Variety (Jul 1943)

Wednesday, July 7, 1943 'Big'-'Z Tickets' Socko $24,000, Chi; Tarade'-Brown Hot 50G, 'Dive 17G. 2d PICTURE GROSSES .'.- Chicago, July 6 Fourth of July crowds, a batch of new openings and good show weather is-a combination making for -fortefMgures this week. 'Mr Big' and 'Two Tickets to London' gave the Palace three of the ■ biggest opening days the house ever had ■ Socko $24,000 is in sight on the week The Chicago, with 'Hit Pa- rade of 1943' plus Les Brown orches tra on the stage, should do nice $50,- 000 'China,' at the Roosevelt, looks like nice $16,000. Of. the holdovers, 'Human Comedy,' in its third week at the State-Lake, is headed for solid $20,000, and 'Crash Dive.' at the United Artists, is good for smooth $17,000-on its second week. • Estimates for This Week Apollo (B&K) (1.200 ; 40-75) Tlicka' (20th) and 'Came Blow Up America' (20th). Good $8,500. Last week. 'Crash Dive' (20th), fine $10,000. .. " .-. Chicago (B&K) (4,000; 40-75)— 'Hit Parade 1943' (Rep) and Les Brown orch on stage. Big $50,000. Last week, 'Five Graves Cairo' (Par ) (1st wk) and Jimmy Dorsey orch ,on stage (2d wk), about same. Garrlck (B&K). (900; 40-75)— "Five Graves Cairo* (Par) (second week in Loop). Nice $8,000. Last ■ weekv 'Slightly Dangerous' (M-G) (fourth week in Loon), neat $7,000. Grand (RKO) (1;150; 40^75)—'Got Me Covered' (RKO) and 'Falcon Strikes' (RKO) (2d wk). Big $12,- 000. Last week, trim $14,000: Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-55) —'Crime Doctor' (Col) and Radio -City Music-Hall Glee Club heading stage bill. Excellent $22,000. Last week, 'Varsity Show' (WB-) (re- issue) and Blue. Barron orch on stage,.ditto. Palace (RKO) . (2,500; 40-75)— •Mister Big' (ID and 'Two Tickets London' (U). Sock $24,000. Last week, 'Seven Days Leave' (RKO) and 'Good Morning Judge' (U) (2d wk), four days, and 'Mister Big' (U) plus 'Tickets London* (U), three days, bright $17,000. ■'. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 40-75)— •China" (Par). Fine $16,000. Last -week, 'Mission Moscow' (WB) (2d wk), nice $14,000. . State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 40-75)— •Human Comedy' (M-G) (3d wk); Swell $20,000. Last week, healthy $22,000. United Artists (B&K) (1.700; 40- 75)—'Crash Dive' (20th) (2d wk). Smooth $17,000. Last week, great $20,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,200; 40-75)— •Captive Wild Woman' (U) and "Get Going' (U). Okay $7,500. Last week, 'At Dawn We Die' (Rep) and 'Spy Train' (Mono) (2d wk),, four days, and 'Captive Wild Woman' (U) and 'Get Going' (U), three days, fairly good $7,000. DIXIE'SOCKO $13,000, L'VILLE; 'DOOR' BIG 12G ■ Louisville, July. 6. Typical Fourth of July weather here but folks stayed home, pro- viding a swell setup , for the first- runs. Rialto, with 'Dixie,* is packing 'em in while Loew's State with 'Stage Door Canteen' is getting plenty of b.o. attention. 'Show Boat,' opener in the six- we,eks summer season at the Nar tion'al, is giving the film houses.some stiff Vompetish. 'Showboat' will run ten davs to be followed by 'Bitter Sweet: ' Estimates for This Week Brown ('Jfpurth Avienue-Loew's) (1,400; 30-50) — 'China' (Par). No summer slump here, . moveover from the Rialto'-doing okay $3,000. Last week, 'Coney -Island' (20th) did much better than fcjflpected on nvb., swell $5,500. ", Kentucky (Switow) (1.200: 15-25) —'Pride Yankees' (RKOFynd 'Reve- ille Beverly' (Col). Subsequent run Picking up some trade. Good $1,700 in sight. Last week. 