Variety (Jul 1948)

1»I€TUBB GBOiSSKS Wednesday, July 14, 194S Diialers Fail to Bitter L A. Biz; Holiday'-W Tops, Okay $45,0i; 'Rudiless'-Tears' Medium 3P/2G Los Angeles, July iS. Dual bills in all.firstruns here as a summer stimulant are not help- ing much this session. Six new bills opened but all are on lighter side, and holdovers also are dropping. Best new double-feature combo Is "Summer Holiday" and "Big aty," ■with $45,000, passably good, in three theatres. "Ruthless" with "Shed No Tears" looks medium $31,500 in five situations. "Dream Girl" and "Secret Ser- vice Investigator" shapes slow $27,000 in two Paramount houses. While "Wallflower" and "Big Punch" will be."feUin $26,000 in three spots. "Biver Lady"-"Who. Killed 'Doc' Bobbin" looks dull $24,000 in five locations, many ' small-spots. Gstimates for This Week Belmont (FWC) (1,532; 66-$l)— "Ruthless" (EL) and "Shed No Tears" (EL). Nice $4,000. Last week, "Berlin Express" (BKO) and "Stage Struck" (Mono) <9 days), ex- cellent .f 5,100. Beveriy Hills Music Hall (G&S- Blumenfeld) (826; 65-$!)—"Can't Take It With You" (Col) and "Pen- nies From Heaven" (Col) (reissues). Mild $3;000. Last week, "On Merry Way" (UA) (4th wk), $2,300. earthy Circle (FWC) (1,518; 60- $1)—"Street No Name" (20th) and "Here Comes Trouble" (UA) (3d wk). Light $4,000. Last week, okay $7,800. Chinese (iGHittTnan-WC) (2,048; 60-$l)—"Street No Name" (20th) and "Here Comes Trouble" (UA) (3d wk). Oke $8^00. Last week, Sturdy $12,900. Culver (FWC) (1,145; 60-$l)— "Huthless" (EL) and "Shed No Tears" (EL). Medium $4,000 or over. Last week, "Berlin Express" (BKO) and "Stage Struck" (Mono) (9 days), $5,900. Downtown (WB) (1,800; 60t$1)-' "Wallflower" (WB) and "Big Punch" (WB). Slight $9,000. Last weelc, "Bomance on High Seas" (WB) (2d wk), $10,200. ' Downtown Music Hall (Blumen-. feld) (872; 60-$l) — "Can't T&ke With You" (Col) and "Pennies Heaven" (Col) (reissues). Mild $6,- 500. Last week, "Merry Way" (UA) (4th wic), $5,100. Egytifian (FWC) (1,538; (S0-$1)— "Summer Holiday" (M-G) and "Big City" (M-G). Fair $11,000; Last week, "Pirate" (M-G) (2d wk), neat $9,900. - El Key (FWC) (861; 60-$l) — "Ruthless" (EL) and "Shed No Tears" (EL). Moderate $4,000. Last week, "Berlin Express" (BKO) and "Stage Struck" (Mono) (9 days). $7,200. Esquire (Rosener) (685; 85-$1.20) —"Brothers" (U) (2d wk). Okay $2,500. Last week, $3,100. Four Star (UA-WC) (900; 60-$l) —"Search" (M-G) (2d wk). Near $5,500. Last week, sturdy $7,500 Guild (FWC) (968; 60-$1) "River Lady" (U) and "Who Killed 'Doc' Robbin" (UA1. Mild $3,000 or less. Last week, "Up in Central Park" (U) and "Devil's Cargo" (FC) (2d wk-4 days), $1,300. Hawaii (G&S-Blumenfeld) (1,106; 60-$l)—"Can't Take With You" (Col) and "Pennies Heaven" (Col) (reissues). Slim $3,000. Last week, "Merry Way" (UA) (4th wk), $2,- 300. HoUyw^od (WB) (2,756; 60-$l)— "Wallflower" iWB) and *'Big Punch" (WB). Dull $9,000. Last week, "Bomance High Seas" <WB) (2d tfrk), average ^,800. Hollywooa Mudic Hall (Blumen- feld) (475; 60-85) — "Can't Take With You" (Col) and "Pennies Heaven" (Col) (reissues). Light $2,500. Last week, "Merry Way" (UA) (4th wk), oke $2,100. Iris (FWC) (828; 60-85)—"Biver Lady" (U> and "'Doe' Robbin" (UA). Dim $2,500. Last week, "Central Park" (U) and "Devil's Cargo" (FC) (2d wk-4 days), $1,700. Lautcl (Rosener) (890; 85)~"Die Fledermaus" (Indie) (2d tvk). Nice $3,000. Last week, sock $4,000. Loew'£ State (Locws-WC) (2,404; 60-$l)—"Street No Names" C20th) and "Here Comes Trouble" (UA) ' (3d Wk).. Oke $14,000. Last week, solid $24,800. Los Angeles (D'town-WC) (2,097; eO-$l)—"Summer Holiday" (M-G) and "Big City" (M-G). Pleasing $22,000. Last week, "Pirate" (M-G) (2d wk), mild $12,800. Loyola (FWC) (1,248; 60-$l)— "Street No Name" (20th) and "Here Comes Trouble" (UA) (3d wk). Okay $5,500. Last week, good $7,700. Orpheum (D'town-WC) (2,210; «0-$l)—"Huthless" (EL) and "Shed Ko T^Atft" <EL). Mild $14,500. Last week, "Berlin Express" (BKO) and "Stage Struck" (Mono) (9 days), medium $16,900. Pimtages (Pan) (2,812; 60-$!)— "'Fuller Brush Man" (Col) and "Hiunderhoof" (Col) (4th-final wk). Good $11,000 or better. Last week, sharp $17,900. Paramovnt'(F&M) (3.398; 60-$l) —•"Dream Girl" (Par) and "Secret Service Inveslagator" (Bep). Modest $16,000. Last week, "Hazard" (Par) and "Waterfront Midnight" (Par), duU $13,600, Paramount Hollywood (F&M) (1,451; 60-$l)—"Dream Girl" (Pari; Slow $11,000. Last week, "Hazard" (Par) and "Waterfront" (Par), $10,- 7O0. BKO HillBtreet (BKO) (2,890; 60-80)—-"Fuller Brush Man" (Col) and "Thunderhoof" (Col) (4th-final wk). Near $12,000. Last week, snappy $19,200. Bilz (FWC) (1,370; 60-$l)— "River Lady" (U) and "Doc" Hob- bin" (UA). U^t $5,000. Last wedt, "Central Park" (U) and "Devil's Cargo" (FC) (2d wk-4 days), thin $3,800. Studio City (FWC) (880; 60-$l)— "River Ladv" (U) and " 'Doc' Bob-, bin" (UA). Slow $3,500.''Last week, "Central Park" (U) and "Devil's; Cargo" (FG) (24 wfc-4 days), $1,800. United Artbts (UA) (2,100; 60-j $1)—"River Lady" (U) and " 'Doc' Bobbin" (UA). Moderate $10,000. Last week, "Central Park" (U) and "Devil's Cargo" (FC) (2d wlc-4 days), $3,900. Ujrtown (FWC) (1,719; 60-$l)— "Street No Name" (20th) and "Here Comes Trouble" (UA) (3d wk). Fair $5,000. Last week, good $8,000. Totue (FWC) (885; 60-85)— Ruthless" (EL) and "Shed No Tears" <EL). Neat $5;000. Last week, "Berlin ISixptve^ CBSX» and Stage Struclif' (Mono) (9 days), sturdy $7,300. Wilshire (FWC) (2,^6; 60-$l)— "Summer Holiday" (M-G) and "Big City" (M.<J). Oke $12,000, Last week, "Pirate" (M-G) (2d wk), good $9,200. Wilteni (WB) (2,300; 60-$l)— "Wallflower" (WB) and "Big Punch" iwp). sum $8,000. Last week, "Romance Hi^ Seas" (2d wk), mild $9UaO. Teiidin' * Fancy $13,000, Omaha; TuUer' Hep lOG Omaha, July 13. Despite heat, three downtown houses aie doing unusually stro;^ biz. Brandeis with "Fuller Brurii Man" looks standout. Orphenm with ptecm of "Feudin", Fussm and A-Fightin' shapes big. Para- mount with "Best Years" at pop scale also will be sock. Estimates tor This We* ^ Brandeis (BKO) (1,500; lfr«5)— Fuller. Brush Man" <Col) and Port Said" (Col). Smash $10,000. Last week, "Fighting Father Dunne" (RKO) and "Ai-iama Banger" (RKO), fine $8,000. Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 16- 65)—"Feadin", Fussin', A-Fi^t- in'" <U) and "Waterfront at Bfljd- night" (Par). Very big $13,000 for this time of year. Last week, "Mickey" <EL) and "Under Twto Bim" (BKO). $10,000. ^ Parsimeunt (Tristates) (2,800; 16- e."))—"Best Years" (RKO), fancy $11,500. Last week, "Emperor Walte" iPai), $12,000. SUte (Crf)ldberg) (865; 16-65)— "Homecoming" iM-G) (2d wW. Surprisingly Dig $4,000. Last weeit, $5,000. Omaha »<Tristates) (2,100; 16-65) —"Emperor Waltz'' (Par) (m.o.) and "Speed to Spare" (Par) (1st nm). Solid $10,000. Last week, "Green Grass" (20th) (m.o.) and "Half Past Midnight" (201*), $8,200. Det. Sloughed by Heat, 'Island' Alone Trim m Crosby Hohsy 24G. 2(1 Key Citj Grosses estimated Tetal Grow This Week $2,607,000 (Based on 20 cities, 199 theotres, chiefly first tuns, in- cluding N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year $t,«:.M« (Based on 20 cities, 201 theatre*). . (WB) 'OnWay Akny aOiinL'vine Louisville, July 13. "On Our Merry Way" at State is leading field currently. It looks fairly nice, and is only fresh product in town, others having re- issues or are on holdover. "Bo- mance on His^ Seas" at Maty An- derson is 'd o i n g better on h. o. stanza than it did on initial week. Estimates for This Week Brown (Fourth Avenue) (1,200; 45.«5)"Buck Privates" (U) and "South Tahiti" (U) (reissues). JVUldish $3,500. Last week, "Give Begards Broadway" (20th) and "Coilnterftiters" (20th) {2d wk) $4,500. Kenituekr (Switow) (1,200; 30h10) — "have from jStrasger" (EL) and: "JR^memher Mama" <RKO). Nor- mal $3,000. Last week, "Tycoon" (BKO) and "Are You with It " <U), about same. " Mary Anderson (People's) (1,100; 45-65).—"Romance on High Seas" (WB) (2d wk). Nice $6,000, and jump over la^ week's slow $4,^00. National (Standard) (2,400; 45- 65)—"Gung Ho" (FC) and "Eagle Squadron" (FC) (teissue). Excel- lent $7,500. Last -week, "Saosa^T' (Indie) and "Sundown" (Indie> <ce* issues), racduim $5,000. Eialto (FA) (3,400; 45-65)—"Em- peror Waltz" (Par) (2d «rk). - Nice $11,000 after last weeiE's strong $16,000. State (Loew's) (3,000; 45-65)— "On Merry Way" (UA)/and "Vio- lence" (Mono). Sole new srodoet in town. Trim $13,000. X.ast week, "On Island with You" (M-G) and "Blondie's Reward" (Col), $12,000, Strand (FA) (1,000; 45-65) — "Seven Sinners" (EL) and "Sut- ter's Gold" (EL) (reissues). Fairish $5,500. Bast week. "Panhandle" (Mono) and "Bocky ' (Mono) plus Lottis-Walcott pix, nlee $O,S0O. 'Canon Sockeroo $26,0i in Denver Denver, July 13. Big news here this week is "Canon City,"-preeming in three theatres, with smash coin insuimg holdovers in two spots. Widely plugged, with Colorado locale cre- ating added interest. "Emperor Waltz" and "Best Years" also hold- ing again. "Noose Hangs Hi^' looks nice in two hmises. IMiMatestor This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 35-74)— "Canon City" (EL) and "Lady at Midni^" (EL), day-date with Par- amount, Webber. Sock .