Variety (August 1949)

* jiKwUy. Angnrt SI, Jokon Sings Sensational $49 j Chi; 'Morning’-Alan Young-Stage Great IDG, 'Magic’-Prima Big SOG PICTITRR GROSSKS IS Rooo!* ^ Help B’way: lale Bride’ Plus Haley P.A. Smash 118G, 'Sword’ Sock 50G, ‘Bovary’-David Rose 78G Chicago. Aug. 30. by sensational biz that .jSsSn Sings Again" is rolling up Woods, Chi grosses continue * siume upped level exhibited r twent week;. Jolwn ulc has [" IVn every attendance record at ' Jl^house and all-time gross record %?000 Plc is getting $1.25 toe' c.nfrd^and Sunday nights. Thea- s^fojerates around clock with 98 l/nt admission before 0 p.m. ^^cnmewhat overshadowed is the •rMt biz being done at the Chicago ‘Top O’ The Morning” and, I an Young, Liberace. and tlje' find Bros, onstage. Looks nearly 1 ™000 "Black Magic" al the' nri^tal plus Louis Prima band Se shapes big $50,000. "Ma- SSrBovary’’ at United Artists ap* only tair wHh.gH.OOO. Olhei- Sewcomers loom mild to thin. •Great Gatsby” appears leader of second weekers with $19,000 for State-Lake. Or the longruns. * igj Louis. Aug. 30. I "Mighty Joe Young at Grand ends intei est in the National League four-week stint with neat $10,000. pennat race, with the Cards now ! Eatimatea for This Week : out in lead, is keeping the local rhieaco (B&K) (3,900; 50-98^— ' populace glued to the radio, and ; "Tod O’ Morning” (Par) with Alan biz is suffering as a result. Despite Younz Liberace. Lind Bros. Great . apathy of dailies and crlx on vaud- sTOOM looms. Last week. “Silver Oini policy at the Fox. the turn- 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- conie. The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement tax. Slep’-Vaude Hep $27,000 in St. Loo Indianapolis. Aug. 30. ] Steady weekend rains depressed fit St run bi/, making this stanza off in most spots. But “Hold Thai ; Bab\, ” sparked by Roy AculT in return of stage policy to Lyric, is piling up hefty gross to lead town. ‘ It's Great Keeling,” at Circle, is tops among straight filmers. Estimates for This Week rirele (Gamble-Dollc) (2.800; 44- 6.5i—^' It's Great Feeing” (WB> and ‘■Palooka Counter Punch” (Mono). Oke $11,000. Last week, “Rose- anna McCoy” (RKO) and “Follow Me (Quietly ’ (RKO). sock $15,000. Indiana (G-D) (3,300; 44 65)— “Great Gatsby” (Par) and "Rust- lers” I RKO). Mild $10,000. Last week, “Yes Sir. That’s My Baby” • L'-l) and “Sky Dragon” (Mono), dandy $13,000. I.oew's (Locw’s) (2,427; 44-65)— “Great Sinner” *M-G) and "Law of Barbary C’oa.st” (M-G). Tepid $9.- 000. Last week. "Black Magic” (LJ.\) and ’ Kazan” (Col), $8,000, Lyric (C.-D) (1.600; 50-85)— “Hold That Baby” (Mono) with Roy Acuff show onstage. Great $18,000. Last week, “Gunga Din” (RKO) and “Lost Patrol” (RKO) (reissue.s), fair $6,500 in 8 days at 44-65c scale. $70,000 Lining” (WB) with Billy Eckstine , p.i. (2d wk), smash $63,000. Garrick (B&K) (900; 50-98)— "Reign of Terror” and “Sleeping Car Trieste” (EL). Trim $8,000. Last week, “Doolins of Oklahoma” and “Lost Tribe” (Col) (2d wk', $6000. Grand (RKO) (1,500; 50-98)— "Mighty Joe Young” (RKO) (4th wk). Holding fairly steary at $10,- 000. Last week, $12,000. Oriental (Essaness) (3,400; 50-98) —"Black Magic” (UA) aided by Louis Prima orch. Big $50,000 or near. Last week, “You’re My Everything” (20th) with ’ George Jessel personal (3d wk), $41,000. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 50-98)— "Abbott-Costello Meet the Killer” 'U' and “Leave To Henry” (Mono) '2d wk). Bright $13,000! Last Meek. $18,000. Rialto (Indie) (1.700; 50-98) — "Miracle of Life” (indie) (4th wk'. Nifty $10,000. Last week, $11,500. