Variety (September 1952)

ncnjiut cnos^ ’•Si M&L 1% Itose’ to Record ^,0110, LA.; Fat 28G; ‘Widow 25& 'Arms’ 20G, 2d Los Angeles, Sept. 2-. Despite the heat wave here, first-runs currently are heading for a fine session, topping last year’s Laboi" Day by at least 5%. Setting the pace are lyiartln-Lewis at the L. A, Paramount” where paired with ‘‘Rose of Cimarron.” Comedy team is heading for $90,- 000, a new city record, for the stand which ^ds tomorrow (Wed.), with Martin-^Lewis taking $63,00() as their share and paying sur- rounding talent out of that. Top straightfilm is “Dreamboat/* which looks fine $29,000 in three houses. “Big Jim McLain” also looms good at $28,000, also in three theatres but larger ones. “Merry Widlow” with nice $25,- 000 in two locations and “World in His Arms,” with sock $20,000 in two smaller houses, are leading the second-week bills. “Park Bow” opened yesterday (Mon.) in four houses with strong initial reaction. “Son of Paleface” is strong in sec- ond week at two houses, with an additional $21,000 in five hardtops and two ozoners in this area. Estimates for This Week Chinese, Loyola, Globe, El Rey <FWC) (2,048; 1,248; 782; 861; 70- $1.10)—“High Noon” (UA) and '‘Navajo” (Lip) (3d wk at Chinese and Loyola, first at Globe and El Rey). Good $17,500, Last week, at CJhinese, Loyola, Los Angeles and Ritz, fine $30,700. Los Angeles; Hawaii, Ritas (FWC- G&S) (2,097; 1,106; 1,370; 70-$l,10) —“Dreamboat” (20th) and “SpideU’-; and Fly” (Indie).. Fine $29,000 or near. Hawaii, last week, “Lost in Alaska” (D) and “Flame Sacra- mento” (Rep) (reissue) ’(2d wk), thin $1,900. Los Angeles and Ritz with .Chinese tmit, Hollywood, Wiltem, United Ar- tists (WB-UATC) (2,756; 2,344; 2,- 100; 70-$1.20)—“Big Jim McLain” (WB)j Good $28,000 or over. Last week, Hollywood, Wiltern and L. A: Paramount, “Where’s Char- ley” (WB) and “Gold Fever” (Mono) (L. A. Par only) (2d wk), below hopes at $13,800. Locw’s State, Eiypilan (UATC) <2,404; 1,538; 70-$1.10)—‘Merry Widow” (M-G) (2d wk). Nice $25,- 000. Last week, fine $29,100. Los Angeles Paramount (UPT) (3,300 seats; 70-$1.75)—Martin jjc Lewis heading stage bill with “Rose Cimarron” (20th). Terrific $90,000. Last week, with Warner unit. ‘ Hillstreet, Pantages . (RKO) (2,752; 2,812; 70-$1.10) — “Affair Trinidad” ((fiol) and “Rainbow Round Shoulder” (Col) (4th wk). Good $17,500. Last week, okay $ 20 , 000 . Beverly Hills, Downtown (WB) <1,612; 1,757; 80-$1.50) — “What Price Glory” (20th) (3d wk). Fine $9,500. Last week, $11,600. Rialto, Vogue (Metropolitan- FWC) (840; 855; 70-$1.10)—“Son of Paleface” (Par) (2'd wk). Okay $11,500 for Bob’Hope comedy, with an added $21,000 in 2 ozoners and 3 hardtops. Last week, big $14,500 plus another $32,500 in two ozoners and three hardtops in Los Angeles area. Hollywood Paramount, Palace (F&M-Metropolitan) (1,430; 1,230: 70-$1.10)—“World in Arms” (U) (2d wk). Sock $20,000 or close. Last week, rousing $29,000. Orpheum, Fox Beverly (Metro- politan-FWG) (2,213; 1,352; 80- $1.50)—“Big Sky” (RKO) (2d wk). Okay $17,000 or near. Last week, good $24,600. Wlshlre (FWC) (2,296; 80-$'l.50) —“Carrie” (Par) (3d wk). Off to $6,500. Last- week, okay $8,600. Four Star (UATC) (900; 85-$1.25) -“Wild Heart” (RKO) (7th wk). Looks like $2,800. Last week, neat $2,500. Canon (ABC) (520; $1)—“Actors & Sin” (UA) (6th wk). Good $2^900 Last week, $2,800, Artists (UATC) (2,100; 85-$1.20)—In Warner unit this “Wild Heart <RK-0) (9 days), $4,000. . Globe (FWC) (782; 70-90)—In Chinese unit this week. Last week. Bother Knock” (20th) and Massacre Hill” (Indie) I4th wk), above hopes at $3,200. