Variety (November 1950)

10 PICTUnE GROSSES f^SRiEfr Wednesday, November 8, 1950 H.0 Rei Los Angeles, Nov. 7. “Rio Grande” is furnishing the only bright spot , among local first- runs this frame,, with fancy $29,- 000 or near in two Paramount theatres. “Two Flags West” shapes slow $32,000 In five loca- tions while “Between Midnight and Dawn” is taking a just fair $19,000 in two spots. Reissue combo of “Hell Town” and “BuiTaio Stampede” looks slim $17,000 in six days in two houses. First seven days of “Film Opera Festival” bill at Fine Arts is mocle.$t $3,500. There are, three holdover combos currently show- ing, and all are off sharply. Estimates for This Week Los Ahgeles, Chinese; Uptown. Loyola, Wilshife (FWO (2,097; 2.048; 1.719; 1,248; 2,296; .6p-$ll— “Tvvo Flags West” (20thL Slow $32,000 or near. Last week, “I’ll Get By” (20th) and “Prisoners Petticoats” (Rep) (2d Wk-5 days), $17.300., . Hollywood, Downtown, Wiltern (WB) (2,756; 1,757; 2,344; 60-^1)— “Glass Menagerie” (WB) (2d wk). Off to $20,000; Last week, only fair $34,600. Loew’s State, Egyptian (UA) (2.404; 1.538; 60-$l)—“To Please Lady” (M-G) and “Silver Raiders” (Mono) (Loew's only) (2d wk). Mild $18,000. Last week, $28,300. Hillstreet, Pantages (RKO) (2,- 890; 2,812; 50^$1) — “Hell Town” (Indie) and “Buffalo Stampede” (Indie) (reissues). Slim $17,000 in 6 days. Last week; “Edge Doom” (RKO) and “Texan Meets Calamity Jane” (Col) (8 days), $22,300. * Los Angeles, Hollywood Para- mount^ (F&M) (3,398; 1,451; 40-$l) —“Rio Grande” (Rep) and “Hit Parade, 1951” (Rep). Fancy $29,- 000. Last week, “Union Station” (Par) and “Cassino to Korea” (Par) (2d wk-4 days), $7,300. Orpheum^ Hawaii (Metropolitan) (2,210; 1,106; 50-$l) — “Midnight aiid DaWn” (Col) and “Hot Rod” (Mono). Fair $19,000. Last week, “Devil’s Doorway” (M-G) and “Holiday Rhythm” (Lip) (2d wk-5 days), $7,200. United Artists, Ritz, Vogue, Stu- dio City, Culver (UA-FWC) (2,100; 1,370; 885; 880; 1,145; 60-$l) — “Woman on Run” (U) and “Mad- ness of Heart” (U) (2d wk). Off to $6,500 in 3 days. Last Week, dim $16,000. Four Star (UA) (900; 60-$l) — “Dancing Years” (Mono). Modest $3,500. Last week, “Next Voice” (M-G) (7th wk-10 days), $1,900. Fine Arts (FWC) (679; 60-$!) “Opera Film Festival” (Indie). Mild $3,500. Last week, “Macbeth” (Rep) (5th wk-8 days), $1,400. Estimated Total Gross this. Week . . ,$497,000 ( Ba$ed on 17 theatres .) Last Year ..... . .$516,500 (Based on 17 theatres.) St. Louis, Nov. 7. Trade at mainstem houses W'as hypoed .aver weekend by sharp drop in temperature: Result is that biz is a bit better than last session despite interest in hot political campaigns. “Two Weeks ■—With Love” looms leader with; fine total at Loew's while “I’ll Get By’' shapes big at Ambassador. “Destination Moon” finished with solid week at the Fox, “Mr. 880” and “In a Lonely Place” replacing today. Estimates' for This Week Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 60- 75)—T’ll Get By” (20th) and “Hit Parade 1951” (Rep). Big $15,000 or near. Last Week, “Glass Menagerie” (WB) and “Modern Marriage” (Mono), $13,000. Fox (F&M) (5,000; 60-75)—“Mr. 880” (20th) and “In Lonely Place ’ (Col). Opened today (Tues.). Last week, “Destination Moon” (EL) and “I Killed Geronimo” (EL), nice $19,000. Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 50-75)— “Two Weeks—With Love” (M-G). Fine $16,000 or over.. Last week, “Right Cross” (M-G) and “So Young, So Bad” (UA), $15,000. ’ Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 60-75)— “Born to Be Bad” (RKO), and “Glass Menagerie” (WB). Okay $12,000. Last week, “Sleeping City” (U) and “Shakedown” (U), $9,000. Shubert (Ind) (1,500; 60-75)-- “Panic in Streets” (20 th) and “Customs Agent” (Col). Fair $5,00Q. Last week, “Union Station” (Par) .and “Tyrant of Sea” (Col), $4,000. .J To Clip Pitt; 'Get By,’ Tall $11,000,‘Lady’12G Pittsburgh; Nov. 7. General newspaper sUike, now in sixth week h^re, continues to pujt a dent in biz but grosses seem t6 have hit a fairly fixed pat- tern for the duration. Theatres agree that the press blackout, de- priving them of their needed ad- vertising medium, is costing them anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 a week each. There is a very slight improvement this session, with such marquee pictures as “Glass Menagerie” at Stanley, “I’ll Get By” at Harris and “To Please a Lady” at Penn making at least a modest impression. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) Q,700; 45-80) — “Mister 880” (20th) (2d wk). Tapering off to okay $6,000, Last week, $9,000. Harris (Harris) (2,200; 45-80)— “I’ll Get By’' (20th). Sturdy $11,- 000. Last week, “Two Flags West'' (20th), : fell off after good stall to $8,500. Penn (Lqew’s) (3,300; 45-80)—■ “To please Lady” (M-G); For 8 days looks modest $12,000., Holds extra day to open Dick Haymes- Eileen. Barton-3 w^tboges stagesliow With “Lady Without Passport” (M-G) on Friday (10). Last week, “Miniver Story” (M-G). $10,500. .^Stanley (WB) (3,800; 45-80) — Glass Menagerie” (WB). Another that’s suffering because kind of film needing newspapers, al- though fair $12,000 is still much better than house has been doing lately. Last -week, “Walk Softlv, Stranger” (RKO), $8,000. . ‘ Warner (WB) (2,000; 45-80) — ’Dark City” (pan. Lean $4,500. Last week, “Born to Be Bad” (RKO) (m.o ), $4,000. ‘Station’ Loud $14,000, Oenver;‘Lady’Big 12G Denver, Nov. 7. “Petty Girl,” playing in two spots, is getting the biggest coin total this session, being nice in both. But outstanding showings are being made by “To Please a Lady,” big -at Broadway, and “Union Station,” great at Den- ham. Latter holds. “City Lights” is holding a third after sock sec- ond round at Vogue, Estimates for This Woek Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 35-74) — “Wyoming Mail” (U) and “Brew- ster’s Millions” (Indie) (reissue), day-date With Tabor, Webber. Fair $2,500. Last week, “Desert Hawk” (U) and “Modern Marriage” (Mono), $3,500. . Broadway (Wolfberg) (1.500; 35- 74)_“To Please a Lady’V (M-G). Big $12,000. Last week, “Toast New Orleans” (M-G) (4th wk), $ 6 , 000 . Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 35-70) (Continued on page 24) Tetty’ P<irt }9,505 h Indpk, lilillanan’Same Indianapolis, Nov. 7. Biz is only so-so at first-run sit- uations here this stanza. Heat wave that broke ail existing rec- ords for this time of year will keep grosses down. “Tripoli,” at In- diana, and “Petty Girl,” at Loew’s looks tops, but only latter is okay. Estimates for This Week. Circle (Gamble-Dolle) (2,800; 44- 65)—“Milkman” (U) and “Rlues Busters” (Mono). Fair $9,500. Last week, “Mister 880” (2Qth) and “Prisoner iii Petticoats” (Rep). Mild $9,000. Indiana (G-D) (3,300; 44-65) — “Tripoli” (Par) and “Hot Rod” (Mono). Modest. $10,000. Last week, “Two Flags West” (20th) and “Lonely Hearts Bandits” (Rep). Ditto. Loew's (Lbew’s) (2,427; 44-65) — “Petty Girl” (Col) and “Beware of Blondie” (Col). Okay $9,500. Last week, “Toast of New Orleans” (M-G) and “Rookie Fireman” (Col). Nice $10,500. Lyric (G-D) (1,600; 44-65) >- “High Lonesome” (ELC) and “I Killed Geronimo” (ELC). Slow $4,000. Last week, “Dark City” (Par) and “Cassino to Korea” (Par). Dull $3,500. Cincinnati, Nov. 7. AU ace houses have new bills this round and overall score is im- proved despite absence of stand- outs. Results are encouragihg in the face of weather changing abruptly from hot to winterish in first half, plus distraction of tor- rid election campaign and annual city firemen’s charity vaude show. “I’ll Get By” and“Miniver Story” are fighting for town’s biggest coin total but former easily is standout. “Edge of Doom” looks modest. “2 Flags West” shapes okay. Estimates for This Week Alhee (RKO) (3,100; 39-75) — “Miniver Story” (M-G). Moderate $10,000. Last week, “Glass Mena- gerie” (WB), ditto. Capitol (Mid-States) (2,000; 39- 75)—“I’ll Get By” (20th). Rousing $11,000. Last week, “Mister 880” (20th), $8,500. Grand (RKO) (1,400; 39-75) — “Underworld Story” (UA). Tepid $6,500. Last week, “To Please Lady” (M-G) (2d wk), pleasing $7,000. Keith’s (Mid-States) (1,542; 39- 75)—“Two Flags West” (20th). All right $8,000, Last week, “Wyom- ing Mail” (U), so-so $5,500. Lyric (RKO) (1,500; 39-75) — “Mystery Street” (M-G) and “Dial 1119” (M-G). Light $4,500. Last week, “San Quentin” (WB) and “Alcatraz Island” (WB) (reissues) split with “Hearts N.Y.” (Indie) and “Corregidor” (Indie) (reis- sues), $4,000. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 39-75) — “Edge of Doom” (RKO). Modest $9,000. Last week; “Mad Wednes- day” (RKO), fine $11,500. ‘Eve 19(1 Husbands’ Lean $13,000 Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week^ .... $2,301,000 (Based on 24 cities, 199 the- atres, chiefly first runs, includ- ing N.Y) Tot^l Gross Same Week Last Year . v; ..., $2,605,000 {Based or 25 cities, and 211 theatres) Grouch© Sues For $35,000 ‘Love’ Pay ' Los Angeles, Nov. 7. Suit for $40,000 was filed against Artfcsjs Alliance and Lester Cowan in superior court by“Groucho Marx, who claims he has not been paid for his work in “Love Happy,” pro- duced by Cowan last year. Marx asks $35,000 as unpaid sal- ary and $5,000 more to cover at- torney feesw Kansas City, Nov. 7. New pix line-up is stronger and returns generally better than in recent weeks. “Destinatidh Moon” in three Fox Midwest houses and ”Tq Please a Lady” at the Mid- land are both pleasing, if not big, at $15,000. “Glass Menagerie” at Paramount Is not far behind, get- ting one of best figures at this house recently.. Estimates for This Week Kimo (Dickinson) (550; 50-75)^— “Winslow Boy” (ED. Nice $2,500, and may hold. Last week, “City Lights” (UA) (reissue) (2d Wk), stayed 10 days for pleasing $3,500. Midland (Loew’s) (3,500; 45-65) — “To Please Lady” (M-G) and “Rookie Fireman” (Col). One of better weeks here recently but still only good at $15,000. Last week, “Toast New Orleans” (M-G) and “Bodyhold” (Col), slim $10,000. Missouri (RKO) (2,650; 45-65)— “So Young, So Bad” (UA) and “Iroquois Trail” (UA). Lightweight $8,000. Last week, “Woman on Pier 13” (RKO) and vaude at 75 g. top, great $16,000. , drpheum (Fox Midwest) (1,913; 50-75)-^“All About Eve” (20th) (3d M'k). Holding steady on continuous run policy and will run through Nov. 12. Final woek continued