Variety (Jul 1948)

PICTIJBB GBOSSBS Chi's Holiday Hangover; Rapes Ups 'Dangerous'$55,000,'Waters'$12,000, 'Paradine'Sock 27a ISeas'High 29G Chicago, July 13. Vacation hangover seems to af-l feet Loop houses, with Tuesdav through Thoxaday ghowing some of r the lowest grosses In mimths. Only briglit spots are the two combo houses. Oriental and Chicago, both doing so<rk with new scales. Orien- tal followed load of Balaban & KaU houses and , cut early-bird prices to 50c-65c, Dick Haymos plus "Dangerous years" is heading for robust $55,000 at Oriental. "Romance on High Seas" seems solid hot weather fare and looks fine $29,000 at State- Lake. "Pai'aaine Casfr" sliapes smash $27,000 at Woods. "Beep Waters" looks mild $12,000 at Apollo. Chicago is ahead of other sec- ond-wcekers with hefty $80,000 in sight for "Green Gcass of Wyom- ing" and Peggy Lee-Dave Barbour personal, "B, P,'s Daughter" at Broaihiaj Crosses Estimated Total Gros» This Week $629,500 [Base^ on \B theatres) Last Year , ijiG'JG.OOO (Based oji 18 theatirs) 'Pjffk' S|H%hdy $1610(1 in Oney CiBetnn^ti; 13. Biz generally at downtown houses is back to ioid-SuRUner level after last week's holiday L'nited .Vrlists shapes perky $14,-' feast and extra course of new bills. 000. 'Coroner Creek" at the Iloo.se-j "Up in Central Park," looks volt is lean $11,000. "Another Part '. sprightly, and will be town top- of Fore.stv at. Grand isn't too bad per. "Four Faces West" (Par) at at $10,000. Palace, is the only other Estimates for This Week bills. Apollo (B&K) {1,400; 50-08>— Estimates for 1%is W«A "Deep Waters" (20th). Fair $12,000. Last week, "Four Faces West" tUA) (2d wk), $6,000. Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 50-98) — "Green Grass" (20th) with Peggj- Lee and Dave Barbour on stage (2d wk). Holding at grand $30,000. Last week, sock $62,000. Garrick (B&K) (900; 50^)— "Happened One Night" (Col) and '■Onlv Angels Have Wtogs" (Col) (reis.sues). Not bad at $7,500. Last week. "God's Country and Woman" (WB) and "Flowing Gold" tWB) (reissues), $7,500. Grand (RKO) (1,500: 50-98)— "Another Part of Forest" lU) (2d wk). Neat $10,000, Last' week, $13,000, Oriental (Bssaness) (3,400; 50-98) — 'i:)angevous Years" (20th) with Dick llaymes in person. Cut prices plus Dick Haymes diiiiing toward big 855,000. I.ast week, "Thunder in tiK? Valley" (20th) with Three Stooges heading stage, $34,000. Palace (RKO) (2;500; 50-98)— Albee (BKO) (3.100; S0-75>—"Up in Central Paik" (UK lightly $16,000. Last week, "EUnperor WaltK" (Par), sensational $26,000 and tovm's biggest for some time. CaiMtol (RKO) (2.00O; 50-75)— "On Island with You" (M-G) (2d wk). Hotsy* $12,500 on beels of boff $18,000 preem. Grand (BKO) (1,400; S0-75V— "Flowing Gold" (W-B) and "God's Country and Woman* (WB) (re- issues). All right $8,000. Last week, "Hiver Lady" (U), $9,000. Keitii's (City Inv.) (1,542; 50-75) —"Best Years" (BKO) (3d wk). Maintaining fast $8,000 tempo in wake of swell $9,000 second sesh. Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 50-75)—"Mr. Blandings" (SRO), second- move- over and third downtown week, split with "Ghost Frankenstein" (U) and *Son of Dracula" (U) (re- issues), three days. Pleasing $7,000. Lqst vveek, "On Merry Wi^' (UA) (m.o.) plus. Louis-Waleott fight "Up in Central P«tV' (U) (2d wk) o^y%6^ T ioht *i!i nftn rj>.<it week mild reeis, oKay ^,owi. Light $13,000. Last week mild $18,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 50-98) —"Coioncr Creek" (Col) (2d wk). I,ean $11,000, Last week, good $16,500. ■ State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 50-98) —"Romance «m High Seas" (WB). Pert $29,000 or near. Last week, "Mr, Blandings" (SHO> (2d wk), big $2.'