Variety (Apr 1944)

16 PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, April 5, 1914 H.O;sDuUB'way Albeit'Cover Girl' Hot $118,000; 'Primitive'-Hines OK 25G, 'Hargrove Robust 34G for 2d ,;■ :Wl}ttc'Broadway/|5usingss.:Vvas^ ■Imif' 'noi'mal, /over ;tfie;' weekend and. on Msftdaj .:« J,"ther increased scales which went into effect April 1 on • adve'nt-- o£ th^-hesy ■ tax iare; not, en-., tjrely' blaiiiedv'. since Palm - Sunday.: .VsKered in .Hflly, WeeK, A rainy Sun-, day fe).. alss mdy- Kave hurt.. In ad.di- -.titin,' :all hM three li^uSos. aire-.-hOldr over, most of them .pretty far down ':i)n ■ruas.'w ■'■ ' Nothing, however, .is r.Ctafdihg the, MiiMq Hall this week; Playing '.'.Cover, ' Girl,"'Backed' by . a :fine roerchandis- ing-campaign, "radio, and othet breaks, . it will get a 'smash SiiS.OOO' .the iBrst ' seven days' ending tonight ■ iWed.'J.,' •The.,.usual Easter. speotScle.whictt .al'i. ways.'atfrac,ts .at' this'time:pf the yeaf, is on the stage in addition to a reg- ular presentation unit. State, with »a new one in Her Primitive Man." plus Earl "Father' Hines' orch arid. Leo Car'riUo. in per- son; is not getting so mucn of a play but will be okay at $25,000 or near. Only other arrival of the past week ■was "'Weird Woman," which Won't be Kel'tf by. the: Blalto at ■'.an ' indicated $8,000. jusl fair. ■ ,',' ; ■'. - .'.■ . ■;' in its .■.secon d., week with '■ Hea venly.; ' Bpayf* "knd, on stage,'JimriiX' Durante, '■ fibriata-''Gxanviile,'., R^y:e.'. and Nalfli, . Sonny' Dunham, drch, th6,C&)3itol.. w holding .up -well and 'Should ,:hit ,,$55,-. qoO of neat; holding fufthef. vPara^ "mount continues at a. good: gait, ■ with . the ■ sixth -vveek having ..ended. ..last night. (Tues,). ior -"Lady, in Dark,- Xavier Cugat and Dean Murphy, at $62,000. Show will remain a total of 10 weeks, ■: ■ , ' ■ : The Roxy. today (Wed.) ushers m ■ 'Tour "Jills .in.,^' Jeep,".:with iHarry. Richman, the DeMarcos and . Dave Apollon in person, following four ■weeks' ■with , ''Purple; Hea.rt,' - plus;. Count Basic, orch, Carol Bruce .and Zero; Mostel.. Final ..'frame, dropped $50i000i n.pt:;S<! -gflEid: .-^'; ; .':■'. .; V Estimates for This Week '■■■ 'AMor .CLoew'sV ' tfil40; :6O-$i:20)-^^ "Private Hargrove" (M-G) (3d wk). Started third stanza Monday (3) after socking through to $34,000 on second, very big. Initial five days , Close ,to" $30,000,: immense.- ' . Capitob (Loew's) (4,820; 60-Sl 20) - —"Hea-venly Body" (M-G) and, in persoJL Jimmy Durante, Bonita Granville,- Raye and Naldi, Sonny Dunham orch (2d wk). Holding up strong, with $55,000 or near sight- ed-on. firsii ho.ld<iver. session; initial, fseven days went to a fancy $70,000, . Criterion (Loew's) (1,700; 60-$1.25) —"The Jmpostor"' (U) (2d-final wk). : Failing to. get anywhere, with . no more than about $11,000 in view, miid, while first, week 'was only fair, at less'than.$20,000.., . Globe (Brandt) (1,416; 60-$1.10)— "Fighting Seabees" (Rep) (3d-final ■wk).'. '■Maintaining good, gait at $12,-. 