Variety (January 1951)

18 PICTURKS WcdiMfidayy January 24, 1951 Clips From Fibn Row X 4 4 ♦♦ 44 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦ » ♦ ♦♦♦♦»»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦f ♦ 4 ♦ 4 ♦ » 444 NEW YORK ^ o m 1, ^ 1 •* ,by Shirley Travis. Dan S, Ten*ell, Metro exploitaj Hjalmar Randgaard shifted from tion chief, back in N. Y. after a. manager of Ridge theatre, BreckCoast visit. enridge, N! D., to Ely, Ely, Minn. Resignation of Fred Lahrmer as Succeeds Don Wiese, awaiting call city manager in Lancaster. O., £or to service. Jamestown Amps. Co. (Shea cirj John Schahnon bought Ameiry cuit) brought about a personnel theatre, Amery, Wis. shulfle in eight cities where the , Walter Branson, western sales chain has. outlets. . Jack Baum manager, and Herb Greenblatt, gardt, former city manager in district manager of RKO, in for Westfield, Mass., tpok over Lahr ' sales conferences. , ■ ■■■ mer’s Old ppst.^ Armand Pepin, i Apparently unsuccessful in getc.rfi. in Conneaut, O.j ; moved to ting major distributors^ saleis hiaiiWestfield. agers to adopt its proposed new tend and explain the COMPO program. , Sylvan Bany, former manager of the Varsity, named manager of Fiesta Drive-In operated by the Apollo Amus. Co. in San Antonio. Clyde Allen named manager of < .,1 u A .! recently opened Ridglea theatre in listed^ m Najy; will be succeeded j worth by Interstate. He was "" — manager of Parkway. John Monroe, manager of Video Independent Theatres at Cuero for more than four years to take over similar post for circuit at Hugo;Dkla. Four-month strike of operators at five East Texas Theatre Circuit houses in Baytown and La Porte settled amicably. PHILAD^HIA Ted Schlanger, new Chief Barker Roberl Limbaueh manager of sehing plan desighedTo lessen per| of Variety Club here, appointed oiica’s theatre Geneva O switched cehtages and thus lower film costs, James Ashcraft, recently retired to1?onneaut as cUv^^ still not admitting defeat Metro flack, to the publicity post MaeNe"ly%ana|e^^^^ confeijnces ,'for forthcoming Variety Clubs In pheum, McKees Rocks, Pa., re■ in New \ ork, North^Central Allied _ T _ i. j' -r ou OMAHA page 9) “Dial 1119” neva, manager nam^ed manager of McKeOs Rocks hoii.se., . Tom Durkin, assistant manager Shea’s theatre, Geneva, Q,, switched centages to Conneiaut *18 city manager. Ray I although ^ MacNealy, 'manager of Shea’s Or! ? ■ ^ re! in New York, North C placed Limbaugh at Shea’s, Ge-! how charges most ftlin companms William Kibinge, assistant j’ with “a .country-wide ruthless and r in New Philadelphia, Q., ! destructive drive fpr still further — . increased rentals, ’ , jFpr first time in its history, Minnesota Amusitf .Cd. (Paramount icir-A I <^..1 I cult), leased ! its 4, OOG-soat ’‘Radtp rf i City for an outside attraction, Mifi f^sistanrmanager^ ^^ f/j neapolis Chapter pf |Iadassah, in ;to' Durkin’s old poll in AsHtaWla.' Leonard Freund, executive of Centu:^ Theatres for last 25 years, resigned to take a top .post withliipnty MacLevy’s slenderizing salons and dance studios. Freund will direct advertising and promor tlOli.