Variety (March 1950)

Wednesday, Marcli 29, 1950 PICTURE GROSSES Chicago, March 28. Biz this week is sluggish; with four long-run holdovers the only hiriis doing . better-than-f air biz. “Third Man,” in sixth .week at Selwyn. is continuing upward curve with $12,500 expected as compared to $12,100 last session. “Cinderella/' in fifth and final week at Palace, is . drawing sock $18,000. “Bicycle Thief/’ still toiling along, and with; Academy Award should pull smash $5,000 in sixth World week, “1 2 O’clock High” looks handsome $17,000 in fourth week at Woods. Newcomers are slow. Grand has “Outside the Wall,’’ with slim $8,000. “Golden Gloves Story,” with Margaret O’Brien and Buddy Rogers onstage at Oriental, looks moderate $40,000, despite world preem ballyhoo. “Paid in Full” at United Artists, is light $9,000. Estimates for This Week Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 50-98)— ‘■Mail With Horn” (WB) and Ink Spots in person (2d wk). So-so $40,000. Last week, $51,000. Garrick (B&K) (900; 50-08)^“BlOSsoms in Dust” (M-G) and “Jolinhy Eager” (M-G) (reissues) (2d wk). Dull $3,500. Last week, $4 500 ' Grand (Rk6) (1,500; 98)— “Outside Wall” (U). Light $8,000. Last week, “Buccaneer’s Girl!’ (U) (2d Wk), $8,000. Oriental (Booth) (3,400; 50-98)— “Golden Gloves Story” (EL) with Margaret O’Brien and Buddy Rogers on stage. Looks mild $40,000. Last week, “Nancy to Rio” (M-G) with “Sugar Chile” Robin sdn onstage (2d wk), $32,000. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 98)— “Cinderella” (RKO) (5th wk). Hefty $18,000. Last week, $20,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 50-98)— “Wake Island” (Par) and “So Proudly Hail” (Par) (reissues). Moderate $10,000. Last week, “Willie Comes Home” (20th) and “Blue Grass Kentucky” (Mono) (2d itrlrV 47 SOO i Selwyn ’(Shubert) (1 ,000; 98 $1.20)— “Third Man” (SRO) (6th wk). Continues climb With $12,500 probable. Last (veek, big $12,100. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 50-98) —“Black Hand” (M-G) , (2d wk). Tame $10,000. Last week, $17,000. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 5098)— “Paid in Full” (Par) and “Unmasked” (Rep). Slim $9,000. Last week, VKCv to City” (M-G) (2d wk), good $10,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,073; 50-98)-— “12 O’clock High” (20th) (4th wk). Sock $17,000. Last week* $20,000. World (Indie) (587; 80)— “Bicycle Thief” (Indie) (6th wk). Haildsome $5,000. Last week, $5,500. Estimates Are Film gross estimates as reported herewith from the various key cities, are het, i.e.. Without the 20% tax. Distributors share on net take, when playing percentage, hence the estimated figures . are net i m come. ' ' The parenthetic admission prices, however, as 'indicated, include the U S. amusement tax, Cincy Slower But ‘Horn’ Hep $12,000; 'Cinderella’ Great 14G,2d, 'Mother’ 10G Cincinnati, March 28. Downtown trade is back to normal* after last week’s spurt. Holdover “Cinderella” maintains leadership this round, a couple of steps ahead of “Young Man With Horn,” best of four new bills. It is sturdy. “Mother Didn’t Tell Me” holds edge on other newcomers. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 55-75) — “Cinderella” (RKO) (2d wk). Great $14,000 trailing smash $21,000 Preeni, warranting rare holdover privilege at this RKO flagship here. Capitol (Mid-States) (2,000; 5575) — “Mother Didn’t Tell Me” (20th). All right $10,000 or near. Last week, ; “12 O’clock Night” (2Qth) (3d wk), good $7,000. . Grand (RKO) (1,400; 55-75) — “Nancy To Rio” (M-G) (2d wk). Pleasing $8,000 after bright $13,000 bow, ^ Keith’s (Mid-States) — “Guilty Bystander” (FC), Fairish $5,500. Last week, “Capt. China” (Par). $6,500. U;Vric (RKO) (1,400; 55-75) — .Johnny Holiday” : (UA) (m,o,). Nice $4,500. Last week, “Beau Gestc” (Par) and “Lives Bengal (Par) (reissues), solid $4,500. 