Variety (September 1952)

II Wednesday, September 10, 1952 P^mfr VlCTVltlC CROSSES Kids’ Return to School Hurts Chi; ‘Somehody’-Daniels Tall at MM, ‘Widow’ Rugged 300, ‘Rwers’ 16G Chicago, Sept. 9. - 'with return of the kiddies to Rrhool last week, the bottom seem- ed to have fallen out of Chicago Loop biz. However, weekend busi- ness was sharp, compensating in part. The Chicago went all out and brought in Betty Hutton, Charles Curran, Charlton Heston and Lydia Clarke, Blossom Seeley, and Benny Fields, Jan Sterling and others to boost world preem of “Somebody Loves Me." With upped prices and aided by potent vaude bill headed by Billy Daniels should do excel- lent $60,000. “Merry Widow" at Palaee shapes tall $30,000. State- Lake’s “Story of Will Rogers" and “Captain Pirate" shapes slight $16,000. “Les Miserables" and “Brigand" at United Artists, also seems light with $13,000. Holdovers also are not so bright with “Jumping Jacks" at the Woods leading second weekers with big session. ‘Roosevelt also appears sturdy with “Big Jim McLain" and “Cripple Creek.” Oriental, how- ever, is off to mild takings with “What Price Glory.” Both art houses continued to do well with “Encore” in sixth week at Surf and seventh frame of “Young and Damned" at World. Estimates for This Week Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 98-$1.25) —“Somebody Loves Me" (Par) with Billy Daniels topping stageshow. Hot $60,000. Last week, “Has Any- body Seen My Gal" (U) plus Rose- mary Clooney onstage, ditto. Grand (RKO) (1,500; 55-98)— “Lost in Alaska" (U) and “Untamed Frontier" (U) (2d wk). NSG $8,000. Last week, nice $15,000. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 98)— “What Price Glory’* (20th) (2d wk). Mildish $l5,0()0. Last week, oke $23,000. Palace (Eitel) (2,500; 98)—“Merry Widow" (M-G). Tall $30,000. Last week, “Greatest Show" (Par) (17th wk), great $25,000. , Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 55-98)— “Big Jim McLain” (Rep) and “Crip- ple Creek" (Col) (2d wk). Fancy $16,000. Last week, socko $24,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700: 55-98) —“Will Rogers" (WB) and “Cap- tain Pirate" (Col). Mere $16,000. Last week, “World in His Arms" (U) (2d wk), big $20,000. Surf (H&E Balaban) (685; 98)— “Encore" (Par) (6th wk). Holding very well at $5,000. Last week, $ 6 , 000 . United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 55- 98)—“Les Miserables" (20th) and “Brigand" (Col). Not drawing well at modest $13,000. Last week, “Isl- and of Desire" (UA) and “Holiday Sinners" (M-G) (2d wk), hep $ 10 , 000 . Woods (Essaness) (1,073; 98)— “Jumping Jacks" (Par) (2d wk). Fell off somewhat but still very sharp $28,000. Last week, wow $42,000. World (Indie) (587; 98)—“Young and Damned" (Indie) (7th wk). Mexican picture is still drawing at $3,500. Last week, $4,000. Holdovers Hobble Hub; ‘Ali Baba’ 12G; Tear’ Big 15G, Hope 126, H.O. Boston, Sept. Downtown majors are loaded with holdovers this stanza with “Sudden Fear,'* smash in third frame at Memorial and “Merry Widow" in second week at State and Orpheum shaping strongest. Newcomer, “Son of Ali Baba" (U) looks good at Boston. “Big Jim McLain" is fairly good for second week in two houses. Estimates for This Week Astor,(B&Q) (1,500; 50-95)—“Af- fair in Trinidad" (Col) (4th wk). Should nab about $4,000 in 5 days. Last week, satisfactory $7,000. Beacon Hill (Beacon Hill) (682; 50-90)—“Actors and Sin" (UA). Opened Sunday (7). Last week, High Noon" (UA) and “The Prowl- er” (UA), neat $4,700 for Initial at- tempt at billing second-runs here. Boston (RKO) (3,000; 40-85)— Son of Ali Baba" (UI) and “Pirate Submarine" (Lip). Good $12,000. *«)st week, “What Price Glory" (20th) and “Last- Train Bombay” (C-ol) (24 wk), fancy $13,000. ^ Exeter (Indie) (1,300; 60-80)— Island Rescue’* (U) and “Ivory Hunter’* (U) (2d wk). Near $7,000 following nice $8,000 for first. Fenway (NET) (1,373; 40-85)— Big Jim McLain" (WB) and “Rose Bowl Stoi-y" (Mono) (2d wk). Down (Continued on page 20) Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are 'net; 1. 