Variety (Dec 1944)

12 PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, December 20, 19 i4 L1 Hits Bottom; 'Romance Modest $44,500,4 Houses,'30 Seconds'Lofty 5ia2dWk,iB3.'Braza'24J/2Glor2 Los Angeles, Dec. 19. First-run biz here is hitting rock bottom this week, but. exhibs look for biggest Christmas week in city's history when new bills open be- cause of long holiday weekend. First-runs combined in downtown area last (Mon.) night for special war bond preems, losing nights cash trade but bringing in several million tor U. S. treasury. . "30 Seconds Over Tokyo," in sec- ond week, three sppts, still is big-, gest coin-getter at $51,000, big. "American Romance,";^."! foui houses, is taking it on chm at S44.- 500 "Brazil" also is being hit by pre-holiday lull at $24,500 in two Paramount theatres. Same is true of "Master Race," also two spots, at $23,500. EsHmaies lor This Week Carthay Circle iFWC) a.518; 50; $1)—"American Romance „ (M-G) Snd "Dancing in Manha tan cCol). Mild 56,000. Last week, -Since Went Away" lUA) l5th wk-8 days), $3,200. Chinese iGrauman-WC) (2,048; 50- $1)—"American Romance. ^M-O) and "Dancing: Manhattan'^ iCoI). Low $9,500. Last week, "Marriage Is Private" iM-G) and .'■Babes Swim; Street" lU), nice $12,500.^ Downtown (WB) (1,800; 50-$l)—. "DoughgirLs" (WB) (4th wk-6 days). Light $8,000 or near. Last w ^^Egyptlan (FWC) '1,538; 50-$l)— "30 Seconds Over Tokyo" (M-G) <2d wk). Fine $13,000 or over, week, hefty $17,600 „„„ \„ Four Star (UA-WC) (900; 85-$1.10) —"Wilson'' (20th) dlth wk>. Scant $2,500, and folds r :!C. 23. Last week, $3,100. Hawaii (G&S) (1,100; 50.-$l)—"Dcs; tiny" (U) and "She's Sweetheart (Col) i2d wk).. Slow $2,500. Las week, 54,000. * HoUvwood (WB) (2.756; .50-51)— "Doughgirls" (WB) (4th wk-6 days) Thin $5,000. Last week, $5,700 " cix days. „ Lbs Angeles (D'town-WO (2,097 60-$l)—"30 Seconds" (M-G) (2d wk) Solid $26,500: Last week, $36,700. Orpheum (D'town) (2,200: 65-85)— "Strange Affair" (Col) with Lucky Millinder orch on stage. Okay $20 800. Last week, "San Fernando Val ley" (Rep) v;ith Jimmy Starr and guest stars, $17,500. ' „ ... PanUges (Pan) (2,812; 50-$l) — "Master Race". (RKO) and ''Mv Gal Loves Music" (U). Way oft at $10,op(). Last week, "Princess and Pirate (RKO) (4th wk) and "Unwritten Code" (Col). $9,700. Paramount (F&M) (3,389; 50-$l)— "Brazil" (Rep) and "One Body 'Too Many" (Par). Moderate $16^000 Last week; "Now Tomorrow" (3d wk). okay $14,800. Paramount Hollywiiod (F&M) ,(1 4.51- 50-$l)—"Brazil" (Rep) and "Body Too Many" (Par). Oke $8,500, La.st week, "Now Tomorrow" (Par) (3d wk), neat $7,700. „ RKO IIlllstTee» (RKO) (2,890; 50 80)—"Master Race" (RKO) and "Gal Loves Music" (U). Fair $13,500. Last week. "Princess Pirate" (RKO) t4th wk) and "Unwritten Code" (Col), trim $12,700. ^ Rltz (FWC) (1.370; 50-$!)— 30 Sec- onds" (M-G). (2d wk). Fine.$11.50a Last week, stout $13,500. . State (Loew's-"WC) (2.404; 50-$l) — 'American Romance" (M-G) and ■ "Dancing in Manhattan" (Col). Slow $22 000. Last week, "Marriage Is Private" iM-G) and "Babes Swing Street" (Col); over hopes at fine $27,100. - , United Artists (UA-WC) (2,100:50- $1) — "Marriage Is. Private'' (M-G) and "Swing Street" (U). Nice $13.