Variety (Jan 1947)

10 nCTIJRK GROSSES UTSStffFf Wednesday, January 1, 1947 L A. Soars; 'Razor' Colossal 120G, 'life Tall 67G, 'Humoresque Big 66G, Temptation' Lush 43G, 'Hardy' 51G Lop Angeles, Dec. 30. ^ First-runs here expect better than t 500,000 total take in current week, trong new film.s and roadshows are Wccounting for most of heavy coin,, -with biz aided by clear skies and ■holiday crowds. Loader is "Razor's Edge," with, smash $120,000 likely in four -theatres. "Wonderful Life" Jocks hefty $67,000 in two hou.ses. "Hunndresque,". in three, spots, looks to do great $66,000 and possibly riiore. "Love Laughs Andy Hardy'' shapes okay $51:000 in four locations. "Temptation" is neat $43,OOO in five spots. Two roadshows »re "Yearling" and "Best Years." Former is coming in with fine $30,000 while "Years" i.s smart $22,000, each playing in, one house. Estimates for This Week Belmont ,(FWC) (1,532; 60-$lV.— "Love Laughs Andy Hardy" tM-G i. Fair $7,000. Last week, "Secret Heart" (M-G) (3d wk-5 days>. only $2,000. Beverly (FWC) (1,270; .$141.80)— "Best Years Our Lives" (RKO). Gi-eat $22;000. Started roadshow run Dec. 25, Last week, subsequent runs. Beverly Hills Music Hall (Blumenfeld-G&S) (824; 65-$l) —"Strange Woman" (tJA) (2ci wk). Smart $6,500. Last week, handsome $6,800, big considering weather. Carthay Circle (FWC) (1,518; $1$1.80)— "The Yearling" (M-G). Fine $30,000. Opened roadshow run Dec. 25, Last week. "Magnificent Doll" (U) (m.o,), $3,500, Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2,048; 60-$l ) — "Razor's Edge" (2gth) . Wham $.32,000, Last week, "Two Smart People" (M-G) and "Cockeyed Miracle" (M-G) (2d wk), thin $7,000, Downtown (WB) (1.800; 50-$l) — -Humoresque'.' (WB). Good $24,000. Last week, "Never Say Goodbye" (WB) (2d wk), dim ,$8,200, Downtown Music Hall (Blumenfeld) (872; 55-$l) — "Str a n g e Woman" (UA) (2d wk). Nice $19,000. Last week, very fancy $19,000. Egyptian (FWC) . (1,538; 60-$l)— "Love Laughs" (M-G) (5 days). Fine $9,000, House goes roadshow, Dec, 31 with "Duel in Sun" (SRO). tast wteek, "Secret Heart" (M-G) (3d wk-5 days), $4,100. EI Rey (FWC) (861; 60-$l)— "Noc; ttirne" (RKO) (2d wk). Near $3,000. i Last -.^^eek, neat $5,400, Four Star (UA-WC) (900; 60-85) —"Nocturne" (RKO).. Okay $3,000, Last week, "Margie" (20th), ,(4th wk) (m.o.), $2,900. Guild (FWC) (968; 60-$l)— "Temptation" (U). Slow -$4,500. Last week, "Show-Off" (M-G) arid ."Shadow of Woman" (WB) (2d wk), only . $2,800. , ; Hawaii (C&S-Blumenfeld) (956: 80-$!)— "Strange Woman" (UA) <2d wk). Steady $7,500. Last week, nifty $7,700. Hollywood (WB) (2,756: 50-$l)— "Humoresque" (WB). Handsome $21,000. Last week, "Never ' Say Goodbye" (WB) (2d wk), dull $6,700. Hollywood Music Hall (Blumcn'' fcld) (475; 50-85)— "Strange Woman"(UA) (2d wk). Neat $6,500. Last week, smart $6,600. , Iris (FWC) (828; 60-85)— "Temptation" (U). Mode?t $4,000. La.sl week, "Show-Ofi" (M-G) and "Shadow of Woniatf' (WB) i2d wk), slow $3,600. \ . Loew State (Loew-WC) (2,404; 60$1 )— -Razor's Edge" (20th ). Huge $51,000. Last week, . "Two Smart People" (M-G) and "Cockeyed Miracle" (M-G) (2d wk), faint $9,700. . Lbs Angfcles (D'town-WC) (2,097; 60-!i!l )— "Love Laughs" (M-G). Modcrate $24,000. Last weefc^ "Secret He;)rt" (M-G) (3d wk-5 days), thin $6.