Variety (June 1954)

PICTURE CROSSES LA Spotty; ‘High’Whopping $28,000, “Wait’ Strong 23G, “Walk’ Hefty 22G, ‘Coins’ Crisp UG, Tjame’ Oke 14G I os Angeles, June 1. Even with the help of * long, holiday weekend .and a lineup or new bills, 1 first-run trade locally is spotty. Of newcomers, several are good. “High and Mighty” is stand- out new entry with a smash $28,- 000 show-casing at the Egyptian. Actual money is limited because of length of pic. “Three Coins in Fountain” looms good $17,000 at Fox Wilshire with upped scale. “Elephant Walk” shapes hefty $22,000 in two regu- lar theatres plus fancy $48,000 for one nabe and four ozoners where extensive video bally is paying off. “Long Wait” is rated good $23,- ,• 000 in three situations. Okay $14,- 000 looms for “Flame and Flesh” in two spots while “Indiscretion American Wife” shapes thin $18,- 000 in two houses, “Gorilla At Large” is dull $10,000, also two. Estimate for This Week Egyptian (UATC) (1,538; 41- $1.50)—“High and Mighty” (WB). Mighty $28,000. Last week, with Loew’s State, “Drums Across River” (U) and “Both Sides Law” (U), $18,400. Fox Wilshire (FWC) (2,296; $1- $1,50)—“Three Coiiis In Fountain” (20th). Good $17,000, -Last week, “Night People” (20th) (6th wk), $4,300. Fox Rttz (FWC) (1,363; $1-$1.50) —“Sunderin’’ (Indie). Neat $8,000. Last week, in unit. Hillstreet, Pantages, (RKO) (2,- 752; 2,812; 60-$ l'—“Indiscretion American Wife” (Col) and “Massa- cre Canyon” (Col). Thin $18,000. Last week. “Playgirl” (U) and “Fireman Save Child” (U) $8,400. Hawaii, Palace (G&S-Metropoli- tan) (1,106; . 1,212; 6041.10) — “Flame arid Flesh” (M-G) and “Mr. Denning Drives North” (Indie) (Palace only). Okay $14,000. Last week, Hawaii, “Prisoner War” (M-G) and “Bachelor in Paris” (Lip) (2d wk), $2,200. Los Angeles, Hollywood Para- mounts (ABPT-F&M) (3,200; 1,430; 00-$1.50)—“Gorilla at Large” (20th) (3-D) and “What Price Money” (In- die). Dull $10,000. Last week, “Sar- acen Blade” (Col) and “Jungle Man-Eaters” (Col), $13,600. Loew's State, Fox Uptown (UATC-FWC) (2,404; 1,715; 70- $1.10) — “Monster From Ocean Floor”, (Lip) and “Queen of Sheba” (Lip). Light $9,000. Last week, in other units. Los Angeles, Loyola, Fox (FWC) (2,097; 1,248; 965; 90-$1.25)— “Night People” (20th) and “Fight ing Pimpernel’* (Indie). Nice $21,- 000. Fox (formerly Guild) re- opened after being under lease for radio use. Last week, with Ritz, “Prince Valiant” (20th) and “Start- ed in Paradise” (Indie) (3d wk), $10,500. Orpheum, -Vogue- (Metropolitan FWC) (2,213; 885; 70-$L 10)—'‘Ele- phant Walk” (Par) and “Under- cover Agent” (Lip) (Orpheum only). Hefty $22,000. Last week, with Uptown. “Witness to Murder” (UA) and “Heat Wave” (Lip) (2d wk), $10,000. Warner Downtown, Wlltern, Fox Hollywood (SW-FWC) (1.757;’2,344; 756; 70-$1.10)—‘“Long Wait” (UA) and ‘'Overland Pacific” (UA). Good $23,000. Last week, with Iris, ex- cluding Hollywood, “Johnny Gui- tar” (Rep) and “Sun Shines Bright” (Rep) (3d wk), $14,300. Chinese (FWC) (1,905; $1-$1.80) —“River No Return” (20th) (4th wk). Fine $10,000. Last week, $11,900. Warner Beverly (SW) (1,612; 90- $1.50)—“Knock on' Wood” (Par) (8th wk). Strong $9,000. Last week, $8,100. Fine Arts (FWC) (631; 80-$1.5Q) —“Genevieve” (U) (8th wk). Okay $2,500. Last week/ $2,700. Warner Hollywood (SW) (1,364, $1.2042.65) — “Cinerama” (Indiei (57th wk). Into 57th session (30) after good $28,600 last week. UI Shoots 8 in June Hollywood, June 1. June will be a <hot production month at Universal-International, with eight films in work—five starters and three holders from May. Starters are: “Abbott and Cos tello Meet the Keystone Kops,” June 2; “Chief Crazy Horse,” 14; Captain Lightfoot,” 14; “Man With- out a Star,” 21; “To Hell and Back, 21 ; Holdovers are “Smoke Signal, “Destry” and “Five Bridges to qrpss.” 