Variety (February 1951)

PICTURE CROSSES Wednesday, February 7, 1951 New Pix Lift LA; Ufar Standout, , Tity Nice 21G ; ‘Mudlark’ Mild 33G; ‘Harvey’ 22G, 2d Los Angeles, Feb. 6. “At War With Army” is leading the city currently, being way ahead of other bills. It is soaring to great $42,000 or better in two Paramount theatres, best at these houses in nearly six months. “Dark City” is going for a nice $21,000 in two spots, but “Mudlark” looks only mild $33,000 iii five situations. “Born Yesterday” continues to pace holdovers, haying hit sharp $26,700 in. sixth frame in two sites. It is now in seventh round, “Harvey” rates 4 a pleasant $22,- 000 for second week in five situa- tions, while “Kim” is $16,000 in third round, two houses. Estimates for This Week , Los Angeles, Chinese, Uptown, Loyola, Wilshire <FWC) (2,097; 2,048; 1,71$; 1,248; 2,296; 70-$l. 10) —•“Mudlark” . (20th). Mild $33,000. Last week, “Man Cheated Himself” (20th) and “Short Grass” (Mono) (2d wk-5 days), $11,800. Hollywood, Downtown, Wiltern <WB) (2,756; 1,757; 2,344; 70-$1.10) •—“Storm Warning” (WB) (2d wk). Slow $20,000. Last week, nice $33,000. Loew’s State, Egyptian (UA) (2,404; 1,538; 70-$1.10) — “Kim” (M-G) and “Colorado Ambush” (Mono) (Loew’s only) (3d wk). Off to $16,000. Last week, $24,300. Hillstreet, Pantages (RKO) (2,- 890; 2,812; 60-$l)—“Born Yester- day” (Col) (7th wk) and “Revenue Agent” (Col) (5th wk). Opened seventh week Monday (5) after sharp $26,700 last week. Los Angeles, Hollywood Para- mounts (F&M) (3,398; 1,451; 60-$l) —“War With Army” (Par). Smash $42,000. Last week, “Branded” (Par) (2d wk), $10,700. 1 Orpheum, Hawaii (Metropolitan) (2,210; 1,106; 70-$1.10 — “Dark City” (Par) and “Hue and Cry” (Indie). Good $21,000. Last week, “Watch Birdie” (M-G) and “Sierra Passage” (Mono) (9 days), $20,200, United Artists, Ritz. Vogue, Studio City, Culver (UA-FWC) (2,- 100; 1,370; 885; 880; 1,145; 70- $1.10)—“Harvey” (U) and “Wicked City” (EL) (2d wk). Pleasing $22,- 000. Last week, smart $36,000. Four Star (UA) (900; 70-90)— •‘Magnificent Yankee” (M-G) (7th wk)‘, . Finales at $2,200. Last week, fair $2,600. Fine Arts (FWC) (677; $1.20- $2.40)—“Cyrano” (UA) (12th wk). Into 12th frame (6) after solid $5,500 last week. Beverly Canon (ABC) (520; $1.20) —“Trio” (Par) (7th wk). Big $4,000. Last week, about same. Estimated Total Gross This Week : $572,900 (Based on 17 theatres.) Last Year ,. .. .... $568,000 (Based on 17 theatres.) Omaha, Feb. 6. “At War With Army” is bring- ing the Orpheum out of the dol- drums, packing in the customers consistently. “Prehistoric Women” and “Two Lost Worlds,” given circusy bally shapes terrific at the Omaha. Other houses around town were still considerably stymied. “Kim,” in second week at Para- mount, still is okay. Estimates for This Week Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 16- 70)—“At War With Army” (Par). Smash $16,000. Last week, “The Milkman” (U) and “Outside Wall” (U), $10,500. Omaha (Tristates) (2,100; 16-70) —“Prehistoric Women” (EL) and “The Two Lost Worlds” (Indie). Terrific $11,000, way above aver- age fbr house. Last week, “Branded” (Par) and “When Smil- ing” (Col) (m.o.), $7,000. Brandeis (RKO) (1,500; 16^70)— “Operation Pacific” (WB) (2d wk). Okay $6,000. Last week, $7,500. Paramount (Tristates) (2,800; 16- 70)—“Kim” (M-G) (2d wk). Held at $7,500. Last week, good $11,000: State (Goldberg) (865; 16-75) — “Watch Birdie” (M-G). Fair $5,000. Last week, “Next Voice” (M-G) and “Counaerspy At cmfwyp fair play “Counterspy” (Mono), $4_,000. Tanked Paces Firov. At Oke 15G; ‘Halls’ $12,000 ■ Providence, Feb; 6. •‘Magnificent Yankee” is leading the list here in a fairly good ses- sion with the State .getting its. best competition from Majestic’s “Halls of Montezuma,” comparatively strong. RKO Albee’s “Korea Pa- trol” is so-so. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65) — “Korea Patrol” (EL) and “Double Deal” (RKO). So-so $8,700. Last week, “Prehistoric Women” (EL) and “Hunt Man Down” (RKO), $9,000. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65) — ♦‘Halls Montezuma” (20th). Very nice $12,000. Last week, “Mudlark” (20th) and “Golden Salamander” (WB), $13,000. Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 44- 65)—“Johnny, One-Eye” (UA) and “Iroquois Trail” (UA); So-so $7,- 00Q, Last week, “High Lonesome” (EL) and “Eye Witness” (EL), weak $6,500. State (Loew’s) (3,200; 44-65) — “Magnificent Yankee” (M-G) and “Qasojiine Alley” (Col), Steady $15,000. Last week, “Kim” (M-G) (2d wk), $9,000 in five days. Strand (Silverman) (2,200? 44-65) “September A f f a i r” (Par). Opened Monday (5), Last' week, “Second - Face” (EL) and “Rogue River” (EL), fair $8,500. Treocliie’ Brisk $11,000, Seattle; ‘Joan’ Fast 5£G, ‘Helmet’ Strong $10,000 Seattle, Feb. 6. Mills Bros., back at the Palomar, with “Rogue River,” are giving that house a great week and standout in view of what the theatre has been doing recently. “Frenchie” shapes as biggest new film, but “Joan of Arc” and “Steel Helmet” are doing well. “Born Yesterday” is smash on holdover at Fifth Avenue as is “Pagan Love Song” at MH. Otherwise its new bills. Estimates for This Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (800;-65- 90)—“Operation Pacific” (WB) (m. o.V. Mild $3,000. Last week, “Harvey” (U) (5th wk-6 days), oke $3,400. Coliseum (Evergreen) (1,877; 65- 90) — “Halls Montezuma” (20th) and “Bandit Queen” (Lip) (2d wk). Good $9,000 in 8 days. Last week, imrhense $15,600. Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) (2,349; 65-90) — “Born Yesterday” (Col) (2d wk). Huge $11,000. Last week, $12,700. Liberty (Hamrick) (1,650; 65-90) — “Frenchie” (U) and “Underworld Story” (UA). Big $11,000. Last week, (2d wk-4 days), “Watch Birdie” (M-G), oke $4,200. Music Box (Hamrick) (850; 65-90) — “Joan of Arc” (RKO). Solid $5,500 at pop scale; Last week, •‘Devil in Flesh” (Indie), $3,400, Music Hall (Hamrick) (2,200; 65- 90)—“Pagan Love Song” (M-G) .and “California Passage” (Rep) (2d Wk). Okay $7,500. Last week, great $12,500. Orpheum (Hamrick) (2,600; 65- 90)—“Storm Warning” (WB) and •‘Pride Maryland” (Rep). Slow $6,500. Last week, “Operation Pacific” (WB) (2d wk), $6,200. Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 50-$l) —“Rogue River” (EL) (2d run) (Continued on -page 22) School Janitors’ Strike Helps Mpls.; Stageshow Tilts ‘Grounds’ $30,000 Minneapolis, Feb. 6. Small and bigger fry, kept from public high and grade school class- rooms by a janitors' strike, appar- ently are attending the film thea- tres instead, judging by the box- office. This takes off some of the curse, from 25-35 below weather. It appears that more than bitter cold is needed to hold the youngsters indoors when the films beckon. A brief spell of relief from sub-zero readings also was a weekend help. Radio City current ly is in the driver’s seat with one of its occasional stageshows with “Grounds for Marriage.” Straight film newcomers are being topped by “Mrs. O’Malley and Mr. Ma- lone” at State. It's the fourth loop week for “Harvey” and third for “Born Yesterday.” Estimates for This Week Century (Par) (1,600; 50-70)— “Mudlark” (20th). Solid $7,000. Last week, “Harvey” (U) (3d wk), oke $4,000. Gopher (Berger) (1,000; 50-70)— “Halls Montezuma” (20th) . (3d wk). Okay $4,500 after, nifty $6,000 pre- ceding stanza. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-70)— “Kim” (M-G) (3d wk). Strong $5,- 000 after $6,500 second stanza. Radio City (Par) (4,000; 65-$l)-- (Continued on page 22 ) . Philadelphia, Feb. 6. Two comedies, both on holdover, are making the most noise at first- runs here currently, with new product causing few flurries. “Mudlark” shapes disappointing in nine days at the Fox and being yanked. However, “Tomahawk,” aided by personal appearance of Van Heflin and neat bally, is hit- ting a sturdy figure at Goldman. Gambling House” looks fair at Earle. “Company She Keeps” is very disappointing at the Ran- dolph, Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) <1*303; $l,30-$2.60) —“Cyrano” (UA) (3d wk). Fine $13,500. Last week, $15,000. Boyd (WB) (2,360; 50-99) — “Born Yesterday” (Col) (2d wk). Great $25,000 after $28,000 debut. Earle (WB) (2,700; 50-99) — “Gambling House” (RKO), Fair $14,000. Last week* “Vendetta” (RKO) (2d wk), $11,000. Fox (20th) (2,250; 50-99)—“Mud- lark” (20th). Disappointing $17,- 000 in 9 days. Last week,/‘Halls Montezuma” (20th), $13,000 in 5 days of third stanza. .■ Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 50- 99)—“Tomahawk” (tJ). Great $15,- 000. Last week; “Frenchie” (U) (2d wk), $9,000. Mastbaum (WB) (4,360; 50-99)— “Operation Pacific” (WB) (3d wk). Dull $12,000. Last week, $18,000. Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; 50- 99)—“Harvey” (U) (4th wk). Fine $8,000. Last week, $10,000, Randolph (Goldman) (2,500; 50- 99 ) “Company She Keeps” (RKO). Lean $12,000. Last week, “Never Dull Moment” (RKO) (2d wk), $8,500. Stanley (WB) (2,950; 50-99) — “At War Wth Army” (Par) (3d wk). Rousing $23,000 after hefty $26,- 000 second week. Stanton (WB) (1,473; 50-99) — “Bowery Battalion” (Mono) and “California Passage” (Rep). Okay $11,500; Last week, “pun Sets at Dawn” (EL), good $13,000. Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 50-99) — “Seven Days to Noon” (Indie). Big $7,000 or close. Last week, “Macbeth” (Rep) (2d wk), $2,200 for last 4 days. World (G&S) (500; 50-99) — “Bitter Rice” (Indie) (12th, wk). Holding at $4,500. Last week, $5,000. Indianapolis^ Feb. 6. Record cold wave has nipped the new year boom in showbiz here, holding current first-runs to mod- erate totals. “Operation Pacific,” at Indiana, : is leading grosser, with “Flying Missile” at Loew’s also getting fair attention. “Walk Softly, Stranger” is below par at Circle, “At War With Army” is holding up well in a moveover at Keith’s, Estimates for This Week Circle (Gamble-Dolle) (2,800; 44- 65) — “Walk Softly, Stranger” (RKO) and “Man on Eiffel Tower,” (RKO). Slow $7,500. Last week, “Storm Warning” (WB) and “Bowery Battalion” (Mono), $9,000. ‘Pacific $25,000; ‘Mudlark’ Mild 20G Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week .. ,.. $2,443,000 (Based on 24 cities, 205 the- atres, chief f y first runs; includ- ing N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year .... .. $2,902,000 ( Based on 24 cities, and 208 theatres.) , ‘Missile’ 9G Indiana (G-D) (3,200; 44-65)— “Operation Pacific” (WB). Strong $10,000 in view of weajther. Last week, “At War With Army” (Par) and “Barbary Pirate” (Indie), sock $14,000. Loew's (Loew’s) (2,427; 44-65)— “Flying Missile” (Col) and “Stage to Tucson” (Col). Fair $9,000. Last week, “Kim” (M-G) and “Beauty on Parade” (Col), solid $13,500. Lyric (G-D) (1,600; 50-85)—“Un- dercover Girl” (U) with hypnotist jay Zee onstage. 