Variety (Apr 1947)

WttAneaSnf, April % 19^7 P«fe; 1Sf«™i'-Pnce Hefty 6?y^ 'Att«rBey«Meiiroe54G, 'Prentks' M Chicago, April 8. -t Vtth three strong openers plus a jtring «t hefty holdovers, week might have proved better than aver- age because of the end of Lent ex- cept for the bad weather and accom- panying rain and high winds. Strongest of new contenders, "Suddenly It's Spring'.' with Georgie price heading the stage show at the Chicago should hit a hefty $62,500. "Mr. District Attorney" is being boosted by Vaughn Monroe's band to rousing $54,000 at the Oriental, "Nora Prentiss" looks to do a strong $26,000 at Roosevelt, E.ided by rjve notices from crix. "Trail Streiet" coupled with "Little Miss Big" at the Palace is weakest of the new bills with an indicated $18,000, bill being jerked after one week. "Smash-Up" still is fine at $2O,OO0 ifor third week at the Grand. Estimates for Tliis Week ApttMo (B&K) (1,200; 95)—"Jol- .jon Story" (Col) (I5th wk). Con- tinuing its ismash run but beginning to slip at $1'?,500. Last week, great 819,009. • Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 95)—"Sud- denly It's Spring" (Par) with Georgie Price heading stage show. Strongest ol new entries, and looks hefty $62,500. Last week, "Favorite Brunette" (Par) '-With King Cole Trio heading stage shovir (3d wk), - stalwart $55,000. ; 7 - Garrick (B&K) (900; 95)-r-"13 Rue. Madeleine" (20th) (3d wk). Down to $17,000. Last week, same. Grand (B&K) (1,500; ' 95)— "Smash-Up" (U) (3d wk). Held up wdl for fine $20,000. Last week, sock $24,090. Oriental (Esstness) (3,400; 65-95) —"Mr. District Attorney" (Col) with Vaughn IWonroe orcn on stage. Bousing $54,0OQ, mostly from band's draw. Last week, "Red House" (0A) with Jan- August and Jerry Lester on stage (2d wk), stout $47,000. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 95)—"Trail Street" (RKO) and/'Little Miss Big" tU). Mild $18,000 or near. To be ttrked after one week, Last week, *BedeHa" (E-L) and "Devil Thumbs Kide" (RKO), good $21,000. Bialto <Indie) (1,700; 65-95)— "Thief of BE-gdad" (FC) and "Mur- der Diamond Row" (FC) (reissues). Scant $7,000. Last week, "Scarlet : Pimpernel" (FC) and "Return of Scarlet Pimpernel" (FC) (reissues), ekay $9,500. Bossevelt (B&K) (1,500; 95)— "Nora Prentiss" (WB). Crix liked . this and it shapes strong $26,000. Last week, "Pursued" (WB) (3d wk), $16,000. State-Lafee (B&K) (2,700; 95)— "Yearling" (M-G) (7th wk). Still lair at $19,000. Last week, $21,000. jnttea Artlsfa (B&K) (1,700; 96)— ^Secret Heart" (M-G) (3d wk). Falling off s-lso to $16,000. Last ' week, sturdy $17,000. 'W(H>dg (Essaness) (1,200; 95-$1.80) -"Best Yesirs" (RKO) (16th wk). In spite of 22-hour schedule begin- niiig to wane alth6ugh< this week le$ks sturdy t28,4M)0. Last week, $29j00O. Wash. Ottt of ioldrims; ' le Ysurs' faude L§fly M0fl0,TWp'iol27G Washington, April 8. Town, generally is doing fine this .week, with Lent out of way. Govern- jneirt workers, far from home, went tftthe theatre during the holiday pe- tto*. Capitol, "I'll Be Yours" and a fancy Easter stage bill, rings the bell for top coin at single house. "Hap- pened in Brooklyn" is close second at Palace. "Best Years" is starting w m& badly due to high tariff at KMfts. It's now day-date with Re- PUbhc, Negro house. Estimated lor^ls Week ,„*'«'Pttel (Loew's) (3,434; 44-80)— JU Be Yours" (U) plus vaude. Handsome $30,000. Last week, "Swell ^1. 