Variety (August 29, 1951)

riCTTOE CROSSES Wedmdiy, Anyul 29, 1951 LA. Slowed Dp by Surplus of H.0.s; ‘Show’ Oke But‘Dishonorable’ Dull $25,000; ‘Sun’ Terrif W/fr 2d Lot Angeles. Aug. 20. ♦ )f«i First-run pace 1§ slower this week with only two new bills to attract attention. Most holdovers are showing real strength to keep the overall picture satisfactory. Top new entry is "Meet Me After Show" which looks okay $38,500 in live theatres. "Strictly Dishonor- able" looms dull $25,000 in two houses. "Capt. Horatio Hornblower” still Is good at $19,500 in third week, three spots. "That's My Boy" is very strong $16,500 in two Para- mount houses in third session. Holds a fourth. "A Place in Sun." which set a record last week, is maintaining its torrid pace with $10,500 or bet- ter in sight for second frame at the small Fine Arts. Estimates for This Week Los Angeles. Chinese. Uptown. Loyola. Wilshlre <FWC> <2.097; 2.- 048; 1,719; 1,248; 2.296; 70-$1.10>— "Meet After Show" (20th) and "This Is Korea" (Rep). Okay $38.3W week "Relvedere Rings Bell" (20th' and "Let's Go Navy" (Mono) <2d wk-4 days', $17,300. Hollywood, Downtown, Wiltern (WBi (2.756; 1,757; 2.344; 70-$1.10> —"Hornblower” (WB) (3d wk). Good $19,500. Last week, $28,400. Loew's State, Egyptian (UA) <2.- 404; 1.538; 70-$1.10) — “Strictly Dishonorable" <M-G) and "Tall Target" »M-G). Slow $25,000. Last week. "Teresa" <M-G) and "No Questions Asked" (M-G), thin $23,800 liillstreet, Pantages (RKO) (2.- 890; 2.812; 70-$l.10)—"Alice Won- derland" (RKO-Disney) (2d wk>. Good $25,000. Last week, socko $43,500. Los Angeles, Hollywood Para- mounts <F&M> <3.398; 1.430; 60'— "That’s My Boy” (Par) «3d wk). Big $16,500. Last week, $21,700. United Artists, Rita, Vogue. Stu- dio City. Culver (UA-FWC) (2.100; 1.370; 885; 880; 1.145; 70-$1.10> — "Iron Man" <U> and "Man With My Face" (UA) (2d wk-4 days). Okay $14,500. Last week, smash $30,000. Four Star (UA) (900; 90)—"Five" (Col). Opens tonight (Tues.) with special preem. Last week. "Native Son" (Indie) (2d wk-10 days), fair $4,600. Fine Arts <FWC) (677; 80-$l 50) —“Place in Sun" (Par) (2d wk). Great $10,500. Last week, record $13,000 Beverly Canon (ABC) <520;-$l) —"Kon-Tiki" (RKO) (18th wk). Oke $1,500. Last week. $1,800. Laurel (Rosener) <846; $1.20- $2.40) — "Tales Hoffmann" (Indie) (13th wk). Started current frame Monday (27) after smart $5,700 last week. ‘Strip’ Stout $10300 In Lively Cincy; ‘Lovely’ Lusty 11G,‘Cyrano’ 13G Cincinnati, Aug. 28. No complaints along Cincy’s film front this session. Overall score is above par for sixth straight week. . "Cyrano" is currently do- ing well at Albee while Mickey Rooney in "The Strip" has Keith's racking up its best round for some • time. It is standout. "Happy Go Lovely" shapes lively at Palace. "Belvedere Rinps Bell" and “Alice In Wonderland" are solid hold- overs. Estimates for This Week Albee <RKO) (3.100; 55-75)— •‘Cyrano" (UA). Pleasing $13,000 on return for pop scale showing. Last week. "Alice in Wonderland" • RKO-Disney) (2d wk), whopper $13,000. Capitol (Mid-States) (2.000; 55- 75)—"Beh’edere Rings Bell" (20th) (2d wk). Okay $7,000 after solid $11,000 bow. Grand (RKO) (1.400; 55-75)— Lady Bandit" (Col) and * Road- block (RKO). Satisfactory $7,500. week, "Kind Lady" (M-G) and "Tall Target" (M-G). $7,000 Keith's (Mid-States) (1.542; 55-75) •TIT™ Strip" (M-G). Very good $10,500. Musical heralded as world preeming here, but quick booking didn’t permit advance hoopla Last week. "Warpath” (Par), $6,500. Lyrle (RKO) (1.500; 55-75)— !r. Wonderland" (RKO) (m o.). Nice $5,500 for third down- town sesh. Last week. “On Moon- light Bay" <WB) (mo.) (2d wk). $7,000. Palace (RKO) <2.600; 55-75)— "Happy Go Lovely" <RKO>. Gay $11,000. Last week, "Sirocco" (Col), $10,000. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $626,009 (Based on 19 theatres.) Last Year ... $578,000 (Based on 18 theatre*.) ‘Horatio’ Hep 10G, L’ville; “Past’ 12G Louisville, Aug. 28. "Capt. Horatio Hornblower" is standout this week, the Mary An- derson pulling plenty of patrons with every indication of a holdover. "My Forbidden Past" and "Let’s Go Navy" at Rialto shapes solid. "Sirocco" and "When Redskins Roue" at the State is fairish. Estimates fo This Week Mary Anderson (People's) (1,200; 45-65)—"Capt. Horatio Homblow- er" (WB). Locks big $10,000 or over. Last week. "Moonlight Bay" (3d wk), neat $6,000. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3.000; 45-65)—"Forbidden Past” (RKO) and "Let’s Go Navy" (Mono). Fine $12,000. Last week. "Passage West" (Par) and "Bullfighter and Lady" (Rep), okay $11,000. State (Loews) (3,000; 45-65)— "Sirocco" (Col) and "When Red- skins Rode” (Col). Heading for medium $10,000. Last week, "Ran All Way" (UA) and "Home Town Story" (M-G), about same. Strand (FA) <1.200; 45-65)—"Best Of Badmen" (RKO) and "Road Block" <RKO). Medium $3,500. Last week, "Sealed Cargo" (RKO) and "Pistol Harvest" (RKO), same. particularly strong ’Happy Go Lovely ‘Horatio’ Robust $11,000, Omaha; ‘My Boy’ 12G, 2d Omaha. Aug. 28. Recent trend here especially for the comedies is big afternoon busi- ness with sharp falling off at night. This week "Capt. Horatio Hornblower" is tops at Paramount where It looks hefty. "Sirocco” at Brandeis looms fine. Orpheum held "That’s My Boy” for a sec- ond week, adding "California Pas- sage." Still is stout. Plenty of re- issues around this round. Estimates for This Week Paramount (Tristates) (2.800; 16- 70)—"Capt. Horatio Hornblower" <WB). Hepty $11,000. Last week, “Strictly Dishonorable" (M-G) light $8,000. Brandeis (RKO> (1.500; 16-70)— "Sirocco” (Col). Fine $7,000. Last week. "Alice in Wonderland" (RKO-Disney) (3d wk', $4,500. Omaha (Tristates) <2,100; 16-70) —“Little Giant" (Indie) and "Time of Lives" (Indie) (reissues). Trim $8,000. Last week. "Kind Lady" (M-G) and "No Questions Asked" (M-G), so-so $8,200. Orpheum (Trtstates) (3.000; 16- 70) — “That’s My Boy" (Par) (2d wk) plus "California Passage" (Rep). Sock $12,000. Last week, smash $15,000 for "My Boy" solo. State (Goldberg) (865; 25-75) — "Belvedere Rings Bell" (20th) (2d wk). Oke $4,500. First week was good $6,200. ‘Groom’ Strong $15,000, Toronto, ‘My Boy’ 20G Toronto, Aug. 28. Opening of two-weeks Canadian National Exhibition, with its dally attendance of some 150.000 people, is currently denting film biz but top product is offsetting this to marked degree. "Show Boat” "Her Comes Groom" and ‘That’s My Boy" are new entries. ** also is okay. Estimates for This Week Crest, Downtown, Glendale. May- fair. Scarbero, State (Taylor) <863; 1.059; 955; 470; 698; 694; 35-60>— "Best of Badmen" (RKO) and "Big Gusher" (Col). Okay $14,000. Last week. "Never Trust Gambler" (Col), $13,000. Eglinton. Shea's <FP) <1.080; 2- 386; 40-80) — "T h a t’s My Boy" (Par). Big $20,000. Last week, "Moonlight Bay" (WB) (3d wk), $15,000. Imperial <FP> (3.373; 50-80)— "Here Comes Groom” (Par). Strong $15,000. Last week, "Alice in Won- derland" <RKO-Disney) »2d wk), sock $20,000. Loew's (Loew) (2,743 ; 40-70)— “Show Boat” (M-G). Big $15,000. Last week, "Ran All Way" <UA>, $9,600. Nortown, University <FP) «959; 1,558; 40-80)—"Happy Go Lovely" (RKO). Satisfactory $12,000. Last week. "Teresa" (M-G) (2d .wk*, $9,000 fur 5 days. Odeon (Rank) <2.390; 50-90)— "Cyrano" (UA) (2d wk). Lusty $12.