Variety (May 1950)

PlCnriJlIS GROSSES Wednestlay, May I0« 1956 Los Angeles^ May 9. > Firstruns are .geared at a slow pace this frame wth only two bills showing any possibilities at all. •rnmned Don’t Cry ” in thrje theatres is shaping to hit nice $40,v 000 while ’’Comanche Terriority,” playing lii five houses,. mostly sniail^seaters, is gunning ipt fine $36,Q00: Latter is particularly sti’bng in the downto\vn location. “Wagonniaster’’; is only mild $24,000 in two spots. ’’Paid In FulF’ looks thin $17,000 in two Paramount housesi ’’Please Be- lieVe Me” and '‘Shadow on Wall’’ in two locations is very low $16,- 000. Phil Spitalny band is push- ing I’Gay Lady” at prpheum to sizeable $20,000, • ^imates Ibr this Week Downtown,. Htoilywood, Beverly Hills, Hawaii, Forum Music Halls (Prin-Cbr) (902; 512; 834; 1,106; 2,- 100;55-$l)-^”Champagnel;orCae- sar” (UA) (2d wk). Mild $17,000. Last week, $24,500. Lbs Angeles; Chinese, Dptoivn, Lo Ola, Wiishire (FWC) (2,097; 2,- 048; 1,719; 1,248; 2,296; 60-$lW ;”Wabash Avenue’V (2bth) (2d; wkl. Only $19,000 in 5 days. Last Week;, light $$6;4()0. Hollywood^ Downtown* Wiltcrn (WB) (2,756t 1,757; 2.344; 60^$1)-- ’'Damned Don’t Cry” (WB). Nice $4.0,000; Last week, '“Destination Tokyo” (WB) and ”God Is .Co- pilot” (WB) (reissues), nice $24,- ■'BOO.;- LiOew’s State, Egyptian (DA) (2,- 404; 1,538; 60-$l)-4-“Please Believe (M-G) and ’‘Shadow on Wall” (M-G). Dim $16,0()0. Last week, •‘Keformer and Redliead” (M-G) (9 clays), $19,000. Hillstrect, PantageS (RltO) (2,- 890; 2,812; 50-$l>—*’Wagonmaster’' (RKO) and “Her Wonderful Lie” (Col). Mild $24,000. Last week, “Woman Of Distinction’’ (Col) and “Customs Agent” (Col), $20,800. Los Angeles, Hollywood Para- mounts (F&M) (3,398; i;45I; 40- $1)—“Paid in Full*’ (Par) Jarid “Woman from Headquarters” (Rep)' (L.A. only). Thin $17;000. Last week, “Captain Carey” (Par) (2d wk-5 days) with stage bill at L.A. Only, drab $10,200. United Artists, RItz, Vogiie, Stu- dio City, Culver (tfA-FWC) (2,100; 1,370; 885; 880; 1,145; 60-$Dr-- ^Conianche TeititoiT” |U) and “Great Plane Robbery” (UA). Fine $36,000. Last week, “Was V Shop- lifter’^ (U) and “Rapture” (FC); $19 000. OrpheUm (D’town) (2,210; 50-95) ^“Gay Lady” (EL), (2nd run) with Phil Spitalny all-girl orch onstage. Good $20,000. Last week, “TraVel- ta'i Saleswoman” (Col) (2d run) With eight acts vaude, $13,200. -^our Star (UA) (900; 60-$l)— **B’eoletto” (Indiei (4th wk). Only $1 500. Last week, okay $1,800. Fine Arts (FWC) (679; $1-1,80)— “Third Man” (SRO) (4th wk). Neat $6,000, Lnst week, $7,500. Estimated ’tptal Gross This Week . $432,000 (Based oii .19 theattfts.^ . Last Year . . $SI2,0()0 (Baaed dh 17 thcatrea.) Omaha, M^ 9, Too much blustery weather With Tain and heavy winds is hurting the bokOifice here in current week, ’’Three Came Home” Is okay at the Paramount. However, the best bet is”Rock Island Trail” with sock session at the Omaha, Estimates for This Week Paramount (Tristates) (2,800; I6i- 65)-4-“Three Came Home” (2pth). Doing okay $11,000 or hear. Last week, ’Third Man” ISRQ), $10,500. Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 16- 65)—“Black Hand’^^ (M-G) and “Side Street” (M-G). Good $11,000. Last Week, “Ticket to Toma- hawk” (20th) . and “Unmasked” (Col), same. , « . Brandeis (RKO) (1,500; 16-65)— “No Sad Songs for Me” (Col) and “Tyrant of the Sea’’ (Col). Help- ing this hoiise out of a mild dip at gcKid ,$7,500. Last week, “Back Batean” (RKO) and “Marine Raid^ ers” (RKO) (reissues) split with ‘^Eiffel Tower” (RKO) and ’’Mili- tary Academy” (Col), $6,()00 State (Goldberg) (865; 16^5)-^ “East Side, West Side” (M-G) (2d wk) plus “Satan’s Cradle” (UA) (1st wk). Fair'$5,0()0.» Last week. East Side” (M-G), fancy $7,000. Omaha (Tristates) (2,100; 16-65) —^“Rock Island Trail” (Rep) and “Port New York” (EL). Sock $10,- 000, being especially good for this spot. Last Week, ’’Hiding High (Par) (m. o.) and “West of Wyom- ing” (Mono) (1st run), fair $9,500. Louisville, May 9. plx theatres were up s toughest opppsitidn this weekend, the 76th Kentucky Derby Saturday (6), when some 80,000 horse fans were pacjang Churchill* Downs to Sj^e Middle- ground win. As usual* ;dbwntown houses were passed up by visitors in favor of hotel and private par- ties, night clubs and almost any place where conviviality prevailed- Bbst bet currently is “Wabash Ayenue” at the Rialto. pagne for Caesar” at Loew s State is meriting mild attentioh. Estimates for 'This We®k Mary Andean I People’s ) (1,- 200; 45-65) — “Cargo Capetown (Col). Medium $6,500. Last week, “Hosie O’Grady” (WB) (2d wk); oke $6,000. maUb (Fourth Avenue) (^000; 45-65)—“Wajaash Avenue” (20th) and ’’Harbor Missing Men” (Rep). Good $12,000 or hear. Last week, “Francis” (U), strong $14,000, and mb. : . . ^ $tate. (LoeW’s) (3iOQQ; 45^65)—- “Ghampaghe for Caesar” (UA) and “Johnny Eager” (M-G) (reissue)^ Well received biit fair $10,000 looms. Last week, “Neyac^n” (Col) knd “Father Is Bachelor ol), $11,500. ^ ; Strand (FA) (1,400; 45-65) -- ^’Under My Skin” (20th) ^ and “Storin Over Wyoming” (RKO). Modest $4,000. Last week, “Sun- downers” (EL) and “Fighting Stal- lion” (EL), $4,500.;: Estiinated Total Gross This’Week $2,383,000 ( Based ou 25 cities, 220 the- atres, chiefly first runs, incliid’ vngN^rj Total Gross Same Week Last Year > - . -. .$2,548,000 (Based ori , 24 cities and 211 theatres.) ; : Cleve., ’Comanche* Okay Cleveland, May 9. Downtown turnstiles are begin- ning to whirl a bit faster currently. “Annie Get Your Gun” Is letting | $5,000. Baltimore, May 9. Entire downtown front continues in doldrums here and there’s no real hit on horizbn. Of the list, I “Wagoniiiaster” looks best at the town with nice session. Extended- run :of “Cheaper By Dozen” is hold- ing consistently at the New, being good in third week. Estimates for . This Week Century (Loew’s-UAh (3,000; 20- 60)—“Kid From *16X38” (U). Not much at $7,000. Last week, “Cham- pagne For Caesar” (UA), $6,300. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240; 20-80) 4-“Kill the Umpire” (Col) plus vaude. Reaching out for modest $ll,()00. Last week, “Feudin’ Rhythm” (Col) and vaude, $11,600; Keith^s (Schanberger) ($2,460;20- 60—“Francis” (U). Return date. Started today (Tubs.) to mark time for Saturday (13) opening of “Eagle and Hawk” (Par), after “Please Bfelieve Me” (M-G) did mild $7,500. Mayfali' (Hicks) ($80; 20-65) —,^^^^ “Comanche Territory” (U), Open-[f5*®^- ing today (Tues.) after “Beau Geste” (Par) (reissue), over average Pittsburgh, ; May 9. ' Biz still seems to be in the dol- drums here. Nothing appears to he catching bn. '^Daiiined Don’t Cry” at Stanley Ibbks like the big- gest total but, very ordinary. Ac- tually “Comanche Temtbry” is rustling the top action at Harris, with comparatively the