Variety (January 1950)

FICTUIIE GROSSES Weclneeday, January 18, 1950 iios Arigeles, Jan, 17. Nothing socko about hew bills here this week, and sutplus of hold* overs is keeping overall ibiz paqe oh mild side, However, ‘‘Adam^ RibV is , an ekceptioh j with*. Sturdy $37,000 sighted in two theatres. ‘.‘Th^ Nevadan”, shaped go6d $33,- 000 in two houses although modest in HoUySvobd spot, , ’ “Whirlpoor' is: Very disappoirit- Ihg With slow $40,000 despite fact that it is playing ih five sites. Stays over only, part of' second stanza. •‘Sands of Iwo jima” continues in chips Oh special Carthay Circle run, with stout $10,000. for third, final frame; Being held back one week before opehihg regular first* run. Third and last session of ‘^‘In- spector General”, looks okay $23,- 000 in three situations, while final five days of second week is down to only $13,500 in two Paraihount .houses.,' V Estimates for Thiis tVeek VBeyeriy Hills, Downtown, Itawaiir Hollywood, Forum Miisic Halls (Prin-rCor) (834; 902; 1,106; 512; 2,* 100; 56-$l)—'‘Without Honor” (UA) and ‘‘Wolf Hunters” (Mono) (2d Wk); Down te $I6,000. in 6 days. Last week, okay $25,700. Chinese, Los Angeles, Loyola, tiptown, Wilshire (FWC) (2,048; 2,- 097; 1,248; 1,719; 2,296; 60-$l)— “Whirlpool” (20th) and “Radar Se^ cret Service” (Indie). Slow $40,000. Last week, ‘‘12 O’clock High” (20th) (3d wk-5 days), $16,600. Downtown, Hollywood, Wiliem (WB) (1,757; 2,756; 2,344; 60r$l)-r “Inspector (jeherai” (W8) (3d wk); Oke $23,000.. Last week, smart $34,300. . Loewis‘State, Egyptian (UA) (2,- 404; 1,538; 60-$ 1)--“Adam's Rib” (MtG) and “Square Dance Jubilee” (Indie) (State only). Solid $37,000. Last week, “Oh town” (M-G) (2d wk), $25,000. Pantages, Hillstreet ‘ (RKO) (2,- 812; 2,890^50-$l)r-^“Nevadari” (Col): and“Mark of Gorilla” (Col). Good $33,000: Last week, “Holiday Af- fair” (RKO) and ‘‘Blohdie’s Hero” (Col) (2d wfc-5 days), $9,600. Los Angeles, Hollywbod Para- mouhts (F.&M) ^3,398; 1,451; 6Q-$1) —“Thelma Jordon” (Par) and “Call of Forest” (SG) (2d wk). Slim $13',- ' 600. Last week, only $20,500. Ritz, Globe, Studio City, Vogue, Culver (FWC) (1,370; 799; 880; 885; 1,145; 60-$i)—“Free for All” (U) and“Undertow-’ (tr) (2d Wk^4 days). Light $7,000, Last week, $19,000. Orpheum (D’town) (2,210; 50-95) —“Girls' School” (Col) (2d run), with 8 acts vaude. Fair $16,000: Last Week,“Bodyhold” (Col) (2d run) with 8 acts vaude, $15,400. United Artists (UA) (2,100; 50-$i:) —“Killers” (li) and “Brute Force” . (U) (reissues). (2d wk-4 days). Slight $2,500. Last week, $5,500. Four Star (UA) (900; 60-$l)—“My Foolish Heart” (RKO) (4.th wk). Good $4,000. Last week, $4,200. Carthay Circle (FWC) (1,518; 85- $1 50)—“Sands Iwo Jima” (Rep) (3d wk). Sturdy $10,000. Last week, big $12,200. Fine Arts (FWC) (679; 85-$l)— “Fallen Idol” (SRO) (8th wk). Up to $4,000. Last week, mild $2,900. ^Kentuckian' Bangup In Monti., lOG; ‘Heiress' 20G “The Heiress” at Loew’s and “Fighting; Kentuckian” at Imperial look standout here this week. Latter at small-seater shapes great. .•"./■■■ Estimates for This Week Loew's: (C.T.) (2,855; 40-65) —- “Heiress” (Pat). Solid $20,OOO. Last Week, “On Town” (M-G) (2d ; wk), sock $17,000: Capitol (C.T.) (2,412; 34-60)— “Bride for Sale” (RKO); Okay $12,000. Last week, “Prince of Foxes” (20 th) (2d wk), good $14,000, Palace (C.t.l ^2,625; 34*60)-^ “Forsyte Woman” M-G). Nice $16,000. Last week* ^^'Great Lover” (2d wk) (Par), big $11,500, . PTiriccss (C.T,) (2>131; 34-60) — “Dangerous Profession”. (EKO). Okay $11,000. Last week, ‘‘Fight- ing Man” (20th), $9,500. imperial (C,T.) (1,839; ;26-45) — “Fighting Kentuckian” (Rep) arid “Lovable Cheat” (Rep). Great $10,000.