Variety (Jan 1945)

Wednesday, January 10, 1945 PICTURE GROSSES IS 'Dark Waters'-Hutton Wow 30G, Chi; Durbin 24G, Trank'stein' 16G, Huge Chicago, Jan. 9. -f Weather first few days has, been full of blizzards, but, "Frankenstein" and "Mummy's Curse" are breaking records al RKO-Grand anyway, look- ing to smash $1C000 this week after terrif $18:500 last frame. Cops were called four times New Year's* Eve to. handle mobs. Only' new one this \yeek is "Dark Waters" at Ori- ental, paired with Ina Ray Huttori band on stage, which should do big $30,000, weather notwithstanding. < Estimates for This Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200:55-95)—"Very. Thought of/You" (WB) (3d wk). Fairish $7,000. Last, week, tidy $11,- 000. ■ • Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 55-95)— "Now Tomorrow" (Pax) (3d wk) with Dinning Sisters heading stage bill. Bangui) $45,000. Last week, with Johnny Long and orch.- (New Year's Eve at $1.80), terrif $60,000 . for second sesh of film. Downtown (Barger) (1,600; 44-95) —"Barbary' Coast Gent" (M-G) (2d Jun) wil!i Eddie Heywpod orch and A\ Green on stage. Average $13,000. Last week. "Murder Blue Room" (U) (2d run) plus Ray Kinney orch, Ella Fitzgerald, others, on stage, hot $19,- 000. ■ Garrlck (B&K) (900; 55-95)—"Irish Eyes Shilling" (20th). Pert $7,500, . Last week. "Conspirators" (WB), one day. and "Irish" (20th), six days, lush (10,000. '..'-■ Grand (RKO) (1,150: 55-96)— "House of Frankenstein 1 ' (U) and "Mummy's Curse" (U). Wham $16,- 000. Last week. "Woman In Wfn- ow" (RKO) and "Gal Loves Music" 7), two days, and "Frankenstein'' J) and "Curse" (U), five days,'rec- ord-breaking $18,500. ^Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 44-95)— TDark Waters" (UA) with. Ina Ray Hutlou and orch on • stage. ' Sturdy $30,000. Last week. "Three Is Fam lly" (UA) with Howard's "Hooray for Girls" on stage, socko $37,000. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 55-95) "Can't Help Singing" (U) and "Enter Arscne Lupin: 1 (IJ) (2d wk). Nifty $24,000. Last week, boff $34,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 55-95)— "Hollywood Canteen" (WB). Robust $24,000. Last week, "Irish Eyes Smil- ing" (20th). one day, and "Canteen (WB), six days, regal $34,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2.700; 55-95)— "Frenchman's Creek" (Par) (3d wk) Hefty $27,000. Last week, smash $33,- 000. United Artists (B&K) (1.700:55-95) —"30 Seconds Tokyo" (M-G) (3d wk). Solid $25,000. Last week, lusty $33,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,200; 55-95)— "Princess and Pirate" (BKO) (8th wk). Swell $19,500. Last week, .very big $27,400. 'Thirty Seconds' 25G, 'Singing* 15G, Both Big, On St. Louis Holdovers St. Louis, Jah. 9 With biz slill riding at high tide sjnea Xmas. five of the six deluxcrs Sre h.o. '■Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo," at Loew's, still looks best buy In town. ' Estimates for This Week Loew's (Loew) (3.172; 30-55a—"30 Beconds Over Tokyo"" (M-G) (2d Wk). About same as last week's big $25,000. Orpheum (Loew) (2,000; 30-55)— "Kismet" (M-G) and "Tahiti Nights'" (Pol) (2d wk). Stout $7,500 alter $9,000, strong, in first stanza. Ambassador (F&M) (3.000; 50-60) —"Can't Help Singing" (U) and "En- ter Arsene Lupin" (U) (2d wk). Near $15,000, which is almost a du- plicate, of; strong $15,500 of first week. Fox (F&M) (5.000; 50-60)—"Prin- cess arid Pirate" (RKO) and "Murder in Blue Room". (U). Great $22,500 after nice ^18,500 last week. ■• ■ Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 50-00)— •Man in Half Moon Street" (Par) and "Ministry of Fear" (Par) (2d wk). . flood $7,500 after first week's nice 111,000. ,St. Louis (F&M) (4,000; 40-50)— ^Merry Monahans". (U) and "San ^lego Love" (U). Neat $3,500. Last (,'"Cowboy and Lady" (Cap) and as Faithful" (Indie), ditto. town wk). Steady $4,000. Second stanza was snappy $5,500. Fay's (Fay) (2,000; 44-55)—"Laura" (20th) (reissue) and vaude on stage. Nice $7,000.