Variety (March 1952)

Wednesday, March 5, 1958 PICTURE CROSSES Socko $37,000; ‘ Chicago, March 4. 4 Chicago is heavily laden with holdovers and with the Lenten period underway the usual drop in biz is to be expected. However, slack is being taken up strongly by sock business of “African Queen” at the Woods.. Strong pro-, motional campaign sparked by first four color full-page amusement ad in the Chicago Tribune, is boosting biz to smash $37,000 in first frame. Other newie, “Retreat, Hell!'* coupled with “It's a Big Country” at Roosevelt should do nicely, but sufferings, apparently from lack of publicity. It looks like $18,000. “Quo Vadis” at the 'Oriental in third stanza is reaching for lofty total. “Rend of River” and “Lady From Texas” at the Stafce/Lake is hoping for fat stanza while the Chicago, with “Room For One More” and Gene Nelson heading stageshow ^on second frame looms moderate. “Pandora*' shapes mild in second United Artists ' week. Estimates for This. Week Chicago (R&K) (3,900; 55-98) — “Room For One More** (WB) plus Gene Nelson on stage. (2d wk). Okay $30,000. Last week, $46,000. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 98-$1.25) , “Quo Vadis** IM-G) (3d Wk). Shooting for lush $55,000. Last week, $63,000. Roosevelt (B&KK (1,500; 55-98)— “Retreat, Hell!” (WB) and “It’s Big Country” (M-G). Shapes fast, $18,000. Last week, “Man Bait*’ (Lip) and “For Men Only” (Lip), $ 12 , 000 . State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 55-98) —“Bend of River” (U) and “Lady From Texas” (UK (2d wk); Holding nicely 'with $12,000. Last Week, $ 20 , 000 . United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 55- 98)—‘Pandora”. (M-GK and “Close To Heart” (WB), (2d wk). Passable $10,000. Last week, $17,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,073; 98) — “African Queen” (UA). Zooming to Socko $37,000. Last week, “Death of ' Salesman” (Col) (4th wk), $ 12 , 000 / World (Indie) (587; 80K^“Tttan” (Indie) (reissue) and “Dance Ma- gic” (Indie) (2d wk). Fine $3,000. Last week; same. Zlegfeld (Lopert) (480; $1.25- $2.40) — “Tales of Hoffmann- (In- die) (7th wk)/ Strong $3,000. “Rasho Mon” started today (Tues.). Last week, $3,500. Toronto Biz oo Upbeat; 'Dreams* Bangup $16,000 Toronto. March 4. Biz is bn upswing ^with “Viva Zapata!” topping the newcomers and “See You in My Dreams” right behind. “Quo Vadis”- in third stanza is still heading the hold- overs for a Loew’s house record. Estimates for This Week Crest, Downtown, Glendale, May- fair, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (863; 1,059; 955; 470* 698; 694/35-60) — “Drums Deep South” (RKO) and “Whistle Eatoh Falls” (Col ). Oke $15,0007"'Last wee’KT ‘Barefoot Mailman” (Col) and “Capt. Bipod*’ (WB) (reissue), $15,000. Imperial, Nortown (FP) (3,373; 959; 50-80)—“Viva Zapata!” (20th). Socko $20,000. Last w eVk “Hong Kong” (Par), $13,000. . Loew’s (Loew) (2,743; 90-$1.50)— “Quo Vadis? (M-G) (3d wk). LUsty $22,000. Last week, $30,000/ Odeon (Rank) (2,390; 50-90) — Decision Before Dawn” (£0th) (2d wk). Very good $12,000. week, $14,000. „ Shea’s (FP) (2,386; 40-80)—“See You In My Drfcams” (WB). Big $16,000. Last week, “I Want You” (RKO) (2d wk), $11,000. • Towne (Taylor) (693; 65-, • Romeo and Juliet? (M-G) (reissue) (2d: wk). Hefty $5,000. Last week, same. . University (FP) (1,558; 40-80)— Phone Call From Stranger*’ (20th) (3d wk). Fair $7,500. Last week, $ 11 , 000 . Uptown (LoeW) (2,743; 40 t 80) — “Meet Danny Wilson” (UK Good $8,000. Last week, “Bend of River” (U) (3d wk), big $5,500. Victoria (FP) (1,140; 40-75) — Hunchback N o t r e Dame” (RKO) and “Cat People” (RKO) (reissues), Satisfactory $6,000. Last Week* “Citizen Saint” (Indie), $5,500. Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net; i. e.* without the 20% tax. Distrib- utors share on net take, when playing percentage/ hence the estimated figures are net in- come. V The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement tax. Philadelphia, March 4 . The bliz last Saturday ah o u t halved normal trade that day and is putting a dent in trade this ses- sion. Sunday perked up . despite traffic hazards. . “Viva Zapata!” shapes as best newcomer, Winning attendance honors although t h e higher-scale “Quo Vadis” will show a: bigger gross. “Greatest Show on arth” continues solid in second Boyd week while “Bend of River” still is big in second round at the Goldman, Estimates for This Week Aidine (WB) (1,303; 50-99)— “Just This Once” (M-G), So-so $6,- 000. Last week, “Girl in Every Port” (RKO), $7,000, Boyd (WB) (2,360; 50-$1.50)— “Greatest Show on Earth” (Par) (2d wk). Solid $23,000. Last week, mighty $40,000. Earle (WB) (2,700; 5(K99)—“Hold That Line” (Mono) and “Man Bait” (Lip). Weak $5,500, Last wwek, “For Men Only” (Lip) and “Strong* hold” (Lip), $6,500, Fox (20th) (2,250; 50-99)—“Viva Zapata!” (20th). Sock $25,000. Last week, “Phone Call Stranger” (20th) (2d wk), $13,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 50- 99)—-“Bend of River” (U) (2d wk). Nice $11,000. Last Week, giant $23,000. Mastbaiun (WB) (4,360; 9Q-$l t 50) —“Quo Vadis” (M-G) (4th Wk), big $27,000. Last week* $40,000. Midtown /Goldman) (1,000; 50- 99)—“Lady Says No” (UA). Okay $6,200. Last week, “Green Glove” (UA), $7,000. Randolph /Goldman) (2,500; 50- 99)—“Las Vegas Story’* (RKO) (2d wk). Tame $10,500. Last week, $16,000. > Stanley (WB) (2,900; 50-99)— “Sailor Beware” (Par) (3d wk), great $16,000. Last week, $24,000. Stanton (WB) (1,473; 50-99)— Scandal Sheet” (Col). Nice $8,- 500. Last week, “Retreat, Hell!” (WB) (2d wk), $8,000. Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 85-$1.20) .—“Detective Story” (Par) (16th wk). Good $6,500. Last week, $7,- 500. “Quo Vadis’ Paces Port, i‘Weekend’9C Portland, Ore., March 4, -Biz is hopping here this week. Hamrick’s Liberty went to first-run policy for “Quo Vadis,** great at roadshow prices. “Vadis” is on con- tinuous-run deal and all-night policy. “Weekend With Father” is best of other new films. Estimates for This Week -Broadway (Parker) (1,890/65-90) way; This Woman’ , ‘Show’ Off —“Weekend With Father” (U) and "Unknown Man” (M-G).* Good $9,000. Last week, “Wild Blue Yonder” (Rejp). and ‘‘First Legion* / (UA), $9,800. Guild (Parker) (400; 65-90) — “Fame Is Spur” (Indie). Mild $1,500. Last week, “Passionelle” (Indie) and “Torment” (Indie), same Liberty (Hamrick) (1,850; 90- $1,50)—“Quo Vadis” (M-G). Great $27,000. Initial pic on first^-run policy here. May fair, (Parker) (1,500; 65-90)—^ “Boots Malone” (Col) and “Son of Dr. Jekyll” (Col). Mild $3,000. Last Week, “Bend of River” (U) and “Lady Pays Off” (U) <m.o.), $6,200. Oriental (Evergreen) (2,000; 65- 90)-/‘Model and Marriage Broker” (20th) and “Never Forget You” (20th), day-date with Paramount. Oke , $4,500. Last week, “Big Trees” (WB) and “Captain Blood 3 (WB) (reissue), $5,200 in 8 days. ' Orpheum (Evergreen) (1,750; 65- 90)—‘Indian Uprising” (Col) and “The Harem Girl” (Col). Fair $5,500.. Last week, “Big Trees” (WB) and “Captain Blood” (WB) (reissue), $7,500i Paramount (Evergreen) (3,400: 65-90) “Model Marriage Broker” (20th) and “Never Forget You” (20th), also .Oriental, Pas&ble $7,- 500. Last week, “Double Dynamite” (RKO) and “Whip Hand” (RKO), $7,400. United Artists (Parker) (890; 65- 90)—“Lone Star” (M-G) (2d wk). So-so $5,700. Last week, $10,000. t ■Vadis’ Great?25,000, Del; ‘Retreat’ Mild 12G Detroit, March 4. “Quo Vadis” is taking the laurels this week,' earning the top Adams gross of year. “Greatest Show on Earth** continues sock in second week at Madison.. “Retreat, Hell** shapes mild at •'Palms. Estimates-for This Week Fox (Fok-Detroit) (5.000; 70-95) —‘‘Phone Call Stranger” (20th) and “Cage of Gold” (Indie) (2d wk). Slow $16,000. Last week, $19,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 70.