- 000 at pop scale. Last week $16,500. Uptown (Loew) (2,743: 40-80)— "Strictly Dishonorable" (M-G) (2d wk). Fair $5,500. Last week, $7,500. Victoria (FP) (1.140; 40-80)— "Alice in Wonderland” (RKO-Dis- ney). Steady $7,500. Last week, "San Francisco" (M-G) (reissue), $4,500. ‘Show’ Solid In St Loo, $19,000 St. Louis, Aug. 28. Holdovers predominate here currently. Of the two newcomers. "Meet Me After Show” is landing the most money with a solid ses- sion at the huge Fox Theatre. "Law and the Lady" is barely good at Loew’s. "That’s My Boy” is still a heavy draw in its third stanza at the Missouri. "Oliver Twist" also is still nice In second round at two houses. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 60- 75)—"Capt. Horatio Hornblower" (WB) (2d wk) and "Mr. Belvedere" (20th) (mo ). Fine $11,000. Last week, "Hornblower" (WB) and "Convict Lake" (20th). $13,000. Fox (F&M) (5,000; 60-75)—"Meet After Show" (20th) and "Let’s Go Navy" (Mono). Solid $19,000 or near. Last week. “Belvedere" (20th) and "Molly" (Par), $12 000. Loews (Loew) (3.172; 50-85) — "Law and Lady" (M-GF and "Painted Hills" (M-G>. Good $13.- 000. Last week, "Alice Wonder- land” (RKO-Disney) (2d wk), $26 000. Missouri (F&M) <3.500; 60-75)— "That’s My Boy" (Par) and "Dear Brat" (Par) <3d wk). Still sock at $13,500 after $18,000 for second session. Pageant (St. L. Amus. Co.) (1,- 000; 50-90)—"Oliver Twist" (UA) (2d wk). Nice $3,000 after $4,000 for initial stanza. Shady Oak (St. L. Amus. Co.) (800; 50-90>—"Oliver Twist" (UA) (2d wk). Trim $3,500 after $4,500 for first session. ‘Lovely’ Happy $10,000 in Mild Det.; ‘M’ Nice 27G, ‘Horatio’ Hot 21G, 2d Detroit, Aug. 28. Holdovers are holding biz down this stanza. But most of these are holding up better than usual. "Capt. Horatio Hornblower" is sturdy In second round at Palms. "Alice in Wonderland" at the Michigan looks good In second turn. "Rich. Young. Pretty" is not losing much luster in second stanza at United Artists. Of the new- comers. "M" is being pushed to nice total at the Fox by sharp ex- ploitation. ‘Happy Go Lovely" at the Adams looks bright. Estimates fer This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5,000; 70-95) —"M" (Col) and "Two of Kind" (Col). Nice $27,000 in 6 days. Last week. "Belvedere Rings Bell” • 20th) and "Let's Go Navy" (Mono) $ 15,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4.000; 70-95) — "Alice in Wonderland" (Disney-RKO) (2d wk). Oke $18.- 000 Last week, $27,000. Palms (UD) (2.900; 70-95) — "Capt. Horatio Hornblower’* (WB). (2d wk). Sturdy $21,000. Last week. $25,000. Madison (UD) (1.800; 70-95) — "Wagon Wheels" (Indie) and "Desert Gold" (Indie) (reissues). Slow $6,000. Last week. "Cattle Drive" (U) and "Yes Sir, Mr. Bones'* (Lip), $7,000. United Artists (UA) (1.800; 70- 95»—"Rich, Young, Pretty" <M-G> (2d wk). Steady $13,000. Last wppk t17 000 Adams (Balaban) (1.700; 70-95) —"Happy Go Lovely" (RKO). Good $10,000. Last week. "Strictly Dishonorable" (M-G) and "Kind Lady" (M-G), $6,000. David* Giant $21,000 in Hotsy K.C.; leathernecks’ Big 15G, ‘Boy’ 