- Last week, "Night Club Girl" (Rep) and vaude headed by Buddy Page and Naomi Ray and Co., strong $7,800. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 44-55) — 'Hollywood Canteen" (WB) (2d wk). Sock $15,000 after snappy $17,000 in first sesh. Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 44- 50)—"Adventures of Kitty O'Day" (Mono) and Mai Hallett. orch, Patsy Kelly and Barry Wood on stage for three-day weekend run. Grand $8,- 500. Last week; "Conquering Herb" (Par) and "Gambler's Choice" (Par) and eight acts of vaude, good $6,000, Stale (Loew) (3,200; 50-70)—"30 Seconds Over Tokyo" (M-G) (2d wk). Continuing strong at $17,000 after record-breaking $24,500 In first week. Strand (Silverman) (2,000; 44-55)— Carolina Blues" (Col) and "Strange Affair" (Col). Opened Monday. Last week, "Frenchman's Creek" (Par) (2d wk), fine $10,000. . SINGING' HOT 35G; TOPS DEI Detroit, Jan. 9. Only two new bills to Break Into the loop here this week after last week's ripe holiday, bit. Sole new product ft at the Fox with. "Can't Help Singing" .and "Enter. Arsene Lupin," which probably will take slight edge over "Secrets of Scotland Yard" and Duke Ellington band on stage of the Downtown. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1.700: 60-85)— "Sunday Dinner" (20th) and ''Fight ing Lady 1 ' (20th) (3d wk). Moved in after two great weeks at Fox with fine $9,000. ,Last week. "Carolina Blues'' (Col) and "Slrange~ATTair (Col), back to loop for nice $9,300: Broadwav-Capilol (United Detroit) (2.000; 60-85)—"Cabin in Sky" (M G) and "Escape" (M-G). Back in loop for okay $13,000. Last week "Lost in Harem" (M-G) and "Naughty Marietta". (M-G) (re-issue) (2d wk). crisp $14,000. Downtown (Howard Hughes) (2.- 800: 60-85)—"Secrets Scotland Yard (Rep) plus Diike Ellington orch on stage. Great $.14,000. Last week. "3 Little Sisters" <Rep) and Artie Shaw orch oii stage, socko $41,000. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5.000: 60-85) —"Can't Help Singing" (U) and "En ter Arsene Lupin" (U). Robust $35. 000. Last week. "Sunday Dinner (20lh) and "Fightin" Lady" (20lh) (2d wk). choice $20,000. Madison (United Detroit) (1.800 60-85)— "White Cliffs Dover" (M.G) and "Make Your Own Bed" (WB) (reissues). Okav $5,800. Last week "Conquering Hero" (Par) and "7th Cross" (M-G). $6,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4.000 60-85)—"Here Come Waves" (Par) and "National Barn Dance" (Par) (2d wk). Great $21,000 behind last week's big $31,000. Palms-State (United Detroit) (3, 000: 60-85)—"Since Went Away tSelznick-UA) (2d wk). Fine $19,000 after last week's brisk $27,000. United Artists (United Detroit) (2 CS0: GS'CS)'"-"30 Second;- 0>'ftr_Tnk yo" (M-G) (2d wit). Okay $14,000 after first week's choice $20,000. " 'H'wood Canteen' Tops Port. With Record 21G Portland, Ore.. Jan. 9. "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo," at the United Artists, and "Hollywood Canteen," at the- Paramount, are standout this session. Latter looks to hit a new record. Estimates for This