Variety (February 1952)

PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, February 6, 1952 New Pix Fail to Bolster LA. Biz; ‘ROOM’ RICH $17,000, P0RH’D;W18G,2It 28G, Dynamite 21G, 'Sailor 22G, 2d Los Angeles, Feb. 5. 4 Five new dual bills in regular first-runs here are doing little to boost the week’s overall prospects to more than a moderate total. Weekend trade is holding up fairly well but plunging on week days. "This Woman Is Dangerous” is shaping to reach an average $27,- 000 in three theatres while "Green Glove” is only fair $28,000 in four houses. A slow $21,000 is rated for "Double . Dynamite,” playing two spots, Combo of "Great Country” . and "Light Touch” is very light $17,000 in two locations "while "Giiiiarron Kid” looks only $13,000 in; three situations. "Sailor Be- ware” shapes neat $22,000 in two . sites on Initial holdover round. Upped-scale holdovers are showing signs of. softening this round. Estimates for This Week Los Angeles, Chinese, Uptown, Loyola (FWC) (2,097; 2,048; 1,719; 1.248; 70-$1.10)—"Green Glove” ! (UA) and "Tales Five Women” ; (UA), Fair $28,000 or near. Last ! week, “Red Skies Montana” (20th) and "Woman in Dark” (Rep) (8 days), $19,200. Hollywood, Downtown, Wiltern (WB) (2,756; 1,757; 2,344; 70-$1.10) ' —"This Woman. Is Dangerous” (WB) and "Steel Fist” (Mono). Oke $27,Q00. Last week, "Room One , More” (WB) and "South Caliente” (Rep) (Downtown only) (2d wk), < $ 22 , 200 . * Loew’s State, Egyptian (UA) (2,- 404; 1,538; 70-$l.10)—"Great Coun- try” (M-G) and "Light Touch” (M-G). Thin $17,000. Last week, "Callaway” (M-G) and "Shadow in Sky” (M-G) 8 days), $16,800. Hillstreet, Pantages (RKO) (2,- 752; 2,812; 70-$D—"Double Dyna- mite” (RKO) and "Diamond City” (UA). Slow $21,000. Last week, "Dangerous Ground” (RKO) and "Indian Uprising" (Col), $20,500. Los Angeles Paramount, Hawaii (F&M-G&S) (3,398; 1,106; 60-85)— "Sailor Beware” (Par) and "Bare- foot Mailman” (Col) (L. A. Par. only) (2d wk). Trim $22,000. Last week, $30,800. Hollywood Paramount (R&M) (1,430; 60^$1.20)—"Latiiko” (Indie) (3d wk). Okay $8,000. Last week, $10,700. Rltz, Vogue, Orpheum (FWC- Metropolitan) (1,370; 885; 2,213; 70-$l.10)—"Cimarron Kid” (U) and "Stronghold” (Lip). Mild $13,000. Last week, "Wild Blue Yonder” (Rep) and "Mon Bait” (Lip), $16,800. ; United Artists, Four Star (UA) (2,100; 900; 9Q-$2.40)—"Quo Vadis” (M-G) (10th wk); Off to $16,000. Last week, $18,000. * Fine Arts (FWC) (677; 80-$1.50) — ‘Lavender Hill Mpb” (U) (4th wk). Fast $4,500, Last week, ' $5,100. Beverly Hills (WB) (1,612; 80- Estlmated Total Gross This week .... .. . . $561,900 (Based on 21 theatres ) Last Year ......, $572,900 (Based on 17 theatres) Cleveland, Feb. 5. The much-needed hypo Is being given the. State’s boxoffice by "Lone Star.” It will grab top coin but "Room For One More” is com- paratively stronger at the smaller Allen Theatre. "Flame of Araby” should come out okay at Hipp. Eleventh round of Stillman’s "Quo Vadis” is proving highly satisfac- tory. Estimates for This Week Allen (Warner) (3.000; 55-80)— "Room For One More” (WB). Great $17,000. Last Week, VSee You in Dreams” (WB) (2d wk), good $9,000. Hipp (Scheftel-Burger) (3,700; 55-80)—"Flame of Araby” (U). Fairish $12,000. Last week, "Model and "Marriage Broker” (20th) $ 11 , 000 . Ohio (Loew’s) (1,244; 55-80)— "Callaway Went Thataway” (M-G) (m.o,), Rather mild $4,000. Last week, "Pandora and Flying Dutch- man” (M-G) (m.o.), nice $6,000. Palace (RKO) (3,300; 55-80)— "Cimarron Kid',’ (U). Moderate $10,000. Last week, “Girl in Every Port” (RKO), $12,500. State (Loew’s)' (3,450; 55-80)— “Lone Star” (M-G). Strong $17,500, and holding, Last; week, "Callaway Went Thataway” (M-G), light $9,500. Stillman (Loew’s) (2,700; 90- $1.50)—"Quo Vadis” (M-G) (11th wk). Husky $11,500 after $11,000 last week. Tower (Scheftel-Burger) (500; 55-80)—"Barefoot Mailman” (Col) and "Indian Uprising” (Col). Thin $2,500. Last week, "Magic Face” (Col), $3,200. ild St. Loo To Lofty $35,000, Det; ‘Dynamite’ Dud at 9G Detroit, Feb. 5. Only really bright spot in town this week is the Michigan Where a stageshow headed by Joan Caul- r* « •« ’ ■. a . . « • a • . _ ucvcriy mi is UiOiZ; oU- v/aut $1.50)—"Death of Salesman” (Col) £eld, who’s starred in the film imv. r Ann t Tnnv Hormoff nnrl ITauk Anne (7th wk). Light $5,000. Last week, $5,900. Wilshire (FWC) (2,296; 80-$1.50) —"African Queen” (UA) (6th' wk). Mild $6,000. . Last week, $8,200. Rialto (Metropolitan) (840; 80- $1,20)—"Streetcar” (WB) (6th wk). Okay $6,500. Last week, $7,500. Tony Bennett and Four Aces is pushing "Lady Says No” to thea- tre’s best gross in nearly a year. “For Mep Only” is being taken a little too literally at the Fox. "Double Dynamite* is a dud at the Palms. "Weekend With Father” .looks modest at Madison. "Invita- n .£* A. A 1 ‘Sailor’ Smash $18,000, Prov.; ‘Victory’ Bright 9iG, ‘Vadis’ 23G, 2d ption’ not getting far at the Providence, Feb. 5. "Quo Vadis” at Loew’s State and "Sailor Beware” at Strand are the town, toppers here this session though in their second weeks. Doing steady biz: are Majestic with ‘Flame of Araby” and RKO Aibee with "Bright Victory,” Estimates for This Week Aibee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65)— "Bright Victory” (U) and ‘‘Diamond City” (Indie), Neat $9,500. Last week, "Dangerous Ground” (RKO) and "Pistol Harvest” (RKQ), $8,000. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65)— "Flame of Araby” (U) and "The Bushvvackers” (Em). Fairly good $8,000. Last week, ‘‘Model and Marriage Broker” (20th) and "In- heritance”- (Indie), $9,000. Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 44- 65>—"See You irt Dreams” (WB) and "Swampfire” (Indie) (2d wk). Nice $5,500 after—hitting trim $9,000. State (Loew) (3,200; 90-$1.23)— "Quo Vadis” (M-G) (2d wk). Sock $23,000 and heading for third stanza. First week was $38,000, Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 44^65) —"Sailor Beware” (Par) (2d wk), Started Monday (4). First sesh was focko $18,000. United Artists. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5,000; 70-95) —‘‘For Men Only" (Lip) and "Man Bait” (Lip). Fair $21,000. Last week, "Boots Malone” (Col) and “Indian Uprising” (Col), $15,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 75-$l)—"Lady Says No” (UA) plus (Continued on page 18) St. Louis, Feb. 5. Virtually continuous rain Sun- day (3) slowed activity at main- stem houses down to a slow walk. Of the new pix, ‘‘Cyrano” will.land the biggest coin total with a lofty session at Loew’s. However, "Model and Marriage Broker” shapes about as strong with a great week at the Missouri. "See You in My Dreams” ahd "Weekend With Father” still is smash in second round holdover at the Ambassador. "Decision Before Dawn” looks good at the St. Louis. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 60-75) —"See You in Dreams” (WB) and “Weekend with Father” (U) (2d wk). Started today (Tues.). First week, sock $12,500. Fox (F&M) (5,000; 60-75)—"This Woman Is Dangerous” (WB) and "Whistle Eaton Falls” (Col). Opened today (Tues.). Last week, "Girl in Every Port” (RKO) and "Dangerous Ground” (RKO), mild $ 10 , 000 . Loew’s (Loew) (3,172; 50-75)— "Cyrano” (UA) and "First Legion” (UA). Big $16,000. Last week, "Ten Tall Men” (Col) and "Purple Heart Diary” (Col), $12,000. Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 60-75)— ‘‘Model and Marriage Broker” (20th) arid "Room for One More” (WB). Great $15,000 or close. Last week, “Room for One More” (WB) and "Steel Fist” (Mono) (2d wk), $9,500. Pageant (St. L. Amus.) (1,000; 75- 90)—‘‘La Traviata” (Col). Opens tomorrow (Wed.). Last week, “Red Shoes” (UA), oke $5,000.,. St. Louis (F&M) (4,000; 60-75)— ‘‘Decision Before Dawn” (20th) and "Girl on Bridge” (20t,h). Good $10,- 000. Last week, "Tom Brown’s Schooldays” (UA) and "Galloping Major” (Indie), $9,500. ^ u(Tl •r Cincinnati, Feb. 5. Brightest newcomer here this round is "Room for One More” at Aibee/ Bunched a few paces be^ hind are "Bright Victory” okay at Capitol and "Cimarron Kid” Ape at' Keith’s; "It’s A Big Country” looks fair at the Grand, ‘ Estimates for This Week Aibee (RKO) (3,100; 55-75)— “Room for One More” JWB). Bright $13,000. Last week, "Pandora” (M-G), $13,500. Capitol (Mid-States) (2,000; 55-75) —"Bright Victory” (U). Okay $8,000. Last week, "Model and Marriage Broker” (20th), $8,500. Grand (RKO) <1,400; 55-75)— "Big Country” (M-G) and "Sell- out” (M-G), Fair $6,000. Last week, "Callaway Went Thataway” (M-G) and "Old West* (Col), $5.000.. Keith’s iMid-States) (1.542; 55- 75)—"Cimarron Kid” (U). Fine $7,500,. Last week, "Here Comes Nels^pS” (U), $6,000. Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 55-75)— "House of 1,000 Women” (Indie) and "City of Sin” (Indie) split with "Bushwackers” (Indie) and "Tales of Robin Hood” (Lip). So-so $4.50Q. Last week, "Ft. Defiance” (UA) and "I Killed Geronimo” (UA), $5,000. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 55-75)— "First Time” (Col). Modest $8,000. Last week, "Girl in Every Port” (RKO), $9,000, Tort’ Good $16,000 in Spotty Hub; Portland, Ore., Feb. 5. Biz is still on upgrade here de- spite the many holdovers. "Bend of River,” which landed record- breaking first stanza, still is smash in second inning. "Room For One More” 1 is top newcomer, with big coin in two spots. Estimates fot This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,890; 65-90) —"Bend of River” (U) (2d wk). Torrid $18,000 or near. Last week, record $22,000, over hopes. Guild (Parker) (400; 65-90)— ’’Operetta” (Indie). At night only. So-so $1,500. Last week, "Thief Bagdad” (Indie) and "Jungle Book” (indie) (reissues), $1,800. Mayfair (Parker) (1,500; 65-90) —"Two Tickets Broadway” (RKO) and "On Loose” (RKO) (m.o.). Good $5,000. Last week, legit. Oriental (Evergreen) (2,000; 65- 90)—.“Room For One More” (WB) and "Girl On Bridge” (20th), day- date Paramount. Big $6,500. Last week, "Two Tickets Broadway” (RKO) and "On Loose" (RKO), $5,- 400. Orpheum, (Evergreen) (1,750; 65- 90)—"Japanese War Bride” (20th) and "Northwest Territory" (Mono), Fine $7,000 or near. Last week, "Two; Tickets Broadway.” (RKO) and "On Loose” (RKO), $8,800. . Paramount (Evergreen) (3,400; 65-90)—"Room For One More” (WB) and "Girl On Bridge” (20th), also Oriental. Big $10,500. Last week, “Another Man’s Poison” (UA) and "Journey Into Light” (20th), $8,000. United Artists (Parker) (890; 65- 90)—"Westward Women” (M-G) (3d wk). Oke $5,500. Last week, $7,000. 