Variety (Nov 1948)

It PICTIJBE GROSSES Wetliiesday, November 10, 1948 'Song' Solid $52,000, Best lA Bet; 'Bride Hot 57G,'Blade'Not So Sharp Indpls. Spoltr, 'River' Loud 16G, 'Belmda' 14G Indianapolis; Nov, 9. Biz is spotty at firstriins here tins week. "Red River" is strong at Loew's, and pacing the city. "Baby Snules on Frisco, Lusty $30,( 'Belinda' Torrid $28,000, 'Starr's' lOG $27,000, 'BW Droops to 24G in 2d; if 15-^"W.; Los Angeles, Nov, 9. "June Bride" and "Song Is Born" kicked off strongly and are fiving a real hypo to local firstrun Usiiitss this \veek.: "Song" looks, standout wilh bis; $52,000 in two'—"Station West' iRKO)' and theatres while "Bride" Is sighting i ".Jungle Goddess" (SG) t2d wk). » sharp S.'57,00O in three houses,; Slow $13,000. Last week, .$16,000, , Ruard" iRKO). Sturdy $26,000. La.si week, "Walk Crooked . Mile" ' iCol) and 'Black Eagle" iCol) t2d , wk-6 days), $8,100. Parxmtount (F&M) (3.398; 60-$l) "Gallant Blade" will be okay $27,- 00 in five spots.: Fourth frame of "Red River" •till is very steady $37,000 in five •mallseater.s. Other holdovers are inild in their final stanzas. "Kiss plood Otr Iland.s" is dropping to $34,000 in five location.s where held for a second session. Estimates for This Week Belmont (FWO (1,532; 60-$l)— "trallant Blade" <Col) and "Racing Luck" I Col). Near $3,000. Last week. "Untamed Breed" (Col) and "Leather Gloves" (Col) (8 days), f2.»00. Beverly Hills Music Hall (G&S- Prin-Cor) (834; 85-$l) — "Red River" lUA) dth wk). Steady $6,- flOO. 'Last wprk, $6,600. Carthay Circle (FWC) «0-,Sl) — "Paradine Case" fSRO) and "Million Dollar Weekend'' <EL) i2d wk). Under $3,000 in 5 dav.s. La.st week, slim ,$5,000. Chinese iGrauman-WC) (2,048; eo-SD—"Paradirte Case" (SRO) and "Million Dollar Weekend" (EL) (2d wk-5 davs). Slim $4,000. Last week, slow «6.000. Culver iFWC) (1,145; 60-$l)—, "Gallant Blade" iCol) and "Racing Luck" (Col). Near $3,500. La.st, week. "Kiss Blood Off Sands" (tT) and "Sword .Avenger" 'KD, fair $4,300. Downtown iWB) (1,800; 60-$l)—, ".Tunc Bride' IWB). Bright $19.-. 000. Last week, ".lohnny Belinda" ' (WB) (3d wk). good $15,500. Downtown Music IlaU (Prin»Cor) (902; 8.5-'61i — "Red River" lUA'i (4th wki. Steady $15,000. Last week, .SI5.400 Es>pUan iFWC) (1,538; 60-$l)— "Lu.Mirv Liner" 'M-Gi and "Secret Laud ' lAi-Gi i3d wk-4 daysi. Down to S4.000^ Last week/ medium; : $7,600. ■ • El Key 'FWC) i861; 60-$li — i "GalL.nt BImIc" (Col) ami "Racing Luck" I Col ). Oke $3,500. Last ; week, • Untamed Breed" iGo!) and "Leailier Gloves' iCol) i8 davsi. $2,100. Esiiiiirc iRosener) (685; 85-Sl 201 —"Quiet Weekend" (Indie). Near $2,000. Last week, $1,800. Four Star iLfA-WC) (900; $1.20-i K2.40)—"Hpinlet" lU) l2d wk". Up; to sock $16,000, Last week, fine ' $14,400. Guild iFWCi (968; 60-$ll—"Ki.'is BJood ' lUi &nd "Sword Avenger" (ULi i2d vWi Below $3,000. La.st vet k. f:iir 5,3 900. " . , Hawaii iG&S - Prin - Cor) (l.lOfi; ■ 8."5-Sl)—"Rtd: River''' i.UA) i4lh wkv ■ Steady $?.50O. . Last ■ week, smooth $7rvoo. ■ Hollywood iWB> '2 7.)6, BO-SP— "June Bi'idt'' iWBi. Fancy 819.000. L.Msl v, otk. -ri'-linda ' iWBl i3d wK'. t.h.11 p .SI2.400. Hollywood Music Hall.