Variety (December 1952)

nctytkh crosses Pre-Xmas Doldrnms Slough LA.; ‘Barrier’-‘Gns’ Light 30G,' ‘8 Men’ Fair $19,000, Devil’ Okay 30G, 3d Los Angeles, Dec. 16. h Pre-Christmas doldrums have settled over local first-runs with boxoffice pace lagging badly. Three new bills currently but none is causing any stir. Best combo is “Breaking Sound Barrier” pajred with “My Pal Gusbut it is only light with $30,000 in four situa- tions including three extra days for “Gus.” Dull $19,000 is seen for “Eight Iron Men” playing in two theatres while “Thunderbirds” shapes scant $10,000 in three spots. “Bwana Devil” still is best of holdovers, expecting okay $30,000 for two houses on third week. Others are scratching bottom. Estimates forJFhis Week Los Angeles, Chinese, Loyola, Wilshirc (FWC) (2,097; 2,048; 1,- 248; 2,296; 70-$1.10) — “Breaking Sound Barrier” (UA) and “My Pal Gus” (20th). Light $30,000, in- cluding 3 extra days “Gus” solo before “Barrier” was added. Last week, plus Uptown, “Bloodhounds Broadway” (20th) and “Mr. Walkie Talkie” (Lip) (2d wk-6 days), $13,- 300. Hillstreet, Pantages (EKO) <2,- 752; 2,812; 60-$1.10)—“8 Iron Men” (Col) and “Pathfinder” (Col). Dull $19,000. Last week, plus Warners Beverly, “Happy Time” (Col) and “Target Hong Hong” (Col) (2d wk), $13,600. Orpheum, Hawaii, Uptown (Met- ropolitan-G&S-FWC) (2,213; 1,106; 1,712; 80-$l,10) — “Thunderbirds” (Rep) and “Toughest Man Arizona” (Rep). Scant $10,000. Last week, Orpheum, “Savage” (Par) and “Bla 2 ing Forest” (Par) (2d wk-^ days), $3,500; Hawaii, “Hangman’s Knot” (Col) and “Ladies of Cho- rus” (Col) (reissue) (2d wk-6 days). $2,300. Los Angeles, -Hollywood Para- mounts (UPT-F&M) (3,200; 1,430; 90-$1.50)—“Bwana Devil” (Indie) (3d wk). Okay $30,000. Last week, fancy $53,000, although not up to hoDes. Hollywood, Downtown, Four Star (WB-UATC) (2,756; 1,757; 900; 70-$1.10)—“Iron Mistress” (WB) (3d wk). Smalb $10,000. Last weetf; $15,800. Loew’s State, Egyptian (UATC) (2,440; 1,538; 70-$1.10)—‘“Plymouth Adventure” (M-G) and “Gambler and 4 Lady” (Lip) (3d wk-6 days). Thin $9,000. Last week, $12,300. Globe, Ritz (FWC) (782; 1,370; 80-$1.20) — “Snows Kilimanjaro” (20th) (3d m..o wk). Passable $6,- 000. Last week, $8,100. Vogue, United Artists, Wiltern (FWC-UATC-WB) (885; 2,100; 2,- 344; 70-$1.10)—“Outpost in Ma- laya” (UA) and “Hoaxters” (M-G) (2d wk). Staying only 3 extra days, Drab $15,000 for 10 days. Canon (ABC) (533; $1.20)—“Full House” (20th) (13th wk). Only $1,- 500/ Last week, $1,700. Fine Arts (FWC) (679; 80-$1.20) —“Promoter” (U) (6th wk). Slow $2,500. Last week, $3,300. Thunderbirds’ Fat 13G In Spotty Frisco; ‘Gus’ lOlG/kvansion’ Hot 10G San Francisco, Dec. 16. . Biz is very spotty here this stanza, with seasonal influences putting skids under most new bills. VThunderbirds” was hypoed by personals to land a nice session at Golden Gate. “Invasion U.S.A.” is being helped to solid total by a strong ad campaign at United Art- ists. “Everything I Have Is Yours” still is strong in second round at Warfield. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 65- 95) — “Thunderbirds” (Rep) and “Toughest Man Arizona” (Rep), with 'opening day personals by John Derek, John Barrymore, Jr., Ward Bond and Rex Allen. Nice $13,- 000. Last week, “Cairo-Road” (In- die) and “Beware My Lovely” (In- die), $7,500. Fox (FWC) (4,651; 65.-95)—“My Pal Gus” (20th) and “Breakdown” (Indie). Thin $10,500. Last week, “Steel Trap” (20th) and “Secret People” (Lip), same. - Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; 65-95) —“Everything I Have Is Yours” <M-G) (2d wk). Strong $14,500. Last week, $17,000. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 65-95)— “Cattle Town” (WB) and “Gam- bler and Lady” (Indie). Colorless Jiff,000 or less. Last week, “Ride Man Down” (Rep) and “Hour of 13” (M-G), $10,000. St. Francis (Par) (1,400; 65-95) (Continued on page 20) Broadway Grosses . Estimated Total Gross This Week $441,000 (Based on 19 theatres) Last Year $428,600 (Based on 19 theatres) ‘Zenda’ Lively $15,900, Sf. Loo St. Louis, Dec. 16. With Xmas spending splurge in- tensified at mainstem houses, biz is sagging this session here. Even with neat bally for “Prisoner of Zenda” it will be below normal with nice round at Loew’s. “Run for Your Money” looms fine at Pageant but “Pony Soldier” looks lean at the Missouri. Snow flur- ries and below freezing weather over weekend proved an added handicap for first-runs. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 60- 75)—“Assignment in Paris” (Col) and “Blazing Forest” (Par). Fair $10,000. Last week, “Bloodhounds Broadway” <29th) and “It Grows on Trees” (U), good $13,000, Fox (F&M) (60-75)—“Flat Top” (AA) and “No Holds Barred” (AA). Opened today (Tues.). Last week, “Lost in Alaska” (U) and “Duel at Silver Creek” (U), mild $12,500. Loew’s (Loew) (3,172; 50-76) — “Prisoner at Zenda” (M-G) and “Last Train Bombay” (Col). Nice $15,000- br near. Last week, “Plymouth Adventure” (M-G) (2d wk), limp $9,000. .Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 60-85) — “Pony Soldier” (20th) and “Blood- hounds Broadway” (20th). Mild (Continued on page 20) PfifslEfr ‘Buccaneer’ Hotsy 11G, Omaha; ‘Trap’ NSG 8G Omaha, Dec. 16. Throngs packing the streets cur- rently for their Xmas shopping ate giving theatres a good play. “Yankee Buccaneer” and “Scarlet Angel” look best, giving the Oma- ha a hotsy session. “Because You’re Mine’.’ is in third week at the State. Estimates for This Week Brandeis (RKO) (1,100; 20-76)— “Operation Secret” (WB) and “Chief Pontiac? (WB). Nice $5,- 000. Last week, “Leave To Heaven” (20th) and “Rains Came” (20th) (reissues), 3 days, and “Springfield Rifle” (WB) and '“Srange Fascina- tion” (Col), 4 days (2d wk), $5,000. Omaha (Tristates) (2,100; 20-70) —“Yankee Buccaneer” (U) and “Scarlet Angel” (U). Hot $11,000. Last week, “Because qf You” (U), $9,000. Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 20- 70) —“Steel Trap” (20th) and “Wife’s Best Friend” (20th). Slow $8,000. Last week, “Bloodhounds Broadway” (20th) and “Night With- out Sleep” (20th), $9,000. State (Goldberg) (865; 25-76)— “Because You’re Mine” (M-G) (3d wk). Okay $3,800 after $4,900 sec- ond stanza. ‘Because Pacing Mild M, $16,000 Detroit,, pec. 16. Biz is very poor this week, with Xmas shopping, and holdovers tak- ing the blame for slim pickings. Best of lot looks to be “Because of You,” okay at the Michigan. “Op- eration Secret” is mild at the Palms. “Cry, Beloved Country” looks weak at the Madison. “Thief” at the Fox and "Bloodhounds of Broadway” at the United Artists, both in second weeks, are way be- low average. . Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detrait) (5,000; 70-95) —“Thief” (UA) and “Park Row” (UA) (2d wk). Off at $14,000. Last week, oke $19,000. Michigan (United. Detroit) (4,000; 70-95)—“Because of You” (U) and “Horizon’s West” (UA). Okay $16,000. . Last week, “Iron Mis- (Continued on page 20) Wednesday, December 17, 1952 Hub on Downgrade; Trees’ Okay 10G, ‘Battle’ 14G, ‘Promoter’ Big 6G, 6th Bally Hypos ‘Gus,’ Sotko $13,500 In Mpls, ‘Knot’ Loose 7G, Operation’ 5G ‘Battlfe* Smash $9,000, Seattle; ‘Mine’ 6G, 3d Seattle, Dec. 16. Trade is dull here this week, with “Battle Zone” tops at Coli- seum. First round is solid. Else- where returns are anything but normal. However, “Because You’re Mine”, is okay in third stanza at the Music Hall.