Variety (Jan 1949)

PICTVItE GROSSES Wednesday, January 26,-1949 New ^ Up LA; 'Criss Cross' Crisp mm'Juan'Hefty 55G.'Oct; 33G, 'Island'Oby25G,'Husband'Finn 30G Los Angeles, Jan. 25. The weather continues to plague local firstruns* trimming grosses under hopes for the past week, However, new bills teeing oil this frame are shaping up well despite the rain. "Don Juan" looks for hefty $55,000 in, first week for three theatres. "Criss Cross" is heading for good $44,000 in six situations mostly small-seaters. "Unknown Island," in three houses, looks okay $25,000. "Return of October" should get nice $33,000 in two sites. "Don't Trust Husband" shapes trim $30,000 in four houses, mostly small ones. ^, „ Second session of '^Yellow Sky Is sighting $42,000 tn four spots, and "Words and Music" $40,000 in thtee, both very solid, Roadshow run of "Red Shoes" at small Fine Artstontinues to build with likely $10,000 in fourth round, bettermg previous weeks. Estimates for This Week Belmont (FWC) (1,532; 60-$l) —"Unknown Island"' (FG) and "Feathered Serpent" (Mono). Okay $4,500'or near. Last week, "Blood on Moon" (RKO) and "Trouble ^Preferred" (20th) (3d Wk-5 days), $? 200 Beverly (FWC^ 1,352; $1-$1.80)— ••Joan Are" (RKO) (5th wk). Fair $4 500. Last week, $5,900. isicverly Hills Music Hall (G&S- Pi in-Cor) (834; 65-$l) —. "Don't Trust Husband" (UA). Good $7,000 Last week "Best Years" (RKO) (3d wk). $3,800. Carthay Circle (FWC) (1,518; 85-Sl 25)^—"Portrait Jennie" (SRO) (5t,h wk): Mild $6,500 ■ d6 "n to $8,400. Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2,048; 60-$l)—"Yellow Skv" (20th) and, ■ "Alaska Patrol" (FC) (2d wk). Good $10,000. Last week, rugged ] $'S0OO. „„^,, 'i Culver (FWC) (1,145; 60-$l)—I "Criss Cross" (U) and "Jiggs. Mag- gie in Court" (Mono). Neat $6,000. Last week, "Blood On Moon" (RKO) and "Trouble Preferred" (20t,h) (3d wk-5 days). S2,700. Downtown (WB) (1,757; 60-$l)— "Don Juan" (WB). Stout 820,000. Last week; "Whiplash" (WB) (2d Wk-5 days), $9,100. . „ , Downtown Musie Hall (Prm-Cor; (902: 55-$!)—"Don't Trust Hus- band" (tJA). Good $12,000. Last week. "Best Years" (RKO) (3d wk), $8 000. Kffyptian (FWC) (1,538; 60-$l)— "Words and Music" (M-G) (2d wk). Br sk $10,000. Last week, smart $!.-> 100. K! Rey (FWC) (861; 60-$l) — "Snake Pit" (20th) (m.o.) (2d wk). • Okay $5,000. Last week, $6,500. Ssduire (Rosener) (685; 85-$1.20) —"Baker's Wife'^ (Indie) (reissue). Oke $2,500. Last week, "Woman H" ~t" (Indie) (2d Wk), $1,900. Mne Arts (FWC) (679; $1.20- $2 -0)—"Red Shoe.s" (EL) (4th wk). Sr' 'l $10,000, Last week, .$9,800. lur Star (UA-WC) (900; $1.20- $--T'l—"Hamlet" (U) (13th wk). • Stoody $7,000. Last week, nice $7 '>00. Guild (FWC) (968; 60-$l)—"Criss Cross" (U) and "Jiggs, -Maggie in Court" (Motto). Mild $4,500. Last week, "Act of Murder" (U) and "Shep Comes Home" (SG) (2d wk- 4 'V>vs), $1,100. nawail (G&S'Prin-Cor) (1,106; 55.»i)—"Don't Trust Husband" <UA). Nice $6,000. Last week, "Bost Years" (RKO) (3d wk), $3 800: Hollywood (WB) (2.756; 60-$l)— "Don .luan" (WB). Fast $18,000. Last week, "Whiplash" (WB) (2d •W!--.") days), $6,800, Hollywood Music Hall (Prin-Cor) (Sli-SS)—-"Don't Trust Husband" (UA). Good $5,P00. Last week, "R-^st Years" (RJJO) (3d wk), $2 900. >is (FWC) (828; 60-85)—"Criss Cioss" (U) and "Jiggs, Maggie in Coin-t" (Mono). Moderate .$4,000 L"st week, "Act Murder" (U) and "Sivep Comes Home" ISG) (2d wk- 4 ''ivs), $1,200. La Tijera (Griffith-Goleman) (1 ?i?0; 60-$l)—"Dear Secretary" (UA) (2d Wk). . Down to, $5,000 Last week, new deluxer in subur- I),in area, opened (12) as firstrun: First week was good $9,300. Laurel (Rcsener) (890; $1,20) — ".'