4B • Key Cily Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week ..... . $2,274,000 (Based 6n. 23 cities, 204 the- atres, chiefly first runs, includ- ing N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year . .. $2,443,000 (Based oh 24 cities,,and 205 theatres .) Philadelphia, Feb. 5. New, strong product is boosting first-run biz here this round. "Death of Salesman” looms as strongest newcomer with smash total at the Randolph. "Lone Star” also Is .very Jaig at the Goldman with a comparatively better show- ing in a s m a 11 e r house. "Red Skies of Montana” is rated solid at the Fox. A strong opening Saturday is Helping' "Room For One More” to fine session at the Stanley, "Invitation” looks bare- ly passable at the Boyd. Estimates, for This Week Aldlne (WB) (1,303; 50-99) — ‘‘First Time” (Col). Lean $5,000. Last week, "Lady From Texas” (U), $7,500, Boyd (WB) (2,360; 50-99)—"In- vitation” (M-G). So-so $11,000. Last week, "I Want You” (RKO) (6th wk), $6,000 at $1.30 top. Earle (WB) (2.700; 50-99)— "Bushwackers” (Indie) and "Two Dollar Bettor” (Indie). Okay $8,- 500, Last week, "Aladdin” (Mono) with stageshow, neat $18,000. . Fox (20th) <2,250; 50-99)—"Red Skies of of Montana” (20th). Hotsy $17,000. Last week. “Model and Marriage Broker” (20th), $19,000 In 11 days. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 50- 99)—"Lone Star” (M-G). Heading for smash $21,000. Last week,: "Indian Uprising” (Col), $14,000. Mastbaum (WB) 4,360; 50-99)— "Another Man’s Poison” (UA) f3d wk). Still okay with $9,000. after $13,000 last week. Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; 50- 99)—"Song To Remember” (Col) (reissue). Good $9,000. Last week, "Boots Malone” (Col), $8,000. Randolph (Goldman) (2.500: 50- 99)—"Death of Salesman” (Col). Biggest thing in town with smash $26,000. Last week, "Never Forget You” (20th) (2d wk), sad $6,500. Stanley (WB) (2,900; 50-99)— "Room For One More” (WB). Shapes fine $14,000. Last week. "See You in Dreams” (WB) (3d wk), $9,000. Stanton (WB) (1,473; 50-99)— "Flaming Feather” (Par). Hitting about par at $7£0d. Last Week, "Cimarrpn Kid” (U), $8,500. Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 85-$1.20) —"Detective Story” (Par) (12th Wk). Terrific $9,000 after $9,500 lacf txrpplr World ’ (G&S) (500; 50-99)— "Browning Version” (U) (3d wk). Still nice with $3,300 after $3,800 last week. ’2%2d ” , Boston, Feb. 5 . Sailor Beware,” In second round at Met, still leads the town with biz at other houses somewhat snot- ty. f Quo Vadis” is winding six- week run at State and Orpheum this week. "For Men Only” new- comer at Paramount and Fenwav is average but "Girl in Every Port” at Memorial Is fairly good. "Death of Salesman” in third week at Astor is way; off with "Another Mans Poison in.second round at Beacon Hill «rid "Browning Ver- sion” ditto at Exeter are holding up nicely. . Estimates for This Week Astor (B&Q) (1,200; 5Q-$1.20)— “Death of Salesman” (Col) (3d wk) Sluggish $7,000 following $8,200 for second. Beacon Hill (Beacon Hill, Inc.) (682; 65-$l.20)—"Another Man’s Poison” (UA) (2d wk). SIick.$9,500. House lost 100 seats When recently reseated, but broke opening-day house record grabbing a socko $11,500 for first week. Boston (RKO) (3,000; 40-85)— "Casablanca” (WB) and "Capt. Blood” (WB) (reissues). Fair $9,500. Last week, "Drains Deep South” (RKO) and "Slaughter Trail’’ (RKO)> okay $13;000; Exeter (Indie) (1,300; 60-80)— "B r o w n i n g Version” (U) and "Royal journey” (UA) (2d wk). Preem of latter hypoed this to nifty $9,000 for first w.eek with about same expected for second round. Fenway (NET) (1,373; 40-85)— "For Men Only” (Lip) and "Mail Bait” (Lip). About average $5,000. Last week; "See You in Dreams” (WB) and "Woman in Dark” (Rep) (2d wk), nice $5,500. i Memorial (RKO) (2,000; 40-85)—> “Girl in Every Port” (RKO) and "The Hideout” (Indie). Good $16.