Variety (September 1953)

riCTraB GROSSES Wrdnndajr, Srplrailirr 16, 19.>3 End of School Vacations Bops LA.; luther Lush lOG/Arrowhead’Ohe 9G, . 'Sumatra IIG, 'Cinerama 38G in 2l)th Los AnK«*L'S. St’pt. 15. ♦ l'o‘l-liolulitv I«K and ivoponinK of schools plus few forceful, new hills are conti Jhiitinjl to uninterest- ing first-run |>ace this uei k. Ujiped S( ale showcasing of “Martin Lu- ther’ at the Kitr Is nice SlO.OhO hut not outstan<linK. ••Arr<»whead h.onis okay Sft.mtO at Orpheuin plus $4t» (KKl in one nahe and five o/.oners. “Hast of Sumatra’’ looks fancy $ll(U)(t at ttie State hut ‘(’itv of Itail Men" shapes thin in tour sit«‘s. Of the holdovers, •(’ineiama” ofT some from previous weeks, still is hi); jor over tor 2uth session. •‘Moon’' Is ftlue,’’ in two spots, c«»ntimn‘S rohust SLt.ttuh for nth stan/a. Moth '(lenthiuen i*refer hlomles.” in M’vcnth \\»'ek. ami “Hand Wavoti.” now in filth, are hohlin*; at fine SlP.tMih ea<h. Kstimatrs for This Week Orpheuin 'MetrojMilitan' '2.213; (imfMii — ".\irowheatl" 'I’an and “Skv (’ommando" '('ol> '2d run'. Ok.iy plus $4ri.(t(»() in one nahe, and f> <t/oners. Last week, “Shane” 'Par' ir)th wk'. Sfi.ahtl. Ritz 'FWC' '1,370; 00-^1,30' — •‘Martin Luther" 'Indie'. Fine $ 111 , 000 . Last week. “Hlneprint For IMurder” '20th I and "Sailor of KinK” ■20th' '2d wk-O days'. $2,000. I.oew’s State 'l ATC'' '2.404; 70- $1 10'—“Ka.sl of Sumatra” 'T' and flair .M«»nte (’arlo" 'AA'. Fancy $11,(MM). Last week, with Voyue. “I.atin Lovers" 'M-CL and "Project IMoonhasi'" 'Lit)' '2d wk'. $9,800. Los Anjfele*. Iris, I’ptown. Loyola <FW(’' '2.097; K14; 1.715: 1.248; 70- jjij KH—"City of Bad .Men" t20thi and “Thv .Neighbor's Wife" '20ih'. Thin Sn.tMMI. Last week, “Heturn Paradise" 'L'.\' and ".Assas.sln" il A'. $32,000. Ilowntown, .Wiltern 'SNVi <1,757; 2 344; 70-$l 10)—“Broken .Arrow” '20th' and “Male War Bride" '20th) 'reissues'. Modest $9.0(M). Last week. “Sky Commando" 'Col' and “Conciuest Coehise" (('ol', $12,300. Fox Wllshlre 'FWC '2'290; 80- $1 "I.iltlf Boy Lost" 'Par' •2<1 wki. (lood $14,000 or ne.ir^ Last week, witli preem coin. $22.7(M). Fine Arts 'FWC *631; 80-$I 30> —‘‘.Melba" 'I'A' i2d wk>. Dull $2.- 2o0. Last week. $4.0(M). “ Los .Anireles. Hollywood Para- mounts .AB-PT-F8cMi '3.:t00; 1.430; 70-$l 20'—"Island in Sky ” 'WB' and “Satari Drums" '.\.A' 'L. A. Par. milvi '2(1 wk'. Fair $19,000. Last week. $28,700. Hill.street, Pantaites iRKO' '2.- 7.52; 2.HI2; 7.V$1.15i— Winys of llawk” il’> and "Valley Head llont- ers" 'Coll '2d wk'. Fair $10,500. Last week. $28,200. Fltyptian 'CATO '1.538; 80- $1 .50'—‘'Hand Wation" 'M-(;i '.5th wk'. Okay $10,000. Last week. $12,- (i(Mt, Chinese 'FWO '2.048. $1-$1 80' —‘‘(lenth*men Preler Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $G79.800 i Hast'd on 23 (licafres) l.ast Year . . . $479,600 t Hast'd on 19 fficofrc.s) ‘Roman Robust $9,000 in Prov. Pro\i(l«nee, Sept. 15. It s another fast-moviiiR week here. Loew’s State is still leading the list with “Frome Here ’I’o Kteinit.N" in its second round. Next in line is Maji-stic’s "(lent lemon i Prefer Blondes,” another holdover.i Strand's "Roman Holiday" just ! finished a nice stanza. I Estimates for This Week j Alhee -RKO) '2.200: «.5-85)—! “Kid Fniin Left Field" '20thi and! "Broken Arrow" '20thl. Okc $H.