Variety (Jun 1943)

WedBMdsj. Jan* 2, 194» 'Jonhn-IEaye B« $!%OOII Tops On; 'Sav^e Hefty 2IIG, 'So^eaitt' KG Chicago. June 1. 4 Several new pictures aided by al- mogt perfect ahowgoing weaOiw over the Decoration Day weekend helped grosaes in most loop houses. 'Lucky Jordan.' at the Chicago, with Sammy Kaye's orchestra on the stage, looks like at least $50,000, and •More the Merrier' wiU get another 125.000 on Its second week atjthe State-Lake. Hie Palace, with 'White Savage' and 'Follow the Band,' Is stated tor a healthy $20,000. The Grand theatre, former legitimate house, ehtered the field of first-run downtown- houses when It was taken over last week by PKO. Combina- tion of 'Saludos Amigos' and 'Tarzan Triumphs,' to open policy, should do $«.0M- _ _ ^ Estimates tor This Week Apolle <B&K) (1.200; 35-75)— 'Cabin in Sky' (M-G) (3d wk). Spar- kllng $10,000. Last week, big $13,000. Chieage (B&K) (4,000; 35-75)— 'Lucky Jordan' (Par) and Sammy Kaye orch on stage. Strong $50,000. Last week, '3 Hearts Julia* (M-G> and Horace Heidt orch on stage, stout $45,000. Garrlck (B&K) (000; 35-75)- 'Night Plane Chungking' (Par) and 'Lady Bodyguard' (Par). Good $7,- 500. Last week, 'Edge of Darkness' (WB) (3d wk) six days and 'Night Plane' (Par) and 'Lady Bodyguard* (Par), one day. good $8,000. Grand (RKO) (1.150; 40-75)—'Sa ludos Amigos* (RKO) and 'Tarzan Triumphs' (RKO). Bright $8,000. liSst week, not flrst-run house. OrlenUl (Iroquois) (3.200; 28-55^— 'Shantytown* (Rep) and Duncan Sis- ters heading stage bill. Bangup $23.- 000. Last week. 'HI Ya Chum* (U). with Jane Frazee and Hugh Herbert on stage, staunch $22,000. Palace <RKO) (2.500; 40-75)— . 'Whita Savage* (U) and'Follow Band' (U). HealUiy $20,000. Last week, ■Land Is Mine* (RKO) and ^dies* Day* (RKO) (2d wk). five days, and 'White SaVage* (U) and 'Follow Band* (RKO) two days, fine $15,000. Boesevelt (B&K) (1.500; 35-75)— 'Immortal Sergeant' (20th). Nifty $16,000. Last week, 'Desperadoes' (Col) (3d wk). five days, and 'Ser geant.' two days, nice $13,000. State-Lake (B&K) 2.700; 35-75)- 'More the Merrier' (Col) (2d wk). Corking $26,000. Last week, about same. VatUd Artiste (B&K) (1.700; 35 75)-r-'Keeper Flame' (M-G) (4th wk). Smooth $12,000. Last week, okay $14,000. Weeds (Easaness) (1.200; 33-75)— 'Corregidor' (PRC) and 'Man Trai (Rep). Bangup $10,000. Last weel 'Ape Man' (Mono) and 'Dead Men Walk' (PRC) (2d wk), three days. 'Corregidor' and 'Man Trap,' four days, smart $9,000. 'Comedy' Hot 20G, Pitt; flight Tram' No Help To CafaDaro, $18,500 Plttaburgh, June 1. Holiday biz Just fair, though pleas- ure-driving ban keeping practically everybody in town. 'Human Com- edy's' leading the field at the Penn and may Dosslbly stay another week. Cavallaro isn't getting much help from 'Night Plane from Chungking' at Stanley, and will subsequently wind up only moderately well. 'More the Merrier continuing hangup in third week at Harris, while 'Mission to Moscow' is nosediving again at Warner, just as it did last week at Penn. 'Friend Flicka' doing okoy at Fulton, with plenty of kid trade over weekend, and other h.o.'s. 'Cabin In SInr' at Rltz and 'Walked With Zom- bie^ at Senator, are getting by, but not much more. Batlmalea tor Thia Week FaUon (Shea) (1.700; 30-55)- 'Friend FUcka' (20th). Critics all-out for this one, and picture's getting healthy boost from kid trade. Looks like bettor than $7,600, enough to give It a tew extra days in second week. 