Variety (Sep 1944)

14 PICTURE CROSSES New Pix Aiding B'way;'Indemnity; Andrews Sis-Ayres Terrif $94,000, Teople-Moon Winners Smash 48G Several new shows, two of them in the sock division, pulled into N. X- town during the past week to freshen up the scene, while all but a couple holdovers have dropped considerably from the Labor Week totals. Though kids went back to schoolrooms Mon- day (11), the day was still up to normal.- ' Paramount and State are the big leaders currently. Former, playing "Double Indemnity," Andrews Sisters and Mitchell Ay res' orchestra, rounded out the first week last night (Tues.) at a sensational S>94,Ouu. Eaually terrific, in ratio toJts aver- age. is the State, with "Meet , the People," and, on stage, Ed Sullivan and Harvest Moon Dance Winners, plus Walter "Dare" Wahl and Tommy , Six House looks to hit $48,000 or better, very big. Holds, naturally. ; Other arrivals since Labor Day are of secondary first-run importance Among these is "Soul of a Monster, which will get the little Rialto more than $10,000, strong. Another that will top this fi°ure. from indications is Victoria's "Enemy of Women. "Storm Over Lisbon." at the much larger Republic, looks only about $10,000, fair. All three remain over. This i.s the final week, the eighth, for "Dragon Seed" at the Music Hall, where, however; a stout $98,000 is sighted. House ushers in "Casanova Brown" tomorrow morning (Thurs.) Roxy, which ended the sixth week last night (Tues.) with "Wilson, and Fred Waring band, dropped more than on prior weeks, getting $95,000. though still big: Show closes an eiaht-weck run Tuesday night (2b). with "Wilson" moving following, day to Victoria at same scale as Roxy has been charging. . V',-,' 1 - V Outstanding in the holdover col- umn is the Strand bill of "Arsenic and Old Lace," plus Charlie Barnet band, which finished Labor Day week in terrific fashion, going to .nearly $73,000, a record for tho house. Con tinues at amazins $62,000 or near on first holdover. "Till We Meet Again, at over $10,000 arid sticks. Last week, second for "Pearl of Death" (U), less than $7,000 but fair enough. Rlvoli (UA-Par) (2,092: 60-$1.20)— "Till We Meet Again" (Par) (3d- final wk). Dropped sharply on sec- ond week ended last night (Tues ), at $38,000 but still plenty satisfac- tory; first week built to smash $54,- 000. "Frenchman's Creek" (Par) is due next Wednesday (20). Roxy (20th) (5,886: 76-S1.50)-- "Wilson" (20th) and Fred Waring orch (7th wk). Dwindling a little but still strong $95,000 for sixth frame ended last night (Tues.), Goes two more. Fifth week was $110.00p. State (Loew's) (3,450; 43-85)— "Meet People" (M-G) (1st fun). Ed Sullivan's Harvest Moon Dance Win- ners, Walter "Dare" Wahl and Tommy Dbc. Blazing a terrific trail for sensational $48,000 or over, and holds. Last week, second for "Bath- ing Beauty" (M-G), with Dave Ru- binoff, Menasha Skulnik and Groucho Martinez on stage, excellent $35,000. Strand (WB) (2,756: 60-S1.20)— "Arsenic Old Lace" (WB) and Char- lie Barnet' orch (2d wk); Packing 'cm in here for smashy $62,000 this week (2d). On first seven days show came through the stretch with a burst of speed to attain a gross of nearly $73,000, new high for house, Victoria (Maurer) (720; 60-$1.10>— Enemy of Women" (Mono). Looks better than $10,000, good, and holds. Final four days on third week of Are These Parents?" (Mono), mild- ish $3,300, quent Daughters" (PRC), Neat, $6,- 500. Last week, "Sensations 1945 (UA) and "Live