Variety (December 1943)

Wednesday, December 15, 1943 PICTURE GROSSES 11 Chi Dips But 'Corvette Fast $19,000; Death of Hitler-lountain' Fat 16G Chicago, Dec. 14. ♦ Crosses are o(T at some theatres with losses attributed to income tax problems and pie-holiday slump. 'Hi Diddle Diddle', coupled with Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra on stage at "the Chicago is the topper with sturdy $46 000. 'Corvette K-225' and 'She's for Me.' at the Palace, is smooth $19;- 000 ■ 'Strange Death of Hitler' and 'Man from Music Mountain' looks solid $16,000 at Woods.. 'Old Ac- quaintance' will-lead the . holdovers with'around $18,000 at Slate-Lake. Estimates for This Week Apollo (B&K) (.1,200; 50-85) — 'Paris Alter Dark' (20th) and 'King- dom for Cook' (Col). Bright $12,- 000. Last week 'True to Life." (Par) (third downtown week) and 'Battle Russia; (20thV $11,000. Chicago. (B&K) (4;000; 50-85)—'Hi Diddle' (UA) and Jimmy Dorsey oich on stage. Solid $46,000. Last week 'Swing ' Maisie'. (M-G) and Charlie Spivak orch on stage, sturdy $44,000. Garrick (B&K) (900; 50-8a)— 'Guadalcanal Diary' (20th) and .•'Prairie Chickens'- (UAV (4th wk). Snug $I U000. Last week, near same: Grand (RKO) (1,150; 40-85)— 'Crazy House" <U) and 'Falcon Co- eds' (RKO>- (2d week In Loop). Okay $7,000. Last week 'Iron Ma- jor' (RKO) and 'Never Dull. Mo- iriciU' (U> (.3d week in Loop), good $8.000.. Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 31-69)— 'Something About Soldier* (Col)' and Art Kasscl oich on stage. Slick $19.- 000. Last week 'Is Everybody Happy'"■'<Col) and Jane- Withers heading stage show, corking $23,500. Palace «RKO) (2,500; 40-85)— 'Corvette K-225'. (U) and 'She's for Me' (U). Smooth $19,000. Last week 'Crazv House' (U) and 'Fal- con Co-eds' (RKO), stout $21,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1.500; 50-85) — 'Thank Lucky Stars* (WB) (3d wk). Nifty $16,000. Last week nice $20,000. Stale-Lake (B&K) (2.700; 50-85)-- 'Old Acquaintance' (WB) (3d wk). Henlthv $18,000. -Last week brilliant $25,000. I'niled Artists (B&K) (1.700; 50- .851—'Lassie' Come Home' (M-G) (2d wki. Pert $17,000. Last week ro- bust $22,000. Woods (Essaness) (L200; 50-75) — 'Strange Death Hitler' (U) and 'Man Music Mountain' (Rep). Solid $16.- 000. Last week 'Son Dracula' (U) and 'Mad Ghoul' (U). 5 days (2d wk), and 'Death Hitler' and 'Music Mountain,'.2 days, grand $15,000, Indpls. Drags Bottom; 'London' Modest $9,500, 'Butler's Sis' Thin IOC Indianapolis, Dec. 14 Everything is way down in the dumps here this week with small chance of improvement before Christmas. Shows that ought to do well normally are dragging hear the season lows. A paltry $.10,000 for 'His Butlers Sister' at the Indiana looks the best bid from straight Aimers. ■ . ■-.'.' - Estimates for This Week Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,800; 30-55) —'Gangway for Tomorrow' (RKO) and Russ Morgan orch plus acts on stage. Thin $11,000 for sturdy combo that's overlooked in Christmas rush. Last week 'Old. Acquaintance' (WB) average $10,500. Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,300; 30-50) —'His Butler's Sister' (U) and 'Un- known Guest' (U). Tepid $10,000 Last week 'Guadalcanal Diary (20lh). okay $12,000, and moveover. Keith's. (Indie) (1,200: 30-55)— 'Amazing Adventure' (PRC) plus vaude. Nice $5,800 in four days. Last week; 'Marines Come Through' (Indie), and vaude, average $5,400 for same run. . Loew's (Locw's) (2,450: 30-50) . Jack-.