Variety (Aug 1944)

Wednesdajr* Angari 9* 1944 PICTURE GROSSES IT '4Jii'-HorseslH)elrimM.CIii; lime'lusty 33G life Tall 22G,H.O. Chicago, Aug. 8. + "Going My Way" moved over to State-I<ake from Chicago and still terrific at $30,000. "Once Upon a Time" loolts strong $33,000 at Roose- velt. "Girl Who Dared" plus Ada Leonard's band, is lusty $29,000 at the Oriental. Estimates for This Week Cbicaso (B&K) (3,900; 55-95)—"4 Jills" (20th) plus "Diamond Horse-, shoe'' revue, heading vaude show; Satisfactory $60,000. Last week, "Go- ing My Way " (Par) (8th wk) and "Ink Spots'' heading vaude (2d wk), great $68,000. Garrick (3&K) (900; 55-95)—"Meet PeopI?' (M-G) and "Make Own Bed" (WB) (2d wk). Sock $15,000 as against last week's stout $13,000. Grand (RKO) (1,150; 55-95)—"Ma- rine Raiders" (RKO) and "Follow Leader" <Moho) (2d wk). Pair $7,- 600/ Last week, so-so $9,000i "Raider" iiemg moved here after two lexcellent 'Weetcs at. the Palace. Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 44-95)— "Girl WhoJJared" (Rep) With Ada Leonard orch. Sturdy $29,000. Last week, "Johnny Doesn't Live" (Mono) and Abe Lyman orch, sock $35,000.. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 55-95)—"Thi.s Is Life" (U) and "Ghost Catchers" tU) (2d wk). Strong $22 000 after fancy $23,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 55-95)— "Once Upon Time" (Col). Wow $33,- 000. La^t week. "Two Worlds" (WB) (2d wk), so-so $20,000. SUte-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 55-95)— "Going My Way'' (Par). Nifty $30,- 000 in first week of moveover here filer playing eight packed weeks at he Chicago. Last week, "Dr. Was- Belf' (Par), fine $23,000. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 55- BS)—"White Cliffs" (M-G) (6th wk). propped slightly to a very good $21,- 000 from big $23,000 last week. Wood! (Essaness) (1,200; 55-95)—^ "Up in Arms" (RKO) (15th wk). ttill holding strong, at $19;500. Last eek, $19,100. Heat Hits Pitt, But 'MyWay'Big$26M Third; 'Twain' Sad lOG Pittsburgh. Aug 8. Heat is knocking bottom out of everything except Penn's "Going My Way," which continues to do a blaz- ing biz - in third week. Will stay a .fourth to become .first picture in house's 7-y«ar history to play that long. Estimates for This Week Harris (Hairis) (2,200; 40-65)— "St, Mark" (20th) (2d .wk). Nice $8,500. Last week, $14^500, very good. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 40-65)— "Going My Way" (Par) (3d wk). . There hasn't been'anything like this 'in'history of .house: It's still more fhati slightly sensational, Rreat $26,- 000; Stays a fourth, first time that's ^ver happened here.; Last week, terrific $34,500. Ritz CWB) (800; 40-65) — "Dr. Wasseir (Pai) Won't better $2,200 pn fifth week downtown. Last week, .."Double Indemnitv" (Par) here after :■■ siSfeek at S.tianley only $2,b00v :■ Senator (HanisT (1,750; 40-65)— •'Dead End" (FC). House spent nice ao'ugh exploiting this, and it's pro- flucina trim $3,500. Last week, ''This |j Life" IU), on moveover from Harris, $3,200 SUnley ^WB) (3,800; 40-65) — "Mark Twain" (WB). Picture ha* previously