Variety (February 1952)

Wednesday, February 20, 1952 PICTURE GROSSES ‘Quo Vadis’Big News in Chi Gant $70,009; ‘Boots’ Mildish 13G, ‘Star’ Plus Chaney 29G, ‘Commanf 10G, 2d Chicago, Feb. 19. 4 Loop is being hypoed currently by the advance i>rice showing of “OuO Vadis” at Oriental With first week likely to hit giant $70,000. There is still no word oh. reopen- ing of Palace and Grand, both shuttered due to union demands. Both may light ub again if efforts of RKO reps bear fruit. Roosevelt, with “Boots Malone” and “Indian Uprising,” should garner fairish $13,000. Of the second weekers, “Native Son” and “Girl on Bridge” will lead the pack at the United Artists with a smart showing. .Right be- hind is “Submarine Command” and “Silver City” at the State- Lake with nice total. “Lone Star” plus Lon Chaney at the Chicago looks mild. 0 “Death of Salesman” at the Woods shapes up fine in t h i r d round. “Tales of Hoffmann” at Ziegfeld goes into last two weeks with sturdy figure for fifth stint. Estimates for This Week Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 50-98)— “Lone Star” (M-G) plus vaude (2d wk). Modest $29,000. Last week, $43,000. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 98-$1.25) --“Quo Vadis” (M-G).. Terrific $70,000 for first frame. Playing five shows daily and six on Sav urdays. Last week, “I Want You” (RKO) with Connee Boswell on- stage. (3d wk), $21,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 55-98)— “Boots Malone” (Col), and “Indian Uprising” (Col). Moderate $13,000. Last week, “Harlem Globetrotters” (Col) and “Scandal Sheet” (Col); $ 11 , 000 . State-Lake.(B&K) (2,700; 55-98) —“Submarine Command”. (Par) and “Silver City” (Par) (2d wk). Nice $10,000. Last week, $17,000. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 55- 98)—“Native Son” (Indie) and “Girl on Bridge” (20th) (2d wk). Smart $11,000. Last week, $17,000/ Woods (Essaness) (1,073; 98)— “Death of Salesman” (Col) (3d wk). Fine $19,000. Last Week, $25,000. World (Indie) (587; 80)—“Small Back Room” (Indie). Moderate $3,000. Last week, “Man of Aran” (Indie) and “Edge of World” (In-, die) (reissues), $3,000. Ziegfeld (Lopert) (434; $1.25- $2.40)—“Tales of Hoffmann” (In- die) (5th wk). Trim $3,000. Last week, $3,500. Mpls. Still Mild Albeit ‘Lavender’ Wow $5,500; ‘Boots’ Fair With 6G Minneapolis, Feb, 19. Current offerings art suffering from neglect, despite more rela- tively favorable weather. Compara- tively mildest of three is “Phone Call From a Stranger” at Radio City. “Lavender Hill Mob” at the World _is great. “Boots Malone” shapes fair lit. Orpheum. Estimates for This Week Century (Par) (1.600; 50-76) — Darling, How Could You?” (Par); W&n $2,800. Last week, “Lady Possessed” (Rep), $2,300. Gopher (Berger) (1,000; 50-76)— Red Skies Montana” (20th). Okay $5,500. Last week, “Light Touch” (M-G), $2,500. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-76)—“Fort Osage” (Mono) and “Elephant Stampede” (Mono). Light $4,000. Last week, “Japanese War Bride” (20th) and “Girl on Bridge” (20th), $4,500. Radio City (Par) (4,000; 50-76) “r-Phone ‘ Call From Stranger” J2pth). Mild $9,000. Last week, Room For One More” (WB) (2d wk), $10,000. ' RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (1,600; 40-76)—“Boots Malone” CCol). Fa- v ? r 2^ y x feceiv ®d but looks just fair at $6,000. Last week, “Woman Is Dangerous’* (WB), $6,500. RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 40-76)— Scarf ace” (Indie) and Boys of City” (Indie). Okay $5,500. Last week, “Hunchback S°treT> a m e ” (RKO) and “Cat Peo- ple (RKO) (reissues), $6,100. , State (Par) (2,300; . 