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,700; 50-98 »— "Manhandled” (Par) and “Big Cat” 'EL). Minor $$10,000. Lest week. “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby.” (U) '2d wk), big $16,000. Selwyn (Shubert) (1,000; $1.20- $2.40i-“Red Shoe.s” (EL) (36th wk'. Still ne at $6,000. Last week, se.-ioo. State-Lake (B&K) (2.7()0: 50-98) ’Great Gatsby” (Par) (2(1 wk' Taney $19,000. Last week. $29,000. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 50- 98' —“Madame Bovarv” (M-G'. Mpdeerate $14,000. Last week. Scene of Crime” (M-G) (2d wk'. *16.000. Woods (Es.saness) (1,073; 98- *l -5'—“Jolson Sings Again” (Col'. Sensational $49,000 seen for miri- lest preem. all-time high here. La>t “Champion” (UA) (0th wk'. Stile activity is good. Another fine week is in prospect with “One False Step.” “Great Sinner” and “It’s Great Feeling” both are doing well among straight-filmers. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 50-75) —“You’re My Everything” (20th) and “Great Gatsby” (Par) (m.o.). Oke $10,000. Last week, “You’re My Everything” (20th) and “One Last Fling” (WB), nice $14,000. Fox (F&M) (5,000; 60-75)—“One False Step” (U) and vaude. Big $27,000. I.ast week, “Canadian Pacific” (20th) and vaude, great $32,000. Loew’s (LoewO (3,172; 50-75) — “Great Sinner” (M-G) and “Big .lack” (M-G). Fine $19,000. Last week. “Black Magic” (UA) and “Jungle Jim” (Col), $14,000. Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 50-75)— “fJreat Feeling” (WB) and “House .\cios.s Street” (WB). Solid $14,- 000. Last week. “Great Gatsby” (Par) and “Bride Vengeance” (Par) (2d wk*. $8,000. St. Louis (F&M) (4,000; 50-75)— Once More. My Darling” (U) and \ir Ho.stess” (Col). Trim $12,000. Last week. “Calamity Jane” (U) and “Illegal Entry” (U), $10,500. Touch’ Okay In Det.at$14, ball games hit cleve. B.O.; ‘GATSBY’ $18,000 Cleveland, Aug. 30. 1 borne baseball games of Cleve- J*)dians cut deeply into week- na bu at key houses. “Great Gat.s- J - week’s leader, is mild $18,000 . Mate. Just ordinary takes are wing caught by “Mr. Soft Touch” *0 , iPP* and Palace’s “Dumbo”- aiudos Amigos” oldie combo. Estimates for This W eek Allen (Warners) (3,000; 55-70'— aiampede” (Mono). Oke $9,000. Ust week, “Yes Sir, That’s My U), satisfying $10,500. ^squire (Community) (704; 5.5-70) n Boundaries” (FC) (6th wk'. jjcellent $8,000 after $8,500 last learners) (3,700; 55-70)— iK-ftA Touch” (Col). Average La.st week, “You’re My *'Whing” (20th), ditto. " Palace (RKO) (3,300; 5.5-70)— Amigos” (RKO) and 'RKO) (reissues). TIhn Last week. “One Last able 124 000 '^®ude unit, profit- T®rlfi*^'^o‘®w’s) (3,400; 55-70)— Gatsby” (Par). Modest $18.- -Biilu"**? 'Loew’.s) (2.700; 5.5-70) — (UA) )2d wk). unexpectedly to $7,000 ')eek ®’‘^®Bcnt $13,500 for last * # • • » # I ' • ♦ • D.C. Continues Strong | ‘Young’ Robust $15,000, ^ ‘Lucasta’ Okay $18,000 Washington, Aug. 30. Despile return of hot weather and absence of many government workers away on vacation this month, leading houses are doing a flourishing biz. Tenth annual “Go- ’ ing Native” revue, onstage, with • Secret Garden.” is doing well at (’apil»)l. “Madame Bovary” at Pal- ace is not smash in 11 days, hut ■•Mighty Joe Young” at Keith’s looms big. Estimates for This W'eek Capitol (Loew’s) (2,434; 44-85)— * Secret Garden” (M-G) plus vaude. Drawing power of “Going Native” revue of local talent promises satis- factory $25,000. Last week, “Sand” ciOth)'with vaude, picked up after slow start to better than expected $21,000. Dupont (435; 50-85)—“Don Quix- ote ” (Indie) (2d wk). Looks to keep near' sensational $5,420 of first , "^^Keith’s (RKO) (1,939; 44-80»— ‘ Mightv Joe Young ” (RKO). Socko $ 1 . 