10G, 2d Key City Grosses \ Estimated Total Grooo This week $2,052,300 (Based on 25 cities, 208 the- atres, chiefly first runs, includ- ing N. Y.) Total Grom Samo Week Last Year $2,157,000 (Based on 24 cities, and 184 theatre*,) ‘His Kind’ Smash $21,000, Philly Philadelphia. Aug. 28. Brisk weather over weekend is perking up many new bills here this week. Aided by a big campaign and appearance of contingent of film players at the preem, “His Kind of Woman" is soaring to smash $21,000 at comparatively small Goldman "Jim Thorpe All- American" shapes smart at Stanley getting nice press notices. "Pickup” is rated fine at Stanton. Estimates for This Week . Boyd (WB) <2,360; 50-99) — "Alice in Wonderland" (RKO- Disney) (4th wk). Good $7,000. Last week. $9,000. Earle (WB) (2.700; 50-99)—"Got Me Covered" (Par) and "Up in Arms" (RKO) (reissues). Oke $10.- 000. Last week, "Peking Express" (Par) and "This Is Korea" (Rep), $ 11 , 000 . Fox (20th) (2.250; 50 99>—"Meet After Show" <20th) (.2d wk). Okay $15,000 in 8 days. Last week, big $23,000. Goldman (Goldman) <1.200; 50- 99'—“His Kind of Woman" (RKO). Wow $21,000. Last week. "War- path" (Par) (2d wk), $8,500. Mastbaum (WB) (4,360; 50-99'— "Capt. Horatio Hornblower" (WB) (2d wk). Nice $20,000. Last week. $30,000. Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; 50- 99)—“Night Into Morning" (M-G). Fair $7,000. Last week. "Law and Lady" (M-G) (2d wk), $5,000. Randolph (Goldman) (2.500; 50- 99)—"Show Boat" (M-G) (8th wk). Held at $7,000. Last week, fine $8,000 Stanley <WB) (2.900; 50-99) — "Jim Thorpe. All-American" (WB). Smash $21,000. Last week. "That’s My Boy” (Par) (5th wk), trim $ 12 , 000 . Stanton (WB) (1,473; 50-99' — "Pickup" (Col). Fine $10,500 Last week. "Mark of Renegade" (U), $9 500 Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 50-99) — • Kind Lady'* (M-G) (3d wk). Okay $3,000. Last week, $4,500. World (GAS) (500; 50-99) — "Oliver Twist" (UA) (2d wk). Great $6,500. Last week. $8,000. IKY BOY’ MIGHTY 21G IN PORT; ‘CYRANO’ 12G Portland, Ore., Aug. 28. Excess heat has been hitting the city for more than 50 days with- out rain which is a near record. Despite this, downtown houses have been showing strong product, and have kept coin rolling into boxoffice. "Cyrano" at the Broad- way with pop prices shapes sock. But "That’s My Boy" is the real wow in two spots. "Alice in Won- derland" is holding big in second stanza at Paramount. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1.890; 65- 90>—"Cyrano" (UA) and "Kind Lady" (M-G) at popular prices. Sock $12,000. Last week. "Rich, Young. Pretty" (M-G) and "Night Into Morning" (M-G) (2d wk», $9,700. Guild (Parker) (400; 65-90) — ‘Toast New Orleans" (M-G) and "Midnight Kiss" (M-G) (reissues) (2d wk). Fancy $3,000. Last week, $3,500 Mayfair (Parker) (1,500; 65-90)— “The Prowler" «UA) and "Hood- lum" (UA). Fine $6,000. Last week, "Moonlight Bay’ 1 (WB) and "14 Hours’’ <20th) (2d wk) (m.o.) (4 da}’*), $3,400 Orients! (Evergreen* (2.000; 65- 90)—"That’s My Boy’* (Par) and "13th letter” (20th). day-date with Orpheum. Wow $7,000. Last week, "Alice in Wonderland** (RKO-Dis- ney), $5,700 in 5 days. Orpheum (Evergreen) (1,750; 65- 90>—"That’s My Boy" (Par) and (Continued on page 24) r. Kansas City, Aug. 28 Biz has perked here considerably and good pictures art the answer Great money Is being gathered hy "David and Bathsheba, reopening the Orpheum on roadshow run. l| will hit terrific total in