WB) (2.425; 35-46-57-68-75)— 'Gentleman Jim' (WB). Flynn's fans loyal with neat $22,000 for ini- tialer plus $2,500 for added Earle showing on Sunday. Last week, 'Iceland' (20th), skated out with stout $10,500 for six days of holdover sesh. Karlt«n (WB) (1.066; 39-46-57-68) -'Iceland* (20th) (2d run). Con- tinuing nice pace with $7,000 for this try. Last week, 'Desperate Journey' (WB), second week of second run at fair $4,200 for flve days. Keith's (WB) (2,220; 39-46-67-68- 75.)-*Wake Island' (Par) (2d run). Fine $5,200 after long run at Aldine. Last week, 'Yank Eton' (M-G), thin $3,500 for second run showing. Mastbaum (WB) (4.692; 46-57-75) —'Now, Voyager' (WB) (4th wk). Finishing up with satisfactory $9,000 for five days of fourth week. Third week, good $19,000. Stanley (WB) (2,916; 35-46-57-68- 75)—'Springtime Rockies' (20th) (2d wk). Plenty tuneful at $19,500 after terriflc $25,500 last week. Stanton (WB) (1,457; 35-46-57-68) —'Flying Fortress' (WB). Zoominsi along to bullish $10,000. La.tt week. •Glass Key' (Par) (3d wk 1, great $7,000. loveyer' Nice $13,000 In Cmcy; 'Wash/ Ditto Cincinnati. Dec. 1. Current boxoflice figures for ma- jor houses is several notches higher than last week. 'You Were Never Lovelier' at the Albee and 'George Washington Slept Here' ia the Pal- ace, are dead-heating, for front money. Lyric is having a cage feast on double-horror 'Mummy's Tomb" and 'Night Monster." Grand has a winner in 'Sin Town.' Keith's is be- low par on 'You Can't Escape For- ever.' EsUmaUs for This Week Albee (RKO) (3.300; 33-40-50)— 'Never Lovelier' (Col). All right $13,000. Last week, 'Me My Gal' (M-G), torrid $20,000. for season's high mark for Cincy. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 33-40-50) — 'Me My Gal' (M-G). Moveover from Albee for second session. Dandy $6,000. Last week, 'Married a Witch' (UA) (2d run), so-so $4,000. Family (RKO) (1,000: 20-30)— 'Brooklyn Bridge' (Mono) and 'Hi, Neighbor' (Rep), split with 'Hidden Hand' (WB) and 'West Law' (Mono). Normal $2,300. Last week, 'Just Off Broadway' (20th) and 'Spitfire's Ele- phant' (RKO), divided with 'Yank in Libya' (PRC) and 'X Marks Spot' (Rep), good $2,400. Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50)— 'Sin Town' (U). Okay $5,000. Last week. 'Eyes in Night' (M-G), dull $4,000. Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 33-40-50) —'Can't Escape Forever' (WB). Sad $3,000. Last week, 'Flying Tigers' (Rep) (2d wk). about same. Lyric (RKO) (1.400; 28-33-42)— 'Mummy's Tomb' (U) and 'Night Monster' (U), fright dualer. Smash $6,500, and lofty figure for this house. Last week, 'Invisible Agent' (U), fair $3,500. Palace (RKO) (2,600: 33-40-50)— 'Washington Slept Here' (WB). Pleasing $13,000. Last week, 'Thun- der Birds' (20th), so-so $9,000. Shnbert (RKO) (2,100; 33-40-50)— 'Springtime in Rockies' (20th). Brought back after fortnight's shelv- ing for fourth week on main line. Sweet $4,500. Last week. 'Navy Comes Through' (RKO) (2d run), thin $2,500. lorocco' Smashes Records at Two L A. Houses With Huge $55,500; 'Gal' Fine $35,800, 'Wash.' 3 Spots Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $461,000 (Bused on 13 theatres) Total Gross Same Week Last Year $350,000 (Based on 13 theatres) "MOROCCO'HOT 18G, K. C. ACE Kansas City. Dec. 1. With classy new product all around thi.