5 . 000 . Last week, “Blue Lagoon” (U). hot $16,500. Metropolitan (W’B) (1,163; 44-80) —•■Cover Girl” (Col) and “Never Lovelier” (Col) (reissues). Fancy ' $8,000. Last w eek. / “Doolins of Oklahoma” (Col), $9,000. Palace (Loew’s) (2,370; 44-74)— “Madame Bovary” (M-G). Okay $36,000 in 11 days. Moves out Thursday (1) for “Come to Stable (2()th*, Playhouse (Lopert) (432; 50-85)— ‘ Girl in Painting” (U). Better than average $6,250. La.st week. “One Woman’s Story” (U) (3d wk), $3,- 550 'Warner (WB) (2.164; 44-74)- “.Vnna Lucasta” (Col). Just okay $18,000 Last week. “It’s Great Feeling” (WB), $18,500 but below ■Frans-Lux (T-D (654; 44-80)— “Home of Brave” (UA) '4th wk'. Fair $4,000 for last 4 days after unexpected drop last week to $5,000. '' Detroit, Aug. 30. Holdovers shape strongest this week. “Soil Touch” looks okay at Palms hut “(’alamity Jane” will be mild at .\dams. “Great Feeling” and “Lost Boundaries’ ’are the ace holdovers. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Mich) (5,000; 70-95)— “Lost Roiindaries” (FO (2d week). Swell $3.5,000 Last week, $44,000. MichUan (United Detroit) (4,000; j thereabouts 70-95)—“Great Feeling” (WB) and ' '' ' " “Alimony” (KL) (2d wk). Big $24,- 000. Last week, $30,000. Palms dlD' (2.900; 70-95)—“Mr Soft Touch” (Col) and “Lost Tribe” j (Rep). Oke $14,000. Last week, 1 “Mighty Joe Young” (RKO) (2d wk). great $11,000. ; United Artists (UD) (2,000; 70- 95'—’’Black Magic” (UA) and “Gay Amigo” (Mono) (2d wk). Trim $14,000. La.sl week, $18,000. ' Madison (UD) (1,800; 70-95) — “Mighty Joe Young” (RKO) and “Miranda” (KIJ (transferred from Palms'. Fine $9,000 for this week dow'ntown. Last week. “Can’t Take It With You” (Col) and “Mr. Smith to Washington” (Col) (reissues) $ 6 , 000 . Adams (Baluban) (1,700; 70-95) —“Calamity Jane” (U) and “Seal Island” (RKO'. Mild $7,000. Last week. “.Any Number Play” (M-Gi and “Pack Up Troubles” (M-Gi (3d wk', $6,000. Downtown (Balaban) (2,900; 70- 95'—“.lohnny Stool Pigeon” (U) (2d wk'. Fading to $6,000. Last week, $7,500. Six new bills launched during the past week will give Broadway picture houses a lift this session despite a return of hot weather. Rain early Monday (29) morning cooled things off, but the damage was done because of the heat on the weekend, nearly all first-runs reporting a dip these days. This is leaving Broadway business with an uneven appearance currently. Many delu.xeis look for some- thing of a windfall starting tomor- row (Tliurs.) because thousands of Legion delegates will be stop- ping off in N. Y. on their way home from the national American Legion convention in Pliiladelphia. This may overcome usual Friday lag as New Yorkers start exiting on the Labor Day w'eekend and thou- sands of visitors pour into the city. Ace newcomer is "I Was Male War Bride’’ at the Roxy, with “Sword in Desert” a strong second at the Criterion. Former, with Jack Haley topping stageshow, is soar- ing to a smash $118,000, or near it, on first week. “Sw'ord” is rack- ing up a socko $50,000, or a bit under, at Criterion. Also big is “Madame Bovary” plus David Rose band, Eileen Bar- ton and Jay Marshall onstage, with I $78,000 at C’apitol. j of “Duck Soup” Crackers” is great $17,000 in small Gotham. Palace continues recent 1 pace, doing fine $22,000 with “Red I Stallion in Rockies” and vaude. “Frustration.” foreign-made, is hitting lofty $11,500 at Rialto, sexy I theatre front paying off despite j crix barl)s. “Jol.son Sings Again” continues ! way up in the clouds on second i Stall? week albeit down sharply i from initial stanza with $74,000 or First week hit $93,- 000, all-time record at State. Fourth week of “Good Old Sum- mertime," witli stageshow, at Music Hall also is off considerably from pace of fir.st three weeks. (Current week’s $124,000 still is hefty coin, pic holding a fifth through Labor Day. Strand reopens Friday (2) with Last week. ".Vnna Lucasta” (Col) plus Tommy Tucker orch. Golden Gate Quartet, others (2d wk), $49.