Variety (February 1950)

FicmjRB enossEs Wednesday, Febmairy 1, 19511 Los Angeles, Jan. 31. • Oh^erall biz pace continues mild bere, with thie bnh? big money gor ing to “Sahds of Iwp Jima,”, which Is soaring to smash $75,000 or near in five theatres. Fairly good $35,-; 000 is shaping up for **Woman in Hiding,'^ also in five spots. Fair $25,000 looms for ^“Deadly; Is Fe- male** in nine days in two houses. Also light Is “Red Danube.** with $25,000 in two locations, staying only four days beybnd original w^eek. Holdovers, with the excep- tion of “Foolish Heart/* still nice $4,500 in sixth frame at Four Star, are droopy. ■ “Montana*/ is off to $24,500 in iecorid session, three sites; Second week of “D.O;A.’’ looks mild $10,- 000 in five houses:/ “Heiress’’^ is looking for ^me money in second session; for two Paramount houses. Etdiniates for This Week Beverly - Hills, DoWntowiif. Har wail, Hollywood, Forum Music Halls (Prin-Cor) (834; 902; 1,106; 512; 2,- 100; 55-$l)—“D.O.A,’’ (UA) and “Bomba Panther Island’* (Mono) (2d wk). Mild $19,000. Last week, just fairish $26,560. V Chinese, Los Angeles, Loyola, Uptown, Wllshlre (FWC) (2,048; 2,- 097; 1,248; 1,719; 2,296; 6Q-$1)7-; “Sands Iwo Jima’* (Rep) and “Belle ' Did Mexico’’ (Rep). Terrific $75,- 000 or near. Last week, “Whirl- E ool” (20th) and “Radar Seerrt ervice’’ (Indie) (2d' wk^5 day^s); only $18,900. . Downtown, Hollywood> Wlltern (WB) (1,757; 2,756; 2,344; 60r$l)— “Montana** (WB) (2d wk). Aboiit $24,500. Last week, below hopes but nice at $40,200. Loew's State, Egyptian (UA) (2,- 404; 1,538; 60-$l)—“Red Danube*’ (M-G) and “Tension** (M-G). Light $25,000. Lart week, “Adam’s Rib’’ (M-G) and “Square Dance Jubilee’* , (Lip) -(State only) (2d Wk-8 days), $25,800. <• Pantages, Hilistreel CRKO) (2,- 812; 2,890; 50-$l) ~ “Deadly Is Female'* (UA) arid “Storin Over Wyoming’* (RKOl. Fair $25,000 in 9 days.. Last week, “Man on. Eiffel Tower’* (RKO) and “Sons . New Mexico** (Gol), $22,300. Los Angeles, Hollywood Para- mounts (F&M) (3,398; 1,451; 50r-$l) —r“Heiress*’ (Par) and “Hoedown*' (Col) (L AV only]:(2d wk). Down to $19,000. Last week, fine $28,300. United Artists, Ritz, Studio City, Vogue, Culver (UA-FWG) (2,100; 1,370; 880;, 885; l,t45; 60-$l) — “Woman in Hiding” (U) and “Rug- ged O'Riordans” (U). Fairly good $35,000 or near. Lart week, “South Sea Sinner” (U) and “Riders of Range” (RKO) (10 days), nice $36,000. Orpheum (D’town) (2,210; 50-95) —“Wolf Hunters” (Mono) (2d run) With vaude headed by Al Herman. Modest $16,500. Last week, “Blpridie's Hero’’ (Col) (2d run), With eight acts of vaude^ $17,000. Four Star (UA) (900; 60-$l) -- “My Foolish Heart** (RKO) (6th wk). Steady $4,500. Last week, $5,000. Fine Arts (FWC) (679; 85-$1.25) — “Spring in Park Lane** (EL). Medium $5,000. Last week, “Fallen idol” (SRO) (9th wk), $3,400. tel^round' Fast 20G, Estimated Total Gross This Week .. . V $586,70$ (Based on 17 theatres.) - Last Year ; .. $587,000 {Based on 16 theatres.) Indianapolis, Jan: 31,. Biz is booming at most; firstruns here this week. “Battleground” at Loew’s is top straight , filmer, equalling take of “Undertow** with Sammy Kaye band onstage at Circle, also hot. “Piril^’* at Indi- ana, tob, is in smash class. It is biggest Week here in months. Estimates for This .Week Circle (Gamble-Dolle) (2,800; 50- 90)—-“Undertow” (U) with Sammy Kaye orch bri stage. Dandy $21,- 000. Last week, “Red Shoes'* (EL), nice $12,000 at 44-65 