Variety (Nov 1948)

Wednesday, November 17, 1948 'Song; Hub Standout, Lusty $23,000; 'Station Solid 21G, 'Julia' Trim 366 Boston, Nov. 16. 4 "Song Is Born" is leading tlie way on tlie Hub film row with a sock gross looming. "Station West" at Memorial and "Julia Misbe- haves" at Orpheum and State are other sturdy newcomers. "Sealed Verdict" looks okay at Fenway and .Paramount. Bstimates for This Week Astor (Jaycox) (1.300; 40-80)— "Song is Bom" (RKO) and "In This Corner" (EL). Socko $23,000. Last week. "Hamlet" (U) (12th wk), okay $8,000. Boston (RKO) (3.200; 40-80) — "Last Days Pompeii" (RKO) and "She" (RKO) (reissues) oke $17,- 500. Last week, "Saxon Charm" (U), and "Guns of Hate" (RKO) $19,500. tweeter (Indie) (1,300; 45-75)— "Mkado" (U) (reissue) and "Men of Evil" (U) (2d wk). Near $3,000 after okay $5,000 first. Fenway (MP) (1.373; 40-flO)— "Sealed Verdict" (Par) and "Mil- ' lion Drtllar Weekend" (EL). Aver- age $6,500. Last week.; "Texas. Brooklyn" .(UA> and "Moonrise" (Rep), !?5.000. Memorial (RKO) (3.200: 40-80) —"Station West" (RKO) and "Ap-1 pointment Murder" (FC). Nire I $21,000. Last week. "Race Street" , (RKO) and "Variety Time" (RKO),! good $22,000. I Mc»ropoHf-»n (MP) (4,367- 40-80) —".To'^n"v Bo'inda" (WB) and "Homifide fo- Three" (Indie) wk). Pair $i(iOOO after nice $23,- OOn fo'- second. O-nhoum (Loew) (3,000: 40-80) ^".fulio Mishpbaves" (M-G) and "Bi<T CHv" (M-G). Trim S^a.OOO. Last n'O'Pk. "Red River" (UA) and "Maiih-Utan Angel" (Col) (2d wk), $17,000. Piramnunt (MP") (1,700; 40-80) —"Sealed Verdict" (Pav) nr\<i •'Million Dollar Weekend" (ELK Nice S14(ino. Last week. "Tox-js, B'-ooklyn." (UA) "Moonrise" (Bep) about same. State (Lopw) (3.500: 40-8(1^— ".Tulia Misliob.'>ves" (WR) and "IVi? Citv" I M-G). Staunch $14,000 fof • this uHo'vn bouse. La=i( week, "Red River" (U.A.) and "M.-nhat- tan Angel" (Col), aiiild $11,500. Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week .. .. $2,939,000 (Based on 23 cities, 221 theatres, cHieftiy ;ir&t runs, in- cluding N. Y.). Total Gross Same Week Last Year $3,124,000 (Based on 22 cities, 218 theatres ). FICTVBE GROSSES 11 Me' Sturdy Wm in Mpls. : Minneapolis, Nov. 16. Trio of strong newcomers, "June Bride,'' ".fohnny Belinda" and "Cry- of llie City," is serving a prop for sagging biz this round. PickTUp has been in evidence, too, since the .election. Best bet looks to be "Bride" at Orpheum. Top holdover is "Son? Is Born" at RKO-Pan. Estimates for This Week Century • (Par) (1,600; 50-70)— "Apartment for Pegg.v" (20(h> (ra.o ). Still very good at $G.- 500. Last week, "Miss Tatiock's Millions" (Par) (2d wk), fine $7,000. . Gopher (Par) (1,000; 40-50)— "16 Fathom,s Deep" (Mono) and "Smugglor's Cove" iMonoK Li.