(X)0. Criterion (Moss) (1.700; 50-$1.75) —"Sword in Desert” (U) (2d wk). First week soared to smash $50,000 or close, one of better grosses here. Generally favorable crix reaction helping. In view of current scale and conditions, this compares well with house high held by "Brute Force,” another U film. Last week, "Mightv Joe Young" (RKO) (3d wk- 10‘‘2 davs). big $15,000. Globe (Brandt) (1.500; 50-$ 1.20) —"Siren of Atlantis” (UA) (2d-final wk). Dow'n to slim $10,000 after mild $13,500 opener. “Crooked Way” (UA) opens Saturday (3). Gotham (Brandt) (900; 44-99)-— “Duck Soup” (Par) and “Animal Crackers’’ (Par) (reissues*. Play- ing to capacity most of time first four days, and looks groat $17,000’ holds. Last week, “Special Agent’* (Par). $ 7 , 000 . ! Mayfair (BraiulD (1,736; 50-$1.20) —“Too Late for Tears” (UA) (3d- final wk). Down to dim $10,500 (after thin $14,000 for second. “Kid From Cleveland” (Hep) opens Sat- urday (3). i Palace (RKO) (1,700; 5.5-$1.20)— “Red Stallion in Rockies” (EL) with Rei.ssue combo ' vaude. Fine $22,000. or clo.se to it. and “Animal Last week. “Arctic Manhunt” (U) and vaude, $22,500. Paramount (Par) (3.664; 55-$1.50> —"Top O’ the Morning” (Par) plus Carmen Cavallaro orch, De Marco Sisters, Gary Morton, Vanderbilt Boys onstage. Opens today (Wed.). Last week, “Rope of Sand” (Par) and Tex Bcneke oreh, Vic Damone, Corinne Calvet heading stageshow (4th wk), held well at $65,000 after solid $76,000 for third stanza. Park Avenue )U> (583; $1.20- $2.40)—“Hamlet” (U* (49fh wk). Off with other houses in 48th frame ended last Monday (29) with $7,700 after $8,700 in previous week. Con- tinues indef. Radio City Music Hall (Roekefel- lers) (5.945; 80-$2.40)—“Good Old Summertime” (M-G* and stageshow (4th wk). Still in big coin at $124,- 000 after strong $142,000 for third stagefilm policy after week’s shut-1 session. Continues into fifth week. Pitt Biz Sloughed by Heat; 'Sinner’ Passable $18,000, 'Gatsby’ DuD IIG Pittsburgh. Aug. 30. 4 Biz is diving again with return ' of warmer weather, and only “Great Sinner” at Penn and “Lost Boundaries.” on moveover to War-, ner are doing much. “Sinner” is | only fairly okay. “Mr. Soft Touch” | and “Great Gat.sby” are way off at Harris and Stanley, respectively. ! Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea* (1,700; 45-80* — “Once More. My Darling” (U*. Only fair $8,500. Last week. “Sand” (20th'. about same. Harris (Harris) (2,200; 45-80* —. “Mr. Soft Touch” (Col). Just staggering along and will come out after onlv 6 davs. with “Slattery’s Hurricane” )20th) due to open Thursday '1'. a day ahead of schedule. Very thin $6,500. Last week. "Yes Sir. That’s My Baby” (U). solid $13,500. „ Penn (Loew’s-UA) (3.300; 45-80' —“Great Sinner” (M-G*. Only fairlv satisfactory $18,000. La.st week “Black Magic” (UA). $17,000. Stanley 'WB' (3,800; 45-80' — “Great Gatsby” (Par). Not pulling taking it through Labor Day. Rialto (Mage) (.594; 44-98)— “Frustration” (FC*. Eyes big $11,- 500. Holds. La.sl week. “Body Snatcher” (RKO* (reissues) and “Bride of Death” (Indie* l2d wk), $7,000. Rlvoll (UAT-Par) (2.092; 60-$l.25) —“Come to Stable” (20th) (5th wk). Still doing nicely at $22,500 but dip from hefty $24,500 of last week, which was below expectancy. Stays on. Roxy (20fh) (5.886; 80-$1.50)—"I