Variety (September 1953)

PICTURE GROSSES SepIemKer 2, 19SS ‘Lovers’Fair 15G,‘Moon’ ‘Siane’B k IIG* 4llfc hok Aiigeies, Scpl. ' new bills; this week are headed by ''Caddy;* Which ;shapes smart $21,000 ih two theatres plus. $49,000 in five ozOhers. But other nevJcomers are mUder. ;;;Blu^rin For Murder*’ is slow $23,000 .in four situations, /‘Latin Lovers is rated Mf $15,005 in. ^o hpu^. whllo ^Mission Over Korea, ^and . VChina Veriture’V looms dull $11,- ;; 000 in two cities. . . Most extended-runs are with "Cinevarrta" hitting. $40,200 in jOth week, same as last session, torrlfic; ‘‘Mobn Js Blue” shape.s: srnooth- $13,000 in ninth frame, two spots, '/(iontlcluen Prefe nlso.is sina.sh $15,00.0 in fifth stanza at theCh-inese.' /.Wh .”}land Wagon” looks nice m . in third frame at Egyptian: . Stalag. ■ 17"‘.continues smart .$3,000 in sevt eiith rnUnd : at • Beverly : . IplK . “Shano” is doing :dkay $1.4.000 m ,fountI) week, two locaLionSv ;• Estimates for this Week' FRyptlan (UATG). H i i,Bjind Wagon” (M-O) .id / wk); vNice $:i4;000. Last Week, ;$16,- Pahtages: (2;- .. 752: • 2.812:: ^60-$;1.10)—”Dc^l S .uCkinvon”: (RKO)^^ and /^al- ftjtta” tCoV). /2d wk). OfT. tO; $15,- OodrLast week; soc^o -$30^00^ ttnited Arlists, Hawaii (UATC- . C&S) 12,100: .1,106; 70-$:l.l:.0).— vCaddy”’ iI^'lr). ;Smart $21 .OQO.^Also at five ozonei’s, La.st 'Week, fM.^m : Kt rOo Broadway” (M-G) and .‘Gapt, Scarlett” (M-G). ;t2d . wk-S days), $2 7O0 ■ Eok’ WUshire (FWC) :(2.29C: 80- <51 50)—'‘Return O’oparadise” (UA) (4th \vk>.: Fast $6,000, Last w^eek, ■ $8,700.' v /. Oruhcuni. Fpx .Hollywood (Met- ropolitan-FWC) (2,213; 756; 7p.$l| —“Shane” (Pari (4t.h..wk). Held near $14,000. Last week, :• fancy $i'7,700. Wiltern, Downtown (SW) /2.344: 1.7.57;; 70-$1.10l —• ‘‘Mis.sion Over . Korea” (Col) and ”Chtha VenUire’ : (Col). Dull v$Vl.000.. Last week.. ‘'Plunder of- Siin” |WB plus $33,900 in five ozoners. Los •Angelo.s. Hollywood para- nibiints fAB-PT-^F&M) “T, the ■. Jury” (.UA): (2d wk). Okay 124i000, v: 'Last week, $49,000; ’ ,t aW LoeW’s State; Vogue (UATC- . .FWG) (2;4()4; 885; 7Q-$1 ;I())—“Lat- iii Ijovers'’ (^'I-G) and ”Pi Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week . . $804,100 /.(Based oJi 23 theatrejs): Last Year ‘ .. $683,900 (Bmed on 20 theatres) ‘Hpliday’Smash ; Portland, pre.i Sept. X. Nearly all first-runs have had strohg product for the past month and biz has been in high gear de- spite summer handicaps^ “Bahd- wagori” and “Roman Holiday”, are SQdko biz getters currehtly at the Liberty and . day-date at prienla) and Orpheurh. “The Mdph Is Blue” still bright for .a: fifth round."Sta- lag 17” also looks big in a second Broadway, frame. Estiihates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (li890; 65-90) -^“Stalag 17*.’ (Par) (2d wk). Giant $9,500. Last week, $10,300. Guild (Parker) ;(400;V $l)--^''Run Fbr Money,'? (U); Big .