Variety (Jan 1945)

Wednesday, January 3, 1945 Thirty-ninth P45sfl£TY Anniversary PICTURE GROSSES 49 Sun. Blue Law Booms Philly New YrV, 'Canteen,' Tokyo,' 'Pirate Top Bets Philadelphia. One of biggest New Years' Eves in local history is forecast for Philly'.s. Film Row with bulk of biz going tothe fl!»;rs because of the Blue Law ban against booze- hoisting on Sundays. Expected to keep boitc business, to a rninimum. Trade prospects for the holiday week is also hypoed by the infix, of string films including "Hollywood Canteen.'' "Princess and the Pirate," "30. Second Over Tokyo" plus hold- overs of "Mc-el Mc in St. Louis" and "Frenchman's' Creek." Grosses will get an added lift by unprecedented $1.10 top for late and midnight shows on New Year's Eve, highest for fllmers in recent years. Estimates for Last Week Aldinr (WB) (1,303; 40-1.10)— "Meet Mc St. Louis" (M-G) (2d wk). Last . week's opening was solid $21,000. Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 40-1.101 —>'Parkm«lon" ■ (M-G) (2d run). Opened Friday (29). Last week, "Doughgirls" 'iWB), okay $5,000 sec- ond run. Boyd (WB) (2.560: . 40-1.10).—. "Frenchman's Creek" (Par) (2d wk). Opening sesh was husky $27,000. Earle (WB) (2,760; 50-1.10)—"Sha^ lows in Night" (Col), with Sammy Kaye orch. Opened Friday (29). Last week. "Strange Affair" (Col) and Vaughn Monroe orch, nice $20,000. Fox '<WB> (2,245: 40-1.10)—"30 Seconds Over Tokyo" (M-G). Last week. "Lost Harem" (M-G) (2d wk), okay $14,000. Karlton (Goldman) (1.000: 40-1.10) —"Somcthinc For Boys" (20th) (2d run).. Last week. "Laura" (20th) (2d wk). neat $8,000 on second run. Keith's (Goldman) (2,200: 40-1.10) —"Casanova Brown" (RKO.) (2d run) 2d wki. Last week, modest $4,500. Mastbaum (WB) (4,692; 40-1.10)— "Hollywood Canteen" (WB). Last week, "Lonely Heart" (RKO) (3d wk), satisfactory $15,300. Stanley (WB) (2.760;. 40-1.10)— "Princess and Pirate" (Par). Opens Sunday (31). Last week. "Bowery to Broadway" (U), modest $16,000. Stanton (WB) (1.475; 40-1.10)— "Tall in Saddle" (RKO) (2d wk). Opening was smash $14,000. • MG Editors Slicing 15 Pii for New Year Hollywood. Editors on the Metro lot barged into the new year with 15 films under their scissors, eight completed and seven in the rush stage. Removed from the cameras and being primped for public exposition are "The Valley of Decision," "Alter Ego," "The Clock." "Son of-Lassie." "Thank You Ma'am." "Ziegfeld Fol- lies," "Anchors Aweigh" and "Thrill of a Romance." Under the scissors for future release arc "Her High- ness and the Bellboy;" "The Hidden Eye," "Twice Blessed." "Weekend at the Waldorf," "Without Love," "Hold High the Torch" and "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes." F.R.-Can. Wins Suit A suit brought in Montreal by Garson & Lane, exhibitors, against United Amusement Co., subsidiary of Famous Players-Canadian (Para- mount) was decided in favor of the latter Friday (29). It related to extended runs granted United Amusement by distributors. Film Reviews Uaier Western Skies (SONGS) l'nh'cr»ul reh'UfU of AW-iiTPii Wilson pio- ilUrllon. Slum Murllm O'luiHtinll; fculuiCJ* Nouh Beory. Jr.. Un CanIUu. Leon Krml, 01 rccted by Jeiin Ynrbi-nuxh. Socenphiy by Stuiilcy Roberts and t'lyilc Uiin-kmon boned tin :in oVlfflnu) army by Roberts; ciimoru. Churlr» Van Kntrci; «1ii»»r. Arthur Hilton. SonffH.by Fvemtt Oaner *n<l Milton Hosen. Pi+vlewecl In N. Y. Uct.. I'K. '44. Kunnlnk . ..Miii thu O'Drlscoll ,.'...Noah Heery, Jr. t'nrrlllo , ;i*eon lirrol I vvlit k Uncoil lun Keith lenlfTer Holt .Ivhia'.May Wonncoli Kinle Ilodk'tn^ , SliHW-und lice ,....1»orolby Gruiiffor JacK ltlce Tokyo ' 'Canteen' And 'Creek' Pace Seattle Seattle. New Year here started with hangup midnight matinees at all main down- town houses, which means upped biz all around. New bills came into four of larger, houses. Estimates for Last Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick-Evergrccn) (800; 45-80 )—"Till Meet Again" (Par) and "Nevada" (RKO) (2d wk). From Fifth Ave. Last week, "Lost in Harem" (M-G) and "Pal Wolf' (RKO) (2d wk), big $6,000. Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2,349; 45-80) —"Frenchman's Creek" (Par). Shapes as great sesh. Last week. "Till Meet Again" (Par) and "Nevada" (RKO). eight .days, Rood $11,600. Liberty (,J-vH) (1,650; 45-80)— "To- gether Asa;:-."- (Ccl-) (2d **1 Still rolling. Last week, solid $10,200. Music Box (H-E) (850; 45-80)— 'Winged Victory" (20th). From day-, date at Paramount and Music HalL Last week. "Laura" (20th) (2d wk), okay $0,000 in 10 days. ', Mus e Hall (H-E) (2.200: 45-£0,P- . 30 Seconds Over Tokyo" (M-G). Shapes strong. Last-week, "Winged Victory" (20th) and "National Barn Dance" (Par), wonderful $11,400 in B days, almost equalling take at Par- amount. ■ Orpheum (H-E). (2,600; 45-80)— Hollywood Canteen" vWB). Shap- ing as great session. Last week. Rainbow Island" (Par) and "Murdor Blue Room" (U). bbff $14,700 in 9 days. Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 30-$l)— Dixie Jamboree" (PRC) and "Thor- oughbreds" (Rep) plus Zorina, top- Ping stage show. Last week. "Bow- v ry , Chom P" (Mono) and "Sing Neighbor" (Rep) plus vaude, grand $13,400. «,??l ramount (H-E) (3,039; 45-80>— 30 Seconds Over Tokyo" (M-G). Last ■y« ek .- "Winged Victory" (20th) and '•IKlS? 1 ? 1 Bavn Dance" (Par), big $12,800 in 9 days. Roosevelt (Sterling) (800: 45-80)— Rainbow Island" (Par). From Or- Last week, Tall in Saddle" i5P? (2d wk >- good $5,100. , n w ' n '* r Garden (Sterling) (800; 25- «c. ■ A ?' senic Old Lace" (WB) and " S)*P-Lively" (RKO) (3d run). Lest fuVu'. 9V ee «wich Village" (20th) Winkle" (Col), good $4,400 third lime, 37 MIKS. Kalle..'...;• T<nl KIrk lUnilull Willie....... Mirrlff.. Professor Morten. Charity I'll llh MK>-niM.: n:irtun Brothers,. Miiylielle'. Nell Mruhewa Cut and dried story, dialogue, act- ing and direction add up to a rather unentertainihg film. Solely a dualer. Obviously, Warren Wilson, produ- cer, and Jean Yarbrough, director, didn't waste : muph time in getting this one into the can. They put the cast, headed by Martha O'Driscoll, through their paces in one-two-three fashion, with montage shots showing a stagecoach rjee with a bandit gang and a few outdoor scenes depicting a western town and surrounding area. Yarn concerts the adventures of a traveling vaudc show in a small Arizona community where several people want the entertainers to leave pronto. "Turned down on staging the show, they talk the saloon keeper into giving them room. Meanwhile, a bandit gang is knocked off through the marksmanship of schoolteacher Noah Beery. Jr.. who gets the gaL too. Miss O'Driscoll's singing and act ing talents seem especially wasted here. ' She delivers four of the five tunes composed by Everett Carter and Milton. Rosen, none of which is especially catchv. Leo Carrillo is seen as the bandit chief, but briefly; while Leon Errol is the gal's father. Shaw and Lee. vaude vets, are also shown in one routine. St en. Wntern Approach^* (CoUr) (BBITISH-MADE) London. ■~BTMsV-Woe>-^* , a*>fl.«"- :if Cniwn Kllnv.Vro. (Imilun; l*ro4luc«il liy Itin l>uliymple. IJi- rr^KHl by Put JackHun. Slury by Vml jArk : mm. Camera, Jack OinlifT. . Miicle with co- c»i*rHt1on of Ro>'h1 Navy, liny*] Xeiiitrlrwirii* Navy. Mlnfntry War-TrjtnsiHirt. Alllrtl Mcr- rhfinl Navlfn. At Wumfr Ihfatr*. l.ftmloii. Uov. G. '44. Runnihc time AS MINK. "Western, Approaches," most ambi- tious documentary made by Crown Film unit, and its first in Techni- color, should- draw favorable com- ment on both sides of the Atlantic, It's a bit long to fit on duals where it will have to go in U. S. There are no professionals in