Variety (November 1953)

WednMay, November 4, 1953 Heat Hits Chi; ‘Boy Lost’-Cornejl Nice $51,000, ‘Sangaree’ Stout 18G, ‘Torch’ Hot 15G, ‘Lion’ $14,500,2d Chicago, Nov. 3. ♦ Warmer weather and Hallowe’en •ue blamed for slowing up of biz in current session despite five n , wcomers. "Little Boy Lost" is nice $51,000 at the Chicago, with Don Cornell topping stageshow. • Sangaree” and "Sailor of King" combo is fancy $18,000 at United Artists. ‘ Torch Sons" looms hohsy $15- 000 at the Monroe. Ziegfeld's •Captain’s Paradise" is smash StiTOO while "Conquest of Co- chjse"- i 'China Venture” is okay $8,200 at Grand. potent session is in store for ‘Sea of Lost Ships” and "Perilous .Journey” in second week at Mr- \ u kers. Comho of "Lion in Streets” and "Mission Over Korea" shapes lively at Roosevelt also sec- ond round. Third week of "War of Worlds” is hefty at the Woods. Both sixth week entries are mx ko "Robe" at State-Lake be- ing $70,000 and "Martin Luther" $18 400 at the Loop. "Here to Eternity" is robust in ninth week at the Oriental while "Cinerama” rolls on at torrid pace in 14th at the Palace. Estimates for This Week Chicago <B&K* (3,900; 98-51 25) —• Little Boy Lost” (Par) with Don Cornell onstage. Heading for nice $51 .000. Last week. "B’owing Wild" (WBi 1 2d wk>, $38,000. Grand <RKO> (1.200; 55-98)— "Conquest of Cochise” (Colt* and "China Venture” (Col). Okay $8,- 200. Last week, "Mighty Joe I Young” iRKO» (reissue), $6,500. Loon (Telem't) (600; 98-51.25)— "Martin Luther” (Indie) (6th wk). [ Big $18,400. Last week, $19,000. | MrVickers (JL&S) (2,200; 65-90) j —"Sea of Lost Ships” (Rep) and ; "Perilous Journey” (Rep) (2d*wk>. ; Mild $11 000 or near after $20,000 last. week. Monroe (Indie) (1,000; 55-98)—j "Torch Song” (M-G>. "ot SI." 000. | or near. Last week, "Three Girls From Rome” (IFE) <2d wk). $4,500. Oriental <Indie) (3,400; 98-51.25) | —• Eternity” (Col) (9th wk). Strong SIM 000 after last week’s $"5,000. Palace (EiteD (1,484; $1.20-53.60) —“Cinerama” (Indie) (14th wk'. Terrific 541.500 after $45,800 last] week. Roosevelt <B&K> (1,500; 55-98)— "Lion in Streets” (WB> and "Mis- sion Over Korea" (Col) (2d wk). Nice 514 500. Last week. $19,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2.700; 98- $180'—"Robe” <20th) (6th wk). Wham S70.000. Last week. $73,000. Surf (H&E Balaban) (685; 98»— ‘■Titfield Thunderbolt” (Indie) (2d wk' Sluggish $2,500. Last week. S(i 000. I nited Artists (B&K) (1.700; 55- 98 — Sangaree” (Par) and "Sailor of King” i2()lh). Bright $18,000. Last week. "Cruel Sea” (U» (2d wk'. $14,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,198; 98'— ‘'War of Worlds” (Par) (3d wk). j Lw-'Iv $14,000. Last week. ‘18.000. | World <Indie) (587; 98)—“2c ! "’orfh of Hope” (Indie) (3d wk). Toly $4,200, Last week. $4,000. Ziegfe’d (Lopert) (485; 98)— ' 1 -ptam's Paradise” (U*. Fancy '$6,700. Last week, "Beggar's Op.'ia" (WBi (4th wk>, $2,700. Estimates Are Net Filin gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net; i. e., without the 20^0 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 