$3,000. Last week, “Irnportance Being Earnest” (U) (2dwk). $1,900; Liberty (Hamrick) (1,875; 65-90) -7-.“Bahd Wagon'* (M-G) and ror; On Train” (M-G),; Smash $13, OOd. l,ast \veek, ”Sword and Rose’' (RKO), $8'000.: Mayfair (Evergreen) (1.752; 90 $1.25)—“Moon Is Blue” :(tJA) (5th vyk), advanced prjce.s.. iiU.sty ; $7,- 500.. Last week, $7;500. Qriental (Evergreen) (2.000; 65-^ 90)—-"Roman Holiday”^. (Par) and Murder Without Tears” vSock $5,000.;. Last week. “Gentle- men Prefer Blondes” (20th) (2d wk); $4,000. Orpheiim .(Evergreen)! (1,750;: 65^ d.n \ 90)—‘'RohVan .IfPIiday” (Par) and l“Murder Without Tears” Smash $9,000 or. hear, l^a.st w “Gentlemeh Prefer Blondes” (20th) (2d .Wk)V $9;,500; : Parampiint (Evergreeh) (3,400;: 65-90) — “Mission Over Korea” (Col) arid ‘‘Crui.sih’ Down River” (Col); j..ean $6,000. Last week, ... ^ "Scoutmaster** (20lh) ahd"Clipped Moohhase” <Lip). Fair $]6<00^. Wings” (AA), $9,000. Last Wcek.:"AffaU^ DObie Gillis” : .(M-G) and : “Big Leaguer” (M^G) (9 days) $9,500. . ' Obincse ‘ (FWO' (2,048; $1 -$1.80) :-^“C^cntlemcn Prefer Blondes”. (20(h)^ (5th wk). Hep $15,000. Last $17,000.- . I,os Angeles, Iris, Ritz, Loyola (FWO (2,097; 814: 1,370| 1,248: .70- $1.10) — “Blueprint for Murder’ (20(h) and “Sailor of King” (20th). Mild $23,000,. Last week, I,os An geles, iris. Loyota and Uptown. “Mr. Scoutmaster” .(20th) and “No Escape” (UA) (9 days.),. $25,()00. Beverly Hills <SW) (1,()12; . 80.- .$l.50)-_“Stalag 17” (Par) (7th wk) Fancy $8,000. La.st week, $8,800. Palace, Ritz (Metropolitan-FWC) (r.212; 1,370; 70-.$l.10.)—In second- run units this week. .T,ast week, “'riumder Bay” (U) (4111 wk) $5;- $ 00 . ./ Four Star, Rialto lUATC-Metro politan) 900; . 839: 80-$1.2O'— ^‘Moon is' Blue” (UA) (9.lh. wk). Mellow $13,000, Last week, $14,500. Fine/Arts (FWC) (631; 80-$i;50i Sea. Arouiid X)s” (RKO) (9th wkk; Fat$2.,5()0. Last iveek, $3.200: Hpllywood /.(SW) / i $'2,8()V--“Cineranui”- (ludie) .(IBtlv wk);: W0w $4Qi200..-Last same.;• 'CROSSING’ FAT IIG, OEVE;‘AlAlip’lOG Cleveland, Sept, 1, Winding up a week's run ^t Loew's State with a smash total, “Caddy” has moved over to the Stillman for continued run. ‘'Scout- master” shapes fairly good at the Hipp. "Dangerous Crossing” looks lively at Allen. ^'Latin Lovers”, looms only light at the State. , Estimates for This Week Allen (S-W) (3,000; 55-85)-^'‘Dan- gerous .Crossing” (2Gth), . Lively $11,000. Last week, “Plunder of Sun*’ (WB). $13,000. / Hipp (Telemanagement) (3,700; 55-a5/-r''Mr. Scoutmaster” (20th). Nice $15;000. Last week; “City of Bad . Men” (20th) and “Blueprint For Murder” (M-G), $13(500. , Palace (RKO) (3,300; 55-85)-- “Man From Alamo” (U). Fair $10,^ 000. -Last Week, “Devil’s Canyon”. (RKb), $10,500. State (Loew’s)' . (3:450; ;55-85)— "Latin Lovers” (M-G), Light $10,- 000. Last week. “Caddy” (Par), $22,00.0: Stilimah (Loew's) (2;700; 55-85) ^“Gaddy” (Par) (m.o.). Soeko $9,- 500. Last week, ‘‘Shane!’ (Pat) (5th wk), $9,000. , Tower (Telemg't) (485; 55-85)--' “Ma, Pa Kettle on Vacation” (U) and “White . Lightning” (AA) (2d wk). Okay $2,500. Last week, $4,- :-'500. ■; Heat, H. 0.$ Slough Cine; iUlieit Estimated Total Gross , This Week ;.... . $2,636,600 (Based on 21 cRies, dnd 1.95 iheattes, thlefly jftrst runs, iH- eluding NfY ,). Total Gross Same Week -Last Year :•: r/':'. $2,457vX00' (Based on 19 ctfies, and 182 theatres;) • , Cincinnati, Sept. 1., • . No regrets along Gincy’s cinema front this stanza, with only two new bills and a heat wave carry# over. “Master of Ballehtrae”' at Palace and “Mn Scoutmaster’*, in Keith’s are the fresh entrants lat- ter shaping soundly. “Caddy” heads the holdovers for a sharp Albee gross, “Martin Luther’* U rated good at the Capitol. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 75-$l)-- ‘*Caddy’* (Par) (2d wk). Sharp $15,* 000 after big $22,000 preem. : Capitol (RKO): (2,000; 90-$lvl9) .!i--‘‘Martin Luther” (Indie) (2d wk). Good $7,500 trailing '$bck $12,500 I ■v.-::.. Detroit',-.Sept..-I Extremely hot weather is proving neither a boon to biz nor a detri- ment this week. Trade is in a fairly even keel. “Charge at Feather River” looks okay ot the Michigan: “Blueprint for Murder." is mild at the Fox. “Man from Alanto” shapes good at Madison. Others are fairly strong, with best of hold- overs being 24 th: week. Grand (RKO) (1.400; 75-$n “Gentlemen Prefer Blonde'?” (20th) (m.0.) (2d wk). Hdiding: '^to nifty $7,500. Last week, great; $8,500. Keith’s (Shor) (1,500; .55-85)-^ “Mr. Scoutmaster” (20th); Solid . $9,000. Last week, “Arrowhead” (20th) (2d wk), $5,000: ; Palace (RKO) (2,600; 75^$i)-^ “Master of Ballantrae?’ (WBi; Okay $10,500. Last week, “Stranger i Wbre a Gun” (Col), $11,500; “Cinerama,” great in •'SAlLOR^o. . Providence, Sept. 1. The heat arid the humidity com- bined this weekehd to knock most grosses into a cocked hat. Loew’s State i.s doing best with“Return To Paradise.” On the fair side are RKO Albec’s “Hitch-Hiker” and Majestic’s '’Sailor King,” “Stalag 17” was nice on second Strand session, ; Estimate.^ for This W’eck A.lbee (RKO) (2.200;.: oO-lO)-^ “Hitch-Hiker” (RKO) and “Sea (Continued on page 18) Philadelphia, Sept. 1. Record heat and scarcity of big, new product finds most, first-runs here marking time until arrival of Labor Day weekend. “Mr. Scoutr master” Is pacing city with a .sturdy session ait the Fox. “Devil’s Canyon” is rated So-so for upped- scale run, “Plunder of Sun” is mild at Stanton, “Island IfP Sky” looms fair at. Mastbaum. ‘*Band Wagon” shapes fancy, in fourth Randolph stanza; Estimates for .This Week Arcadia (S&S). (625; 85-$1.20)-'^ “Latin Lovers” (M-G) , (3d wk). Strong $7,500. Last week. $8,000. : Fox (20th) (2.250; 50-99)^“Mr. Scoutniaster” (20th). Sturdy $22,- 00.0.. Last week, “Blueprint for Murder’/(2()th); .