- London' : (UA) and 'Victory Through Air Power' (UA). Mild $9, 500. Last week 'Girl Crazy', (MG) (2(1 wk), fair $8,500. * ■ Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (1.600; 30-50)— Gaudalc'anal Diary' (20th). : Oke 54.- 500 on moveover. Last week 'Rosic O Grady- (20th), also U.O., nice $4,900. . Find Blackmailer' (WB). (2d wk), fair $14,000, Metropolitan (Loew's) (3,618; 35- 75)—'Corvette K' (U) and 'Son of Dracula' (U). Great .$25,000. Last week, 'Cross Lorraine' (M-G) and Larceny With Music'-(U), stunning $28,000. Paramount (Fabian.)' (4.020; 35-75) —'Princess O'Rourke' (WB) and 'Al- drich Haunts House' (Par) (3d wk); Nice $14,000.. Last week,': healthy $22,000. - Strand (WB) (2.952; 35-75)— Drums Fu. Manclui" (Rep) and Doughboys Ireland' (Col). So-so $5.- 000, Last week, 'Mystery Broadcast'. (Rep) and -Harvest Melody'. (PRC), ditto. 'Sahara' Sock $28,000, 'Corvette' 25G, B'klyn ■ Brooklyn, Dec. 14.. ■Wot top much prc-Xmas slump at f ownlown houses. Fabian Fox, with : Sahara, . topping a dual combo standout. ■ Estimates for This Week ,,A>bee (RKO) (3,274; 39-75)—'Iron Major (RKO) and "Always Brides- maid' (Ul. Fair $16,000. Last week. Rosie O'Grady' (20th) and 'Falcon 0001 (RK0) . < 2d wk), SOW $23,- ''•,-*>•< (Fabian) (4.023; 35-75)— 5>ahara (Col) and 'Crime Doctor's Strangest Case' .(Col). Booming $28.- 000. Last week, 'Heat's Oh* (Col) and 'Top Man' Tops Seattle- With Rousing $12,000; 'Land' Hefty at lift Seattle. Dec. 14. Pre-Chrislmas shopping and pos- sibly the Dee. 15 income tax ' pay- ments are major reasons'for this weeks b.o. dip.. 'Happy Land" is big at the Fifth Avenue while 'Top Man' at- the smaller Orpheum has top coin currently with, strong week in prospect. Others are mild excepting 'Northern Pursuit.' plenty okay, on second sesh at the Paramount. . Estimates for This Week . Blue Mouse (Ilnmriek-Evergieen) (800; 40-75 WGirl Crazy' (M-G) (4lh wk). Okay $5,200 in eight days. Last week, swell $6,500. ■ Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2.349; 40-75) 'Happy Land' (20lh) and 'Dancing Masters' (20lh), Big $11,500. Last week, 'Paris After Dark' (20th) and Young Ideas' (M-G >, mild $8,900. Liberty (Jensen & von Horberg) (1.650; 40-65)—"Everybody Happy?' (Col) and 'Something About Soldier' (Col). No dice at $5,500. Last week, ten days of 'Heat's On' (Col), big $1,1,200. . Music Box (H-E) - (850; 40-75)^- Guadalcanal Diary' (20th) (3d wk). From Music Hall. Fine $6,200 in eight days. Last week, fourth of 'O'Rourke 1 (WB), good $5,300 in six days. Music Hall (H-E) (2.200: 40-75)— Rains Came' (2'OllW-and -Under Two Flags' (20th) (reissues). Slow. $6.- 000; Last week, second of 'Guadal- canal Diary' (20th), fair $0,800. Orpheum (H-E) (2.C00: .-'■■40-75*1— 'Top Man' (U> and- 'Spider Woman' (U). Big $12,000. Last week.'Crazy House' (U) and -She's For Me' (U), good $10,800. Palomar (Sterling) (1.350" 30-75) —'Smart Guy' (Mono)With 'The Drunkard' on stage. . Smart $9,500. Last week, 'Whispering "oolsteps*. (Rep) and 'You're- Lucky Fellow (U) plus vaude,: $9,200, okay. Paramount (H-K) (3.039: 40-75)— 'Northern Pursuit' (WB> i2d wk). plus 'Gilderslceve Oil Broadway' (RKO). Okav $8,000. Last week, 'Pursuit*, solo, big $14,600. Roosevelt (Sterling) (850: 40-75)— 'Crazy House' (U) (2d wk). From Orpheum. Good $5,000.. Last week. 