Variety (August 15, 1951)

PICTURE CROSSES t #><inc»d*T, A«*w« 1%19H_ Chi Cooler, B.O. Hotter; Illy Boy Plus Vaude Socko $70,060, Horatio’ Lusty $25,000, ‘Express’ Fast 19G Chicago, Aug. 14. 4 Chicago grosses are following the cool weather, with vacationeers flocking to the Windy City also helping tilt trade. Not only are the new entries strong, but hold- overs are the best in several months. •‘That’s My Boy” at the Oriental and vaude show is head- ing for a sockeroo $70,000. •*Capt. Horatio Hornblower” at State- Lake looks bright $25,000. “Peking Express’* heading * dual bill at the Roosevelt is smart $19,- 000 Flying Leathernecks” world preem at the Woods yesterday (Mon.) with stars and plenty of brass got it off in big style. Disney’s "Alice in Wonderland” is leading the second week parade with a terrific $30,000 at the Pal- ace. Also very sock is "Little Egvpt” and Billy Eckstine in per- son at the Chicago with $40,000 after great $67,000 opening round. Estimates for This Week Chicago (B&K) (3.900; 50-98) — “Little Egypt” (U) with Billy Eck- stine topping stageshow (2d wk). Smash $48,000. Last week, wow $67,000. (■rand (RKO) <1,250; 50-98) — “Mark of Renegade” (U) and “Footlieht Varieties” (RKO). Off to $8,000 looming. Last week, okay $11,000. Oriental (Indie) <3,400; 98) — “That’s My Boy” (Par) with vaude bill. Terrif at $70,000. Last week, “Show Boat” (M-G) with Mary Ford and Les Paul onstage (4th wk>, $38,000 Palace (RKO) <2,500; 55-98) — •Alice in Wonderland” (RKO-Dls- ney* (2d wk). Wham $30,000. Last week, $40,000. Roosevelt (B8cK) (1.500; 55-98)— “Peking Express" (Par) and ‘Two of a Kind” (Col). Smart $19,000. Last week. "Francis To Races” <U) and ‘‘Cavalry Scout” (Mono) (2d vk>. $15,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 98) — “Horatio Hornblower” (WB). Run- ning at straight 98c should grab fine $25,000. Last week. "Mask of Avenger” (Col) and "Man With My Face" (UA), $15,000. United Artists (B&K) (1.700; 55- 98* — "Bombardier” (RKO) and "China Sky” (RKO) (reissues). Oke $11,000 expected. Last week, “Samson and Delilah” (Par), same. Woods (Essaness) (1,073; 98) — •Flying Leathernecks” (RKO). Opened yesterday (Mon.) Last week, "Frogmen” (20th) (5th wk), $12 500 World (Indie) (587: 87) — "Teresa” (M-G) (4th wk). Okay $3.500. Last week, $3,500. Ziegfeld (Lopert) (434; $1.20- $2 40) —"Tales of Hoffmann” (In- die) (17th wk). Good $4,500. Last week, $4,000. Cincy Condones Stout; Alice’ Huge at $18,000, ‘Young’ Strong $13,000 Cincinnati, Aug. 14. General upbeat in first-run biz i* continuing here for second week. Current topper by a wide margin is ‘‘Alice in Wonderland.” which is terrific at the Albee. "Rich, Young. Beautiful” also is a solid new- comer. The small Lyric is having its best session in a long time with the moveover of "On Moonlight Bay." "Peking Express” shapes okay at the Capitol. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 55-75)— "Alice in Wonderland” (RKO). Wow $18,000 or over. Last week. ’ Show Boat” (M-G). solid $12,000 In 6 days. Set modern Cincy rec- ords for biz and four-week ran at this flagship, doing atomic $75,000 on run. „ CapUol (Mid-States) (2.000; 55- 75 ‘—"Peking Express” (Par). Oke $7,500. Last week, "Cattle Drive” (U*. same. Grand (RKO) (1,400; 55-75)— .Three Steps North” <UA> and Two Gals and Guy” (UA). Good $8,000. Last week, "Never Trust Gambler" (Col) and "Hurricane Island” (Col), $7,000. Keith’s (Mid-States) <1.542; 55-75) — ’Passage West” (Par). Mild $7,000. Last week, "Mark of Rene- ge” (U>, $8,500. '.Palace (RKO) (2.600; 55-75)— Y °ung, Pretty’* (M-G). Solid f -3.000. Last week, “On