Variety (Feb 1945)

PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, February 7, 1948 LA. Okay Despite Rain;'Belle'Nifty SSy^G, *Bride' Nice 34€, Both 3 Spots, < SLLoDB , Wow41G,in5tfaWk.for3 Los Angeles, Feb. 6. -f Weekend rainstorms dampened grosses somewhat in -first-runs here but the overall picture remains somewhat good despite downpour. New bills are proving good if not sock draws, "Belle of Yukon," head- ing dual combos at three houses, should collect a nifty $93,500. "Bride By Mistake," also in three theatres, is coming through with a nice $34,000 as an initial attraction in new day- date setup here. Holdovers are still paced by "Meet Me in St. Louis," which did grand $41,000 in three spots Monday (5) in fifth week plus two extra days. "To Have and Have Not," playing third session in three houses, is go- ing for hefty $37,000 or better. Third stanza of "Woman in Window" is collecting a steady $29,500 in two spots. "Frenchman's Creek" finishes off fourth week plus" three extra days in two spots tomorrow (Wed.) with nice $26,500 likely for final 10 days. Estimates for Thli Week Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1,518; 50-$D—"Keys Kingdom" (20th) (2d wk). Grand $6,200. Last week, neat $7,200. Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2,048; 50-$l)— Belle of Yukon" (RKO) and "What a Blonde" (RKO). Stout $13,500. Last week, "Lost in Harem" (M-G) and "Blonde Fever" (M-G), fair $11,000. Downtowa (WB) (1,800; 50-$l>— "Have, Have Not" (WB) (3d wk). Good $16,000 after steady $23,500 last week. Egyptian (F-WC) (1-538; 50-$l)— "National Velvet" (M-G). Started today (Tues.) Last week, "Meet St. Louis" (M-G), nice $10,500 for fifth week with two days added. Four Star (UA-WC) (900; 50-$l)— "Waterloo Bridge" (M-G). Great $5,500 for reissue. Last week, "Shall Have Faith" (Mon) and "3 is Fam- ily" (UA) (2d wk-4 days), only $1,200. Hawaii (G&S) (1.100; 50-$D— "See My Lawyer" (U) and "Night Club Girl" (U). Good .$7,500. Last week, "House Frankenstein" (U) and "Mummy's Curse" (U) (6th week), okay $3,100 for final of long run. Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 50-$l)— -Have, Have Not" (WB) (3d wk). Fine $11,000 after strong $16,500 last week. Los Angeles (D'town-WC) (2-097; 50-$D—National Velvet" (M-G). Started today (Tues:). Last week, "Meet St. Louis" (5th wk-9 days). Strong $21,000. Orpheum (D'town) (2,200; 65-85) —"Meet Miss Bobby Socks'' (Col) with Charlie Barhet orch on stage. . Nice $23,000. Last week, "Strangers in Nifht" (Rep) plus Duke Elling- ton orch on stage, boff $39,500. Fanlages (Pan) (2,812; 50-$D— "Woman in Window" (RKO) (3d wk), and "Let's Go Steady" (Col). Trim $13,500. Last week, with "Hi, Beautiful" (U) (1st wk), hefty $16,700. Paramount (F&M) (3,389; 50-$l)— "Frenchman's Creek" (Par) (4th wk- 10 days). Fine $17,000 after nearly the same for third frame. . Paramount Hellywoed (F&M) ■ (1,451; 50-$D—"Frenchman's Creek" 1 (Par) (4th wk-10 days). Firm $9,500 ■ for finale after good $B,000 on third V sesh. RKO Hlllstreet (RKO) (2,890; 50- $1)—"Woman in Window" (3d wk) and "Let's Go Steady" (Col). Hand- some $16,000 after great $20,700 last week .with "Hi Beautiful" (U). Rite (F-WC) (1,370; 50-$D—"Na- tional Velvet" (M-G). Opened to- day (Tues.). Last week,. "St. Louis" (M-G) (5th wk-9 days), good $9,500. State (Loew's-WC). (X404;5£biU^-i "Belle of Yukon" (RKO) and "What a Blonde" (RKO). Sock $30,000. Last week, "Lost in Harem" (M-G) and "Blonde Fever" (M-G). good $26,000. United Artiste (UA-WC) (2.100; 50- $1)—"Bride By Mistake". (RKO) and "Falcon Hollywood" (RKO). Stout $14,000. Last week, "ShaU Have Faith" (Mono) and "3 Is Family' (2d wk-4 days), only $3,000. Uptown (F-WC) (1.790; 50-$l) — "Belle Yukon" (RKO) and "What a Blonde" (RKO). Solid $10,000. Last week. "Lost in Harem" (M-G) and "Blonde Fever" (M-G). fair $7,300 Wllahlre (F-WC) (2,296: 50-$D— "Bride By Mistake" (RKO) and "Falcon Hollywood" (RKO). Strong $11,000. Last week, "ShaU .Have Faith" (Mono) and "3 Is Family" (UA) (2d wk-4 days), thin $1,200. Wllter* (WB) (2JSO0; 50-$l) - "Have. Have Not" (WB) (3d wk) . Meat $10,000 after .hefty $15,000 last Week. Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week.. ... .$2.747,8H . Based on 20 cities, 171 thea- tres, chiefly first runs, including n. y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year. . .$t,9€8,900 (Bnsed on 25 cities, 197 theatres) CLEVL IN DIVE BUT HAVE' 24G Cleveland. Feb. 6. . "To Have and Have Not" at Hipp and State's holdover of "Meet Me in St. Louis" are going strong, al- though record-long zero spell and brownput have walloped some, de- luxers. Estimates for This Week Allen (RKO). (3,000; 44-65)— "Winged Victory" (20th) (m.o.). Routine $5,200 after great $10,000 initial stanza. Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 44-65)-r- "Have, Have Not" - (WB). Torrid $24,000. Last week, "Something for Boys" (20th), thin $9,000. Lake (Warners) (800; 44-65)— "Something for Boys" (20th) (m.o.). Sad $1,500. Last week, "Can't Help Singing" (U), better at $2,300. Ohio (Loew's) (1,200; 44-65)— "Thin Marf Goes Home" (M^G). Nice $4,000 on m.o. Last week, "Three Is Family" (UA), $3,500. Palace (RKO) (3,700; 55-95)— "Bowery to Broadway". (U) plus Ann Corio, Pat Henning and "Gay Nineties" unit. Moderate $20,000 or near. Last week, "Eadie Was Lady" witft Shep Fields orch, Patsy Kelly, Barry Wood, $23,000. State (Loew's) (3,450; 44-65)— "Meet Me St. Louis" (M-G) (2d wk). Strong $18,500 after smash $28,500 last week. Hit by coal brownout last session which likely kept It from house record. Stlllman (Loew's) (2,700; 44-65)— "Till Meet Again" (Par). Satisfac- tory $8,500. Last week, "Thin Man Goes Home" (M-G), $7,500 on m ; o. 'WAVES'-IADY'SOCKO $20,000, LEADS MPLS. Minneapolis, Feb. 6. With such strong attractions as "Here Come the Waves" and the boffo "Meet Me in St. Louis," latter in its second week, the brownedout loop still is getting its share of biz. Teamed with "The Fighting Lady." the "Waves" will give the Radio City a colossal week. Other hold- overs in addition to "Meet Me in St Louis" are "I'll Be Seeing You," "Experiment Perilous" and "Sign of the Cross." Estimate* for This Week Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)— "Tahiti Nights" (Col) and "Jade Mask" (Mono). In for four days, oke $1,800. Last week, "Falcon Holly wood"....