Variety (Aug 1943)

14 PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, August 18, 1043 Detroit Strong; 'Hers Neat $35,000, 'Nymph' Great $25,000, Rest EO.'s Detroit. .Aug.. 17. Grosses here continue on the boom side' with the backlog of topflight product finally, forcing along Aim bills which arc decidedly in the hold- over class. ' Typically, the Fox will clinch the 1op spot this week with "Hers to Hold' and 'Gilder.sleeve's Bad Day;' Jam on bookings brought in the fresh bill despite the fact^lhat the preceding bill at the house hit$41.000 in its -only week.. Also off to a fresh start are ■ "Constant Nymph' and "Seven Miles frohi Alcatraz' at the Michigan with the rest of (he loop carrying-bills in. Ion arid, strong holdover runs. Estimates for This Week Adams (BalabanY t 1.700: 55-75)— •Heaven Can Wait' (20th) and 'Good Luck, Mr. Yates' (Col) (2d \yk). House has a bonanza +icie in taking over bill after one-smash week at ti-.o Fox and should-hit great $12,000. Last-wreck'. "Mr. Bi ' ill) and "Two Tickets to London' (U) i2d wit), lusty $10,000. Broad wav-Capllol ( nilcd Detroit) «2.800: 55-75 V^'Dixie', i Par) and "Night' Plane- for Chungking' (Par) «V.o wk>: Bill;'moved in after great Ihrce-wcck ytreli'h at the Michigan. »h(-s rich$15,000." Last week. 'China' (Par)-and "Salute for Three' (Par) <5;h wk i. strong $7,000: : . Fox ■ Fox-Michigan) 15.000: 55-75) —.'Hers to Hold' <U) and 'Gllder- tleevc's Bad Day' (RKO). Great $35,000 Last week. 'Heaven Can Waif. 120th) and 'Good Luck. Mr. "Vales' (Col");,smash $41.000.. Madison (United Detroit) O.600: 55-75)—"Happv (Jo Luckv- (Par) and 'Flight for. Freedom' iRKO),Fair $4,300. Last week. '5 Graves lo Cairo' • Par) and 'It Ain't Hay' (U), nice $4,900: Michigan iUnited Detroit)' (4.000: 65-75)-^."Consianl Nvmph' (WB> and '7 Miles to Alcatraz" (WB >. Strong $25,000. Last week: 'Dixie' iPar) and 'Night*.Plane for Chungking' (Par) 03d wk), hefty $20,000 for third ses- sion. • ' . Palms-State (United -Detroit)-. (3.- 000: 55-75)—'Action in North At- lantic' (WB) and ."Cinderella Swings It' (RKO) (4th wk). Due for good $8,000 on last week's healthv S12.000. United Artists (United Detroit) (2.000; 55-75)—'Bataan' (M-G) and 'Stranger in Town' (M-G) (3d wk). heading for strong $11,000 after ' reat $15,000 in second week. 'Heaven' Grand $24,000 2 Spots, Leads Denver Denver. Aug. 17 .'Heaven Can Wait' with 'Passport 1o Suez,' day-idating at Denver and Esquire, is!way out ahead for smash $24,000 at the two houses.. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1.400; 30-65Wllit the Ice' (U) and 'Honeymoon Lodge' 'U). after a week at each Denver Esquire; Gdod $7,500. Last week, 'Constant Nymph' (WB) and 'Nazty Nuisance' (UA), from Denver arid Esquire, nice $7,000. " '■•'' Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 30-65)— •Canteen' (3d wk) after week at each Denver, Esquire.'. .Aladdin, Rialto. Okc $3,500. Last week, 'Du Barry Was Lady' (M-G) and 'Squadron Leader X' (RKOV. from two weeks id Orphcuhi. $3,000. . Dcnham (Coekrill) (1.750; 30-60) —'Souls at Sea' (Par) (reissue) (3d wk). Fine $9,000. Last week. ■ nice $10,000. Denver (FOx) (2,525; 30-65)— 'Heaven Can Waif (20th) and 'Pass- port' Suez' iCol). day-date with Es- quire. Smash $20,000. Last. week, 'Hit Ice' (U) and 'Honeymoon Lodge' <U), also, at Esquire, fine $14,000. Esquire (Fox) (742; 30-65)— 'Heaven Can Waif (20th) arid. "Pass- port Suez' (Col), also at Denver. Big $4,000. Last week. "Hit Ice' (U), iilso at Denver, nice $3,500. ■ " Orpheum (RKO) (2,600: 30-65)— 'Biitnan' (MrG) and -'Chatterbox' <Rop) (2d wk). Qitay $8,500. Last ■week, big $10,500. Paramount (FuxV (2.200: 30-50)— •W.hails Buzzin" (Col) and 'Purple 'V (Rep). Fine $0,500. Last week.' 