000, while last week (2d) was $14,- 000 "Rationing" (M-G) - opens Sat- urday (8). . Gotham (Brandt) (900; 50-98)— "Women in Bondage"' fMono) (2d ':■ vk). P-ai:ir.g well at $10,000 and : Will be held; initial seven days, was .: $12,000,: nice' for , this little-seater; . - Hollywood (WB) (1,499; 60-$1.201 —"Passage Marseille" CWB) (Bth wk). Down tp $15,000 on the seventh stanza through last night (Tues.), ■ . but', fair'..' profit..: Lkst . week (6th) ■':, wasii't. much'- better, at.'$17,800,: . Palace (RKO) (1,700; 6O.-$1.10)— "Ali Baba" (RKO) (3d wk). Good enough at $19,000 to. ibe ■ retained over Easter; last week (2d) was $23,000, nice. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 50-$1.10) —"Lady Dark" (Par), Xavier Cii- ■ -gat orch, and .Dean .Murphy (7th wk). Still pulling stoutly, the sixth week ended last night .(Tues.) haVr ing hit $62,000. The prior (5th) week went to $75,000, exceptionally good. Radio City Music Hall (Rockefel- lers) (5,945; 60-$1.10)—"Cover Girl" .(Col) and stageshow, plus yearly Easter spectacle. Very big from the opening gun, and should come un- der the wire for a mammoth $118,- 000. Last week, fourth for "Up'in Arms" (RKO), terrific money-maker here, was $99,000, very .strong: JBialto (Mayer) (594; 35-85)— "Weird Woman" (U). Not doing well at $8,000 and won't holcj. Last week, "Tunisian Victory" (M-G),' official war picture, disappointed badly at $6,800. Rivoli fUA-Par) (2.092; 85-$1.70)— "Bernadette" (20th) (11th wk). Be- .,, ing .Holy: Week,^ ,this :one. stands to drop,, with, the :10th Week:ending last nlghl..' (Ttjes.) at $39,00(). 'Previous :. . '"(9t,h),round, was $46,000,.'very good.. Boxy (20th)-5,886; 60-$l,20)—"Four Jills in a Jeep" (20th) and on stage, Harry Richman, the DeMarcos and- ', BavevApiillori; open totjay (Wed.)., ' . "ptiBple: Heart" (20th.); and Count Ba-,. ': sie or?;H, :C.arol .Bruee.'and:Zero,Mos-: .' .'tel went -four ,weeks, flriale being; T-r.-weakisS.;':$50,000i :■ whilp: ,the' ' third ' .stan^a wa's rafher'good $64,000. ■ : State (Loew's) (3,450; 43-85)—"Her Primitiv(2 Man" (U). (1st run) and, iti' .... iJerson, ,Earl "Father";, Hines' orch; .;.',.and. Leo CarriUo.. Not hitting a fast ■ : Iiace. ;but- will be . all right. at,.$26.,0D(}. ■ or close. Last week, "Whistling in BrobKlyri" :(M-(3)Hst run)'and Will, Osborne' orch,'$24,000. ": Strand (WB) 12,756; 60-$1,20)— "Harvest Moon" (WB) and Russ Morgan orch (4th-final wk). Off to •aboiit $33it)00, rather light. "While last \veek:. ('3a) ' we'rit' to: nearly :'$38,00 eke. '-Cnccrtain Glory" (WB) and :Tld -LeWIS' 'haos-'e'' in' Friday , XTX'''- . ' ' Victoria'maurCE.) :(72O;,eo,;$l,.10.).,^. ''Voice in':';.Wirid": vUA) (.4tH;Wk);-:.Qh. 'thitd.,.'lap, ended''last-'n:ight.'::(Tu,es.')' okay at $10,000, w^hile the second .fl;nishea:at;Qver ;$ia;DOar;:'.':"\,vV-;...;.:.: HEART'-VAUDE M1LD22G,D.C. '.' ",■■ '-'■ Washington, April 4. • ^:''With ' ohly:' phe.'-n&w.: attraction d6wnt6wn;".The.-Pu*pl^ .Heart," busi- ness .is -bapk-tp ho^niial.; "Heart" is mild' at Capitol, despite ofijt.'pr'a.ise. 'JGover Girl!, '',has' '.the';, Ear.le;.: away above ' par, b.n\ .hdldovier...;: "Song -Qf B,e.rniid6l,ie.'';:vails<JV. is: ".bo^ on second session. ,.' '■:' ."." ■ '.