='vmphonie Pastorale" (Indie) (5th wlc. Steady $4,000 or over. Last v - -k, $4,500. ocw's State (Loews-WC) (2,404: 60-";!)—"Yellow Sky" (20th) and • "Alaska Patrol" (FC) (2d wk). Good $17,500. Last week, sharp $29,000. Los Aneeles (D'town-WC) (2,097; 60-$l)—"V/ords and Music" (M-G) (2d wk). Trim $18,OQ0. Last Week, bright $26,400. Loyola (FWC) (1,248; 60-$l)— "Yellow Sky" (20th) and "Alaska Patrol" (FC) (2d wk). Nice $7,000. Last week, $10,000. Orpheum (D'town-WC) (2,210; 60-$l)—"Unknown Island" (FC) and "Feathered Serpent" (Mono). Pleasing $15,500. Last week, "Blood On Moon" (RKO), and "Trouble Preferred" (20th) (3d Wk- 5 days), $8,200. Palace (D'town) (1,191; $1-1.80) —"Joan Arc" (RKO) (5th wk). Fine (Continued on page 18) Dear to Heart' Whani21G,Cincy IMlvsketeers' New High f25,000, Mpnt'I Leader Montreal, Jan. 25. Biz in general is on upbeat at all houses with"Three Musketeers" hitting a new high at Loew's. "Johnny Belinda" Still is big in second week at Princess. Estimates for This Week Loew's (C. T.) (2,855; 40-65)— Three Musketeers" (M-G). Smash $25,000, new high here. Last week, "When Baby Smiles" (20th)A steady $12,000. Capitol (C.T,), (2,412;. 34-60)— One Sunday Afternoon" (WB). Okay $14,000 or over. Last week, 'Rope" (WB) (2d wk), tight $10,500. Palace (C.T.) (2,625; 34-60)— 'Life With Father" (WB) (2d wk). Doing well at $11,000 following smash first at $15,500. Princess. (C. T.) (2,131; 34-60)— Johnny Belinda" (WB) (2d wk). Big !816,000 after record first of $19,000. Imperial (C. T.) (1,839; 26-45)— "Berlin Express" (RKO) (2d wk). Down to $6,000 after a first week of $8,500. Orphemn (C. T.) (1,040; 34-60)— "Red River" (UA) (4th wk). Still hot at $6,500 after third session with $7,500. Cincinnati, Jan. 25. So Dear to My Heart," heavily I exploited in Hub area aS world premiere, is leading city with a topheavy figure. Only other new bill, "The Accused," is fair, trail-* ing "Snake Pit," a heftY isecond- rounder. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 55-75)—''So Dear to My Heart" (RKO). Wham $21,000. Rave notices. Terrif buildup here as part of ywrld preem in four-state area, included programs on Crosley radio and tele stations, frontpage news campaign with Cincy Post, and p.a. opening day of film^s Beulah Bondi« Ltiaiia Patten and Bobby Driscoll.-All this I plus 64-85C stageshow scale pull- Last week, i ing this over. Walt Disney also was on hand and drew press'and air blurbs. Last week, "Yellow Sky" (20th), bright $16,000. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 55-75)— "Snake Pit" (20th) (2d wk). Sizzling $13,000 in-wake of' sensational $19 500 bow. ' , ' V V V Grand (RKO) (1,400; 55^75)— "Words and Music" (M-G) =(4th Wk). Sweet $7,000 after robust $0,5001 third stanza. Guild (Indie) (278; $1.20-$2.40)— "Hamlet" (U) (5th wk). Strong $6,- 000. Last week, $6,200. | Keith's (City Inv.) (1,542; 55-75) —"Gotta Stay Happy" (U) (2d wk). Above par $8,000 trailing torrid $13,000 opening round. Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 55-75)— "Paleface" (Par) (m.o.) (2d wk). Holding at oke $4,500 oh fifth downtown sesh. . Last week, $5,500. Palace (RKO) (2;600; 55-75)— "The Accused" (Par). Moderate $11,000. Last week, "One Sunday Afternoon" (WB), about same. ShUbert (RKO) (2,100; . 55-75)— "Yellow Sky" (20th) (m,o.). Perky $5,500. Last week, "Every Girl Married" (RKO) (m.o.), third down- town sesh,. $4,500. ' Rain Perks Up Frisco Biz; HVitch' Wow $30m'Afternoon'Nice 18G Key City Grosses Estimated Totil Gross This Week $2,932,000 {Based on 23 cities, '224 theatres, chiefly lirst runs, in- cluding W. Y.); ' Total Gross Same Week Last Year $3,822,800 (Based on 23 cities. 