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This We*k $683,900 (Based on 20 theatre^) Last Year ...^....$714,700 (Based on 18 theatres) $16,000, Pyiy Philadelphia, Sept. The storm of hurricane propor- tions, which hit here Labor Day (Mon.), i« giving biz here a real hypo in current stanza. Best all- X’ound showing is being made by ‘Merry Widow,” terrific at 'Ar- cadia. “Son of Paleface” also looms great at the Fox while “Big Jim McLain” shapes good at the Stan- ley. “Sudden Fear” at the GoJld- man smd ‘.‘Affair in Trinidad” at the, Randolph look best of thp hold- overs, both being smash. “Untamed Frontier” is rated solid at the Mid- town. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S&S) (625; 85-$1.20)— “Merry Widow” (M-G). Huge $16,- 000. ' Last week, “Scaramouche” (M-G) (11th wk), $6,500. Boyd (WB) (2,360; 50-99)—“Just for You” (Par) (2d wk). Held at $13,000.' Last week, good $16,000. Fox (20th) (2,250; 50-99)—“Son of Paleface” (Par). Great $28,000. Last week, “Caribbean” (Par) (2d wk), tepid $13,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 50- 99)—“Sudden Fear” (RKO) (2d wk). Sock $20,000. Last week, $25,- 000 . Mastbaum (WB) (4,380;’ 50-99)— “Where's Charley” (WB), N.s.h, $18,000 in 10 days. Last week, “Washington Story” (M-G) with Martin & Lewis onstage new/rec- ord at $92,600 in 6 days. Midtown (Goldman') (1,000; 50- 99 ) _ “Untamed Frontier” (U). Solid $10,000. Last week, “You for Me” (M-G), $6,000. Randolph (Goldman) (2,500; 50- 99)—“Affair in Trinidad” (Col)- (2d wk). Smash $18,000. Last week, $27,000. Stanley (WB) (i2,900; 50-99)— “Big Jim McLain” (WB). Good $16,000, Last week, “Son of Ali Baba” (U), $9,000, Stanton (WB) (1,473; 50-99)— “Feudin’ Fools” (Rep) and “Woman of North Country” (Rep).- Oke $8,- 000 or near. Last week, “Tomott row Too Late” (Indie), $7,500.' Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 85-$1.20)— “Diplomatic Courier” (20th) ’ (8th wk). Nice $4,000. Last week, $5,000. ‘McLain’ Sturdy $16,000, Denver; ‘Ringf Wow Denver, Sept. 2. “The. Ring,” on world preem here at "the Rialto, packed the house and is heading for record session. Will hold. Greatest money for one house is going to “Big Jim McLain” which shapes very big at the Paramount. “Where’s Char- ley” looms just good in two-houses. “Don’t Bother to Knock” is only fair in three locations. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,4(X); 50-85)— “Don’t Bother to Knock” (20th) and “To Shores Tripoli” (20th) (Continued on page 17) . Taldace* $25,000, Toronto; 'Aras' HG Toronto, ^Sept. *2. '‘Son of Paleface” is topping the town with smash biz. with “Dream-^ boat” and “World m His Arms” also way up in the up'per brackets. On holdovers. “Lovely to Look At,” “Don’t Bother to Bhiock” and “Greatest Show” are-contributing to generally lusty returns. Estimates for This Week Crest, Downtown, Glendale, May- fair, jScarboro, State (Taylor) (863; 1,059; 955; 470; 698; 694; 36- 60)—“Capt. Black*Jack” (IFD) and “Talk- About Stranger” (M-G). Light $10,000. Last week, “Robin- son dJrusoeland” (IFD) and “Wild Stallion” (Mono), $13,500. Egllntoit-(FP) (1,080;. 