-"'..; ';',■,'■ Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 34-72) "Purple- Heart" with vaude. ■ Praised by crix but only mild ,$22,000. 'Last; ■week;' :'',S,wlng ■ Fever" '::'(3VI-G )' ■' with vaude headed :by-;]Vlai:.tha. Raye,.. fine ■$25,500.' ^."V ■:'.■•',:.-, ■■'?''. Columbia (Loew) (1.234; 34-7?)— "Guy Named Joe" (M-G). Fourth ■Week' dowrit'owh. ' Nifty;:$8,50Q;..; Last; week, hurt, by rain. $7,000.. ' .: ,'• ., :; ' Earl'e. (WB); (2,240; .70-.a.5)r^"CpVer. Girl" (Col) (2d wk.) with vaude. Fine $19,000. First week was sock $26;soo. ::■■ :'■' ' ■■'■,,'•■ :;/- Keith's (RKO) (1,800: 44-70)— "Snow White" (RKO) (Reissue) (2d wk). Good $14,000. Last week, red 'hot':$22:oOO- ' -r-/r Metropolitan (WB) (1,800; 40-66) •:-^"Higher and .Higher" (RKO): , Jiist. average' $6i500. on vmbveovet. Last; week, ';"iSrone Shall Escape" .(Col), nice $8,500. .Palace ,(L.Pew),' (2,242; 75-$1.10)— "Bernadette" (20th) (2d wk). Solid $28;()00. First .'week,, wow $30,000. 'Good Looking' Tilted To Bangup $20,000 By J. Dorsey in Indpls. ' Indianapolis.. April: 4. '. ■'. Pre-Easter lull is minimized here by . line of click! , attractions, "Hi, Good Looking," sparked by, Jimmy Dorsey's band, .'is' gr.&bbirig .the' ;tall coin -at . Circle. : .''The ; SuUivans;'':, ;at; the Indiana, leads the s.tr'aight' film-:: ers .with"Cover Girl" still going big in second week at. Loew's.. . Estimates for This Week Circle (KatZ^Dolle) (2,800; SS^^TO) —"Hi, Good Looking" (U) and Jimmy Bo'rs-ey barid;. 'Pat, $20,0()p' ori .band draw; . Last week "Bernadette.'' fair $9,900 on holdover after mild $19,000, first stanza .at;75-$l'.l0 .scale. Indiana (Katz^lDoUe) '(S-SOfi; 32-55) .—"Sulli'vans"; (20th.) and' "Timber. Queen" (Par). Fine $13,500. Last week "Miracle Morgan's Creek" (Far). Sock $15,000. Keith's (Indie) (1,200; 35-55)— "Doughboys Ireland" (Col) and vaude. Average $5,000 in four days. Last week "Women in War" (Rep) and vaude, oke $6,000, same run. Loew's (Loews) (2,450; 32-55)— "Cover Girl" (Col). Sturdy $10,000 in second stanza after gtekt $15,000 opener. Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (1,600; 32-551 — "Morgan's Creek" (Par), Solid $5,- 700 on moveover. Last week, "Pur- ple Heart" (20th) and "Be.st Gal" mep ), nifty $5,000 on moveover. :. ': Seattle Biz Slows Up But'S.R.0;Wowl6iG; ^Woman Town' Mild 8G Seattle, April 4. Upped price scales starting wit!) Federal tax, Holy Week and batch of holdovers hold back big totals this session. Even the Liberty joifted the : downtown.., pa.rade.. by jumpins to same top general ad-' mish, 80c, from its former 65c, Other; spots upped from 75c to 80c. Leader Js"Standin!; Room Only" at the Para- .mpu'h^. ' ' '"Spo'tii^'ht .'Scari^^ wijh ■vaude, .Is--terrific'At the Palomar. ■.■. >, Estimates for This Week Blue Mouse -(Hamrick-Evergreen) (800; 40-75 and 45-80)—"Morgan's Creek" (Par) (3d wkj. Trim $6,000. La.st week "JJo Time Love" (Par) .(Sth wltX .8 :aa3^s,. dandy '$^.300. -^ ;': .; Fifth. '•Aveiriue (2.349; 40-75) and 45.-80)-^"SQng Russia" (M-G) and "Hi Good Lookm'" lU). Good $10,- 500. Last week "Jane Eyie" (20th),- great: $13,500.- .. ;tiberty' (J-VH )\ (1,650; 40.65; .iind 45-80)—"Woman of Town" (UA) and "Beautiful, but Broke" (Col).