l. S. amusement tax. Boy Lost’ Lively $15,080, Cleve Cleveland, Nov. 3. Several conventions and nippy fall weather are warming up down- town boxotTiees considerably. "Lit- tle Boy Lost" is swinging to a fast take for the State. Fourth round of "The Robe” continues to dis- play lasting power at Ilipp. Palace may wind up "Here To Eternity” after current seventh stanza. “Dia- mond Queen" at Allen and Still- man's "Houdini” are going okay. "Sabre Jet" on a shift to Loevv’s Ohio looks good. Estimates for This Week Allen (S-W> (3.000; 55-85'—"Dia- mond Queen” <WB». Fine $11,000 or near. Last week. "So Big" iWB), $11,500. Ilipp (Telemanagement' (3.700; $1-51.80»—"The Rohe" <20tln i4th wk*. Great $33,000. Last week, $41,000. Ohio (Loew’si (1,200; 55-85) — "Sabre Jet" tUA) (mo.). Good $5 - 000. Last week. “Martin Luther" (Indie) (4th wk', $6,000. Palace (RKO> (3.300; $1 25-$l 50- —"Eternity” (Col» i7th wk'. $10.- 500 and may stay on. Last week. $13,000. State (Loews* <3.450; 55-85)— “Little Boy Lost" (Par). Fast $15.- 000. Last week, "Sabre Jet" iUA>. $16,000, Stillman (Loew’s> <2,700; 55-85) —"Houdini” <Par>. Sturdy $10.000, Last week. "Mogambo” (M-G) < 4th wk', $8,000. ‘Ground’ Smooth $7,000, Seattle; ‘Robe’ 18G, 5th Seattle. Now 3 Town is loaded with holdovers tins stanza hut trade still is strong, with holdovers and longruns con- tinuing lug Lone entry ot real importance. "Take High Ground” shapes good at Liberty "Marlin Luther" looms great in second Coliseum round "The Robe" still is great in tiftli name at the Filth Avenue "Here To Eternity” con- tinues solid in second Paramount stint. Estimates for This Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick' «800;’-65- 90'— 1 "Importance Being Earnest" T*. Mi hi $21)00 in 6 days. Last week, "Cruel Sea" (l’* <2d wk— 8 days). $2,900 Coliseum 'Evergreen* 1 1.829; 90- $1.25) — "Martin Luther” < Indie' '2d wk'. Great $12,000, ahead of $10,800 opener. Fifth Avenue 'Evergreen) 1 2.349; $1 25-51 75»—-"The Robe" «20tlu <5tb wk'. Immense $18,000. Last week, $22,000. liberty < Hamrick' '1,650; 65-90' —"Take High Ground” (MG' Good $7,000 Last week, "Joe Louis Story” <1 A' and "Mv Heart Goes Crazy" 'I'M. $4,200 Music Box (Hamrick' <850; 90- $1.25)—“Moon is Blue" (U-A) doth | v\k*. Nice $4,000. Holds again for record run Last week. $4,700, Music llall (llamriek* <2,263; 90- $1,25)-—"Mogambo” 'M-G' '3d wk'.. Solid $7,500 Last week. $11,500 Paramount 'Evergreen' (3.039, 90- $1.25'—"Eternity" 'Col* <2d wk' Great $16,000 after $26,000 last week. ‘Blrde’ Sharp $14,000, Denver; ‘Torch’ Hot 10G Denver, Nov. 3. Torch Song” shapes as one of Truest newcomers with torrid y ion at the Broadway, where it J "ids. "Golden Blade” looms sharp •’> Paramount while "Botany Bay” /.‘Med fine at Denham. "The Jv'.'fic" continues stout at the Denver in third stanza, and stays 0:1 Vice Squad" shapes fair in *locations. Estimates for This Week , Maddin <Foxi <1.400; 90-SI.20 — dart in Luther" dndie' <4th wk . } r 54 000. Last week, $8 000. Broadway dVolfherg) (1.200; 50- ' -"Torch Song” (M-G). Torrid '• 000 Holds; Last week. "Eter- (Col) <3d wk', after four v , at Paramount, $5,000. Denham (Cockrill) <1,750; 50-85) • Botany Bay” (Par). Fine $10- Stays over. Last week, ; Boy Lost” (Par) (3d wk>, 5" >■ 10. Denver 'Fox* (2.525; 90-$1.50)— < d* Robe” (20th) <3d wk*. Fast . 