Variety (Dec 1942)

Weducsday, Peccoiber 23, 1942 Frisco StiU OK; 7oyager; Ifirds' $23,000 Each, IWorocco' Fine 18G, 2d San Francisco, Dec. 22. Pip-Xiniis gro.sses here are steady, wiih liiii-' Ij'z 'o'' entries and holdovers. 'Thunder Birds' at Ihe Paramount and 'Now, Voyager,' ridiPK Ihe Warfleld screen, are clock- ine S23.000 apiece. Estimates for TbU Week Fox <F-WC) (5,000; 60-65)—'Road to Morocco" (Par) and 'Wildcat' (Par) (2d wk). Hefty $18,000. Last week, $2)).50U. terrific. Golden Gate (RKO) (2.850; 44-55- 75)—Army Surgeon' (RKO) and Ada Leonard orch, others, on sUge. Headed for an okay $20,000. Last week. 'Falcon's Brother* (RKO) plus Freddie Slack orch, Jane Withers, on slaRc. $27,900, hangup. Orpheam (Blumenteld) (2,440; SO- BS)—'Who Done It?' (U) and 'Great Impersonation' (U) (2d wk). Hold- ing up to a flne $13,000 on second sesh. Last week. $19,300, socko. Paramoont (F-WC) (2,470; 50-83) —'Thunder Birds* (20th) and 'Girl Trouble' (20th). Building up to solid $23,000. Last week, 'Major Minor' (Par) and Tombstone' (Par) (4th wk). healthy $11,200. St. Francis (F-WC) (1,479; 50-65) —'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Night New Orleans' (Par) (moveover). Stout $10,000. Last week, 'Washing- ton Slept Here' (WB) and 'Busses Roar' (WB). meagre $7,700 for sec- ond week of Market St. run. United Artists (UA-BIumenield) (1.100; 50-65)—'Never Lovelier' (Col) dnd 'Devil With Hitler' (RKO) (4th wk). Long stretch Is bringing this down to $5,300, still good. Last we:k, $8,400. bit!. Warfleld (F-WC) (2,650; 50-65)— 'Now, Voyager* (WB) and 'Secret Enemies' (WB). A big bit at $23,000. Last week, 'Me My Gal' (M-G) and ^Ight New Orleani' (Par) (3d wk), concluded.one of most profitable runs f film ever had in Frisco with $13,- 800 for last nine days. 'Night toltemember' Okay $9,000, Cincy Cincinnati, Dec. 22. Major houses are marking time till Xmas. Heavy snowfall for third suc- oessiv* weekend slowed blE In first half, dropping general take several degrees under last week. 'Night to Remember' at the Palace and 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home' at the Albea are even for front money currently. Keith's has a ?io-dicer in 'Street of Chance,' and he Lyric is down under with twinned 'Eyes of Underworld' and 'Give Out Sisters.' Estimates tor This Week Albee (RKO) (8,300; 33-40-50)— 'Johnny Marching' (U). Six days. In step, $8,000. Last week, 'Whistling in pixie' (M-G), perked In last half to tlO,000, fairly good. , Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 83-40-50)— 'White Cargo' (M-G). Moveover from Palace for second week. Fair $4,000. Last week, 'Me My Gal' (M-G), fourth week on main line, so-so $3,000. Family (RKO) (1.000} 20-30)— Scattergood Survives Murder' (RKO) and 'A Man'« World* (Col) split with -This Was ParU' (WB) and Old Homestead' (Rep). Steady $2,200. Ditto last week on 'Boogie Man Get You' (Col) and 'Pirates prairie' (RKO) divided with 'Manila Calling' (20th) and 'Little Joe, Wrangler* (U). Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50)— Whistling in Dixie' (M-G). Switched J'lpTi Albee for second stanza. Slow $3,500. Last week, 'Gentleman Jim' (WB) (2d run), fairly good $4,500. KelUi-g (Libson) (1,500; 33-40-50) — Street of Chance' (Par). Cold W,700. Same last week on 'Mrs. Wiggs' (Par). Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 28-33-42)— Eyes of Underworld* (U) and 'Give put. Sisters' (U), dual. Fair $3,000. 