- Estimates for This Week Coliseum* (Evergreen) (1,829; 65- 90)—“Battle Zone” (AA) and “Rose Bowl” (AA). Swell $9,000. Last week, “Hurricane Smith” (Par) and “Wyoming Roundup” (AA), $8,200. Fifth Avenue (Hamrick) (2,366; 65-90) — “Night Without Sleep” (20th). Sad $4,500. Last week, “Turning Point” (Par), $5,200. Liberty (Hamrick) (1,650; 65-90) —“Plymouth Adventure” (M-G) and “Apache War” (M-G) (3d wk). Oke $5,000 after last week’s $6,700. Music Box (Hamrick) (850; 65- 90)—“Iron Mistress” (WB) (m.o.) with “Cruise of Zaca” (WB). Third downtown week for former. Good $3,500. Last week, ‘Magic Box” (Indie); $2,100. Music Hall (Hamrick) (2,283; 65- 90)—“Because You’re Mine” (M-G) and “Hour of 13” (M-G) (3d wk). Okay $6,000 after $7,400 last week. Orpheum (Hamrick) (2,599; 65- 90)—“Outpost in Malaya” (UA) and “Horseman of Pampas” (U). Mild $7 f 000. Last week, “Iron Mis- tress” (WB) (2d wk), $6,700. Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 45-70) —“Way of Gaucho” (20th) and “Something for Birds” (20th) (2d runs). Opened Monday (15). Last week, “Golden Hawk” (Col) and “Springfield Rifle” (WB) (2d runs), fairish $35,100. Paramount (Evergreen) (3,039; 65-90)—“My Pal Gus” (20th) and “Maverick” (AA). Dull $7,000. Last week, “Montana Belle” (RKO) and “Spider and Fly” (Indie) wk), $4,200* * Minneapolis, Dee. 16. Aided by a terrific campaign, “My Pal Gus” currently is mak- ing sock boxoffice headway in bat- tle against pre-Christmas indif- ference to entertainment. Snow- storms, low temperatures and icy streets are added boxoffice handi- caps this round. Otherwise only a pair of other newcomers, “Op- eration Secret” and “Hangman’s Knot,” have been placed on the seasonal sacrificial altar. It’s fourth and final week for “Miracle of Fatima” and second for “Lost in Alaska.” Estimates for This Week Century (Par) (1,600; 76-$ 1)— “Miracle of Fatima” (WB) (4th wk). Is finishing profitable run at fair $3,000. Last week, $4,500. Gopher (Berger) (1,028; 50-76)— “Lost in Alaska” (U) (2d wk). Came through okay. Fair $3,000 this week. Last week, $4,300. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-76>—“Black Swan” (20th) and “To Shores Tripoli” (20th)- (reissues). Tepid $3,500. Last week, “Flat Top” (AA) (2d wk), $3,000 in 6 days. Radio City (Par) (4,000; 50-76)— My, Pal Gus” (20th), Best sold of any picture within recent memory. Newspapers ’ carried theatre man- agement’s- guarantee and quotes plus photos of pleased customers. All-out ad-exploitation plus film’s merits getting results at a time when the boxoffice biz is way off. great $13,500. Last week, “Pony Soldier” (20th), $6,500. RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 40- 76)—“Hangman’s Knot” (Col). Turnstiles not getting much exer- cise. Wobbly $7,000 or less. Last week, “Eight Iron Men” (Col), $ 6 , 000 . RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 40-76)— Invasion U.S.A.” (Col) and “Strange Fascination” K:ol). Okay $5,000. Last week, “Captive Wom- en” (RKO) and “Beware My Love- ly” (Col), $4,500. , State (Par) (1,800; 50-76)—“Op- eration Secret” (WB). Pale $5,- 5,00. Last week, “K. C. Confiden- tial” (UA), $7,500. World (Mann) (400; 65-$1.20)— Plymouth Adventure'* (M-G) (4th wk). Satisfactory $2,500. Last week, $3,500. Key City Grosses Estimated Tot'd Gffcss This Week .... ; .