^jht $3,000 or near. Last week. "Thun- derlioof" (Col) and "Triple Threat" (Coll, same. ' Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-70t— "Fighting Seabees" • (Monoi and I "Flying Tigers" (Mono). (reissues'. | Satisfactory $5,000. Last , week,' "Time of Life" (UA) (2d wk), mild | $4,800. , I Fix (Corwin) (300; 50-70)—"Cor-1 oner Creek" (Col) (m.o.). Deliver- ing well at $2,000. Last week, "Blood and Sand" (20th) and "Wake Up Screaming" (20tli) (re- issues) (2d wk). fine S2,000 Radio City (Par) (4.400; 50-70)— "Johnny Belinda" (WB). Respect- able $16,000. Last week, "Apart- ment for Peggy" (20th), big $17,000. BKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 50- 70)—"June Bride" (WB). Raves for this one and fancy $14,000 or near. Last week, "Song Is Born" (RKO), big $16,000. RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 50-70)— "Song Is Born" (RKO) .(m.o.). Nice $8,000. Last week, "Coroner Creek" (Col), $8,000. State (Pat) (2,300; 5D-70)—"Cry Of City" (20th). Fairly good $11,- 000 or over. Last week, "Southern Yankee" (M-G), $13,000. Uptown (Par) (1,000; 44-60)— "Sorry, Wrong Number" (Pan, One of first nabe showings. Good $4,- 000. La.st week, "Date With Judy" (M-G), !54,2O0. World (Mann') (350; 50-851— Mickey" (EL). Well-liked picture but only a mild $2,000 looms. Last week, "Walk Crooked Mile" (Col) (2d wk), $1,900. 'Song' Loud 30G, PhiUy;'Bride'28G Philadelphia, Nov. 16. BrlEk business, paced by several strong, newcomers and some potent holdovers, is adding up to a strong session currently. "Song Is Born' is a sturdy entry at the Stanley while "June Bride" shapes stout at the Boyd. "Kiss the Blood Off My Hands" continues to bold" its opening week's punch at the Earle. Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (1,303; 50-99) — "Innocent Afi'air" (UA). Hefty $13.- 000. Last week, "Hollow Triumph" (EL), mild $10,000. Arcadia (700; 50-94) — "Red River" (UA) (2d wk). Fine $5,700 after great $6,500 opener. Boyd (WB) (2.360; 50-99)—"June Bride" 'WB). Solid $28,000. Last week, "Loves of Carmen" (Col) (4th wk), oke $15,000. Earle (WB) (2,700; 50-99)—"Kiss Blood Off Hands" (U) (2d wk) Rich $24,600 after $33,500 opener. Fox (20tlil (2.250; 50-99)—"Road Hou.se" (2()th) (2d wk). Sensational .■527,000 alter boll .$38,000 mitial stanza. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 50- 991—"Julia Misbehaves" (M-G) (4th wk). Neat $14,500. Last week, $17,000. Karlton (Goldman) (1,000; 50-99) —"Secret Land" (M'G) and "San Francisco'' (M-G) (reissue). Strong $12,500 La.st week, "Sealed Ver- dict" (Par) (2d wk), $10,000. Keith's iGoldman) (1,300; 50-99) -"Forever Amber" (20th). Oke $7,000 or over; Last week, "Apart- ment for Peggy" (20l.h), $6,500. Mastbaum iWBi (4,360; 50-99)— "Johnny Belinda" (WB) (5th wk). Great $17,500. Last week, neat $20,000. Fix (Cummins) (500; 50-99) —; "Walk Crooked Mile" (^CoD. Strong .$6,500. Last week, "No Greater Sin" (Indie) and "Children on Trial" (Indie) (3d wk), $7,000. Stanley (WB) (2,9,50; 50-99) — "Song Is Born" (RKO). Town's leader at big $30;00O or near. Last week. "Southern Yankee" (M-G), $13,800. Stanton (WB) (1.475; 50-99) — "Angels With Dirty Faces" (WBl and "Drive by Night" (WB) (rc- issuesi (2d wki. Good $9,200 after big $12,500 opener. Heidt Helps 'Romantic' To Tall $27,000, Buff Buffalo, Nov. 16. Too many holdovers and move- overs here this' week. Topping the field is "Julia Misbehaves" with smash.< session at Lakes.: Heidt band is helping "Ish't It Romantic" to a lush Buffalo stanza. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 40-70)— "Isn't It Romantic" (Par) and Horace Heidt orclj. Lusty $27,- 000. Las^week, "Red River" (UA) (2d wk), $12,000. . Great Lakes (Shea) (3,400; 40-70) —"J u 1 i a Misbehaves" (M.- G). Smash $20,000 or near. Last week, "Night Has 1,000 Eyes" (Par) and "Night Wind" (20th), $14,500. , Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 40-70) — "Johnny Belinda" (WB) (m.o.) (3d vrk). Fine $8,000. Last week, big $11,000. Teck (Shea) (1,400; 40-70)—"Red River" (UA) (m.o.). Nice $4,500 close. Last weeki "Southern Yan- kee" (M-G) and "Secret Land" (M-G) (m.o.), $4,000. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 40-70)— "Untamed Breed" (Col) and "Gen- tleman Nowhere" (Col). Okay $13,- 000. Last week, "Kiss Blood Off Hands': (U) and "Surrender Dear": (U) (4 days)i.down to $6,000. 20th Century (20th Cent.) (3,000; 40-70)—"Song is Born" (RKO) (2d wk. Slipping to modest $7,500. Last week, nice $19,000. 'Road' Paves Way in LA. at 'Velvet' Rough 23G, 'Daughter 34G, 'Vices Minor 21^26, Xountess 21G 'Carmen' Sultry $14,500, Port.; 'City' Quiet 6iG I'ortland, Ore, Nov. 16. "Loves of Carmen'' is coining the real coin at Paramount and Ori- ental this week. "Cry of City," the only other new picture downtown, is disappointing; "Johnny Belinda," "Rope" and "Julia Misbehaves" shape as ace holdovers. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,832; 50-85) —"Rope" iWBJ and "Embraceable You" (WB) (2d wk) (4 days). Big $7,000. Last week, sock $13,200. Oriental (II-E) (2,000; 50-85)— "Loves of Carmen" (Col) and "Gen- tleman Nowhere" (Col), day-date with Paramount. Big $4,500. Last week, "Johnny Belinda" (WB) and "Behind Locked Doors" (EL), sock $5,700. Orpheum (H-E) (1,750; 50-85)— "Cry of City" (20th) and "Anna Karenina" (20th). Disappointmg $6,!j00. Last week, "Good Sam" (RKO) and "Shed No Tears" (EL) (5 days) (2d wk). excellent $5,700. Paramount ilI-E) (3.400; 50-85)— "Loves ol Carmen" (Col) and "Gen- tleman From Nowhere" (Col), also Oriental. Big $10,000 or close. Last week. "Johnny Belinda" (WB) and "Behind Locked Doors" (EL), $9,800. United Artists (Parker) (895; 50- 85)—"Julia Misbehaves" (M-G) (2d Wk). Sock $9,500. Last week, ter- rific $11,500. loon Fun 266, Frisco; "Bride' 24G San Francisco, Nov. 26. New: product is brightening' the biz picture here this, round, with "Blood on Moon" doing biggest week at Golden Gate. ".lune Bride" at Warfield also is fancy. "Hamlet," playing at $2.40 top at Stagedoor, shapes sock, , with advance sale: in--, dicating a longrun. ''Kiss Blood Off Hands" looks stout at Orpheum. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO^ (2.844; 60- 95)—"Blood On MOon" (RKO) and "Joe Palooka^—Winner Take All" (Mono). Big $26,000; Last Week; "Station West" (RKO) and "Body- guard" (RKO) (2d wk), colorless $11,000. Fox (FWC) (4,651;. 60-95) — "When Baby Smiles At Me" (20th) and "Jungle Patrol" (20th) (2d wk). Mild $12,500 in 6 days. Last week, big $30,000. Warfield (FWC) (2,656; 60-85)— "June Bride" (WB) and "Homicide For Three" (Rep). Fancy $24,000 or close. Last week, "Belle Starr's Daughter" (20th) and "Smuggler's Cove" (Mono), okay $16,000. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 60-85)— ".lohnnv Belinda" (WB) (2d wk). Fine $19,000. Last week, big $28,500. St. Francis (Par) (1,400; 60-85)— "Let's Live A Little" (EL). Modest $9,000, Last week, "Night Has 1.000 Eyes" (Par) (2d wk), fair $9,000. ; Orpheum (No. Coast> (2,448; 55- 85)—"Kiss Blood Off Hands" (U) I and "Racing Luck" iCol). Stout I $18,000 or close. Last week, "Gal- ' lant Blade" (Col) and "Rusty Leads Way" (Col). $12,000. United Artists (No. Coa.st) (1.207; 55-85)—"Red River" (UA) (5th Wk). Still solid at $10,000. Last week, strong $10,000. Stagedoor rAckerman) ($1.20- I .$2 40)—"Hamlet" (U). Sock Sll.OOO or over; Last week, "The Search" (M-G) (3d wk), 5 days. $2,600. State (Par) (2,133; 60-85) — I "Count Monte Crislo" (EL) and "Son Of Monte Cristo" (EL) (reis- sues). Good $8:000. Xast- week,; "Trade Winds" (Indie) and "Block- ade" (Indie) (reissues), good $6,000. Armistice Cheers D.C.; 'Bride' Sizzling $22,000, 'Station'16G,'Baby' 18G Washington. Nov. 16. Armi-stice Day holiday hypoed trade all along mainstem here, with general average the best in weekSi "Road House," at Loew's Capitol, is bringing the first cheer in many weeks to this house. "June Bride" at Warner looks terrific. "Station West" is sturdy at Keith's. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew'si (1,263; 44-74)— "Road House" (20th) plus vaude. Good $26 000, best here in weeks, Last week, "Larceny" (U) plu.-! vaude, dim $17,000. Columbia (Loow'i,) (1.263: 44-74i I — "Julia Misbehaves" (M-G) (2d runK Nice $7i.500 for third down- ' town week. La.st week. "Sahara'' 1 (WBi and "Destroyer" 'M-Gi (re- i issues), $7,000. i Keitii's (RKO) (1.939; 44-74^ — (-"Station West" (HKO). Sturdy I ; , (Continued on page 161 Los Angeles, Nov. 16. VRoad House" is taking the play away from other new bills this session, sighting a sock $70,000 or better in five theatres. "Belle Starr's Daughter" looks fairly good $34,000 in four houses. "Velvet Touch" shapes very dull $23,000 in two spots but holds second frame to permit thanksgiving opening of "Tatloek's Millions.' "No' Minor 'Vices" is slim $21,- 500 in three locations and stays only three days of second week. "Countess Monte Cristo" is barely getting by at $21,000 in five sites: Second frame of "June Bride" looks sturdy at $42,000 in three houses. "Song Is Born" is above average $32,000 for second week in two spots. Estimates for This Week Belmont (FWC) (1,532; 60-$l)— "Belle Starr's Daughter" (20th) and "Appointment With Murder" (FC). Oke $4,000 or near. Last week, "Gallant Blade" (Col) and "Racing Luck" (Col) (8 days), $2,800. Beverly Hills Music Hall (G&S- Prin-Cor)- (834; 85-$l) — "Red River" (UA) (5th wk). Neat $5,000. Last week, $5,900. Carthay Circle (FWC) (1,518; 60- $1)—"Road House" (20th) and | "Money Madness" (FC). Good $7,- ; 500; Last week, "Paradine Case" (SRO) and "Million Dollar Week- I end" (EL) (2d wk-5 da.vs). $2,900. i Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2,048; i 60-$l)^"Road House"; (20th) and "Money Madness (FC). Sturdy $14.