219 theatres). 'River Fast 16G, Mpk;'Hamlet'15G Minneapolis, Jan. 25. Punishing weather is affecting biz here to some extent, but sev- eral entries are doing well. "Ham- let.," on Theatre Guild roadshow date at Gentujy, looks fancy, while "Red River" is smash at State. Estimates for This Week Century (Par) (1,600; $1.20-$2.40) —"Hamlet" (U). Advance praise made this a respectable entry de- spite aversion to advanced prices. Fancy $15,000'looms., Last .week, "Paleface" (Par) (4th wk), okay $5,700. Gopher (Par) (1,000; 40-50)— "Harpoon" (SG) and "Black Eagle" (SG). Fine $3,500. La.st week, "Kidnapped" (Mono) and "Trouble Makers" (Mono), $3,200. Lyric (Par) (1.000; 50-70)-^"Gotta Stay Happy" (U) (2d wk). .Retains plenty of pull at $5;000:...Last week, "Yellow Sky" (20th) (3d wk), $3,- 800. Pix (Corwin) (300; 50-70)—"Yel- low Sky" (20th) (m.o). Nice $1,800 for fourth week downtown. Last week, "Last Days Pompeii" (RKO) and "She" (RKO) (reissues), big $2;000 in second week. Radio Ci*v (Par) (4.000; 50-70)— "Wonderfv* Urge" (20th). Modest $14,000. Last week, "Gotta Stay Haopy" (U), $14,000. RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800: 50- 70)^"Man From Colorado" (Col). So-so .$9,500. Last wpek, "Gallant Bl^de" (Col), mild $9,500. RKO-Pan (RKO) (1.600: 50-70)— "Let's Live Little" (EL). Very (Continued on page 18) Tit'Biggest Bet In PiiiDy, $45,000 Philadelphia, Jan. 25. Weekend downpour washed out biz here, with only a few picfures Clocking up real grosses. Newest winner is "Snake Pit," at the Fox, with lines at most shows: Weather is having little effect on it. Else- where it is largely holdover, with "Wake of Red Witch" sturdy in second Stanley week. "Last Days of Pompeii"-"She," reissue combo, , will be torrid at Keith's. Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (1,303; $1.20-$2.40) —"Hamlet" (U) (9th wk). Oke $12,- 000. Last week, about same. Arcadia (S&S) (700; 50 - 94) — i band' Unfaithfully Yours" (20th). Fair $5,000. Last week. "Three Muske- teers" (M-G) (2d wk), great $5,500. Boyd (WB) (2,360: 50-99)—"Gotta Stay Happy" (U) (3d wk). Mild $14,500 after tepid $17,300 second stanza. Earle (WB) (2,700: 50-99) ■— "Words and Music" (M-G) (5th wk). Nice $14,500. Last week, $18,000. Fox (20th) (2,250: 50-99)—"Snake Pit" (20th). Terriffic $45,000 or near. Last week, "Yellow Sky" (20th) (3d wk), $16,000. ^ San Francisco, Jan. 25 Rainy weekend is helping to give current session a healthy tone at the boxoffice. It was a real help since biz had fallen with the tem- perature during the week. Biggest coin is going to "Wake of Red Witch" at the Fox. "One Sunday Afternoon" is doing surprisingly well at the Paramount. "Gotta Stay Happy" shapes mild at Or- pheum. Estimates for, Tlits. Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,844; 60- 85)—"Boy With Green Hair" (RKO) and "CIosctUp" (EL) (2d wk). Down to $10,500. Last \i/ee£ good $21,000. Fox (FWC) (4.651; 60-95)— Wake of Rod Witch" (Rep) and "Incident" (Mono). Big $30,000 or close. Last week, "Snake Pit" (20th) (3d wk). 5 days, nice $11,500. Warfleld (FWC) (2,656; 60-85)— "Wonderful Urge" (20th) and "Christopher Blake" (WB) (2d wk). Thin $7,500 invS days. Ldst. Week; big $20,000. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 60-85)— "One Sunday Afternoon" (WB) and "Dynamite" (Par). Stout $18,- 000 or near. Last week, "Paleface" (Par) and "Disaster" (Par) (4th wk), 5 days, big $13,000. St. Francis (Par) (1,400; 60-85)— "Don Juan" (WB) (2d wk). Fancy $I?;000. Last week, sock $26,000. . orpheum (No. Coast) (2,448; 55- 85)—"Gotta Stay Happy" (U) and "Blackie's fjhlnese Venture" (Col). Mild $12,500, Last. week, "Dark Past" (Col) and "1 Surrender, Dear" (Col), $12,000. United Artists (No. Coast) (1.207; , 55-85)^"Don't Trust Your Hus- (UA). Sturdy $9,500. Last 'Bandit' Hefty $37,0W in Mild Hub; 'Accused'ZZC'DnfaithfuHy'Fair 21G Boston, .Tan. 25. With average fare and h.o's dominating the scene not much more than average biz looms here this week: "Kissing Bandit" paired with "My Dear Secretary'' at Or- pheum. and State looks trim. "The Accused'' is fairly good at the Met. The only other newcomer, "Un- faithfully Yours", at Memorial looms as only fair. Estimates for This Week Aster (Jaycox) (1,200; 44-85) — "Enchantment" (RKO) (5th wk). About $10,000 after big $12,000 for fourth. I Boston (RKO) (2d wk) (3,000; 44- 85)—"Blood on Moon" (RKO) and "The Pearl" (RKO). Trim $16,000 in 6 days after solid $23,000 first week. ■ ■ . Exeter (Indie) (1,200; 44-75) — "Paisan" (indie) (5th wk). Still nice at about $7,000. Last week, $7 200 Fenway (NET) (1,373; 44-85) — "Snake Pit" (20th) and "Trouble Makers" (Mono) (4th wk). Okay $5,000. Last week $6,000. Majestic (Shubert) (1,500; $2.40) —"Red Shoes" (EL) dOth wk). Still bri.sk with about $9^000 after about same 1st session. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 44-85)— "Unfaithfully Yours" (20th) and "Belle Starr's Daughter" (20th). Fair $21,000. La.st week, "Mexican Hayride" (U) and "Sofia" (FC). dim $15,000. Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 44-85) —"The Accused" (Par) and "Who Killed 'Doc' Robin" (UA). Okay $22,000. Last week, "Wonderful Urge" (20th) and "Jungle Patrol" (20th), solid $25,000. Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 44-85)— "Kissing Bandit" (M-G) and "Dear Secretary" (UA). Nice $22,000. Last week, "Three Godfathers" (M-G) and "Gallant Blade" (Col), disappointing $19,500. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 44-85) —"Snake Pit" (Par) and "Trouble Maker" (Mono) (4th wk). ' Nice $11,!)00 after solid $16,000 third. Pilgrim (ATC) (1,800; 44-86) "Walked By Night" (EL) and "Old Fashioned Girl" (EL) (3d wk). $7,500 after okay $10,000 -for second. ' State (Loew) (3,500; 44-85) — "Kissing Bandit" (M-G) and "Dear Secretary!' (VAh Good $15,000. Last week, "Tfiree Godfathers" (M-G) and "Gallant Blade" (Col), $13,200. week, "Best Years" (RKO) (reissue) (4th wk), big $6,000. Staeedoor (Ackerman) (350; $1.20- $2.40)—"Hamlet" (11th wk). Good $10,000. Last week, fine $10,800. Esquire (No. Coast) (955; 55-85) —"Jungle Jim" (Col) and "Road Big House" (SG). Nice $7,000. Last week, "Rogue's Regiment" (U) and "Ladies of ChorUs" (Col) (m.o;), $5,500 for third week. United Nations (FWC) (1,149; 60- 85)—"Snake Pit" (20th) (m.o.). Okay $4,000 for fourth downtown week. Last week, : "Yellow Sky" wk). Last Goldman (Goldman) 99)—"Paleface" (Par) (4th Holding well at $15,000. week, great $18,000. Karlton (Goldman) (1,000: 90- $1.80)—"Joan of Arc" (RKO) (5th wk). Still sock at $18,000. Last week, $23,500. Keith's (Goldman) (1,300: 50-99) —"She" (RKO) and "Last Days Pompeii" (RKO) (reissues). Torrid $12,500. Last week, "3 Godfathers" (M-G) (2d wk), $6,500. MastbaUm (WB) (4,360: 50-99)— "Every Girl Married" (RKO) (2d wk). Still going good at $24;000: Last week, trim $31,500. Princess (WB) (450: 35-80) — "Paisan" (Indie) (4th wk). Profit- able $4,000. Last