(i00. . . Loyola (FWC) (1.248; 60-$l )— "Razor's' Edge" (20th). Smash $17,000. Last week, "Two Smart People" : (M-G) and "Cockeyed Miracle" (M-G), only $3,700. Million Dollar (D'town) (2,420; 55-8,'3)— ■'Mi.s.sing Lady" (Mono) with Three Stooges on .stage. Good $21.000. Last week. "Return -of Rusfy" (Col) with circus revue on stage (8 days). $19,600. Orpheum (D'town-,WG) (2.210; 60$1)— "Nocturne" (RKO) and "Sunset Pass" (RKO) .(2d wk). Tall $18,000. Last week. Healthy $21,800. Pantages (Psn) (2.R12; .50-$l)— "Wonderful Life" (RKO). Big $3,5.000, Last week. ".Joisoti Story" . (Col)(7th wk-S, days), closed at $10,200. • Taramount (F&M) (3,398: .5041)— "Blue Skies" (Par) (2d wk). Stout $35,000 minus New Year's Eve .show. Last week, great ,$38,500, Paramourtt Hollywood (F&M) 451: 50-$l)— "Blue Skies" (Par) ■wk). Bright $19,000, Last week $24-000. ■' •"KO Hillsfi-eet (RKO) (2,890: 80) — . "Wonderful Life" (RKO). Strong $.32,000. Last week, ".lolson Story" (Col) (7th Wjc-e days), $9,500. BItz (FWC) (1,370; «0-$l)— 'TcmptatioD" (U). t^ice . $10,000. Last Broadway Grosses Esdihated Total Gross This Week . ....... ,$1,086,500 ^Based on n themre.iy(Bfl.-ied on 18. fUenlre.s) Last Week . . . ., $L009,!S00 ' . . iBasea on 17 theatres) *Show-Off,' Time Each 22G, St. Loo St. Louis, Dec, 30. Barring a threatened tran.sit strike on Jan. 1, New Year's eve biz will hypo grosses all over this .stanza. The Fox and Ambassador will present six shows at $1,50 with the Missouri going to $1 for same night. Loew's State and Orpheum will maintain the usual scale. "The Show-Oft" and "Man I Love" are running neck and neck for top coin, /both sock. "Time, Place and Girl" also is big. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 50-75) ^"Time, Place, Girl" (WB). Smash $20,000. Last week, "Blue Skies": (Par) (4th wk), big $12,000. . Fox (F&M) (5,000; 50^75)— "Man I Love" (WB) and "The Unknown" (Col), Strong $22,000, ' Last week, "Brcnnan Girl" (Rep) and "Sketch Book" (Rep), big $18,000, Loew's (Loew) (3,172; .50-75)— ■Show-Off" (M-G) and "Secrets Whistler" (Col). Sock $22,000. Last week. "Gallant Journey" (Col) and VBlackic and Law" (Col), $10,500. Missouri : (F&M) (3,500; 50-75)— "Razor's Edge" (20th) (2d wk). Huge $20,000 after big $21,000 first stanza, Orpheum (Ixiew) (2,000; 50-75)— "Strange Woman" (UA) and "Doctor's Man Hunt" (Gol) (m,o.). Nice $7,000 on second session after $8,500 opener, St, Louis (F&M) (4,000; 50-60)— "Blue Skies" (Par) (m.o.). Fine $12,000, Last week, "Two Years Before Mast" (Par) (2d run), $7,500. 'DOLL' SOCKO $13,000, INDPLS.; lARGIE' 18G Indianapolis, Dec. 30, Film biz under holiday stimulus has rebounded nicely from year's low in pre-Chrislmas week last session. i'Margie" i.s the big noise at the Indiana, with "Show-Oft" at Loew's and "Magnificent Doll" at Keith's big to lancy.. Esiimatei^ for This Week Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,450; 40-60)— "Lady Luck" (RKO) and "Criminal Court" (RKO). Nice $12,000, Last week, "Crack-Up" (RKO) and "Rendezvous With Annie" (Rep), thin $6,000 in 6 days, Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,300; 40-60) —"Margie" I20lh). Hefty $18,000, Last week,' "Verdict" (WB) and "Earl Carrol Sketchbook" (Rep), $8,000, Keith's (Indie) (1,.300; 40-60)— -Magnificent Doll" (U), Big $13,000, and likely holds. 