- 000. Last w»>«*k. "WinRS of Hawk" • C) and "Tar/:.n and Shc-Dcvil" 'RKOi. niflv $n.5(t0. .Majestic 'Fayi '2.’2()0; 50-7()»— ‘‘Cicntlonen Prefer Blondes' • 20th) '2d wk'. Very niee $10,000 alter smash $14,000 op<‘ner. I State 'LoeW '3.200; 74-$l'‘—{ ■‘Here To Eternity” 'Colt <2d wk'. .Sock $24,000. First week was wow • $35,000. I '.Strand 'Silverman' <2.200; 50-7011 —"Cruisin’ Down River" i(’ol' and "Jack McCall Desperado ” UA'. I Opened Monday *14'. Last week, i "Roman Holiclav". 'Par'. nice $9,000. ‘WITCH’ MODEST lOG, L’VniE; ’A&C’ BIG 6G Louisvlll*! Sept. 15. Cooler weather ordinarily should help grosses at downtown houses, hut current week is an exception. Product is blamed by some exhibs but Kentucky State Fair and usual letdown seems real factor. "Return To Paradise’’ is .ho-.so at the State but "Ahhott-Costello Meet Dr. Jekvll and Mr. Hjde ” at Kentucky shapes big. "While Witch Doctor’ at Rialto doesn’t show much strength. Estimates for This Week Kentucky (Switow) <1,200; 50-75) —".A. & C. Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hide" 'U) and "Stand At Apache River” 'L'. Heading for big $6,000. Last week, "Thunder Hay" 'O. $4,500. .Mary Anderson 'People’s! <1.200; .-,0-75(—"Island In Sky" 'WB) '2d wk'. Medium $5,(K)0 aftei* last week’s $6,000. Rialto 'Fourth Avenue' <3.000; .'■, 0 - 75 ) — "White Witch Doctor" • •20th). Modest $10,000. lj»-st week. "Houdini” 'Pan, $14,000. State 't.oew’s) <3,000; .50-75)— "Return 'fo |*aradise’’ ,<UA) and “49th Man" 'C’ol'. .Not showing too inueh virility at wicket. Look.s like $9,000. Last week. "Ride Vaqiiero” arid “Siren pf Bagdad " ■ Col). $14,000. ‘Roman’ Lively $1S,IIIII); Ciicy Ace; ‘Latin’ Qhe $9,0(19, ‘Canyon’ Ditto Key Gty Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week .... $2.867,600 (Based on 24 citic.s. and 215 theatres, chiefly first runs, in- rlndinp N. Y.) Total Grots Sams Week Last Yesr $2,072,900 (Based on 23 cities, and 205 flicatrcs.) ‘Column’ Okay $14,000 in K.C. ‘Roman’ Rousing $12,000, Mpis; ‘Jury’ Mighty 13G, ‘Rose’ 8G, ‘Moon’ 7G, 4th Minneapolis. Sept, 15. ' It’s the familiar rcient story of holdovers being much in evidence ' here (his round. Fresh enti les like I "Roman Hnlida> . ‘ "I. the Jury. ” I "Arrowhead" and “Sword and ■ Rose," with most of tliem doing j well at the bo\(»fUce. .An adverse I factor is the en<l of vacation for .school students. Tlo.s may help to 1 account for slow starts of some pix, ,"Jur\" is building to .sock total, { Estimates lor Thin Week Century 'Par' '1,600; 65-85'— ' ".Scoutmaster" i20th» i3d wk^; Okay $4,500. Last week, $5.