Variety (Dec 1942)

Wednesdsyt December 16, 194f PIGTUBE GROSSES IS PhiDy Biz Takes Dhre bnt'Gal'OK $16^ on 2d; Meagre $13 J) Philadelphia, Deo. IB. The bottom appear/ to have dropped out of theatre biz this sesh, heavy inroads being caused by Xmas spending. . » , , Lightweight product also Is blamed. None oi the new films is dble to buclc the downward trend. Estlnutes for This Week Aldlne (WB) (1,303; 36-46-57-68- 75)_'White Cargo' (M-G) (3d wk). Sloughing off to sour $7,B00, after lair $11,000 for second round. 'Be- tween Us Girls' (U) opens tomor- row (Wed). Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 35-46-67- 68)—'Major and Minor' (Par) (2d run). Very good $4,800. Last week, 'Glass Key' (Par), mediocre $3,000 lor second u i. Boyd (WB) (2,569; 35-46-57-68-75) —•Me My Gal' (M-G) (2d wk). Holding up with okay $16,500 after smashing $21,000 for initlaler plus extra $4,200 diwy for Sunday show at Earle. Earle (WB) (2,768; 35-46-57-68-75) —'Seven Sweethearts' (M-G) plus Jerry Wald's band. PaUld $17,000. Last week, 'Street of Chance' (Par) with Bob Crosby orch, good $21,000. Fox (WB) (2,425; 35-46-57-68-75) —Thunder Birds' (20th). Poor $13,- 600 plus $2,000 for Sunday Earle showing. Last week, 'Gentleman Jill " (WB) fared better in Its sec- snawgW ' ?Fitti-$**a80i---- Karlten (WB) (1,066; 35-46-57-68) ^'Springtime Rockies' (20th) (2d run). Satisfactory $5,000. Last week, swings and Woman' (RKO), sad $2,000 for first run. Keith's (WB) (2^0; 35-46-57-68) —'Now, Voyager' (WB) (2d run) (2d wk). Neat $7,000 following solid $8,000 last week. Maitbaum (WB) (4.692; 46-57-75) —'Washington Slept Here' (WB) (2d wk). N.s.h. $17,800 for this trip. Last week, equally mild at $21,500. SUnley (WB) (2,916; 35-46-57-68- 75)—'Married Witch' (UA). Sad $12,500. Last week, 'Springtime Rockies' (20th), fine $10,000 for third week. 'Never Lovelier* (Col) preems tomorrow (Wed). SUiil«n (WB) (1,457; 35-46-57-68) —'Eyes in Night' (M-G). So-so $6,500. Last week, Tlylng Fortress' (WB), fairish 46,000 for second week. TIND YQU' TOPPER IN OMAHA, WHAM $11,000 Omaha, Dec. 15. Omaha with 'Somewhere I'll Find You' Is doing standout business this week. Bad weather hit the town over the weekend but business is continuing strong. Estimates for This Week Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 11-30-35- 60)—'Somewhere Find You' (M-G) and 'Secret Enemies' (WB). Strong $11,000. Last week, 'Road to Mor- occo" (Par) (2d wk) with new fea- ture 'Sweater Girl' (Par), nice $7,500. Brandels (Mort Singer) (1,500; 11- 80-35-50)—'Never Lovelier' (Col) and 'Daring Young Man' (Col). So- co $6,300. Last week, 'Once Upon Honeymoon' (RKO) (2d wk) with Sew second feature 'Scattergood urvives Murder' (RKO), fair $5,- SOO. Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 11- 80-35-50)—'Yank at Eton* (M-G) and 'Dr. Broadway" (Par). Oke $8,500, considering pictures alone. Last week, 'Between Us Girls' (U) and Earl Carroll 'Vanities' on 'Stage, strong $15,200 at 20-40-55-60-65. Town (Goldberg) (1,400; 11-20-30) —'Pierre Plains' (M-G) and 'King Stallions' (Mono) split with 'Roving Tumbleweeds' (Rep), 'Mr. V (UA) and 'Song of Islands' (20th) plus stage show Saturday and Sunday. Good $1,500. Last week, 'Valley Hunted Men' (Rep), 'Here Go Again" (RKO) and 'Bashful Bache- lor' (RKO) split with 'Outlaws Pine Ridge' (Rep). 'Big Street" (RKO) and "Son of Fury' (20th), a nice $1,200. 