1-ast week, "If I Had My Way" (U) and "Shadow of Doiibt" (U) (reissues). $5,000, Loew's (Loew's) (2,4,50; 40-60)— "Show-Oft" (M-G) and "Devil's, Playground" (UA). Fancy $15,000, Last week, "Two Smart People" (M-G) and "Cockeyed Miracle" (M-G), $9,000. Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (1.600; 40-60)— "Spider Woman Strikes Back" (U) and "Hou.se of Horrors" (U). Neat $8,000. Last week, ""Martha Ivers" (Par) (m.o.), $4,000. Hub N,S.a But 'Best Years' Great liiG, 'Show-Or Fast 38G; 'Deception 25G Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gron This Weeic $4,076,000 (.Based On 20 ctties, 181 theatres, chiefly flTsi runs, including N. y.) Total Gross San* Week Last Year .,. ,, .. . ,.$.1,75,5,300 (Based on 20 cilies, 174 theatres) (1,(2d . big .50 'Edge' Terrif $18,000, Omaha; 'Song' Huge lOG Omaha, Dec. 30. "Razor's Edge" appears set to do a terrific week at the Paramount this session. Even cold weather didn't slow up biz: "Song of the South" aLso is smash surprise at the Brandeis,'' .. ■ , Estimates for This Week Brandeis (RKO) (1,500; 16-65 )— "Song of South" (RKO) and "Falcon's Adventure" (RKO), Smash $10,000, and likely holdover. Last week. "Lady Luck" (RKO) and "Step by Step" (RKO), $6,000. Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 16..65) — "Darling Clementine" (20th) and "Pei-sdnality Kid" (Col). Modest : $10iOOO, .La.st week, "SheWolf of London"' (U) and "Spider Woman Strikes Back" (U), fair $8,300, OrpheniM (Tristate.s) (3,000; 16-65) —"Black Beauty" (20th) and "Cockeyed Miracle" (M-G). Nice $12,000. Last week, "Young Widow" (UA) and "Deadline for Murder" (201 h). $9.200;'; ' Paramount (Tristates) (3,000; 1665)— "Razor's Edge" (20th). Terrific $18,000. one of best grosses here in years. La.st week, "Darling Clementine" (20th), $11,000, ■>■'■. ■ ■ .. ■ : ■.■ ■ '^^ ■ ■ , ' .■■ ; . ,'■ ■ ■ week, "Show-OfI" (M-G) and "Shadow of Woman'' (WB) (2d wk), okay $6,100. , Studio City (FWC) (880; 60-$I)— : "Temptation" (U). Okay ,$6,.500. Last week, "Show-Oft" (MrG) rind "Shadb.w of Woman" (WB) (2d wk), light .$3,100. . United Arti.sts (UA-WC) (2,100; 60-$]) — "Temptation" (U> and Slightly Scandalous" (U). Sturdy $18,000. Last week. "Show-Oft" ,(MG) and "Shadow of Woman" (WB) (2d wk), nice $10,200. ■ Uptown (FWC) (1,719;. 60-$l)— "Razor's Edge" (20th). Sharp $20,000. La.st week, "Two Smart People'' (M-G) and "Cockeyed Miracle" (M-G) (2d wk), faint $3,S00. Vogue (FWC) (885; 60-85)— "Nocturne" (RKO) (2d wk-5 days). Oke $3,600. Goes roadshow on Dec. 31 with "Duel in Sun" (SRO). Last week, nice $6,100. Wilshire (FWC) (2,296; 60-$l )— "Love Laughs" (M-G). Light $11,000. Last week. "Secret Heart" (M-G) (3d wk-!5' davs), $3,900. WlUern (WB) ("2-,300; 50-$l)— "Humoresque" (WB). Hefty $21,000. Last week, "Never Say Goodbye" (WB) (2d wk), thin $5,700, ' 'Song,' 'Skies Big 20G Each in Prov. Providence, Dec, 30, Biz is perking hereabouts with all stands spurting after ' slight Christmas drop. "Blue Skies" at Strand. "Show-Oft" at State and "Song of the South" at Albee look standout. Estimates lor This Week Aibce (RKO) (2,200; 44-65)— "Song of South" (RKO) and "Falcon's Adventure" (RKO), Strong $20,000 or near. Last week, "Westerner" (reissue) and "Dick Tracy Vs, Cueball" (RKO), fairi.sh $8,000, Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 44-65) —•'Nobody Lives Forever" (WB) and "Secrets Sorority ' Girl" (PRC) (3d downtown wk ). Fair $4,000 alter hitting $4,500 in second stanza. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65)— "Razor's Edge" (20th). Opens Tuesday (31). In ahead, "Margie" (20th) (2d wk), fair $8,000. First week was wow $17,000. Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 6588 )-v,"Bowery Bombshell" (Mono) and eight acts of vaude. Opened New Year's Eve. Last week, "MysterTous Mr. Valentine" (Rep) and Earl Carroll "Vanities" revue' on -stage for three-day weekend run good $7,000. State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65)— "Till Clouds Roll By" (M-G). Opened Tue.sday (31). In ahead,"Show-Oft' (M-G) and "Devil's Playground' <M-G). sock $24,000. La.st week, "Gallant Journey" (Col) and "Betty Co-Ed" (Col), $17,000. : Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 44-65) -"Blue Skies" (Par) (2d wk). Starts Jan: 1, First ,sf'sh was knockout $20,000. Last week, "1,001 Nights" (Col) and "Wouldn't Say Yes" (Col), $10,000,'. . ^ Balto Hotsy; 'Edge' Wow $23,000, 'Doll' Big 19G, Skelton 20G, Time' 18G Baltimore, Dec. 30, Everything took a spurt here this. \t'cek with bi.!? entries for holiday sessions ..bringing . some top figures. Of current list,: -mostly Xm. i Day starteris. "Razor's Edge" is lead mg the parade at the New. ^Also. big are "The Show-Off" at Loew's Century. . and ."Magnificent Doll" . at Keith's. Estimates for This Week ; Centiiry (Locw's-UA) (3,000; 2060)— "Show-Oil" (M-G). Great i^20,000 tor new Skelton comedy. La.st week. "Gallant Bess" (M-G), fairish $12,400. . :: ". ^ . Ilippodrnme (Rappaport) (2,240; 20 jWl— "Falcon's Adventure" (Col) plu.s Freddie Slae.. orch and Ella Mae .Morse, Stage show countihg for most of neat $16,000. La.st week-, "Step by Step" (RKO) pluji Louis Prima orch, -oM'set pre-holiday blues ■at,$18.600. Keiths (Schanber,ger) (2.460; 2060)— ■■Magnifies .t Doll" (U). Nicely spotted at .lilS.OOO. Last week. "They Were Sisters" lU), fair $8,800: . Mayfair (Hicks) iflSO; 25-55)— "Bachelor's D ughters" (UA), Average ,$4;000. Last week, "Home In Oklahoma" (Rep), $3,300. ■ , New (Mechanic) (1,800; 20-60) — "Razor's Edge" (20th )t Leading current parade with terrific $23,000, Last week, "Wake Up, Dream'-' (20th) (3d wk). $6,200. Stanley (WB) (3,280; "5-74)— "Time. Place. Gi,rl" (WB). Drawing well at $18,000 or near. Last week, second ot "The Verdict" (WB) , $9,200, 'Razor' Slick 44G, Det.; Skelton 18G Detroit, Dec. 30. Biz is rebounding nicel.y this week after pre-Xmas slump but not measuring up to hopes. Outstanding promise to be "Razor's Edge," "Notorious" and "Show -Off." Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,740; 70-95),— "Return of Monte Cristo" (Col) and "Blondie's Big Moment" (Col. Fine $15,000. Last week, "Notorious Gentleman" (U) and "Inner Circle" (Rep) (2d Wk), okay $7,200 in 5 days. Broadway Capitol (United! Detroit) (3,309; 70-95)— "Notorious" (RKO) and "Vacation in Reno" (RKO). Stout $32,000., Last week. "Kings Row" (WB) and "Bill Hickok Rides" (WB) (reissues) (2d wk), fair $12,000. Downtown (Balaban) (2,683; 7095)-.