Variety (December 1951)

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Alter several weeks of marking time, local first-runs are sighting a boxoffice uplift in the current frame, especially at theatres, where most of the week takes the period after Christmas Day, overall total does not loom smash but several situations are rated strong. “Distant Drums,” with sturdy $44,000 in three theatres; and “Two Tickets To Broadway,” sock $35,- 000 in two houses, are making the most noise at the Wickets. “Dehth of Salesman,” despite picketing, is likely to get hefty $17,000 playing advanced-prices at Beverly Hills. “Elopement” looks to get thin $21,000 in four spots while “Silver City,” two spots, is slow $12,000. “Decision Before Dawn” is rated good $20,000 in three small-seaters. “I Want You” is starting slowly at Hollywood Paramount with $0,000, “Quo Vadis,” in fourth frame, is winding up with a handsome $30,- 000 in two sites. ., x Estimates for This Week 1 Los Angeles, Chinese, Uptown, Loyola (PWC) (2,097; 2,048; 1,719; 1,248; 70-$1.10)—“E1 opemeht” (20th) and “Hideout” (Indie). Thin at $21,000. Last Week, “Never For- get You” <20t.h) and “First Legion” (UA). $18,200/ ^ Hollywood, Downtown, Wiltern (WB) (2,756; 1,757; 2,344; 70-$1.10) —-“Distant Drums” (WB). Sturdy $44,000. Last week, “Captain Blood” (WB) (reissue) (8 days), $24,300. Loew’s S t a t e, Egyptian (UA) (2,404; 1,538; 70-$1.10) — “T o o Young to Kiss” (M-G) and “Red Badge Courage” (M-G) (2d wk-6 days). Dull $12,000. Last week, $2^.200. Tlillstreet, Pantages (RKO) (2,- 752; 2,812; 70-$l)—“Two Tickets Broadway” '’(RKO) and “Jungle Manhunt” (Col). Smash $35,000. Last week, “Strange Door” (U) and “Finders Keepers” (U) (8) Okay $10,500. Los Angeles Paramount, Hawaii (F&M.G&S) <3,398; 1,106; 60-85)— “Silver City” (Par) and “Interrupt- ed Journey” (Indie) (Par only). Slow $12,000. Last week, L.A. Par “Submarine Command” (Par) and “Skipalong Rosenbloom” (UA) (2d wk), $4,400. Hawaii, “Worlds Col- lide’? (Par) (4th wk), $1,900. Hollywood Paramount (F&M) (1.430; 80-$1.50)—“I Want You” (RICO). Disappointing at $9,000 or near, Last week; “Submarine Com- mand” (Par) (2d wk-8 days), $3,500. Ritas, Vogue, Globe (FWC) (1,370; 885; 782; 70-$I.10)—"Decision Be- fore Dawn” (20th). Good $20;000. Last week, “Well” (UA) and “Mr. Drake’s Duck” (UA) (9 days), $10,V 000. United Artists, Four Star (UA) (2,100; 900; 90-$2.40)—“Quo Vadis” (M-G) (4th wk). Handsome $30,000, Last week, $29,500. Fine Arts (FWC) (677; 80-$1.50) —“Tony Draws Horse” (Indie). Thin $2,500. Last week, “River” (UA) (9th wk-6 days), $2,000. Beverly Hills (WB) (1,612; 80- $1.50)—"Death Salesman” (Col). Smart $17,000. Last week, “Street- car” (WB) (13th Wk-8 days), $4,400 Wllshlre (FWC) (2.296; 80-$l,50) —“Detective Story” (Par) (9th wk). Light $3,500. Last week, $5,300. Estimated Total Gross This Week ...... $586,500 (Based:on 20 theatres) List Year ...... $634,500 (Based,on 18 theatres) 9-Inch Snow Sloughs Toronto; ’Secret’ Poor $7,000, ‘Aladdin’ $8,000 Toronto, Dec. 25. Nine inches of snoW, which caused worst traffic snarl here in decades, is killing. biz in current round. Most deluxers are cutting their sessions short after four days to open with top product today, . Estimates for This Week Crest, Downtown, Glendale, May- fair, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (863; 1.059; 955; 470; 698; 694; 35-60)— “Kentucky” (20th) and “Little Col- onel” (20th) reissues. Yanked after three davs, bad $3,500. Last Week, “FtY Defiance” (UA) and “Banner- line” (M-G), oke $14,000; Eglinton, Shea’s (FP) (1,080; 2, 386; 40-80) — “Family Secret” (M-G). Poor $7,000 for four days. Last week, “Submarine Command ' (Par), $9,000. Imperial (FP) (3,373; 50-80)— “Silver City” (Par). Slight $6,5Q0 in 4days. Last week, “Tanks Are Coming” (WB), $8,500. Loew’s (Loew). (2,743; 55-90)— “American -in Paris” (M-G) (7th wk). Light $6,000. Last week, $7, 500., Nortown, University (FP) (959; 1,558; 40r80)—“Girl on Bridge (Continued on page 24) Omaha, Dec. 25. Badly chopped schedules have resulted from desire to put best film feet forward for the holidays. Brandies for Deo. 26-27, used stageshows. Offering “Goldilocks” and “Snow White.” These will go on at 11 a.m. but will not alter the film shows. Best showing current- ly is being made by “Two Tickets to Broadway,” smash at State. Estimates for This Week « Brandels (RKO) (1,500; 16-70)— “The Racket” (RKO). Opened to- day (Tues.). Last week, “Behave Yourself” (RKO) and “Whip Hand” (RKO), light $5,000. State (Goldberg) (865; 25-75)— “Two Tickets to Broadway” (RKO). Smash $8,000 or near. Last week, “Come Fill Cup” (WB) (2d wk), fair $3,800. Omaha (Tristates) (2,100; 16-70) -“Yanks Are Coming” (WB) and Two Gals and Guy” (UA). Opened today (Tues.). Last week, “Africa Screams” (U) and “Noose Hangs High” (U) (reissues), mild $5,500. paramounr(Tristates) (2,800; 16- 70)—-“Elopement” (20th). Starts to- day (Tues.), Last week, “Anne of Indies” (20th) and “Love ilest” (20th), fair $9,000. Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 16- 70)—“Flight to Mars” (Mono) and “The Highwayman” (UA). Light $8,500. Last week, “New Mexico” (UA) and “When I Grow Up” (UA), $9,000. Prov. in Doldrums But ‘Outlaws’-Tady 1 $6,500 Providence, Dec. 25. • Pre-Xmas doldrum prevail here this round, with most stands open- ingunew bills today (Tues.) for hoped-for holiday biz. Best show- ing in the past week was made by “Cave of Outlaws” and “Lady From Texas” at the Albee, Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) <2,200; 44-65) — “The Racket” (RKO) and "Young Scarf ace” (RKO). Opened Mon- day (24). Last Week, “Cave of Out- laws” (U) and “Lady From- Texas” (U), 5 days, fair $6,500. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65) — “Never Forget You” (20th). arid “Steel Fist” (20th). Opened Mon- day (24). Last Week, “Little Egypt” (U) and “Reunion in Reno” (U), 4 days, tepid $3,000. Metropolitan (Snider) .(3,100;'44- 65)—“Man In Saddle” (Col) and “Purple Heart Diary” (Col). Opened today (Tues.K Last week, '“Sands of Iwo Jima” (Rep) and “Fighting Seabees” (Rep) (reis- sues), .slow $3,500 for 5 days. State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65).- “Elopement” (20th) and “Unknown Man” (M-G). Opened Monday (24).' Last week, “Fort Defiance” (UA) and “Mr. Imperium” (M-G), 4 days, thin $7,000. , " Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 44-65) —“Family Secret” (Col) and “Har- lem- Globetrotters” (Col). Opened Monday (24). Last week, “Warpath” (Par) and “Mister Drake’s Duck” (UA), sad $4,500. m St Loo St. Louis, Dec. 25. Christmas week trade is giving mainstem spots a shot in the arm after several weeks of fair to poor biz. “Too Young to Kiss” looks best with nice week at Loew’s while “Elopement” is equally strong at the Missouri. “Detective Story” looks only okay at the St. Louis which Was relighted along with the Shubert. Latter is doing sturdy trade With “Bitter .Rice.” Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 60- 75)—“Flame of Araby” (U) ah# “Magic; Carpet” (Col). Opened to- day (Tues.). Last week, “Sub- (Continued on page 24) Touch’Dismal $5,000, Buff; ‘Secret’ Sad 6G Buffalo, Dec. 25. Current session does not take in enough of Xmas week to do local spots much good, with a majority of films hitting bottom. Tony Ben- nett boosted “The Highwayman” to fine total at Paramount in four days. “Wild Blue Yonder” held for 10 days at the Century but could not overcome handicap of being launched in the pre-Christ- mas .stanza. “Light Touch” is very sad at the Buffalo. Estimates for. This Week Buffalo (Loew’s) (3,500; 40-70)— ‘‘Light Touch” (M-G) and “Ft De- fiance” (UA). Blah $5,000 In 4 days. Last week, “Too Young to Kiss” (M-G) and “Calling Bulldog Drummond” (M-G), $8,500. Paramount (Par) (3,000; 40-70)— “The Highwayman” (Mono) and Tony Bennett heading stageshow (4 days). Fine $11,000. Last week, “Capt. Blood” (WB) and “One Foot in Heaven” (WB) (reissues) (5 days), $4,500. Center (Par) (2,100; 40-70)— “Caesar, Cleopatra” (UA) and “Sev- enth Veil” (UA) (reissues). May hit oke $9,000 in 10 days. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 40-70)— “Family Secret” (Col) and “Bare- foot Mailman” (Col). Sad $6,000. Last week, “Raging Tide” (U) and “Never Can Tell” (U), $5,500. Century (20th Cent.) {3,000; 40^ 70)—“Wild Blue Yonder” (Rep) and “Street Bandits” (Rep). Only about $9,500 in 10 days. RKO’t 8 Big Tinters Hollywood, Dec, 25. RKO will release a total of eight high-budget color films during the first six months of 1952, compared with only two during the corre- sponding period in 1951. ‘Crosswalk’ NG14G, ‘Cloak’ Drab 9G Key Gtj Cresses Estin Imated Total Gross This Week ...... $1,820,200 (Based on 21 cities, 186 the- atres , chiefly first runs . include ing N. Y.) “ A Total Gross Same Week Last Year .. . . . $2,343,500 (Based on 24 cities, and 193 theatres .) Philadelphia, Dec. 25, The last-minute shopping along with the late launching of new fare is holding down first-run biz here this session, "I Want You” is making the best impression with a smash $20,d00 at the Boyd. “Man in Saddle” looms fine at Aldine While “Elopement” shapes trim at the Fox. “Flight to Mars” shapes good at Stanton. Lionel Hampton band, topping stageshow is helping “FBI Girl” to an okay session ail the Earle.' Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (1,303; 50-99) — “Man in Saddle” (Col). Fine $11,- 000. Last week, “Cage, of Gold” (Indie), $5,000. Boyd (WB) (2,360; 85-$l,30) — “1 Want You” (RKQ). Smash $20,000. Last week, “Unknown Man” (M-G), $9,000. Earle (WB) (2,700; 50-99)—“FBI Girl” (Lip) plus Lionel Hampton Clark Bros, onstage. Okay Boston, Dec. 25, Pre-holiday biz at mainstemmers hit a new low thisr stanza,- with most big deluxers juggling opening dates to coincide with the expected upbeat starting Xmas night. New- comers are’ “I Want You” which opened Saturday A22) at Astor. “Clouded Yellow” at Exeter, Sun- day (23); “Double. Dynamite” 1 bow- ing in at Memorial Monday (24) and “Quo Vadis” at State and Or- pheum today (Tues.), Neither “C r o ss w l n,d s” nor “Man With Cloak” are doing much on their initial weeks. Estimates for This Week Astor (B&Q) (1,200; 50-95)—“1 Want You” (RKO). Opened Satur- day (22) with little activity but fig- ures to pick up after Xmas. Last week, “Streetcar Named Desire” (WB) wound big 8%-week run with $5,000 for last 11 days. Boston (RKO) <3,000; 40-85)— “Cave of Outlaws” (U) aiid “Dia- mond City” ..(Indie). Tepid $7,000. Last week, “Strange Door” (U) and “Double Confession” (Mono), $9,- 000 in 6 days. ■ Exeter (Indie) (1,300; 55-80)— “Clouded Yellow” (Col). Opened Sunday (23). Last week, “Lavender Hill Mob” <U) okay $4,200 for sev- enth wk after big .