'Hello Frisco' '20th) and 'Chetniks* (20th), strong $1,900. Loew's State (Loew's) (3.300; 30- 60)—'Stage Door Canteen' (UA). Host of star names in the cast .is drawing the femme patrons. Prob-. ably smash $12,000. Last week. Lily . Mars' (M-G) and 'American Empire' (UA) (2d wk), good $9,000. Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000: Tnm? ~ 'Action North Atlantic' IWB); Only pic in town with war background, so getting a strong Play. Sturdy. $6,000. Last week, 'Mis- $4°000 ° 0W ' (WB) - 2d Wk> ' n ' Ce - n ?' a 'i° (Fourth Avenue) (3,400: 30- «7,r Dlxie - <Pai')- Bing is certainly ■tioiSif e m.in . with this one. Sock *? 3 - 000 - Last week, 'China' (Par) okay $io.oo.O and moveover. nn\n? nd ''Fourth Avenue) (1,400: AB/i "V>~7 '°x-Bow Incident' (20th) ?„f Get Going; (U). Mild $3,000. (in w i c ,lS' 'Captive Wild : Woman" «2 n a 1 nd -Sarong Girl* (Mono), solid •ail" ch w as way over, expec- 'Crash Dive,' Stout At $11,500, Port. Leader Portland, Orel; July 6. With the 4th. of July holiday mak- ing a three-day weekend, holiday business boomed in all spots, gas ra-. tioning keeping people near home. ' ^'Grash Dive.' at the Paramount, is the leader. Broadway held 1 'White Sayage' a winning second week. Estimates fof This Week ."Broadway (Parker) (1,900; .40-65) —'White Savage' (U) (2d wk) and 'Follow the Band' (U) (1st wk). Nice $8,000 after topping town last week with. 'Cowboy in Manhattan' • (U), terrific $13,000. Mayfalr (Parker-Evergreen) (1;- 500; 40-65)—'Walked with Zombie' (RKO) and 'Journey Into Fear* (RKO). High $8,500. Last week Polack's Circus on stage. .. Orpheura (Hamrick -' Evergreen) (1.800; 40-65) — 'Ox-Bow Incident' (20th) and 'Jitterbugs' (20th). Good $9,000. Last week 'Corregidbr* (PRC) and 'Crime Doctor' (Col), good enough $9,500. Paramount (H-E) (3,000; 40-65)— 'Crash'Dive' (20th) and 'Night Plane Chungking* (Par).. Strong $11,500. Last week 'Desperadoes' (Col) and 'Redhead Manhattan* (Col), big $11,000. United Artists (Parker) (900; -40- '65)—'Slightly Dangerous' (M-G) and •Harrigan's Kid" (M.-G). Great $9,500. Last week 'Assignment. Brittany' (M- G) and Air Raid Wardens' (M-G) (2d wk), fair $6,200. , Danger-Stager Leads DeU49G Detroit, July 6. Gradually coming out from under the martial law here following race riots, Detroit's loop, is on the upbeat toward' normal under stimulus of holiday weekend. The first-runs here will go to great totals in most in- stances. Further evidence of the re- turn to normal is reflected in the fact that despite the holiday, several loop houses are. coasting through the holiday week with extended runs. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 55-75)— 'Ox-Bow "Incident' (20th) and 'Jitter- bugs' (20th). Oke $9,200. Last Week 'Desperadoes' (Col) .(2d wk) and 'Great Life' (20th), great $8,000; Broadway Capitol (United Detroit) (2,800; 55-75) — 'Lady Burlesque" (UA) (2d wk) and 'American Em? pire' (UA). Former moved frbrii good week at Michigan." Choice $15,- 000. Last week 'Air Force' (WB): 'and 'Ladies Day'. (RKO) (2d wk), okay $10,000. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000: 55-75) —'Crash Dive' (20th) and ' 'Follow the Band' (U) (2d wk). Great $31,- 000 after $36,000 in-first week. Holi- day biz strong here. Madison (United Detroit) (1,800; 55-75)—'Reap Wild Wind' (Par) and Mrs. Holliday' (U). This pair dips into the holiday pool for fine $5,500. Last week, 'Keeper, of Flame' (M-G) and 'Crystal Ball' (UA). fair $4,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 55-75) —: 'Background to Danger' (WB) and Horace Heidt orch on stage. : Great $49,000. Last week 'Lady of Burlesque' (UA) and 'Some- where in France'. (UA), strong $24,000. Palms-State (United Detroit) (3,- 000; 55-75)—'Mission Moscow' (WB) and 'Truck Busters' (WB) (2d wk). Fair $8,000 expected after good $12,- 000 in first, week. . United Artists (United Detroit) (2,000; 55-75)—'Lily Mars' (M-G) aiid 'Pilot No. 5' (M-G) (2d wk). Groat $15,000 being tucked behind first week's sock $19,000. Xucky'Bangtip $17,000, Buff.; 'Canteen Hot 23G Buffalo, July 6. 'Stage Door Canteen' is the real socko winner this week at the Great Lakes. 'Mr. Lucky' also is smash at the Century. .; Estimates for this Week Buffalo. (Shea) .(3.500; .35r55) — Action North Atlantic' (WB). Irn 7 prcssive $17,000. ■ Last week 'Lily Mars' (M-G) and 'Raid Calais' (20th) (2d wk), grand $13,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3.000; 35-55). —'Stage Door Canteen' (UA). Socko $23,000. Last week''Mission Moscow' (WB.) and 'Aerial Gunner" (Par), dis- appointing $13,000. • Hipp (Shea ) (2.100:. 35-55)—'Lily Mars' (M-G) and 'Raid Calais' (20th). Moveover, after (wo weeks at Buf- falo. Solid $10,000. Last week -Ox- Bow Incident' (20th) and 'Jitterbugs' (M-.G), robust $11,000. Lafavettc (Basil) (3.300:. 35-55)^ 'Caplivfi Wild .Woman' (U). and First Runs on Broadway (Subject to Chonoe) Week of July 8 Astor—'Best. Foot Forward' (M-G) (2d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' June 30) Capitol—'Stage Door Canteen' (UA) (3d week). ' (Reviewed in .'Variety' May 12) . Criterion — 'Bo mb a rd i e r* (RKO) (2d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' May 12) GlobW'Crime Doctor' (Col) (2d week). . (Reviewed irt current issue). Hollywood—'Mission to Mos- cow' (WB). (11th week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' May . Music Hall—'Youngest Profes- sion' (M-G) (3d week). (Reviewed, in .'Variety.' March 3) Paramount—'Dixie' (Par) (3d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' June 30) Rialto—'Two Tickets to Lon- don" (U) (2d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' June 16) Rlvoli—/Spitfire' (RKO) (4th week). '■-.'.'.. (Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 2, '42) Boxy—'Coney Island' (20th) (4th week). (Reviewed in '.Variety': May 19) Strand—'Background to Dan- ger' (WB) (2d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' June 9) Week of July IS '.:- Astor—'Best Foot Forward* (M-G) (3d week). Capitol—'Stage Door Canteen' (UA) (4th week). Criterion—'Hit the Ice* (U). (Reviewed in. current issue) '..'. . Globe — 'Victory Thru Air Power* (UA) (13). >. (Reviewed in current issue) Hollywood—'Mission to Mos- cow* (WB) (12th week). Music Hall—'Mr. Lucky'. (M-G). . (Reviewed in 'Variety' May 5). , ' Paramount—'Dixie' (Par) (4th week). • Rlvoli—'For Whom the Bell Tolls' (Par) (14). Boxy—'Coney Island' (20 th) (4th week). Strand—'Background to Dan- ger* (WB) (3d week). B'way 4th Hotsy;'Danger-Mclntyre Socko at 'China' Seattle's Ace, $15,000;'Coney' Huge 14G, lady' Smooth 12G Seattle. July 6. The long holiday weekend will boost totals all over town. ■ 'Coney Island,' 'China' and 'Lady of Burlesque' shape as best money- makers. Estimates tor. This Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick-Kvergreen) (800; 40-65)—'Bataan' (M-G) and 'Salute for 3' (Par). (2d wk). From Fifth Avenue. Fair $3,000 in five days. Last week, 'Ox-Bow' (20th) and 'Get Going'. (U) (2d. wk), six days,' fairish $3,200. Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2,349; 40-55) —'Coney Island' (20th). Great $14,- 000. Last week, 'Bataan' (M-G) and 'Salute 3' (Par). Grand $12,800. Liberty (J & vH) (1,650: 40-05)— 'Lady Burlesque' (UA). Swell $12.- 000. Last week, fifth week of 'Mer- rier' (Col), nine days, okay $7,700.. Music Box (H-E) (850; 40-65)— 'Human Comedy' (M-G; (5th wk). Oke $2,800 in five days. Last week, oke $4,600. Music Hall (H-E) (2,200: 40-65)— 'Coney Island' (20th). Great $8,000. Last week, :'Aerial Gunner! (Par) and George White Scandals unit on stage, big. $14,600. • . Orpheum (H-E) (2,600; 40-65)— 'Action North Atlantic" (WB) and Sarong Girl' (Mono) (2d wk). Big S8.000,. Last week, hangup for $15,- 500, Palomar (Sterling) (1,350: 40-65)— Spy Train' (Mono) and 'Black Raven'. (PRC) with vaude. Fine $9.- 800. Last week, 'Ghost on Loose' (Mono) plus stage show. $9,400. Paramount (H-E) (3.039; 40-65)—. 'China!. (Par) and 'Young .Willing' (UA), Wonderful $15,000. Last week. 'Crash Dive' (20th) (2d wk), five days, sagged to $5,200. Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 30-50) 'Flight for Freedom' (RKO) and 'Stranger Town' (M-G) (2d run). Good $4,500. Last week (40-85); 'White Savage' (U) and 'All By My- self (U.) (3d wk), fair $3,300. 'Winter Garden (Sterling) • (800; 20-30)—'Hardy's Double Life' (M- G) and -'Serve' (UA) (3d ran).- Great $4,100. Last week, 'Spangled Rhythm' (Par) ' and 'Taxi. Mister 1 ■ (UA) (3d run), split week of eight days with 'Meanest Man' '20th), and •Hitler's Children' (RKO), fairish $3,300. Moonlight Havana' (U).' Bangup $10,000. Last week' 'How's . About It' (U) and 'Soldiers Without Guns' (U). brisk $9,000 20th Century find.)' (3.000: 35-55> —'Mr.' Lucky* (RKO) and -'Scatter- good Survives Murder' (RKO>. Sock-, eroo $17,000.■' Last week 'Pride Yan- kees' (RKO) 1 and 'Falcon Strikes Back' (RKO), mild $(5,500.: Although transportation lines re- ported-volume of travel in and out of N. Y. over three-day July 4 week- end hit an alltime high, attendance at downtown film emporiums fell short of. record-breaking proportions, albeit a landoffice business was scored. This was notably true of the stageshow houses, as usual on holi- days. The take on.Saturday (3) was not as big as had been expected, but Sunday-(4) was terrific. . On Mon- day (5), crowds were late in coming to the. theatres-but the day finished out very strongly for most-houses in spite of rain in the evening which hurt a little. Neighborhood houses suffered generally, probably, due to the large crowds of natives who scrammed out of town.. .; Only a few new shows moved in during the past week. Among these was 'Background to Danger,' which started at the Strand Friday (2) with Hal Mclntyre band: on the .stage. Initial week looks sock $58,000 or thereabouts, and holds. 'Bombar- dier,' fresh to the Criterion, will be about $25,000 on the week ending to night (Wednesday), very good,-and also remains.'over; Also doing well but 'not cracking' records, is 'Best Foot Forward.' It wound up its first week at the Astor Monday night (5) at $23,000. , The second-run State got a big lift out of the Fourth of July weekender and should hit $35,000 or over, strong; with 'Human Comedy' and a stagebill including Tito Guizar, Mildred Bailey and Van Alexander band. Music Hall, which on Sunday en joyed its heaviest. July 4 In over 10 years of operation^ currently on sec- ond week of 'Youngest Profession,' will be in very high ground at $114,-. 