Variety (Apr 1943)

m ednefldnj, April 28, 1949 IS 'Aint Hay Sock $25,000, 'Air Force' ffitto. OurliniyVyaDile Trb 40G Chicago, April S7. With biulnew off on Qood Friday wid a" big mUHary puade Satui^v u giving the wett abad rtart. Part of lofaas may be made up because of tu)l week echool vaeaUon. Of the Mveral new wenlnu, 'Air Force' at the State-Lake U beaded to- a onuh $39,000. with a like aoek {^f STlt'^'t W; at aie M- ice. Ttoppy Oo Lucky; with vaude- ville, shoiild do MO^OOO at the Chi- BatlaMtat ter Thli Week Apelle (B&K) (1,300: S9-7SV- 'SpaWed Rhythm* (Par) <«»|Mh wedi In Loop). Snug tO.»00. Ust wcdc. 'ChetnUu' (iOOit and 'Quiet, Mwder- (30th). okay la.SOO. Chkage (B&K) (4,000: S9-75)- •Happy Go Lucky* (Par) and vaude hSSuA by Four King SUters JBrSk MO 000. Last weekT^eunion France' <m1G) and Oracle Barrie orch on •"o'ii.fir^^MOOO: M-79)-'pes, ert Victory* (30th) and'HeUo. Frisco (20th) (fourth week in Loop)Jflne M 900. Lait week, great $11,000. "oilMtal (IroquilA, (8J00: 28-M) -•Journey Blargwet* ftl-G) (2d run) with 'BembsbelU '48' unit on (tasc. Smooth $19,000. Last weelc. •Life BcKins" (20th) (Sd run) plus June Havoc and Louis Jordan on stage, smart $21,000. PaUce (RKO) (2.500; 33-75V-'Il Ain't Hay* (U) and 'Holmes In Wash- ingto" (U). Great $25,000. Last wfek. 'Pride Yankees' (RKO) and 'He's My Guy' (U) (3d wk-3 days), and-It Ain t Hay' (U) and'Holmes In Waslilngton* (u) (one day), nice *'&veU (B&K) a9M: 35-75)- 'Moon !• Down' (30th) (3d wk). Bright $15,000. Last week, solid ''sUte-Lake (BibK) (2.700: 35-75)- •Alr Force' (WB). Smash $25,000. Last week, 'Spangled Rhythm* (Par) 73)—'Hardy's Double Life m-G) <2d wk). Stout $18,000. Last week, * wiidfoEssaness) d^OO: 33-75)- •Somethlng Shout About* (Col) and •Murder 'fimes Square' (Col). Nifty $10,000. Last week, 'Powers Girl (UA) and nice $6,000. FaU In* (UA) (3d wk). 'HaipienDie'-Cvat NSG $18,000 in Offish Pill;'Go lucky'$14,000 Pittsburgh, April 27. Easter Week biz way ofT. in many cases not a whole lot belter than Holy Week. By usual downtown .slHiidards. 'Moon Is Down' at Harris Is leading the field while 'Hello, Frisco, Hello" continues to hold up in fourth week at Senator, and will stick there for a fifth. Combipallon Cugat disappointing at the Stanley and 'Happy-Go-Lucky' doing only fair at Penn. although well enough, to get the customary Penn-to-war- ner-to-Rltz route. Bitlnatea tor This Week Fnlteu (Shea) (1.700; 30-55)-'Hit Parade' (Rep). Musical well-liked, but doesn't have much pulling pow- er, and will have to be satisfied with around $6,000, not too bad. Last week 'Jacare' (UA) a pleasant sur- prise, grabbing enough in flrst cou- ple oC days to insure satisfactory $5,200. Harris (Harris) (2.000; 30-515 >— •Moon Is Down' (20th K Will grab at least $13,000, best here In long time, and sticks for another stanza. Last week 'Desert Victory* (20th> took it on the chin, getting only $6,600. