Variety (January 1950)

IXETediieBdfti^ January 18^ 1950 P^buEfr FlCTIIRiS GRASSES 11 MJIMA’mDYIN ;1VliiM Ghicago, Jaii. 17:. While a flock of new filihs are taking over Cbi houses, hi? re- mairis in a Slump. Holdovers ate doing best. J^ain midweek added to dullness. Best holdover is ♦‘Outlaw/- in third week at Giahd; very strong at $2Qi000 this week, after sensational $28,000 .1 a s t frame. “Inspector General,-' in third week at Woods, is down to :sfoW $14,000^ ; Among newcomers, brightest combo is at Chicago, with ‘'Danc- ing in Dark," and stageshOw star- ring Jules Munshinv Good $50,000 l ooks a bout all. Oriehtars “ Whirl - pool" and Willie Shore topping stagebill is just okay at $40,000. “Hasty; Heart," at State-^Lake, shades very dull .$14,000. “Mrs. Mike" is fair at Roosevelt with, $13 ;g00: Estimates for This Week Chicago (B&K) (3,400; 50-98) -r- “Dancing in Park" (20th) with Jules Munshine onstage; Good $50,- 000. Last week, “Leave Thera Laughing" iWB) with Ritz Bros., $53,000. Garrick (B&K) (900; 50-98) >- *'Act of Murder" (U) (reissue) slow $6,500. Last week, “Searlet Street" (U) and “Back Street" (IJ)* * (re- issues), $5,000. Grand (RKO) (1,500; 50-$1.20)— “Outlaw" (RKO) (3d wk)/ Still strong at $20,00(1.; Last week, ter- rific $28,000. Oriental (Essaness) (3,400; 50-98) W'Wliu'lpool" (20th) with WiUie Shore onstage. Only oke $40,000. Last week, “Forsyte Woman” (M-G) with Peggy Ryari and Ray MacDonald (2d wk); b h s t a g e $34,000. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 50-^98) — ; “Challenge Lassie” (MrG) and “Barbary Pirate" (C61). Prab $10,- OOO, Last week, “On Town” (M-G) (2d wki, nice $12,000. Rialto (Indie) (1;700; 50-98):— “Paris Bombshell” (U) and “Raidr ers of Desert" (U) (reissues). Thin $6,500, Last week, “If 1 Had My Way-' (U) and “East Side Heaven" (U), (reissues), $6,0.()0. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 50-98)— “Mrs. Mike" (UA). Sturdy $18,000, Last week, “Sands Iwo Jima” (Rep) (2d wk), big $19,000.; . State-Lake (B&K) (2,700: 50-98) —“Hasty Heart" (WB). Thin $14.- 000. Last week, “Prihne of Foxes" (20th) (2d wk), bke $20,000. tJnited Artists (B&K) (1,700; 50- 98) — “Traveling Saleswoman" ICoD and “Once More Darling” . (U) (2d wk). Dull $5,000. Last week. $7,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,073; 50-98)-^- “Inspector General" (WB) (3d w.k). Dull $14,pop or under. Last week. Edtiniates Arc Net gross; estimates as re- ..ported herewith: from the vari- ous key' cities, are net, i.e!, without the 20% tax;.Distribu- tors share on het take, wheii playing percentage/ hence the cstiihated figures • lif: he t in- come.;.:^ .The pafertthetic admissibh prices, . however, as indicated, include the ■ XJ, S., amusement Louisville, Jan. 17. . Qufrent week teed oK with rainy start, creating the usual flood scare in areaVi Downpour stopped Friday (.13) niglh. and weeken d was go od. ResulFm^rstruns shape up nicely, ■ “Sands Iwo Jima" at Rialto/ looms standout with big biz, “Sduth Sea Sinner" and “Prisoh Warden” at State shapes heat. “Hasty Heart’^'^ at iVIary Andersoh may tax ♦capac- ity of hpuse, with fihe session. Estimates for This Week' Mary Ahdersoii (People’s) (1,200; 45-65)—‘‘Hasty Heart’’IWB). Picked Up fast after rain stopped! Nice $10,000 or near. Last week, “In- spector General’^ (WB) (2d wk) > lively $7,OOO. . Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; 45-65]>—r“Sands Iwo Jiiha" (Rep). Plenty pf interest in thik one; rous- ing $16,000 or over looms; Last week, ‘‘Prince of Foxes" :(20th), $15,000. ■ state (Loew’s) (3,000; 45-65)-^ “South Sea Sinner" (XJ) and “pris- on Warden". (GoK. Ads touting sex' angle drawiiig attentioh; heat $14,000; Last week; “Tell to Judge" . I (Cbli and “And Baby Makes Three" . IGoD - $13,000. . •, ' Strand (FA) (1,200; 45-65)— „ A / V I “Trapped" (EL) ahd “Fighting Red- (EL) Medium $6,000. Last Vaude continues big draw at.i week; “Dangerbus Profession” Orpheum with Celest^ Hohn head-; (Rko) and “Mysterious Desperado mg five-act biU with VStorjr. of nice $5,500. Molly X" for sturdy money. Else-.' where, trade is hot so strong but “The Heiress" at ParamoUn t looms nice, “Malaya” at Midland Is mild birt'“Dancihg in Dark" ih , three! Fox-Midwest houses is barely hit^ ting average. “Leave Them Laugh- ing" at Missouri is passably bkay, “Sainds of Iwo .Jima" made good for third week, moying to Esquii:e. from Tower Estimates foV ThisWeek ; . “Sands Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 45- smashing _ _ _ ^ . 65)—“Sands Iwo Jima". (Rep) (m; !’.quire arid Webber, where day-:date, o.). Third week doWritowm, okay ■;bn opening day, and will wind up $3,000. Last week,,:“Jungie W6-1 with terrific total for three houses; man" (FC) and “Elephant Boy" j “The Heiress" is Showing enough Denver, Jam 17; of Ivvb Jima": started records at Deliver, Es- (FC) (reissues), $3,500. Kimo (Dickinson) (550; 75-90)^ “Fallen Idol" (SRO) (3d wk), $3,000. Last week, $4,000, , Midland (Loew’s) (3,50(); 4,5-65) —‘'Malaya" (M-G) and : “Mary Ryan, Detective" (Col).. \Mild $15,000. Last week, “On Town" .(M-G) and “Chinatown Midnight" (Col) (2d wk-4 days), $7,000. Missouri (RRO) (2^650; 45-65)— “Leave Them Laughing" (WB) and “House Across Street" (WB),.Pass- ably okay“$Ll^00:~^La5t “The Outlaw" (RKO) (2d vvk), big $io,o()o. brphetim (Fox Midwest). (1,847; 55-65-85)--‘‘Story Moll^^^ X" (U) and Celeste .Holm heading.^ 5-act vaude bill.' Sturdy $14,500; Last week,“Girl in Nly Heart" (Mono) I with vaude headed by Three ■Suns:' -Sands of Iwo Jilpa" (Rep) and and Penny Singleton,, $17,000. . i“ Belle Old Mexico" (Rep), day-date at. Denham to get a second week, while “Adam’s Rib," now solid in fourth Broadway session, will hold a fifth. “The Outlaw” is still doing nicely in second Orpheum .week. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 35-74 )— “Baby Makes Three" (Col) and “Riders Whi.stling Pines" (Gol), dayj-date with Tabor. Fair $2,500. Last week, “Bagdad" (U) and ‘‘Prison Warden" (Col), good $3,500; Broadway (Wolfberg) (1.500; 35- 7T)—!^dani’s Rib" (M-G) (4lh wk). Good $7,500, Holds again. Last week, big $9,000. Deiiham (CockriU) (1,750;. 