played. Warner at ad- Vaneed prices.' Did poorly there and doing the same here at $10,000. Last week '!Bathing Beauty" (M-G), healthy $17,500. Warner (WB) (2,000; 40-65) — "Bathing Beauty" (M-G). Moved here from Stanley and. it's okay $7,- 000. Last week, "Dr. Wassell" (Par), ..lourth downtown week, $5,000. "Song Open Road" (UA), better than average $4,700. New (Mechanic) (1,680; 20-60)— "Wing and Prayer" (20th). In spot for some fairish trade at $6,500. Last week, "Take It, Leave It" (20th), steady $7,100. Stenley (WB) (3,280; 25-66)—"Mr. Skeffinglon" (WB). Rousing $22,000 to pace city.- Last week,- 'Mark Twain" (W3), back at regular prices, fair $14,000. Valencia (Loew's-UAI (1.840; 20- 60)—"Made Me Criminal" (WB) (re- issue). So-so $4,500. Last week, "Hairy Ape" (UA) in moveover from downstairs. Century, slightly better thin, average $4,700. . ^ 'Raiders/ Hot Hub's Ace Boston, Aug. 8 Four scorching days drove the cus- tomers off. the street to injure biz somewhat in the Hub this week, few bills coming up tp expectations. Not: kept from doing well, •however, was "Bathing Beauty,'' day-date at State and Orpheum, with good week in. sight, "Marine Raiders'': made, best solo showing at the Memorial with $26,000. first week'and remains- high on holdover. . • Estimates (or This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 50-$l.10)-r- "Impostor" (U) plus Lionel Hamp- ton orch, others; on stage, Mediocre ,'>24,000 Last week, "Indies Wash- ington" (20th) plus Sammy Kaye orch. great $31,000. Fenway (M-P) (1..373: 40-74)— '•Hour Before; Dawn". (Par) and "Song Open Road" (UA). Opened to- day. Last week, "Dr. Wassell" (Par),: Down on third week to $4,500. . .Majestic (ShUbert) (1,500; $iMO)— "Bernadette" (20th) (12th wk). Hit by heat but okay $6,500. Last week, $6,000. Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 40-75)— '■Marine Raiders" (RKO) and ''Twi- light Prairie" :(U). Begins second week today. First week, dandy $26,- 000. Metropolitan (M-P) (4.367; 40-74) —"St. Mark" (20th) and "Aldrlch Se- cret" (Par). Good $23,000. Last week. "Angela Sing" (Pai) and "Seciets Scotland Yard" (Rep) (2d wk), $16,- 500. : Orpheum- (Loew) (3,200; 35^74)^ "Bathing Beauty" (M-G). A click at $27,000 despite the heat wave. Last week, "Once Upon a Time" (Col) and''Star Parade" (Col). $19,000. ■ ■ Paramount (M-P) (1;7.00;. 40-74)— "Hour' Before Dawn" (Par) and 'rSong Open Road" (UA). Opened yesterday <8). Last week, "Wassell"^ (Par). .Smacked by heat wave but oke $14,000 for thiid session. State (Loew) (3,200; 35-74)— "Bathing Beauty" (M-G) Looks strong $15,000. Last , week, "Once I Upon Time" (Col) and"Star Parade" (Col), ditto. . Translux (Translux) (900; 30-74)— "Leave It to Irish" (Mono) and"Si- lent Partner," (Rep). Iiow average $4,500. I>ast week. 'Ghost Ship" I RKO) and "Underground Guerril- las" (Col), $5,300. 'Skeffington' Potent $22,000 Tops Balto _^ Baltimore, Aug. 8. ,, ' . Sji: tcjok; a Slight jiimij ■iip'Ward:' .liere this-Week "with tbpiflight gross .niounted by "Mr Skeffington" at the Stanley,,a very potent leader. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 20- 60)—-Bathing Beauty" (M-G) (2d j'k),,',.. Holding : nicely', - at, , inditated. $1.2,000 after fiiie.'ieta.way t<),$1.6;300; Hippodrome (Rappaport) - (2.240; 20-74)-"Night Adventure" (RKO) plus George White's "Scandals" re- vue on stage. Depending on latter for satisfying $16 000. Last week 'Mr. Winkle" (ColJ and vaude. all- right $15 800 .■^ Heith's (Schahberger) (2,460.; 20- SO)—"Hitler Gang" (Par). Opening tonight (Tues.) alter three weeks of "Christmas Holiday" (U) with final •esh holding up to stout $10,200 Ma>fair (Hicks) (980, 23-55)— •Stage Coach" (UA) (icissue) Diau- ing some trade at $4,500. La'-i wcvk 'Step Lively' Leading New MpIs.Pix, $11,000; W Terrif 17G, 3d . . . Minneapolis, .'.Aug. 8; < For third successive week. "Going My Way," all-lim* nonrroadshow rec6rd-sniasher :here,'is riinriiilg awa^^^ ;with. boxqfric^ honors., easily with huge third stanza. Sliongest of new- come»-s is "Step Lively." at Orpheum. Estimates (or This Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 23-35)— "Bermuda ■. ■ Mystery"' . 20th,) ■ and, "Stars'. Paifade".' (Col)., ' Oke. $2,200 in. .five days..'' Last, we.ek, "Weird Wpm^ an" ' '(U); '.'aTid'' ,"Fa-icon ■ Oqt West''. (RKO) ' split with ' ''Three ' 'KijiCi'' ■ (Mon 0 ): a lid •■Contender" iPRC);. good S2.600, eight ca.vs. / ; . . t'cntury (P-S) (1,600: 44-60)— "Mark Twain" (WB). Moved here .after good first week at State... Weak $4,500 indicated'. K 'tiist week',-'. "Two. W9.-ld.s" (WBi. mild S.5.700. .';-;- ;;';-;— Gopher iP-S) ■ i.OOO: 44 i—"Tak- It Big'" (Par), B;)d S2.000. L;i.-,t. week, PTouhv,.: GanKst!;r".'i20th:);: $3;500/ ,^ Lvric (P-S) lllOO: 44-601—'Hit- ler Gang'' (Par) (2d wk) Here from .Orph(?uni. Mild .$3,700. ' Last, weekv '•Double rndemnity.'i' (Pa.r\) .'f3d - wk)i: good $5,800. Orpheum (P-S) (2 600; 44-60)-- 'Slep Livel.^" (RKO). Demonstiat- ■iirg.much, .greater box-ofVife .strength than- initial Sinatra opo.s. Fancy $11.-' 000. Last \veek, "Hitler Gang" (Par), mild $7,500 ' Radio C'itv (P-S I r4;000:, 44-60)=-.. '.'Going My ■.Waj.T.'': ..(Par) . ('3d vvk):; Whole tow0. see nVs -' f0 'be -goi ng for, ' thi,fl -qiTG and i':naiiy.:rcn3e.a t. ('.u.st - Neil h i n g bti I- rsxei^K Mo ■ p.i'r't Liri? bef olr'e: ?yw played over two weeks here, nfimenst $17,000 indicated "following huge $24,000 last week. I ; Stat* (P-S) (2,300-44-60)—"Heav- enly Body" (M-G). Good $9,000; L&st week, "Mark Twain" (WB),. good $12,000. Uptown (Par) (1,100; 40-50)—"Dr. Wassell" (Par). First nabe-showing.' Big $4,000. Last week, "Snow White" (RKO) (reissue), fair $2 500, World (Par-Steffes) (350, 44-80)— "Divorce Lady , X" (UA) treissue). Sti etching toward mild $2,000. Last week, "Follow Boys" (U) (2d wk), $2 400. 