Week United Artists (Parker) (900: 40- 80f—"30 Seconds Over Tbkvo" (M-G). (2d wk). Strong $10,000. Last week; record $13,500. Orpheum (Hamriek - Evergreen) (1.800; 40-80) —"Rainbow Island" (Par) and "Mark of Whistler" (Col). Husky $13,000. Last week, "Together Again" (Col) and "Case of Missing Juror" (Col) (2d wk), oke $6,000 in three days. Paramount (H-E) (3,000: 40-801— "Hollywood Canteen" (WB). Rec- ord $21,000. Last week.'"Frenchman's Creek"- (Par)' and "Falcon Holly- wood" (RKO.) (2d wk l, strong ?9,- 000 in five days. Tokyi •Hir o' 17G, 'Canteen' 15G, Strong Pro?. H O.'s Providence, Jan. 9. Dree holdovers this week her8 all doing smash biz. , Estimates for This Week Albee-(RKO) (2J004- 44-60)—"Prlh .Jess and Pirate" (RKO) and "Falcon Hollywood" (RKO) (3d wk). Still ftrong at $10,000 after ringing up wow $15,000 in second. Carlton (Fay^Iioew) (1,400; 44-55) •-'Bowery to Broadway". (U) and 'Town W«ot Wild" (PRC) (3d down- B'way Tapers Oil But"Keys' High 46G, 'Waves-Herman 8CG, Durbin 35G, Both Sock in 2d Wks.; TmrnanueF Trim 17G 'Canteen' Socko $23,000, Cincy Leader; 'Inn' 10G, 'Victory' Solid 13G, 2d Cincinnati, Jan. 9. Downtown trade is pleasingly firm in wake of New Year week's-splurge. Sole newcomer - and town's tallest grosser for tome time is "Hollywood Canteen" at the Albee. "Winged Vic- tory" is solid in its second fling at Palace and topping holdovers. Estimates for This Week Albee.. (RKO) (3,100; 44-70)—"Hol- lywood Canteen" (WB). Smash $23.- 000 for town's best take in some time. Last week. "Belle of Yukon" (RKO), good $15,500. Capitol (RKO) (2.000; 44-70) ^ "Belle of Yukon" (RKO). Moveover. Fair $5,500. Last week, "French- man's Creek" (Par) (2d run), fine $8,500. Family (RKO) (1,000; 30-40)—"Ne- vada" (RKO) arid "Moonlight Cac- tus" (U). . Par $2,300. Last week. "Sergeant Mike" (Col) and "Old Texas Trail" (U), $2.600 Grand (RKOJ (1,430: 44-70)—"30 Seconds Over Tokyo" (M-G). Sec- ond round of moveover. Socko s9,- 000 after terrific $14,000 last week. Keith's (United) (1.500: 44-70) — "Holiday Inn" (Par) (reissue). Ten days. Surprisingly strong $10,000. Last week,' "3 Is Family" (UA), only $4,500. Lyric (RKO) (1,400: 44-70 >—"Tiger Shark" (WB) and "Walking Dead" (WB) (reissues). Four days. Okay $3,500. Last week, "House of Frank- enstein" (U) and "Mummy's Curse" (U), 10 days, hefty $10,000. Palace (RKO) (2.600: 44 - 70) — "Winged Victory" (20th) (2d wk), Solid $13,000 alter great $21,000 on takeoff. . Shuberl (RKO). (2,100: 44-70) — "Frenchman's Creek" (Par). Third downtown sesh. Swell SG.000. : Last week, "Lost in Harem" (M-G) (2d run), big $7,000. " • 'Park'ton' Rousing 19G, Buff.; 'Singing' Loud 15G, 'Tokyo' 16G, Both in 2d Buffalo, Jan; 9. Biz is strong this week, with extra New Year's Eve shows swelling the total. "Mrs. Parkington" is top new- comer, at the Lakes. "Can't Help Singing" at the. Lafayette, and "30 Seconds Over Tokyo," at the' Buffalo, are best holdovers. Estimates for This Week ■ Buffalo (Shea) (3.500; 40-70)—"30 Seconds Over Tokyo" (M-G) (2d wk). Potent $16,000. Last week, terrif $27,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3.000: 40-70) —"ParkinglonV (M-G). Bright $19.- 000. Last week, "Frenchman's Creek" (Par) (2d wk), strong $15,- 500. • Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 40-70)— "Naughty Marietta" (M-G) (re- issue) and "Jade Mask" (Mono). Staunch $10,000. Last week. "Dough- girls". (WB) (moveover). oke $7,500.' Lafayette (Basil) (3,300; 40-70)'— "Can't Help Singing" (U) (2d wk) and "Murder in Blue Room 1 ' (U). Brilliant $15,000. Last week, "Sing, ing" (U) and "Dead Man's Eyes" (UK sock $19,000. 