-95)—“Sailor Beware” (Par) and “FBI Girl” (Lip) (4th wk). . Nice $12,000. Last week, $15,000. Palms (UD) (2,900; 70-95)—“Re- treat, Hell!” (WB) and “Here Come Nelsons'* (U), Mild. $12,000. Last week* “Sword’S Point” (RKO) and “Woman in Dark” (Mono)/ $13,000. Madison (UD) (1,900; 90-$1.25>— “Greatest Show” (Par) (2d wk), Sock $25,000. Last week, $28*000. United Artists (UA) (1,900; 70- 95)—“Just This Once” (M-G) and “Steel Fist'* (Mono). Poor $6,000. Last week, “Belie of New York” (M-G) and “Highwayman” (Mono), $9,000. Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 90- $1.25)—“Quo Vadis” .(M-G)/ Great $25,000. Last *week, “Salesman’* (Col), $3,000 in third week. Denver, March 4. Biz is soaring here this round. Bend of River” is .outstanding with terrific trade at Denver and Esquire for one of biggest figures at these two houses. in months. Holds, naturally. “Greatest Show on Earth” is heading for a record at the Denham, with $1,25 top; Stays on.. “Here Come Nelsons” ldoms big in three spots, “Quo Vadis” still is great at Paramount and will stay at least a fourth week. Snow on Sunday (2) failed to dent business. . Estimates for This Weelt Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 40-80) — “Here Come Nelsons” (Par) and “Hit the Ice” (U), day-date with Tabor, Webber. Big $10,000. Last week, “Woman Is Dangerous” (WB) and “Capt. Blood” (Col), $7,500. Broadway (Wolfberg) (1,200; 40- 80) — “Girl in Every Port” (M-G) (2d wk). Down to $6,000. Last week, nice $9,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 90- $1.25)—“Greatest Show on Earth” (Par). Record $26,500. Holding, of course. Last week, “Sailor Be- ware” (Par) (3d wk), $8,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 40-80) — “Bend of River*' (U) arid “Pimiers Keepers” (U>, day-date with Es- quire. Terrific $30,000. Holds indef. Last week* “Model and Marriage Broker” (20th) and "Chicago Call- ing” (UA), good $16,000. Esquire (Fox) (742; 40-80) — “Bend of River’* (U) and “Finders Keepers” (U), also Denver. Smash $6,000 or near; Last week, “Model and Marriage Broker” (20th) and “Chicago Calling” (UAK good $3,250. Orpheum (RKQ) (2,600; 40-80)— “Lone Star” (M-G) and “Sellout” (M-GH2d wk). Off to poor $10,000. Last week, big $19,000. Paramount (Fox) (2,200; $1-$1.50) —“Quo Vadis” (M-G) (3d wk). Big $23,000 or better. Stays Week, $27,000. Rialto (Fox) (878; 40-80)—“Japa- nese War Bride” (20th) and “Mar- shal of Heldorado” (Lip). Rig $5,- 000. Last week, on reissues. Tabor (Fox) (1*967; 40-80) “Herb Come Nelsons” (Par) and ‘‘Hit Ice” (U), also Aladdin^ Web- ber. Big $9,500. Last week, “Wom- an Is Dangerous” (WB) arid “Capt, Blood” (Col), $8,000, Vogue (Pike) (600; 60-85)—“Se- cret of Mayerling” (Indie). Fair $2,000. Last week, “Silent Dust (Indie), poor $1,600. Webber (Fox) (750; 40r80) - “Here Come Nelsons” (Par) and “Hit Ice” (U), also Aladdin, Tabor. Sock $5,000. Last week/ “Woman Is Dangerous” (WB) and “Capt. for fourth week. . Blood” (Col), $4,000* : 1 Normandie (Normandie ff As if the start of Lent last Wednesday (27) were not a severe enough handicap, Broadway first- run business was really sloughed by last Saturday's (1) snowstorm. The snowfall was particularly rough for theatres because it came on Saturday. Transportation became badly snarled as a result, and radio Warnings about bad driving condi- tions didn’t help biz any. This all added up to Saturday’s