'Corregidor* (PRC) opens Sat- urday (3) tor week, after which house diuto tor repainting until July 8, reopening with "Coney Island' (lOth). Last week. 'Next of Kin' (U) disappointing at under $5,000. Barrte (Harris) (2.200; 30-55)— 'More the Merrier' (Col) (3d wk). Holding up. exceptionally well, and holiday at top scale giving the wind, up a break; should clock close to $0. 000. only about three grand under what It did last week. 'Merrier' ntoves tomorrow (Wednesday) to Senator. PeM (Loew's-UA) (3.300: 30-55)- 'Human Comedy' (M-G). Ought (o be a cinch for $20,000. perhaps more May stay second stanza. Last week. 'Mission to Moscow' (WB), poor $9.$00. ■Hs (WB) (800; 30-55)—'Cabin In Sky' (M-G) (3d wk). Landed here after runs at Warner and Ritz, and tapering off to $2,500 on windup of downtown engagement. All-colored musical's simultaneous showing in leading film house of Pittsburgh's Harlem naturally biting Into gross within Golden Triangle. Last wedL 'Got Ma Covered' (RKO), which also I ;ot here via same route, only about I 2,200. Senator (HarrU) (1,750; 30-68)— ■Walked With Zombie* (RKO) (2d wk). Only so-so, exploitation picture apparently having worn out its nov- elty appeal In opening session. May- be $2,600, hardly mora. Last week, Zombie' bettered fine $3,000 to give house a record for a film other than moveover from Harris. StMUey (WB) (3.800; 30-75)—'Night Plane* (Par) and Carmen Cavallaro. Band, playing first engagement here, needs a much stronger picture than this, and combo, as a result of limit- ed draw, will hardly do more than S18,S00, only fair for holiday session. Last week, 'Pilot No. 5* (M-(>) and vaude show headed by Connee Bos- well, fine'$21,000. Warner (WB) (2,0iOO: 30-65)—"Mis- sion to Moscow* (WB) (2d wk). Moved here from Penii. Won*t do more than $3,500. Last week, 'Cabin in Sky' (M-G), Just below $5,000. MAAri6G IN MUD BALTO Baltimore, June 1. Gas rationing is making Itself felt here and downtowners are off from fine average of late. This Land- of Mine* got off to a Special midnight preem at $1.10 and is maintaining an okay pace. 'Rataan* at Loew*s Century also is standout. Good Me- morial Day action at holiday scale helped swell figures. Estimates tor This Week Century (Loew's-UA) (3.000: IT 55)—'Bataan'(M-G). Drawing steady response at possible $16,000. Last week, second of 'Human Comedy"* (M-G), nice $9,200. Hippodreme. (Rappaport) (2,240; 17-66)—'Land of Mine' (RKO) plus vaude. Given strong ballyhoo vta midnight preem at $1.10 top and holding nicely for okay $17.00(). Last week. 'More the Merrier* (Col) plus vaude (2d wk), trim $13,200. Keith's (Schanberger) (2.460; IT 55)—-Pride of Yankees' (RKO). Back at regular prices and off to all-right opening (Mon). Last week. 'Holmes In Washington' (U). fair $9,200. BlaryUnd (Hicks) (1,290; 29-88)— 'Swing Your Partner' (Indie) plus vaude headed by Arthur Tracy. Mild $8,000. Last week, 'Coast Guard* (Col) and 'Latin Quarter Revue' on stage, strong $10,200, best In weeks here. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 25-50)— 'Night Plane Chungking' (Par), Slightly bctter-than-average $5,000. Last week, 'Chatterbox' (Rep), okc $5,800. New (Mechanic) (1.680: 17-55)— 'Crash Dive' (20th> (4th wk). Hold Ing on at $4,000 after drawing good third round at $4,900. Stanley (WB) (3.280: 20-60)—'Edge of Darkne-w' (WB) (3d wk). Stretch- ing out nicely at $10,000 after steady second sesh at $12,700. Valeneta (Loew's-UA) (1.480: 17 First Ros 01 Breadvay (Subject to Chanm) Week a« J«m t Aster—'Human Comedy' (M-G) (14th week). (RetrfetiMd <n 'Variety' March $) Ca»ltol—'Bataan' (M-O). llUvimatd in 'Vattety* May m CrUerlaB—Tabln In the Sky' (M-O) (2d week). (Jtevietiisd in 'Variety' Feb. 10) Gtob»—'Jitterbugs' (20th) (4). (Rflvtewsd in 'Variety' Man ») Hollywood-'Mission to Mos- cow* (WB) (6th week). (Rtvicuisd in 'Variety' May 8) Moale Hall—"The More the Merrier' (Col) (4th week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' April T) Parameant—'Five Graves to Cairo' (Par) (2d week). (R«v<«ui<d in 'Variety' May 6) BlaUo—'Captive Wild Woman' (U) (6). (Revieuied in 'Variety' April 28) Blvell—'This Land Is Mine' (RKO) (2d week). (RctH«U)«d in 'Variety' March 17) Boxy-'My Friend FUcka' (20th) (2d we^k). (Reviewed In 'Variety' April 37) Strand—'Action In the North Atlantic* (WB) (3d week). (Reviewed In 'Variety' May 19) Week of Jane I* Astor—'Human Comedy' (M-G) (15th week). Capitol—'Bataan* (M-G) (2d week). Criterion—'Cabin in the Sky* (M-G) (3d week). Globe—'Jitterbugs* (20th) (2d week). Hollywoed—'Mission to Mos- cow' (WB) (7th week). Mnsle Hall—'Youngest Profes- sion' (M-G). (Reviewed In 'Variety' March 3) Parameant—'Five Graves to Cairo' (Par) (3d week). Blvell-TliU Land Is Mine' (RKO) (3d week). Boxy—'My Friend FUcka' (20th) (3d week). Strand—'Action In the North AtlanUc (WB) (4th week). over)? Beuer-than-average $9,000 after previous good action in two- week stay in downstairs Century. Last week. 'Young and Willing (UA\ nifty $5,600. 'Dive» Healthy $11,000, ^Darkness' 8G, L'vOle Louisville. June 1. 'Crash Dive' at the Rialto and 'Edge of Darkness' at the Mary An- derson are rating bulk of the atten- tion this week. That's because bal- ance of the product Is moveover and holdover. H.o. of 'Human Comedy' at Loew's State Is doing smartly, while 'Reap Wild Wind.' at Strand's regular prices, is getting consider- able b.o. attention. But nothing out- standing in general grosses. EaUa^les for Week Brown (Fourth Avenue-Loew's) (1.400; 30-50)—'My Friend. Flicka' (20th) and 'Desert Victory' (20th). Shunted over here after tair week at Rtalto, and headed for falrlah $2,500. Last week. 'More Merrier' (Con and 'Murder In Times Square' (Col), forte $3,800. , Kentncky (Switow) (1.200; 15-25) —'Star Spangled Rhythm' (Par) and •Pitt-iburgh' (U) split with 'In Which We Serve* (UA).and 'Two Weeks to Live' (RKO). Most of the biz com- ing in over weekend, indicating good $1,600. La.<!t week. 'Immortal Ser- geant' (20th) and 'Hard Way' iWB). solid $1,000. , ^ Loew's State (Loew's) '3.300; 30- 50)—'Human Comedy' (M-G) and 'Harrigan's Kid' (M-G). Unusual when this house hold.< a pic over for a second stanza. b";t wicket traf- fic seems to justify extension. Head- ing for oretty good $8,000 on second week. Last week same bill rounded up swell $12,000. ^ ^ Mary Andersen (Libson) (1.000; 30-50)—'Edge of Darkness' (WB). Not much opposish, looks headed, for aocko $8,000. Last week, fifth and final for 'Air Force' (WB), wound up with alright $3,300. Btalto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 30- 50)—'Crash Dive' (20th). House get- ting back to single-bill policy This week, and with lack of strong prod- uct on the main stem, this one should make the grade. Looks like healthy $11,000. Last week. 