^ : Last Week, “Bagdad” (UI) arid “Strarige Bargairi” (U), $6i500. , Orpheum (C.T.) (1,040; 34-60)— “Without Honor” (tJA) and “Search for Danger” (UA) (2d wk). Down to $4,000 after strong first wefek at’$8,50a. ' ^ Estimated Total Gross This week ^ ; $564,000 (Based on 18 theatres) Last Year : . ,., $727,00() . (Based bn 16 .theatres.) Pittsburgh^ Jan; 17; . .. “Jolson Sings Again” will be the^OO^?*' second./ big noise this Week, arid no other " pic is Within a country mile of the Harris where playing. Picture had a/ terrific Weekend, topping even “Jolson Story” figures by a few dollars, and .should be around for a While. Penn-s doing fairly well with“Mrs. .Mike” and .“Sands of ‘Sinner’ Soars to Sock St. Loo Session, $17,000 St. Louis, Jan. 17. After a slow start'because of rain and sharp drop in ’ mercury over weekend, biz gradually is picking up here currently. Of hew pix, “South Sea Sinner” is bbxoffice leader.. Hypoed by persorial of Shelley Winters, star of pic, it teed off With nearly record trade and. will land a smash take at Missouri with big as holiday week total cer* tain. “Battleground” still is show- ing stamina in third round at LoeW’s: “Woman in Hiding” is do- ing well with vaude at Fox. for This Week Ambassador (F&M); (3,000; 50-75) “irispeetbr Gerierai” (WB) and “Free for All” iU). (m.o.). Just oke $9,500. Last Week, “Great LoVer” (Par) (3d wk) arid “Holiday Affair” (RKO); $10,000. • Fox (F&M). (5,000; ' 50-75)— “Woman in Hiding” (U) and vaude. Sturdy $l7,000. Last week, “Trapped” (EL) plus vaude; $14,- ■500..,. LoeW'S (LoeW) (3il72; 50-75)**- “Battleground” (M-G) (3d wk). Still fancy at $16 ■GOG after smash $19,- Iwb' Jima” is holding up well in stanza at Fulton, and holds :again.;.' ' Estimates for This Week Fiilton (Shea) n,700; 45*80)— “Sands of Two Jima”; (Rep.) (3d wk). Still healthy at around $9,500; much more than enough to get it another session; Last Weeki great $11,000. Harris (Harris) (2,200{ 45-80)4- “Jolson Sings Again” (Col). Off to walloping start and bn strength of fft*st two days, bigger than ‘‘Jbl- son Story.” Smash $24,000 or near. Last week, “Prince of Foxes” (20th) (2d wk) , $12,000. Penn (LOew’s) (3,300; 45-80)—; “Mrs. Mike” *(UA). Okay $45,000. Last week, “On Town” (M-G) i2d wk), $10,500 in 5 days. Stanley (WB) (3,800; 45-80)— “Thelma Jordon” (Par). May struggle through; to $14,000,; not good. Last week, “Hasty. Heart” (WB), disappointment at $13,500 after glowing notices. . Warner (WB): (2,000; 45-80)— “Hasty Heart” '(WB) (m.o ). Word of mouth finally catching up with this. Should do better than an av- erage movebver at $9,000. Last [ week, “Inspector General” (WB) (m.o ), n.s.h. $7,000. ’Fasll2G ; : San Frarieiscb, Jan. 17. Biz is holding ti p Well here despite torrential rains and record cold weather; “Montana” shapes okay at the Fox while “Bride For Sale” is pleasirig at Golderi Gate, Probably best showirig Will be “Thelma Jordon^” rated strong at Paramount , with “Mrs. Mike” sock in small-seater United Artists. “On the Town” looks big in second Warfield session. . . Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,844; 60- 85)-*-“Bride Tor Sile^ ^RKOTand: “Apache Cpief” (SG). Pleasing $15,000 or; near. Last Week, “Holi* day Affair” (RKO) and “Black Shadows” . (EL) (2d wk), good $7.0G0,in 4 days. • ' Fox. (FWC) (4,651; 60-95)^ “Mpritana” : (WB) and “Blonde • (Cbiitinued on page 16); Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 50-75)—: “South Sea Sinner’! (U) and “Aban- doned” (Gl., Soqkerbb $17,000 after terrific opening. Last week, “In- spector General” (WB) and “Sky Liner’V (SG) (2d wk)>, $10,000: St. Louis (F&M) (4,000; 50-75)*- “Prince of Foxes” (20th) and “Mary Ryan, Defective'* (Col) C2d wk). Down to $10,000 after big $19,000. first session. : ; Minneapolis, Jan. 17. Such $ 0 c k draws as “The Heiress” and Dick Contino stiage- show; are riiaking boxoffice head- way though havirig to byercbme the handicap of blizzards, sub-zero temperatures and icy streets. Other newcomers are finding the going rough. The high-stepping hold- overs are. “The Great Lover” and “Prince of Foxes.” Estimates for This Week Century (Par) (1,600; 50-70) — “Gteat Lover” (Par), (m.o.). Here after two huge Radio City weeks ahd still clicking at $6,000. Last week, “Without Honbr”,<UA), sad $4,000. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-70) “Mack Book” (EL). Tepid $4,000. Last week, “Lady Takes Sailor” (WB) (2d ; wk), $4,200; Radio City (Par) (4,000; 50-70) —“The: Heiress’* (Par). Fine bally plus crix and patron praises help- ing this to neat $17,000. Last Week, “Great Lover” (Par) (2d Wk), smash $13,000 after terrific $20,000 first week., RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 55-77)—“Baby Makes Three'* (Col) and Dick Contino unit onstage. Contino pulling them in, and looks to hit terrific $25,000. Last week, “Leave Them Laughing’* (WB), good $11,000. ; RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 50-70)-^ “Dangerous Profession” (RKO). Mild $6,000. Last Week, “The Out- law” (RKO) (2d wk), slumped to okay $8,000 after sensational $17,- 000 first week. H.O.$BestinDet; Estimated TotaL Gross ^ This Week . : $3,042*000 (Based , on 23 cifibs; 230 thedtres; chiefly ?‘ws, in- cludins Y. ) Total Gross Same Week Last Year^^^/^ . . (Based on .25 cities arid 216 Theatres. ) ; ^^State. (Par) Strong $10,000 in 5 days;. Last week ^ terrific $18,000. World (Mann) (400; 50-90) — “Fallen:Idol” (SRO) (3d wk). Raves on this one but still under ex- pectations, and bows out after this stanza/ Okay $2,000. Last week, good $3,000. Cincinnati, Jan; 17[. /, $7,500 Sertsatiorial week that “Sands of Iwb Jima” is getting plus sock session for “Great Lover” and aboVe*par power from hbldovers are swelling biz currently at major houses, “iwo Jima” is sensatiorial at Palace. /‘‘Great :pari Patch’’ is okay .at Grand. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKQ) (3,100; 55-75)— “Great Lover” (Par). Hotsy $17,000 or near. Last Vi^eek; “Prince b£ Foxes” (20th)^ same. Capitol (RKO) (2.000; 55-75)— “On the Town” (M-G) (3d wk). Lively $7,000 after- sturdy $11,000 second round. Grarid (RKO) (L400; 85-75)^ “Grtat ^Dari Batch”' (UAj. Oke week, “Bagdad*' (U) (2d wk), modest $5,500; Keith’s (City Inv.) (1,542; 55-75) , r*-“Heiress” (Par) (4th wk), Sturdy 1 $6;000 after $7,500 in third week. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 55-75)— “Sands Iwo Jima” (Rep). Sensa* tional $21,000,; bearing fruits of I ^itiash Ohio pfeem Campaign. Open* ing night Wednesday (il) hypoed with doWntoWri military parade. Holly wood lights, sound trucks, talks by city officials on WCPO pirogram, iriductibn of privates in Marine Corps Reserves, and salute to local Iwo Jima heroes. Last week, “Lady Takes Sailor” (WB), $10,000. Shubert (RKO) (2,100; 55-75)-— “Prince of Foxes” (20th) (m.o.). All right $6,000. Last week, “Red Shoes’^’ (EL) (2d wk) (m.O.). $4*600. “ * ^ ' ' i Washmgtbnr J^ri. 17.