'Wing'-Dixie' Terrif At $20,500,2 Denver Spots; 'My Way' Colossal 19G Denver. Aug. 8. ; "Going .My Way" is pushing out the . walls, at the Denham and holds; over. But "Wing and Prayer" paired with "South of Dixie" is grabbing top money playing day-date at Den- ver and Esquire, Estimates, for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400 ; 35-74)— ' Take It. Leave It" (20th) and "Lady ■Monster'V (Rep), after week at Den- ver, Esquire. Fair $5,000, Last week, "Two Worlds" (WB) and "MakeOwn' Bed" (WB). M.O., fair $5,500, Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 35-74)— "Lost Horizon'' (Col)' and ''Happened One Night" (Col) (reissues). Mild $4,000 Last week, "White Cliffs" (M-G), after two Orpheum weelcs,., good $4,500. Denham (Cockrill) (1.750; 35-70)—' ''Going My Way" (Par). Terrific $19,000 and holds indef. Last week. "Hitler Gang" (Par), fair $8,500. Denver (Fox) (2,525: 35-74)— I ' Wing and Prayer" (20th) and "South of Dixie" (U)i day-date with Esquire Big $17,000. Last week. ■•Take It" (20th) and "Lady Monster'' (Rep)igood $14,000. Esquire (Fox) (742; 35-74)—"Wing'' (20th) and "South Dixie" (U), also at Denver. Good $3,500. Last week, "Take It" (20th) and "Lady Moak. ster" (Rep), good $3,500. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 35-74)-^ "Gaslight" (M-G) and "7 Days Ashore" (RKO). Wow $15,500. Last week, "Days of Glory" (RKO) and "Meet People" (M-G), poor $9,000. Paramount (Fox) (2.200; 35-74)— "Frisco Kid" (WB) (reissue) and "Johnny Doesn't Live Ht^^re" (Mono). Nice $9;000. Last week, '•This I.s Life" (U) and "Port 40 Thieves" (Rep), good $8,000. Rialto (Fox) (878; 35-74)—"Two Worlds" (WB) and "Make Own Bed" (WB). MoyBover. Sad $2,500; Last week, "Christmas Holiday" (U) and '•Kitty O'Day" (Mono), m.o.; good $4,000. 'Skeffington' Loud 9G, L'ville;WWow6G Louisville, Aug. 8. Holdovers are catching bulk of the downtown trade this week. "Mr.f. Skeffington," at Mary Anderson, m hotter than the temperature on the sidewalk, while "Chip Off Old Block" and "Scotland Yard," at the Strand, look very big. "Going My Way." at \Rialt6i is. easy winner -flf' h.o.s.' Ballparks, swirrimihg pools, theatres' and outdoor amusement places have barred children under :14, due to polio epidemic Nabes particularly have felt the ban. Estimates (or This Week Brown (Loewls-Fourth Avenue) (1.400: 40-60)—"Two Girls Sailor' (M-G) ^and , ''Underground Guerril- las'.' (Col). Polio situation not' help- ing .but 6kay $3,500.., Last week; ■■'Cobra Woman" (U) and."Pardon Rhythm"..' (U),' tiicdium $3,600 also on m.o. Kentucky (Switow) (1,200: 30-40) —"Harvest Moon" (WB) and "Hour Before Dawn" (Par). Average 161,1500. Last week;."Uncertain Glory" (RKO)' .and "Four .Jills'' .(20th), abC)ut same. Loew's State (Loew's) (3,300 40- 60—"Bathing Beauty" (M-G) and "U-Boat Prisoner" (Col) (2d wk);; Nice $12,000. Last week, neat $14,- 000. Mary Anderson (People's) (1,000; 40-60) —"Mr. Skeffington" (WB). Bette Davis on marquee .spellin? sol id ' retli'rHSi this'.. 'week, .wi'th p.o.s.si - ability :(3f ^sticking a.rpunii.: ■ .Small..ca- pacity;'is ;"li.ijn^^^ biit\ socko $9,000 looms. Last weckv "Tiger .Shark"..(WB.).'(reis.'i:Ue), light S3,dOO National (Standard) (2,400: 33-75) —''Jiye 'Junction".: (PR{5,) .-and 'five' - acts . Vaiide split w-ith '.."tJnder . A.gc" ,. (i3ai;)i..an4:. "(3iris.;;Under ,21" (tjc)l)' (reissues), fair'average summer teiz- at S5.500. Last week '■Waterfront" ' .f-PRC.:) -and. vaude split ..with "Bell - Tolls"; (Par), $5,000;: '-.