Variety (November 1950)

WediieBdayf November 1, 1950 P^RIEff $15,000, ‘Cross’-' Chicago, Oct. 31. New action pics are keeping Loop biz steady this frame, and offsetting * some slow holdovers. ‘"Tripoli” and ‘‘The Lawless” is girding for solid*^T5,000 in first round at Roosevelt. Twin-bill of ‘'Right Cross” and ‘‘Last of Buc- caneers” is okay at $14,500 at United Artists. Among holdovers, ‘‘Panie in Streets” and ‘‘The Fireball” is eon- tinuing near first week pace with flashy $16,000 at State-Lake in second session. Oriental should take good $34,000 on second week of “ril Get By” plus Kay Armen and Jan August onstage. Second week of ‘‘Glass Menagerie” and Borah Minevitch’s Harmonica Ras- cals heading stagesliow is dis- appointing $29,000 at Chicago. Palace warmover of “Desert Hawk” and “On Isle of Samoa” is stretching for fair $10,000. “Sun- set Boulevard” still is steady at $ 12,000 in fourth turn at the Woods. Estimates for This Week Chicago (B&K) (3,000: 50-98)-—. ^‘C;ia.ss Menagerie” (WB) and Minevitch’s Harmonica Rascals tonping stage (2d wk). Mild $29,- 000. Last: week, $38,000. Grand (RKO) (1,200; 50-98)— “Edge of Doom” (RKO) (3d wk). I’oor $6,000. Last week, $8,500. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 50-98)— “ril Get By” (20th) with Kay Ar- men and Jan August heading stageshow (2d Wk). '"Good $34,000. La.st week, nice $48,000. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 50-98)— “Desert Hawk” (U) and ‘‘On Isle of Samoa” (Col) (2d wk). Fair $1(),- 000 Last w’eek. $13,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 50-98)— “Tripoli” (Par) and “The Lawless” (Pan. Good $15,000. Last week, “Destination Moon” (EL) (2d wk), $16,000. . State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 50-98) j —“Panie in Streets” (20th) and “The Fireball” (20 th) (2d wk), Fast $16,000. Last week, $20,000. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 50- 98'—^“Right Cross” (M-G) and “La.st of Buccaneers” (CoD. Okay $14,500. Last week,“Walk Softly, Stranger” (RKO) (2d wk), $10,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,073; 98)— “Sunset Boulevard” (Par) (4th wkVi Firm $12,000. La.st week, $16,000. World (Indie) (587; 80)—“Devil in Flesh” (Indie) (7th wk). Fancy $4,000. Last week, $4,200. Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net, i.e., Ayithbut the 20% tax. Distribu- tors share on net take, when playing peTcentage, hence the estimated figures are net in- come. The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement tax. New Pix Fail to Cheer Philly;‘Eve' Sockeroo $30,000, ‘Midnighf 15G Philadelphia, Oct. 31. Despite flood of new' product, first-run biz here currently con- tinues in the doldrums. An excep- tion to the downbeat is ‘.‘All About Eve’' which picked up fast after a , slow takeoff and will rack up the j city’s biggeste gross with a terrific session at the Fox. “Between Mid- night and Dawn” looms Okay at Stanton. Other newcomers range from mild to highly disappointing. Estimates for This Week Aldinc (WB) (-l-,303; 50-99)— “Wyomihg Mail” (U). Mild $7,500. Lasl week, “City Lights” (UA) (re- issue" (3d wk), $8,000. ^ Boyd (WB) (2,360; 50-99)-^“Glas3 Menagorie” (WB) (2d wk). Fair $15,000 after neat $25,000 break-in. Earle (WB) (2,700; 50-99)— Woman on Run’" (U), Slow $12,000. Last week, ‘‘Desert Hliwk” (lj'. inild $14,000. J'’ox (20th) (2,250; 50-99) — “All About Eve” (20th). Terrific $30,000. La.st week. “Mister 880” (20th) (2d wk). $19,000. ^ Goldman) (Goldman) (1,200; 50- 99 Please a Lady” (M-G). Fair $14,000. Last week,. “D^’k City. (Par) (2d, wk), $10,000.^ Mastbaum (WB) (4,360; 60-991— VValk Softly, Strangei:” (RKO), Dull $15,000. Last week, “Tripoli” (UB) (2d Wk), $13,300. ^Randolph (Goldman) (2,500; 50- 09'—“Bgrn to Be Bad” (RKO) (2d "jo, Down to $13,000. Last week, nice .