-. Maurice Silversteih, Latin Amer-^ ica regional director for Loew’s Internationa], is away from N. Y. on eight-week tour of company ofi conventional type of Cential and ; Proposed unit Is set for 1 rt* 1 f rt ' construction at circuit’s Embassy Fifth and final regionar meeting ■ of Paramount bookers wound up , prnnn^pH 'addiiinn of an ozoner Sunday (21) at tVarwick Hotel here. ! Jfcmrt to Two-day session was attended by j Lcanture that ^shgment* of family ’ hooking personnel of New York. | s“%'/^co Boston, New Haven, Albany and for Israel Institutions,: takes over big house on a rental th(B night 6f Peb, 17 for the local appearance of Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. BOSTON Samuel Pinanskl, head of American Theatres Corp. here, has plans for a revolutionary type of theatre' wliieh adds an open-air Buffalo branches. Previous bookers! liuddles ^vGre held in Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Chicago: and Los Angele.s. MINNEAPOLIS Jerry Weisfeldt, former branch f^om their autos New 200-chr plant is skedded for 1 spriilg on a lot at rear of .theatre.' Both the conventional Embassy and its drive-in annex will be operated under identical policies, giving patrons the option of seeing same show inside the theatre or officelmanager for Fox here, back to Army as a lieutenant. . Marvin Anderson,' manager of Fargo rtheatre, Fargo, N. D., en Actirig on premise that house managers know more about their own theatres than distribs, Shea’s State theatre, Manchester, N. H., talked 20th-F<)x Boston exchange out of booking “All About Eve” on a run that would include a Sunday. New twist also was adopted by playing pic on a two-a-day, regular admis^on price, unresenred-seat policy on last half of week. Result was that Wednesdaythrough-Saturday gross hit estimated $4,000, Normal four-day take on last half of week for this house is around $1,200. 4 engine DOUGLAS DC-4S DlrMtfram Lt GuaNHa aiid Newark NON STOP MIAMI .00 Curtli. <35 I Way CALIFORNiA$72 1 STOP Return NORTH AMERICAN 7>^' AIRLINES Free ticket Dcl'y. Irr. Fllchtg, plus taa BRyoiit 9-6492 309 ath Ava, (Eiit. 42nd St.) Suita I OQ BROOKLYN UL 5r3888 Hotel St. dearie Clark Streat BRONX LU 4-0607 2488 Gr, CeneaurH (FardhamRd) Rm 928 PITTSBURGH Lou Hanna, of Film Row, ac* quired the Metropolitan in Bloomfield under a long-term lease from, Lou Kaufman, who has withdrawn from exhibition to concentrate on his ad distributing business. Housewill be managed by Maurice Fruhiingei*, half-owner of Silver DriveIn near Windber. George C. Sarvis, Warren, Pa., theatre manager, named justice of peace for the borough of Warren by Governor James H. Duff. John Malco, owner of the Heights, will run the house himself when it reopens shortly after extensive renovations. ^ December winners in WB’s Pittsburgh, zone in national three-month Bhowmanship drive for managers were: Bob Bowman, Erie, first place; and second-placers, Joe Freeman, Johnstown; Frank Brown, Titusville, and Bob Nielsdn, State College. Pennsylvania Bar Assn., meeting here last week and sent 600 delegates to midnight screening of ■'Magnificent Yankee” at Penn theatre; • Percentage actions filed here last week against James Jaffurs, Richard E, ;Brown, William Anast, John Jaffurs, Jr., and Wilmer ‘Enterprises, Inc., by seven distributors. Companies asking fbr accounting were WB, JIKO, Universal, Paraihount, 20th-Fox, UA and Loew’s. temational convention. 