Variety (Dec 1942)

Wednesdajt December 16, 1942 PICTURE GROSSES Hockies-Jurgens Hefty M, Leader in Offish Chi; 'Nkihtmare Oke 13G, 'Agent-Vanities Fme 19G Chicago, Dec. IS. Old Man Weather, gasoline restric- tions and increased Christmas shop- ping are walloping receipts all over the loop. Weekend husiness, lornier- ly terrific, has tapered off in the past two weeks. Dick Jurgens band, a favorite here, at the Chicago, is keeping 'Springtime In Rockies' up In the money with $40,000. big for this time of year. Earl Carroll's "Vanities of 1943' will help the Oriental do $19,000 with 'Underground Agent' sharing the bill. Estimates for This Week Apollo (B&K) (1.200: 35-55-65-75) —'Tlsh' (M-G) and 'Cairo' (M-G). Fair $4,000. Last week, Thunder Birds' (20th) and 'Girl Trouble' (20th) (2d wk). ditto. ChlosfO (B&K) (4.000; 35-55-73)— 'Springtime in Rockies' (20th) and Dkk Jurgens band. Big $40,000. Last week, 'Major and Minor' (Par) and Lawrence Welk's orchestra (2d wk), great- $39,000. Oarriek (BtK) (900; 35-55-66-75) ♦OUR UNSUNG HEROES— The War Correspondents' by Quentin Reynolds (Fnnird rolllrrs B*part«) Will be an added feature in 'Shouj Business at War' theme of the 37lh Annivenary Number of and is followed by Majestic's 'Gentleman Jim." Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,300: 30-40-50)— 'Seven Days Leave' (RKO) and 'Fal con's Brother' (RKO). Looking snappy with $10,000. Last week. ^SfflraraS^Os^TsfE^^ and-Seatie^r&ocI Survives-Mttr' - rTcTTEdflEPlPar). AJna $5,500 Last, jgr'.(RKO) list wk) nifty $7,000. week, 'Forest Rangers' (Par) and | ^ _ .Z..\n 'Counter Espionage' (Col), sad $3 000 brlcDtal (Iroquois) (3,200: 28-33- 44-55)—'Underground Agent* (Col) and Earl Carroll's 'Vanities of 1943' unit on stage. Headed for trim $19.- OOO or near. Last week, 'Boss Big Town* (PRC) and Dick Stabile's orch, good $18,100. Palace (RKO) (2,54X1; 33-44-68-75) —'Nightmare' (U) and 'K Comes Uo Love' (U). Okay $13,000. Last week. 'Here We Go* (RKO) and 'Falcon's Brother* (RKO), fair $11,500. Roosevelt (B&K) (1.500; 35-5S-63- 75)—'Gentleman Jim* (WB) (2d wk). Fine $16,000. Last week, excellent $18,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2.700: 35-55- Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1.400; 30-40 50)—'Washington Slept Here' (WB) and 'Hidden Hand' (WB) (2d run). Hurt by storm but still good at $3,500. Last week. 'Springtime Rock- ies' (20th) (2d run)', ditto. Fay's (Indie) (2.000; 29-39-50)— 'Half Way to Shanghai' (U) and vaude. Nice $7,000. Last week "Yank in Libya' (PRC) and Marcus unit on stage. Big $8,000. Majestic (Fay) (2.000: 30-40-50)— 'Gentleman Jim' (WB). In the groove for nifty $16,000. Last week, •Washington Slept Here' (WB) and 'Hidden Hand' (WB). same. MetropoUUn (Indie) (3.200; 30-55) —'So's Your Aunt Emma' (Mono) and Charlie Barnet orch on stage. 65-75)—'Now, Voyager' (WB) (5th: only fair $6,000, in three days. Last wk). Nice $14,000. Last week, gooo — . .. $17,300. United Artists (B&K) (1.700; 35- 45-65-76)—'White Cargo' (M-G) (3d wk). Good $13,000. Last week good $15,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,200; 33-44-55- 75)—•Can*t Escape Forever'- (WB)i end 'Secret Enemies* (WB). Oke I $7,000. Last week, 'Sin Town' (U) I and 'Eyes of Underworld' (U). stout $7,200. That Woman'-Aim Corio Rugged $11,000 in K.C: mite Cargo' fk 13€ Kansas City, Dec. 15. Mileage rationing has not yet dented biz here but the big snow did. Midland, with 'While Cargo.' is lead- ing the field. Tower, with 'That Other Woman* and both Ann Corio and Cecelia Parker in per.-ion. cinches the second spot. Estimates for This Week Esquire, Uptown and Fairway (Fox-Midwest) (820. 