40-80>— “Diplomatic Courier” (20th). Fine $8,000, Last week, “Wild Heart” (RKO) {2d wk), $5,000. Imirerfal (FP) (3,373; 50-80)— “Son of Paleface” (Par). Great $25,000. Last week, “One Minute to. Zero” (RKO) (2d wk), $10,000. Loew’s (Loew) (2,748; 50-80)— “Lovely to Look At” (M-G) (2d wk). Hefty $14,000. Last week, ditto. Odeon (Rank) (2.390; 50-90)— “Don’t Bother to Knock” {20th) (2d ^k). Lusty $12,000. Last week, $16,000. Shea’s (FP) (2,396; 40-80) — “Greatest Show” (Par) (3d wk). Still lusty at $12,500. Last week, same. Tivoli, University (FP) (1,436; 1,558; 40-80)—“Dreamboat” (20th). Big $15,000. Last wetek, “Sudden Fear'^ (RKO) (2d wk), $8,500. Uptown (Loew) (2,743; 40-80)— “World in His Arms” (U). Big $11,-- 000. Last week, “Just Across the Street” . (U) $6,000. mw’Merry i,'SL Loo St. Louis, Sept. 2. Influx of out-of-towners for Labor Day plus solid screen fare and favorable theatre weather is boosting turnstile activity at main- stem houses this week. Helped by- neat baUy, “Merry Widow” is head- ing for a ^ant total afLoew’s. “Lure of Wilderness” looms good at the Fox while “Outcast of Isi lands” shapes strong on holdover at Shady Oak. “The River” is rated fast at Pageant while “What Price Glory’ is' unusually ‘big on move- over at the Missouri. Same is true of “Jumping Jacks” in second Am- bassador session. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 60-75) —“Jumping Jacks” (Par) and “World in His Arms” (U) (2d wk). Solid $11,000 after big $15,000 first session. Fox (F&M) 5,000; 60-75)— “Lure of Wilderness” (20th) and “Outcasts of Poker Flat” (20th). Good $14,000. Last week, “What Price Glory” (20th) and “Feudin’ Fools” (Mono), cocko $17,500. Loew’s (Loew) (3,172; 50-75)— “Merry Widow” (M-G). Wow $20,- 000. Last week, “Affairs in Trini- dad” ICol) and “Harem Girl” (Col) (2d wk), neat $13,500. Missouri (F&M) (3.500; 60-75)— “What Price Glory” (20th) and “Feudin’ Fools” (Mono) (m.o.s). Big $11,'500. Last week, “Where’s Charley” (WB) and “Capt. Pirate” (Col), okay $11,000. Pageant (St. L. Amus.) (1,0^; 90)—“The River” (UA). Fast $4,- 000. Last week, “Outcasts of Is- lands” (UA) (2d wk), fine $3,500. Shady Oak (St. L. Amus.) (800; 90)—“Outcasts of Islands” (UA) (i^ wk). Fancy $4,500 following $4,000 in opening frame. ‘Noon Hot $19,000 in Cincy, ‘Glory’ Big 14G, ‘McLain’ Same, ‘Married’ 12G Antonio Osio Heads Mex Tent tvt . Mexico City. Variety Club’s new chief i Antonio G. Osio, a top i exhibitor here. His chief assistan'.s' manager! first Cincinnati, Sept. 2. Major houses are racking up an- other round of winners currently. “High Noon” is town topper with a great total for the big Albee. “What Price Glory” is socko in the Grand, where It will hold for another frame while “Big Jim Mc- Lain” at the Palace looms okay. “We’re Not Married,” another new bill, shapes strong at the Capitol. Only holdover, “Affair In Trini- dad,” has the Lyric in velvet. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) <3,100; .'55-75)— High Noon” (UA), Great $19,000. E p^osa ?glesi;fs'’‘’chLf„"week, -Where’a Charley” Cham operator., iwnv tiaor* second veepee. operator,, (WB), $14,200. ‘ Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 55-75)— “We’re Not Married” (20th). Swell $12,000. Last week, “Don’t Bother to Knock” (20th), $11,000. Grand (RKO) -(1,400; 55-75)— “What Price Glory” (20th). Sock $14,000. Holds for second stanza. Last week, “You For Me” (M-G) and “Models, Inc.” (indie), oke $9,500. ’ Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 55-75)— “Affair in Trinidad” (Col) (m.o.). Okay $7,000 for third week down- town. Last week, “Jumping Jacks” (Par) (m.o.), nine days, fine $9,000. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 55-75)— “Big Jim McLain” (WB). Okay $14,000. Last week, “Affair in Trinidad” (Col) (2d wk), big $11,- 500. ' S, I952 000; IcLam Modest IIG Key City Crosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $2,457,H)0 (Based on 19 cities, 182 tne- atres, chiefly ftrsi ntns,‘includ- ing N. ,Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year .