Variety (May 1950)

Chicago, May 2. With only two ni^w ontries in the Loop this weak, boxofflce turns aft:e ,off gijnerally. Few, of holdovers are doing well. New pix are not so good. “Kid from Texas'* is okay .$9*000 at Grand but “One Way Street*" coupled with “Beauty on Parade," at Palace," looms', duli $8,000. Holdovers are led by combina- tion of “Riding High" and Frankie Laine onstage at Chicago with tall $52,000 In second week. “Captain Gare^* and disk Jockey show at briehtal looks Ugnt $30,000, also second round. “ThrCe Came Home,?' at United Artists, is only mild $7,000 fpr Initial holdover frame. ■' “Samson and Delilah" is strong $20,000 in third week at upped prices in State^Lake; “Cheaper by Ettimat<M Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net, l.e., without the 209^ tax. Distribu-' tors share on net take, when playing Percentage* hehce the estimated figures are net in* Come. " The parenthetic admission f wlces, however, as indicated, nclude the U: S. amusement ■tax.' ■ rn at Woods, still is neat $14,000. Estimates for This Week Chioago (B&K) (3.^; 50-98)^ “Riding High" (Par) and Frankie Laine topping stageshow .(2d wk). Should hit: strong $52,000; Last week, $57,00O. - Garrick (B«cK> (900; 50-98)-^ “Flaine of Barbary Coast" (Rep) and “Red Pony" (Rep) (reissues). Fair $5,000. Last week, “Destina- tion Toyko" (WB) and “God Is Cor Pilot". (WB) (reissues), $5,500., Grand (RKO) (1,500 k 50-98)— “Kid From Texas" (U), Okay $9,000; Last week. “Francis" (U) (3d wk), $7*500. Orieidal (Booth) (3*400; 50-98)— “Captain Carey" (Par) with disk jockey revue onstage (2d wk). Light $30,000 likely* Last week* $40A)00; Palace (RKO) (2.500; 50-98)-* “One Way Street" (U) and “Beauty on Parade" (GoD* Looks slow $8,000 or close. ^ Last week, “Gon^ spirator" (M-G) and “Girls' School" (Col) (2d wk), $6,000. Roosevelt (B8eK) (1,500; 50-98)-^ “Barricade" (WB) and “Side Street" (M-G) (2d wk). Hapless $5,000. Last week, $7,00D. SUte-Lake IB&K) (2,700; 74- $1;20) “Samson and Delilah" (Par) (3d Wk). Still sock wim $20,000. Last week, $30,000. ’ United Artlate (B&K) (1,700; 50- 98)—"Three Came Home” (20th) (2d wk). N.sg. at $7,()00. Last week, $10,000^ Wo^s (Essaness); (1,073; 98)r-r^ “Cheaper by Dozen" (20th) (4th Wk). Trim $14,000. last Week, $17,000* World (indie) (587; 80)--“Saints and Sinners" (Indie) (3d wk). Hold- ing up at $4-500, fat fbr this spot. Last Week, $5,0()0. W Oke 116, Kansas City, May 2, Moderate to solid Is the score on theatre this week, with “Ma and Pa Kettle" standout at Tower^Up- town^Pairway. It Is buxom $18.- 000 In this three-house combo. “Daughter of Rosie O'Grady" at Paramount is fairly ' good but “Champagne for Caesar" at Mid- land is liot so good, “The Capture" is average at the Missouri. Weather continues cool and wet, with some of heaviest rain of season over week-end. Estimates for This Week Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 45- 65)—“Cheaper By Dozen" (20th) (m.o.) (2d wk). Continues strong at $3,500. Last week, $4,500. Kimo .(Dickinson) (550; 55-75)-^ “Pygihalioh” tIndie). Medium $1,- 800. Last week, ^-Bicycle Thief" Midland (Loew's) (3,500; 45-65)— “Champagne For Caesar" (UA) and ‘Great . Plane Robbery" (UA). Light .