2.043 and 700: 11-35-50)—"Thunder Birds' (20th). Lusty $9,500. Last week. 'Spring- time Rockies' (20th) (2d wk). pleas- ant $8,000. Midland (Loew's) (3.500: 11-35-50) —'White Chrgo* ^KPGT aha '"Coiirifei^" Espionage' (Col). Bis $13,000. Last week, 'Me My Gar (M-G) and 'Blondie Victory' (Col) (2d vk) snappy $10,000. Newman (Paramount) (1.900: 11- 3S-50)—'Road to Morocco* (Par) (3d wk). Strong $8,500 to follow hefty $12,000 second round. Orphenm (RKO) (1,600; ll-35-,')0) —'Washington Slept Here' (WB) and 'Spy Ship' (WB). Fine $10,000. Last week, 'Seven Days Leave' - (RKO) and 'Smith Minnesota' (Col) (2d wk), nice $7,000. Tower (Fox-Joffee) (2,110: 11-35- 80)—-Thmt Other Woman' (20th) with Ann Corio and Cecelia Parker on ■tag*. Excellent $11,000. Last week. 'Moonlight Havana' (U) and "Youth Parade* (Rep) with vaude, satisfac- tory f7,B00. Storm Socks Pro?. Biz Bit fledy Hefty $17,000 Providence. Dec. 15. What started out as a nifty week- end was knocked Into a cocked hat with season's biggest snowfall, and grosses suffered all around. Loew's State's 'White Cargo" looms biggest week. 'Man's World" (Col) plus 'Bombshells' unit. Frank Sinatra on stage, good $7,500 for same run. Playhouse (Indie) (2.200; 30-40-50) —'Road to Morocco' (Par) and 'Spirit Stanford' (Col) (third down town wk). Sky-high $12,000. Last week. 'Glass Key' (Par) and 'Powder Town' (RKO) (2d run), good $5,000. Stale (Loew) (3,200; 30-40-50)— ■White Cargo' (M-G) and 'Boogie Man Get You' (Col). Hefty $17,000. Last week. 'Me My Gal* (M-G) (2d wk). good $12,000. Strand (Indie) (2.000: 30-40-50)— 'Mrs. Wiggs' (Par) and 'Agents Meet Queen' (Col). Fair $5,000. Last week, 'Road to Morocco' iPar) and 'Spirit Stanford' (Col) (2d wk). knockout SIO.OOO. BEHE DAVIS 15G, BUFFALO Buffalo, Dec. 16. 'Now, Voyager* is the best coin- getter currently, at the Great Lakes, although 'White Cargo* ii getting about the same money at the larger Buffalo. Hipp, playing 'Road to .M-orocco*. iot. th* lhiul.Xra.me dcwiv.- tou n. is still showing much stamina. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55)— •White Cargo' (M-G) and 'That Other Woman* (20th). Stout $15,- 000. Last week, 'Road to Morocco' (Par) and 'Live On Danger* (Par) (2d wk), great takings at $14,000 for holdover. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000: 35-55) —'Now, Voyager* (WB) and 'Hidden Hand' (WB). Bright $15,000. Last week. 'Me My Gal' (M-G) and ■Apache Trail' (M-G) (2d wk), strong $14,000 or near. Hipp (Shea) (2.100; 35-55)—'Road to Morocco' (Par) and 'Live On Danger' (Par) (third downtown week). Still great In Buffalo at nearly $9,000. tiast week, 'Married a Witch' (UA) and 'Wildcat' (Par), fine at neai-ly $9,500. Lafayette iHayman) (3.300: 35-50) —'Counter Espionage' (Col) and 'Daring Young Man' (Col). Sad $6,500. Last week. 'Who Done It?' (U) and 'Great Impersonation' (U) (2cl wk). strong $9,000 on holdover. 20th Century (Ind.) (3.000; 35-55) —'Can't Escape Forever' (WB) and 'Flyin? Fortres.-!" (WB). Oke at uround S8.500. Last week. 'Once Upon Honeymoon' (RKO) and 'Men of Skv' (RKO) (2d wk), brisk $8,000. First Rons on Broadway CSubject to Oiange; Week af Dec. 17 Astor—'For Me and My Gal' (M-G) (9th week). (Revieuied in 'Variety' Sept. 9) Capitol—'Journey for Margaret' (M-G). (Revieuied in 'Variety' Oct. 28) Criterion—'Who Done It?' (U) (3d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Nov. 4) Olobe—'We Are the Marines' (20th) (2d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety* Dec. 9) Hollywood—'Casablanca' (WB) (4th week). (Reviewed in "Variety* Dec. 2) Mnsic Hall—'Random Harvest' (M-G). (Revieuied in 'Variety' Nov. 2S) Paramount—'Road to Morocco' (Par) (6th week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 7i Blslto—'Cat People' (RKO i (3d week). (Reviewed* in 'Variety' Nov. 181 Uvoll—'Palm Beach Story* (Par) (2d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Nov. 4i Roxy—'Life Begins at 8:30° (20th) (2d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Dec. 9) Strand—'Flying Fortress' (WB) (18). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Juty 13i Week of Dec. 24 Astor—'For Me and My Gal' (M-G) (10th week). Capitol—'In Which We Serve' .<nfipMWii^'iiiwi a t iti ■■ n n - ''■'*'"(fteWeuieif"in''''V'iirlety' Oct. 7) Globe—'Jacare* (U) (26). Hollywood—'Casablanca' (WB) (5th week). Music Hall—'Random Harvest' (M-G) (2d week). Paramount—'Road to Morocco* (Par) (7th week). Roxy—'The Black Swan* (20th) (23); (Revieuied In 'Variety' Oct. 21) Strand—'Yankee Doodle Dan- dy' (WB) (25). (Revieuied in 'Variety' June 3) 'Iceland' Warm $8,500 Despite Monti's Cold Montreal. Dec. 13. Pre-Xmas shopping is making a dent here. Ice Show Saturday and Sunday also held down business. Estimates for This Week Palace (CT) (2.700: 30-45-62)— 'Iceland' (20th). Good $8,500. Last week, 'Forest • Rangers' (Par) (2d wk), fair $5,500. Capitol (CT) (2.700; 30-45-62)— '7 Day Leave' (RKO) and 'Falcon Takes Over' (RKO). Aiming for good $8,000. Last week. 'Here Go Again' (RKO) and 'Highway By Night" (RKO). $7,800. Loew's (CT) (2.800: 35-53-67)— 'Pied Piper' (20th) (2d wk). Point- ing good $6,000 after socko $10,000 last week. Princess (CT) (2.300: 30-40-52) — 'Street Chance' (Par) and 'Aldrich. Editor' (Par). Nice S4.500. Last week, 'Jacare' (UA) arn 'Hay Foot' (UA), fine $5,000. Orpheum (Ind) (1.100: 30-40-60) — 'Silver Queen' (UA) (2d wk). Good enough $2,500 after fine $3,800 last week. St. Denis (France-Film) (2.500: 30-40)—'Marius' and 'Fanny.' Sad $3,500 curently but will be held over. Last week, 'Mark Richard. Espion' and 'Enfant de Troupe,' fair $4,000. Cold Newspaper Strike Dent B'way But lovelier 2d, 82G, life Begins 486; Talm Beach Story 20G, Lean Sudden cold snap in New York Sunday (13), with a snowstorm leav- ing icy streets in its wake, held down the take that day In Broadway thea- tres. Business Monday (14) was also 'way off, due, in part, to continued cold, but more importantly, in the opinion of managers, to the delivery man's strike that took all daily news- papers off the stands excepting PM. 'Theatres immediately bought what- ever stray time was available on the air to plug shows, while the Par, reg- ularly on the radio for come time, quiclcly planted ads in Brooklyn, Harlem and other nearljy New York s|ieets. While PM lists current at- tractions, the paper does not accept advertising. Holdovers are in the majority, this plus the fact new entries of the week are not' socko, having the effect of keeping the total down ^rply. Ad- ditionally, Christmas shopping is tak- ing its customary toll. Of the new Alms, 'Life Begins at 8:30' is the best, but that's not saying a lot. Playing the Roxy, it finished its first seven days last night (Tues- day) at $48,000, rather sturdy,^ and goes another Week. Riv»li.-«tarte*-Tjnt'^wiff6kiy and will end that way at under $20,000 on the first stanza. Holds, however. In still poorer shape is 'Seven Days Leave,' which will be only about $13,000 at the Capitol and thus gets only one week, with 'Journey for Margaret' replacing tomorrow (Thursday). Strongest among holdies are 'Road to Morocco,' today (Wednesday) be- ginning its sixth Paramount round, and 'Yoxi Were Never Lovelier,' which winds up its second tonight (Wednesday) at the Music Hall and will not go further. 