>,000. United Artists (B&K) U,70O; 50- 98)—"B. F.'s Daughter" (M-G) (2d wki. Tidy $14,000. Last week, big $18 500 Woods (Essaness) (1,073; 98)— "Para<iine Case" (SRO). Looks smash $27,000. Last week, "Arch Of Triumph" (UA) (4th wk), *^Worid (indie) (587; 77) — "Bill Coo" (Rep) and "«3age oi and Niglitingales" Good $2,800. $3,500, (Indie) (3d Last week. wk) nice Palace (BKO) (2.600; 50-75)— "Vo\fi Faces West" (UA). Average $11,500. Last week. "Fighting Father Dunne" (BKO), $11,000: l^iubert (RKO) (2,100; 50-75)— 'Emperor Waltz" (Par) (m.o.). Sat- isfactory $8,500. La-st week, "Mr. Blandings" (SRO) (m.o.), moderate $6,00a DOG DAYS IN K.C. BUT 'STREET HOT $20,0»0 Kansas City, July 13, • Summer dog days are here m earnest "Street With No Name m the Tower-Uptown-Fairway com- •bination looks strong on 10-day rim "Summer Holiday" at Mid- jand backed by "Sign of the Earn aNo looks pleasant. "Fightmg Father Dunne" at Orpheum is faivlv good in nine days. Snnmier heat" wave now here but thratres Sre making a big play ahout mr conditioning and heat-escapmg '""^V^lumates for This Week Ksquirc (Fox Midwest) (820; 45- 651—"Will It Happen AgMn (1>C) »,iH "\r2Vlc Secrets" (FO. With heavy b»Hy on lovelife of Hitler and Kva Braun. Above average at lTw)i Last week, "Strawberry Roan" fCoI) and "Last Days of Boot Hill" (Col), ditto,_ _ ^Midland (Loow's),p "Sumnil') * steady $16,^ i /vuvMuiucsonverauo tooi;. rair- .■Sign oi R n fsY/nd With lb' steady $18,000. Last week, "On W><K,I^=';' -.nd Verc^^^ With You" (M-G) and I"'! w, " mA) bi« $18,000 Helped i "Thunderhoof" (M-G), fair $18,000, Trouble, 'Ua;, mh ^^^^^^ (Silverman) (2.200; 44-05) —"Emperor Waltz" (Par) (3d wk). Second session ended Sunday (11) al nice $11,000. First was sock Heat Wa?e Wilts PtroT. fm 'Sois^ Fme 18^ Providence, .July 13. Much loo hot for theatre-going here and downtown spots are showing it despite fairly good fare. Majesti^'s "All My Sons" is getting a solid "play. All houses were hurt Saturday and Sunday. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65)—"Up In Central Park" (UX) and "Secret Service Investigator" (Rep), Slow $11,000 or near. Last week, ''Fight- ing Father Dunne" fBKO) and "Arizona RdDger" (RKO), nice $15,500. Carlton (Fay) (1,400: 44-65)— "Give Regards Broadway" (20th) and "13 Lead Soldiers" (20th). Fair $4,000, Last week, "Wall- flower" (WB) and "Old Los An- geles" (Rep), good $5,000. Fay's (Fay) (1.400; 44-65)—"Pan- handle'* iRep) and "Jinx Money" (Rep), Mild $5,000. Last week, "Figlitmg 69th" (WB) and "Valley of Giants" (WB) (reissues), $5,500. Maie,stic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65)— "All My Sons" (U> and "Kmg of Gamblers" (UI). Very nice $18,000. Last week, "Give Regards Broad- way" (20th) and "Lead Soldiers" (20t.h), dull $12,000. State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65)— "Fuller Brush Man" (Col) and "Adventures Silverado" (Col). Fair- hv holiday prices .Tuly 5, ''■'O pheu". (RKO) (1,90();, 45-6.)^ "liMcl liii" Father Dunne' (RKOi aid •• A"^.ona Banger" (RKO) Mod- (Continued on page 18> D.C. Dips;'Legion'Lusty $8,500/Dream'DuU 14G Washington, July 13. With holdovers in most big houses, general level of biz is be- low last week's heartening flurry. "Gallant Legion" at smallseater Columbia looks hefty. "Dream Girl" at the Warner looks disap- pointing, being barely okay. Estimates for Tl>^ VVeek Capital (Loew's) (2,434; 44-80)— "On Island With You" (M-G) plus vaude (2d wk). Solid $20,000 after smash $35,000 opening stanza, CoImnbU (Loew's) (1,263; 44-70) —"Gallant Legton" (Rep).. Fine $8,500 