Variety (November 1950)

8 PICTURE GROSSES Veclnesclay, November 1, 1950 H.O. $ Bop LA Though menagerie’ I Good at 28G;T)oom’ Los Angeles, Oct. 31. With only two new bills rated as good, indications are for spotty biz in first-runs here this frame. ‘‘Glass Menagerie’V is shaping to about good $36*000 in three thea- tres while “To Please a Lady” ap- pears nice at $28,000 or hear in two situations. “Edge of Poom’* is moderate $25,000 in two houses. “Woman on Run” rates light $17,000 in five spots. Holdovers are unimpressive, with two combos failing to last out their fuU second weeks. Estimates for This Week Los Angeles, Chinese, Uptown, Loyola, Wilshire (FWC) (2,097; 2,048; 1,719; 1,248; 2,296; 60-$l) — “ni Get By” (2pth> and “Prisoners In Petticoats” (Rep) (2d wk-5 daysK Slow $17,000. Last week, below hopes at $39,000. Hollywood, Downtown, Wlltern (WB) (2,756 1,757; 2,344; 60-$!) -- “Glass Menagerie” (WB). Good $36,000. Last week, “Rocky Moun- tain” (WB) (2d wk), $19,200. Loew's State, Egyptian (UA) (2,404; 1,538; 60-$l)—“To Please Lady” (M-G) and “Silver Raiders” (Mono) (Loew’s only). Nice $28,- 000. Last week, “Toast New Or- leans” (M-G) and “Law Panhan- dle” (Mono) (Loew’s only) (2d wk- 6 days), $14,500. Hillstreet, Pantages (RKO) (2,- 890; 2,812; 50-$l)—“Edge Doom” (RKO) and “Texan Meets Calandity Jane” (Col). Moderate $25,000. Last week, “Mr. Lucky” (RKO) and “I^dy Takes Chance” (RKO) (reissues), only $15,600. Los Angeles, Hollywood Para- monnts (F&M) (3,398; 1,451; 40-$l) —“Union Station” (Par) and “Cas- sino to Korea” (Par) (2d wk). Small $8,500 in 4 days. Last week, below hopes, fair $21,000. Orpheum, Hawaii (Metropolitan) (2,210; 1,106; 50-$l) — “Devil’s Doorway” (M-G) and “Holiday Rhythm” (Lip) (2d wk-5 days). Thin $7,000. Last week, moderate $17,000. United Artists. Rite, Vogue, Stu^o City, Culver (UA-FWC) (2,100; 1,370; 885; 880; 1,145; 60- $l)__v‘Woman on Run” (U) and “Madness of Heart’’^ (U). Light $17,000. Last week, “Wyoming Mail” (U) and “Hidden City” (Mono) .(8 days), $16,800. Four Star (UA) (900 60-$l). —• “Next Voice” (M-G) (7th wk). Off to $1,500. Last week, $2,100. Fine Arts (FWC) (679; 60-$l) — •^Macbeth” (Rep) (5th wk). Just $1,500 in 8 days. Last week, $1,600. D.C. StiQ Dragging But ‘Hawk’-Vande Smart At $26,000; Toast* $18,000 Washington, Oct. 31. There is little cheer along the town’s main stem currently. Biz is dull, and even a top-quality film like “Glass Menagerie” at Warner, is causing little payee flUrry. Sole standout is “Desert Hawk” at Loew’s Capitol, with stageshow, topped by Dick Haymes. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew’s) (2,434; 44-85)— “Desert Hawk” (Ul plus vaude headlined by Dick Haymes and Eileen Barton. Smart $26,000, mostly due to vaude. Last week, “The Furies” (Par) plus vaude, so- so $17,5b0. Dupont (Lopert) (378; 50-85)— “Paris Waltz” (Indie). Nice $4,500, Last week, “Outsider” (Indie), slim $3.0()0. Keith’s (RKO) (1,939; 44-80)— “Outrage” (RKO) (4 days). Public shunned this one, with dull $4,500 for 4 days, and yanked. Last week, “Saddle Tramp” (U), $8,000. Metropolitan (Warner) (1,163; 44-74)—“Bombardier” (RKO) and “Tarzan’s Desert Mystery” (RKO) (reissues). , Satisfactory $4,500. Last week, “Showdown” (Rep) and “Dakota” (Rep) (reissues)* poor $3,500. Palace (Loew’s). (2,370; 44-74)— “Toast New Orleans” (M-G). Brisk $18,000, but not up to hopes. Last week, “Two Flags West” (20th), disappointing $15,000. ‘Playhouse (Lopert) (485; 50-85) —“State Secret” (Col) (2d