(Prin-Cor) (512; 851—• Hcd jUvcr' iU.\l i4th Sm.irl So 500. I,ast week, enappy S.'i.S'OO. Iri.s 't'WCi '828; 60-85) — "Kiss Blood" (Ui aiid "Sword Avenger" fELi i2d wki. Down lo $2,500. LaM week; okay S4.700, ^_ Liilirel . (IRosener) (890; 85) ■ ,*'Life,„Lo\'ts T.ecl)alkorskv"-'( fndiei (2;d \vk!i:. About $2,000. LasV week, ni' (' S2 ()()0 Loew's Stale iLoew-WCi (2 404i- 60-^1 I—••|',.i-;iclinf Case" iSROi and :"ATiilioh Dollar Weekend"'- lEL) (2d \\k-5 day^) Only X'i.rm. La< veek. .slow S]6,000. Los Angeles iD'lown-WCl (2.097 60-s;] 1—-HLxiiry Linci'' iM-G) and '.Sccict Land' nU-G) liici nk-4 dayM. Just .V6..500. Last week. $12,300. Loyohi iF\VC) (1.248; 60-$ 1) — P.-tradine Case' fSRO) and "Mil- lion Dollar Wepkond' lEL) i2d \vk-5dajs. Thin .$3,000. La.st week Jight .S5 500. .Vlilliou Dollar iD'lownl (2.0.93; IJO-831 — 'Hollow Triumph" (ELi f2d run I. willi ,limmy Liggin.s. Errol Gm'ner on stage. Scant $9,000. Last xvt'tk. "Thi.s l.s .\'ew York" <2d run) with ^lilton Larkin orcii, .Lo.inie .lohnson. on stage, .$9.80o: OrpJieum 'Dto-ivn-WGi i2 2]0- «0-.Sl)—-"Gallant Blade" (Col) and "Racing Luck" (Col). Nice .'613.000. ■ Last week. "Untamed Breed" (Col) •nd "Leather Gloves" (Col) i8 «!a.vs), $10,700, Pan Pacific (Prin-Cor) (940; 85- |1)—"Red River" (UA) i4(h wk). toat«3.000. Last week, .$3,100. Pantateii (Pan) (2.812;' 60-$l)-- •Song Is Boi'n" iRKO) and "Body- Paramount Hollywood IF&M) (!,'' 451; 60-$l)—"Station West" (BKO) (2d wk). Fair $7,000. Last week, $10,500. : KKO Hillstreet (RKO) (2,890; 60- 80)—"Song Is Born" (RKO) and "Bodyguard" (RKO). SBarp $26,- 000. Last week^ 'Walk Crooked Mile" (Col) and "Black Eagle" (Col) (2d wk-6 days), okay $11,900. Bite I FWC) (1,370; 60-$l)-t"K:iSS Blood" (U) and "Sword Avengifer'' (EL) (2d wk). Mild $4,500, Last week, okay $6,800. Studio City (FWC) (880; 6b-$l)-^ "Kiss Blood" fU) and "Sword Avenger" (EL) (2d wk). Light $3,t 000; Last'week, $3,900. United Artists (U.\) (2,100; 60-$l) -4-"Kis."! Blood" (U) and "Sword Avenger" (EL) (2d wk). Good $11,- (1,518; 000. Last w eek, lieat $15,800. Uptown (FWC) (1,719; 60-$l)— "Paradine Case" (SRO) arid "Mil' lion Dollar'Weekend" (EL) (2d \Vk- 5 days). Near $3,500. Last week, mild $6,000. VoRue (FWC) (885; 60-85)—"Gal- lant Blade" . (Col) and ^ "Racing Luck" (Gol). Okay $4,000. Last week, "Untamed Breed" (Col) and • Leather Gloves" (Col) (8 days), $2,600.::- Wilshire (FWC) (2,296; 60-$l)— "Luxury Liner'' (M-G), and "Secret Land" IM-G) (3d wK'-4 days). IModest $4,500; Last week, $7,300. Wiltern (WB> (2.300; 60-$l)— ",)une Bride" (WB). Hetty $19,000. Lastweek,"Belinda'' (WB) (3d wk), nifty. $12,000. City" at Circle and "Lady mine" at Lyric are tepid. Estimates for This Week Circle (Gamble-Dolle) (2,800; 44- . 