Variety (March 1950)

10 PICTUItE GROSSES Wednesday, March 8, 1950 “Willie’ NSG at $42,000, last Side’ Los Angeles, March 7. Mild grosses continue to feature local first-run pace, with nothing outstanding in current, frame. ‘♦Young Man With Horn/ in three theatres, is expected to vpick up nice $43,000. “Willie Comes Home” looms, mild at $42,000 in five sites. '• Moderate $26,000 is likely for single week of ^‘East Sidef West Side” - “Challenge Lassie” in two houses.- . ortnn , “Dear Wife” looms slow $22,000, also in two spots, “Indian Scout - “Cry Murder” is dull $24,000 for five situations; . - . . Standout among holdovers- is “Francis/ 7 catching nice $31,000 for second tinu around in five houses; “Stromboli” is down to $24,000, okay, after big $39,700 opening week in two sites. : Estimates for This Week Beverly Hills, D o wn t o w n ■> Hawaii, Hollywood, Forum Music Halls (Prin-Cor) (834; 902; 1*106; 512; 2,100; 55-$l)—“Davy Crock- ett” (UA) and “Cry Murder (FC). Slow $24,000. Last Week, “Never Fear” (EL) and “Once Upon Dream” (EL) (2d wk-4 days), $9,200. Chinese, Los Angeles^ Loyola; Uptown/^ Wilshire (FWC) (2,048; 2,097; 1,248; 1,719; 2,296; 60-$l)— “Willie Comes Home” (20th) and “Girl From Lorenzo” (UA). . Mild $42,000; Last Week, “Mother Didn’t Tell Me” (20th) and “Blonde Bandit” (Rep), $32,400. Downtown, Hollywood, Wiltem' (WB) (1,757; 2,756; 2,344; 60-$l)— “Young Man With Horn” (WB). Nice $43,000. Last week, “Chain Lightning” (WB) (2d wk), $21,600. Loew’s State,-Egyptian (UA) (2,- 404; 1,538; 6041) —“East Side, West Side” (MrG) and “Challenge to Lassie” (M-G). Mild $26,000, Last week, “Malaya” (M-G) and “Blonde Dynamite” (Mono) (2d wk- 5 days), $15,700. Pantages, Hillstreet (RKO) (2,- 812; 2,890; 50-$l) — “Stromboli” (RKO) and “Tattooed Stranger” (RKO) (2d wk). Okay $24,000. Last week, sock $39,700. Los Angeles, Hollywood Para- mounts (F&M) (3,398; 1,451; 50* $1)—“Dear Wife” (Par) and “Un- masked” (Rep) (LA only). Slow $22,000. Last week, “Samson” (Par) (4th wk), fine $25,800 at up- ped prices. United Artists, Ritz, Studio'City, Vogue, Culver (UA-FWC) (2,100; 1.370; 880; 885; 1,145; 60-$l>— “Francis” (U) and “Girl in Heart” (Mono) (2d wk). Fine $31,000. Last week, smash $44,400. Orpheum (D’town) (2,210; 50-95) —“Blue Grass Kentucky” (Mono) (2d run) with vaude headed by Eddie Peabody. Neat $17,000. Last week, “Passport Pimlico” (EL) (2d run) with vaude headed by Nick Lucas, $17,200. Four Star (UA) (900; 60-$l)— “Song Remember” (Col) (reissue) (3d wk-3 days). Near $1,000. Last week, good $2,500. Fine Arts (FWC) (679; 60-$l)— “12 O’clock High” (20th) and “Pinky” (20th). Special Academy nomination run. Slim $2,500. Last week, “Spring Park Lane” (EL) (5th wk - 6 days) and “Eiffel Tower” (RKO) (3d wk-6 days), $1,- 700. Estimated Total Gross This Week :. . . .$566,$00 (Based on 18 theatres.) Last Year, . .;... . $545,000 (Based on 16 theatres.) Indianapolis, March 7. : Film biz here has recovered from last Week’s bliz, and grosses are fair to good at most spots. “Backfire,” paced by Tommy Dor- sey’s band on stage at Circle, is drawing top coin, with “Malaya,” at Loew’s, leading straight filmers. but “Johnny Holiday” Keith’s new- comer, is really standout with smash session. Estimates for This Week Circle CGamble-Dolle) (2,800; 50- ,90)—“Backfire” (WB) with Tommy Dorsey orch onstage. Nice. $21,000. Last week, “Dancing, in Dark” (20th) with Eddy Duchin orch, Vivian Blaine, others, onstage, slow $17,000. Indiana (G-D) (3,300; 