'Flicka' (20th) and 'Desert Victory' (20th), bright $10,000 and moveover. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 30- 50)—'Reap Wild Wind' (Par). Me- dium $3,S00. Last week, 'Came to Blow Up America' (20th) and 'Fol- low the Band' (U), okay $3,000. lily Mars' Sock $17,000, Dive' 16a IHission' 5G Cincinnati, June 1 Memorial Day weekend has all but two of the major stands in healthy b.o. bloom, with general returns sev eral lengths ahead of last week. 'Presenting Lily Mars' at the Pal- ace is fronting the pack with a wham mark, closely followed by 'Crash Dive' at the Albee. Other Imii anjaaiid iniTaiMi»i J* "rwi ffway Not Sensatnnd BHt 'Grayes' Hds Siiatra%rie Sock at Tlkk-HarbnaB^Ailer'-llhcs Bq{ 8IG Memorial Day weekend was gen- erally stout but not sensatlonaT at downtciwn N. Y. picture houses. Large stageshow spots are notably in the sock division this week. This is largely because out-of-townera al- ways favor stageshows and also as result of jacking up scales tremen- dously in some caseis. A few the- atres were getting evening prices earl;r in the day and higher than ordinary admissions at night. Even some straight-filmers were taking all the traffic would bear. This ollset to some extent the slowness of early- day business over . past weekend. Elimination of most bus lines Sun- day (30), plus reinstatement of pleasure driving ban and transpor- tation difficulties facing people out- of-town, are believed to have con- tributed to keeping Memorial Day from being one of the biggest holi- days the street has ever seen. Nc^r shows of the past week In- clude 'My Friend FUcka' and 'Five Craves to Cairo.' StageblU headed by the Hartmans, Larry Adler, Mltzi Mayfair and Merry Macs were aid for 'Flicka' on first seven days through last night (Tuesday) to a mighty $81,000 at the Roxy. Also fresh to the street Is 'Cabin In the Sky,' which is packing the Criterion to the rafters and should round out $37,000 or better on the first week, new high for the house, aided by upped prices. Paramount's 'Five Graves' and I Frank Sinatra, plus the Grade Bar- ,, j , ui * . rie band, on the rostrum. Is plenty ~. Philadelphia, June 1. fancy at $70,000 on first week ended L*'**'^* virtually no Memorial last night « <~ exosus here: hence the fllmers This Land Is Mine* started at Rlv- follSi *Sri'<SS'5}JS helSS" oh' Thursdav (27) but isn't setting '"*i{2t^"f"p?2S', "gPthl in Manhattan'^at the Earle. which Is Only the secdnd-run State, among threatening the record set last year combination houses. Is disappointing, by his brother. Tommy. Also In the Playing 'Hangmen Also Die.' with heavy sugar ta "Crash Dive' and Ray Heatherton orchestra and Una 'AcUon in the North Atlantic' ahd holds. Final five days third week of 'Ox-Bow Incident' (20th) under $10,000, slim. Boxy (20th) (5,886; 55-$1.10)— 'Flicka' (20th) and, in person. Hart- mans, Larry Adler, Mltzi Mayfair and Merry Macs (2d wk). Finished first week last night (Tuesday) in a big way, getting $61,000. terrific. Fourth week of trash Dive' (20th) and Jimmy Dorsey orch hit $65,000, with run bringing nice profit to house despite the targe nut. State (Loew's) (3.450; 35-$1.10)— 'Hangmen Also Die' (UA) (2d run) and, on atage. Ray Heatherton orch and Una Merkel. Disappointing at only $22,000 or thereabout, mildish. I«st week, '3 Hearts Julia' (M-G) and Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe Revue topped $31,000. very