$5,000. laA week, "FuUer Brash Man" <Oal> (m.o.), $3-.000. • Broadway (Cinema) (1,500; 35-74) —"Best Years" (RKO) <3d wk). Fine $9,000, and stays again. Lat* week, big $12,000. Denham (Ctoekrill) <1,750; 35-74) —"Emperor Waltz" (Par) (3d wk). Fancy $13,000 or near. Holds. Last week, big $15,-500. Denver <Fos3 (2,525; 35-74)— "Noose Hangs High" (EL) and "As- signed to Danger" (EL), day-date •with Esquire. lUgh $16,000. Last week. "All My Sons" (U) and "Cur- ley" (UA), same as Esquire, $12,000. Esquire iFox) (742; 35-74)— "Noose Hangs High" (EL) and "As- signed to Danger" (EL), also Den- ver). Thin $2,000. Last week, "AU (Continued on page 18) 7mk' hsA at ^2,000, Balto; 'Street' % 14G Baltimore, July 13. "Easter Parade" at Loew's Cen- tury here took a big lead over the current downtown list which is mostly in h.o. Some brisk trade le- ported also for "Up in- Central Park" at Keith's and "Street With No Name" is faring vei-y well at New. Many 'other entries are in good sliape lor repeaters. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 20- 60)—"Easter Parade" (M-G). Trip- ping town with great $22,000. Last week, "On Island With You" (M-G), $15,200. Hippodrome. (Rappaport) (2,240: 20-70(-r"Fuller Brush Man" '(Col) (2d wk) plus new vaude layocdt. Holding well at $15,000 after lak $19,800 opener. Keith's (Sdianberger) (2,460; 20- 160)—"Op in Central Park" (U) (2d wk). Starting second round to- morrow (Wed.) after a good get- away at $13,000. In ahead, "Dream Girl" (Par), disappointed at $6,600. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 25-S5>— "Dude Goes West" (Mono) (2d viki. Okay $4,000 after initial round $6,300. New (Mechanic) (1,800; 20-m-~ "Street With No Name" (ZOfli). Solid $14,000. Last week, "Blood and Sand" I20th) (reissue), $5^. Stanley (WB) (3,280; 25-75)— "Emperor Waltz' '(Par) (2d wk). Continuing steady pace to land $13,000 after smash $20,200 opener. Town (Hippodrome) (Rappaport) (1,500; 35-65)—"Best Years" (fflSO) (3d wk). Return at pop prices hold- ins well at $7,500 after big $10.40D Initial stanza. Taiade'Cheos pmiyatmim Philadelphia, J»ly 13. Despite tte Iwat here, "Easter Parade" is stepping out mth <«ie: of the best grosses in some time at i the Mastbaum where a fine total is in prospect and high for summer season. "Emperor Waltz" also is hol(ding nicely in fourth sessitMi at Stanley. "Fitting Father Dunne" is only fair at the Aldine. Democratic Mmventioa alid SSks conclave did not mean a thing at the boxoffice. Estimates for Hiis Week AldUae (WB) (1,303; SO-^U — "Fighting FaUier Dunne" (BKOj Fair $11,000. La^ week, "Noose Hangs High" (£L) (2d wk), $8,000. AreiAa (S&S) (700; 50-94)—"All My Sons" (U). Mild $4,900 or close. Last week, "Homecoming" (M-G), $4,000. Boyd (WB) (2350; 50-94)—"Par- adine Case" (S80) <2d