strbngest trade in town. “Champaghe for Caesar” is weak at the Penn. Estimates for This Week Barry (Sldrball) (1,100; 45-80) -r- “Quiefeand” (UA). No soap at $4,000 or near. Last week “Great Rupert” (EL), .and”Golden Gloves Story” (EL), ditto. Fultbii (Shea) (1,700; 45-80) — “Kid froittv Texas’* (tj). May lum- ber up to $6,000, so-s6. Last week, “Under My Skin” (20th), $5,000 and yanked after 6 days; Harris (Harris) (2,200; 45-80) — “Coihanche Territory” (U). Had a brisk campaign and off to nice Looks sturdy . $11,000 or near. Last Week, “Woman of Dis- tinction” (Col), $7,500. Penn (Loew’s) (3,300; 45-80) — “Champagne for Caesar”' (UA), Weak $12,000. Last week, “Out- riders” (M-G), $11,000. Senator (Astor) (1,750; 45-80) -- Vaudfilm out after four weeks of sad biz, house closing down to re- model for conversion to tpwn’s legit house next seasbn. Last week,”Hellflre” (Rep) and vaude, lean $7,000. Stanley (WB) (3,800; 45-80) — “Damned Don’t-Ciy” (WB)?- Joan Crawfbrd starrer won’t better $12,500, drab. Last week, “Rosie O’Grady” (WB), $13,000. Warner (WB) (2,000; 45-80) -- “Rosie O’Grady” (WB) (m.o.). Heading for modest $6,500. Last week*. “Baron bf Arizona” (Lip) and “Operation Hay lift” Boston, May 9. ^iz still on the slow side here- abouts this stanzb*. with' iirst real spring Weather ho * help. Vaughn Monroe band at ;the Boston with ^^Golden Twenties” is leading town but not as big as hoped for. Other newcomers, “Daughter bf Hbsie O'Grady” at Met, “Under My Skin” at. Memoi'ial, and “Ba'ron of Ari- zona” at Paramount and Fenw^iy are on weak side. ‘“Woman of Dis- tinction” at State and Orpheum looks about 0yerage. ; V- , Estimates for 'i^ils Week Astor (Jaycox) ,(1,200; 50-95)-^ “'Third Man” (SllO) '(5th Vk). Okay $6,500 after fine' ^,000 for fourth. Boston (RKO) -(3,200; 40-85>— “Golden Twenties” (RKO) plus Vaughn Monroe breh onstage. Leading town but below hopes with fine $29*000. Last-week, “Back Bataan” (RKO) and “China Sky” (RKO) (reissues), meek $11*000. Fenway (NET) (1,373; 40-85)-^^ “Baron of Arizona” (Lip) and “House By River” (Rep>. Fair $6,- 000. Last week, ’^Barricade” <WB). ^ and “Woman From Headquarters” (Rep), $5,500. Memorial (RKO) (3*500; 40-85)— “Under My Skin” '(2bth) and “Father Makes Good” (Mono). M:odest $15,500. Last week, "Wa- gonmaster” (WB), $15,000. Metropolitan (NET) ^' (4,367;' 40- 85)—‘llosie O’Grady” (WB) and “Operation Hayllft” (Lip). Dr. I. G.; onstage on Wednesday night Tepid $18,000. Last week, “Stage Fright” (WB) and “Square Dance Katy” (Indie), $15,000, Orpheiim (Lbew) ($,000; 40-85)— “Woman of Distihetibn” (Col) and “Father Is Bachelor” I Col). Fair $15,000. Last week, ’’Conspirator*’ (MrG) and “The Palomino” (Col), SfllllC* Paramoimt (NET) ‘ (1,700; 40-85) —“Baron Of Arizona” (Lip) and “House by thb River” (Rep), Slow $10,000. Last week, “Barricade” (WB) and “Woman From Head- iquarters” (Hep). $10,500. . Pilgrim (ACT) (1,700; 35-85)-^^ “Black Hand” (M-G) and "Side Street” (M-G) (3d wk). Fair $5,500. Last week, $7,000. ' State (Loew) (3,500; 40-85)— “Woman of Distinction” (Col) and “Father Is Bachelor” (Col).. Aver- age $11,000. Last week, “Conspira- tor” (M-G) and ’’Palomino” (Col), $ 10 , 000 . (Lip), Montreal, May 9. Two holdovers and sudden ar-; rival of warm weather will not help returns in deluxers this stanm. “Reformer and Redhead”, looks best bf newcomers, with nice ses- sion at palace; “Conspirator” also Shapes strong at Princess. Estimates for This Week tpew’s (Gt.) (2,855;;: 40-65)—- “Three Came Home” (20th) (2d wk). Sock $16,000 following $21,- 809 opener. ' Capitol (GT.) (2.412; 34-60)— “F“.