Variety (February 1951)

Wednesday, February 21, 1951 PICTUltE GROSSES Mild Weather Ups Chi Biz; ‘Affair’ Plus Vande Solid $46,000, Tacific’ $44,000,‘Company-Tace’Lush 16G Chicago, Feb. 20. 4 Warm weather and strong entries are giving the Loop an okay ses- sion. Holdovers look steady, with newcomers running average to strong. “September Affair” and vaude looks solid $46,000. . The Chicago, with “Operation Pacific” and Connie Russell heading stage- bill has good $44,000 in prospect. "Operation Disaste r” and ♦'Double Deal” looms fair $12,000 at Palace. United Artists’ “Com- pany She Keeps” and “Second Face” has brisk $16,000 in sight. Fifth round of “Borit Yesterday” still looks great $19,000 at Woods. "Cyrano” roadshow has fancy $12,- 000 for fifth week at Selwyn. "Storm Warning*' looks fast $15,- 000 for second round at State- Lake. “Steel Helmet” continues mighty good at $19,000 in second Roosevelt week. Estimates for This Week Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 55-98)— “Operation Pacific** (WB). and Connie Russell topping vaudeshow. Good $44,000. Last week, “Watch Birdie** (M-Gl and Louis Prima orcli heading stage bill, $34,000. Grand (RKO) (1,200; ^55-98)— “Girls Under 21” (Col) and “Girls of the Roa'd" (Col) (reissues). Okay $10,000. Last week, “Korean Patrol” (EL), $13,500. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 55-98)— “September Affair” (Par) with Guy Mitchell and Teresa Brewer head- ing stage bill. Solid $46,000. Last week, “At War Wilh Army” (Par) and Jack Cathcart’s Continentals topping vaudeshow (3d wk), big $40,000. Palace (RKO) (2,500; 55-98)— “Operation Disaster’* (U) and “Double Deal” (RKO). Fair $12,- 000. Last week, “Under Gun” (U) and “Father’s Wild Game” (Mono), $9,500. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 55-98)— “Steel Helmet” (Lip) (2d wk). Fancy $19,000. Last week, $26,000. Selwyn (Shubert) (1,000; $1.25- $2.40)—“Cyrano** (UA) (5th wk). Continues strong at $12,000. Last week, $14,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 55-98) —“Storm Warning” (WB) (2d wk). Fast $15,000. Last week, $19,000. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 55- 98)—“Company She Keeps” (RKO) and “Second Face** (EL). Looks brisk $16,000. Last week, “Sun Sets Dawn*’ (EL) and “California Passage” (Rep), $10,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,073; 98)— “Bom Yesterday” (Col) (5th wk). Still big with $19,000. Last week^ M 9,500 ' World (Indie) (587; 80)—“Bitter Rice” (Indie) (7th wk). Tidy $4,500. Last Week, $5,000. Ziegfeld (Lopert) (434; 98) — “Great Manhunt” (Col) (4th wk). Neat $4,000 after $4,400 last week. ‘BORN’BOFFO $19,000, PORT.; ‘BIRDIE’ $9,000 Portland, Ore., Feb. 20. “Born Yesterday” at the Orpheum and Oriental looms as the big, boxoffice bet this week. “Watch The Birdie” is shaping up nice at the Broadway. “Kim” is still doing well In second United Artists week. ^ Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,890; 50-90) -^-“Watch Birdie” (M-G) and “Sur- render” (Rep). Nice $9,000. Last week, “Frenchle” (U) and “Destina- tion Big House” (Rep), fancy $ 11 , 000 . , ■ Mayfair (Parker) (1,500; 50-90)— Halls Montezuma” (20th) and “Hunt The Man Down” (RKO) (m.o.). Good $5,500. Last week* All About Eve” (20th) and “Male War Bride” (20th) (reisstie) (4 tJa.vs). $2,500. ^ Oriental (Evergreen) (2,000; 50-1 —“Bom Yesterday” (Col) and Stage To Tucson” (Col), day-date with Orpheum. Torrid- $8,000. Last week, “Montezuma*' (20th) and Hunt Man Down” (RKO), $6,800. .Orpheum (Evergreen) (1,750; 50- 90'—“Born Yesterday” (Col) and _Stage To Tucson” (Col), also Oriental. Terrific $11,000. Last week, “Operation Pacific” (WB) and “Bandit Queen” (Indie) (2d (5 days), $6,500. Paramount (Evergreen) (3,400; f0 00) — “Emergency- Wedding’ Col) and “Midnight and Dawn” |Col). Mild $5,500. Last week, Montezuma” (20th) and “Hunt Man Down” (RKO), soek $10,500. United Artists (Parker) (890; 50- 90—"Kim” (M-G) (2d wk). Fine *7,500. Last week, $13,400. Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from, the vari- ous key'cities, are net, i.e„ 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. Philadelphia, Feb. 20. Increase in number of flu cases coupled with rainy weather is giv- ing midtown theatres a very un- even session after a dull weekend. “Vengeance Valley” is heading for huge total at Goldman while ’’Sep- tember Affair” at Randolph looks tidy. Other newcomers are hot so good. “Bom Yesterday” looks big- gest of holdovers with fine fourth week at Boyd. “Harvey” still is okay at Midtown in sixth session. Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (1,303; $1.30-$2.60) —“Cyrano” (UA) (5th wk). Okay $10,000. Last week, $12,000. Boyd (WB) (2,360; 50-99)—“Bora Yesterday” (Col) (4th wk). Fine $17,000. Last week, $21,000. Earle (WB) <2,700; 50-99)—“Op- eration X” (Col). Dim $10,000. Last week, “Tarzan and Amazons” (RKO) and “Tarzan, Leopard Woman” (RKO) (reissues), thin $o;ooo. Fox (20th) (2,250; 50-99)—*“Call Me Mister” (20th) (2d wk). Good $15,000. Last week, sock $26,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 50- 99) — “Vengeance Valley” (M-G). Huge $20,000. Last week, “Toma- hawk” (U) (2d wk), big $11,000. Mastbaum (WB) (4,360; 50-99)— “Cause for Alarm” (M-G). Sad $13,000 or less. Last week, “Steel Helmet” (Lip), $11,000. Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; 50- 99)—“Harvey” (U) (6th wk). Oke $5,000. Last week, $6,500. Rahdolph (Goldman) (2,500; 50- 99) — “September Affair” (Par). Tidy $19,000, Last week; “Com- pany She Keeps” (RKO) (2d wk), $ 8 , 000 . Stanley (WB) <2,950; 50-99) — “At War With Army” (Par) (5th wk). Fine $12,000. Last week, $15,000. Stanton (WB) (1,473; 50-99) — “Sugarfoot” (WB) (2d wk). Fair $8,000 after $13,000 initial stanza. Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 50-99) — “Seven Days Noon” (Indie) (3d wk). Fine $4,500. Last week, $5,000. World (G&S) (500; 50-99)—“Bit- ter Rice” (Indie) (14th wk). Hold- ing near $4,000. Last week, good $4,000. ‘Valley’ Best Buff Bet, $14,000; ‘Joan’ $7,500 \ Buffalo, Feb. 20. , This is a slow Week generally at downtown houses. Best bet looks to be “Vengeance Valley,” with good total at the Buffalo. “Sugarfoot” looms mild at the Paramount. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loews) (3,500; 40.-70) — “Vengeance Valley” (M-G) and “Rhythm Inn” (MonoV. Good $14,- 000. Last week, “Call Me Mister” (20th) and “Abilene Trail” (Indie), $18,400. Paramount (Par) (3,000; 40-75)— “Sugarfoot” (WB) and “Hidden City” (Lip). Modest $11,500. Last week, “Operation Pacific” (WB) (2d wk-5 days), $8,000. Center (Par) (2,100; 40-75) — ‘♦September Affair” (Par) (2d wk). Oke $7,000. Last week, good $9,000. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 40-70)— “Flying Missile” (Col) and “Gaso- line Alley” (Col). Okay $9,000 or less. Last week, “Tomahawk”. (U) and “Taming of Dorothy” (EL), big $13,000. Century (20th Cent.) (3,000; 40- 70) — "Joan of Arc” (RKO) and “Atlantic City Honeymoon” (Rep). Medium $7,500 in 5 days. Last week, “Company She Keeps” (RKO) and "Hunt Man Down” (RKO), $9,800. ‘Mo. Raid’ Fast $12,000, Omaha; ‘Mister’ Sock 96 Omaha, Feb. 20. “Call Me Mister” at State looks smash after new Sunday record there. The Orpheum’s, “Great Missouri Raid” is doing, fine. “A Yank in Korea” and “He’s a Cockeyed Wonder” at Brandeis lifted biz at that house to a good total. “Tomahawk” fared so- so at the Paramount: Lent un- doubtedly had something to do with the apparently restricted grosses. Estimates for-This Week State (Goldberg) (865; 20-75) — “Call Me Mister” (20th)/ Smash $9,000. Last week, “Gilda” (Col) and "Platinum Blonde*’. (Col) (reissues) satisfactory $5,500. . Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 16- 70)—"Great Missouri Raid” (Par) and “Hit Parade 1951” (Rep). Nice $12,000. Last week, Hildegard and reVue onstage, with “The Mudlark” (20th) at 25-95c scale, good $16,500. Omaha (Tristates) (2,800; 16-70) — ‘Halls Montezuma” (20th) (m.o.) and "Timber Fury” (EL). Tall $9,000. Last week, “At War With Army” (Par) (m.o.), $10,000. Brandeis (RKO) <1,500; 16-70)— “Yank in Korea” (Col) and “He’s Cockeyed Wonder” (Col). Okay $8,000. Last week, "Gambling House” (RKO) arid "Operation X” (Col), satisfactory $7,000. - - - Paramount (Tristates) (2,800; 16- 70) — "Tomahawk” (U). Modest $10,000. Last week, “Halls Monte- zuma” (20th)* $11,500. . ‘Harvey- Terrif $44,000, Denver . Denver, Feb. 20. Denver,is paying tribute to au- thor Mary. Chase, who lives here, by ganging up on “Harvey,” giving four theatres long lines all day Sunday when pic was, launched. Will have colossal total, only the length of film preventing record since not playing solo. Holds in all four houses, a record in itself for Denver. “Gambling House” and “Company She Keeps” are giving the Orpheum a nice session. “Trio” is amazingly weak at Den- ham. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 40-80) — “Harvey” (U) and “Undercover Girl” (U), day-date with Denver, Esquire, Webber. Big $8,000. Last week, “Mudlark” (20th), $5,000. Broadway (Wolfberg) (1,500; 40- 80)—"Never Dull Moment” (RKO). (2d wk). Good $8,000. Last week, fine $9,500. Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 40-80) —“Trio” (Par). Poor $7,000. Last week, “At War With Army” (Par) (3d wk), $6,500 in 4 days. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 40-80) — “Harvey” (U) and “Undercover (Continued on page 20) ‘KIM* PACES D.C. WITH $23,000; TARGET’ 10G Washington, Feb. 20. Despite the minority of new- comers in town’s big houses, gen- eral level of biz is firm. “Kim” at Loew’s Palace is current leader, with “Target 'Unknown** at RKO Keith and “Yank in Korea” at small-seater Metropolitan, both better than average. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew’s) (2,434; 44-90)— “Vengeance Valley” (M-G) (2d wk) plus vaude. Nice $14,000. Last week, better than expected $23,000. Dupont (Lopert) (375;. 50-85) — “Manon” (Indie). Okay $3,500. Last week, "Red Shoes” (EL), solid $4,000. Keith’s (RKO) (1,939; 44-80) — “Target Unknown” (U). Pleasing $10,000. Last week, “Gambling House” (RKO), $6,000. Metropolitan (Warner) (1,163; 44-74) — “Yank in Korea” (Coll. Brisk $6,500. Last week, “Pre- historic Women” (EL), amazing $7,500. Palace (Loew’s) (2,370; 44-74)— “Kim” (M-G). Tops town with sock $23,000. Last week, “Tomahawk” (U), good $18,500. Playhouse (Lopert) (485; $1.20- $2.40) — “Cyrano” (UA) (5th wk). Revived to firm $5,000 with end of run notices. Last week, $4,000. Holds One more week. Warner (WB) (2,174; 44-74) — “Born Yesterday” (Col) (3d wk). Trim $10,000 after sock $15,000 last week. Trans-Lux (T-L) (654; 44-80) — “Seven Days to Noon” (Indie) (5th wk). Keeping even pace" with steady $5,000 after $5,500 last week. 9 Tomahawk’ 33G Firstrun business on Broadway currently is very uneven despite three new entries, reflecting a plethora of holdovers' and ex- tended-runs plus possibly the Lenten season influence. However, many new