Variety (March 1944)

16 PICTURE GROSSES Wednesdaj, March 1, 19 li IA Up After Stonn But 'Sulfivans' NJS.H. $45,000; 'Children' Stout 3SG, lady Hot 371/2G, 3d. Time C 2d Los Aiigelep. Feb. 29. -f .■ • Birst-i'mt -biz is- 'perking up. with fkies cleanii)' but still not complelcly recovered from last week's .storm. Nineteen fvrst-riuis and moveoVeis uiU hit an estimcitcd $230,000 or near this Stanza With only twit .new ftlras. tight opeil ings oil •'The: Sulliyans,", in four houses, is holding down total, this doiii^ about $45,000 or a bit better, not rated sock by any mean.'=. "Where Are Your Children?" is standout with strong $38,000 ni three spots, "tady m Dark" still is gomg over big with rousing $37,500 tor third session at two Paramounts. "In Our Time" looks forte $40,000 on second week In, three theatres. "What a Woman'' heads for okay $30,500 in two spots on third and final stanza nftev doing better than forecast in second frame. Estimates for This Week Carlliav Circle (F-WC) tl,516: 45- 90)—"Suilivans" (20th). Okay^6,000. "Whispering "Footsteps" tRep), healthy 86,800. Chinese iGrauman-WC) (2,034 : 45- 90)—"Suilivans" (20th). Fair $11,000. Last week, "Song Russia" (M-G) and "Whispering Footsteps" (Rep), light $10,800. Downtown (WB) (1.800; 45-90)— "In Our Time" (WB) t2d wk). Nice $16,000. Last week, held to $18,900 by storm. I Esyptian (F-WC) (1,535; 45-90)— "Where Arc Children?" (Mono) and "Chan in Secret Service" <Mono). Good S8,000. La.st week, "Iron Major" (RKO) and "Escape to Danger" (RKO) (2d wk-4 days), okay $3,500. Four Star lUA-WC) (900; 85-$1.10) —"Bernndette"' (20th)i (3d wk). Steady $4,500, with last week near same figure. Hawaii iG&S) (1,100: 40-85)—"Re- turn of Vampire" (Col) and "Crime Dr.'s Strangest Case" (Col) (5th wk). Fine $3,500. Last Vieek, went to $3,600. . Hollywooa (WB) (2.756; 45-90)— "Our Time" (WB) (2d wk). Fancy $14,000. Last week, lowered by storm to 815,000 but still okay. Los Angeles (D'town-WC) (2.200; 45-90) — "Where Are Children?" (Monoi) and "Chan Secret Service" (Mono). Great $23,500. Last week. "Iron Major" (RKO) and "Escape to Danger" (RKO) i2d wk-4 days), finaled with $8,300. Orphcum (D'tOwn) (2,200: 45-85)— "Drums Fu Manchu" (Rep) and vaude. Robust $19,000. last week, "Smart Guy" (Mono) and CaTj Callo- way oroh, bofl'o $29,700 despite cloud* ■ .-fcurst..- Pantases (Pan) (2.812: 45-90)— "What a Woman" (Col) (3d wk-71'2 days) and "Passport Destiny" (RKO). Stout $14.500.. Last week, with "She's jor Me" (U), held up to dandy $14,- 000 despite rain. Paramount (F&M) (3,389; 45-90)— "Lady in Dark" (Par) (3d wk). Big $24,000. Last week, rain cost picture' a good $6,000, but' still hit bofCo $27,200, Paramount Hollywood (F&M) (1,451; 45-90)—"Lady in Dark" (Par) (3d wk). Strom? $13,500. Last week, held UD to wow $18,800. RKO Hillstreet (RKO) (2,890; 45- 90)—"What a Woman" (CoD (3d wk- 8 da VP) and "Passport Destiny" (RKO). Healthy $16,000. Last week, ■ -xvith "She's' for , Me" , (tJ), :above hopes at about .same.. • ■ . KHz (F-WC) (1 372: 45-90)— "Where Arc Ch.ldren?" (Mono) and "Chan Secret Service'' (Mono). Average $6,500. " Last week, "lion Maior'' (RKO) and "Escape to Danger" (RKO) (2d wk-4 days), okay $2,800. —Sta«e-(-fcaew-V^W(2-) -i-2r204:-45-90 )— "Suilivans" (20th). Not .strong at $21,000. Last week. "Song Rus.sia" (M-G) and "Whispering Footsteps;" (Rep), plea-ant $24,400. United Artists lUA-WC) '2.100: 85,' $1.10) — "Bernadette" i20th) dOth; wk). Still paying off at $6(800 after last week's good $7,000. Uptown (F-WC) 11,715: 45-90)-r. "Sullivan.s" (20th). Slow at $7,000. Last week. "Song Russia" (M-G) and) "WhiiSpering Footsteps'' (Rep), nifty. $8,500. Wilshire (F-WC) (2.296: 45-90)— "Song Ru,ssia" ( M-G) and "Wlii.'spe.r-, 3ng Footsteps" (Rep). Rugged $9.O0(), Last week, "Jane Eyre" (20lh), neat $6,100. Wiltern iWB) (2,500; 45-90)—"Our. mme" (WB) (2d wk). Rousing $10!. Broadway Grosses Ejitimatcd Total Gross This Week $« 8,000 (.Based on 14 theatres) Total Oross Same Week ' . Last Tear $4M,3M {Based on 15 theotres) TOKYO'TOE CLEVE,27G Cleveland. Feb. 29, First touch of spring weather looks M--6-j7and-}tfolden—foi'-^key-s pots, d e sp it e Le ntir ''Destniation Tokyo" proving fo be dynamite, registering biggest score for Hipp. Vaughn Monrofe. band is upping "Beautiful But Broke" to an- other smart figure at Palace. ; State's .■second stanza of "Guy Named Joe" 4*11 is hefty. \ EsUmates for This liVeefe^ Allen (ItKO) (3,000; '35-^55)— "North Star" (HKO) (2d Wk). Oke $6,000. Last week, "Ali Baba" (U) (2d wk), strong $9,500. . " : ; Hipp (Warners) (3.700; 35-55)?^ "Destination Tokyo" (WB). i Wallop- ing $27,000. Last week. "North Star" (RKO). satisfactory $18,000. A take (Warners) (800:: 35-S5)-^"Ali Baba" (0) (3d Wk). Frcirti; Alien, extra good $3i000. Last week*. .''Sa- hara" (Col) (3d: wk); $3.7oo; .;; )- OUiOi (LO£(W^s) (1.200; 40-60)— "Where Are Children?" (Mono). Off on - wrong: foot, but $6.5tl0- jS still above average. Last week, • ^liOSt. Angel" <M-G) (3d wk), s^^eet ^7,500 on moveover. Palace (RKO) (3.700; 35-85)-^ "Beautiful But Broke" (dbl) with Vaughn Monroe orch on stage. Band's the magnet neat $26,000. Last week, • Lodger" (20th) plus Beatrice Kay, Grace: McDonald, D'Artega brch, buUit to terrific $36,000. State (LocWS) (2.700: 35-35)—"Guy Named Joe" (M^3) (2d wk). IJoing powerful biz at $17,000 after smash $28,000 last week. Stillmaii (Loew's) (2,700; 35-^5)-^ "Cry Havoc" (M-G). Nicie $8,000. Last week, "Song Russia" (M-G) (2d wk)r worthwhile $9,000. ■ Moved here from State. Neat $6,500 indicated. Last week, "Destination Tokyo" (WB) (2d wk), fine $7,000. Goplier (P-S) (1,000: 35)—"Cor- vette K-22,5." (U). On nine days looks good $5,000. Last week, "Everybody Happy" (Col), yanked alter five days, sad $2,000. Lyric tP-S) (1,100; 40-55) —"In Old Oklahoma" (Rep) (3d wk), Has been one ot the season's boxoflice surprises here. Looks like good $4,- 000 on six days after dandy $7,000 second week. Orpheum (P-S) (2.800; 40-55) — "Butler's Sister" (U). Soaring to fine $13,000. Last week, "Around World" (RKO) and Ink Spots, Ella Fitzger- ald, Cootie Williams orch, others, on stage (40-65). sock $25,500. State (P-S) (2.300; 40-55)—"Mir- acle Morgan's- Greek" (Par).. Helped by plenty of praise from the I'Eview-. ers and word-ot-mouth. Wham $12,- 000. Last week, "What a Woman" (Col), fine $14,000. Vpntown (Par) (1.100; 30-40)— "Thank Lucky Stars " (WB). First neighborhood showing. Looks good $3,200. Last week, : "Guadalcanal^ Diary" (20th), healthy $3,700. World (Par-Steffes) (350; 40-75)— "No Time