ivk). Very good $26,500 after soA $30/900; opening stanza. iEaile (WB) <2,700 50-94)—'The Krate" <M-G) (2d wk).. I>isap- pmating $16,000 alter fairljr good $23,500 starting sessitm. Fast i20th) (2,250; 50-94)—"Street With No Name" 420tfa) (2d wk). Down to still fcoB $24,000 after big $31>00 Ih^ week. CMOmaa (Goldman) a.OOO; 5044) — 'Island Wiih Yon"* (M-<5) t4as wk). Off to $14,S00. Last week, oke $19,50(). Kailton (Goldman) (1,000; 58-94) — "Snmmer Holiday" (M-G) (3d wk). Dim $4,000 or near. Last week, $3,900. Kntfa's (GoldiTian) (130; 50-94) —"Regards to Broadway" (20th) (2d wk). Fair $3,000 in 5 days. Last week, $6,000. Itx <Cummins) (500; SO-94) — "BSBdiless" (EL). Quiet $4,000. Last week, "Happened One Night" (Col) and "Night of Love" (Col) (reissues), $4^50O. Mastbaum (WB) (4,360; 50-S4)— "Easter.Parade" (M-G). Best thing here in, some time. Fine $44,000. Last week, "Romance on High Seas" (WB), sJow $16,300. Stanley (WB) (2.950: 50-94) — "Emperor Waltz" (Par) ■(4th wk). Still stout at 820,000 despite length of run. Last week, $21,500. Stanton (WB) (1.475; 50-94) — "(Coroner Creek" (Col) (2d wk). Good $8,500 after okay $12^ epener.^-' Detroit, July 13 Hot weather is landing stasKN ing blows , on biz here this week in spite of new bills. . Top talte is Michigan, with "On ■ An Mband With You," with fancy ses.siiHi. Barriy~okay is Fox with "Give B^ardE to . Broadway* United Artists, showing "The Em,' peror Waltz," diapes solid is ' secdnd stanza. OQiers are modetate' to plain bad. Esttmatcs for This Week Aims (Balahan) < 1,740; 70-95) ' —^"Fighting Father Dunne" (BKO> and "Bush Christmas" (U) <2d wk). Fair $7,000 compared Willi sturdy $10,000 iast week, ^ . 'Ari CSaema: (M»rten) (4S9; (BO- ■ 90)—"Will It Happen Again" (h|. die). Aveiaige $3,000. Last vfetk^ ■''Fsrfhcrs House" (Indie) (2d wiri. $3,500. HewMlira? - Capita (United De- tijoit) 13.300; 70-95) — "Fiiatting Scabees" <Bep) and"FlyiDgTiee? (Bep) (delssues). So-eo $9XI0I. Last week. '"Flowing Gold" mn and "God's C«»ffltaT and Wamuuf' (WB) tielssues), good $14,000. Branmni (Balaban) (2,803; 70. 95)—-"Chmg Ho- m and "Ea^ Squadmii'* OT) >(r«aBUcs) ^2d yUa, Trim $6,000 after £>ir $9,000 open* ing .stanza. F«x (Fox-Mulligan) (5,100; W- 95) — "Give Begards Broadway" <20th) and "Arizona Banger" (HK». Okay $24,000. Lastwedt : "Homecomii«" <9S-G). (3d wk). Bat $25,000. aGdUcaa (U-D) (4.039; 70.95)— "On Xdand with You" <M-G) and' "S^peiedJto Spare" <I>ar). Stout $26,000. Last mek, "River la^r" (U) boMercd by stage^ow Iteaded by Bitty DeWoIfie, so^ $32,0im. PaataUi^State <U-D) (2,716; 7049) — "Con»ier Oeek" (Col) and "French Iieave" (Ifnno). ExoellHit $18,000. Last wedE, "Berlte .Ea- ptess" (BKO) and lioais-Waie^ IMX. big $22,000. < Uaitei. AHMa CU-D) (2^576; 70- fiS)—"EmpicsTor WaUz" (Par) <2d wk). ISg $24,000 after tenijOe $32,500 opening xmmA, and best here in wiedcs tor Cnosby sturer, . 