Variety (May 1943)

10 nctuBi oRosm W«dBeid«y, May 26, 1913 'Moon Down' Leails Debroit $341100, Treedom' Choice 20G, "Serve Hot 18G DrM'oil. May 2S. ♦ Two wci'ks of MilKl rain—which i did u<. liiii ni lo Kiosscs lim— i* hav- ; Ci'ii .and How s liiK lis aJlermatfi m ii<i' ( um-iil ''lu- "i^'P AbiHil mun »i i.ooo, , .„„ I icmiiin. r.iMowtd closi »iiiiriv spill, will) Bl•<>■'^<•^• otJ fri.in ! ,.^]»>'»'f'P?''''''"-^^"^^^^ ihc Hi ""^■> '-^1 " We Die . Rcp;^ ami |j„, -ij^.,,,., victory.* a III t J* «e 1 t-xpiulalions (iiulcr llie ru-h of Vic-'?^"^?' _ . . n , .. • li.rv Oordcners lo iheir projccls. S« "i« „."■•',": - Lnsi work Married W ilch Ikiwovor.'t»p pix now In lite houses Hre lioldinK up to Kood )!ro>~cs tin'ior thi>> town's great lllin >|>endii)i:. "Moon Is Dow.n' and "Cowlioy in Manhattan.' at Iht Fox—despite the $7.8(in. lUAi 1943 Revue' plus Major Bowos unit on suifte. nice SIO.OIIO. Orphrum illainrick - Evergreen> • l.tldO: 'lO-S.'))^-Something Shout der Time.'! Square' S1S.400. Last week. Kcllo Fri.<co' i20th) and 'High Explosive' (Par), satisfactory SI 1.100. United Arllstii iParker) (900; 40- M)—'Keeper of Flame' iM-Gi and Calaboo.-ie" tUAt i4lh \vk>. Okay $4,600. Third week, good SO.SOO. Bardener.-' r\i<h lo catch up under I About" <Coli and Pri.-ioii Mutiny" the inlen.-ive V-Gardcn projects here I'Mon<>>- Good enwigh $9,500. La.sj --should shoot up to smash IlKures to I ^V'"'*- 'Jr""" Is Miiie 'nKOi and load the town. Also solid arc Fliuht'iCil.v Without Men (Col.. strong for Freedom' and •Falcon .Sirikos j'"••W- Back.'at the Miclii;;;ir.. and'In Which I Paramount iH-E) i.I.OOO: 40-65>— We Serve' and Taxi. Mi.-icr." at the j "More the Merrier' (Coli and "Mur- I'liiicd Artisl.s. which curivnily is dor Times Square" iCoh. Terrific BiviiiK the loop here a heavy cmpha- tia on propaganda lilms. Estimates for Thin Week Adam* iBalabam il.TOO: 55-75)— 'More the Merrier" iCf" '2d wk) and 'After Midnight With Boston Blackie' iCol). Mm-oover from Fox with a freshener sights ctkay $8,500. La.sl week. "It Ain't Hay" lU) i2d wk) and 'Keep 'Em Slugging' tU), great $9,300. Broadway-Capltnl (United Delrolt) (2.800; 55-75)— Reap Wild Wind' (Par) and Tombstone" (Par) i4th wk). Switched in after three great weeks at Palms-State, okay $8,000. Last week. 'Edge of Darknes.-!" iWB) and "Wildcat" (Par) (3d wk). fine $112,000. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5.000: 55-75) —'Moon Is Down" ■20lh) and 'Cow- boy in Manhattan' (U). Sma.sh $34.- 000. Last week, 'More the Merrier' (Col) and 'Murder in Times Sq.' tCol). great $3D.00<i. Madison (United Detroit) (1.800; 55.75)—-Hardy's Double Life' (M-G) and 'Moon and Sixpence' (UA). Fair $6,500. ' Last week, "Immortal Ser- Seant' (20th) and 'Bambi' (RKO), ipped back into loop for choice $7,500. Michigan (United Detroit) (4.000; 55-75)':-*Flight for Freedom' iRKO) and 'Falcon Strikes Back' iRKO). Heading for choice $20.MO. Last week, 'Powers Girl' (UA) end Phil Spitainly orchestra on stage, smash $48,000. Palma-SUte (United Detroit) (3.- 000; 55-75)—In Which We Serve' (UA) and 'Taxi. Mister' (UA). Strength here with robust $18,000. Last week. "Reap Wild Wind' (Par) and 'Tombstone' (Par) tSd wk), great $10,000. Onited Arliata (United Detroit) (2.- 000; 95-75)—'Cabin in Sky' (M-G) and 'Air Raid Wardens' (M-G) (2d wrk), rolling up big $16,000 after wham $20,000 in first session. 