35-74) ^‘Tleiress" (Par). Fine $14,000. Last week, “Great Lover” (Par) (3d wk), fair $9b00. Denver (FoX) (2,525; 35-74)-^ ‘‘Broadway cohtiriues sluggish but this is partly attributable . to the number of extended-runs playing at firstrim ■theatres cujTehtly. Only five new' biiis' were lauhehed dur- ing the last seven days, and none is particularly prbinisirfg; The Weather was favorable most of the past-week. “Whirlpobr’ and : “South Sea Sinhe.r’’ look strongest of new prodiiet. l^ormer, With Andy sell. Jay Marshall, Gdpacabaha Re- vue ohstage at Roxy, is getting a passably. okay $65,000 ‘despite the beating the film took :from the critics; ;, “Sinnei’" shapes . fairly good $17;000 at the Criterion. ; :‘’Hidden Bpom," at hbw first- run Broadway Embassy,/ went to smash $13,000 in first stanza, aided by reviewer praise, “Red Light" is gettihg light; $15,000 or less at Globe while “Tehsibn": is barely okay $0,500 at Rialto.. New week- ly 'change at Palace^ with^s Vadari" and vaude, is bhildihg to fairly, nice $19;00b or a bit better. “Sands of Iwo Jima" continues as ace straight-filmer with spek $45;0Q0 in third Week at Mayfair; follbwing $53,00(1, over hopes, for second’ sessioh. Extended run of Marines’ opus now is assured at this house, ‘‘Battleground" also is holding well; with strong $25,000 for 10th Astor stanza. “Tight Lit- tle Island" remains a big draw with $12,000 for third week at Trans-Lux 60th Street “Sanisop and Delilah," . with Russ Case band heading stage- show, wound up fourth week.of six days at Parambunt with $65>OOQ, totaling terrific $406,0()Q, near all- time high for that period at the Par flagship. Picture, without any stageshow, continues at the Rivoli. Estiihatcs for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 60^$1,50) --“Battleground" (M-G) (10th wk); Holding very well this Week with about $25,000, Or a bit Over; last round was big $32,000, Stays on. week. Has : beep playing day-data with Paramouht, and shpuld pick up here now that. run has been- concluded at Par flagship.;* , Roxy (20th> (Si886; 80-$l,75) — “Whirlpool" X20th)“ witk Aiidy: Russelh Jay Marshall) Copacabaha. ReVue, onstage. First session end- ing tomorrow (Thiirs.). is iahding just oka $65,000 but hot so slow in view of crix bafhs on pic. Holds over only one week as planned. In, ahead, “Prince of Poxes" (20th) With Vic Dambhe tbppirtg stage bill (3d wk), good $61,000, “12 O’clock High" (20th) opens with special; pfeem Thursday (26), ‘ regular run starting Friday (27). State (L.oew’si (3,450; 50-$1.50)— "East Side;: West; Side” ;(M-G> (4th wk), Down . to $18,OQO after okay $19;500 for third round. Gon- Lihues,; with ‘‘Key to City’; (IVLG;) coming in on Feb. 1. Strand (WB) (2,756; 55-$2)— “Inspector General" (WB.) with Vaughn Mo^ orch (3d-final wk), Down to $30,000 Or close after okay. $42,000 last week. “Hasty Hjeart" (WB) with Gordon: Mac- Rae, Mimi /Benzell, Paul Gray, Mitzi Mayfair Dancers opens Fri- day .'