1 t Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Groat This Week $630,800 {Based.on 22 theatres) Last Year .$579,400 ‘ (Based on 20 theatres) Hiver Sockeroo K.C. Ace Kansas City, June 1. Holiday week lineup is headed by “River of No Return.”; Playing four Fox Midwest first-runs it looms sock, and will hold. “Miami Story” at the Missouir Is fated fair- ish, “Witness to Murder” at the Midland, also new, looms dull. “To- morrow It Too Late” is okay at arty Vogue. “Elephant Walk” is Oke on holdover ,#t the Roxy while “Moon Is Blue” likely, will close out its run at the Esquire at end of current 12th week. Welcome raids came late last week-to add territory’s crop outlook, but had no immediate reflection at b.o. Estimates for This Week Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 75- $1)—“Moon Is Blue” (UA) (12th wk). Good $2,600, and makes record run at this house. Last week, same. KJmo (Dickinson) (504; 85-$l)— “Genevieve” (U) (7th wk). Fine $1,500, Last w£ek, ditto. Midland (Loew’s) (3,500; 50-75)— “Witness To- Murder” (UA) and “Saadia” (M-G). Slow $6,000 or close. Last week, “Flame and the Flesh” (M-G). and “Charge of Lanc.ers” (Col), $9,000 in 8 days. Missouri (RKO) (2,650; 50-80)— “Miami Story” (Col) and .“Space-' ways” (Lip). Fairish $5,500. Last week, “Arrow in Dust” (AA) and “World Ransom” (AA), $6,000. • ParamountMTfi States) (1,900; 60- 80)—“Dial M For Murder’’ (WB). Opened Sunday: (30). -Last week, “Elephant Walk” (Par), sturdy $12,- OdO in 10 days. ade (Fox’ MidwteSt) (2,100; 2,043; 700; 1,217;' 65-85)—“River of No Return” (20th) with “Miss Robin Crusoe” (20th) added at Tower and Granada.' Great $25,000, and will stay. Last week, “New Faces” (20th) and “Loophole” (AA), $10,- 000 in 6 days, Vogue . (Golden (550;- 75-$l)— “Tomorrow Too Late” (Indie). First foreign language pic in many months, okay $2,200. Last week, : “Holly, and the Ivy” (Indie) (2d wk), $1,400. Warm Weather Soughs Toronto; ‘Carnival’ Hot $11,000,'Suite’ 14G, 3d Toronto, June 1. On warm weather outdoor com- petish, biz is off here currently, with most new product not up to managerial hopes. However, “Car- nival Story” is neat at Shea’s while “Flame and the Flesh” is good at Uptown. “River of No Return” : in second frame is fine at Imperial as is “Exectuive Suite” in third at Loew’s. Estimates for Thlc Week Downtown, Glendale, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (1,059; 955; 694; 698; 40-70)—“Gun Fury” (Col) and “Geraldine” (Rep). Light $11,000. Last week, “Drive Crooked Road” (Col) and “Diamond Queen (WB), $ 12 , 000 . Egllnton, University (FP) (1,080; 1,556; 50-80)—“Saadia" (M-G). Oke $9,000. Last week, “12-Mile Reef” (20th), same. Hyland (Rank) (1,354; 60-80)— “Kidnappers” (Rank) (7th wek). : Still big at $7,000. Last week, $7,500. Imperial (FP) (3,373; 6041)— “River of No Return” (20th) (2d wk). Fine $14;000. Last week, $ 21 , 000 . Loew’s (Loew’s) (2,090; 65-80)— “Executive Suite” (M-G) (3d wk). Hefty $14,000. Last week, $17,500. ‘ Shea’s (FP) (2,386; 50-85)— “Carnival Story” (RKO). Neat $11,- 000. Last week, “Hans Christian Andersen” (RKO), $7,000. Uptown (Loew) (2,745; 65-80) —“Flame and Flesh” (M-G). Good $11,000 or near. Last week. “Yan- kee. Pasha" OJ), $10,000. Kfllelfri ‘Dm i’ run 58,000 M MDPI&; WEjl’lOG .. ‘Indianapolis, June 1. Holiday weekend gave biz a boost at first-runs here, but it’s still way below