000, and holding, Last week, JS • 000. , dsQuire 'Fox' <742: 50-85* — «UA). Fair $2,500. Last (Continued on page 18) Det Still Great; ‘Jet’ Hotsy $13,500, ‘Roman’ Rich 16G, ‘Canyon’ 13G Detroit. Nov. 3. Biz. which has been riding high the last two weeks, stays near the •crest for the third straight stanza. "The Rohe" continues very strong in fifth week at the Fox. The ninth week of "Here To Eternity" at the Madison and the third week of "Mogambo” at the United Artists are strong. Of the newcomers, "Roman Holiday” rates good at the Michigan, "Sabre .Jet” shapes hot at the Broadway-Capitol and "Devil’s Carfyon" is okay at the Palms. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detrait) (5.000, 51- $1.80'—"The Rohe” (20tii» <5tli wk). Solid $65,000. Last week. $70,000. Michigan (United Detroit) <4.000; ,80-$l)—"Roman Holiday" 'Par) and "Trent's Last Case" (Indie*. Good $16,000. Last week. "The Caddv" < Par* and "Plunder of Sun" (\VB>, $15.000. ! Palms <UD' <2.961; 80 5 j - "Devil’s Canyon” <RK(>> and "Jen- nifer” 'Indie. Oke $13,000. La-5 vveek. "Lion in Streets" <\VB> and j "Black Fury" tW’B\ 515.000 in 10 days. Madison (Up) <1.900; 95-51 25 — i "Eternity” (Col 1 . '9th wk'. Swell $13,000 * Last week. $13,800. United Artists <UA> <1.938 80- 51 —"Mogambo" 'M-G* <2d wk Good SI3.700. Last week. $17,000, ! Adams <Balaban> <1.700; 80-51* —"Torch Song" <M-G> '2d wk'. Oke $9,000. Last week. $14 400. Broadway-Capitol (Kornian' <3.- 500; 80-$l'—"Sabre Jet" <UA* and “Fighting Lowman” (Allied'. Good $13,500. Last week. "Joe Louis Story” (UA> and "Murder Without Tears” (Indie) <2d wk'. $10,200. Music Hall (Cinerama Produc- tions) (1.236; $1 40-S2 80’— Cine- rama” (Indie' <33d wk. Big i $27,000. Last week, same. ‘Moon’ Mellow $14,000, Philly Philadelphia, Nov. 3 Biz continued nicely here this session, with a couple of strong newcomers helping. "Moon Is Blue" shapes smash at the small Trans-Lux. Biggest coin for a new entrant is going to "Big Heat," which is terrific at the Goldman. "Torch Song" looks great in sec- ond round at Midtown "Cinerama” still is socko in fourth stanza at the Boyd. .Estimate* for Tills Week Arcadia <S&S* '625; 85-$ 1.30• — "Mogambo” 'M-G' (4th wk'. Nice $11,500. Last week. $16 000. Boyd (SW> 11.400; $1.30'—"Cine- rama” (Indie' <4tli wk’. Great $26.- 500. Last week, $26,000. Goldman 'Goldman) (1.200; 50- 99*—"Big Heat” (Col). Smash $25.- 000 Last week, "Redheads from Seattle" (Par*. $12,000. Masthauni iS\V« <4,360; 85 $ 1 25' —"So Big" <WB< (2d wk). Poor $11,000. Last week. $15,000. Midtown (Goldman' (1.000; 74- $1.30'—"Torch Song” 'M-G) <2d wk'. Hot $13,000. Last vveek. $13.- 000 . Randolph 'Goldman' (2,500; 7.5- $1.30)—"Blowing Wild” <\\'B» <’M wk*. Weak $9,000 Last vveek. $13.- 000 . Stanley (SW) <2,900. 85 $1 30 - "Etemitv” <Col> <6tli wk*. Big $17.