'Washington Slept Here' io c?i' on troM stem, bad $2,500. .M^"J'"=* 'RKO) (2,600; 33-40-50) — •ft'sl* ^ Hemember' (Col). All right Last week, 'White Cargo* (M-G). swell $13,000. Shubert (RKO) (2,100; 83-40-50)— alack Swan' (20th). Second week of moveover. Mild $3,500 after last tii^^nl ■ "'"^^ *5,500. Pic fetched »''.500 in initial week at Albee. Walker-Fogarly's Westerns Johnnie Walker, long in pictures out not so active of late, and John Fosarty. radio tenor, have a tenta- 've deal on with Monogram to go 'nto a series of westerns for that company. B()th are scheduled to leave for lie Coast after Christmas, following J date Fogarty is to play at Fay's Provirioppp.yr,,,^ „.ppV Key City Grosses Eallmated Total Gross This Week tl.7S£.400 (Based oii 25 cities, 178 (liea- fres, chiefly first run*, including N. y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year $1,350,400 (Based on 25 cities. 168 tlien(rc.s') Pitt Biz Hits Bottom; Tortress'-Les Brown 12^G/Bainbi'N.G.10G Pittsburgh. Dec. 22. It's rock bottom with a capital R this week. Usual pre-Xinas factors plus gas moratorium and bad weather are held responsible. The lows are legion this week. Penn stuck In 'Bambi' but it's doing little. The red will be heavy at the Stanley where Les Brown's band is teamed with 'Flying Fortress." Estlmatos For This Week Fulton (Shea) (1.700: 30-40-50)— 'Give Out. Sisters' (U) and 'Holmes Secret Weapon' (U). Fill-in bill moved here when 'Black Swan' (20th) didn't hold up enough to rate fourth week. Blah ^2,200. Last week, 'Swan' finished 10-day stretch, winding up three and a half week run, to meagre $4,700. Harris (Harris) (2.200; 30-40-55)— 'Night to Romember* (Col). Crix tore into this one. Maybe $3,500 for a new low at this spot, second new low in as many months. Last week, 'Pittsburgh' (U), and even break at $7,500. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3.300; 30-40- 55) — 'Bambl' (RKO). Rave after rave but Disney cartoon will have to b« satisfied with praise. Won't do $10,000, grim disappointment. I,ast week, 'Forest Rangers' (Par), mild $18,000. Bltz (WB) (800 : 30-40-55) — 'Me My Gal' (M-Q) (8d wk). Came here via Penn-Warner-Hitz route. Will wind up har* under sad $2,000. Last week, 'Now, Voyager' (WB). also by way of Penn and Warner. $2,600. Senator (Harris) (1,700; 30-40-55) —'Laugh Bluas Away' (Col) and 'Underground Agent' (Col). Thin $1,500. Lajt weeH. horror stuff in 'Undying Monster' (2dth) and 'Dr. PIGTUBE OB088E8 11 Renault's Secret' (20th) got satisfac tory $2,500. SUnley (WB) (3.800; 44-55-66)— 'Flying Fortress" (WB) and Les Brown's orch. Taking it on the ,chin along with the others. It will do sad $12,500 or near, poorest here in more than a year. Last week. 'Navy Comes Through' (RKO) plus George White 'Scandals' unit, okay $19,000 Warner (WB) (2.000; 30-40-55)— 'Forest Rangers' (Par) (2d wk) Shifted here from Penn. Meagre $3,000. Last week, 'Mc My Gal' (M-G) got only six and a hair days, with resulting $6,000, not so bad. 'Wash. Slepf Lively $7,000 in DuU L'vUle Louisville. Dec. 22. Mary Anderson with 'CJeorge Washington Slept Here' looks like the only outstanding picture in town, and h. o. is likely. Otherwise product on th'e main stem is under par as compared with previous weeks. Horror combo of 'Mummy's Tomb' and 'Night Monster' at the Strand is gathering real coin. Gen- eral pace is up to expectations for this pre-Xmas week. Estimates tor This Week Brown (Fourth Avenue-Loew's) (1.400; 15-30-40)—Black Swan' (20th) and "Vanks Are Ck)min8" (PRC). Medium $2,200. Last week. Thunder Birds' (20th) and 'That Other Wom- an' (20th). $2,000 on moveover from Rialto, fair. Kentncky (Switow) (1,^50; 15-25) —Tales Manhattan' (20th) and 'Ber- lin Correspondent' (20th). So-so $1,800. Last week, 'Yank at Eton' (M-G) and 'Across Pacific' (WB), medium $1,700.' Locw's SUte (Loew's) (3,300; 15- 30-40) — 'Journey for Margaret' <M-G) and 'Silver Queen' (UA), Looks like medium $7,500. Last week 'White Cargo' (M-G) and 'I<augh Blues Away* (Col) started out at fast clip, but slowed (lown. alright $11,000. Blary Anderson (Libson) (1.000: 15-30-40)—'Washington Slept Here' (WB). Excellent $7,000 and hold- over is in prospect. Last week. 