'Corvette' (U) (2d wk). oke $5,400.. Winter Garden (Sterling) 800; 15- 30)—'Hit Ice' (U) and -Claudia' (20th) (3d run). Fair $3,500. Last week. 'Army' (WB) (3d run), okay $4,100. 'Heaven' High $13,000, Mont'I; 'Hit Ice' $10,500 Montreal. Dec. 14. Biz is holding up remarkably., with' 'Heaven Can Wail' leader. 'Hit the Ice' lool£ strong for second money.'. Estimates for This Week Palace (CT) (2,700; 30-62 V—'Hit Ice' (U). Pointing big $10,500. Last week. ' Watch Rhine' (WB), stout $11,000. Capitol (CT) (2.700: 30-62)—'Be- hind Rising Sun' (RKO) and 'Gilder- sleeve on Broadway' (RKO). Fine $9,000. Last week's repeat 'Sahara (Col) and 'Prairie Chickens' (UA), smart $7,000. Loew's (CT) (2.800: 35-67) — 'Heaven Can Waif (20lh), Smash $13,000. Last week. * rm.v'(WB) (3d. wk). nice $8,000. Princess (CT) (2.300: 30-52)—'Dan- gerous Blondes' (Col) . and 'Good Luck. Mr. Yates' (Col). Hot $6,500 ahead. Last week. -Death of Hitler' .(U) and 'Hi. Sailor' (U). trim $6,000. Strand (United Amusements) (750; 35.45(—'Ravaged Earth'*. (Indie) and 'Campus Rhythms' (Mono). Spar- kling $3,500. Last week. IDcerslayer' (Mono) and' 'Hoosier Holiday' (Mono), $3,000. . Orpheum (Ind) (1.100: 30-60)^- •Johnny Come Lately' (UA.) (3d wk). Very neat $3,000 following smart $3;- .500 second stanza. St. Denis (France-Film) (2.500 : 30- 40)—'Charlemagne' and 'Le Moulin dans le Soleil.' Sighting snappy $5,- 500. Last week, 'Bcrlingol et Cie' and .'Volcur do Fcmmcs,' good $5,0.00. First Runs on Broadway (Subject to Chang*) Week, of Dee. 16 . Astor—'Cry Havoc" (M-G) (4th week), (Reviewed til 'Variety' ttdv. 10) Capitol — 'Girl Crazy* (M-G) (3d week). (Reviewed in 'Variety' Aug. 4) Criterion—'Crazy House' (U) (15). . (Reviewed i)t 'Variety' Oct. .20) Globe-^'Pistol Packih' Mamma' (Pep) (18)'. Hollywood—"The Desert: Song' (WB) (17). (Reviewed in current issue) Music Hall — 'Madame Curie' (M-G). (Reviewed: in 'Variety' Nov. 24) Palace — 'The Worth Star' (RKO) (7th week). (Reviewed: in 'Variety' Oct. 13) Paramount — 'No Time for Love'(Par) (3d week). . (Reviewed in 'Variety'. Rialto—'Mad Ghoul' (U) (2d week). (Reviewed in '.Variety' Nov. 3) Rlvoli — 'For Whom the Bell , Tolls' (Par) (23d week). (Reuicwed. in 'Variety'- July 21) • Roxy — 'Happy Land' ' (20th) (2d week), (Reviewed irt 'Variety' Nov. 10) Strand — 'Northern- .-.Pursuit' (WB) (4th week). .{Reviewed in 'Variety' Oct. 20) Victoria — 'The North' Star' (RKO ■).. (7th week). r (Reviewed in '.Variety' Oct, 13) PURSUIT' OK 26^, FRISCO San Francisco, Dec. . Grosses are not so forte this week. 'Northern Pursuit' is only $26,500 at ■Fox; 'Iron. Major'. and vaude plus Bob Chester's band are holding up well in second week at Golden Gate. Estimates for This -Week Alcazar (F-WC) (1.149; 75-$l:60)— 'North Star* XRKO) (4lh Wk). Aver- age $5,500. Last week, fcood $6,500. Fox (F-WC) (5.000; 55-75)—'North- em Pursuit' (WB). arid ; 'Campus Rhythm' (WB) (reissue). Strong $26,500. Last week. 