$1,714,000 (Based on 23 cities, 198 the- atres, chiefly first runs, includ- ing N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week ' Last Year ...... .$1,741,700 (Based on 24 cities, and 185 theatres.) ‘Ghs’ Fair $12,000 Id Drab Philly Philadelphia, Dec. 16. Weekend biz is off and first-runs suffered with newcomers. How- ever, trend means little because | most theatres are marking time until the holiday splurge of new product. “Face to Face” at Aldine and “My Pal Gus” at Randolph shape as best of new bills. ** Estimates for This Week Aldine (WB) (1,303; 50-99)— “Face to Face (RKO). Okay $7,000. Last week, “It Grows on Trees” (U) (2d wk), $4,500. Arcadia (S&S) (625: 85-$1.20)— “Because You’re Mine” (M-G) l9th wk). Off to $4,500. Last week, nice $5,500. Boyd (WB) (2,360; 50-99)—“Flat Top” (AA), Tepid $8,000 or near. Last week, "Blackbeard Pirate” (RKO) (2d wk), $8,000, Fox (20th) (2,250; 85-$1.10)— “Ivanhoe” (M-G) (10th wk). Down to $9,000. Last week, oke $11,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 50- 99)—“Rainbow Round Shoulder” (Col). „ Fair $10,000. Last week, “Bloodhounds Broadway” (20th) (2d wk), $12,000. Mastbaum (WB) (4,360; 50-99)— “Thunderbirds” (Rep). Slow $9,000. Last week, “Pony Soldier” .(20th) (2d wk), $11,000. ' Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; 75- $1.30)—“Snows Kilimanjaro” (20th) (9th wk). Down to $9,000. Last week, good $12,000. Randolph (Goldman) (2,500; 50- 99)—“Pal Gus” (20th). Fair $12,000. Last week, “Prisoner Zenda” (M-G) (4th wk), $8,500. Stanley (WB) (2,900; 50-99)— “Montana Belle” (RKO). Dull $8,000. Last week, “Iron Mistress” (WB) (2d wk), okay $13,000. Stanton (WB) (1,473; 50-99)— “Raiders” (U). Slow $6,000. Last week, “Tarzan’s Savage Fury” (RKO) and “Under Red Sea” (RKO), $7,000. Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 85-$1.20) —“Happy Time (Col) (6th wk). So- so $4,000. Last week, $4,700. Toronto Off But ‘Birds’ Passable $9,000; ‘Smith’ HepllG,‘Because’8G,2d Toronto,’Dec. 16, With Xmas shopping denting trade, biz is currently off sharply. Such newcomers as “Hurricane Smith” and “Something for Birds,” however, are doing nicely. Hold- overs are faring slightly better. “Bloodhounds of Broadway,” “Be- cause of You” and “Snows of Kili- manjaro” all continue in good stride. Estimates for This Week Crets, Downtown, Glendale, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (863; 1,059; 955; 470: 698; 694; 35-60)—‘Mon- tana Belle” (RKO) and “Storm Over Tibet” (Col). Oke $12,000. Last week, “Battle Zone” (AA) and ‘City of Violence” (Indie), $10,000. Egllnton (FP) (1,080; 40-80)— “Operation Secret” (WB) (2d wk). Satisfactory $5,500. Last week, $7,000. Imperial (FP) (3,373; 50-80)— “Hurricane Smith” (Par). Neat $11,000. Last week, “Springfield Rifle” (WB), $13,000. Loew’s (Loew)' (2,748; 50-80)— “Prisoner of Zenda” (M-G) (4th wk). Holding at $7,000. Last week, good $9,Q00. Odeon (Rank) (2,390; 50-90)— “Bloodhounds Broadway” (20th) (2d wk). Trim $10,000. Last week, $12,000. Shea’s (FP) (2,396; 40-80)— “Something for Birds” (20th). Nice $9,000. Last week, “Big Jim Mc- Lain” (WB) (2d wk), $8,000. University (FP) (1,558; 40-80)— “Snows Kilimanjaro” (20th) (6th wk). Holding nicely at $8,000. Last week, $10,500, „ Uptown (Loew) (2.743; 40-80)— “Because of You” (U) (3d wk). Sturdy $8,000. Last week, $9,200. Boston, Dec. 16. Biz continues on downgrade this session with little likelihood of any current pix breaking through as big winners. “It Grows on Trees” at Memorial shapes fairly well but “Thunderbird” at Met appears sluggish. “Battle Zone” at