in Fear" (Col), fair $4,000. _„ „„ s Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 50-60) —"Skefrington" (WB (2d wk). Good $14,000 alter swell $18,000 initialer. • Fox iF&M) (5,000; 50-60)—"Hail Conquering Hero" (Par) and "Take It Big" (U). Firm $16,000. Last week, "Janie" (WB) and "3 Little Sisters" (Rep), stout $18,000. Missouri (F&M) (3,500: 50-60)— "Storm Over Lisbon" (Rep) and "Crime by Night" (Par). Solid $6,- 500, Last week, "In Society" (U i and "Atlantic City" (Rep), smash^$8,000. St. Louis (F&M) (4,000; 40-50)— •'Address Unknown" (Col) and "Cow- boy Canteen" (Col). Grand $8,000. Last week, "Hitler Gang" (Par) and "Dimitrios" (WB), $9,000. Rep. Rally Bops L'ville But 'Holiday'Lush 1SG; Impatient'Okay at 12G Wednesday. September 13, 1914 Hutton Boosts 'Dimitrios Wham 70G, Chi; Bride - Pearl' Bright at 'Seed' Lusty 35G, 2 Hub Spots H.0. - ' Boston, Sept. 12. Holdover week in town this week, which^goiriustAnother week at the I with no. new first-run bills in any Rivoli. was off rather sharply on the 1 second, ended last night (Tues.) at $38,000. but still good. First was rousing '$54,000. "Since You Went Away" and Gene Krupa hold to a very strong pace at $75,000 or over this week, the eis*hth. Tentative de- parture date is Sect. 27 with "Sev- enth Cross" and Horace Heidt band to follow. Estimates for This Week Astor (.Loew's) (1,140; 60-$1.20)— "Kismet" (M-G) (4th wk). Remark- ably potent, third week having end- ed Sunday night (10) at $35,800. while prior stanza was $37,600, new ' hi C h Sw' S ) (.4,820; 60-$1.20) —"Since You Went Away' (Selznick- UA) and Gene Krupa (8th wk). Holds to a steady, forceful pace, this week (8th) looking $75,000 as against last's $82,500, aided by Labor Day. "Seventh Cross" (M-G). and Horace Heidt orch are tentatively slated to open here Sept, 28. . Criterion (Loew's) (1.700: 60-$1.25) —"In Society" (U) (5th wk). Fin- ished fourth round last night (Tues.) at substantial $24,000, following third week's take of $28,000, nice. Globe (Brandt) (1,416; 60-$1.20)— "Wing and Prayer" (20th) (2d wk. day-and-date with Gotham). At $20,000 considerable of a decline from initial week's excellent $28,000 but still good. Holds further—- . Gotham (Brandt) (900; 60-$1.20)— ' "Wing and Prayer'' (20th) (2d wk day-and-date with Globe), Also off here but good $10,000 or better, first week being $18,000. Holds over.- Hollywood (WB) (1,499; 50-$1.20) —"Doughgirls" (WB) (3d wk). Not in bigtime class albeit okay at $24.- 000 and shows signs of steadiness since last week over Labor Day, pic- ture's first, was $26,000. . Palace (RKO) (1.700: 60-$1.10)— "Youth Runs Wild" (RKO) (2d-final wk). Off to mildish $17,000 after first seven days' take of $26,000, good: "Bride by Mistake" (RKO) comes in Friday (15). . Paramount (Par) (3.664: 60-$1.20) —"Double Indemnity" (Par). An- drews Sisters and Mitchell Ayres orch <2dwk). A sock'of-first water, initial seven days having ended last night (Tues.) at $94,000. Concluding (4th) week for "Conquering Hero" (Par), Vaughn Monroe orch and Gene Sheldon, was $69,000, very good. Radio City Music Hall 'Rocke- fellers) '5.945: 60-$l.10)—"Dragon Seed" <M^G) and stageshow (8th- final wk). Sturdy blowoff at $98,000. while last week over the holiday was a voluminous $114,000. . "Casanova Brown" (RKO) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Republic (Brandt) (1.06.4; 50-$].