651—"Cry of City" (U) and "Smug- iglers Cove" (Mono). Mild $9,000, Last week. "Isn't It Romantic" iPai-) and "This Corner'^ (EL), $7,- ^"liidiana (G-D) (3,300; 44-65) — "Johnnv Belinda" (WB) and "Here Comes Trouble" (UA). Sturdy $14,- 000. Last week, "Good Sam" (RKO) and "Behind Locked Doors" (EL), fair $12,500. Keith's (G-D1 (1,300; 44-65)-- "Good Sam " (RKO) and "Behind Locked Doors" (ED (m.o.). Aver- age ,$4,500. Last week, "Rope" (WB) and "Winner Take All" (Mono), $4,000. Loew's (Loew's) (2,450; 44-6d>— "Red RiVer" (UA) and "Surrender Dear" (Col). Hefty $16,000. Last week. "Loves of Carmen" (Col) and "Triple Threat" (Col), slow $11,000. Lyric (G-D) (1.600; 44-65) — "Lailv in Ermine" (20th) and "Creeper" (20th). Tepid $6,000. Last week, "Evil My Love" (Par; and "Bodyguard" (RKO), sluggish $4,500. 'River Swift 19G. St. Loo; 'Song' 8G St. Louis, Nov. 9. : "Red River" is" showing the greatest pulling power , of main- stem cinemas this week, being solid at Loew's. "Song Is Born Er-^ Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gros« This Week $2,910,000 (Based on 23 cities, 219 theatres, cliie/lj/ Jirst runs, in- clwiing N. Y.). Total Gross Same Week Last Year $3,160,000 ( Based on 22 cities, 227 theatTes), 'Song' Tuneful $16,000, K.C. Ace Kansas City', Nov. 9. With voting out of way, people are again going to shows. That's true locally as current product is better and so i.i biz. Qrpheum's "Song Is Born". shapes solid, and is sure to hold. VJoImny Belinda'- at Paramount likewise is strong at $15,000 and likely stays over. Rain midweek cleared up for an Ideal fall week end. Estimates for This Week Esquire (Fox Midwest) i820; 45- 65)—"Apartment for Peggy" (20th) j (m.o.). Nifty $4,000J Last week, "Corvette 225" (FC) and "Wings Over Honolulu'; (FG) (reissues), average $3,000. { Kimo (Dickinson) i550; 35-45-65) I—"Panic" (FR). Okay $1,800 or ■ near. Last week, "Fanny" tindie), $1,400. Midland (Loew's) i3..500; 45-65) 55,35) I—"Gallant Blade" iCol) and "Man- Ihattan Angel" (Col); Mild $14,000. I Last week, "Walk Crooked Mile " " Rusty Leads Way" (GOl) shapes very big at the small Shu-i ., - , bert. "Night Has 1,000 EyesV looks 'hm $10,000 m 5 davs 'Song' Beats Crix In Pitt, Fine 13G Pittsburgh, Nov. 9. . Holdovers are getting the heavi- e.st. play this week, with "Red River": at Penn and "Johnny Belinda" at Warner . both holding up well. '-A Song Is Born" is do- ing okay at Fulton among newcom- ers despite mild notices. "Hamlet" has been coming lo life on roadshow run at the Ritz after a slow start. ".Slation West" is doing much bet- ter, than average at Stanley on strength of gooti reviews and Dick Powell's growing b.o. stature. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 44-76)— "Song Is Born " iRKO). First time a t)anny Kaye picture has run up asiainst such disappointing notices, but lus past, rep seems to be over- coming (liem lor nice $13,000. but nol up to Kaye'.s pa.st clicks. Last w eck. second, of "Crv of Citv'- 1201I1I, Utile over $3,000 in 4 d.