Variety (July 1949)

WrtlnrMlay, July d, 1949 piim RKS 25 ‘Jones’ Unsorrowfnl 23G ! In Sorrowful Toronto Toronto, July 5. On new big product entry. “Sor- lowlul Jones” is sock success lor' town’s top grosser. Unexpected disappointment is “Barkleys of Broadway.” a holdover, regardless. -Song of India” shapes well in four houses. Kstimates for This Week Downtown, Glendale. Scarboro, State t20th) (1,059. 955. 698, 694; 3t)-60t—“Song of India” (Col) and ‘C.entlemen From Nowhere” (Col). Big $11,000. Last week, “The Lodger" (20th) and “Hangover Square" (20th) (reissues), okay $8..i()0. Imperial (FP) (3,373; 40-70)— -Sorrowful Jones” (Par). Whammo v 2:L()()0. Last week, “Beautiful B^nde” (20th) (2d W'k), okay $ 8 , 000 . l.oew’s (Loew) (2,096; 40-70)— •Barkleys of Broad v/ay” (M-CD (‘,>(1 wki. Still steady at fine $9,000 after last week’s $14,000. Odeon (Rank) (2,390; 35-$1.20) —••Reign of Terror” (EL). So-so $9,000. Last week. “Bad Lord Byron” (ED. light $8,000. Shea’s (FP) (2,386; 40-70)— ••Window” (RKO) and •‘Judge Steps Out” (RKO). Okay $8,000. Last week, “We Were Strangers” tCol» <2d wk), ditto. University (FP) (1,556; 40-70)— • Lonesome Pine” (Par) and “Spe- cial Agent" (Par). Light $.5,000 Last week. “Green Promise” (RKO) and ‘•Adventure in Baltimore” (RKOt. ditto. Uptown (Loew) (2,743; 40-70)— ‘ Lady Gambles” (U) (2d wk). Mild $6,500 after last week’s $7,500. ‘Lust’ $8,800, ‘Window’ $7,000 in Port., Ore. Portland, Ore., July 5. ‘ l.ust for Gold” and “The Win- dow" are doing well for new pix. • iVla and Pa Kettle” and ‘"Nep- (iine'.s Daughter” are bigger as holdovers. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,832; 50-8.5) —".Via and Pa Kettle” (UA) and •Smoky Mountain Melody” (Col) '2d wki. Big $12,400. La.st week, terrific $14,700. Mayfair (Parker) (1.500; 50-85) —•'The Younger Brothers" (WB) and “Boston Blackie’s Chinese Venture" 'CoD (8 days). Okay $5700. I.ast week, “City .Acro.ss the River" (UA) and “Blondie’s Deal” (Col), good $5..5no. ^ Oriental (H-E) (1.750; 50-85)— Girl” (Col) (reissue) and VouNWere Never Lovelier” (Col) hei.ssue). Fair $4,300. Last week. Happens Every Spring” (F’ar) •Crime Doctor’s Diary” (Col), with Paramount, fine •It and day-date $4,000. ^H-E) (1.750; .50785)— I he Window” (RKO) and ‘ A tVoman’s Secret” (RKO). Good week, “Ca.sablanra” '5B) (rcis.sue) and “G Men” (WB) •leissue). solid $6,100. Paramount (H-E) (3,400; 50-85) .... Gold” (Col) and Search for Danger” (Mono). Ex- ‘•‘•llent $8,800. Last week. “It Happens Every Spring” (Par) and J nine Doctor’s Diary” (CoD. al.so Oriental, excellent $8,500. t Bltrd Artists (Parker) (895- 50- ...^.—"^‘‘Ptune’s Daughter” (M-G) -d w-k). Terrific $9,200. La.st "‘‘ck. sock $11,500. BALTIMORE (Continued from page 13) for nic" <15 000 nos.sibility. T.rsI Week. ’•Mutineers” (Col), leaning »>o ').a of Rov Acuff and “Gr->nd Re*t'’’s (Sehanherger) 4()n- ‘^0- ^ ‘^''-rowful .Tonp.s” (Par' (‘>nd vki. Starts second sesh today J ucO after fine getawav $16 400 l.adv fJaivhtoc” fPnr) jn .ahead. dr«>v» ,T)| ^3700 for m davs. _ qu^v<!> (9R0- •>0-6.5'— (’Inmnion” (UA) 111*’ I) (t < If. ('•d a hio has! week. ••Ji'ts.aw” (UA' t<i’''>d fM <(3^00. New M«finnic) (t 800- 20-6ni— Sand ’ •ooih). Falrtch $R 000 S.t'" Str,M»«v fH’Tt) ft oqp. p ‘‘(•'oimf fWR). '"M«” nnnd rojinon'-'' <• ’ "^ 000 I -..ff “(■‘.•isahl 'nca" *7 '?O0 —-“'riir. P5„ Cfnr,!’* tRV^''V \o1 Drawing all ran hold. $8 .500 indira- 6"ure for Umited cana#-- rr.,rii»f)] *•8 400. of “Mv Gal “v:. t,.,4 fairU V'cll at .$8,700. 