$2,962,000 ' (Based on 23 cities, and 20l theatres,) • ‘Glory’ Sockeroo $21000 Paces D.C. Washington, Sept. 2.’ ‘ Pix biz was boosted by the wet weather here over Labor Day weekend. Despite this, few really sock sessions emerged, though gen- eral tenor along main stem was lively. “What Price Glory” at Palace is great while “Sally and Saint Anne,” helped by Georgia Gibbs onstage, at .Capitol is lively. “Sudden Fear” in second week at RKO Keith’s surprised by. biz equally as hefty, as initial- session. “Big Jim McClain” at Warner looks good. Estimates for 'This Week Capitol (Loew’s) (3,434; 55-95)— “SaUy^and St, Anne” (U) plus vaude 'topped by Georgia Gibbs. Very lively $24,000. Last week, “Don’t Bother to Knock” (20th) plus vaude, $21,000. DuPont (Lopert) (372; 50-85) — “No Resting Place”’’ (Indie). So-so $2,500 in 5 days. . Last week, “Latuko” (Indie) (4th wk), $2,700. Columbia (Loew’s) (1,174; 60-80) —“Whistie Stop” (Indie) and “Pit- fall” (Indie) (reissues). Brisk $6,500. Last week, “Strange World” (Indie), $10,000. Keith's (RKO) (1,939; 50-85) — “Sudden Fear” (RKO) (2d wk). Amazing $13,000 for second con- secutive week. May hold. Palace (Loew’s) (2,370; 50-80) — “What‘Price (jlory” (20th). Great $21,000. Last week, “World ’ in Arms” (U) (2d wk), $12,000. Playhouse (Lopert) (485; 50-$l) —“High Treason” (Indie) (2d wk). Steady $6,000 after $7,000 last week, and holds again. Metropolitan (Warner) (1,200; 50-80)—“Narrow, Margin” (RKO)^ Very slim $3,500 for’first-run. Last week, “Captain Pirate” (Col), so-so $4,500. Warner (WB) (2,174; 50^0) — “Big Jim McClain” (WB). SoUd $14,500. Last week.* “Where.’s Charley’* (WB), $13,000. TaMace’ Smasli 15G, K.C.; ‘Arms’ Big 16G, ‘Widow’-^Nice at 15G •Kansas City, Sept. 2. Theatre biz is sturdy for the holiday week, with “M^rry Widow” at Midland, “Son of Paleface” at Paramount and “World In His Arms” in four Fox Midwest houses fighting for top position. “Widow” and “Paleface” shape good enough to hold. “Jim McLain” is fairish at Missouri, Weather continues warm, but lower than record heat of a few weeks back. Estimates for This Week Kimo (Dickinson) (504; 5(^75)— “Tembo” (RKO). Good $2,000. Ex- pected to hold. Last week, “Narrow Margin” (RKO) (4th wk), $1,200. Midland (Loew’s) (3,500; 50-75)— “Merry Widow” (M-G). Nice $15,- 000, and holding. Last, week, “Af- fair in Trinidad” (Col) and “Rain- bow Round Shoulder” (Col) (2d wk),- $8,000. Missouri (RKO) (2,650; 50-75)— “Big Jim McLain” (Rep) and “Con- fidence Girl” (UA). Fairish $6,000. Last week, “High Noon” (UA) and “Two Guys, a Gal’’ (UA) (2d wk), hefty $8,000. Paramount (Tri-States) (1,900; 50-75)—“.Son of Paleface” (Par) Smash $15,000 or near. Stays over. Last week, “Will Rogers” (WB) (2d wk-4 days) , nice $4,000. Tower, Uptown, Fairway,. Gre- nada (Fox Midwest) (2,100; 2,043; 700; 1,217; 50-75)—“World In His Arms” (U) and “Kansas Territory” (Mono), added at Tower and Gra- nada. Big $16,000. Last week, “Dip- lomatic Courier” (20th) with “Afri- can Treasure” (Mono) at Tower and Granada, $13,000. Vogue (Golden) (550; 5Q-85)— “City Lights” (UA) (reissue). Mod- erate $1,400. Last week, “Blithe Spirit” (Indie) (2d wk), $1,200. huge international Aviation Exd(^ sition, motorboat races and the usual Labor Day .weekend exodus into the hinterlands all are cutting into film grosses this week. How- ever,. “Son of Paleface” looks sturdy to pace newcomers at the Michigan. “Merry