Variety (Dec 1948)

18 riCTVItES WtAnetAseff December I, \94Z Picture Grosses last Holiday Ups Pitt; W Hep $17,000, 'Regiment' WASHINGTON (Continued from page 8) "Song Is Born" (HKO). Hefty $19, 000. Last week, "Love of Mary ' i Marches to Great $13,000: C'' lo^aTrw^nMr a^«^; Pittsburgh, XOV. 30. | ^^^1^^\„.,, , t»on „ on i Big Thanksgiving got everything ' A '''•H.mfpt'^"*'mP off to great start and this looks . If^^j—/jamlet (U) (6th wk), like tht! best all-around week the' Steady^ $4,500. Last week, same, i Golden Triangle has had in some timo. Takes generally helped by Tiirkey Day eve midnight shows, aU of which: played to capacity. "Tliree Musketeers" at Penn's leading field by a wide margin; and holds. So will "When Baby Smiles at Me" at Harris, "Rogues'! Holds indef. Metropolitan (WB) (1,163; 44-74) "June Bride" (WB) (2d run). Fine $10,000 for this small-seater. Last week, "Loves of Carmen" (Col) l2d j run), so-so $B,000. ! National (Heiman) (1,590; 85- $2.40)—"Red Shoes" (EL) (7th wk). wk). Smash $18,500 after week's terrific $21,200. Loew's (Loew) (2,096; 36-66)— "Red River" (UA). Sock $14,000. Last week, "JuJia Misbehaves" IM-Gr (4th wk), okay $7,800. Odeon (Jlank) (2,390; 35-$1.20) —"Dulcimer Street" lEL). Nifty $15,000. Last week, "Best Years" (RKO) (5th wk), satisfactory $8,800. Shea's (FP) (2,386; 36-66) — "Sealed Verdict" (Par). Okay • $1,1,500. Last week, "June Bride" , CWB) (3d wk), good $8,400. i Tlvoli (FP) (1,431; 36-66)—"Road House" (20th) (3d wk). Satisfactory $3,500 after last week's $4,400. Uptown (Loew) (2,743; 30-66— "Rogues' Regiment" (U). Big $14,- 500; Last week, "No Minor Vices" (M-G) and "Secret Land" (M-G), tepid $8,000. 1 nnssihiv Dropped to $9,000 after steady, ct' nfpv ^: $10,000 la.st week, both still fine for this stage of run. May stay un- til after Christmas. Palace (Loew's) (2,370^ 44-74)-4; "Three Musketeers" (M-G). Strong $24,000. Last week, "Baby Smiles i at Me'' (20th) (2d wk), dim $8,000 in 6 days. j Playhouse (Lopert) (432; $1.20-1 $2.40) — "Hamlet" (U) (6th Wk). : Great $8,500.. Last week, ditto. Hold again. ■■, ■ Wiairnier: (WB) (2,154;; 44-74)—' "Fighter Squadron" (WiB). Hot $19,000, hypoed by fancy preem.; Last week, "Tatloek's Millions": (Par)j .below hopes, but still stout at $16,000 Regiment" at Penn and "Fighter Squadron" at Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 44-76)— "Rogues' Regiment" (U). Smart t13,000. Last week, "Love of lary' (U), very dim $.4,000. Harris (Harris) (2,200; 44-76)— "Baby Smiles at Me" • (20th). Sizzling $17,000. Last week, VRoad House" (20th) (2d wk), fine $10,- 600. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 44-76) -i-"Three Musketeers'L (M - G). i Gash customers don't give a hang What the crix say since they're: flocking to this one in droves. Sock $25,000, and naturally holds. Last week, "Julia Misbehaves" I (M-G), (2d wk\ $13,500. | Kitz (Loew's) (800; 80-$2.40)—' "Hamlet" (V) (4th wk). Beginning ' to slip off somewhat in wake of] holiday, and stormy weekend I didn't help either. About $7,500 | as against $9;50Q last week. Both r big for this spot. | Philadelphia, Nov. 30. Senator (Harris) fl.750; 44-76)—I Thanksgiving holiday plus the "Road House" (20th) (m.o:). Hot enormous crowds drawn by the big $5,000. Last Week, 'ISilver Queen" ; football week is boosting local biz (U) and "Men of Texas" (U) (re- ; ""to high brackets. Even the steady issues), $3,500. I rain Sunday failed to cut down the Stanley- (WB) (3,800; 44.76)—Iappreciably. "Fighter Squadron" (WB). Shapes ! as last $19,000, and may stick. 1 Last week, "Live a Little" (EL), Philly Soars; W Huge $40,000;'Regiment'21G, 'Musketeers' 36G, Huge mild $9,000. Warner (WB) (2,000; 44-76)— "Sofia" (EL) and "Northwest Stampede" lEL). Too much in town against this, so mild $7,000 looks about all. Last week, "June Bride" (WB) (m.o.), $7,000. 