(RKO) and "When Strangers Marry" (Mono)" spin wi(U" "End of Road" (Rep) and "Brother Rat" (WB) (reissue), $2,300 In eight days. Century (P-S) (1,600; 44-60)— "Sign of Cross" (Par) (reissue) (2d wk). Okay $5,500 after bang-up $7,500 first week. Gopher (P-S) (1,000; 40)—"Main St. After Dark" (M-G). Trim $3,500. leek. "Girl Rush" (RKO), •Night'-Fields-Kelly, Wood Hot 19G, Indpls. Indianapolis, Feb. 6. Biz is on the top side this week, with most deluxers showing healthy figures. "Her Lucky Night," paced by the Shep Fields-Patsy Kelly- Barry Wood stage combo, is giving the Circle its biggest session in months, "Meet Me In St. Louis," a hold-over at Loew's, still is leading the straight turners due to moderate interest in "Keys of the Kingdom," new entry at the Indiana.. Estimates for This Week Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,800; 55-75) —"Her Lucky Night" (U) and Shep Fields orch, with Patsy Kelly and Barry Wood on stage. Wham $19,000. Last week, "Something for Boys" l20th) and "Faces in Fog". (Rep), mild $9,000, at 55c. top. Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,300; 32-55) —"Keys of Kingdom" (20th). Swell notices, but moderate $10,000 or near. Last week, "Have, Have Not" (WB), sock $14,200. Keith's (Indie) (1,200; 35-65)— "Allergic to Love" lU) and vaude. Oke $5,000 in four days. Last week, "End of Road" (Rep) and vaude, $4,000, same time. Loew's (Loew's) 12,450; 35-55)— "Meet Me St. Louis'* (M-G) (2d wk). Dandy $12,500 after sizzling $19,100 opener new house, record at regular prices. Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (l.COO; 32-55)— "Have. Have Not" . (WB). Nifty$5.- 500 on m.o. Last week, "Jlunimy's Curse" iU) and "House of Franken- stein" (U), great $9,000 first-run. Brownout Slows Down L'ville; Keys' Tal!17G, 'Enemy^Hmes Fair 9G Louisville, Feb.' 6. "Keys of Kingdom," at the Rialto, is grabbing the lion's share of biz currently. "Hearts Are Young and Gay" is catching attention at the Strand. Weather moderated over the weekend, but the "brownout" in the downtown sector appears to have kept some patrons home. New regulation has cut the number of window : shoppers . and strollers. While the purpose is to conserve fuel, reaction here is that some patrons dont feel safe on the streets. Estimates tor Ibis Week Brown (Fourth' Avenue-Loew's) (1,000; 40-60)—"Princess and Pirate" (RKO). From Rialto, okay $4,000. Last week, ''Thin Man Goes Home" (M-G) and "Sergeant Mike". (Con, $4,500 on m.o. Kentucky (Switow) (1,200; 30-40) —"Parklngton" (M-G) and "Goin' to T6wn' r (RKO). Looks modest $1,700. Last week, "Laura" (20th) and "Doughgirls" (WB), $1,900. Loew's State (Loew's) (3,300;-40- 60)—"St. Louis" - (M-G) (2d wk). Still going big at $12,000. after last week's sock $20,000, way over ex- pectations. Mary Andersen (People's) (1,000; 40-60)—"Have. Have Not" (WB) (2d wk). Standing up firmly despite single-bulbed marquee, fine $5,000. Last week, snappy $7,000. National (Standard) (2,400; 50-75) —"Enemy of Women" (Rep) and Earl Hfnes orch and Harlem Revue on stage. Fairish $9,000. Last week, "Kitty O'Day" (Mono) plus Ina Ray Hutton orch, others, on stage, modest $11,000. . Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 40- 60)—"Keys of Kingdom" (20th). Out in front with grand $17,0ut> likely^ Last week, "Princess and Pirate" (RKO). sturdy $15,000. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 40-60)—('Hearts Young, Gay" (Par) and "Man Half Moon St." (Par). Punching for strong $6,000. Last week, "Fighting Lady* (20th) and «Suntl&jr -Di:Bi«»—(SOtti)—C-2d- wk), .stout $4,000. WOOD DICKERS HEX COIN Hollywood, Feb. 6. . 