-10) —"Storm Over Lisbon" (Rep). Only fair at around $10,000. but" holds. Last week/fourth (or "Atlantic Ci!y' ! • Rep), good $9,000. Rialto I Mayer) (594: 40-85)—"Soul of Monster" (Col). Pulling very well downtown house except the RKO Boston, with its stage show, and the Translux, with a couple of metiers. Biz, however, is fine as holdover takes go, with "Dragon Seed," "I Love a Soldier" and "Christmas Hol- iday" all staunch for second' weeks. - Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 50-$1.10)— "Moonlight and Cactus" (U) plus Freddie Slack orch, Peter Lorre, others, ori stage. Stage show largely responsible for good $28,000. Last week, "Take It, Leave It" (20th) plus Belita, Margie Hart, Phil Regan. Smiley Buniette, $27,000.;., Fenway (M-P) (1,373; 40-74)— "Double Indemnity" (Par) and "3 Little Sisters'* (Rep) (2d wk). Stout $7,000 after smart $8,500 in first. Majestic (Shubert) (1.500; $1.10)— "Bernadette" (20th) (17th wk). Still hefty at $7,500 after incredible $8,000 last sesh. No end in sight. Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 40-75)— "Casanova Brown" (RKO) and "Mile. Fifi" (RKO). Opened today. Last week, "Christmas Holiday" (U) and "Girl in Case" (Col) (2d wk), $22,000, fine. Metropolitan (M-P) (4,367: 40-74)— "Love Soldier" (Par) and "Crime bv Night" (WB) (2d wk). Big $24,000 after wow $28,000 first, latter over hopes. Orpheum (Loew) (2.900; 35-75)— "Dragon Seed" (M-G) (2d wk). Great $23,000 after smash $30,000 ini- tialer. Paramount (M-P) (1.700; 40-74)— Double Indemnity" (Par) and "3 Little Sisters" (Rep) (2d wk). Strong $15,000 after capacity $17,200 first week. .' .-.-'- i." State (Loew) (3,200; 35-74)— Dragon Seed" (M-G) (2d wk). Grand $12,000 after wham $17,000 opening frame. Translux (Translux) (900; 30-74)— "Block Busters" (Mono) and "Ma- chine Gun Mama" (PRC). Moder- ately high $7,000. Last week. "Storm Over Lisbon" (Rep) and "Girl Who Dared" (Rep), $6,400. • ;-.;.> Louisville, Sept. 12 Return engagement^ of warm weather plus the Gov. Dewey rally at the Armory, Friday (8), both hurt biz this week. Lots of patrons who couldn't get in £he Armory, stayed home to listen on the radio. At least they didn't patronize the downtown houses. Lifting of polio bah on chil- dren under 14 was a real help. Best of current crop is "Christmas Holi- day" at the Rialto. ..- Estimates tor This Week , Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) (1.400; 40-60)—"Seventh Cross" (M- G) and "Louisiana Hayride" (CplJ, Neat $4,000 on moveover. Last week. "In Society" (U), strong $4,500 on Kentucky (Switow) (1,200: 30-40) —"Night Adventure" (RKO) and "Two Girls Sailor" (M-G), split with "Follow Boys" (U) and "Dimitrios" (WB). Good $1,700. Last week, "An- gels Sing" (Par) and "Once Upon Time" (Col). $1,600. . Loew's State (Loew's) (3,300; 40- 60)—"Impatient Years" (Col) and "Soul of Monster" (Col). Modest $12,000. Last week, "Seventh Cross" I (M-,G) and "Louisiana Hayride' (Col), town topper at big $15,000, and moveover. Mary Anderson (People's) (1,000; 40-60)—"Janie" (WB) (2d wk). Fine $4,500. Last week, robust $7,000. National (Standard) (2,400; 35-75), —"Three of Kind" (Mono) and vaude bill headed by Mitzi Green. Ample $11,000. Last week, "Minstrel Man". (PRC) and Blackstone, magician, ex- cellent $12,000. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400: 40- 60)—"Christmas Holiday" (U). First two days I Thursday-Friday) slow due to" Dewey political rally, but gained momentum for solid $15,000. Last week. "Greenwich Village" (20th) and "Port 40 Thieves" (Rep), fairish $12,000. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 40- 60)—"Great Moment" (Par) and "Aldrich Little Secret" (Par). Steady $4,500. Last week, "Atlantic City" (Rep) and "Call South Seas" (Rep) same. 'Way' 19G, 'Brown' 15G, Standout Balto H.O.'s Baltimore, Sept. 12, In spite of entire downtown sector being holdover, biz is holding up well, with leaders maintaining fine figures. "Going My Way" continues extra strong at Keith's after a record debut, while "Casanova Brown," spliced to vaude at combo Hipp, also is strong. '...-'• • Estimates for This Week Century (Lbew's-UA) (3,000; 20- 60)—"Seventh Cross" (M-G) (2d wk). Holding all right at $12,000 after okay Opener, $15,400.. Hippodrome (Rapaport) <2,240; 20- 74)_"Casanova Brown" (RKO) plus vaude (2d wk). Dandy $15,000 after smash $22,200 initialer. Keith's (Schanberger) (2.460; 20- 60)—"Going My Way" (Par) (2d wk). Biggest thing in town at rous- ing $19,000 after record initial week at $26,300. Mavfair (Hicks) (980; 25-55) "Ghost Catchers" (U) (2d wk). Nice $5,000 after best-in-weeks $6,700 in first round. New (Mechanic) (1.680; 20-60)— "Greenwich Village" (20th) (3d wk). Marking time at $5,500 for opening of "Wilson" (20th) Wednesday night. Okay $6,400 last week, Stanley (WB) (3,280: 25-66) — "Janie" (WB) (2d wk). Nice $11,000 after all right opener, $16,200. Valencia (Loew's-UA) (1.840; 20- 60)—"Werewolf" (Col). Mild $4,000. Last week, "Canterville Ghost". (M- G) in moveover from downstairs Century drew average $4,800. 'Hero'-'Take Big' Firm $16,000, Leads St. Louis St. Louis. Sept. 12. Biz at the big houses is off fr ; om last week. "Hail Conquering Hero" and 'iTake It Big," at 5,000-seat Fox, will cop brass ring with slightly bet- ter than average biz. Loew's has' made pact for PRC product on a spot-booking basis, with "Minstrel Man" and "Delinquent Daughters" okay on first week of policy atOr- pheum. ■ ' - • Estimates for This Week Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 35-55)— "Seventh Cross" (M-G) (2d wk). Trim '-.$13,500 after nice $17,500 in first stanza. Orpheum (Loew) (2,000: 35-55)— "Minstrel Man" (PRC) and "Delin- 7th Cross' Big $16,000, Mpls;'Village'Good 13G Minneapolis, Sept. 12. There's nothing too hot among current newcomers. "Seventh Cross" has boxoffice edge, trailed by 'Greenwich Village" and "Music in Manhattan." Estimates for This Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 25-35)— "Jungle Woman" (U) and "Mummy's Ghost" (U). Looks good $2,400 in five davs. Last week, ' tight Adven- ture" (RKO) and "Block Busters" (Mono), $3,000 in six days. Century (P-S) (1,600; 44-60)— "Going My Way" (Par) (8th wk). Still breaking boxoffice records. Fine $6,000. Last week, great $7,500. Gopher (P-S) (1,000; 40)—"Ghost Catchers" (U). Strong attraction for this house. Fancy $4,000 indicated. Last week, "Man from Frisco" (Rep), good $4,000 in 10 days. Lyric (P-S) (1,100; 44-60)—"Love a Soldier" (Par). Moved here from Radio City. Strong $7,000. Last week. "Skeffington" (WB) (2d wk), good $6,500. - * Orpheum (P-S) (2,800; 44-60)— "Music in Manhattan" I RKO ). Brought in cold when "Take It, Leave It" <20th) was yanked after fifth day. Looks nice at $9,000 in nine days. Last week, "Take It" I 120th) $5,000 in five clays. Radio City (P-S) (4,000; 44-60)— "Greenwich Village" (20th). Smart $13,000. Last week "Love a Soldier" (Par ), robust $16,500. State'(P-S). (2,300: 44-60)—"Sev- enth Cross" (M-G). Heavily exploit- ed tor big $16,000. Last week, "Con- quering Hero" (Par), good but a bit disappointing $9,000. Uptown (Par) (1,100; 40-50)— "Heavenly Body" (M-G). First nabe showing. Thin $2,500. Last week', "Mark!Twain" (.WB), fair $2,800. World iFar.