'Background Danger' (WB) arid •He's My Guy'.v(U). nice $8,000. . Klalto (Fox) tSTH;" 30-65)—'Con Mim't Nymph' jWB) and 'Nazty Nui sauce' (UA). 'aTtcr*' week" at 'each Denver. Esquire, Aladdin. Good $3, OOO. . Last week. 'Stormy-' Weather g. /20th i and 'Get Going'(U); via Den- E|. \cr, Esquire. Aladdin, ditto. V Newark Loaded with B.O.; 'Weather' Smash $32,000 Newark. Aug. 17 Town loaded with winners this *ieck, with "Stormy Weather', at ■Proctor's, arid "Youngest Profession. 1 Stale entry, leading the parade. Paramount's 'AerialGunner' is also forte, and "Constant Nymph' con tinues solid in its third week at the Branford; Estimates (or this Week Branford (WB) (2.800: 30-90)— •Constant Nymph' (WB) artel 'Gals. inc.' (U) (3d wk). Sweet $13,100 in final sesh after big. $16,400 second time. Capital (WB) (1,200; 20-55)— Bataan' (M-G) and :Taxj, Mister' (UA). Slow-:-$3,000. dual having previously been milked by two weeks, at State. Last week", 'More Merrier' (Col) and 'Night Plane from Chungking' (U), dull $3,000. Paramount (Adams-Par) (2,000: 35-75)—'Aerial Gunner' (Par) and Salute for Three' (Par). Brisk $17,000, ordinarily good Jtoi". second week at this ' house: Last-week. Dixie' (Par) and 'High Explosive' (Par) 04th wk'), strong'$12,000. Proctor's i RKO) (3;400; 35r99V—. Stormy Weather' (20th) and "Ox- Bow Incident'. (20th). • Smashei-oo $32,000 arid holds. Last week. Bombardier' tRKO) and '.''Sarong Girl' (Mono), n.s.h. $17<000. . State' (Loews).. (-2,600; • 30-$5)— Youngest: Profession' (M-G) . and Pilot: No. 5' (M-G). Swell $19,500. biz being-hypoed-'by. good press. Last week, 'Cabin . in Sky' (M-G) and, Young and Williri ': (UA) (2d wk), punchy $14,500. 'NYMPFLEADSINDPLS. WITH STURDY $11,000 In.dianapolis, : Aug. 17. Biz has levelied oft -from mid- summer highs here this week due to lack of dynamite at boxojTices ,rather than .any dip hi. trade conditions, which, continue excellent. Grosses are rated good for attractions. of- fered. • "The Constant Nymph' is leading the town in an abbreviated run at the Indiana, closely followed by 'Spitfire' at Iho Circle.. . Estimates for This Week Circle .(Katz-Dolle) (2,800: 30-55) — Spitfire' (Gbldwyn). and - "Blessed Event' (RKO). $10,000, super for English film here. Last week; ter- rific $21 : ,000 with ."Henry Aldrich Swing If (Par): and Abe^'Eymnirt- band at .slight till in prices. Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (31300: 30-50) —'Constant jNymph' (WB) and 'Bom- ber's-Moon (20th). Oke $11;000 in 6Vi days,, with run cut-short to ac- commodate . state: premiere today. (17)-of 'This Is Army.'. Last week, a string. SI2.800 for 'Hers to Hold' (U) and "Honeymoon Lodge' (U). Keith's (Indie) (1.200; 30-551— 'Mysterious Doctor' (WB) and Billy House in 'Tons o' Flin' on" stage.. Comedy revue gets credit for . oke $4,800 draw in four-day nin. Last week, dandy'$5,100 for 'Renfro Val- ley. Barn Dance' and. 'Orre Dangerous Nighf (Col)'in same time; Loew's (Loew's) 12,450; . 