scale, first time at pop prices. Indiana (G-D) (3,300; 44-65) — “Pinky** (20th). Sock $18,000. Last week,“South Sea Sinner” (U) and “Hollywood Varieties” (Lip), oke $12,000. LoeW*s (Loew’s) (2>427; 44-65)— “Battleground” (M-G)., Terrific $21,000. Last week, “Ambush** (M-G) and “Challenge Lassie** (M- G), hefty $14,500. Lyric (G-D) (1,600; 44-65)^“Blue Lagoon’’ (EL) and “Rugged O’Rior- dans” (U). Mild $6,000. Last week, “Port New York” XEL) with Renfro Valley Barn Dance onstage, nice $13,000 at 50-85C scale. FroT4 Iwo Jinu' 14G, 2d V Providence,. Jan. 31. Majestic is doing best here this week with ^'Dancing In. The Dark,” Loew’s State also is strong in sec* ond. of “Sands of Iwo Jima.’* Metros poUtan is dull \yith “Hasty Heiurt/' Estimates for This Week V Albee (RKO) (2,2db; 44-65) — “Live By Night” (RKO) and “Story Molly X’* (U). Good $12,000 .Last week; /“Bagdad” (U) and “Apache Chief” (SG), $13,000. Carlton (Fay) (1,400; 44-65) —* “Dakota Lir* (20th) and “Project ,X” (Indie). Neat $7,000. Last wepk, “Pirates of Capri” (FC) and “Loveable Cheat” (Reb), oke $6,- 500. •:/ . ...^ Fay’b (Fay) (1,400; 44-65)—‘*Bens Gorondo” (Rep) and vaude. Fine '$8;000. IVast week, “Neptune’s Daughter” (M-G) and vaude, $7,- ooo...: Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65) ^'Dancing in Dark” (20th)' and /Blonde Bandit” (Rep). Biggest in tbwn with $18,000. Last week, “Inspector General” (WB)' (2d wk), big $14,000; Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 44^ 65)—^ /Hasty Hearts* (WB) and '^HoUywood Varieties” (Lip). Dull $12;000. Lart week, dark. State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65) “Sartds of Iwo Jima” (Rep) (2d wk). Steady $14,606 after smash $21,5Q0 in ..ii/pplr Strand (Silvennan) (2>20b; 44^65) “The Nevadan” (Coi) and “Travel- ling Saleswoman” (Col). •Nice $13,000. Last week, “Big Wheel” (UA) and "Blondie’s Hero*” (Col), $ 12 , 000 , <0? f Buffalo, Jan.; 3L “Battleground” is big hews here this week at the Buffalo. !‘SoUth Sea Sinner” looks nice at Lafayette but “Hasty Heart” shapes thin at Center oil 11 days.^ EsiiniateB for 'This Week Buffalo (Loew’s) (3,500; 40-70)— “Battleground” (M-G). Gresit $20,- 000. Last week, “East Side, West Side” (M-G) and “Trail of Yu^on” (Mono); Paramount (Par) (3,000; 40r70)— “Whirlpool” (20th) and “Hollywood Varieties*^ (SG). Mild $(l2,000. Last week, “Thelma Jordon” (Par) (9 days); $15*000. Center (Par) (2,100; 40-70)— “Samson and Delilah” 'Par). Opens today (Wed.). Last v/eek, “Hasty Heart** (WB), thin $14,000 in 11 days,'-' Lafayette (Baril) (3,000; 40-70)— “South Sea Sinner” (U) and “Un- dertow” (U). Niee $15,000. Last week/ “All .King’s Men” (Col) and “Blondie's Hero” (Col) (11 days), big $25,000 in 11 days. Century (26th Cent,) (3,000; 40- 70)—“Iwo Jima” (Rep) and “Belle Old Mexico” (Rep) (3d wk-4 days). Solid $7*600. Last week, smash .$15,000 for second frame. Portland, Ore., Jan; 31; Continued snowstorms are ty- ing up transportation here this week, .with biz suffering as a re- sist. . However,“Battleground,” at United Artists, looks sockerto. “South Sea Sinner” shapes great at Broadway; ^ Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,832; 50^85) —“South Sea Sinner” (U) and “Once More; My Darling” (tJ). Sock $11,000. Last week, “Sands Iwo Jima” (Rep) and “Belle Old Mexico” (Rep) (4th wk), wow $7,000. ■ Oriental (H-E) (2,000; 50-85)— “Snake Pit” (20th) and “Letter Three Wives” (20th) (reissues). Mild $3*000. Last week, “All King’s Men” (Col) and “Baby Makes Three” (Col), fine $5,000. Orpheum (H-E) (1,750; 50r85)— “Whirlpool” (20th). and “Bodyhold” (Col). Fancy $7,500. Last week, “Thelma Jordon” (Par) and ■’‘Girl’s School” (Gol), $7*500. Paramount (H%) (3AOO; 50-85)^ “Tell to Judge” (Gol) and“This Was a Woman” (Indie). Nice $9,600 or near. Last week, “All King's .Men” (Col) and “Baby Makes Three” (Col), $9;500. United Artists (Parker) (895; 50- 85)-=-“Battleground” (M-G). Tor- rid $14*000; Last, week, “Adam’s Rib” (M-G) (5th wk). Good $4,500. L Hub; ‘Glbel Estimated Total Gross This Week .... . $2,860,200 {Based on 24 cities, . 203 theatres, chiefly first runs, iit* eluding N. Yr)/ Total Gross Same Week Last Year ::.; V, $2,774,000 {Based on 22 cities and 223 /Theatres.) Denver, Jan. 31; “Samsori and Delilah” at upped scale is packing the Deriham to new record this week with / colos- sal total; . Cold and snow will hurt many others* “Dancing in DarV* is nice, however, in three spots. Estimates for 'This Week Broadway (Wblfberg) (1,500; 35- 74)—‘'Adam’s Rib” (M-G) (6th wk). Fair $6,000. Last week, $7,500. Denham (CockrilD l1,750; 74- $1,20) — “Samson-Delilah” (Par). ■Record $28,000 or bear. Last week, “Heiress” (Par), $10,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 35-74)— “Dancing in Dark” (20th) and “Treasure Monte Cristo” (Lip), day-date with Esquire, Webber, Nice $16;000. Last week, “Mon* tana” (WB) and “Girl in Heart” (Mono), good $15,006. Esquire (Fox) (742; 35-74)— “Dancing in Dark” (20th) and “Treasure •Monte Cristo” (JJp), also Denver, Webber. Fine $3*000. Last week, “^Montana” (WB) and “Girl in Heart” (Mono), $2,800. Qrpheuiri (RKO) (2,600; 35-74)— “Tension” (M-G). Thin $10,000. Last week, “Intruder in Dust” (M-G) and “Stagecoach Kid” (RKO), $6,500. Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 35-74) —“Whirlpool” (20th) and t^Holly- v^QOd Varleties” (Lip). Okay $8,- 000. Last week. “Lady Takes Sai- lor”, (WB) and “Deputy Marshal” (Lip), $3,200. Tabor (Fox) (1,967; 35-74)-^“Ra* dar Secret Service” (Lip) and stage show. Fair $9,000. Last week, reissues. Webber (Fox) (750; 35-74)— “Dancing in Dark” (20th) and “Monte Cristo”, (Lip), also Denver*' Esquire;; Neat $2*500. Lart week, “Montana” (WB) and “Girl in Heart” (Mono), samA Washington* Jariv 31. Only real splrish being made cur- rently is by •‘Sands of IwO Jima** at Warner, Hypped by a glitteriiig preem at three Warper houses simultaneously, pic is rackiiig lip best take at this company showr case in .many months. “The Ne- vadan” at Metropolitan, is also shaping better than average. “My Foolish Heart” is sock in second Traris-Lux/week. Estimates for This .Week Capitol (Loew’s) (2,434; 44-85)— “intruder in Dust” (M-G) plus vaude. Okay $15,000 in 5 days, be- ing yanked foischange of Schedule. Crix raved but public was not so keen. Last week, “Molly X” (U) plus Vaughn MonrOe orch onstage, solid $29,000. Keith’s (RKO) (1,939; 44-80)'— “Dangerous Profession” (RKO). Slow $8,000. Last week, “Bagdad” (U), fancy $14,000. Metropolitan (Warner) (1,163; 44- 74)r—“Nevadan” (Col). Hot $l0,r 000. Last week, “Scarlet Street” (U) and “Back Street” (U) (reissues); okay $6,000. Naitional (Heiirian) (1,600; 44-74) —“Undertow” (U). Continuing in low register of recent weeks, with $4,500. Last week, “Silver Dust” (Indie), $3,000. Palace (Loew’s) (2,370; 44-74)— “Battleground” (M-G) (3d wk). Steady $14,000 after