Variety (Dec 1948)

UTednesday, Dycfcmber 15, 1948 PICTURE GROSSES 11 Hub Dqis Sharply; 'Crooked M3e' Slow ), live Today' Passable 18G Boston, Dec. 14. After a fairly good pre-holiday neriod, biz dropped oft sharply here this weelc with so-so product oartly to blame. "Walk a Crooked Uile" at State and Orpheum and "Black Arrow" at the Met are do- inK mildlv. with most other houses barely getting by. "Live Today for Tomorrow" looks okay at the Bos- ton. Estimates for This Week Astor (Jaycox) (1.300; 40-80)— "Song Is -Born" (KKO) and "In This Corner" (FC) (5th wk). Bare- ly holdint! on awaiting new prod- uct with $4,000 after about $5,000 for last. Beacon Hill (Williams) (800; *2 40)—"Hamlet" (U) (m'.o.) (4th wk). Finishes up run hfere this week at about $2,000 to end a 17- week Hub debut enijagement for better than $150,000 total. Last week, about same. Boston (BKO) (3,200- 40-80)— "Live Todav" (U). and "Nanook of North" (Indie). Fairlv okay for season at $18 000, Last week. "Boy Green Hair" (RKO) and "Inner Sanctum" (FO (2d wk), big $20,000. Exetfr (Indie) 1.300; 45-75)— "Paradine Casp" (SRO). Ok.iv $5.- 000. Last week. "Louisiana: Story" (Indie) and "Mr. Orchid" (Indie) (3d wk), $3,000. ' Fenwav (M-P) (1,373: 40-80)— "Road House" (20th) and "Miracu- lous Journey" (FC) (2d wk) Rou- tine $4,000 after $7,000 for last. IWaiesti*- (Shubert) (1,500: $2.40) —"Red Shoes" (EL) (4th wk). Holding' UD on matinpe biz for $8.- OOn after trim $10,000 last weok. Memori.-<l (RKO) (3 000; 40-8ii— "Rogues' Regiment" (U) and "Tn- dian A?ent" (RKO). Holds for four extra davs to land .fine- $12;-: 000 after sock $24,000 initi.-il week. Metronolitan (M-P) (4,367- 40-80) —"B'.ick /Vrrow" (Col) and "Lulu Belle" (Col) Moderate «9.2,000. Last week ".Tune Bride" (W.) and "Rose of Yukon" (Indie). S-W 000. ■ Orohemn (Loew) (3,000- 40-80)— "Walk Crooked Mile" (CoD find "Rijcine Luck" (Col). So-so .1!19.- 000. Lnst week, "Three Mus- keteers", (M-G) (2d wk). $20,000. P-»ramonMt (M-P» (1,700; 40-80) -"Road House" (20th) anf» "Aii- ranulous .Tournev" (FC) (2d wk). Off (0 S10,000 after trim $14,000 In fn-a. State (Loew) (3 500; 40-80)— "Walk Crooked Mile" (CoD and "Rieina Luck" (Col). MiM $9,000. Last wpek. "Three Musketeers" (M-G) (2d wk), $10,000. Key City Grosses Estimatecl Total Gross This Week .. , $2,430,000 . (Based on - 23 cities, 223 tiicafres, chiefly Jirst ■ runs, in- clwding N. y.).,. .:. ... Total Grosis Same Week Last Year $2,361,000 (Based on 20 cities, 202 theatres}. L'ville Holds Up Well; 'Squadron'Loud IIG, 'House' Fancy at 14G Louisville, Dec. 14, Firslrun grosses are moderate this week, with weather favorable for film biz. General tempo of Christmas shopping has diverted some attention away from the the-! atres, "Fighter Squadron" at Mary Anderson is topping recent marks at this house and looks solid. "Road: House" at: the Rialto shapes lively. Estimates for This Week ,: Brown (Fourth Avenue) (1,200; I 45-65)—"Good Sam" (RKO) (m,o.), i Swell $5,000, Last week, "When Baby Smiles" (20th) (m,o,), brisk $4,500, Kentucky (Switovv) (1,200; 30-40) —"Sorry, Wrong Number" (Par) and "Smart Girls Don't Talk" (WB), Nice $3,200 Last week, "Loves of Carmen" (Col) and "Rope" (WB), $3,500, Mary Anderson (People's) (1,- (^0(); 45-65)—"Fighter Squadron" (WB). Big $11,000. Last week, •June Bride" (WB) (2d wk), trim ,>b,000, ■,.