^ Biz is in even stride along riiaih this week, with few flurries either way. At top of heap is ‘'Battlegrourid” which looks smash at Lbew’s , PalaciEi; At the other extreriie is “Girl iri My Heart” which bit: a new low at the National; “Hasty Heart” at the Warrier shapes solid.; “AU Kirig's Men”; at Playhouse and “Outlaw” at/Keith’s continue steady. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew’s) (2,434; 44-85)-*- “East Side, West Side’! IM-G) plus vatide.; Just okay $20,000. Last wpek, “Adarii’s Rib’’ (M-G) plus vaude (2d wk), good $14,500 in final 5 days. Keith's (RKO) (1,939/ 44-80) “Outlaw” (RKO) (3d wk). Sturdy $14,000 after sock $20i000 last •Week*- ■■ Metropplitan (Warner) (1,163; 44-74)**-“Great: Lover” (Par) (m;0.). Hefty $7,500 for smallseater and s e c o n 4 consecutive: downtown week; ; Last week, “Inspector General” ^WB) (m;0;), $8,500. National (Heiman) (1,600; 44-74) ---“Girl in Heart” (Mono). Rock* bottom at $3.500.. Last week, “Tell To Judge” (Col) (2d wk), $4,000. Palac6 (Lbew’s) (2,370; 44-74)^— “Battleground” (M-G),.. Tops in town with sock $26,000. Last week, “On Town” (M-G) (2d wk), big $9,000 for final 4 days.. Playhouse (Lopert) (432; 55-90) —VAll Kings Men” (Col) (8th iyk). Amazing $7,500 fot this stage of run. Last week, hot $8,000. Holds indef. v-; Warner (WB) (2,164; 44-74)-^ “Hasty Heart” ;(WB): Striking $18,000. Last week, “Great Lover” (Par), fine . $17,000, Trans-Lux (T-L) (654; 44-80) — “Facts of Love”, (Indie) i2d wk)^ Okay $4j000 for final 5Vi days. Move early because of benefit preem of “Foolish Heart” (RKO). Last week, disappointing $5,000, of in Is‘Battleground,’Huge $38,000; ‘Thelma’ I8G Philadelphia, Jan. 17. “Battleground” is making most noise here this week. Sparked Denise Parcel and combined WB arid Metro advance ballyhoo, the war opus threatens to breaik the house record set last fall by “Midnight Kiss.”, ‘,‘Lady Takes a Sailor” is a real: disappointment at the Mastbaum. “Dancing in the Dark’’ is only fair at the Fox. In contrast, “Thelma Jordori” shapes up big at the'Goldman. “Chinatown at Midriight” with Ella Fitzgerald and .Buddy Johnson band onstage is about par at the Earle. . ■ ' EsUmate : for This Week Aldine (WB) (1,303; 50-99) — “Malaya” (M-O) (3d wk). Hefty $14,000 after last Week’s $15,000. Boyd (WB) (2,360; 50-99) —^ “Battleground” (M-G).: Smash $38,- 000 to ..top. town; Last week, “Holiday Affbir” (RKO) (3d wk-11 days), nice $16,000. Earle (WB) (2,700; 50-99) — “Chinatown Midriight” (Col;) with Buddy Johnson orch. Ella Fitz- gerald onstage. Good $25,000. Last Wl»plr . .“'WifllAuf' ■'H’rtMV.'*,** /IT:A\ oFf-i Detroit, Jan. 17. Holiday holdovers are doing markably well this. stanza wit h newcomers fair to; slim, All King’s Men*' still is strong m Uriited Artists fourth week. Right behind is “Iwo Jima,” smash on third Palms. rourid. ‘‘Inspector General” shapes okay in second \Ve.ek at Mlchigari; .: Of the n evv- comers* ■“Whirlpool” is best at Tox.'.'•^.■ Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Mich) (5,000; 70-95)^ “Whirlpool” (20th) and “Girls* School” (Col). Okay $26,000; Last: week, “Daricing in Dark’- i and “Chinatowri at Midnight” ICbl), $22,500..