$11,0.00; Last Week, “3d Man" (SRO) and “Girl Sah Loren- zo’? (UA), good $14,000 but under expectations. . Missouri (RKO) (2,650; 45-65)— VThe Capture" (RKO) and “Blonde Dynamite" (Mortb). Average $10,- 000. Last week, “Stage Fright" (WB) and “Palooka Meets Hum- phrey" (Mono), same. _ Orpheum (Fox Midwest) (1;912; 55-75)—-Shutters for week before reopening with “South Pacific" leV git Last week, “Guilty of Trea- son^’ (EL), dull $4,000. .paramount (Par) (1,900; 45-65)^ ^Rosie O'Grady" (WB); Not bad $11,000. Last week, “Paid In Full" (Par), thin $8,500. ii-.Towcr* Upiown* FaitWay (Fox Midwest) (2,100; 2,043; 700; 45^65)-^ Ma, Pa Kettle To Town" (U). Sturdy $18,000, and may hold. “Kid from Texai" (U), $ 10 , 000 . Washington, May 2. ' CompeiitlOn of night baseball games. Shrine Circus and several Arena attractions are too much foil filmtheatres this week, with b:o: eagging badly In current session. “Reformer and Redhead" with vaiide at Wahier Will get top coin but far from smash. “Champagne for Caesar” at the Palace and “Re- former and Redhead," brace of newcomers at the big Loew houses, look hiild. “Cargo to Capetown" at Metropolitan is above average, thanks to interest in Oscar-win- hing Broderick Crawford. Estimatef for This Week Capitol (Loew's) (2,434; 44-85)^ “Reformer and Redhead" (M-G) plus yaude. Mild $20,000. Last week, “Side Street" (M-G) plus Xavier Cugat band onstage, fine $26,000; . Duiwnt (LopOrt) (386; 50-85)— “Titan” (Indie) (2d'wk). Firm $5,- 500 after hot $7,000 last week. Keith's (RKO) (1,939; 44-80)— “Francis" (U) (3d wk). Tapered off to okay $8*000. Last week, solid $12,000. Little (Lopert) (285; 50-85)^ “Tight Little Island" (U) (6th wk). Holding'to Satisfactory $2,500 after $3,000 last week. Holds again. Metropolitan (Warner) (1,163; 44-74)—‘Cargo Capetown” (COD. Above average $7;0()0. Last week, “Stage Fright" (WB) (m. o.), fine $6,500 for second downtown week. Palace (Loew's) (2,370; 44-74)— “Champagne for Caesar" (UA). Slow $14,000. Last Week, “Cheap- er By Dcaen" (20th) (3a wk), nice $13,000; Playhouse (Lopert) (485; 50-90) —“Third Man" (SRO) (7tB wk). Slight downward trend to $8,000, fine for stage of run. Last week, $9,000. Stays. Warner (WB) (2,164: 44-74)— “Rosie Q'Grady" (WB). Tops town with solid $16,000; Last Week, “Woman of Distinctiori" (Col), $12,000. Tratts^Liix (T-L) (654; 44-80)—; “Red Shoes" (EL) (8th wk).; Okay $5,O0o for final week. Ditto last week. DENVEK; ‘3I> HAN’ ISG Denver, May 2^. “(Cheaper By Dozen” is packing four houses currently to top field. Goes to Paramount next found. “Reformer and Redhead" looms big at Denver. “Third Man" is sock at Denham. Both hold* Estimates for This Week Broadway (Wolfberg) (1,500; 35- 74)—‘Reformer and Redhead" (M- G). Big $10,000 or better. Holds. Last week,“Key to City." v (M-G) (4th wk)* $6,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 35-70) -.“Third Man" ($RO); Sock $15,- 000. Holds. Last week, ‘'Riding High''(Par) (3d wk), $7,500. Denver (Fox). (2,525; 35-74)-^ “Cheaper By Dozen” (20th) and "Port New York" OEL), also Den- with Esquire, Tabor, Webber. Smash $20,000. Last week, “Ticket To Tomahawk" (20th) ahd“Kid Cleveland'* (Rep), fair $12,000. Esquire (FOx) (742; 33-74)— “Cheaper By Dozen" (20th) and “Port New Yoffl” (EL), al$o Den- ver, Tabor,;Webber. Giant $6,000.. Last Week, “Ticket Tomahawk" (20th) and “Kid Cleveland" (Rep), $ 2 , 000 . ^ Ofpheiim (RKO) (2,600; 35-74)— “Capture" (RKO) and “HUdden Room" (EL). Dull $10,000 or under. Last week, “Conspirator" (M-G) and “Riders of Range" (RKO), fair $12,500; Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 35-74)— “Borderline" (U) and “Cry Mur- der” (FC). Filr $7,000. Last week, (Continued on page 20) ‘WABASH’IP $10,000, ONCY; ‘REDHEAD’ 9C Cincinnati, May 2. Several winning newcomers and g ar returns on holdovers are lift- ig the overall count this round to seasonal level. “Outriders" is heading the firstruns but is not strong. “Reformer and Redhead" looms; comparatively the best bet with nice session^at the Grand. ; Estimates for ThU Week Alhee (RKO) (3,100; 55-75)— Outriders” (M-G>, Mild at $11,500. Last week, “Third Man" (SRO), sweet-$14,000. Capitol (Mid-States) (2,000; 55- ,75)'— "Wibash Avenue” (20th). Nice $10,000. Last week*“Cheapef By Dozen" (20th) (3d wk), $7,500 Grand (RKO) (1,400; 55-75)— “Reformer Snd Redhead", (M-G), Good $9,000. t^ast week, “Black Hand" (M-G), mild $6,500. Keith's (Mid States) (1,542; 55- <75)—“Francis" (U) (4th wk). -Oke $5,000 after $7,000 third sesh. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 55-75)— “Conspiratpr" , (M-G). Favorable $9,000. ;Liiist weOfc* ^Cargo Cape- town” (Col), $7,500. Shubert (Mid^tates) (2,100; 55- 75)—"Cheaper By Dozen" (20th). Moveover for fourth db^town stanza; Pleasing $5,500. Last week, “Rugged O’Riordans" (U) and “I Was ShopUfter" (U); slpw $4,000. I , Detroit, May 2; ^ree-month old Chiysler strike Is putting an even heavier damper oh biz this week. Every time a settlement looms, trade perks up. “Kid From Texas'* looks best of the lot at the Palms* where doing fine. “Rosie O'Grady*' is Juk fair at Michigan. Holdovers of ‘-Wa-. bash Avenue" at Fox, “Cinderella*' at Adams and “Third Man" at Madison have slumped badly. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox^ichl (5,000: 70-95)— “Wabash Avenue" (20th) and “State Penitentiafy" (Gpl) (2d wk).; Slim $18,000. Last week. $23,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 70-95)—“Rosie O'Grady" (WB) and “Vicious Years” (Indie). Okay $20,<>00. Last week, “Riding High" (Par) and “Harbor Missing Men” (Mbno), disappointing $19,000 after Severe dip last two days of show- ing. Palms (UD) (2,900; 70-95)—“Kid From Texas" (U) aiid “I Was Shop- lifter" (U). Fine $18,000. Last vweek, “Fraheis” (U) and “Square Dance Katy" (Rep), $17,000. United Artists (UD) (2,000: 70- 95)—“Ma, Pa Kettle to Town" (U) and “Mule Tfain" (Mono). Mildish $9;000. Last week, “Proudly We Hail" (Par) ahd“Wake Island" (Par) (reissues) $7,000. Madison (tJD) (1.800; 70-95)— “Third Man" (SRO) (3d wk). Light $8,Q00. Last week, $11,000. . Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 70-95) —“CIriderelta" (RKO) ;(3d wk). Slipped to $9,000. Last week, $13,- 000 . DowntbuTi (Balaban) (2.900; 70- 95) —“Reformer and Redhead" (M-G) and “Side Street" (M-G) (2d wk). Down to dim $5,000. Last week, $6,500. ‘Third Man’2d Best In Omaha, Sturdy $11,000 Omaha, May 2. Frigid, rainy weather with snow kept a lot of people out of the- atres here over the weekend^ “Third Man" at Parambunt and “Ticket to Tomiahawk" at Orpheum are neck-ahd-neck. “East Side* at State shapes solid; There was a noticeable sag in attendance prac- tically everywhere except at the State; Estimates for This Week State (Goldberg) (865; 16-65)— “East Side" (M-G). Solid $7,000. Last week, “Foolish Heart" (RKO), $6,000. ‘ ' Orpheum (Trlstates) (3,000; 16r 85)-^^Ticket to Tomahawk" (20th) and “Unmasked" (Rep). Okay $12,000. Last week, ;“Undertbw" (U) with Ink Spots, Gil Lamb, Boyd Raeburn band onstage, very big $23,500 at 20-80e scble. Paramount (Tfistaites) (2,800: 16- 65)—“Third Man’V (SRO). Good $11,000. Last weeky “Riding High" (Par), $10,000^ Bnindeis (RKO) (1,500; 16-65)— *^Back to Bataan" (RKO) and “Ma- rine Raiders" (RKO) (reissues), ^ehed Sunday (30),f6r three days. This combo split the week with “Eiffel TOWer’^ (RKO) and“Mili- tary Academy’' n^(GoI), okay $6,000 for full week* Despite height nevf bills and Other favorable factors. Broadway first-run theatre business con- tinues spotty this week. Fresh fare Is being helped, by cool, rainy weather* ; Rain washed but the N. y. - Brobklyii baseball games Saturday-Sunday, obviously help- ing. theatres. Somewhat of a hin- drance to any gendrai upbeat was the, strike (halted Sunday night) of apartment house elevatbr operators starting Thursday (27), the day three new bills opened. Music Hall, with “No Sad Songs For Me" and stageshow,' is!