'Morocco.' with the Woody Her- man band on the stage, topped $46,- 000 on the fifth week concluded last night (Tuesday), very good, while 'Lovelier' looks like suitable $82,000 on the blowoff stanza. Hall brings in 'Random Harvest' tomorrow morning (Thursday). 'Gentleman Jim,' now in its third week at the Strand, with Glen Gray nn the rostrum, goes an additional day and on the eight will get $35,000 or close, okay. 'Flying Fortress' will be a one-weeker starting Friday (18). At the run Hollywood, 'Casablanca' is holding up satisfactorily, appearing about $22,000 this stanza, its third. It remains through the holidays. The second-run State is proceed- ing at a mild pace with 'Flying Tigers' and a vaude bill headed by Cross and Dunn. Indications point to no more than about $19,000. Globe is doing well with 'We Arc the Marines' at $11,000 and will hold it over, bringing in 'Jacare' on Sat- urday (26). backed by a big cam- paign. This will be the first date for the Jules Levey production in this country. However, it ha.s ol- rcady opened in two Canadian keys, Vancouver and Montreal. Estimates for This Week Astor (Loew's) (1,140; 55-65-$1.10) —■Me and My Gal' (M-G) (9th wk). On the eight stanza, up last night (Tuesday), slipped to $12,000 but will probably stick through Christ- mas. Prior (7th) round was $15,000, fair. Capitol (Loew's) (4,620; 35-55-85- $1.10-$1.25) —'Seven Days Leave' (RKO). No dice, only about $13,000 and out after one week. In ahead, 'White Cargo' (M-G) on its second lap, $16,000, lean. 'Journey for Mar- garet* (M-C) comes in for one week tomorrow (Thursday), with 'In Which We Serve' (UA) as the Christmas attraction to follow. Criterion (Loew's) (1.062; 35-44- 55-75)—'Who Done It?' (U) (3d wk). Feeling the slump, the second semester through last night (Tues- day) having dropped to $15,000, but still good; first week's take soared to a sock $27,000. Globe (Brandt) (1,250; 35-55-75- 85)—'We Are the Marines' (20th). Doing nicely at a probable $11,000 and holds. Last week, sixth for 'Our Aircraft Missing' (UA) was $7,100, oke. 'Jacare' (UA) is set for Saturday (26). Hollywood (WB) (1,225; 65-75- $1.10-$1.25)—'Casablanca' (WB) (3d wk). Continues at a good gait, this week (3d) being in sight of $22,000. Last week (2d) was $28,500, excel- lent. Holds over the holidays. Palace (RKO) (1,700; 28-33-44-55- 'Jibu Can't Escape For- both 2d run, dualed. Hdiday Boyii^ Plus New Crowding RdesBoirM But 7oyager'$23,000 Boston, Dec. 15. Pre-holiday slump has arrived in the Hub, along with the strict en- forcement of the ban on standing room or lobby holdouts. This, com- bined with the dimout and the gen- eral reaction to the Grove disaster, has held down the business at all downtown houses. 'Now, Voyager' is taking top money at the Met. 'Cairo' and 'Tish,' at the two Loew spots, got whipped by the critics, and is only barely okay. Eitimates far This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200: 44-55-65-75- 85)—'Sin Town' (U) plus Bob Crosby orch, others, on stage. A popular bill carrying this spot to $26,000, good but not strong. Last week, 'Thunder Birds* (20th). with Hal Maclnlyre orch, thin $23,800. Fenway (M-P) (1,373; 30-40-60)— Road Morocco* (Par) and 'Aldrich. Editor' (Par). Continued from Met run, sound $5,700. Last week. 'Mr>. Wiggs' (Par) and 'Apache Trail' (M- G), $4,500. MemorUI (RKO) (2.900: 44-35-63- 75)—'Who Done If." (U) i3d wk" and 'Scattergood Survive.