30-50) 'Pilot No. 5' (M-G) and 'Stranger in Town' i M-G). Fair $9,000. Last week,- satisfactory $8,200 oh second stanza of 'DuBarry Was • Lady' (M-G) and "Crime. Doctor' (Col) after big $13,900 opening week. lyric (Katz-Dolle). (1.600; 30-50) 'Hers lb Hold' (U) arid 'Honeymoon Lodge' (U). Oke $5:000 on move over from Indiana. Last week, neat $5,300 for 'Mr. Lucky' (RKO) and 'Gildersleevcls Bad . Day' (RKO) also on movcovcr. • . two unions. If approved by the con- vention. It would presumbably hp submitted to the two memberships for ratification. If that approval were forthcoming, actual steps for unifying, the two constitutions and joining , the memberships would be undertaken, Because of the admitted complexity of the matter, however, the proposal may be turned'over by the AFRA convention to a special committee for further study, or to. work out preliminary steps. Topics for Convention, Other questions to be considered byV the AFRA convention will in- clude the following: The: existih -. transcription . code, Which" expires Nov. 1 and which AFRA has previously refused to re-, new wilh a lO'.t' raise. : Terms of a proposed standard enrr ployirieiit cpnlract. As n result of employment pacts, offered by the networks, and which AFRA regards as unsatisfactory, members are now forbidden to sign any such deals without okay of the national office. ■ Regulations governing the appear- ance of AFRA members on' war pro- grams. Specifically, this would,con- cern shows involving waivers of the union's Rule 15 (which requires all .talent In be paid regular fees), It would possibly affect shows such .as- ."'Stage Duor Canteen,' 'Screen Guild. Theatre"- and-- the various service stanzas. Additional t iilcs covering- agents", pariiculariy as regards dual function s piogram producers. Sinatra Continued from paje, 3 , ivtr.' which he - refa'ced by an- iiouncfii.i; inodestly enough, that he as . not guing to sing like Paul Robeson and other noted songsters. arii not in their class," he said coyly. 'Not yet.' By that lime Frankie"s torisils had armed up. When he cut loose with 'Niylit and Day' he opened his bag of tricks and great'was the cooing anioitg his isolators,' each of whom lUiew that lie was singing directly at er. He .sang intimately, personally, ke a guy parked with his gal in ,over$ Lane, and , the Man in the Moon seemed : to wear- a big round smile as he ogled, over the trees in Union Trial Continued from page I Vlr. Croon & Mr. Swoon Hollywood, Aug. 17. Downtown dailies missed a ■ terrific piece bt art in splashing the'arival of Frank Sinatra last Thursday (12). Beyond the fringe of the 2,000 screeching kids at the station was a parked car. its occupant taking in-the spectacle." It was Bing Crosby. . Philly Spiify; 'Weather' Big $31,000, 'Heaven' $23^00, 'Snspkion $16,700 'Heaven Can Waif (20th) (2d wk). Holding weir at $8,000 after strong initial try at $11,400. Stanley (WB) (3.280; 20-60)— 'Dixie' (Par). Biggest thing in town, $23,000. Last week, second of 'Con- stant . Nymph'- (WB) added good $13i200 lo swell opener at $21,200. Valencia (Loews-UA) (1,480:. 17- 55)—'DuBarry' (M-G) diiovebver). Good $5,500 aflei- two previous strong weeks in downstairs' Cen- tury. Last week. 'Hitlers Madman' (M-G ) fair at 54:100. • ^ - 'ARMY'STANDING'EM UP IN D. CAT $41,700 • -..