- 800. Lnjit week, "Bowerv to Broad- way" (U) and 'Last Ride" (WB). $3,900. Uptown (FWC) (1.790; 50-$l> — "American Romance" (M-G) and "Dancing Manhattan" (Col). Aver- age $7,000. Last week. "Marriage Is Private" (M-G) arid "Swin^ Street" (U). nifty $8,900. Wllshlre (FWC) (2.296;. 50-$l) — "Marriage Is Private" (M-G) and "Swing Street" (U). (2d wk). Fine $7,000 or close. Last week. S9J0O. Wlltern' (WB) (2.500; 50-$!) — "Douphgirls" (WB) (4th wk-6 days). Mild $4,000. Last week. .M.SOO.' Broadway Grosses EstfmaUQ Total Gross This Week ... ... $518,500 (fln.'jed oil 16 theatres) Total Gross Same Week Last Year.............|419.»«« (Bnsed on. 14 theatres) ^an Diego'-Carle 15G, Tops Indpls. Indianapolis, Dec. 19. Pre-holiday sliunp has taken hold of deluxcrs here, 'even strongest bills showing .<;ub-normal takes. "San Diego I Love Youi" paced by Frankie Carle band on stage, is leading entry at the .Circle. Estimates for This Week Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,800; 55-75). —"San Diego Love" (U) and Franki(2 Carle orch. Hurt by Carle's absence first two days, but headine for fair $15,000. Last week. "Lonely Heart" RKO), $8,500. .Indiana (Katz-Dolle) . (3,300; 32- 55)^"Laura" .t20th).and "Reckless Age" (U). Slow $10,500. Last week, "Thought of You" (WB) and "Dark Mountain" (Par). $10,700.. Kellh's (Indie) (1,200; 35-65)— Buckskin ' Frontier" (UA) and vaude. Offish $3,8.00 in four days. La-st week, same . time, "Scatter- brain" (Rep) and vaude, $4,000. Loew's (Loew's) (2,450; 35-55)— Barbary Coast Gent" (M-G) and 'Maisie to Reno" (M-G). Oke $10,- 000. Last week, '.'Secret Command" (CoD and - "K. C. Kitty". (Col) sluggish $8,600. Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (1.600; 32-55)— •Thought of You" (WB) and "Dark Mountain" (Par). Weak $4,000 on m.o. Last week, "Irish Eyes Smil ing" (20th) and "Girl Who Dared' (Rep), $4,300. I ■ St. louis Strike Ends But Biz Far Off;'Laura/ 'Bowery'$12,000 Each St. Louis, Dec. 19 With all picture houses again re lighted after the. 12-day strike, biz still is at a low ebb.' "Laura"* and "Moonlight and Castles," at Am- bassador, and "Bowery to Broad- way" and "The Great Mike," at Fox, will battle for questionable b.o> tops. Estimates far This Week. Loew's (Locw) (3,172; 30-M)— "Winkle" (Col) and "K. C: Kitty" (Col) (six days). Sb-so $11,000. Last week, "Marriage Is Private" (M-G) (seven days), $9,000. .Orpheum (Loew.) (2.000; 30-55)— "Meet in St. Louis" (M-G). Good $9,000. Closed last W(Bek. Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 50-60) —'"Laura" 120th) and "Moonlight CasUes" (U). Fairish $12,000 Closed last week. r»i (F&M) (5.000; 50-60)—"Bow- ery to Broadway" (U) and "Great Mik?^ (PRC).. Below average S12,- OOO. Last week. "Doughgirls" (WB) and "Babes Swing Street" (U), $10,- 20O. Missaari (F&M) (3.500; 50-60)— "Merry Monahans" (U) and "San Diego Love" (UK Mild $7,500. Closed last week. SI. Laois I F&M) (4,000; 40-50)— "Winterset" iRKO) (reissue) and "Barbary Coast" (Ind). Thin $4,500. Closed last week. 