- 000 Last week. $13,000 Stanton <SW' <99$ 1.25)—"Mar- tin Luther” (Indie' <6th wk-5 days). Big $7,200 Last vveek. $9,500 Studio 'Goldberg' <500; 85-51 25' —“Cruel Sea”' <U'» (5lli wk'. Fast $3,300. Last w <*ek, $3,500. Trans-Lux «T-L' '500; 99 $ 1 50' —"Moon is Blue” <L’A>. Terrific $14,000. Last week, "Moulin Rouge" <l \» '34<h wk'. $3,800. Fox '20th' '2.250; 99-$ 1 80) - "The Rohe" '20th' '6th uk'. Fancy $35,000 after $40 000 last week. ‘Boy Lost’ Bangup At 95G, Prov; ‘Vicki’ 8G Providence. Nov 3. Majestic’s "Vicki” is fairly strong here this week while State’s sec- ond round of "Mogambo" is sturdy. Strand's "Little Boy Lost" did stoutly. RKO Alboe is fail' with Key Largo” on reissue. Estimates for This Week Albce < RKO' '2 200; 50-70 — "Key Largo” 'UB .and "Treasure Sierra Madre” '\VB< (reissue Fairly pood $6,000. f.ast vvek, "Glass Weh.” <U'. and "Top Hat <RKO' (reissue 1 , $7 000. Majestic 'Fay 1 ‘2.200; 50-70 — “Vicki” '20th 1 and "Royal African Rifles” 'AM. Good $8,000 Last week. "Blowing Wild *WBi and "Black Fury" <WB' $7,000 State (Loewi' <3.200; 70-51'— "Mogambo” VM-G) <2d wk'. Sturdy $12,000 after $20,000 firs* stanza Strand Silverman' <2.200; 50*70) —"Last of Posse” <Col) and "Flame of Calcutta” <Col». Opened Mon- day <2». Last week, "Little Bov- Lost” (Pan, stout $9,500. PMTI'HK I.ROSSKS Balloting Boosts Broadway B.O.; ‘Botany Bay’ Big 44G; ‘G&S’ $14,000, ‘Robe’ 120G, 7th, ‘Mogambo’ 115G, 5th Flection Day this week is loop- ing business at many Broadway first-run houses although the cam- paign hoopla and absence ot many new films hurt holly earlier in the i session Heavy rains several nights also j ut into trade Bulk of real money is coming from extended run hills, There are only tour new comers m tlo* present stanza, and 1 important coin is coming from only ong j "Botany Bay." which gut oil winging iast Thursday, is heading for a .smash $44 ODi) m first week at the Mayfair \ smart campaign obviouslv is proving great assist- ance. "Gilbert & Sullivan " on two- a-day at llo* Bijou, looks nearly rapacity around $14,000 opening frame "Jack Slade” did only a lean $9,000 first stan/a at the Globe, tint stays until house closes , to prep for launching of second CinemaScope pie, "How To Marry a Millionaire" Fourth pie, "Little World ot Don Camilla." is only fair $5,800 at the New York Biggest money this session is go 1 ing to' "The Rohe" although cur Jrelitly in its seventh week This round looks to wind up today 'Wed* with great $120,000 "Mo gamho" with stageshow is conclud- ing its five-week run at the Music Hall todav with an okay $115,000 "Ki ss Me Kate" opens tumoi row 1 Tlmi's 1 "So Big” with Duke Ellington hand and Golden Gate Quartet topping stageshow concluded its j second stanza last night »Tues ' at the Paramount with fair $48,000 "Torch Song” wound up its third I week with a solid $19,000 at the State, holding on this week until j house < loses to make ready tor I "How To Marry A Millionaire." I which it is play ing day-date with Gh'br. "Little Boy Lost" held at a lusty $24,000 in sixth week at the Rivoli j "Moon Is Blue" climbed to a solid j $16,000 in 17th round at the Vir- I toria. "Here To Eternity” held with big $40,000 in 13th session at the Capitol, opening its 14th week t<> day (Wed ». Estimates for This Week Astor <City Inv ' (1.300; 80-SI HO* J—"Queen of Sheba” < Indie. Open | today 'Wed'. Last week. "Main St To Broadway" iM-G> <3d wk H | days', only $9,000 although “.!