<; week, the deluxers are booming. Newman with 'Road to Morocco,' is far in the lead with smash total. 'Me and My Gal' at the Midland also is strong. Esquire. Uptown and Fair- way, day-and-dalcrs, are climbing with 'Springtime in Rockies.' Estimates for This Week Esqnire, Uptown and Fairway (Fox-Midwest) (820, 2,043 and 700; 11-35-50)—'Springtime in Rockies' (20th). Strong $10,000. Last Week, 'Girl Trouble' (20th), nice $8,000. Midland (Loew's) (3,500; 11-35-50) 'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Blondie Victory' (Col). Husky $15,000. Last week, 'Married Witch' (UA) and 'Af- fairs of Martha' (M-G), surprise $12,000. Newman (Paramount) (1.900: 11- 35-50)—'Road to Morocco' (Par). Socko $18,t)00, beating other big grossers and paving way for extend- ed h.o. Last week, 'Major and Minor' (Par) (4th wk.); steady $8,000. Orpheom (RKO) (1,600; 11-35-50) —'Seven Days' Leave' (RKO) and 'Smith Minnesota' (Col). Pleasant $8,500. Last week, 'Navy Comes Through' (RKO) and 'One Thrilling- Night' (Mono) (2d wk.), satisfactory $6,500. Tower (Fox-Joffee) (2,110; 11-35)— 'Or. Renault's Secret' (20th) and 'Un- dying Monster' (U) with vaude. Snappy $8,000. Last week, 'Old Homestead' (Rep) and 'Hi, Neigh- bor' (Rep), plus vaude, nifty $8,500. NATIONA L BOXOFFIC E SURVEY Strong Thanksgiving Upswing Boosts Big Grossers To New ai.Sptitii—i]\toiaa<a iv GaV Outstandini Despite bad weather in many keys. Thanksgiving day week is living up to expectations generally with trade booming at most theatres. Exhibitors shuffled their schedules in some instances to open fresh product on Turkey Day, bringing in strong films that hud been held back lor the holiday stanza. New fare includes 'While Cargo' (M-G), 'Casablanca' (WB) and 'Avengers' (Par), with only the last-named failing to measure up. 'Cargo,' a nice $31,000 in New York for holdover, is torrid $15,500 in Philadelphia and robust $19,000 in Chicago. 'Casablanca' is registering a stout $37,000 in its N. Y. preem but 'Avengers' is only a fair $22,000 on its New York opening. 'Road to Morocco' (Par) is the sock attraction of the week. Bob Hope's latest is breaking old records at two Los Angeles spots at a huge $55,500. rated ter- riflc in its third .session in the N. Y. Paramount, aided by band and stage show, and at $20,000 Ls a Minneapolis wow. Film is getting a giant $30,000 and holdover in Boston. It is pacing the straight filmers in Minneapolis, terrif $15,000; in K. C. at huge $18,000; in Louisville, soekeroo $15,000: in Buffalo, smash $21,000 and in Omaha, great $12,500, for biggest week house has had in months. 'Morocco' also is giant $15,000 in Providence and wham on Detroit moveover. •Gentleman Jim' (WB) el.'^o is setting a hot pace, with wham $23,500 in WashinKlon aided by vaudeville: trim $20,000. Frisco: solid $16,000. Baltimore, $22 000 Philadelphia, and smash $54,000 in N. band-policy Strand. 