44-65)—- “Young Man With Horn” (WB) and “Cry Murder” (FC). Modest $9,500. Last week, “Montana” (WB) and “Sarumba” (EL), $8,000. Keith’s (G-D) (1,300; 44-65) — “Johnny Holiday” (UA) and “Belle Old Mexico” (Rep). Smash $11,000. Last week, “Samson and Delilah” (2d wk), okay $7,000 after nifty $14,000 opener at $1.20 top. Loew’s (Loew) (2,427; 44-65) ; — “Malaya” (M-G) and “Tension” (M-G). Nice $12,000. Last week, ‘♦Key to City” (M-G), strong $16,- 000 in 10 days. Lyric (G-D) (1,600; 44-65) — “Purple Heart” (20th) and “Guadal- canal D i a r y” (20th) (reissues). Sturdy $6,500. Last week, “Dan- gerous Profession” (RKO) and “Mysterious Desperado” (RKO), $4,000; Mpls.; ‘Woman’ Oke 10G Minneapolis, March 7, “When Willie Comes Marching Home”, “Woman in Hiding’’ and “Intruder in Dust” are major new- comers and they add up to substan^ tial bOxoffice. “Willie” in partic- ular seems to have nlenl 17 of what it takes at Radio City. The high- stepping “Sands of Iwp Jima/’ in second week at State, still is a standout, Estimates for This Week Century ’ (Par) (1,600; 50-70)-— “Blossoms in Dust” (M-G) (reissue). Fast $6,000, Last week, “Dear Wife” (Par) (2d wk), okay $5,000. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-70)—‘Con- gorilla” (indie) and , “Borneo’.* (In- die). Good $5,500. Last week, “Pinky” (20th) (3d wk), nice $5,200. RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 50- 70)—“Woman in Hiding” (U). Fair $10,000. Last Week, “Chain Light- ning” (WB)/$11,000. RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 50-70)— “Chain v Lightning” (WB) (m.o.). Okay $7*000. Last week, ‘‘Father Is Bachelor” (Col), same; State (Par) (2,300; 50-70)-~“Sands I wo Jima” (Rep) (2d wk). Fine $12,- 000 after tremendous $20,000 initial stanza World (Maim) (400; 50-70)—-“In- truder in Dust” (M-G). Good $3,- 000. Last week, “Facts of Love” (Indie), $1,800. Radio City (Par) (4,000; 55-70)— “Willie Comes Home” (20th), Do- ing very Well at $16,000: Last week, “Key to City” (M-Q)/ $15,000. H.0.’s Hobble flub Bui ‘Key’ Skar, $28,000,2d Boston, March 7. Biz' is on skids this stanza with town surfeited with holdovers, bitter Winter weather being no help. . Only newcomer, •“Outside the Wall’’ at Boston in for eight days is shaping hot more than average. “Key to City” is holding well in two spot’s for second week. Estimates for This Week , Astor. (Jaycox) (1.200: 50-95) -r- “Foolish Heart” (RKO) (5th wk). Still okay with $10,000 after neat $12,000 for fourth. Beacon Hill (Beacon Hill, Inc.) (780; 40-99)—“Bicycle Thief” (In- die) (3d wk). Nifty $8,000 after solid $10,000 for second. Boston (RKO) (3,200; 40-85) — “Outside the Wall” (Uj and “Home San Antone” (Col). Only new- comer in town^-fair $20,000 for 8 days. Last week, “Stromboli” (RKO) (2d Wk-6 days), dim $10,000. Fenway (NET) (1,373 55-$1.25)-- “Samson and Delilah” (Par) (4th wk). Dropped to about $4,000 after /air $5,500 forlhircL Mayflower (ATC) (700 35-85)— “Guilty of Treason’’ (EL) (4th wk). (Continued on pi#e ftp) ‘Horn’ Resounding 16iG Tops New Pitt Filins; ‘Samson’ $23,000 in 2d Pittsburgh, March 7, Things took a. little spurt all around town over weekend with warmer weather and news that coal strike had ended; It was first ray of sunshine here generally in some time. “Samson and Delilah” is still leading the pack, with Stanley threading its way hack into the money again on “Young Man With a Horn,” Fulton and Harris are both doing fair with “Woman in Hiding” and “Borderline,” re- spectively. Estimates for This Week Barry (Skirball) (1,100; 45-80)*— “Guilty of Treason” (EL). Mild $5,000. Last week, “Red Shoes” ' (EL) (6th wk), $4,500. Fulton (Shea) (1,700;. 