20lh Century (Ind.) (3,000; 40-70) —"Experiment 'Perilous" (RKO) arid "Girl Rush' 1 (RKO) (2d wk). So-so $6,500 in 5 days. Last week, solid $13,600. 30 SECONDS' SMASH 17G IN FRIGID MPLS. Minneapolis. Jan. 9. After New Year's week with its. sock grosses all .along the main stem, present canto, hampered by 10-be- low-zero weather, is way o(T in most spots. Biggest exception is "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo." which is smash at the State, helped by a big bally. ;iSince Y.ou Wpnt Away" is still roll- ing strong, too, in its fifth week at the Century. Estimates for This Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 25-35)— "Pack Up Troubles" (FC) (reissue) and "Unwritten Code" '(Col). Okay $2,200 in five days. Last week. "Since Venus" (Col) and "Shadows of Night" (Col), good $2,400 in six days. Century (P-S) (1.600:' 44-60)— "Since Went Away" (Sclznick-UA) (5th wk). Looks stout $7,000 follow- ing strong $8,000 fourth week. Gopher (F-S) (1.100: 40)—"Mean- time, Darling" (20lh). Fancy $3,500. Last week. "National Barn Dance" (Par). $2,900. Lyric (P-S) U.100: 44-60)—"Prin- cess and Pirate" (RKO I. Moved here from State. Good SG.Sso. Last week. ^"Gypsy Wildcat" <U> (2d wk). light $4,000. Orpheum (P-S) (2.800; 44-60)— "Ministry of Fear" (ParV Fair $8,- 500. Last week. "Merry Monahans" (U) and Frankie Carle orch., others, on stage (44-70), tremendous §29,000 in eight days. • ' Radio City (P-S) (4.000; 44-60)— "Frenchman's Creek" (Pari (2d wk). Mild $9,000 after trim $15,000 initial canto. State (P-S) (2,300; 44-60)—"30 Sec- onds Over Tokyo" (M-G). Smash $17,000. Last week, "Princess and Pi- rate" (RKO) (2d wk), fine $10,000. Uptown (Par) (1.100: 40-50)— "Lonely Heart" (RKO). First nabo showing. Mild $2,200. Last week, "Now Tomorrow" (Par), $3,000. World (Par-Stefles) (350; 44-80)— "Man Half Moon Street" (Par) (2d wk). Moderate $1,800 after last week's $2,500. ■ • Hurt considerably by the snow- storm Sunday (7) and suffering some- what by the usual letdown which occurs immediately after New Year's, Broadway on Die whole adds tip on the moderate side although some at- tractions are still doing big. Sev- eral houses, established new highs over the New Year week and others did a landofficc business. But the total .was held down by rain on New Year's eve and the holiday itself. . During the past week only one new picture came to town, this bcinti "Mr. Emmanuel," which opened al the lit- tle Gotham on Saturday (6). It is do- ing very well at an indicated $17,000 arid holds. The second-run Stale on Thursday brought: in '•"Together Again." with learn of RoSario and Antonio., - plus Salici Puppets on stage but will hit only $21,000 or thereabouts, just fair. Music Hall, now in fourth week with "National. Velvet," continues very strong and should hit $105,000, remaining on further. At the Rox'y. the going is along particularly sub- stantial lines, with $79,000 nabbed on the third., week ended last night (Tues.) with "Winged Victory", and a stageshow including Nicholas Bros.. Jack-rBurant^tliers^. A stout $62,000 is probable for current (3d) week of "Music for Millions" and the Tommy Dorsey band at the Capitol. The Paramount hit a big $80,000 on its second round with "Here Comes Waves," Woody Herman orchestra and Buddy Lester. Strand is down quite a bit at about $40,000 for the fourth'week of "Hollywood Canteen" and the Lionel Hampton orch but like ■ other first-run stageshow spots is holding over. Among straight picture houses. Rivoli is in the higher brackets at about $46,000 with "Keys of King- dom," while'Astor remains at a'swift gait with "Meet Me in St. Louis." which '.got a terrific $32,000 on the sixth stanza ended Sunday night.