Variety (October 1954)

Wednesday, October 6, 1954 PICTURE GROSSES Chicago, Oct. 5. Theatre traffic is nice along the •:'Htrai.h"Stem v tiiis week aided'by ; four hew pix being unveiled. “On Waterfront” is a socko $51,000 in first week at redecorated Woods for best total in five years at house; while “Woman’s World” is . wow $48,000 at Oriental. ■The Surf’s “High, and Dry”. is registering a big $6,000. “Side Street Story” looks lively $4,500 at the World. “Sabrina” coupled with stage- show topped by McGuire Sisters at the Chicago continues in giant strides for second week at the Chi- cago with $69,000. “Egyptian” is lusty in second round at the. State- Lake. Reissue of “Duel In Sun” at Roosevelt shapes nice also in, second. In third, “Brigadoon” is slipping to a mildish figure at McVickers. “Gone With Wind” is hefty at United Artists in fifth while “Van ishing Prairie” winds up its run at Loop in seventh with a goodly take. “Cinerama” continues fast in 62d week at Palace. Estimates for This Week Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 98-$1.25) —“Sabrina”- (Pari .with McGuire Sisters onstage (2d wk). Hotsy $69,000.. Last week, $85,000. Grand (Nomikos) (1,200;. 98- $1 251—-“Pushover” (Col) and “Bul- let Is Waiting” (Col). (2d wk). Perky $10,000. Last week, $17,000 Loop (Telem’t) (606; 90-$1.25)— “Vanishing Prairie” (Disney) (7th wk). Nice $7,300 after $7,200 last week. * McVickers (JL&S) (2,200; 65- $1.25)-^*“Brigadoon” (M-G) (3d : wk). Mild $20,000. Last week, $25;000. Monroe. (Indie) (1,000; 65-87.)—^ “Malta Story” (UA) (2d wk) $4,500. Last week; $10,000. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 98-$1.25) —“Woman’s World” (20th>. Lusty $48,000 shaping. Last week, “Brok- en Lance” (20th). (6th wk), $15,000. Palace (EiteD (1,484; $1.25-$3.40) ;—“Cinerama” (Indie) (62d wk). Fine $30,000 after $31,000 last week. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,400; 65-98)-— “Duel In Sun” (SRO) (reissue) (2d wk). Tidy $17,000. Last week, $19,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; -98- $1 ; 50)—"The Egyptian” , (20th) (2d wk). Fast $40,000. Last week, $60,000. . Surf CH&E Balaban) (685; 95)— “High and Dry” (U). Brisk $6,000. Last week, “Laveridar Hill Mob” (Indie) and “Tight Little Island” (Indie) (reissues), $3,000. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 98- $1.25)—“Gone With Wind” (M-G) (reissue) (5th wk). Great $18,500 Last week, $28,000. Woods (EssartesS) <1,198; 98- $1.25)—‘On Waterfront” (Col). Mighty $51,000 for Brando pic; Last week, “Susan Slept Here” (RKO) (7th wk), $15,000. 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. * come. The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement tax. 'Egyptian’ Exciting 15G, Cincy Standout; 'Susan’ Slick 12G, my’ Cincinnati, Oct. 5. Two hotsy entries among three tiew bills are lifting downtown trade this stanza. Exhibs here are happy over Giants* four-game Wrapup of World Series Which had fouled up, matinee biz. “Egyptian” is showing the way. at Keithfs with’ a wham week. “Susan Slept Here” is pleasing the Palace to a pleasing cession. “Valley of Kings” is sluggish at the Albee. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 50-90) — “Valley of. Kings” (M-G). Fairish $11,000. Last week, “At Water- front” (Col), $17,000 at 75-$l scale; Capitol (Ohio Cinema. Corp.) (1,376; $1.20r$2.65) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (16th wk). Tall $27,000 looms after $25,500 last week. Grand (RKO) (1,400; 75-$l) — “Waterfront” (Col) (m.o.). Okay $7,000; Last week, “Dragnet” (WB) (m.o.) (2d wk); $6,500 St 75-$1.10 scale. Keith’s (Shor) (1,500; 75-$1.25)— “Egyptian” (20th). Lengthy run- ning time retarding this bjut hefty $15,000, anyway. Holds. Last Week, “Rear Window” (Par) (5th wk), $8,500 windup of great run. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 50-90) — “Susan Slept Here” (RKO). Smooth $12,000. Last Week, “Magnificient Obsession” (U) (2d Wk), $11,000 at 60c-85c .scale; Boston, Oct. 5. Not a lot of action here this week With newcomers not making much of an impression.' “Bounty Hunter” at the Paramount and Fenway is mild while “Weak and the Wicked” at the Met is ditto. However, “Sabrina” still , shapes terrific in second week at the As- tor. “On Waterfront” in third week at the Orpheum and State is holding nicely. , “Shanghai Story!’ spurted, late in week to rock up a sock total last round at Fenway and Paramount, topping “Johnny Guitar” here. Estimates for This Week Aster (B&Q) (1,500; 70-$1.10)— “Sabrina”. (Par) (2d wk); Still ter- rific at $22,000 following $25,500 in first week. - \ Beacon Hill (Beacon Hill) (800; 74-$lJ—“Vanishing Prairie” (Dis 'ci| m I ney) (3d wk). Oke $7,200 after $9,- 000 in second. Boston (Cinerama Productions) (1,354; $1.20-$2.85) — “Cinerama” (Indie); (40th Wk). Sturdy $18,000 against $17,500 in. previous week. Exeter (Indie) (1,300; 60-$l)— “Mr. Hulot’s Holiday” (GBD) (4th wk)i Good $5,500 after $6,800 in third; Fenway (NET) (1,373; 50-90)— “Bounty Hunter” (WB) arid "Hell Raiders of Deep” (IFE). Good $4,500, Last week, “Shanghai Story” (Rep) and “The Outcast” (Rep), built to solid $8*300, way over hopes. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 50-$l)— “The Egyptian” (20th) (5th wk).. Will wind four days of fifth, week With neat $10,000 after $16,000 in fourth. Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 50-90) :—“Weak and Wicked” (AA) and “Return From Seas” (AA). Mild $10,000. Last week, “Gambler From Natchez” (20th) and “Fight- ing Pimpernel” (indie), same. Orpheum .(Loew’s) (3,000; 65- $1.25)—“Oh Waterfront” (Col) (3d wk). Big $16,500 following; $21,- 000 in second. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 50-90) -^“Bounty Hunter” (WB) and “Hell Raiders of the Deep” (IFE). Fair $11,000. Last week, “Shanghai Story” (Rep) and “The Outcast” (Rep), spurted to great $17,600, Way ahead of expectancy. Pilgrim (ATC) (1,700; 65-95)— “Naked Alibi” (U) and “Meet Dan- ny Wilson” (U). Nice $10,000. Last Week, “Crossed Swords” (UA) and “Gog” (UA), $11,500. State (Loew’s) (3,500; 65-$1.25)-^- “On Waterfront” . (Col) (3d wk). Nice $9,000 after $12,000 in second. Keiimore (Richmond) (450; $U— “Filial Test” (Conti) (reissue). Looks big $5,500 or ‘WORLD’ TERRIF 25G, DENVER; 'SABRINA’ 16G Denver, Oct, 5. “Woman’s World” is capturing top coin here this round, packing them in at the Center Theatre. It stays on indefinitely* “Sabrina” set a record for a second week at the. Denham, and naturally holds again. Other biz is fair to good. Estimates for This V^eek Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 50-85)— “Africa Adventure” (RKO). Good $3,000. Last week, on reissues. Centre (Fox) (1,247; 60-$!)— “Woman’s World” ; (20th). Giant $25,000. Holds, natch! Last week, “Broken Lance” (20th) (5th wk); $7,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1,720; 50-85) —“Sabrina” (Par) (2d wk). Big $16,000. Stays agai Last week, $ 20 , 000 . Denver (Fox) (2,525; 75-$1.25)- i — “Egyptian” (20th) (3d wk). Fair $9,500. Last week, $14,000. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 50-85)— Betrayed” (M-G) and “Thunder Pass” (Lip) (2d wk). Fairish $7,500. Last week,. $10,000. Paramount (Wolfberg) (2,200; SO- BS)^—“Human Desire” (Col) and “Black Dakotas” (Col). Good $12,- 000. Last week, “Duel in Jungle” (WB) and “Diamond. Wizard!’ (UA) (6 days), $9,500. ' Vogue (Pike) (442; 74-90)—“High and Dry” (U) (3d wk). Okay $1,800. Last week, $2,100. Launching of on Broadway is six new pictures looks to get a fair $37,000. Stays giving. ; the box- for three days; of a second week so office a fairly healthy appearance that. "Star Is Born” (WB) can be currently, despite a return to hot, Opened with a special preem. Mon- humid weather, the World Series day (11) night. “Star,” which will competion and an abrupt dip. in Play dayrdate with Victoria, opens Detroit, Oct. 5. /The fast pace of downtown biz, maintained in recent weeks, is slowing up; except at the Madison where “A Star Is Born” is packing them in for a new all-time house record. “Suddenly” is fair at the Palms. “About Mrs. Leslie” shapes poor at the Michigan. The hold- overs,. “Egyptian” at the Fox, “Seven Brides, Seven Brothers” at the United Artists and “Betrayed” at Adams look weak to nice. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5,000; $1- $1.25)—“The Egyptian” (20th) (3d wk). Slow $24,000. Last week, $31,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; $1-$1.25)—“About Mrs. Leslie” (Pat) and “My Heart Goes Crazy” (Indie); Poor $14,000. List week, .“Francis Joins WACs” (U) plus Esther Williams onstage, $26,000 but biz dipped late in week. Palms (UD) (2,961; 80-$l)— Suddenly” . (UA) and “Scarlet Spear” (UA). Nice $20,000. Last week, “Black Shield Falworth” (U) arid “Two Guns and Badge” (Lip) $20,000 in nine days. Madison (UD) (1,900; $1.25-$1.50) —“Star Is Born” (WB). Mighty $35,000. Last week, “Stalag 17” (Par) arid “Roman Holiday” (Par) (reissues), $8,000. Brodaway-Cajpitol (UD) (3,500; 80-$l)—“Dawn at Socorro” (U) and “Operation Diplomat” (Indie). Slim $9,000. Last week, “Bounty Huiiter” (WB) and “Boogie's Bump” (Indie), $11,000. United Artists (UA) (1,938; $1- $1.25)—“Seven Brides” (M-G) (3d wk). Nice $11,500. Last week, $15,000. Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 80-$f%— “Betrayed!’ (M-G) (2d. wk). Good $7,000. Last week, $9,700. Music Hall (Cinerama Produc- tions) (1,194; $1.40-$2.65)—“Cine- rama” (Indie) (81st week). Solid $17,500. Last week, same. trade Monday (4). The Giants’ battle to become baseball champs sloughed matinees at nearly all first-runs, being particularly rough on Saturday (2), final game of the series. Sunday boxoffice was rriuch stronger than usual, a$ compared with Saturday, results in many lo- cations. Off to a roaring start, “Barefoot Contessa” is heading for a terrific $87,000 opening round at the Capi- tol. “Woman’s World” is smash at $68,500 at the RoXy. “Naked Alibi” looks like fair $37,000 at the. Paramount. “Africa Adventure” wound up with an okay $7,000 in first week at the Normandie. “Black Dakotas” with vaude shapes trim $24,000 at the Palace. •Sixth new entry, “Jesse James’ Women,” is getting a lightweight $6,500 at the Globe. Pic, stays a couple of days past the first week to open “Adventures of Hajji Baba” on Friday (8).. “Sabrina” continues its giant strides in second session at the Criterion with $54,000, after a record week. “Brigadoon” wi.th stageshow is down sharply from the second stanza with a nice $127, 000 probable for the third week at the Music Hall. It goes a fourth session to round out its run, “White Christmas,” first Vista- Vision production, replacing Oct. 14. “Rear Window” continues its great run at the Rivoli with a lofty $28,000 likely in current (9th week. regular run Columbus Day; In ahead, "Rogue Cop” (M-G) got $38,000 in second round. Paris (Pathe Cinema) (568; 90- $1.80)—“Bread, Love and Dreams” (Indie) (3d wk). Second stanza ended Sunday (3) held in great .style with $17,000 as against $17,- 700 opening week. Continues indef. Rivoli (UAT) (2,092; 85-$2)— “Rear Window” (Par (9th wk). Current session, ending today (Wed) looks to hold with lofty $28,000 or near after $32,000 for eighth. Stays on. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (6,200; 95-$2;7:»—“Briga- doori” (M-G) and stageshow. (3d wk). Still nice with $127,000 in prospect for week (3dt ending to- day (Wed.). Stays a fourth. Second week was . $156,560, over ex- pectancy, with trade soaring- TuesT day and Wednesday (28-29). "White Christmas” (Par), first Vist.aVisiori pic arid new stageshow, set to open Oct. 14. Roxy (Nat’l. Th.) 15,717; 65-$2.40) —“Woman’s World” (20th) (2d wk). Initial stanza concluded Monday (4) hit sock $68,500 despite some- what' uneven crix appraisal; Excel- lent Word-of-mouth helping here. In ahead,. “Egyptian” (20th) (5th wk-6 days), $39,000’. State (Loew’s) (3,450; 78-$1.75)— “Black Shield of Falwor.th’\ (U). Opens today (Wed.). In ahead, “Be- trayed” (M-G), slipped off to fair $14,060 after $21,000 in third. Sutton (R&B) (561; 90-$1.50)— ~ ... ,..... .. . “High and Dry 7, (U) (6th wk). Fifth On the^ Waterfront” likewise still frame ended Monday (4) held with Indians’ Loss Sloughs Cleve.r Cleveland, Oct. 5. Shellacking that the N. Y. Giants gave the Cleveland Indians in the World Series- riot only saddened the natives but kept them away from first-runs in droves. One of few new entries to do much is “Rogue Cop,” fairly good at the State,. '‘Brigadoon” is. doing fancy trade on movement at the Stillman. But elsewhere, it’s a ease of too much. gloom to appreciate the | cinemas. Estimates for This Week , Allen (S-W) (3,000; 60-90) — “Pushover” (Col) and “Human De- sire” (Col). Modest $10,000. Last week, “King Richard Crusaders” (WB), $13,000. Hipp (Telem’t) (3,700; 60-90)— “Francis Joins WACS” (U) and “Dawn at Socorro” (U). .Weak $8,- (Continueid ori page 1 18) H.0s Slow Pitt Albeit 1,2d; 'Million’ Moderate 10G Pittsburgh, Oct, 5. Big football weekend, with Pitt- Minnesota drawing 33,000 Satur- day afternoon arid . Steelers-Red- skins nearly 25,000 that night, to- gether with World Series, Sloughed business, downtown; with a rather dismal, session likely, Holdover of “On .Waterfront”, is leading the city at the Harris with a great take; ‘-The Egyptian,” also in second week, at the Fulton is dropping more sharply than; antici- pated, but still good. Both are staying on. Only new pic is “Man With Million” at Penn, but it’s going nowhere despite fine notices. Third week for “Rear Window” at Stanley is offish. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 65-$1.25)^ “Egyptian” (20th) (2d wk). Dipping rapidly. May go over $10,000, still very solid. Stays on. Last week, $18,000. Harris (Harris), (2,200; 65-$1.10) (Continued' bn page 18) is smash, getting $32,000 in 10th round at ; the Astor. “Dragnet” is down to an okay $12,000 or; less in seventh week at the Victoria, with “Star Is Bbm” supplanting Monday (11) night at a special preem. “Star” opens the same night at the Paramount for day- date run with the Vic. “Suddenly” opens tomorrow (Thurs.) at the Mayfair while .“Black Shield of Falworth” is preeming today at the State, Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 50-$1.75) —“On Waterfront” -(Col) (11th wk). The 10th round ended last flight (Tries.)’held with: sock $32,000 after $37,000 for ninth week. Continues. Baronet (Reade) (430; : 90-$1.55) "Hamlet” (U) (reissue). First week: ending tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to hit nice $4,500. Stays on. In ahead, “Odd Man-Out” (Indie) (2d wk-4 days), $1,800. Capitol (Loew's) (4,820; 85-$2.20) —“Barefoot Contessa” (UA). Ini- tial session ending today (Wed.) looks to soar to a terrific $87,000 or near. Opened with special ben efit preem Wednesday (29) night. In ahead, “Caine Mutiny” (Col) (14th wk-6 days), $13,000. Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 80-$2.30) —“Sabrina” (Par) (3d wk). Initial holdover week ended last night (Tues.) held, with giant $54,000 after new record of $65,700 for opening week. Stays on indef. Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$l,80) —“Vanishing Prairie” (Disney) (8th wk). Seventh stanza ended Sunday (3) held with fancy $8,100 after $9,600 for sixth. Holds on, Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70-$1.50) —“Jesse. James’ Women” (UA) (2d wk). . First frame ended Monday (4) was mild $6,500. Stays three days to bring in “Adventures of i Baba” (20th) Friday (8) Guild (Guild) (450; $1-$1.80)-^- “Mr. Hulot’s Holiday” (GBD) (8th wk). Seventh round here ended Sunday (3) continued big with fine $6,500 after $7,500 for sixth, “‘Mairr tin. Luther” (Iridie) opens popscale run Oct. 15, Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 79- $1.80M-“Puel in Sun” (SRO) (re issue) (5th-final wk). Looks to fin- big $10,000 after $10,500 for fourth. Continues on, Trans-Lux 60th St. (T-L) (453; $1-$1.50)—“Little Kidnapers” (UA) (6th wk). Fifth round ended : last night (Tries.) was niee $7,400 as against $7,500 in fourth. Trans-Lux 52nd St. (T-L) (540; $1-$1.50)^—“Lili” (M-G) (83d wk). The 82d stanza ended Monday (4) edged up to big $6,300 after $5,700 for 81st week. • Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 50- $1.75)—“Dragnet” (WB) (7th wk). Down to okay $12,000 or less in present round ending tomorrow (Thurs.) after $15,000 for sixth. Continues for three days of eighth week, with “Star Is Born” (WB) opening Monday (11) flight with big preem. Plays day-date with Para- mount. Warner (Cinerama Prod.) (1,600; $1.20-$3.30) r- “Cinerama” (Indie) (70th wk). The 69th week ended Saturday (2) hit big $39,500 after $36,400 for 68th session. Stays on. ‘Duel’ Fast $17,000 In Toronto; ‘Socorro’ Neat 10G, 'Egyptian’ 20G, 2d Toronto, Oct. 5, World Series on tee-vee plus local rain storms dented biz here this session. But “The Egyptian” still is topping the city with socko returns in second stanza. “Duel in Sun” also is big in four-house combo. Otherwise, no newcomers, with exception of “Dawn at Socorro” which is rated neat. Estimates for This Week . Downtown, Glendale, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (1,059; 955; 698; 694; 40-70) — VDrie.1 in Sun” (SRO) (reissrie) and “Stronghold of:Wild” (IFD). Sock $ 17,000. Last week, “Drums Across River” (U) and “Terror Ship” (Card), ,$13,000. Imperial (FP) (3,373; 60-$l) — “Egyptian” (20th) (2d wk). Holding, at smash $20,000. Last week, $29 500, Loew’s (LoeWO (2,090; 65-80) -— Brides’ ‘’Seven Brides” (M-G), (5th wk). ish^firial sesSion t6dky“(Wed.rwith Fine $11,000. Last week, $13,500.. mild $6,000 after $9,000 last week. „Odeon (Raflk) (2,390;. 75-$D — ’‘Suddenly” (UA) opens tomorrow Magnificent" Obsession” (U) (6th (Thurs.). Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; 95 $1.80)—“Africa Adventure” (RKO) (2d wk). First stanza ended Mon- day (4) hit healthy $7,000: In ahead, “Congaceiro” (Col) (4th wk ,6 days), $2,000. Palace (RKO) (1,700; 50-$1.60)— "Black Dakotas” (Col) and vaude. Week ending tomorrow (Thufs.) is heading for fine $24,000. In ahead, “Shanghai Story” (Rep) with vaude, $27,500. Paramount (ABC-Par) (3,664; 70 $L75)—‘Maked Alibi” (U). First week ending tomorrow (Thurs.) wk). For final four days fast $7,000. Last week, $13,000. Shea’s (FP) (2,386; 50^85) — “Sabrina” (Par 1 ) (5th wk) Big $8,500. Last week, $11,000. Towjie (Taylor) (695; 60-80) —• “Green Scarf”, (IFD): (5th wk). Okay $3,500. Last week, $4,000, University. (FP) (1,558; 50-80) — "Susan Slept Here” (RKO) (4th wk). Held over for nice $6,000. Last week, $7,000. Uptown (Loew’s) (2,745; 65-80)— “Dawn at Socorro” (U), Neat $10,- 000> Last week, “Randorii Harvest” (M-G)' (reissue), $8,500.