torrid $20,000 niropir'. Warner (WB) (2,164; 44-80) — “Sands of Iwo Jima” (Rep). Terrific $28,000,. best in morithsi. Last week. “Hasty Heart” (WB). $18,000 in 10 days. Trans^Liix (T-L) (654; 44-80) — “My Foolish Heart” (RKO) (2d Wk). Building, and looks like greet $11',000, for second consecu- tive week. WRiiacdtiSM i; ‘Jalsoi’ 22G, 2i Cincinnati, Jan. 31. Biz generally for ace rtands is greatest here in a long time. “Sam- son and Delilah” is topping the town with huge figure. “Battle- ground” also Is^iri gigantic stride, and “Inspector General” plus vaude support has thef flagship Albee in clover. “Mrs. Mike” is ariother cage winner among new bills. Hold- overs are above par. Estimates for This Week Albee V (RKO) (3*100; 55-85)— “Traveling Saleswoman” (Col) plus vaude, including Five De Marco Sisters. Perky $23,000: Stage shows are on.spot-booking basis, current one being first since New Year’s week. Last Week, “Inspec- tor General” (WB), at 65-75c scale, smart $16,000. . i ■> j i» Grand (RKO) (1,400; 55-75)— “Battleground” (M-G). Colossal $20,000. Holds. Last week, “Brim- stone” (Rep), oke: $7,000. KeiWs (City Inv,) (1.542; 55-75) —•“Mrs. Mike” (UA): Heavy femme trade building for swell $ll;000. Last week, “Pirates of Capri” (FC), good $8,000: Palace (RKO) (2,600; 75-$l:I9)-^ “Samson and Delilah” (Par). Ektra advance and upped scale spelling terrific $32,066, city’s tallest take in many months. Holds. La/st Week, “All King’s Men” (Gol), plump $16,000 at 55-75c scale. Shubert (RKO) (2,100,- 55-75)— “Sands Iwa Jima*' (Rep). Third downtown week, Okay $5,000. I^ast week, “Great Lover” (Par) (m.o.), favorable $5,500. ■ ■ • ■ ■ ■ » •.' V t "■ ‘ *■ • Toronto, Jan. 31. “Jolson Sings Again” and “Sands of Iwo Jima” are still pacing the town on holdovers. “Lady Takes Sailor” is leading the newcomers at the Imperial. “Eiffel Tower” looms good iri three houses. Estimates for This Week Capitol,. Nbrtowh, Shea’s (FP) G,079; 959; 2,386; .40-76)—‘>Eiffel Tower” (RKO). Good $15,000. I^st week, “Maytime in Mayfair” (EL), $13,500. V . ^Downtown, Glendale, ' Scarboro, State (20th) (1,059; 955; 698; 694* 35-6m---“Story Molly X’’ (U^ ‘^Jackpot Jitters” (Mono). Fair $11,500. Last week, “Traveling Saleswoman” (Gol) and “China- town Midnight” (Col), $10,500. llglinton, University (FP) (1,680; 1*556; 40-70) -—..“Jolsori Sings A^ain” (Col) (2d wk). Smash $22,000 after last week’s $25,000 „ JFairlawn, Odeori (Rank) (1,200; ^390; 50-$1.20)'^—“Holiday Affair’* Okay $12*000. Last week. “Mad- ne^ Heart” (EL), $11,000. .Hyland (Rank) (1,500; 50-70) — Chiltern Hundreds” (EL) (6th Wk). Hearty $5,600 or near after last week’s $4,500. . Imperial (FP) (3,373; 40-70)— Takes Sailor” (WB). Good $14,000. Last week, “Wore Yellow Ribbon” (RKO) (2d wk), $10,500. Loew’s (Loew) (2*096; 40-70) — jMrs. Mike” UA) (2d wk). Fine $10,000 after last week’s $13,500. Uptown (Loew) (2,743; 40-70)— vSands Iwo Jima” (Rep) (2d wk). Big $12,000 after last week’s smash $16,000, way over ex- pectancy. . Victbrla (FP) (1,140; 75-$1.20) — ‘Samson Delilah” (Par) (5th wk). Holding at a good $13,000 after last week’s $13,500. **t Boston, Jan. 31, 'Sands of Iwo Jima” at Para- mount and Fenway is still doing nicely in second stanza With new- comers at other major houses shaping about average. “Hasty Heart” at Met is just 'okay and “Mrs.: Mike” at State and Orpheum is doing, nice. “Mari on Eiffel Tower’^ at Memorial is nice and “South Sea