(20) Sutton (B&B) (561; 70-$l;20)-'. “Fallen Idol" (SRO) (lOth wkL' Ninth found ended Monday (16), held to $11,000 after $11,500 Iqst session..' Trans-Lux 60th St. (T-L) (453f 74-$1.50) — “Tight Little Island’^ (U) (4th wk). Off to $12,000 in third round ended last Saturday (141, but still great, aftef $14i200 Victoria (City Inv.) (1,06(); 95- $1.50 ) -:-“ Air King’s Men’’ ( Col ) (11th Wk). Tenth stanza ended Monday (16) was off to $15,500 after : sblid $22,000 last round. Stays oh. until Feb. i; when “Third i Man" (SRO) opens with benefit preein for Lighthouse Assn., with regular ruh ;starting Feb. 2. oi’ch. week Eddy Mitzi Takes Sailor" (WB), $11,000. ; merit" flndie), $17^000. Tower- Uptown - Fairway ( F o x Esquire (Fox) (742; 35-74)— j Midwest) (2,100; 2,043; 700; 45-65) “Sands of Iwo Jima" (Rep) and —“Dancing in Dark" (20th),. Just “Belie of Old Mexico" (Rep), also D*-. 1 7r*. < i At barely average at $12,000. ^ Last ^ Dcriver. Webber. Big $4,000. Last DlS I fb. JOrOOn ITO, \Veek, Tower, had‘‘Sands Iw0,Tinia” week. •‘Trispector General" (WB) //V i • Vi -i H/i ri 1 f and “Tough Assignment" (Indie), OnriW CrPJlf 17G 2d ■ uptown and Fairway had '‘Prmre ^ VUUdW, UlCdl 1 lU, of Foxes" (20th) (3d wk), fine Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 35-74) — IWO JIMA’KEW HIGH. Providence, Jan. 17. , $10,000. Maiestic’s ‘‘Inspector General" is so.ck here this week to lead a fair- ly active town. State’s “MMaya" is just passable.* ; Other stands ca rrying over pix fbh Tuesday and Wednesday, openings. Estimates for This Albee (RKO) (2,20(), _ _ . ^ , ^ . “Dangerous Profession’’ (RKO) and ;■Jima" at ,Orpheum threatens^,to I Chnaha^Jari: 17: SQoa Week I Records looni for two. houses: on 5»8.?00. m oi;»7. qk 44-65)—^; successive weeks;here, ‘‘Sands Iwb (Fox) /in'mrw i Oi'rv'Koiiwi flii^a-afATn'ct “in . Bobv IVItlKCS ThrCC (Col) ^nCl . “Outlaw" (RKO) and “Threat" I (RKO) (2d wk). Fancy $12,600. Last / week, big $26,000; : Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 35-74)— “Red Light" (XiA) and “Square Dance Jubilee" (Indie). Okay $7,- 060. Last week, “Bagdad" (U) apd Prison Warden" (Col), good “Call of $8 Df Foresf’ (SG), Should do , get biggest straight picture brz ,in:j . «^uei (,006. Last week, “The Out- years with colossal total. De.spite i JJ.va,d law" (RKO) and“Threat" (RKO) sleet and cold, the 8,00Q-seater is; (2d wk); wbw $17,000. . * 0 hway to new record. I ay’s (Fay) (1,400; 44-6o) Seas" (Indie) rind vaude Pah* $6,500.. . Last Week, .Two’Xveeks tot4 was . v»,uuu. nrd for house Majestic (Fay) (2,206; 44-65)-^ FsHmates for 'This Week “Inspector General" (WB).. Single Estimates for ims . bill lifting to sock ;$17,0a6 or hear , Orpheum ;('i;ri^ates> (3,000r 16-, Baby Makes Three" (Col) and ‘"Riders Whistling Pines" (Col), date with Aladdin. Fair at S4:600. . Last week, : “Abandoned the: Women" (U) and‘“Texas Trail" 35.74/.— and “Belle also Denver, [ Esquire. (Jreat $4,060. Last week. Inspector General" (WB) and Tough A s si g n m e h t" (Indie), '■$2.500..-'-'--.'v- for Panny: Kaye pic. Last week, “Pririce of FoxeS" (20th) (2 wk), heat $12,006. Metropolitan (Snider) ($,100; 44-. 