normal because of- contin- uing transit strike and tremendous Speedway draw Memorial Day. “River of No Return” looks good figure at Indiana. Standout, how- ever, is “Dial M For Murder” at Circle. “Student Prince” at Loew's is doing Well under present conditions. ; ~ Estimates for This Week Circle (CockriU-Dolle) (1,800; 50- 80)—“Dial M For Murder” (WB) and “Hottest 500” (Indie). Neat $8,000. Last week, “Bigamist” (FR) and “Monte Garlo Baby” (Indie), $6,500. Indiana (C-D) (3,200; 50-80)— “River of No Return” (20th). Good $11,000. Last week, “Yankee Pasha” (V) and “Paris Model” (Col), $8,000. Loew’s (Loew’s) (2,427; 50-80)— “Student JPrince’ (M-G). Modest $7,500. Last week,' “Should Hap- pen To You” (Col) and “Battle Rogue River” (Col), $7,000, Lyric (C-D) (1,600; 35-70)— “Flying Tigers” (Rep) and “Flying Seabees” . (Rep) (reissues). , Fair $4,000. Last week, “Bad For Each Other” (Col) and “Drive Crooked Road” (Col), $3,500. ; Wednesday? Jon* 2? 1954 — r -* j — r' Vt •" r San Francisco, June 1. Holiday influx of tourists plus a fine lineup of pix (helped by strong bally) is spelling solid trade here this session. “High and Mighty” is standout with a . mighty $38,000 at the Paramount. “Gone With Wind” is equally as strong considering 4t is an oldie, with a terrific week in prospect at Warfield. “Three Coins in Fountain” looms: good at the Fox.. Elsewhere, outside the arty houses, returns range from nice to mild. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 65-90) —“Black' Horse Canyon” (U) apd “Fireman. Save My Child” ' (U). Mild $9,060. Last week, “Rails Into Laramie” (U) and “Ma,- Pa Kettle At Home” (U), $10,500. . Fox (FWC) (4,651; $1-$1.25)— “Three Coins In Fountain” (20th). .Good $24,000 or over. Last week, Tower, Uptown, Fairway, Gren-'v'River Of No Return” (20th) (2d wk) $1-4 500 Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; 65-85) —“Gone With Wind” (M-G) (re- issue). Looks terrific after opening Saturday (29). Last week, “Flame And Flesh” (M-G), $13,500 in 8 days. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 85-$1.25) —“High And Mighty” (WB). Mighty $38,900. Last week. “Lucky Me” (WB) and “Saadia” (M-G) (2d wk), $9,500. St. Francis (Par) (1,400; 70-95)— “Indiscretion American Wife” (Col) and “Saracen Blade” (Col) (2d wk). Nice $10,000, Last week, $14,000. • Orpheum (Cinerama’ Theatre, Calif.) (1,458; $1.7542.65)— “Cine- rama” (Indie) (22d wk). Sock $22,- 000 but not including holiday. East week, $23,5Q0. United Artists (No. Coast) (1,207; 70-$l)-.—“Witness To Murder” (UA) and “Heat Wave” (Lipp). Fair $7|- 500. Last week, “French Line” (RKO) (4th wk) and “Scarlet Spear” (UA) (2d wk), $7,0Q0. Staredoor (A-R) (400; 85-$1.35) —“Gilbert & Sullivan” (UA) (5th wk). Rig $4,200. Last week, $3,600. Clay (Rosener) (400; $1)—“Pit Of Loneliness” (Indie). Fine $2,500. Last week, “Beauties . Of . Night” (UA) (3d wk), $3,500. Larkin (Rosener) . (400; $1)— “Genevieve” (U) (10th wk). Big $3,- 200. Last week,! $3,500, Vorue (S, F. Theatres) (377; $1) —“Little Fugitive” (Indie) (6th wk). Fast $3,000. Last week, $3,200 t ‘Student Prince’ Tall • $13,500, Pitt; ‘Coins’ 7G Pittsburgh, June 1. Although Golden Triangle’s load- ed with top product for the holi- day, business looks only so-so largely because of trolley-bus strike continuing and leaving the down- towh practically deserted. “Student Prince” at the Penn should be easy standout while “Three Coins in Fountain” at Fulton is good. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 6541)— “Three Coins in Fountain” (20th). Good $7tP00< or maybe better. Last week, “Johnny Guitar’.’ (Rep), $4,- Harris (Harris) (2,100; 65-95)-^ ‘Indiscretion American Wife” (Col). Slow $6,000, and sad for (Continued on page 22) ‘Waff Best Bel in Pet; ‘Arr«w’Slowl2G.‘Coins’ Dull 29G, 2d , Key City Crosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $2,378,400 (Based on 21 cities f and 201 theatres, chiefly first runs , in- cluding N. Y.) Total Gross Santa Week Last Year ........ . $2,596,100 (Based on 24 .cities and 207 theatres,} Dial M’Robust Minneapolis, June 1. Although there has been a re- turn of cold and rainy weather Which is not conducive to a trek to the state's many lake resorts or other outdoor recreations, the long Weekend Decoration Day holiday nevertheless found many people diverted from film houses, and con- sequent sagging grosses. Top trio of newcomers comprised “Dial M for Murder,” “Act. of Love” and “Carnival Story.” “Dial” is stand- out* with okay take at State. An- other fresh entry, “Playgirl,” also, contributes to. lineup’s torrid sex tinge’. Seventh wee'k of “Cinerama” finds it still good at Century. Estimates for This Week Century (SW) (1,140; $1.20- $2.65)—“Cinerama” (Indie) (7th wk). Still plenty robust at $17,000. Last week, $19,000. Gopher (Berger) (1,000; 65-85)— “Playgirl” (U). Title undoubtedly holds boxoffice ammunition and Shelley Winters has her fans, but mixed : opinions are hurtful. Mild $3,000. Last week; “Prisoner of War” (M-G), $3,200. Lyric. (Par) (1,000; 50-75)— “High Noon” (UA) and “African Queen”. (UA) (reissues).. Maybe brought back top soon. Mddest $3,- 000. Last week,’ “Sun Valley Sere- nade” (20th) and “Orchestra Wives” (20th) (reissues), $2,500. Radio Cliy (Par) (4,000; 85-$l)— “River of No Return” (20th) (2d wk). Sliding to good $9,000. Last week, $12,000. RKO-Orplieum (RKO) (2,890; 65- 85)—“Carnival Story” (RKO). Sex rubbed on thick and bringing in some patrons. However, only fair $7,500 , looms. Last week, . “Best Years ■, Lives” (RKO) (reissue), $5,000. ‘ RKQ-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 50-75) —■“Drive a Crooked Road” (Col) and “Slaves of Babylon” (Col). Slow $4,000. Last week, “Clash By Night”.(RKO) and “Double Dyna- mite” (RKO) (reissues), $3,000. State (Par) <2,300; 65-85)— “Dial M for Murder” (WB). Tops week’s list in crix praise and favor- able word-of-mouth. Good $10,000 or near. Last week, “Riding Shot- gun” (WB), $5,500, World (Mann) (400; 65-$1.20)— “Act of Love” (UA). Announced as for “one week only," and title helpi ing. Mild $2,800. ' Last week, “Rhapsody” (M-G) (2d f wk), $3;600. ‘Carnival’ Brisk $14,000, L’vilie; ‘Dial M’ Stout 7G Louisville, ^une 1. . Long Memorial , Hay ' weekend saw patron?, leaving town in droves for picnics and general holidaying. However, "Carnival Story”, at the Rialto shapes sock. “Dial M For Murder” looks, strong at -Mary Anderson. “War Arrow” shapes potent at the Kentucky. Estimates for This Week Kentucky (Swltow) (1,000; 50-75) — “War Arrow” <U) and “Drive Crooked Mile” (Col). Looks potent $6,000. Last week, “Naked Jungle” (Par), $7,000. Mary Anderson (People’s) (1,200; 50-75) “Dial M For Murder” (WB). Strong $7,000. ' Last week, “Girl For Joe” (WB) and “Guy With Grin” (WB) (reissues), $5,000. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; 75-99) — “Carnival Story” (RKO). Sock $14,000. Last week, “Creature Black Lagoon” (U) and “Rails Into Laramie” (U), same; State (Loew’s) (3,000; “50-75) — “Student Prince” (M-G). Opened strongly Saturday (29). Last week, “Should Happen To You” (Col) and “Battle Rogue River” (Col), fair $8,5Q0. Detroit, June 1. Downtown Detroit exhibs are sitting tight with weak holdovers over the Memorial Day weekend, with the;exception of two houses. Result is that 'jgros&s are expected to he somewhat legs tkan good for a holiday week. Best o£ newcomers is “Long Wait” which looks socko at the Palms. “Arrow In Dust” at’ BroadWay-Capitol isn’t raising afiy dust at wickets.. Of^theholdovers, none pf which looms very good, “Moon Is Blue” at the Madison and “Plnocchio” at the Michigan look strongest. “Cinerama” rolls wealth- ily along In its 63d week at the Music Hall. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5.000; $141,- 25)—“Three Coins inFountain” (20th) '(2d wk). Slow $29,000. Last week; $26,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 8Q-$D—“Plnocchio” (RKO) (reis- sue) (2d wk). Okay $17,000. Last week, $16,000. Palms (UD) (2,961; 80-$l)— “Long Wait” (UA) and “Massacre Canyon”'(Col). Socko $24,000. Last week, “Miami Story” (Col) and “Drive Crooked Road” (Col), $18,000. Madison (UD) (1,900; 80-$l)— “Moon Is Blue” (UA) (3d vvk). Big $9,000. Last week, $8,500.- Broadway-Capital (UD) (3,500; 80-$l)—“Arrow in Dust” (AA) and “Blackout” (L1p), : Modest $12,000. Last week, “Playgirl” lU) and “Drums Across River” (U), $9,000. . United Artists, (UA) (1.938; 80- $1)—"Flame an<f Flesh” (M-G) (2d •wk): Good $11,000; Last week, $11,300. Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 95-$125) —“Executive Suite” (M-G) (5th wk). Sturdy $7,000. Last week, $5,500. .. - . Musle Hall (Cinerama Produc- tions) <1,194; $1.4042.65)— 4 “Cine- rama” (Indie) (63d wk). Great $23,- 000; Last week, $21,000. , r. ■■ i ■ «* Holiday No Help to D.C.; ‘Siege’-Raye NSH 26G, ‘Dial M’ Sock $14,000 Washington, Junfc 1. Long , holiday weekend, with its extra day of upped admissions, is doing little to hypo mainstem b.o. here. General exodus to the out- doors is taking its toll at the turn- stiles. There are four new 'entries, with “Dial M For Murder” standout out at the Met, and holds. “Siege at Red River” Which was' expected to * be hypoed to the heights by the ' Martha Raye show on stage is the big disappointment at Capitol. Shapes only mild at a $1.50 top, and with a two-a-day policy. “Cas- anova’s" Big Night” at-'Loew’s Pal- ace is another so-so entry. Hold- overs are. generally okay. With “Captain's Paradise,” in holdover stanza, at Lopert's Dupont, out in front in' its field. . Estimates for This Week Capital (Loew’s) (3,434; 8041,50) —“Siege- at Red River” (20th) plus vaude headed by Martha Raye. Dis- ■ appointing $26,009 in 9 days. Last week, “River of No Return'? (20th), $10,000 for 6 days. Columbia (Loew’s) (1,174; 60-80) —“Elephant Walk” (M-G) (5th-final wk). Okay $5,000 after $6,000 last week. *. Dupont (Lopert) (372; 6541)— “Captain's Paradise” (Indie) (2d. wk). Sock $8,500 after $9,000 -last week. Holds. Keith’s (RKO) (1,939; 60-80)— “Playgirl” (U). Light $6,000. Last week, “Dangerous Mission” (RKO), $7,000. Metropolitan (SW) (1,200; 60-80) —“Dial M for Murder” (WB). , Socko $14,000. Last week, “Johnny . Guitar” (Rep), $10,000. Palace (Loew’s) (2,370; 60-80)— “Casanova’s Big Night” (Par). Mild $11,500 for a .Bob: Hope starrer, and below average for house. Last week, “Executive Suite” (M-G) (4th wk), $8,000 in 5 days. . •" Playhouse .(Lopert) (435; 5541) —“Knock oh Wood” (Par) (7th wk). Sturdy $5,500 after $6,000 last week. Stays. Warner (SW) (1,300; $1.2042.40) —“Cinerama” (Indie) (29th wk). Good $14,000 after dipping to- $13,- 000 last week. Continues. • Trans-Lux (T-L) (600; 7041.25) —“French Line”- (RKO) (3d wk). Sagged to big $8,000 after $10,000 last 'Week. Holds'-on^ - • - ,