Moonlight Bay (WB), socko $17;000. tallest L»ke here In almost a year. Are Net Film grom estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net; i. e., without the 20% tax. Distrib- utors 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. ‘My Boy’ Wow in SLUM St. Louis, Aug. 14. "That’s My Boy” Is standing the town on its head, and only the fact that no matinees are being run at the Missouri is preventing it from breaking several records. Over- flow over the weekend helped box- office activity for "Capt. Horn- blower” at the huge Fox. Result is one of bigger recent weeks at the Fox Theatre. "Ran All Way” shapes good at the downtown Loews. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M> (3,000; 60-75) —"Moonlight Bay” (WB) (m.o.) and "Sirocco” (Col) (2d wk). Oke $10.- 000. Last week, "Siroccq” (Col) and "Texas Rangers” (Col), $10,500. Fox (F&M) (5,000; 60-75)—"Capt. Horatio Hornblower” (WB). Fine $17,000. Last week, "Convict Lake” (20th) and ’Two of Kind” (Col), $16,000. Loew’s (Loew) (3,172; 50-75) — "He Ran All Way” (UA) and "When Redskins Rode' r (Col). Good $14,- 000 or over. Last week. "Show Boat” (M-G) (4th wk). $14,000. Missouri (F&M) (3.500; 60-75)— "That’s My Boy" (Par) and "Dear Brat” (Par). Smash $18,000. Last week, "Moonlight Bay*' (WB) and "Never Trust Gambler” (Col) (2d wk). $12,000. Pageant (St. L. Amui.) (1,000; 50-90)—"Trio” (Par) (3d wk). Off to $1,000 following oke $2,000 second stanza. 'Shady Oak (St. L. Amus.) (800- 50-90)—"Trio” (Par) (3d wk). Down to $1,500 after nice $2,500 second session. ‘Alice’ Terrif $28,000, Torrato; ‘Cmrict’ 14G Toronto, Aug. 14. Sensational success of Walt Dis- ney’s "Alice in Wonderland’" on initial frame at the Imperial where nearly a record week looms is also stimulating general biz here since overflow family trade goes to other spots. "Secret of Con- vict Lake” looks best of other new plx with a big week at the Odeon. "Moonlight Bay” still is fine and pacing the holdovers. Estimates fer This Week Crest, Downtown, Glendale, May- fair, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (863; 1.059; 955; 470; 698; 694; 35-60)— ’Texas Rangers” (Col) and "China Corsair” (Col). Big $15,000. Last wedk. Painted Hills” (M-G) and "Smuggler’s Gold” (Col), $10,000 Eflinton, Shea’s <FP) <1.060, 2.3*6; 40-80) — "Moonlight Bay” (WB) (2d wk). Fine $15,000. Last week, smash $19,000. Imperial (FP) (3,373; 40-80) — "Alice in Wonderland" (RKO-Dis- ney). Sensational $28,000. Last week, "Frogmen” (20th) (2d wk), $ 12 , 000 . Loew’s (Loew) (2,743; 40-70) — "Excuse My Dust” (M-G) (2d wk). Fair $8,500. Last week. $14,000. Nortown, University (FP) (959; 1,558; 40-80) — ‘Teresa’’ (M-G). Fair $12,000. Last week, "Peking Express” (Par), $13,500. Odeon (Rank) (2.390 50-90) — "Convict Lake” (20th). Big $14,- 000. Last week, "Prince Who Wss Thief’ (U) (2d wk), $10,000. Uptown (Loew) (2,743; 40-80) — “Mark of Renegade” (U). Light $6,000. Last week. "Francis To Races” (U) (2d wk). $7,500. Victoria (FP) (1,140; 40-80) — "Fabiola” (Indie) (2d wk). Good $6,000. Lost week, $6,900. ‘Ft Worth’ Trim $10,000, A&C Fat 11G, Omaha Omaha, Aug. 14. Groues levelled off after last week’s upsurge but are still very healthy. "Fort Worth” at the Paramount shapes brisk. The Or- pheum has Abbott and Costello’s r ‘Comin’ Round Mountain” and opened with good session likely. Second week of Disney’s "Alice In Wonderland” Brandeis held up well. Estimates for This Week . Paramount (Tristates) (2.800; 16- 70) — “Ft. Worth” (WB). Sound $10,000. Last week. "Show Boat” (M-G) (2d wk), swell $9,500. Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 16- 70) — "Cornin’ Round Mountain” (U). Good $11,000. Last week. "Night Into Morning” (M-G) and Three Suns stage revue, fine $18,000 at 20-90c scale. Omaha (Tristates) (2,100; 16-70) — "Folsom Prison” (WB) and "Smuggler’s Gold” (Col). Nice $6,- 000. Last week. "Man From Planet X” (UA) and "Brother, the Out- law” (BB). $7,000. Brandeis (RKO) (1,500; 35-74 — "Alice in Wonderland” (RKC-Dis- ney) (2d wk). Fancy $6,000. Last week, $8,000. State (Goldberg) (865; 25-75) — "Guy Who Came Back” (20th) and "Double Deal” (RKO). Fast $5,000. Last week. "Rich, Young. Pretty” (M-G) and "Sideshow” (Mono), $ 6 , 000 . ‘My Boy’ Wham $32,000, Frisco San Francisco, Aug. 14. Improved weather conditions here are credited with helping the very real upbeat at first-runs this session. Standout is ’That’s My Boy” which is sockeroo at the Par- amount. Effective bally is helping lift the vast Fox Theatre in a nice session with its "Capt. Horatio Hornblower.” “Happy Go Lovely” looms fair at the St. Francis. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2.850; GO- 85)—"Night Into Morning” (M-G) and "Hell’s Gateway" (Indie). Mild $11,000. Last week, "Man With My Face” (UA) plus stageshow headed by Josephine Baker (3d wk), with prices upped to $1.25 top, big $40,- 000 . Fox (FWC) <4,651; 60-95>—"Capt. Horatio Hornblower” (WB) and "Let’s Go Navy” (Mono). Nice $24.- 000 or over. Last week. "Young As Feel" (20th) and "14 Hours” (20th), $12,500. Warfield (Loew’s) (2.656; 60-85) —"Teresa” (M-G). Modest $10,000. Last week, "Show Boat” (M-G) (5th wk), strong $14,000. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 60-85)— "That’s My Boy” (Par). Wow $32,- 000. Last week, "On Moonlight Bay” (WB) and "Interrupted Jour- ney” (Indie), (2d wk) $15,000. St Francis (Par) (1,400; 6045V— "Hai ippy Go Lovely” (RKO). Fair $10,000. Last week. “Trio” (Par), at pop prices, weak $7,500 Orphrum (No. Coast) (2,448; 55- 85)—"Mark Of Renegade” (U) and “Secrets Of Monte Carlo” (Rep). Fair $12,000. Last week. "M” (Col) and "Emergency Wedding” (Col), $14,500. United Artiste (No. Coast) (1,207; 55-85)—“Cyrkno” (UA) (4th wk). Okay $74100. Last Week. $10,000. Stagedoor (A-R) (370; $1.80- $2.40)—’Tales Of Hoffmann” (In- die) (6th wk). Holding at stout $6,500. Last week, same. Clay (Rosener) (400; 65-65)— "Blue Lamp” (UA). Good $3,300. Last week, “Toast New Orleans” (M-G) and ’’Midnight Kiss” (M-G) (reissues), 4 days. $2,200. Larkin (Roaener) (400; 65-85)— "Blue Lamp” (UA). Fine $3,600. Last week, "Toast New Orleans’* (M-G) and "Midnight Kiss” (M-G) (reissues), $3,400. Heat Wilts B’way; Holdovers Set Pace, ‘Show Boat’ 4th, 151G, “Boy’-Vaude 82G, Twist’ Big $18,400, ‘Belvedere’ 58G III ‘MY BOY’ LOUD $22, SEATTLE: ‘ALICE’ 17G Seattle, Aug. 14. Big news here this session are the great sessions being turned in by 5 Alice in Wonderland" and "That’s My Boy." The Walt Disney version it hitting a huge total at Fifth Avenue. -"Rich. Young, Pret- ty" looks solid at Liberty. "My Boy” shapes great at Paramount Estimates far This Weak, Bine Mouse (Hamrick) (800; 65- 90)—"Francis To Races” (U) and "Amorilla" (Rep) (4th wk). Big $4,000. Last week, good $4,200 Coliseum (Evergreen) (1,877; 65- 90)—"Suicide Attack” (Indie) and "Beasts of East" (Indie). Fast $10.