■: ■ ;', ■ National (Standard) (2,400; 45- S?,*.~Tlyi"e Tigers" (Rep) and Fighting Seabees" (Rep) (reis- sues) Fancy $5,000. Last week, Hollywood Barn Danace" (Rep) """Iro Valley Folks on stage, sock 9I0.OOO in 5 days. Uialto (FA) (3,000; 45-65)—"Road House" (20th) and "Trouble Pre- ferred" (20th). Lively $14,000. Last week. Good Sam" (RKO), $15,000, '■i«?*n* (Loew's) (3,000; 45-65)- Walk Crooked Mile" (Col) and Money" (Mono). Medium M^.OOO, Last week, "Three Mu.ske- wers' (M-G) (2d wkl, modest $10,- 'Regiment' Fast $14.iO,Mpls.Ace ; .Minneapolis, Dec. 14, Proximity of Christmas plus ad- verse Ai'eather has the. boxof flee on' the'run: Also there's little in the way of fresh . fare to -excite, the sole 'important, newcomers being VRogues' : Regiment" and "Luxury Liner." Otherwise holdovers con- tinue in most spots.-'Regiment' is turning out surprisingly strong. ■ Estimates for This Week Century (Par) (1,600; 50-70) — "When Baby Smiles" (20th) (3d wk) Still healthy at $5,000 after, strong $7,000 second week.: . Gopher (Par) (1,000; 40-50) — "Sabateur" (Indie) and "I Cover the War" (Indie' (reissues). Light $2,500 sighted. Last week. "Dude Goes West" (Mono) and ''I, Jane- Doe" (Rep), light $2,800, Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-70)—"Road House" (20th) (m,o,). Fair $5,000.: Last week, "Night Has Thousand Eyes" (Par) (2d wk), $5,200. ^ Pix (Corwin) (300; 50-70)—"Fly- ing Tigers" (Rep) and "Fighting Seabees" (Rep) ,, (reissues). Fair: $1,500, Last week, "Luck of Irish" (20th) (3d wk),, about same. Radio City (Par) (4,400; 50-70)— I "Three Musketeers" (M-G) (2d wk) I Mild at $10,000 after big $18,000 initial stanza; 1 RKO-Orphcum (RKO) (2,800; 50- I 70)—"Rogues' Regiment" (U). Tall $14,000. Last weok, "Return of October" (Col), $11,000. RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 50-70)— "Return of October" (Col) (m.o,); Fairly healthy at $7.0O0.-:Ijast tveekj "Station West" (RKO) ■(2d" wk); okay $7,500. State (Par) (2,300; 50-70)—"Lux- ury Liner" . (M-G), Barely okay $10,000. Last week, "Road House'' (20th). good $14,000, Uptown (Par) (1,000; 44-60)-4 "Apartment for Pe,!?gy" {20th), One of : first nabe showings, Good $4,000 Last week. "Tatlock's Mil- lions" (Par), $4,500, World (Mann) (350; 50-85) -J^' "Elvsia" (Indie) (reissue). This valley . of nudists" pic- getting Denver Holds Up*^ 'Moon' FhH $20,000, 'Bride' 19G Denver, ::Dec. 14. Business: is holding up surpris- ingly well here this week, "Blood on Moon" shapes big at the Or- pheum, and stays over, "June Bride'V looks: nice in two spots, "Road House" is doing equally well in two houses. "Red River" goes into an eighth week at the Broadway after showing to more people first run in Denver than any other film. Estimnitifes for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 35-74)— "Loves of Carmen" (Col) and "In- ner Sanctum" (FC) (m,o.). Fine $4,- 000, Last week, "When Baby Smiles" (20th) and "Bungalow 13" (20th) (m.o.), big $5,000. Broadway (Cinema) (1,500; 35- 74)—"Red River" (UA) (7th Wk). Good $7,500, and holds again. Last week, $8,000, Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 35-70) —"Tatlock's Millions" (Par) (4th wk). Mild $8^000. Last week; good $12,500. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 35-74)— "June Bride'* (WB), day-date with Esquire; and"Smart Girls Don't Talk" (WB), also at Webber. Nice $16,000. Last week, "Loves'of Car- men" (Col) and "Inner Sanctum" (FC), $15,000. Esquire (Fox) (742; 35-74)— "June Bride" (WB), day-date with Denver. Trim $3,000. Last week. "Loves of Carmen" (Col) and "In- ner Sanctum" (FC), $2,500, Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 35-74)— "Blood on Moon" (RKO) and "The Pearl" (RKO). Big $20,000. Holds. Last week, "Race Street" (RKO) and "Variety Time" (RKO) good $14,500. Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 35-74)— "Road House" (20th), also Webber, and -"Mine Own Executioner": (20th). Nice $11,000. Last week, "Walk Crooked Mile" (Col)' and "Creeper" (20th), $10,000, Rialto (Fox) (878; 35-74)—"When- Baby Smiles" (20th) and "Bunga- low 13" (20th) (m.o.). Good .'?3,000, Last week, "Johnny Belinda" (WB) and- "Winner , Takes All" (Mono) (m,o,), same. Webber iFox) (750; 35-74)— "Road House" (20th) day-date with Paramount, and"Smart Girls Don't Talk" (WB), also at Denver. .Fine $3,000, Last week, "Loves of'Carr^ men'' (Col) and "Inner Sanctum" (FC), $2,500. LA. Slips on Holiday Buying Spree; Me It'Not So Rich at Tompeii'"*She' Fast 44G Tops City Hope Beats Lull In St. Loo, heavy male play, with "not recom- mended for children" tag helping. Bie. $3,500, Last week, "Johnny Belinda". (WB) (4th wk), sock .$2,500, STORM BOPS OMAHA; 'HOUSE' SLOW $9^0 . Omaha, Dec,:-14. . Stormy, weather and cold hit weekend openings so hard that only a miracle will null them up to anything like normal, : "Road House" at Oroheum and "Julia Misbehaves'' at the Paramount are in . the lead but botii are mild, Christmas shopping plus the weather is strong competition Estimates for This Week Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 16- 65)—"Road House" f20th) and "Music Man" (Mono), Thin .$9,000, Last week, "Larcenv" (U) and "Angel in Exile" (Rep), good $10,- 300. Paramount (Tristates) (2,800: 16- 65)—"Julia Misbehaves" (M-G), Light $9,000, Last week, "Three Musketeers" (M-G) (2d wk), big $10,000, Omaha (Tristate.s) (2,100: 16-65) —"Evil My Love" (Par) and "Holly- wood Barn Dance" (Indie), Modest S8,0()0, Last week, "Belle Starr's Daughter" (20th) and "Fightinc Back" 120thI, trim $9 300 State iGoIdberai i865, IG-fi.-i — "Let's Live Little" (KL) and "Mil- lion Dollar Weekend" (EL), Slow .$3 200, Last week. "Hills of Home" (2d wk). .solid ,*3.000, 000 "* '""""^ , Brandcis (RKO) (1 ,'500' 16-63)— J. i"Rclurn of Oftobei-' iCol' 5nd htrand (FA) (1,000; 4,5-6,'i) —'"Leather Glovos" (Col 1, Fair .'55,500 L,ove Life of Hitler" (FC) and "In- ' Last week, "Bride Fiankonslcin" ner hanctum" (FC). Normal .