50-76) — S £? r ” "<W‘G> (U Wk). Fat stanza after hefty $10,000 first t World (Mann) (400; 50-95) — ^vender Hill Mob” (U). Nothing I° r Ibis one and word- of-njouth a I o n & with the erix should help it. Wow $5,500 .Last week, “American in 5&. E?G .G$th ; wk),-$3,000 Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net; i k 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. Kansas City, Feb. 19. Two new bills getting big money here while remainder of city is moderate. “Bend of River” is head-l ing for big session in four Fox Midwest houses. “Sailor Beware” is sock at the Paramount for . one of top weeks there in months. “Ten Tall Men” is fairish at the Midland and “Another Man’s Poison” is so-so at the. Missouri. “Lavender Hill Mob” is winding its record run at the Vogue after 14 weeks. Estimates for This Week Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 50- 75) -— “Hunchback Notre Dame” (RKO) and “Cat People” (RKO) (reissues). Slim $2,000 in 8 days. Last week, .“Flame of Araby” (U1 and “Girl on Bridge” (20th) (m.o.), ditto. Klmo (Dickerson) : (504; $1.24- $2.50)—“The River” (UA) (4th wk). Moderate $2;000, and likely will go a fifth week. Last week, $2,500. Midland (Loew’s (3,500; 50-69)— ‘Ten Tall Men” (Col) and “Corky Gasoline Alley” (Col). Fair $9,Q00. Last week, “Westward the Women” (M-G) and “Bannerline” (M-G), moderate $11,000. Missouri (RKO) (2,650; 50-75)— "Another Man’s Poison” (UA) and “Crazy Over Horses” (Mono). Slow $6,000. Last week, “Woman Is Dangerous” (WB) and “Diamond City” (WB), $6,500. Paramount (Tri-States) (1,900; 50-69) — ^‘Sailor Beware” (Par). Sock $16,000, and holdover. Last week, “Room for One More” (WB) (2d wk), $7,500. ^ Tower, Uptown, Fairway, Gra- nada (Fox Midwest) (2,100; 2,043; 700; 1,217; 50-75)—“Bend of River” (U) and “Woman in Dark” (Rep). Big $18,000, and likely to move over to Esquire. Last week, “Deci- sion Before Dawn” (20th) and i'Tales Robin Hood” <Llp)r$14,000. Vogue (Golden) (550; 75-85) — “Lavender Hill Mob” (U) (14th wk).. Still okay with $1,200. Last Week, nice $1,500. H.0.’s Slough St Loo But ‘Sailor’ Sock $15,000,2d St. Louis, Feb. 19. Holdovers are predominant at mainstem houses here this week, with biz sloughing off somewhat. “Sailor Beware” is grabbing top coin again although In second week at the Missouri. It continues sock. Of new films, “Bend of River,” aided by neat bally, promises to do fine 1 biz at the huge Fox, where it opened today; Initial day started out big. “Lone Star” is holding Well in second Loew’s round. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M). (3,000; 60-75) —“Room For One More” (WB) and “Model and Marriage Broker” (20th) (2d wk). Okay $9,500 fol- lowing big $11,000 first session. Fox (F&M) (5,000- 60-75)— “Bend of River” (U). and “Finder’s Keepers” (U). Opened today (TuesJ. Last week, “Meet Danny Wilson” (U) and “Cimarron, Kid” (U), okay $13,000. Loew’s (Loew) (3,172; 50-75)— “Lone Star” (M-G) (2d wk). Hold- ing at $10,500 after big $16,500 initial stanza. . Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 60-75)— “Sailor Beware” (Par) and “Alad- din and Lamp” (Mono) (2d wk). Still sock at $15,000 following $20,- 000 for first chapter. Pageant (St. L. Amus.) (1,000; 60-75)—“La TraViata” (Col). Still oke at $5,500. Last Week, “Red Shoes” <UA) (3d wk), $4,500. St. Louis (F&M) (4,000; 60-75)— “Hunchback Notre Dame” (RKO) and “Cat People” (RKO) (reissues). Mild $4,000. Last week, “Bright Victory” -<U), Vtd 4 TugltiV0; L«dy (Rep)/$7,000. ‘Quo Vadis’ Boffo 28G, Denver; ‘Aladdin’ $19,000 Denver, Yeb. 19, “Quo Vadis,” as expected, is running up a huge figure this week at the Paramount: to pace, the city. Naturally, it is holding. “Sailor Beware” is. holding so well it will remain a third week at the Alad- din. “Red Skies of Montana” shapes good in two spots. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 404)0)— “Aladdin and Lamp” (Mono) and “Hold That Line” (Mono), day-date with Tabor, Webber, Good $8,000. Last week, “Meet Dahny Wilson” (U) and “Great John L.” (Indie), $5,000,. Broadway (Wolfberg) (1,200; 40- 80)—“Too Young To Kiss” (M-G) (3d wk). Fair $7,000. Last week; good $8,500. Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 40-80) —“Sailor Beware’’ (Par), (2d Wk). Fine $13,500. Stays; Last Week, record $20,000. Denver > (Fox) (2,525; 40-80)— “Red Skies Montana” (20th) and “First Legion” (UA), day-date with Esquire. Good $15,000 or over. Last week, “Room for One More” (WB) and “Cage of Gold” (Indie), big $22,000. Esquire (Fox) (742; 40-80)—“Red Skies Montana” (20th) and ‘‘First Legion” (UA), also Denver. Good $3,000. Last week, “Room One More”, (WB) and “Cage of Gold” (Indie), $4,000. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 40-80)— “At Sword’s Point” (RKO) and “Shadow in Sky” (M-G). Thin $10,- 000. Last week, “I Want You” (RKO) and “Calling Bulldog Drum- mond’.’ (M-G) (2d wk), $7,500. .Paramount (Fox) (2,200; $1- $1.50)—“Quo Vadis” (M-G). Big $28,000. Holds, Last week, “Well” (UA) and “Sinner’s Holiday” (In- die), nice $11,000 with n o r m a 1 scale Tabor (Fox) (1,967; 40-80)— “Aladdin and Lamp” .(Mono) and “Hold Line” (Mono), also Aladdin, Webber. Nice $7,500. Last week, “Meet Danny Wilson” (U) and “Great John L.” (Indie), $5,500. Vog^e (Pike) (600; 60-85)— “Moon and Sixpence” (indie) (re- issue). Pine $2,500. Last week, “Ghost Goes West” (Indie, $1,900. Webber (Fox) (750; 40-80)— “Aladdin and. Lamp”* (Mono) and “Hold Line” (Mono), also Aladdin, Tabor. Good $3,500. Last week, “Meet Danny Wilson” (U). and “Great John L.” (Indie), $2,500. Indianapolis, Feb. 19. Biz looks okay at most first-run situations here this stanza, mild weather helping. “Sailor Beware” remains the hottest thing in town with big second week at Indiana. Personal appearances by Dennis Morgan 'helped “This Woman Is Dangerous” off to good start at Circle. “Ten Tall Men,” at Loew’s, also is. nice. Estimates for This Week Circle (Cockrill-Dolle) (2,800; 50- 76)—“This Woman Is Dangerous” (WB) and “Galloping Major” (In- die). Nifty $12,000. Last week, “Hong Kong” (Par) and “Darling, How Could You” (Par), $7,200 in 6 days. Indiana (C-D) (3,200; 50-76)— “Sailor Beware” (Par) and “Chica- go Calling” (UA)- (2d wk). Hefty $13,000 after hot $19,000 opener. Loew’s (Loew’s) (2,427; 50-76)— “Ten Tall Men” (Gol) and “Crim- inal Lawyer” . (Col). Nice $10,000. Last week, “Westward Women” (M-G) and “Lady and the Bandit” (Col), $11,000. Lyric (C-D) (1,600; 50-76)— “Prowler” (UA) and “Hoodlum” (UA). Fair $5,000. 'Last week, “Cimarron Kid” (U) . and “Pistol Harvest” (RKO), $5,800, B’way Spotty; ‘GirF-Vaude Good 59G, Garland Reissues Fine $16,000, Seattle; ‘Lavender’ 5G Seattle, Feb. 19. Too many' holdovers and Weak new product are hurting biz cur- rently. “Red Skies of Montana” shapes big at Orpheum, but best showing comparatively is being made by ‘‘Lavender Hill Mibb,” with fancy takings at the tiny Mu- sic Box. “Green Gloves'* is rated okay at Paramount. “Bend of Riv- er” still is sock on moveover at Blue Mouse/ fourth week down- town. Estimates for ..This Week . Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (800; 65- 90)—“Bend of River” (U) and “Lady Pays Off” (U) (m.o.). Fourth , downtown week. Solid $4,500. Last I Wpek, “See. You iai Dreams” (WB) I ■' (Continued on page 17) With few new bills to attract added business, Broadway first-run theatres are laregly marking time this session awaiting;the arrival of Washington’s Birthday (Friday) and the long holiday weekend. De- spite dearth of new fare, several houses are showing strength. Rain and snow Sunday (17) did not ap. pear to hurt trade much. . “Girl in Every Port,” with stage- show headed by Polly . Bergen, Gene Krupa band and Phil Foster, wound