Variety (Feb 1945)

Wednesday, February \fa l»4f PICTURE GROSSES 11 Spitalny Ups Tlacid/ Wow 42G, Chi; 'Burma' Sock 25G, Tark'ton' Huge 30G Chicago, Feb. 13. ♦ Kven inveterate theatre patrons' here are stvmied by slushy streets and brownout. But Ave helty open- ings brought a ray of sunshine. "Parkingtbn" looks . especially big with huge $30,000 at United Artists. "Objective Burma." at the smaller Roosevelt: also is terrific at $25,000. "Lake Placid Serenade" is being boosted to great $42,000 by Phil Spi- tnlny's band :it the Oriental. Which enables Spitalny to take out about $21 000 Tor his own end. being in on 50c - from - .the - first-dollar arrange- ment. ■ :■ Interest in Marva Xouis Chi stage debut points to big $16,000 for "Mile. Fill" at Downtown, aided by Noble Sissle's band. . Palace, at darkest edge of Loot), looks trim $22,000 for 'Suspect"-"Sho Gets Her Man," de- spite this handicap. Estimates for This Week Apollo (B&K). (1.200; 55-95)—"To- gether Again". tCo1).(4th wk). Oke "$9 000. "Last week, fine $11,000. Chicago <-BS:K) (3,900; 55-95) — "Hearts Yoiini-. Gay" (Par) with Carmen Cavallaro orch on stage (3d wk ). .Niftv $44,000. Last week, potent $48,000. „ ; Downtown (Burner) (1,600; 44-95) —'■Mile; Fili". (RKO) with Marva Louis and Noble Sifsle orch heading, slasc bill. Siurdv $16,000. Last week. "Climax" (U> (2d run) with Fletcher Henderson orch. Moke & Poke, others, on stage, only $13,000. Garriok (B&K) (900; 55-95)— "Something for the Boys" (20th) (2d wk). Peri $8,500. Last week, stout $10,000. Grand (RKO) (1.150; 55-95)-^- "Bowery to Broadway" (U) and "Girl Rush" (RKO). Average $8,500. Last week, "Tall in Saddle" (RKO) .and "Falcon Hollywood" (RKO), six days, and "Bowery" (U) and "Rush" (RKO), one day, fair $8,200. Oriental (.Iroquois) (3,200; 44-95) —"Lake Placid Serenade" (Rep) with Phil Su'tr-'nv all-girl orch on stage. Great $42,000 in prospect, with band a terrific help. Last week, "She's Sweetheart" (Col) and Spike Jones orch on stage, sock $35,000. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 55 -95) — . "Suspect" (U) and "She Gets Her Man" (U). Trim $22,000. Last week, "Bowery Broadway" (U) and "Girl Rush" (RKO). six days, and "Sus- 8ect" (U) and "Gets Man" (U), one ay, mildish S21.000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 55-93^— "Objective Bijrma" (WB). Colossal $25,000. Last . week, "Hollywood Canteen" (WB) (3d wk), Ave days, ?nd "Burma"'(WB), two days, solid 19.000. State-Lake (B&K) (2.700; 55-95)— "Keys 6C Kingdom" (20th) (3d wk). Smash $24,000. Last week, boffo $28,000. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 55- 95)—"Parkingtori" . (M-G). Opened Saturday (10). Looks terrif $30,000. Last week. "30 Seconds Tokyo" (M- G) (7th wk). brisk $17,000 in eight "Princess and Pirate" (RKO) (13th ■wk). Neat 413,500. Last week, ♦15,000. dlller. Still strong at $14,000 after huge $22,000 first week. State (P-S) (2,800; 44-601—"Meet Me St. Louis" (M-G) (3d wk). Big $12,000. same aa for second week. Uptown (Par) (1.100: 40-60)— "Frenchman's Creek" (Par). First nabc showing: Good $3,500. Last week, "Princess and Pirate" (RKO) (Par), big $4,200. World (Par.