112,000, TOPS INDPtS. Indianapolis, July 13, Biz shapes lather dull at deluxe ticket windows here this week. Opening of summer opera season plus record baseball crowds hurt grosses. "On Our Merry Way" is leader but just okay at Loew's. "Hazard" loiAs very mild at Circle. EfdJnates for This Week C3rele (Gamble-Doiie) (2.800; 44- 65)—"Hazaid" (Par) and "Money Madness" (VC). Mild $9,000. Last week, "Biver lady" (UJ and "Train lo Alcatraz" <Eep). $10,000. Iwdiaaa (G-D) (3,300; 44-65)— "Empeior W^tz" (Par) (2d wk). Good $10,000 on toj^ of big $17,000 fisst sftaatik' ... Kdfli'a <G-I» (1,300: 44-65)— "Carnegie HaU" <UA). IMsappoint- ing $4,500. last we^ "Noose Hangs H5^" (U) and "Cobra Stxikes" (ED <mjoX $3J500. tmemr* (Loew's) '2^450; 44-65)— ^'Qn Mens, Way" iUA) and -"Jassy" <U). Oke $12,000. last week. "On Idand • With Yotf' iU-G> and "Fabulous Joe" (UA). aoBd $16,000. tflrric (G-D) <1,«O0; 4Mr€3i—'"Ad- TOitmes of Casaatova^ <EU aiwl "Enebaated Valley" ((EL). TixoiO. UfiS». last wetik. ''Stert Apache" tRKO) (m.o.). trim $6,500. fail'liSH at $8,S09, lykr" Sweeps 9G,^ Hinneaitolis, July 33. Protracted heat wave bas grdsses here way oCF. TiMnperatures up near 100 degrees every day far more than a week, instead of eend- iag the populace info the cool, air-^ emiditioned theaties, appaiently has taken so misch standi out of : prospective patrons they won't go to the theatre. Hie beaches and parks are gettiag a play uu^ead, With hoidovcrs stH! predondnant, there's scarcely'aiQrQiing in the way of new major £aie to fautik the weather and downtrend. ■"Hat- ter's Castle." "Up in Centi-al Parte" and "Black Bart," the onijf im- portant new «3itrie£, aie t.aking back seats to "Fuller 6ni^ Man," now in its-fiourih wedc, as well as to the sununrar duunp, "Emperor Waltz." Estiaules f»r Tkis Week Centwy (Par) (1,600; 50-70) — "Hatter's Castle"- (Par). Gieod $7,- 500, looks about all. Last: -week. "Romance on High Seas" (WB) <2d'wk). Slow $4,0()0. Gopher <Par) (1,000: 44)—"Sin- town" (Indie) and "Rio" (Indie) (reissues). Sad $2,800 in prospect Last week, "Drums of tjongi*" (Indie) and "Captive Wild Woman** (Indie) (reissues), $2,500. hreemm (Sdnneaber) (1.900; 50- 70)—"31ie Pirate" (M-G) (2d wk). Okay $S,00O. Last we^. S6.006. Lyric (Part (1,000; 50-70)—"f.ady from Shanghai" (Col) ^Hto.). Mild $4^. Last werik. •*'ATCh of iBr- umph" (UA) (2d wk), only $4,000 after £air $16,000 first round. Radio City <Par) (4,400; ."jO-^O)^ Emperor Waltz" (Par) (2d wk). Big $14,000 after soeko $22,000 initial canto. BKO-Odiheum (IBKO) (2,800; SO- 70) — "Up Ja Central Park" <U) Looks, very mild at $8^- l-asj week, "Silver Eiwr" (WB) Louis-Walcnttt fight pictm-es, ««* $12,000. BKO-'Pan (BKO) n.m); 50-70)-* "FuUer flrudi Man" (Col) i4lh wk). LwBs-Walcott fight PMC held oyer. Still terrific at JS.OOO, and holds * fifth; thJud v/as nearly same. . ■ State (Par) (2,300rSO-70)—'Bladt Bart" (U). Puny $7JOOO. Last. we«. "Lady from "Shan^^iai" (Col), $7.- 500 Vftmmt tPar) <1,000; "Brtde Goes WMT iRM-G). ?«« nabe Aawteg. Good $4,»00 M 4t^' ': Kait 'We(lL "ttitee. 0an«l: Daughtettf- flMMJ), $3,500.