<; Murder' (RKO). New second feature on bill not much help, mild $11,000 in six days. Last week,, with 'Get Hep to Love' (U), nice $17,000. Metropolitan (M-P) (4,367; 30-44- 55-65-75)—'Now, Voyager' (WB) and 'Secret Enemies' (UA). Bette Davis is strong here, pulling good $23,000. Last week, 'RoAd Morocco' (Par) and 'Aldrich, Editor* (Par), fine $22,500. Orpheum (Loew) (2,000; 44-55-65- 75)—'Cairo* (M-G) and 'Tish' (M-G). Not too hot at $17,500. Last week, 'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Boogie Man Get You' (C:ol) (2d wk), great $19,000. Paramount (M-P) (1300; 33-44-60) —'Road Morocco' (Par) and 'Aldricn, Editor' (Par). Moveover from two weeks at Met, but lusty at $13,500 or more. Last week, 'Mrs. Wiggs' (Par) and 'Apache Trail' (M-(^, dismal $10,000. Slate (M-G) (3,200; 44-65-75)— 'Cairo' (M-G) and 'Tish' (M-G). Modest $14,500. Last week, 'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Boogie Man Get You' (Col) (2d wk), oke $14,000. Translux (Translux) (900; 17-28-44- 55)—'Destination Unknown' (U) and 'Secrets Underground' (Rep). Aver- age $3,000. Last week, 'Daring Young Man" (Col) and Traitor Within' (Rep), $4,600. iia ever' (WB), The going points to tolerable $9,000 for this pair. Last week 'Washing- ton Slept Here' (WB) and 'Wings and Woman' (RKO), both 2d run, $8,500, fairish. Paramount (Par)~ (3,664; 35-55-85- 99-$1.10)—'Road to Morocco' (Par) and, on stage, Woody Herman, Hazel Scott, others (6th wk). Still going strong, the fifth heat, ended last night (Tuesday), having gone to over $46,000; prior (4th) week was $60,000, immense. Whole show re- mains through Christmas weeic, with 'Star Spangled Rhythm' (Par) and Benny (joodman slated to open Wednesday (30). Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (5,945; 44-55-85-99-$1.65)— 'You Were Never Lovelier' (Col) and stageshow (2d-flnal wk). On the holdover will get about $82,000, good, after hitting a strong $92,000 on the first seven days. 'Random Harvest' (M-G). bought a long time ago, opens tomorrow (Thursday;. Bialto (Mayer) (594; 28-44-55)— 'Cat People' (RKO) (2d wk). Profit- able enough at $7,000 this week (2d) to be held a third; the first was $10,- 000, very nice. RIvoU (UA-Par) (2,092; 35-55-75- 85-99)—'Palm Beach Story' (Par). Highly disappointing at less than $20,000, thin, but holds over. The final nine days beyond a first week for 'Avangers' (Par) dipped to only $13,000, poor. Boxy (20th) (5.886; 40-55-65-75-85- 99)—'Life Begins at 8:30' (20th) and stageshow (2d-flnal wk). Tees off on last stanza today (Wednesday); first week pretty good at $48,000. The concluding (4th) week for 'Spring- time in Rockies' (20th) was $35,800, mild but o.k. 'Black Swan' (20th) is due for Xmas week. SUte (Loew's) (3,450; 39-44-55-75- 99-$1.10)—'Flying Tigers' (Rep) (2d run) and vaudeville layout headed by Cross and Dunn. In the minor league with only around $19.000. seen. Last week, 'Nightmare' (U) (1st run) and Dick Rogers band, plus Al Bernie, same. Strand (WB) (2.756: 35-55-75-05- 99-$1.10)—'Gentleman Jim' (WB)and Glen Gray (3d-flnal wk). Goes eight days and on that period will be $35.- 000 or close, satisfactory; last week (2d) struck $40,000, sturdy. 'Flying Fortress' (WB) and Jerry Wald open Friday (18) for one week, with 'Yankee Doodle Dandy* (WB) fol- lowing. CONCERTINA WILL BE GLORIFe BY H'WOOD Hollywood, Dec. 15. It was known in the old days as a come-to-me-go-from-me and now it is going to be glorified by Colum- bia under the title, 'Concertina.' Story, written by John Huston.,and turned over to Waldo Salt and'Fred- erick Kohner for treatment, deals with four generations of concertina players. Graham From WB to Par To Direct 'Good Fellow* Hollywood, Dec. IS. Jo Graham sP:jfted from his home lot at Warners to the Paramount studio to direct the Walter MacEwen production. 'The Good Fellow.' It was a double shift, with Ralph Murphy, originally assigned as pilot of 'Fellow.' reassigned to handle • remake of 'Merton of the Movies.' /