«• n- j niter” <lndie» was added starling midweek. Second full vveek. "Broadway" solo was $9,300 Itijou 'City Inv.) <589; $1 80 $2 40'—"Gilbert & Sullivan" <!.<< i pert* '2<l vvk• First round ended last night 'Tires' was virtually capacity at $14,000 tor 17 shows In ahead, house was closed i , Baronet <Readc> <430; 90 $1 50 I—"Beggar's Opera" <WB» 'llthj uk*. The JOIIi round ended Sun ‘day * 1» was ,nk ay $4,100 alter $:».-■ 000 for ninth week Slavs here a tew weeks longer, hut no new pi' 1 set as vet C apitol i Loew’s) '4 820. 70-$2 20 --"Eternity" 'Col' ‘ 14th wk'. The j 13th round ended last niidit 1 <Tues ' was big $40 000 alter 5 46 - 000 for 12tti vveek. Stays on. Criterion 'Moss' <1,700; 85-52 20 —‘‘Sabre .Jet” 'UA> Opened Mon-J day '2 1 night In ahead, "Big Heat" 'Col' <3d wk-5 daysi, good $12,000 after nice 519 000 for second Fine Arts < Davis' ' 468. 90-$l 80 —"Cruel Sea" <C' fJ3t.li wk' The 12th frame ended Monday 2 held j at trim $5,800 after 56.200 for I Ph i week. "Decameron Nights" <RK<) j opens Nov J 7 Globe 'Brandt' '1,500 60-51 50 ! —".Ia<k Slade" 'AN'. Initial week end< fI last night <Tues ) was lean '59 000 In ahead "C’ilv of Bad Men” <20t h *8 (lavs'. $9 500 ’ How To M ari;y a Millionaire" '20th second CjneMiaScope pic. flue to pieem night of Nov 9 with tegu- lar run slatting Nov 10 Guild 'Guild '450 51-51 HO "Martin Luther ’ 'Indie 91 h wk' The ejgj;lh stanza end'd la t ni: ot Tue c < was smash $14 500 alter $16 500 for seventh week Holiday ‘Rose’ <950; 70-51 80 "Joe Louis Story" <1 A Opened yesterday <Tuev c In ahead, "I. t’s Do It Again" Col' <2d wkc light 55 500 after $8,000 for. second Mayfair 'Brandt l '1.730; 70-51 80 1 —"Botany Bay" 'Parc Initial ses- sion ending today (Wed i looks Mke smash $44,000. Holds In ahead, j "The Caddy” 'Part <6lh wk>. $11,- 500. to wind up very nice run Normandie 'Normandie Thea- tres' (592. 95-$l.80'—"Little Fugi- tive” (Burstyn) <5th wk'. Fourth I frame ended Monday (2< held wilh fancy $7,600 after $7,500 for third week. I New York (Brandt (598, 53- $125* "l ittle World of Don Ca- mille" IFE' First week ending to- morrow Thins ' looks like fair $5.80(1 Stays two weeks In ahead. "Young Caruso'" tlFE' <3d wk-4 days’, 54.500 alter $6,600 for sec- ond foil week Palace <RKO) (1,700. $t 20 56’-- \U-vauJe hill headed by Betty Hutton 4th final wk' Third ses- sion endi <1 last night (Tiles.) vv is hi" $89..>00 alter $44,400 for sec- ond Partmmint i|’ar> '3,664. 80 $1 80) C:: 1 .111111 > .l.me" i\VB' with \m s Bios. I’upi C.unpo or.h heading stageshow Opens today 'W'*d 1 In aiiead, "So Big” 'Will v* 11 1 1 Duke Ellington oreli. Goldmi Gate (luaitet Stump & Stumny topouig stage lull '2d wk*. fair $4-8.060 attei 555.000 opening week. Paris Indie' (568, 90 $180' - "c':• pta 11 C • Paradise" <Lopert) <6'h wk Filth round ended Sunday < 1 • w s lustv $18,000 alter $20,000 lot lout 111 Rialto < Mage' '600. 