'Girl Crazy' (M- G) and 'Find Blackmailer* (WB) (2d wk), stout $21,500. Paramount (F-WC) (2,470:55-75)— 'Best Foot Forward' (M-G). Great $23,500; ' Last week, 'Guadalcanal Diary' (20th), big $21,000 and moved to State for continued fifst-rui). St. Francis fF-WC) (1,475; 55-75)— 'Girl Crazy' (M-G) and 'Find Black- mailer' (WB). Continued first-run fiom Fox. Hot $16,500. Last week, 'In Old Chicago* (20th) and 'Banjo on Knee' (20th) (reissues), nice $15,000. Warfleld (F-WC) (2.650; 55-75)— 'Tornado* (Par) with stage show, 'Gal-amorous Revue.' Okay $22,500. Last week, 'Under Two Flags' <20th) (reissue) with stage revue, 'Show Girl,' smash $26,000. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 55-75) —'Iron Major' (RKO) plus vaude and Bob Chester orch (2d wk). Fine $27,000. Last week, sock $32,000: Orpheum (Blumcnfeld) (2,400; 60- 75)—'Heat's On' (Col) and 'Chance Lifetime' (Col). Average $15,000. Last week, 'Top Man' (U) (3 days) and 'Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith" (U) (3d wk), fair $8,000. United Artists '.(Blumenfeld) (1,- 100; 60-75)—'Jack London* (UA) and 'Doughboys Ireland' (Col) (3d wk). Good $9,000. Last week, big $11-700. Bway Slides; land-Fay-Baronova Disappointing $61,000, 'Woman' HO, Stout 90G, Girl Crazy'-Vaude 6SG, 2d Business on Broadway has gone dull this week, with most, new at- tractions as well as holdovers going below normal expectations, with- Christmas shopping now in high gear. Blamed, also, however, is ar- rival of cold weather, which hurt.. particularly on Saturday (11) and Monday (13), plus the wave of ill- ness. • Among new shows that came in during: the past week, considerably on the disappointing side is 'Happy Land'-at the Roxy, with Frank Fay, Irihi Baronova and thei Di Gatanos on stage. The first week finished last, night (Tuesday), at only $6L000, fair, profit. Also lacking strength is the Slate bill of 'Phantom of Opera" on second-run: there, with Dunnihger, the mentalist, and Joey Adams on stage, indication being $25,000 or less, lukewarm. Only other new arrival is 'Mad Ghoul.' which is doing well at $9,000 at the. small Rialto and holds over. ■ Houses with^holdovers that are do- ing best are Music Hall and Capi- tol, both being • strong. Former should get close to $9o;000 currently on second (final! round with 'Whata Woman;' Theatre ushers in' 'Madame Curie'- tomorrow (Thursday). At the Capitol 'Girl Crazy* and Raymond Scott-Al. Dexter bands, plus* Bea Wain and Jackie Miles, look to hit $56,000 or over this week (2d) arid holds. Other openings are 'Crazy House," at the Criterion today (Wednesday) and 'Desert Song,' which preems at the Hollywood Friday (17). - Estimates for This Week Astor (Loew's) (1,140; 55-$1.10)— 'Cry Havoc' (M-G) (4th wk). Drop- ping considerably, third week hav- ing ended Monday night (13) at less than $16,000 but fair enough, .while the prior (2d) week hit. $22,000; good. Capitol (Loew's) (4.820; 35-$1.10) — Girl Crazy' (M-G), Raymond Scott orch, Bea Wain, Jackie Miles and Al Dexter (2d wk). Should hit $56,000. or better, substantial for holdover; fust seven days went to 'rousing $68,000. Stays third week. Criterion (Loew's) (I.;700; 35-$1.25) 'Crazy House' (U) opens here today (Wednesday) following four excel- lent weeks with 'Flesh and Fantasy' (U). fourth being $18,000, the third $23,000. Globe (Brandt) (1,416;. 35,85)—'In Old Oklahoma' (Rep) (2d-fihal wk). Looks $10,000 on the holdover^ while initial seven days went. to $16,000, stout. Hollywood .