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 30-55)- *Happy-Go-Lucky' (Par). Names. Technicolor, escapist entertainment and generally favorable notices com- bining to give Par musical satisfac- tory take, although $14,000 isn't ex- actly top holiday biz. Moves to War- ner for second week. Last week, second of 'Air Force' (WB), around $11,500. Bill (WB^ (800: 30-55)—'Keeper or Flame* (M-G) (4th wk). Shifted to this small-seater aftor fortnight St Warner and previous week at Penn. flepburn-'Tracy starrer has just about played out its string and will hardly better average $2,200 here. Last week 'Hard Way' (WB). Oil moveover from Stanlev, weak at 11.900. Srnator (Harris) (1.750; 30-55)— Hello, Frisco' (20th) (4lh wk». Mu- sical .still plenty hefty, doing most con.vi^icnt run biz town's had in momlis. In second week hero aCter playing two weeks at Hiirris. and cniuinucs plenlv .Mronc Sensational SI.4(io on Easier Suiidny will make coii.i ii S4.000 session tind a fifth week. La>it week 'Frisco' got $4,800, ■S'cai for Holv Week. _ Siuniey (WBi iS.flOO; 30-66 ^— HaiiKmcn Also Die' (UA) and Xa- vier Cuijiii orch. Picture juns 135 . m.iiuic.i and house can'l got mucli' turnover. Also pretty heavy and ouestionable faro for a holiday week. With everything stacked against It (and it certeinhr isn't CugB?L fault) house wUI be ludiy to get $18,000, very unsatbfactoiy. Last week An- drews Sisters, with 'Harrigan's Kid' (M-O). a big disappointment at tm- der $30,000. ■ Wantar (WB) (2.000; 30-55)—'Air Force' (WB) (3d wk). Spotted here after two weeks at Penn and won't do more than $4,000. no kind of money tor Easter. Last week 'Keep- er of Flame' (M-G), In third week, not bad at $5,900. 'Ain't Hay Leads Uville, Wow 12G Louisville. April 27. Downtown houses bounced back strong over the Easter holiday, after a alump durlhg last days^ of Lent. Strongest of the local entries Is 'It Ain't Hay.' at the Rialto. 'Air Force' at the Mary Anderson is plenty big. 'Desperadoes,' at Loew's State, is a new departure for that house, but western pic is doing okay. Estimates far This Week Brewn (Fourth Avenue-Loew's) (1,400; 30-50)—'Mrs. HoUiday* (U) and 'Rhythm Islands' (U). Moved here from Rialto, sturdy $3,000. Last week, 'Cabin in Sky' (M-G) and •Power Press' (Col), fine $3,500 on moveover from Loew's State. Keotaekyi (Swltow) (1,250; 15-25) —'Arabian Nights' (U) and 'Once Upon Honeymoon' (RKO). Good $1,800. Last week. 'Me My Gal' (M-G) and 'Crystal Ball' (UA). ditto. Loew's State (LoeW's) (3,300; 30- 50)—'Desperadoes' (Col) and 'Has What It Takes' (Col). Western fee ture is a little unusual here, but heavy plugging on radio is helping, Trim $8,000. Last week, 'Something Shout About' ^Co\) and 'RevelUe Beverly' (Col). $7,000. Blary Andersen (Libson) (1,000: SO- SO)—'Air Force' (WB). Warner Bros, went to town on exioiting this one. House has limited capacity, but do- ing dandy $8,000. Last week,.'Mys- terious Doctor' (WB) an(t 'Gorilla Man' (WB), $5,500. Blalle (Fourth Avenue) (3,400: SO- SO)—'It Ain't Hay' (U) and 'Hohnes in Washington' (U). With gees-gees running at Churchill Downs, wicket is humming fur socko $12,000. Last week. 'Mrs. Holliday' (U) and 'Rhythm Islands' (U). plenty okay at $11,000, and moveover. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1.400: 30-501-'Hit Parade 1943' (Rep) and ■Purple V (Rep). Fine. $3,500. Last r«bu.<t $4,800. 'Darbess' Hot $20,500 As Newark Leader Newark. April 27. Biz generally staunch this week with most of the flrst-runs reporting capacity returns. 'Keeper of Flame,' at the State, is smash, and 'China.' at the Paramount, and 'Edge of Darkness,' the Brantord entry, are both potent. The Adam.