-iys Harris iHairi.s) i2.200; 44-761— '"Kiss Blood Off Hands" lU) l2d I Continued on page 20) well at 'Ambassador Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M) (3.000; .50- 75)—"Night Has 1,000 Eyes" (Par); and "Angels in Exile" (Rep). Nice i $17,000. Last week, '■Moonrise", iRep) and "Smart Girls Don't ; Talk" (WB), $14,000. Fox iF&M) (5,000; .50-75) — -'Roadhouse" (20th) and "Bungalow > 13" ('20th). Good $18,000. La.st, week. "Return of Bad Men ' iRKO) add "Berlin Express" 'RKO), $15.- 000.; ■ ■ Loew's (Loew) (3.172; .50-751 — '.'Red River" (UA) and "Manhattan Angel" KJol). Solid $19,000. LasI WTCk. "Peabod,v and Mermaid" (U) : and "Black Arrow" iCol), $15,000. ; Missouri iF&M) (3,500; 50-65)—! ".Tohnny Belinda" iWB) and; ".Apaitment lor Peggy" (20th)' lino) 12d wk). Trim $8,000 after $9,000 first session. St. Louis I F&M) (4,000; 60-75)— { "Wing and Prayer" •(20th) and" "Navy (::omes Through" (RKO)'; (reissues). Oke $5,000. La.st week,! "Drive by Night" iWB) and".'Vn-; gels wilh Dirty Faces" (WB) (re-; Lssues). $5,500. . Shubert ifnd) (1..500; 40-60)—] "Song Is Born" (RKO). Big $8,000; or near. Last week, "Rope" (WB) ■ and"Lightnmg m Forest" (Rep) im.o.) (2d wki, $5,500. ' "Song Is Born" (RKO) and "The Prairie" (SGI. Paying oil nicely at solid $16,000 and holds. Last week, "Rope" (WB) and "Variety Time" (RKO) (2d wk) 3 days, and Feathers" iFC) and "Drums (rci.ssues), 4 days, spit week, only | $9,000. Paramount (Par( (1.900; 45-65)— '.lohnny Belinda" (WB). Strong $15,000 and holdover. Last week, "Miss Tallock's Millions" (Pan had opening day p.a.'s by William Holden, Robert Stack, Bill Deui- arest and others but small 'help at mild $13,000. Roxy iDurwood) (900; 45-6.5)— "Raw Deal" (EL) and "Olvmplc Games" lEL) i2dwk). Fair $2,800. Last week, fast ,$4,200. Tower-Uptown - Fairway (Fox Midwest) 12.100. 2.043. 700. 45-65) —"Road House;' [20th). Average $13,000 or better. Last week "Apartment lor Peggy " i20thi big .$21,000 in 9 days. San Francisco, Nov, 9. Helped by .strong bally, ''Baby Smiles At Me" shapes big at Fo.v,- and "Johnny Belinda" looks sock at Paramount this round. "Red River" is strong again in fourtli round at United Artists."Belle Starr's Daughter" is .lust okay at Warfield while "Gallant Blade" will land only modest money at Or? plieiud. Otherwise, biz is not big with holdovers especially slow, i Estimates for This Week I Golden Gate (RKO) (2,844; iJO- ' 95)—"Station West" (RKO) and I "Bodyguard" (RKO) 2d wk). Down I to thin $11,000. Last week, okay; '$17,500. Fox (FWC) (4,651; 60-95)— • When Baby Smiles At Me" (20th). Big $30,000. Last week,"Anjiels With. Dirty Fslces" (WB) and "They Drive By Night" (WB) (reissues), mild $14,500. Warfield (FWC) (2,656; 60-85)— "Belle Starr's Daughter" (20th) and "Smugglers Cove" (Mono). Oke $16,000. Last week, "Julia Mlsbc^ haves" (M-G) and "The Secret Land" (M-G) (2d wk), nice $14,500. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 60-85)-- "Johnny Belinda" (WB). Sock $28,000 or over. Last Aveek, "Miss TaUock's Millions" (Par) and <;ril- ner Sanctum" (FC) (2d wk-5 day.s), $14,000. . ; St. Francis (Par) (1,400; 60-85)— "Night Has 1,000 Eyes" (Par) )2d wk). Fair $9,000. Last week, nice $12,500. Orphenm (Blumenfeld) (2,488; 55-85)—"Gallant Blade" (Col) and "Rusty Leads Way" (Col). Modest $12,000 or less. Last week, .'