-"Dark Mirror" (U) (m.o.) and "My Dog Shep" (SG). Lour $11,000 in 6 days. Last week, "Captain Caution" (SG) and "Captain Fury" (SG) (reissiies) (2d wk), $8,000, Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,100; 70-95) ^"Razor's Edge" (20th), Socko $44,000. Last week, "Dark Mirror" (U) and "Dangerous Millions" (2d wk), good $13,000 m 5 davs. Madison (United Detroit) (1,866; !jO-60)-r-"Searching Wind" (Par) and "Night in Casablanca" (M-G). Good $1,900 in 3 days, Lii^t week, "Stranger" (RKO) and "Black Beauty" (20th), $2,200 in 3 days. , Michigan (United Detroit) (4,039; 70-95)— "Cloak and Dagger" (WB) and "Geniu-s at Work" (RKO) (2d wk). Nice $18,000 in 5 davs. Last week, loud $34,000, Palms-State (United Detroit) (2,976: 70-95)— "Blue Skies" (Par) and 1 "Wife Wanted" (Mono) (6th wk), | Strong $16,000 in 5 days. La.st week, lusty $18,000. I United Artists (United Detroit) (1,941; 70-95)— "Show-Oft" (M-G); and "The Trap" (Mono), Smart $18,000 in 5 da.y,s for Red Skelton's comedy. Last week, "Undercurrent" (M-G) and "Sun.set Pass" (RKO) (3d wk ), .stout $12,000. Boston, Dec. 30 New holiday product all arouiid served as hypo to limping holiday biz, but it'.s stiU well oft expeplancv "Show-Off" day -date at" State-' Orpheum, looks.best and likelv to do strong session. "Song of the South," at the Memorial, despite desultoi-y picketing on basis of its so-called unfairness to Negroes, still is fiice on holdover. "Best Years of Our Lives," at Esquire, off to big start. ■ Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) : (3,200; 5'0-$1.10)— "Wake Up, Dream" (20th) plus Earl Carroll "Vanities" -reviie on stage Nice at $26,000. Last week, ■■Wost-i eriier" (UA) (reissue) plus Scat Davis orch, others, on stage, $22,000 Esquire (M-P) (1,200: $1.80)-^ "Best Years Lives," (RKO): Road show run opened here Christinas day (25). Can do about $17,000 at scale on a two-a-day basis. First week looks great $16,000. Last week subsequent runs. Fenway (M-P) (1,373: 40-80)— "Blue Skieii" (Par) (2d wk). Nice $10,000 after same last week. This is fifth week downtown. Majestic (Indie) (1,500; 40-80)— "Story of Pope" (Indie) (2d wk). Still off at $6,000, Last week was $6,500, : Mcmoriar (RKO) (2,900: 40-KO)— "Song of South" (RKO) and "Dark Horse" (U) .(2d wk). Fancy $20,000 aftfer nice $25,000, first. House was picketed during (jliriiitmas shopping season on account racial aspect. Metropolitan (M-P) (4.,367; 40-80) —"Deception" (WB) , and"Dangcrotis Millions" (20lh), Good $25,000. Last week, "Verdict" (WB) and ■'Plainsman Lady" (Rep), $20,000, Orpheum (Loew) (2,900: 40-80)— "Show-Off" (M-G) and "So Dark Night" (Col), Strong $24,000 and holds. Last week, "Strange Woman" (UA) and "Secret Whistler" , .iCoO (2d wk-5 days), $15,000; Paramount (M-P) (4,700; 40-80)— "Blue Skies" (Par) (2d wk). Nice $16,000 after $15,000 opener. Moved here from three weeks at Met. State (Loew) (3,200; 40-80)"Show-Ofl" (M-G) and "So Dark Night" (Col), Stout $14,000 and holds. Last week. "Strange Woman" (UA) and "Secret Whistler" (Col) i2d wk5 days), $10,000. Translux (Translux) (900: 40-74)— "Notorious Gentleman" <U) and "Don't Gamble Strangers" (Mono). Excellent $6,500, and big for this house. Last week, "Miuder My Sweet" (Indie) and"Lct's Get Tough" (Mono) (reissue). .$4,000, 'Skies' Terrif $21,000, Denver; 'Time' Fine 26G De/iver, Dec. 30. Despite snow and cold, ''Blue Skies" is packing the Denham, equalling and perhaps topping record held by "Two Years Before Mast." Top total goes to "Time. Place, Girl," fine in three .spots. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 35-74)— '^Nobody Live.s Forever" (WB) and I "Wife Wanted" (Mono), after week I at Denver. Esquire, Webber. Thin I $.3,000. Last week. "Always Loved Yoti" (Rep) and "My Dog Shep" (SG) (m.o.). $3,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1.7,50: 35-70)— "Blue Skies" (Par). Smash $21,000 and equals house record. Last week, I "Two Years Before Mast" (Par) (4th I wk), $7,000 in 5 days. Denver (Fox) (2.525: 35-74)— "Time, Place, Girl" (WB), day-date I with Esquire, Webber, Fine $17,000, La.st week, ".Nobod,y Lives Forever" (WB) and "Wife. Wanted" (Mono), same as E.squire, Webber., $9,000. I ■ Esquire (Fox) (742: 35-74 )— "Time. Place, Girl" (WB), al,so Denver, ; Webber. Fa.st $4,.500, Last week, "Nobody Lives ForeVer" CWB) and "Wife Wartted" (Mono), $2,000, ' Orpheum (RKO) (2,600: ,3.5-74)— "Show-Oft" (M-G) and "Cockeyed Miracle" (M-G), Sock $21,500. Last ,woek, "Bo.vs' . Ranch" (M-G) and "Two Smart People" (M-G). $8,000. I Pa^ramount (Fox) (2,200; 35-74)— "Gallant Journey" (Col) and "Lady Cha.ser" (PRC), Fair $9,000. Last week, "Wake Up, ' Dream" (20th ) and "Wanted for Murder" (20th), poor $6,000, Rialto (Fox) (878; 35-74)— "Al^ ways Loved Yofa" (Rep) and "My Dog Shep" (SG), after week at Denver, E.squire, Webber, Fair $5,000. Last week. "Never Say Goodbye" (WB) and "French Key" (Rep) (m.o.). $3,000. Webber (Fox) (7.50; 35-74)-— "Time, i Plf'ce,. Girl" ( WB), al.so Denver, j E.squire. Good ■ $4.,500, La.st week, "Ndbodv Lives Forever" (WB) and "Wife Wanted" (Mono), $2,000. 1 'Song' Colossal $32,000 In D.C.; 'Show-Off '-Vaude 33G, 'Clouds' Lofty 25G Washington, Dec, 30, Christmas week is giving film I theatres along town's main stem the 'usual shot-in-tl-ic-arm. Biz rallying I after pre-Xma.s slump, with new 'entries hvpoing returns,"Sohg of j South" at RKO Keith's is .scn,sational, with "Show-Oft" plus vaude, I at Loew's Capitol, showing plenty 1 ot action, , Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 44-80) — ; "Show-Off" (M-G) with vaude. Big $33,000, Last week, "Home Sweet Homicide" (20th) plus vaudf', low $16,000 in days, Columbia (Loew) (1,26.3; 44-70)— "Strange Woman" (UAl (m.o.). Strong $8,000 for third downtown week. Last week, "GalU'int Bess" (M-G) (2d run), $4,o00 for 5 dnys. Earle (WB) (2,1,54; 44-85)— "End of Time" (RKO) (2d wk). Mild $12,000 in 5 days. Last week. so-.s(> $15,000, • ■ Keith's (RKO) (1.838: 44-80) — "Song of South" (RKO). Wow $32,000, and holds. Last week, "Westerrier" (FC) (reissue), fine $1K. 000. Little (Miller) (285; $1.20-$2.40)— ' Henry V"' (UA) .f8tH wk). Back to' -capacity $6,500, after slight fall to $6,000 last week. Metropolitan (WB) (1,513: 44-70) —"Return of Monte Cristo" (Col). Strong $8,500. La.st A/eek. "Wild. BillHickok Rides" (WB) (rei.'-Hiie), fair $6,000, Palace (Loew) (2,370: 44-70) — "Till Clouds Roll By" (M-G), Nice $25,000. Last week, "Strange ■ Oman" (UA) (2d wk), slow $11,000. in 5 days. • 'Edge' 26G, 'Jolson' 16G, 'Show-Off 15G, Seattle Seattle, Dec. 30. Big news in current upbeat is 11)* terrific biz being done by "Ra-'-*^'' ■V Edge," which may come near the house record at Fifth Ave. "Jolxo" Story" and "Show-Oil" also are bid.. 'Estimates lor This Week Blue Mouse (H-E) (800: 45-80) ,, "Blue Skies" (Par) i5th' wk ). M,<)oc. $7,000. Last week, okay $5 ,'iOO, Fifth Ai-'nue (H-E) i2.'j4fl: 45-80 —"Razor's Edge" (2(-th), Nriir ht<u.s (Continued on page lH)