Variety (August 1949)

11 PICTCHE GRO!^SES Heat Dufls L. A.; ‘Rope’ Tight $33, lucasta’ Not Lively $23,000, ‘Pigeon’ Fat 33G, ‘Bride’ Torrid $43,000, 2d Ve<Tnetday, August 31 . 1949 Los Angeles, Aug. 30. -f Hot weather here continues to hurt firstrun grosses, and five new bills in current frame are failing to boost overall biz pace. Best new- comer is "Rope of Sand,” strong 033,000 in two Paramount theatres. •‘Great Sinner” is disappointing with mild $33,000 in three sites, and stays only one day past first week. “Johnny Stool Pigeon” is pleas- ing $33,000 in five houses, getting $3,000 at the Guild, added to four- house United Artists combo. "Anna Luca.sta” is slow $23,000 in two lo- cations. “Roughshod” shapes light $18,500 in five situations. “Male War Bride” still is nifty at $43,000 In four spots in second week but other holdovers are drooping. Estimates for This Week Beverly Hills, Downtown, Hawaii, Hollywood Music Halls (Prin-Cor) (834; 902; 1,106, 512, 512; 55-$!)— •‘Black Magic” (UA» (2d wk). Down to .$22,000. Last week, nice $35,- 600. Chinese, Loew’s State, Loyola, Uptown (FWC) (2,048, 2.404. 1.248. 1,719; 60-$l)—“1 Was Male War Bride” (20th) (2d wk). Nifty $43,- 000. La.st week, terrific $64,000. Downtown, Hollywood, Wiltiern (WB) (1,757, 2,756, 2,344; 60-$l)— “It’s Great Feeling” (WB) (2d wk). Fair $25,000. Last week, $32,000. Egyptian, Los Angeles, Wilshire (FWC) (1,538, 2.097. 2,296; 50-$l)— •‘Great Sinner” (M-G). Mild $33,- 000. Last week, “Neptune’s Daugh- ter” (M-G) (2d wk), $38,000. Orpheum (D’town) (2,210; 60-$l) —“Roughshod” (RKO) “Against The Wind” (ED. Modest $9,000 here with $18,500 in 5 day-daters. Last week, “Pride Yankees” (RKO) and ••'fall In Saddle” (RKO) (reissues), $23,818 in 5 situations. Pantages, Hillstreet (RKO) (2.- 812, 2,890; 50-$l)—“Anna Lucasta” (Col) and “Blondic Hits Jackpot” (Col). Slow $23,000 or near. Last week, “Mighty Joe Young” (RKO) and “Make Mine Laughs” (RKO) (2d wk), $26,000. United Artists, RIti, Studio City, Vogue (UA-FWC) (2,100, 1.370. 880, 885; 60-$l) — “Johnny Stool Pigeon” (U) and “Forgotten Wom- en” (Mono). Okay $30,000. Last week, “Once More, My Darling” (U) and “Sky Liner” (SG) (2d wk), $ 11 , 000 . . Los Angeles, Hollywood Para- mounts (F&M) (3,398, 1,451; 60-$l( —“Rope of Sand” (Par) and at L. A. Paramount only, “Down Dakota Way” (Rep). Strong'$33.- 000. Last week. “Brimstone” (Rep) and “Post Office Investigator” (Rep), $20,500. Fine Arts (FWC) (679; $1.20- $2.40)--“Red Shoes” (ED (35th wki. Oke $4,500. Last week, $5,200. Four Star (UA-FWC) (900; 74- $1)—“Lost Boundaries” <FC) (4ih wk). Near $5,000. Last week, good $ 6 , 000 . Laurel (Rosener) <890; 8.5) — •‘Quartet” (ED (14th wk). Down to $3,000. Last week, $3,900. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $658,000 (Based on 18 theatres) Last Year $638,000 (Based on 14 theatres). Laine Boosts ‘Oz’ Sock $32,000, Prov. Providence, Aug. 30. With Frankie Laine topping stage show, “Wizard of Oz” on reissue Is giving Loew’s State a great week. Majestic’s “It’s a Great Feeling” looks hefty. Also nice is RKO Albee’s second week of “Lost Boundaries.” Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65) — “Lost Boundaries” (FC) and “Hold That Baby” (Mono) (2d wk). Peppy $14,000 after hitting big $19,000 in first. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65) — “Great Feeling” (WB) and “Rim- fire” (SG). Hefty $18,000. Last w'eek, “You’re My Everything” (20th) and “Skyliner” (20th), $16,000. State (Loew) (3,200; 65-85) — “Wizard of Oz” (M-G) (reissue) and Frankie Laine heading stageshow w'hich includes Artie Dann and Connie Haines. Socko $32,000. j Last week, “Black Magic” (UA) and “Lone Wolf and His Lady” tUA), $15,000. Strand (Silverman) (2.200; 44-65) —“Great Gatsby” (Par>. Second week began Monday (29). First week was nice $15,000. Balto Biz Spotty But 'Sinner’ Lively $15,000; ‘Touch’ Soft at $9,000 Baltimore. Aug. 30. Trade along downtown sector is In spotty groove here with moving «ro •’d of opening days for new er no help. “The Great Sin- n faring w'ell at Loew’s Cen- tolid second round of “It’s CIn.at Feeling” is holding steadily «t the Stanley. “Mr. Soft Touch” sh apes soft at the Town. E.stimates for This Week Century (Loew’s-UA) cl.OOO; 20- 60)—“Great Sinner” (M-G). Lead- ing current parade at nice $15,000. Last week, “Black Magic” (UA), fa'rish $11,800. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240; 2(-((()—“Make Believe Ballroom” <Co ) plus vaude headed by Peggv Lee. Flesh getting credit for most of trade but somewhat di.sappoint- ing at $17,000 because off from rec- ord-making figure hung up by sing- ing star last time here. Possibly here too soon for a repeat. Last 5veek, “Homicide” (WB) plus Dick C'ontino unit, fine $16,400. Keith's (Schanberger) (2,460; 20- 60)—“Abbott Costello Meet Kar-' lofT” (U). Opened yesterday (Mon.) 1 after second w'eek of “Home of Brave” (UA) held at $7 500 kehind 1 strong opener of $11,200. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 20-65)— •Brimstone” (Rep). Mild $4,500. (Conti|ip$4.oi\ pags 24) 1 , , in Morocco” Stanton, but only okay at Legion Hypoes Philly; Basie-Vaughan Boost ‘Tombstone’ Wow 35G Philadelphia, Aug. 30. .^merican Legion convention here this week is bringing about 50,000 visitors to town and giv- ing firstruns much-needed hypo. Threatening weather and showers kept the advance guard of Legion- naires glued to midlown district over weekend. Biggest moneym-iker is “Bad Men of Tombstone” kited by the .stage show at Earle featuring Count Ba.sie band and Sarah V'aughan and Illinois Jacquet. "Madame Bovary” looks solid at Aldine. “Outpost looms strong at “Black Magic” is Boyd. Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (l,.3n3: .50-99) — “Madame Bovary” (M-Gt. Great .$18,000. Last week. "F’ride Yan- kees” (RKO) and “Tall in Sad- dle” (RKO) (reissues), mild $ 8 , 000 . Boyd (WB) (2.360; 50-99)—"Black Magic” (UA). Okay $16,000. La.st week. “Great Sinner” (M-G) (3d wk), fine $14,000. Earle (WB) (2,700; 50-99)—“Bad Men Tombstone” (Mono) with Count Basie orch, Sarah Vaughan topping stageshow. Terrif $35,000. Last week. "Home of Brave” (U.\) (3d wk), neat $15,000. Fox (20th) (2.250; .50- 99) — “Slatterv’s Hurricane” (20th) (2d wk). Nice $18,500 after strong $28,000 opener. Goldman (Goldman) (1.200; 50- 99)—"Good Old Summertime” (M- G) (2d W'k). Nice $12,000. La.st week, $16,000. Karlton (Goldman) (1,000; 50-99) —“Great Gatsby” 'Par) (.5th wk). Down to $5,000. La.st week, oke $ 6 , 000 . Mastbaum (WB) (4 360; .50-99)— “Great Feeling” 'WB) '3d wk) Neat $14,000. Last week. $18,500. Stanley (WB) (2.950; 50-99) — “Scene of Crime” (M-G) (2d wk). Tame $12,000 after nice $18,000 opener. Stanton (WB) (1.476; 50-99) — “Outpost in Morocco” lUAK Solid $13,000. Last week. "Not Wanted” (FO (^d $8,000. , , . ‘Darling’ Stout $15,000, Buff, ‘Everything’ 19G Buffalo, Aug. 30. Several new entries this week are helping to perk up biz here. "You’re My Everything” and “Once More, My Darling” shape as strong- est. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loew’s) (3,500; 40-70)— “Great Sinner” (M-G) and Broad- cast Dr. I. Q. radio show Friday nights for six weeks. Good $16,000. Last week, “Black Magic” (UA) and ‘‘Rose of Yukon” (Rep), $15,500. Paramount (Par) (3,400; 40-70)— ‘‘You’re My Evei-ything” (20th) and “Tuna Clipper” (Mono). Big $19.- 000. Last week, “Silver Lining” (WB) (2d wk). fast $12,000. Center (Par) (3.400; 40-70)—“Top ’O Morning” (Par). Opens tomor- row (Wed.). Last week, “Movie Crazy” (Indie) (reissue) and “C- Man” (FC), oke $7,500. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 40-70)— "Once More, My Darling” (U) and “Illegal Entry” (U). Strong $15,- 500 or close. Last week, “Abbott- Costello Meet the Killer” (U) and “Arctic Manhunt” (U), $11,500. Century (20th Cent.) (3,000; 40- 70)—“Savage Splendor” (RKO) and “Make Mine Laughs” (RKO). Mild $8,500. Last week. “Gunga Din” (RKO) and “Lost Patrol” (RKO) (reissues), nice $10,500. ‘Sliff’-Vaude Tall 25G, Cincy; ‘Baby’ Wham IIG, ‘Doolins’ Hot at $10,000 Cincinnati, Aug. 30. Lively acceptance of vaude, with “Lucky Stiff” this week, is giving the Albee another sock session. Other strong newocmers are upp- ing biz for second straight stanza. Both “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby” and “Doolins of Oklahoma” are smash. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3.100; 55-94)— “Lucky Stiff” (UA) plus vaude topped by Gus Van. Diversified 8- act bill the tugger for a whopping $25,000. Last week, area preem of “Roseanna McCoy” (RKO) hypoed I by terrific promotional campaign, opening day p.a. of Farley Granger and WLW’s “Morning Matinee” show with Ruth Lyons on week days, about same at 55-75c scale. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 55-75)— “Madame Bovary” (M-G). Favor- able $9,500. Last week, “Great Sinner” (M-G) (2d wk), okay $8,000. Grand (RKO) (1.400; 55-75)— “Doolins of Oklahoma” (Col), Swell $10,000. Last week, "Not Wanted” (FC), ditto. Keith’s (City Inv.) (1,542; .55-75) —"Yes Sir, That’s My Baby” (U). Wham $11,000, Holds, Last w'eek, “Lonesome Pine” (Par) (reissue), $6,500. Palace (RKO) (2,100; 55-75)— “It’s Great Feeling” (WB) and “Arctic Manhunt” (U). Nice $12,- 000, La.st week, “Black Magic” (UA) and “This Is New York” (UA), $ 10 , 000 . Tronuse’-Vaiide Rosy $^,500 in Hd) Despite Slow Pace; ‘Sinner’ Oke 31G Key City Grosses Estimated Total Groat • This Week 12.731.000 (Based on 24 cities, 199 theatres, chiefly first runs, in- eluding N. Y.). Total Gross Samo Week Last Year $2,404,000 (Based on 22 cities and 201 theatres.) ‘Red Pony’ Fast $13,000 in Mpis. Minneapolis, Aug. 30. This is State Fair Week here and the big exposition probably will draw a million customers, but, as usual, it’s stacking up as opposition to film houses. Nevertheless, Radio City, with the second stage show in little more than a month, looks en route to a huge take with “Africa Screams,” Stage lineup includes Bob Crosby, ’Three Stooges and Ted Weems band. Stronge.st major newcomer at straight-film hou.ses is “The Red Pony,” big at State. Estimates for This Week Century (Par) (1.600; 50-70^— “Movie Crazy” (Indie) (reissue*. This Harold Lloyd oldie is only fair $5,000. Last week, “One Woman’s Story” (U). $6,000. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-70i—“One False Step” (U). Okay $6,000. La.st week, “Lonesome Pine” (Par) and “Geronimo” (Par) (reissues), mild $4,500. Radio City (Par) (4,000; 50-85)— "Africa Screams” (UA) and Ted weems orch. Bob Crosby, 3 Stooges, Penny Edwards topping stageshow. Stage array packing ’em in. Smash $35,000 looms. Last week, “Any Number Play” (M-G) (50-70), good $16,000. RKO-Orpheum (RKO) '2.800; 50- 70)_‘‘Mr. Soft Touch” (CoD. Fair $9,500. Last week, “Anna Luca.sta” (Col). $10,500. RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; .50-70)— “Anna Lucasta” (Col) (m.o.). Tepid $5,000. Last week, “Illegal Entry” (U). fair $7,500. State (Par) (2,300; 50-70)—“Red Pony” (Rep). Big $13,000 or near. La.st week, “Great Gatsby ” (Par) (2d wk), $4,500 for 4 days. World (Mann) (400; 50-70)— “Mourning Becomes Electra” (RKO) (2d run). Good $4*,000 and holding. Last week. “Silver Lining’’ (WB) (3d wk). $2,500. ‘Young’ Rousing $15,000, Port; ‘Number’ Fast .14G • Portland, Ore., Aug. 30. Biz is up at firstruns this week. Cool weather, no legit shows and good product are the reasons. “Any Number Can Play” and “Mighty Joe Young” are both scoring. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,832; 50-85) —“Any Number Plav” (M-G) and “Some Of Best” (M-G). Scorching $14,000, Last week, "Wizard of Oz” (M-G) (rei.ssue) and ‘The Ca.staway” (Rep) (2d wk), okay $6,- 500. Mayfair 'Parker) '1.500; 50-85)— “One False Step” (U) and “One Woman's Story” 'U). Mild $4..300. Last week, “Big Cat” 'ED and "In This Corner” 'ED, so-so $5,000. Oriental (H-E) <2.000: 50-85) — “Mighty Joe Young” (RKO) and “Make Mine Laughs” (RKO). day date with Paramount. Fine $4..5()0. La.st week, "Anna Lucasta” (Col) and “Judge Steps Out” (RKO), $4,800. Orpheum (H-E) (1.7.50; 50-85)— Ma.s.sacre River” (Mono) and “Skv Dragon” (Mono). Slim $6,500. Last week, "Dumbo” (RKO) and “Sal- UOO.S Amigos” (RKO) (rei.ssues), 56,700. <H-E) (3.400; 50-85)— Young” (RKO) and Make Mine Laughs” (RKO), also Oriental. Big $10,500 or near. Last week’ Anna Lucasta” (Col) and Judge Steps Out ” (RKO), $10,000. United Artists (Parker) <395; 50- Summertime” wiek Last v^eek, teirih(| $10,500. I f ‘My Baby’ Leads L'ville, At Hefty $14,000; ‘Pass’ Solid 7G, ‘Lucasta’ 12G Louisville, Aug. 30. Newcomers on downtown screens are drawing the customers back to film hou.ses this week. Biz pickup standout at the Rialto where “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby” is copping big trade. State’s “Anna Lucasta” also is drawing well. Roy Rogers pic “Susanna Pas.s” at Strand is sock fare for that house. Estimates for This Week Mary Anderson (People’s) (1.400; 45-65)—“It’s Great Feeling” (WB) (2d wk). Mea.suring up for neat $7.- 000 after la.st week’s sock $11,000. National (Standard) (2,400; SO- BS)—"Mr. Big” (U) and “Easy Come, Easy Go” (Par) reissues) plus seven-act vaude bill on stage. Satisfactory $8,000. Last week, “Give Out, Sisters” (U) and “Ladies Man” (Par' (reissues) plus seven vaude acts, brisk $8,500. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000- 45-65)—“Yes Sir. That’s My Baby” (U) and “Incident” (Mono). Pulling hefty $14,000. Last week. “Ro.se- anna McCoy” (RKO) hypoed by p.a. of stars and week-long on stage appearance of WHAS disk jo<key.s and hillbilly talent, iu.sty $19,000. ^ State (Loew’s) (3.000; 45-65)— ‘Anna Lucasta” (Col) and "Big Jack” (M-G). Okay $12,000. Last week, “Black Magic” (UA) and Law of Barbary Coast” (CoD, $11 - 000 . ’ Strand (FA) (1.000; 45-65)— Susanna Pass” (Rep) and "Hell- fire (Rep). Top Western fare grab- bing fine $7,000. Last Week, Green Promi.se” (RKO) and ^agecoach Kid” (Rep), mild $4,- UUOa . . Bit i. . town this