'Flicka'-Bowes Unh Nice 119,000 in Washington Washington, May 25, 'More the Merrier." on Its second week, will lead the downtown flrst- Tun parade after a sizzling s-even-day opener. "My FrionH Flicka." without potent name pow-er, is pulling nicely end -This Land Is Mine.' liked by the critics, may overcome the trend against, an overdose of war Mms in , the rir.<:t-run hoicies. EsUmaUs for Tbiii Week 'MOON DOWN'BRIGHT $20,000 IN NEWARK NewaCk. May 25. Biz is bright for -Moon Is Down' at Proctor'.-!, and the' State is mak- ing hay with 'Tenhe.'isce Johnson.' Holdovers at the Branford and the Paramount are al.so getting a nice play. Weekend biz. already near ca- pacity, figures to get an extra lift with the new ban on pleasure driv- ing. Eitimatet tor ThU Wecli Brantard tWB) (2.800; 30-90)— White Savage' (U) and 'He's My Guy' (U) (2d wk). Sitting pretty with $15,000 in holdover sesh. Last week, fancy $18,500. Capitol (WB) (1,200; 20-55)— Powers Girl" (UA) and 'Hit Pa- rade of. 1043' (Rep). Dual musicals heading for irripressive $4,000. Last week. "Stand By for Action' (M-G) and 'AITalrs of Martha' (M-G), like- wise. Paraorannt (Adams-Par) (2.000: 35-75)—'China' (Par) and 'Lady Bodyguard' (Par) (5th wk). Hold- ing to torrid pace of initial four rec- ord-breaking stanzas, looking for $12,000. Last week, tall $14,000. Likely to hold for a sixth stanza. Proctor's (RKO) (3.400: 35-90)— "Moon Is Down' (20th) and 'Ladies Day' (RKO). Bright $20,000 In sight. Last week. 'Forever and Day' (RKO) and 'Margin for Error' (20th), swell $24,000. Slate (Loew's) (2.600: 30-85)— 'Tennesjiee Johnson' (M-G) and '3 Hearts tor Julia' (M-G). Stout $17,. 500. and building. Last week. 'Hang- men Also Die* (UA) and 'Air Raid Wardens' (M-O). nice $15,000. 'Homai CMMdj* Fom $12,000 m LonisviDe Louisville, May 25. All riitrirs are making a good I .<.how:iig this week, reflecting nr.it- I class product, ideal weatHer condi- ' I tioiis and plenty of coin in circula- . I tion. 'Human Comedy' at Loew's '* Slate is catching a gocid deal of at- fiillowed closely by "My Riulto, coupled a strong sup- porting war pic. Holdovers are strong. ENllmatcs tor Tlilf Week Brown ■ Fourth Avenue-Loew"s) < 1.4110: :i0-5(l)—'More the Merrier' iCol) and 'Murder in. Times Square' (Col). Moveovcr from Loew's Slate, and continuing to roll along at moriy clip, indicating ros.v $3,800. Last week 'Lady of Burlesque' (UA) and 'Aircraft Missing' (.UAi, strong $3,500. Kenlurliy iSwitow) (1.240: 15-25) —-lininortal Sergeant' (201hi and Hard Way' iWB). Pretty solid at iidicated $1,900. Last week 'Casa- blanca' (WB) and 'Powers Girl' (UA I. average $1,800. Loew's .State (Loew's) (3.300; SO- SO)—'Human Comedy' iM-G) aud HarriKai)'« Kid' (M-G). Neat $12,000, Last week -More the Merrier' (Coli and 'Murder in Times Square.' (Col), fine $11,000. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000: 30-50)—Air Force' (WB) (5th wk). Lingering tor another round and still gelling hefly attention. Current w-eek's nniicipaied take around ex- cellent $3,500. I.asl week same pic' splendid $4,000. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 30- SO)—-Flicka' (20lh) and "Desert Vic- tory' 120th). Fine $10,000. Last week Happy Go Lucky' (Par) and "High Explosive' (Par), sturdy $9,000. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1.400; 30-50)—-Came to Blow Up America' (20th). and 'Follow.the Band' (U). Okay $3,000. Last week "Walked with Zombie' (RKO) and 'Journey Into Fear' iRKO), smart $9,500, Uames SasebaD for Be toil Bnt merrier' Solid $31,000 Prima-Carol Brace Up 'Forever' to 31G, Cieve. Cleveland, May 25 Another bangup week is being clocked by Pulace. with Louis Prima's orch and Carol Bruce bounc- ing "Forever and a Day' up to higher brackets. 'China' shot olT to equally Xliiiia'Stroi^ h Boston, $2i000 Boston, May 29. It turns, out the weather does have to be mentioned—after last week"s enthusiasm—tor while grosses are healthy enough In the Hub, there is a distinct drop over previous weeks. A terribly sticky heat and incessant rain are mostly accountable, but the circus and the OPA got In their licks, too. 'China' Is deflnitely on top at the Met. the Alan Ladd-Loretta Young pic accounting tor a very brisk $24.- 000, with kids making up a good share of the biz. "This Land Is Mine" follows with a neat $23,000 at the Memorial and 'More the Merrier." day-date at the Loew stands, is still good for a fine $40,000, 2d week, EstiBMles For Ttaii Week Boston (RKO) (3.200; 44-99)— 'Follow the Band' (U) plus Tony Pastor orch. Kenny Baker, others on stage. A slight drop to $28,000. but "till plenty good. Last week •Rhythm Islands' (U) plus Mitchell Aires orch, Andrews Sisters, others, $30,000. Fenway iM-P) (1.373; 40-60) Arthnr-McCrea Strong $20^ Leads Denver Denver, May 25. All firslruns continue .solid here this w-eek with 'The More the Mer-: rier' paired with 'Mantrap' at Den- ver and Esquire- easily topping co'm- peiish. 'Desperadoes' with 'Follow the Band" at Paramount also is stout while 'China' 'u* remarkably stroiiK on holdover at the Denham. Estimates for Tbia Week Aladdin (Fox) (1.400; .10-65)— 'Flicka' (20th) and' 'Desert Victory' (20(hi. after week at. each Denver and Escitiire. Fine $6,500. Last week -Edge Darkness' (WB) and 'Taxi Mister' (UA). after Denver, Esquire route, nice $7,000. Broadway (Fox), (1.040; .10-65)^ 'Keeper of Flame' (M-G) and -Stranger in Town' (M-G). after two weeks at Orpheum. Nice 15.000. Last week 'Yankee DOodle' (WB), good $4,000. Devliam (Cockrill (1.750: 30-60)— 'China" (Par) (2d wk) and "Aerial Gunner" (Par). Big $14..500. Last week 'China.' socko $17,000. Denver (Fox) (^.525; 30-65)— More the Merrier' (Col) and "Man- trap" IRep). day-date w-ith E-iquire. Strong $16,000. Last week "Flicka' ("20th I and DeRert Victory' (20th), day-date with Esquire, biii $15,000. Esquire iFox) (742; 30-65)—'More (he Merrier' (Col) and "Mantrap" (Rep), also at Denver. Big $4,500. Last week 'Flicka' (20th) and 'Desert Victory' (20lh), also at Denver, fine $4,000. Orplieum (RKO) 12.600; 30-85)— Tarzan Triiimphs' (RKO* and "Salu- dos Amigos' (RKOi. Trim $11,500. Last week "Keeper of Flame' (M-G) and 'Stranger in Town' (M-Gi (2d wk I, about same. Paramount (Fox) (2.200; .10-50)— 'Desperadoes' (Col) and Follow Band' (U). Solid $9,500. Last week 'Cat People' iRKOi and -Journey Into Fear' (RKO). $9,000. BUilo (Fox I (878; 30-65)—'Edge of Darkness' (WB) and Taxi Mister' (UA). after week at each Denver. Esquire and Aladdin. Fine $3..500. Last week -It Ain't Hay" (U) and "Murder Times Square" (Col), after same Denver. Esquire. Aladdin route. $3,500. Marcus Heiinaii B Continued from pa|c t s made a curlain speech, the lute Alexander Woollcott writing that Pemberton was rude because he didn't thank the audience for its enihusia.