Variety (December 1950)

PlCTVRi: CROSSES Wednesday^ December 27 , 1950' Ifaiikee’ tnsfy SG; ‘Dance^ ISG, 2d Los Angeles* Dec. 26 j 4 Most film deluxers here brought In new bills Christmas Day (25) with biz generally running ahead of Xmas a year ago. Warner got a jump on other showcases by open^ Ing “Dallas” on Saturday (23), with hefty $45,0()0 in prospect. “Born Yesterday” was another strong opener* doing $8'000 in single day in two sites. “Magnificent Yankee” shapes 8ock in small-seater. “Harvey” is looking for forte trade based on matinee trade initial days. Also kicking off well is “For Heaven’s Sake” in five spots. Only hold- over to do outstanding ^ biz. is “Cyrano.” which is .stoiit in fifth round. “Let’s Dance” looms fine $15*000 or over in second week at two Paramounts, Estimates forThis Week Los Angeles, Chinese, tJptown, Loyola, WilShire (FWC) (2,097; 2,048; 1,719; 1,248; 2.296; 70-$1.10) “For . Heaven’s Sake” (20th). Opened Monday (25). Last .week, “American Guerrilla” (20th), only $12:300 on 5 days after $32,000 first full week, Hollywood, Downtown, WiltemV (WB) (2,756: 1,757; 2,344; 60-$l)—' “Dallas” (WB). Sturdy $45,000. Last week, “Highway 301” (WB) (10 days), $31,000. Loew’s State, Egyptian (UA) (3 404; 1,538; 70-$1.10) — “Two Weeks With Love” (M-G) and “Un- der Mexicali Stars” (Rep) (2d wk- 6 days. Gkay $15,000. Last week $ 22 , 000 . Ilillstreet, Pantages (RKO) (2,- 890;; 2,812; 60-$l)—“Born Yester- day” (Gol). Opened Monday (25). Last week, “Sahara” (Col) and “Coast Guard” (Col) (reissues) (3 days), okay $6,500* and “Emergency Wedding” (Col) and “Beyond Purple Hills” (Gol) (6 days), $7,800. Los Angeles, Hollywood Para- mounts (F&M) (3,398; 1,451; 50-$l) —“Let’s Dance” (Par) and “Trail Robin Hood” (Rep) (2d wk).' Fine $15,000. Last Week, $19,OO0. Orpheiim (Metropolitan) (2,210; 7()-$li0)—“Hostile Country” (Lip) with Billy Eckstine onstage. Opened Monday (25).. Last week, “Once a Thief” (UA) and “Light- ning Guns” (Col) (9 days). Only $5:500* Hawaii, Beverly Hills Music Hall (Metropolitan) (1,106; 855; 50-$l)—^ “Hamlet” (U). Opened Monday (25). Last week* “Once Thief” (UA) and “Lightning Guns’ (Col) (9 daysK drab $4,500. United Artists. Ritz, Vogue, Stu- dio City, Culver (UA-FWC) (2,100; i:370; 885; 880; 1,145; 70-$1.10)— “Frenchie” (U). Opened Monday (25). Last week, “Mystery Sub- marine” (U) and “Outlaw Gold (Mono) (10 days), $20,000. Four Star (UA) (900; 70-90)— “Magnificent Yankee” (M-G). Great $8,000. Last week, “Thunder Rock” (Indie) (reissue) (2d wk-6 days), $ 1 , 000 . ■ Fine Arts (FWC) (677; $1.20- 2.40)—“Cyrano” (UA) (6th wk). In- to 6th frame today (Tues). Last week, fine $7,000 ahead of fourth week. Carthay (FWC) (1,518; 85-$1.50) —“Harvey” (U). Opened Academy qualifying run yesterday (Mon.), Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week . . . :, $634,500 (Based on 18 theatres .) . Last Yeair . - ... . • . . .$880,300 (Rased on 17 theatres) ; St too Ace St. Louis, Dec. 26. “Harvey” iis the distinct filin standout for all first-runs here this week, with smash session looming at the Missouri. “Never a Dull Moihent” shapes as fine hold- over at the Fox. “Miniver Story” looks only fairish at Loew’s. Fine weather aver weekend is boosting trade after slow returns all last week/ V- Estimates for This Wek Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 60-75) “TWO Flags West” (20th) and “Where Danger Lives” (RKO). Fine $13,000, Last w'eek, “West Point Story”MWB) and “American Guerrillas” (20th), $10,0^0. Fox (F&M) (5;000; 60-.75) — “Never Dull Moment” (RKO) and “Dark City” (Par) (2d wk). Fine- $15*000 following $16,000 initial stanza' Loew’s (Loew) (3*172; 50-75) — “Miniver Story” (M-G) and “Mrs. O’Malley and Mr. Malone” (M-G). Gke $14,000. Last week, “Fuller Brush Girl” (Gol) and “Last Buc- caneers” (Col), $11,000. Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 60-75)— “Harvey” (U) and “Mad Wednes- day” (RKO). Terrific $20,000. Last week, “All About Eve” (20th) and “Harriet Craig” (Gol), $9,000. Shubert (Ind) (1,500; 60-75) — “All About Eve” (20th). Big $5,500. Last week, “Red Shoes” (EL) and “Winslow Boy*’ (EL). $5,000. ’Music’Balto Standout, 16G; ’Dallas’ So-so 13G Baltiniore, Dec. 26. Shake up of opening dates and general booking of above-average product have placed the down- town deluxers here in good posi- tion fpr whatever holiday trade may be engendered following an offish weekend. “Dallas” is show- ing some strength at the Stanley* while “Mr. Music,” looks standout with hefty session at Keith’s. Of the others, “For Heaven’s Sake” shows the most promise with okay total at the New. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew’s-UA) (3,000; 20- 70)—“Watch Birdie” (M-G). Point- ing to passable $10,000. Last week, “Mutiny on Bounty” (M-G) arid ’’Day at Races” (M-G) (re- issues), $4,900. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240; 25-80)—“Stage to Tucson” (Col) plus Hamid’s Olympia Circus on- stage. Good $14,000. Last week, “Platinum' Blonde” (Col) and “Gilda” (Col) (reissues) plus vaude, $ 8 , 200 . Keith’s (Schanberger) (2,460; 20- 70)^—“Mr. Music” (Par). Heading for . hefty $16,000. Last week, “If This Be Love” (UA), $4,200. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 20-70)— “High Lonesome” (EL). Opened today (Tues:) after week of “Arabian Nights” (UA) (reissue) hit slim $3,900. . New (Mechanic) (1,800; 20-70)— “For Heaven’s Sake”. (20th). Looks okay $8,000: Last Week,“All About Eve” (20th) (5th wk), $5,300. Stanley (WB) (3,280; 25-75) — “Dallas” (WB). Barely okay $13,- 000 looms. Last week, “San Quen- tin” (WB) and “Alcatraz” (WB) (reissues), $4,000. Town (Rappaport). (1,500; 35-70) —“Sorig of South” (RKO) and “Make Mirie Music” (RKO) (re- issues). Trim $7,000 or near. Last week, “Next Voice” (M-G), $4,300. Prov. NSG But ’Vendetta’ Trim $ll,00d, ic’NeallSG, airatl2iG . Christmas aftermath plus new product at all major spots is result- ing in a ^ pickup in boxoffice re- ceipts this stanza. House skeds are plenty shuffled around, man- agers making strong bids for trade. ’Mr. Music” Shapes neat at Met and ’’For JHleaven’s Sake” with nice Opening at Memorial shape as best in town. “Right Cross” at State and OrpheUm is only fair. “Ven- detta” looms fine at reopened Bos- .'tpn.' ■ • . Estimates for This Week ^ .Astor (B&Q) (1.200; 50-95) — Fantasia” (RKO) (reissue). Okay $5,000. Last Week. “State Secret” ' (Col) (4th wk), $3,000. ^ Boston (RKO) (3,200; 40-85)— VAendetta” (RKO). House re- opened Christmas having been closed for four weeks for facelift- ing. Nice $11,000 or over. Last week, shuttered. <NET) (1,373; 40-85)— highway 301” (WB) and “Trail of Hood” (Rep)> Average $5*000. Last week, “Southside (Qontinued on pa^e, 18) ‘Flags’ OK $10,000 In Oniitha; ‘Hawk’ Good 8G Omaha, Dec. 26. With s u m m e r y pre-holiday weather, allowing everybody to get to the shops, the boxoffice took a weekend slump even with holiday pictures on tap. “Two Flags West” at Orpheum is okay" whib?, “West Roint Story” at Brandeis looks fair. “For Heaven’s Sake” also