-SleffesV (330; 44-80)— "Guest in House" ' (UA) (2d wk). Moved from Orpheum. Neat $3,000. Last week, "Experiment Perilous" (HKOV (3d wkt, okay $2,000. Mpls. Sturdy; Calloway Boosts 'Family' $20,000; Waves' Stout 14G, 2d Minneapolis, Feb. 13. With holdovers at most houses, the Orpheum' and Century are sitting on top of boxoffice world currently. Going is easier for the former, thanks to Cab Ca'loway on the stage plus "Three Is a Family." However, The Suspect" is socko at Century, with session "way over, normal. Of holdovers, "Here Come the Waves" 4nd "Fighting Lady" is^out in front ■t Radio - City oh its second week after a tremendous initial session. Estimates for This Week . Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-25)— "Dancing in Manhattan" (Col) and '■Strange Affair" (Col). Good $2,200 jn Ave days., "40 Thieves" (U) and "Face in Fog" (Rep) open tomorrow (14). Last week. "Tahiti Nights" (Col) and "Jade Mask" (Mono), $2,- 400 in six days. Century (P-S) (1.600; 44-60)— "The Suspect" (U), Only fair at $d.500. Last week, "Sign of Cross" (Par) (reissue) (2d wk), satisfactory $5,500. Gopher (P-S) (1,000; 40) — "One Body Too Many" (Par). Neat $3,000. Last week. "Main St. After Dark" (M-G), $4,000. Lyric (P-S) (1,100; 44-60)—"Be Seeing You" (Solznick-UA). Fourth * e j* downtown, second here. Mild $4,500. Last week, okay $5,700. Had two.fine weeks at Radio City. , O'Pheum (P-S) (2,800; 44-70)— Three Is Familyl (UA) and Cab Calloway orch on stage. Smash $20, 000. Last week, "Guest In House" (UA). mild $7,000. Radio City (P-S) (4,000; 44-60)— 'Here Come Waves" (Par) and "f'ghting Lady" (20th) (2d wk) Tliu double bill has been a killer TALL-BARNET BIG 30G, FRISCO Sap Francisco, Feb. 13. Plenty of holdovers this week. Top new entries are "Tall in the Saddle" (RKO). with .Charlie Barnet band at the Golden Gate, and "Tomorrow the World." at the United Artists. Estimates for This Week Fox (F-WC) (4,651; 55-85)—"Meet Me St. Louis" (M-G) (2d wk); Stout $27,000. Last week.' great $41,643. Paramount (K-WC) (2.646: 55-85)— "Keys Kingdom" (20th). (2d wk). Strong $21,000. Last week, fat $27,800. . Warfleld (F-WC) (2,656; 60-85)— "Blues in Night".(WB) (reissue) and stage show. Okay $23,500. Last week. "Big Bonanza" (Rep), plus Stase show, so-so $23,400. St. Francis (F-WC) (1,400; 55-85)— Have. Have Not" (WB). Fourth week on Market St. Excellent $15,- 000. Last week, terrific $20,000 and hear house record; State (F-WC) (2.133: 55-85)— "Naughty Marietta" (M-G) and '.'I Was Faithful" (FC) (reissues). Trim $10,000. Last week, "Fighting Lady" (20th) and "Sunday Dinner" (20th), fancy $10,500. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,844- 60-95) —"Tnll in Saddle" (RKO), plus Char- lie Barnet orch, others, on stage. Great $30,000. Last week. "Falcon Hollywood" (RKO). plus Duke Ell- ington orch, sock $34,000. Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2,448: 40- 85)—"Song, to Remember" (Col). Fourth week downtown. Solid $10,- 000. Last week, big $19,600. United Artists (BJumenfcld) (1,207; 40-85) — "Tomorrow the World" (UAi. Sensational $18,000. Last week. "Guest in the House" (UA) (5th wk). $8,300. PROV HIT BY BUZ, BUT TO HAVE' SOLID 18G Providence. Feb. 13. started Thursday (8) to cut into the normally big weekend biz, played some odd tricks with the main stem- mers. The holdovers, Loew's State's third week of "Meet Me in St. Louis," and RKO Albee's second sesh with "Woman in the Window." failed to measure up. .But Majestic with the new "To Have and Have Not," has been solid. The main-stemmers usu- ally rely on outlying trade for their holdover biz, and with traffic prac- tically at a standstill, the close-to- city trade which usually catches the first week, is piling into the Majestic.. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2.100: 44-60)— "Woman in Window" (RKO) and "Gal Loves Music" (RKO) (2d wk). Only fairly good $11,000. First was wow $17,000. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1.400: 44-55) —"Can't Help Singing" (U) (2d wk). Good $4,000. Last week, "Winged Victory" (20th) (3d downtown wk), strong $5,500. • Fay's (Fay) (2.000; 44-55)—"Ne- vada" ,(RKO) and vaude on stage. Healthy $6,000. Last week, "Gofn" to Town". iRKO) and vaude. strong $7,000. Majestic (Fay) (2.200;. 44-60)— "Have, Have Not" (WB). Present pace should set new record at this scale with solid $18,000. Last week, "Can't Help Singing" (U). swell S15,- 000. Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 44- 60)—"Big Bonanza" (Rep) and Tony Pastor orch on stage for three-day weekend run. Fair $6,000. Last week, "Sons of Desert" (M-G) (reissue) and vaude on stage, so-so $5,000. , Stale (Loew) (3,200; 50-60)—"Meet Me St. Louis" (M-G) (3d wk). Mild $9,000. Second .sesh was snappy $17,500. Strand (Silverman) (2,000; 50-60)— "Here Come Waves" (Par) and "Dan- gerous Passage" (Par). Opened Mon- day (12). Last week, "Man Half Moon St." (Par) and "Ministry of Fear" (Par), good at $10,000 but be low hopes because of poor last .five days. 'Suspect'$10,000, Balto; To Have' Boff 17G, 2d Baltimore, Feb. 13. Holdovers dominate local front here this week, with lone newcomer, "The Suspect" at Keith's, doing fair- ly well. Of repeaters, "To Have and Have Not" at the Stanley is tops. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000 ; 20- 60)—"Meet Me St. Louis'* (M-G) (3d wk). Holding nicely at $12,000 after, fine second round to $17,200. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240: 20-74) — "Tonight, Every Night" (Col) plus vaude (2d wk). Nice $16,000 after fancy $19,800 opener. Keith's .(Schanberger) (2,460; 20- 60)—"The Suspect" (U). Doing fair- ly well at $10,000 or over. Last week, "Now Tomorrow" (Par) (3d wk), $8,700. Mayfalr (Hicks) (980; 25-55)—"En- ter Arsene Lupin" (U), House aver- age of $3,600. ' Last week, "Big Bo- nanza" (Indie), $3,800. New (Mechanic) (1,680; 20-60)— "Keys of Kingdom" (20th) (2d wk). Maintaining good pace at $8,000 after nice initial week at $11,300. Stanley (WB) (3,280; 25 - 66)— 'Have, Have Not" (WB) (2d wk). Strong at $17,000 after smash starter - at $21,400. Valencia (Loew's-UA) (1,840; 20- 60) — "Crime Doctor's Courage" (RKO). Getting some trade at $3,- 500. Last week, "Blonde Fever" (M-G), $3,700.. TONIGHT 13G IN MILD PUT. Pittsburgh, Feb. 13. Biz tapering off again,, with brown- out and food threat hurting. Big noise continues to be" "To Have and Have Not;" still strong in holdover at Penn. 'Tonight and Every Night" is doing well but not exceptional at Harris. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 40-65)— 'Keys of Kingdom" (20th) (2d wk). Looks nice. $8,000 after last week's fancy $13,000. Harris (Harris) (2,200: 40-65)— "Tonight, Every Nighf" (Col). Came out second best with crix and not doing nearly what was expected, Around $13,000 in sight but enough to rate h.o. Last week. "Fighting Lady" (20th) and "Sunday Dinner Soldier" (20th) (2d wk), trim $5,600 in 4 days. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3.300; 40-65)— "Have, Have Not" (WB) (2d wk). Hottest thing to come along in months. Sock $18,000. Last week, sensational $28,000. Bltz (WB) (800: 40-65)—"French- man's Creek" (Par). Moveover. Modest $2,800. Last week. "30 Sec- onds Tokyo" (M-G) (5th wk). $2,500. Senator (Harris) (1,750: 40-65)— '^Fighting Lady" (20th) and "Sunday Dinner" (20th). Moveover. "Lady still drawing chief attention. Solid $4,000«Iast week, "Can't Help Sing- four days. • Stanley (WB) (3,800; 40-65)— "Guest In House" (UA). Subject matter and absence of cast names hurts this one despite general crix approval. Moderate $10,000. Last week, "Abroad 2.Yanks" (UA), $8,500 in 5 days. Warner (WB) (2,000: 40-65)— "Great Moment" (Pari and "Na- tional Barn Dance" (Par).. First twin bill of first-runs In some time. N.s.h. $4,000. Last week, second of "French- man's Creek" (Par) (2d wk). $7,000 oh m.o. N.Y. Hot; Tirate* Record 45G, 'Square/ Berle Sockeroo 103G, Tear - Long 736. "Vanities' Ups 'Gets Man,' Strong 35G Lincoln's birthday, not ordinarily meaning so much at the boxo.fflce, broke propitiously, on Monday (12) to provide a three-day weekend and, with good weather prevailing over the three days, extremely good busi- ness was enjoyed not only in the downtown N. Y, area but also the neighborhoods: Snow yesterday (Tues.) was interfering somewhat, however, with gains made, over'the holiday weekend, while last Thurs- day, (8). included in current week- for several shows, the snow and rain hurt a.,lot. However, business on the whole is very strong. '. Another record for Broadway is being hung up at the Astor, run house, which reopened Friday (9) with Sam Goldwyn's "Princess and Pirate" which has been looking .long for somewhere to light. It started out in smash fashion and on the first week should hit a giant $45,000 or over, new high for house. Previous top figure was $39,700 made over New Year's week on fifth frame of "Meet Me in St. Louis." Astor has been redecorated but some work, including addition of extra seats to bring capacity up to about 1,400, is unfinished. Flashy house front cost $16,000. - . " " Four other new pictures came In during the past week. Roxy, with "Hangover Square" and Milton Berle on stage, Is hitting a very fast pace, with socko $103,000 on the first week ended last night (Tues.). At the Paramount the going is not com- paratively as strong but at $73,000 on first week ended last night (Tues.), "Ministry of Fear" and stage com- plement are scoring a virile take. The Johnny Long orch, Louis Jor- dan's Tympany Five, Lorraine Rog- nan and Jan Murray are on stage. Second-run State, this week having first crack at "She Gets Her Man," is again going to town with strong rostrum support from Earl Carroll's "Vanities of '45." Indications point to a big $35,000 or over. Only other arrival of past week, "Chicago Kid" at the Republic, is. on weak side at $7,000 or bit better but will remain over. . ■ Holdover attractions are generally potent. Among these is Music Hall's "Song to Remember" which on third week looks a terrific $123iO00 com- pared to $120,000 for second and holds. "Three Caballeros." at Globe, looks very fancy $35,000, and also holds. Another pulling 'ern heavily is Palace's "Woman in Window." Currently in its third week, it will get a big $38,000 to match the fig- ure scored oh the second. Stays a fourth. Estimates tor This Week Astor (City Investing) (1,140: 60- $1.25)—"Princess and Pirate" (RKO). Peened^ ere Friday (9) an d awa y at, . . high for house, seen. Previous rec^ 'cOT/fiefR* ord of $39,700 was over New Year's- on fifth week of "Meet Me in St. Louis" (M-G), which closed a 10- week run on Feb. 4, finale being big $30,300. ■ Astor was closed several days for redecoratlon and building of house front. days through last night (Tues.). Con- cluding (6th) week for "Here Conies Waves" (Par) and Woody Herman orch, others, was excellent $64,000. Radio City Music Hall (Rockefel- lers) (5.S45; 60-$1.10>.