in this smallseater wMcb seldom goes firstrun. Last week, "Summer Holiday" (M-G) (2d rtm)„ mild $5,500, . DttpoBt (F. W. Mann) (440; 50-85) -"ITie Idiot" (Indie) (2d wk). Satisfactory $3,000. Last week, line $4,000. Keith's (RKO) (1,939; 44-74)— "Best Ycar.s" (HKO) (2d wk). Strong $10,000 at pop prices al;,ter 8-week roadshow run last season. Last week, $13,000, Metropolitaa (WB) (1.163; 44-70) —^"Romance on Higij Seas" (WB) imjo.). Good $7,000. Last week, "FUIter Brush Man" (Col> (2d run), samK ■ Palace (I^w's) (2,370; 44-74)— "Street With No Name" (20th) (2d wk). Holding firmly at $16,000 after hot $25,000 opening round. Warner (WB) (2,154; 44-74)— "Dream Girl" (Par). Okay $14,000. Last week, "Romance High Seas" (WB), ditto. N.Y. Loaded With Westerns, Mellers; 'Canon' Loud $30,000; '?mk' Gay 626, 'Mair'-Mord Tall 82G, 2d m'NoLDhh Frisco, Dm $14000 San Francisco, July 13. Balmy, weather here is. taking its toU in grosses this stanza. "Emperor Waltz" continues strong in second week at Paramount after sock first session but elsewhere biz is very duB. Both "Lulu BeUe" and "Fighting Father Dunne" are big disappointments while the way "Street With No Name" slipped ui second round held it to otdy six days at Fox. Estimates for This GoUen Gate (RKO) (2,844; 6&- 1.00)—"Figfbting Father Dmme" (RKO). Fair $15,000. LaM week. "Stage Struck" (RKO) plus vaude headed by Betty Hutton and Zig- gy Elman orch, terrific $40,500. F»x (PWC) (4451; 6fr951l — "Street With No Name" (20th> (2d wk). Thin $14,000 ia 9 days. Last week, sock $32,500. Waifield (FWC) (2,056; 60-85)— "Wallflower".(WB) and "To Vic- tor" (WB). Mild $14,500. Last week, "Tlie Pirate" (M-G) (2d wk), oke $13,500. ParanrauBt (Par) (2,646; 60-85)— "Emperor Waltz'.' (Par) (3d wk). Hasiy $19,000 or close. Last week, Stnmg $22,000. St: Francis (Par) (1.400; 60-85)-^ "Paradhie Case" (SBO) 4th wk). Oke $10,000 or over. Last week, pundiy $12!,00O. OiiAeiritt (Blumetifetd) (2^448; 55^)—"Lola BeUe" (Col). MQiE $14,000. week, "Rivo- laOs" OJK medmcre $13,500. > United Artists (Blumenfeld) (1,207); 55-85)—"Another Fart of Forest" (U). Dull $11,000. Last week, "Letter From Unknown Wo- man" (U) (2d wk), $8,000: Stagedoor (Ackerman) (350; 60- 85)—"Corridor of Mirrors" (U) (2d wk), Nice $2,700. Last week, $3,800. LariUn (Roesner) (400; 65^85)— "Overlanders" (U) and "The Raid- er" (Indie) (reis.sues). Good $2,500. Last week, "L'Atalante" (Indie) and "Z6ro De Condulte" (Indie), $2,800. t Esanire (Blumenfeld) (955; 55- 85)— "Gung Ho" (FC) ftaa "Eagle Squadron" (Indie) (reissues)'.. Okay $8,000. Last week, "River Lady" (U), $7,500. State (Par) (2,133; 60-85) — "Flowing Gold" (WB) and "Back- rouud To Danger" (WB) (reissues). Okay $6,000. Last week, "Rose Washington Square" <20th) and "Slave Ship" (20th) (reissues), $8,500. Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net, i.e., without the 20% tax. Distribu- tors share on net take, when playing precentage, hence the estimated figures are net in- come. Tlie parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement 'taXa" Sweltering weather and usual letdown after the Fourth of July are taking a deep cut into Broad- way firstrun buMness this week. After looking for forecasted rain ; or two or three days over weekend, deluxe theatre managers finally got solid relief yesterday (Tues.). As a result there was a decided pickup in trade starting yesterday morn- ing. But theatres took it on cliin Sunday (11) and Monday; more so on Sunday, a vital b,o. day. Torrid temperatures Sunday and Monday sent thousands to the beaches and other outdoor spots. Several houses noted an improved business tone