strong- at $10,000. Last week, big $11,000. Paramount (United Par) (1,900; 45-65)—“Glass Menagerie” (WB). Lively. $12,000, and probably will stay second week. Last week, “Copper Canyon” (Par) (2d wk), fine $8,500. Tower- Uptown - Fairway (Fox Midwest) (2.100, 2,043; 700; 45-65) —“Destination Moon” (EL). Trim $15,000; best film here in several weeks. Last week, “Two Flags West” (20th), laggard $12,000. Boston, Nov, 7. Biz shapes slightly stronger this stanza with newcomers at all major houses, “All About Eve” at the Memorial looks fairly good. “Harriet: Craig” at Astor is nice while “Three Husbands” at Met shapes lightweight. “Rio Grande” at Paramount and Fenway looms fine, one of week’s standouts. “Miniver Story” at State and Orpheum will be very mild. ' Estimates for This Week ^ ’ Astor (Jaycox) (1,20(); 50-95)— “HarrietCraig” (Col). Nice at about ^13,000. Last week, “Gilda” (Col) and “Paltinum Blonde” (Col) (re^ issues), slow $7,500 in 9 days. Boston (RKO) (3,200; 40-85)— “Deported” (U) and “Hoedowri” (Col). Unexciting $10,000. Last week, “Dark Mirror” (Col) and “Seventh Veil” (Col) "(reissues) split week with “Peggy” (U), sad $6,800. Fenway (NE'i') ( 1,373; 40-85)— “Rio Grande” (Rep) and “Hit Paraide of '51” (Rep). Okay $5,000. Last week, “Dark City” (Par) and “Sunset West” (Rep), $4,000. Memorial (RKQ) (3,500; 40-85)— “All About Eve” (20th); Fairly good near $19,000. Last week, "I’ll Get By” (20th), neat $29,000 for 10 days. Metropoiiian (NET) (4,367; 40-85) —r‘‘Three Husbands” (UA) and “The Squared Circle” (Indie). Light $13,000. Last week, “Two Flags West” (20th) and “Hot Rod” (Mono), weak $13,500. Orpheum (Lnew’s) (3,000; 40-85) —^“Miniver SfDry” (M-G) and “Next Voice” (M-G). Not too strong at $15,000. Last week, “To Please a Lady” (MrG), same. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 40-85) —“Rio Grande” (Rep) and “Hit Parade of ’51” (Rep). Nice $12,000. Last week “Dark City” (Par) and “Sunset West” (Rep), $9,000. State (Loew) (3,500; 40-85)— “Miniver Story” (M-G) and “Next Voice” (M-G). Mild $9,000. Last week, “To Please Lady” (M-G), $ 10 , 000 . ‘EYE’ SEATTLE,‘CROSS’ 9G petroit, Nov. 7. Boxoffice tempo picked up noticeably this week with launch- ing of many new pix. “Rio (Grrande” looks very big at the Palms. "Harriet Craig” is shaping only ; okay at the Michigan. However, “Desert Hawk” looms socko at the i Madison. “All About Eve“ probably ; will be off sharply in second round : at 'the Fox.- . Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5,000; 70-95) -“All About Eve” (20th) (2d wk). I Oke $20,000. Last week, nice $30,- 000 . Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; j 70-95)—“Harriet Craig” (CpD and “Cassino to Korea” (Par). Okay $17,000. Last week, “Glass Menag- erie” (WB), $15,000. Palms (Up) (2,900; 70-95)--“Rio Grande” (Rep) and “Hit Parade of 1951” (Rep). Big $16,000. Last week, “Rocky Mountain” (WB) and “Prisoners Petticoats” (Mono), $17,000 in 9 days. Madison (UD) (1,800; 70-95)— “Desert Hawk” (U) and “Pygmy Island” (U). Sock $14,Q00. Last week, “Miniver Story” (M-G) and “Happy Years” (M-G), $9,000. Adanis (Balaban) (1,700; 70-95) -T-“Destination Moon” (EL) (3d wk). Down to $4,500. Last week* oke $6,000. Downtown (Balaban) (2,900; 70- 95)—“Please a Lady” (M-G) and “Snow Dog” (Mono) (2d wk). Off to $7,000. La^t wepk, mild $10,000. ‘Eve’ Bangupt $17,000 In Cleve.; ‘Menagerie’ 15G, ‘Witii Love’ Gusty 14G