—"Song to Re- member" (Col) and stageshow (3d wk), Remains In smash division, with huge $123,000 indicated, beating second's terrific $120,000. Goes a fourth. Republic (Brandt) (1,064: 50-$1.10) —"Chicago Kid" (Hep). Better than predecessor here, but at $7,000, or over, still on weak side. Holds, how- ever. Concluding (2d) frame for "On Arrival" (Rep) was only $3,500, poor. Rlalto (Mayer) (594; 40-85)—"Des- tiny" (U) (2d-finai-Wk). Dropping sharply to mildish $6,000. but with strong $10,300 scored initial week adds to nice profit. "Frisco Sal" (U) replaces oh Friday (16). Blvoll (UA-Par) (1.092: 76-$1.25)-r- "Keys of Kingdom" (20th) (7th wk). Holiday , take pushing this one to fine $36,000. better than garnered for sixth, when $32,000 was. registered. Continues into March, under plans. Boxy (20th) (5,886: 80-$1.20>— '.'Hangover. Square" (20th) and Mil- ton Berle in*person (2d wk). Very steady since opening, combination of picture and Berle ' ran ' first week, ended-last night (Tues.) to socko $103,000. Second, week for "Sunday Dinner" (20th) and Cafe Zanzibar nitery revue, was sturdy .$77,000. State (Loew's) (3,450; 43-85)—"She Gets Her Man" (U). (1st run) and . Earl Carroll's "Vanities of '45" on stage. With terrific support frpm ros- trum, very strong $35,000 or better Is in view. Last week was "Music for Millions" (M-G) (2d run) and Roch- ester (Eddie Anderson), plus AI Trace's Silly Symphonists in person. Jack Bnny's Rochester, as he was billed here, combined with picture for immense $38,000. Strand (WB) (2,756; 60-$1.20)— "Objective Burma" (WB) and Artie Shaw orch (3d wk). Holding up stoutly, with excellent $58,000 or over-sighted this week. Second went to big $63,200. Remains on. Viotorta (Maurer) (720; 70-$1.20)— "Fighting Lady" (20th) (5th wk.). They're still fighting to see this o.o. lady, with Lincoln's birthday, push- ing gross to big $21,000, for. fourth week ended last night (Tues.), while ?>reyious stanza was $24,300. Con- inues Indefinitely. Tomorrow'Brisk 14G, Port; 'St Louis' 13G, 2d Portland. Ore.. Feb. 13. Biz continues on upbeat despite numerous holdovers. "And Now Tomorrow," at Orpheum. is sole newcomer, and strong. Estimates for This Week Broadway (J; J. Parker) (1,900; 40-80)—"Have, Have Not" (WB) (2d wk). Big $14,000. Last week, great $18,500. United Artists (Parker) (900; 40- 80)—"Meet Me St. Louis" (M-G) (2d wk). Smash $13,000. Last week, record $14,200. Orpheum (Hamrick - Evergreen) (1,800; 40-80) —"Now Tomorrow" (Par) and "National Barn Dance" (Par). Strong $14,000. Last week. "Princess and Pirate" (RKO) and "Shadow of Suspicion" (Mono) (3d wk), $7,500. Paramount (H-E0 (3.000; 40-80)— "Winged Victory" (20th) (2d wk). Modest $8,000 in 6 days. Last week, socko. $16,000. Oriental (H-E) (2.040: 40-80)— "Now Tomorrow'' (Par) and "Na- tional Barn Dance"'(Par). Okay $7,500. -Last week, "Winged Victory" (20th), $7,000 in 6 days. Music Bex (H-E) (1,000; 40-80)— "Princess and Pirate" (RKO) and "The Climax" (U). Nice $4,500. Last week, "Till Meet Again" (Par) and "San Diego Love" (U), $4,000 on • days. Bliz Bops Hob Albeit Tfeys'Losty at $30,000, Dnrbin lively 22G, 2d Boston, Feb. 13, lays pjf. wise tall takes. "Keys of the King- dom," new at the Met, Is hot in face of storm. "Belle of Yukon" plus stage show at the RKO looks nice. Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; S0-$1.10)— "Belle Yukon" (RKO) plus Ina Ray Capitol (Loew's) (4.820; 60-*«..?QV_. Hutton band, others, on stage. Great "Thin Man Goes Home" (M-G), ™ eek . s' 0 ^ u P„ b * bliz r;J d ni 5T - • • - - -- opening days. Hence, $28,000 is fig- ured okay. Last week. "Eadle Was Lady" (RKO) plus Earl Carroll's Frankie Carle orch, Marilyn Max well, Johnny Morgan (3d-flnal wk). On blowoff looks fine $64,000, while second week went to stout. $69,200. "Guest in the House" (UA), Ralph Edward's Truth or Consequences ra- dio show, SOnny. Dunham orch and Gloria Jean open tomorrow (Thurs.). Criterion (Loew's) (1,700; C0-$1.25) —"The Suspect" (U) '(3d-ftnal wk). Finished second canto, last night (Tues.) at okay $21,000, and goes three additional days. Initial week was very strong $30,000. "Here Come Co-Eds" (U) opens Saturday (17). Globe (Brandt) (1,418; 60-$1.20)— "Three Caballeros" (RKO) (2d wk). Continues exceptionally big at $35,000 or better.- Opening week went to $38,000. establishing- new record for theatre. Gotham (Brandt) (900; 60-S1.20)— "Mr. Emmanuel" (UA) (6th. wk). Holding steady at near $12,000 for this week (0th). right behind $12,700 registered on fifth, both excellent for this small-seater. Continues lndef, Hollywood (WB) (1.499: 50-$1.20)— "Roughly Speaking" (WB) (3d wk). Close to $24,000. suitable profit, was hit on second week ended last night (Tues). First was $20,500. not big. bdt oke. Palace (RKO) (1.700: 60-$1.10)— "Woman in Window" (RKO) (3d wk). Holiday weekend helping to push this one to, sock $38,000 this week (3d), same as struck on second stanza. ' Holds a. fourth. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 60-$1.20) —"Ministry of Fear" (Par), Johnny Long Orch, Louis Jordan's Tympany Five,'Lorraine Rognan and Jan Mur- ray (2d wk)., Not up to socko stat- ure of other recent shows here, but still virile at $73,000 on initial seven "Vanities" on stage, $28,500. Fenway (M-P) (1.373: 40-74)— "Here Come Waves" (Par) and "Dangerous Passage" (Par). Trim $6,000 despite bliz and two previous weeks at Met. Last week. "Sunday Dinner" (20th) and "Fighting Lady" (20th), $7,800. Majestic (Shubert) (1,500: 40-74) —"Dark Waters" (UA) (2d wk). Good $5,000; $8,000 first. Memorial (RKO) (2.900; 40-75)— ''Can't Help Singing" (U) and "En- ter Arsene Lupin" (U). Durbin starrer still lively at $22,000 on sec- ond week after smash $29,000 first. Metropolitan (M-P) (4,307; 40-74) —"Keys Kingdom" (20th). Would. have' been wow but for storm: strong at $30,000 or near. Last week, "Here Come Waves" (Par) and "Dangerous Passage" (Par) (2d wk). big $26,000. Orpheum (Loew) (2.900; 35-75)— "Song to Remember" (Col) (3d wk). Plenty potent at near $23,000. Last week, $26,800. Paramount (M-P) (1,700: 40-74)— "Here Come Waves" (Par) and "Dangerous Passage" (Par). Solid despite two weeks at Met at $15,000. Last week. "Sunday Dinner" (20th) and "Fighting Lady" (20th). $16,000. State (Loew) (3.200; 35-75)—"Wa- terloo Bridge" (M-G) (reissue) and "Main St. After Dark" (M-G). Split With Orpheum on' this bill but could have held "Song to . Remember* (Col): Third week of "Song" was sweet at $14,000. Trannlux (Translux) (900; 30-74) —"Mummy's Curse" (U). and "Dead Man's Eyes" (U) (3d wk). Fftt |3,- 500. Last week, $5,000.