-StcffeS) (350; 44-80)— "Skeffington" tWB.) (3d wk). Third spot downtown for this. Good $3,200. Last week. "Wing and Player" (20lh) (2d wk). $2,800. -.-X 'Wilson Record ||t Tops Wash. Washington, Sept. 12. ... "Wilson" is the big noise this week, cracking the F. street record, which has stood since Amos 'n' Andy ap- peared here in Inauguration week of 1933. "Casanova Brown'* and "Janie" are both big on. holdover, former after terrific opening week. "Seventh Cross" at the Palace also is socko. - •'-;■ '. -, ';- '-:'.;■, Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 80-$1.10)— "Wilson" (20th) with vaude. Socko $50,000 at upped prices. Last week, "Double Indemnity" (Par), over es timate to swell $25,000, Columbia (Loew) (1.234; 34-66)- "Home in Indiana" (20th). Nifty $8. 500. Last week, "Canterville Ghost" (M-G), $8,000. .v Earle (WB) (2.240; 30-90)—"Janie (WB) with vaude (2d wk). Big crowd puller at $22,500 on h.o. First week, great $29,000. Keith's. (RKO) (1.233: 34-66)— Casanova Brown" (RKO) (2d wk). Fat $17,500. Holds a third. Last week, sockeroo $22,500 and way over estimates. Metropolitan .(WB) (1.800: 30-55) —"Crime by Night" (WB), Average $7,000. Last week, "Skeffington" (WB), in sixth week downtown, $6, 800." •-'.'; Palace (Loew) (2.778: 34-72)- Seventh Cross" (M-G). Trim $23. 000. Last week,, "Dragon Seed" 'M- G)- (2d wk), big $17,000. Chicago, Sept. 12. Betty Hutton, in person at the Chi- cago, is the big draw in the Loop, pushing "Mask of Dimitrios" and stage show to terrific $70,000 or over. New Downtown (formerly Rialto) looks firm $16,000 in its second week as a vaudefllm spot with new lineup of "Leave to the Irish" and Johnny "Scat" Davis band on stage. '-Bride by Mistake" and "Pearl of Death" looks bright $28,000 at Palace. Estimates for Th's Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 55-95)— "Hardy Blonde Trouble" (M-G) and "3 Men in White" (M-G) (3d wk). Pleasing $11,000. La.st week, smart $14,000. Chtcaj-o (B&K) (3,900; 55-95)—"Di. mitrios" (WB) and Betty Hutton heading stage show. Terrific $70,000. Last week, "Angels Sing" (Par) and Charlie Spivak orch On stage (3d wk), strong $56,000. Downtown (Barger) (1.885; 44-95) —"Leave It to Irish" (Mono) and Johnny "Scat" Davis orch on stage. Firm $16,000. Last week: ."Ladies Washington" (20th) and Milt Herth Trio heading stage bill, grand $21,500. Garrirk (B&K) (900: 55-95)— "Hit- ler Gang" (Par) (4th wk) and "Crime by Night" (WB) (2d" wk). Neat $8,500. Last week, slick $10,000. Grand (RKO) (1,150; 55-95)—"In Society" (U) (3d wk. in Loop) and "7 Doors Death" (PRC). Grand $9,500. Last week, "Youth Runs .Wild" (RKO) (3d wk), $7,500. Oriental.(Iroquois) (3.200: 44-95)— "Song Open Road" (UA) plus Mills Bros, and Boyd Raeburn orch on stage. Hefty $32,000. Last week, "Stars on Parade" (CoO and Frankie Carle orch, great $35 % 000. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 55-95)— Bride by Mistake" (RKO) and "Pearl of Death" (U), Bright $28,000. Last week, "In Society" <U) and Twilight on Trail" (U) (2d wk), strong $25,000. Boosevelt (B&K) (1.500: 53-95):—. Hairy Ape" (UA) (2d wk). Trim $17,000. Last week, dandy $22;000. State-Lake (B&K) (2.700: 55-95)— "Skeffington" (WB) (4th wk). Snap- py $25,000. Last week, brilliant $34,000. United Artists (B&K) (1,700: 55-95) —"Bathing Beauty" (M-G) (4th wk). Nice $17,000. Last week, great $20 000. Woods (Essaness) (1,200: 55-95)— "Up in Arms" (RKO) (20th wk). Sparkling $14,000. Last week, steady $17,500. Impatient' Paces Buff. A Fibers, Brisk $15,000 -. . Buffalo, Sept. 12. Top straight filmer of newcomers is "Impatient Years," at Lafayette, with "Canterville Ghost" being boost- ed to biggest coin at the Buffalo. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3.500; 40-70)— "Canterville Ghost" (M-G) and "Tars & Spars" revue on stage. Looks fine $25,000. Last week, "3 Men in White" | (M-G), and Horace Heidt orch ori stage, blew lid off for record $38,000. Did five shows on holiday weekend plus Wednesday midnight show or total of 36 shows on week, \ 1 Great Lakes (Shea) (3.000; 40-70) "Seventh Cross" (M-G) (2d wk). Neat $10,000 or over. Last week, bright $21,000. . Hipp (Shea) (2.100: 40-70)—"Hitler Gang'' (Par) and "South Dixie" (.U) Pleasing $8,500. Last week. "Dragon Seed" (M-G) (3d wk). $7,000. Lafayette (Basil) (3.300; 40-70)— "Impatient Years" (Col) and "Black Parachute" (Col). Bright $15,000, Last week. "In Society" (U),(2d wk) and "Moon Las Vegas" (U), brisk $10,000. ,20th Century (Ind.) (3.000:.40-70)— "Casanova Brown." (RKO) and "Fal- con West" iRKO) (2d wk). Sturdy $10,000 after last week's potent $20,000. -.. CARLE PUSHES 'DAYS' TO STOUT 23G, PITT. Pittsburgh, Sept. 12. Biz slipping this session alter ex- cellent holiday week. Stanley will get by nicely with "Heavenly Days and Frankie Carle's band. But "Up in Arms" is a bit disappointing at the Perm. Most of h.o.'s are slipping. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1.700; 40-65)— "Christmas Holiday" (U) (3d wk). Petering out after sensational start, but that was expected. Looks trim $6,000, on top of sturdy $10,000 last week. Together with record-break- ing $17,500 on first stanza, gives this big $23,500 on run. Harris (Harris) (2.200: 40-65)— "Mr. Winkle" (CoD. Rushed in at nearly last minute when "Greenwich Village" (20th) slipped badly. Con- sidering this, "Winkle" opened well. Modest $9,000 or over. Last week, "Village" fell apart after sock start and finished at $11,500. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3.300; 40-65)— "Up in Arms" (RKO). Unstinted praise not up to hopes. Good $17,000 is disappointing. Last week, "Janie (WB), stout $22,000. Rite (WB) (800; 40-65)—"Love a Soldier" (Par). Here after succes- sive weeks at Stanley and Warner.. So-so $2,500. Last week, holiday helped third week.of "Mr. Skeffing- ton" (WB) to nearly $4,000. „; ' Senator (Harris) (1.750: 40-65)— "Greenwich Village" i20ih). Moved from Harris, where originally ex- pected to stay fortnight. Modest $3,- 000 is likely. Last week, "Roger Touhy" (20th), fine $4,500. -.- Stanley (WB) (3,800; 40-85)— "Heavenly Days" (RKO) and Fran- kie Carle Torch. Fibber McGee & Molly, stars of film, have theirradio , following and Carle has his. Combo of two . groups should account for nice $23,000. Last week. Abe Lyman band pushed "Marine Raiders (RKO) to great $30,000, Warner (WB) (2,000; 40-65)— "Janie" (WB). Came over from Penn and getting trim $6,500. Last week, "Love a -Soldier" (Par), al*o moveover, big $9,300. LAMONT VICE KENTON Hollywood, Sept. 12. Charles Lamont has replaced Erie Kenton as director for the Wal- ter Wanger production. "Salome— Where She Danced," at Universal. Kenton, who is a pioriucer-direc- tor, was forced to relinquish job to develop a story of his own.