week, $5,000. Stanley (WB) (2,950: 50-99) — "Wake of Red Witch" (Rep) (2d wk). Big $23,000 after great $31,000 opener. Stanton (WB) (1,475: 50-99) — "Walked By Night" (EL) (3d wk). Great $11,500. Holds a fourth. Last week, sock $15,500. Trans-Lux (T-L) (500: $1.20- $2.40)—"Red Shoes" (EaU (5th wk). Steady $10,000. Last week, ditto. (1,200: 50-1 (20th) and "Bungalow 13'.', (20th) (m.o ), 5 days, $2,300. i State (Par) (2,133; 60-85)-4f'Palei face" (Par) and "Disaster" (Par) (m.o.). Husky $9,000. Last week, "In Navy" (U) and "Hold That Ghost" (U) (2d wk) (reissues) (2*' wk), $5,000. 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 percentage, hence the estimated figures are net in- come. The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement tax. 'Shoes' Heads for New Toronto Record, $21,000 Toronto, Jan. 25. With weekend turnaway busi- ness, "Red Shoes" may break the Odeon's house record. Only Other ne^ycomer is "Kissing Bandit," which looks healthy at Uptown. Estimates for This Week Hyland (Rank) (1,354; $1-$1.50) —■'Hamlet" (U) (10th wk). Still holdmg up at nearTcapacity- $8,500 I after last week's similar figure. I Imperial (FP) (3,373; 36-66)— "Paleface" (Par) (5th wk). Good $8,500 after last week's fine $9,500. Loew's (Loew) (2,096; 36-66)— 'Three Mu,sketeers" (M-G) (5th wk). Okay $7,000 after last week's $8,500,. Odeon (Rank) (2,390; 3i5-$1.20) ;—"Red Shoes" (EL). Terrific $21.- 000 and likely to break house rec- ord Last week, "Angel on Ama- zon" (Rep), thin $9,000. Shea's (FP) (2,386; 36-66)—"Ac- cused" (Par) (2d- wk), Okay $9,000 after last week's fine $11,000. Tlyoll (FP) (1,431; 36-66)— P't" (20th) (3d wk). Hefty $5,500 after last week's big $6,500. Uptown (Loew) (2.743; 36-66— Kissing Bandit" (M-G). Fine $12,- •i'-..'i,^.?* "'^ek, "Mexican Hay- ride" (U) (2d wk), okay $7,500. Port. Slow; 'Venus' Trim $ll,000/YearsM0G,2d Portland, Ore.; Jan. 25. ■ Biz is. off here this week, hold- overs and unfavorable weather hurting. "One Touch of Venus" , is faring well at Broadway, "Best Years" shapes big on second round at the Mayfair. "Last Days of Pompeii" and "She" are solid in two houses. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1.832; 50-85) —"Touch of Venus" (U)-and"Out of Storm" (Rep). Solid $11*000. Last week. "June Bride" (WB) and "Texas, Brooklyn" (UA) (2d wk), good $7,700. Guild (Parker) (427; $1.80-$2.40) —"Hamlet" (U) (4th wk). Strong $8,500. Last week, $10,000. Mayfair (Parker) (1,500; 50-85)— "Best Years" (RKO) and "Blond ie's Secret" (Col) (2d wk). Excellent $10,000. Last week, okay $9,500. Music Box (H-E) (1,000; 50-85)— "Wonderful Urge" (20th) and "Belle Starr's Daughter" (Col) (2d wk) (m.o.). Good $3,000. Last week, okay $2,700. Oriental (H-E) (2,000; 50-85)— "Last Days Pompeii" (RKO) and "She" (RKO) (reissues). Day-date- with Paramount. Okay $4,000. Last week, "Man-Erom Colorado"_ (Col) and "Fighting Back" i20th), fine $4,700. Orpheum (H-E) (1,750; 50-85)— "Paleface" (Par) and "Manhattan Angel" (Col) (3d \(rk). Fine $8,000. Last week, sock $10,500, Paramount (H-E) (3,400; 50-85) "Last Days Pompeii" (RKO) and "She" (RKO) (reissues). Also Ori- ental. Good $8,000. Last week, "Man From Colorado" (Col) and "Fighting Back" (20th), $7,500. Playhouse (H-E) (1,200; 50-85)-- "Man From Colorado" (Col) and "Smart Girls Don't Talk" (WB) (m.o.). Nearly $2,000. Last week, "Yellow Sky" (20th) and "This Is N. Y." (UA) (2d wk) (m.o.), fair I $1,800. I United Artists (Parker) (895; 50- I 85)—"Words and Music" 'M-G) « day's) (4th wk). Strong $4,000. Last week, solid $6,400.