$20,000. ^ Stanley (WB) (2,950; 50-99)— .C'opper Canyon” (Par), Mildish $i().o00, Last week, ‘Rocky Moun- tain (WB) (2d wk), $10,200. (WB) (1,475; 50-99)^ _MKlrught and Dawn”* (CoD. Okay Dilst week, “Outrage” (RKO). $14,700. ^ Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 50-99)—! of Spades” (ED.’ Mild ^ Isweek, “Fau.st and Di'cil (Cdi) (2d wk), $4,500. i Minneapolis, Oct. 31. Weekend influx that helped to bring up the Minnesota-Michigan football game attendance to 61,000 wasn’t any help to film theatres, and grosses continue under par; With“South Pacific” and “Kiss Me Kate” impending at the Lyceum and Minneapolis Lakers profes- sional basketball diverting the pub- lic’s attention from the films, the going is not easy. Commanding the most attention among newcomers is “ITl Get By,” fair at Radio City, “The Men”, looks light at State. Estimates for This Week Century (Par) (1,600; 50-70)— “Mr. 880” (20th) (m.o.). Good $7,- 000. Last week, “Lady Without Passport” (M-G), light $4,500. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-70)— “Stella” (20th) and “Farewell to Yesterday” (20th). Light $3,500. Last week, “No Way Out” (20th) (2d wk), fair $4,200. Radio City (Par) (4,000; 50-70)— “I’ll Get By” (20th). Mixed opin- ions on this musical, but cast names help. Fair $13,000 looms. Last week, “Mister 880” (20th), $13,000. RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 50- 70)—“Rocky Mountain” (WB). Mod- erate $9,000. Last week, “Sleep- ing City” (U), disappointing $7,000. RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 50-70)— “So Young, So Bad” (UA) and “Triple Trouble” (Mono). Puny $5,- 000. Last week, “The Freak” (In- die) and “Ingagi” (Indie) (reis- sues), $4,500. State (Par) (2,300; 50-70)—“The Men” (UA). Plenty of praise for this one. Light $6,500. Last week, “Breaking Point” (WB), light $ 6 , 000 . World (Mann) (400; 50-85)— “Sleeping City” (U) (m.o.). Fair $2,000. Last week, “Walk Softly, Stranger’" (RKO) (2d wk), okay $ 2 , 000 . K.C Off But Tier 13’ Plus Vaule Robust 16G Kansas City, Oct. 31. Not much to talk about on new films this week. Exception is the Missouri wherO strong vaiide bill, is boosting “Woman on Pier 13” to hefty total and biggest at the house in months. Of the straight films, “Two Flags West” ih three first-run houses is best but only mild $12,000. “All About Eve,” back to continuous showings last Friday and on into second week, is good at Orpheum* Weather con- tinues unseasonably warm* Estimates for This Week Kimo (Dickinson) (550; 50-75)— “City ’ Lights” (UA) (reissue) (2d wk). Fat $3,000. Last week, $3,200, Midland (Loew’s) (3,5Q0; 45-65)— “Toast New Orleans” (M-G) and “Bodyhold” (Col). Slim $10;000. Last week, “Devil’s Doorway” (M- G) and“Father Makes Good” (Mono); same. Missouri (RKQ) (2,650; 55-75)— “Woman on Pier 13” (RKO) with vaude. Fine $16,000. Last week, “The Torch” (jndie) and “Gun Crazy” (UA), slow $8,000. . Qrphcuiii (Fox Midwest” (1,913; 55-75>_"A1 About Eve” (20th) f2d wk). Changed to continuous shoW-^ ing policy and getting moderate good $10,000. Last week, on three- a-day Setup, okay $11,000. Paramount (United Par) (1,900; 45-65)—“Copper Canyon” (Par) (2d wk). Satisfactory. $8,000. Last week, $11,000,' Tower - Uptown - Fairway (Fox Midwest) (2,100; 2,Gi43; 700; 4,5-65) —“Two Flags West” (20th). Lag- gard $12,000. Last week, “Saddle, Tramp” (U), ditto. 'Doorway' High $12,500, Port.;'Eve'Neat 12G Portland, Ore., Oct, 31. Biz is still on upgrade at all first-run houses with good product at many of them. More complete Changes of program have helped. “All About Eve” is fine in 2 spots. “Devil’s Doorway” looks smash at Broadway. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,850; 50-85) —“Devil’s Doorway” (M-G) and “Prisoners Petticoats” (Rep). Ter- rific $12,500 or over. Last week, “Louisa’" (U) and “Savage Horde” (Rep), $7,800, Mayfair (Parker) (1,500; 50-85)— “Louisa” (U) and “Savage Horde” (Rep) (m.o ). Mild $4,000. Last Week, “Mister 880’" (20th) and “County Fair"' (Mono) (m.o.), fine $5,800. Oriental (Evergreen) (2,000; 50- 85)—“All About Eve"" (20th) day- date with Paramount. Fine $4,500 or near. Last week, “Copper Can- yon’" (Par) and “Cassino to Korea” (Par), big $6,200. Qrpheum (Evergreen) (1.750; 50- 85) — “Breaking Point” (WB) and “Dynamite Pass” (RKO). Oke $6,500 or better. Last week, “Copper Canyon” (Par) and “Cas- sino to Korea” (Par), good $8,000. Paramount (Evergreen) (3,400; 50-85)—“All About Eve” (20th), also Oriental. Fine $7,500. Last week, “No Way Out” (20th) and “Farewell . Yesterday” (20th), $8,700. United Artists (Parker) (890; 50- 85)—“Life of Own” (M-G). Big $8,000. Last week, “Three Secrets” (WB) (2d wk), $5,300. ‘Wednesday’ Aces Weather, TV; ‘Miniver’ NSG llC ‘Lonisa’ 11 %^ ‘tady’-Vande $45,01)0 Cincinnati, Oct, 31. Few standouts this week yet the general score is satisfactory. “Mad Wednesday,” current topper, is paying dividends on big bally at Palace. ‘‘Glass Menagerie’" has Albee in moderate tempo and “Mister 880” is good at Capitol. Another new bill, “Wyoming Mail,” looks so-so for Keith’s. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 55-75) — “Glass Menagerie” (WB). Moderate $10,000. Last Week, “Fuller Brush Girl’’ (Col) with Palace vaude unit headed by Belle Baker plus Smith and Dale, okay $19,000 at 55-94c scale. Capitol (Mid-States) (2,000; 55- 75)^“Mister 880” (20th). Good $9,000. Last week, “Tripoli” (20th) (2d wk), $6,500. Grand (RKO) (1,400; 55-75) — “To Please Lady” (M-G) (2d wk). Par $7,000 aftet* sturdy $13,000 preem. Keith’s (Mid-States) (1,542; 55- 75)_-“Wyoming Mail” (U). So-so $6,000. Last week, ”Woman On Run” (U), $5,000. Lyric mKO) (1,500; 55-75) — “San Quentin” (WB) and “Alcatraz Island” (WB) (reissues) split w'ith “Hearts of New York” (Indie) and “Corregidor” (Indie) (reissues). Mild $4,500. Uast week, “Rocky Mountain” (WB) (m.o.) split with “Atrocities Ft. Santiago” (Indie) and “Before White Man Came” (Indie),* $4,000, Palace (RKO) (2,600; 55-75) — “Mad Wednesday” (RKO). Rous- ing $12,000. Reflects exploitation splurge including Shriners' open- ing night party, dance contests for several nights lon stage, front-page stunt breaks. Last week, “So Young, So Bad"’ (UA), $9,000. ‘Life of Own’ Lusty 21G, Mont’l; ‘Tramp’ $11,000 Montreal, Oet. 31. Biz is off slightly this sessiorij with holdovers hurting. “life of Own” is big at Palace and “Saddle Tramp” looms fancy at Imperial to lead the newcomers.“Treasure Island” is still solid in second stanza at Loew's. Estimates for This Week Palace (C.T.), (2,625; 34-60)— “Life: of Own” (M-G). Big $21,000. Last week,-’“Tea For Two” (WB) (3d wk), $14,000. : Capitol (C.T.) (2,412; 34-60)— “Rogues Sherwood Forest” (Col) (2d wk). Down to $16,000 following lusty first session at $16,000. Princess (C.T.) (2,131; 34-60)— “Lady Without Passport” (M-G). Modest $11,000. Last week, “Deported” (U). okay $14,000. Ldew's (C.T.) (2,855; 40-65)— “Treasure Island” (RKO) (2d wk). Off a bit to $15,000 after great $21,000 opener. Imperial (C.T.) (1,839; 34-60)— “Saddle Tramp” (U) and “For-; bidden” (U). Fancy $11,000. La'J i week, “Desert Hawk” (U) and; “Hi-Jacked” (Lip) (2d wki, big $ 8 , 000 . ' . 