Variety (Jul 1946)

16 PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, July 17, 1946 'Stranger Record 50G in Okay N.Y.; /Easy to Wed'-Paxton Smash 107G, 'Renegades' Good 21G, 'Breakfast' 16G Business is oft in some downtown.*' New York theatres, but ranges from strong to immense in others, with the overall picture generally satisfactory lor this lime ot year. Warm weather is believed to have caused some de- fection but on Monday (15), which was chilly, the take was above normal for that day. Six new shows moved in during the past week. One' of these, "The Stranger," is drawing sensationally at the Palace where it'finished the first round last night (Tues.) at a little over $50,000, new alltime house high. Exceptionally big is the Capitol bill of "Easy to Wed" and, on stage, George Paxton orch, Hal LeRoy, Joey Adams, others. Initial week will strike $107,000. not very far from record here. State, on secohd-ruh with "Two Sisters From Boston," plus Jackie Glenson and Josh White in person, is also in the winning circle at a probable $35,000 or near, very good. "Breakfast In Hollywood," which arrived at the Globe Saturday. (13), is doing only fairly at $16,000 or better and gets but one more week. At the Criterion, "Renegades" looks on the brighter side at $21,000, while little Rialto gets by okay currently at $7,500 with "Catman of Paris." In the holdover' column "Anna," now in its fourth week at the Music Hull, is well out front at an Indicated $140,000, terrific. At the Strand "Human Bondage" and the Spike Jones orch retain a fast pace at $57,000 or better, while the Para- mount show of "Searching Wind," Andy Russell, Alan Carney, Pied Pipers and Raymond Scott band likewise remains very strong at $70,- 000 clocked on third round through last night (.Tues.). Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 70-$1.40) —••Kid From Brooklyn" (RKO) (13th wk). Continues a smart stride, this week looking $30,000, while 12th was $34,000. Capitol (Loew's) (4,820; 60-$l.t0) —"Easy to Wed". (M-G), with George Paxton orch, Hal LeRoy, Joey Adams and others in person. Very fast from the gun, will hit a terrific $107,000. Last week, fifth for "Two Sisters From Boston" (M-G), Ritz Bros., Grade Barrie and Buddy Morrow orch finished potently at $77,800. Citv Center (1,617; $1.20-$2.40)— "Henry V" <UA) (5th wk). Con- tinues capacity, fourth week through Sunday night (14) having hit $31,200. Criterion (Loew's) (1,700; 60-$ 1.25) —"Renegades" (Col) (2d wk). Good nt around $21,000 on.first week ended last night (Tues.). Last week, second for "Hoodlum Saint" (M-G), very disappointing at less than $10,000. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70-$1.20)— ■••Breakfast Hollywood" (UA). Only fair at $16,000 or over and goes just one more week. In ahead, the third frame for "Diary of Chambermaid" (UA) was $15,000. Gotham (Brandt) (900; 70-$1.20)— "O. S. S." (Par) (8th wk). Remains exceptionally consistent on draw this week appearing fine $20,000, right behind $20,500 scored on seventh. Hollywood (WB) (1,499; 80-$1.10) —"Stolen Life" (WB) (12th wk). Off to $20,000 on 11th stanza ended last night (Tues.) but still good profit. Last week (10) was $26,000. "Night and Day" (WB) opens Thursday (25). Palace (RKO) (1,700; 60-$1.20)— "Stranger" (RKO). Whammo at b.o., with initial seven days through last night (Tues.) registering a little over $50,000 to establish new alltime house high. Concluding five days on fifth week of "Without Reservations" (RKO) was fair $15,000. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 70-$1.20) —"Searching Wind" (Par), with Andy Russell, Alan Carney, Pied Pipers and Raymond Scott orch oh stage (4th-final wk). Still very strong, third week through last night (Tues.) having hit $70,000. The sec- ond, with aid of the Fourth of July, rousing $88,000. Radio City Music Hall (Rockefell- ers) (5.945: 70-$1.25)—"Anna" (20th) and slageshow (4th wk). Still iono- spheric at $140,000, while $146,000 rung up last week (3d). Riallo (Mayer) (594; 35-85)—"Cat- man of Paris" (Rep). Will get about $7,500. okay for this little seater. Last week "Avalanche" (PRC) was on light side at $6,500. Rlvoli (UA^Par) (2,092: 60-$1.25)— "Cluny Brown" (20th) (7th wk). Off to about $14,000,' slow, while last week i6th) short of $17,000. 'Till End of Time" <RKO) opens here next Tuesday (23). Roxy (20th) (5.886; 90-$1.20)— "Centennial Summer" (20th), with Chico Marx and Jane Pickens in per- son, opens here today (Wed.) fol- lowing three fine profit-getting weeks with "Smoky" (20th) and Donald O'Connor.; Blowoff was satisfactory $63,000, the second frame an excel- lent $93,000. State (Loew's) (3,450; 43-$1.10)— "2 Sisters From Boston"' (M-G) (2d run), With Jackie Gleason and Josh White on stage. Prospects sanguine for very good $35,000 or near. Pic- ture holds. Last week "Blue Dahlia' 1 (Par) (2d .run), with "Guess Who?" radio program with Happy Felton, plus Chucho Martinez,, went to $31,000. Strand (WB) (2,756: 75-$1.20)— "Human Bondage" (WB) and Spike Jones orch (2d wk). Holding up extremely: Well, with robust $57,000 sighted this week (2d). The first over the Fourth of July soared to $69,000, terrific. Victoria (Maurer) (720; 70-$1.20)— "Suspense" (Mono) (2d wk). Re- tains excellent speed, this week look- ing big $30,000. The first near to $34,000. Winter Garden (UA) (1,312; 60- $1.50)—"Dead of Night" (U) (3d wk). Remains suitable at $16,000, while last' week (2d) was $18,000. 'Summer Big 36G, Own 19a Wash Washington, July 16. Business is holding up better than expected in the mid-city district. "Centennial Summer" grabs the brass ring currently with topflight trade spurred by the publicity at- tendant upon personal appearances of 20th players opening day. "To Each His Own" also doing a little bell-ringing. Estimates for This Week Keith's (RKO) (1.838: 44-80)— "Without Reservations" (RKO) (2d wk). Mild at $14,000. Last week was smash $26,000. Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 44-80)— "Centennial Summer" (20th) with vaude. Very strong at $36,000. Last week, "Dark Corner" (20th) with vaude, hit nice $28,000. Columbia (Loew) (1,263; 44-70)— "Two Sisters from Boston'! (M-G) (m.o.). Nice at $9,000. Last week, "Blue Dahlia" (Par) (m.o.), $8,000. Palace (Loew) (2.370; 44-70)— "Well Groomefl Bride" (Par). Fine $18,000 or over in view. Last week, "Green Years" (M-G) (2d wk), sock $22,000. Earle (WB) (2,154; 44-85)—"To Each His Own" (Par). Heading for big $19,000 or better. Last week, "Janie Gets Married" (WB), $16,000. Metropolitan (WB) (1,503; 44-70)— "Our Hearts Were Growing Up" (Par), week. $9,600. Satisfactory at $9,000^ Last 'Walls Tumbling