shapes modest at Paramount. Estimates for This Week Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 16- 65)—“Two Flags West” (20th) and “Hidden City” (Mono). Okay near $10,000. Last w e e k, “Destination Moon” (EL) and “Armored Car Robbery’^ (RKO), $11,000. Paramount (Tristates) (2,800; 16- 65)—“For Heaven’s Sake” (20th). Fair $9,500. Last week, “Miniver Story” (M-G), $8,000. Brandeis (RKO) (1,500; 16-65)— “West Point Story” (WB). Opened Saturday with fair total in pros- pect. Last Aveek, “Last of Bucca- neers” (Goi) and “Midnight and pawn” (Cril), slow $5,000. Omaha (Tristates) (2,100; 16-65) — ‘Desert Hawk” (U) and “Blues .BUsters“ (Mono). Good $8,000. Last week, “Dark City” (Par) and “Prisoners in Petticoats” (Rep)* $6,500. State (Goldberg) (865; 20-75> — “To Please Lady” (M-G) (3d wk). Fair $3,500. $5,300. Providence, Dec. 26. Despite optimistic predictions things are still really tough around here. Slight Upsurge came with the end of Christmas shopping splurges but nothing Tike that seen in previous years before TV. Prom- ise of outstanding Christmas day TV programs, etc., also cut. Best of the current Crop is State’s “Watch the Bi^idie.” Other stands are way below par. Estimatest for This Week Alhee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65)— “Never Dull Moment” (RKO) and ’‘Experiment Alcatraz” (RKO). So- so $8*000. Last week, “Gilda” (Gol) and “Platinum Blonde” (Col) (reissues), $7,000. Carlton (1,200; 44-65)—“Trail, of Robin Hood” (Rep) and “Blazing Sun” (Rep). Fair $5,000. Last week, reissue. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65)— “Jackpot” (20th) and “Bandit Queen” (Lip). Very slow $6,000. Last week, “Kansas Raiders” (U) and “Father’s Wild Game” (U), nice $9,000. Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 44- 65)—“Milkman” (U) and “Pygmy Island” (Col). Fair $6,000. Last week,“Black Angel” (Indie) and “Tangier” (Indie) (reissues), slow $4,200. State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65)— “Watch Birdie” (M-G) and “Gun- fire (M-G). Disappointing but tops at $11,500, Last week, “Mutiny on Bounty” (M-G) and “Day at Races’’ (M-G) (reissues), weak $9,500. Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 44-65) —“Branded” (Par). Opened Mon-^ day (25). Last week, “Winslow week, oke; Boy” (EL) and “Perfect Lady’’ I (EL), so-so $5,000. Cincinnati, Dec. 26. Noel jingling is respunding mer- rily at the wickets here this week. Three new bills, “Pagan Love Song” at Grand, current town top- per, and “Harvey” in Keith’s are standout. “For Heaven’s Sake,’* at Capitol, also is big. • Two other newcomers, “Never A Dull Mo- ment” at Palace and “Mrs. O’Mal- ley and Mr. MalOne” in Albee were slowed by early-in-week openings but stepped up with arrival of the holidays. Estimates for This Week Albee (3,100; 39-75) —“Mrs. Capitol '(Mid-States) (2,000; 39^ 75)—“For Heaven’s Sake” (20th). Lofty $12,000. Holds. Last week, “All About Eve” (20th) (24 Wk), $7,500. Grand (RKO) (1,400; 39-75)— “Pagan Love Song” (M-G). Smash $14,000. Stays anotheri stanza/ Last week, “Davy Crockett” (UA) and “Gun Crazy” (UA). $6,500. Keith’s (Mid-States) (1,542; 39- 75)—“Harvey” (U). Wow $12,000, warranting extended time. Last week, “Mystery Submarine” (U), so-so $4,600. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 39-75) — ‘Mask’ Terrif 18G, Trencbie’ Wow Frisco; ‘Branded’ 130 , ‘Song’ 24G key City Gros$e$ Estimated Total Gross This " Week;.... $2,343,500 . (Based on 24 cities,, 193 the- atres, chiefly runs, include ing N: Y.) • Total Gross Same Week Last Year ... .