stanza with vaudV “Green Promise” at RKO Mill leading the pack b? fortable margin. Two newenm^'”' “Great Slnn^” at State Tnd 0 ? pheum, and “Great Gatsby” at shape just okay. ^ Estimates for This Week Astor (Jaycox) (1,200; 40-85) •Lost Boundaries” (FC) (7th wiT Okay $4,000 after $4,800 last week Roseanna McCoy” (RKO) own. tomorrow (Wed.). «pcns Boston (RKO) (3,200; 55-85) Green Promise” (RKO) d1u» vaude. Nifty $25,500. Last week • Kazan” (Col) and vaude, $26,000* Fenway (NET) (1.373; 40-85) ' :‘Great FeeHng” (WB) and “Flam: mg Fury” (Rep) (2d wk). Mild S4. 000 after fair $5,500 for first. ^ ’ Mayflower (ATC) (700; 40-85) “Not Wanted” (FC) (5th wk). Down to $2,000 after $2,500 for fourth round. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 40-85)— “Slattery’s Hurricane” (20th) and ! “Woman Hater” (20th) (2d wk). Not ; bad $17,000 after nice $19,500 for 1 first. Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 40-8,5) I —“Great Gatsby” (Par) and “Skv Liner” (SG). Okay $20,000. Last week, “You’re My Everything” and “House Across Street” (WB) i2d wk-5 days), fair $14,700. Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 40-851— “Great Sinner” (M-G) and "Devil’s Henchman” (Indie). Okay $19,000 Last week, “Black Magic” (UA) anci “Daring Caballero” (CoD. $14,800 Paramount (NET) (1,700; 40-85)— “It’s a Great Feeling” (WB) and "Flaming Fury” (Rep) (2d wk). Fair $9,000 after about average $12,500 for first. .State (Loew) (3..500; 40-85)— “Great Sinner” (M-G) and “Devil’s Henchman” (Indie). Nice $12,000, Last week, “Black Magic” (UA) an(i “Daring Caballero” (Col), $10,000. ‘FAN’ BREEZY $14,000, MONT’L; ‘COLO.’ $12,000 Montreal, Aug. 30. Business throughout summer months here, in spite of unfavor- able weather, is running about same as in 1948. Break in heat is spelling fine biz this week. "The Fan” looks fa.st at Palace while “Colorado Territory” is doing nicely at Princess. Estimates for This Week Loew’s (C. T.) (2,855; 40-65'- “You’re My Everything” (20th) '2d wk). Off to $13,000 after smash opening at $22,000. Capitol (C. T.) (2,412; 34-60)- “Lust for Gold” 'CoD (2d wk'. Down to slim $9,000 following nice $14,000 opener. Palace (C. T.) (2,625; 34-60)- “The Fan” (20th). Fa.st $14,000. La.st week, “Girl Jones Beach” (WB) (2d wk), $10,000. Princess (C. T.) (2,131: 34-60'- “Colorado Territory” (WB). Solid $12,000. La.st week. “Stratton Story” (M-G) (2d wk'. fine $10,000. Orpheum (C. T.) (1,000; 34-60'- “Blaek Magic” (UA) (2d wk) and •’Lone Wolf Lady” (UA) '*2(1 "Ic- Off to $5,000 after sock opener at $10,000. ‘Feeling’ Fine $12,000, Omaba; ‘Pine’ Hot 131! Omaha. Aug. 30. Although “Great Feeling” at Par- amount will do top biz for new pic- tures, two oldies, “Lone.some Pine and “Geronimo” are out aheaa with smash session at Orpheum. The.se two reissues are playm* their third date at Orpheum and a- big as ever. “Good Old Summer- time” in second week at State stn is big. Estimates for This Week Orpheum (Tristates) (3.000; 1 65'—“Lonesome Pine” (FaD an “Geronimo” (Par) Smash $13,500, for one of grosses of year despite being m , ies. Last week, “Lo.st Bounoarie (FC) and "Leave To (Mono), $12,000. « Kt- Paramount (Tristates) '2.800. 6.5)_“Great Feeling” ''VB'. big $12,000. La.st week, “Girl Jonca Beach” (WB). $11,500. . State (Goldberg) “Good Old Summertime Smash $7,000, and holding.. ^ iCol> Vreissuea'i week, "Commandos at Dawn ' and “Destroyer" (Col) Brandeis (RKO) (1.500; 16-W "Anna Lucasta” Tribe” (Col) (2d wk). Fine Last week, $8,000.