$5*500 in sixth rcuind. Fenway (NET) G,373; 40-85)— “Crosswinds” (Par) and “Highway- man” (Mono), Fair $4,500. Last week, ’‘FBI Girl” (Up) and “Silver City” (Par), same. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 40-85)— “Double Dynamite" (RKO) and “Whistle at Eaton Falls” (Col). Opened yesterday (Mon.). Last week, “On Dangerous Ground” (RKO) and “Leave To Marines” (Lip), good $16,000. Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 40- 85)—“Man with a Cloak” (M-G). and “Mr. Imperium” (M-G). 'Blah orch, *9,000. Last *®* k »“Wild Blue Yon. ?.*£, a ?, d n Captain Blood der" (Rep) and ■•rfoneychile" (Rep). $ 10 , 000 . Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 90-$1,50) San Francisco, Dec. 25. Current film biz is strictly a pre Christmas affair and totals are touching bottom. Most new, strong product is scheduled to open today (Xmas day). “Man With Cloak” shapes good at St. Francis while “Elopement”, is fairly okay at the huge Fox. “Quo Vadis” con- tinues stout at Warfield. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 60- 85)—“On the Loose” (RKO) and “The Dalton’s Women” (RKO). Weak $7,500. Last week, “The Racket” (RKO), 5 days, $8,000. Fox (FWC) (4,651; 60-95)— “Elopement” (20th) and “Crazy Over Horses” (Mono), Okay $15,000. Last week, “Wild Blue Yonder” (Rep), $11,500. ’ Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; 60-85)— “Quo Vadis” (M-G) (5th wk). Steady $20,000. Last week, $22,000. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 60-85)— "Light Touch” (M-G) and “Top Secret” (Indie). Fair $10,000. Last week, “Captain Blood” (WB) . and “One Foot in Heaven” (WB) (re- issues), $9,500.. St. Francis (Par) (1,400; 60-85)— “Man With Cloak” (M-G). Good $9,000. Last Week, ; “Detective Story” (Par) (5th wk), $7,000 in 5 ■ days. Orpheum (No. Coast) (2,448; 55- 85)—“Cave of Outlaws” (U) arid “Mister Drake’s Duck” (UA). Thin $8,500. . Last week, “Family Secret” (Col)' and “Lady and Bandit” (Col), same. United Artists (No. Coast) (1,207; 55-85)—“Magic Carpet” (Col) and “Whistle Eaton Falls” (Col). Lean $5,500. Last week, “Big Night” (UA) and “Chicago Calling” (Col), $6,500. Stagedoor (A-R) (370; 85-$l)— “Fantasia” (RKO) $2,800. Last week, “The River” (UA) (10th wk), $2,700 at $1.20-$1.40 scale. Clay (Rosener) (400; 65-85)—“A Christinas Carol” (Indie) (2d wk), 4 days, $2,300. Last week, $3,300. . Vogue (S, F. Theatres) (375; $1- $1.20)—“La Roride” (Indie) (5th wk). Solid $2,500, Last week, $3,400. (WB) (reissue ),$10,000. Fox (20th) (2,250; 50-99) — “Elopement” (20th). Nice $18,000 or near. Last week, “Fixed Bayo- 1 nets” (20th) (2d wk), $10,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 50- 99)—“On Loose” (RKO). Mild $9,000. Last week, “Ten Tall Men” (Col) (4th wk), $7,000. Mastbaum (WB) (4,360; 50-99)— “Wild Blue Yonder” (Rep). Tame $13,000 in 12 days. Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; 50- 99)—"Slaughter Trail” (RKO) and “Whip Hand” (RKO). Fair $6,000. Last week, “Raging Tide” (U) (2d wk), $5,000, v . . . Randolph (Goldman) (2,500; 50- 99)—^“American in ’Paris” (M-G) (7th wk). Nil $7,500 in 5 days. Last week, $8,000. Stanley (WB) (2,900; 50-99) — “It’s a Big Country” (M-G). Fair $13,000 in 9- days. Last week, “Too YoUng To Kiss” (M-G) $ 6 , 000 . Stanton (WB) (1,473; 50-99) — “Flight to Mars” (Mono). Good $10,000. Last week, “Son of Dr. Jekyll” (Col), $7,000. ^ Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 85-$1.20) —“Detective Story” (Par) —“Quo Vadis” (M-G). Opened to- day (Tues.). Last week, "Callaway Went Thataway” (M-G) and “Light touch” (M-G), not bad $12,000. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 40-85) —“Crosswirids” (U) and “Highway- man” (Mono). Thin $9,500. Last week, “FBI Girl” (Lip) and “Silver City” (Par), $10,400. State (Loew) <3,500; 90-$1.50)— “Quo Vadis” (M-G). Opened today (Tues.). Last week, “Callaway Went T h a t a w a y” (M-G) and “Light Touch” (M-G), oke $7,000. Mpls. Hits B.O. Bottom; ‘Elopement’ NSG 10G, wk). Hefty $6,000. Last week, $7 200 World (G S) (500; 50-81.20) — “Lavender Hill Mob” (U) (5th wk). Fine $3,400. Last week, $3,800. ‘Elopement’ Port; Kiss’ Mild 5£G Portland, Ore., Dec. 25 A Pre-Xmas still is hurting here this week, all first-runs suffering at boxoffice, “Elopement” and “Tanks Are Coming’’ loom okay. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,890; 65-90) —“Tanks Are Coming” (WB) and “Havana Rose” (Rep), Okay $9,000. Last week, “Fort Defiance” (UA) arid “St. Benny the Dip” (UA), $7 500 * Guild (Parker) (400; 65-90)— “Three Musketeers” (M-G) and “Sumriier Stock” (M-G) (reissues). Slow $1,000. Last week, “Lucia de Lammermoor” (Indie) and “Barber of Seville” (Indie), $1,500. Oriental (Evergreen) (2,000; 65- 90) —^ “Elopement” (20th) and “Love Nest” (20th), day-date with Paramount. Good $3,500. Last week, “Make It Legal” (20th) and “Slaughter Trail” (RKO), $3,700, Orpheum (Evergreen) (1,750; 65- 90)—“The Mob” (Col) and “Crimi- nal Lawyer” (Col). Snappy $7,500. Last week, “Make It Legal” (20th) arid “Slaughter Trail” (RKO), $7,000. Paramount (Evergreen) (3,400; 65-90)—“Elopement” (20th) and “Love Nest” (20th), also Oriental So-so $6,500. Last week, “Silver City” (Par) and “Yellow Fin” (Mono). $6,000. Minneapolis, Dec. 25. What with sub-zero tempera- tures, daily snowstorms and icy streets making transportation diffi- cult as well as the pre-Christmas , downbeat, current grosses are near- loth ing the- complete vanishing point In the face of such handicaps, most houses ace drawing on what ordi- narily would be sluffs along with reissues. It is the sixth week for “American in Paris” which also suffered from seasonal and weath- ed adversities. Estimates for This Week Century (Par) (1,600; 50-76)— “Christmas Carol” (UA). Slim $2,- 000 in 4 days. Last week, ' One Foot Heaven” (WB) (reissue), $2,500. Gopher (Berger) (1,000; 50-76)— “Never Can Tell <U). Light $3,000. Last week, “Thunder on Hill (U) (2d wk), $2,400 in 6 days. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-76)—“Bride of Gorilla” (Indie) and “Pam* 0 Villa Returns” (Indie). Lean $3,000* Last week, “Lady from Texas (U). and “Marie Of Renegade (U), $3*- 500. 1 Radio City (Par) (4;000; 50-76)-- “Elopement” (20th). P 11 " 010 ? through Dec. 31 to get only $10 ; 000. Last week, “Lady Says No (UA), $ 6 , 000 . . _ RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 40- 76)—“Captain Blood” (WB) and “G-Men” (WB) (reissues). Okay at $3,500 in 4 days. Last week. On Dangeroiis Ground” (RKO), $6.5°0. RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 40-76)— “Isle of Dead” (RKO) arid “Body Snatcher” (RKO) (reissues). Nice $3,000 in 4 days. Last week, ‘Three Steps North” (UA) and “Man With My Face”, (UA), slow $4,500, State (Par) (2,300; 50-76)—“Rag- ing Tide!’ (U), Oke $4,000 in,5 days. Last week, “Ft. Defiance (UA). $51500. World (Mann) (400; 5?-$l)~r “American in Paris” (M-G) (6tn wk). Good enough $2,000 under conditions. Last week; okay $3,000. ii