the cast. The Merchant Seamen, to whom it's dedi- cated, are, with the exception of Pat Jackson, director, all real naval per- sonnel. Film may do some biz in U.S. All the convoy shots are genuine. This is reported the first time the Atlantic has been used for scenes in a color film, and there are some remarkably fine examples of same. Story set amid this technical realism tells of a lifeboat and its crew, of their sighting by the straggler from a convoy, and a climax of great in- tensity in which the straggler's guns fight a battle to the finish with a submarine. Considering the great difficulties of filming at sea in the winter, the picture is hot uneven, but some of dialogue will be alien to the Ameri- can ear. Ah opportunity was missed in not making the final scenes of greater power for pop appeal. It is . a painstaking effort and augurs well I for future product of this sort. L A. New Years B.O. Gimbs to Near \ Record Level After Slow Xmas Wk.; 'Seeing You/Xanteen Sturdy Entries Old'37 Chi Ops Charter Dusted Off for Mgrs. Chicago. Charter secured in 1937 to or- ganize 1,500 theatre managers and assistants, doormen, ushers and. cashiers, all currently unorganized, has been "dusted off and brought up to date," according to Gene Atkin- son, business agent of Local 110, Chicago Motion Picture Operators Union. Unionists are meeting daily to set up the actual machinery that will get the membership drive roll- ing shortly after first of the year. 'This isn't a new charter, as has been announced," Atkinson said. "Story in 'Variety' a few months ago that it was an old charter we've had kicking around was correct. It's merely been lying dormant 1 till we could get it dusted off, cleaned up a little and brought up to date. Now I feel we're set to do big things for all theatre employees here." Wage scale when the charter was secured eight years ago was based on admissions and seating capacity, he said, but takes have been boosted considerably and living costs have been raised to a point where it becomes necessary to adapt the charter accordingly. "As long as exhibitors are going to have a big banquet," Atkinson said, refer- ring to upped admissions, "we ought to be allowed to sit in too and catch a few crumbs." Atkin- son said operators in Loop deluxers are also seeking adjustment in sal- ary to. $3.75 an hour from their current $3.25. Morris Leonard, Balaban & Katz counsel^ announced following meet ing with 'union heads that operators will get their $3.57 anr' hour asked for subject to War Labor Board ap- proval but that grant is a com promise measure. Says that besides raise from $3.25 to $3.57 unionists asked for two. men in booth and double time after midnight, and they compromised on the raise. No Spider Powder Hollywood. For .30 years Fred Bergano handled gunpowder, dynamite and other violent props so pre- cisely, that he never suffered a burn or an abrasion in all his explosive experiences on motion picture sets. Now he is in the hospital, getting treatment for. a spider bite. Tomorrow the World' Air Bally As Part Of 1945 Forecasts A six-minulc excerpt from the film version of "Tomorrow the World" was set for the Blue net- work's "Forecast of 1945" program for Jan. 1 because of the significance which the yarn has in relation to world events. Betty Field (also of the original legit cast) and Skippy Homeier, who appear in the film, and Ralph Bellamy, who appeared in the play, were signed to appear on the airer along with Edward J. Noble, Eric Johnston, Philip Murray, William Green, Joe Louis, Under Secretary of War Patterson, Under. Secretary of State William Grew and others. Another exploitation package set for the picture by Martin Starr, United Artists radio director, was on "Theatre Oh Romance" over C^BS scheduled for yesterday (Tues.). Feteing Hardie