‘t Side” (M-G) (2d wk). Okay $" 9 500 after first week’s $19,000. ?alace IC.'i’.) (2,625; 34^60)—“He. fo-’.ner and Redhead” (M-G). Nice $) 6,000. Last week, “Perfect Strangers” (W.B), $10,000. Princess (Gt.) (2,131; 34-60)— “Conspirator” (M-G), Strong $13,- 000. Last week, “Sidestreet” (M- G).;$7,000. ■■ • " Imperial (C,T.) (1,839; 34-60)— “Inspector General”; '(WB) and “Tanks a Million” (WB) (reissue). Fair $8,500. Last week, “Nevadan’i (Col) and “Bodyhold” (Col) (2d wk), :$3;500., Orpheum (C.T.) (1*040; 34-60)— “Quicksand” (UA) nnd “Big Som- brero” (UA). Average $5,000, Last week, “Young: Widow” (UA) and “Strange $5,500. go with salvos that may well keep it at Stillman for a month. “Big Lift” at Pala'ce won’t get far Off ground. “Comanche Territory looks a bit over average at Hipp. ^Estimates for This Week Allen (Warners) (3,000; 55-70)— “Mark of Gorilla” (Col) and “Fa- ther Is Bachelori* (Col). GOod $8*000 in 4 days. Last week, “Baron of Arizona” (Lip), $10,000. Esquire (Community) (704; 55-70) -^“Love Happy’* (UA) (3d wk). Just (Continued on page 20) ’3d Man’ First in Frot New (Mechanic) (1,800; 20-60)— ’'Cheaper By Dozen’^ (20th) (3d wk). Maintaining good pace at $7,- .000 after steady second round at $9,000. Stanley (WB) (3,280; 25-75) — “Winslpw Boy” (EL), Not catching on at $6,000. Last week, “Rosie G’Grady” (WB) (2d wk), off to $5,- 600 after passable $9,200 opener. Town (Rappaport) (1,500; 35-65) — “Wagonmaster” (RKO)./ Tall $10,000. Last week, “Capture” I shapes almost as well at the Strand. 12G, ’Smner’ Only 7G Providence, May 9. “Third Man” is hottest thing hereabouts at the State, and do- mg very'nicely despite first sum- mer-like weekend which cut in slightly. ”Nq Man of Her Own” (RKO), failed to attract at $5,200. San Francisco, May 9. Big news here this session Is the \vay “Annie Get Your Gun” is dominating the downtown scene. It is smash at the Warfield with $1.40 top. Otherwise, pickings are very spotty with mOst houses way off. “Hosie O’Grady” Ippms nice at the Pafi mount while “Cham- pagne for Gaesar” is rated pleas- ing at United Artists. Elsewhere there is little doing; Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2*844; 60- 85)---^“Johnny Eager” (M-G) and “Blbssoms in Dust” (M-G) (re- ; issues). Colorless $11,500. Last j week, “The Capture” ; (1^0) and I “Everybody’s Dancin’” (Lip), dull $9^500. Fox (FWC) (4;651; 60-95) — “Damned Don’t Cry" (WB) (id wkl. Dbwn to $8,500 in 6 days. Last week, only okay $18,500. Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; 85- Woman” (U A) (reissues),! $1.40) — “Annie Get Gun” (M-G). ^ Last week, “Nancy to Rio” (M^G) (2d wk). okay $12,500. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 6()-85) —“Rosie O'Grady” (WB) and “Twilight In Sieitas” (Rep). Nice $14,000, Last week, “Stage Fright” (WB) (2d wk)* $8,000 in 3 days. St. Francis (Par) (1;400; 60-85) — -“Third Man^’ (SRO) (5th wk); D iwn to $9,000. Last week, big $13,000. Orpheum (No. Coast) (2,448;: 55- 85)—“Foi’tunbs of Captain Blood” (Col) and “Customs Agent” (Col). Okay $13,000 or over. Last Week, “One Way Street” (U) and ’^Was Shoplifter” (U), solid $13,500. ' United Artists (No. ; Coast) (1,207; 55-85) ^ “Chainpagne for Gaesar” (UA),. Pleasing $10,000 or better. Last Week, “Woman of Distinction” (Col) (2d wk), $6,500. Stagedpor (Ackerman - Hosener) (370; 85-$l)—^“Quartet” (EL) and “Holiday” (Col) (reissue). Not so good $2,500. Last week,“Glass^ Mountain” (EL) (2d wk), same. Clay (Roesner) (400; 65-85) —^ “The Titan” (UA) (4th wk). Off to $2,500. Last week, fast $2,900. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65)— “Destination Tokyo” (WB) and “God Is Co-Pilot” (WB) (reissues), Fair $9,500. Last week, “The Cap- ture” (RKO) and “Hidden Room” (RKO), good $11,000. Carlton (Fay) (1,400; 44-65)— “Singing Guns” (Rep) and “I’ll Reach For a Star’! /Rep). So-so $4,500. Last week, “Baron of Ari- zona” (Li p) ' and “Everybody’s Dancing” (Lip), good $6,000. Fay’s (Fay) (1,400; 44^5)—“Re- gards to Broadway” (20th) (reissue) and vaude onstage. Fairly good $7,000. Last week, “Male War Bride” (20th) and vaude, fair $6,- .500.'. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65)-— “Mother Dfdu't Tell Me” (WB) and /’Harbor Missing Men” (Rep). Ac- tive $13,000, Last week, “Barri- cade” (WB) and /’Operation Hay- lift” (Lip), $8,000, , Metropolitan (Snider) (3,1 ()0; Ai- ds)—“South Sea Sinner” (U) and , “Borderline” (U). So-so $7,000. Last week, “Sundowhers” (ELV and “Great Rupert” (EL), fair $8,000. State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65)— /‘Third Man” (SRO) and “Tyrant of Sea” (Col). Nice $1.0,000. Last week* “Champagne for Gaesar” (UA) and/’Beauty on Parade” (Col), $16,000. Straind (Silverman) (2;200; 44-65) •—“Kill the Umpire” (Col). Open- ed Monday (8). Last week, “No Man of Own” Par), fine $12,000 for Barbara Stanwyck starrer. St. Louis, May 9. Tilt in admission scale, always distasteful to natlyes, is only factor that is keeping “Annie Get Yotir Gun” gross down to terra llrma. “Annie” will hit sock session any- way at Lpew’s, to easily over- shadow everything else, in town. Smash bally over a period of two weeks before opening and 100% raves by crix all helped. Remain- der of city is very dull. Estimatei for This Week Ambassador (FAM) (3,000; 50-75) —“Ma, Pa Kettle” (U) and“Waba.sh Avenue” (2pth) (m.o.). Fairish $12,- 000. Last week, “Cheaper By Dozen” (20th) and”Buccaneer's Girl” (U) (2d wk), $9,000. Fox (F&M). (5,000; 5(1^5i—“Kid From Texas” (U) and “Outside Wair* (U). Average $15,000. Last week, “Ma, Pa- Kettle” (U) and “Lucky, Losers” (Mono), .$16,000. Loewis (Loew) (3,172; 60s$i) — “Annie Get Gun” (M-G). Socko $29,000. Last week, “Champagne for Caesar’’ (UA) and '’Silent Dust” (Mono), disappointing at: $12,000. Missouri (FftM) (3,500; 50-75)-r Shuttered. Last week, ’’Waba.sh Avenue” (20th) /and ’’Four Ddyk Leave” (FC) (2d wk), good $9,000. St. Louis (F&M) (4,000; 50-75)— ’’Big Lift“ (20th) and “Barricade’ (WB) (2d wk). Fair $10,000 after $14,000 opener, bClow hopes. Shubert (Ind) (1,700V 60-$)) Shuttered. Last week; “Samson and Delilah” (Par) (4th wk)* nic’O $5,000. 20th Sc^$ North Alex North, . music coniposrr, iCaVes New York.Monday <15) l^r Mexico on commission from 2(Kli;'; Fox to write the score for the cpin- pahy’s production of John Steiii- becic’s “Zapata.”: North will spend Sevefar weeks on a location along with Steinbeck and E) i a Kazan, director of the pic. North previously wrote, scores for two legit hits, “Death of a Salesman’’ and “The Innocents.