(M»0. (i\opher 'Berger' '1.025; 65-85'— I ".Arrowhead” 'Par'. Very well hiked outdoor action picture. Good $4,500. Last week. "Vice Squad ” Blondes" ''UAt (2d wk). $3,000. rrim SIO.OOO. I.ast : L.vric ICndd\” $ 120 - ■ • 20th week, num- »2oth) '7th wk'. week. $13..500. Hollywood .'SW» il.3()4; $2 80i—‘‘Cinerama’’ Imlie' wk'. Smash $38,000. Last $34,000 in 13 shows, not usua her for a week. Heverlv Hills -SW' '1.812; 80- $1 .50'—‘•.st.ilag 17" iPai ' '9th v. k- 8 (lav SI. Oke $.5 .5(M). Last week, $ 8 , 000 . Four Stai, Rialto 'L ATC-Metro- pnlit.iii' '900. 839; 80-$120'— ■ Moon Is Blue" 'I'.A' 'llth wk). Sliirdy $13,000. Last week. $15.2(M). Lnited Artists, Hawaii I ATC- (;\S' 2.100; 1.106; 70-$1.10'— ’ Tiie (’.itl(l\" Par' and "Fgypt By 3" 'Indie' <1’. .A. onlv) '3d wk'. l.iLiht $!).500. l,;,st week. $14.()()(). \analM»nd Rosener' '385; $120'' - Sv\en l)ca(Il\ Sms" 'hnlic '2d! k $.5 500 Last week, colos- i s.il St;..*(1(1 uilli liolid.ty. rvtia p'M'- lorm.-inccs. ‘Latin’ Bright $15,000, Buff; ‘Caddy’ Big 12G, 2d Bnll.ilo, Sopt 1.5, Bi/ is olli>.li ,•(! fiis|-rviiis here this siaii/a with tlu' nninher of IndtloM is no Inlp, • Latin Lovers" Sliapes li\rl\ .at the Bnflalo to pace new pix “.Moon Is Blur" still was mellow m nine (la\s ot third week at the Lalavette. ‘ Th,. r.uldy” ron- limied brisk in second stan/a at Paramount. i Estimates for This Week Buffalo 'laiew’.s) '3.01M).* 40-70' ^I.atin Lovers" 'M-G' and "I’aris Express" i Indie'. Neat $1.5.000, Last week. "Return to Paradi.se" 'Continued on'page 16) 'l»ai( (l.OtM); 65-8.5)—"The 'I’ar* int o '. Fine $6.(MM). I.ast wei'k. "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" '‘JOth) i4th wk'. $6,()()(). Radio City 'Pan '4,0()(); 65-75' — "lioman Ihdida.v" 'Pai‘). .Stout $12.- 000. Last week, “The CatUK" 'Pan. $17.0(M). RKO-Orpheum 'RKO' '2.800; 5.5- 85*—“Sword and Ro.se’’ 'RKO'. iContinoed on page 18) Kansas City. Sept. 15. Big hi/, is Ix'ing done by hold- overs here thus round, “Shane" at I*aramount and "Here to Eternity” ^ at Midland both i^ing sock, for- mer in second week and “Eternity" I in thii*d. Newcomers- are mild, i "Column South" in four Fox Mid- ; west houses and “Sword and Rose” ' at the Missouri both aiound aver- age figures. “Martin Luther" still I getting heavy money In fourth i week at the E.soiilre. Weather i again is in mid-90’.s after a cool : holiday weekend. Estimates fpr This tVeek Esquire 'Fo.x-Midwest* '820; 90- $1.20(—".Mailin Luther" 'Indie' '4th wk'. Strong $4,000, and may hold. La.st week, $5,000. ! Kinto •Diekin'^'vn' <504; 6.5-85)— j "Lili” 'M-Gi 'lOlh wk). Oke $1,400. La.>t week. $1,500. Midland 'Loew’s' '3..5()0; 75-$!' — “Hei*e to F.teniitv ” 'Col') i3d wk'. Nitty $11,000. I.asl week, $18,000. i .Missouri 'RKO' '2,6.50; 65-85)— ■ ‘‘.Sword and Rose” 'RKO'. Mild I $5.(M)0. I.ast week. “Island - in I .Skv ” 'WB' and "Son Belle Starr ” •AA', $6,000. 1 Paramount 'Tri-Slates' <1.900; 7.5-$!'