Meakin; Exhib-Distrib Briefs Washington. Local Variety Club is heaving a testimonial-farewell to Hardie Mea- kin, recently promoted to RKO as- sistant division, managership. Blow- out comes off Jan. 15 at the Willaid here. Decorators Stay Put Hollywood. With only one dissenting vote, stu- dio set decorators nixed the IATSE. and reaffirmed their affiliation with Screen Set Designers, Illustrators and Decorators Local 1421. Although given heavy play by the LA to join- its ranks, the decorators stood by Local 1421. which is taking a strike vote Jan. 6 because of the ■refusal of producers to recognize the decorators. Returning 61s ; Continued (mm pace I 5 hands of the public will act as an assurance of continued attendance at film houses. "It is predicted that when present critical materials become freely available a marked increase in new theatre construction will follow. The trade estimates that about 1.000 the- atres will be constructed at a cost of between . 75 and 100 million dol- lars. Seating capacity for these the- atres will average from. 800 to 1.000. and plans for prefabricated theatres are complete in all details. "Furthermore, should gasoline limitations be relaxed in 1945. an increase in drive-in type of theatres is sure to follow. It is estimated that the number of drive-in theatres, many of which are now closed, will increase from 100 to 300 within a short time after the war. "Most of the major and indie stu- dios in Hollywood are reported to have made .plans for expansion of present facilities involving expendi- tures of between 20 and 30 millions. This could well take place in 1945, should V-E day come during this year." RKO Pitt. Mir. Wounded Pittsburgh. . RKO exchange has heard that Carl Pepperkorn, former office manager now a storekeeper in the Navy, re- ceived shrapnel wounds during in- vasion of France, and is ndw in a N. Y. hospital. Harry Berman manager Capitol theatre. Steubenville. O.r for- War- ners, resigned. Bert Bodner. who received medical: discharge from army as result of wounds while a paratrooper in South Pacific, has joined staff of Shapiro- Fineman circuit. Frank Lewis, Blatt Bros, circuit manager, managing Penn theatre. Wesleyville. Pa., since that chain took over house. Ted Barker's HMses Ted Barker appointed publicist for the Loew's State and Orpheum. St. Louis. He served as relief manager for the Loew houses in St. Louis for several months. Skonras HolsU F-WC Trio Los AngeiL-s. Charles P. Skouras upped three Fox-West Coast execs to new responsibilities before he shoved off for N. Y. Chief promotes was George Bowser. Southern California manager, who- moved into the posi- tion once held by the late Arch M. Bowles as general' manager of cir- cuit, supervising both Northern and Southern California divisions. John Bertero. of circuit's legal de- partment, became vice president and chief counsel, office held by the late Charles Buckley. Andrew J, Krapp- man. Bowser's former executive as- sistant, moves up to manager of the Southern California Division SsMder* Eenajaed Morris Sanders. N. Y. sales super- visoj for 20th-Fox. reelected presi- dent of .Motion Picture Associates last week, while Jack Elbe. N. Y. branch manager for United Artists, re-won. post of v.p. for the coming year over Jesse L. Stem, industry attorney and operator of several the- atres who's also president of the Un- affiliated Independent Exhibitors. New Hwie far ClevebW Cleveland. O. Parma Realty Co. Is building a complete shopping center, including a theatre here. Leo Jones, Upper Sandusky, O.. has opened a new film house in Carey, O. Los Angeles. First runs in Los Angeles-Holly- wood area are looking forward to a tremendous New Year's eve week- end trade following the slump of last several weeks that extended into Christmas session. On basis of