wk). Solid $7,500 after big $9,000 last W'eek, Holds' again. Warner (WB) (2,164; 44-74)-^ “Glass Menagerie” (WB). Below hope.s at $12,000. Last week, “Cop- per Canyon” (Par), slim $9,000. Trans-Lux (T-L) (654; 44-80)— “Last Holiday” (Mono). Passable $5,000. Last week, “Bad Lord Pyron” (Indie)* $4,500. Tlease Lady’ Nice Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week .. . . . . , $464,300 {Based on 17 theatres) Last Year .. .., $504;00() (Based on 17 theatres ) ‘Flags’Brisk lOG Baltimore, Oct. 31. Biz still is off here with few big sessions at any spots on the down- town front. Better than average trade is indicated for “Two Flags West” at the New. “GlasSr Menag- erie,” at the Stanley, looks light. Other spots are fighting it out for meagre returns. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew’s-UA) (3,000; 20- 60)—“Miniver Story” (M-G), Fair- ish $9,000. Last week, “To Please Lady” (M-G), $6,800. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240; 20-80)—“Admiral Was Lady” (UA) plus Arthur Godfrey unit starring Bill Lawrence and Billy (filbert (2d wk). Holding at good $12,000 after nice $17,700 opener. Keith’s (Schanberger) (2,460; 20- 60)—“No Way Out” (20th). Lean $6,000. Last week, “Woman on Run” (U), $6,900. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 20-70) — “Cooper Canyoni” (Par) (2d wk). Okay $4,500. Last week, good $7,600. New (Mechanic) (1,800; 20-60) — “Two Flags West” (20th). Nice $10,000. Last week, “I’ll Get By” (20th), $8,000. Stanley fWB) (3,280; 25-75) — “Glass Menagerie” (WB). Light $11,000. Last week, “Breaking Point” (WB), $7,200. Town (Rappaport) (1,500; 35-65) —“Edge of Doom” (RKO). Mildish $5,500. Last week, “Walk Softly, Stranger” (RKO), $6,000. Toast* Tas^ $11,000, Indpis.; *2 Flags* lOG Indianapolis, Oct. 31. About 20,000 school teachers in town" ’ for state convention will help new entries here to look good early in week but pace didn’t hold, final results being moderate. “Toast of New Orleans,” at Loew’s, is getting top coin on nice session. Estimates for This Week Circle (Gamble-Dolle) (2,800; 44- 65)—“Mister 880” (20th) and “Pris- oner in Petticoats” (Rep). Modest $0,000. Last week, “No Way Out” (20th), $7,500. Indiana (G-D) (3,300; 44-65) — “Two Flags West” (20thX and “Lonely Hearts Bandits” (Rep). Lean $10,000. Last week, “Copper Canyon” (Par) and “Hi-Jacked” (Lippert), satisfactory $11,000. Loew’s (Loew’s) (2,427; 44-65)— “Toast New Orleans” (M-G) and “Bookie Fireman” (Col). Nice $11,- 000. Last week, “711 Ocean Drive” (Col) and “When You’re Smiling” (Col), $10,000. Lyric (G-D) (1,600; 44-65)— “Dark City” (Par) and“Cassino to Korea” (Par), Thin $3,500.* Last week, “Fireball” (20th) and “Hills of Oklahoma” (RepK $4,500* Trio* Tasty $7,000 In Toronto;'Deported* 13G Toronto, Oct. 31. Only film currently getting any action is the holdover of “Broken Arrow,” with other pix mostly ranging from poor to only fair. “Arrow** is great in second Im^- perial stanza. “Trio,” however, is very big at small Hyland. Estimates for This Week Downto^, Glendale, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (1,059; 955; 698; 694; 35^57)—“Buffalo Bill” (20th) and“Mounti0s’* (20th) <reissues). Okay $11,000. Last weOk, “Con- victed’,’ (Col) and “Rookie Fire- man” (Gol), nice $13,500. Eglinton, Victoria (FP> (1,180; 1,140; 38-57) — “Forbidden Jour- ney” (UA) and “Admiral Was Lady” (UA). Poor $6,000. Last week, “Outlaw” (RKO) (2d y/k), $6,500. Hyland (Rank) (1,357; 40-80)— “Trio” (Par). Very