Monday but it took the rain Tuesday (13) to really revive most spots. Current week is unusual in that western epics or adventure-mellers are being shown by eight theatres. Capitol, Globe and Gotham have films of former category while Rivoli, Blalto, Winter Garden, Cri- terion and Victoria have melo- drama-adventure ptx. Per usual the weaker ones are suffering from competition of-stronger pietimes in same area. The melodramatiCi factual "Calaon City" is setting the pace of newcomers with solid $30,000 at the Criterion. "Raw Deal," another meller, is not faring so well at $18,- 000 though giving the Victoria a slight lift from recent laggard Globe, with western opus, "Fur- nace Creek," apparently is not be- ing helped by the fact that "Fort Apache," up the street at the Cap, still Js a real draw. "Creek*' lopks very modest $15,000, and stays only two rounds. "Dmms," on reissue, is doing nicely at Rialto with $11,- 000 in first week. "Old Los .An- geles," another western opus, is not Mg with $7,000 at Gotham. "Man-Eater of Kumaon" is hold- ing fairly weU at $16,000 ha Winter Garden while "Crusades" reissue looks likewise at $21,000 in Rivoli. "Emperor Waltz" continues the top grosser with sodc $144,000 on fourth week at Music Hall, and is set to go at least six weeks. "Eas- ter Parade" still 1» smash with $62,000 or close in.second State week. "Fort Apache" vrith Lena Home heading stagebiU is off sharply at Cap, but still nice $85,000 in third stanza. "Foreign Affak," with Jo Staf- ford and Sam Donahue band top- ping stageshow,* which was big $90,000 opening week, is giving the Paramount another strong session With $82,000 or more in second frame. Heat hurt on Sunday but big screen televizing of Williams- Jack fight Monday (12) night Iielped. "Street with No Name" opens to- day at Roxy wliile Strand brings in "Key Iiargo" on Friday (16). Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 70-$1,50) —"Melody Time" (HKO^ (7th wk). Down to $14,000 in present round ending today (Wed,) after nice $17;000 last week. Continues With "Babe Ruth Story" (Mono) open; ing July 26. Capitol (Loew's) (4,820; 80-$1.50) —"Fort Apache" (RKO) vnih Lena Home, Skinnay Ennis orch, others, onstage (3d wk). Slipping with, rest of Street, with $85,000, stout, like- ly this stanza after $115,000 for sec- ond. Stays a fourth with "On High Seas" (M-G) and "Stop Music" ra- dio show opening July 29. Criterion (Loew's) (1,700,- 70- $1.50)—"Canon City" (EL) (2d wk). First week ended last (Tues.) night hit stout $30,000 or close. Splendid advance ad campaign and novel lobby helping this off to fine start; favorable reviews also an aide. Fourth week of "Lady From Shanghai" (Col), In ahead, slow $9,000. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 90-$1.80) "Furnace Creek" (20t,h). First week ending next Friday (16) looks to hit mild $15,000. Holds. Final four days of 12th week for "Arch of Triumph" (UA) Was only $5,000, "Creek" goes only two weeks, Gotham (Brandt) (900; 70-S1.20' —"Old Los Angeles" (Rep). Okay $7,000. Last week "I, Jane Doe" (Kepi, $6,000. "Mickey" (EL) opens next Saturday (17), Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 90- $1.80).—"Time of Life" (UAi (7th wk). Current roimd ending today (Wed,) looks like $14,000 after $15,500 for sixth. Stays on, with "Return of Badmen" (RKO) due in next, but date not set. Palace (BKO) (1,700; 40-95)— "Mr. Blandings" (SRO) (2d run) and "Panhandle" (Mono) (1st run). In week ending today (Wed,) likely will land fine $11,500. In ahead, "Flowing Gold" (WB) and "Back- ground to Danger" (WB) (reissues), good $9,000. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 55-$1.50) —"Foreign Affair" (Par) with Jo Stafford, Georgie Kaye, Sara Dona- hue orch topping StagebiU (3d wk). Second session concluded last (Tues.) night held well at fancy 082;000 after big $90,000 openef* which was over hopes. Had been I'linning near first week's figure until heat slowed up biz. Par flag- ship did plenty of splashing with advance ads on film and went nearly as strong plugging via very enthusiastic reviews, and it's paying off. House helped in current ses- sion by televising of Williams-Jack fight in Philadelphia Monday (12) night, taking in over $1,000 extra although not permitted to fbally bout until after 6 p,m, Monday. Radio City Music Hall ^(Rocke- fellers) (5,945; 80-$2.40) — "Em- peror Waltz" (Par) with stageshow (4th wk). Natural for this to be off after recent smash weeks but not as much as feared with $144,- 000 likely in present frame; third was huge $157,000, a bit over ex- pectancy. Crosby-Fontaine starrer ' hit new 1948 record for first three weeks of a new film, and looks to go six weeks or more. Bright, fol- low-thru ad campaign is maintain- ing lively interest, with out-of- towners flocking in. Rialto (Mage) (594; 44-98)-— "Drams" (FC) (reissue). On week ending* tomorrow (Thurs.) appears headed for nice $11,000 or better. Last week, "Tower London" (FC) and "Man Who Reclaimed Head" (FC) (reis,sues) (3d wk-8 days), was fancy $10,000. Rivoli (UAT-Par) (2,092; 60- $1,25)—"Crusades" (Par) (reissOe) (2d wk). Initial holdover stanza is down considerably from opener with $21,000 likely in week ending tomorrow (Thurs.); first was sur- prisingly strong at $30,000. Stays. Roxy (20lh) (5,88i3; 80-$1.50)— "Street With No Name" (20th) with Cab Calloway and his 4 Cabaleers, Jackie Miles, Vivian Blaine and new iceshow featuring Carol Lynne, the Bruises, others on stage. Opens today, CWed,). Third frame of "Regards to Broadway" (20th) plus Dean Martin & Jeny Lewis, Three Swifts and iceshow sagged to $70,000, absence of Andrews Sis- ters (due to death of their mother) undoubtedly hurting; second was solid $90,000, also suffering some from Aijdrews Sisters being out part of week. State (Loew's) (3,450; 80-$l,50)— "Easter Parade" (M-G) (3d wk). Second session ended la-st (Tues.) night held up at socko $62,000 after $74,000 opener. First week was new high for straight-film policy here. Fast turnover (.show runs only 135 minutes) and $1.80 on initial weekend helping to Jhuge' figure. Elaborate lobby and mar- quee pln<s huge 4-story high figures on front attractitig attention from N. Y. visitors. Also vigorous ad- vance ad campaign Is, helping. - Hoiise.dropped $1.80 top for week- «n4!i after first week. Strand'(WB) (2,756; 70-$1.50)— "Romance High Seas" (WB) with Bob Crosby orch heading stagebiU (3d-final wk). Way off at around $28,000, very dim, after thin $40,- 000 for second. "Key Largo" (WB) and stageshow headed by Count Basie orch and BBIfe Holiday open Friday (16). Victoria (City Inv.) (720; 70- $1.50)—"Haw Deal" (EL), Initial week winding up today (Wed.) likely will hit very good $18,000, favorable in view of weather. Stays, Liberal ad campaign and superb Iront helping, Second week of ^Fighting Father Dunne" (RKO), modest $11,500. Winter Garden (UA) (1.312; 55- $1.25)—"Man-Eater of Kumaon" (U) (2d wk). Second I'ound ending today (Wed.) is not doing badly for holdover session of this type of pic- ture with nice $17,000 in view; first week was solid $23,000, best at Garden in many weeks and un- usually nice for this sort of fare. Extensive advance campaign in which nearly every imaginable angle was plugged is paying off' at wickets.