—"Shane" 'Par) '2d wk). Soeko $14,000 and likely goes third week. Last week, giant $20,000. Tower, I'ptown, Fairway, Gra- nada 'Fox Midwest) '2,100; 2.043; 700; 1,217; 6.5-85) — "Column South’’ 'L’) and "Take Me to Town" 'I '. 'Fopping average take at $14,000, Last week. "Scout- master" '2()thi with "Belle of 5'ukon" 'Indie) 'reissue' added at Tower and Granada, lively $16,000. Vogue 'Golden) '550; 65-85)— “Cruel Sea’’ 'L'* '2d wk'. Niee $2,000 and will go another stanza. Last week, $2,200. ‘ArrowheaiT Fast $12,000 in Pitt Pittsbui'gh, Sept. L5. Biz is on the skids here thi.s ! .stanza. Be.st bet looks to be “Ar- , rowhead," which is good at the Stanley. •’Cruel Sea” continues great in second round at Squirrel Hill after establishing e house record in first week. “Moonlighter” is fairly good at the Warner. “Scoutmaster’’ is barely okay at the Fulton while “Latin Lovers” is lightweight at the Penn, Estimates for This Week Harris <Harris) '2.200; 50-85) — “Sailor of King" '20th'. Light at $4,000. Last week, “City of Bad .Men" '20th). $3,500. Fulton (Shea) '1.700; 65-$D — "Scoutmaster" '20th'. Good $7.(KH), La.st week. “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" '20111) '4th wk'. big $8,000. Penn 'Loew’?) '3.300; 50-85) — "Latin Lovers" iM-G). Slight $9,000. Last week, “Rotnan Holi- day” (Par), $15,000. Squirrel Hill (WB) '900; 50-85)— "Cruel Sea" (U) '2d wk). Great $5,500 after record $6,000 opener. Stanley 'SW< <3,800; 50-85' — “AiTOwhead" 'Par). Good $12,000. La.st week, “Lsland in Sky" 'WB', $9,000. Warner (SW' '2.000; 50-85' — “Moonlighter” 'WB). Nice $7,000. Last week, “Affairs Dobie Gillis" • M-G) and "’Tarzan She-Devil" iRKO', $4,800. Cincinnati. Sept. 1.5. Downtown biz U tapering off this post-holiday frame, with quut apparent from back-to-school trek of juveniles. •‘Roman Holiday" is current topper with a good gio s at the big Albee. Other new hills are “[.Jitin Lovens," looming ok.iy for the Capitol: •‘Devil’s Canyon. ’ which stacks up fairisi) at the Palace, and “Dangerous Crossing * shaping so-so for Keith's. "(’adil.N ’ is still holding up nicely in \u fourth main line stanin. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) '3.100; 75-$l'— “Roman Holiday" 'Par'. Go<mI $15,000 or over. Last w eek, Band Wagon" 'M-G), $23,000 in 9 da\s. Capitol (RKO) '2,000; .55-85'— “Latin Lovers" «M-G) and ’ Tenor On Train" (M-G). Okay $9,(MM), Last week, •‘Martin Luthi*)” 'Indie) '3d wk', at 90-$L19 scale. $6..500 in 8 days. Grand (RKO) '1.400; 7.5-si'— “Caddy" (Par) m.o.) «2d wk'. Fine $6,000 after $8,000 last round. Makes fourth w'eek downtown. Keith's (Shop) '1,500; 5.5-851 — "Dangerous Crossing" '2()th(. Mild $4,000, Last week, "Scoutmaster’ ^2Uth) <2d wk), $4,500. Palace (RKO) '2.600; 75-$!'— “Devil’s Canyon" <RKO'. Moderate $9,000. Last week, “Island in Sky" 'WB), $9,500. ‘Bay’ Brisk $19,000 in Spotty Det; ‘Witch’ 25G, ‘Eternity’ Huge 33G, 2d DeOoit. Sept. 1.5. 1 Hi/, IS .'spotty here this week. “From Mere to F.lernity is still doing tn-mendoiis trade in second week at the Madison. “White Witch Doctor” at the Fox and “Thunder Ba.