$15,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 85- $1.25)-^“War of Worlds” (Par) (2d wk). Down .to trim. $15,000.: Last week, $28,0OO.. Mastbaum (SW) (4,360; 50-99)—i “Island in Sky” (WB) Pair $15,- 000. Last week, “Master of Bal- lantrae” (WB), $13,000, . MidtoWit (Goldrrian) (l.OOO; 50- 99)-r*'Return. to. Patadise” (UA) (4tli wk).: Okay $7,500. East week, $9,500. ■■ Randolph (Goldman) $1.30)^‘*Bahd Wagon” wk). Fancy : .$11,000. $12,000. V Stanley (SW) (2;900; 85^$1.25)— "Devil’s Canyon.” (RKO). Fairly good $17,000. Last week. “Gentle- men Prefer Blondes” (20th) (5th wk). $10,000. V . Stanton (S W) (1.473; 50-99)4- “Plundor of Sun” (WB). So-so $8.- 500 in 9 days. Last week, “Cry of Hunted” (M-.G) and “Slight Case Larceny”: (M-G), $7,00.0.: Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 99-$1.50) —“Moulin Rouge'* (UA) (26th Stout $6,500. Last week, $6,800 (2.500; 99- (M-G) (4th week, Estimates for This Week Fox (FoX-Detroit) (5.000; 80-$l)-- “Blueprint for Murder” (20th) arid “Neighbor’s Wife” . (20th); Fair $20,000. Last webk, *Tnferno” (20th) aarid “Affair with Stranger” (RKO); $22,b0();: Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 85-$l.10)—“Charge Feather River” (WB) and “Francis Covers Big Town” (U).* Oke $21,000. Last week, “Shane” (Par) and “Happens Every Thursday” (U) (4th wk.), $16,000: Palma (UD) (2,961; 70-95)-^ '“Stranger Wore ^GUri’* (Col) and .“Crusin': Down River” (Col) (2d Wk.). Gobd $16,000. Last wbek, $24,(100; : : Madison (UD) '( 1.900; 70-95)-- “Man From Alamo” (U) and “Space Ways” (Lip)v Go 0 d $11.000; Last week, .“Trader Hprri’* ,:(M-G) and “Sequoia” (MrG) (re-issues) $5,000; . , United Artists (UA) (1,938; 80-$l) '—‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (20th) (5th wk). . Okay $9^000. Last Vveek, $13,000. ; Adams (Balabanld.*700; 70-95)— "Band Wagon” (M-G) (4th wkJ, Slow $5,000: Last week, $6,000. BrOadWay-Capitol (Korman) (3;- 500; 70-95)-T“Ride yaquero” (M- G) and “Run for HillsV (AA) (2d wk ). Fair $9,000. Lastweek^$17,- ooo.. ''-.-.-. ■. 4 ' Music Hall (Cinerama, Prod.) (1 236; $1.40-$2.80)^“Cinerama” (In- die) .(24th wk.). .Big $30,000. Last week, $31,000. . Boston'. Sept. 1. : to ' Eternity ’ at Bajto ► 10|G,‘Worlds’8|G; 2d : Balliinorc, Soph i; ( gi'os.'ios ■ sluhv- a' sl.ight up- turn he.i’.e tills A\'.eok/despite. soar- ing tbnv|Hh(a(uros. .Brightis. beirig'.; scored li.y “Mr.. S.couUua.s- ler” vvhich ppeiiod. tb steady trade, : at the New. -“Islaiid in Sky”, looks nice ;at tiiiJ Slanlcy vvhile; "Devirs; ./Canyon” is fancy at the Town., Estimates for This Week ' Ceritufy (Loew’s-UA): (3.O00.; 20- 70‘—“Latin Lovers” iM-G). Stai't'^ . today (Tues.) following sad $4,500 for five-day run of ’’Arena’’ iM-Gi. Hippodrome,. rRappaport * '2:.100; . (CQptinued.an page 18) ; . . From Here week, [ x^pnAv’s State .arid..;Orphciun con tiriucs bofto . followirig '; record- ;hr.eaking first week.: “Geritle.meri ;Prefer. Blondes” at th.e Meniorial looks socko while “War of Worlds” at the .Met; stanza. I/arainount. and Fenway is, holding olcay; in second. week,.'bu.t...