(WB) (1,499; 44-$1.25) —'Old Acquaintance' (WB) (7th-firial wk). Slipped to moderate $12,500 on sixth week ended Monday night (13) and stays three more days, with 'Desert Song' (WB) .preeming Fri- day (17). Fifth stanza for the Bettc DavisrMiriam Hopkins picture was $18,800; profitable. Palace (RKO) (1,700; 75-$1.05)— 'North Star' (Goldwyn-RKO) (6th wk). Hanging on satisfactorily, this week (6th) appearing $22,000 or over, while last round. (5th) was $25,000. Holds further. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 35-$1.10)— 'No Time for Love' (Par) (3d-ftnal wk) and Woody Herman and Marion Hutton on stage. (6th*-final wk). On seven days ended last night (Tues- day) good $48,000 scored; the prior week, first for 'No Time' and fourth for the Hcrmah-HultOn combination, $60,000, very good. Radio City Music Hall (Rockefel- lers) (5,945: 44-$1.65) — 'What a Woman!' (Col) and stageshow (2d- final wk). Scored strong $95,000 on first week and should strike near to $90,000 on holdover, good. 'Madame 'Flesh-Fantasy' Bright $18,000, Top Film in Cleve.; 'London Dismal 9G Cleveland, Dec. 14. Ace houses got .new product off nicely in the past week, but frozen by weekend blizzard. Briskest trade is being done by 'Flesh and Fantasy' at Hipp, almost surpassing 9»lace's n.s.g. combo of 'Paris After Dark' with Patricia Morison and Charles ■Spivak's band on stage.- 'Jack Lon- don', is taking toughest rap at .the State. . Estimates for This Week Allen (RKO). (3,000: 35-55)— 'Princess O'Rourke- (WB) (2d wkVi Over-average $7,000. Last week 'Iron Major' (RKO), mild $4,500. ■ Hipp (Warner.si (3.700; 35-55)—. 'Flesh and; Fantasy' (U). Maintain- ing fast opening pace, hypped by war-workers' matinees, for S18.000. great for season and weather.. Last week 'Princess O'Rourke' (WB), swell $21,500. Lake .(Warners) (800: 35-55)-^ 'Happy Land' (20th). (2d wk). SUimpi.13 to $1,500 on moveover. Last, week 'Rosie O'Grady' (20th) (3d wk), fine $3,000. Ohio, (Loew's) (1.200; 40-60)-^'Girl Crazy' (M-G) (3d wk); First Metro holdover pushed into this stand; - ing so slowly that only $5,000-is in- dicated. Last week 'City : That Stopped Hitler' (Pari-a sad $3,400. Palace (RKO) (3,700; 35-85)— 'Paris After. Dark' (20th) ; plus Charles Spivak orch and Patricia Morison on stage. Pix hurting bill's chances to get more than fair $18,500. Last week 'H^appy Land"; (?0th) with .Bcht. Wheeler, Merry Macs. Milt Britton band on stage, smart $24,000. ' . Stale (Loew's) : (3.450; 35-55)-^- 'Jack London' (UA). Despite many tie-ups. hose-diving to poor $9,000. Last week 'In Old Oklahoma' (Rep),' pleasant$15,500. Stlllman (Loew's) (2.700; 35-55)— 'In Old Oklahoma" (Rep)- , (2d wk). Keyed for okay $6,500 on m.o. Last week 'Girl Crazy'v(M-G) (2d wk>; excellent $0,000. ' Curie" (M-G) has: its world premiere here tomorrow (Thursday). -Rialto (Mayer) (594; 28-65)—'Mad Ghoul' (U). On the way to a good $9,000 and holds. Final nine days on second week for 'Dancing Masters' (20th) $91700, nice. Rlvoli (UA-Par) (2.092; 75-$ 1.65)— 'Bell Tolls' (Par) (9th wk). Still maintains gingerly gait, this week Oth'V looking to $24,000 or better;' last frame (8th) hit $27,000. Remai here through the holidays. Roxy (20th) (5.686; 55-$l.10)— 'Happy Land' (20th) and. in person,' Frank Fay, Irini Baronova, Di- Gatanos, others (2d final wk). Will not slick more than, another