good. Strand (WB) (2.756; 35-$1.10)— 'AcUon North Atlantic' (WB) and Cab (^Uoway orch, plus Dooley Wilson, In person (2d wk). Holding up in exceptional manner, this week (2d) looking $55,000 or better, close to Initial aeven days' $58,000. Re- mains third. ' DIVE' HOT m IN TORRID PHHI Merkel In person, best that Is seen Is $22,000, mildlsh. Capitol looks to a strong $60,000 on third and final week with 'Lady of Burlesque,' and, on stage, George Jessel Jack Haley, EUa Logan and Nat Brandwynne^s orchestra. Very excellent Is 'More Estimates ter This Week Aldlno (WB) (1,303; 38-09)— 'Cabin in Sky* (M-G) (Sth wk). Bridit ttJOO. Last week, sweet $0,500. 'Hve Graves to Cairo' (Par) preems tomorrow (Wednesday). Areadta (Sablosky) (600; 85-86)— Gets Glamour' (Par) iiinonn Xhi,X*1oJ'}L'**''"*'"/ 'o' opened today (Tuesday). Last week, fi«„"''^V«„*SP»^^^^ and'lPrelud. Wa? at the Capitol, and 'Two Weeks to Live,' at the Lyric, are off. Hold- overs 'More Merrier' at the Grand and 'Lady of Burlesque' at Keith's are In clover. Estimates tor This Week Albee (RKO) (3.300; 35-55)—'Cra.sh Dive' (20th). Zoom' ^6,000. Last week, 'Edge of Darkness' (WB), perked in tast half, pleasing $12,500. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 35-55)- ■Mission to Moscow* (WB). Poor $5,000. Last week, 'More Merrier' (Col) (2d run), big $8,500. Family (RKO) (1,000; 20-30)— 'High Explosive* (Par) and 'Heart Bewngs to Daddy* (Par) split with 'Ape Man* (Mono) and Tahiti Honey* (Mono). Steady $2,200. Same last week for 'Rhythm of Islands* (U) and 'Ladies Day' (RKO),divided with 'Behind Prison Walls '(PRC) and 'King of Cowboys' (Rep). Grand (RKO) (1,430; 35-55)— 'More Merrier' (Col). Second Uans- fer for third downtown sesh. Swell $6,000. Last week, 'Walked With Zombie' (RKO), wham $8,000 tor this stand's best mark In quite a spell. Hcelth's (Libson) (1.500: 35-55)— 'Lady of Burlesque' (UA). Moveover from Palace for second stanza. Ex- cellent $5,500. Last week. 'Buckskin Frontier' lUA), dud $2,500. Lyric (RKO) (1.400; 35-55)—Two Weeks to Live' (RKO). No dice. $3.- 000. Last week. 'Aircraft Missing' (UA), awful $2,500. Palace (RKO) (2.600: 35-55)-'Lily Mars' (M-G). Socko $17,000. Last week, 'Lady of Burlesque" (UA), eight days, hefty $16,000. Shabert (RKO) (2.100; 35-55) 'Edge of Darkness" (WB). Switehed from Albee for second round. Fair $3,500. Ditto last week on 'Human Comedy' (M-G), fourth downtown week.. sion. 'Action in UTorth Atlantic' and Cab Calloway, plus Dooley Wilson, are prospects for $55,000 or over at the Strand on the first (current) holdover session, terrific. Estimates ter This Week Astor (Loew's) (1,140; 55-$M0)— 'Human Comedy* (M-G) (14th wk). Pushed to $16,000. with aid of holi- day on 13th week ending Monday night (31). very good; prior (12th) stanza. $16,000. Capitol (Loew's) (4.820; 35-$1.10) —'Lady Burlesque' (UA) and. In oerson. George Jessel. Jack Haley. Ella Logan. Nat Brandwynne orch (3d-flnal wk). Holding ud strongly, on the windup looklne $60,000. close to second week's $63,000. 'Bataan' (M-G) and staKc comolement In- cluding Willie Howard. William Gar- gan and Bob Allen orch open to- morrow (Thursday). Criterion 'Loew's) (1.700: 35-99)— shVi/Mrn jirfimiriT^' or oeTIer. new high for house, an holds. Last week, second for 'Des- perndoes' (Col). S12.000. moderately good. Globe (Brand!) (1.416: 35-85)— 'Corregidor' (PRC). Slow $7 500 be- ing sighted and won't hold. Final six days on second week of 'Came to Blow Up America' (20th). $5,500. Hollywoed (WB) (1.499; 44-$1.25) —'MLsslon Moscow' (WB) (5th wk). With aid of holiday headed for $29.