‘:R of Seven Seas’’ shapes oniy fair at .the.-Boston.;.. Estimates fqr This .Week Astor-.(B&Q) 1.1.500; 50-Sl.l0^-^ .“Return to Paradise'.’ i.UA) (2d wkl- Trim $7,000:following $11,000 first IVeek,.:;. v '' - ' " . .Boston- (RKO) (3Dod: : -50-90)—: "Raiders of Seven Seas” (UA* arid “Shoot First”. (UA*. Fair $8,500. Last week, $7,500. ‘'Johnny, Giant Killer”.: (Lip) (2d AikC Oke, $4,000, fQllovving;.$6,5G0 lirst. : . Meinorial (RKO) (3,000; 50-90)3 “Gentleineri P r efer, Blondes” (20th): Bmash :$28.000; Last week. “Blueprint for Murder.”"(20th) and let shapes strong this | “Ali Baha/.Nighls” (Lip), $8,000 in '•Mn : SGGutmaster'*^ at 5(days.. ■ ; .; - ':* v •• f ami ic 1 y Metropolitan :(NE'r) (4;367: ;50-9b). -—•“VVar of. AVorlds” (Par) and-' “Clipped Wings’^ (AAV. TVssatiira- tiori catnpaigh. will help, this one .to good $20,000 or over, Last week, “Strahger Wore Guri“.. (Col) arid ‘’.Nortliern Patrol” (AA),- $15,000.: Orpheum - (Loew’s) (3,000; . 74- $1.25.)---“Fram Here : to Eternity’* .(Col*:(2d. Avk*. Holdirig near first week’s record $50,500, terrifie. , Tarampunt (NRT) (1.700; 50-90)- .,from.Alamo” (U) i —“Mr; Scoutmaster” (20th) and JphfHijv Giant Killer” (Up) (2d Exeter: Uridie) (1.300; ;60-$l)— “The. Gruel Sea” < Ui. Opened Sun- day (30’. . Last week, ’’.Queen Is Crowned” (C) (12th wk*, nice S4:000. : - • " wk). ^^eat >iu,000:after $17,00(3 for . State 'Loew’s) (3,5.00; 74-$i.25)— “From Here to Eterni(y” (Col) (2d „ t=:£a r==f ro m^n 1 . Tehway (NET* . >1,373: 50-90 —• $33,000 Tacked up in first week. ( •‘Mr. Scoutmaster” (20th). and i smash. ; ’ Brisk $6,000, Webb Fat 126;'Hwn'Big 86, Zd Minneapolis, Sept. ^ 1. Minnesota State- Fair, which is expected to lure a million pepple duririg the present 10 days, is tak- ing the usual bbxoffice toll. But a very good weekend was aided by the influx of .visitors. “Scoutmas^ ter” is fighting for a hunk of biz and with some success at Radio City; “Vice Squad” shapes bright, how’eyeri^ ^ the Gopher. Estimafes for This Week u Century (Pa r) (1,600; -65-85)-'- ‘-Stalag :17” (Par) (5th wk*. ' Yast $5,000. .Last week, $.6,000. . - Gopher (BergeT) (1.025: 65-85)-— ‘*Vice Squad” (UA); Bright $6,000. Last week,- “Ride Vaquefd”. (M-G) i 2d wk); mild $3,000. . ^ ; Radio City (Par) (4.0d0: 65-85)^ •..Scoutmaster” (20th)i.. Given topnptch bally with strong $12;000 likely. : Last week, : “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’’ .(20th) (2d wrk), ^$11,000.- . . RKO-Orhfeum: (RKO) (2i800; 65- 85)—“Mighty Joe. Yourig’( (RKO) and: “Isle of Dead” (RKO) (reis- .sues). Good $8,500. Last week, “Devil’s Canyon” (RKO), $8:500 at 75-$l scale RKO-Pan (RKO) (1-6(30; 65-85)- “Siren of Bagdad” (Col) arid “Ser- pent of Nile”; (RKO). Mild:$4.00d Last w'eek, “Stranger Wore a Gun’ (Col) (2d wk), $5,000 at 75-$l scale State (Par) (2,300; 65-85)^“Re‘ turn to Pacadise” (UA) (2d wk) Nice $5,500, Last week, big $9,000, ■ World (Mann). (400; 55-$L2Q)— pMoon-Is=Blu€--(UAr)=(^d"^wk)r-Still a sriiash with $8,000. Last week $8,400. to: St. Loiiii^ ‘Scoutmader’ Hep l5G;*S!Bn(j’W ' .:. '/-. .St;.Louis,.Sept;-;!;.