50 98) - “Sti porama" (Indie) ('5th wk*. Filth ti.ime ending tomorrow 'Thins' looks to hold with trim $}!"() ) alter $8 500 tor fourth week. R.vali 'I XT' (2,092. 95-52' - "Little Bov Lost" 'Pan (711 1 wk*. Sixth sl.ui/i (Milled Mondav '2' held at 1 1 vetv $24,000 alter $26,006 for tilth week Rari'o City Music llall <Ro<ke- telliMS' Mi 200. 90 52 40) "Mogam- ho" < M (i * with stage show <5th- tinal V'k' Precnt rmind ending todav Wed ' liketv will hit okay 5! I > 01,0 alter $1 17.000 tor fourth week "Kiss Me Kate" <M (!) (tm t;s tomorrow <T!iurs >, with " I'.as' To | ,<u e” < M G • set a) (Tire lilia pu lmc Row Nat "I '|’h i .5.717. $1 53) - " I lie Rohe” I'jllllii < 71 It wk'. Pres- ent se sum (Miding today 'Wed) looks In hnlf( at sceko 5120.001) all i -1 $129,000, a hit Jielow (ropes, Im i\t It week llohls on until \ma film opens State l.oew’s* <3.450, 85 $1 80* - l oti 1 1 Song” i M-G' <4tli wk). 'I Im <f t omul ended Sunday ( i) con- tii'in (I m (flips with sol'd $19,00(1 allei $25 000 for second week Stgvs ahoul a Week loti"er with llow To Marry a Millionaire” 2<uii coming m Nov 10 alter elaborate pieem mi the night of Nov 9 Slit on 'R&Bi 1.861, 90 51 5IU - Tail".i Tika" <S<'!ia< t( i ' 'Dili wk). Fourth week ended Snndav '1' v\as oka v 51.800 at ter, $5 209 Im thud i ound I r.iie. l.ux GOth St. <T L 1 "4 >1. 90 si ail' The A< t»<" \1 < H Itli ul Thud stanza ceded Sun- day I* held with good 58,200 attei 59 200 lor • eeon.d v\c k Trans Lux 52nd St. '.Tie' '510; 90-51 50 I,ih” <M (!' 'h vvk'. The ;; till >tan/a ended Mm day '2» emitinm d m great style v.itii $(»,JPMl alt* i S'! 000 for 38d wet k Victoria (City lev ' ‘I 060, 95- 51 80i Moon I Blue" < l T A * ' IS’.lh .■ k The 17f1 1 round ended last m fit Id*' ' pn* lied to (did $16 • MX I attei $14 000 for 16th vyci k "Mm Ifel v\ e* f i ' 'Lopert' Opel N'<»v 18 Warner Cinerama Prod ) <l.6()0; 51 3<j 83 6o» "Cinerama" 'Indie' 2.!'1 wk 1 Current session ending tomorrow 'Thin s ' looks like fancy 548 500 aft* r $48,000 loi 21st week. St a ' on indi'l ‘So Big’ Lofty $16,000, Hub; ‘Mogambo’ Sturdy 25G, 2G, ‘Rohe’ 41G, 4th Boston Nov. 3 "The Rohe" in fourth week at the Memorial continues to p :*•(• me I ic'd hy a wide margin ()1 Hu* two re'emiKM- this flame, "Mar'in t.utliei ” Which relit Hi*' Majcsti' 1 , ■ e*»nd i ouiid in two hon c\ Lslimates for This Week Astor B&Q) '1,500, 50 81 10 - ‘ 1, 1 11!<• Bov Lost” 'Par <2d wk*. l a ) 511 860 following $14 000 ;n fit's! Beacon llill 'Beacon Hill) <800; 5.0-$ 1-■»- "Fanfan the Tulfo” 'L<»- pert < 4) 1 1 vvk' Fin<* $5,()'\) a Per $5 200 last week. V . Boston -KKOi <.”,.0<)0. 50-90' — "Marry Me Again" < RKO) and "Slasher" 'Indie) Tepid $8,500 lor 6 days Last week. "Back to God's Country" (J* and "Top Hat" (RKO* 1 reissue , $6,500. Exeter < Indie) (1.300, f>0-$l* — Beggar's Opera” (WB) <2d wk'. ( (Continued on page 13)