'M°d era te $4,000 in 4 days. Las£. week* “White Zombie” (U) and “Ghost Walks” (U) (reissues), thin $4,000 at 44-65c scale. Pittsburgh, Feb. 6. Still another miserable weather break but it started to clear and get Warmer Saturday (3), so biz picked up promptly; With any as- sistance at all from the mercury for remainder of session, “Kim” should bang out enough at Penn to insure a holdover. Second stanza of “Born Yesterday” at Harris Ought to be good enough to rate a third. “Operation Pacific” got off slowly at Stanley but shows signs of wind- ing up moderately well. “Halls of Montezuma” is doing okay in Fulton holdover. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 50-85)— “Halls Montezuma” (20th) (2d wk). Dipping to around $8,500, still good. Last Week, smash $13,000 and likely would have done better but for freezing weather. Harris (Harris) (2,200; 50-85)— “Born Yesterday” (Col) (2d wk). Dropping only slightly and will stay a third week. Fine $10,500. Last week, $12,000. Penn (Loew’s) (3,300; 50-85)— “Kim” (M-G). Got a great sendoff from crix. Shapes at least sock $20,000, and sure holdover. Last week, second of “At War With Army” (Par) (2d wk), neat $10,000 in 5 days. Moved to Ritz. Stanley (WB) (3,800; 50-85)— “Operation Pacific” (WB). Teed off slowly despite sock exploitation and Navy Night ceremonies open- ing day. Moderate $14,000 looks all. Last week, “Branded” (Par), $11,- 000 . Warner (WB) (2,000; 50-85)— “Never Dull Moment” (RKO). Only so-so $7,000, Last week, “Storm Warning” (WB) (m.o.), only $5,000. YENDETTA’ TRIM 15G, DENVER;‘BORN’19G, 2D Denver, Feb. 6. Second week of “Born Yester- day” still is leading the city and holds two extra rays in third week in two theatres. “At War With Army” is only a step behind ter- rific opening stanza. “Vendetta” shapes nice at Orpheum. Milder weather is helping all spots. Estimates for This Week Aladin (Fox) (1,400; 40-80)— “Mister Universe” (EL) and “Young Lovers”- (EL), day-date with, Tabor, Webber. Good $3,000. Last week, “Highway 301” (WB) and “Showdown” (Rep), $2,500. Broadway (Wolfberg) (1,500; 40- 80)—“King Solomon’s Mines” (M- G) (7th wk). Big $6,500. Last week, $7,000. ^ Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 40-80) —‘‘At War With Army” (Par) (2d wk). Great $16,000 or near. Last week, three-year record at $17,000. Denver (Fox) (2,$25; 40-80)— “Born Yesterday” (Col) and “Reve- nue Agent” (Col) (2d wk), also Esquire. Fine $16,000. Last week, $ 20 , 000 . Esquire (Fox) (742; 40-80)— “Born Yesterday” (Col) and “Reve- nue Agent” (Col) (2d wk). Also Denver. Fine $3,000. Last week, $4,000. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 40-80)— “Vendetta” (RKO) and “Double Deal“ (RKO). Nice $15,000. Last week,^ “Kim” (M-G) and “Hunt Man Down” (RKO) (2d wk), $11,- 4 .T'ab°r (Fox) (1,967; 40-80)— “Mister Universe’’ (EL) and “Young Lovers” (EL), also Aladdin, Webber. Good $5,000. Last week, “Highway 301” (WB) and “Show- down” (Rep), $4,000. Webber (Fox) (750; 40-80)— “Mister Universe”, (EL) and “Young Lovers” (EL), also Aladdin, Tabor. Okay $2,000. Last week* “Highway 301” < WB) and “Show- down” (Rep), $1,700., Detroit, Feb. 6. -Despite sub-zero temperatures and 6 inches of snow, “Operation Pacific” is heading toward good session at the Michigan. ^ “The Mudlark” looks mild at the Fox but rave reviews may help it to higher ground, “Pagan Love Song” is shaping slow at United Artists. “At War With Army” will do well in five-day stay in third week at Palms. “Highway 301” is slippery at the Madison. Last week’s grosses took sharp dip late in week as result of the cold and snow. Estimates for This Week Fox (FdX-Detroit) (5,000; 70-95) - “Mudlark” (20th) and “Border Treasure” (RKO). Mild $20,000. Last week; “Halls Montezuma” (20th) (2d wk), $19,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 70-95)—“Operation Pacific” (WB) and “California Passage” (Rep), Good $25,000. Last week, “Woman on Run” (U) plus Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts onstage, $22,000. Palms (UD) (2,900; 70-95)— “At War With Army” (Par) and “Second Face” (Indie) (3d wk). Okay $10,000 in 5 days. Last week, smash $18,000. Madison (UD) (1,800; 70-95)— “Highway 3Q1” (WB). Oke $12,000. Last week* “Mystery Submarine” (U) and “Texan Meets Calamity Jane” (Rep), $8,000. United Artists (UA) (1,900; 70-* 95)—“Pagan Love Song” (M-G). Slow $8,000. Last week, “Kim” (M-G) (3d wk), $7,000. Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 70-95)— “Edge of Doom” (RKO) (2d wk). Down to $6,000. Last week, okay $9,000. Downtown (Balaban) (2,900; VO- SS)—“Korea Patrol” (EL) and “Forbidden Jungle” (EL) (2d Wk). Down to $4,000. Last week, fair $7,000. ‘Kim’ Solid at K:C ; ‘Helmet’ Hep 14G, ‘Mudlark’ Okay $9,000 Kansas City, Feb. 6. Pace continues brisk here. New- comer “Kim” at the Midi and looms big. “Steel Helmet” is over average in three Fox Midwest houses, and “Mudlark” is fairly steady at the .Orpheum. “At War With Army” is having a great sec- ond week at the Paramount. Mis- souri also is okay in second with “Operation Pacific.” First sub-zero weather of the season crimped opening days of current week. Estimates for This Week Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 45- 60) — “Harvey” (U) (m.o.). Nifty $4,000. Last week, “All About Eve” (20th) and “Stars in Crown” (M-G), 4 days, $1,500. Kimo (Dickinson (550; 60-85) — “Lost One”' (Col), Average $1,- 500. Last week,; “Kind Hedrts” (EL) (5th wk), $1,200. Midland (Loew’s) (3,500; 50-75) —“Kim” (M-G) and “Tougher They Come” (Col). Solid $17,000. Last week, “Great Manhunt” (Col) and “Emergency Wedding” (Col), slow $10,000. Missouri (RKO) (2,650; 50-75)— “Operation Pacific” (WB) and “Mark of the Gorilla” (Col) (2d wk). Satisfactory $7,500. Last week, pleas-nt $13,000. Ojrpheum (Fox Midwest) (1,913; 50-75)—“Mudlark” (20th). Opened in frigid weather, but got going on weekend for okay $9,000. House switches from legit to films. Holdover likely. Paramount (Tri-States) (1,900; 50-75) — “At War With Army” (Par) (2d wk). Continues smash at $10,000, and. may stay a few extra days. Last week, great $14,000. Tower - Uptown - Fairway (Fox Midwest) (2,100; 2,043; 700; 50-75) —“Steel Helmet” (Lip). Topping average despite slow start because of snow and cold, $14,000. Last week, “Harvey” (U), sock $19,000. ‘Bora’High 20C.D.C; 'VeBdetta’ Hot $10,000 Washington, Feb. 6. Cold wave, hurt biz along main stem over weekend, with sole ex- ception of “Bom Yesterday” at the Warner, which is terrific. “Ven- detta,” at RKO Keith’s, is outrid- ing the weather to a solid take. “At War With Army,” In holdover week at Loew’s Palace, * shapes fancy. Estimates for This Week Capitpl (Loew’s). (2,434; 44-90)— “Cause for Alarm” (M-G), plus vaude. Sluggish $17,000. Last week, \ (Continued on page 22)