-■■ . Michigan (United Detroit! (4.- 000; 70-95) —*“Inspeetbr General” (WB) arid “Mary Ryan; Detective” (RKO) (2d wk), Oke $15,000: Last Week, nice $24i000. ^alms (UD) , (2,900; 70-95)^“IW6 Jima” (Rep) (3d wk). SmaSh $15,- 000. Last week,; $20,000* / United Artists (UDX (2,000; 70- 95)—‘All King’s Meii” (Col! arid “Baby Makes Three” (Col) (4th wk), Sock $14,000. Last week, $16,000: /' ; Madisoii (UD) (1,800; 70-95)--^ “Stormy Weather” (20th) (reissue) and“Cowboy and Prizefighter” (FG). Slight $5,0OQ. Last week, '‘Pirates of Capri,” (FG) arid “Sham- rock Hill” (FG), $7,000. Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 70-951 —“Bagdad*’; (U) arid “Tough As- sigrimerit” (indie) (2d wk). Gkay $5,000. Last week, nice $8,000. : Downtown (Balaban) (2,900; 70* 95)-^“Story Molly X” (U) and “Un- dertow” (U). Fair $8,000.. Last week, “Oil Town” (M-G) and “Black Midriight” (M-G) (3d wk); $6,000. CiJGAT BAND BOOSTS ‘FORAITZSG,*! IndiahapoUs, Jan. 17. Film biz still is retaining its strong new year drive at firstruns despite heavy weekend rains that cut down on grosses, Xavier Cu- gat band Onstage is sparking “Free For All” to tallest take at Circle, “Outpost in Morocco,” at Loew’s. leads straight filmers, with ‘‘Sands of Iwo Jima” doing extra well in Indiana holdover. Estimates for This Week . Circle (Gamble-Dolle) (2,800; 50- 90)—“Free: For All” (U) , with Xavier Cugat orch onstage. Hot $25,000. Last week, “Heiress” (Par), nice $12,000 at 44 to 65c scale* .; Indiana (G-D) (3,300; 44-65)— “Sttnds of Iwb Jima” (Rep) «2(i wk). pandy $7,000 in extra 4 days after sock, $16,000 first week. Gels moveover. Loew's (Loew’s! (2,427; 44-65^— ‘‘Outpost Morocco” (UA) and “Too Late for. Tears” (UA). Sturdy $11. 000. Last week, “On Town” (M-G) (2d 'vyk), nice $8^000 in 4 day.s. .Lyric (G-D) (1.600; 44-65'— “Story Molly. X” (U) and “Savage Splendor” (RKO). Mild $.5,000. Last week,“Prince of Foxes' fm. 0.), oke $5;000. 15G, week, “Without Honor Louis Prima orch oristage, $22,000. ^ Fox (20th) (2,250; 50-99)^“Danc- L^t^^weel^ oaguau lu;. iviCKing up hum tsntiil «,irv 1 $15,000 oV near. Last week, .“Bvide Gleve,, Cleveland, Jan. 17, April-like weather is dcfinUely helping new entrants this week. East Side, West Side” is not show- ing much at State hut “Bagdad ' shapes fancy at Palace. /‘Dancing in Dark” also looks smooth : at Allen. . '■■■•■ Estimates for This Week Allen (Warners) (3,000; 55-70)^ Dancing in; Dark” (20th). Nice $12,000 or near. Last week, “Prince of Foxes” (20th! (3d \Vk-4 day s/; $ 8 , 000 . Esquire (Commuriity) (704: 70- $l)*-“Jdlsori Sings Again” 'CoD (12th-finai \wk). Down to: $3.000 after oke $3,500 last week. Hipp (Warners) (3,700;'; 50-70)-^ “Beyond Forest” (WB). Okay $17,000 or near; Last week, “in; spectOr-General” (WB) (2d wk-4 days), $8,000. • Lower Mall (Community) 50-85)—“Fallen Idol” wk).. Lethargic $3,000. ipo,5u0. • Palace (RKO) (3,300; 55-70'—. “Bagdad” (U). Kicking up dust at .(503: fBBO) Last Aveckj ' (2(Rh) (34 wk), neat $14,000. nnv (Goldman) (1,200; 50- Bast week, “Great Lover” (Pa/! (3d wk), sock $12,000. ^rlton .(Goldman) (1,000; 50-99) $12,00a ^L a S t week, ''Abbott /(Continued' on' page 16> for Sale” (RKO),. $12,500, State (Loew’s) (3;450; Side, West Side” 55-7.0'— /(M.-(U/ j Good $14,000. Last week, “lleiress ’ (Par)/fine $20,000/ , Stillman (Loew’s) '(2,700; 55-70)— “Battleground” (M^G) (4th wk'.- Off to $10,000 following sock $:30.* 000 last folia*