$5,500 :(FC) and "Son Fr.iiikenatein" (FC' ff-^^week, "Belle Starr's Daugh- (reissues) solil with "Sonn K Born" trL "Escape" (20lh). I (RKO and "Bodyguard" (RKO) trim $7,000. i (2d wk-5 days), okay $7,200. St, Louis, Dec, 14, Springlike temperature over weekend and personal of Sonja Henie and her ice-skating show are being blamed mostly for downbeat here currently. But as usual the Xmas shopping is hurtingi especial- ly the matinees. Doing best to com- bat the downbeat is Bob Hope's "The Paleface" at Fox, with robust session, "Countess of Monte Cristo," with Miss Henie starred, is only fairly trim at Ambassador. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 50-75) —"Countess of Monte Cristo"; (U) and "Velvet Touch" (RKO). Trim $16,000, Last week, "Love of Mary" (U) and "Touch of Venus" (U), slow $12,000. Fox (F&.M) i5,000; 50-75)—"Pale- face'' (Par) and "Dynamite" (Par). Robust $20,000, Last week, •'Rogue's Regiment" (U) and. "Lar- ceny" (U), $18,000. Loew's (Loewj (3.172, 50-75)— "Walk Crooked Mile" (Col) and "Black Eagle" iCol), Okav $15,- 000, Last week, "Three Musket- eers" (M-G) (2d wk), big $16,500, Missouri (F&M) (3.500; 50-75)— "Fighter Squadron" (WB) and "Plunderers" (Rep) (m.o,). Solid $10,000, Last week, "When Baby Smiles" (20th) and "Song Is Born" (RKO) (m.o.) (2d wk), $8,000, Orpheum (Loew) (2,000; 50-75)— "Three Musketeers" (M-G) (m,o,). Big $12,000, Last week, "Julia Mi.s- behaves" (M-Gf (m,o,) l3d wk), $6,- sooi'y-- ,^.: -■,;■:■-. ::;.■. •St, Louis (F&M) (4,000; 50-60)— "Ci-y of Cilj" i2()th) and "Sons of Adventure" (Repi, Good $10,000 or over. Last week, ''June Bride'? (WB) and "Road House" (20th) :(ii);0,) (2d wk),:.$7,000,;;: :;. : ■ Shubert 'Ind) a„')00; 40-60)— "Talk of Town" 'CoU and "More the Merrier" (Coll (reis.sues), Oke $."),000. Last week, "Mr, Smith Goes Washington" iCoI) and "Uis Girl Friday" (Col) (reissues), $4,- 000. Los Angeles, Dec, 14, While most firstruns are singing the pre-Christmas blues, two re- issue bills are stepping out strongly in competition.: with Xmas shop- ping. Success of "Last Days of Pom- peii''-"She," oldie combo in other keys; is being repeated here, hit- ting a fancy $44,000 in first week in two theatres.: These reissues did sock $21,000 in first two days ot the two-house run. . ''Angels With Dirty Faces"-"They Drive by Night," an- •other: reissue combo, looks : very strong $41,000 in three Warner 1 houses, ,,, .,:.■:. I "Accused"; shapes only medium $30,000 in two spots. "Strike It Rich" is doing light $20,000 in five locations. Extended runs are all winding up this week, paving the way for holiday week with new product, Estimates for This Week Belmont (FWC) (1,532; 60-$l)— "Strike It Rich" (Mono) and "Kid- happed'' (Mono), Slim $2,000. Last week,"Walked by Night" (EL) and "Indian Agent" (RKO) (2d wk), $2,- 400. Beverly Hills Music Itall (G&S- Prin-Cor) (834; 8S-$l)-^"Red River" (UA) (9th Wk). Fiiials at $2,500. Last week, $3,000. Carthay Circle (FWC) (1,518; 60- $l)_"When Baby Smiles" (20th) and "Paxole, Inc." (EL) (3d wk-6 days). About \$3,500. Last week, good $5,900. Chinese (Grauman-WG) (2,048; 60-$l)—"Baby Smiles" (20th) and "Parole, Inc." (EL) (Sd wk-6 da.vs): Okay $6,000, Last week. $9,000. Culver (FWC) (1,145; 60-$l)— "Strike It Rich" (Mono) and "Kid- napped" (Mono). Mild $1,500 in 4 days, Last week, "Mexican Hay- ride"' (U), okay $4,400. Downtown (WB) (1,757; 60-$l)— "Angels Dirty Faces" (WB) and "Drive by Night" (WB) (reissues). Smart $17,000, Last week, "Figliter Squadron" (WB) (2d wk-10 days), good $14,700. Downtown Music Hall (Prin'Cor) (902; 85-$l)—"Red River" (UA) (9th wk). Winds up run at $7,500, Last week, $7,800, Egyptian (FWC) (l.i538; 60-$l)— "Three Musketeers" (M-G) (4th wk- 4 days), Oke $4,500, Last week, neat $7,500, El Key (FWC) (861; 60-$l)— "Strike It Rich" (Mono) and "Kid- napped" (Mono), Slow $2,500. Last week, "Walked By Night" (EL) and "Indian Agent" (RKO) (2d wk), okay $2,900 Esquire (Rosener) (685; 85-$l,20) —"Mozart Story" (SG) (2d wk), 1 Near $2,000, Last week, mild $2 300' - : Four Star (UA-WC) (900; $1,20- $2,40)—"Hamlet" (U) (7th wk). Pleasing $10,000, Last week, $11,- 500 Guild (FWC) (968; 60-$l) — "Mexican Hayride"- (U) and "Grand Canyon Trail" (Rep) (2d wk). Dull $'1,500, Last week, okay $3,500. Hawaii (G&S-Pnn-Cor) 11,106;: 85-$l)—"Red River" (UA) (9th wk). Winds up at $2,500 or near. Last week. $2,800. Hollywood (WB) (2 756; 60-$l)— "Angels Dirty Faces" (WB) and "Drive By Night" (WB) (reissues). [ Good $12,000,Last weok, ."Fighter ' Squadron" (WB) i2d wk-10 days), 1 nice $10,700; 1 Hollywood Music Hall I Prin^Cor) ' '512; 85)—"Red River" (UA) (9th wk). About $1,500. Last week, oke $1,300, Iris (FWC) (828; '60-85)—"Mexi- ; can Hayride" (U) and "Grand I Canyon Trail" (Rep) (2d wk-4 , 6'\yh). Only SLoOO, Last week, nice I $3,700, Laurel (Rosiener) (890; 85) — ! "Fanny" (Indie) (3d wk). Mild ! $1,500: Last :week, oke $2,300, Loew's State (Loew.s-WCi (2,404: , 60-$l)—"Baby Smiles" (20th) and j "Parole. Inc" (EL) (3d wk-6 days). 1 Okay $10,000. Last week, medium $14,700 ' Los Anarelcs (D'town-WC) (2.097: 'eo-.'?])—"Three Musketeers" (M-G) ' (4tli wk-4 days). Down to $7,500. Last week, niftv $13,500. I Loyola (FWC) (1,248; 60-$l)— "Baby Smiles" (20th) and "Parole, I Inc." lED (3d wk-6 days). Mild I $3 "iOO. La.st week, good $5,800. Orpheum (D'town-WC) (2 210, 60-$l)—"Strike It Rich". (Mono) pnd "Kidnapped" (Mono), Slow $11,000, Last week, "Walked Bv N'lilit" (ED and "Indian Agent" (RKO) (2d wkl, neat $12,000, Paniafjes (Pan) (2,812: 60-$!)— "She" (RKO) and "Last Days Pom- , peii" (RKO) (reissues). Sharp S20,000. Last week. "Race Street" (RKO) and "Liid'es of Chorus" [.fCoti :(9,!a,'jys),.slira $13,700. , I Paramount (F&M) (3,398; 60-$l) —"Accused*.', (Par) and "Harpoon'* : (SG). Modest $18,000 or over. Last week, "Tatlock's Millions" (Par> and "Disaster": (Par) (2d wk), fair $11,700, - Paramount Hollywood (F&M) (It- 451; 60-$l)—"Accused" iPav), Me- dium $12,000. Last week, "Tat- lock's Millions" (Par) (2d wk) and "Disaster" (Par), smart $11,800: : RKO Hillstreet (RKO) (2,890; 60- 80)—"She" (RKO) and "Last Days Pompeii" (RKO) (reissue). Fancy $23,000, Last week, "Race