Variety (December 1952)

16 Ticrvnm PS-rOSTT KANSAS CITY (Continued from page 9) 50-75) — “Abbott-Costello Meet Capt. Kidd” (WB). . Fair $6,000. Last week, “Flat Top” (Mono), same. Tower, Uptown, Fairway, Gra- nada (Fox Midwest) (2,100; 2,043; 700; 1,217; 50-75)—“Steel Trap” (20th). Still under par at $11,000. Last week, “Way of Gaucho” (20th) with “Night Without Sleep” (20th) added at Tower and Granada, Slight $9,500. Vogue (Golden) (550; 50-85) — •‘The Promoter” (U) (4th wk). Holding steady at $2,000, and con- tinues. Last week, nifty $2,500. Mpls. Coasting; ‘Stars’ Lean $8,000, ‘Gus’ Big 5G Minneapolis, Dec. 23. Anticipated week-before-Christ- mas boxoffice blackout has mate- rialized here. Even such a worthy as “Stars and Stripes Forever” and a well-exploited world preem of “Hiawatha,” are being largely ignored. Aside from aforemen- tioned pair, newcomers include sacrificial lambs “Cattle Town,” “Son of Ali Baba,” “Angelo” and “Park Row.” The lone holdover is “My Pal Gus,” big on moveover. Snowstorms are aggravating box- office woes. Estimates for This Week Century (Par) (1,600; 50-76) — “My Pal Gus” (20th) (m.o.). Big $5,000 or over. Last week, “Miracle of Fatima” (WB) (4th wk) (76-$l), $3,000. Gopher (Berger) (1,028; 50-76)— “Jungle” (Lip) and “Mr. Walkie Talkie” (Lip). Slack $2,000. Last week, “Lost in Alaska” (U) (2d wk), $2,400 in 6 days. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-76)—“Son of Ali Baba” (U) and “Army Bound” (AA). Okay $4,500. Last week, “Black Swan” (20th) and “Shores Tripoli” (20th) (reissues), $3,000 in 6 days. Radio City (Par) (4,000; 50-76)— “Stars and Stripes Forever” (20th). Kind words for this one but going still is rough. Mild $8,000 or less. Last week, “My Pal Gus” (20th), $ 12 , 000 . RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 40-76)—“Cattle Town” (WB). Drab $4,500. Last week, “Hangman’s Knot” (Col), $6,000. RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 40-76)— “Park Row” (UA) and “Confidence Girl” (UA). Lean $4,000. Last week, “Invasion U. S. A.” (Col) and “Strange Fascination” (Col), $5,000. State (Par) (1,800; 50-76) — “Hiawatha” (AA) and stageshow. Called a world preem 'and has benefit of presence of its feminine star, Yvette Dugay, and stageshow support. Mild $5,000. Last week, “Angelo” (Indie). Okay $2,500. “Operation Secret” (WB),'$4,000. World (Mann) (400; 65-$1.20) — Last week, “Plymouth Adventure” (M-G) (4th wk), $2,300. PROVEN DUMPS;‘RING’ SLIM 5G, ‘MALAYA’ 3G Providence, Dec. 23. The pre-Christmas drop in biz came late this year, and all the more severe as a result. All stands are dragging this round, with “Outpost in Malaya” likely slowest. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65)— “The Ring” (UA) and “Untamed Women” (UA). Slow £ ‘$5,000. Last week, “Steel Trap” (20th) and “Kiss of Death” (20th), $7,000. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65)— “Yankee Buccaneer” (.U) and “It Grows On Trees” (U). Meek $4,- 500. Last week, “My Pal Gus” (20th) and “Toughest Man-- Ari- zona” (AA), $8,000. State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65)— “Prisoner Zenda” (M-G) and “Sky Full Moon” (M-G) (2d wk). Slow $4,500, First week was $11,000. Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 44-65) —“Outpost In Malaya” (UA) and “Harlem Globe Trotters” (Col). Drab $3,000. Last week, “Cleopa- tra” (Par) (reissue), $4,500. D.C. Legion Lines Up Vets Vs. ‘Limelight’ Washington, Dec. 23. Americanism Commission of the American Legion’s post in the na- tion’s capital has lined up numer- ous major veterans’ organizations and other outfits to join in a pro- test against Charles Chaplin’s “Limelight.” Already working with the Legion unit in a program against the pic is the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Amvets, Daughters hof. the American Revolution, Jew- ish War Veterans and the Goldt Star Mothers. Film is slated to open early in February at two art spots here, the Plaza and Little Theatres, operated by Sam Roth. At the same time, it’s declared that the Legion has withdrawn its objection^ to Stanley Kramer’s “High Noon.” Pic had been held up six months here because of the Legion’s attitude. BOSTON (Continued from page 9) Last week, “Battle Zone” (AA) and “Jungle Girl” (Indie), $3,800. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 40-85) — “Hangman's Knot” (Col) and “Dancing With Crime” (Indie). Best in town with good $12,000. Last week, “It Grows on Trees” (U) and “Bonzo Goes to College'” (U),-$10,000. Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 40- 85) — “Cleopatra” (Par) (reissue). Not too bad at $10,000. Last week, “Thunderbirds” (Rep) and “Wom- an’s Angle” (Indie), $11,000. Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 40-85)— “Everything I Have Is Yours” (M-G) and “Target in Hong Kong” (Col). Aided by sneak preview should nab oke $19,000 for 10 days. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 40-85) —“Cattle Town” (WB) and “Train of Events” (Indie). Fairish $10,000. Last week, “Battle Zone” (AA) and “Jungle Girl” (Indie), $10,000. State (Loew) (3,500; 40-85) — •‘Everything I Have. Is Yours” (M-GF and “Target Hong Kong” (Col). Hypoed by sneak preview Saturday (20) to mild $10,000 for 10 days. ‘Everything’ Socko 23G, Mont’!; ‘Men’ $14,000 . Montreal, Dec, 23, Despite heaviest holiday shop- ping in years, several entries in de- luxers are gamering trim totals here. “Everything I Have Is Yours” is smash at Loew’s while |;“Lusty Men” shapes good at the Capitol. Estimates for This Week Palace (C.T.) (2,626; 34-60) — “Hour of 13” (M-G). Poor $8,000. Last week, “The Thief” (UA), fine $16,000. Capitol (C.T.) (2,412; 34-60) — “Lusty Men” (RKO). Good $14,000. Last week, “Big Sky” (RKO) (2d wk), $12,000. Princess (C.T.) (2,131; 34-60) — “The Prowler* (UA). So-so $7,000. Last week, “Hurricane Smith” (Par). Nice $13,000. Loew’s (C.T.) (2,855; 40-65) — “Everything I Have Is Yours” (M-G). Sock $23,000. Last week;’ “Just for You” (Par). (2d wk), $16,000. Imperial (C.T.) (1,839; 34-60 — ‘“Hangman’s Knot” (Col) and “Sing for Your Supper” (Col). Nice $8,000. Last week, “Affair in Trinidad” (Col) (reissue) and “El- lery Queen's Perfect Crime” (Col), $8,00Q, Orpheum (C.T.) (1,048; 34-60) — “Red River” (UA) and “Mrs. Mike” (UA). Average $6,000. Last week, “The Ring” (NA) and “Counter Espionage” (UA), fair $7,000. BUFFALO (Continued from page 9) and “Battles Chief Pontiac” (In- die), $6,500. Center (Par) (2,100; 40-70)— “High Treason” (Indie) and “Wom- an’s Angle” (Ijidie). Mild $6,000. Last week, “Battle Zone” (AA) and “South Pacific Trail” (Rep), $5,400. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 40-70)— “Black Narcissiis” (Indie) and “Ma- dona Seven Moons” (Indie) (re- issues). Sad $5,500. Last week,. “Horizons West” (U) and “Black Castle” (U), $6,500. Century (20th Cent.) (3,000; 40- 70)—“Hunchback Notre Dame” (RKO) and “Cat People” (RKO) (re- issues). Tepid $6,500 or less. Last week, “Tarzan’s Savage Fury” (RKO) and “Wife’s Best Friend” (20th), same. Metro ‘Off the Hook’ In Setting ‘Ivanhoe* For Feb. 20 Distrib Metro’s promise to exhibs that it would make “Ivanhoe” available shortly for general release, and at regular terms for the subsequent- runs, was officially carried out this week. Company announced that the film would be available for general distribution on Feb. 20. Sales policy was originally an- nounced at the Allied States con- vention in Chicago several weeks ago, and according to an Allied exec, it “got Metro off the hook.” M-G was slated for the same blast accorded Warner Bros, and 20th- Fox for the pre-release, hiked-ad- mish policy asked for “Miracle of Fatima” and “Sncws of Kiliman- jaro,” respectively. “Ivanhoe” has already played 200 pre-release advanced-price ad- missions. Legal Flaw Continued from page S Sup. Gt. Tosses Out Continued from page 5 20th Would Use ‘Robe’ Sets for ‘Demetrious’ Hollywood, Dec. 23. Apparently taking a leaf from Metro’s decision to use some of the costly “Quo Vadis” sets in “Ben Hur” remake, 20th has scheduled “Story of Demetrious” as sequel to “Robe.” Latter, however, unlike Metro situation, hasn’t even started yet. It’s slated for January lensing. quest an adjudication that it has a right to do, or to have, anything in particular. It seeks simply to establish that, as presently conduct- ed, respondents’ carriage of goods between points within as well as without Utah is all interstate com- merce. “One naturally asks, ‘so what?’. To that ultimate question no an- swer is sought. “A declaratory judgment may be the basis of further relief necessary or proper against the adverse party. The carrier’s idea seems to be that it can now establish the major premise of an exemption, not as an incident of any present dec- laration of any specific right or im- munity, but to hold in readiness for use should the Commission at any future time attempt to apply any part of a complicated regulatory statute to it.” ters of the- new combined circuit as well as the integration of per- sonnel. Whether WB theatre prexy Harry Kalmine will be the operat- ing head of the new outfit is still a matter of conjecture. Important consideration is whether Kalmine’s hefty $130,000 yearly