- , : '-: "Rialto (Foiirth.Avenue) (.3,400; 40-' 60)—"Going My Wa>" (Pan (2d wk) This looks like the biggebl bo,, bet in a long time. H.o, stanza looks almo-st as good as initial week, rous^ ing $15,000. Last week, terrific $17,- 000 Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1.400^ 40- fiO'i—"Chip Old Block" (U) and "Se^ crefs Scotland .Yard" (Rep:)... Stroh'g .$G;0oo. Last, .week, "Invisible Man's' RiSvenge". (U).' 'artd '.'''Scarlet ClaW;' (U), modest $3 800 'Wilson-Waring Soar to All-Time Record for Any Theatre; 'Janie'-Tucker, Also in N. Y., Nice 46G ; ■ An'-'.all-lime high : for' any single! week 'in the histoiy of the picture industry js established by "Wilson" at the Roxy. which.finished its first seven da.vs last night (Tues.) at. a shattering $155,000, thi-, beatms the former record of ''Cockeyed World." which played the house in 1929 and to. more people. Around ^ 200,000 is attendance figure for first week o£ ■■Wilson ■■ Due to the length ot "Wil- son,". ;.Roxy: lis; unable-torget' in 'more than four perlormanccs weekdays and : Sundays for Fred Waring, on stage with picture, but is squeezing ill five on. Saturdays, six.fcir.'.the:^ turej ■ " Gross for the ISrst week on "Wi.lr :So.h'.' is.alli the. more- amazing, in vie.w of la.st week's insufferable heat and rain on. Saturday evening (5), plus the fact that there is considerable strong, 'oppbsition e'upreHtly -on the- str.eell mainly from, the nearby Slusic HjU and Capitol theatres. Twentieth- Fox put on a terrific ad'vance cam- paign for "Wilson,'.!-whicli had a spe? cial mvitational ■ premiere Tuesday night (l)i Show is in for-a minimum of SIX weeks.- , Strand, Criterion and the little Ri- alto were the only houses other than the Roxy to bring in new bills during the past week: .First-mentioned,:; playing '■Jame" and the Tommy Tucker orch is doing strongly, albeit: not sensationally, at $46j000, or some: over. The Crit IS on the slowish side with ''Mr. Winkle Goes to War" at- $16,000 or thereabouts, but holds over, Awhile "Falcon m Mexico" rates fair at the Rialto on prospects for better than $8:000, though not to be retained. ' ; The holdover column brings up another sock $120,000 for the . Hall wjth."Dragon Seed," same as grossed last week (2d), and only $1,000 be- hind the figure rung up the first; for a 21-day total of ,$361:000, its highest in nearly 12 years of operation for a run ot that length. . A similar record IS being set by the Capitol with "Since You Went Away" and Gene Krupa.: with, this week, show's third, looking $86,000, as against $87,300 for the second and a little over $90,000 for the initial seven days of the en- gagement. The Paramount, whicn has had' a. good run of four weeks with "And Angels Sing," plus ~Perry Como and Jerry Wald, changes today (Wed.),' brmging in "Hail _ the Conquering Hero" and the Vaughn Monroe orch,; EsUmates tor This Week: Aslor (Loew's) (1.140; 60-$l.20)— "Bathing fieauty" (M-G)' (7th' wk). Topped $17,000 on the sixth: week concluded Sunday night. (6), satisr factory profit; previous frame was $18,000 "Kismet" (M-G) slated to open here Aug. 22. : Capitol (Loew's) (4,820-60-$l 20)— ."Since You : Went Away'' (Selznick- UA) and Gene Krupa (3d wk). Steady vas . a surgeon's scalpel, this week 13d i lookihg $86,000, very :clOse io tlie:, $87,300. Scored, the; preceding .stanza.'in both cases still higher than done here by any picture since early talker days. ■ ' .,. . ' Criterion iLocu'h) (1.700. 