- So-so $8,000. Last week "Jack London" (UA) (2a -wk),,:oke,$6,700, ":. ' ■Musi<:".fiox (H-B) ; (B50;'.40^''75; and 45-80 )^,"Jane :Eyre''; (20th) :• (3d wk>. Frfafti. day-date, at .Fifth .and Music 'Ball.''.'. Big' $6,500. Last week. "-PUr- pVe ; Heart" (20th): '(2d wk), fair i$4,800, ' .-^ ' ■.."Mttsic Hall (H-E) (2,200;. 40-75 and 45-80)—"Action Arabia" (RKO) and "Tjmber:Queen': (Par). Slow $5,000. Last iHweek ''Eyre".' ,(20th), -so-so $6,500. Orphcum (H-E) (2,600; 40-75 and 45-80)—"Seabees" (Rep) (2d wk).. Fair $7,000 in six days.- •';Xast:,weeK'' sock $17,400. Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 30-75 and 35-80) — "Spotlight Scandals'! (IMprtO) plus vaude, ;.Terrific .$12,000^ Last . week,' ."Casariova : Bui-lesque'" (Rep),: With Fifi P'O.rsay.; heading vaude, okay'' $9,600. ■ Paramount (H-E) (2,039; 40-75 and 45-80:). r-'.''Standing RPoni"; ., (Par). Giant $16,500, Last week "Morgan's. Creek" (Par) (2d wk), socko $12,500- Eoosevflt (Steeling) (800; 30-50. .arid ',,3S.;55)—"True ,;'to Life" ' (Par) and' "HPstages" (Par) - (2d 'run). .Okay,:;$4,500.. Last week (40.-75) "In Our; Time" (WB); fairish :,$3,9Q0. ' "■, Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 15-30 and 20-35) — "fiestination Tokyo''' '(WB)::':and -''Aldrich.;-Haunts HPuse'' (Par) (Sd'run). Fairish.$3,- 500.. .Last .week -'La^sie'' (;M-G) and "Flesh Fantasy" fU; (3d run), good $4,000. 'Guy Joe' Fast $26,000, Chi; Barrie Ups 'Uninvited'Hot 45G,'Phantom Big 15G $16,200, not bad considering snow-. i'.ortn over weekend. Paramount (Tristates) (3,000; 15- 55—"Purple Heart" (20th), Soaring to great $10,000. Last weiek "Sujli- vans" (20lh) okay $8,800, but hit by blizzard.,' .,■.:,"■'';; ;:'■-'. ,' Brarideis, (Singer) .(1,500;, 15-55)— "Tarzan's Desert Mystery' (RKO) and "Beautiful but Broke" tCol). Okay at $6,500 or a bit over. Last week. "None Escape" (Col) and "Hey RoOkie'^.tCibil), nice $6,500.,' ; Omahd (Tristates; (2.000; 15-55)— "Sullivan?" (20th), moved in for sec- ond week from Paramount and ''•'Timbei:, Queen" ' (Par) , (1st run). Stout $9,000. Last week "Crazy House" (U) (1st run), so-so $8,200, lONDON' TOPPER IN OMAHA JALL $10^500 ■ Omaha, April 4. . , ;Belte,i:'' weather :1s, ,helpihg,,'things: currently, ,; \"Jack' London," at, the Oi-piifium,: is standdilti: but ■"Pi,irple' Heartj" in, the Paramount, is nearly as strong, playing sdlo. Estimates for This Weeic Orphcum (Tristates) (3 000; 15-55),; Jack, London" (UA) and "Dancing: Ma.5ters" (20th). Big $10,500 or near. Last^week (20-65), "Top Man" (U) 1 and Earl Carroll "'Vanities" on stage, 'MOON' BRIGHT -38l/2aPffiLY Philadelphia, April 4. Holy Week isn't slowing biz too badly here. Higher prices aren't keeping them away either. "Shine On Harvest Moon" opening at the Mastbaum is top grosser..', :,' Estimates for This -Week Aldine (WB) (1,303; 85-1.20)— "Bernadette" (20th) (6th wk). Be- ginning" to show signs of wear but still way above average at $17,500. Last V, epic, good $19,800. Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 40-85)— "In Our' Time" (WB) (2d run). Okay $4,500. La.st week, "Swing Fe\cr" (M-G), okay $3,400 for five ■ days'-;of:second, rliri., -,,;-■;, Bovd (WB) (2,500; 40-85) "Tender Comrade" (RKO) (2d wk); Slumping to fairish $15,000 alter bright $12,,300 ■ irtitialer, ■ ;: : ,.' : :, Earle (WB) ^,760; 50-95)—"Hey, Rookie" (Col) with Milt Bntton: orchi • Marcy McGuire and ;variety Sliow.. • Marquee draw is all on'stage, Moderate $18,.500 or near. Last week, "NiWe : Girls" : ,(Cpl) plus.: Rby Heatherton 'orch :and. Jahe. Withers; nice $20,900. «* Fox (WB) (2,245; 40-85)—"Miracle Morgan's Creek" (Par) (2d wk). Husky $25,000. Opener was terrific $31,200. Kariton (Goldman) (1,000; 40-85—; "Guy Named Joe" (M-G) (2d run). Robust $8,500. Last : week, . "Jahe Eyre" (20th), $8,000 for second run. Keith's (Goldman) (2,200; 40-85)— "Union Pacific" (Par) (reissue). Sad ;$.4,50D: Last week, ''Hig;her Higher" (RKO)' fair; $6,000 for second, run; Mastbaum (WB) (4,692; 40-85) "Shine Ha;rvest Moon"' (-WB). Bangup $35,000 plus:,flriei,'$3,500 for one flay's, stand :at;-Earje:; .Last week."Passage Marseille" fcWB), fair $18,000 for sec-, ond: week; :• ■•;■, Stanton (WB) (1,475; 40-85)— "Purple Heart" (20th) (2d wk). Drooping to so-so $14,200 after husky $21,500 plus $3,500 for "bonus" show- ing, at Earle last week.'.:; . ; ■ ' ; Stanton (WB) (1,475; 40-85)— "None Shall Escape" (Col) (2d wk). Mediocre $8,500 after; bright $13,200 last -week. ■'■< ;,' . Chicago, April 4. , Indications are that mcst attrac- tions will chalk up healthy grosses this week, despite being Holy Week. Of new arrivals, making it inter- esting for Loop theatregoers "A Guy Named Joe" at the United Ait- Ists; is '.headed: ■;fQr, ;,strGng -$26,000. Grace Barrie and vaude are uppina "Uninvited" to hot $45,000 at Chi" cagoi "Phaht'om Lkdy'-' islbig' $15 ooo ■ at small Woods. Estimates (or This Week ApoUo (B&K) (1,200; 55-95)— "Lifeboat" (20th) (2d wk). Slick $11,000. Last week bright $13 000 Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 55-95)'— "Uninvited" (Par) and Gracie Barrie heading vaude. Grand $45,000. Last week "Lost Angel" (M-G) and Tom., my Tucker orch on stage, big at $47,000. ^ Garrick (B&K) (900; 55-95)— Navy Way" (Par) and "Can't Ea* tlon Love" (Par). Good $9,500. Last week "Crime Doctor's Case" (Col) and "Return 'Vampire" (Col) (2d wk), 5 days, and "Navy Way" (P'ar) ; and "Ration Love" (Pai), 2 days, neaf $8,500. " " Grand (RKO) (1,150; 55-95)— "Curse Cat People" (RKO) and "Million; Dollar. Kid" ..(Mono); Pleas- ing $9,000. Last week "Gov't Girl" (RKO) and "Escape Danger" (RKO) (3d wk in Loop), okay $8,000. Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 44-95)— "Men on Mind" (PRC) and Louis Prima orch on stage, •■ Nice $23;000. Last week "3 Russian Girls" (UA) and Frankie Masters orch on stage, • groat $26,000. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 55-95)— "Tender Comrade" (RKO) and "Hat- check Honey" (U) (2d wk). Spar- kling . $20,000,.; Last weeic; Stauncli $25,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (l,500;-55^5)— "Purple Heart" (20th) (3d wk). Sat- isfactory $12,500. Last week snappy $15,000;'-' ■ '.."■.