- American Legion patipnal con- vention has taken over cityi birth- place of . this Veteran’s organiza- tion. The iQ-hpur parade today ;(Tues>) as well as the night 40 & $ procession Sunday (30) night did not help, trade although many were attracted tb town by the conclave. Continued torrid weather has not boosted biz any, ' Many houses are just ^coasting, not attempting to battle the opposition of the Le- gion pepple and wide variety 6£ cuffo. entertainment. “Mr. Scout- master” iboms as best draw, of new films; “Shane” was smash* in sec- ond round at the Fox, and holds a third:week.■-'T' .-. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (P«8iM) (3.000; 60-75) —“Mr. Scoutmaster” (20th) arid "Broken Arrow“ (20th). Neat $15.* 000. Last week, “White Witch Doctor” (20th) and “Thunder Bay” (U),:$i 1:000. Fox T (F&M) (5,000; 60-75)— ‘-Shane” (Par) and.. ‘(Prince of Pirates” (Col) (3d wk). Opened today (Tues.). Second week was smash $19,000, . Loew’s (Loew) (3.172; 50-75)-^ “Story Three Loves” (M-G) and ‘‘Siren ; of Bagdad” (Col). Fair $13,000, Last' week, “Return to Paradise” (UA) arid . “Heart Goes Crazy” (UA), $12,000. Fagearit (St. L. Amus.) (1,000; 90)—“Importance Being Earnest’' (U) (2d; wk). Fine $2,500 follow- ing $3,dOO opening frame. St. Louis (St. L. Amus.) (4,000:; 60-75)-T-“Master of Ballantrae” (WB) arid “Sky Command” (WB). Modest $10,000. Last week, “The Maze” (AA) arid ‘‘Prowlers Ever- glades” (RKO),. $12,000. Shady Oak (St. L. AmUs.) (800: 90) “Kind Hearts, Coronets” (UA). . Trim $3,500. Last week, “Man on Tightrope”- '(2Gtlv), $3,- 000 . . In D.C; Despite Heat; at Washington: Sept. 1. Ip the iriidst of a new heat wave, Washington’s midtoWn boxoffice is .extremely spotty. Hot weather is riot hurtirig "Here to Eternity.” opened with a treriieridous .rush and; headirig for records at the Translux, with huge take. “Moon is- Blue” continues at a bdff. paye, in tvv'6 Lopert sure-seaters,“Haif a; Hero” is doing vt'ClI with vaude at. :Capitol. “Plunder of Sun*’ is .fair ••at, .Warner,;', ; Estimates, fbr This: Week . Capitol (Loew's), (3,434; 55-95)-^; “Half a Hero” (M-G3^ ‘plus vatide* Nipe $?0,000, with-Rtd Skelton’s. presence in pic the draw; Last Week, “Arrowhead’* (2Qth) plus vaUde, $20,000 Which about Same, arid better than anticipated. Columbia (Loew’s) (1,174; 55^85) -^“Stalag 17” (Par) (8th yk). Perked to big $7,500 after $6,800 Iflst''Wede* Dupont (Lopert) (372; 55-$l)r^. "Moori Is Blue?’ (UA): (7th:.wk)* $5,500l Big. Holds indef. Last Week, Kbith^s=^(RKO)-(L;949H55-85)^^-^ “Francis Covers. Big ’Tpwri’’. (t). (Goritinued bri pagb 18)