Variety (March 1952)

FICTVKE GROSSES usmam ftthtwhy, Mtt«h S, 1952 Sharp 28G, ‘Show’ Rig 40G m 2d ‘SAILOR’ STmtDY 15G, Sr.L:‘l Los Angeles, March 4. 4- Local first-run biz is spotty* with some strong product being bal- anced by weak pix. Despite this uneven tone, session is running substantially ahead of same week a year ago. Pacing city is - Bend of River,” sock $45,000, in three Warner theatres, best this unit has shown since last August. “Swoyd’s Point” also shapes good $28,000 in two. houses. . - •. Only a slini $16,000'is seen for ‘‘Return Of Texan” in four spots. Combo of “Invitation”, and “Just This Once” looms slow $19,000 in two sites. “Greatest Show on Earth” is dropping over 25% below first round but still is big $40,000 or better in two spots, second week. “Quo Vadis” is up to neat $7,000 ort first: week continuous run, with new prices, or actual 14th week at Four Star. “African Queen” is steady near $8,000 in iOth frame at WilShire* Estimates for This Week Los Angeles, Chinese, Uptown, Loyola (FWC) (2,097; 2,048; 1,719; 1,248; 70-$1.10)—“Return of Tex- an” (20th) and “Hold Line” (Mono), Slim $16,000. Last week, “Phone Call Stranger*’ (20th) and ‘“Dark Man” (Indie), $26,60(1 Hollywood, Downtown, Wilterri (WB) (2,756; 1,757; 2,844; 70-$U0) Estimated Total Gross This Week $479,200 (Based on 24 theatres) Last Year . . . $448,500 (Based oh 17 theatres ) Pittsburgh, March 4. “African Queen” at the Penn is the big noise here this week. Looks like the best thing at this house in some time. Holds. Holdovers “I Want You” at Fulton and “Phone Call From Stranger” at Harris do- ing okay but the other new films “Bugles in Afternoon” at Stanley and “For Men Only” at Warner are just so-so. Estimates for This Week . Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 50-g5)— “I Want You” (RKO) (2d wk). Not so bad $5,000; Last week, $8,000, somewhat under expectations. Harris (Harris) St Louis, March 4. The 10-hour snowstorm Sunday (2), followed by ‘rain on Monday, is slowing down boxoffice activity here this week at first-runs, with grosses off considerably from last stanza. Numerous holdovers also will clip the overall total. “Sailor Beware 1 ' is making about best showing with big session at the Ambassador, for third week down- town. “Las Vegas Story” is rated good at the Missouri, while “Afri- can Queen” is holding well in sec- ond Loew’s Week. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 60-75) -"Bend of River” (U) and “Sword’s Point” (RKO). Opened oday (Tues;). Last week, “Sailor Beware” (Par) and “Aladdin and Lamp” (Mono); big $15,000. Fox (F&M) (5,000; 60-75)—“Re- reat, Hell!” (WB) and “Globetrot- ters” (Col). Opened today (Tues.). LSst Week, “Sword’s Point” (RKO) and “Congolaise” (UA), oke $ 12 , 000 . Loew’s (Loew) (3,172; 50-75)— “African: Queen” (DA) (2d wk). (2,200; 50-85)-^ ^“BeiToTiUver” '(GTmk “As You '^Phone Call From Stranger Wer^V (Lip?' ^jck^J^slooO. Last (20th) (2d wk;4 days).. Oke $4,000. week, “Retreat, Hell!” (WB) (2d Wk), $19,700. LoeW’s State, Egyptian (2,404; 1,538; 70-$l.10)—“Invita- tion” (M-G) and “Just This Once” (M-G). Slow $19,000. Last week, “Lone Star” (M-G) and “Cloud- burst” (UA) (Loew’s only) (3d wk-5 days), $10,000. Hillstreet, Pantages ‘ (RKO) (2,- 752; 2,812; 70-$l)—“Sword’s Point” (RKO) and “Jungle Jim Larid” (Col). 