(7).' "Can't Help Singing," a whizzbarig al the Criterion, is now in its third week after finishing the second last Sunday night at. $35,000, very big. Estimates for This Week Astor (Loew's) (1,140; 60-S1.20)— "Meet Me in St. Louis" (M-G) (7th wk). Remains exceptionally steady, •with big $32,000 for sixth, round through Sunday night (7). New- Year's week ahead took house to a new high of $39,700. . Capitol (Loew's) (4,820; 60-$1.20)— "Music for Millions" (M-G) and Tommy Dorsey orch (3d wk). Looks sturdy $62,000, and holds. Second week, including second of the year- end holidays, was huge $86,700. Criterion (Loew's) (1,700; 60-$l.25) ^—"Canlt Help Singing" (U) (3d wk). ^Continues championship form, with second week ended Sunday night (7) hitting $35,000. Initial frame, includ- ing Christmas day opening and New Year weekend, added to sensational •S54.500", highest by around $10,000 that theatre has ever done: Globe (Brandt) (1,416; 60-$1.20)— "Tomorrow the World" (UA) (3d wk). Satisfactory at about $14,000. while second was just oke $18,000 since it included the holiday. Re- mains a fourth. Gotham (Brandt} (900: 60-S1.20)— "Mr. Emmanuel" (UA). British- made opened here Saturday 16> and is doing very well at likely $17,000. Holds over. Last week, "Tlviee Is Family" (UA) (3d wk), poor $2,200 for four days. Hollywood (WB) (1,499; 50-$1.20) —"Have, Have Not" (WB) (14th wk). Showing suitable profit at $19,500 on 13th lap ended last night (Tues.) and may remain beyond Wednesday (17) when "Roughly Speaking"- (WB) was scheduled to open. Twelfth week, taking in New Year's, zoomed to strong $33,800. Palace (RKO) (1,700; 60-$1.10)— "Experiment Perilous" (RKO) <2d wk). Dropping to around $21,000 hut oke on holdover, while New Year's week ended under expectations at $32,000, albeit very good. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 60-S1.20) —"Here Come Waves" (Par). Woody. Herman orch and Buddy Lester (3d wk). A mighty biz-getter here, this show, with a big $80,000 registered on the second week ended last night (Tues.). Initial seven days, including New Year's, Went to a spectacular $122,000. . within $1,000 of previous all-time high. Radio City Music Hall _ fellers) , (5,945; 60-$1.10)—"National Velvet" (M-G) and stageshow '.(4th wk). A super-duper $105,000 is looked for this week (4th) and holds. Over New Year's on third: frame, gross went to $141,000, record high, for house in 10 years of operation by a margin 6f $9,000. On Dec. 31 theatre did $32,000, exceeding any other day in its history by substan- tial margin. Republic (Brandt) (1,064; 50-S1.10) —"Lake Placid Serenade"-(Rep) (3d- final wk). No dice at under $6,000 on blowoff; while second chapter was a gloomy $5,500. "'Great'Flamarion" (Rep) opens Saturday (13), . Riallo (Mayer) (594: 40-85)— "House of Frankenstein" <U) (4lh- final wk ). Should got-good $8,500, while second of the year-end holi- days upped total to $16,800.' second best week theatre has ever had. be- ing exceeded only by the $17,000 garnered on initial week with this same picture. Rivoll (UA-Pal) (1.002: 76-$1.25)— • Keys of Kingdom." (20th) (2d wk), Exceptionally stout at $46,000 on ini- tial holdover session, while opening week over New Year's was a mighty $55,000. Roxv. (2011H (5.886: 60-$1.20)— ' Winged Victory" (20lh) . and.' on stage. Nicholas Bros.. Jaok Durant, others''(4th wk ). Fine S79.000 wa» hit on third frame through.last night (Tues: i. On New Year week gross went lo smash' !)122.000. . Stale (Ix>c\v's) C1.430: 43-85 )—"To- •iethev A«;iin" (Col) (2d run) plus learn of .Rosario and Antonio and Salici Puppets. Going slow here, with only about $21,000 sighted, just fair. Last'week. 