pres- ent ' outlook, biz should hit record figures because new sessions start on the weekend. After getting away to what looked like a good start for solid Xmas-week stanza, most . houses drooped again and wound up'' below hopes. Exceptions were "I'll Be Seeing You," in three theatres, which went beyond, expectations to get $34,000, and "Hollywood Canteen" which hit smash. $61,000. Also "House of F ran kens t e i n" and "Mummy's Curse" in the small Hawaii, where it got a terrific $10,000, far over ex- pectancy. "Together Again" came out with, only $36,400, for below hopes, but should top this in second week. "Fighting Lady" and "Sun- day Dinner For a Soldier" also dipped below predictions in four' houses to hit only $40,400. Estimates for Last Week Cartfaa? Circle (FWC) (l.gi8;50- $1)—"30 Seconds Over Tokyo" (M-G) (moveover). Last week, "Sun. Dinner For Soldier" (29th) and "Fighting Lady" (20th), light $6,400. Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2,048; 50- $1)—"Winged Victory" (20th). Opened big Dec. 21 after sellout charity preem. Last week. "Sun. Dinner For "Soldier"' (20th) and "Lady" (20th), so-so $7,400 on six days. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 50-$l >— "Hollywood Canteen" (WB) (2d wk). Sailing along in fine style after doing solid $22,000 on initial week. Egyptian (FWC) (1,538:50-$l >— "30 Seconds Over Tokyo" (20th) (4th wk). Okay after modest $8,000 for third sesh. Four Star (UA-WC) (800;50-$1) —"Be Seeing You" (UA) (2d wk). Holding to initial week's pace of handsome $8,000. Hawaii. (G&S) (1.10D; 50-$*D— "House Frankenstein" (U) and "Mummy's Curse" (JJ) (2d wk). Horror combo paying off and stay- ing big after smash $10,000 initlaler for this small spot. This was -way beyond estimates. H«Ujrw««4 (WB) (2,756; 50-$l)— "Hollywood Canteen" (WBj (2d wk). Continues strong after hefty $23,000 first. Los Aag«Je* (D'town-WC) (2,007; 50-$*)—"90 Seconds" (M-G; (4th wk>. Winding up in stout fashion after steady $23,800 in third .week. Orsheass (D'town) (2,200: 05-85)— rWave, WacMMono) with "Tars and Spars" revue on stage (2d wk). Com- paratively better on holdover stanza than first week, which hit good $18,000. but below hopes. Paatagei (Pan) (?.812; 50-$l) — "Together. Again" (Col) and "Miss- ing Juror" (Col) (2d wk). Doing a bit better on second frame after modest $18,000 opening sesh. Pirimut (F&M) (3.389; 50-$D— "Hearts Young, Gay" (Par) and "At- lantic City" (Bep) (2d wk). Holding near first -week's total, which was rather m"» $19,500, much lower ' than expecvLOcy. raraasrant Bollywood (F&M) (1.- 451: 50-W)—"Hearts Young" (Par) and "Atlantic City" (Rep) (2d wk). Okay on tu>. aftijr nice $18,800 in first seven days. ■KO HUbtreet (RKO) (2.890: 50- OOWTogether Again" (Col) and "Missing Juror" (Col) (2d wk). Jumping up cfter first week's $18,400. which was way below hones. Bill (FWC) (1,370: 50-S1) —"30 Seconds" (M-G) (4th wk). Doing okay on final week after nice $8,100 in third frame. Stale (Loew's-WC) (2,404; 50-$l) "Sunday Dinner" (20th) and "Fight- ing Lady" (20th) (2d wk). Prospects for great current stanza after modest S2L200 first session. Halted Artists < UA-WC J (2,100:. 50-S1)—"Be Seeing You" (UA) f2d wk). Looks likely to too first week's sock $16,000, which was way over expectations. Part of upped biz was made .oossible through addition of all-night grind policy, starting Dec. 30. I7«tr^-i (FWC) (1.790: 50-S1) — "Winged Victory" (20th). Strong week in orosoect. Last week. "Sun- day Dinner" (20th) an^ "Fiehting Ladv" (20th), weak $5,400. and be- low hones. ensure (FWC) (2 230: .50-$D— "Bp Seein" You" (UA) (2d wk). 'dv.goine tifte r last week's ereat S 10 0 n 0. which beltcer" ex^'cUncy.. »V»tern f.WH) (2.500: 50-S1) — "Hollywood Canteor" (WB) (2» "■k). Stout trade on holdover after , first stanza's sock $10,000.