<;. with Charlie Spivak's band heading the stage show, is also big. Estimates for This Week Adams (Adams-Par) (1,950: 30-99) —'Clancy Street Boys' (Mono) and Charlie Spivak orch. others on stage. Tall $19,000. Last week 'Omaha Trail' (M-G) and Louis Prima band heading sUge show, meager $12,000. Branford (WB) (2.800: 30-901- 'Edge of Daiknesii' (WBi and 'Mc- Ouerins of Brooklyn' (UA). Head- ing for plushy $20,500. Last week 'Air Force' (WB) and 'Young and Beautiful' (WBi (2d wk». healthy $15,000. Capital (WBi <1,200; 20-55>— 'Mrs. HoUiday' lU) and 'Keep 'Em SlugRing' (Ul. Dull S3.000. Last week 'Random Harvest' iM-G>. so-so $3 200. Psrameant (Adams-Par) (2.000: 35-75)—'China' (Par) and 'Lady Bodyguard' (Par). Building to swell $20,000 and will hold. Last week 'Hit Parade of 1943' (Repi and 'Purple V (Rep), okay S4.900 In extra three days following holdover scsh. Praetor's <RKOi •3.400: 3.5-90 > — 'Mr. Pitt' I20lh) and 'Tarzan Tri- umphs' (RKO>. Routine $17,500. Last week 'Got Me Covered' (RKOi and 'Falcon Strikes Back' (RKO> t2d wk), .«nappy 818.000. SUle iLoew'si <2.6O0: 30-85>— 'Keeper.of Flame' (.\I-G> and 'Devil With Hitler' lUAi. Getting peak Sia-'iOO and mav hold. La.-it week ■Powers Girl' (UA) and 'After Mid- nl«lit With Bo.'iton Blackie' (Col'. cuin(oi'lal.>!c $li,jUO. First Runs on Broadway (Subject to Change) Week of April 20 Aster—'Human Comedy' (M-G) (Sth week). (Ii«tf<«u)cd In 'Variety' March 8) Capllet—'Presentbig Lily Mars' (M-G) (20). (R«vi«ui«d til current istuc) . Crtterleft—'Assignment in Brit- tany' (M-G) (2d week). (RctitotDed in 'Variety' March 10) Glebe—'Desert Victory' (20th) (3d week). (RciHctocd in 'Variety' March 31) Hollyweed—'Mission to Mos- cow' (WB) (29). Mnale Hafl—'Flight for Free- dom' (RKO) (3d week). (Rcvieiced in 'Variety' Feb. 3) rarameunt—'China' (Par) (2d week). (RaiHcwed in 'Variety' March 241 RUIIe—'I Walked With a Zombie' (RKOi (2d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety March 17) Blvell—'White Savage' (U) (2d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' April 14) Boxy—'Crash Dive' (20th). (Revieived in 'Variety' itprii 31) Strand—'Edge of Darkness' (WB) (4th week). ' (Reviewed in 'Variety' March 34) Week et May 8 Astor—'Hunian Comedy' (M-G) (10th week). Capitol—'Presenting LUy Mars' (M-G) (2d week). Criterlan—'Assignment in Brit- tany'*(M-G) (3d week). Globe—'Desert Victory' (20th) (4th week). Hollyweed—'Mission to Mos- cow' (WB) (2d week). Mnsle Hall—The More tha Merrier' {Co\) (6). (Reulcued in 'Variety' AprU 7) Paramount—'China' (Par) (3d week). suite—'Next of Kin' (U).. (Reviewed in 'Variety' June 17, '41) RIvoll—'White Savage' (U) (3d week). Rosy-'Crash Dive' (20th) (2d week). Strand—'Edge of Darkness' (WB) (5th week). Mpls. WKumno; 'Air Force' IIG Minneapolis. April 27. With Lent in the discard, there's a still further spurt of grosses, which have been healthy all along. With three houses, the Orpheinn, Century and State, running neck and neck at a SIO.OOO clip, Holy Week amazed by its virility. The trade can't re- member the time that Lent's finale ever hit such a brisk clip locally. 'Air Force' and 'Desert Victory' Both have had the advanlaces of critics' raves. The lone holdover Is 'Amazing Mrs. HoUiday.' while 'Reap the Wild Wind' is back in the loop fur iL< nr.<it pop-price showing. Estimates for This Week Aster (Par-SingerI (900: 17-28)- 'Kid Dyniimitc' (Mono) and 'How About It'." (U), dual flrst-runs. Headed for satisfactory $1,600. 