Widow” looks flirty ?ood at the Adams. “Big Jim McLain” 15 moderate at the Palms. Others are holdovers, with “Sud- •den Fear” at. the Fox holding best , but It IS only, mild. Estimated This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5,000; 70-95)— “Sudden Fear”- (RKO) and “Narrow Marein” (RKO) (2d wk). Down to $19,000. Last week, fine $31,000 (United Detroit) (4,000; 70-95)—“Son of Paleface” (Pari and “Lady In 'Iron Mask” (20th). Sohd $25,000.. Last week, “Affair ^Trinidad” (Col) arid “Just Across Street” (U) (2d wk), $22,000. Palms (UD) (2.961; 70-95)—“Big Jim McLain” (WB) .and “Duel at Silver Creek” (U). Modest $11,000. Last week, “Diplomatic Courier’' “Wagon’s West” (Mono), $10,500. ^ * Madison (UD) (1,900; 70-95)— Affair in Trinidad” (Col) and Just Across Street” (U) (m.o.). Fancy $15,000 for third week down- to\ra. Last week, “Carrie” (Par) (2d wk), mild $9,000. United Artists (UA) (1,900; 70-95) —“Dreamboat” (20th) and “Holi- days .for Sinners” (M-G) (2d wk). Off to $8,000. Last week, lofty $14,000. . . Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 70-95)— “Merry Widow” (M-G). Good $10,- 000. Last week, “World In Arms” (U) (4th wlO, big $6,000. Rain Boosts Mpis. B.O.; ‘Paleface’ Tall $14,000, ‘Sky’ Big 12G, ‘Carrie’ 5G Minneapolis, Sept. 2. Flrstruns were greatly aided by rains and cool wave during long weekend Labor Day holiday. This helped the showhouses in battling the tag end of the tough Minne- sota State Fair competition. Result is that such newcomers as “Son of Paleface,” “Big Sky” and “Carrie” are doing nicely. All three are off to fast starts. Holdovers of “Great- est Show,” “World in His Arms” and “What Price Glory” all are shaping well in their second weeks. Estimates for This Week Century (Par) (1,600: 50-76)— “You For Me” (M-G). Scanty $3,- 000. Last week, “Jumping Jacks” '(Par) (^d wk), $4,000. Gopher (Berger) (1,000; 50-76)— “World in His Arms” (U) (2d wk). Has come through nicely. Still hot at $5,000. Last week, S6,500. Lyric (Par) '(1,000: 50-76)— “Greatest Show”^ (Par) (2d wk). Go- ing great giins at 168,500 on pop- scale run. Last week, $10,000. Radio City (Par) (4,000; 50-76)— “Son of Paleface’ (Par). This is a Bob Hope town and stamp of ap- proval goes on this new comedy. Fancy $14,000. Last week, “Where’s Charley” (WB), $7,000. KKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 40-76)—“Big Sky” (RKO), Lofty $12,000, Last week, “Island of De- sire” (UA), .$5,000. RKO-P«n (RKO) (1,600; 40-76)— “Duel at Silver Creek” (U) and “Last Train from Bombay” (Col). Brisk $5,500. Last week, “Affair in Trinidad” (Col) (2d wk), $5,000. State (Bar) (2,300; 50-76)— “What Price Glory” (20th) (2d wk). Tall $7,000. Last week, big $9,000. World (Mann) (400; 85-$1.20)— “Carrie” (Par). Givin# good box* office account of itself. Sockeroo $5,000 or better. Last week, “We’re Not Married” (20th) (ad wk), big $2,900. ‘ZERO’ WOW $17,000, SEATTLE;‘KNOCK’12G Seattle, Sept. 2. With the. fall season at hand, tempo at first-runs show biz is fast- er than recentl 3 ^ “Don’t Bother to Knock” at Coliseum and “Jim Mc- Lain” at Orpheum both are big. But the real standout is ^ “One Minute to Zero,” terrific at Liberty. Estimates for This Week Coliseum (Evergreen) (1,829; 65- 90) — “Don’t Bother to Knock” (20th) and “Smoky Canyon” (Col). Solid $12,000. Last week, “Island of Desire” (UA) and “Assassins for Hire” (Lip) (2d wk), $8,000. Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) (2,366; 65-90) — “Trinidad” (Col) ^ and “Rainbow Round Shoulder” (Col) (Continued on page 17)