1 Broadway first-run boxoffice is i not off as sharply. as the current stock market but it is suffering the same sinking spells. Theatre man- agers blame the current weakness at N. Y. deluxers oh an assortment of factors including a dearth of new pictures, pre-election distrac- tion,' favorable outdoor Weather and television. Also there seems no question but that along with these handicaps first-run theatres are not playing much outstanding boxoffice product currently. The Street ran into air pockets which put trade on the skids start- ing Thursday (26), With a brisk up- beat on Saturday, especially at night, counterbalanced by a dip be- ' low normM the following day. Biggest money is going to the Music Hall, where “Miniver Story” with stageshow is proving a disap- pointment at the wickets. Pushed around by many of th,,e crix, it is winding-up its first week today (Wed.) with only a fair $114,000. Now slated to go only two weeks as a consequence. “Louisa” is faring comparatively well in view of the present down- beat, finishing its first session at the Mayfair with $17,500. It re- ceived many nice reviews. “To Please a '^Lady,” with Billy Daniels, Pupi Campo and Luba Malina heading stageshow, is not catching on, With okay $45,000 likely on first week at the Capitol. Standout holdover is “All About Eve,” with Mailha Stewart and Blackburn Twins, iceshow, onstage at the Roxy. This combo is con- tinuing smash with $105,000 in third week, which means it will hold a fourth stanza. This is down $7,000 from second frame, biggest of the run, but still displaying sus- tained strength. Nearly all other holdovers are down sharply. One exception is “Trio,” still great at ^15,300 in third week at Sutton. Paramount, Criterion, Strand and State are bringing in new bills this week, starting today (Wed.). Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 55-$1.50) —“Edge of Doom” DRKO) (14th- final wk). Down to around $4,000 this stanza after slow $4,500 last week. Stays a few extra days to allow “American Guerilla in Phil- ippines'" (20th) to open on Nov. 7. Bijou (City Inv.) (589; $1.20- $2.40)—“Red Shoes” (EL) (107th wk). Looks to reach $6,500 or near after $6,200 last weelc Stays on, with “Cyrano” (UA) opening Nov. 16, Advance sale, M^ad 3 r started, indicates big teeoff.^ Capitol (Loew’s) (4,820; 55?$l*5f)V —;;“To Please a Lady” (M-G) plus Billy Daniels, Pupi Campo orch, Luba^ Malina onstage. First week ending today (Wed.) looks barely okay $45,000, but holds. In ahead, “Life of Own” (M-G) and Richard Himber orch, Jerry Colonna, 3 Suns, Andy Russell with I^lla onstage (2d wk-8 days), $40,000. Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 50-$1.75) — “Deported” (U), Opens today (Wed.). Last week, “Wyoming Mail” (U), only $18,000 in 11 days. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 50-$1.20) —“Walk Softly, Stranger” (RKO) (3d wk). Down to $6,000 or less this round after okay $9,000 in second stanza. Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 50-$1.20) —“Louisa” (U) (2d wk). First week ended last Monday was good $17,500 but* not up to hopes in view of uniformly strong notices. Holds. In ahead, ”Treasure Is- land” (RKO) doth wk), $6,000, X Palace (RKO) (1,700; 55-$i:20)— “Iroquois Trail” (UA) and vaude. Okay $19,000. I^ast week, “Cock- eyed Wonder” (Col) with vaude, $19,500, over hopes. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 55-$1.50) —“I’ll Get By” (20th) with Tex Beheke orch, Georgie Kaye, Ames Bros, topping stageshow. Opens today (Wed.). Last week, “Dark City” (Par), with stage bill headed by Morey Amsterdam, Charlie Ven- tura orch (2d wk); slipped to $50,- 000 but helped by two -preview showings after okay $55,000 iii first week. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (5,945; 80-$2.40)—“Miniver Story” (M-G) with stageshow. Looks, only fair $114,000, one of lowest first weeks here in months; unkind crix appraisal apparently is hurting. Last week, “Glass Menag- erie” (WB) and slageshow (4th wk), down to $98,000 but winding very nic(? run. “Miniver” only irt for two weeks at current pace v Rialto(Mage* (594; 44-98)— “EDnKant Hin*’” 'Indie) and ‘A^'r|ra Speak.s” (Indie) trei.