\’’ at the Michigan are the best of the newcomers. “Cmerain.'i" sta\s near eapaeit\ in 28th week at Hie Music llall, “The .Actress." despite jn'cetn hall.\hoo. is just average at the Adams. I'.stimates for This Week Fox 'Fox-DetroiD i5.()()0; H0-$1' —“White Witch Doctor" i2()th) and "Dangerous Crossing ’ i20th), Gkav $2.5.0()(). Last week. “City of Bail Men" i2()th> and "Sailor King" '2<ilh'. $22..50(). ' 51irhigan <,1*tilled Detroit) '4.000; f8()-$l>—••'I'Inmder Baj" 'U» and j’ Sky Commando" 'Col'. Good $19.- 000. Last week, "Charge at Feath- er River" (WH) and ’’Francis Cov- ers Big Town’ ' ond w eek. I $14,000 in sec- , Palms (CD) '2.961; 70-95)— "Island in Sky" (WB' and "Tarzan and She-Devil" (RKO) (2d wk). : Down to $10,000, Last week, trim $17,000. Aladison 'UD' '1.900. 95-$1.25)— ‘Here to Eternity" 'Col) '2d wk'. Wham $33,000 or better. Last week. $43,000, to break all house records, t Cnited Artists 'CA) '1.938; 80- $1'—"Gentlemen l*refer Blondes" .'2()th) (7tl) wk). Fast $7,000, Last, jweek. $13,000. I I Adams 'Balaban' '1.700; BO-SP—* "The Actress" 'M-G'. .Average $1L- ' (KM). Last week. “Band Wagon”' !'M-G) '5th wk', $5,000. Broadway-Capitol 'Korman' <3.- 500; 70-95)—“Arrowhead" 'Par* and “No Escape" 'VA) '2/1 wk». Oke $8,000. Last week. $18,500. .Music Hall 'Cinerama Produc- tions) <1.236; $1.4()-S2.80)—"Cine- rama" 'Indie) •26(h wk*. Sturdv I $30,000. Last week, $32,500. ‘Plunder’ Fair $14,000, Hub; ‘Hero’ 12G, ‘Blade’ Hep lOG, ‘Moon’ 15G, 2d Boston. Sept. 15. Although most pix are on hold- over. hiz continues on bullish side this stanza. "From Hcie to Eter- 1 nity." in its fourth week at the Orpheiim. continues great while “(ientlemen Prefer Blondes" in third round at tlte Memorial. “Ro- i man Holiday’’ in second week at .the Met. and “Moon Is Blue" in I second week at the Astor. all shape j strong. Newcomei s, ’“Plunder of Sun" at Paramount and Fenway and “Half a Hero" at the State aie only fair. “Golden Blade" at the Boston looms fairly good. “Cruel Sea” still is big in tliird E.xeter week. Estimates for This Week Astor iB&Q) '1,500; 50-$ 1.1 O'— “Moon is Blue’’ 'LA' (2d wk'. Nifty .$15 000 following $19,000 for fii‘st. Pic is not shown Sundavs. Boston iRKOi <3.000; .50-90) — “Golden Blade" 'U'-and “CJuerilla Gii‘l" (UA). Good $11,000 or near. Last week, “Stand at Apache River’’ (U» and “Knock-out Parade" (AA). $8,000. Exeter (Indio' (1.30u. J0-$1'’— "Cruel Sea” lU) '3d wk'. Still big at $6,000 after $6,000 second frame. Fenway (NET) (1.373; 50-90)— “Plunder of Sun" (WB) and “Sweethearts on Paiade’’ iRep). •'00. Last week. “IsKind in “Down Laredo May" (Rep), $5,200. Memorial (RKO) <3.000; 65-$!)— “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes ’ i2()thi '3d wk). Still hot at $18,000 follow- ing $21,500 for second week Metropolitan 'NET) <4.367; 50 90' —"Roman Holiday ” 'Par' and “Kid From Left Field" '2()th) '2d vk' Fine $20,000 after $24,500 for first.. 