'Musketeers' Socko, 17G, Seattle; 'River' $22,000 Leaders are two newcomers; "When Baby Smiles at Me." smash j at Fox, and "Three Musketeers,"! setting a record at the Goldman.' "Hamlet," into Aldine on road-1 show run. shapes sensational: "Rogues' Regiment" al-so is hitting; a new high at the Karlton. ^ Estimates for This Week | Aldine (M'B) (1,303; $1.20-$2.40> \ —"Hamlet" lU). Sensational $28 -1 000. Last week, "Innocent Affair" 1 (.UA) (2d wk), $8,800. . ' : Arcadia (S&S)^ (700; 50-94) —: "Loves of Carmen" (Col).. Fast' $6,000. Last week, "Velvet Touch" (RKO>, .?4,300. Boyd (WB) 12,360; 50-99)—"June Bride" (WB) (3d wk). Modest Seattle, Nov. 30. "Three Musketeers" is bringing,,,, „ . back life to the Music Hall with | $14,000 after mild $17,000 second smash session. Orpheum's "Fighter I Squadron " also is big. Rig adver- Earle (WB) (2 700; 50-99)—"Sta- ■ ■ ■ - - - ■ — ■ I tion West" (RKO). Hefty $24,000 tising blasts are helping ■ "Red i River'' at Paramount to a sock 1 •-•week. ■\ Estimates for This Week I Blue Mouse (H-E) (800; 50-84)— I "Good Sam" iRKO) and "Arizona | Ranger" UIKO) (4th wk). Good' S^.-'jOO in C dtiys. Last week, great 1 $5,000. , . I Coliseum (H-E) (1.899-50-84)— 1 "Kiss Blood Off Hands" (U) and i "Miraculous .lourney" , (FC) (2dj wk). AVay off to $6,500 after last week's ctanily S11.300: I Fifth Avenue (H-E) 12,349; 50- 841—"Baby Smiles" (20lh) a(id 1 "Escape" (20th) (2d wk). Slow! $0,000. Last week, big $12,300, I Liberty (Ind) (1,650; 50-84)—i "Tatloek's Millions" (Par) and; "Disaster" (Par) i2d wk). Nice! . $9,000 after getting big S12,200! last stanza. i Music Box iH-E) (850; 50-84)—! "June' Bride" (WB) and "Sofia" i (FC) (m.o,). Good $'^,500. Last week, "Belinda" (WB) and "I Sur-; render" (Col) (m.o,i, sweet $3,700., Music Hall (H-E) (2,200; 50-84)— | Last week, "Kiss Blood Off Hands" (U) (3d Wk), nice $15,000. Fox (20th) (2,250; 50-99)—"When Baby Smiles" (20th). Torrid $40,- 000. Last week, "Road House" .20th) (3d Wk), smash $16,000 in 5 days. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 50- 99)—"Three Musketeers" (M-G). Record $36,000. Last week, "Julia' Misbehaves" (M-G) (5th wk), i $11,000. Karlton (Goldman) (1,000; 50-99)1 "Rogues' Regiment" (U). New hereat .$21,000. Last week, "Secret Land" (M-G) and "San Francisco" (M-G) reissued), $7,588. ! , Keith's (Goldman) (1.300; 50-99) I —"Road House" (20th). Smash I $13,000. Last week "Cry of City" i (20th), $3,500. Mastbauni (WB) (4,360; 50-99)— "Fighter Squadron" (WB) (2d wk).: Disappointing $17,500 after okay $26,000 opener. Pix (Cummins) (500; SO-99) — "Southern Yankee'^ (M-G). Neat $4,000 in 4 days. Last week. "Night Has .1,000 Eyes" (Par), trim $5,500. Stanley (WB) (2,950; 50-99i — "Song Is Born" illKO) i3d wk). Slipped to $15,000. La«t week $19,000. Stanton (WB) (1,475; 50-99) — "Gallant Blade" iCol). Stronf, $14,500. Last week. "Sofia" iSGi and "Argyle Secret" iS(3', $9,500. 'TATLOCK'S'BEST BET IN PORT., HOT $17,500 Portland, Ore., Nov. 30. , Downtown houses are coining plenty of money on current prod- uct in spite of the large .number of competing shows, "Miss Tat- loek's Millions'' at Paramount and: Oriental is socko while "So This; Is New York" at the Mayfair is disappointing. Long line of hold- over is holding down total take. "Blandings Dream House" shapes as tops on second Broadway week. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,832; 50- 85)—"Blandings Dream House" (SRO) and "Sons of Adventure" (Rep) (2d wk). Nice $7,500. Last week, sock $14,000. Mayfair (Parker) (1,500; 50-85) "This Is New York" (UA) and "Golden Eye" (Mono). Disap- pointing $2,500. Last week, "Rope" (WB) and "Embraceable You" (WB) (m.o.