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. ‘Glory’ Fast 22G In Mild Frisco San Francisco, Sept. 9. Post vacation slump plus balmy weekend is hitting first-run biz here this session. Absence of many newcomers also is crippling overall total. “What Price Glory" shapes nice for 9-day run at Fox while “Untamed Frontier" is rated good at Orpheum. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 65-95) —“Big Jim McLain’* (WB) (2d wk). Off to $9,000. Last week, big $18,000. Fox (FWC) (4,651; 65-95)—“What Price Glory" (20th) and “Kisenga" (Indie). Nice $22,000 in 9 days. Last week, “Big Sky" (RKO) (2d wk), 5 days, $7,200. Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; 80-' $1.50)—“Ivanhoe" (M-G) (6th wk). Holding at $16,000. Last week, hefty $18,000. Paramount (Pajr) (2,646; 65-95)— “Son of Paleface" (Par) (2d wk). Down to $12,000. Last week, great $ 22 , 000 . St. Francis (Par) (1,400; 65-95)— “Where’s Chaiiey?" (WB) (2d wk). Fair $9,000. Last week, $11,000. Orpheum (No. Coast) (2,448; 65- 95)—“Untamed Frontier" (U) and “Stardust and Sweet Music" (Rep). Good $11,000 or near. Last week, “Captain Pirate" ((IJol) and “Wall of Death" (Indie). $7,500. United Artists (No. Coast) (1,207; 65-95)—“High Noon" (UA) (6th wk). Looks to hold at $7,000. Last week, solid $7,500. Stagedoor (A-R) (370; 85-$l)— “TomorrowIs Too Late" (Indie) (2d wk). Holding at $4,300. Last week, strong $5,200. Clay (Rosener) (4G0; 65-85)—“To- morrow Too Late” (Indie) (2d wk). (Ilontinues big at $3,200. Last week, $4^100. Larkin (Rosener) (400; 65-85)— “Tomorrow Too Late” (Indie) (2d wk). Trim $3,800. Last week, $4,400. ‘Affair’ Robust |11,000, Port.; ‘Widow’ Hep 14G Portland, Ore., Sept. 9. Despite some expensive transient name -attractions and continued hot weather biz continues very stoutly here. “Merry Widow” and “Affair in Trinidad," both new this stanza, shape strongly. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,890; 65-90) —^“Big Jim McLain" (WB) and “Holiday for Sinners’* (M-G) (2d wk). Big $7,000 in -6 days. Last week, $13,001), Guild (Parker) (400; 65-90)— “Les Miserables" (Indie) (2d wk). Good $2,000. Last week, $3,300* Mayfair (Evergreen) (1,500; 65- 90)—“What Price Glory" (20th) and “Stronghold" (Indie) (m.o.). Fine $5,000 in 5 days. Last week, “Don’t Bother .to Knock" (20th) and “Rains Came" (20th) (reissue) (m.o,), $4,400. • Liberty (Hamrick) (1,850; 65-90) —“Merry Widow” (M-G) and “You •for ]%’’ (M-G). Lush $14,000 or over. Last week, “Robin Hood" (RKO) (2d' wk), $8,600. Oriental (Evergreen) (2,000; 65- 90)—“Affair In Trinidad" (Col) and “Rainbow Round Shoulder” (Col). Tall $5,500. Last week, “Son of Paleface” (Par) and “Wild Stallion" (Mono), $5,800. Orpheum (Evergreen) (1,750; 65- 90)—“Son of Paleface" (Par) and “Wild Stallion" (Mono) (2d wk). Fine $7,000. Last week, $12,000. Paramount (Evergreen) (3,400; 65-90)—“Affair in Trinidad" (Col) and “Rainbow Round Shoulder" (Col.) Lofty $10,500 or over. Last week, “Son of Paleface" (Par) and “Wild Stallion" (Mono), $11,200. ‘Caribbean’ Hangup lOG, Seattle; ‘Glory’ Ditto Seattle, Sept.i 9. City is loaded with holdovers this session, and it is being re- flected at the boxoffice. Lone new- comers are “Caribbean," which shapes stout at Coliseum, and “What Price Glory" which looms good at Paramount. Top holdover is /‘One Minute To Zero,’' still solid in second Liberty week. Estimates for This Week Coliseum (Evergreen) (1,829; 65- 90)—“Caribbean” (Par) and “Mas- sacre Hill” (Indie). Swell $10,000. Last week. “Don’t Bother To Knock" (20th) and “Smoky Can- yon" (Col), $15,000 in 10 days. Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) (2,366; 65-90)—“Trinidad" (Col) and “Rain- bow Round Shoulder" (Col) (3d wk- 6 days). Sturdy $7,000. Last week, $8,300. ^ Liberty (Hamrick) (1,650; 65-90) —“One Minute to Zero" (RKO) (2d wk). Solid $8,000 after smash $13,500 opener. Music Hall (Hamrick) (2,282; 65- 90)—“Lovely Look At" (M-G) and “Holiday for Sinners" (M-G) (3d wk). Good $6,000 in 6 days. Last week, big $9,000. Orpheum (Hamrick) (2,599; 65- 90)—“Jim McLain" (WB) and “Old Oklahoma" (Rep)' (2d wk). Off to $5,500. Last week, nice $9,600. Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 65-90) —“Jumping Jacks" (Par) and “Woman of . North Country" (Rep) (2d runs). Okay $3,500. Last week, “Leave To Heaven" (20th) and “Shores of Tripoli" (20th) (reis- sues). $3,000. Paramount (Evergreen) (3,039; 65-90)—“What Price Glory" (20th) and “Army Bound" (Mono). Good $10,000. Last week; “Dreamboat” (20th) and “Sea Tiger’* (Mono) (2d wk), nice $6,500. ‘Dreamboat’ Sock $20,000, St. Louis St. Louis, Sept. 9. With more than lO'.OOa attending the dentists’ convention here and great weather over the weekend, biz at mainstem houses continues very strong. “Dreamboat" is head- ing for a socko session at the huge Fox. “World in His Arms" paired with “Jumping Jacks" still is solid in third session here. “Merry Widow" continues fine in second Loew’s week while “Lure of Wil- derness" is okay as a ftioveover to the Missouri. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 80- 75)—“Jumping Jacks’* (Par) and “World In His Arms" (U) (3d wk). Good $10,000 after fine $13,()00 second session- Fox '(F&M) (5,000; 60-75)— “Dreamboat" (20th) and “Rainbow Round Shoulder" (Col); Socko $20,000, Last week, “Lure of Wilderness" (20th) and “Outcasts Poker Flat" (20th>, $19,500. Loew’s (Loew) (3,172; 50-75)— “Merry Widow" (M-G) (2d wk). Fine $14,000 following wow $20,- 000 opening stanza. Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 30-75)— “Lure of Wilderness" (20th) and “Outcasts of Poker Flat" (20th) (m.o.). Neat' $11,000. Last week, “What Price Glory" (20th) and “Feudin’ Fools" (Mono), $10,000. Pageant (St. L. Amus.) (1,000; 90)—“The River" (UA) (2d wk). Good $3,000 after fine $4,000 for initial frame. Shado Oak (St. L, Amus.) (800; 90)—“Blithe Spirit" (Classic). Big $5,000, Last week, “Outcasts Islands" (UA) (3d wk), socko $4,- 500. ‘Show^ Great $14,000, Prov.; ‘Alaska’ Hot lOG Providence, Sept, 9. “Lost In Alaska" and “Greatest Show" shape standout, both being sturd.v. RKO Albee’s “Son of Ali Baba'* also looms nice. Back to school movement isn’t helping biz any either. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; .44-65)— “Son of*Ali Baba" (U) and “The Jungle" (Indie). Nice $9,500. Last week, “Sudden Fear" (RKO) and “Kansas Territory” (Mono), big $ 11 , 000 . Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65)— “Lost In Alaska" (U) and “Duel At Silver Creek" (U). Sturdy $10,000. Last week, “What Price Glory" (20th) and “Wagons West" (Mono), $7,(300. State (Loew) (3.200; 44-65)—“Af- fair in Trinidad" (C3ol) (2d wk). Just fair $6,500. First week, nice $ 12 , 000 . Strand (Silverman) (2;200; 44-65) —“Carrie" (Par). Opened Monday (8). Last week, “Greatest Show" (Pari, carried 3 extra days for sock $14,000. Hefty Holdovers Hold Up B’way; ‘Monkey,’ Lone Newcomer, Nice 90G; ‘Ivanhoe’ 146G, 6th, ‘Crimson’ 6$(], 2d Despite the return of thousands of students to school, near-ehd of the vacation season and virtually 100% holdover situation, Broad- way first-run business continues very strong currently. Theatres were favored with cool, fall-like weather part of the week. On the other hand, the boxoffice had to contend with * the crucial Giants- Dodgers five-game series in the National League pennant race and the launching of a couple