Sinner” at Boston fair, estimates for Ihts Wriek Astor (Jaycox) (1,200; 50-65) — “Prince of Foxes” (20th) (6th wk) not bad $6*600. “My Foolish Heart” (RKO) opehs today (TueS.). Boston (RKO) (3,200; 40-85) — “South Sea Sinner” (U) and “Rid- ers of Range” (RKO). Fair $16,- 000 in view. Last week, ‘‘Live / By Night” (RKO) and “The Threat” (Col), $13,000. Fenway (NET) (1,373; 40-85) — “Sands of Iwo Jima” (Rep) and “Belle of Old Mexico” (Rep) (2d wk). Holding to big $9,000 after big $12,000 for first Memorial (RKO) (3,500; 40-85)— “Eiffel Tower” (RKO). Nice $19,- 606 looms. Last week, “Whirl- pool” (20th), $18,000. ; Metropolitan (NET) (4,367;; 40- 85) —“Hasty Heart” (WB> and “Square Dance Jubilee” (Lip), Okay $20,000. Last Week, “Thelma Jordon” (Par) and “Zamba” (Mono); ■$i6,56o.-.-": Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 40-85) —“Mrs. Mike” (UA) arid “Satan’s Cradle” (UA). Good $19,000, Last week, “Malaya” (M-G) and “Prison Warden” (Col) (2d wk), oke $16,000. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 40-85) —“Sands Iwo Jima” (Rep) and “Belle Old Mexico” (Rep) (2d wk). Sock $19,000 after huge $24,000 for first. C l a f k (Loew) (3,500; 40-85) — “Mrs. Mike” (UA) and “Satan’s Cradle” (UA). Neat AH.000. Last week, “Malaya” (M-G) arid “Prison Warden” (Col) <2d wk), oke $9,000. ‘BaUkgroad’ UoJ 18C Up ‘Jilge’ Hat $12,090 * Seattle* Jan. 31, Bad weather is hurtirig trade at most spots this week. However, “Battleground” looks smash at Music Hall. Mills Bros, will push “Tell Tp Judge” to terrific round at Palomar. Others^ are mainly Estimates for This Week Coliseum (Evergreen) (1377; 59- 84)—“Dakota Lil” (20th) and “Til- lie’s Punctured Romance” (Indie) (reissue). Fair $7,0Q0. Last week, “Thelma Jordon” (Par) and“Cow- boy Prizefighter” (EL), nice enough $8,000. Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) (2,349; 59-84) — “Whirlpool” (20th) and “Radar Secret Service” (Indie). Mild $7,000. Last week, “Heiress’* (Par) arid“Bloride Bandit” (Rep) (2d wk), nice $7,000. Liberty (Hamrick) (1,650; 59-84) —“Roseanna McCoy” (RKO) and “Hollywood Varieties” (Lip) (2d wk). Fair $5,500 in 6 days aftm* oke $8,900 last session. Music Hall (Hamrick) (2,200; 59- 84) — “Battleground” (M-G) and “Change of Heart” (Rep). Smash $18,000 or over. Last week, “Mrs. Mike” (UA) and “Apache Chief’’ (Indie) (2d wk-4 days), sock $7,800. Now on Music Box extended-run, Orpheum (Hamrick) (2,600; 59- 84)—“Hasty Heart” (WB) and “Bells of Cororiada” (Rep)/ . Light $7,000. Last Week, “Montana” (WB) and “Square Dance” (Lip), nice $7,700. Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 50-$l) —“Ten To Judge” ((Dol) (id run) plus Mills Bros, onstage. Mills Bros, pushing this to great $12,- 000. Last week, “Bride For Sale” (RKO); (2d run) plus vaude, $5,600 at 40-69c scale. Paramount (Evergrieen) (3*039: 59-84)—“Dancing in Dark” (26th) and ‘‘Call of Forest” (Indie) (2d wk). Down to mild $3,500 in 4 days. / Last Week, very good $8,600. - ’s Men’Tall $9,000 In Omaha; ‘Sinner’ lOG ' ; Omaha, Jan, 31. Standouts this week include “All the King's Men” and second week of “Battleground.” Former at Brandeis looks sock. “Battle- ground” shapes very strong for secr. ond \veek at small State. “South [ Sea Sinner” at Orpheum is fairish. Estimates for This Week Brandeis (RKO) (1,500; 16-65)— ‘‘All Kino’c ‘‘riii'Is’ b J 'AH King’s Men” (Cbl) arid “Gii/s’ " ’ (Col). Sock $9,000 1 (Continued On page 20)