'Cargo'-Trafl' Okay 20G Dnal, Brooklyn Brooklyn, Dec. 15. Strongest of the attractions in downtown sector this week is 'White Cargo' paired with 'Apache Trail' at Loews Metropolitan. Several hold- overs, noUbly 'Now, Voyager' and Daring Young Man' at Fabian Para- mount, will emerge with satisfactory results. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3.274; 30-50-65)— Navy Comes Through' (RKO) and Strictly in Groove' (U). Satisfac- tory $17,000. Last week, 'Thunder Birds' (20th) and 'Devil With Hitler" (UA), okay $17,000. ,^Fox (Fabian) (4.023; 30-50-65)— Sister Eileen' (Col) and 'Counter Espionage^ (Col) (2d wk). Strong }ie,000 after first stanza's nifty $28,000. Met (Loew's) (3.618; 30-60-65)— 'White Cargo' (M-G) and 'Apache Trail' (M-G. Nice $20,000. Last week, 'War vs. Mrs. Hadley' (M-G) and 'Eyes of Underworld' (U), dull $15,000. Majestio (Sirltsky) (1,850; 25-50)— 'Living Ghost' (Mono) and 'Sheriff of Sage Valley' (PRC). Tolerable $3,000. Last week, 'Under Brooklyn Bridge' (Mono) and 'Tomorrow We Live'^(PRC), weak $1,500. Paramonnt (Fabian) (4,126; 30-50- 66)—'Now, Voyager' (WB) and 'Dar- ing Young Man' (Col) (3d wk). Profitable $12,000. Last week, healthy $18,000. Strand (WB) (2,950; 30-50-65)— 'Flying Tigers' (Rep) and 'Street of Chance' (Par) (3d wk). Good $5,000. Last week, strong $13,000. Toyager'-'Busses' Fme $19,500,2 Denver Spots; leave'-'Woman,' 13^ Denver, Dec. IB. 'Now,-Voyager,' topping twin bills at Denver and Esauire, is in lead for ers' continues strong in third session at the Denh«m, while 'Seven Days Leave' coupled with 'Wings and the Woman' at the Orpheum is oke but not strong enough to hold. Estimates for This Week AUddlD (Fox) (1.400; 40-50-60)— 'Never Lovelier' (Col), after day- date week at Denver and Esquire. Good $5,000. Last week, 'Black Swan' (20th), also after day-date week at Denver, Esquire, about same-. Broadway (Fox) (1.040; 30-35-40- 50-60)—'Me and My Gal' (M-G) and 'Scattergood Survives a Murder' (RKO), after two Orpheum weeks. Fair $3,500. Last week, 'Pride Yan- kees' (RKO), after two Orpheum weeks, ditto. Denham (Cockrill) (1.750; 30-40-50- 60)—'Forest Rangers' (Par) (3d wk) and 'Street of Chance" (Par). Fine $10,500. Last week. 'Forest Rangers' (Par), still strong in second week at $14,500. tlenver (Fox) (2.525; 30-40-50-60) —'Now,"Voyager' (WB) and 'Busses Roar' (WB), day and date with Es- quire.- Big $15,000. Last week, 'Never Lovllier' (Col) and 'Blackie Goes Hollywood' (Col), day-date with Esquire, fine $12,500. Esqaire (Fox) (742; 30-40-50-60)— •Now, Voyager' (WB) and 'Busses Roar' (WB), day-date with Denver. Sturdy $4,500. Last week. 'Never Lovelier' (Col) and 'Blackie Goes Hollywood' (Col), day and date with Denver, fine $4,000. Orpheum (RKO) (2.600: 30-40-50- 60)—'Seven Days Leave" (RKO) and •Wings and Woman" (RKO). Oke $13,500. Last week. 'Me and My Gal' (M-G) and 'Scattergood Survives a Murder' (RKO) (2d wk). fine $11,000. Paramount (Fox) (2.200: 30-45)— 'Nightmare' (U) and 'Strictly in the Groove' (U). Fine $8,000. Last week, 'Undying Monster" (20th) and 'Dr. Renault's Secret" (20th), torrid $9,000. 'Major' Torrid $16,200, Port.; 'Rangers' $13,000 Portland, Ore., Dec. 15. Pre-Christmas lull now being felt in some spots but business Is better than usual for this season. 'Major and Minor' is in line for a whopping week at the Paramount while 'White Cargo,' at the Broadway, is consider- ably behind 'Major' total. How- ever, Hedy Lamarr starrer is prov- ing strong in view of conditions. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,900; 40-50- 65)—'White Cargo' (M-G) and 'Get Hep to Love' (U). Going across for great $12,500. Last week, 'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Great Impersona- tions' (U) (2d wk), strong $8,000. Mayfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,- 500; 40-50-65)—'Mummy's Tomb' (U) and 'Night Monster' (U). Horror combo hefty draw, nice $12,000 in 11 days. 'Now, Voyager' (WB) opens today. Orphenm (Hamrick - Evergreen) (1,800; 40-50-65)—'Forest Rangers' (Par) and 'Falcon's Brother" (RKO). Strong $13,000. Last week, 'Gentle- man Jim' (WB) and 'Hidden Hand' (WB) (2d wk), big $8,600. PararaooDt (H-E) (3.000; 40-50-65) —'Major and Minor' (Par) and 'That Other Woman' (20th). Terrific $16,- 200. Last week, 'Springtime Rockies' (20th) and 'Wildcat' (Par). Made hearty $8,800 after pulling mammoth $17,200 first week. United Artiste (Parker) (1,000: 40- 90-66)—'Sin Town* (U) and 'Behind Eight BaU' (U). Probably only thin $5,000. Last week, 'Now, Voyager* - ^WBrWtfrHrJnSJt husky ia.sw: "-" 'Navy'-'Scandals Unit Hot $20,000 in Sagging Pitt 'Swan' Solid $11,000 In Indpls.; 'Cargo' $10,300 Indianapolis. Dec. 15. Pre-Christmas slump is o/i here, with business picture spotty at down- town deluxers. 'Black Swan.' at the Indiana, and 'White Cargo, at Loew's, are running ahead among the straight Aimers. Gas rationing probably has less to do with slump than shopping and bad weather. Estimates for This Week Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2.600: 30-40- 55)—'Street of Chance' (Par), with Tommy Tucker orch. Solid band out- fit with good acts headed for $12,000. but disappointing. Last week. 'Es- cape Forever' (WB) and Billy Rose's 'Diamond Horseshoe" unit, slipped badly to $12,800. Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3.200; 28-33- 44)—"Black Swan" (20th). Single feature policy on strong attractions Is paying here, with nifty $11,000. Last week, 'Road to Morocco' (Par), smash $12,400. Kelth'ji (Ind) (1.200: 28-33-44-55)— 'Danger In Pacific' (U) with vaude- ville. So-so $4,200 in four days. Last week, 'Baby Face Morgan' (PRC) with Milt Britton band, meagre $3,800 in same time. Loew's (Loew's) (2,450; 28-33-44)— •White Cargo' (M-G) and 'Counter Espionage' (Col). Combo is setting a $10,300 pace, not bad. Last week. 'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Boogie Man Get You' (Col) (2d wk), gratifying $7,800 on holdover. Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (1,850: 28-33-44) —'Road to Morocco' (Par). Ticketed for a swell $4,000 as single on move- over after bang-up opening week at Indiana. Last week. 'Who Done It?' (U)>and 'Moonlight in Havana' (U). mild $3,000 on moveover. Pittsburgh. Dec. 15. Biz is really getting it from all sides here these days. On top of everything else .a frigid wave over the weekend knocked the bottom out of everything. Holding up best of all is the Stanley, where (jeorge White's 'Scandals' unit with 'Navy Comes Through* is strong. Others are way off, as they were in the preceding week. Estimates for This Week Harris (Harris) (2,200; 30-40-55)— 'Pittsburgh* (U). Title is helping some in this burg but everybody's wondering why that tag. However, Dietrich-Wayne-Scott combo in an- other 'Spoilers' setting is managing to drum up some trade. Looks like $8,500, fair. Last week. 