- 000. Last week, "Mask of Avenger” (Continued on page 22) Sweltering weather returned to New York over the past weekend and is proving a headache to Broadway boxoffices. Five consec- utive days of heat and humidity, with only a slight breather from rain Sunday (12) night, is clouting first-run business badly. Even the strongest films are being hurt, with new pix taking a real beating. Big draw of Dodgers-Giants games at Ebbetts Feld last week alao cut In somewhat while state American Legion convention did not mean much at the wickets. Bulk of strength at the deluxe houses is coming from holdover bills or extended-runs. Greatest coin total again goes to "Show Boat,” with stage show at the Music Hal). In its fourth week, this bill will hit big $151,000 or over. "That’s My Boy” with Modern- aires, Danny Lewis. Bob Chester band topping the stage bill, got sock estimated $82,000, in second round at the Paramount. This pace has cinched a four-week run for combo. Bright Victory” still is sturdy, having landed $22,000 In its second week at the Victoria but obviously was damaged by the heat. Despite the torrid weather, Disney’s "Alice in Wonderland” continues in great style, with $36,000 in prospect for third session at the Criterion. Second stanza of "Oliver Twist” held in remarkable manner, being only a step behind opening week at $18,400 at the Park Ave. "Bel- vedere Rings Bell,” with iceshow and stage bill, is down to mild $58,000 for second round at the Roxy. “No Questions Asked” is doing best of new entries, heading for $12,000 In initial frame at the May- fair. "Cattle Drive” is only $15,000 opening week at the State, and only holds over four days. ’To- morrow Is Another Day” looks fairish $10,000 in first round at the Holiday. David and Bathsheba” opened last night (Tues.) at the Rivoll, this marking the unshuttering of theatre, which had been closed during the summer. "Force of Arms opened at the Warner yes- terday. Meet Me After the Show,” with Milton Berle, Dagmar and Berle’a own revue, preems today (Wed.) at the Roxy. "Law and the Lady” alao opens today at the Capitol. Estimates for This Week (City Inv.) (1.300; 55 $1.50) —’’Happy Go Lovely” (RKO) (4th wk). Third session ended last night (Tues.) is down to $5,000 after light $7,500 for second round. Stays two days past fourth week, with "Jim Thorpe. All-American” (WB) com- ing in Aug. 24. Bijou (City Inv.) (589; $1.20- $2.40) — ‘Tales of Hoffmann” (Indie) (20th wk). The 19th stanza ended last night (Tues.) continued big with $10,500. Week ahead was $10 8()0 Capitol (Loew’s) (4.820; 55-$1.2S) — "Law and the Lady” (M-G). Opens today (Wed.) being second bill on all-film policy here. Last week, "Rich, Young, Pretty" (M-G) (3d wk) sagged to $16,000 after fine $23,000 for second round. Criterion (Moss) <1.700; 5041.75) —"Alice In Wonderland” (RKO- Disney) (3d wk). Current frame‘Is holding stoutly at $36,000 after $45,000 for second week. Stays indef. Glebe (Brandt) <1.500; 50-11.20) —"Convict Lake” (20th) (Id wk). Holding nicely with $14,500 after fancy $19,000 opening week, but below hopes. Stays on. Holiday (Zatkin) <950: 50-$1.50> — ‘Tomorrow. Is Another Day” (WB) (2d wk>. First week ended last night (Tues.) hit routine $10.- 000. In ahead. "Cornin’ Round Mountain” (U) (2d wk-6 days). $5,800. Mayfair (Brandt) (1.736: 5041.20) — "No Questions Asked” (M-G). First week ending today (Wed.) is heading for fair $12,000 or near. Last week. "Alice In Wonderland” (Indie) (2d wk). mild $8,000 Pal see (RKO) (1,700; 5541-20)— "Best of Badmen” (RKO) and vaude. Looks like oke $19,000. Last week. "As Young As You Feel” (20th), with vaude, $18,500. Paramount (Par) (3.664; 70-$1.60) —"That’s My Boy” (Par) with Modernalres. Danny Lewis, Bob Chester orch topping stageshow (3d wk). Second frame ended last night (Tuts.) held to $62jD0Q after socko $91,000 for initial round. Goes four weeks. Socond week was giving house some of best days of run when heat broke In to slow II up somewhat. Park Ave. (Reade) (583; 9041.50) —“Oliver Twist” (UA) (3d wk). Ini- tial holdover stanza ended Sunday (12) continued smash at $16,400 after $18,900 for first week, big- gest at house on a pop-scale run. Second week started out running ahead of first session and held re- markably close to first frame. Stays indef. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (5,945; 80-$2 40) — "Show Boat” (M-G) plus stageshow (4th wk). Continues smash with $151,- 000 after $158,000 for third week. Holding a fifth, naturally, and looks to remain through Labor Lay. Roxy (20th) (5.886; 9041.75) — "Meet Me After Show” (20th) with Milton Berio plus own all-star re- vue headed 6y Dagmar onstage. Opens today (Wed.). Last week, "Belvedere Rings Bell” (20th) and iceshow. plus stagebiii topped by Florian Zabach (2d wk), wound up at mild $58,000 after good $73,- 000 opening round. State (Loew’s (3,450; 55-$1.50)— "Cattle Drive” (U> (2d wk). First round did fairly well with $15,- 000. Holds four extra days, with "Iron Man” (U) opening Aug. 18. In ahead, "Francis To Races” (U) (2d wk-8 days), okay $14,000. Warner (WB) (2.756; 55-$1.25)— "Force of Arms” (WB). Opened yesterday (Tues ). In ahead. "Moon- light Bay” (WB) (3d wk-5 days), sagged to mild $8,000 after oke $15,500 for second frame. Sutton (R & B) (561; 90-$ 1.50)— ”Kon-Tiki” (RKO) (20th wk). The 19th session ended Monday (13) held steady at $5,500 after $6,000 for 18th week. Continues through Sept. 4. with “The Medium” (In- die) opening Sept. 5. Trans-Lux 69th St. (T-L) (453; 7441.50) — "Emperor’s Nightin- gale" (Indie) (14th wk). Still show- ing profit with $2,200 after $2,400 in 13th frame. Trans-Lux 52d St (T-L) (540; 90- $1.50) — "Kind Lady” (M-G) (2d wk). First session ended Monday (13) hit fine $15,000. In ahead, "Circle of Danger” (UA) (4th wk), $2,600. Victoria (City Inv.) (1.060; 55- $150) —"Bright Victory” <U) (3d wk). Initial holdover stanxa ended Monday (13) continued strongly with $22,000 after great $32,000 opening week. H.0.’« Bolster Mpis. Biz; < Boat’ Rousing $14,000, ‘Alice’ Big 11G, 2d Wks. Minneapolis. Aug. 14. The boxofflce goose hangs high here as the upbeat in grosses con- tinues. “Show Boat” and “Alice in Wonderland.” both In second weeks, still provide the main stim- ulus for the Improving pace. Both belong In the smash class locally and take their places with the last rear’s top millers. Still another holdover, ’The Frogmen,” also in its second stanza, is proving no mean magnet Best of newcomers is ’’Peking Express,” fine at the State. Estimates far This Week Century (Par) (1,600: 50-76)— "Circle of Danger” (UA). Light $4,000. Last week. "Lorna Doone” (Col). $4,500. Gopher (Berger) <1.000; 50-76)— “The Frogmen" (20th) (2d wk). Good $5,500 after hefty $9,100 ini- tial canto. Lyric (Par) <1.000; 50-76)—"Cav- alry Scout" (Mono) and "Ghost Chasers” (Mono). Oke at S4 500. Last week. "Cattle Drive” (U) (2d wk). same. Radio City (Par) (4.000; 50-76>— "Show Boa4” (M-G) (2d wk). Will take its place as one of boxofflce champs here. Still zooming at $14.- 000 after huge $25,000 first stanza, one of theatre's three or four best straight film weeks. RKO-Orshein (RKO> (2.800 40-76)—"A 11 c e In Wonderland” (RKO-Disney) (2d wk>. Fine 111,- 000 Last week, terrific $16,500. State (Par) (2.300; 50-76)—"Pe- king Express” (Par). Fine $9,000. Last week. "Ace in. Hole” (Par), good $7,000. Werld (Mann) <400; 50-90)— "Kind Lady” (M-G). Well regard- ed picture, but Ethel Barrymore and Maurice Evans probably don’t mean too much as names to film fans. Good $3,000 Last week. "La^y Panama” Undle), $2,000.