'Bert Allenberg, representing Sam Wood.; jjlaned, for Mexico City to IjwbUe with native capitalists about eBinf a - Wood production Lyrlo (P-S) (1,100; 44-60)—'Til Be . Seeing You" (UA) (3d wk). Moved here after hefty fortnight at Radio City. So-so $5,000. Last week, "30 Seconds Over Tokyo" (M-G) (4th wk), finished at okay $5,000. Orpheum (P-S) (2,800; 44-60)— "Guest in House" (UA). Moderate $7,500 or near. Last week, "Sunday Dinner" (20th) .and Spike Jones orch, others, on stage, at 44-70c, huge $25,000. Radio City (P-S) (4,000; 44-60)— "Here Come Waves" (Par) and "Fighting Lady" (20th). "Fighting Lady" given almost equal promi- nence In bally and helping to bring in terrific $20,000. Last week, "Be Seeing You" (UA) (2d wk), big drop to $8,500 after huge $21,000 first week. State (B-S) (2,300; 44-60)—"Meet Me St Louis" (M-G) (2d wk). Hold- ing to speedy pace at hefty $12,000 after terrific $18,500 initial take. Uptown (Par) (1,100; 40-50)— "Princess and. Pirate" (Par). First nabe showing. Boffo $4,600. Last week, "Since .Went Away" (Selz- nick-UA), $5,000. World (Par-Stefies) (390; 44-80)— "Experiment Perilous" (HKO) (3d wk), Good enough $2,000 after flrat- f$e -^^OoT.flrit weft.. ■.;. ■ '- Weather Bops St Louis; W $16,000, Standout St. Louis, Eeb. 6. "Here Come the Waves," b.o. leader last week, will repeat as a holdover SfWSiS^trtaf. .t -Pte: ■ "A- Song to Re- member," at Loew's, also h.o., will be only a step behind. Estimates for This Week Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 30-55)— "Song to Remember" (Col). Will add neat $16,000 to big $19,000 for first Orpfaeam (Loew) (2100; 30-55)— "Blonde Fever*'(M-G) and "Dancing Manhattan" (Col). Fair $5,500. Last week, "30 Seconds Over. Tokyo" (M- G) (2d wk), good $5,000: Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 50-60) —"Woman in Window" (RKO) and "Gal Loves Music" (U). Neat $14,500. Last week, 'Together Again" (Col) and "Hi, Beautiful" (U), $17,000. Fox (F&M) (5.000; 50-60)—"Here Come the Waves" (Par) and "Dan- gerous Passage" (Par) (2d wk). Fat $17,000 to add to wham $26,500 for first session. Missouri (F&M) (9,500; 50-60>— "Together Again" (Col) (1st wk) and "Now Tomorrow" (Par) (2d wk-). Fine $10,000. Last week, "Can't Help Singing" (U) and "Now Tomorrow 5 " (Par), $8,600. St. Loots (F&M) (4,000; 40-50)— "Accuse My -Parents" (PRC) and "Bluebeard' '(PRC). Good $4,000. Tonight'Robust 34G, Del; Canteen' Grand 25G, Thought of You' OK 22G Broadway Grosses Estimate* Total Greta This Week.... $«U,t (Based on 16 theatres) Total dress Saaa Week Last Tear..... ..$SU,t (Based on 14 mcarres} MS'GREAT 28G, FRISCO San Francisco, Feb. 6. Despite many rainy days, biz is- holding up well. Fox, with "Meet Me in St. Louis," will get top coin, but Duke Ellington will push "Falcon in Hollywood" to rousing session at the Golden Gate for week's standout. "Keys of Kingdom" also is great at the^Paramount. Estimates for This Week Fox (F-WC) (4,661; 55-85)—"Meet Me St. Louis" (M-G). Fancy $42,000. Last week, "St. Louis," one day, and "Have. Have IJpt" (WB), satisfactory $25,000. Paramount (F-WC) (2,646; 55-85)— "Keys of Kingdom" (20th). Fat $28,- 000. Last week, "Keys," two days, and "Hearts Young, Gay" (Par), five days, $23,000. Warfleld (F-WC)' (2,656; 60-85)— "Big Bonanza" (Rep) and stage show. Modest $22,000. Last week, "Sunday Dinner" (20th) and stage show, $25,000. St. Francis (F-WC) (1,400; 55-85)— "Have, Have Not" (WB). Third week on Market St. Excellent $19,000. Last week, "Now Tomorrow" (Par) (five days, and "Have, Have Not" (WB), two days, $11,000. State (F-WC) (2,133; 35-85)— "Fighting Lady" (20th) and "Sunday Dinner" (20th). So-so $9,000. Last week; "Lady" and "Dinner," two days, and "30 Seconds Over Tokyo" (M-G), five days, $11,000. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,844; 60-95) —"Falcon Hollywood" (RKO) plus Duke Ellington orch on stage: Big $32,000. Last week, "Woman in Win- dow" (RKO) plus Ted Lewis orch (3d wk), great $28,000. Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2,448; 40- 85)—"Song Remember" (Col) (3d wk). Strong $20,000. Last week, grand $24,000. ' United Artists (Blumenfeld) U,- 207; 40-85)—"Guest In House" (UA) (5th wk). Okay $8,000. Last week, neat $9,200. 'Tonight'Bright 16G, Cmcy; Wortf Fat 15G Cincinnati. Feb. 6. Unaffected by the regional gas- fuel conservation order, and likewise the five-day-week decreed by Gov. Frank J.Lausche for other sections of Ohio., downtown houseB generally are having an above-par session. Of new entries "Tonight and Every Night" is fronting "Tomorrow World" by a small margin. Both are big. Twinned "She Gets Her Man" and "Eadie Was Lady" combo also rack- ing up a tall count. Estimates for This Week ' Albee (RKO) (3400; 44-70)—"To- night, Every Nifcht" vCol ^- Spark- ling $16,000. Last -week, "Keys of Kingdom" (20th), day-date with Grand, all right $12,500. Capital (RKO) (2,000; 44-70)— "Song to Remember" (Col) (2d wk). Robust $10,000 after sock $14,500 teeoff. Family (RKO) (1,000; 30-40)— "Dangerous Passage" (Par) and Tahiti Nights" (Col) split with "Lady Scarf ace" (RKO).and "Jungle Cavalcade!' (RKO). Reverting to split-week dualers following several months of full-week 'doubles. Nice $2,400. Last week, "Love Mystery" (Col) and "Mile. Fifl" (RKO), $2,300. Grand (RKO) (1.430; 44-70)— "Keys of Kingdom" (20th) (2d wk). Hefty $7,000. Last weeki_ also at Albee, okay $8,000. Keith's (United) (1,500; 44-70)— "Here Come Waves" (Par). Move- over for third downtown week. Wham $8,000. Last week^Thin Man Goes Home" (M-G), third main-'line sesh, stout $5,000. Lyrie (RKO) (1,400; 44-70)—"She Gets Her Man" (U) and "Eadie Was Lady" (Col). Big $7,500. Last week, "Hollywood Canteen" CWB). fourth week downtown, great $6,000. Palace (RKO) (2.600; 44-70)—"To- morrow the World" (UA) t Surpris- ingly strong $15,000. Hypoed by visit of Lester Cowan, film producer and big radio ' campaign handled by Martin Starr. Last week, "Here Come Waves" . (Par) (2d wk), smash $14,500. Shnbert (RKO) (2,100; 44-70)— "Barbary Coast" (FC) and "Pack Up Troubles" (FC) (reissues). Fair $4,200. Last week, "Experiment P^kms.'* (RKO) : (2d run), dull Detroit. Feb. 6. Four fresh bills have brightened up i the J O0 ' > here de»Plte thetrown. put With general strength shown b ?. * e .J? e w 10ms, leadership prob* ably will go toJ^onlght and Every Night" at the Fox. Comparatively stronger are "Meet Me in St. Louis* at United Artists and "Hollywood Canteen," at Palms-State. Estimates fer This Week «^ AdMn ^ (BalajMn) (1.700; 60-86)-, "Keys of Kingdom" (20th) (3d wk) and "She's a Sweetheart" (Col) Former from Fox, brisk $12,0M likely. Last week, "House of Frarikr enstein" (U) and "Mummy's Curse" (U) (2d wk). repeated after a week's between-booking, ditto. Broadway-Capitol (United De- troit ) (2.800; 60-85)—"Casanova Brown" (RKO) and "Nevada" (RKO) (2d wk). From Michigan. Fina $14,000; Last