-One Touch Venus" (U), and "Shed No; Te,irs" (EL), $12,500. . United Artists (S. COrvvirt) (1,207; "Red Biver" (UA) (4th wk). Strong $10,000. Last week, fine $13,000. , Stagedoor (Ackerman) (3.50; 60- 85)—"The Search" (M-G) (3d wk). Good $2,500 In 5 days. Last week, $3,000. Ksquire (Blumenfeld) (955; .5,5- 85)—"One Touch Venus" (U) and ■'Shed No Tears" (EL) (m.o.). Okay $6,000. Last week, "Loves of Car- •"O)!,^'! men" (Col) and "Black Eagle," ^J'<-':(Col) (m.o). nice $7,000. United Nations (FWC) (1.149; 60- 185)—"Sitdng Pretty" (20th) and I ''Golden Earrings" (Par) deissucs'. .Nice $2,500. Last week. "Cry of I City" (20th) and"Sons of Adven- I ture" ( Rep) (111:0,). same. ; State (Par) (2,133; 60-85)— i "llYade Winds" (Indie) and ' Block- i ade" (Indie) (reissues). Good $6,000 Last week. "Rope" (WB) 1. (ni.o.i, ditto, . L'ville Lively; 'Venus' Hot $16,000, 'Julia' 14G H.O. s Slough Hub; 'Saxon' Charms At $22,000,Texa8,B'klyn $19,000,2 Spots Grid Crowds Up Philly; 'Blood' Rich at $33,500, 'Road House' Huge 35G Philadelphia, Nov. 9. Big crow ds in town. for Penii- Penn State game, peifectweatlter and general holiday mood gave the film houses their brightest week- end of new season. Most excile- iiicnl centered around the Fox, whore Road House" had tile Mar- ket St. Iront looking like New Year's Eve. Best there since "Gentleman's Agreement." Virtually as sock is the Karle's "Ki.s.s Blood Off Hands." which got off to a big start via personal ap- pearance of its star. Burt Lan- caster. Reissue combo, '/Angels With Dirtv Kaces" and "Drive by Night" also showed real strength at the Stanton. Boston. NoVi 9.. Tag end of extended-run bills all over currently sees biz sagging I at most spots. Only new bills,! ".Saxon Chariii.'.' nice at- the .Bos-; Ion, and "Texas, Brooklyn," at Par- amount and I''envvay. w hich shapes i average. Second week of "Johnny i Belinda '.slill IS big at iVIel. ■< Estimates for This Week Astor l.)a^co\) (1 300; 90-$2.40)— ."Hamlet" -(Ur (i2tli - final wk). i i\fo\c« out (his week to Beacon, Hill, returbished second-rnn house.' Okay $8 000 Last week, about ■.'same..- . Boston (RKO) (3,200; 40-801 — i "Sa.von Charm'' I Lit and ' Guns ot . Hale " (RKOi. Nice ,'i;22,0l)0 or near. LsH week. "Cry ol Cily" (20lhi arid "The Creeper" (20tli). $18,500. Exeter (Indie) '1.300, 45- 75i— "Mikado" Ul and"iVran of Kvil" |U I (rcissup.s). Second time here, this ; bill looks good at $5,000. LasI , wek. "Blanche Fujy"' (1?L) and i "Gay Intruder" (20lh) (2d wk). $3,- .500. FenH-ay iM-P) (1,373; 40-80)— "jexa.