000, bettering initial week's take Backed by a stout weekend, the Cap may hit': $80,000 with 'Stage Door Canteen' and Phil Spitalny' this week, second for show, to establish highest figure for house since going into stageshows nearly, four months ago. 'Coney Island' and the Ehric Madrigucra band, plus Jack Duraht and Carmen Amaya, took the Roxy to a smash $95,000 on the third week ended last night (Tuesday ), this com- paring with $84,000 for the second. Likewise, the Par on the second Week concluded last night (Tues- day) pushed to $74,000, big, with 'Dixie, Andrews Sisters and Mitch- ell Ayres, as against $70,000 for the first seven days. Hall, Roxy, Cap and Par all hold over. Crime Doctor/ brought into the Globe Saturday (3), is disappointing at only $7,500, but the little Rialto is good with 'Two Tickets to Lon- don' at indicated $9,000, and holds. Estimates for This Week . - Astor (Loew's) (1.140; 55-$1.10)— 'Best Foot Forward'.(M-G) (2d'wk).. Finished first week Monday night (5) at good $23,000. Final six days on .17th week of 'Human Comedy" (M-G).. in ahead, was $10,000, oke. Capitol (Loew's) (4.820; 35-$1.10> —'Stage Door Canteen' (UA) and Phil Spitalny orch (2d wk). May •hit S80.000 to establish new high un- der stagebill policy instituted near- ly ■ four months ago. On first week jot to $73,000, immense. Holds. "P*«riter|on (Loew's) (1,700: 35-$1.10) —'Bombardier* (RKO). Not menac ing records here; but strong at $25,- 00.0 or thereabouts, and remains over Last week, fifth for 'Cabin in Sky' (M-G) $13,000, satisfactory. Globe (Brandt) (1,416; 35-85)— 'Crime Doctor' (Col). Opened here Saturday (3). but disappointing at only around $7,500. Last week third for 'Mr. Big' (U), $6,100, mild. . Hollywood (WB) (1,499; 44-$1.25) —'Mission Moscow' (WB) (10th wk). Given a lift over the holiday week- end, looking approximately $16,000, okay. Last week (9th), dipped to Sll.OOO: slender.' Remains until July 28 when 'This Is the Army'. (WB) opens. . Palace . (RKO) (1,700; 28-75)— 'Land Is Mine' (RKO) (2d run) and 'Chatterbox' (Rep) (1st run), dualed. This combination should get $11,000, good enough.. Lastjaroek 'White Sav- age' ,(U) and 'Ox-^Bow Incident' (20th), both 2d.run, $9,800. Paramount (Pari (3,064; 35-$1.10) — Dixie' (Par), Andrews Sisters and Mitchell Ayres band (3d wk). rgund but. a big $74,000'on the sec- week ended last night- (Tues> day), this comparing with $70,000 for initial seven days. Radio City Music Hall (Rockefel- lers) (5.945; <44-$1.65) _ 'Youngest ■Profession'-. (M-G). arid stageshow (2cJ wk). -Fine holiday trade push- ing. gtpss this week to terrific $114,- 000; topping first stanza's take of $1.12,000. Holds a third frame. Rialto (Mayer ) (594: .28-65)—'Two Tickets to London' (U). Dqing well at $9,000 and will remain over. Last week. - 'Aerial -Gunner' (Par), over S7.5Q0; fair. . Rlvoli (UA-Par) '2.002: 35-99.)— •Snilfirc* (RKO) (4th wk). Holiday helped liltlt< horo. this week (4th) een Torward' Fine 23G appearing short of $17,000, mild. Last week (3d) Was $14,000. Closes Sun- day (11), with 'For Whom Bell Tolls' (Par) . opening roadshow run Wednesday (14), following press preview night before.'