Variety (December 1950)

Wednesday, December 27, 1950 iPiCTlJIIE OaOSSES i ic-Vaude Sockeroo at 48G, Chi; Chicago, Dec. 26. -f- Ti uiT»P"card product in Loop this week is giving most spots a big boost but 9-inch snowfall will clip totals Oriental looms tops, with "Mr Music” and Ames Brothers onstage with sock $48,000. Chicago entry ‘ Pagan Love Song’V and Phil Silvers and Ethel Smith topping stage show, is okay at $40,000^ "Frenchie” shapes big at the ,Uni left Artist^ v >; State-Lake bowed with “Harvey” vest 0 relay (25) to fine returns. “For Heaven’s Sake” teedoff at Woods vith fine $20,000. “Vendetta” shouUl nab nice $13,000 at Grand, Estimates for This Week rhicago (B&K) (3.900; 55-98)— “Pagan Love Song” (M-G) plus Phil Silvers, Ethel Smith topping stagoshovv. Just okay $40,00Q. Last week “Dark City” (Par) and Duke Ellington orch and Sarah Vaughan onstage, $32,000, Grand (BKO) (1,200; 55-98)— ehdetta” (RKO). Fine $13,000. Last week, “King Solomon’s Mines” (M-G) (5th wk), $14,500 in la days. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 55-98)-— “Mr. Music” (Par) with Ames Brothers and Roily Rolls onstage. Sock $48,000. Last week, ”Two Week.s With Love” (M-G) apd 3 Stooges and Eileen Barton oiistage (3(1 w k), $18,000. Palace (RKO) (2,500'; 55-98)—^ “Never Dull Moment” (RKO) and “Tougher They Gome” (Col). Opened Sunday (24). In ahead, “Outrage” (RKO) and “Modem Marriage” (Mono) $4,000. Last week, and “Cassino to $ 10 , 000 . (4 days), dull “Deported” (U) Korea” (Par), Roosevelt (B&K) (1.500; 55-98)— “Fighting Caravans” (Indie) and “Fighting Westerners” (Indie) (re- issuc.sh Minor $10,000. Last week, “Southside 1-1000” (Mono) and “Surrender” (Rep), $8,500. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 55-98) —“Harvey” (U). Opened yesterday (Mon.) big. Ldst week, “San; Quen- tin” (VVB) and “Alcatraz Island’’ (WB) (reissues) (2d wk). Slim $9,- 000. Last week, $11,000. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 55- 98\—“Frenchie” (U) and “He’s a Cockeyed Wonder” (Col). Big $14r 000 or over. Last week, “Gilda” (Coll and . “Platinum Blonde” (Coll (reissues) (2d wk), $9,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,073; 98)— “For Heaven’s Sake” (20th). Fine $20,000. Last week, “Kansas Raid- er.'^ ’ (U) (3d wk), $3,000 in 3 days. World (Indie) (587; 80)—“Blue Angel” (Indie) (reissue) (2d wk). Great $4,000. Last week, $6,500. ‘Music’lciid $13,000 h Seattle; lad Wed.’Hot 9G, ‘Heaven’ Loft; 12G Seattle, Dec. 26. Trade at first-runs Is better this week. “Mr. Music” looks standout while “Mad Wednesday” shaped nice. “For Heaven’s Sake” also is trim at the larger Paramount, Estimates for This Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (800: 65- 00i—“Undercover Girl” (U). Good .$3,000 in 6 days. Last week, “West Point Story” .(WB) (4th wk), $2,- 400. Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) (2,349; ().O'90)-r-“Mr, Music” (Par) and ; rougher They Come” (Col). Big $13,000. Last week, “Let’s Dance” (IMiO and “Torch” (EL) (3d wk), $4,800 in 6 days. Liberty (Hainrick) (1,650; 65-90) ^ Mystery Submarine” (U). Fair f dvOOO. Last week, “2 Weeks Love” (M-G).and: “Dial 1119” (M-G) (3d wk). oke $3,900 in 4 .days. Music Box (Hamrick) (850; 65-90) — 'Hit Parade ’51” (Rep)., Slow Sm.dOO. Last Week, “Good Time Girl” (EL), $4;200; " .^Music Hall (Hamrick) (2,200; 65- Solomon’s Mines” IcM “Happy Years” (M-G) (5th wk).^ Great $9,000. Holds. Last Week. $10,700. Orpheum (Hamrick) (2,600; 65- Mad Wednesday” (RKO) and Robin Hood” (Rep). Nice Lsst week; “Breakthrough” (WBi (2d wk) big $7,000 in 9 days. . Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 65-90) ■lackpot” (2Dth) (2d run) plus sbigeshovv. Big $8,500. Last week, . Hi idi Lonesome” (EL) .