\ fine $4,500. Music Box (H-E) (1,000; 50-85) i—"Johnny Belinda" (WB) and "Lulu Belle" (Par) (3d Wk) (m.o.) (5 days). Good $3,000. Last week, $4,500. Oriental (H-E) (2,000; 50-85)— "Tatloek's Millions" (Par) and "Isn't It Romantic" (Par) (5 days) day-date with Paramount, Sock $6,000. Last week, "When Baby Smiles" (20th) and "Sophia" (In- die) (8 days), $6,500. Orpheum (H-E) 11,750; 50-85)— "When Baby Smiles" (20th) and "Sophia" (Indie) i2d wk) (6 days). Big $6,000. Last week, $10,700. Paramount (H-E) (3,400; 50-85)— "Tatloek's Millions" iPar) and "Isn't It Romantic" (Par) also Oriental. Terrific $11,500. Last week, "Night Has 1,000 Eves" (Par) and "Triple Threat" iCol), $8,500. Playhouse (H-E) (1,200; 50-85)— "Night Has 1,000 Eyes" (Par) and "Triple Threat" (Col) (m.o.). So-so $1;700. Last week, "Loves of Car- men" (Col) and "Summer Holiday" (M-G) (m.o.), $2,500. United Artists (Parker) (895; 50- 85) —^ "Julia Misbehaves" (M-G) (4th wk). Fine $6,000. Last week, $8,500. Inside Stulf-^ctures John Hou,seman, legit and film director and fornffer associate of Orson Welles, has been doing a series of articles In the New York Star (ex- PM) on Sundays concerning the present disturbed economic state of the picture industry. Aside from the usual factors'Usted as contrib- uting to Hollywood's dliriculties, Houseman noted this week: ' "A Vague sense of uneasiness at the realization that during the years of plenty, not one single major innovation had been introduced—not one real novelty of technique or subject matter. Nor, for that matter, had anything new or exciting been developed in the human line- neither directors, nor writers, nor even stars. Could it be that Holly- wood was getting stale?" Present situation is by no means hopeless for .Hollywood's "crea- tive elements," Houseman states. "Once the transition >is made, their prospects were never brighter. Whether live or on ftlm—simultane- ously projected via coaxial cable or over individual stations and dif- ferent times, viewed intimately on home sets or publicly on the giant screens of theatres—it is still product, and human brains, and beauty and skill are needed to make it','' "As to the businessmen," Houseman concludes, "I think we need not worry too much about them, either. ... I have a hunch that when the smoke clears they will be found, east and west, sitting in the same offices, with the same ulcers, behind the same desks." A footnote on Danny Kaye's London smash being slightly less sensa- tional than when he first whammed 'em last winter lies in the fact the ticket specs m'ade it too tough a hurdle. They were getting up to 100 poundsfor the Command Performance, and for $400 there was a strange "make me laugh" attitude, almost beyond the comedian's control. How- ever, he surmounted that, even though there also was some resentment that tlie topliner of what, after all, is a British charity—for the Variety Artists Federation^had to be an American. There was also an un- toward note struck by the fact Kaye closed with "Underneath the Arches," made famous by Flanagan & Edwards, two British artists who happened to be oii the bill; in fact. Bud Flanagan is th(B author of the song which suddenly struck a hit revival on both sides of the Atlantic. But, despite the electric ieeting among insiders that Kaye faced a bit of a fight with a certain stufled-shlrt segment of the audience, which capriciously chose to be difficult, chiefly because of the scalpers, the American comedian more than captured them find "fractured" them. By use of a new "background process'Mn its French import, "Jenny Lamour," Vog Film feels that the American market for foreign films may be broadened considerably inasmvich as its printed titles have been supplanted by a narration technique. Firm recently completed a new soundtrack at a Paris studio for "Jenny" with the