'George Washington Slc;)t (WB) varies on results, nice $43,500 in three spots contrasting with so-so $11,000 in Jersey It is bullish $16,000 in Cleveland, but below tancy in Newark and pleasing in Cincy with •Me and My Gal' (M-G) is the big coin-gctler next to 'Morocco.' where It is in opposition to latter, cal is grabbing strong $35,800 in two L. A. fine $44 000 in two Boston spots, nice $19,000 for fifth N Y session great $18,500 second Washington week and torrid S2(i.000 in Frisco. It is husky $15,000, K. C: terrif $20,000. Cleveland; snappy $19,000, rousing $16,000. Baltimore: strnne in wow Y. at Here' L. A. City, expee- $13,000. r next Musi- houses, Providence; TnHinnpnolic smash $24,000 to lead St. Louis, solid in Lou^ville, great $15,500 in Denver and hot $18,000 in Buffalo, •Who Done Is?' (U) and 'Black Swan' (20th) both are living up to previous strength. Abbott-Costello comedy Is big on second Wash, session, sock $25,000 in Boston, nice $16,500 in St. Louis, trim in Pittsburgh, smash in Indianapolis and great $19,000 that equals old house mark in Buffalo. 'Swan' is doing a record $16,000 in Pitt and giant $25,000 in two Denver houses to lead the city. 'You Were Never Lovelier' (Col) is giant $10,000 in Seattle, strong in Balto, okay in Cincy and big $14,000 in Frisco. 'Now. Voyager" (WB) is doing better currently with first-rate $25,000 In Brook- lyn, is top film grosser in Pitt at $19,000, excellent third Chi sesh and big Philly fourth week. 'Once Upon a honeymoon' (RKO) also is shaping up nicely despite admittedly heavy opposition. It is a clickeroo $14,000 in Buffalo, good in Omaha and doing a big $95,000 for its third session in the vast N. Y. Music Hall. 'One of Our Aircraft Is Mi.sslng* (UA) still is nice in extended runs in N. Y. and L. A. Thunder Birds' (20th), while torrid $23,500 in Wash, backed by vaude, is mediocre in Jersey City and only good in St. Louis. It looks a great $15,500 in Omaha with stage show. 'Flying Fortress' (WB) rales trim in Boston, Wash- ington, St. Louis and Philly but just fair on Montreal holdover. 'Navy Comes Through' (RKO) is corking S23.000 in Cleveland with band and nifty in Provi- dence. Detroit and second L. A. sesh. 'Moon and Six- pence' lUA) is solid in Newark and Jersey City, top- ping latter city, and stout $24,000 in Brooklyn. From the keys: 'Forest Rangers' (Par) pacing Mon- treal, bang-up $18,500 in Newark and sock $16,000 in Denver. 'Falcon's Brother' (RKOi, great $30,000 in Bo.-lon with stage unit. 'Sin Town' (U), nice $23,000 in Frisco with a band. 'I Married a Witch' (UA) Is lead- ing Detroit with giant $36,000 backed by band. 'Ice- land' (20lh) pacing Newark with terrif $24,000. 'Nightmare' (U) fine $17,000 in St. Louis with unit. 'Springtime in Rockies' (20lh) is strong $24,500 in two Seattle spots, stout $56,000 for its third N. Y. stanza and «tMrrtv In Prf-" Los Angele.s. Dec. 1. Running up the staggering gross of $55,500. day-and-dnting at the Down- town Paramount and Hollywood Par, 'Road to Morocco' is shattering all previous highs at both houses on the straight picture policy. The Para- mount, in downtown L. A., is zoom- ing to a sina.'ih $34,000 which tops any previous film attraction by better than $5,000 while the Paramount Hollywood gross of $21,500 is easily the highest coin-getter for that house. The Hope-Crosby-Lamour opus looks like a cinch to pack them in for an- other three or four weeks. 