1 Good $28,000. Last week, “Las Vegas Story” (RKO) and “Harlem Globetrotters” (Col) (2d wk), $21,600. Los .Angeles, Hollywood Para- mounts (F&M) (3,398; 1,430; 60- $1.20) —“Detective Story”, I and “Old West” (Col) (L.A. Par only) (2d wk). Fair $12,000. Last week, $21,900. Hawaii (G&S) (1,106; 60-85) — “Sailor Beware” (Par) (6th wk); Off to $3,200. Last week, smart $5,000. Orpheum, Beverly Hills (Metro politan-WB) (2,213; 1,612;.85-$1.50) —“Greatest Show” (Par) (2d wk), Hefty $40,000. Last week, socko $54,800, below hopes but very strong. Ritz, Vogue, Globe (FWC) (1,- 870; 885; 782; 70-$1.10) — “Phone Call. Stranger” (20th) and “Dark Man” (Indie) (m.o.’s). Mild $9,500. Last week,-“David and Bathsheba (20th), $6,300. . United Artists (UA) (2,100; 70- $1.10)—“Midnight Kiss” (M-G) and “Solomon’s Mines” (M-G) (re- issues). Dull $5,000* Last week, “Quo Vadis” (M-G) (13th wk- 5 days) (upped scales), $6,700. Four Star (UA) (900; 90-$1.50) “Quo Vadis” (M-G). First week of continuous policy and new scale. Perked to $7,000. Last week, okay $8,500. Penn (Loew’s) (3,300; 50-85)— “African Queen” (UA). Embraced by crix. Walloping weekend in- sures at least $20,000, terrific here these days. Last week, “Lone Star” (M-G) (2d wk), $10,000. Stanley (WB) (3,800; 50-85)— “Bugles in Afternoon” (WB). Not much for' this one, and will be lucky to get by with slow $9,000. Last week, “Retreat, Hell!” (WB), big winner at $14,000. Squirrel Hill (WB) (900; 50-85)— Song to Remember” (Col) (reis- sue). First Hollywood pic after three English films in new art pol- icy here. Modest $2,500. Last week, “Clouded Yellow” (Col) (2d wk); $ 2 , 000 . . -9 Warner <WB) (2,000; 50-85)— “For Men Only” (Lip). Sluggish ^5,500. Last week, “Las Vegas itory” (RKO), $6,500, In D.C.; ‘Texan’- , ‘Bend’ 11G, 2d Washington, March 4. Holdovers and lack of. sock g roduct giving town’s mid-town ouses a milder tone this week Best bet is ‘‘Return of Texan” at Loew’s Capitol, which is being hypoed to solid take by a good stageshow ' headed by Margaret Whiting. “5 Fingers,” however, is the wow of week at the small Play- house. -“Bugles in Afternoon” a Warner is also bright. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew’s) (3,434; 55-90)— “Return of Texan” (20th) plus Last I vau de topped by Margaret Whiting week, (13th wk-5 days), $4,400 on two-a-day, with $2.40 top. Fine Arts (FWC) (677; 80-$1.50) —“Lavender Hill Mob” (U) (8th Wk). Oke $3,000. Last week, $3,600. Wilshire (FWC) (2,296; 80-$1.50) —“African Queen” (UA) (10th wk). Sturdy $8,000. Last week, $8,300. Rialto (Metropolitan) (840; 80- $1.20) — “Streetcar” (WB) (10th wk). Nice $5,000. Last week, $ 6 , 000 . ^ ‘BEND’ SOCK {13,000, NIFF;‘SHOW’19% 2D Buffalo, March 4. Brightest newcomer here this (Continued .on page 26) Estimated Total Gross This Week ..,, . * $2,450,700 ( Based on 24 cities, 222 the- atres, chtefly first runs, include ing N. F.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year . *... $2,092,500 (Based oh 24 cities, and 203 theatres.) Louisville, March 4.. Airican yueen" \juai iza wk;. i R i ver j” ne ?