big $7,000. Last week, “Waterfront” (EL), $4,000. Imperial (FP) (3,373; 37-59) — “Broken Arrow” (20th) (2d wk). Great $15,00()^^ last week $18,500. Loew’s (Loew) (2,096; 38-67) — “Life of Own” (M-G). Fair $9,000. Last week, “3 Little Words” (M^-G) (3d wk), $6,500. NOrtown, University (FP) (959; 1,556; 38-67) — “Three Secrets” (WB), Fair $9,500. Last week, “Glass Menagerie” (WB) (2d wk), $9,000. Odeon (Rank) (2,390; 50-90) — “Deported” (U). Okay $13,000. Last week, “Morning Departure” (EL), $14,000. Shea’s (FP) (2,386; 38-67) — “Pretty Baby” (WB). Okay $10,000. Last week, “Union Station” (Par) (2d wk), $10,000. Uptown (Loew) (2,743;. 42-75)— “Toast New Orleans” (M-G) (3d Wk). Poor $4*000. Last week, $5*000. 'Menagerie* Bangup 14G, Prov.; 'Wednesday* Loud $12,000,'Way Out* 8iG Providence, Oct. 31. Majestic’s “Glass Menagerie” is setting a steady pace to lead the city. Also very optimistic is RKO Albee’s “Mad Wednesday,” with fancy figure. Loew’s State is below average with “Toast of New Or- leans.” Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65)— “Mad Wednesday” (RKO) and “Hot Rod” (Mono). Heavily ex- ploited for fancy $12,000. Last week, “Sleeping City” (U) and “Trail to Tombstone” (Lip)* steady $9,000. . Fay’s (Fay) (1,400; 44-65)—“Hit Parade 1951” (Rep) and vaude with Notre Dame game on TV Saturday afternoon. Fair $6,000: Last weel^ “Return Jesse James” (Lip) and Vaude onstage, same. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65)— “Glass Menagerie” (WB). Single bill and quick turnover helping to neat $14,()00. Last week, “I’ll Get By” (20th) and “Big Timber’’ (Mono), nifty $12,000. Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 44- 65)—^“No' Way Out” (20th> and “County Fair” (Mono). Light $8,- 500 in 9 days. State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65)— “Toast New Orleans” (M-G). Just average $14,500. Last week, “Devil’s Doorway” (M-G) and “Good News” (M-G) (reissues), $14,000. Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 44-65) —“Fuller Brush Girl” (Col) and “Midnight and Dawn” (Col). Opened Monday (30). Last week, “Dark City” (Par), lean $6,000. ’Best Det. Bet, Njfty $31000; , ‘NBniver’lOG Detroit, Oct. 31. “All About Eve” at the Fox and “Please a Lady” at the Downtown are the only, films shaping above average this week. “Glass Menag- erie” is below hopes, at the Michi- gan, while “Miniver Story” looks mild at the Madison. “Destina- tion Moon” is plunging sharply in second flight at Adams. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5,000; 70-95) —“All About Eve” (20th). Nifty $32,000. Last week, “Blue Hoaven” (20th) and “Shakedown” (U) (2d wk), $18,000* Michigan (United Detroit) (4,- 000; 70-95)—“Glass Menagerie” (WB). Fair $16,000. Last' week, “Louisa’^ (U), '^15,000. Palms tUD) (2,900; 70-95)— “Rocky Mountain” (WB) and “Prisoners in Petticoats” (Mono). Okay $17,000 in 9 days. Last week, “Men” ,(UA) and “Kiss Corliss” (UA), $14,000. Madison (UD) (1,800; 70-95)— “Minivei' Story’'’^(M-G) and “Hap- py Years” (M-C^T). Mild $10,000. Last week, “.Toast New Orleans” (M-G) (2d wk), $9,000. Adams (Balahan) (1,700; 70-95)— “Destination Moon” (EL) (2d wk). Plunging to $6,000. Last week, high $12,000. Downtown (Balaban) (2,900; 70- 95)—“Please a Lady” (M-G) and “Snow Dog” (Mono). * Better than average for this house at $10,000. Last week, “High Lonesome” (EL) and “I Killed Geronimo” (EL), $5^ 000 . Hub StiD Sow Albeit ‘Get By’ Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week :.,.. :$2,137,500 (Based on 24 cities 196 tlie- atres, chiefly flrsi runs, includ- ing, N.V) Total Gross Same Week Last Year ,. . $2,595,000 (Based on 24 cities, and 209 theatres.) lady’Great In San Francisco, Oct. 31, Torrential rains w^ashed out many expected big returns the first two days of new first-runs but Martin and Lewis topping stagebill; will boost “Surrender” to sock total at Paramount. War- field also is very big with “To Please a Lady,” for best showing of straight-filmers. “All About Eve” is getting the same amount of money at /the much larger Fox. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 60- 85)—“Outrage” (RKO) and “West Of Wyoming” (Mono), Lean $10,- 000.. Last week, “Hell Town” (Lip) and “Buffalo Stampede” (Lip) (re- issues), $14,000. Fox (FWC) (4,651; .60-95)—‘'All About Eve” (20th), Fine $20,000. Last week, “ril Get By” (20th), $22,500. Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; 60-85) —“To Please A Lady” (M-G). Big $20,000. Last week, “Bight Cross” (M-G), $18,000, Paramount (Par) (2,646; 60-85) —“Surrender” (Rep) with vaude headed by Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis plus Connie Haines. Sock $30,000. Last week, “Stars In Crown” (M-G) and “Laughing Lady” (Indie), $13,000. St. Francis (Par) (1,400; 60-85) — “Dark City” (Par) (2d wk). Down to $7,500. Last week, okay $ 11 , 000 . Orpheum (No. Coast) (2,472; 55- 85) — “Harriet Craig” (Col) and “Madness Of Heart” • (U); Fair $13,000. Last week, “Woman on Run” (U) and“Adam and Evalyn” (U), same. United Artists (No. Coa.st) (1,208;. 55-85) — “The Fireball” (20th). Fair $9,500 in 10 days. Last week, “Deported” (U), $7,500 for 4 days. Stagedoor (Ackerman - Rosener) (370; $1.80 - $2.40) — "Dancing Years” (Indie). Disappointing $6,- 500. Last week, “Mrs. Fitzher- bert’* (U) (2d wk), $2,900 at $1 tOp. Clay (Rosener) (400; 65-85) — “Paris Waltz” (Indie) (2d wk). Holding at $3,000. Last week, $3,500. Larkin (Rosener) (400; 65-85)— “Paris Waltz” (Indie) (2d wk). Still good $3*000 or near. Last week, $3,200. Kit SHN Strikebound; 'Mister* Brisk at $9,000 Pittsburgh, Oct. 31. With theatres bringing in some better product that they have been holding back in hopes that news- paper strike might be settled, biz is looking up a little this week. Improvement is hot too impressive, With continuing press blackout still making quite a dent. “Miniver Story” lifting the Penn somewhat but only light Tor house while “Mister 880” at EuIton_and “Two Flags West” at Harris are runriing neck and neck and fairly nice. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 45-80) — “Mister 880” (20ih). Brisk $9,000. Figures to hold at that figure, es- pecially fine in view of local news- paper setup. Last Week, “Panic in Streets” (20th), $7,500. Harris (Harris) (2,200; 45-80) — “Two Flags West” (20th). Fairly strong $9,500 and probably stays second stanza. Last week, “Woman on Run” (U), $6,000. Penn (Loew’s) (3,300; 45-80) — '‘Miniver Story” (M-G). Light $11 SOO^^^Last week, “Tripoli’’ iPar), Stanley (WB) (3,800; 45-80) — “W;alk Softly, Stranger” (RKO), Teed off limp and looks only slow $9,000. Last week, “Born to Be Bad” (RKO), $10,500. Warner (WB) (2,000; 45-80) — “Bom to Be Bad” (RKO) (mlb ). Nothing much at $4,000. Last ^v^ek, “Rocky Mountain” (WB). same. 1 Boston, Oct. 31. It IS the same story here, with exhibitors stiir trying to figure what pix will hypo the boxoffice. but finding the formula elusive. Currently, “I’ll Get By” at