first week and Is in for a run. Missouri alio is strongly In picture with area ireem of "Flying Leathernecks." t looks big and sura of holdover. Midland is moderate with "He Itaa All Way." ‘That’s My Boy" gi v . ing the Paramount a pleasing sec- ond round. Weather for week was in summer groove. Estimates for the Week Klmo (Dickinson) (504; 75-99)-. "Kon-Tiki” (RKO) (7th wk). Good $1,500. Last week. $1,800. Midland (Loew’s) (3.500; 50-49) —"He Ran All Way" (UA) and "Skipalong Rosenbloom" 'UA). Moderate $11,000. Last week, "Loma Doone" (Col) and "Texas Ringers" (Col), $10,000. Missouri (RKO) <2.650; 50-75)- "Flylng Leathernecks" (RKO) and "Fury of Congo" (Col). Heading for smash $15,000 and holdover. Last week. "Happy Go Lovely" (RKO) and ‘Tokyo File 212" (RKO). good $9,000. Orpheum (Fox M!dwe*t> <1 #1* 75-J1.20)—"David and Bathsheba" <20th). Reopened the house, and garnering terrific $21,000. Paramount (Tri-States) (50-691— "That’s My Boy” (Par) (2d wk). Holding to strong $10,000. Last week, sock $15,000. Plama (Fox Midwest) (1.900; 45- 55)—"Inheritance** (Indie). Took house out of subsequent policy for five-day run. good $3,000. Last week, second-run. Tower, Uptown, Fairway. Gras* ada (Fox Midwest) (2,100; 2.043; 700; 1.217; 50-75) — "Apache Drums" <U) and "Hollywood Story" (U). Light $13,000. Last week. "Prince Who Was Thief” (U) and "Cavalry Scout” (Mono), $15,000. I ‘Show’ Stalwart $11,00 Baho; ‘Warpath’ $7,700. ‘Ran All Way’ Okay 8C Baltimore, Aug. 28. Biz here this week has settled down to a fairish pace with steady response from some of leaden. Top position goes to "Meet Me After the Show," at the New, with nice session. The Mayfair’s "Warpath" looms okay, and is holding, “He Ran All Way" is oke at Century. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew’s-UA) <3,000; 20* 70)—*Ran All Way" <UA>. Okay $8,000. Last week, ’Teresa" (M-G', $7,200. Hippodrome (Rappaport) <2.240; 20-70) — "Flying Leatherneck*" (RKO). Opens shuttered former combo tomorrow (Wed.) aan* vaude. Keith’s (Schsnberger) (2,460; 20* 70)—“Here Comes Groom” <Par>. Opened today (Tues.) after fourth week of "That’s My Boy" (Par) remained very firm at $7,400. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 20-70) - "Warpath’* (Par) (2d wk). Startinl second session tomorrow (Wed) after better than average preem W $7,700. New (Mechanic) (1.800; 20-70) - "Meet Me After Show" <20th». Leading current parade with nic* $11,000 Last week, "Belvedere Rings Bell" (20th) (2d wk), $6,300. Stanley (WB) (3.280; 25-75) - "Peking Express" (Par). Dull $7* 000. Last week, "Hornblower (WB) (2d wk), health* $8,200. M Town (Rappaport) (1,500; 35-70) — "Never Trust Gambler’* (Cal'. Not getting far at $4,000. Led week, third round of "Alice Wo* derland" (RKO-Disney), $5,700. ‘Leathernecks’ Sock 18G, Cleve.; ‘Man’ Big $17,001 Cleveland, Aug. 28. Home baseball games of Cleve land Indians, calculated to ha'* good chance of bringing Warn Series here, is siphoning hea'7 crowds Into the vast Stadium her* and away from mainstem theatre*. "That’s My Boy" is still hefty on second stanza at the State. "Fiji** Leathernecks" also showing pleiM of power at Palace and may hold. Jeff Chandler’s local personal aP pearences helped "Iron Man" tre- mendously at Hlpp where dotnl fine. "Jim Thorpe" looms big ** Allen. Estimates for This Week Allen (Warner) (3.000; 55-80) "Jim Thorpe, All-American” iw Big $16,000 Last week. ‘Cap (Continued on page 24)