'Me and My Gal' is great $35,800 at State and the Chinese. The town's other big grosser. •Washington Slept Here.' is credited with a robust $43,500 in the three Warner theatres, the Downtown, Hollywood and Wiltern. While the Thanksgiving holiday didn't help trade as expected, the weekend brought long lines at all first-runs. Staggered working hours for down- town folks became effective last Fri- day (27) but hard to tell what effect it will have. Duncan Sisters did not help much at Orpheum which is struggling along to a sad $13,000. Ftfct that 'Flying Tigers,' the picture there, has been playing around for several weeks also hurt. Estimates for This Week Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1.516; 33- 44-55-65-75) — 'Bambi' (RKO) (5th wk) and 'Mrs. Hadley' (M-G) (1st wk). Holiday helped holdover to $3,400. Last week. 'Bambi' (RKO) (4th wk) and 'Other Woman' (20th), ditto. Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2.034; 33- 44-55-65-75)—'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Omaha Trail' (M-G). Nice $15,000. Last week. 'Tish' (M-G) and 'Mrs. Hadley' (M-G), femme duo a dud at $8,300. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 33-44-54- 65-75-85)—'Washington Slept Here* (WB). Now day-dating with two others, Wiltern theatre now being first-run. Good $14,000. Last week, 'Gentleman Jim' (WB) (3d wk) still profit at $8,800 in six days. Four Star (UA-WC) (900; 33-44- 55-65-75)—'Bambi' (RKO) (Sth wk) and 'Mrs. Hadley' (M-G) (1st wk). With moveover new addition, should garner fair $3,200. Last week, 'Bambi' (RKO) (4th wk) and 'Other Woman' (20th) (1st wk), tipped $3,400. Hawaii (G&S) (1,100; 33-44-55-63- 75-85)—'Aircraft Missing' (UA) (2d wk). Fine $5,000 after corking $6,100 last week. nollywood (WB) (2,756; 33-44-59- 65-75-85)—'Washington Slept Here* (WB). Good $15,000. Last week. 'Gentleman Jim' (WB) (3d wk), $7,100 in six days. Orpheom (D'town) (2,200; 33-44- 55-65)—'Flying Tigers' (Rep) (2d run), with Duncan Sisters and Jan Rubini on stage. Measuring off sad $13,000, picture having been around too long. Last week. 'Half Way to Shanghai' (U) (1st run), with Earl Carroll's Vani'-es on stage, sock Pantarcs U ) (2,812; 3u-t4-S9- 86-75-85) - 'N- , Comes Through* (RKO) and 'Big Street' (RKO) (2d wk). Tapered off to $9,500 on hold- over, following zingy $14,300 on bow-in. Paramount (F&M) (3,389; 33-44-53- 65-75-85)—'Road to Morocco' (Par) and 'Street of Chance" (Par). All- time high on straight film policy as- sured with smash $34,000 tilled. Last week, 'Forest Rangers' (Par) and 'Mrs'. Wiggs' (Pan (3d wk). slumped to $0,500 in flve day.s. Paramount Hollywood (F&M) (2,- 204 : 33-44-55-65-75-85)—'Road to Mo- rocco" (Par). House record at tor- rid $21,500. Last week, 'Forest Rang- ers' (Par) (3d wk). mild $5,700 in five days. RKO Uillstreet (RKO) (2.873: 33- 44-55-65) —'Navy Comes Thro'jgh" (RKO) and 'Big Street' (RKO) (2d wkV Fair enough $11,600 after smooth $17,500 opening week. State (Loew-WC) (2.204; 33-44-59- 65-75)—'Me and My Gal' (M-G) and 'Omaha Trail' (M-G). Picked up fine $20,800. Last week, Tish' (M-G) and 'Mrs. Hadley' (M-G), six days, lightweight $11,700. UA (UA-WC) (2.100: 33-44-55-65) —'Black Swan' (20th) and 'Tish' (M-G). Holiday hvpoed moveovers to S8.500. Last week, 'Girl Trouble' (201111 and 'Here Go Again' (RKO), smacko $9,400. WiUhtre (F-WC) (2.296 ; 33-44-55- 65)—Black Swan' (20th) (2d wk> and 'Tish' (1st wk) on moveover. Nice $6,000. Last week, 'Swan' (20th) (1st wki and 'Man in Trunk' (20th). hot $8,500. Wiltern (WBi (2.756; 33-44-55-63- 75-85) — 'Washington Slept Here' (WB). Class nabe added to Wameraf day-dating first-rim duo and holding to the pace at *14.noo T v"y>lc