'Loew’s (3.000; 74- Elei-nily’’ (Col) 'I'!' Great $25,000 or near. Third week .surged to giant $34,000. Paramount 'NET) '1.700; 50-90) - f’lunder of Sun" 'WB) and Sweethearts on Parade" .Rep) • Islan'i M* '•.I'.'' ‘"B) and "Down Laredo >5ay’ (Rep). $14,000. State 'Loew’.s) (3.500; 50-90'— Half a Hero" 'M-G' and ’Tenor on a Train" 'M-G'. Good $12,000. Last week. “Hei-e to Eternitx" 'CoD ^ 3d vk', $20,000. ‘Wings’ Bangup $12,000, Toronto; ‘Latin’ B^ 17G, ‘Moon’16G,‘Blondes’19G Toronto. Sept. 15. “Latin Lovers” and “Wings of Hawk ” are the big newcomers heie this round. However, such hold- overs as “Gentlemen P r e f e r Blondes" in second frame and "Moon is Blue" In sixth are to|j- ping the city. Biz is good but the influx of Canadian National Ex- hibition visitors is nut helping trade. Eftlimates for This Week Crest, Downtow'n, Glendale, .Mayfair, Scarboro, State iTayloi ) <863; 1.059; 955; 475; 694; 698; 35- (i(),_"Crui.sin’ Down River ” 'CoD and "Son Belle Starr” 'AA*. Okay $12,000. Last week, “Mighty .loe Young” (RKO) and “Lsle of Dead ’ • RKO) (reissues). $10,000. Egllnton, University 'FD 1.558; 40-75)—“Sword and 'RKO'. Fine $11,500. Last $15,000. Imperial 'FP' '3.373; 40-75'— “Shane"’ (Par) '5t)i wk*. Holding well at $9,500. La.st week, $14,(MM). Loew’s 'Loewi '2,096; 40-75'— "Latin Lovers" (M-G'. Big $17,000 Last week. “Vice Squad" 'LA' 2d wk). $9,500. Odeon 'Rank' *2.390; .50-90)— “Moon Is Blue" 'UAi '6th wk'. Holding at big $16,000. La.st week, $16,500. Shea’s *FP' <2.386; 40-75' — “Gentlemen Prefer Blonde.s"'20tii) '2d wk». Wham $18,500. La.^^t week, $23 000 Towne 'Taylor' '693; 50-75 — “Lili” (M-G) '7111 wk'. Stout $4 • .500. Last week. .same. Uptown 'Loow > <2,743; 40-7.5 — “Wing.s of Hawk” 'U'. Fine $12 'lOC La.st week, “Storv Thiee Loves’ 'M-GF '20 wk'. $9,500, 11.080; Rose ’ week. ‘Eternity’ VVliam IStJ. Fort.; ‘Blade’ Tall fC Poi‘tland, Ore.. Sept. 15 Biz ha.s been on upbeat at all first-runs for last tew monllis <l«- spite summer handicaps, hiked .'d* missions and single hills. Mrs. J. J. Parker reopened her United Ai ii'^'S Theatre this frame after being d.uk all summer. “F'roni Here to Ktti- nity" is terrific as opening hill. I. the Jury" also is good at Par.'* mount. “Golden Blade” looks tail at Broadway. * Estimates for This AVeek Broadway 'Parker' '1.890; ()5-!"i' —"Golden Blade" (U» and “AAC. .Meet Dr. Jekyll. Mr. Hvde" I'. Tiill $9,000 or ntar. La.^t w<(K. “Second Chance’’ 'RKOi and O k' Leagiiei” 'M-G*. $11,300. Guild 'Pai’ker) '400; $!•—'S..) Around Us" 'RKO'. Big S3""(» l.a.'.t week. “Run for Money" I ' '2d wk). $1,800. I.lberty 'Hamrick) '1.875, 65-w" —“Ride Vaquero" 'M-G*. Fine S7..5n0. Last week. “Band Wagon I M-G) and “Teri'or on Tioin (M-G) '2d wk'. $8,000. Mayfair 'E\*ergreen) 'I..500; * $1.251—“Moon Is Blue" -UA' 7'.i wki. Great $7 000. Uist wees. $7,700. Oriental 'Evergreen' '2.000; 90* —“Arrowhead" 'Par' and ' Af- fair With Stranger*' 'RKO'. Ok ' tCostInued on page 16)