Love" IPar) (4th wk). Brisk $2,500 on moveover. Last week, big $3,500 after $23,000 In first two weeks at other: houses. • , liracle' Tall $12,000, Mpls.; 'Butler Sis' Stout 13G, 'Old Okla/ 4G, 3d Minneapolis, Feb. 29. Two newcomers, "Miracle of Mor- gan's Creek" and "His Butler's Sis- ter," have bOxoflire their own way; currently. Both are showing .strong pulling power. Biz still good here. ' Estimates for This Week Asier (Par-Singer) (900; 20-30)— "Return Vampire'' (Col) and ''Sul- tan's Daughter'.' (Mono). Good$2,800 in five days. "Crime Doctor" (Col) and "What a Man" (Mono) Open Wednesday (1). Last week, "Calling Dr. Death"' lU) and "Sing Jingle" (U), $2,500 in five davs.. Cenliny (P-S) (1.000; 40-55) — "What a Woman" (Col) (2d wk). I 'Our TimeTusIT^ 35G, Tops Phiily; 'Song' Loud 26G Philadelphia, Feb. 29. BoXofflqe honors are being divided this week between-"Jn Our Time," at the massive Mastbaumj and "Song of Bernadette;" preeming at the com- parative small-iieater Aldine. Both are getting a bri.sk play on the wave of raves from crix. AI.so making debut is Sinatra's "Higher and Higher," playing to okay total at the Fox, Ace holdover is "AU Baba" at the Stanley, after terrific Opening session., Estimate* for This Week Aldine (WB) (1.303; 75-$1.10) "Song of Bernadette" (20th). Hypoed prices for premiere is shooting take to husky $26,000 for initial week. Last week "Lost Angel" (M-G), okay $14,200 for holdover at regular scale Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 35-75)— "Riding High" (Par) (2d run). Nice $5,000. Last week "Thousands Cheer'' (20th), sweet $8,000 for second week, of second run. Boyd (WB) (2.500; 35-*J5)—"Jane Eyre ' (20th) (2d wk). Torrid $24,500 on heels of glaiiit $33,200 for bow-in: last week; • Long ■ stay looms. Earle (WB) (2.760; 35-85)— "Rookies Burma" (RKO) plus "Latin Quarter Revue" on stage. Headuig for fine S21.500, and top business for non-band show here, i . Last week "Tarzan's Desert My.<:tei'y'' (KKO) plus Shep Fields orch, Mary Healey, others, fairly good ,$19,800. Fox (WB) (2,245; 35-75)—"Higher, Higher" (RKO). Sinatra drawing them m de.spite pans from crIx. Shapes as okay $21,500 plus nice $4,i 000 at one-day stand at Earle Sun- day (27). Last week "Life'ooat" (20th) .sailed throiigh holdover week at-good $16,800. Karllon (Goldman) (1;000: 35-75) —"Cry Havoc'' (Par) (2d run) (5 days o£ second week). Fine $5,80Q: Last week $7,000. Keith's (Goldman) (2,220: 35-75)— , "Madarrie .Curie',' . (M-G) f2d' rtih). Continuing zingy pace at $11,500 oh moveover from Boyd. Last week miracle' Sockeroo $35,000 in Hub: Tliantom-Spivak-Vaude Terrif M Key Gty Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week S2,8S«.3«0 (Based on 24 eirics, 187 thea- tres, cJiic/lj/ first runs, includes N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last year $?,58«,M« <Based'0Ti 26 cities, 119 theatres) 'ANGEL'-LONG HOT 22a Pin Pittsburgh, Feb. 29.. Holdovers dominate town this week. Stanley, with one of few new films, "Lost Angel," teamed with Johnny Long's band, is domg nice we"elc^-'*Gu3F^^amed-J«e;^M^^-secoIld- week at Penn, is still strong. 