'U) plus vaude, $21,000. Coluiahia (Loew's) (1,263; 44-70)— " Rue Madeleine" (20th) (2d run). Nice $10,000. Last weelc, "Boomer- ang (20th) (2d run), $7,500. '^^B) (2,154; 44-85)—"Pur- ' »™ T jy^^'- Strong $25,000. Last week, "Johnny O'clock" (Col),' dis- appointing $16,000. ■ on.*'?,?''* (RKO) (1.8.S8: 90-$1.50)— Best Years" (RKO) C4th wk). Taper- ing off to $25,000, still big. Early show is now out as no *«C$3o,oSa'""' ^'"^^ "Jfe"!*''(285;'$1.20-$2.40)— S^wK WA) (20th wk). Off to Sml, T still okay for long-run ™amp. Last week, fine $5,000, Grosses Aro 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 iSgures are net Income. The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, in- clude the U.S. amusement tax. *Egg Record 19G Sets Cte^^^^ Cincinnati, April 8. "Egg and I," setting a new high under Universal operation for Keith's, is a shade ahead of "Cali- fornia" at thfe much larger Albee to lead the Easter parade of new bills. "Best Yej,rs," in fourth week at Capitol,* still is big. "Pursued," an- other flrstrun, is smash at the (jranS. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 55-70)—"Cali- fornia" (Par). Good $18,000. Last week, "Red House" (UA), all right $15,000. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 90-$1.50)— "Best Years" (RKO) (4th wk). Still hefty at $18,000, trailing boff $20,000 for third stanza. Holds indef. , Grand (RKOB (1,430; 55-70)— 'Pursued" (WB). Socko $14,500. Holds. Last week, "L£.dy in Lake" (M-G) (2d wk), oke $7,000. Keith's (UP) (1,542; 55-70)—"Egg and 1" (U). Big advance bally pay- ing off with terrific $19,000, and a house record under Universal oper- ation. "Egg" also helped by Satur^ day (5) opening. Naturally holds. Last week, "Michigan Kid" (U), solid $7,000. Lyrib (RKO) (1,400; 55-70)—"Mr. District Attorney" (Col) and "Millie's Daughter" (Col). -So-so $4,500. Ltst week, "Apache Rose" (Rep) and "That Brennan Girl" (Rep), $4,000. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 55-70)— "Love Laughs Andy Hardy" (M-G). Modest $12,500. Last week, "Sud- denly It's Spring" (Par), sprightly $16,000. Shubert (RKO) (2,100; 55-70)— "Red House" (UA) (m.o.). Oke $5,000. Last week, "Stanley Living- stone" (20th) and "Les Itfiserables" (20th) (reissues), $3,500. ^Brunette' Tall $16,000, Denver; Tours' Oke 23G Denver, April 8. "I'll Be Yours," playing three houses, looks to hit top coin in so-so week here. "Favorite Brunette," at the Denham, is .really strongest for single theatre, and holds. Estimates tor Xhis Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 9O.$1.80)— "Best Years" (RKO) (4th wk). Good $8,500. Last week, fine $12,000.' Broadway (Cinema) (X,600; 35-74) —"Gallant Bess" (M-G) and"Born to Speed" (PRC). Fine $10,000. last week, "Dead Reckoning" (Col) (m, o.J. fair $5,000. Denbam (Cockrill) (1,750; 35-70)— "Favorite Brunette" (Par). Fancy $16,000. Holds, Last week, "Easy Come" (Par), $12,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 35-74)—"I'll Be Yours" (U) and "Lone Wolf in Mexico" (Col), day-date with Es- quire, Webber. Nice $16,000. Last week, "Nora Prentiss" (WB) attd "Vacation Days" (Mono), $14,000. Esauire (Fox) (742; 35-74)—"I'll Be Yours" (U) and "Lone Wol£ in Mexico" (Col), also Denver, Webber. Nicie $4,000. Last week, "Nora Pren- tiss" (WB) and "Vacation Days" (Mono), $3,500. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 35-74)— "Mighty McGuric" (M-G) and "Mask of Diijon" (PRC). Fair $14,000. Last week, "Lady in Lake" (M-G) and "Blondie Knows Best" (Col), good $15,000, Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 35-74)— "JoLson Story" (Col), pftertwo weeks at Denver, Esquire, Webber, Rialto. Good $11,000. Last week, "Michigan Kid" (U-I) and "Three on Ticket" (PRC), $10,000. Rialto (Fox) (878; 35-74)—"Nora Prentiss" (WB) and "Vacation Days" (Mono) (m.o.). Fine $4,500. Last week, "Jolson Stoftf'' (Col) (m.o.), big $6,000. Webber (Fox) (750; 35-74)—"I'll Be Yours" (U) and "liOne Wolf in Mex- ico" (Col), also Denver, Esquire). Fair $3,000. Last week, "Nora Pren- tiss" (WB) and "Vacation Days" (Mono), $2,500. 20,ii in Pro?. i. Y. Spirts; *Staiii-Caiiway Big ' Del. Fiffle; fears' |45,OO0, 'Egg' 38G, Treiiliss' 2IIG, All Great, 'Heaveii' 15G Detroit, April 8. Business is being given a shot in the arm with a full crop of new top films this week. Best showing is being made by the Downtown, where "Best Years of Lives" will do smash week at boosted prices. Next biggest is the Fox with "Egg and 1," with a terrific Session. Michigan's "My Favorite Brunette" is pacing the holdovers at a big figure. "Stairway to Heaven," at the Adams, and "Nora Prentiss," at United Artists, also are doing well. Estimates for This Week Adams (Balaban) (1,740; 70-95)— "Stairway to Heaven", (U). Stout $15,000. Last week, "Jolson Story" (Col) (13th Wk), strong $8,000. Broadway-Capitol (United De troit) (3,309; 70-95)—"Bed (UA) and "Renegade Girl" (SGP). Good $18,000. Last week, "Beast Five Fingers" (WB) and "Brute Man" (PRC) (2d wk), $12,000. Downtown (Balaban) (2,683; $1- $1.50)—'Best Years" (RKO). Sma.sh $45,000. Last week, "One Million BC" (FC) and "Of Mice and Men" <FC) (reissues), surprising $14,000. Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,100; 70-95) —"Egg and I" (U). Terrific $38,000 or over. Last week, "Michigan Kid" (U) and "Wake Up, Dream" (20th), $18,000. Madison (United Detroit) (1,866; 50-60) — "Nocturne" (RKO) and "Shadow Woman" (WB). Fair $2,100 in three days. Last week, "Blue Skies" (Par) arid "Sunbonnet Sue (Mono), $2,900 in three days. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,039; 70-95>—"Favorite Brunette" (Par) and "Seven Were Sr.ved" (Par) (2d wk). Lusty $25,000. Last week, huge $35,000. ^ ,„ Palms-State (United Detroit) (2,- 976; 70-95) — "H&Dpened in Brook- Providence, April 8. With the pre-Easter lull out of the way, all stands are spurting this week. Leading the list in its third session is RKO Albee's "Best Years of Our Lives." Loew's State's "It Happened in Brooklyn" is hot, as is Majestic's "Pursued." "Stairway to Heaven" also shapes fairly well at Metropolitan. , Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 90-$1.50)— "Best Years" (RKO) (3d wk). Sur- prising $30,000. Second sesh was sock $38,000. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 44-65) —"Les Miserables" (20th) and "Stan- ley Livingstone" (20th) (reissues). Snappy $6,500. Last week, "Thief of Bagdad" (FC) (reissue), $5,500. Fay's '(Fay) (1,400; 44-65)—-"Mar- gie" (20th) and vaude. Very nice $7,- .500. Last week, "Rolling Home" (SG) and vaude on stage, $6,500. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65)— "Pursued" (WB) and'Minstrel Days" (WB). Big $20,000. Last week, "Swell Guy" (U) and "Notorious Gentle- man" (U), good $16,000. Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 44- 65)—"Stairway to Heaven" (U) and "Vacation Days" (Mono), Fairly good $15,000. Last week, "Wake Up, Dream" (20th) and "The Guilty" (Rep), fairish $10,500, State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65)—"Hap- pened in Brooklyn" (M-G) and "Lar- ceny in Heart" (PRC). Solid $24,500. Last week, "Love Laughs Andy Hardy" (M-G) and "Brother Talks to Horses" (M-G), $21,000. Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 44-65)— "California" (Par). Opened Monday (7) to sock biz. Last week, "Ladies' ' Man" (Par) and "Seven Were Saved" House I (Par) fair $14,000. In-ahead ' feet Marriage" and "Blind (Col), $12,005. "Per- Spot" "Gum (WB) (1,X53; 44-70)—! lyn" (M-G) and "Little Mister .Iim $Unftn°i"''''^^t A-n»es" (Col). Fancy j (M-G) (2d wk), Okay $18,000. La.st S • ^^ weelt, "Framed" (Col), weel.. .str '••out same. "IW^''* 'Loew's) (2,370; 44-70) Piiened in Brooklyn" (M-G) rong $22,000. , , ,^ , United Artists (United Detroit) 1,941; 70-95) - "Nora Prentiss, (WB) and "Spoilers of the North Smash Brooklyn" (M-G). (WB) and "Spouers c.. .-- B?uh»t(!?.'',"^"- Last week, "Favorite I (Rep). Sock $20,000 Last week. _Be- "«week. ' (E-L), fancy $17,000. 'Brunette'Big ISG, iooH Montreal, April 8. Everything looks strong this week. Every theatre sports a new entry. "Favorite Brunette" and "Razor's Edge" look like llie best bets. Estimates for This Week Capitol (CT) (2.700; 35-63)—"Fa- vorite Brunette" (Par), Sock $15,500. or near. Last week."Mi.ss Pilgrim" i20th). .S0-.S0 $n.200. Imperial (CT) (1,850: 30-50)^ "Bachelor'.s Daughters" (UA) : and '■Rolling Home" (Col). Big $5,000. Last week, "San Quenlin" (RKO) and "Beat Band" (Col) (2d wk), nice $4,500. . : Loew's (CT) (2,800; 35-67)—"Ra- zor's Edge" (20th), Big $1'7,000, Last I week, "Jolson Story" (Col), nice $13,- ■ OOO for 7th week.' ' Palace (CT) (2,300; 35-63)—"Hu- nioresque" (WB>. Fancy $14,500. Last week, "Secret Heart" (M-G), okay $13,000 for repeat .session ^ Princess (CT) (2.300;35-63)—"Song rf South'" (RKO) and "Likely Story Despite rain Friday (4) night and Saturday (5), which climaxed an unusually brutal Holy Week, Broad- way picture houses gener&Uy are doing great business this session. The sfecond Easter week since the war, most spots are being helped by influx of visitors and vacationing school kids. Exceptions to this upbeat are thea- tres with weakle holdovers or those which have been playing too long. These are being pushed around by stronger fare, including new entries opening this stanza, N. V,' hj.s eight newcomers in first-run locations this week, and 10 holdovers. One of the best new grossers is "Two Mrs. Carrolls," which is do- ing a rousing $50,000 opening week at the Hollywood, making this show- ing in face of harsh to lukewarm crix opinions. Another bright new- comer is "Time Out of Mind" at $21,000 for the Park Avehde. Big news of week are the show- ings being made bji- the Music Hall and Paramount; Former, with "George Apley" and Easter Show on stage, is soaring to terrific $154,000, biggest Easter week ever for the Hall although now in third stanza. "Favorite Brunette," with Jimmy Dorsey band and others on stage, is bringing the Par a smash $100,000 although this is for the third round. While not sensational, "Adventur- ess" shapes as trim $24,000 for first week f.t the Victoria, with reviews helping. "Stallion Road," with plenty of credit going to Cab Calloway band on stage, is getting the Strand a big $65,000. Mickey Rooney and his vaude re- vue will boost "Mighty McGurk" to terrific $45,000, or better, at the State, crowds this week hinting that this combo might have come near the house high if not opening against Holy Week and the rain. "That's My Man" appears headed for favorable $26,000 at the Globe while "Tarzan and Huntress," boosted by juvenile patronage this stanza, likely will hit sock $25,000 at the Gotham. "Boom Town" looks to do $10,000 at Ri£.lto, stout for a reissue. "Farmer's Daughter," doing well m face of new competition, did nicely on initial holdover session at the Rivoli with $32,000, "Best Years" IS climbing via Easter week crowds to hit $42,000 in 22d week, bettering previous stanza. Capitol brings in "Smash-Up" with Xavier Cugat heading stage lineup tomorrow (Thurs.), winding up fourth week of "Happened in Brook- ly" and S£.mmy Kaye band with only $52,000. Palace opens "Trail Slreet" today (Wed.) after three fairly good weeks with "The Loclcet.' "Alexander's Ragtime Band comes into the Roxy next week (April 16), house holding Carnival in Costa Rica" with Connee Boswell and Jackie Miles Jieading stagebill only into third round. Combo wound up second week last (Tues.) night tt $82,000; Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1.300; 95-$2.40) — Best Years" (RKO) (22d Wk). Perkmg nicely with arrival of East- er week crowds, with strong $42,000 tikely; last week held to $39,000. Stays on, natch! Capitol (Loew's) (4,820; 70-$1.50) — Happened in Brooklyn" (M-G) with Sammy Kaye orch, Harvey Stone topping stageshow (4th-flnal wk). Drooping to $52,000 or near on blowoff; last week $60,000. Smash-Up" (U) plus Xavier Cugat orch heading stage layout opens to- morrow (Thurs.). Criterion (Loew's) (1,700; 60-$1.25) — Johnny O'clock" (Col) (3d wk). Second stanza finished last (Tues.) night fell to modest $22,000 or un- der; first was good $28,000. "Odd Man Out" (U) likely will open around April 24, Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70-$1.201— "That's My Man" (Rep). On first week ending next Friday (11) like- ly will hit favorable $26,000 or near. Holds. Last week, "Red House" (UA) (3d wk), $14,500. Gotham (Brandt) (900; 70-$1.40)— "Tarzan and Huntress" (RKO). Kid- dies helping thi.s one during cur- rent holiday session, initial week hitting .strong $25,000. In ahead, filth week of ■'Angel and Badman" (Rep), nice $10,000. Golden (767; ($1.20-.$2:40)—"Hen- ry V (UA) (,32d wk). Stiffened a bit to land profitable $7,800 in 31st week ending last Saturday (5) night againsit $7,500 for 30th stanza. Stays until May 3: Hollywood (WB) (1,499; 70-$1.10) —"Two Mrs. Carrolls" (WB). De- spite crix. thi.s one te»d off in sock fashion to hit great $50,000 in first we'ek or thereabouts. Naturally holds. Beat Sunday house record la.st Sunday (61. Last week, "Nora Prenttss" (WBT (6th wk), slid tO $10,000, Palace (RKO> (1,700; 60-$1.20) (3d wk), climbed to $21,000 or near, fine, after $20,000 for se(!ond. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 70-$1.50) —"Favorite Brunette" (Par) witli Jimmy Dorsey orch, Pat Henning, Jordan Tympany Five (4th wk). Third stanza concluded last (Tues.) night held to terrific $100,000 follow- ing big $98,000 second frame. Doing six stage, and screen shows daily to take care of Easter week crowds. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (5,945; 70-$2.40) — "George Apley' (20th) and Hall's Easter Show on stage (3d wk). Soaring to biggest Easter week here with colossal $154,^ 000 or near. This bests siecond week's big $141,000. This week house was forced to open doors at 7:45 a.m. to handle mob for first show. Stays on, with "Egg and I" (U) due in next. Park Avenue (U) (583; $lJi!0-$2.20) —"Time Out of Mind" (U). Playing two-a-day at $2.20 top for nights, will wind up first week next Friday (U) with strong $21,000. Reserved-seat policy calls for three shows on Satur- days and four