4< Palace (RKO) (2,600; 55-75) — * With Horn” ( WB). Nice $12,000. Last week, “Johnny Holiday (UA), sturdy $12,000. .Shunevi, (Mid-JStatesr (2,100; 55“Uavota Lil” (20th). Oke $6,000. T'. t week, “Here Come Co-Eds” / ndie) and “Can’t Cheat Honest Man” (Indie) (reissues), tame $4,000. Washington, March 28. extremes of boxoffice scale are current in town’s showcases. “Third Man,” at Playhouse, is way out front with second recordbreaking stanza, topping even amazing takes Of “All king’s Men.” “Tight Little Island,” daydating at Little and Dupont, is doing land-office biz at both small seating arters, making it a perfect score for Lopert chain; “Red Shoes,” in third week on pop prices at Trans-Lux, continues strong. “Cinderella” is still hefty in its fifth week at RKO Keith’s. In contrast, “Paid In Full” is scraping bottom of barrel" at Warner. . ' Estimates for This Week , Capitol (Loew’S) (2,434; 44-85)— “Key to City” (M-G) (2d wk)"plus vaude. Nice $16,000 after husky $28,000 last weeki Dupont (Lopert) (50-85)— “Tight Little Island” (U). Smash $6*000, day-date . with Little; Last week, “Scarlet Empress” (Par) and “Bedtime Story” (Indie) (reissues), $3,000. Keith's (RKO) (1,939; 44-80)— “Cinderella” (RKO) (5th wk). Stout $14,000 after better than expected $15,000 last week. Holds to cash school holiday biz. Little (Lopert) (285; 50-85)— “Tight Little Island” (U). Big $4,000 for this little house. Last week, “Amazing Mr. Beecham” (EL) (2d wk), $2,500. : Metropolitan (Warner) (1,163; 4474)— “Father Is Bachelor” (Col) and “Palomino” (Col). Okay $5,000, but better hoped for after crix praise. Last week, one-day runs of Academy nominees, $5,000. Palace (Loew’s) (2,370; 44-74)^ “Three Came Home’ (20 th). Shapes good $18,000. Last week, “Mother Didn’t Tell Me” (20th), died mid-week to lowest first run herefc for months, $12,000. Playhouse (Lopert) (485; 55-90) —“Third Man” (SRO) (2d wk). Terrific $12,000 after recordbreaking $14,000 Opener, Holds indefinitely. Warner (WB) (2,164; 44-74)— “Paid In Full” (Par). ; Sad $11,000. Last week, “Dear Wife” (Par), way below estimate and lowest in oyer a year at $10,000. Trans-Lux (T-L) (654; 44-80)— “Red Shoes” (EL) (3d wk). Great] $9,000, topping last week’s $8,000, which sild because of rain. Toronto; 'Champ’ 131G .• Toronto, March 28. with business not spectacular but satisfactory, “Chain Lightning'' and “Hasty Heart” are leading the newcomers here. “Francis,” in for second week, shapes fine at Uptown* “Alias the Champ,” with Gorgeous George as draw, is lusty ait four houses, paired with “Backfire.” Estimates for This Week Downtown, Glendale; Scarboro, State (20th) (1)059; 955; 698; 694; 3.5-60) — “Backfire” (WB) and “Alias Champ” (Rep;) Big $13,500, : with latter the draw. Last week, “Baby Makes Three” (Col) dnd “Kazan” (Col), nice $10,500. Eglinton* Victoria (FP) (1,080; 1 *1 40; 40.70)— “Hasty Heart” (WB) . Fine $11,000. Last week, “Heiress” (Par) (4th wk), okay $8,000. Imperial (FP) (3)373; 40-70) — “Chain Lightning” (WB). , Lusty $12,000. Last week, “Dear Wife” (Par), $13,500. toew's (Loew) (2,096; 40-70) w “Key To City” (M-G)* Nice $9,500. Last week, “Malaya” (W-G) (2d wk); dull $6,50(1 Nortown, University (FP) (959; 1,556; 40-70)— “Mother Didn't Tell Me” (20th ) (2d wk). Healthy $8,500 after last week’s fine $12,000. Shea’s (FP) (2,386; 40-70) “Paid in Full” (Par). Fair $8,500; Last week, “Willie Gomes Home” (20th) (2d wk), okay $7,500. Uptown (Loew) (2,743; 40-70)— “Francis” (U) (2d wk). Fine 9,000 after last Week’s sock $12,000. Louisville, March 28. , . “Samson and Delilah” is bulging the walls at Rialto currently, with tumaway biz on opening dajy. Upped prices will boost this to terrific, total . \ Loew's State with “Nancy Goes to Rio” is shaping fairish . “Perfect Strangers” at Mary Anderson looks lukewarm, Estimates for This Week Mary Anderson (People’s) (1,200; 45-65) — “Perfect Strangers” ' ( WB). Fairish $7,000. Last week, “Backfire” (WB), $6,500. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; 75-99) — “Samson and Delilah” (Par). Upped prices look justified this week, with house jam packed for DeMille opus. With any sustaining of pace) should hit terrific $20,000 easily. Last week, “12 Q’Clock High” (20th), strong $14,000. and m.o. . State (Loew’s) , (3,000; 45-65)— “Nancy to Rio” (M-G) and “Reck-*' less; Moment” .(Col). Medium $11,000, Last week, “Malaya” (M-G) 1 and “Daring Caballero” (Col), modest $9,000. Strand (FA) (1,200; 45-65)— “Outside Wall” (U) and “An Act of Murder” (U), Puny $3,500 in offing. Last week, "Red Light” (Mono) arid “Masked Raiders” (Mono), okay $5,000. Lent Sloughs Prov. But ■Mother’ Smart $12,500, Omaha; ‘Blue Grass’ 9G Omaha, March 28. Dorothy McGuire, local girl and I Community Playhouse graduate, is I brie of main reasons for nice session that "Mother Didn’t Tell Me” is doing at Paramount currently. Orpheum gave “Blue Grass of Kentucky” a smash campaign but it looks light. “The Big Wheel” at the Omaha shapes nice. Estimates for This Week Paramount (Tristates) (2,800; 1665) — “Mother Didn’t Tell Me” (20th). Fast $12,500. Last week, “Dear Wife” (Par), fair $10,800. . Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 1665) — “Blue Grass of Kentucky” (Mono) arid “Girl In Heart” (Mono). Light $9,000. Last Week, “Willie Comes Home”: (20th): and “Federal Agent” (Rep),' $10,000. Brandeis (RKO) . (1,500; 16-65)— “Nevadan” (Col) arid “Biondie’s Hero” (Col). Okay $7,000. Last week, “Man With Horn” (WB) and “Mark Gorilla” (Col), started fine but slipped to $6,200, fair, Omaha (Tristates) (2,100; 16-65) —“Big Wheel” (UA) and “Forgotten Women” (Mono). Nice $9,000. Last week, “Dakota Lil” (20th) and ‘‘Shamrock Hill” (EL), $8,000. 'Francis’ Stout 10G, 2d Providence, March 28. Moderate biz at all houses with the Lenten season here this week, Steadiest is State’s “Nancy Goes to Rio.” Majestic's “Three Came Home,” in second week, still good. RKO Albee did very , well with. “Francis” in second round. . Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65) — “Outside the Wall” (U). Opened Tuesday (28). Last week, : “Francis” (U) arid “Black Shadows” (EL) (2d wk-6 days), stout $10,000. Fay’s (Fay) (1,400; 44-65) — “Whole Town’wS Talking” (Col) (reissue) arid vaude onstage. Fair $6,000. Last week, “Twilight in Sierras” (Rep) and vaude, good $7,000. Majestic (Fay) (2;200; 44-65) — “Three " Came Hdme” ; (20th) (2d wk). Good $10,000. Last week, steady $15,000. Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 4465)— “G.I. Joe” (EL) and “Change of Heart” )Rep) (reissues). So-so $6,200. Last week, .‘-Beau Geste” (Far) and ‘‘Lives Bengal Lancer” (Par) (reissues), oke $7,500. State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65) — ' "Nancy To Rio” (M-G) and “Girl Sari Lorenzo” (Col). Holding for nine-day run, and good $18,000 looms, Last week/ “Key To City” (M-G), $16,500. Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 44-65) — “Father Is Bachelor” (Col) and “Palomino” (Col). Light $9,000. Last week, “Paid la Full” (Par), $10,000. Business at nearly all Broadway first-run theatres continues in the doldrums this session. Three hew Dills are proving small help, and the combination/of several rainy days and the spring-like weekend took a further cut* at the boxoffice. Warm temperatures V yesterday (Tues.) also hurt.: A cleari-cut idea of the. slow state of business < is best shown currently by two new bills which ordinarily would be big to sock. One is “Yelow Cab Man” with George Paxton band, Artie Darin arid others, onstage .at the Capitol. New Red Skelton comedy likely won't top $40,000, way below par for house arid this comedian’s latest. The other is “Barricade” with Count Basie band and Billie Holiday, which looks only . about 9 $38,000 for first week at the Strand. While better than this house has been doing in recent sessions it is out of line with Basie-Holiday draw in N. Y. “Buccaneer’s Girl” also is suffering from the downbeat with only $12,000 or less at the Criterion. BUlk of strong trade is coming from holdovers and longruns. Outstanding of these is “Francis/' with King Cole Trio, Ray McKinley band“and Larry Storch heading stageshow, in second week at Paramount. One of real draw bills over the weekend, it will give the Par flagship a fancy $62,000 and enough to cinch a third round excepting for prior commitments. “Cinderella” and “Third Man” remain pacemakers of extendedrun pictures. Former at the Mayfair still is big with $27,000 or close for fifth round. “Third Man” sjiapes to finish up its eighth week at the Victoria with smash $25,000 or thereabouts, “Woman of Distinction” with stageshow is very mild $95,000 in second Music Hall week. Other houses, excepting some of the small arty theatres, are unbelievably dull. Outstanding exception is "Without Pity,” still big at $10,000 for second stanza at bandbox Rialto. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv,) (1,300; 60-$1.50) “Three Came Horned (20th) (6th wk). Not so good $13,000 fifth week ended Monday (27) after $15,000 for fourth. Stays until April 8 when “Golden Twenties” (RKO) opens. Bijou (City Inv.) (589; $1.20$2.40) — “Red Shoes”: (EL) (75th wk). Holding okay at $8,000 after $8,500 last week. / Capitol (Loew’s) (4.820; 55-$1.50) —“Yellow Cab . Man” (M-G) With George Paxton orch, Artie Dann, others, Onstage. On disappointing side, $40,000 or less:. In ahead, “Black Hand” (M-G) with Art Mooney, Pied Pipers heading stage bill (2d wk), $35,000. Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 50-$1.75) --“Buccaneer’s Girl” (U). House continues in low gear, light $12,000 or under likely week ending next Friday (31). In ahead, “Out* side Wall” (U) (11 days), $17,000, also slow. Easter holiday show with “Glory of Easter” and “Daughter of Rosie O'Grady” (WB) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). v Rialto (Mage) (594; 44-98) — “Without Pity” (Indie) (3d wk). Second week e n de d last flight (Tries.) held in great . style with $10,000, best second round here in some time. First was socko $12,500. • Rivoli (UAT-Par) (2,092; 90-$l .80) —“Samson arid Delilah” (Par) (14th wk). Down to $12,500 hut all right for this stage of run after $14,500 last week. “Comanche Territory” (U) opens April 7. Roxy (20th) (5,886; 80-$1.75) “Under My Skin” (20th) arid China Doll Revue onstage (2d-final wk). Off to $42,000 after dull $50,000 initial round. “Cheaper By Dozen” (20th) with Fran Warren, Jerry Murad’s Harmonicats, top p i n g stage bill opens Friday (31). State (Loew’s) (3,450; 55-$1.50) ---“Outriders” (M-G) (4th wk). Starts today (Wed.). Third frame down to $9,000 after light $12,000 second week. “Nancy Goes To Rio’* (M-G) set as Easter picture. Strand (WB) (2,756; 55-$2) — “Barricade” (WB) with Count Basie , Billie Holiday, The Chocolaters onstage. Mild $38,000 looks about all, .but holds. Last week, “Perfect Strangers” (WB) with Tito Guizar heading Stageshow (2d wk). $18,000. Sutton (Rf & B) (561; 90-$1.50)— Fallen Idol” (SRO) (20th wk). The 19th frame ended Monday (27) held up at $6,400 after fine $6,700 for. 18th week; Stays on, With opening of “Winslow Boy” (EL) held back. Trans-Lux (60th St.) (453; 74$1.50) — “Tight Little Island” (U) Thirteenth stanza rinded mst .Saturday (25) an improvement at $5;500 after trim $5,000 last week. Stays on. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060: 95$1.50)— “Third Man” (SRO) (8th wk). Continues in sensational style with near $25,000 after $28,200 last week; • Remains on indefinitely. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 50r$1.20) — “Outlaw” (RKO) (6th wk), Slipped to $9,000 after $12,500 lastweek. Holds until April 7 when “City Lights” (UA) (reissue) opens. Mayfair (Brandt) ( 1,736; 50-$1.20) —“Cinderella” (RKO) (6th wk). Still very much in chips with $27,000 Tor fifth round ended last night (Tues.), Fourth week was big $32,000. “Guilty of Treason” (EL) opens April 9. Palace (RKO) (1,700; 55-$ 1 .20)— “Side Street” (M-G) and vaude; Nice $19,000, with Saturday being biggest here in sometime/ Last week; “Davy Crockett” (UA) with vaude, $16,000. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 55*$ 1.50) ^-“Captain Carey, U.S.A.” (Par) with Mel Tormri, Ella Fitzgerald, Sam Donahue orch, Johnny Morgan onstage. Opens today (Wed.). Last week, “Francis” (U) and King Cole Trio, Ray McKinley orch topping stageshow (2d Wk), held to fine $62,000 after big $72,00d opener. Might have held a third eXcept for prior bookings. • . Park Avenue (U) (583; 90-$1.50) —“Astonished: Heart” (U) (7th wk); Sixth stanza ended Monday (27) held to $4,200 after nice $4,300 last Week. Continues, until about April 7 when “Run For .Your Money!’ (U) is 'set to open. Radio City Music Hall (Rockefellers) (5,945; 80-$2. 40 )—“ Woman of Distinction” (Col) and stageshow (2d-final wk). Down to about $95,000 after light $106,000 for first. Philadelphia, March 28. “Cinderella” is the lone bright spot here this week which was deadened by almost continuous ram and the prerEaster slump. Disney t>pus is setting all-time record at the 500-seat Trans-Lux. Rash of new product drew only mild customer attention. Especially slow new pix are “Never Fear,” at Aldine; “Strangers,” at Mastbaum, and “Barricade,” at Stanton. Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (1,303; 50-99) — “Never Fear” (EL), Dull $7,000. Last week, "Guilty of Treason” (EL) (2d wk), $7,500. Boyd (WB) (2,360; 50-99) — “Nancy To RiQ” (M-G) (2d wk), ^Nice $18,000 after okay $25,000 initial stanza. Earle (WB) (2,700; 70-$1.25) — “Samson and Delilah” (Par) (8th Wk). Mild $12,000 for wind-up session after $14,000 last week. Fox (20th) (2,250; 50-99)— “Three Came Home” (20th) (2d wk). Off to $16,000. Last Week, neat . $25,-. 000 but not as big as expected. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 5099) “Conspirator” (M-G). Fair $14,000. Last week, “Mrs. Mike” (UA), $13,000. . Karltori (Goldniah) (1 ,000; 50-99) —“Black Hand” (M-G). Good $10,000,. Last week, “Love’ Happy” (M-G) (3d wk), nice $6,000. Mastbaum (WB) (4,360; 50-99 1— “Perfect Strangers” (WB)> Mild $18,000. Last week, “Man With Horn” (WB) (3d wk>., drab $13,000. Randolph (Goldman) (2,500; 5099) _ “Foolish Heart” (RKO) (2d Wk). Fine $15,000 after neat $19.000 opener. , Stanley (WB) (2,950; 50-99) — “Buccaneer’s Girl” (U). Thin $13,000. Last week “Sundowners” (EL), $14,000. Stanton (WB) (1,475; 50-99) — * “Barricade” (WB). Poor $8,00.0, Last week, "Outlaw” (RKO) (3d wk), nice $7,500. Trans-Lux (T-L): (SOOi 50-99) — "Cinderella” (RKb>. Colossal $16,000, hew high for house. Last week, reissue.