of top TV shows, both over the past weekend. The television launchings had lit tie effect, managers reporting con(lH paratively as stout trade on Sat day as the previous Saturday whic’ took in Labor Day weekend. “Monkey Business" with Kyle MacDonnell, George De Witt and iceshow topping the stage layout shapes nice $90,000 at the Roxy. This is the lone new entry of the week aside from the weekly change at the Palace. “Crimson Pirate" with Louis Armstrong and his All-Stars, Gor- don Jenkins band and Ballantine heading the stage bill is holding with big $68,000 in second stanza at the Paramount. “Ivanhoe" with stageshow continues in sock fash- ion at $146,000 in sixth session at the Music Hall which is as big as some opening weeks at the Hall. Another ace is “Quiet Man," which is headipg for smash $59,000 in third frame at the Capitol. It con- tinues there Indefinitely. Stamina displayed by “Sudden Fear" at the State continues to amaze. Although in its fifth round, it looks to finish the current week at great $28,000 after going over expectancy to $34,000 in its fourth session. Another longrun champ is- “High Noon," which is holding at big $21,000 although in seventh frame at the Mayfair. Second week of “Devil Makes Three" is off to just okay $12,000 at the Globe. “Big Sky" still was big with $18,- 000'in its third round at the Cri- terion. “Miracle of Our Lady Fatima" continues very strong at around $18,000 in third Astor week. Same pic slipped sharply late in its sec- ond week at the nearby Bijou and declined to around $4,000 in third week to wind up its run there on its upped-scale, two-a-day run, to- day (Wed.). Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 70-$1.50) —“Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima” (WB) (3d wk). Third session end- ing today (Wed.) continues very strong pace ai> around $18,000 after great $23,000 'for second week. Continues indef, Bijou (City Inv.) (589; $1.20- $2.40)—“Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima" (WB) (3d-final wk). Off to less than $4,000 after $7,000 for second session. Second round was disappointing for Labor Day week, with biz dropping sharply starting Tuesday (2). Hence, the decision to halt run. High scale and fact that it could be seen right around corner for less probably cut in. Capitol (Loew’s) (4,820; 70-$1.50) —“Quiet Man" (Rep) (3d wk). Third round ending today (Wed.) continues in smash fashion with about $59,000. Second se.ssion hit terrific $72,000, considerably over hopes. Longrun Is assured, based on first three sessions, with six to eight weeks probable. Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 50-$1.85) —“Big Sky" (RKO) (4th wk). Third stanza ending Monday (8) held at big $18,000 after sock $27,000 for second week. Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$1.80) —“Stranger in Between" (U) (4th wk)r Third session ended Monday (8) still was very big with $6,900 after $7,800 for second week. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 50-$1.50) —“Devil Makes Three" (M-G) (2d wk). Off to around $12,000 in initial holdover frame ending to- morrow (Thurs.). First was fine $16,500. Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 50- $1.50)—“High Noon" (UA) (7th wk). Still in chips with big $21,000 after solid $24,000 for sixth stanza. Stays on. Normandie (Normandie Theatres) (592; 95-$1.89)—“Encore" (Par) (24th wk). The 23d week ended last night (Tues.) was okay $5,000 after fine $6,000 for 22d I’pund, Goes two more weeks to round out highly successful 25-week run. “Magic Box" (Mayer) opens Sept. 24, being the second film to play this new house. North Country" (Rep) with vaude, big $26,500. Paramount (Par) (3,664; 80-$1.801 —“Crimson Pirate" (WB) with Louis Armstrong and his All-Stars, Gordon Jenkins orch,- Ballantine heading stageshow (3d-final wk). Second session ended last night (Tues.) held at big $68,000. Firsl week was smash $101,000. “Big Jim McLain" (WB) due in next. Park Avenue (Reade) (583; 90- $1.50)—“Mons. Farbe” (Indie). Ini- tial week ends Saturday (13). Start- ed out nicely, In ahead, “Brandy r Parson" (Mayer) (3d wk-8 days), ke $4,000. Paris (Indie)'(568; $1.25-$1.80)— “Casque D’or" (Discina) (4th wk). Third round ended Sunday (7) held at $8,000, fancy, and same as sec- ond week. Holds indef. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (5,945: 80-$2.40)—“Ivan- hoe" (M-G) with stageshow (6th wk). Continues in sock style at $146,000 after sensational $172,000 for fifth week, one of greatest fifth weeks ever at the Hall and making the biggest first five weeks in the house’s history. Goes a seventh, natch! “Because You’re Mine" (M-G) set to come in next but like- ly not for several weeks. Rivoli (UAT) (2,092; 70-$1.50)— “Les Miserables" (20th) (4th wk). Fourth round ending today (Wed.) looks like around $9,000 after okay $13,()00 for third week, “Snows of Kilimanjaro" (20th) opens Sept. 17, Roxy (20th) (5,886; 80-$2.20)— “Monkey Business" (20th) with Kyle MacDonnell, George De Witt, iceshow topping stage bill. Climb- ing to nice $90,000 or near in first week ending tomorrow (Thurs.). Holds, of course. In ahead, “What Price Glory" {20th) plus Mel Torme heading stage.show (2d wk), topped initial round with boo.st from preview of “Business" to hit fancy $94,000. State (Loew’s) (3,450; 55-$1.50)— “Sudden Fear" (RKO) (5th wk). Still smash with $28,000 or close after terrific $34,000, way over hopes, for fourth week. Current showing is e.specially big In view of pic opening in many spots in nearby New Jersey at lower scale. Sutton (R&B) (561; 90-$1.50)— “Man in White Suit’ (U) (23d wk). Still very strong with $6,500 in 22d session ended Monday (8) after $7,500 for 21st week. Trans-Lux 60th St. (T-L) (453; 90-$1.50)—“Lady Vanishes" (UA) (6th wk). Holding at $4,800 after stout $5,400 for fifth frame. Trans-Lux 52d St. (T-L) (540; 90-$l.50)—“Ivory Hunter" (U) (4th wk). Third stanza ended Sunday (7) held at sock $10,000 after-$11,- 500 for second week. Continues on indef. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 70- $1.80)—“Affair in Trinidad” (Col) (7th wk). Sixth round ended last night (Tues.) was still sturdy at $17,000. Fifth week was big $23,- 000 . H.0.S Slow Up Mpis. But ‘Widow’ Big lOG; ‘Lure’ Sharp 8G, ‘Show’ 5G, 3d Minneapolis, Sept. 9. Continued wintry weather and rain on the weekends are helping to keep grosses at a relatively high level. Strength of the product now" being put on display, however, is the main reason for improved biz tone. Third week for “Greatest Show" on popscale run at Lyric still is gr,eat while “World in His Arms" still is nice in third Gopher round. “Son of Paleface" shapes okay in second week at Radio City, “Merry Widow," one of few new- comers, is good at Centu*’y. “Lure of Wilderness" is fast ai State. Estimates for This Week Century (Par) (1,600; 50-76) — “Merry Widow" (M-G). Sockeroo $10,000. Last week, “You for Me" (M-G), $3,500. Gopher (Berger) (1,000; 50-76)— “World in His Arms" (U) (3d wk). Has been af strong entry and likely to go still another canto. Nice $4,000'. Last week, $4,800. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-76) — “Greatest Show" (Par) (3d wk). Still powerful /at $5,000 or near. Last week, $8,000. Radio City (Pan (4,000; 50-76)— “Son of Paleface" (Par) (2d wk). Brisk $6,000. Last week, $14,000. RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 40- " Palace "(RKO) (1700- 75-$l 40)—I — “Big Sky" (RKO) (2d wk). “Mv T” (M with ft Faded after big initial stanza and o'f'Jaude'’ Haalg' foT'flne Ut^pped aside after four days for $24,000. Last week, “Woman of * (Continued on page 20)