Variety (September 1954)

Wednetdf* Soptemhor 1, 1954 PUSiSiMUft PICTURE CROSSES * Sharp $50,000, ‘ ’Torrid 21G, , ‘Prairie’ 16G Chicago,. Aug." 31. • Two new entries are shaping: nicely on the Main Stem, but the holdovers stin are ringing up the big biz. First-runs again are plenty stout this round. Of the fresh hills, ‘‘Broken Xante" is smash 350,000 at Oriental .While Roosevelt is sharp at $21,000 for “Duel In Jungle 0 and ^Obteast,”. ' • Biggest noise Js still being made by “Dragnet” at'the Chicago in second round, with Four Ace? top- E ing the Vaude side. Loop has angup second week prospects with “Vanishing Prafrie." In the third round, “Susan Slept Here" is still tall at the Woods While traffic con- tinues fast at Grand for “Black Shield at FaiworthNeat returns loom for “Valley of Kings’’ in fourth round at Monroe* Another great week looms for “Seven Brides" in fifth at McVick- ers. Seventhusession of "Magnifi- cent Obsession" Still is hot at United Artists. “Caine Mutiny" is moderately buoyant at State-Lake in the ninth while “Cinerama’’ again is colossal in 57th week at Pdl&C6< . Estimates for This Week Chicago (B&K). <3,900; 98*1.25) —“Dragnet” (WB) with Four Aces onstage (2d wk). Looks smash $68,- 000. Last week, 305,000. Grand (Nomikos) 41,200; 98- $1.25)—“Black Shield of Faiworth" (U) (3d wk). Fine $14,000 after last week’fc $21,000. ■ Loop (Telem't) <600; 90*1.25)— “Vanishing Prairie" (Disney) (2d wk). Lively $18,000. Lost week, $20,000. McVickers (JL&S) (2,200; 65- $1.25)—“7 Brides for 7 Brothers" (M-G) (5th wk). Great $27*000. Still holding. Last Week,. $34,000. Monroe— (Indie) (1,000; 65-87) —“Valley of Kings’” (M-G) (4th wk). Tidy $4,400. Last week, $6,000. Oriental (Indie) (3,409; 08*1.25) —“Broken Lance" (20th). Sbcko $50,000. Last week, “Knock on Wood" (Par) (4th wk), $21,000. Palace (Eitel) (1,484; $1.25-$3.40) —“Cinerama" (Indie) (57th wk). Mighty $48,000 after $47,000 last week. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,400; 65-98) —“Duel in Jungle” (WB) and “Out- cast” (Rep). Fancy $2L000. Last week, “Ring of Fear" (WB) (2d wk), $ 10 , 000 . - State-Lake (B&K) ($.700; 98- $1.80)—“Caine Mutiny" (Col) (9th wk). Okay $27,000. Last week, $28,000. Surf (H&E) Balaban) (685; 95)— “Earrings Madame. De" (Indie) <4th wk). Trim $3,000. Last week, $3,400. United Artists (B&K) 0,709; 98- $1.25) — “Magnificent Obsession" (U) (7th wk). Winding at fine $16.- 000 in 5 days after $24,000 last week Woods (Essaness) (1,198; 98- $1.25)—'“Susan Slept Here” (RKO) (3d wk). Brisk $20,000. Last week, $36,000. World (Indie) (697; 98)—“La Ronde” (Indie) (4th wk). Fine $4,400 after last week’s .$6,000. Walley’ Okay at $10,500, ’Obsession’Jock 7G, 5th Louisville, Aug. 31. Holdovers are the rule on the main stem this week. “Valley of Kings” and “Overland Pacific.”' being the only fresh pix. Former at the State looks Okay. “Magnifi- cent Obsession” in fifth stanza at the Kentucky, “Ring of Fear" In second week at the Mary Ander- son and “Broken Lance;"- on sec- ond week at* the Rialto all are doing excellent biz. Weather has been in the 90’s, but downtown houses have come through the hot spell well on profit side of ledger. Estimates for ThiaWeek Kentucky (Switow) (1,000; 50-75) —“Magnificent Obsession” (U) (5th wk). Terrific entry'for this house, and still going strong. Sock $7,000. Last week, $7,4001 Mary Anderson. (People's) (1,000; 75*1)—“Ring of Fear” (WB) (2d wk). Winds up 4-day run at nice $4,000. Last week; $&900. “Drag- net" comes in Thursday (2). ^Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000: 75 -$d—“B rdnm Lance” (20th) (2a wk). Holding up at «ke $11,000 after last Week’s $18#00. . State (Loew’s) <3,000; 50-75)— Valley of Kings” (M-G) and "Overland Pacific" (UA). Heading for okay $1Q$90* Last week, “Apache" (UA) and “Scarlet Spear" (UA). (2d vfk), $74)09/ ' * Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net; i. e., without usual 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 U. S. amusement tax* % $22,000, Buffalo Buffalo, Aug. 31. Although only two newcomers here this rohnd, biz generally shapes up big. “Rear Window” is standout, smash at " Paramount. “Waterfront” also Is sock in second week at Century. “Broken Lance" shapes nice in second Center Thea- tre stanza. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loew’s) (3,000; 50-80)— “Her 12 Men” (M-G) and “Lone Gun” (UA). Mild $11,000. Last week, “7 Brides for *7 Brothers” (M-G) (2d wk), $13,000. Paramount (Par) (3,000; 50-80)— “Rear Window” (Par) and “Thun- der Pass” (Indie). Sockeroo $22,- 000. Last week, “Duel in Jungle” (WB) .and “Security Risk” (AA), $10,500. Center (Par) (2,000; 50-80)— “Broken. Lance” (20th) (2d wk). Good $10,000 in 8 days. Last week, $13,000. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 70*1.25) —“Caine Mutiny”' (Col) (2d wk). Offish $15,000/ Last week, disap- pointing although $20,400. Century (Buhawk) (3,000; 65-$i) —“On Waterfront” (Col) (2d wk). Solid $15,000. Last week, $20,000. ’EGYPTIAN’ HUGE 21G, BALTO; ’RONDE’ BIG 5G| Baltimore, Aug. 31, “The Egyptian” is dominating local first-runs here this week, with fairish returns indicated for the large number of holdovers around. In the wake of strong bally and a special preem showing, it is terrific at the New. “La Ronde” ,is rated brisk at the Cinema after a skirmish with state , censorship board. “Vanishing Prairie” con- tinues big in its second week at the Film Centre. “About Mrs. Les- lie” is fairly good at Keith’s. Estimates'for This Week Century (Loew’s-UA) (3,000; 25* 60-90)“Magnificent Obsession” (U) (2d wk). Nice $7,500 after $11,500 opener. Cinema (Schwaber) (466; 5Q-$1) —“La Ronde” (Indie). Fancy $5,0(Xr or near. Last week, “Seven Deadly Sins” (Indie) (4th wk), $3,000. Film Centre (Rappaport-Me-: chanic) (960; 50-$l)—“Vanishing Prairie" (Disney) (2d wk). Potent $7,000 after $9,000 opener. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,100; 50*1.25)—“Caine Mutiny” (Col) (7tn wk). Dipping to $5,500 after okay $6,800 in sixth round. Kelth’j' (Schanberger) (2,400; 30- 46-80)—“Mrs. Leslie?’ (Par). Fairly good $7,500. Last week, “Living It Up” (Par) (5th wk). $5,000. Little (Rappaport) (310; $0*1)— “Personal Affair” (U). Starts to- morrow (Wed.) after reissue of “Mudlark” (20th) drew sparse 42,500. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 20-44-70)— “Golden. Mask” (U). Opens tomor- row (Wed.). In ahead, “Make Haste To Live” (Rep), mild $3,300. New (Mechanic) (1,800; 50-31.25) —“The Egyptian" (20th). Tilted scale and strong promotion push- ing, this to giant $21,000 or near. Lasit week, “Her 12 Men” (M-G) (2d wk), $4,800. Playhouse (Schwaber) (420; 50- $1)—j”Man With Million” (UA) (7th wk). Good $3,000. Last week, $3,500. Stanley (WB) (3.200; 30-80)— “Duel in Jungle" (WB). Drab $6,000. Last week, “Robinson Cru- soe" (UA), $7,000. x ^ . Town (Rappaport) (1,600; 35-31) —“7^Brides for 7 Brothers" (M-G). Begins tomorrow (Wed.) after “Broken Lance” (20th) *(4th wk), did iOkay: $6,200, ‘Cruaadws* lively* 8G, Port.; ‘Wind’ 166 in 2d Portland, Ore., Aug. 31. City is nearly 100% holdover this frame. Lone newcomer, “King Edward and Crusaders" shapes okay at Orpheum. “Gone With Wind" still is stout in second Para- mount round. “Broken Lance" is especially big for third session at the Fox. “Apfcche” is rated neat on first holdover round at Liberty. „ Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,890; 90- 1.25)—-“7. Brides for 7 Brothers" M-G) (4th wk). Tall $8,500. Last week, $9,3Q0, Fox (Evergreen) (1,536; $1-$1.50) —“Broken Lance” (20th) (3d wk). Loud $13,000. Last week, $15,500. . Guild (Indie) (400; $1)—“Fanfan Tulip” (Indie) (2d wk). Steady $3,000. Last week, $2,800. Liberty (Hamrick) (1,875; 65-90) —“Apache” (UA) and “Captain Kidd, Slave Girl" (UA)* (2d wk). Neat $7,500. Last week, $13,600. Oriental (Evergreen) (2,000; $1- $1.25)—“Garden of Evil” (20th) (4th wk). So-so $3,000. Last week, “High and Mighty” (WB) (6th wk), same. , * Orpheiim (Evergreen) (1,600;. $1- $1.25)—“King Richard, Crusaders” (WB). Okay $8,000. Last week, “Garden of Evil" (20th) (3d wk). $5,800. Paramount (Port-Par) (3,400; 75- $1)—“Gone With Wind" (M-G) (re- issue)’(2d wk). Stout $16,000. Last week, $20,000. ‘Prairie Wham $10,500, D.C. Ace Washington, Aug. 31. Mainstem biz continues in the upper register, with at least one sock newcomer helping boost the already solid average. “Vanishing Prairie" at bandbox Dupont shapes near new record. “Seven Brides” in second stanza at Loew’s Capitol paces the holdovers .and continues sensational. Although all midtown houses donned their brightest lights for the American Legion convention, “Ginerama” at the Warner was sole pic making a strong, direct play for out-of-town biz. “Magnificent Obsession” still is rated bright in third round at the Palace. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew’s) (3?434; 70-95)— “7 Brides for 7 Brothers” (M-G) (2d wk). Fast $28,000 after $35,000 opener. Stays. Columbia (1,174; 60-80)—“VaUey of Kines” (M-G) (2d wk). Big $8.- 000, after better than hoped for $12,000, smash, first week. Holds. Dupont' (Lopert) (372; 65-$l)— “Vanishing Prairie” (Disney). Boff $10,500, and in for longrun. Last week, “Beauties of Night” (UA) (4th wk), $3,000. Keith’s (RKOV (1,939; 75*1.25)— “Caine Mutiny** (Col) (8th wk). Very steady $13,000 after $15,000 for seventh. Continues. Metropolitan (SW) (1,200; 60-80) —“Bounty Hunter” (WB). Fair $7,- 000. Last week, “Duel In Jungle” (WB), $7,500. Palace (Loew’s) (2,370; 65-95)— “Magnificent Obsession” (U) (3d wk). Bright $13,000 after $16,000 last week. Holds again. Playhouse (Lopert) (435; 55-$l> —“Mrs. Leslie” (Par) (6th wk). Okay $3,500 after $4,000 last week. Stays. Warner (SW) (1,300; $1.20-32.40) —“Cinerama” (Indie) (43d wk). Sock $23,000 second week in row. Stays. Trans-Lux (T-L) (600; 70*1)— “Man With Million” (UA) (7th wk). Sturdy $4,000 after $4,900 last week. Continues. Brando Smash $27,000, Clove.; ’Million’ 12G Cleveland; Aug. 3f. Only two newcomers here this week but both are doing well. “On Waterfront” is headed for a sock- eroo stanza at Palace while “Man With Million” is rated nice at State. “7 Brides For 7 Brothers" continues smash although on move- over to Stillman where it is in its fourth week downtown.. “Caine Mutiny” shapes okay on sixth round at the Allen. “Broken Lance" still is great in fourth Hipp week. Estimates for This Week Allen (S-W) (3,000; 70*1.25)— “Caine Mutiny” (Col) <6th wk). Okay $10,000. Last week, $14,000. Hipp (Telem't) (3.700; 60-90)— “Broken Lance" (20th) (4th wk). Great $16,000. Last week, $16,600. Ohio (Loewi) (1.20Q; $0-90) — “Crossed Swords" (DA) and “Chal (Continued nn page $1) r IDawn’-Vaude 25G, tn .