- :v.;^ o". ':.:;--:■;,■;.;.;' state-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 80-$l 20) —"Bernadette" (20th) (5th wk). Fine $27,000; iiast ;'WBekt ,srn66th $3(),()Q0,: United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 55- 95)—"Guy Named Joe" (M-G). Strong $26,000. Last week "Jan«> Eyre" (20th) (3d wk), smart $14,500. ';, ,Wo(ids :(Essaiaess> (1,200;':55-95)—:. "Phantom Lady" (U). 'W'ow. $15,000. Last week "Lady and Mpnster" (Rep) (2d wk), 5 days, and "Lady" (U), 2 days, nice $12,000. IHhracle'-'RHssian Girls' Brisk 26G, Del;'Phantom'-'Old Block'Nice 31G Detroit, April 4. Rated the poorest -week of the Lenten season; present session here has. mo^'e new p.roduct than uiiual,; five of seven, loop houses bringing in new, bills. Policy : was tried last year to carry new product; over; in to Easter . week,- with okay results. Grosses; are due for a dip but the .Michigan: and PbX ■; are ,;in: the big bracketSrf.Prm,er..'with'"Mir.a'cJ:e.-l^orj' gan's Creek'' and "Three Russian ■Girls" and.: latter iisiji^. "Phkniorh Lady"-and "Chip 0ft the Old' BlPck." Estimates for This Week ' .Adams.' (I,70()';',,- 55-75) ;.rr "CoVer (Sirl"- (ePl) :and"T.Wo-Mari iS,ut3,mSi- rine" (Col) (2d wk). Moved here :after great b'usiriess ,'at-the Fdk ivith fine $11,000 sighted. Last week, '.'Siillivans" :'.(2():tfi') -'(id: wk) arid "Weekend Pass" (UT, $11,500. Broadway-Capitol (United De- troit) (2,800; 55-75)—"Jack London" (UA) and "Escape to Danger" (RKO)," Bfi.sk ;$l:5,000. ,La'st'; „week, "Desert:Song"; (WB) and "Unkno.wti Giiest'-: (Mono) (3d Wk),,okay $15,.-^ COO on moveover.. ; ; : Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 55-75) -"Phantom; Lady" (U) and "Chip Off Old Block" (U). Nice $31,000. Last week, "Cover Girl" (Col) and "Two-Man Submarine'*' (Col),^ 'brirfit $38,500. Madison (United Detroit) (1,800; 55-75) — "Northern Pursuit" (WB) and "Higher Higher" (RKO). Back in loop, for nice $4,800. Last week, "Lassie Come Home" (M-G) and "Fallen Sparrow" (RKO), choice $5,- 000. Michigan (United Detroit) . (4,000; 55-75) .--i^ "Miracle . Morgan's .Creek?' (Par) and "3 Russian Girls' (UA). Sprightly $26,000. Last week, "Hour Before Dawn" (Par) and Glen Gray orch on stage, great $39,000. ;. . .': Palms-State (United Detroit) (3.^ 000; ;55.-7.5)-,— "Heavenly .Body" (M-G) and "Cross Lorraine" (M-G) Bright $18,000. Last week, "Fighting Seabees" (Rep) and "Casanova Bur- lesque" (Rep) (3d wk), held to good $11,000 for finale. -United Artists^ ■ Wnited Detroit) (2.000; 55-75)—"Lady in Dark" (Par) and "Rooldes Burma" (RKO) (3d wk). Nice $15,000 after last week's grand $21,000. 'Swing'-Raye, Breezy $28,000, Leads Cincy; 'Rhythm' So-So 12iG Cincinnati, April 4. Waiting for the Easter Week splurge,,'major cinemas are: launch- ing only one new feature. So biz generally is quiet. Fresh release. "Broadway Rhythm," is only fair at the Palace. At the Albee, where the combo policy has; been pacing the city all season, Martha Raye, vaude topper, is boosting "Swing Fever" above par. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100;. 