Para- mount and Fenway looms fairly good. “The Promoter” in sixth week at Exeter still is lively. Estimates for This Week Astor (B&Q) (1,500; 50-95)— “Bachelor and Bobbysoxers” and “Bachelor Mother” (RKO) (reis- sues). Open today (16). Last week, “Hurricane Smith” (Par) one week plus 5 days, slender $7,000. Boston (RKO) (3,000; 40-85)— “Black Castle” (U) and “Calling Mr. Death” (U). Oke $8,000 or near. Last week, “Raiders” (U) and “Ladies of Chorus” (Col) (re- issue), fair $8,000 for 6 days. , Exeter (Indie) (1,300; 60-80)— “Promoter” (U) (6th wk). Big $6,000 or near following $6,800 for fifth. Fenway (NET) (1,373; 40-85)— “Battle Zone” (AA) and “Jungle Girl” (Indie). Good $4,000. Last week, “Savage” (Par) and “Fran- chise Affair”. (Indie), $4,300. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 40-85)— “It Grows on Trees” (U) and “Bonzo Goes to College” (U). Okay $10,000 or close. Last week, “Pony Soldier” (20th) and “Gam- bler and Lady” (Indie) (2d wk), $ 12 , 000 . Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 40- 85)—“Thunderbirds” (Rep) and “Woman's Angle” (Indie). Unex- citing $11,000. Last week, “Iron Mistress” (WB) and “No Holds Barred” (WB) (2d wk), $11,500. Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 40-85)— “Everything I Have Is Yours” (M-G) and “Target in Hong Kong” (Col. Opened Sunday (14). Last week, “Thief” (UA) and “Sky Full of Moon” (M-G), fair $10,500. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 40-85) —“Battle Zone” (AA) and “Jungle Girl” (Indie). Nice $10,000 or close. Last week, “Savage” (Par) and “Franchise Affair” (Indie), $11,500. State (Loew) (3,500; 40-85)— “Everything I Have Is Yours” (M-G) and “Target Hong Kong” (Col). Opened Sunday (14). Last week, “Thief” (UA) and “Sky Full of Moon” (M-G), tepid $5,500. D. C. Also Dips; ‘Belle’ Bright $9,000, ‘Point’ Plus Yande Okay 19G Y^ashington, Dec. 16. Mainstem biz continues in a minor key, with biz expected to get worse before holiday week helps it into higher brackets. There is not a real winner among the newcomers although ‘several hold- overs remain steady. “The Turning Point” plus vaude, at Loew's Capi- tol, shapes okay for season while “Montana Belle,” at RKO Keith’s is on sturdy side. “Flat Top,” at the Warder, opened brisk and looks okay. “Brandy for Parson” is fine at Lopert’s Dupont. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew’s) (3,434; 55-95)— “Turning Point” (Par) plus vaude. Bieasing $19,000, all tilings consid- ered. Last week, “Horizons West” (U) sparked by Peggy Lee onstage, $ 20 , 000 . Columbia (Loew’s) (1,174; 74- $1.20)—“Snows Kilimanjaro” (20th) (9th wk). Holding its own with $6,- 000 for second consecutive week in longrun record for. F Street. Stays. Dupont (Lopert) (372; 50-85)— “Brandy for Parson” (Indie). Fine $4,500. Last week, “Breaking Sound Barrier” (UA) (2d wk), solid $4,500 in day-date with Playhouse, Keith's (RKO) (1,939; 50-85)— “Montana Belle” (RKO). Sturdy $9,000. Last week, “Hurricane Smith” (Par), slow $7,500. Metropolitan (Warner) (1,200; 55- 80)—“Pathfinder” (Col). Okay $4,- 000. Last week, “Young Scarface” (Indie) and “Bushwacker” (Indie), average $4,500. Palace (Loew’s) (2,370; 50-80)— “Pony Soldier” (20th) (2d wk). Slow $9,000. Last week, below hopes with $14,000. Playhouse (Lopert) (435; 50-$l) —“Breaking Sound Barrier” (UA) (3d wk). Sound $5,000 for second consecutive week, with pic settling down here after two weeks day- dating with Dupont. Holds. Warner (WB) (2,174; 50-80)— “Flat Top” (AA). Okay $10,000. Last week, “Savage” (Par), disap- pointing $9,000.