'Flying Fortress* (WB), oke $4,000. Bialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 15- 30-40) — 'Navy Comes Through' (RKO) and Traitor Within' (RKO). Mild $8,000. liast week, 'Black Swan* (20th) and 'Yanks Are Coming' (20th), flne $11,000, and moveover. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 15-30-40)—'Mummy's Tomb* (U) and 'Night Monster' (U). Fine horror combo climbing to swell $6,000. Last week. 'Mrs. Wiggs' (Par) and 'Aid- rich. Editor* (Par), average $3,500. Artist Wage Scale Set Hollywood, Dec. 22. New wage agreement with major studios was approved at a general meeting of the Illustrators unit of the Screen Set Designers Guild mi sent to Washington (or official sanction by War Production Board. Scale calls for $2.90 an hour or a weekly call rate of $135, retroactive to July 1. Slump Bops LA Kz But W OK $31,700 in 3 Spots, 'Morocco' W/fi, 4th Wk; 'Fortress' lliin 28G, Tripled Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $232,000 (Bused on 13 theatres) Total Gross Same Week Last Year $286,000 (Based on 13 theatres') Tigers' High $17,000 In Two Denver Spots; 'Cargo'Sweet $15,000 Denver. Dec. 22. 'White Cargo.' topping new dual bill at Oi'pheum. is leading city this week. Could have held over if had noi .'itarled on a pre-Xmas week.. 'Flying Tigers' and 'Youth on Pa- rade.' first indie double bill ever to play the Denver, is doing strong busines.>i and likewi.ie is Tine at the Esquire, where it's playing day-date. Estimates for This Week AUddIn (Fox) (1.400: 30-40-50-60) —'Now. Voyager' (WB). after day- date week at Denver and Elsquirc. Fine $7,000. Last week.' 'Never Lovelier' (Col), after day-date week at Denver and Esquire, good $5,000. Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 30-40-50- 60)—'Seven Days Leave* (RKO) and 'Wings and Woman' (RKO), after week at Oroheum. Fair $3,0()0. Last week, 'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Scat- tergood Survives Murder' (RKO), fair $3,500. Denham (Cockrill) (1.750:30-40-50- 60)—'Glass Key' (Par) and 'Wreck- ing Crew' (Par). Fine $9,000. Last week. 'Forest Rangers' (Par) (3d wk) and 'Street of Chance' (Par), great $10,500 Denver (Fox) (2.525: 30-40-50-60) —'Flying Tigers' (Rep) and 'Youth on Parade' (Rep), day and date with Esquire. Big $n.OOO. Last week. "Now. Voyager' (WB) and 'Busses Roar' (WB) day and date with Es- quire, big $15,000. Esquire (Fox) (742; 30-40-50-60)— 'Flying Tigers' (Rep) and 'Youth on Parade' (Rep), day and date with Denver. Good $4,000. Last week. 'Now, Voyager' (WB) and 'Busses Roar' (WB), day and date with Den- ver, fine $4,500. Orphcnm (RKO) (2,600; 30-40-60- 60)—'White Cargo' (M-G) and 'Seven Miles Alcatraz' (RKO). Strong $15,- .000. Last week,'Seven Days Leave* (hKO) and 'wings and Woman' (RKO), flne $13,200. Paramenat (Pox) (2^00; 30-49)— 'Holmes Secret Weapon* (U) and 'Behind Eight ^U' (U), Nice $8,000. Ust week, 'Nightmare' (U) find Strictly In Groove' (U), ditto. NATIONA L BOXOFFIC E SURVEY Usual Week-Before-Chrislmas Slump Not Helped By Storms, Gas Rationing—Few Newcomers Show Strength It's the usual week-before-Christmas out in the film theatres. 6nly thai this year. Hre cxlribltors have gas rationing (Including temporary shutdown on some cards in eastern seaboard states, plus severe cold and snowstorms as additional b.o. blights in various keys. Out on the Coast, where the weather continued fairly good, only' the pra-Xmas slump could be blamed:' Net result is that, tew new .nltractions are ventured out this week while many recent prize winners merely are marking time until Christmas week itself. Many of those trying to buck conditions found the public apathetic. Of the newcomerf. 