- I 000, Last week, "Paradine Case" i (SRO) and "Million Dollar Week- end" (EL) (2d wk-5 days), $4,100. Culver (FWC) (1,145; 60-$l)— "Belle Starr's Daughter" (20th) and "Appointment With Murder" (FC). Okay $4,500. Last week. "Gallant Blade" (Col) and "Racing Luck" (Col) (8 days), $3,700. Downtown (WB) (1.800; 60t$1)— : "June Bride" (WB) (2d wk). Great $14,000. Last week, $18,100. Downtown Music Hall (Prin-Cor) (902; 85-$l) —"Red River" (UAI (5th Wk); Near $12,000. Last week, smart $13,900, below hopes. Effyptian (FWC) (l,i538; 60-$l)— "No Minor Vices" (M-G). Slim $6,- 000. Last week, "Luxury Liner" (M-G) and "Secret Land" (M-G) (3d Wk-4 days), $3,900. El Rey (FWC) (8qi; 60-$l)—. "Belle Starr's Daughter" (20th) and "Appointment With Murder" (FC). Fair $3,500. Last week, "Gallant Blade" (Col) and "Racing Luck" (Col) (8 days), $3,300. ■ Esquire (Rosener) (685; 85-$1.20) —"Mine Own Executioner" (Indie). Slow $2,000; Last week, "Quiet Weekend" (Indie) (6 days). $1,900. Four Star (UA-WC) (900; $1.20- $2.40) — "Hamlet" (U) (3d wk). Bright $16;000; Last week, strong $15,600. Guild (FWC) (968; 60-$!)—: ''Countess Monte Cristo" (U.) and "Inner Sanctum Mystery" (FC). Scant $2,000. Last week, "Kiss Blood": (U) and "Sword Avenger" (EL) (2d wk), $2,700. Hawaii (G&S-Prin-Cor) (1,106; 85-$l)—"Red River" (UA) (.5th wk). Near $5,000. Last week, good $6,- 400 but below hopes. Hollywood (WB) (2;756; 60-$l)— ".June Bride" (WB) (2d Wk). Good $14 000 Last week, snappy $18,100. Hollywood Music Hall (Prin'^Gor) (512; 85)—'Red River" (UA) (5lh Wk). Nice $3,000, Last week, $4,- 100. Iris (FWC) (828; 60-85)—"Couiit- ess Monte Cristo" (U) and ''Inner Sanctum Mystery' $14,000. Last week, "Hollow Tri- umph" (EL) (2d run), with Jimmy Liggins. Errol Gamer on stage, dull $9,300. Orpheum (D'town-WC) (2,210; 60-$l)—"Belle Starr's Daughter" (20th) and "Appointment With Murder" (FC). Lively $17,000. Last week, "Gallant Blade" (Col) and "Racing Luck" (Col) (8 days) oke, $12,100. Pantages (Pan) (2.812; 60-$l)— "Song Is Bom" (RKO) and "Body- guard" (RKO) (2d wk). Good $16,- 000. Last week, stout $22,200. Paramount (F&M) (3,398; 60-$l) —"Velvet Touch" (RKO) and "Homicide for Three" (Rep). Thin $13,000. Last week, "Station West" (RKO) and "Jungle Godd6Ss" <SG) (2d wk), $11,900. Paramount - Hollywood:. (F&M) (1,451; eO-$l)—"Velvet Touch" (RKO), Fair $10,000, Last week. "Station West" (RKO) (2d wk), $7,- 400. . UKO Hillstreet (RKO) (2,890; 60-80)—"Song Is Bom" (RKO) and "Bodyguard" (RKO) (2d wk). Good $16,000. Last week, fast $22,90D although below expectations. Rltz (FWC) (1.370; 60-$l)— "Countess Monte Cristo" (U) and "Inner Sanctum Mystery" (FC). Slow $5,000. Last week, "Kiss Blood" (U) and "Sword Avenger" • (EL) (2d wk), mild $4,600. Studio City (FWC) (880; 60-$l)— "Countess Monte Cristo" (U) and "Inner Sanctum Mystery" (FG). Mild $3,500. Last week ."Kiss Blood" (U) and "Sword Avenger" (EL) (2d wk);' $2,800. United Artists (UA) (2,100; 60-$l) —r-"Countess Monte Cristo" (U) and "Inner Sanctum Mystery" (FC). Slim $7,500. , Last week, "Kiss Blood" (U) and "Sword Avenger" (EL) (2d wk). good $10,800. Uptown (FWC) (1,719; 60-$l) — "Road House" (20th) and "Money Madness" (FC). Hot $10,000. Last