Cleveland, Nov. 7. “All About Eve” is picking up a strong take for Palace, “Glass Me- nagerie” at Hipp is just okay. “Two Weeks With Love” looks brisk at State. Estimates for This Week Allen (Warners) (3,000; 55-75)— “Harriet Craig” (Col). Very neat $12,500. Last Week, “Gilda” (Col) and “Platinum Blond” (Col) (re- issues), $10,000. Esquire (Community) (704; 55-75) “I’ll Get By” (20th): (3d wk). Oke $4,000, following nice $5,000 for Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 55-75)— “Glass Menagerie” (WB). Just okay at $15,000. Last week, “Fireball” (20th), $14,000. Palace (RKO) (3,300; 55-75)— “All About Eve" (20th). Smash $17,000 or near. Last week, “Walk Softly, Stranger” (RKO), $14,000. State (Loew’s) (3,450; 55-75)— “Two Weeks With Love” (M-G). Gusty $14,000. Last week, “Copper Canyon” (Par), $12,500. Stillman (Loew’s) (2,700; 55-75) —‘tRight Cross” (M-G). Satisfac- tory $7,000 or close. Last week, “Dark City” (Par), $6,000, ‘Heaven- Wow $25,000, Mont’l ; ‘Doorway’ 13G Montreal, Noy. 7. New entries in.all except one de- luxer are shaping neatly this week. “Blue Heaven,” at Loew’s, is sock. “Nor way Out.” at Capitol, looks big. ^“Devil’s Doorway’’ shapes fine at Princess. ^ Estimates for This Week Palace (C.T.) (2,625; 34-60)— “Life of Own” (M-G): (2d wk). Down to $9,000 following smash $23,000 opener. Capitol (C.T.) (2,412; 34-60)—“No Way Out” |20th). Big $18,500. Last week, “Rogues Sherwood Forest” (Col) (2d wk), okay $11,000. Princess (C.T.) (2,131; 34-60)— “Devil’s Doorway” (M-G). Fine $13,000. Last week, “Lady With- ; out Passport” (M-G), good $11;000. Loew’s (G.T.) (2,855; 40-65)— “Blue^ Heaven” (20th). Sock $25,- lOOO. Last week, “Treasure Island” (RKO) (2<i wk), sbek $15,000. Imperial (C.T.) (1,839; 34-60)— “Captive Girl” (Cbl) and “Customs Agent” (Col),. Great $10,500.: Last week, “Saddle Tramp” (U) and i “Forbidden” (U) (2d Seattle, Nov. 7. Big news here this stanza is the great session being enjoyed by “All About Eve” at Fifth Avenue. “Right Gross” is fairly fine at Or- pheum. “I’ll Get By” at Para- mount shapes ace holdover. Estimates for This Week Coliseum (Evergreen) (1,877; 65- 90)—“2 Flags West” (20th) and "Bomba Hidden City” (Mono) (2d wk). Swell $7,000 after $10,000 last week. . Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) (2,349; 65-90)—“All About Eve” (20th). Great $12,000. Last week, “Mister $80” (20th) and “County Fair” (Mono) (3d wk-4 days), $4,300. Liberty (Hamrick) (1,650; 65-90) —“To Please Lady” (M-G) and “Showdown” (Rep) (2d wk). Big $8,50O. Last week, superb $12,- 300; Music Box (Hamrick) (850; 65- 90)—“Astonished Heart” (U). Only $600 in 3 days. Last week, “Ham- let’MU), nice $4,200. Music Hall (Hamrick) (2,200; 65- 90) — “Glass Menagerie” (WB). Good $8,500. Last week, “Toast New Orleans” (M-G) and “Madness of Heari” (U) (3d wk-5 days), nice $5,100. Orpheum (Hanirick) (2,600; 65- 90)—“Right Cross” (M-G) arid “Train to Tombstone” (Lip). Fine $9,000. Last week, “Sleeping City” (U) and “Redwood Forest Trail” (Rep), so-so $5,800 in 6 days. Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 50-84) —^“The Men” (UA) (2d run) plus Fred Lowery topping stageshow. Okay $6,000. Last week, “Desert Hawk” <V) and “Music in Moon- light” (Rep) (2d runs) and stage- show, $5,700. Paramount (Evergreen) (3,039; 65- 90) — “I’ll Get By” (20tH) and ' "Forbidden” (U) (2d' wfc), stout $9,000. Last week, grand $13,400. I $11,000.