'We Are the Marines' (20th), 'Palm Beach Story' iPar) and 'Random Har- vest' (M-G) shape up as best po.'ssibilities. Last named Greer Garson-Ronald Colman starrer stands fair to measure up to 'Mrs. Miniver' (M-G) judging from the smash $112,000 being registered at the N. Y. Music Hall on its preem. This is very smashy even on a normal week. 'Palm Beach.* while continuing poorly on N. Y. holdover, U doing well at $20,000 in Detroit. 'Marines* Is rated comparatively the best new entry in Wahington but only so-so in N. Y. March of Time opus is classed as material aid on twin setups where playing, such as in dull Los Angeles. NEWCOMERS HARD HIT Other new entrants are being cuffed around badly. 'Journey for Margaret' (M-G), is only fair in Washing- ton, medium in Louisville, average in Providence and sad in N. Y. 'Thunder Birds' (20lh) while a solid $23,000 in San Francisco and nice in Indianapolis, rates mild in Newark and so-so in Buffalo. 'Pittsburgh' (U) also has not got going thus far. being medium in Wash, and just okay in Portland. 'Life Begins at 8:30* (20th) also has disappointed to date, being below par in L. A., and only fair $37,000 on its second N. Y. session. It's listed as oke Ir. Omaha. 'Flying Fortress" (WB). too is slow in Newark and N. Y., dull In Jersey City and not TO hut In Lor A.igeley. . ..-- Of the strong veterans. 'Road to Morocco* (Par), 'Who Done It?' (U). 'Now, Voyager* (WB) and 'White Cargo* (M-G) look best in bucking the trend. 'Married a Witch' (UA) and 'Flying Tigers' (Rep), latter now "OQt In many Big circuits, are .snowing sf<SUfly alsbV'biit in fewer spots. 'Morocco* is collecting sock $24,000 in two Seattle hou.ses. big in Baltimore holdover, fine $41,000 for sixth session in N. Y. Paramount, hefty in Frisco and robust $20,500 for fourth L. A. stanza in two theatres. Abbott-Co.stello's comedy is gaining Portland leadership with $15,000. looks big on Seattle moreover and good $10,000 for third N. Y. sesh. 'Voyager' is nice $23,000 in Frisco, big in Seattle and fine in second Buffalo week. 'Cargo' looks a strong $15,000 in Denver and $12,500 in Seattle, but thin in Jersey City and mild in Newark (both second weeks). 'Witch' paces for a trim $29,800 in two Boston spots and holds up okay in three L. A. theatres. 'Tigers' is high $17,000 for two Denver houses and okay $12,000 for Newark holdover. HORROR COMBOS REGISTER The Universal horror combo of 'Mummy's Tomb' and 'Night Monster' continues doing well, with strong biz In Louisville, neat $8,000 in Buffalo and lively in sec- ond L. A. stanza. 'Quiet Please, Murder' (20th) may get a strong $9,000. too. in its preem in N. Y. From 'Variety' correspondents: 'Casablanca* (WB), still okay at SU^'iOO. fourth N. Y. sesh. 'Glass Key' (Par), fine $9,000. Denver. 'Between Us Girls' (U), nice $18,000 in Detroit. "Seven Days Leave' (RKO), snappy in Providence and good $22,000, Boston. 'Amer- ican Empire' (UA), flne in Montreal. 'Bambi* (RKO), sound $10,000 for second Detroit sesh. 