(2d run) and vaude. $3,600. rvw-,;t**(owount (Evergreen) (3,039; ' Heaven’s Sake” (20th) Fireball” (20th). Trim Last week, “Hell Town” uliei and “Buffalo Stampede” indie), $8,000 in 8 daysl • ' Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net, l.e., without the 20% tax, pistribu- tors share on net take, when playing percentage, hence the estimated figures are net in- come. The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, Include the U. S. amusement Lax. Buffalo, Dec. 26. * Christmas lull is putting skids under boxofflee take here this week and last stanza. Standout Is “DallaSi” with great session' at Center. “Mr. Music” also is nice at Paramount. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loews) (3,50Q; 40-70)— “Watch Birdie” (M-G) and “Hot Rod” (Mono). Mild $10,000. Last week, “Mrs. O’Malley and Mr. Malone” (M-G) and “Husbands Three” (UA), $7,500. Paramount (Par) (3,000; 40-75) —‘‘Mr. Music” (Par), Nice $12,000. Last Week, “Highway 301” (WB) and “Southside 1-1000” (Mono), $ 11 , 000 . Center (Par) (2,100; 40-75) — “Dallas” (WB). Great $13,000. Last week, “I’ll Get By” (20th) (2d wk), $7,200. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 40-70)— “Deported” (U) and “Undercover Girl” (U). Light $7,500. Last week, “Emergency Wedding” (Col) and “Pygmy Island” (Col), $6,000. Century (20th Cent.) (3,000; 40- 70)—“Song of South” (RKCD) and “Make Mine Music” (RKO) (re- issues). Lean $5,000. Last week, “Mr. Lucky” (RKO) and “Lady Takes Chance” (RKO) (reissues), $ 6 , 000 . K.C.; ’Music’ Fast 16G Kansas City, Dec. 26. Film houses going out for biz in big way with stellar line-up of pix this week. “Mr. Music” at the Paramount looks for one of big- gest weeks recently after a strong opening. “Two Weeks With Love” is pleasing at the Midland, RKO’s Missouri is sharp with “Never a Dull Moment.” Fox-Midwest three- house combo is holdover on “American Guerrilla in the Philip- pines,” and likely to top opening round. Weather is bringing some of the warmest winter days on record. Estimates for This Week Esquire (Fox-Midwest) (820; 45- 65)—“Pituri” (Indie) and. “Jungle Stampede” (Rep). Nice $3,000, Last week, “Dedee” (Indie) and “Good Time Girl” (EL), best in many weeks, sock $3,800. Kimb (Dickinson) (550; 50-75) — “March of Wooden Soldiers” (Lip) (reissue). Average $1,500. Last week, “Mr. Perrin and Mr. Trail” (Indie) and “Canterbury Tale” (Indie)^ $1;000. ; Midland (Loew’s) (3,500; 45-65) —“Two Weeks With Love?’ (M-G) and “Kiss for Corliss” (Col). Pleasant $16,000. Last week, “Fuller Brush Girl” (Col) and “Last of Buccaneers” ((IJol), $10,000. Missouri (RKO) (2,65Q; 45-65) “Never Dull Moment’? (RKO) and “Blues Busters” (Mono). Better than recently here with nice $11,- 000, Last week, “Born to West” (Indie) and “The Thundering Herd’’ (Indiel (reissues), $7,000. Paramount (UP) (1,900; 45-65)— “Mr. Music” (Par). Giving house one of biggest weeks in recent months at $16,000 or near. Holds over. Last week, “Buccaneer” (Par) and “Ladies Big House” (Par) (reissues), low $7,000, Tower - Uptown- Fairway (Fox- Midwest) (2,100; 2,043; 700; 45-65). —“American Guerrilla” (20th) (2d wk). Help of holiday crowd better- ing first week, fast $12,000. Last week, held up to $11,000 in face of usual pre-Xnias’slumR/ ‘BIROr IIG, L’VIllE; ‘MILKMAN’ FAIR 5iG Lpuisyille, Dec. 26. Business at the downtown houses was slowed to; a walk over week- end before Christmas. Some up- turn was noted Christmas Day, but generally the pace is slow this ses- sion; “Watch Birdie” and “Next Voice You Hear” at the State will make best showing, with “Jackpot” and “Blues Busters’? at the Rialto a loping runner-up. “Mad Wednes- day” at Strand is only mild. Estimates for This Week Mary Anderson (Peoplels) (1,200; 45-65)—“Milkman” (U). Fair $5,- 500 in prospect. Last week, “High- way 301” (WB), $6,500. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; 45-65) — “Jackpot” (20th) and “Blues Busters” (MonO). Mild $9,- 000. Last week, “Born to Be Bad” (Par) and “Woman on Pier 13” (Par), satisfaictory $11,000. State (I^oew’s) (3,000; 45-65)— “Watch Birdie” (M-G) and “Next Voice” (M-G). Stacks up as good product, but holiday activities not helping. Modest $11,000. Last week, “Last of Buccaneers” (Col) and “Fuller Brush Girl” (Col), fairish $10,00Q. Strand (FA) (1,200; 45-65)— “Mad Wednesday” (1^0) and “Walt Disney Cartoon Festival” (RKO). Mild $4,6 oO, indicated. Last week, “Trail Robin Hood” (Rep) and “Hit Parade 1951” (Rep), $4,500. Toronto, Dec. 26. Smash returns for “Harvey” and ,*T’ll Get By,” running nearly even will be standout this session. “For Heaven’s Sake,” in two houses, looms neat. “Fuller Brush Girl” is also doing okay. Estimates for This Week Downtown, Glendale, Mayfair, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (1,059; 955; 470; 698: 694; 35-57)—“San Quentin” (WB) and “Alcatraz Island” (WB) (reissues). Okay $12,000. Last week, “Gilda” (Col) and “Platinum Blonde” (Col) (re- issues), $11,000. Eglinton. Victoria (FP) (1,180; 1,140; 38-77)—“Miracle 34th St.” (20th) and “Adventures Tom Saw- yer” (SRO) (reissuos), continuing sharp $7,000. Last week, $7,200. Imperial (FP) (3.373; 38-77)— “Dark City” (Par) (2d wk). Neat $10,000. Last week, $13,000, Loew’s (Loew) (2,096; 48-67)— “To Please Lady” (M-G) (2d wk). Satisfactory $6,700 in 5 days. Last week, $11,000. Nortown, University (FP) (959; i,556; 38-77)—“For Heaven’s Sake” (20th). Neat $11;000. Last week, “Breaking Point” (WB) (2d wk), $7,000. Odeon (Rank) (2,390; 50-90)— “I’ll Get By” (20th). Big $17,000. Last week, “Reluctant Widow” (EL), $8,500. Shea’s (FP) (2,386; 38-77)— “Fuller Brush Girl”- (Col). Okay $8,000. Last week, “Born Be Bad” (RKO) (2d wk), $6,000. Uptown (Loew) (2,743; 38-67)— “Harvey” (U). Smash $16,500. Last week, “Milkfhan” (U), $5,500. Holdovers Hurt Mont’l; ‘Convicted’ Fine ^8,000 Montreal, Dec. 26. “Convicted” and “Counterspy” at Imperial is only bill doing much this stanza here, other houses be- ing heavily hit by holiday influ- ences. “Great Jewel Robber,” an- other newcomer, shapes slow at Princess, Estimates for This Week Palace (C.TJ (2,625; 34-60) — “Three Daring Daugnters” (M-G) (2d wk). Way off to $6,000 followr ing okay first session at $16,000, Capitol (C.T.) (2,412; 34-60) — “Fireball” (20th). Lean $7,000. Last week, “Joan of Arc” (RKO), $8,000. Princess (C.T.) (2,131; 34-60) — “Great Jewel Robber” (WB). Slow $7,000, Last week, “Right Cross” (M-G), $10,500. Loew’s (C.T.) (2,855; 40-65) — “Toast New Orleans’? (M-G) (3d wk)- Down to $8,000 after sturdy $15,000 in second. imperial (C.T.) (1,839; 34-60) -- “Convicted’^ (Cql) and “Counter- spy” (Col). Fine $$»000.. Last week, “C a p t u r e” (RKO) and “inter- rupted Journey” (RKO), $7,000. 4th Youngstown Closing Youngstown, Dec. 26. Fourth theatre to close in Youngstown this year, the Strand darkened last week. Decision to close vvas mad when the owners and the operators' Lo* call .388, lATSE, failed to reach an agreement on a new edritr^cL ‘ ■ Xmas Ups B way; ‘Musk’ Solid 73G Widi Prima-Jan Murray on Stage, “Harvey 35(j, “Mudlark’ 36, “West Pt’ (6 Long holiday weekend plus the usual business pickup after Christ- mas Eve is giving Broadway first- runs a real lift this week. Natural- ly, Christmas Day (Mon.) was much better than most recent days hut the biggest Improvement came yesterday (Tues.). Subsequent biz is expected to be strong. While the steady snowfall yesterday did hot