- Holding at $13,000 following big Jt the ^Htucky, .is making the big $18,500 opening stanza. Missouri (F&M) (3,000; 60-75)— Las Vegas Story” (RKO) and “Big Night” (UA). Good $12,000 Or near* Last week, ‘’Phone Call Stranger” (20th) and “Japanese War Bride” (20th), $13,500* Pageant (St. L, Ariuis.) (1,000; 75- 90)—“Fantasie” (RKO) (reissue). Okay $4,000. Last week, “The Prize” (Indie), $4,500, Shady 6ak (St. L. Amus*) (800; 75-90)-r-“The Prize” (Indie) (2d wk). Held at $4,500 after $5,500 fine initial session. boxoffice noise this week, marking the first time that this newest house in ranks of local first-runs has rung the bell boxdffice-wise* Current James Stewart starter is sock. “Japanese War Bride” at the Strand is on the dull side while “FBI Girl” at Mary Anderson looks fair. “Girl in Every Port” at Rialto is about average. — Estimates for This Week Kentucky (Switow) (1,100; 54-75) —r“Bend of River” (U) Considering capacity of house, shapes as town’s leader, socko $7,000 or near. Last week, “Death of Salesman” (Col) (2d wk), $3,500. Mary Anderson (People's (1,200; 54-75)-r-“FBI Girl” (Lip). Fair $5,- 000. Last week, “Woman Is Dan- gerous” (WB), about same. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; 54-75)—“Girl in Every Port” (RKO) and “Man Bait” (Lip)* Fairish.$10,- 000. Last week, “Phone Call Stranger” (20th), $8,500. State (Loew’s (3,000; 45-65) — “Belle of New York” (M-G) and “It’s a Big Country” (M-G). Mild $9,000. Last week, “Lone Star” (M-G) and '’Calling Bulldog Drum- mond” (M-G), $12,000. Strand (FA) (1,200; 54^75) — “Japanese War Bride” (20th) and “Girl on Bridge” (20th). Slow $3,- 000. Last week, “Las Vegas Sto; (RKO) and “Trail Guide” $4,000. ( Story” RKO), Providence, March 4. Two heavy snowstorms in one week: are not helping at the box- office here. State’ “Belle of New York”. is getting the most coin but only mild. Majestic, with “Viva Zapata!” is rated very nice. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65)— “Snow White” (RKO) (reissue) (2d wk). Dropping to $8,000. First week was neat $16,000. Majestic Fay) (2,200; 44-65)— “Viva Zapata!” (20th). Single fea ture turnover helping for very nice $9,000. Last week, “Phone Call From Stranger” (20th) and “The Guest” (Rep), $12,000. Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 44- 65)—“Hunchback Notre D a m e” Minneapolis, March 4. (RKO) and “Cat People” (RKO) After' the Martin & Lewis Radio (reissues). So-so $4,500. Last week. City boxoffice windfall, the local “Room For One More” (WB) and first-runs are back to normal again, “Hold That Line” (Mono) (2d wk), and that is not so good. However, good $5,000. the turnouts for “Quo Vadis,” State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65)— which is playing with upped ad- “Belle of New York” (M-G) and missions at the Century, make evl- “The Sellout” (M-G). Storm coin- dent that; the comedy team; didn’t cided with Saturday opening to milk the town dry. Aside from give poor sendoff. Mild $11,000. Quo Vadis,” which looks terrific, Last week, “Lone Star” (M-G), first-runs are mainly sluggish. $12,500. ’Retreat, Hell!” looks fair. Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 44-65) _ Estimates for This Week San Francisco, March 4* General slump first-runs here this session is Attributed to Lent and balmy weather “Something To Live For” is not so good with light session in prospect at Paramount, “Just This Once” looks weak at Golden Gate. “Westward the Women” is rated okay at Warfield. “Bend of River” still is nice in second Orpheum round after smash Opener. “Greatest Show on Earth? shapes bjg in second stanza at St. Francis. Estimates for This Week : Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 65-95) “Just This Once” (M-G) and “Waco” (Mono). Weak $12,000. Last week, “Las Vegas Story” (RKO). $13,800. Fox (FWC) (4,651; 65-95)— “Phone Call From Stranger” (20th) and “QjlrL On Bridge” (20th), Drab $13,000. Last week, “Big Trees’’ (WB) and “Steel Fist” (Mono), $12,500. Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; 65-95)— “Westward Women” (M-G). Okay $18,000, Last week, “Pandora” *M-G), $16,000. * Paramount (Par) (2,646; 65-95)— “Something To Live For” (Par) and “Stronghold” (Lip), NSG $12,500. Last week, “Retreat, Hell!” (WB) and ‘’Man Bait” (Lip), $21,000. St. Francis (Par) (1,400; $1.25- -$1.50)T-^“Greatest Show on Earth” (Par) (2d wk). Big $23,000. Last weekj, $31,000. • Orpheum (No. Coast) (2,448; 65- 95)—“Bend of River” (U) and “As You Were” (Lip) (2d wk). Nice $12,000. Last week. $21,500. United Artists (No. Coast) (1,207: 65-95)—“The River” (UA) (2d wk). Down to $5,000. Last week, fine $9,500. Stagedoor (A-R) (370; 85-$l)--. “Rasho-Mpn” (Indie) (3rd wk). Good $4,200. Last week, $4,400. Clay (Rosener) (400; 65-$D— “Pictura” * (Indie) (4th wk). Down to $2,200. Xast week, neat $3,100. Vogue (S. F. .Theatres) (375; $1- $1.20)—“La Ronde” (Indie) (15th wk). Holding at $1,600. Last week; nice $1,800. Hobble Hob; ; 'Retreat’ Fair 6G, 'Bend’ Nice $8,000,2d —“For Men On 1 y” (Lip) and “Stronghold” (Lip). Opened Mon- day (3). Last week, “Death of Salesman” (Col), died at $6,200. Cincinnati, March 4. Downtown biz continues to soar this week. Dean Marlin and Jerry Lewis, -with their own stageshow, shattered all-time figure at. the Albee for three days. “Quo Vadis” came in today with great opening trade. “Greatest Show On Earth” is holding Capitol close to its last week’s . modern house record. week is “Bend of River,” heading “Belle of New York” is causing ho for great session at the Lafayette, complaint at Palace. “Green “Phone Call From Stranger,, is Glove,” another new bill, is okay okay at Century. “Greatest Show at Grand. “African Queen” arid on Earth” continued so big in sec- “Sailor Beware” are buxom hold- ond Center Theatre roflind that it overs. is holding a third. “African Queen” .Jstim^esrfor .This Week also is solid in second stanza at • Albee (RKO) (3,100; $1.50)^— the Buffalo. “Purple Heart Diary” (Col), plus . sawsfa ..fi 11 ?*- 0 <3,500; 40-70)— Upped scale applies also to juves. African _ Queen (UA) wM- Comic duo jamming^ ’em in six perfonrianCes daily, necord three- or better. First week was big $17,- day high here, huge $52,000. “Quo 000. , WA v Vadis” (M-G) opened today (Tues.). Paramount (Par) (3,000; .40-70)-- Las t week, “Las Vegas *■ Story” B u gl e s In Afternoon’’ (WB). (RKO), nine days, mild $10,500. Opens today (Tues ). Last week, Capitol (Mid-States) (2,000; 90- i Continued on page 26) $1.25)—“Greatest Show on Earth” (Par). Holding amazingly at $25,000 in wake of $28,000 preerii, which was modern house record. Century (Par) (1,600; 85-$1.25)— “Quo Vadis” (M-G). Huge $20,000. Last Week, “Phone Call From Stranger” (20th) (2d wk), okay $4,500. Gopher (Berger) (1,000; *50-76)— Cimarron . Kid” (U), Mild $4,00ff Last week, “Red (Skies Montana” (20th) (2d wk), $3,000. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-76)— “Bushwackers” (Indie) and “Tales Robin Hood” (Lip). Fait $4,000. Last week, “Sellout” (M-G) and “Shadow in Sky” (M-G), $4,000. Radio City (Par) (4.000; 50-76)— “Las Vegas Story” (RKO). First RKO picture to play this house. Tough going following Martin & Grand (RKO) (1,400; 55-75) — ▼ <>^”1 n nnn w r* ‘ T **” “Green Glove” (UA) and“Assassin La fu W ^ ek ’ for Hire” (Iridie). Okay $8,000. (u) M p Last week, “Retreat, Hell!” (WB) °? s J age i. stu ” and “Hold That Line” (Mono), 8 pendpus $72,000, record for house davs $9 000 and city at 85-$1.50 scale. KAltiiV QfafAcV m Ri 9 . ee RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 40- iKL!; 76—‘'Bend of River” (U) (2d Wk). 