Variety (February 1951)

Wednesday, February. 7, 1951 PICTURE CROSSES Frigid Weather, H.0.S Clip Chi B.O.; ; ‘At War’ Plus Stage Botf 49G, 2d; ‘Born 22G, 3d Tight- ill Chicago, Feb. 6. 4 Loop has only two new bills this session, and both loom murky. Mercury tailspin prior to weekend sent last week’s big grossers down- wards but biz* generally is still satisfactory. United Artists entry of “Sun Sets At Dawn” and “Cali- fornia Passage” looks mediocre < 513 : 006 . ' Palace reissue bill of “Salerno Beachhead” and “Fig ing Sullivans” has light $10,000 gjrrht. “At War With Army” and stage- show at Oriental is holding to socko $49,000 in second turn despite frigid weather. Ohly lightly dented is “Born Yesterday” with big $22,- 000 for third round at Woods. “Tomahawk” and Ink Spots in person at Chicago is heading for Fairly good $27,000 in second stanza. “Cyrano” continues fast at Selwyn with $13,000. “Halls of Montezuema” ended second frame at State-Lake with fancy $20,000. “Kirn” dn fourth week at Grand is firm SI 1,000. , Estimates for This Week Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 55-98) — “Tomahawk” (U) plus Ink Spots topping stageshow (2d wk). Okay $27,000. Last week, $50,000. Grand (RKO) (1,200; 55-98) — “K m” (M-G) (4th wk). Big $11,- 009. Last week, $12,000. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 55-98)— “At War With Army” (Par) and vancle topped by Cathcart’s Con- tinentals (2d wk). Socko $49,000. Last week, $55,000. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 55-98) — “Salerno Beachhead” (20th) and “Fighting Sullivans” (20th) (re- issues). Okay $11,000. Last week, “Gambling House” (RKO) and “Pride of Maryland” (Mono),, $10 000 . Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 55-98)— “Operation X” (Col) and “Stage To Tucson” (Col) (2d wk). Light $10,000. Last week, $11,500. Selwyn (Shubert) (1,000; $1.25- $2.40) — “Cyrano” (UA) (3d wk). Big $13,000. Last week, $15,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 55-98) — “Halls ■ Montezuma” (20th). Finished Second week Sunday (3) with tall $20,000. Last week, $39,000. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 55- 98;—“Sun Sets At Dawn” (EL) and “California Sunset” (Rep). Average $13,000. Last week/ “Man Cheated Himself” (20th) and “Rogue River” (EL) (2d wk), $13,500. Woods (Essaness) (1,073; 98) — “Born Yesterday” (Col) (3d wk). Great $22,000. Last week, $30,000. World (Indie) (587; 80)—“Bitter Rice” (Indie) (5th wk). Fancy $6,- 000. Last week, $6,500. Ziegfeld (Lopert) (434; 98) — “Great Manhunt” (Col) (2d wk). Tidy $4,800. Last week, $5,000. ’Affair’ Hotsy $14,000, Frisco; Tomahawk’ Big 16G,‘Helmet’Fair 18G San Francisco, Feb. 6. Holdovers are holding up in sturdy fashion here this stanza de- spite adverse weather. Hypoed by strong bally, “Tomahawk” is head- ing for big session at the Orpheum, “Steel Helmet” is only fairish at the huge Fox while “Gambling House” looms mild at Golden Gate. But “September Affair” looks smash at St. Francis after a swank chari ty preem with personals by Joseph Cotten and Lizabeth Scott. “Operation Pacific” shapes strong in second Paramount round. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 60- 85)—-“Gambling House” (RKO) and “Call of the Klondike” (Mono). Mild $12,000 or over. Last week, “Korea Patrol” (EL) and “Texan Meets Calamity Jane” (Col), $9,500. Fox (FWC) (4,651; 60-95)—“Steel Helmet” (Lip) and “Bandit Queen” (Lip). Fair $18,000 or near. Last week, “Storm Warning” (WB) and ^Bowery Battalion” (Mono), $15,- Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; 60-85) --“Kim” (M-GF (3d wk). Down to : $11000. Last week, stout $14,000. /Paramount (Par) (2,646; 60-85)-^ Operation Pacific” (WB) (2d wk). $15,000. Last week, sock 500, „ Francis (Par) (1,400; 60-85)— September Affair” (Par) with charily preem scaled at $3-$5. Smash $14,000. Last week, “Inheri- Lur o” (Indie) (2d wk), $7,500. Orpheum (No. Coast) (2,448; 55- “Tomahawk” (U) and “Joe Pa- i°oka in the Squared Circle” (Continued on page 22) Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net, l.e. f without the 20% tax. Distribu- 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 tax. Boston, Feb. 6. Bizscontinues along a fairly even pace this stanza with holdovers of “At War With Army” at Met and “Halls of Montezuma” at Memorial still strong; Newcomer, “Magnif- icent Yankee” at State and Orpheum suffered by stormy week but is doing very well. “Steel Helmet” at Paramount and Fen- way shapes neat. Estimates for This Week Astor (B&Q) (1,200; 50-95)— “Mudlark” (20th) (4th wk). Off to about $6,500 after fair $8,000 for third. Beacon Hill (Beacon Hill, Inc.) (780; 40-90)—“Bitter Rice” (Indie) (7th wk). Okay $5,000. Last week, $5,200. Boston (RKO) (3,200;. 40-85)— “Under the Gun” (U) plus Jack Carson, Janis Carter, Don Cherry, others, onstage. First week of stageshows in eight months at this house hurt by miserable weather. Fairish $18,000. Last week, “Pre- historic Women” (EL) and “Atroc- ities at Fort - Santiago (Indie), okay $14,500. Fenway (NET) ,(1,373; 40-85)— “Steel Helmet” (Lip) and “Finger- prints Don’t Lie” (Indie).. Fair $5,500. Last week, “Storm Warn- ing” (WB) and “North Great Divide” (Rep), $4,500. ~ Majestic (Shubert) (1,100; $1.20- $2.40) —“Cyrano” (UA) (4th wk). Break in weather should help hold to $9,000. Last week, nice $8,500. Memorial (RKO) (3,500; 40-85)— “Halls Montezuma” (20th) and “Texan Meets Calamity Jane” (Col) (2d wk). Holding at $18,000. Last week, bopped by storm but wound with solid $24,500. Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 40- 85)—“At War With Army” (Par) anr “Sierra Passage” (Mono) (2d wk). Big $22,000. Storm also hurt this one last week but pulled great $33,500. Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 40-85) —“Magnificent Yankee” (M-G) and “Gasoline Alley” (Col). Plen- ty of bally landing neat $19,000. Last week, “Kim”* (M-G) (2d wk), $13,000. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 40-85) —“Steel Helmet” (Lip) and “Fingerprints Don’t Lie” (Indie). Nice $13,000. Last week, “Storm Warning” (WB) and “North Great Divide” (Rep), same. State (Loew’s) (3,500; 40-85)— “Magnificent Yankee” (M-G) and “Gasoline Alley” (Col). Good $11,0Q0. Last week, “Kim” (M-G) (2d wk), $9,000. Ditto; ‘War’ Big 13G, 2d Baltimore, Feb. 6. Trade here continues fairly brisk in spite of several holdovers and sharp drop in temperature ac- companied by snow. Of new en- tries, “Iroquois Trail” tied to per- sonals by Tex Ritter and Minnie Pearl, is building a pleasihg figure at combo Hippodrome. Most of last week’s strong entries are okay on i oldover, with “At War With Army” a standout at the Stanley. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew’s-UA) (3,000; 20- 70)—“Kim” (M-G) (2d wk). Main- taining nice pace at $9,000 after big $13,200 opener. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240; 20-80)—“Iroquois Trail” (Col) plus stageshow headed up by Tex Ritter. Combination of action and hill- billy stuff pointing to bright $14,- 000. Last week, "Company She (Continued on page 22) NEW BUZ HITS CLEVE.; ‘AFFAIR'DOLL *11,000 Cleveland, Feb 6. Another weekend bliz trimmed trade here, chopping *-September Affair” at State down to a mild gross. “Operation Pacific” on sec- ond week at Hipp is doing relative- ly better. in a stanza heavy with sfcayovers.. Liveliest ones are “At, War With Army” in third frame 1 at Stillman and Allen's “Bom Yes- terday” also in third. Estimates for This Week Allen (Warners) (3,000; 55-80)— "Born Yesterday” (Col) (3d wk). Fine $11,000 in 6 days after big $13,000 last week. Esquire (Community) (704; 55- 80)—“Trio” (Par). Oke $4,500. Last week, “Edge of Doom” (RKO) (3d wk), $2,000 in 3 days. Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 55-80)— “Operation Pacific” (WB) (2d wk). Hearty. $13,000, following big $17,- 500 last week. Lower Mall (Community) (505; 55-80)—“Bitter Rice” (Indie) (7th wk). Oke $4,000 after $4,800 last folio. Palace (RKO) (3,300; 55-80) — “Company She Keeps” (RKO). Lean $9,500. Last week, “Monte- zuma” (20th) (2d wk), nice $9,000. State (Loew’s) (3,450; 55-80) — “September Affair” (Parh Mild $11,000. Last week, “Kim” (M-G); bright $18,000. Stillman (Loew’s) (2,700; 55-80) —“At War With Army” \ (Par) (m.o.) (3d wk). Good $7,000 after solid $9,000 for last week. Ulister-Kaye Giant 115G, Pacific’ St. Louis, Feb. 6. After almost a week of sub-zero temperature and several heavy snowstorms that badly sloughed biz, the weather moderated over the weekend. As a result, grosses climbed surprisingly fast. “At War With Army” which is stand- out currently will hit a terrific total at the Missouri. . “Halls of Montezuma” also looms okay on moveover to the Ambassador, mak- ing third stanza downtown. “Kim” shapes stout in second Loew’s round. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 60- 75)—“Halls of Montezuma” (20th) (m.o.) and “Walk. Softly, Stranger” (RKO) (2d wk). Okay $9,000. Last week, “Storm Warning” (WB) and “Walk Softly, Stranger” (RKO), $6,500. Fox (F&M) (5,000; 60-75) — “Frenchie” (U) and “Mystery Sub- marine” (U). Opened Tuesday (5). Last week, “Operation Pacific” (WB) and “Woman on Run” (U), mild $12,000. Loew’s (Loew) (3,172; 50-75) — “Kim” (M-G) (2d wk). Holding at $15,000 following big $19,000 first stanza Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 60-75)— “At War With Army” (Par) and “High Lonesome” (EL). Terrific $22,000 or near. Last week, “Halls Montezuma” (20th) and “Emer- gency Wedding” (Col) (2d wk), $8,- 500. Shubert (Ind) (1,500; 60-75) — “Highway 301” (WB) and “Second Face” (EL). Fine $6,000. Last week, “Prehistoric. Women” (EL), and “Two Lost Worlds” (EL), $5,500. ‘Pacific^ Loud 14G, Buff; Prehistoric’ Oke $9,500 Buffalo, Feb. 6. Bir is lagging a bit here this week. Outstanding of straight- filmers is “Operation Pacific,” which is solid at the Paramount, “Prehisoric Women” looks okay at Century. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loews) (3,500; 40-70) — “Johnny One-Eye” (UA) and Louis Prima orch and stageshow. Fairly good $16,000. Last week, “The Mudlark” (20th) and “Father’s Wild Game” (Mono), mild $10,000. Paramount (Par) (3,000; 40-75)— “Operation Pacific” (WB). Solid $14,000. Last week/ “Storm Warn- ing” (WB) and “Third Time Lucky” (Indie), $13,200. Center (Par) (2,100; 40-75) — “Man Cheated Himself” (20th). Fair $7,000. Last week, “Hails of Montezuma” (20th) (2d wk), fine $7,500. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 40-70)— “Born Yesterday” (Col) (3d wk). Still big at $8,500. Last week, $11,- 500. v Century (20th Cent.) (3,000; 40- 70y—“prehistoric Women” (EL) and “Second Face” (EL). Okay $9,500. Last week, “Gambling House” (RKO) and “Modern Mar- riage” (Mono), $6,500. Although battered by snow, a cold wave, icy streets, New Jersey bus strike and the creeping rail- way strike, Broadway first-runs are giving a remarkable account of themselves boxoff ice-wise this week. Wednesday’s (31) snow- storm was followed by sleet and rain making the following day, Thursday, the low point of the week. Theatres