65)—“Port of New York’: (EL) and(1500* ■16-65)^ /T?T ^ I Branoeis (RKUi u .ouu, • io DO. ’Wolf donda., - ,(EL) and “Spring in Park Lane (EL), weak! $6,500. / ; State (LoewL (3,200; 44-65)— ‘Malaya" (M-G) and “Chinatown 65)_“Sands of IWb Jima” (Rep.U Colossal $18,000, arid new all-time, high here. : Last week, “Impact" (UA > arid “The Crooked (UA). $11,000. ‘Montana’ Tall I3G, Port.; Big 8G, 3d > Portland, Ore., Jari, 17. Two' hew pictures at firstruris “Wolf Hiinters"; (EL). Opened: MDabv““Makes^Tbree" 'veck. “Moritana’* at Orpheum Monday (16). Last week; “Trapped' i i^Snu^e Soss Street’’ (WBl. Okav^r^ Oriental shapes tops with sock $7,000. Last wfeclc, “TJie Outlaw”.! total. Dancing Jn Dark, at Para- ’Sd wk), smash $ 8 i 500 . , I mount booms nice. Ace .holdover is Paramount'(Jristates) (2,800; J&, '‘Sands of IWo Jima at Broadway 65) “On Town'’ (M-G); Socko where still sniash in third week, at Midnight" (Col). Being caridedl $12 000 Last week;: “Holiday^^^l^^^ in general is okay despite extra three-days to Wednesday! (Rai.) hrid “Lady Eve" . (Paii (re^ worst blizzard in 50 years. .• m ./!/>« ‘ Tmmr^ Yi ‘ • -/SA A‘/\ . Falimafkmc fnr Thl« Wi Opening of “Sands of Iwo (Rep). Only okay at $19;06o in 10 days. Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 4^65) —“Big WheelV (UAi and “Blon- die’s Hero" (Col), Opens Wednes- day (18). Last week, “Thelma Jordon" (par), fine $14,000 in 9 days. ■ Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,832; 50-85) —i‘;‘Sands Iwo Jima" (Repi arid “Belle Old Mexico” (Rep) (3d ^k). Big $8;600. Last week, sock $10,000." Oriental (H-E) (2,000;;; 50-85)—- State (C/oldberg) (865; 16-65 “Montana" (WB) arid 7trapped" “Adam’s Rib" (M-G) . {2d wk). Big (ED; day-dale with Orpheum. Big ^6»500. La.st wcek^ ,$,7,200. . i , (Continued ori page 16) issues), $9,800. Omaha (Tristates) (2,100; 16-651 —“Gal Who Took West" (U» and “Search For Danger’’, (FG). Good $9,500. Last week, . “Great Lover" (Par) (in.o.l fancy, $9,80Q. Bllou (City Inv.) (598; $1.20- $2,40) “Red' Shoes’.' (EL) (65th wk). : Current frame is staying up nicely at about $9,000, after $10,- 000 last .week. Coritihues. Capitol (Loew’s) (4,820;.80-.$i:50» —•“Ariibush" (M-G) with Ink Spots, Sam Leverison, Bobby Sherwood Opens today (Wed.) Last “Adam’s Rib" (M-G) with puebin orch, De Marcos, Green bn.stage (3d wk-10 da.vs), was down to $61,006 after $65,060 for .second week. Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 59-$1.75) —“South Sea Sinner’’ CU). Initial week looks to reach fairly good $17,000 or near. Holds. In ahead, •‘Bagdad" tU) (3d wk-8 days), $11,000. ■ Globe (Btaridt) (i;500; 50-$1.20) —“Red Light” (UA). First stanza is getling Only $15,000, but holds; Last week,“Pirates of Capri" (FC), very slow $8,000; ^ ' Embassy (Guiid) (550; 50-$1.2.5) —“ILidderi Room’’ (EL) (2d wk). Staying up well in initial holdover round, after srriash $13,000 first week. Helped by unusually fine re- views. Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 50-$l ,20) —“Sands of Iwo Jima" (Rep) (3d wk). Holding in splendid fashion with very stout $45,000; second. W'eek was socko $,53.006. Continues; Palace (RKO) (1,706; 55-$l.20)— “Nevadan" (Gol) and vaude. Land- ing nice $19;000 oi^oyer. Last week, ‘'Traveling Saleswoman" (Gol) with vaude, $18,506. Paramouht (Par) (3,664; 55-$i.56) “Thelma Jordon" (Par), plus Bill Lawrence, Jerry vWald orch, Jean Carroll, the Ja3rv:’alkers on- stage; Opens today (Wed.). liast wee:k;“Sam.son and Delilah" (Par) with Russ, Case Orch topping stage- show (4th wk^ days) , firiished off terrific ruri at $65,000, very big for abbreviated session, aftei* sock $85,000 for third (90c.-$1.86 scales (. Makes gianf $406,QUflUfor four weeks, close to record here. Radio City^Music Hall (Rockefel- lers) (5,945; 80-$2.40) : — “On Town" (M-G); with; stageshow (6th-final; wk); , Finishing record fiin at $102;000 or hear, after big $118*500 for fifth. Makes, grand to- tal of $874;500 for six weeks; new alWinie high at house.. “My Foolish Heart" (RKO) with stageshow opens tomorrow (Thurs. V, : Rialto (Mage) (594; 44-98)—“Ten- sion’' (M-G) ; (^d wki. Initial rohrid fended last night (Tiies.i was $8,500. in ahead, “Flying Saucers" (PC), $7,500. Rlvoll (UAT-Par) (2,092; 60-$1.25) r^“Samsori . and Delilah” (Par) (4th wk). Current frame winding up today (Wed.) is holding well at $33^000- afte^ $40,000, 19 third Buffalo. Jan. 17. Despite generally offish trend, “Sands of IwO Jima" is. packing Century with terrific session; “Ail King’s Men" is great at Lafayetto but otherwi.se the takings are mild. “Inspector General," big in first round, is off in second at Center. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loews.) (3,500; 40-70)-^ “Mrs. Mike" (UA) and “Spring in Park Lane" (EL), Barely okay at $13,000 or close.. Last week, “Malaya" (M-G), $17,500; Paramount (Par) (3,6o6; 40-70)— “Thelma Jordon" (Par). . Mild $11,,660, Last week, “Jolson Sings Agaih’’ (Col), Only $8,000 in 5 days, and then pulled. Centcr CPar) (2,100; 40-70)—“In- spector General (WB) (2d wk). Down to $8,500 after big $15,000 opener. Lafayette (Baisil). (3,000; 40-70)— “All K i n g' s Men" (Col) and “Blondie’s Hero" (Col). Big $16,00O Or better. Last week, ‘'Woman in Hiding"MU), $14,000. Century (20th Cent.) (3,000; 40- 70)—“Sands of Iwo Jima" fRep) and ‘‘Belle:01d Mexico" (Rep),. Ter- i rific $20,060, and may hold Last I week, “Outlaw" (RKO) (2d wk), ; nice $10,000. Ink Spots Pt ‘tassfeD Giant $ 26 , 000 , tpriDnto; y . ■ Toronto, Jan. IT. Return of. vaude to the Uptovvm with Ink Spots headirig bill is boo.sti ng . “Ghallenge to Lassie" to smash round. Big, too, i.s “Yellow Ribbon" at Imperial. “Dancihg in Dark’’ looks riica in: three spots; Estimates for This Week Capitol, Nortown; Shears (FP) (1,079; 9.59; 2,386; 40-70)—“Dancing in Dark" (20th). Fine $15,000. Last w'cek, “Thelma Jordon’^ (Par)* .ditto.' Downtown, Glendale, Scarboro, State (20tb) (1,059; 955; 698, 694; 35.6O) — “Trapped" (EL) and “Down Memory Lane” (EL). Light $10,500, Last week, “One Last Fling" (WR) and “Stampede" (Mono), okay $1$,000. Eglinion, University. (PF) (1,080; 1,556; 40-70)—“Whirlpool" (20th)« .(Confinued pn^page Jfi), ,