particularly cut into earlier biz, many managers were fearful that too much snow would damage the prize take in the next few days if it continued heavy. With schools out arid a letup in Xmas shopping, most houses on Tuesday (26) be- lieved the day’s trade would re- flect the customary after Dec. 25 increase. Weather was largely favorable until Tuesday’s snow. Brightest newcomer for vaud- film theatres looks to be '*‘Mr, Music” with Louis Prima band and Jan Murray heading stageshow at Paramount. Combo wound up ini- tial week last (Tues.) with solid $73,000, especially nice in View of starting in middle of worst pre- Xmas session. “Harvey” and “Mudlark” are outstanding among the new straight film bills. Despite opening Thursday (21), about the peak of. the pre-Christmas lull, “Harvey” is soaring to about $35,000, smash, in initial session at the Astor. Helped by good reviews, James Stewart starrer, adapted from the legit comedy hit, rebounded sharply as soori as the Street got back to normal. “Mudlark’? is about as strong at the bigger RivOli, with a big $36,000 likely, . “West Point Story,” piu$ Jackte Miles, Mary Raye & Naldi, Don Cornell, topping stage bill, looks fine $46,000 or near at the Strand. “Flying Missile” does not shape as strong as expected but is still good «t around $25,000 at the State. Holiday crowds plus extra shows last. Saturday is pushing “Kim,” with annual Xmas stageshow and pageant, to smash $160,000 at the Music Hall despite this being the third frame for this bill. §tays through Jan. 10, with New Year’s Eve show sold out weeks ago.. “For Heaven’s Sake,” with Yule- tide show featuring Elsa & Waldo, plus iceshow, is soaring to great $110,000 in second week at the Roxy, far ahead of initial round. . Both the Capitol and Glpbe brought in new shows Christmas Day while Victoria opened “Born Yesterday” yesterday in sock style. “Pagan Love Song” with Ink Spots, Shep Fields band, Marilyn Max- well onstage, started smash at the Cap while “Vendetta” teed off well at Globe. , Holiday week is pushing up such long-run pictures as “Cyrano” at the Bijou, where it’s in sixth week starting today, and “Trio,” now in 12th stanza at the Sutton. Two new bills open Dec. 30. “The Milkman” comes into the Mayfair on that date and “Where Danger Lives” opens the same day at the Criterion. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 55-$1.50) —^^“Harvey” (U). Initial week end- ing today (Wed.) is beading for socko $35,000 or close, Looks in for { < run. Teed off with special benefit show of the N. Y. Heart’ Fund on Dec. 20. Bijou, (City Inv.) (589; $1.20- $2 40) — “Cyrano” (UA) (6th wk). Fifth r o. u ri d ended last night (Tues.) picked up to smash $15,000, aided by extra shows. Fourth week was $12,500. Capitol (Loew’s) (4,820; 5541.50) — ‘Pagan Love Song” (M-G) plus Ink Spots, Shep Fields orch, Mari- lyn Maxwell heading stageshow. Opened Monday (25)i first two days being great $25,000. In ahead, “Watch Birdie” (M-G) with Enric Madrigucra Orch, Paul Regan, others onstage (2d wk)ii was down to drab $12,000. Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 50-$1.75) —“Pinbcchio” (RKO) and“Make Mine Music” (RkO) (reissues) (2d wk). Initial holdover round ending tomorrow (Thurs.) climbing to big $17,000 after $14,000 opening week, a bit below hopes. “Where Dangei* Lives” (RKO) opens Dec. 30. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 50-$1.20) — “Vendetta” (RKO). Opened Mond^ (25) in fine style. In ahead,- California Passage” (Rep), slow $10,000 in 9. days. Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; ou -1 - , - ^ a $1.20)-—“Rio Grande” (Rep) (6th ; “Horse Feathers (Par) (reissues), wk). J^ushed up to okay ,$ 8 ,()i 0 p.i Okay $3,500. LasV . week^^. Rio after $5,5()0 in fifth sTanza; but* winding up profitable run. “Milk- man” (U) opens Dec. 30. Palace (RKO) (1^700; 55-$1.20)— “Emergency Wedding” (Col) with vaude. Still lagging at about $17,- 000: Last week, “Last of Buc- caneers” (Col) and vaude, light $15,000, Paramount (Par) (3,664; 55-$1.50) r^“Mr. Music” (Par) plus Louis Prima oFch, Jan Murray, others onstage (2d wk). Initial session ended last night (Tues.) hit solid $73,000. In ahead, “Let’s Dance” (Par) with Jimmy Dorsey orch, Nat “King” Cole Trio heading stage bill (3d wk), modest $45,000;. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke** fellers) (5,945; 80-$2.40) — “Kim” (M-G) with annual Christmas pageant and stageshow (3d wk). Soaring to $160,000 after fancy $143,000 in second round, latter not . quite up to hop6s.. Extra shows, with long lines, making money possible this session. Plays through Jan, 10, and possibly longer. Rialto (Mage) (594; 44-98) , — “March of Wooden SoMiers” (In- die) (reissue). Oldie LaureK Hardy comedy hitting mild $5,500 in first week ending tomorrow (Thurs,),. and won’t hold. In ahead, “International Burlesque” (Indie) (7th wk), $5,000, winding up highly profitable run. Rivoli (UAT-Par) (2,092; 90- $1.25) — “The Mudlark” (20th). First week ending next Friday (29) looks to register big $36,000' or better. Holds. In ahead, “Never- Dull Moment” (RKO) (4th wfc- 8 days), $5,000. Roxy (20th) (5,886; 8041.75)— ‘‘For Heaven’s Sake” (20th) plus Yuletide show featuring Elsa & Waldo, iceshow (2d wk). Pushing up to rousing $110,000 or near after fancy $74,000 opener albeit below expectancy. Holds through New Year’s. State (Loew’s) (3,450; 55-$1.50)— “Flying Missile” (Col). Initial round ending Friday (29) ofi dis- appointing side at good; $25,000 or close.: Holds. In ahead, “Opera- tion X” (Col) (2d wk), $4,500. , Strand (WB) (2,756; 55-$2)— “West Point Story” (WB) plus Jackie Miles, Mary Raye & Naldi, Don Cornell onstage. Initial week ending next Thursday (28) looks to hit nice $46,000 or near. Holds. In ahead, “Highway 301” (WB) and Dave Apollon Peggy Mann, others onstage (2d wk), $17,000. , Sutton (R & B) (561; 90-$1.50)— “Trio” (Par) (12th wk). For 11th week ended Monday (25) held nice- ly at $8;400 after $9,000 for 10th round. Continues. Trans-Lux 60th St. (T-L) (453; 74-$1.50)--“Macbeth” (Rep). Opens i today (Wed.). In ahead, “Rapture” (EL) (2d wk), dipped to $2,500 in 4 days after slow $4,000 opener. Trans-Lux 52d St. (T-L) (540; 90- $1.50)—“Seven Days To Noon” (In- die) (2d wk). Initial round ended Sunday (24) climbed to smash $15,500. In ahead, “Prelude to Fame” (U) (6th wk), $3,500. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 95- $1.50)—“Born Yesterday” (Col). Opened in smash fashion yester- day ITues.), ^ In ahead, “Red Shoes’* (EL) (5th wk), was big $12,000 in final 6 days after $11,000 for fourth week. * Oke IIG,‘Hearts’{5,000 Minneapolis, Dec. 26. Christmas week got off to slow start because-initial days just pre- ceded the holiday. But with such an array of strong newcomers as “For Heaven’s Sake,” “The West Point story” and“Kind Hearts and Gentle People/’ it is expected to gain momentum later in week. Lone holdovers are “King Solo- mon’s Mines”, in its sixth week J^nd “All About Eve/’ now at its third loop stand. Weather continues an adverse factor: / , Estimates for This Week Century (Par) (1,600; 50-70)— “Adam and Evaiyn” (U). Mild $4;000. Last week; “All Aboiit; Eve (26th). (3d wk), okay $3,500. ^ Gopher (Berger). (1,000; 5040)^ “King Solomon’s Mines” (M-G) (6th wk). Fini.shing ace engage- ment at okay $3,500. Last week, $3,000. . Lyric (Par) (1.000; 50-70)-^ 50- j “Monkey Business” (Par) and V'VtV.v'w.. (Continued on page 18)