trade being off 15-25% from a normal Saturday, biz. Especially hard hit were Radio City Music Hall, depending mostly On big weekend biz currently; and the Criterion, which leans heavily on . juvenile patronage ' for “Snow White.” /■ “This Woman Is Dangerous,” with Georgia Gibbs, Buddy Lester* Billy Williams Quartet ahd Jerry Wald band onstage, is lone big newcomer and wound up with only, a fair $56,000 at the Paramount. A glaring example of what the storiri did to the week’s totals is shown by the Criterion and its “Snow White.” Only a nice $15,000 looms for second week in contrast with smash $38,000 opening -round, which, of course* included Wash- ington’s, Birthday, “Greatest Show on Earth,” with stageshow, is down to $104,000 in the current (8th) week at the Mu- sic Hall, representing a $26,000 de- cline from the seventh session. Hall suffered ai loss of about $6,000 from what had been anticipated last Saturday. Cecil B. DeMille opus stays a ninth stanza and until the Hall’s Easter Show opens lstte this month. “African Queen” also was badly clipped, being d^wn to about $50*- 000, still very big* at the Capitol in second frame. “Five Fingers,” with stageshow headed by Dorothy Lamour, also is way off from initial round, with nice $72,000 in prospect for sec- ond week at the Roxy. “Viva Za- pata!” is down to about $21,000 in current (4th) session at the Rivoli. The storm also dropped “Sailor, Beware” to about its low- est point of the ruh at the Mayfair with about $25,000 likely in fifth week, or $17,000 below its fourth frame: The new vaudeville bill headed by Lauritz Melchior and Ben Blue was not so good in its first week. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; $1,25- $1.80) “Quo Vadis” (M-G) (18th Wk). Current round started yester- day (Tues.). The 17th week (9th of current continuous-run policy) dipped back to recent pace With $20,000 after sock $27,000 for 16th week. Now planned to Wind up this month, with “My Six Convicts” (Col) due in March 27. - Bijou (City Inv.) (589; 8O-$1.80) —“Cry, Beloved Country” (indie) (6th wk). Down to around $7,000 in current session after solid $11,000 for fifth week. Stays on. Baronet (Reade) (430; 74-$1.20) ■- -“Navajo” (Lip) (3d wk). Second week ended yesterday (Tues.) slipped to $3,900 after fine $5,500 opening round. Capitol (Loew’s) (4,820; 70-$1.80) —“African Queen” (UA) (3d v wk). Initial holdover round ended yes- terd ay (Tu eS.) slipped sharpl mainly because~^of bad_ weather break, to big $50,000 after terrific $80,000 opening week. Continues. Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 50-$ 1.80) —“Snow White” (RKO) (reissue) (2d wk). Way off at nice $15,000, mainly because losing kid Satur- day patronage.. First week was sock $38,000. Goes a third week. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 50-$1.80) —“Hoodlum Empire” (Rep). Opens today. (Wed.). Last week, "When Worlds Collide” (Far) (4th wk), dipped to $7,000 after fine $13,500 fli third. Fine, Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$1.80) —‘‘Lavender Hill Mob.” (U) (21st wk). The 20th frame-ended Mon- day (3) held at $5,900 after big $7,000 for. 19th week. Guild (Newsreel) (565; 74-$ 1.50) —“Royal Journey” (UA). Initial week of this first-run looks ; like record $11,000 or near. Holds* naturally. . Holiday (Zatkin) (950; 50-$ 1.80) —“Brief Rapture” (Indie) (2d wk) First Week/ended yesterday (Tues. was very disappointing at $4,000 or near. In ahead, “Returrt of Texan” (20th) (2d wk)/ $4*500. Mayfair : (Brandt) (1,736; 80r. $1.80) “Sailor, Beware” (Par) (5th wk). Continues in great style with $25,000 after terrific $42,000 Thea- tres) (592; 95-$1.80) — “Pandora” (M^G) (13th wk-final)^ Present frame ending tomorrow (Thurs.) does not look like more than $3,000 after oke $3,800 for 12th week. “Something, to Live For” (Par) due in Friday (7), with! “En- core” (Par) due to follow it into this house. Palace (RKO) (1,700; $1.20-$4.80) All-vaude, two-a-day topped by Lauritz Melchidr, Ben Blue (2d- finai wk); First week With this new all-vaudeviUe lineup was pn dis- appointing side at $24,300, especial- ly after the biz enjoyed here by Judy Garland and old lineup. Last week, final session for Garland bill, was huge $50,000. New hill headed by Olsen & Johnson announced to open March 11, Paramount (Pair) (3,664; 70-$1.80) “Woman Is Dangerous” (WB) with Georgia Gibbs, Buddy Lester, Billy Williams Quartet. Jerry Wald orch ;(2d-final wk). First frame ended yesterday (Tues;) was fair $56,000/In ahead, “Girl in Every Port” (RKO) plus Phil Foster, Polly Bergen, Gene Krupa orch (2d wk), good $64,000. Park Aye. (Reade) (583; 90-$1.5O) —“Woman In Question” (Cop (3d wk). Initial holdover round ended Sunday (2) i held fairly well at $6,- 600 after big $10,200 opening week. Paris (Indie) (568) ($1.20-$2.40)— The Rivet” (UA) (26th wk)* Th 25th frame ended Sunday (2) /was $6,000, off a bit front Solid $6,800 of 24th round, Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (5,945; 80-$2.40)—“Greatest Show on Earth? (Par) with stage- show (8th wk). Saturday’s storm really ploughed into this, with mild $104,000 likely since the Hall has been leaning heavily on Weekend trade to hold the pace. However, goes a ninth arid 10th, and maybe longer. Now planned to run through to Easter Show, which may open earlier, rather than try with a new pic for a brief run; “Singing in Rain” (M-G) and annual Easter stageshow now may open Martfeh 27* Seventh session was great $130,000, ahead of sixth. Rivoli (UAT-Par) (2,092; 90-$i.80> —“Viva Zapata!” (20th) (4th wk). Still very lively with $21,OO0 after big $36,000 for third frame. Stays. Roxy (20th) (5,886; ’ 80-$2.20)— “5 Fingers” (20th) with Dorothy Lamour, Florence Desmond, the Szonys topping stageshow (2d wk). DoWn from Whopping initial frame but still big With $72,000 First w e e k terrific $120,000 but not quite up to hopes due to midweek slump. Goes a third week. State (Loew’s) (3*450; 55-$1.80) —“B e l le of New york” (M-G). Opens today (Wed,). Last week. “Meet in St. Louis” <M-G) and “Babes in Arms” (M-G) (reissues) (3d wk-5 days), way down to thin $5,000 after: nice $14,000 for see- nnri wapIt Warner (WB) (2*756; 85-$2)— “Bugles in Afternoon” (WB). Opened yesterday (Tues.). In ahead, “Retreat, Hell!” (WB) (2d wk), fell sharply to $12,000 after big $28,000 opening round. Sutton (R&B) (561; 90-$1.50)— “Tales of Hoffmann” (Indie) (11th wk). The 10th stanza ended Mon- day (3) held to $4,800 after fine not set for house as yet. Trans-Lux 60th St. (T-L) (453; 90-$ 1.50)—-“Magic Garden” (Indie) (5th wk). The fourth frame ended Monday (3) was $3,200 after, stout $4,800 for third week. Trans-Lux 52d St. (T-L) (540; 90- $1.50)—“LoVe Is Better Than Ever” (M-G). Opened Monday (3). In, ahead, “Lady Possessed” (Rep) (3d wk), did $1,500 in four days of abbreviated session after oke $4,- 000 in previous. week. Victoria (City InV.) (1,060; 55- $1.80)—‘‘Death of. Salesman? (Col) (ilth wk). The 11th round ending today (Wed.) looks about $10,000 after fine $13,000 for 10th week. “Marrying Kind” (Col) due to open March 13. ‘Vadis • Record in Pitt Pittsburgh, March 4. “Quo Vadis” Wound up first- run date here, which lasted, few days, over 15 Weeks, to probably the biggest -total gross of' any film in the city s modern history* more than $180,000. f ... -Most of this came from the early stages of the run at the Penn, where it ran five^weeks. The other 13 were at the 900- seat Ritz.