salary can be integrated in the new operational setup. On the other side is the close tie between Kalmine and Fa- bian, their relationship going back to the time when Kalmine worked for Fabian’s father as a district manager. Fabian’s preoccupation with charity, public and industry projects is offered as a reason for Kalmine’s possible retention as op- erating chief. Question of headquarters in- volves the building which houses both the WB distribution and the- atre offices. Speculation is rife whether the new company will maintain offices in the Warner building or shift to the Fabian N. Y. headquarters. Rentals Too High Continued from page 7 lock is the film companies* because of the steep rental terms. In any event, it’s said in some quarters that the prospect of ever getting off the ground with a definite arbitration program is a bleak one irt view of the current snag.. There’s no plan scheduled for another meeting among Allied, other exhib orgs and the distribs, and there’s small chance of such a get-together until after the holi- days. Even at that time, apparently, the basic issue could hardly be re- solved, at least to the satisfaction of Allied, unless the distribs agree to relax film-licensing terms. Al- lied reps declared that film rentals need not be made arbitrable as a c..edition to their going along with the arbitration program. But, they insist, the distribs’ good faith must be demonstrated via lower prices for their films. ‘Hdaxters* in Jan. Release Metro’s “The Hoaxters,” special 36-minutes documentary exposing the evils of Communism, is slated for national release on Jan. 30. Short, personally produced by Dore Schary, is receiving the “A” treatment from the M-G flackery, with a pub-ad campaign almost equal to a feature picture. WeJn€flday» December 24$ 1952 Inside Stuff—Pictures Plethora of charity orgs seeking industry support via preems, theatre collections, home office solicitations, and exec participation is causing a degree of annoyance among filmites. Although execs do not question the worthiness of each cause, a suggestion was made that all the charities be lumped into one overall drive, with each group participat- ing equally in the take. The setting up of a system of coin-raising, similar to the Hollywood Permanent Charities . Committee, has been suggested. In this man- ner, it’s pointed out, the industry effort could be concentrated on one large-scale campaign instead of the separate drives now taking place. Reason for the current complaint is that the solicitations have been bunched too closely together, making it difficult to approach the same people repeatedly for coin. In addition, key execs find them- selves devoting more time to the charity events than to their own biz. Drawback to a single-industry charity collection are the organiza- tions involved. Latter feel they can do better on their own than risk- ing sharing the receipts with similar outfits. The industry, meanwhile, is caught in between. It cannot risk turning down a charity appeal, nor can it force on the groups a njethod which the charities disapprove. Traditionally bad piz prior to Christmas Day resulted in a deci- sion to shut down many theatres from one to three days preceding the holiday. With patrons preoccupied with last-minute Xmas shop- ping and with Xmas eve a stay-at-home family night, exhibs figured they might as well close their doors since the wicket take was n.s.h, anyway. Decision to close shop was mostly taken by smalltown exhibs. The- atremen figured that they could save money as well as turn the shut- terings into public relations gestures. Regular employees were paid for the time off while hourly workers were laid off for the period. Special signs in front of the theatres informed patrons that house would be closed to give employees a chance for Xmas shopping. Some theatres used the closed time for minor refurbishing. Reissue of. all David O. Selznick features is the plan of Selzniclt Re- leasing Organization, according to Frank I. Davis, Jr., v.p. of the out- fit. He stressed that none of the pix, as had been reported, will be made available for television. Selznick himself returned to New York on Monday (22) from Rome, where his latest pic, “Terminal Station,” starring his wife, Jennifer Jones, and Montgomery Clift, was completed. Part of the film was shot in London. Some time ago the Selznick outfit made a study of the TV possi- bilities for previously released product, which gave rise to specula- tion that a licensing agreement with that medium was contemplated. The company concluded theatrical re-release