the Memorial looks like the best bet. with “Peggy,skedded for a week at the Bo.ston, so weak that two re^ issues were put in after three-day run. “To Please a Lady’* at State and Orpheum is mild while “Dark City” at Paramount and Feiiway is only average. Estimates for This Week Astor (Jaycox) (1,200; 40-85) —* “Gilda” and “Platinum Blonde” (Col) (reissues). Fair $6,000. Last week, “Edge of Doom” (RKO) (3d wk), $5,200. Boston (RKO) (3,200; 40-85) — “Dark Mirror” (Col), and “Seventh Veil’* (Col) (reissues) split week with “Peggy” (U). Slender $8,000. Last week, “Mr. Lucky” arid "Lady Takes Chance” (RKO) (reissues),* oke $11,000. Fenway (NET) (1,373; 40-85) — “Dark City” (Par) and “Sunset West” (Rep). Average $5,000. Last week, “Rocky Mountain” (WB) and “Surrender” (Rep), S&I110 Memorial (RKO) (3,500; 40-85)— “I’ll Get By” (20th). Nifty $18.- 000. Last week, “Hamlet” (U), $ 12 , 000 . Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 40- 85)—“Two Flags West” (20th) and “Hot Rod” (Mono). Average $17,- (WO, Last week, ‘-Glass Menagerie” (WB) and “Admiral Was Lady’* (UA). $17,500. Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 40-85)— “To Please a Lady” (M-G). Not too staunch at $15,000. Last Aveek, “Devil's Doorway” (M-G) and “David Harding” (Col)* $16,000. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 40-85) —“Dark City” (Par) and ‘'Sunset West” (Rep). Okay $11,000. Last week, “Rocky Mountain” (WB) and “Surrender** (Rep), $12,000. State (Loew) (3,500; 40-85) — “To Please a Lady** (M-G). Lean $8,500. 'Last week, “Devil’s Door- way” (M-G) and “David Harding” (Gol), nice $10,000. Conventions Up Omaha; 'Wednesday* Hep $8,000, 'Mister* lOG,'Men* 5|G Omaha, Oct. 31. With two state conventions in town including the teachers (no school), grosses are up noticeably here this session. Standout was the sudden big pickup at the Bran- deis with “Mad Wednesday,” heavy week-long bally preceding the pic. Looks like packed sessions all week. Estimates for This Week Brandeis (RKO (1,500; 16-65)— “Mad Wednesday’* (RKO). Looks big $8,000 or over, with big kid patronage helping. Last week, “Breaking Point” (WB), slim $5,000. Paramount (Tristates) (2,800; 16- 65) —“Mister 880” (20th). Fine $10,000. Last week, “No Way Out” (20th), $9,300. Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 16* 65)—“Iroquois Trail” (UA) and “Four Days Leave” (FC). Started 5-day run Sunday (29). Played “South Pacific” legiter, Oct. 24-28. Last week, “High Lonesome” (EL) and “Was Shoplifter” (U), $6,500 in 4 days. State (Goldberg) (865; 20-75)— “The Men” (UA). Fast $5,500 or near. Last week, “Summer Stock” (M-G) <2d wk), $4,000. Omaha (Tristates) (2,100; 16-65) —“The Fireball” (20th) and "Holy Year 1950” (20th). Okay $7,500. Last week, “Copper Canyon” (Par) (m o.), $6,400. Denver;'Secrets* 19G Denver, Oct. 31. “Three Secrets** looks like the best bet here this stanza, playing two spots. “City Lights’* is break- ing all records at the bandbox Vogue, Avith smash session “Trip- oli” looms lusty at Denham. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 35-74)— "Desert Hawk” (U) and-“Modern Marriage” (Mono), day-date with Tabor, Webber. Good $3,500. Last week, ‘"Two Flags West” (20th) and “State -Penitentiary” (Col), $4,500. Broadway (Wolfberg) U,500; 35- 74)—“Toast of New Orleans” (M- G), 4th week. Fine $6,000, Last Week, $6,500* , Denham (Cockrlll) (1,750: 35-74) —“Tripoli” (Par). Lusty $12,000 or near. Holds over extra days. Last (Continued on page 23) I