$ n • i Ain 1 v Ann Too many overly-extended long- riins are cutting into the Broadway first-run overall total this stanza. Despite the return of hot weather last week, the deluxers enjoyed one of their strongest Saturdays (Aug. 28) in some time, but hurri- cane weather yesterday (Tues.) proved a headache for many houses. Numerous key houses ate launching fresh product later this week for the long Labor Day week- end—and this* should help. Prize newcomer, of course^ is “The Egyptian," which is soaring to a terrific $131,000 or close open- ing week at the Roxy. This is the best the house has enjoyed since “The Robe’’ preemed as initial Cinemascope production last Sept. 17/ “Egyptian,” which is playing at a lower scale, is attracting nearly as many people as “The v Robe.” “Dawn at Socorro” and. vaude- ville is heading for a big $25,000 or near opening week at the Palace. “Shield For Murder” looks very mild $6,000 at the Globe, being third newcomer. Greatest coin still is going, to “7 Brides For 7 Brothers” and stage- show at the Music Hall. It is head- ing for a sockeroo $168,000 in the sixth session winding up today (Wed.), giving the Hall its . greatest first six weeks in the history of this huge theatre. “7 Brides” is now set to go a seventh and eighth prior to launching “Brigadoon.'’ “Dragnet” looks to hold at smash $31,000 in second round at the Vic- toria, pic continuing on naturally. “King Richard and Crusaders” is heading for fair $30,000 in six-day second week at the Paramount, with “Private Hell 36’* opening Friday (3). One of standout longrun pix is “On Waterfront,” still socko with $52,000 for fifth week at the Astor.. “Rear Window” shapes to get great $44,000 in fourth stanza ending to- day (Wed.) at the Rivoli. “Magnificent Obsession” hit very big $26,000 in fourth frame at the State, “Living It Up" continues stoutly with $20,000 in prospect for current (6th) week at the Criterion. “Vanishing Prairie’’ continued wow in second round with $17,300 at the Fine Arts. “Caine Mutiny” still is sturdy with $30,000 prob- able in. 10th session at 'the Capitol. “Duel in Sun” opens at the May- fair today (Wed.) after “Apache” got a fair $8,000 In final five days of eighth week. i Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 50*1.75) —“On Waterfront” (Col) (6th wk). Continued sockeroo with $52,000 or close in fifth stanza ended last night (Tues.). Fourth week was $60,000. Stays on indefinitely. Baronet (Reade) (430; 90*1.55)— “Fallen Idol” (Indie) (reissue) (2d wk)'. Second round ending today (Wed.) looks to hit $4,000 after $4,500 opener. Stays on for several weeks longer. Capitol (Loew’s) <4,820; 85*2.20) —“Caine Mutiny” (Col) (10th wk). Present session finishing today (Wed.) Is heading for big $30,000. Ninth week was $35,600. Stays on. Criterion (Moss) 0,700; 50-$1.85) —“Living It Up" (Par) (6th wk>. Current week ending' tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to hit stout $20,000 after $23,700 in fifth round. Stays until Sept. 15 when “Sabrina" (Par) is due in. Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$ 1.80) —“Vanishing Prairie” (Disney) (3d wk). First holdover stanza ended Sunday (29) was wow $17,300 after record $22,400 opening week. Stays i indef. House still forced to* open at 10:30 a.m., to handle crowds. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70*1.50) .—“Shield For Murder” (UA). Initial session., ending tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to hit mild $6,000. Last week, “Weak and Wicked” (AA), $7,000. r Guild (Guild) (450; $1-$1.60)— “Mr. HulOt’s Holiday” (GBD) (3d wk). First holdover frame ended Sunday (29) held with strong $10,- 000 after $10,500 opening week on this run 'Which is continuation of its playdate started at Fine Arts. Holiday (Rose) (950; 90*1.85)— “Big Sleep” (WB) and “Kid Gala- had” (WB) (reissues). Opened yes- terday (Tues.). In ahead, “Bullets or Ballots” (WB) and “St. Louis Kid" (WB) (reissues) (3d wk), mod- est $6,000 after $8,000 in second. Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 79*1.80) —“Duel In Sun” (SRO) (reissue). Opens today (Wed.). Last week, “Apache" (UA) (8th wk-5 days), fair $8,000. Seventh week was $ 12 , 000 . Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; 95- $1.80)—“Adventures Robinson Cru- jsoe” (UA) (4th wk). Cument ommd ending today (Wed.) looks like okay $3,000 after $4,000 for third week. “Cangaceiro" (Col) due in tomor- row (Thurs,). Palace (RKO) .(1,700; 50*1.60)— "Dawn at Socorro” (U) and 8 acts of vaudeville. This week winding up tomorrow (Thurs.) is heading for big $25,000 or better. Last week, “The Raid” (20th) and vaude. $20,500. Paramount (ABC-Par) (3,664; 70- $1.75) — “King Richard and Cru- saders” (WB) (2d wk). First hold- over (6 days) stanza ending to- morrow (Thurs.) likely will hit fair $30,000. First Week was $48,000. “Private Hell 36” (FM) opens Fri- day (3). Paris (Pathe Cinema) (568; 90- $1,80)—“Hobson’s Choice” (UA) (12th, wk). The 11th week ended Sunday (29) was oke $5,800 after $6,000 in 10th round. “Bread, Love and Dreams” Mlndie) comes in Sept. 13. Rivoli (UAT) (2,092; 85*2)— “Rear Window” (Par) (4th wk). Present session ending today (Wed.),, looks to finish with great $44,000. Third week was $56,500. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (6,200; 95-$2,75)—“7 Brides For 7 Brothers” (M-G) and stage- show (6th wk). Still hitting on all six with a smash $166,000 likely for current week ending today (Wed.). Stays a seventh and | eighth. Fifth week was $171,000. “Brigadoon” (M-G) follows in about two wpaItc Roxy (Nat’I. Th.) (5,717; 65*2.40) —“Egyptian” (20th) (2d wk). [Soared to terrific $131,000 In first [session ended, last night (Tues.), best here since “Robe” (20th). In for longrun. In ahead,' “Broken Lance” (20th) (4th wk-5 days), $22,- 000 . State (Loew’s). (3,450; 78*1.75)— “Magnificent Obsession” (U) (5th wk). Fourth stanza ended last night (Tues.) held with very big $26,000 after $32,500 for third week. Stays until “Betrayed” (M-G) opens sometime after the middle of September, according to present plans. Sutton (R&B) (561; 90*1.50)— “High and Dry” (U). Opened yes- terday (Tues.) after benefit preem Monday (30) night. In ahead, “Man With Million" (UA) (9th wk), wa» fair $5,500 after $6,700 In eighth week. Trans-Lux 60th St. (T-L) (453; $1-31.50) — “Little Kidnappers" (UA). Opens today (Wed ). In ahead, “Her 12 Men’’ (M-G) (3d wk), finished at oke $3,400 after $5,000 for second. Trans-Lux 52nd St. (T-L) (540; $1*1.50)—“Lili” (M-G) (78th wk). The 77th round ended Monday (30) held at great $6,700 same as in 76th week. Stays on. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 50- $1.75)—“Dragnet" (WB) (2d wk). Holding with sock $31,000 or near after $40,000 for first stanza, one of biggest openers ever here and best in several years. Stays on indef at this gait. Starts its third week Friday (3). Warner (Cinerama Prod.) (1,600; $1-20*3.30) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (65th wk). The 64th session ended Sunday (29) was socko $41,000 after $40,500 in previous week. Con- tinues on. 'Duel in Sun’ Sockeroo $19,000, LC;‘Susan’7G, 2d, ’Obsession’ 8G, 6 th Kansas City, Aug. 31. Theatre row doesn’t have a new- comer current session, the reissued “Duel in Sun” being sole new en- try.- It’s strong day-and-date in four Fox Midwest houses. Hold- overs in all other spots, “Susan Slept Here” showing surprising strength at the Missouri «diiln “Caine Mutiny" *at Midland and “Magnificent Obsession” at Orphe- um are still strong. “Broken Lance’’ is tapering in third week at Tower. Weather switched back to hot, sultry temperatures to aid biz after early August cool spell. Estimates for This Week Esquire, Uptown, Fairway, Gra- nada (Fox Midwest) (820; 2,043; 700; 1,217; 65-85)—“Duel in Sun” (SRO) (reissue) and “Security Risk” (AA) at Esquire and Granada. Great $19,000. Last week, “Black Shield of Faiworth” (U) with “The Desperado" (AA) (2d wk) at Es- quire and Granada, $12,000 in 6 days. Klmo (Dickinson) (504; 85*1)— | (Continued On p*ge 81)