- 000. Last week, "Bright Victory’.* (U) and "Calling Bulldog Drain- mond” (M-G), $17,000. Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 40- 85)—"Sailor Beware” (Par) and "Panelled Door” (Indie) (2d wk); Great $23,000 after $34,000 for first. Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 90-$1.20) —‘‘Quo Vadis” (M-G) (6th wk). Fine $14,000 after $17,500 for fifth. Paramount (NET) (1.70Q; 40-85) —"For JMen Only” (Lip) and "Man Bait” (Lip). Average $11,000. Last week, "See You in Dreams” (WB) and "Woman in Dark” (Rep) (2d wk), nice $10,500. State > (Loew) (3,500; 90-$1.20)— "Quo Vadis” (M-G) (6th wk). Okay $7,000 after $9,000 for fifth, 'Room’ Standout vm ‘Gid in Port’ Neat 12G, Buff; ‘Sailor’ 17G, 2d Kansas City, Feb. 5. Films are doing solid biz in. at least three spots while others are just trailing along. "Room for One More*’ is standout at the Para- mount, with a big session, and likely to hold. "Flame of Araby” shapes good in fouip Fox Midwest theatres, and may move over to the Esquire. Midland records were broken when "Quo Vadis” went ihto sixth week, but film closed out on Monday (4). Estimates for This Week Buffalo, Feb. 5. "Girl in Every Port” shapes as outstanding newcomer here this week with a trim total at the Cen- tury. "Quo Vadis” is winding up its run here at nice total in its sixth week at the Buffalo. "Sailor Be- ware” continues socko in second round at the Paramount. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loew’s) (3.500; 90-$l,25) —"QUO Vadis” (M-G) (6th wk). Finished final session with socko $11,000 after giant $17,000 for fifth round. Paramount (Par) (3,000; 40-70)— "Sailor Beware” (Par) and "Ele- phant Stampede’V (Mono) (2d wk). Held to $17,000. Last week; smash $24,000. Center (Par) (2,100; 40-70)— "Room for One More" (WB) (3d wk-4 days). Held at $5,000. Last week, sock $9,000, Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 40-70)— "First Time” (Col) and "Jungle Manhunt” (Col). Mild $9,000. Last week, “Boots Malone” (Col) and "Lady arid Bandit” (Col), same. , Century (20th Cent) (3*000; 40- 70)—"Girl in Every Port” (RKO) and "Slaughter Trail” (RKO). Neat $12,000. Last week, "Callaway Went Thataway” (M-G) and "It’s a Biff Country” (MrG), $7,500. Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 50- 75'—"Strange Door” (U) and “Ha- vana Rose” (Rep). Fair $2,500.- Last week, “Fixed Bayonets” (20th) and. "Elephant Stampede" (Mono) (m.o.), $2,400. Kimo (Dickinson) (504; $1.50- $2.40)—"The River” (UA) (2d wk). Sparkling $3,400. Last vreek, $3,- 900.. Midland (Loew’s) (3,500; 90- $1.24)—"Quo Vadis” (M-G) (6th wk'. This makes a new record for length of ru and total take in city. This week is strong $8,000. Last week, $10,000. Missouri (RKO) (2,650; 50-75)-- "Aladdin and His Lamp” (Mono) and "Flight.Tp Marsf’ (Mono), Drill $6,500. Last Week, "Girl irt Evefy Port" (RKO) arid “Three Steps North” (UA), ihedium $7,500. Paramount (Tri-States) (1,900; 50-69) — ‘‘Room for One More (WB). Big $13,000, best here in sonibtime. Will go to 10 days or two weeks * Last week, "Tanks Are Coming” (WB), $7,500. Tower, Uptown, Fairway, Gra- nada (Fox Midwest) (2,100; 2,043; 700; 1,217; 50-75)—"F lame of Araby” (U). Good $15,000; may move over to Esquire. Last week^ "IVTodpl vSnd MarTiatfe Broker "Model and Marriage Broker (20th),, same. .. . .. . Vogue (Golden) (550; 75-85)—- "Lavender Hill Mob” T (U) (12th wk). Holding at, solid $1,500. Last week, same.