*, Bjooklyn," (UA) jtnd "Moonri.se ' (Rep). So-.so $5 000. Last week, "Night lias 1.000 Eves" (Par) and "Smugglei's Cove " (Monoi i2d wk). $3:200. ■ . .Memorial (RKCi) (3,000; 40-80)— "Race Slrcel ' 'RKO> and "Varietv Time" (RKO) i2d wki. Holdover bcKms today (Tues.) aller tine $21,- 000 first week. Afetropolitan (M-P) (4.367; 40-801 —".lohnny Belinda'- iWB) and ' Homicide for Three" iIndie) (2d wk). Big $23,000 after sock $35,400 first. Orpheum (Loew) (3,000: 40-80)— "Red River" lUA) and "Manhal- (aii Ansel" (Coll (3d wki. Final week begins todav (Tues) alter neat $24,000 second Paramount (i\I-Pi '1.700; 40-80i —'"rexa.s, Brooklyn" (UAi and "iVIoonrise" 'Rep). Usual $14,000. Last week "Night Has l.OOO H\es" (Par) and "Smuggler's Cove" (Mono) (2d wki. $8,800, State iLoewl (3.500; 40-80)— "Red River" (UA) and "Manhattan Anpcl" iCol) 3d wk). final week begins io«lay ('Tues.).'. after good $16,000 second. I Loui.sville. Nov, 9. ! Business is perking a bi(, this ; stanza, W illi brisk weekend trade helping. "One Touch of Venus" I at Rialto looks to ring the bell as i will Roy Rogers' opusi "Night Time in Nevada" at Strand. Estimates for 'I'his VVeek 1 Brown (Koiirth Avenuei ( 1.200; 30-401—"Apartment toi- Peggy" , i20th) and '"Night Wind" (20(h) I (m.o.). ,-Neat $.5.,5O0. Last week. "Sorry. Wrong Number" (Par) and "French Leave"' (iV'Iorio) (m o.i, $3.- 000. : Kentuekv (SwitOW'V f 1.200; 30-401 —-'.'A. & C. Meet Frankenstein" I $i")"()oo'o,i '}P Ermine" (20th) u Romantic" iPai) Strong $3,400. Last week "Lile, . ,. ctci , With Father" (WBi and "Return ol' '»'ta«i'« 'f>&^>' Bad Men " (RKOl, $3,500. I Mary Anderson (People's) (l.- OOO; 45-651—".lohnny Belinda" , (WB) (2d wk). Satisfactory .$7,000. I Last week, swell $9,000-in 8 davs. I National (.Standard) (2 400; "45- , 65)—"Te.vaS; Brooklyn" (UA) and "Vicious Circle" (UA). Medium $6,000. Last week. "Love of l\larv" iU) and"End of River" (U l. $4..56o. 1 Rialto iF\) (3 400; 45-65)--! "Touch of Venus" (U) and "Code, Scotland 'Yard " (Repi. Fine $16-! 000, La.st week.".\partment Peg- gy"' (20th) and "Night Wind" , (20th). $17,000. : . V State (Loew'.s) f.1,000: 45-65)— ".lulia , Misbehaves" (M-Gi and "Leather Glove.s" 'CoH. iHode&t $14,000 or over. Last week."Red River" (UA) and "Hanhaltan An- gel" (Col) (10 days). $18,000. Strand iFA) (1,000; 4.5-651— , "Night Time. Nevada" (Rep) and "Angel in l!;,vile " (Rep). Fine $6,- (500. t^a.st week. "Ruthles.s" (EL) • and VLinda Be Good" (ED, $4,000. Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (1,303: 50-99)— Hollow Triiinvph" (Ef,). Mild near. La.st week, "J.sn't .$12,600, ■ (700; 50-941i-^ ■Red River" (UA). Pa.st .$6,500. La.st week. "Rachel and Stranger" (RKO), sock $8,000 in 10 days. Boyd (WB) 12.360; .50-99)—-"Loves : of Carmen" (Col) i4th j\k). Oke $14,000 or over tor w indup session. Last week, fair $16,000, Earle (WB) (2,700; 50-99)—"Kiss Blood Ofl Hands" (Ul. Huge $33,500. Last week, "Walk Crooked Mile" (Col) (2d wk), down to" $16,000. Fox i20th) '2.2.50; 50-99)—'Road I TTou.se" (20th), Town's leader at i lerrific $35,000. Last week. "Crv .of City" (20(h), (2d wk) $17,000, i Upldman (Goldman) il.200; 60- 99)—"Julia Misbehaves " (M-G) (3d wk). Big $17,!500. Last week,, great $23,000. Karlton (Goldman) (1,000; 50-99) —"Sealtui . Verdict" (Par) i2d wki. Fine $10,000 after $14,000 opener, Keith's (Goldman) (1,300; 50-99). —"Apartment for Peggy" i20th). (Continued on page 20)