-Washington. Aug. 17. "This Is the Army," with its $11,700 opening (at advanced VWices) will give tlie Earle tlieatre a $41,700 week, which "mean's- ever/ seat taken and standing room every show. The overflow is good for the neighboring houses,on F' street. A w^-ek of blis- tering heat failed lo slow up the steady parade to dowiilowii box- offices. Capitol. Palac : Keith's,.Co- lumbia and Metropolitan shared iii the prosperity. • Estimates for This Week Capitol '(Locw)~ (3.434: 30-75)— 'Above Suspicibn', (M-G) wilh vaude- ville headed by Harry Langdon. Rousing $27,000 aided by Earle'S overflow. Last week, "DuBarry Was a Lady' (M-G) bettor than, expected with swell $22,000 on holdover. "'■;•.. Columbia (Loew) (1.220: 40-60.)— 'Coney Island' "(20th). Nice S7.500.in sight 'for fourth, F street week. Last week. 'Lady of Burlesque": (UA) (2d week), first class $7,000. Earle (WB) (2.240; -rfO-90.)—"This Is AriTiv' i-WB).' Will set house rec ord v.ith $30,000 added to S11.7UU opening night. Last week. "Constant Nymph'.(WB) (2d week), excellent $18,000 ; for six and. one-half day week, shortened for Army premiere. Keith's (RKO) (1.800: 30-551— 'Hers to Hold' . (U). Way over ex- pectations with sizzling. $20,000. on first seven days. Second week should'gross nifty $12,000. May hold, for third stanza. Metropolitan (WB) (1.800: 30-55) —'Constant Nymph" iWB>. Hot $9,- 000 in sight: - Last - week "China' (Par), $7,500. i . Palace (Loew) (2.242: '. 40-60)— 'Dixie' (Par). Dandy $17,000 indi- cated. Walloping $2(i.00|)- for first seven days.. Philadelphia, Aug. 17. Philly b.o.s-are getting a :new lease on life, with evening biz setting swift pace although matinees are a bit off. As usual of late, musicals are getting - the • lion's share of' the take with .'Stormy Weather' getting as big a play ns 'Cabin', in the Sky.' which had a long and profitable run here. IHeaven Can Waif and 'Above Sus- piclon' also bowing in auspiciously. stimates for This >Ve*k Aldina (WB) (1.303; . -75) — 'Above Suspicion 1 (M-G). Good $18,700. Last week .'Victory Through, Airppwer' (RKO):poor $7,000. .-....'' Arcadia. (Sablosky) (600; .35-75)— 'Youngest Profession" (M-G) (2d run) (2d wk). Okay $4,000. List week, Virginia -.Wcidler . Starrer netted $3,800. Boyd (WB) (2:560; 35-75)—'Heaven Can Wait' (20th).' Bright $23,200: Xast week, 'Con.siant Nymph' (WB) bowed off with okay. $14,300 for Ihird: week. Fox CWB) (2.245; 35-75)—'Stormy Weather" (20th). Socko : $31.000.. Last week,.'Hit Ice' (U) fair $14,900 for holdover sesh. Karlton (Goldmati) . (1.000: 35-75) — Coney Island' (20lhi (2d run). In the lunepix groove \yith hefty $8,000. Last: week, 'Mr. " Lucky' (RKO) grabbed neat $8,000 for second run. Keith's (Goldman) (2.220; 35-751— 'Bombardier' iRKOi '2d , run). N.s.h. $4,800. Last ;w ■. 'Bataan* (M-G) okay $7,000 for second, run. Maatbaum (WBi i4:(i02: 35-7S'— "Hers toHold' (U) (2d wk) (4 days). Good $12,500. Yanked lo make .way; for opening of 'this: Is ihc 'Army' ' (WB) . tonight (Tuesday)-. Opening week of "Hold" snagged sweet $27,300. Stanley (WB) (2.f)lfi: 35-75)~'Du- Barry'. (M-G) (3d wk i. - Holding :up nicely with $12:300 - plus $2,800 at Earle showing Sunday (15 p. Second week for''DuBarry' good for $15.- 800. 'Dixie' (Par) prcems Tluns. (19). Stanto n (WB) 11.475: 35-75'!