50-85) — ^'Swing Fever" (M-G) and Martha Haye topping vaude. Breezy $28,000. Last week, "Nine Girls'; (Col) and Jimmy Dorse.v orch, others, on stage, pleasing $26,000. Capitol (RKO) (2.000; .35-65)— "Passage Marseille" (WB) (2d wk). Fair $6,500. Stout $12,500 on kickoff. Family (RKO> (1,000; 25-35)— "Rains. Came"-;(20th) arid :".Urid,er Two Flags" (20th) (reissues) split with "Amazing Mr. Forrest"' (PRC) and "Showdown Valley" (Col). Nor- mal $2,600. Last week, "This, Wash ington" (RKO) and "Partners of Trail" (Mono) divided with Ladv Death House" (PRC) and "Mojave Firebrand"- (Rep), nifty $3,000,- . Grand (RKO) (1,430; 35-65)—"Sul livaHs" (20th) (2d wk). Dull $5,00O after disappointing $8,500 preem ses ;sibn.,'-- . :'■ : '■ Keith's (United) (1,500; 35-65)- "Up in Arms" (RKO). Holding on second moveover for fourth down- town sesh. Okay $4,500. Last week, nice $5,500. lyric (RKO) (1,400; 35-65)—"Chip Off Old Block" (U) (2d wk). No BARRON UPS higher; GREAT $33m HUB Boston, April 4. Boxoffice is sagging all over cur» rently because of dent made in bi?, by Holy Week, new taxes and upped scale and number of holdoi'ers. However, Blue Baron's band is belp» ing "Higher and Higher" to a great week at the RKO Boston, and "Des- ert - Song'^ paired .wathv "Eoaie^the_^ Riveter" is fine on second stanza at the Met. Estimates for This "Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; !)0-$1.10)— "Higher Higher" (RKO) plus Blue Barron orch, others, on stage. Great $33,000.' Last week "Action Arabia' (RKO) plus Tony Pastor orch, Guy Kibbee, others, on, stage, strong $30,000. Fenway (M-P) (1,373; 40-74)— "Lady in Dark" (Par) and . "Casa- nova'-' (Rep). Second stanza here after moved in from two weeks at the Met. Okay $6,000. Last week po- tent $8,000. Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 40-8d)-- "Jane Eyre" (20th) and "Hi <jOod Lookin'" (U) (2d wk). So-so $15,- , 000. Last week, fancy $25,000. Metropolitan (M-P) (4,367; 40-74); —"Desert Song" (WB) ^ind "Rosie Riveter" (Rep) (2d -wk). Slipping; down, but still okay $23,000 for hold- over stanza.; Last week; stout $29,- 000, but somewhat below expectancy. Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 44-74)— ; "Cover Girl" (Col) (2d wk). Way down from initial week,, but still fairish at $i9,000. Last week, giant $30,0COr Paramount (M-P) (1,700; 40-74)- "Lady in Dark" (Par) and "Casa- nova" (Rep). Second week at house after two strong sessions at Met. Nice $13,000 for holdover here after great $16,000 initialer. State (Loew) (3,200; 44-74)-- "Cover Girl" (Col) (2d wk). Slipped considerably to modest $9,000, . fol^ lowing $15,000, great for this nabe house. Translux (Translux) (40-74)— "Nabonga" (PRC) and "Voodoo Man" (Mono). Pine $6,500 Last week '"Million Dollar Kid ' (IMono) and "Trans-Atlantic Tunnel':' ;(Indie)i: big,$8,000. , . complaints at $4,800. Solid_$9,000 on first week. ,^ Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-65)— "Broadway Rhythm" (M-G). So-so $12,500. Last week. "Standing Room Only" (Par), big $17,000. Shubert (RKO) (2,100; 35-6,-)1— "Standing Room Only" (Par). Mo-^-e- over. Swell $6,500. Last week, fatar Is Born" (UA) and ;'Made for Each Other" (UA) (reissues), seasons low at $2,800.