^^sues) Open today (Wed.). Last week, “Pancho Villa Returns” (Indie) (2d wk-6 days, down to $4,000 after big $9,- 000 opener. Rivoli (UAT-Par) (2,092; 99- $1.25)—“Two Flags West” (20th) (3d wk). Sagging to $11,000 or near after good $18,000 for second week. Stays on until next week, with “Undercover Girl” (U) slated to open Nov. 7. Roxy (20th) (5,886; 80-$l.75)— “All About Eve” (20th) with Martha Stewart and Blackburn Twins, iceshow onstage (3d wk). Continues smash with $105,000,; not far from second week’s $112,- 000. Steady trade holding , this up, attesting to yen of numerous people to see pic, when they want to,. after reading rave criticisms. Holds a fourth round, and likely longer. State (Loew's) (3.450; 55-$1.50)— “Toast of New Orleans” (M-G) (5th wk-6 days). Down to $10,000 or near in final abbreviated stanza after good $14,500* last week. “Harriet Craig” (Col) opens tomor- row (Thus.). Strand (WB) (2.7561 55-$2)— “Three Secrets” (WB) with Ella Logan, Gil Lamb topping stage- show (2d-final wk). Down to $20,r 000 in final session after thin $28,- 500 opening round. “Rocky Moun- tain” (WB) with Henry Youngman, Carol Bruce, A1 Morgan, others, onstage opens Friday (3). Sutton (R & B) (561; 90-$1.50)— “Trip” (Par) (4th wk). Third stanza ended Monday (30) con- tinued very big with $15,300 after $17,000 for second week. Continues indef. Trans-Lux 60th St. (T-L) (453; 74-$1.50) —“Kind Hearts” (EL) (21st wk). Still slipping, with $4,- 000 likely this week after $4,500 last week. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 95- $1.50)—“State Secret” (Col) (5th wk). Fourth frame ended last night (Tues.) held surprisingly fine at $15,000 after $16,500 last session. Stays on until late in November, With “Red Shoes” (EL) supplanting Nov. 22 on pop-scale run. ‘Lady’ Crisp $13,000 In Settle; ■‘Get By’ Slick 14G, ‘Flags’ Flashy lOG Seattle, Oct. 31. > • • With the current new pix at Coliseum and Paramount, both of these Evergreen houses, admis- sions go to 65-90c ocale similar to the recent John Hamrick Thea- tres boost. Trade shapes a bit better generally. “To Please a Lady” looks standout with' sock week at Liberty. “Two Flags West” also is big at Coliseum, “I'll Get By” is nice at Paramount. Estimates for This Week > Coliseum (Evergreen) (1,877; 65- 90)-T-“2 Flags West” (20th) and “Bomba in Hidden City” (Mono). Big $10,000. Last week “No Way Out” (20th) and “Brazos” (Lip) (2d wk-0 days), $5,000 at 59-84c scale. Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) (2,- 349; 59-84)—^“Mister 880” (20th) and “County Fair” (Mono) (3d wk). Okay $4,500 in 4 days after wonderful $9,400 last week. Liberty (Hamrick) (1,6.50: 65r90) — “To Plea.se Lady” (M-G) and “Showdown” (Repi. Smash $13.- 000. La.st week “Wyoming Mail” (U), $6,300. Music Box (Hamrick) (850; 65- 90)—“Hamlet” (U).’ Good $4,500. La.st week “Faust” (CoD (2d wk), $3;600. Music Hall (Hamrick) (2,200; 65- 90)—“Toast New Orleans” (M-G) and “Madness of Heart” (U) Od wk). Good $5,000 in 5 days after great $9,800 last week. Orpheilm (Hamrick) (2,600; 65- 90) — “Sleeping City” (U* and " “Redvvood Forest Trail” (Rep). Thin $6,000 in 6 days, Last week, “Woman on Run"’ (U) and “Border Treasure” (RKO), $6,800, Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 50-84) —“Desert Hawk” (U) and “Music in Moonlight” (Rep) i2cl runs) plus Vaude. New dual policy not helping much. Good $5,500. Last week, “A & C in Foreign Legion” (U* (2d run) and “Savage Horde” (Rep) plus stage, $5,000. Paramount (Evergreen' (3.039' 65-90)—‘‘I’ll Get Bv” (20th' and “Chain Gang” (CoD* Nice .$14,000 or near. Last week, ‘‘(’opper Canyon'V (Par) (2d wk», good $6,- 000, at 59-84e scale.