—"Ap ^.. point'ment Berlin": (Coll (2d wkT~ Satisfactory $7,500 after good $10,- 900 for opener. bett, president of both unions and a strong proponent of the merger. Whether such a-'unification would further the long;-proposed consolida tion of all the Four A's unions rc mains to be seen. However. ' if AFRA and AGMA succeed in solving the constitutional aiid working dif ficulties involved, it,would presum- ably set a pattern for similar moyes by the other affiliates, besides' ef fecting economies of : operation wel come to the. memberships involved-. Also, the merger of AFRA arid AGMA might tend to hasten tlie con- solidation of-these-..two. (frpiips with Equity, the legit union, as lias been, discussed from time to. tiriie in the last year or. so: . Practically the only argument against: the AFRA-AGMA ulu'iication is that it would involve the difficulty of finding'employment for all. tiic present employes of. the: two or- ganizations. That same complication is figured to have been a faclor in the past, • when efforts to consolidate the entire Four A's were unsuccess- ful. Certain, officials .of : the radio and concert unions are understood to oppose the present merger plans on that account, though -naturally' such opposition has. not come, into the open. In discussing the proposed merger this week; Tibbett declared there could hardly be any opposi- tion to it based on the best interests of the memberships. ': The joint committee, headed by .Tibbett, will probably make a report to the AFRA convention, reeom- I mending the consolidation of the left field. The'voice grew more in- timale in 'You'll Never Know;' and. when he exuded 'Song Is"You,' ihere were girlish shrieks such as 'Ain't he . precious.' These were punctu- ted by basso profundp remarks of a derpgatffry nature! referring to a. disagreeable odor, although the. sur- rounding gardens were sweet with the aroma, of night-blooming jas- mine. . ' Sinatra ..wound up his concerto with an impish ballad, 'She's Funny That Way.' and a heart-tb-heart talk with his public on the happy merg- ing of swbonism with classicism in the art of music. Then he was whisked away by a flock of traffic cops.to. a final chorus of squeals. , 'Dixie' Wow $23,000 In Okay Baltimore - altimore, Aug. 17, Some of biggest ;actioh In: weeks is being chalked up by. 'Dixie' at the Stanley here. Rest of town is moving along rather evenly. 'We've Never Been, Licked.' at Keith's, is cashing in on advance'ballyhoo. Estimates for This Week Century iLoew"s-UA) (3,000:- 17- 55)—"Pilot No. 5' (VA). Mildish' .812,000. . Last week, second of •Du- Barry* M-G) steady $12,800. after' Satisfying $18,900.first time. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2.240; 17-(i(i)—'Falcon Strikes Back' (RKO) plus 'Revue American' on stage.-with Carlos. Molina and Armida. Draw- ing good response at indicated, $15.- 500. Last week; 'Appointment. in Berlin' iCol), plus varfde headed by Bonnie Baker, did very . well at $18 200 Keith's i Schanberger.) (2,4(10; 17- 55)—'We've- Never Been Licked' (U), Okay $13,000. Last week, 'Cap- Uve Wild Woman' (U) fair $9,300. Mayfalr (Hicks) (980; 25-50)— '-Bomber's Moon' (20th). Average $4,000. Last week. •Escaped From Gestapo'. (Mono), groo'vey $4,200. . New:'.'(Mechanic) (1,680; .17i55)— Civilian Show — t'ontlriiied from-page 1 ^ suggested that the labor revue be presented, .under" auspices of the American Tlieatre Wing "but hitter's directorate decided r.ol 16 enter iiilo the venture- unless the proffered ierms were, .considerably'- changed. Michigan division of CIO conceived the, idea and is stated ready to put up $50,000 to finance the show. It stipulated, however,, that the Wing take care of any further backing should more money be required for production and operation, one.point which has been questioned by the latter. ' :' 'Civilian- was proposed by John Harkrider, who bobbed up after be- ing away from Broadway for years, part of which tirne he was in Holly- wood. Harkrider designed costumes and settings for the- "Foliies.' -after- ward being engaged for pictures by Metro. Harkrider's • idea is explained to be. 