19 a wvt < 5 Hiwn rHas been * boxoffice sweetheart. JWO^fpr^lSt^Sk.^De^Si^MartUn arid Jerry Lewis on stage at oppdsi- rro Pan (Rxriv tion Albee / in first half no coin- Fa “ (RKO) cidence and did not hurt. Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 55-75) — “African Queen” (UA) (m.o.). Sturdy $6,000. Last week, “One Night in Tropics” (Indie) and “Pardon My Sarong” (Indie) (re- issues) split with “Bride Gorilla” (1,600; 40-76) —“Meet Danny Wilson” (U) and “Harem Girl” . (Col). Newspaper ads have Shelley Winters starred and played up. Okay $5,000: Last week, “Big Night” (UA) and “Chi- cago Calling” (UA), $4,000. State (Par) (2,300; 50-76)—“Re- /T *ii \ -a ukt ^*.** « 'tp it j* \ ,treat, Helll” (WB). . Plenty of and N'ShtHorrore” (Indie), I praise, but shapes only moderate in 2d Mainstem overs this $4,000. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 55-75) — “Belle of New York” (M-G), No complaint ' at $10,000. Last week, “Africari Queen” (UA), smash $17,- at $6,000. Last week, “Invitation” (M-G), $5,000. World (Mann) (400; 65-$1.00)— “Lavender Hill Mob” (U) (3d wk), Has surprised by its healthy pull. 500, best here for more than a year. 1 Brisk $3,500. Last Weeki $4,600. Boston, March 4. is loaded 'with hold- frame with “Snow White” in third, week at Memorial still showing the way. Newcomer “Invitation” at Astor shapes fairly big but “Barefoot Mailman” at Boston looms sluggish. “Lone Star” in second week at State and Or- pheum ahd “Room for One, More” also in second at Paramount and Fenway loom okay; “Viva Zapata” in second round at Met is off. Estimates for This Week Astor (B&Q) (1,200; 50-95) — “Invitation” (M^G). Shapes to get big $12,5.00. Last week, “Red Skies Montana” (20th) dismal $6,000 in 10 days. Beacon Hill . .(Beacon Hill) (682: 65-$l.20)—“Another Man’s Poison 4 (UA) and “Heir to Throne” (Indie) (6th wk). Down to $3,000J Last week, poor $3,500. Boston (RKO) (3,000; 40-85) — “Barefoot Mailman” (Col) and “Harlem Globetrotters” (Col). Slow s $8,000. Last week, “At Sword^-Poirit—(RKO)-and- 1£ YoUng— Scarf ace” (Indie), $15,000 for 8 days. Exeter (Indie) (1,300; 60-80) — Browning Version” (U) and “Royal Journey” (UA) (6th wk). Trim $6,000 following oke $7,000 k for fifth. Fenway (NET) * (1,373; 40-85) — “Room for One, More” (WB) and “Steel Fist” (Mono) (2d wk). Dropped to $4,000 after nice $6,500 fof first. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 40-85)— “Snow White'' (RKO) (reissue) (3rd wk). Off to about $16,000 for final round after tasty $28,000 for second frame. Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 40- 85)—“Viva Zapata!” (20th) arid “Stars and Guitars’* (Rep) (2d wk). Off to $12,000 after mild $16,500 for first Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; .40-85)^ ‘■Lorie Star” (M-G) and “Son of Dr, Jekyll” (Col) (2d wk). Skidded .to about $14,000 following slick >21,000 for first. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 40-85) —“Room for One More” (WB) and “Steel Fist” (Mono) (2d wk). Not bad at $10,000. Last week, fine $15,000. State (Loew) (3,500; 40-85) r-, “Lone Star” (M-G) and "Son of Or. Jekyll” (Col) (2d wk), Off to $6,000 after nice. $10,000 for first. it