running commentary spoken in English. Male and femme narrators not only explain dialog, but also describe the action. Understood Howard Hughes has offered to buy complete control of Churubusco studios in Mexico City. RKO now owns a large share of the property and the rest is held by Emilio Ascarraga. Dual financial control of the lot has tended to keep production activity down, althouRh relations between RKO and Ascarraga are said to be cordial. RKO technicians in recent years have modernized Churubusco. If Hughes takes outright control it means that RKO will produce a number of films there at a cost considerably lower than the Hollywood rate. Film stocks are now "down to levels where they are worth holdins " according to an analysis of the industry in the current issue of Moody 's Stock Survey. Bulletin's optimistic note, however, is modified by the observation that the "outlook for earnings is not Immediately bullish" and is unlikely to pick up for some time,- Other points taken up by the study include the declining boxoffice, loss of foreign Income, effect of divorcement and television. Warners Exits * 'Continued from page 3 "Three Musketeers" (M-G) and "Spiritualist" (EL). Socko $17,000. Last week, "Velvet Touch" (RKO) and "Golden Eye" (Mono), very dim $3,900. OrphCUm (H-E) (2,600; 50-84)— "Fighter Squadron" WB) and "'Smart Girls Don't T.ilk" (WB). ] Big $15,000. Last week, ".lune i Bride" iWB) and "Sofia" (FC) (2d Wk), $7,000. Palomar (Steriing) (1,350; 65-$l) i —"Smokey River Serenade" (Col) | and "Texas Rangers" on stage. So- ■ so $6,000. Last week, "Duel in Sun'' (SRO) and "Wioiig Number" ^^PalamouXH-lffs'osq' 50-84)-I a"'^"i«'-y generators and Paramount (H-K,; (J,0,j,y, oo-o*^—I plugging "no power interruptions." DENVER (Continued from page 9): ■ ver, Webber. Big $4,000 or better. Last wrek. ".Johnny Belinda" (WB) and "Winner Takes All" (Mono), $2,500. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 35-741— "Station West" (RKOi and "Body- guard" (RKO). Nice $15,000. Last week. 'Mulia Misbeh.-ives" (M-G) and "Close Up" (EL) (2d wk), $10,- 000. . Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 35-74) —"Belle Starr's Daughter" (20th) and "SOS Submarine" (SG). Good $11,000 Last week, "Pitfall" (UA) and "Meet Me at Dawn'' (20th), $7,000. Webber (Fox) (750; 35-74)— "When Baby Smiles" i201h) ,ind "Bungalow 13" (20th), also Denver. Esquire. Fine $3,500. Last week, "Pitfall" lUA) and "Meet Me at Dawn" (20th), dim $1,500. 'Dulcimer' Hits Sultry 15G, Toronto; 'River' 14G Toronto, Nov. 3(1" With power cutoff's hurting all suburbans,' business is up at main- , stem deluxcrs here since having "Red River" (UA). Terrific $22,000 Last week. "Gallant Blade" (Col) and "Untamed Breed" (Col), thin $7,500. Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 50-84) —"Luxury Liner" (M-G) and "Isn't It Romantic" (Par) i2d runs). Fair $3,000. Last week, "Blood and Sand" (20th) and "Wake Up Screaming" (Col) (2d runs), $4,100. Top newcomers are "Rogues' Reg- iment" and "Red River." "Dul- cimer Street" shapes solid. Estimates for This Week Hyland (Rank) (1,3.54; $1-$1,50) —"Hamlet" (U) (2d wk). Capacity $15,500. Lastweek, about same. Imperial (FP) (3,378: 36-66)— "Apartment for Peggy" t20th) (2d SAN FRANCISCO I Confirmed from page 8) Blood OH lland.s" (U) and "Racing Luck' (Col) i2d wk), $11,500. •United Artists (No. Coast) (1,207- 55-85)—"Red River" lUA) i7th wk)'. Husky .$8,000. Last week, S9,000 .