'Fight- ing Seabees," at Fulton, likewi.se is showing considerable strength. Estimates tor This Week Falion (Shea) (1,700; 30-60)- "Fighting Seabees" (Rep) (2d wk). ThLs one still has plenty of stuff left at $7,000; easily merits another li.o. However, house plans to open "Jane Erye" (20th) tomorrow (Wednesday). Last week, "Seabees," smash $14,000. , Harris (Harris) (2,200; 30-60)— "Lifeboat" (20lh) (2d wk). Getting only four days on ho., after which Alfred Hitchcock meller moves over to Senator to continl»e downtown run. Highly-controversial film should do Okay $6,000, okay on short sesh, Last week, big $11,500. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3 300; 30-60)— "Guy Named Joe" (M-G) (2d wk). First picture in a long time to stay here for second week First-jatc $15,000. La.st week, gieal $25..500. Ritz (WB) (800; 30-60)—J'Descrt Song" (WB) (3d wk). Windup of operetta at smallseater,: after succes- sive weeks at Warner and Penn. N.sh. at $2,200. Last week. "Curie" (M-G), fourth week also, only $2,000, Senator (Harris) (1,750: 30-60>-r "Footlight Glamour" (Col) and f'Somethlng About Soldier!' (Col). '^Lifeboat" (20th) opens Wednesday, so double feature will go four days for nice $3,000. Last week. "AH Baba" (U) (3d wk). fine $4,000. Stanley (WB) (3,800; 30-75)—"Lost Angel" (MrG) and Johnny Long orch plus Hal LeRoy. Excellent $22,000. Last week. "Woman of Town'' :(UA) plus Latin Quarter -Revue, fair $19,000. Warner (WB) (2.000; 30-60) — "Frisco Kid" (WB) (reissue). S0-.S0 $5,700. Last -week, third of "Curie'' (MrG), dropped down to $5,500. Soston, Feb, 29. . ■ Again it's holdover week in the Hub, with only one new bill, but bi/. is terrific. "Phantom Lady" with stage combo featuring Spivak orcliestra at the RKO is headed for 1 mammoth $36,000. "Miracle of : Morgan's Creek" is drawing big totals at the Met., where it starts on second stanza tomorrow. "Las.sic'" caught the school trade last week and remains plenty strong at the ' Loew houses. Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 44-99)— "Phantom Lady" (U) plus Charlie Spivak orchi Marcy McGulre.' oth- ers, on stage. Rocking the town for • a record-nudging $36,000. Last week "Swingtime Johnny" (U) plus-"Pln- Up Girls" unit, stout $31,500. ■ Fenway (M-P) (1,373; 35-65)— iiLodger" (20th) and "Career Giil" (PRC) (2d wk). Big $6,500. Last week, mighty $7,700. MajesUc (E. M. Loew) (1.600; 28- 65)—"Jeannie" (M-G) and "Cowboy Canteen" (Col) (2d wk). Mild $8,- 090 after -about same on first week. Mem*rial (RKO) (2,900; 44-75)— -i3utteJis-Si*tep!2-(-U->-and-^eekend- Pass" (U) (3d wk). Lively $18,000 on following gigantic $28,000 last week. Metropolitan (M-P) (4,367; 35-65) —"Miracle Morgan's Creek" (Pai) and "Ghost Walks Alone" (Rep) Fir.st severe days, ending Feb. 29, clocked huge $35,000. Remains nine more days, and should equal ibis. Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 44-65)— "Lai;.sie" (M-G) (2d wk). Singled here, which is unusual. Solid $25,000 after great $32,000 last week. Paramount (M-P) (1,700; 35-C5)— "Lodger" (20th) and "Career Giil" (PRC). Still clicking at fine $15,000, following smash $17,000, and close to ' :apacity all first week. State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65)—"Las- sie" (M-G). Like old days here, and iVi^^SS"^ ^""^ " '''S $12,000 after giant $15,000 first stanza. Translux (Translux) (900; 28-65) — Return Vampire" (Col) and: Whispering Footsteps" (Rep) (2d wk). Good $6,900 after trim $8,000 m first session. "North Star" (RKO) solid $8,000 for second run. • Mutbanm (WB) (4,692: 35-75) — "In Our Time" (WB). Teeing off at socko $35,000. Last week "Desert Song" (WB) (3d wk). mild 819,800. Stanley (WB) (2,915; 35-75)—"Ali Baba" (U) (2d wk). Still sturdy at $17,000 or near after husky $28,500 last week in addition to neat $4,300 on Sabbath showing at Earle; First session considerably higher than hopes. ■ . :■ ■ .