'RKO' held up DENVER (Continued from page 12) ’•Sand" (20th) and. ‘"Night Unto Night” (WB), day-date with Es- quire. Webber. Fine $18,000. Last week. ‘"It Happens Every Spring" (20th) and ‘•Homicide" iWB), fair $14,000 Esquire (Fox) (742; 35-74'— “Sand” (20tli( and “.Night Unto Night” (WB), day-date with Den- ver. Webber. Okay $3,500. Last week. “It Happens Every Spring" (2()th» and "lloiiiicide” (WB*. fair $2,700. Orpheiim (RKO) (2.600; 3.5-71)— “Barkleys of Broadway" (M-G) and “llotne in San Anlorie’ (CoD i5 days 2d wk). Poor $7,500. Last week, nice $16,500 Paramount (Fox' (2.200; 35-74)— •‘Lucky sun ’ (UA) and ■‘Siren of Atlantis" (UA'. Ng $.5.()()() Last week, ‘ Undi’i-covei Man" 'CoD and “Make Believe Ballroom" (CoD, fair $8,500 Vogue (VVolfberg) (600; 60-74'— ••Quartet" (ElJ. Nifty $3,300 and holding Webber (Fox' '7.50; 35-74)— •Sand" '20lh' and "Night Unto Night" 'WB'. da.\-dale w'ith Den- ver, Esquire Strong $3,500 Last week, •Undercover Man" 'CoD and •'.Make Believe Ballruoiu" (CoD, fair $2,500. Mones’ Solid $15,000, ‘Fountainhead’ 9(L J/ville Louisville. July 5. Hot weather, combined with fhe July 4 long weekend, had local citizens heading for the open road, or vacation spot.s. giving the go-by downtown film houses. Re- sultant spotty biz had the Rialto I with "Sorrowful Jones” catching hefty trade. "Kountainhead" at the Mary Ander.son doing nicely, while the rest of the town was getting the gleanings, and not much at that "Stiallou Story.' at Loews Stale, was pulled atler Saturday (2). with "Neptune s DauglUer” coming in Sunday (3'. Estimates for This Week Mary Anderson (People’s' ' 1 400; 4.5-65'—"Kountaiiihead" (WB', Air- conditioning is the lure here, bringing in neat hiz considering hot v\ eat her. IJkely neat $9,000 in .sight. Last week. "Coloi'ado Ter- ritoiy" iVVB'. nu’dium $6,500. National 'Standard) '2.400; 65'— ■Slorniy" 'FC' and * .Magnificent Brute"* 'Indie' 'reissues) plus ama- leur minstrel sln)w and kiddte re- vue on stage, one perlonnance night l\. .Adding to piinv $4,000. Last wei’k. "Caravan (ELi and •‘Whispering Cil\ ' 'KID (reissues), plus st.igc show, mild $3,000. Ilialt(» lEourth .Avenue' '3.000; 45-65'—"Sorrowful Jones" 'Par) and •‘Search for Danger" (F(’). Drawing all-age patrons, with high percentage of kids, to indicate solid $15,000 l.,ast week. “Lad> (1am- i hies" IU* and "Kigliling O'Flv im” (U'. modest $11 ()()() State (Loevxs' (3.()()(); 45-65)— “Neptune’s Daughter' 'M-G'. i Opened Sundav '3'. strong $14,000 I indicated- Last week. "Stratton ■ Story" (M-G) and ‘•Mill ineei s" (Col), stout $18,000 on 10 days. Strand (EAt (1 000; 4.5-65)—"Red Pony ” -(Rep' and ‘ Daughter of I Jungle" (Rep). Medium $4,500. Last week. "Selup” (RKf)' and “Brolhers in Saddle ' (RKO'. fancy $7..500. SEATTLE ((’ontinued from page 12) wk'. Good $8,500. Around $11- 400 la.st week. big. Music Hall iM-K) (2.200; 50-84'— I "Happens Everv Spring" (2Uth) and “Night Unto Night" 'WB) i3d wk). Looking for swell $7^)00. Satisfactory $7,700 last .stanza. Music Box (H-E' (850; 50-84)— •Ma and Pa Kettle’ (U' and "Homici(U‘” 'WB' (6th wk'. Sv^ell $3,000 after nice $3,300 la.M week. Orpheum 'H-E' (2.600; 50-84' — “Fountainhead" tWRi and ••.Ali- mony” (EL'. Paced for big $12* 000 Last week. "Colorado",' WB' and “Tuna Clip|)er" '.Mono', nine days, okay $8,800 Palomar 'Sterling' H ..T5(); 40-65' “Young('r Brot’nei’s " iWB' and “Impact” 'I A' '2(1 run'' plus stage show. Expect good $5,500 I.ast week “Shot Jesse James" 'SID and ••Caught -.M-G' '2d run.') plus V a tide. oka\ $4,800 l‘aramoiint 'H-E' (3.039: 50-84* “Sorrowful .lones (I'af and •Dg* iCA* Immense $17 000 Last week -Kalse Step' 'U* and "One Woman's Story 'U'. six ri.'vs. weak $4 1)00 Pulled out Roosevelt 'Sterling* '800; 50-84' —‘ Laredo’ 'I’ar' and "Dream Is 5 miii>' 'WK* (2d runs' Good .V4 OOO Last week ’‘Good Old D;i\'" 'FC* and "Ciislcr's Last St.iiid (FC» '2(1 luns*. $3,300. ()ka\. Normalcy 1 rend, Again Chicago. July 5. Beturn-to-normalcy note. Penny candy is entering the theatre candy marts. Last vveek at the National Assn, of Candy Wholesalers meet here several exhibitors displayed penny confections for the mat- inee trade. Five-cent bars for 6c have fell tlie pinch, it was revealed. Sale of the higher - priced candy is way olT. Drive-Ins as 'Highway Hazards Probed by Pennsy Commission Hollywood. July 5. Warners bought “Honeymoon for One." authored by Manfred Kut- nick. as a starrer for Gordon Mac- Rae . . . Paramount signed Mary Lawrence for ‘ The Lie,” formerly ‘•1 Married a Dead Man” . . . Den- nis O’Keefe draws the male lead in “Panther’s Moon.” to l)c produced l)\ Michael Kraike at U-1 ... Tod Karns and Robert Keith signed for su|)port roles in Samuel Goldwyn’s ".My Foolish Hearl” . . . Gail Bou- ncy shifted from radio to films in • Beyond the Forest” at Warners . Ben Hechl doing the screenplay for “Sweet Poison.” to be produced and directed hv Otto Preminger at 201 h-Fox. I Columbia bought “Cable to .Arabia.” authored by Steve Fisher and dealing with American oil in- terests in the Near East . . . Cathy O'Donnell signed a new term play- er contract with David O. Selznick . . , Nat Perrin will produce “It’s a Man's World.” originally assigned to .Alex Gottlieb, who is negotiating a release from his Columbia con- tract . . . Murray Lerner sot an August start of production on “Po- lice investigation.” based on the cuir(’nt L .A. upheaval, for Lippert [Productions . . . William E. Selwyn cheeked oil the Goldwyn lot after 18 months as talent chief . . . Sliort .sulijeds on the Warners lot will i he upped from 37 to 42. in addi- j lion to cartoons, for the 1949-50 program. I.uiher Adler bought screen rights to “Prophet by Experience.” by Jack lams Philip Dorn will piaj Paganini in “Appointment with Fame." to be filmed in Italy next' fall Rod Cameron’s sister, Kate, signed for a role in the Cieorge Pal |)iclure. “Rupert the Second” Paul Jones will product "The Sil- ver Whistle” for Charles C. Feld- man Philip Yordan signed by Samuel Goldwyn to screenplay "Edge of Doom,” based on novel by Leo Brady. .Myrna Dell plays Cesar Ro- mero’s girl friend in “ruined Up Toes" at 20th Louis King brought his "Mrs Mike” troupe hack to the Nassoui’ studio after 10 day.s of Uxafion shooting at Big Bear Dun Dailey and Anne Bax- ter will team again in “Toma-, hawk.” to be directed by Richard Sale at 20th Mickey Rooney working on “The ['ailing Star,” based on story of his life Jan (irippo will produce "Master-, minds’ for Mono starting in .August. Philadelphia. ' The Pennsylvania Highway Com- mission has ordered a state-wide survey of the fast-growing crop of drive-in theatres as potential "high- I way hazards." The study is being made at the request of C'ol. C. M. Wilhelm, head of the Highway De- partment and Slate Police Commis- sioner. The drive-in theatres made their first appearance in western Penn- sylvania about two years ago and now there are more than 100 of them, according to a recently re- leased report from the Bureau of Labor and Industry. 