'Never Love- lier' (Col), big disappointment at less than $6,500, new low here. Fulton (Shea) (1,700: 30-40-55)— 'Black Swan' (20th) (3d wk). For current h.o., so-so $6,500. Last week, $10,000, giving picture better than $32,000 on the run, okay. Pcnn (Loew's-UA) (3.300: 30-40-55) —'Forest Rangers' (Par). Mild $13.- 000. Last week. 'Me My Gal' (M-G), a mystery at $15,000, very weak for a special that's been getting dough everywhere. Bllz (WB) (800: 30-40-55)—'Now. Voyager* (WB) (3d wk). Weak $2.- 200 after playing Penn and Warner. Last week. 'Major and Minor" (Par), also via same route, $2,400. Senator (Harris) (1,750: 30-40-.55) —'Undying Monster' (20th) and 'Dr. Renault's Secret' (20th). Should do better than $2,500, okay. Last wcsk. 'Who Done It?" (U), which moved here after 10 days at Harris, all right $3,000. Stenley (WB) (3,800: 30-44-55-66) —'Navy Comes Through' (RKO) and George White's 'Scandals' unit. Unit tied to this picture spells smart $20,- 000. Last week, 'White Cargo" (M-G) and Major Bowes Amateurs sot house best biz in long time. $21,000. Warner (WB) (2,000: 30-40-55)— 'Me My Gal' (M-G) (2d wk). Moved to this spot from the Penn and here it's doing much better comparatively. Looks like $7,500 anyway, very satis- factory. Last week. 'Now, Voyager' (WB), also moveover from Penn, strong $8,000. 'Cargo' Hot $20,500 In St.Lonis; 'Swan' 12iG St. Louis. Dec. IS. 'White Cargo' is big at Loew's and will be the best grosser with socko total and a h.o. Estimates tor This Week Loew's (Loew) (3.172; 30-40-50)— 'White Cargo' (M-G) and 'About Face' (UA). Will grab the banner take of week with socko $20,500. Last week, 'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Spirit Of Stanford' (Col) (2d wk), nice $14,600. Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 30-40- 50)—'Black Swan' (20th) and 'Des- tination Unknown' (U). good $12,500. 'Bambi'-'Surgeon Brisk $15,000 In Det; Hfings 18G, 'Rockies 22G, 2d Last week, 'Now Voyager' (WB) and "Get Hep To Love' (U), neat $14,200. Fox (F&M) (5.000; 30-40-50)— 'Glass Key' (Par) and 'Priorities On Parade' (Par). So-so $13,000, below average. Last week, 'Ox-Bow In- cident" (20th) and 'Secret Weapon' (U), mediocre $11,400. Missouri (F&M) (3,570; 30-40-50) —'Ox-Bow Incident' (20th) and 'Now, Voyager' (WB). Only fair $6,- 000. Last week, 'Who Done It?' (U) and 'Nightmare' (U). Slumped badly to lame $5,300. St. Lonis (F&M) (4,000; 30-40)— 'Tales Manhattan" (20th) and 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th). Sad $4,500. Last week, 'Undying Monster' (20th) and 'Dr. Renault's Secret' (20th), mild $5,200. 'Rockies'TaU $11,000, Topper in Mild Mpls.; Tank Eton'So-So7^G Minneapolis, Dec. 15. Approach of Christmas, cold weather and possibly gasoline ra- tioning are getting in their licks and the ¥ffltefticiTsh't so "HeaithyT' Cuf- rent attractions, too, don't size up as strongly as In previous weeks, the best being 'Springtime in the Rockies' at the State. The lone holdovQr, 'Road to Morocco,' which has been goaling *em. Is in Its third week and still rolling. Estimates for This Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 17-28)— 'Boogie Man Will Get You' (Col) and 'Omaha Trail' (M-G). Headed for good $2,000 in five days. Last week, •Hidden Hand' (WB) and 'General Died at Dawn' (Par) (reissue), oke $1,800 in five days, Century (P-S) (1,600; 30-40-50)— 'Road to