bills and some current ones will get a nice pickup via Washington’s Birthday (Thurs.). Many extended-runs are off sharp- ly this stanza,, making 1 the Street’s overall total lower than recent weeks. Despite favorable weather, trade started slipping the middle of last week but managed to stage' a sharp recovery over the v week- end.. Many houses reported r -un- usually strong Sunday business. Intermittent rain last Saturday had little effect on the boxoffice. Mild weather the following day Was helpful. Biggest money is being racked up by the Music Hall with Bette Davis “Payment on Demand” plus stageshow. With an assist from pre-Feb. 22 crowds, it looks to hit very nice $130,000, and prospects are for three-week run. Excellent ballyhoo got “Toma- hawk” off to great start, with sock $33,000 likely in first week at the State. Pic is giving, the house its best trade in weeks. “Vengeance Valley” with Blue Barron band, Joey Adams, Felix Kgight heading stageshow, is heading for okay $46,000 or thereabouts at the Capitol. Combo figures to get a lift from business tonight. “Call Me Mister,” with a terrific, boost from Danny Kaye heading stage bill,* is holding in strohg style at the Roxy, with $105,000 probable for third week (9 days). Longrun champ continues to be “Born Yesterday,” ‘now in ninth frame at the Victoria after smash $24,000 for eighth week. “At War With The Army,” plus stageshow headed by Boyd Rae- burn band, held to $52,000 in fourth session at the Paramount. Criterion, Globe and Mayfair open new bills tomorrow (Thurs.). Par launches “Cry Danger” with new stageshow today (Wed.). Roxy brings in “S.S.S. Teakettle,” with Ritz Bros, topping stage bill, on Friday (23). Astor has set “i4 Hours” to follow “Harvey,” With opening slated for March.5. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 55-$r.50) —"Harvey” (U) (9th wk). Current round ending today (Wed.) holding to around $10,500, not bad for this stage of run, after fine $12,000 last .week. Stays on, with “14 Hours” (20th) opening March 5. Bijou (City Inv.) (589; $1.20- $2.40)—“Cyrano” (UA) (14th wk). The 13th session ended last night (Tues.X held very well at $9,000 after $10,500 for 12th week. Con- tinues indef. Capitol (Loew’s) (4,820; 55-$1.50) —“Vengeance Valley” (M-G) plus Blue Barron orch, Joey Adams, Felix Knight, others, onstage. With boost from pre-Washington Birth- day crowds, looks headed- for okay $46,000 first round. Holds, in ahead, “Enforcer” (WB) with Lionel Hampton orch, revue on- stage (3d wk), $33,000. Criterion (Moss) <1,700; 50-$l.75) —“Frenchie” (U) (2d wk-5 days). Holding okay at $8,000 after $15,- 000*for initial frame. “Under Guii” (U) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 50-$1.20) —“Sugarfoot” (WB) (2d wk-5 days). Down to around $7,500 after good $13,000 first week. “No Orchids For Miss Blandish” (Indie) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 50-$1.20) —“Last Gangster” (M-G) and “Big Store” (M-G) {reissues) (4th wk-5 days). Winds up with $8,500 after stout $12,000. last round. “Dodge City” (WB) and “Virginia City” (WB) (reissues) open tomorrow . (Thurs.), A Palace (RKO) (1,700; 55-$1.20) —“Rogue River” (EL) and vaude. Still not very good at $16,500. Last week, “Man Who Cheated Himself” (20th), with vaude, $17,400. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 55-$1.50) —“Cry Danger” (RKO) with Russ Case orch, Eddie Fisher, Five De Marco ./Sisters, others, onstage. Opens today (Wed,). Last week, “At War With Army” (Par) plus Honey Dreamers, Harvey Stone, Boyd Raeburn orch, others onstage (4th wk), held nicely with $52,000 after big $82,000 for third round, making $332,000 for four weeks, biggest here in months. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (5,945; 80-$2.40)—“Payment on Demand” (RKO) with stage- show. Climbing to very nice $130,- 000, with pic drawing generally strong notices. Holds, natch! Last week, “September Affair” '* (Par) (2d wk), okay $115,500, with boost from Lincoln’s Birthday, and a bit ahead of first Session. Rialto (jVfage) (594; 44-98)— “Perfect Woman” (EL). First week ending Thurslay (22) looks only $5,000 or less. In ahead, “True. Glory” (Indie) and "♦'The Raider’* (Indie) (reissue), $5,500. Rivoli (UAT-Par) (2,092; 60-$1.25) —“13th Letter” (20th). Opens to- day (Wed.). Last week, “Second Woman!’-(UA) (3d wk-6 days), was down to $8,200 after $12,500 for second stanza. Roxy (20th) (5,886; 80-$1.75)— “Call Me Mister” (20th) with stage- show headed by Danny Kaye (3d Wk-9 days). Looks to wind up run with $105,000 in final 9 days after great $109,000 for second week. “U.S.S. Teakettle” (20th) with Ritz Bros., Gale Robbins, Maxellos top- ping stage bill opens Friday (23). State (Loew’s) (3,450; *55-$1.50)— “Tomahawk” (U). First week end- ing next Friday (23) looks to reach sock $33,000, helped by excellent, circusy bally. Holds. In ahead, “Steel Helmet” (Lip) (3d wk-10 days), $8,500. Strand (WB) (2,756; 55-$2)-^ “Operation Pacific’* (WB). with Denise Darcel, Joey Bishop, Victor Lombardo orch topping stage bill - (3d-final wk). Holding near $30,- 000 after $36,000 last week. Stays fourth round. Sutton (R & B) (561; 90-11.50)— “Trio” (Par) (20th wk). The 19th session ended Monday (19) was $6,000 after $6,4|)0 In previous round. Trans-Lux 52nd St. (T-L) (540; 90-$1.50)—“Seven Days To Noon” (Indie) (10th wk). Ninth round ended Sunday (18) slipped to $5,500 after $7,000 in eighth week. Victoria (City Inv;) (1,060; 95- $1.50)—“Bora Yesterday” (Col) (9th wkK Eighth frame ended Monday (19) held, to rousing $24,- 000 after $26,000 for seventh week. Stays On indef at this pace. WaUey* Br^ht $16,000. SL Loo; ‘Mister’ Stout 14G, ‘Branded* Oke 14$G St. Louis, Feb. 20. Despite frequent rain on Sun- day (18), trade at the big cinemas was fair oyer the weekend. “Vengeance Valley.” is likely to make best showing with solid ses- sion at Loew’s. “Call Me Mister” lboms fancy at the Missouri while “At War With Army,” in third week downtown, still is torrid. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 60-75) —“At War With Army” (Par) and “High Lonesome” (EL) (m.o.s.). Big $14,000. Last week, “Operation Pacific” (WB) and “Woman on Run” (U) for third week down- town, $11,000. * Fox (F&M) (5,000; 60-75)— “The Enforcer” (WB) and “Short Grass” (Mono).- Opened today (Tues.); Last week, “Branded” (Continued on page 20) ‘Solomon* Rick $27,000, Mont’l; ‘Point’ Fair 16G Montreal, Feb. 20. With new entries in all deltix- ers, recent biz slump is fading somewhat. Best of newcomers is “Solomon’s Mines” at Loew’s with socko total. “Kansas .Raid- ers” is next best with great Im- perial week. . Estimates for This Week Palace (C.T.) (2,625; 34-60) — “Never Dull Moment” (RKO). Dull $11,000. Last week, “Magnificent Yankee” (M-G), $7,000. Capitol (C.T.) (2,412; 34-60) — “Breaking* Point” (WB). Fair $16,000. Last week, “West Point Story” (WB), nice $17,000. Princess (C.T.) (2,131; 34-60) — “Man Who Cheated” (20th). Light $7,000. Last week, “Great Man- hunt” (Col). $9,000. Loev’s (C.T.) (2,185; 40-65) — “King Solomon’s Mines” (M-G). Socko $27,000. Last week, “I’ll Get By” (20th) (2d wk), big $17,000. Imperial (C.T.) (1,839; 34-80) — “Kansas Raiders” (U) and “Experi- ment Alcatraz” (U).. Great $13,000. Last week, “Dial 1119” (M-G) and “Father’s Wild Game” (M-G), $ 8 , 000 .