'I'lie State Police want an intensive survey of the locations ot all drive-ins. particularly to determine what "hazards” exist in the areas where motorists enter and leave the the- atre grounds. draw families with children. New llurlington drive-in. near Burling- ton. has u miniature train seating 2.5 children. New drive-in between Clear Lake and Mason City recently opene<l with Richard Felix manager, ethers seheduU'd to open .soon are those at Ames. Clinton. Ottumwa. Cedar Rapids. Marshalltown and Dos Moines. Big Bronx Drive-ln I .A former city ash dump on , Bruckner Boulevard. Bronx, N. Y . will !)(’ the site of the first drive- in theatre in that borough. Mickey Redstone. Boston niterv owner, bought the land several montlis ago. but building was held up due to interference for various city in- spection departments anent sewer- age. electrieity and water. The theatre will have a capacilv of 1.- 000 cars. Contractor on the iob is F. W. Maley of Wayne. Mich. Maley, who is in the stiuetiiral iron busi- ness, is trying to gain a foothold as a hviildei' of drive-in theatres in the east. Texas Drive-In Picketed Kingsville. Texas Projectionist picketing of the King’s Drive-ln here took a new turn this week when pickets hegan taking license numbers of ears whicli entered the theatre. The house opened last week, and manager Chester Kyle, decried the picketing as an attempt to dis- criminate against liim unfairly. He elaiinod that no other drive-in in a town this size h.id a union eon- tract with projectionists Smith ()uits Eastern Wilfred 1* Smith, general man- agi*r of Eastern Drive-In Corp. of New .h’rsey, resigned efi'ective July 1. Firm operates soiik' live ozoners in Jers(‘y. most of which were built under his supervision in the last live years. Understood he plans an outdoor house of his own. New I,. A. Drive-In Los Angeles. Century drive-in, with l.OOO-car capacity, will he launched June 30 by Pacific Drive-Ins with guest stars and radio broadcast. Gerald Fowler will manage. It is the 16th in Pacific drive-ins chain. 2-BoxofTice Drive-In San .Antonio. Latest drive-in here is the Kelly the third to be owned and operated : by Landsman & Richter in San Antonio. Ozoner features two box- ofTices. one for autos and Hie other for walking patrons. Trail’s Third .Anni • San Antonio. The Trail drive-in. owned and operated here by Claude Ezell & Associates, observed its third an- niversary with a special stage pres- entation an ang(’d by manager Con- ley G. t'ox. The Texas Top Hands. Del Dunher. Bill Lester. Betty .lane, the 680 Sweethearts, and Earl DeVanc’ entertained. All were from KABC here. Carolina Drive-In Meet . CJreenshoro, N. C Members of the Drive-In Tliea- Ire As.sn of the Carolinas will hold their annual meetiiig in CliarloHe .Inly 18 Fourth Syracuse, N. Y., Oionrr S> raeuse. The North Drive-in. second in the Syraeusi' area, opened by McConnell-Read Corp . lo( al out- fit. Sidney Lust, Va., Drlve-In Hampton. Va New Sidni’.v Lust drive-in opeiu’d here. Pro ji’cl. spread over 12 acres between Newport News and H.imp- ton, cost about $2.50.000. and ac- commodates 700 cars. r. S. Begging Playdates On Cartoon Health Short Washington. July 5. Wanted—film circuits to book a Public Hcallli Service (arloon short' Thai’s the way things are today with the Government. Warner Bros, produced t!ie one- reeler at cost for the Public Healtn Sei vi( e and is about to give it lime ill WB houses around the nation. P.owever. Government is looking lor indie and other tneatre chains which will al.so show the film War- ' er.s is distributing as a public service. Film, made in Hollywood, shows what public health services do trom the time a baby is young, up through lii.s youth and adult pe- riod. explains such things as vac- dnatioii. etc. Cincy 2,000-Car Drive-In Opens Cincinnati. One section of Rube Shor’s Tv\in Drive-In Thealri’s. one of Greater Cincinnati’s I’ight located within city limits, opened recently. 