60-$1.25) —'■IVIr Wmkle" (Col) Not pulling heavily at $16,000 or over but will be held ■ Last week, fifth for "Christmas Holiday" (U), fine biz-getter. $12,000:. Globe (Biandl) (1,416; 60-$l 10)— "Canterville Ghost." (M-G)' (2d wk). Standing lip sloutly at .$21,000 or bet- ter. while first week was fine $26,000, GotJiam (Brandt): (900;. 60-98)— ' Dead End" (FC) (reissue) (Oth wk). Looks close to $7,000, figure grosseii last week-.(5th)..oke profit, and hold.s further Hollywood (WB) (1499. 50-$J ?0 ( —••SkofTington" (WBI (11th . wk ). .Bropping: this,: week (11 th) from the prior week''.s nice pace but still good: profit at .$'20,000 and sticks; 10th lound $28 500 Palare (RKO) (1 700; 60-$110(— "Steij; Livel.v": (RKO) ;(2d wk:).' On the.way vto $25,000. i;turd.y,,.;and re.-: mains over; initial week excellent: .$55 000 Paramount (Par) (3 664 60-$l 20) ^-"Hail Conquering Hero,"' (:F'a'r) and I Vaughn Monroe open .;h<ire ;.this:: I morning (Wed > after four good prof- :lt--i*e'a'liyhg;;W with -'•:A'nd vAhgp'ls. Sinfi" (Pdi) Pony Como and Jerry ' Wnld orch finale being $54,000, the .:thira"woek''$S6.o6o.."."'- .'■■':';:','.■:'.•:^'.--.:.:' :■ Radio titv Music Hall CRockcfel- : ier)' f ij.945'; (jO'-$i.lO)—''Drflg.on 'Seed'-' iiM-Gi and stageshow. Continuing I dt a bieaknec-k capacity pace, an- , other smash take of $120,000 is light- ed,same a.«' regi.sfei'eci last week (2d.),' .1 stiii the. hi.iihe.st ever recorded here . for a hon-Jioiiday 'week,.; Additibn^. I ally, on the 21 days at $361,000 best any film ha.s ' done heie for that le'ngth'Of run.' .'■ Rialto (Ma.\er) (.■j94. 40-85)—"Fali con in Mexico", (RKO). Okay at chanfc foi better than $8,000, but will not be held f^ast week. ".Shadr OW.S In Night". (Col) topt>ed .$7i000. Kivoli (UA-Pai) (2 092 60-4120)— "W'a,.s,-jeti'.':;(F!a,P)' .(.10tl,i wk».. Round- ed out rtnith week last night (Tues ) at $28,500, goodj while'the'ei'ghth wa« $33,000 Roxy (20th) (5 886; 76-$l 50)— "Wilson' (20th) and, on stage. Fred' Waring. Record-breaking from the bpening gun; an:all.-time high tor any week for any picture house was rung up last nighl (Tues.), when first seven days' gross h^d reached $155,-' 000.: Heavy advance cam'paign un- questionably an aid in addition to sock notices and other newspaper breaks.