Morocco" (Par) (3d wk). Moved here after two very big weeks at State. Headed for good $6,000 after, immense $17,000 and $9,000 first and second weeks. Last week, 'Avengers" (Par), nice $8,000. Gopher (P-S) (1,000; 28-30)—'Tish" (M-G). • Well-enough liked picture but only mild $2,500. Last week, •Give Out, Sisters' (U), $2,800. Orpheum (P-S) (2,800; 30-40-50)— 'Yank at Eton" (M-G). Rooney pic- ture not so well received. Fairly good $7,500 likely. Last week, 'Seven Sweethearts' (M-G) and Russ Mor- gan orch, others on stage (35-44-55), fairly healthy $14,000 was disappoint- ing. SUte (P-S) (2,200: 30-40-50)— 'Springtime in Rockies' (20th). Cast lineup spells boxoflice but mixed opinion on picture. Trim $11,000 lool^ about all. Last week, "Road to Mo- rocco' (Par) (2d wk), big $9,000. Uptown (Par) (1.100: 30-40)—'Now. Voyager' (WB). First neighborhood showing. Fine $4,200. Last week, 'Somewhere Find You' (M-G), ditto at $3,800. World (Par-Steffes) (350: 30-40-50- 55)—'Flying Fortress" (WB). Not .so well spotted at this carriage-trade house. Nice $2,000. Last week, 'Des- perate Journey' (WB) (3d wk), oke $2,200 after fine $3,200 and $10,000 preceding sessions. 'Swan' Mildish $9,000 In L'yiUe; 'Cargo' 12G Louisville. Dec. 15. Takings are far from terrlAc this week, but everything considered they are still maintaining a profitable pace. Cold wave and snow hurt. So far gas rationing hasn't had much ef- fect on theatre business. Biggest grosser is 'White Car-go" at Loew"s State. Estimates tor This Week Brown (Fourth Avenue - Loew"s) (1,400: 15-30-40) — "Thunder Birds' (20th) and 'That Other Woman' (20th). Picking up an extra $2,000 on moveover from Rialto, just fair. Last week, 'Road to Morocco" (Par), lusty $4,500 on moveover. Kentucky (Switow) (1.2S0: 15-25) •Yank at Eton" (M-G) and "Across Pacific" (WB). Medium $1,700. Last week, 'The Magnificent Ambersons' (RKO) and 'Ship Ahoy' (M-G), good $1,900. Loew's State (Loew's) (3,300; 15-30- 40)—'White Cargo" (M-G) and'Laugh Blues Away' (Col). They're going for this one in great style. Fine $12,- 000. Last week, 'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Counter Espionage' (Col) (2d wk), medium $8,000. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 15-30-40) —'Flying Fortress' (WB). Medium $4,000. Last week, 'Gentle- man Jim' (WB) (2d wk), fair $3,200. RIallo (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 15. 30-40) —'Black Swan' (20th) and 'Yanks Are Coming' (20th). Looks headed for second money, fairish $9,- Detroit, Dec. 15. Christmas shopping and gas ra- tioning to slight extent are denting loop grosses here but not like in re- cent years. Only tfit'ee new bills in the first-runs this week, with the likelihood that the Fox, with second week of 'Springtime in the Rockies' and a freshener, 'Get Hep to Love,' will continue to top the town. Palms-State with 'Wings for the Eagle* and 'Lady Gangster', is brisk, with 'Bambi' and 'Army Surgeon' at the Madison also off to a good start. Second week of 'Now, Voyager' and 'Dr. Broadway' will be up among the leaders. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1.700; 50-65)— 'Sister Eileen' (20th) (4th wk) and 'We Are Marines' (RKO). Freshener on the bill can hold this up to a fair $6,000. Last week, with 'Madam Spy' (U), oke $7,300. Broadway-Capitol (United Detroit) (2,800; 50-65)—'Road to Morocco' (Par) and 'Wings and Woman' (RKO) (3d wk). Newest house in the first- run setup still on okay side with $8,000 sighted after good $10,000 last week. Moved here after two great weeks at Michigan. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,t. " fl5) ----sprtiiiiTfiTrTn-'X6ekit!s' m' .s~ wk) and 'Get Hep to Love (U). Registering fine $22,000 after $34,000 last week when coupled with 'Stand By Networks' (Col). Madison (United Detroit) (1,800; 50-65)—'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Army Surgeon' (RKO). Nicely spotted In the loop to catch the small fry with the holiday junkets downtown; brisk $15,000. Last week, 'Navy Comes Through' (RKO) and 'Henry, Dizzy* (Par) (2d wk), fair $8,000 after hefty $15,000 in first stanza. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000: 50-65)—'Now, Voyager' (WB) and 'Dr. Broadway' (Par) (2d wk). Still on the strong side at $17,000 after great $24,000 in first session. Palms-State (United Detroit) (3,< 000; 50-65)—'Wings for Eagle' (WB) and 'Lady Gangster' (WB). Fine $18,000. Last week, 'Flying 'Hgers* (Rep) and 'Big Street' (RKO) (2d wk), healthy $10,000. United ArUsts (United Detroit) (2,000; 50-65)—'Seven Sweethearts' (M-G) and 'Cairo' (M-G). DuU $12,- 000. Last week, 'War Vs. Mrs. Had- ley' (M-G) and Tarzan's Adventure* (M-G), sound $15,000. 'WHISniNG'OFF-KEY $8,500 IN CINCINNA11 Cincinnati, Dec. 15. Yule shopping, snow and gas ra- tioning are giving the theatres a bad beating currently. Of the three new films.,'White Cargo,' at the Palace, Is the b.o. topper. 'Whistling In Dixie,' at the Albee, is next best, but off key. Estimates tor This Week Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— 'Whistling in Dixie' (M-G). Off key at $8,500. Last week, 'Black Swan' (20th), lofty $17,500. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 33-40-50)— 'Me My Gal' (M-G). Third week of moveover. Fair $3,500 following la4 week's okay $4,000. Family (RKO) (1.000; 20-30)— 'Boogie Man Get You' (Col) and 'Pi- rates Prairie' (RKO), split with 'Ma- nila Calling' (20th) and 'Little Joe, Wrangler' (U). No complaint at $2,- 100. Santt last week on 'Falcon's Brother' (RKO)'and 'Man in Trunk' (20th), divided with 'Living Ghost' (Mono) and 'Sage Valley' (PRC). Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50)— 'Gentleman Jim' (WB). Switched from Palace for second round. On the beam at $4,500. Last week, 'Pri- orities Parade' (Par), thin $3,500. Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 33-40-50)— 'Mrs. Wiggs' (Par). Sorry $3,000. Last week, 'Washington Slept Here' (WB) (2d run), snug $4,5007 Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 28-33-42)— 'Washington Slept Here' (WB). Sec- ond transfer for third session on front line. Oke $3,500. General Died at Dawn' issue), ditto. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 33-40-50)—. 'White Cargo' (M-G). Very good $11.- 500. Last week, 'Gentleman Jim' (WB), no knockout with $9,000. Shubert (RKO) (2,100; 33-40-50)— 'Black Swan' (20th). Transferred from Albee for second week. Excel- lent $5,500. Last week, 'Never Love- lier' (Col) (2d run), sluggish $3,000. Last week, (Par) (re- 000. Last week, 'Thunder birds' (20th) and TTiat Other Woman' (20th), medium $8,000. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15- 30-40)—'Mrs. Wiggs' (Par) and 'Aid- rich, Editor' (Par). Aiming at pretty good $3,800. Last week, 'Sin Town* (U) and 'Destination Unknown' (U), $3,500.