11 is one of largest in U. S. Each of two sections has rapacity for 1,000 cars and 450 walk-ins. the latter seated on a patio in front of the 50 by 60 foot screen. Second section is scliedulcd to open this month. Slior's new venture makes him the drive-in king in the thri’e- stafe territory serviced hy Cincy exchange. He has Ihc’atre holdings in other Ohio points, Kentucky and We.sl Virginia Gotten Co-Stars With Fontaine for Wallis Hollywood, July 5. Josi'ph Cotten, on loanoul from David (). Selznick, will co-.star wiin Joan Fontaine in the Hal Wallis production. “Scplemlier," for Par- amount release. William Dieterle will direct, starting in Italy in .August. Open 4 Drive-Ins Near Albany Albany. The Mcnands drive-in. situated on Albany-'I’roy Roa(l. opened by Sandy Miller 'ex-Film Clas.sics salesman). Carl Roup|) and Wil- liam Thompson. Capacity is 450 cars Three other drive-ins serviced by Albany exchanges recently opened, they are Valley. Little Falls, operated by Bob BaranofT; the Bennington. North Benning- ton. Vt.. run by Alonzo & Willard; the Ft, Warren. Castlelon, VI.. owned by Chase Hathaway. Bresler’s Shift to Col. Hollywood,July 5. Columliia has signed .lorry Uies- ler to a producer contract, as .soon as lie winds up his current picture, “Abandoned." at Universal. Bresh’r won an Oscar in 1943 for a tw’O-reeler. "Heavenly Music” His first assignment at Columbia is still to be selected. New York Theatres PROVIDENCE (Continued from page 13* over looks for nice $L5.()<I(). Last week. “Citv .Across River" lU*. slow $8.OOP .Metropolitan (Snider' (3.100, 44- 65*—• t’alilornia Straight Ahead” and “Idol of Crowds" (reissues'. Flat $4,100 Last week. “Since You Went .Away'^' 'ElJ and “Open Se- cret 'EL' (reissues', poor $4,500. Slate 'Loew* '3.200; 44-65'— • Neptune’s Daughter ” 'M-G*. Solid- l(»oking $23,000. Last week “Ed- ward. M\ Son” (M-(D and “Jigsaw" tM-G'. fairly good $16,000, .Strand (Silverman* <2.200: 44-65) “Sorrowful Jones” (Par* Opened Monday Last week, “(’over Girl" '( ol* and •'AOu Were Never Lnve- , her” iCol) (reissues" weak $8,000 .New Dallas Drive-In Dallas A new drive-in. the Kautman Pike, being built here Ctiailes Weistonburg. wlio al.so owns the Paloduro. Amarillo, and Buna Vista. Borger, Texas, both drive- ins. will operate. He plans to m;in- age Itie new spot hirnsell. It wilt liave 600-car capacity. New 600-car High View drive-in opened here by W [’ Moran, for- mer theatre partni’r of Phil Isley. Construction started at Beeville. Texas, on new Bronco drive-in to be operated by .A. .M. Games. KItW \ltl> (i. KOItlNsON "HOUSE V On Variety MfS.XN H WW.XKO KICtI \KI> < ONTr OF STRANGERS" < ‘.-III III, I’ll I III •• BLAIH an«' Stare—JANET HERB 8HRINER On Ire “SIAU G H TE R ON TENTH AVENUE.'' tlarrinf CAROL LYNNE ROXY 7th Aya A SOth 8t. 2 New New 300 cai by Ed of la.. Ones for Iowa Des Moines. lovv.i drive-in. with ca|)acilv •s. opened at Red Oak Haal Construction is under wav on the Spirit drive-in al Hie intersec- tion near Spirit I,ake. Iowa The .March brollicrs arc building the ozoner. Nevv drivc-ins arc mushrooming over the stale. Many have lures to tADIO CITY MUSIC MALI ^ Rockelellnr Canter • Jwnt Haver Ray Rolger Cardon MacRoa ^ "LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING" ( olor li> TKClI.Mt tU.tlK A VV.iiii.‘r Itron. I'Uluri- SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION -0—'5jr‘ MARY lANi