'Holiday Inn' Leader In Omaha, Boff $12,000 Omaho, Dec. 18. Orpheum, with "Holiday Inn," a reissue; will top town this session. Estimates for Tills Week Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; l0-flO) —••Holiday Inn" (Par) (reissue) and "Miss Bobby Socks" (Col). Sur- prisingly big $12,000, smash biz for house. Last week, "Climax" (U) and "San Diego Love" (U). $9*700. Brandels (RKO) (1,500; 16-60)— "Together Again" (Col) and "Strange AfVair" (Col).. Smjsh $7,500, and holds. Last week, "Thought of You" (WB) and "Mark of Whistler" (Col), $5,800. raramount (Tristates) (3,000; 16- 60>—"Lost In Harem" (M-G). Modest $8,500. Last week; "Something for Boys" (20th), ditto. Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 16-60)— "Something for Boys" (20th) (move- over) and^ flist-run "Unwritten Code" (Col). Okay $7,000;. . Last week, "Kismet"- (M-G) (moveover) and "Dead Man's Eyes" (U), $7,600. Stote (Goldberg) (865; 35-50)— Bowery Champs" (Mono) and Shadow of Suspicion" (Mono), Moderate $2,000. Last week, "At- lantic City" (Rep) and Fog" (Rep), ane $3,400, "Faces in Frisco Off But'Harem' OK 21G;'Dancc'-Slager 25G, 'Family' Tall 16G San Francisco, Dec. 19. Typical prc-Yiile lull plus surplus of holdovers will hold biz total down current session. "Three Is Family," at Orpheum and "Lost in Harem," at Fox, look standout. •Estimates for This Week Fox (FWC) (4,651; 55-85)—"Lost Harem" (M-G). Okay $21,000 Hub in Doldrums Albeit A. & C. Firm 36G in 2 Spots; 'Boys' Fairish 22G Key City Grosses Estlnated Toiai Gro.sa This Week .. .$2,233,600 (Bn-scd on 22 Kilius, 179 Iliea- ffcs, cnXefXy ri'.vt nins, tiicltidlii0 N. Y.) I Tola! Gross Siime Week Last Year. :.. . . . $2,069,000 (Based on 22 citlc.'!, 176 t(ieatres) Rep Clears Ground For Five New Buildings ■ Hollywood, Dec. 19. Ground was cleared on the Bepub- llc lot for three new sound stages, a three-story offi(:e building and quarters for makeup and wardrobe departments, with construction await- • Ing the War Production Board's ap- _ proval on materials. Herbert J. Yates, Republic chief, leaves this <week for the annual Ice carnival at Lake Placid, N. Y., where Vera Hruba Ralston, studio star, will be queen of the fe.st)va1. Itride'$8^ m MoDtT cut Montreal. D-~, Christmas shopping will grosses currently on Main street. Estiaatcs far Tkis Week Pabcc (CD (2.700; 35-S2>TT'*Bride by Mistake" (RKO). Fair $8,000. Last week, -Doughgirls" (WB), $9,000. ,• Cairild (CT) (2,700; 35-62)—"San Diego Love" tU) and "Hi Beautiful" (U). Good enough $7,000. Last week, "Conspirators^* (WB) and "Mark "Whistler" (Col), $7,500. . taeVIt (CT) (2,800; 35-67)—"Kis- met" (M-G) (2d wk). Sionart $9,500. Last week, solid $IOtOOO. . Princess iCT) (2J0O; 30-52)—"Ma- rine Raiders'* (RKO) and "Coin' Town" (RKO). Average $8,000. Last week, "Dajs Gl<Mry" <RKO> and "Music Manhattan" (RKO), $5,500. Strand (United Amusements . Ltd.) (745; 35-45)—"Black Magic" (Mono) and"Crazy Knights (Hono). OfT at $2,500. Last week. "What .a Nicht' (Mono) and "Bowery Champs" lATono), $2,300. but not strong. Last week, "Dough- girls". (WB), $21,000. Paramount (FWC) (2.646; 55-85) —•Thought of You" (WB), (2d wk). Sturdy $18,000. La.st week, grand $21,600, and over hopes. WarBeld (FWC) (2,656; 60-85)— 'Nalidnal Barn Dance" (Par), plus Fred Sanborn stage show. Middling $25,000. Last week, "This My Affair" (20th) and" Ella Mae Morse heading vaude, $27,500. St. Francis (FWC) 1.400; 55-85) —'•Doughgirls" (WB)/ Second week on Market St. Solid $12,000. Last week, "ParkingtonV (M-G), thud downtown week, nice $11,500.. Slate (FWC) (2.133; 55-85)— "Frenchman's Gieek" (Par) (4th wk). Good $11,000. Last week, lush $16,700. Golden Gate (RKO) (2.844; 60-95) —"Princess and Pirate"'(RKO) with Beatrice Kay .■ heading stage show (4th wk). Strong $23,000. Last week, $28,000. - United ArtisU (BUimenfeld) (1.- 207; 40-85)—"Dark Waters" (UA) (2d wk). Bright $13,000. Last.week, extra fancy $15,100. Orpheam (Blumenfeld) (2,448: 40- 85)—"Three Is Family" (UA). Booming $16,000. Last week, "To- gether Again'-' (Col) (3d wk), rous- ing $9,300. . PROVOKE;'HAREM'FAT $20M10WDOWN'15G Providence, Dec. 19. Despite proximity of Christmas holiday there apparently ' are stiU some people going for new films this week. Estimates far This Week Albce (RKO) (2,100; 44-60)—"San Diego Love" (U) and "Enter Arsene Lupin* (U). Nice $9,000. Last week, "Wuthering Heights" (UA) (reissue), snappy $11,000. ' CarNoB (Fay-Loew) (1.400: 44-55) —"Thought of You" (WB) and "Bluebird" (WB) (3d downtown wk). Sound $3,500: Last week, nice $4,500 with same show. Fay's (Fay) (2,000; 44^)—"Irish % Eyes Smiling" (20th) and vaude. So- so $5,500. Last week, "Murder Blue Room" (U) and vaude, oke $6,000. BUjcstic (Fay) (2,200; 44-55)— "Sweet Low-Down" (20th) and "Destiny" (2eth). Trim $15,000, Last week, "Climax" (U) and "Hi, Beauti ful" <U), good $10,000. MctrapatHu (Snider) (3,200; 50)— "Crazj Knights" (Mono) and vaude on stage. Fairly good $6,500 three- day weekender. Last Week, "Un certain Feeling" (Indie) and Vaughn Monroe orch. solid 9>,500, in threC' da; weekend. - . State (Loew) (3,200; 50-70)—"Lost in a Harem" (M-G) arid "Mark^- WhisUer" (M-G). Grand $20,000 or near. Last week, "Abroad 2 Yanks" (UA) and "Unwritten Code" (Col), eood $I3J50O. Sliaiid (Silverman) (2,000; 44-55) —"Sign of Cross" (Par) (reissue). Opeincd MoBd»r (is). Last week,. "Till Meet Again" (Par) and "Since Venus" (Col) (2d wk), nice ^,000, 'Monahans'13G, Best L'ville Bet Louisville, Dec! 19. Biz is just so-.so this week. AH first-runs now getting a jump early by opening on Thursd.ny. ••Merry Monahaii.5," at the Rialto, . is bright spot along niain stem. Estimates for This Week Brown (Fourth .A.vci)ue-Loew's)— "Now Tomorrow" (Par) aind "Hi, Beautiful" (U). Second week here; third- downtown. Still strong at $3,r 500 after last week's solid |4,500. Kcnlscky (Switow) (1,200; 30- 40)^"Christmas Holiday" (U) and "Bride By Mistake"* (RKO); Medium $1,600. Last week. "Arsenic Old Lace" (WB) and "Heavenly Days" (RKO), $1,700. Loew's State (Locw'.s) (3,300: 40- 60)—"Barbary Coa.st Gent" (M-G) and "Maisie To Reno" (M-G). Mod- est $10,000. Last, week, "Abroad 2 Yanks" (UA) and "Shadows in Night" (Col), $11,000; Mary Anderson (People's) (1,000 40-60)—"Torrid Zone" (WB) (reis- sue). Warming up to satisfactory $4,500. Last week, "Strange Affair" (Co!.), $4,000, National (Standard) (2.400; 50-75) —"Grapes of Wrath" (20th) and "Tobacco . Road'' <20th) (reissues) with vaude. Light $9,000. Last week, "I'm From Arkansas" (PRC) and Bob Will's Texas Playboys and acts, moderate $12,000. .. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 40 60)—"Merry . Monaharis" (U) and "Enter Arsene Lupin" (U). Sturdy $13,000. and likely leader in town Last week "Something For Boys' (20th) and "Murder Blue Room (20th). a bit under hopes at fairish $12,000. Strand (Fourth .Avenue) (1;400 40-60)—"Tall in Saddle" (RKO) and •Storm Lisbon" (Rep) (2d wk). Sturdy $3,500. Last week, .<;olid $6,500. Boston, Dec. 19. General slump all around this week, what with Christmas in offing. Only "Lost in a Harem" counts at the Stale and Orpheum, with "Some- thing for the Boys" next, at tliu Met- "opolitan. Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 50-$1.10)— San Diego Love" (U) phis Vaughn Monroe orch, other.s, on st^ige. Hit by sea-sonal dip, so $24,000 i.s about ill that can be expected. Lii.st wt-ek. Heavenly Days" (RKO) and Count Basic orch, near same. Fenway (M-P) (1.373; 40-74)— Thoiight of You" (WB) and "One Body Too Many". (Par). Ofdsh at $0,000. Last week, "Frenchman's Creek" (Par), $7,000. Majestic (Shubert) (1,500; $1.10)-^ Wilson'i (20th) (6th wk). .Slow $5,000. Last week; near same. Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 40-75)— Bowery to B'way" (U) and "Murder Blue Room" (U) (2d wk). Okay $16,000, following.$23,000 first stanza, MelropollUn (M-P) (4,367; 40-74) —"Something for Boys"-(20(h) and Thbrobreds" ("Reij). Sagging this week to $22,000. Last week, "Thought of You" (WB) and "One Body Too Many" (Par), $23,000. Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 35-75)— Lost in Hnrert" (M-G) aud"Shad- ows in Night" (Col). Even Abbott- Costello no competish for pre-Xmas, but firm $25,000. Last week, •'Sum- mer-Storm" (UA) and "Unwritten Code" (Col), ditto. Paramount (M-P). (1.700; 40-74)— 'Thought of You" (WB) and "One Body Too Many" (Par). Down to $15,000. 'Last week, "Frenchman's Creek" (Par), $15,800. State . (Loew) (3,200; 35-75)-"Lost n Harem" (M-G) and "Shadows in Night" (Col). ;Medium $11,000. Last week, "Summer Storm" (UA) and •Unwritten Code" (Col), $10,000. Translux (Tronslux) (900; 30-74)— Devil-Bat" (PRC) and "Leopaid Man" (RKO) (reissues). Modernta $5,000. Last week, "My Buddy" (Rep) and "House Across Bay" iWB) (reissue), $4,600. IMeet Again'$12,000 In Finn Mo;'HaremVlSG Baltimore, Dec. 19. Activity is surprisingly steady for pre-holiday season here. 'Till We Meet Again" is excellent at Keith'; and some good trade is reported for "Lost in a Harem" at the Century, Second week of "The Woman In the Window'' at com'oo Hipp is holding up In remarkable fa.shion. Esllnaics far This Week. Centary (Loew's-UA) (3.000; 20"- 60)—"Lost-in Harem" iM-G). Good $13,000. Last week, "3 Is Family (UA). fair $11,300. BIppadrame (Rappapott) (2,240 20-74)—"Woman m Window" (RKO) (2d wk) plus new vaude. Holding in extra-solid style at $14,000 after ro^ $17,600 initialer. KcHh's (Schanberger) (2,460; 20- 60)—-TUl Meet Again" (Par). Nice $12,000. Last week, "Man . in Halt Moon Street" (Par), aU right $9,200. Mayfalr (Hicks) (980; 25-55)— "Unwrittien Code" (Indie). Fairly average $3,500. Last week. "When Lights Go On" (PRC), $3,300. New . (Mechanic) (1.680; 20-60)— "Something fof Boys' f20th) f3d wk). Holding nicely at $6,000 after strong $7,200 last week. Stanley (WB) (3.280: 25-66)— "Sign -of Cross" (Par) (reissue). Okay $ia,00a Last week, "Hearts Young. GayT* (Par) sturdy $15,800. ▼aleaeia (Loew's-UA) (1,840: 20^ 80) — "ParkingtoD" (M-G) (move- over) (3d wk). Holding up fine at $5,500 after steady $6,700 previous week after two big previous roimds at Century. Mors AAF 2-Reckr Two-reel version of LieuL-Col. WiUiam Keighley's, Army Air Forces indoctrination Blm.. • "Target for Today." «IU he the Dec. aa issne by Maidi tt Time. MOT has retitlcd its shorter version "Unknown Battle." Credit is given to the AAF but not to Keighl^y; - Abbott-CosteDo Fancy 26iG, Sets UnDy Pace; 'Half Noon' Bright 9€ Philadelphia. Dec. 19. ; Outside of bofl opening of "Lost in a Harem," there is very little to crow about in Philly this sesh. Most of deluxers are being slowed up by holdover sessions. Estimates far nils Week Aldlne (WB) (1.303; 40-85)— Hearts Yoimg, Gay" (Pac) (6th wk). Fairish $7,500. Last week. $8,500. Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 40-85)— Snow White" (RKO) (reissue). N;s.h. $2,400. Last week, "Conspira- tors" (WB), neat $5,200, second run. Bayd (WB) (2,560; 40-85)—"CU- max" (U) (2d wk). Just about par at $14,000. Last week, okay $17,500. Earle (WB) (2.760; 50-95)—"Na- tional Barn Dance" (Par) with Shep Fields orch. Cliff Nazarro. others, on stage. Fair $18,000. Last week, "Wave, Wac" (Mono) and I^Artega orch and RubinolT, $17,000. Fas CWB) (M45; 40-85)—"Lost Harem" (M-G). Tbpping Beld, strong $23,500 plus $3,000 for Earle show. Sun. (17). Last week; "Something for Boys" (20th) (2d wk), $16,500. KarlUa (Goldman) (I.OOO; 40-85) —"Laura" (20»h) (2d run). Bullish $9.500.. Last week, "Marriage Is Pri- vate" (M-G) (2d wk). fine $5,700. Kcith^a (Goldman) (2J30O; 40-85)— "Brazil" (Hep) (2d run): Thin $4,- OOO. Last week, "Impatient Years" (Col). $5,000. MastbaaB (WB) (4.692; 40-85)— "Lonely Heart" (RKO) (2d wk). Fairish $20,000 after big $27,500 open- ing week. Stanley (WB) (2.760; 40-85)— "Parkington" (M-G) (5th wk>. Po- tent $16J00. Last week, $17,900. Stanton (WB) (1.475: 40^85)-^"Man Half Moon Street" (Far). CaUed a sleeper by crix, satisfactory $9,00(). Last week, "Master Race" (RKO) (2d wk), fair $8,500. BogartV New Femme Lead Hollywood, Dec. 19. Humphrey Bogart, who has played opposite Laurca Bacall In two pic- tures, draws • new femme lead, Eleanjor Parker„ In his next starrer at Warners, Film will be "Confidential Agent," based on a[ mystery novel by Gi»- ham Greene. Herman Shumlin will direct. ■ BLASE STAK SEIS TOl' Hollywood, Dec. 19. Next starrer for Vera Hruba Ral- ston, former figure skating cham- pion, win be an Ice spectacle, "Sa- ■v*r Tvx.* ■ Picture vill be developed from • story written by' Elaine Ryan and Ralph Dietrich.