$etting the pace With big $134,000, one of nicest non-holiday opening weeks the huge house has had: in some time. ‘‘Wabash Avenue," with Louis Armstrong combo and Chico Marx heading stageshow, is next in line at fine $02»000. The strong stsge layout is credited with con- siderable draw. "D.O.A.," cashing in on solid bklly, shapes okay $20,- 0(K1 at Criterion. . “Big Lift” is hot doing so well with around $22,000 on Initial week at the Rivoli. “The Conspir- ator," With Russ. Morgan band, Joan Edwards and Jackie Miles topping the stage bill,; also is dis- appointing with $46,000 Or less oh first Capitol week. Reissue combo of “God Isr My Co-PilOt" and “Destination Tokyo'’ is doing about what could be expected of oldies at $22,000 on single-week Strand booking. V Palace vaude with ‘‘I Was Shoplifter” looks okay $19,500, While “Hidden Room" is mild $7,- 500 at Rialto. - “House By Rivei*" looked only fair. In first two days at the Mayfair. “City Lights" and “Third Man" continue strong. Former is getting solid $17,000 in fourth Globe week while “Mah" is holding remarkably big at $21,000 for i3th session in Victoria. “Golden Twenties" con- tinues steady with around .$10,000 in fourth frame at the Astor. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (Siritzky) (1,200; 55- $1)—“Scandals of Clochemerle" (Siritzky) (6th wk). Fifth week ended Monday (1) held near previ- ous week, finishing at $6,000 after fine $6,300 for fourth round. Con- tinues a few weeks longer. Astor (City Ihv.) {1,300; 60-$1.50) —“Golden Twenties" (RKO) (4th Wk). Richard de .Rochemont pro- duction still showing fine profit at $10,000 this stanza after $12,500 last week, over hopes. Stays until May 16 when “Jackie Robinson Story" (EL) opens. Bijou (City Inv.) (589; $1.20-$2,40) -.-“Red Shoes" (EL) (80th wk). Perking a bit with fine $8,000 likely this frame after $7,50() last week. Stays on. Capitol (Loew's) (4,820; 55-$1.50) —•“Conspirator’’ (M-G) plus Rtiss Morgan orch, Joan Edwards, Jackie Miles heading stage bill; First Week ending today (Wed.) looks just moderate $46,000 or near. In for only, two weeks. Last week, “Reformer and Redhead" (M-G) with Sammy Kaye orch, Nancy Walker topping Stageshow (3d wk- 5 days), okay $23,000. Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 50-$1.75) ^“D.O.A." (UA). Given hard-hit- tirig campaign, this looks to hit $20*000 or near, fairly good. Last week, “Love Happy” (UA) (3d wk- 8 days), $11,000. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 50-$i.20) —“City Lights" (UA)“reissue> (4th Wk). Still big at $17,5 oO after $18,- 000 last round, over hopes. Con- tinues. Mayfair (BTandt) (1,736; 50-$l .20) —-“House By River" (Rep). . Opened only fairly good on Monday (1). In ahead, “Guilty of Treason’’ (EL) (3d wk), dim, $7,000 after $11,000 for Second stanza. Palace (RKO) (1,700; 55-$l.20)— “I Was Shoplifter’’ (U) with Vaude. Looks okay $19,500, which is in line with recent pace here. Last week, “Guilty Bystander’! (EL) and Vaude, $20,000, over hopeis. House now! lining up big vaudeville anhi bill slated to bPbn May 18. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 65-$1.50) ^“No Man of Her Own" (Par) with Jerry Colbnna, Buddy Rich orch, Bunny Briggs heading stage- show. Opens tpdby (Wed.). Last week* “Riding High" (Par) plus Billy Eckstine, Henny Youngman, Pete/Rugolo orch on stage (3d wk- 9 days), good $72,0()0 after fine $70,000 for second round.' Final day received an assist from pre-:’ view of “No Man“ ' Park Aycnub (U) (583; 90-$l 50) —“Run For Money" (U) (4th wk). Holding fairly well with $4,800 af- ter $5,()00 ior third week.' Stays on* Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (5,945; 80-$2.40)—“No Sad Songs For Me" (Col) and stage- show. Initial week climbing to big $134,000. Holds. Last week* “Ro- sie G’Grady" (WB) with Easter stageshow. (4th wk), held to sturdy $117,000, a bit over expectancy.: Rialto (Mage) (594; 44^9»U“Ti- ger Fangs'’ (Indie) and“Nab6nga?