'a lion-profit venture conceived to stimulate the many who have not yet entered.: wholeheartedly", in to' un- uniformed war activities; enthusing and building morale among the war production workers: recording the magnificent effort of .American busi- ness' and labor; contributing a large .amount o.f money lb various chari- ties which are.suffering because of' the war.' Claimed'that''leading corporations and railroads will contribute or icna the .-'.equipment to : be used. The value of this equipment alone' Will far exceed the cost of aiiy produc- tion heretofore produced:'. One in- dustrial outfit is said lo be ready to advance sufficient funds lo defray pie-operiiiig expenses. -. Charles C. Ciis'hing is named as executive:chairman of the committee which is slated.lo be 'planning the disbursemeritfl of the proceeds arid is now organizing the beneficiaries..' A few of the Vepresentative".and creatively minded producers' -have been asked lo attend the meeting.- 'Suspicion,' 'Weather' Hot $16,000 Each, Prov. Providence. Aug. 17. ■ Main stemmeirs are reaping the harvest, from' the better fare, this week. • . Majestie .is- lively with 'Stormy Weather' and 'Ox-Bow Inci- dent.' Loew's Stale, has a drawing card in 'Above Suspie.ioii.' RKO. Al- bee's "Behind Rising Sun'' is still hefty in second week. Strand held. "WOlid premiere- Of - Destroyer" Mon- day (10). Estimates for This Week: Albee (RKO) (2:300: 30-50i-^'Ris- ing Sun' (RKO) and 'Morning. Judge' (U) (2d wk). More than holding own with second week, snappy $15,000. Last week, broke house records with wow $23,000. ''■■.... . Carlton (Fay-T,oew) (1.400; 30-50) —'Coney Island." (2Qlh) (5th down- town week)! Still good, at $2,000. Last week, nice $3,000. Fay's, (Indie) (2,000: 30-50)—'Sil- ver Spurs' (Rep) and Tanit Ikao heading stage show. Fine $7,000. Last week, 'Captive Wild Woman' (U) and vaude; good $6,500. - Majestic, (Fay) (2.200; 30-50)—. 'Storrhy Weather' (20th) and 'Ox- Bow' (20th). Barigup $16,000. Last week, 'Action Atlantic" (WB) (2d wk), nice $11,000. -■ •■ . State (Loew) (3.200: *30-50)— 'Above Suspicibn' (M-G) arid "Good Luck Mr. Yates' (M-G). Trim $16,000. Last week. 'Du Barry Was. Lady' (M-G) and Power of Press' (M-G), $14,000. Strand (Indie) (2.000: 30-50)--'De- stroyer'. (Col) and 'Swing Partner' (Rep); Opened Monday - (16), a iveek ahead pf world ■ premiere. Worked Navy Mothers angle, and gained sup- port of '.Governor and Mayor, in pro- claiming Monday. H(i) as Navy Mothers' Day 1 . 'Marguerite Chap- man in towri for p.a. and bond ral- lies and: recruiting drives to. lie in.: Last week. 'Aerial. Gnriner' (Par) and 'Aldrich Swings It 1 (Par), riifty $11,000. Crawford Draws Goulding In Her Fii-st for Warners • . Hollywood. Aug..)7. Joan' Crawford draws -Edmund. Goulding os-director of ."Never. Good- bye,' lier,first sUirrer :uiider new co'n- tract at Warners. ' > Filming starts, late in September with Henry Blanke as producer. It'. OK By U. S. ■ . Hollywood. Aug. 17. : Navy Department,- after Weeks of observation, stamped an o ii ial okay on 'Seven Days Ashore" at RKO. Tale of a sailor will be pi'oduced and directed by John Auc,r.