•itagedoor (Aekerman) ($120- $2.40)—"Hamlet" (U) (3d wk). Ter- rific $12,500, helped by extra shows. Last week, capacity $11,200. Esquire (No. Coast) (955; 55-85) —"Northwest Stampede" (EL) and "Shep Come? Home" (SG). Nice $7,000. Last week. "Harpoon" (SG) and "SOS Submarine" (SG); same. United Nations (FWO (1,149; 60- 83)—"June Bride" (WB) and "Homi- cide for Three" (Rep) (2d wk). Trim $4,000. Last week, $2,500 in 4. days. State (Par) (2.133; 60-85)—"All Baba" (U) and "Phantom of the Opera" (U) (reissues). Big $10;000. Last w< ek, "Runaway Daughter" (FC) and "Duke West Point" (FC) (reissues), $7,200. ly, negotiated the breakup with- out advising attorneys for the other companies of the impending j deal. Continuing its efforts to i reach a deal, Par also pushed ne- igotiations during the week. Lcon- !ard. Goldenson, Par's theatre chief; iEd Weisel, attorney and acting [chairman of the company's exec 'committee; and 'yValter Gross, le- .galite In the theab:e dept., trekked to Washington last Friday (26) for ; further huddles- with the Govern- jment. I WB's Stipulation I Warners' pact with the D of J: I is incorporated in a stipulation I which provides for immediate cut- iting of partnership ties. Stipula- j tion states specifically that the j company has voluntarily agreed to the step. ■ ■ ; I Theatre partner most affected by the deal is Ben Amsterdam. Warn- ers and Amsterdam each o\*n a i 50% interest in more than 15 the- ! atres in the New Jersey area; In lall other instances, WB also owns 'a 50% interest. i Other hou.ses involved: are two in PilLsburgh, operated by the ' .Mount Oliver Theatre Co., M. M. Fiiikel and O. F. Habegger, part- ,ners with WB; Paramount theatre, Youngstown, O., Shea Enterprises, partner; MacArthur theatre, Wash- j ington, D. C, Fred S. Kogod and ;Max Bui'ka, partners; Ohio theatre, I Springfield, O., Springfield Theatre I Co., partner; Grlswold theatre, Troy, N. Y., Fast Theatres, partner. Favora ble "Move ■ ; . Trial strategists believe Warners' willingness to remove the theatres as an issue In the case will create a favorable impression with the three-judge statutory court. Presid- ing Circuit Court Judge Augustus ,'N. Hand has frequently a.sked the ' parties to expedite the trial by vol- untary peace pacts on various 'Pha.ses of the case. Manwhile, the Government con- tinued to prepure for further hear- i ings. It filed notice last week that it intended to take oral depositions ■ I of Al Ruben, Marvin Harris, Carl ! E. Sehwyn and Jack Armstrong, Tuesday (7), in Toledo. Quartet I are indie exhibs and it is expected they will be quizzed on effects of competitive bidding. Under terms of the notice, all. at- torneys involved in the suit are inr vited to attend and participate, i Examinations will conducted from ' day-to-day until completed. , Army Brass Continued from Dace 3 ! portedly hadi already appi»aehed I other filmites to assume , official < positions in the unit. It had in- I tended to farm out the actual film work to major film coiVtpany meui- bers of the MPAA. In effect, Holly- wood production of the film.s would : be under supervision of the MPAA. ! Secretary Royall had approved the plan and sent It through Ins I departments for routine okays. It was Harmon's insistence that no strings be tied to production work of the new corporation that I brought about the plan's downtall. i Army controller nixed the iio- ! strings clause, noting that Govern- ment officials must preserve super- ■ vision rights on contracts handed to private organizations. I Hollywood was brought into the i picture because the Army, in the I past, has been hampered in its ef- t forts to produce a unified and all- ! embracing film program for tire yOccupied countries. Only two films ! are currently being produced by the Civil Affairs Division of the Army on a trial basis. Very lew i,have been turned out previously.- i Understood that Harmon dc- ; manded a free hand because of j feared interference by high brass. ; Number of films including the , U. S, product version of the Nuremberg trials are on the shelf because of - divided opinion among ■ top Army, officers.