'Tarkiiigion'' (M-G) (2d run). Winyy Manohe. orch and Dickie Jones, take rose to nearly $36.000., huge. Strand (WBl.-i2.7i5; r>0-$1.20)-r "Hollywood Canteen" (WB) and Lionel Hampton orch (4th wk). Down considerably-, to $40,000 but good enough to beheld over. New Year's week was a pip at near to $60,000. Victoria (Maurer) (720; 76-$1.50)— "Sign of Cross" (Par) (reissue) (4th- flnal wk). Stroni; at $16,000 for third week ended last night (Tues.) and would remain more than another frame except for prior commitment to open "Fighting Lady" (20th) next Wednesday (17th). Second frame for "Cross" was terrific $26,400. top in gross house has shown in more than a yrar of operation. . t PLACID* SLICK 23G IN BIG HUB Boston, Jan. 9. ' Cold snap has failed to diminish the big trade which began her* Christmas day and has been continu- ing ever since. Only two new bills this week, but biz remains great. Top newcomer is "Lake Placid Serenade, which looks great, day-date at Par- amount and Fenway. . Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3.200; 50-$U0)— "Falcov-in. Hollywood" (RKO) plus Jimmy Dorsey orch, others, on stage. Reaching for big $28,000 level after, many weeks of offish biz. . Last week, "Carolina Blues""(Col),, with Charlie Spivak orch. other.-, on stage. Great $30,000. helped by New Year's Eve.. Fenway IM-P) (1.373: 40-7.4) "Lake Placid, Serenade" (Rep) and "Armv Wives" (Mono). Great $7,000. Last week, "Dou7.h'lirls" (WB) and "She's a. Sweetheart" (Col). $8,300.: Majestic (Shuberl) (1.500: 40-74)— "Wuthering Heights"- (UA) (reissue). Going surprisingly well at $8,000. Last week. "Wilson" (20th) (8th wk), fine $3,800. Memorial (RKO) (2,900: 40-75)-r "Princess and Pirate" (RKO) and "Pal Wolf" (RKO). Slays phenome- nal at $24,000 on •', : <-'\ week, after $28,000 last 'week.; Metropolitan (M-P) (4,367; 40-74) —"Now Tomorrow" (Par)- and "Double Exposure" (Par) (2d wk). Fine $23,000 after dandy $26,000 first week. Orpheum (Loew) (2,900: 35-75)— "30 Seconds Tqkyo" (M-G). Began here Sat. (Dec. 30) and figuring on 12 days and holiday specials came near $50,000, great. Remains another week. Two extra days of 4ast week with "Kismet" (M-G) and "Missing Juror" (Col) was.about $6,500. Paramount (M-P) (1,700: 40-74)— "Lake Placid Serenade" (Rep) and "Army Wives" (Mono). Great $16.- 000 as one of two new bills in town. Last week. "Doughgirls" (WB) and "She's a Sweetheart" (Rep). In from Met last week. $15,000. Slate (Loew) (3.200; 35-75),—"30 Seconds Tokyo" (M-G ). Began here Saturday. Dec. 30, and came near $26,000 on 12 days, including holiday shows. ...j. Translux (Translux) (900; 30-74)— "Enemy of Women" (Mono) and (Rocked "Kilty O'Day" (Mono). Fine $6,700, - ' "Last week. "Bowery Champs* (Mono) and "Crazy Knights" (Mono), opened Xmas day, sock $8,500 in » days. Skourases on Coast Hollywood, Jan. 9. . Spyros and Charles Skouras ar- rived here yesterday (8) from th* east. ■ Former skedded for conferences- next week with Joseph M^, Schenck and Darryl F. Zanuck.