Down" (Col), K.C. Booms; 'Smoky' Fancy 13G, 'Sisters' 18G, 'Rendezvous' 10G Kansas City, July 16. Theater row is experiencing good biz all around, with duo of newcom- ers being "Two Sisters from Bos- ton' at Midland and "Bride Wore Boots" at Newman. "Sisters"- a probable holdover. Two holdovers are "Smoky" at Esquire-Uptown- which ran away with the show last week, and "Without Reservations" a holdover after a large week at the Orpheum. Gay Nineties Review on stage of Tower has biz up a little there. Estimates for This Week Esqulre-Uptown-Falrway (Fax Midwest) (820. 2043. 700: 45-65) — "Smoky" (20lh) (2d wk). Fancy $13,000. Last week horse film ran away with biz with preview and heavy holiday and week-end trade sending take to mammoth $28,000. Midland (Loews) (3.500; 45-65)— "Two Sisters from Boston" (M-G). The week's leader at $18,000 and likely to hold. Last week "Bad Bas- comb" (M-G) and "Night Editor" (Col) pleasant $14,500. Newman (Paramount) (1.900: 45- 65)—"The Bride Wore Boots" (Par). Mild $13,000. Last week "To Each His Own 1 ' (Par) (2d wk)> fair .$9,- 500. Orpheum (RKO) (1.900: 45-65)— "Without Reservations'' (RKO) and "truth About Murder" (RKO) (2d wk). Nice $10,000. Last week same films did fine $16,000. Tower (Fox Joffee) (2.100; 39-60) — "Rendezvous 24" (20th) and "Dressed To Kill" (U), with Gay Nineties Revue on stage. Good $10,- 000 seen. Last, week "Rainbow Over Texas" (Rep)'and "The Glass Alibi" (Rep) with stage bill, average $9,000. 'SISTERS' SMASH 21G, 'OWN' 12G, PAGE DENVER Denver, July 16. "Two Sisters from Boston" with Truth About Murder" for company packing Orpheum repeatedly for best gross here and holds. "To Each His Own" is good enough at Den- ham to stay a third week. Estimate! for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1.400; 35-74)—"The Westerner" (FC) (reissue) and "It Shouldn't Happen to Dog" (20th). after week at each Denver and Esquire. Will be fair $4,000. Last week, "Smoky" (20th) and "Junior Prom" (Mono) (m.o ), big $6,500. Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 35-70)— "To-Each His Own" (Par) (2d wk). Good $12,000-and holds. Last week smash $18,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 35-74)— "Night in Casablanca" (UA) and "Deadline for Murder" (20th), day- date with Esquire. Stout $16,000. Last week, "The Westerner" (FC) (reissue) and "It Shouldn't Happen to Dog" (20th), same as Denver, Webber, big $18,000. Esquire (Fox) (742; 35-74)—"Night in Casablanca" (UA) and "Deadline for Murder" (20th), day-date with Denver. Nice $4,000. Last week. "The Westerner" (FC) (reissue) and "It Shouldn't Happen to Dog" (20th), same as Denver, Webber, good $3,500, Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 35-74)— "Two Sisters Boston" (M-G) and "Truth About Murder" (RKO). On way to smash $21,000 and holds. Last week, "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G) and "Wanderer of Wasteland" (RKO) (2d wk), good $14,000. Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 35-74)— "In Old Sacramento" (Rep) and "The Glass Alibi" (Rep), day-date with Webber. Good $9,000. Last week, "So Goes My Love" (U) and "Madonna of Seven Moons" (U), big $11,000, i m Rialto (Fox) (878; 35-74)^"Smoky" (20th) and "Junior Prom" (Mono), after two weeks each at Denver, Esquire, Webber, and one at Aladdin. Big $6,500 seen. Last week, "Cat Creeps" (U) and "She Wolf of Lon- don" (U). $6,000. Webber (Fox) (750; 35-74)—"In Old Sacramento" (Rep) and "Glass Alibi" (Rep), day-date with Para- mount. Okay $3,000. Last week, "The Westerner" (FC) (reissue) and 'It Shouldn't Happen to Dog" (20th), same as Denver and Esquire, fine $3,500. ■ Colbert $16^00 Tops Lush Cincy Cincinnati. July 16. Only two stands, as against five last week, have new bills, yet general downtown returns are satisfactory. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 44-70)— "Without Reservations" (RKO). Speedy $16,500. Last week, "Stranger" (RKO), sock $18,500. Capitol (RKO) (2.000; 44-70)— "Green Years" (M-G) (3d wk). Bumper $8,000 trailing big $10,500 second sesh. Grand (RKO) (1.430: 44-70)— "Make Mine Music" (RKO) (2d wk) Lusty $10,000 following terrific $16,- 000 unveiling. Keith's (United) (1.500: 44-70)— "Somwhere in Dark" (20th) (2d wk) Holding to sharp $5,000 after fancy $6,500 teeoff. Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 44-70)— "Stranger" (RKO) (m.o.). Good $6, 000. Last week, "In Old Sacramento" (Rep) and 'Murder in Music Hall' (Rep), moderate $5,500. Palace (RKO) (2.600; 44-70)— "Scandal in Paris" (UA). All right $14,500. Last week, "Stolen Life" (WB), sock $20,000. Shuberl (RKO) ■ (2.100; 44-70)— "Stolen Life" (WB) (m.o.). Great $10,000. Last week. "Night in Casa- blanca" (UA) (m.o.), pleasing $6,500 'Ziegfeld' Hot 14G, Mont'I Montreal, July 16. "Postman Always.Rings Twice" is on holdover but is only fairish at the Palace. "Ziegfeld"' looks strong- est. Estimates for This Week Palace (CT) (2,700: 35-62) "Post- man Always Rings Twice" (M-G) Only fair $10,000 for second week after boff $14,000 opener. Capitol (CT) (2,700; 35.62) "Devo- tion" (WB). Mild at $12,000. Last week "Night in Paradise" (U) weak $9,500. Loew's (CT) (2.800; 35-67) "Zieg fold Follies" (M-G). Hot $14,000 or over.. Last week "Road to Utopia' (Par) good $12,000 for second ses sion. Princess (CT) (2,300; 35-53) "The Hoodlum Saint" (M-G) and "Strange Conquest" (RKO). Good $7,000. Last week "Cinderella Jones" (WB) and "Phantom Thief" (WB) average $6,800. Imperial (CT) (1.850: 25-45)—"The Cat Creeps" (U) and "She Wolf ot London" (U). Nice $5,000. Last week-"Yank in London" (20th) and "Johnny Comes Flying Home' (CoO so-so $4,700. Chicago Besting Heat With Door Wide Open for Postman' Which Rings Bell at 60G, 3d; To Each' 35G Grosses Are Net Film gross estimates, as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net, i.e., with- out the 20% tax. Distributors share on net take, when playing percentage, hence, the estimated figures are net income. : The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, in- clude the U.S. amusement tax. H.0.S Clog Hub; Kid'Big 30G, 2d Boston/July 16. RKO Boston, holding over "Run- around" with stage show, and Keith Memorial, with "Kid From Brook- lyn" in second week, are leading the town. Cool, overcast weather, getting fair again over weekend, boosted b.o. takes. "Henry V" bowing out at last after 15 weeks at Esquire. Estimates for This Week . Boston (RKO) (3,200; 50-$1.10>— "Without Reservation" (RKO), plus Dick Stabile orch, Anne Triola and Mischa Auer on stage (2d wk). Great $28,000 in view. Last week, $36,000. Esquire (M-P) (1,200; $2.40)— Henry V" (UA) (15th wk). Accept- able $7,000. Weekly average for run was about $8,000. Fenway (M-P) (1,375: 40-80)— "Well Groomed Bride" (Par). Fair $7,000. Last week, "Bride Wore Boots" (Par), same. Majestic (Brand Mage) (1,500; 40- 80)—"Rebecca" (UA) (reissue) (3d wk). Poor $5,000. Last week. $5,500. Memorial (RKO) (2.900; 40-80)— "Kid From Brooklyn" (RKO) arid "Falcon's Alibi" (RKO) (2d wk). Hotsy $30,000. Last week. $30,000. Metropolitan (M-P) (3,467; 40-80) —"To Each His Own" (Par) and "Hot Cargo" (Par). Fair $22,000. Last week, $30,000. Orpheum (Loew) (2,900: 40-80)— "Two Sisters From Brooklyn" (M-G). Good $28,000. Last week. "Bad Bas- comb" (M-G) and "Hoodlum Saint" (M-G), $26,000. Paramount (M-P) (1.700: 40-80)— "Well Groomed Bride" (Par). Mild $14,000. Last week, "Bride Wore Boots" (Par), $14,000. State (Loew. (.3.200; 35-80)—"Two Sisters" (M-G). Nice $18,000. Last week, "Bad Bascomb" . (M-G), and "Hoodlum Saint" (M-G). $16,000. Trans lux (Translux) (900: 30-74) —"Avalanche" (PRC) and "Voodoo Man" (Mono). Average $5,000. Last week, "Bedlam" (RKO) and "Gentle- man Misbehaves" (Col). $5,000. Tremont (Brand Mage) (1.500: 40- 80)—"Rebecca" (UA) (3d wk). Poor $5,000. Last week, $6,000. Frisco Up; 'Sisters' Big 33G, Colbert, Nichols 30G, 2d San Francisco, July 16. Business is on the upgrade this week, headed by the $33,000 which "Two Sisters From Boston" is ex- pected to gross at the Fox. All other pictures are on holdover. Among these, "Without Reservations," cur- rently oh second week at the Golden Gate with the Red Nichols orch on stage, will attain a strong $30,000. Estimates for. This Week Golden Gate (2,844; 60-95)—"With- out Reservations" (RKO) (2d wk), plus vaude headed by Red Nichols orch. Looks strong $30,000. Last week was sweet $38,500. Fox (FWC) (2,651; 55-85 WTwo Sisters From Boston" -(•M-G). Pac- ing for terrific $33,000. Last week "O.S.S." (Par) same. Warfleld (FWC) (2,656; 55-85) - "Stolen Life" (WB) (2d wk). On way to nice $21,000. Last week, neat $34,000. Paramount (FWC) (2.C46; 65-85) "Smoky" (20th) (3d wk). On final six days will be oke $13,000. Last week, a solid $20,000. St. Francis (FWC) (1,400; 55-85) —"O.S.S." (Par) (m.o.). Very fine $14,000 seen. Last week, "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G) (m.o.) was lukewarm $9,000. Stale (FWC) (2.133: 55-85)—"Well Groomed Bride" (Par) (3d wk) (m.o.). Slow at $7,000. Last week, fair $12,000.' /: Orpheum (Blumcnfeld) (1,207: 55- 85)—"Diary of a Chambermaid" (UA) (3d wk). Suitable lit $12,000, Last week, okay $15,000. United Artists (Blumenfcld) (1,- 207; 55-85)—"Outlaw" (UA) (7th wk). Looks $13,000, stout. Last week, nice $14,000. Chicago, July is. Biz going along surprisingly well, considering the heat. Oriental, still doing the town s top biz with $60,000 for third frame of "Postman Always Rings Twice," with Mills Bros, on stage, but with all-day admish pegged at 95 cents. Same is true of "Kid from Brook- lyn," at the Woods, with $33,000 on tap. "To Each His Own," is also mop- ping up to the tune of $35,000, as is 'Renegades" at $23,000, while pair- ing of "Lover, Come Back" and She Wrote the Book" will do a nice $25,000 at the Palace. Other sweet grosses are being chalked up by "Smoky" which heads for $25.- 000 at the Roosevelt, and "Do You Love Me?" with Vivian: Blaine on stage, at $48,000 on third Chicago theatre week. Estimates for This Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 65-95) — 'Renegades" (Col). Staunch $23,-. 