such as the Music Hall, which depend to consider- able extent on commuter trade, also were hard hit the same, day, by the New Jersey /walkout, Even potential patrons who might have used their cars in the absence of busses,, were afraid to take their autos on the slippery street?. Rail- road strike kept many commuters in the city, living at hotels. In the face of these handicaps the Roxy is doing surprisingly well With its stageshow headed by Danny Kaye and “Call Me Mister” on screen. Terrific $115,000 is in prospect although the b.o. was hurt opening day by the snow- storm and also hit by adverse con- ditions Thursday (1), the second day of run. It is the biggest figure at this house in weeks. Next , strongest newcomer is “Operation Pacific,” with Denise Darcel, Joey Bishop, Victor Lotn- bardo band and others, onstage at the Strand. Combo is headed for stout $58,000. .“Second Woman” looks okay $17,000 at Rivoli de- spite opening on worst day of ses- sion. , “September Affair” with stage- show, badly slugged by strikes and its having to preem on Thursday, lightest day of week, likely will wind up with mild $118,000 at Music Hall. Pic built after a wobbly tee-off. “At War With Army” plus Ella Fitzgerald, Har- vey Stbne, Boyd Raeburn band on- stage, is holding at big $88,000 in second stanza at the Paramount. Film got a strong lift from two personals by Dean Martin-Jerry Lewis, stars of pic, Saturday (3) night, with long lines for that added feature. “The Enforcer’? with Lionel Hampton band and revue onstage, is doing well enough with good $45,000 in second Capitol week to win a third frame. “Bom Yester- day” is pacing the long-runs with great $26,000 in sixth Victoria ses- sion. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 55-$1.50) —“Harvey” (U) (7th wk). Current round ending today (Wed.) holding okay at $14,000 or near. Last week, strong $17,000. Holds about two weeks longer at current gait, but no successor set as yet. Bijou (City Inv.) (589; $1.20- $2.40)—“Cyrano” (UA) (12th wk). The 11th frame ended last night (Tues.) held steady at $11,000, about same as last week. Con- tinues. v Capitol (Loew’s) (4,820; 55-$1.50) — “The Enforcer” (WB) with Lionel Hampton orch, revue on- stage (2d wk). Initial holdover session ending today (Wed.), hurt by bad weather and new nearby competition, with good $45,000 or near likely. First week Was big $62,000, with snowstorm, icy streets cutting in. Holds third round, with “Vengeance Valley” (M-G) opening Feb. 15. . Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 50-$1.75) — “Company She Keeps” (RKO) (2d-final wk). Sagging to around $6,000 after okay $11,000 opener. “Frenchie” (U) Opens Saturday (10). Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 50-$1.20) — “Mad Wednesday” (RKO) (3d wk). Second week ended last night (Tues.) held fairly well with $9,000 after good $12,500 Opening round. “Sugarfoot” (WB) opens Saturday (10). Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 50- $1.20)—-“Last Gangster” (M-G) and “Big Store” (M-G) (reissues) (2d Wk). Still big at $14,500. Last week, $19,000. Palace (RKO) (1.70Q; 55-$1.20)— “Mystery Submarine” (U) with vaude. Shapes fine .$21,000 or better. Last week, “Kansas Raid- ers” (U) and vaude, $20,000, Paramount (Par) (3,664; 55-$l.50) —“At War With Army” (Par) plus Ella Fitzgerald Harvey Stone, Bpyd Raeburn orch, others, onstage (3d wk). Second stanza ended last night (Tues.) held surprisingly well at big $88,000, with boost from personal by Martin-Lewis odstage /at two shows Saturday (3) night, and assist from televising of Gen. j Eisenhower’s speech, Friday night. 