. Roxy (20th) X5.886; 40-$i,10)—'Co- ney Island' (20th)and Enric .Madri- guera, Jack Durant, Carmen Amaya (4th wk). Playing to capacity crowds over the three-day weekend, gross zoomed to $95,000 for the third lap ended last night (Tuesday); second week was $84,000, exceptionally' strong. State (Loew's) (3,450; 35-$1.10)— 'Hitman Comedy* (M-G) (2d run) and, on stage, Tito Guizar. Mildred Bailey arid Van Alexander band. Take is up considerably over recent weeks and should, hit excellent $35;- i 000 or over. Last week. 'Pilot No. 5' (M-G) and Duncan Sisters, Pinky Lee, Louis ..Jordan, only $19,000, slender. Strand (WB) (2,756; 35-$1.10)— 'Background to Danger' (WB) and Hal Mclntyre orch, Three Stooges . and George Tobias in person. New. show opened solidly here Friday (2) and aided by big weekend should get to $58,000, socko, or thereabouts. Holds. Last week, sixth for 'Action North Atlantic' (WB) and Cab Cal- loway orch plus Dooley Wilson, fin- ished well at $34,500. Solid 29G, Qeve. Cleveland, July 6. -Heavy rain knocked out all Fourth/ of July parades and outdoor activ- . ities but made hay for downtown theatres. Palace benefited most, with Glen Gray's orchestra and 'Two Tickets to -London' getting longest lines of dampened standees, : 'Bombardier' also planting some golden eggs in Hipp although h.o. of 'Stage Door Canteen' is matching it in b.o. speed for State. Estimates for This Week Allen (RKO) (3.000; 35-55)—'Land Is Mine' (RKO). Running up husky $10,000. Last week. 'White Savage' (U) (2d wk), hot $7,500. - Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 35-55)— 'Bombardier' (RKO). Round-the- clock opening almost was socko af- fair, pushing it ud near huge $20,000. Last week, 'Mission to Moscow' (WB). surprised by getting satisfac- tory $16;200. Lake (Warners) (800; 35-55)— 'Mission Moscow' (WB). Moveover reaping nice dough from tremendous . publicity, possible $4,000. Last week, 'Crash Dive' (20th) (3d wk), swell $3 000 Palace (RKO) (3.700: 35-85)—Two Tickets London' (U) plus Glen Gray orch. Light fare getting fine weather breaks for solid $29,000. Last week, 'Came Blow Ud America' (20th) with Carmen Cavallaro orch, smart $27,-. 000. State (Loew's). (3;450; 35-55)— 'Stage Door Canteen' (UA) (2d wk). • Soaring to best, gross of season for house, bangup $23,000 on'- h.o. after, last week's great $24,000. StlUman (Loew's) (2.700; 35-55)— 'Silver Queen' (UA). Run of mine $6,000. Last week.'Lily Mars' (M-G) (3d wk), sweet $7,000. 'MerrieTLouTjEOOO, Newark;'Bataan'Big 22G Newark.. July 6. Break in the heat plus heavy holi- day trade has biz this week tuned up to high pitch. Outstanding are 'Ba- taan.' terrific at the State, and 'This Land Is Mine' doing landslide biz at Proctor's. 'The More the Merrier," at the Branfofd. also is sock. Estimates for This Week Branford (WB) (2.800: 30-90) — 'More the Merrier' (Col) and 'Mur-. der Times Square' (Col). Doing SRO. biz. for merry $21,000. Last Week. 'Mr. Big' (U) and 'Buckskin Frontier' (UA). so-so S16.500. Canltol (WB) (1.200: 20-55)—'Des- peradoes' (Col) and 'Rhythm Islands' (U). About $4,200 in sight, big. Last . week. 'Tennessee Johnson' (M-G) and '3 Hearts Julia' (M-G). okay $3,200. ■ Paramount (Adams-Par)—'Five Graves Cairo'-.(Par) and, 'Gentle Gangster' (Rep) (3d wk). Stalwart $14,000. Last week, about same.. Proctor's (RKO) "'(3.400: 35-99)-- 'Land Is Mine' (RKO) and .-'Jitter-, buns' f20th). Rumblin? to landslide $23,000. Last week. .'Flicka'. (20th) and' 'Raid Calais' (20th), routine . $17,500. State (Loew's) (2.C00: 30-85)—'Ba- taan' (M-G) and'Taxi, Mister' (UA). Terrific $22,000. and will hold for n second week. Last week. 'Assign- ment BrittanyV (M-G) and 'Stranger Town" (M-G). potent $17,000.