'Sher- lock Holmc.<i In Washington' (U) and 'Young and Willing' (UA). dual flrst- runs. open Wednesday (28). La.st week. 'No Place for Ledy' <Col) and Hi Ya. Chum' (U) split with 'Happy Serves Writ' (UA) and 'Varsity Show' (WB). all dual flrst-run:,. ex- cept 'Varsity.' reissue. Good $2,700 in seven days. Century (P-S) (1.600: 30-40-50)— 'Reap Wild Wind' (Par) (2d run). First loop showing at regular ad- mission scale and hitting fast clip. Good $7,500 indicated. Last week. 'Amazing Mrs. Holliday' (U), big 810.000. (Cepher (P-S) (1.000: 35 >—'Desert Victory' (20th) and 'Taxi Mister' (UA). 'Desert Victory' the magnet, helped by enorrhous newspaper and Other praise. Very big $5,500 indi- cated. Laxt week. 'Aldrich Gets Glamour' (Par), mild S2.500. Lyric (P-S) (1.091: 30-50)—'Mrs. Holliday' (U) (2d wk). Moved here after big week at Century. Looks like flne $6,000. Last week. 'Hello. Frisco' (20th) (3d wk). nice $4,500, making nearly 826.000 for run. Orphcnm (P-S) (2.800: 30-50 'Happy Go Lucky' (Par). Musical well liked and has heads up at box office. Sock 810.000 in prospect. La.-n week. 'DesDeradoeN* (Col. same. Stole (P-S) (2.300: 30-50 i-'Air Force" (WB». Rave.<! for this one. Terrific 811.000 expected. La.<:t week. •Hardy'.< Double Life" (M-Ci. pretty good 80.500. I'ptown 'Pan (1.100: 30-40) — 'Pride of Yankees' iRKOi. First neicliborhood shouinc. Bie. 83.800 Indicated. La>'t week. 'Star Spangled Rlivthm' 'Par). flne $4,200. World 'Par-StcfTesi OM: 30-35)— 'Mr. Pitt' (20th). Stretching toward good 82.800. Last week, 'Shadow of Dnubl' IV > (2d wk>, okph 81.000 in three d.-iys. B way Swash: Harry Jaiues Jives 'Quna' to Tcrrtf WIM Mtany' Strops 26^ 'San^e Holds at 3SG Heavy trade over the Easter week- end, followed by a big play on Mon- day (26), when large crowds con- tinued to pack Broadway, lifts down- town N. Y. houses into hiith ground currently. . Sensation of the street is the show at the Paramount, where 'China' nn screen is getting territlc support from the Harry James band. Presence of Alan Ladd in the picture, however, is also counting importantly. Since opening la.st Wednesday (21). the Par ha.<i been a .scene of bedlam, with younger element storming the house to the point where a special deuil of police has been necessary every day to control the crowds. As many as 3.5, including mounted cops, have been on duty, and Jack Mclnemey, advertising-publicity director tor the Par. has taken advantage of the sit- uation to get numerous unusual story breaks in the papers. Doing a total of 43 stage.shows on the week ended lest night (Tuesday), with seven given on Saturday (24), believed to be a record for any thea- tre, the initial seven days* gross hit a smash $105,000, which in the 16-year hUtory of the theatre was exceeded only once, this past New Year's week. Par has been opening at 7 a.m., charging 55c instead of the customary 35c, and has been getting 99c before 1 p.m., with the scale $1.10 at night, excepting Saturday (24), when $1.25 was soaked. The Par didn'i get all the business, however, there being enough to go around for other houses, several ol which with extended runs are doing better this week than last This in- cludes the Strand, another hangout for the jitterbugs, which will score a socko $55,000 this week (3d), with 'Edge of Darkness* and Jan