000 seen. Last week, "Cluny Brown" (20th) (3d wk), disappoint- ing $14,000. Chicago (B&K) (3,900: 05-95) — "Do You Love Me?" (20th) with Vivian Blaine on stage (3d wk). Okay $48,000. Last week, sweet' $54,000. Garrlok (B&K) (900: 65-95) — Her Kind of Man" (WB) (2d wk). Fair $11,000. Last week, strong $15,000. Grand (RKO) (1,150; 65-95) — Without Reservations" (RKO) and Inside Job" (U) (3d Loop week in m.o. from Palace). Nice $10,000. Last week, "Rebecca" (UA). (reis- sue) and "Ding Dong Williams" (RKO), same. Oriental (Essaness) (3,240; 95) — "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G) with Mills Bros, on stage (3d wk). Sock $60,000. Last week, terrific $64,500. Palace (RKO) (2,500: 65-95) — "Lover, Come Back" (U) and "She Wrote the Book" (U). Fine $25,000. Last week, "Without Reservations" (RKO) and "Inside Job" (U> '.2d wk), excellent $28,500. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 65-95)— "Sjrioky" (20th) (2d wk). Grand $25,800. First week sockeroo $32,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2.700; 65-95} —"To Each His Own" (Par) (2d wk). Great $35,000. Initial seven days was very fine $37,000. United Artists (B&K) (1.700: 65- 95)—"Gilda" (Col) (6th wk). Sloughing off with $18,000 but okay. Last week hit satisfactory $20,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,200; 95) — "Kid from Brooklyn" (RKO) (5th wk). Lofty $33,000 seen. Last week was sweeping $35,000. PHILLY SLOW ALBEIT 'CENTENNIAL' BIG 35G Philadelphia. July 16. Films on tap here are in the clutches of midsummer doldrums this week with only exception being "Centennial Summer" which is reap- ing benefit of a great, exploitation job. "Tarzan and leopard Woman." getting fair play but. rest of town ■ is quiet. Estimates for This Week Aldlne (WB) (1,303; 42-89) — "Seventh Veil" (U) (2d wk). Mild $8,500. Last week okay $15,500. Arcadia (Sablosky) (700; 42-89)— "Blue Dahlia" (Par) (2nd run). Fair $7,800. Last week . "Two Sisters Boston" (M-G)'fine $8,500. Boyd (WB) (2,350; 42-89) — "Of Human Bondage" (WB). Mediocre at $16,500. Last week ■■■•'Heartbeat" (RKO) . modest $15,500. Earle (WB) (2,760; 52-99) — "Danger Woman" (U) with stage show including John Kirby orch and Lew. Parker.- So-so $20,000. Last week "Well Groomed Bride" (Par) fairish $16,500. - Fox (20th) (2,250; 42-89)—"Cen- tennial Summer" (20th). Ballyhoo on opening here jacking this one up to higher brackets at $35,000. Last week "Somewhere in Night" (20th) n.'s.h. $10,000 for five days of second week. Karlton (Goldman) (1.000: 42-89) —"Postman Rings Twice" cM-G) (2d run). Oke $9,000. Cast week "Spiral Staircase'^ (RKO) neat $8,- 500. Keith's (Goldman)'(2,200; 42-89)-* "Do You Love Me" (20th) (2d run). Fair $6,000. Last week "From This Day Forward" (RKO) poor $2,500 for four days of second run: Mastbaum (WB) (4,387: 42-89) — "Stolen Life" (WB) (2d wk). Slum- ping to mere $22,000 after smash $48,000 for opener last week. Stanley (WB) (2,950: 42-89)— "Green Years" (M-G) (2d wk). Tak- ing it on chin for so-so $18,500 after great $33,000 first week. Stanton (WB) (1,475; • 42-89) -r "Tnrzan ■■■ and Leonard Woman" (RKO). Fine $15,500. Last-.wok "Wife of Monte Cristo" (PRC) w<:ik $9,000 for holdover sesh.