<m. As to Hoiman, Pember- ton described him as a 'generous In/er who irfcs lo keep his name out of the paper, humble, tolerant but still po.'ises.-es a flery spirit." Pem- berton left Ihe introduction of Hel- man to Arthur Hopkin.v. whom he de.scribed as 'the Churchill of Broadway.' SUrted in 1897 Koiman started in show businr.s.s (M-(ji) with Billy Rose's "Diamond Horseshoe Revue' on stage. Footlight attraction did it tor rousing $23..500. —<C-^<M>b)a- iL:v»w> <;.234: 40-60)-- 'Slightly Dangerous' (M-G). Lane is slill potent on F street, which ac- counts tor swell $8,000. Last week, 'Moon is Down' (20lh), fine $7,000. . Earle —.CWBX a^ltl;. 30-.90.)Tr 'More the Merrier' (Col). With stage show. Nifty $20,000. Last week, came, $24,300, bolTy, tor all house could hold. Kellh'i (RKO) (1.800: 30-55)— 'Land Is Mine' (RKO).' Headed for neat $14,000. Last week, 'Flight For Freedom' (RKO), 2d week, not *o hot $8,000. Melropolilaa (WB) (1.800; 30-95)— llappy Go Lucky' (Par). Looks like good $7,500. Last week. 'Edge ot Darkness' (WB) satisfactory $7,600. Palace (Loew) (2,242; 30-66)- 'Hello, Frisco' (20lh). Second week. Will get okay $15,000 after smash first week take of $20,000. Port, on but 'Merrier* Zooms to Sock $15,400 Portland. Cvc. May 25. 'The More the Merrier' is bearing fruit from .-^ocko bally at Paramount, and is way out ahead 'of competitors with terrific week in prospect. Others are not so forte, and It may be interest in the batOe on Attn Island. Bsllmates for This Week Broadway iParker) (1.900: 40-65)- —'Moon and Sixpence" (UA) and 'Varsity Show' (WB) <rei.wiei. Dis- appointing $8,000 after recent high takes . here. Last week. -Powers of it Since shifting to flrst-runs. Allen's becoming .dangerous rival, rocket- ing up on -Edge of Darknoi-:' tor two excellent stanzas. Estimato* For This Week Allen (RKO) (3.000: 35-.5S)—'Edge of Darkness' (WB) (2d wk). Keep- ■ing up heat on h.o.. grabbing pos- sible $12,000, swell, after great $16,- 000 last week. Hipp (Warners) (3,700: 35-55)—'It Ain't Hay (U). A couple ot de- grees below average Abbott-CostcUo take: $16,900, still oke. Last week. 'Hello, Frisco' (20th) (2d wk) very pleasing at $16,000. Lake (Warners) (800: 35-55)— 'Hello, Frisco' (20th) (2d wk). Stunniiig at $5,500. sighted for move- over. Last week 'Frankenstein Wolf Man' (U) (2d wk) also socky at $3,700. Palace (RKO) '3.700; 35-85)— 'Forever and Day' (RKO) plus Louis Prima orch and Carol Bruce. Again proving that jive's what doc onlcred for this .stand: excellent $31,000 on lap. Last week 'Hit Parade '43' (Rep) with Willie Howard. Ina Ray Hutton's orch. Jane Frazee on stage, also big $28,000. State (Loew's) (3.450; 33-85)— 'China' (Par). Doing gold-r(i.<.h trade, heading tor^20.000 and po.^-- sible h.o. Last week 'Aiisignmcnt in Brittany' (M-G) ordinary $10,900. Stillman (Loew's) (2.700; 35-551— ■Reap Wild Wind' (Par). Poorish opening and may be held down by rain to-$6.500..rather dL'-appointlng. La.st week 'Lady ot Burlesque' (UA) (2d wk) over-estimated; .yet $9,500. still .