on Sundays. In ahead, "Years Between" (U) (4th wk); $6,000. Rialto (Mayer) (594; 35-85)— "Boom Town" (M-G) (reissue). Do- ing stout biz for an oldie with $10,000 likely on first week, and holds. In ahead, "Devil Thumbs Ride" (RKO) (2d wk), fine $7,500. Rivoli (UA-Par) (2,092; 60-$1.25)— "Farmer's Daughter" (RKO) (3d wk). Stepping along in nice shape to land $32,000 in initial holdover .session ended last Monday (7) night; first was strong $38,500. Roxy (20th) (5,886; 80-$1.50)— "Costa Rica" (20th) with Connee Boswell, Jackie Miles topping stage- bill (3d-final wk). Getting fairly good $82,000 in second week ended last (Tues.) night; first was $85,500 and not up to hopes. "Alexander's Ragtime Band" (20th) (reissue) plus Lecuona Cuban orch, Del Rios head- ing stageshow, opens April 16. State (Loew's) (3,450; 43-$1.10)~ "Mighty McGurk" (M-G) (Isf run) with Mickey Rooney vaude revue on stage. Sockeroo $45,000 or better, es- pecially great in view of conditions Thursday and Friday. I|lot new house record, but plenty good enough to insure holdover of this lineup, with Rooney obviously the magnet. First line last Sunday was biggest ever lor Sunday here. Last week, "Strange Woman" (UA) (2d run) plus Jack Pearl heading vaude, nice $28,000. Strand (WB) (2,756; 75-$1.50)— "Stallion Road" (WB) and Cab Callo- way orch heading.stageshow. Land- ing big $65,000 in first frame, and holds. In ahead, fourth week of "Pursued" (WB) and Louis Prima orch, $45,000, albeit below hopes. Victoria (Maurer) (720; 70-$1.20)— "Adventuress" (E-L). Fancy $24,000 or better, and holding over. Hclpedl by crix raves. Last week. "Thief Bagdad" (FC) (reissue) (4th Wk), $9,000. Winter Garden (UA) (1,312; 60- $1.20)—"Stairway to Heaven" (U) (4th wk). Pushing up to solid $19,000 this- stanza after $17,000 in third. Stays on, 'ti ooum ^j^^^'-'/ ^..^v..., ., I , iHKO) Strong $8,200. Last week. _ week, 'lie-i KK.ur. suo> (RKO). Opens today Joke. Son" I ManILove^^(WB) anfl jieat^^^ j ^^^^ ^ Last week. "Locket" (RKO) Indpls. Climbs; 'Affairs,' Beneke Lusty 25G, 'Egg' Smash 15G, Tklyn' 12G Indianapolis, April 8. First-run biz is a lot sharper here this stanza, with stronger attractions and seasonal Easter rally helping. "Affairs of Geraldine" will split big- gest gross with Glenn Miller band, being week's top magnet at the Cir- cle. "Shocking Miss Pilgrim" at In- diana, "It Happened in Brooklyn" at Loew's and "Egg and 1" at Keith's, all are headed for extra good takes, last being especially strong at a small-seater, , Estimates for This Week Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,800; 48-72) —"Affairs of Geraldine" iRep) with Tex Beneke and Glenn Miller orch on stage. Hot $25,000. Last week, "Scandal in Paris" (UA) and "Bach- elor's Daughters" (UA), thin $9,000 at 40-60C, scale. Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3.300; 40- 60)—"Shockiiig Miss Pilgrim" (20th) and "Child of Divorce" (RKO), nice $12,000. Last week, "California" (Par), okay $13,000. Keith's (Indie) (1,300; 40-60) — "Egg and I" (U). Smash $15,000, aided by Marjorie Main selling tick- ets at opener. Last week, "Smash- Up" (U) (2d wk). only $5,000. toew's (Loew'.s) (2,450; 40-60) — "Happened in Brooklyn" (M-G) and "So Dark Night" (Col). Fancy $12.- 000. Last week. "Dead Reckoning" (Col) and "Susie Steps Out" (UA), $12,000. Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (1,600:40-60)— "California" (Par) (m.o.). Nice $7,- 500. Last week, "Captain Caution" (Indie) and "Captain Fury" (Indie) (reissues), $5,000.