week after failing to hit more than $61,- 000, fair profit, on initial seven days ended last night (Tuesday): <-' Final (3d) frame for 'Guadalcanal Diary' (20th) and Ritz Bros, was -nearly this good, having been, close to $60,000. Stale (Loew's) (3.450: 35-S1.10)— 'Phantom- of Opera' (U) ; (2d run). and, oil stage,- Duiini.nger, meiitalist, plus Joey Adams. Biz not, so hot at. $25,000 or' under. Last week 'Cross of Lorraine' (M-G), here flrst- run;. and Al Trace orch. Patricia Bowman, othei-Si $30,000, good. - Strand (WB) (2,756: 35-$1.10)— 'Northern Pursuit' (WB) and Glen Gray orch, plus Willie Howard, ori stage, (3d wk). Not socko this week (3d) but oke at $33,000 or there- ■ abouts; last week (2d) $37,500. Holds' over. Victoria. (Maurer) (720; 75-$2.20).— 'North Star' . (Goldwyn-RKO) (6th wk). Appears around $9,500, mod- erate, takings, this week while last (5th) topped $10,000. Remains on. PHILLY FLOPS, 'CHANCE' 19G Philadelphia, Dec. 14. Wave of frigid weather and cur« rent epidemic of flit is putting »- sharp dent in grosses. With physi- cians warning people to avoid crowd- ed places, some deluxers were play- ing to half-filled houses over the weekend. Earle is bucking trend with 'Dancing Masters' and Earl Car- roll's 'Vanities', for outstanding.biz; Estimates for This Week Aldlne (WB) (1.303; 75-$1.10)— 'Bell Tolls' (Par) (6th wk). On-even keel at $15,500 at hypoed prices. Fifth canto, bright $17,500. Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 35-75)— 'Princess O'Rourke' (WB) (2d run). Long, run (six weeks) at Mastbaum dried up biz, so disappointing $4,200 is likely. Last: week, 'Hi Diddle' (UA), poor $4,500 in six days. Boyd (WB) (2,500; 35-75)—'Lady Takes Chance' (RKO). Harmed by slump, fairish $19,000. Last week, 'Girl Crazy' (M-G), n.s.h. $13,200 for third sesh. Earle (WB) (2.768; 35-85)—'Danc- ing Masters' (20lh> plus Earle Car- roll's 'Vanities' unit on stage. Suvt prisingly strong at $21,500. with 'Vanities' the real appeal. Last week, 'Is Everybody Happy?' (Col) and Lawrence Wclk orch on stage, blah $15,000. Fox .(WB) (2.245; 35-75)—'Crazy House* (U). Held down by flu and cold spell, so-so $10,000. Last week, 'True to Life' <Par), mild $16,900. in addition to $2,700 for one-day show- : ing at Earle. Karlton (Goldman) (1,000; 35-75) —'Under Two Flags' (20th) (reissue). Fair $5,500. Last week. 'Dpod It' (M- G), good $7,700 for second run'.-. Keith's (Goldman) (2.220;. 35-75)— 'Corvette K-225' (U) (2d run). Sad $4,000. Last week,. 'Lassie Come Home' (M-G), bright $8,000 in sec- ond rim. Mastbaum (WB) (4.692: 35.-75)— 'Old Acquaintance" (WB). Satisfac- tory $26,000, biit not- up to par of previous Mastbaum' openings. Last week, 'Northern Pursuit' (WB), pal- lid $15,900 for holdover sesh. Stanley (WB) (2,916; 35-75)—'Sa- hara' (Col) (3d wk> ( Dipping to $15,- 000 aft^r fine $17,500 on second trip, Stanton (WB) (1,475; 35-75)— 'Hostages' (Par) l$d wk). Mediocre $7,500 after okay $10,500 for opener, Chadwick Heads Indies Hollywood, Dec: 14. ■ Independent Motion Picture Pro? ducers re-elected I. Et- Chadwick president, W: Ray Johnston and Leon Fromkess vice presidents: and Ed- ward Finney secretary-treasurer. • Chosen for the executive council 'w'crc'Fr6mkcs'«, Ray Young. Sig Neu- fold. A. W. Hackel, Sam Katzman and George Wecks.,.^^..