45-80)— “Woman In Hiding” (U). Nice notices and they’re helping. Okay $7,000. Last week, “Dancing in Dark” (20th). $5,500. Harris (Harris) (2,200; , 45-80)— “Borderline” (U); Fair to middling (Continued on page 60), Kansas City, March 7. Big biz is going to “Francis” at Tower-Uptown-Fairway combo this week, with smash session and like- ly holdover. It is city’s standout. Orpheum, with - “Mother Didn’t Tell Me,” is doing moderately good. “Stromboli” will make a drab showing at the Missouri, taking a beating from crix, church and cus- tomers. It will be one of slowest weeks in months for the RKO house. “Samson and Delilah” art Paramount getting, a strong play for third week and may stay a fourth. Estimates for This Week Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 45- 65)—“Siren of Atlantis” (UA) and “Red River” (UA) (reissue). Usual $3,000. Last week, “Tunisian Vic- tory” (Indie) and “Desert Victory” (Indie) (reissues), $3,500. Kinio (Dickinson) (550; 45-65)— “The Mikado” (U). Returns for its annual run here, with okay $2,000 likely. Last week, “Foolish Heart” (RKO) (3d wk), nifty $2,000, Midland (Loew’s) (3,500; 45-65) —“The Nevadan” (Col) and “Fath- er Is a Bachelor” (Col). Mild $12, 000. Last week,” “Key to City” (M-G) and “Challenge to Lassie” (M-G), hefty $20,000 in 10 days. Missouri (RKO) (2,650; 45-65)— “Stromboli” (RKO) and “The Tattooed Stranger” (RKO). Slim $7,500. Last week, “Tell to Judge’* (Col) and Palace vaude bill with 75c top, sturdy $18,000. Orpheum (Fox Midwest) (1,912 55-75)—“Mother Didn’t Tell Me* (20th); Peasing $12,000. Last week, “Red Shoes” (EL) (2d wk) second-run in town but first down town showing, satisfactory $6,000 in 5 days. Paramount (United Par) (1,900; 75-$1.20 —“Samson and Delilah” (Par) (3d wk). Sturdy $14,000. May go a fourth. Last week, splendid $ 21 , 000 . Tower-Uptown-Fairway (Fox Midwest) (2,100; 2,043, 700; 45-65) —“Francis” (U). Great $20,000, and may hold. Last week. “Bor- derline” (U)/$12,000. Del Rebounds as Coal Strike Ends; ► t Cincinnati, March 7. “12 O’Clock High” is soaring high and is way ahead of three other firstruns this heat with enough to hold general biz at bet- ter than par. “Thelma Jordon’’ and “Beyond Forest” are nip and tuck for second honors and sev- eral paces ahead of “Borderline,” also favorable; Weekend weather was clear for a change and wel- comed by exhibs after {season’s worst cold arid snow. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 55-75)— “Thelma Jordon” ’(Par). Moderate $10,000. Last week, “Chain Light- ning” (WB), ditto. Capitol (Mid-States) (2,000; 55- 75),-r! 4 12 O’Clpqk H fc igh’/ (20th). Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week /.,.. ; $2,646,000 (Based on 21 cities, 197 theatres , chiefly . first tuns, In- cluding N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year r . $2,786,000 (Based on 24 cities and 204 theatres.) ' '■■I.. ' Providence, March 7. “Cinderella” is giving RKO Al- bee a smash second, week to lead the city, with really big biz. State’s “Mrs.- Mike” is fair while Majes- tic’s second week of “12 O’Clock High” looms as nice. Estimates for This Week . Albee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65) — “Cinderella” (RKO) (2d wk). Ear- lier than usual daily openings helping to socko $18,000. First week was record-breaking $22,000. • Fay’s (Fay) (1,400; 44-65)--“Take Me To Ball Game” (M-G) (reissue) and vaude. Good $6,500. Last week, “Beyond Glory” (Iridie) (reissue) and vaude, fair $5,500. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65)— “12 O’Clock High” (20th) (2d wk). Good $13,000 after hitting neat $18,000 in opening week. Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 44- 65)—“Red Shoes” (EL) (2d wk). Only fair $5,500. First week was so-so $9,500. State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65)— “Mrs. Mike” (UA) and “Satan’s Cradle” (UA). Average $14,500. Last week, “Battleground” ..(M-G) (2d wk), nice $16,000. Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 44-65) —“Fallen Idol” (SRO) and “Once Upon Dream” (EL). Opened Mon- day (6). Last week, “Samson and Delilah” (Par) (3rd wk), steady but not outstanding $10,000 at -$1.25 top. lOcko $18,000; Last week, “Willie Worries Home” (20th) (2d wk). slow $ 6 , 000 . ‘Grand (RKO) (1,400; 55-75)— “Key to City” (M-G) (2d wk). Solid $9,500 in wake of big $15,000 preem. Keith’s (Mid-States) (1,542; 55- 75)—“Borderline” (U). Favorable $7,500— Last week, “Malaya” (M-G) (2d wk), $6,000. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 55-75)— “Beyond Forest” (WB). Fairish $10,000. Last week, “Ambush” (M-G), $11,000. Shubert (Mid-States) (2,100; 56- 75)—“Willie Comes Home” (20th), Moveover for third downtown sesh. Oke $5,500. Last week. “Outside Wall” (U), thin $3,000/, ^ Hn'-Vaud, Tuneful In Wash, 22G; 'foies’ NSH 19G, ‘Cinderella’ 20G, 2d Washington, March 7. “Cinderella,” in second week vat RKO Keith’s, is still mid-sectbr’s brightest spot, with weekend biz for the Disney tinter almost up to last week!s sock level. “Nancy Goes to Rio,” with vaude, at Loew’s Capitol, shapes sturdy, but not sen- sational for big musical.' Remain- der of city looks dull. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew’s - (2,434; 44-85)— “Nancy Goes to Rio” (M-G) plus vaude. Sturdy $22,000. Last week, “Willie Comes Home” (20th) plus vaude, smart $25,000. „ Keith’s (RKO) (1.939; 44-80)— ‘CindereHa” (RKO) (2d wk). Smash $20,000 or near, with weekend biz exceptional. Last week, flashy $25,- 000 . Metropolitan (Warner) (1J63; 44- 74) — “Desperados” (Cot) and Renegades” (Col) (reissues). Okay $5,500 for oldies. Last week/“Back- fire:’ (WB), fair $5,000 for first-run. Palace (Loew’s) (2,370; 44-74)— Prince of Foxes” (20th). Disap- pointing $19,000, with unfavorable reviews hurting. Last week, “12 O’clock High” (20th) (2d wk), very steady $25,500. (L °P 6rt) 50-90) —; AILKing’s Men” (Col) ( 16 th wk). first time but still fine at $6,000. Last week, same. ^Warner (WB) (2,164; .44-74)— V 0r ? on,r , (?ar); Sluggish $12,000. Last week, “Chain Licht- $14 g 000 ^ el 9 w hopes at okay t .Trans-I^jut (T-L) (654; 44-80)— Foolish Heart” (RKO): (7th . wk). So-so $3,500 for final week after slipping to about same take last WCcK* Detroit, March 7, Relief over end of coal strike was immediately apparent here at first-runs. “Outlaw” is shaping to terrific $50,0QP at the Fox for best biz in months. *T)ear Ruth” loom* good at the Michigan. “Samson and Delilah” is falling off slightly at the Madison in its seventh week but still good. “Guilty of Treason” is okay at the Palms: Estimates for This Week Fox (FOx-Mich) (5,000; 70-95)-— “Outlaw” (RKO) and “Tattooed Stranger” (RKO). Socko $50,000. Last week, “Guilty Bystander” (FC) plus Lionel Hampton orch onstage. Disappointing $30,000 after heavy weekend and early Week biz. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000: 70r-95)—“Dear Ruth” (Park and “Hidden Room” (EL). Okay $23,- 000; Last; week, “Borderline” (U) and “Blonde Dynamite” (Mono). $13,000. Palms (UD) (2,900; 70-95) — “Guilty of Treason” (EL) and “Un- masked” (Rep). Pert $16,000. Last week, “Backfire” (WB) and “Silent Conflict” (UA). $14,000. United Artists (UD) (2,000; 70- 95)—“Fallen Idol” (SRO). Fair $12,000. Last week, “Bengal Lan- cer” (Par) and “Beau Geste” (Par) (reissues)* $14,000. Madison (UD) (1,800; 75-$1.20)— “Samson and Delilah” (Par) (7th wk). Starting to slip but still oke at $10,000. Last week, $13,000. Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 70-95)— “Red Shoes” (EL) (2d wk). Steady $8,000. Last week, $8,500. - Downtown (Balaban) (2,900; 70- 95WChallenge to. Lassie” (M-G) and “Tension” (M-G). Thin $6,000. Last week,( “Ambush” (M-G) and “Cry Murder” (FC) (3d wk), good $7,000. t ‘MEN’ STRONG $16,000, ; HORN’ HOT 8G Louisville, March 7. Balmy weekend weather plus some strong films on downtown screens is bringing biz back to main stem currently. Only ham- pering factor was the Southern Assn, of Colleges basketball tour- ney at the Armory. Topper by wide margin currently is “All the King’s Men” at State. “Mother Didn’t Tell Me” at Rialto, and “Young Man With Horn” at the Mary Anderson also shape solid. ■ Estimates for This Week . THary Anderson (People’s) (1,200; 45-65)—“Young Man With Horn” (WB). Robust $8,000. Last week, “Chain Lightning” (WB) (2d wk), nice $6,500. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; 45-65) — “Mother Didn’t Tell Me” (20th) and “Radar Secret Service” (Mono). Nice $13,000. Last week, Willie Marching Home” (20th) and “Palooka Meets Humphrey” (Mono), strong $15,000. State (Loew’s) (3,000; 45-65) — “All King’s Men” (Col) and “Secret St. Ives” (Col). Strong $16,000, and may hold. Last week, “Key to City” (M-G) (2d wk), satisfactory $ 11 , 000 . Strand (FA) (1,200; 45-65) — “Live By Night” (RKO) and “Threat” (RKO). Fine $6,000. Last week, “Dakota Lil” (20th) and “Treasure Monte Carlo’s (Indie), big $7,000. s ; Tey’ Trim 13G Seattle, March 7. Outstanding news here this round is the terrific biz being reg- istered by “Samson and Delilah” at Paramount; with scale upped to $1 top, Also doing nicely is “Key To City” soim at Music Hall. Estimates for This Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (800; 59- 84):—“Stromboli” (RKO), (2d wk). Way off at $2,500 in 4 days. Last week, big $8,000. Coliseum (Evergreen) (1,877; 59- 84) “Capt. China” (Par) and West of Wyoming” (Mono). Good $9,000 in 8 days. Last week* “Sun- downers” (EL) and “Palooka Meets Humphrey” (Mono), not bad $7,800, Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) (2,349; 59-84)—“Mother Didn't Tell Me” (20th) and “Blue Grass Kentucky” (Mono) (2d wk)/ Way off at $6,500 after last week’s great $14,300. Liberty (Hamrick) (1,650; 59-84) 'tr "Ambush” (M-G) and “Flying Saucer” (FC) (2d wk). Good $6,500. Last week, great $12,200. Music Box (Hamrick) (800; 59-84) —“Foolish Heart” (RKO) (2d wk). Solid $4,000, after swell $7,300 I last week. Hollywood, March 7. , ■■ Wilder tees off his new pro- ducer-director contract at Para* mount wh “The Human Interest otory, a newspaper yarn. - Lesser Samuels and Walter Neu- man are working with Wilder bni.«»t ween. id tn y i, wUl1 shooing slat- Music Hall (Hamrick) <2,200; 59 •a to start m May. | (Continued on page 60)