week, "Paradine Case" (SRO) and "Million Dollar Weekend" (EL) (2d wk-5 days), $3,200 . Voffue (FWC) (885; 60-85) — "Belle Starr's Daughter" (20th) and "Appointment With Murder" (FC). Good-$5,000. Last week, "Gallant Blade" (Col) and "Racing Luck" (Col) (8 days), $4,100. Wilshire (FWC) (2,296; 60-$l)— "No Minor Vices" (M-G). Dull $6,- 000. Last week, "Luxury Liner" (M-6) and "Secret Land" (M-G) (3d wk-4 days, $4,300. Wiltem (WB) (2,300; 60-$l)— "June Bride" (WB) (2d wk). Good $14,000. Last week, stout $17,400, but below hopes. 000. Last week, "Kiss Blood" (U) 'Bride' Rousing $22,000 Tops St. Louis; ^Baby' Fat 19G, 'River' 16G,2d St. Lotiis, Nov. '16, : Rising temperature over weeketid; sent biz soaring at big flrstruhs here this session; "June Bride" Is leading the big , \coingetters; .at Ambassador, with sm^sh stdh^ai.: "When Baby Smiles; At Me'^:is runnerup but not big at Fox. !'Bed; River" is still; sturdy; in sepond ■ Loew's week. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (FfeM) (3,000; 50- 75)-^''June Bride" (WB) and "Va- riety Time" (RKO). ,Big: $22,000. Last week, "Night Has t,000 Eyes"; (Par) and "Angels in Exile'MRep) $17,000.';.,.■- ,T.^r. i,T-i.j »o I Fo" (F&M) (5,000; 50-75) — (J C) Mild $3 - I "When Baby Smiles At Me" (20th) and "Sword Avenger" (EL) (2d wk) S2,700. 1 Laurel (Rosener) (890; 85)— ■ "Room Upstairs" (Indie). Fair $3,- ,000. Last , week,: "Life, Ijoves ( 1 Tschaikovsky" (Indiej (2d wk-6 Idays), $1,900. , Loew's State (Loew's-WC) (2,404; I I60-$1)—"Road House" (20th) andl ("Money Madness" (FC). Socko $29,500. Last week, "Paradine .Case" (SRO) and "Million Dollar ; Weekend" (EL) (2d wk-5 days), $9,- '000. Los Aneeles (D'town-WC) (2,097; 60-$l)—"No Minor Vices" (M-G)< Dim $9,000. Last week, "Luxury Liner" (M-G) and "Secret Land" (M-G) (3d wk-4 days), $6,300. ILoyola (FWC) (1,248; 60-$l) I and "Jungle Patrol" (20th). Nice ''Road House' Madness" (FC). Stout $9,000. Last I $6,000 week, "Paradine Ca.se" (SHO) and i Prayer $19,000. Last week, "Road House" (20th) and "Bungalow 13" (20th), $17,500. Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 50-75) — "Red River" (UA) and "Manhattan Angel" (Col) (2d wk). Good $16,- 000 after big $21,000 first session. Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 50-75)— "Johnny Belinda" (WB) and "Apart- ment for Peggy" (20th) (3d wk). Fine $8,000 following $14,000 sec- ond stanza. Orpheum (Loew) (2,000; 50-75) — "Mummy's Tomb" (SG) and "Mummy's Ghost" (SG) (reissues). Trim $9,000. Last week, "Saboteur" (SG) and "I Cover the War" (SG). $6,000. St. Louis (F&M) (4,500; 50-60)— "Night Has 1,000 Eyes" (Par) and (20th) and "Money ] "Angel in Exile'' (Rep) (m.o.). Nice Last week. "Wing and (20th) and "Navy Comes I "Million Dollar Weekend" (EL) (2d wk-5 days), $3,700. Million Dollar (D'town) (2,093; ■ ,50-85)—"Loves Carmen" (Col) and "S.O,.S, Submarine" (SO (2d runs), with Mabel Scott, Horace: Hender-' , son orch, others, on stage. Okay Through" (RKO) (reissues) (2d wk), $5,000. Shubert (Ind) (1,500; 40-60) — "Rope" (WB) and "Lightnin" in Forest" (Rep) . (m.o.). (2d Wk). Great $8,500 after $12,000 first jitand.