1 First week was terrific $110,000, highest for non-holiday week at current scale. Radio City, Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (5,945; 80-$2.40)—“Septem- ber Affair” (Par) with stageshow. Despite opening on worst day in week last Thursday (1), this is managing to wind up at mild $118,- 000, Solid trade Friday (2) night and big weekend partly overcame this bad handicap. Holding. Last week. “Magnificent Yankee” (M-G) and stageshow (2d wk), $100,000. Rialto (Mage) (594; 44-98)— “Heritage of Desert” (Indie) and “Light of Western Stars” . (Indie) (reissues). Open today (Wed.). Last week, “Hitler’s Life and Loves” (Indie) (reissue), only lukewarm $6,000 or less* and out. Rivoli (UAT-Par) (2,092; 60-$1.25> —“Second Woman” (UA). Partly overcoming severe handicap of opening on Thursday (1) to get okay $15,000; Holds. In ahead, “Mudlark” (20th), down to $8,500 in final five days of sixth week after good $15,000 for fifth frame. Roxy (20th) (5,886; 80-$1.75)— “Call Me Mister” (20th) with stage- show headed by Danny Kaye (2d wk). Soared to terrific $115,00 in initial round ended last night (Tues) despite being hurt by storm. Long lines Saturday and Sunday, however, spelled huge trade over weekend. In ahead, “Halls Montezuma” (2Qth) with A1 Bernie, iceshow, onstage (4th wk-5 days) $35,000. State (Loew’s) (3,450; 55-$1.50)— “Steel Helmet” (Lip) (3d wk). Sec- ond week ended last night (Tues.) dipped sharply to $12,000 after sturdy $20,000 opening week, be- low expectancy. Strand . (WB) (2,756; 55-$2)—. “Operation Pacific” (WB) with Denise Darcel, Joey Bishop, Berry* Bros., Victor Lombardo orch on- stage. Heading for stout $58,000 or bit.less." Holds. In ahead, “Dallas” (WB) with Dean Murphy, Betty Bruce, Betty Reilly,- others, on- stage (3d wk), $20,000. Sutton (R & B) (561; 90-$1.50)— “Trio” (Par) (18th wk). The 17th frame ended Monday (5) was okay $6,400 after $6,500 last week. Con- tinues with “Kon-Tiki” (RKO) slated to open next. Trans-Lux 52d St. (T-L) (540; 90-$l.50)—“Seven .Days To Noon ’ (Indie) (8th wk). Seventh session ended Sunday (4) fell to $8,000 after $9,700 last week. Stays on at this gait. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 95- $1.50) —“Born Yesterday” ( Col) (7th wk). Sixth session ended Mon- day (5) held to great $26,000 after $32,000 last week. Stays on. Cold Hails Cincy; 1 ( 0111 ' Boffola $14,000, 'Halls’ Hefty 12G, Helmet’ IOC Cincinnati, Feb. 6. This week’s swell product array was bat t e red by burg’s worst freeze and snow in 35 years, yet general dcore is favorable. “Bom Yesterday,” a lusty newcomer in Albee, is pacing “Halls of Monte- zuma” at Capitol and “Steel Hel- met” in Palace. Holdovers “Kim,” “At War With Army” and “Opera- tion Pacific” are par or better. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 39-75) — “Born Yesterday” (Col). Lusty $14,- 000. Last week, “Operation Paci- fic” (WB), bright $13,000. Capitol (Mid-States) (2,000; 39- 75) “Halls of Montezuma’’ (20th), Socko $12,000. Last week, “At War With Army” (Par) (2d wk), swell *nn •Grand (RKO) (1,400; 39-75) ~ “Kim” (M-G) (3d wk). Six days. Satisfactory $6,000 after solid $9,- 500 second stanza. Keith’s (Mid-States) (1,542; 39- 75) — “At War With Army 14 (Par) (m.o.) All right $6,000 on third downtown week. Last week, “Emergency Wedding” (Col), light $4,500. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 39-75) — “Steel Helmfet” (Lip). Sturdy with $10,000. Last week, “Storm Warn- ing” (WB), moderate $9,500. W. S. Holman, SDG Settle Los Angeles, Feb. 6, William S. Holman’s $5,000 breach-of-contract suit against the Screen Directors Guild was dropped after an out-of-court set- tlement. Holman was dropped as execu- 1 tive secretary of tie Guild last July ] after a disagreement on policy.