<!weI1. and Young and Willing" (UA) $5 600. .Memorial (RKO) (2.900: 44-751— 'Land is Mine" iRKO) plus "Ladies' Day' iRKOi. Good, it not spcclacu- lar. $23,000. La.st week Hitlers Children' iRKO) and 'Taxi Mister?' (UA) 14 days of 4th week)., $8,000. Metropolitan (M-P) (4.367; 40-65) — China' (20th) and 'He Hired Bo.s.s' (20th). Fine $24,000. Last week 'Edge Darkness' (WB) and 'Heart Belongs to Daddy' (Par). $21,000, 2d week. Orpheum (Loew) (2.900; 44-89)— 'More the Merrier' (Col) and 'After Midnight With Boston Blackie' (Col) (2d week). Dropped to $22,000, very good. Last week $20,000. Paramount (M-P) (1,300; 33-60)— •Edge Darkness' (WB) and 'Heart Belongs Daddy' fPar). From Met, oke $14,000. Last week. 'Mrs. Had- ley' I M-G) and 'Young and Willing" (UA). $1.5.000. ■ Stale (Loew) (3.200; 44-65)-'More Ihe Merrier' (Col) and 'After Mid- night with Bo.«ton Blackie' (Col). ■ 2d work). Faded a bit. but .sUunch at $18,000. above average. Last wcok S23.000. Translux (Tran-^liix) (900: 28-65) —'.loiiinoy Into Foar' (RKOi and 'Alibi' 'Ri-p) i2fl wcok). Drojipcd to S4,500. La^t week. $.5,400. Gets Chill From Rep llollywiiod, May 2?>. Republic turned over two (ihillors 10 fitorgc Shrrman to add to hi.v program as pro'lurer-di rector. .Stories arc .Silfnl Partner' and 'My.'.teiy Briia<lcasl.' the latter mix- ing murder and radio. m.-.nager of the Fulton. N. Y.). Sell ing tickets in the boxofllce w-as J. J. Shiiberl and not long afterward Heiman became a Irea.'iurer. gelling ."ob.< of that kind in New Haven and Chicago, where he had his own thea- tre by 1907, a spot which played .<lock. It was In Champaign, 111., where Heiman really became a manager and installed vaudeville at the sug gestion of Joe E. Howard. Latter w-as then operating in Milwaukee, the theatre having a two-piece or. chftMia. Jack Benny was Ihe Hddle player. His Champaign house be- came siircc.s.<fiil when It started a .splil-wftok policy with Waukegan. booked by J. J-. Muidock. then ot the We.-tern Vaudeville Managers A.ssn. Heiman became a power in big- iiine vaudeville in IP22. by which lime he had moved to .NVw York and al the .'>iiKgoslioii of Marlin Berk bc- Ciime prosidciil of ihe Orpheum Cir- ruil. He WiLS clo.<ely a.'-.soriated with Bock hill made sparing rcreronce to Iho (Icro.i.-od showman, lleiinairs Iniciosi in Ihe logii (lioalre .-lailoti in I0:t0. wlu-n ho bnaine a.s.<ocialcd will'. Ihe laie A. I,. Erlanger. Al thai liiiiv, Ion. he .started Max r.orfloii (,:, his way as 8 produ(-<T. ti.ii kiiig him ill Throo's a Crowd - ■.vliich was Kipped by Fred Allctl, I.ibby Hnlinan and ClifKm Webb. Ili'iinan has CJoirion-s .".ilont pailiior in sli<iws .lince Ihon. al- Ihough ho', aid iml In be iii on Goidon's Tho Donghc/jik' (Lyceum) Philadelphia, May 25. A new headache fur downtown deluxers has appeared—compel ii ion from Phillies. For almost two dec- ades crowds have been skimpy at the ballpark for National Leaguers here, but this season's rejuvenated club is pulling the crowds, especially for night games. Alllime record ot 37. 000 set on Sunday (23). This faclti'r plus the ban on pleasure driving-is blamed for the biz lull currently . Top grosser is 'Moie the Merrier' at the Boyd, with 'Dcsperadoe.s' als(t in the chips. Other grasses are in the okay category, but not the same sock gates of recent weeks. EsUmates For This 'Weeh Aidlne '(WB) (1.303; 35-75)— Cabin Sky' (M-G) (4th wk). Siill holding up at $10,000 after neat $12. 