Savilt. plus Ethel Walters, as compared with $51,000 for the second. Roxy like- wise benefited strongly by Easter. On the flftb-flnal week of 'Hello, Frisco.' ended last night (Tuesday), with the Tommy Tucker band having replaced Chico Marx for the blowoif stenza. the theatre did $65,000 to beat the prior stanza by $11,000. Having ito biggest Easter in the 10- year history of the hoUse. the Music Hall also is riding a particularly high tide. Playing 'Flight for Freedom' and the customary annual Easier spectacle, which always counta here, management expects a very fancy $120,000 on the holdover. This com- pares with $110,000 for the flrst week of the picture. New to Broadway this week Is 'White Savage,' which came into the .straight-flim Rivoll on Saturday (24). It started out very well and should hit a sturdy $35,000. or near that, anyway. Another entry of the past week was 'Assignment In Brittany,' which wound up its flrst seven days through last night (Tuesday), with prices upped. the take stood at a phenomeni,' $105,000. runner-up for record high here in 16-year opera- tion of house. Fourth week fur 'Happy Go Lucky' (Par) and Les Brown was $37,000, olce. Badle CUy Masle Ball (Rocke- fellers) (5i945: 44-$l.e5)—'Flight for Freedom' (RKO) and 'Ciorv of Easter' stage spec (2d wk). Buxcav flgures being attained here, this week (2d) looking an extreiiiclv strong $120,000; flrst week hit sock $110,000. Holds a third. Bleit* (Mayer) (504; 28-65)—'I Walked With Zombie' (U) (2d wk>. Starta on. holdover today (Wednc:,- day) after pulling flne $12,500 on the flrst stanza. 'Tonight We Raid Catais' (20th). in ahead, was only $7,000. mild. BlvaU (UA-Par) (2,002: 35-99) — 'White Savage' (U). DoinK verv well Bt $35.M0 or thereabout anil holds. Final eight days on fourth week of 'Moon Is Down' (20th» hit $17,000, fair. Boxy (20th) (5.886: 40-$1.10)— 'Crash Dive' (20th) and, on sta^e. Jimmy Dorsey. Opens today (Wednesday) after Ave big week-t with 'Hello. Frisco' (20th). las^t of which, with Tommy Tucker orch and Victor Borge as replacements on stage, was $65,000. Fourth week, with Chico Marx In person, hit $54,000. State (Loew's) (3,450; 35-$1.10)— 'Reunion in France' (M-C) (2d run) and Benny Rubin. Dlosa Costello. Trio and Stepin Fetehit on vaude bill. May top $27,000, good but not fancy. La.n week $24,000 was taken by 'Hit farado of 1943' (Rep) and the Joe Martala band. Willie Howard, others. Strand (WB) (2,756; 85-$1.10)- •Edge of Darkness* (WB) and Jan Savitt, plus Ethel Waters (3d wk). Vep' spckful $95,000 in view, wfeila Holy Week (2d) was parUcuUrly strong at $91,000. Show goes a fourth round. at better than $26,000. exceptionally good. EiUmatcs far This Week Aster (Loew's) (1,140; 5.')-$l.lO)— 'Human Comedy' (M-G) <9th wk). Eighth stanza over Easter bounced to big $22,000 aKainst $19,000 the pre- vioua (7th I week. Started ninth yesterday iTuesday). Capitol (Loew's) (4.620: 35-$1.10) —'Hangmen Also Die' (UA) and Ozzie Nelson orch, Harriet Hilliard. others In person (2d final wki. Looks to strong $48,000 on holdover, while flrst week topped $50,000. Opening tomorrow mornlni; (Thurs- day) are 'Presenting Lily Mars' (M-G) and Sonny Dunham band, plus Jimmy Durante and Maria Eggerth. Criterion (Loew's) (1,062: 35-751— 'A.ssignmciit BillUmy' (M-G) i2d wk). Very big iir.sl seven days ended last niuht (Tuesday) having mounted $26,000. Second week or 'Something to Shout- About' (Col) only fairish $9,000. Globe (Brandt) (1.250; 35-Kl)— 'Desert Victory' (20th) i3d wk). Dropped off somewhat on second lap ended Monday night (26). with $20,000 gioasid, .still fine: flrst week hit $27,900. second biggest take for house on record. Hellyweeg (WB) (1.223: 44-$I.25) —'Mi.sslon to Moscow' (WBi. Given a special press preview tonight (Wednesday), begins regular run to- morrow morning. The concluding <12th) frame for 'Air Force' iWB) was $11,300. while the 11th was $11,100. in both ca.<ies suitable profit Pataee (RKO) 11.700: 28-75)—'It Aint Hay' (Ui and 'Mr. Pitt' i20thi. both 2d run, dualed. Pair moilerate ly good at $10,000. 'Hifler's Chil dren' iRKOi- i2d rum and 'Ta.xi. Mi.sler' tUAi (1st run) went'eight days, getting $13,000, good. Paramount iPar) (3.664: 55-$1.10) —'China' <Par) and Harry James, plus Golden Gate Quartet, other arLs, on stage (2d wk). Draught of Alon Ladd I in picture) but more particu- larly the delight bt the Jivers, the James banrf. is creating a' mad- hou>o heic; on the wvvii diiys IHtffaess'Big 1333. lUvthn' $38,500, Mn Spiahy-Taiade' 241G iiruu »t. K'UadeJphia. April 27. With the wlndup of Lenten sea.son. film business in Phllly is taking a terrific spurt this sesh. Attractive lineup also giving the b.o.'s a shot In the arm. Easter Sunday biz reached new heights due to ab.sence of any bigtime exodus to seashore, as in previous years. Hefdest grosses for the week are record at the Stanley, and 'Edge of Darkness.' Estimates for This Week Aldlne (WB) (1.303; 85-75)—'Des- ert Viqtpry' (20th) and 'Saludos Amigos' (RKO) (2d wk). Dualer netting okay $9,000 for holdover. AreadU (Sablosky) (600; 35-7j)- Kceper of Flame' (M-G> (2d run) 12d wk). Plenty warm at $4,700. Last week, bright $5,000. Boyd (WB) <2 96»; 35-75) — Slightly Dangerous' (M-G) (2d wk i. IL^SL*'5,800 after solid $21300 pint $4,200 for added showing at Kailn Sunday lor IlsI week's take 'Hd- man Comedy' (M-G) bows Thursdiiy (29). Eerie (WB) (2.708; 35-75)—'Hit Pa- rade' (Rep) with Phil Spltalny bund on stage. Profllublc $24,500. Lust week combo of 'Journey into Fear' (RKO) and Hal Mciiityre orch and Alan Mowbray sour $16,000. Fox (WB) (2,245; 35-75)—'It Ain't Hay (U). Punned by crix but .still getting satisfactory $19,000. Lu>t week 'Something to Shout About' (Col) good $18,000. ■arllMi (WB) (1,066; 35-75i—iAIr Force' (WB> (2d run). Still packinij plenty ol power for $8,200. L.i.-t week 'Powers Girl' tUA> mediiic:e $4,500 for eight days of .second run. ■elth'a (WB) (2^20; 35-79)-llirll-i Frisco' (20th) (2d run). Polcni ST.- 500 after lour weeks at Stanlev. .I^.st week 'Mpon Is Down' (20t)ii fair $4,000 lor five days of second v.ci;k of second run. Mastbaam (WB) (4,602: 35-751— 'Edge of Darkness' (WB). Hou-e packed with Flynii fans and iibeV.od by kudoes from the crix for hefty $33,500. Last week, 'Air Foice' iWB) finished third week with i;eal $18,200. .Stonley (WB) (2.916; 35-75)—'S!..r Spantjled Rhythm' iPar). llc.i-kd for house record with bangup s:;'J.- 000 plus super $6,500 for Sublii'h .showing at Earle. La.st week HoH'* Frisco' (20th) snared $ll,4iiu itr fourth canto, good. Stanton i.WBt (1.457: 35-7.i»— Trankenstein Meets Wolf Man' iU>. i2d wk). Fans eating it up fi>r SIO.- |2U0. Opu.icr netted hu.-iiy $14.jOU.