of the pix would be pref- erential. Film industry prospects in the distant future are bright because of television as a potential source of revenue, according to a prominently- placed Wall St. outfit. Appraising the possibilities over the next few years, Arnold Bernhard & Co., publishers of Value Line, an invest- ment survey, expresses the belief that picture and theatre companies expectedly will step up their interests in TV either via ownership of TV stations, making films for the medium or the release of pic libraries to the telecasters. Wall St. coiicern also envisions some form of subscription TV as providing a “huge market” for the exhibition of first-run films. _ 4 H. M. Warner I Continued from page 5 were no pension, retirement or sim- ilar payments to any officer or di- rector. It was also revealed that during the aforesaid fiscal year Kalmine augmented his income via ' $16,- 033.64, which an unidentified War- ner subsidiary paid the Harrnett Holding Corp. as rent for the Penn Theatre, Titusville, Pa. Harrnett is wholly owned by Kalmine and members of his family. * For the year ended Aug. 31, ’52, ‘Warners told the SEC, the com- pany had some 49 domestic sub- sidiaries. Of these three were de- scribed as “inactive.” Trio includes First National Pictures, Inc., Banjo Eyes, Inc. (subsid of Play Enter- prises, Inc.) and Warner Bros. Theatres, Inc. Thirty foreign cor- porations were listed as engaged in overseas business. But, Warners pointed out, it’s deemed that “disclosure of the names of such foreign subsidiaries will be detrimental to the interests of the security holders.” Common stock of the parent firm, incidental- ly, was distributed among 21,318 holders as of Nov. 30, 1952. Partial Censorship Causes Artists to Be Resourceful, Sez Renoir in US. Visit Making some random observa- tions on the cinematic scene fol- lowing his arrival in New York from Paris, French director Jean Renoir said that he’s convinced that censorship is “good and neces- sary” since it cause artists to be- come more resourceful. But, he cautioned, “a severe censorship works against itself.” Renoir also expressed concern over the more familiar Hollywood formulas such as the gangster and cowboy type picture. For these styles, he observed, tend to give world audiences distorted impres- sions of America. “I myself,” the director added, “am looking for a more poetic way of expression but it’s not easy.” Renoir’s last directorial stint was the Franco-Italian production of “La Carrozza D’Oro” (“The Golden Coach”). An Anna Magnani starrer, the film was turned out in Techni- color by Panaria Film (Italy) and Hoche Productions (France). Per- iod story is based upon the book by Prosper Merimee. Dialog is in English. I T0A Bd. Meet mi Continued from page 3 sel Herman M. Levy, it has indi- cated that the exec committee does not necessarily have to abide by the majority vote if it considers the decision inimical to the best interests of TOA. Distribution deal covering all world territories except Europe Is expected to be concluded in New York this week by Prince Fran- cesco Alliata, who heads Panaria. Prints for “Coach” arrived over the weekend. Discussions have been carried on with several ma- jors but it’s understood that United Artists will probably land the pic. Point which has been delaying TOA’s immediate entry as an ac- tive participant in the suit has been the fear of being slapped with hefty damages should the film companies lose the suit. If the exhib org decides to maintain its status as a co-conspirator, it will likely enter an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief. Although the filmeries have filed an answer to the original suit requesting a more specific statement of the charges, the fil- ing of this request does not hamper TOA’s chances of taking part if it eventually decides to participate. Itr can become a participant if it petitions the Dept, of Justice “within a reasonable time.” Renoir disclosed he’ll direct a film for Hoche that’s scheduled to roll in France next June. Tenta- tively titled “The Poachers,” it will have Daniele Delorme as the femme lead. A Hollywood star is being sought for tile top male role. Story will be a contemporary one. Upon completion of “Poachers,” Renoir has two other projects in mind. One is a yarn dealing with the Napoleonic war against Spain. It would be a period- piece point- ing up the horrors of war. Other possibility concerns “women in India,” to be filmed in that coun- try. The director has had previous experience there, having made “The River” for Oriental-Interna- tional Productions.