* (Indie) (reissues). Open today ( Wed.) Last week, “Hidden Room" (EL), mttd $7,500; ^ Rivoli (UAT-Par) (2,092; 90^ $1.80)^“Big Lift" (20 th). Not measuring Up -to • advance hopes with fair $22,000 or near. Holds. In ahead* “Comanche Territory" (U) (3d wk-5 days)* hice $12,000. Roxy (20th) (5,886; 80-$1.75)— “Waba,sh Avenue” (20th), plus Lbuis Armstrong and his AlLStars* Chico Marx, Martha Stewart and Blackburn Twins topping stage d>iU. Pushing to fine $82,000 or . near, aqd holds; Last week>“Cheap- er By Dozen” (20th) with Fran Warren, Harmonicats . heading stageshow (4th wk)* okay $57,000. State (Loew’s) (3,450; 56-$1.50)— “Nancy .To Rio" (M-G) (5th wk). Fourth roiind ended last night (Tues.) was slim; $9,000 after $10,r 500 last week. Just marking time until “Annie Get Gun" (M-G) opens May 17, Strand (WB) (2,776; 55-$1.20)— “God Is Co-Pilot" (WB) and “Des- tination Tokyo" (WB) (reissues). Shapes to land $22,000, okay for . oldies. Stays only this week, with “Coil .45" (WB) and Denise Darcel, Jack Durant, Carl Ravazza; Charles- ton Dance contest onstage opening Friday (5). Last "week, “Damned Don’t Cry" (WB) with Peter pnd Hayes and Mary Healy, Miguelito Valdes orch (3d wk), okay $29,000. Sutton (R & B) (561; 90-$1.50)— “Fallen Idol" (SRO) (25th wk). Holding nicely at $5,700 In 24th frame ended last Monday (1) after $6,000 last week. Continues. Trans-Lux 60th St. (T-L) (453; 74^ $1.50)—“Tight Little Island" (U) (19th wk). Held Up to $4,300 In 18th week ended Saturday . (29) after okay $4,100 fn 17th round. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 95- $1.50)—“Third Man" (SRO) (13th wk). Holding in great fashion with about $21,000 likely this; frame after big $22,000 last week, over expectancy. Continues indef. Colonna-Siins Boosting; TOroritO, May 2. With revival of vaudeville ait the Uptown, this Loew 2,096-seater paced the town with .smash .$34;- 000. First bill topped by Three Sims and Jerry Golonha has “I Was Shoplifter” on sefeeri' Newcomers, “Three Came Home" and “Wabash" also are big .straieht-filmers. “Tight Little Island" still Is near^apacity in fifth week. Estimates for This Week Downtown, Glendale. Scarboro, State (Taylor) (1.059: 955: 698; 694: 33-57)_“Giiii Crazy" (UA) and v“BodyhGld" (Col). Okay $12,000. Last week. “Dangerous Profession'' (RKO) and “Prison Warden" (Col), ditto. ” EriinUm. Victoria (FP) (1.080; 1.140: 38-67)—“Third Man" (SRO) (4th wk). Nice $11,000 after last week's $13,000. Hyland (Rank) (1,357: 46:^77)— “Tight Little Island’* (U) (5th wk). Still near canacity $8,000 after last week's $9,000 / Imperial (FP) (3.373; 37-59)— “Waba.sh Ave." (20,th). Big $18.- 000. Last week, f “Riding High" (par) (3d wk), $8,500, Loew’s (Loew) (2.096; 38-67)— “Nancy to Rio” (M-G) : (2d wk). Heftv $ii.000 after last week’s $14000. Nortonm. University (FP) (959; 1.556: 38-67)—“Cheaper By Dozen" (20th). (4th wk). Okay $10,000 after la.st-week's $13:000. Odcon (Rank) (2.39(): 48-$1.15)— “Three Garne Home” (20th). SmavSh $14.()00. Last week. “Cinderella” (RKO) (3d wk). $9,000; Shea's (FP) (2.3B6: 38-67)— “Foolish Heart” (RKO) (2d wk). Nifty $7,000 after last week’s $9,- 500. Uptown (LOew) (2.743; 2,096; 42- Was a Shonlifter" (U) and vaude, headed by Three Suris and Jerry ; Golonna. Smash $34,000, Last week. “Kettles to Town” (U) (3d wk), $7,500.