Was Male War Bride’’ (20th) plus Jack Haley, Martha Stewart. Max- ellos, new ieesliow. Initial frame looks to hit smash $118,000 or near, be.st here in many weeks. Doing five shows daily first three days. Holding. East week. “Slattery’s Hurricane” (2()lh) with Evelyn Knight, Sid (’ae.sar, others onstage (2d wk). mild $62,000. State (Loew’s* (3,450; 50-$1.80)— “Jolson Sings .Again” (Col) (3d wk). Initial holdover stanza slipped con- siderably from record-breaking first week, being hurt by offish weekend like many other houses. However, still way up in clouds at huge $74.- 000. First round W'ent to $93,000, bit below hopes but far above pre- vious all-time higli at house. Strand (WB- (2.756; 50-$1.25)— Shuttered for facelift prior to re- Denver; Beach $27,000 1 down for facelift. “White Heat,” latest Jame.s C’agney starrer, and Xavier Cugal hand and Latin- American revue comprise opening bill. Estimates for This W'eek Astor (City Inv.) (1.300; 60-$1.50) —“Lost Boundaries” (FC) (9th wk). Still in chips at $16,500 after fancy $19,000 last session. Stays on. Bijou (City Inv.) (589; $1.20-$2.40) —“Red Shoes” (ED (4.5th wk). Off a bit W’itli the rest of the Street at $9,500 after big $10,600 44th week. Continues on indef. Capitol (Loew’s) (4,820; 80-$ 1.50) —“Madame Bovary” (M-G), with David Ro.se orch, Eileen Barton, Jay Marshall heading stage bill Getting big $78,000 or near. Holds. Crosby Rousing $17,000, Denver, Aug. 30. “Girl From Jones Beach” at Broadway and two drive-ins is tak- ing top coin here this session. It stays al Broaodway and moves over to two other drive-ins lor a week. “Top O’ Morning,” Bing Cro.sby’s latest, is so big at Denham it is holding over. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Wolfberg) (1,500; 35- 74 )—“Girl Jones Beach” (WB) and “Hou.se .Across Street” (WB*. day- date with East. West drive-ins. Fine $8,000. Holds. Last week, “Silver Lining” (WB* (4th wk). $4,500. Denham (CockrilD (1,750; 35-74) —“Top O’ Morning” (Par). Big $17,000. Holding. La.st week, “Great Victor Herbert” (Par) (re- is.sue), no dice $8,500. Denver (F'ox* <2,525; 35-74)— sumption of stage-film policy. “White Heat” (WB* and Xavier Cu- gat orch and Latin-American revue onstage reopen spot. Had used .straight film policy for about six weeks with indifferent results. Sutton (R & B) (561; 70-$1.20)— "Quartet” (EL* (23d wk>. Holding near recent gait with $7,600 after sturdy $8,000 last frame. “Fallen Idol” <SRO'. due in next, not set for opening date thus far. Victoria (City Inv.' (1,060; 95- $1..50)—“The Window” (RKO) (4th wk). Feeling current general down- beat with okay $14,000 after nice $16,000 last week. May not hold much past Labor Day week al- though nothing set to follow. “Christopher Columbus” (U) booked to open Oct. 12 but not be- fore. . 1 ^ »in hp vprv slow $11 - "Africa Screams” (UA) and “One ooo"\^srweek ’Tost Boundaries’’ Last Fling” (WB*. day-date with 000. La.st v'ecK, i..om nuunuuuca MiM «i9onn (2d wk'. hangup $16,000. W’arner 'WB' (2.000; 45-80) — “Lost Boundaries” (FC* (m.o.). Continuing to hold up big at $11.- 000 or near. Last week. “One Last Fling” ''VB' and ‘ House Across Street ” (WB',‘ dim $6;000.-’ •» Esquire, Webber. Mild $12,000. Last week, “You're My Everything” (20th) and “Lone Wolf Lady” (CoD, $16,000. East Drive-ln (Wolfberg) <900 cars; 74*—‘*Girl Jones Beach” (WB) (Continued on page 24) ' ' * Directs Parks Indie Hollywood, Aug. 30. Joseph Lewis has been signed to direct “Stakeout.” first Larry Parks indie starrer being prepped to roll this fall. Parks and Louis Mandell head firm. Story is by .Anthony Mann and Primed RoseiiwaltL • ■* - '