lip Its first week at the Para- mount with a good $59,000. “Meet Me ih St. Louis”-“Babes in Arms,” reissues combo, is heading for fine $16,000, unsually strong for Oldies, at the State. This booking takes advantage of the unusually long, successful yaude engagement at the nearby Palace of: Judy Garland, who Is starred in both films. Week promises to be better than many new pix that have played the house recently. “On Dangerous Ground” did only $8,200 in first session at the Cri- terion, and stays only two extra days to open -Show White,” out on reissue, tomorrow (Thurs.). “Return of the Texan” looms okay at $6,000 on first week at the Holi- day., “Viva Zapata!” is maintaining its strong pace at the Rivoli with $38,- 000 likely for second stanza, parr tleularly pleasing in view of slug- gish tone at most houses the mid- dle of last week. “When Worlds Collide” dipped to nice $13,000 in initial holdover round at the Globe after big opening week. “Greatest Show on Earth” with stageshow continues very, much in the chips albeit down from previ- ous frame. It looks to hit big $120,- 000 in current (6th) week, and, of course, is holding a seventh week. “Sailor, Beware” still Is holding its fast gait at the Mayfair, with $37,000 probable for the third round. It stays on, naturally. “Quo Vadis” continues near recent smash level with $23,500 registered in 15th week at the ’Astor. “Phone Call from Stranger,” with Johnny Johnston and George Tapps heading stage bill, looks to wind up its third and final week at the Roxy with an okay $54,000. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; $1.25- $1.80)—“Quo Vadis” (M-G) (16th wk). Current session started here yesterday (Tues.). The 15th week (7th of current, continuous-run poli- cy) held close to recent pace with $23,,500 after big $24,300 for 14th week. Stays on indef. Bijou (City Inv.) (589; 80-$1.80) —“Cry, Beloved Country” (Indie) (4th wk). Holding nicely at $8,000 after $9,000 for third week. Capitol (Loew’s) (4,820; 70-$1.80) —“African Queen” (UA). Opens today (Wed.). Last week, “Lone Star” (M-G) (3d wk-5 days), off to $7<000 after $19,000 for second round, considerably below big opening week: Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 50-$1.80) —“On Dangerous Ground” (RKO) (2d wk). First Session ended Mon- day (18) registered moderate $8,- 200. In ahead, “I Want You” (7th- wk-10 days), $10,000. “Snow White” (RKO) (reissue), opens here to- morrow (Thurs.)., Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 50-$1.80) —“When Worlds Collide” (Par) (3d wk). Initial holdover, round ended last night (Tues.) held at $13,000 after $31,000 opening week. Stays a third. Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$1.80) —“Lavender Hill Mob” (U) (19th wk). The 18th frame ended Mon- day (18) held at $6,800 after big $7,000 for 17th week. Holiday (Zatkin) (950; 50-$1.50) —-“Return of Texan” (20th). (2d wk). First stanza ended yesterday (Tues.) hit an okay $6,000. Previous week, theatre housed legit show. Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 80- $1.8p)^-“Sailor Beware” (Par) (3d wk). Continues in smash fashion with $37,000 after great $55,000 for second round. Stays indef. Normandie (Normandie Thea- tres) (592; 95-$l,80)-^“Pandora” (M-G) (11th wk). Current week ending tomorrow (Thiirs.) is head- ed for $4,500 after continuing nice- ly' with $5,2Q0 in 10th frame. Palace (RKO) (1,700; $1.20-$4.80) —All-vaude, two-a-day policy headed by Judy Garland (19th wk). This is final session for bill topped by Miss Garland. It began yester- day (Tues:). The 18th week was $43,500 after big $39,500 for 17th round.. . • . Paramount (Par) (3,684; 70-$1.80) —“Girl in Every Port” (RKO) with Polly Bergen, Gene Krupa orch, Phil Foster topping stage bill (2d-, final Wk). Initial round ended yes- terday (Tues.).landed goQd $59,000. “This Woman Is Dangerous” (WB), second Warner pic ever to play Par flagship, plus Georgia Gibbs, Billy Williams quartet, Buddy Les- ter, Jerry Wald orcli, opens Feb. 27. Park Aye. (Readc) (583; 90-$1.50) —“Woman in Question” (Col). Opened Monday (18). In ahead. “St. Matthew Passion” (Indie) (3d wk), dipped to $4,000 after $4,600 for. second week< Paris (Indie) (568) ($1.20-$2.40) —“The River” (UA) (24th wk). The 23d stanza ended Sunday 17) was $6,200 after sock $7,200 for 22d week. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (5,945; 80-$2.40)—"Great- est Show on Earth” (Par) with stageshow (6th wk). Holding big with $120,000 in prospect this Ses- sion after $142,000 for fifth wedk. Fifth stanza, .beat the fourth by $7,000. Holds a seventh.. Circus opus is holding so well the Hall has made no definite plans as to what Its next pic will be. Rivoli (UAT-Par) (2.092; 90- $1.80),—‘Viva Zapata!” (20th) (2d wk). Initial holdover frame ending today (Wed.) is doing good $38,000 after terrific $63,000 for opening week. Continues on. Roxy (20th) (5,886; 80-$2.20)— “Phone (Call From Stranger” (20th) and stage bill headed by Johnny Johnston, George Tapps (3d-flnal wk). Winding up with okay $54;- 000, aided by previews final day. Second; week was big $84,000. “5 Fingers” (20th), with Dorothy La- mour, Florence Desmbn^i, the Szonys topping stageshow, opehs Friday (22). State (Loew’s) (3,450; 55-85)— “Meet Me in St,: Louis” (M-G) and “Babes in Arms” (M-G) (reissues). First stanza ending tomorrow (Thurs.) is heading for fine $16,000, unusually big for oldies and bet- ter than some first-runs have done here recently. In ahead, “Invita- tion” (M-G) (2d wk-10 days), $11,- 000 . Warner (WB) (2,756; 85-$2)— “Retreat, Hell!” (WB). Opened yesterday: (Tues.). In ahead, “Big Trees” (WB) (2d wk), $8,000 after light $12,000 opener. Sutton (R&B) (561; 90-$1.50)— “Tales of Hoffmann’* (Indie) (9th wk). The eighth frame ended Mon- day (18) still was solid with $6,000 after $6,800 for seventh week. Still not planning on bringing in new pic. Trans-Lux 60th St. (T-L) (453; 90- $1.50)—“Magic Garden” (Indie) (3d wk). Initial holdover session ended Monday (18) held to $6,200 after stout $8,500 opener. Trans-Lux. 52d St. (T-L) (540; 90-$1.50)—“Ladj) Possessed” (Rep). First week ending today (Wed.) looks to hit okay $5,000. Holds, in ahead, “Japanese War Bride” (20th) (2d wk-9 days), $3,400. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 55- $1.80)—“Death of Salesman” (Col) (9th wk). The current round end- ing today (Wed.) is off a bit to $12,000 after fancy- $16,000 for eighth week. “Marrying Kind” (Col) is due in next. ‘Star’-Vaude Paces D.C, Top Straight-Film, 16G Washington, Feb. 19. Mainstem biz is slightly off this week, with Saturday’s heavy rain resulting in a weekend dip at turn- stiles. Sturdiest newcomer is “Lone Star” plus vaude at Loew’s Capi- tol. “Phone Call From a Stran- ger,” . at Loew’s Palace is disap- pointing, despite'..favorable press. However, it is towns’ top straight- filmer. “This Woman; Is Danger- ous” is rated pleasing at the War- ner. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew’S) (3,434; 55.90)— “L6ne Star” (M-G) plus vaude. Plush $26,000, despite pounding from drama desks. Last- week, “Girl on Bridge” (20th) plus vaude, $14,000, lowest in months. Columbia (Loew’s) (1,174; 90- $1.50)—“Quo Vadis” (M-G.)*' (m.o.) (3d wk). Still going strong in . eighth consecutive downtown week I at fine $10,000 after big $11,000 1 last week. Holds. . ; Dupont (Lopert) (372; 50-85.—r “Rasho-Mon” (RKO) (2d wk). Very steady $4,500 after hot $5,500 last week, and holds. , .. Keith’s (RKO) (1,939; 44-85)— ‘■Meet Danny Wilson” (U). Okay (Continued on page 17)