- 000. as against $28,700 for last week (4th). Pataee (RKO) (1,700; 28-75) — 'Moon Down' (20th) (2d run) and Cowboy Manhattan' (U) (1st run). Combo may get $9.70O, okay. Lact week. 'Flight Freedom' (RKO) (2d run) and 'Mysterious Doctor* (WB) (1st run >, good $11.000 for eight days. Parameant (Par) <3.664; 35-$1.10) —'Five Graves Cairo' (Par), plus Frank Sinatra and Grade Barrle orch (2d wk). Goes on holdover to- day (Wednesday) after clocking sock $70,000 on first seven days, pull <^ Sinatra counting heavily. The fifth week of 'China' (Par), for which Bobby Sherwood replaced Harry James, was $36,000, okay. Badio City Mule Hall (Rockefel- lers) (5.045; 44-$1.85) —'More the Merrier' (Col) and stageshow (3d wk;. Capacity weekend crowds, plus steady take on other days, send- ing gro.ss to specta'cular •«'<»'>'»« (WAC), mediocre $3,000. Beyd (WB) (2,860; 36-90)-'Mora the Merrier' (Col) (2d wk). Arthur- McCrea comedy soaring to lusty $22,800 following solid $31,000 last week. WIU likely stay • third stanza. Barte (WB) (2.768; 35-00)—'Cow- boy Manhattan' (U) with Jimmy Dorsey orch on atage. Looks like sensational $42,500 and may break Tommy Dorsey record of $45,000 it biz holds up. Last week. 'Air Raid Wardens' (M-G) and Carmen Cav« allero orch, nj.h. $16,800. Fox (WB) (2,245; 35-99)—"Crash Dive' (20th). Tyrone attracting femmes. SoUd $28,000 plus $4,500 for special Sabbath Earle showing. Last week. 'Desperadoes' (Col), okay $17,500. Karlton (WB) (1.066; 35-99)— 'Human Comedy' (M-G) (2d run). Nice $6,700 In view of long run at Boyd. Last week, 'Flight Freedom' Keith's (Ctoldman) (2.220: 35-75)— 'Keep *Em Slugging' (U) plus; Prel- ude to War" (WAC). Sad $2m Last week. 'Assignment Brittany' (M-G) (2d run), fairish $2,600 tor four days of second week. Mastbanm (WB) (4.692: 33-»9)— 'Action Nortti Atlantic' (WB). Good $33,000. Last week, 'Mission to Mos- cow' (WB) dropped off to pallid $16,500 for hoMover sesh. SiMiley (WB) (tjtlt: aS-»9)— 'Land Is Mine' (RKO). Getting by- passed tor fair $15,700. Last week, ^Spangled Rhythm' (Par) wound up torrid run witti $ 3.600 for fifth week. StantM (WB) (1.457; 3S-0»>—'Ox- Bow Incident' (20). Neat $11,300. Last week. 'Blow Up America* (20th), medloere $7,500. Agents Sue Moppet Hollywood. June 1. Flhn B&Ianr of Peggy' Ann Garner. 14-year-old moppet at 20th-Fox la subject to a auit by Richard Clin* and Sam Howard In Superior court. Agenta ctaim they have net been paid their 10% on a five-year con- tract signed In 1942. FOX'S HEW WBITEB8 4.. <.n<,»t»v.„i>f- 'ai'mnnn I Two playwrights recently signed ':Wl%i^s.S'A*i^nUy 20th-Vx. Sylvia Regan and J<^ S10S.800, itself tremendous. Holds fourth round. Bialte (Mayer) (594; 28-65)— •Night Plane Chungking' (Par). Somewhat light at $7,500. Three days on second week of 'Leopard Man' (RKO). $2,800, weak. Rbfoll (UA-Par) (2.002; 35-99)— 'Land Is Mine' (RKO). At $27.0(K) or over, nothing special though good, Eisenger. leave for the studio this weekend, swelling the total of new writers reporting on the lot to nine. Newly added writers signed by 2Gth. who left for the Coast Ust week, were Henry and Phoebe Ephron. Philip Lewis." Robert Tall- man. Ben Sinkowlch. Frank Gabriel- son and Henry Clyde Lewis.