$2,804,0^^ {Based on 21 citios, and 17.8 theatres.) O'Malley and Mr. Malone” (M-G)/i“Never , A Dull Moment” (RKO). Mild $7,500. Last week, “Killer' Fairish $9,000. Last wrick, “Mid- That Stalked N. Y.” (Col), $7,000. night and DaAVn” (Col), $7,500* Philadelphia, Dec. 26. New product and favorable weather is spelling nice trade gen- erally here this sessiori. Terrific bally helped preem of“The Gold- bergs’’ at the new Midtown thea- tre, with neat week in prospect. “Mr. Music” shapes smash at the Goldman while “Pagan Love Song” looms solid at the Randolph. “Dallas” shapes well at Mastbaum and “For Heaven's Sake” started out fast at the Fox on Monday (25).-:' Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (1,303; 50-99) — “Watch Birdie” (M-G). Lean $7,- 500. Last week, “Ichabod, Mr. Toad” (RKO), $8,500. Boyd (WB) (2,360; 50-99)—“Kim” (M-G). Sock $24,000. Last week, “■Three Husbands” (UA), $9,700. Earle (WB) (2,700; 50-99)—“1,001 Nights” (Col) and “Tars and Spars” (Gol) (reissues). Weak $4,500 in 4 days. Last week, “Undercover Girl” (U), $12,000. Fox (20th) (2,250; 50-99)—“For Heaven’s Sake” (20th). Opened Monday (25). Last week, “2 Flags West” (20th) (2d wk), mild $10,000 in 5 days. Goldman: (Goldman) (1,200; 50- 99) — “Mr. Music” (Par). Smash $24,000. Last week, “Mad Wednes- day” (RKO), fast $17,500 in 9 days. Mastbaum (WB) (4,360; 50-99)— “Dallas” (WB).' Sturdy $22,000. Last week, “ril Get By” (20th) (2d wk), $18,000 for 9 days. Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; 50- 99)—“The Goldbergs” (Par). This new pic opened this brand new theatre after big bally. Neat $13,000. Randolph (Goldman) (2,500; 50- 99)—“Pagan Love Song” (M-G). Solid $21,000. Last week, “Let’s Dance” (M-G) (5th wk), $7,500. Stanley (WB) (2,950; 50-99) — “King Solomon’s Mines” (M-G) (5th wk). Down to $9,000. Last week, $14,000. Stanton (WB) (1,4'73; 50-99) — “Mystery Submarine” (U). Oke $9,000. Last week, “Highway 301” (WB) (2d wk), $10,000. Trans^Lux (T-L) (500; 50-99)— “Trio” (Par) (6th wk). Off to $3,- 000. Last week, $3,400. World (G&S) (500; 50-99) — “Bitter Rice” (Indie) (5th wk). Tasty $5,000. Last week, $5,600. In Indph.; ’Get By'lOG . Indianapolis, Dec. 26. First-rurts are being helped only mildly here currently by Christmas week. “Watch the Birdie” will lead town with stout figure at Loew’s. “I’ll Get By” is nice at Circle, “Kansas' Raiders,” at Indiana, looks fair. ■■ \ ■ Estimates for This Week Circle (Gamble-Dolle) (2,800; 44- 65)--”ril Get By” (20th) and “Ex- periment Alcatraz” (RKO). Nice $10,000. Last week, “Born Bad” (RKO) and “Father’s Wild Game” (Mono), dull $7,0()0, after Ralph Flanagan orch, Patti Page tilted ’ Admiral” (UA) to smash $18,800 in previous week. Indiana (tx^D) (3,300; 44-65)— “Kansas Raiders” (U) and “Woman on Run’* (U). Fair $9,000. Last week, “Destination Moon” (EL) and “Redwood Forest Trail” (Rep), $8,000. . . ■ ■ Loew’s (Loew's) (2,427; 44-65)— “Watch, Birdie” (M-G) and “Dial 1119” (M-G). Stout $12,000. Last week, “Two Weeks Love’* (M-G) and “Next Voice You Hear*’ (M-G), $9,500. Lyric (G-D) (1,600; 44-65)— ’‘Mad Wednesday” (RKO) and “Border Treasure” (RKO), Mild $4,500. Last week, “Hell Town” (Indie) and “Buffalo Stampede” (Indie) (reissues), ditto.. San Francisco, Dec. 26. City is packed with new, sttong product and biz currently is reflect- ing it with smash sessions. “Pagan Love Song” shapes as biggest grosser with sock total at Warfield. However, “Mr. Music” is equally as strong with wow session at St, Francis. “Harvey” is in same class with wow session at Orpheum while “Branded” looms strong at Para- mount. ’’Never a Dull Moment’* looks big at Golden Gate despite opening last Wednesday while town still was limping. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 60- 85)—“Never Dull-Moment” (RKO) and “Hue And Cry” (Indie). Big $18,000. Last week, “Prehistoric Women” (EL) and ’’Prisoners In Petticoats” (EL), $12,000.- Fox (FWC) (4,651; 65-90) — '’Dallas” (WB) arid“Trail Of Robins hood” (Rep). Good $21,500 in 9 days. Last Werik, ”Two Flags West” (20th) and “California Passage'* (Rep) (2d wk), $9;500. Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; 60-85) —“Pagan Love Song” (M-G). Sock $24,000. Last Week, “Miniver Story” (M-G), $12,000. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 60-85)-^ “Branded” (Par) and “County Fair” (Mono). Great $22,000. Last week, “Two Lost Worlds” (EL) and “Highway 301” (WB), big $20,000. St* Francis (Par) (1,400; 60-85)--- *!Mr. Music” (Par). Terrific $18,000. Last week, “West Point” (WB) (4th wk), $6,500. Orpheum (No. Coast) (2,478; 55- 85)—“Harvey” (U). WoW $22,500. Last week, “Tough As Come” (Col) and “He’s Cockeyed Wonder” (Col), $ 12 , 000 . United Artists (No. Coast) (1,207; 55-85) — “Frenchie” (U). Colossal $14,000. Last week, “Undercover Girl” (U), $7,000. Stagedoor (A-R) (370; 85-$l)-* “Fantasia” (RKO) (reissue). Good $3,200. Last week, “Keys To King- dom” (RKO) and “Razor’s Edge” (20th) (reissues), $2,800. Clay (Rosener) (400; 65-85)— “Bitter Rice” (Indie), Big $3,800, Last week, “Mafia” (Indie) (re- issue), $2,000. ' Larkin (Rosener) (400; 65-85)— “Bitter Rice” (Indie). Great $3,- 700. Last week, “Gatskill Honey- moon” (Indie), $2,000, Pitt Up; Godfrey Unit tilts’Pier’Socko 25G, Pittsburgh, Dec. 26. With few spots doing much ovrir the weekend, as expected, Xmas Day saw biz perking at night. Ai> thur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts unit with Billy Lawrencri and Billy Gil- bert should give “Woman on Pier 13” a sock session at the Stanley. “Kansas Raiders” is a strong en- try at Fulton. ‘’For Heaven’s Sake'* is pacing for not much over aver- age at Harris. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 45-80)— ’‘Kansas Raiders” (U). Sturdy $10,- 000 at least. Last week, “South- side 1-100” (Mono), $4,000. Harris (Harris) (2,200; 45-80)— “For Heaven’s Sake” (20th). Nice $12,000, looms. Likely candidate to stick for New Year’s. Last week, Midnight and Dawn” (Col), $7,500. Penn (Loew’s) (3,300; 45-80)— “Watch Birdie” (M-G). Not doing as good as Red Skelton comedies usually do. Modest $14,000 or close. Last week, “Two Weeks With Love” (M-G), $10,000 in 8 days. Stanley (WB) (3,800; 60-$l.10)-r- “Woman on Pier 13” (RKO) and Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts on- stage. Scouts the big Wraw, natch„ and looks; smash $25,000 or over, ^st. week, “Where Danger Lives’* (RKO), $9,000. JVarner (WB) (2,000; 45-80)— _Gilda’ (Col) and “Platinum Blonde” (Col) (reissues). Pair booked in at ' Iast ’ minute. Mild $6,500. Last week, “Outrage (RKO), about same* ‘Heaven’ Hearty $13,()00, Port.; ‘2 Weeks’Fat 14 . Portland, Ore., Dec. 26. Nothing outstanding in the w of-product is showing at first-ru this Week considering this is holiday week. Local girl Ja Powell in“Two Weeks With Lov at' United Artists is boosting tl pic to best showing in city. ’-F Heaven’s Sake” also shapes fairly well, Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,850; I (Continued on page; 18) , <