'The Crescent theatre in Southwest Philly, shuttered. The Frolic, wliich closed early in December, is Inow a laundry; Dave Mpliver’s h<mfws, the, Regis . and Gem, are placing weekends billy. Bdd Freemam Ellis Circuits disr trict manager, resigned to go into the iood industry, Edward D*. Ellis, of the A,, M, Ellis chain, has quit film iridusU’y togo into ^n importing and exporting busine^ . with Donald O’Donnell, formerly with Universal. Bill Wolf and Joe Conway, who recently took over, the Wayne, Germantown, acquired, the Strand, Wilmington, Del., formerly owned j by Ben Schindler. Jack Smith resigned as manager of Sam Hyman’s Cameo to take charge of the Steifel and Blurriberg ! Carman theatre, which scrapped ; variety shows several months ago, returns to vaude policy this week. DENVER (Continued from page 8) (M-G) (5th wk). Fine $9,000. Last week, $10,000. . Denham (CoCkrilD (1,750; 40-80) —“Branded” (Par) (2d wk). Okay $10,500. Last week, near-record 1 $16,000. 1 Denver (Fox) (2,525; 40-80) •— | “Hails of Montezuma” (20th) ahd j “Gasoline Alley” (Col), day-date with Esquire. Big $18,500. Last week, “Frenchie^* (U) and “Tougher They Come” (Col), ,$16,000. Esquire (Fox) (742; 40-80) — “Halls of Montezuma” (20th) and “Gasoline Alley (COl), also .Denver. Big $3,500. Last week, “Frenehie” (U) and “Tougher They Come” (Coi), $3,000. Orpheiim (RKO) 12,600; 40-80) — “Kim” (M-G) and “Hunt Man Down” (RKO). Smash $20,000. Last week, “Watch Birdie” (M-G) and “Boi’der Ranger” (Lip), $14,000. Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 40-80) — “Stage to Tucson” (Col) and “Atlantic City Honeymoon” (Rep). Poor $5,500. Last week, “Emergency Wedding” (Col) and “Pygmy Island” (Col), $6,500. Tabor (Fox) (1,967; 40-80)— “Flying Missile” (Col) and “Blondie” (Col), also Aladdin, Webber. Drab $3,000. Last week, “Last of Buccaneers” (Col) and “Midnight and DaWn” (Col), $4,000. Vogue (Pike) (600; 40-80) — “II Trpvatore” (Indie), Good $2,500. Last week, reissue. Webber (Fbx) (750; 40-80)— “Flying Missile” (Col) and “Blondie” (Col), also Aladdih, Tabor. Slim $1,500. Last week, “Last of Buccaneers” (Col) and “Midnight and Pawn” (Col), $1,700. (Continued from Malone” (M-G) . and tM-G), $12,000. Paramount (Tristates) (3,000; 1670) — “Grounds for Marriage” (M-G). Fair $9,500. ' "Last wfeek, “Dallas” (WB),. $11,000. BrandclB (RKO) (1,500; 16-70)— “Emergency Wedding” (Col) and “The Great Manhunt” (CoD. Good $6,500. Last week, “Never Dull Moment” (RKO), $6,000. State (Goldberg) (865; 20-75)— “Next Voice” (M-G) spy” (Mono). Good week, “Mr. Music’^ fine S4,000« I' Ottfaha CFristates) (2,100; 16-70) — “Dbllas»^ (WB) (m.oJ and “Alimony” (EL). Not so good $6,500. Last week, “D.O.A.” (UA) and “Champagne for Caesar” (UA), j $7,000. and “Counter1 at $5,000. Last (Par) (3d wX), TRAVEL AGENTS OfCOGN/'ZfD OUTPOOR RIFRESHMENT, SERVICE framCMit [•var % Refrashmtnt farvka far DRIVE IN THEATRES >PORr5FRVICE CORP ■ cot.' t w I. « ■; . ni ' ■ ^ ■ 4 , >. ..1 I '•O' bALLAS Paul Short, one-time division manager for National Screen Service and more reicently a Hollywood filmmaker, rejoined NSS as division manager. He will headquarter