Street" (RKO) and "Ladies of Chorus"^ (Col) (9 days), okay $22,000, Bitz (FWC) (1,370; 60-$l)—"Mex- ican Hayride" (U) and "Grand Can-: von Trail" (Rep) (2d wk) Slow $2,500. Last week, nice $5,000, .Studio City (FWC) (880; 60-$l)— i'Mexican Hayride" tU) and "Grand Canyon Trail" (Rep) (2d wk). Light $2,000. Last week, okay $4,200. United Artists (UA) (2,100; 60-$l) —"Mexican Hayride" (U) and "Grand Canyon Trail" (Rep) (2d wk). Oke $7,000. Last week, "me- dium $13,400. . Uptown (FWC) (1,719; 60-$!)— "Baby Smiles" (20th) and "Parole, Inc." (EL) (3d wk-6 days). Near $3,- 500, Last weeki moderate $5,300, Vogue (FWC) (885; 60-85)— . "Strike It Rich" (Mono) and "Kid- napped" (Mono). Mild $3,000. Last week, "Walked by Night" (EL) and "Indian Agent" (RKO) (2d wk), $3,300. Wilshire (FWC) (2,296; 60-$l)— "Three Musketeers" (M-G) (4th wk- 4 days). Down to $4,000. Last week, sturdy $7,400. Wi«tern (WB) (2,300; 00-$l)— "Angels Dirty Faces" (WB) and "Drive by Night" (WB) (reissues). Good $12,000. Last week, "Fighter Squadron" (WB) (2d wk-10 days), $9,400. 'Regiment' Sets Gait In Mild Prov., $15,000; 'Oct' 12JG,'House'IIG Providence, Dec, 14. Pre-holiday preoccupation has most spots ,iust marking time hereabouts. Use of reissues: is not helping any much,; RKO Albee's "Rogues' Regiment" looks best. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65)— "Rogues' Regiment" (U) and "Out of Storm" (U), Fair $15,000. Last week, "Blood On Mpon" (RKO) and "Blonde Ice" (RKO) (2d wk), nice $13,000. Carlton (Fay) (1,400; 44-65)— "Angels Dirty Faces" (WB) and "Drive By Night" (WB) (reissues). Meek $5,000, Last week, "Hamlet" (U) (3d wk), good $15,000 at $2 40 top,. • Fay's (Fay) (1,400; 44-65)— "Yokel Boy" (WB) and vaude on stage. Good $6,500, Last week, "Night At Opera" (M-G) (reissue) and Jack LaRue heading show, fine $8,000, Ma.iestic (Fay) (2 200: "Road House" (20th) and truders" (20th). So-so Last week, "When Baby 44-65)— 'Gay In- $11,000. Smiles" (20lh) and "Bungalow 13" (20th) (2d wk), nice $15,000. Metropolitan (Sn'der) (3.100; 44- 65)—"In the Navy" (RKO) and "Mister Big" (RKO) (reissues). So- so $8,400. Last week, "Cr.ish Dive" (EI.) and "Man Hunt" (EL), good $13,000. State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65)— "San Francisco" (M-G) and "Phil- adelphia' Story" (M-G) d-eissues). Moderate $15,500, La.st week. "Three Musketeers" (M-G) i2d wk). good $16,000. Strand (Silverman) (2.200; 44-65) —^"Return of October" (Col) and "Biondie's Secret" (Col), Fair !til2 500. Last week, "Tatlock's Millions" (Par) and ''CataUna In- terlude" (Par) (2d wk), good $10,000. 'Bon't Talk'-Vaude Quiet $12,000 in Slow Balto Baltimore, Dec, 14. ' . The pre-holiday slump has set in here and current list of pix is..not ' doing much to offset the blues. In ' among the many reis.sues. "Let's Live a Little" is drawing some trade to the Town and 'lUnfaithr fully Yours" is better than aver- age at the New. Others are largely I in the doldrums. ! Estimates for: This Week : Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 20- 60)—"No Minor Vices" (M-G), Not I (Continued on page 18>