-plus air plugs. Show in. for ihiltiinium-of si.X:,weeK-s.; The fiiiai slit days on third week foi "Take It or Leave it" (20th), . Duke KUinfjton orch, Ella Logan and Jerry. Xester, weak $44,000. State (Loew's (3.450; 43-85)—"Go- ing My Way" (Par) (2d run). Milt Herth Trio and Hi, Lo. Jack and the ' Dame. Zooming to tremendous $43,- 000 last week, show's first, on hold- over it will be very close to that striking pace at $40,000 or better, de- spite fact picture is day-and-date in VA'' nabes of the Loew chain. Strand (WB) (2 756, ()0-$l 20)— "Janic" (WB) and Tommv Tucker. Not knocking 'em dead, but strong at $46,000 or over and goes into a second week Friday (11). Last week, third for '•Mark Twain" (WB) (2(1 ; run) and Vincent Lopez, less than ' $30,000, disapppointing..: Victoria IMaurer) (720; 60-$1.10) : —"Candlelight in Algeria" (20th) (2d-finai wk). On holdover satis- factory at $8,000, while initial seven days ended at a good $10,500. "A Wave, a Wac and a Marine''. (Mono)' comes in Saturday (12). 'Holiday' Boifo 17G Leads Prov. Providence, Aug.. 8. Two holdovers. "Christmas Holi- day" at RKO Albee and "Wing and a Prayer" at Majestic, highlight mala stem. "Holiday" leads field with sock: session ended last Monday; Estimates (or This Week Albee (RKO) (2.100; 44-55-60)— "Christmas Holiday" (U) and "Gil-- dersleeve's Ghost" (RKO) {2d wk). Second stanza starts Tuesday (8>.- First sesh caught sock $17,000. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400;. 44-55) —"Bathing Beauty" (M-G) and "U- Boat Prisoner" (M-G) (3d down- town wk). Good $4,000. Last week,: "Stage Coach" (20th) and "Brother ; Rat" (WB) (reissues), $4,500. Fay's Q-ay) (2,000; 44-55)—"Tiger Shark" (WB) and "Walking Dead" (U) (reissues). Fair $6,000. Last week, "Holiday Inn" (Par) (reissue) and "Lady Has Plans" (Par), $7,000. Majestic (Fay) (2.200, 44-55)— "Wing and Prayer" (20th) (2d wk). First stanza cornered snappy $15,- i , 000 and second week won't be far behind with $12,000. Slate (Loew) (3.200; 44-.55)— "Canterville Ghost" (M-G) and '■Port of Foity Thieves" (Rep). Healthy Sie.OOO Last week. "Bathing Beauty" . (M-G) and "U-Boat Prisonei" m-G) (2d wk), big $16,.500 Strand (Silverman) (2,000 : 44-155)' —"Dr. Wassell" (Pai ) and "Half Way to Heaven" (Par) opened Monday (7) Last week, ".fam Sebsion" (Col) and '■Nine Girl.s'' (Col), good $10,000: K. C. Cooler, Biz Hotter; 'Seed'Socko at $20,000, 'Prayer' Wings to 15G Kansas City, Aug 8 Gro.sses this week arc up .partly, due to weekend break in a .siege of ■ 100-degrce temperatures. ''Dragon Seed.^' soloing at the ;'Midland, is. leadci. "Wing and Prayci," day-, and-datc at the Esquire. IJptawn and;- Fairway, looks big Estimates foi This Week Esquire, Uptown and Fairway':' (Fox-Midwest) (820 2,043 and 700;'. 45-65)—"Wing and Prayer" (20th).> Big $15,000. Last week "Man fiom' Frifcco" (Rep) mild $9,700 Midland (Loew's) (3.500; 40-60)— "Dragon Seed" (M-G). Smash $20,-: 000 I/jst week. "Sen.sations 1945" (UA) and'"Uhdergrou'h'd GueirriHa^'-' (CoU. healthy $14,000. Newman (Paramount i (1,900 45-. 65)—"Make Own Bed" (WB) Putent: $12,.500 Last week "Unceitdin. Gloiy" (WB) stuirjv $11000 Orpheum (RKO I (1.500. 46-65)— "Step Lively" (RKO) and ' Night Ad* venture" (RKO) (2d vvki Okav $10,-. 000 after big $13 200 ovei hopes, on first Tower (Fox-Joflee) (2 100; 39-60) .—-Cihinese'Cal". (Mono i and"Ghost Walks Alone'' (Col).: -with Rosita Royce and stage lev'ue,, Stout $12,-' 000, Last week 'Rogei Touhy" (20th I and "FolNw Leader" (Mono) with.vattde, fi'lr6ng;'.$ll.20O. :