'One of Our Aircraft Is Missinr!' <ITAV bi<« in Rpnftlp 'Yovi Worn Los Angeles. Dec. 22. Pre-Chrislmas slump i.s playing no favorites, with all houses hard hit Matinees are showing some improve- ment because schools are out for tho holidays but the night trade is way ofT. the gas rationing having some- thing to do with dwindling grosses. Weekends also are failing to hold up to recent hlRh levels. "Road to Morocco' is doing com- paratively well in its fourth week at the two Paramount theatres with 420.500 and remains until Christmas night. Others slipped far off normal pace but still slightly ahead here compared with this time last year. Eslimates for This Week Carthay qi^ele (F-WC) (1.516: 33- 44-55-65-85) —'Bambi' <RKO) (8th wk) and 'We Are Marines' (20th) <lst wk). Dull $2,000. Last week, 'Bambi' (RKO) (7th wk) and 'Mrs. Hadley' (M-G) (3d wk). okay $2,600 Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2.034; 33- 44-55-85-85)—'Married Witch' (UA) and 'Silver Queen" (UA). Not very attractive at $9,000. Last week. 'Life Begins' (20th) and 'Marines' (20th), $7,700. Downtown (WB) 11.800: 33-44-55- (.5-75-85)-'Flying Fortress' (WB). Doing nice $12,000. considering con- ditions. Last week. "Washington Slept Here' (WB) (3d wk). not too bad at $8,000. Hawaii (G&S) (1.100: 33-44-55-65- 75-85) —'Mummy's Tomb" (U) and 'Night Monster' (U) (2d wk). Cou- ple of very live numbers-fat $6,000, following sensational initialer of $8,200. House owling on weekend. Hollywood (WB) (2.756: 33-44-55- 65-75-85) — "Flying Fortress' iWB). Fair $0,000. Last week. 'Washington Slept Here' (WB) (3d wk). snoozed to $5,000. Orphcnm (D'town) (2.200: 33-44- 55.fl5)_'Man's World' (Col) and 'Other Woman' (20th) (first runs) with Major Bowes revue on stage. Bowes pull responsible for fairly good $13,000 Last week. 'Invisible Agent* (U) and "Smith of Minnesota* (Col), with animal act circus on stage. $13,000 and profitable. FanUges (Pan) (2.812: 33-44-5S-e5 75t85)— 'Never Lovelier' (Col) (2d wk) and 'Counter Espionage' (Col) (1st wk). Thin $7,500. Last week, 'Lovelier' (Col) (1st wk) and 'Black- ie Goes Hollywood' (Col), good $14,000. Paramount (F&M) (3.389; 33-44- 55-65-75-85) —'Road to Morocco' (Par) and 'Street of Chance' (Par) (4th wk). Plenty of wallop left at $14,000, following solid $18,000 third week. Paramount Hollywood' (F&M) (2,204; 33-44-55-65-75-85)—'Morocco* (Par) (4th wk). Not hoping Jor more than $6,500 due to gas and pre- Xmas, following fair $10,500 on third week BKO Hillstreet (RKO) (2,873: 33- 44-55-65) — 'Never Lovelier (Col) (2d wk) and 'Counter Espionage (Col) (Ist wk). Slipping to $9,M0j not 80 good. Last week, 'LoveUer' (Col) (1st wk) and 'Blackle Holly- wood' (Col), flne $16,000 SUto (Loew-WC) (2i04; M-44-56. 65-75-85)—'Married Witch' (UA) aniJ 'Silver Queen' (UA). Fairly nice at $16,500. Last week, "Life Begins at 8:30* (20th) and 'We Are Marines' (20th), slow $13,400. VA (UA-WC) (2.100; 33-44-M-65) —'White Cargo' (M-G) (2d wk) and 'Life Begins* (20th) (1st wk) (move- overs). So-so $4,700. Last wecjc .'.rRrgo*. (MrGJ (Lst wk) a.nd'Eyes In Night' (M-G). hit pay airt. J7.5U0. Wilshire (F-WC) (2,296: 33-44-55- 85)—'Cargo* (M-G) <2d wk) and 'Life Begins' (20th) (moveovers). Pacing to mild $4,200. Last week, "Carfelf tM-G) ttvt-wkV-aftd-'aj es in- Night' (M-G). $5,300. WlUern (WB) (2.756: 33-44-55-6o- 75-85)—'FlyingFortress'(WB). Slip- ping to fair $7,000. Last week. 'Washington Slept Here' (WB) (3d wk). bright enough $4,000. BUt (F-WC) (1.372: 33-44-54-65- 85)—'Married Witch' (UA) and 'Sil- ver Queen* (UA). Nice $6,200. all considered. Last week. 'Life Be- gins' (20th) and 'We Are Marines' (20th). failed to flourish at $5,800. WLB OKs Wo Ops Tilt The 10% raise recently Ranted projectionists working in New York screening rooms (home office and exchange) has been approved by the War Labor Board retroactive to last Sept. 1. Local 306, Moving Pictura Machine Operators of N. Y., obtained the 10% hike only after It had taken a strike vote and was prepared to stage a walkout. Projectionists, members of 306, working in the screening rooms, have agreed to put at least -28% of ,w:„ ...... . •■. , .... .|