■ ■ ■.■ '.■ . ■:■ ■ Stanton (WB) (1 475 ; 35-75)— "Where Are Children';" (Mono) (2d wk). Still paying ofT at $10,500 after unprecedented $17,800 initial week. Xrazy House/ Potent $16,000, Heads Boff.Pix . Builalo. Feb. 29. Biz still w potefft despite wiany holdovers. Top newcomer is "Crazy House" at Lafayette. Estimate* for ThU Week Bufltelo (Shea) (3,500; 35-65)— 'Lifeboat" (20th). Dandy $15,000 Last week, "Happy Land" (20th) and Jimmy Dorsey orch, gigantic $30,000, and way over estimate. ' ^ Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-65) — Madame Curie" (M-G) (2d wk). Satisfactory $14,000. Last -week, ■ rousing $21,000. Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 3,5-63)—"Three Russian Girls" (UA) and "Timber Queen" (Par), Stout $10,000. Last week, "Lodger" (20th) and "Aldiich, foy Scout" (Par) (2d wk). okay $5,500 in three days, but yanked. < Lafayette (Basil) (3,300; 35-65)— Crazy House" (U) and "Holmes Faces De^th" (U). Hefty at $16,000. Last we^, "None Shall Escape" (Col) (2d wk) and "Has What It Takes (Col), neat $9,000, 30th Century (Ind.) (3,000; 35-65) —"Desert Song" (WB) and "Gang- way Tomorrow" (RKO) (2d wk). Snug $13,000. Last Week, powerful $19,000. NA TIONAL D exeFFI€E^iRVE¥ Not. manj' ..new .entries currently. With, rna.i6rity Of ■ biz fairly w:en splj'li up among: previously .tested.'prod- ■ net. .Newcomers: that look :likc!ly- are "Phantom' iiady'.'- (U),:.. "Lady in D^tls?;;:ti>atf)i,-^'fiSnow^ Whi^ (reissue),: . '-In Our.'rirn,e"'--' (Vi?B); ■..''No'',Greatei:..:Love (Artkino) and ''Stahd.ing ItQOm.ip^ly''. .!(Rar)^ ■ ."tiaidy,, in Dark," wh ich preVioi.i.sJ}' ■ :had irotik.ed lib.S ^ngeles; with sensational biz ■■ (no big '$37.5d0': in\ third .,w*^^ two spots), soared; tic) ,in ajlrfimo, high at N.: .Y.'Si.I'.iai^-V; mount, registering & .cdlossal .$130,50.0.;: L(ioks. l.ikei of biggest pictures.' this::-seasOn. ^-Phatjtohi' Lady":' .. smash $36,000 in Boston, -v,; ■ ' Three-state preem of "Snow White'* (^^^^ terrific esploitation campaign, going for new record in 000. Last week, held w011 in face of I C{n(;innati at $18,000, solid .$12,000 to pace Indianapolis storm at $13,000. Did Have, But Haven't Hollywood. Feb. 29. Wartime diplomatic kmks are de- laying the start of "To Have or to Have Not," Humphrey Bogart starrer .at'Warners." Script: is back in. the ■.writittg.: mill td.'charige,..'the,: jqcale from Cuba to an island in the French West Indies group. . ;' Original plot \vill bfr, retained but : the shift,"..In : lorale , necessitates' .re-, writing many of the character roles. filmers; and sock $7i500 ia Louisville. ''Our Time" shapes as a new winner for Warner's, beinq fast $20',000 in Newark, sock $18,000 in Baltmorc, smash ?,.i5,000 to top Philadelphia and torte $40,000 in thiec L. A. spots, .second stanza. "Greater'Love" heads