in Dallas. Arthur Mayer invited to be guest speaker at Allied of Texas convention here at Adolphus Hotel, Jan. 29-30. Both Mayer and R. J. O’Donriell, veepee of the Interstate Theatre circuit afe expected to at LOS ANGELES (Continued from page 8) (L.A. Par only) (2d wk-3 days), $5,400. Orpheuni (Metropolitan) (2,210; 70-$1.10) — “Winslow Boy” < EL) (2d ruii) with Dick Contino, Nick Lucas onstage. Modest $15,000. Last week, “Outrage” (RKO) and “Rio Grande Patrol’* (RKO) (8 days), slight $13,600 with Hawaii and Beverly Hills Music Hall. United Artists, Ritz, Vogue, Studio City, Culver (UA-FWC) (2,100; 1,370;; 885; 880; 1,145; 70$1.10)— “Steel Helmet” (Lip) and “3 Desperate Men” (Lip) (2d wk). Nice $20,000. Last week, rousing $34,500. Four Star (UA) (900; 70-90) “Magnificent Yankee” (M-G) (5th wk). Pushing up to $3,500. Last week, up to $3,300. Fine Arts (FWC) (677; $1.202.40)— “Cyrano” (UA) (iOth wk). Into loth frame today (Tues.) after smart $6,000 last week. Beverly Canon (ABC) (520; $1.20) — “Trio” (Rar) (5th wk). Steady $4,500. Last week, $4,700. Beth Brown's yarn, “Insurance Investigator,” slated for production by Republic. 16G, Both Big in D. C. Washington,' Jan. 23. Town’s art houses are cuiTently nlaking boxofflce ; n e vv s. “Seven Hays to Noon’* at T^jaris-Lux, sparked by preem at National Press Club and vollqy ; of critical kudos, looms record*breaking. “Cyrano,”, playing the Playhouse at roadshow scale, opened big despite a generally .lukewarm press. “Operation Pacific” at the Warner, hypoed by a glittering , military brass at preem, shapes hefty, with possibility that it will break a fivemonth record. Most other spots ; are on the mild side. , Estimates for This' Week Capitol (Loew%> (2,434; 44-90]^ “Three Husband^” (U A) plus vaude headed .by Georgia Gibbs on stage. Slow $17,000 likely. Last week, “Grounds for. Marriage”' (M-G), plus Arthur Godfrey Scouts on stage, sock $28,000 and over hopes. I Dupont (Lopert) (375; 50-85) — “Difficult Years” (Indie). Sturdy $4,000 for this small-seater. Laii. week, “Tight Little Island” (U) and “Seventh Veil” (U) (reissues) (2d wk), $2,200. Keith's (RKO) (1,939; 44-80) — “Never Dull Moment” (U). Nice $10,000. Last week, “Harvey” (U) (3d wk), very bright $13,000 for final 10 days. Metropolitan (Warner) (1,163; 4474)— “Dallas” (WB) (2d run). Good $5,000 in 8 days. Last week, “Shadow on Wall” (M-G) and “Happy Years” (M-G), yanked after 4 days with $2,200, Palace (Loevv’s) (2,370; 44-74) — ! “Halls of Montezuma’' (.20th) (2d | wk). Very steady $15,000 after big i $21,000 last week. Playhouse (Lopert) (485; $1.20$2.40)— “Cyrano” (UA). Big $8,000 ; for two-a-day and upped scale.! Last week, “Trio” (Par) (8th wk), okay $4,000 at regular prices. Warner JWB) (2,164; 44-74) — “Operation Pacific” (WB), Impressive $16,000, and possibly best since last August. Lart week, “Midnight and Dawn” (Col)> disappointing $9,500. .. Trans-Lux (T-L) (654; 44-80) — “Seven Days to Noon” (Indie). May be record braaker at hot $10,000. Last week, “Blue Angel” (Indie) (3d wk), $3,5Q0 in 6 days. ‘Branded’ Torrid $17,000, Port.; ‘Storm’ Strong 8G Portland, Ore., Jan. 23. First -run houses are loaded With action pictures this week, and It is spelling solid boxoffice. “Branded” is out in front while “Pagan Love Song” and “Storm Warning” also look nice. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,850; 50-90) —“Pagan Love Song” (M-G) and “D.O.A.” (UA). Big $14,000 or over. Last week, “Harvey” (U) and “Sleeping City” (U) (2d wk), big $12,000. Oriental . (Evergreen) (2,000; 5090)— “Branded” (Par) and “Torch” (EL), day-date with Orpheum. Big $7,000. Last week, “Never Dull Moment” (RKO) and “Fatherts Wild Game” (Mono)^ $5*000. Orpheum (Evergreen) (1,750; 5090)— “Branded” (par) and “Torch” (EL), also Oriental. Sock $10,000. Last week, “HaiTiet Craig” (Col) and “Everybody’s Dancin’ ” (Indie), mild $6,000. Paramount (Evergreen) (3.400; 50-90) — “Storm Warning” (WB) and “Cali Klondike” (Mono). Strong $9,000, Last week, “Never Dull Moment” (RKO) and “Father’s Wild Game’^ (Mono), $8,500. United Artists (Parker) (890; 5090) — “Underworld Stbry” (UA). Slim $4,000. Last week, “Right Cross” (M-G), $7,200. Pitt Perks; *Widi Army* Giant $23^500, /Storm* | Nicei7G;;*(jrande*8G,2d i»ittsbui;;gh, jaii. 23, Golden Triangle has a wow boXoffice bet this week in “At War With the Army” at. Penn. “Stom Waniing” at the Stanley also shapes well. “Rio Grande” holding up strongly In second Fulton ■week. . ••'•:■/■ ■•■^ Estimates for This Week . Fulton f SheaV ;. f!t;70.Q| 50-85)^ “Rio Grange'* .(Rep) (2d wk). Teed off fine this stafiza with solid $8,000 likely, . Last week, smash $12,000. Harrlm (Harris) (2,200; 50-85)— “Great' Manhunt''. (Col). This Douglas Fairbanks* Jr., picture was ortgipally released as “Slate Secret” but change of title doesn’t seem to be helping. Crix gave it a real send-off but they aren’t buying. Fair $7,000 in 6 days, coming out day ahead*of full week for “Bom , Yesterday” (ColK ,Last week, “Frenehie” (U), $9,500. Penn (Loew’s) (3,300; 45-80)— “At War With Army” (Par). Got smash weekepd, with flrrt two days accounting ifot K almost $10,000. Means a^teirific $23,500 on week. Last week,. “Grounds for Marriage” (M-G), $10,dW. Stanley (WB) (3,800; 50-85)r‘•Storm WaTning” (WB).. This one’s teeing off in Pittsburgh territory with test campaigns' Vetoing in different sectors. CMcbibg on hei’e and helped by big; push, from crix. Neat. $17,000 Or oyer.' . Last week, “Mr. Music” (Pat),;$i8;t50o. Warner . (WB) <2;00p| 50-85)i— “Mr. .Musics” "fPar)/ (tw^o,). Bing Crosby hit still jias considerable strength left;' Sock $9,000 looms. Last week, “Ulhder world Story’' (UA) .and “Admiral Was a Lady” (UA), $5,000/ .. CHICAGO (Continued from page 9) For Marriage” (M-G) and “Next Voice” (M-G) (2d wk), $11,500. . Woods (Essaness) (1.073; 98) !— “B;orn Yesterday” (Col). Great $36,000. Last week,, “For Heaven’s Sake’' (20th) (4th wk), $9,000. '* World (Ihdie) (587; 80)— “Bitter Rice” (Indfe) (3d wk). Big $6,500. Last week, $7,500. Ziegfeld (Lopert) (434; 98) — “Great Manhunt” (Col). Opens today (Tues.). Last week, “Trio” (Par) (9th wk), fine $4,000. , t .r ~ -T~ ^ r GLOBE •RADIO CITY MUSIC HAttRock«f«ll«r C«nftr THf MAGNIFICENT YANKEE' storrinff LOUIS CALHERN • ANN HARDIND A ■ Aieiro-tioMivyn’Mayer yteture • plus SpscUcular St«f« Pr«s«nfatiGfS VBAN SljWS/i»i.i.£5SU awHwnr Kimr' farinwiinl Kclw< jmiriniiE K ■ NiiMfy ndlark Hus Am W0NTEZJ/Af4 LJV" l_i