500, last week. Arcadia (Sablosky) ■ 000; 35-751— 'Slightly Dangerous' (M-Gi i2d run). Four days of third week, fair $2,500 after okay $3,800 last week. Boyd (WB) (2.569; 3S-'i5)—More the Merrier* tCol). Solid $26,500 plus neat $4,900 for special Earle show- ing on Sunday. Last week, "Human Comedy' (M-G) (3d wk), satisfac- tory $14,800. Earle (WB) (2.768; ,15-75)—"Air Raid Wardens' (M-G) plus Carmen Cavallaro orch. Little known banj and mild film, but okay $18,000. Last week, 'Raid Calais" (20th) with "Latin Quarter Revue' on stage, dis- appointing $17,500. Fox (WB) (2.245; 35-75) — 'Des. peradoes' (Col). Good $19,000. Last wcek./FHcka' (20th). mild $15,200. KarHen (WB) '(1.066: 35-751— Flight for Freedom' (RKO) (2d run). So-so $4,900. La.st week. Edge of Darkness* (WB), neat $7,000 on second run. Keith's (Goldman) (2.220; 35-75)— Assignment Brittanv" iM-G) )2d ruii). Fair $2,600 tor four day.s. i-ec Olid week after okay $.5,500 tor last week. MBftbanm (WB) (4.692: 35-79)— 'Mi.ssion t^Moscow' iWBi (2d wk). Sloughing off to n.s.h. $18,500 after okay $26,000 opener plus $4..500 at extra Sabbath rhowing. but below expectation.s. Stanley (WB) (2.916; .19-75)— 'Spangled Rhythm' (Pan i.5ih wk). Still in clover at fine $l:).800. FourtH week, stout $16,900. Stanton (WB) il.4.'i7: 35-75)- Blow Up America' i20lhi. Spy meller $8,000, satisfactory. Last week^ 'Reap Wild Wind' ladfh). TRISCO' TOPS PROY. WITH ZOWIE $18,000 Providence. Mav 25. Grosjies are generally big all around though annoiincrmenis o| strict enforcement of the No Plea.s- lire Driying' ban by the OPA unr doubtedly kept them from going even higher. Maje.slic's 'Holla, Frisc() Is topping the Uiwn. witK Loew s State"s "Pilot N'o. 5" and RKO Alljees This Land Is Mine' in close contention. EsUmates for This Week Albeo (RKO) (2..100: .10-.501—'Land Is Mine' (RKO) and Gildorsleove'* Bad Day" (RKO). Swell $15,000, carrying over to Wednesday <26t \i resume regular Thiir.>day npeninf schedule. Began show's soctional prcem Tiie.sday (IS). Additional two days should net good $2,000. Carlton (Fay-Loew-i 11.400; 30-501 —'Edge of Darkness' (WB) and 'I Cheers for Gtrls' (WB) (2d run). Grabbing nice carrvover biz tor good $3,500. Last week. 'Humaii Comedy* (M-G) i2d rum, nifty 13,- 800. Fay'i (Indie) (2.000: SO-.IO)— 'Rhythm of Island.s* i.Rep i and stag* show. Good $7,600. Last week. 'Man of Courage' (PRC) and vaude, fal* $7,000. MaJesUe (Fay) (2.200: 30-60)-> 'Hello, Frisco' (20th i. Jampaeklnf house since opening, and presenl pace promises zowie $18,000. tsti week, 'Edge of Darkne.s.s- (WB) and '3 Cheers for Girls' (WB). solid $16,'> 000. Metropolitan (Indie ■ 13,200: 30-95) —'Escaped From • the Gestapo* (Mono) and 'International Casino Revue* on stage. Three-day take held to only fair $6,000. Last week, -Man Trap* (Rep) and Gene Kriipa orch on stage, strong $9..S00 in three- day stand. .State (Loew) (3.200: .10-.'M)i—Pilot No. 5' (M-G) and "Slra'igor in Town* (M-G). Well balaiificd duo bright- ening h6use with neat $l.'>..50». Liist w-pok. 'More the Mcrrioi" ' M-G) and "Murder In Times Sciiiare" 'M-Ci, very nice $16,000. Strand (Indie) > 2.000: 30-50)— 'Corregidor* (PRC) and Chatterbnx' (Par). Opened Monday <24i. t.nst week. 'Nfflht Plane From Chung- king' (Par) end 'Redhead Irom Man- hattan' (U>. only lair $7,000.