for fancy $14,500 on N. Y. preem while "SR.O." hit stout $35,000, also in N. Y, Batch of new dates for "Lodger"' /20th), "Butler's Sister" (U), "Bern.idetle" (20th), "Ali Baba" (U), •Desert Song" (WB). "Guy Named Joe" (M-G) and "Miracle Morgan's. Creek" (Par) are keeping exhibs and distribs both happy. "Lodger" is big $21,500 in two Boston, spots On holdover;- .hri.sljy - $li,O00.. fo' top; F'ort- land and sensational $12,500, Seattle. "Bei-nadetie'' heads lor giant $28,000 in Balto, tall $26,000 in Phjlly and still is strong in N. Y. Rated only fair in second and.linal Cincy week, however.^ "Bullei's Sis" continues to roll though on iclca.se for some time. It's pacing Detroit with wham $35 000 leader in Montreal with hot $12,000, fat $11,000 in Min- neapolLs. great $10,000 in Omaha, fancy $10,000 in Port small.seater and lively in third Boston week, "Desert Song" still IS stacking up robust on holdovers in Chi- cago, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Port., and Seattle. ^''^'^ ^ ^^^'^^ °^ second stanzas in K. C., Loui. vllle, Providence, Pitt, Newark. Indianapo- lis, Cleveland and Balto, shapes sock $19,500'in Cincy to top city. "Ali Baba" looms as another coin-getter for Universal. Besides sturdy second session.^ in Mon- treal and Phiily, it's leading Louisville at $12 000 "Miracle'; is terril $35,000 in Boston, lofty $15 000 lii K. C. and fancy $13,000 in Minneapolis. "Tender Comrade" (RKO) also shapes better being big $20,000 in Balto and smasih in Omaba. "Fighting Seabee.s"-/(Rep) : continltes . its winning .■Ways doel "Gung Ho" (U), latter being outstanding at wham $25,000 in Chi. "Where Are Children'/ " (Mono) U best in L, A. at stout $38,000 in three spots, "Lifeboat" (20th) rates N,S,H, $10,000 in Prov., but is forte in Bu/Talo on second week. "Woman of Town (UA) looms fine $24,000 in Chi with vaude. 'Suilivans 120th) looks a bit disappointing with $45,000 or near in four L A. houses, but provi>d okay on third N Y -Uw/.i\. "Crazy House" (V) is BufTslo's acc at po'lent $16,000. ^ 'Butler's Sis' Wow 12G, Mont'l; 'Ba ba' IIG, H.O. Montreal, Feb. 29, Brace of h.o.'s will not cut down grosses much currently. "Butler's Sister" at Palace, one of newcomers, is hot $12,000. "Ali Baba" is nearly as strong on second week at Loew's. Estimates for This Week Palace (CT) (2,700; 30-62)—"But- lers Sister" (U). Smash $12,000 ahead, last week, "Girl Crazy" (M-G), repeat handsome $8,000. Capitol (CT) (2,700; 30-62)—"Top Man ' (U) and "Holmes Faces Death" (U). Trim $8,500. Last, week. Riding High" (Par) and "Submaiine Alert" (PRC), big $10,000. Loew's (CT) (2,800; 35-67)—"All Baba" (U) (2d wk). Pacing hot »11,- 000 following terrific $13,000 first sesh. Princess (CT) (2,300; 30-52)—"Tar- zan's Desert My.stery" (RKO) and Gangway Tomorrow" (RKO) (2d wk). Crack $6,500 after torrid $8,000 opening session. Strand (United Amusements) (750; 36-45)—"Million Dollar Kid" (Mono) and "Sultan's Daughter" (Mono). Pointing to sock $5,000. Last week. Hands Across Border" (Rep) and Casanova Burlesque" (Rep), fine $4,000. Orpheum (CT) (1,100; 30-60)— "Happy Land" (20th), Handsome $4 500, Last week, "Around World" (RKO), $4,000. St, Denis (France-Film) (2,500; 30- 40)—"Feu La Mere de Madame" and "Piege," Shaping tor nifty $4,500.