week. "Here Come Waves" (Par) (5th wk) and "Bride By ^ Mistake" (RKO) (4th wk)" Michigan moveover, $12,000. Downtown (Howard Hughes) (2,800; 60-85>—"Princess and Pirate* (RKO) plus Martha Tilton, others on stage (3d wk). Looking for stout $27,000 after great $32,000 second week. I Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 60-85) —"Tonight and Every Night" (Col) and "Dancing Manhattan" (Col), Robust $34,000. Last week. "Keys of Kingdom" (20th) (2d wk), "great $26,000. Madison (United Detroit) (l,80O| 60-85)—"Tender Comrade" (RKO) and "Snow White" (RKO) (reissue). Repeating In loop for choice $6,000. Last week, "Laura" (20th) and "Step Lively," nice $67)00. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000: 60-85)—"Thought of You" (WB) and "Lights Go On Again" (PRC). Okay $22,000. Last week, "Casanova Brown" (RKO) and "Nevada* (RKO), $24,000. Palms-State (United Detroit) (3,000; 60-85)—"Hollywood Canteen* (WB). Off to a sturdy start with $25,000 in sight. Last week, "Since Went Away 1 ' (Selznick-UA) (5th wk), wound up strong run at $14.* 000. United Artists (.United Detroit) 42,000; 60-85)—"Meet Me St Louis* (M-G) and "Main St. After Dark" (M-G). Wham $24,000. Last week, "Lonely Heart" (RKO) and "Bow- ery Champs" (Mono), disappointing $16,000. % . ' " < Wyow r Hefty$17,000 f Prov.; 'Singing' Lusty 16G/SL Louis'18G, 2d Providence, Feb. 6. "Meet Me in St. Louis" is topping the town, though in its second week at Loew's State. First session made a new record at present - scale. Strongest among the new Bills is RKO Albee's "Woman in the Win- dow." Majestic'fl "Can't Help Sing- ing" also is strong. Little effect noted in current biz despite main stemmers' self-adopted policy of opening two hours later each day. Estimates fee This Week Albee (RKO) (2,100; 44-60)— "Woman in Window" (RKO) and "Gal Loves Music" (RKO). Strong $17,000. Last week, "Belle of Yukon* (RKO) and "Johnny Doesn't Live Here" (RKO) nice $15,000. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 44-55) —"Winged Victory" (20th) (3d down- town wk). From Majestic, nice $6,r 500. Last week, ^Together Again* (Col) and "She's Sweetheart" (Col) (2d run), $5,000. Fay's (Fay) (2,000; 44-55)—"Goin' to Town" (RKO) and vaude on stage. Fat $7,000. Last week, "She Gets Her Man* (U) and vaude, $8,500. Majestlo (Fay) (2^00; 44-60)— "Can't Help Singing" (U). Nifty for family house, strong $16,000. Last week, "Winged Victory" (20th) (2d wk), solid $14,000. Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100: 44- 80)—"Sons of Desert" (M-G) (reis- sue) and vaude on stage for; three- day weekend run. Fairly good $5,000. Last week, "When Thief Meets Thief (U) (reissue) and Lionel Hampton orch on stage for three-day week- ender, nice $6,500. ' State (Loew) (3,200; 50-60)—"Meet Me St. Louis" (M-G) (id wk). Strong $18,000.. First sesh set new record at present scale with huge $26,500. Strand (Silverman) (2,000: 44-60) —"Man from Half-Moon St." (Par) and "Ministry of Fear" 'Par). Opened Monday (5). Last week, "Now Tomorrow" (Par) and "Let's Go Steady" (Col) (3d wk), solid $9,500. . 'Bowery'(^.Ibrk'iai rot Hollywond, Feb. 6. Darryl Zanuck's old production, 'The Bowery," will be remade as a Technicolor musical at 20th-Fox un-> der the title, "Broadway After Dark," with Walter Morosco produc- ing. ■ . James Monaco and Mack Gordon are writing new song'numbers for toe mm.