Variety (November 1954)

PICTURE GROSSES. Lbs Aiigeles, Nov. 23. 4 Local .first-fun boxoffice is Spotty this round but pickup is anticipated for upcoming Thanks- giving week. Of four new entries this frame, only two are in good grossing class. Others are mild. . Excellent $31,000 is shaping for “Last Time I Saw Paris” in two theatres while “Desiree” is rated good $25,000 at the Chinese. ; “Shield For Murder!’ paired with • “Crossed Swords,” shapes modest $17,500 in three houses but . okay $29,000 in one nabe add five ozon- ers. A slight $12,000 is anticipated . for ‘‘Hajji Baba,” in three spots. Among the holdovers, still im- pressive is “Carmen Jones,” with $18,500 in third franie, two sites, and -*3arefoot Contessa,” smooth $9,500 in third round at small- seater. Perhaps standout of long- Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week ..j $606,700 (Based on 23 theatres.) Last Year . $561,100 (Based on 24 theatres.) ifefoot Contessa,” smooth Philadelphia, Nov. 23. n third round at small- Four days of rain dampened Perhaps standout of long- first-runs here., somewhat blit the “White Christmas, . with downpour .didn't seem to dim the AAA. Im iikfA ‘ s “ ' iivv . _i _n _ • in —'i • 'A ^ runs is “White Christmas,”, with .fine-$22,000 in two spots, fourth “Desiree” preem. It is soaring to session, a mighty $45,000 at the Fox. Clear Estimates for This Week Sabbath helped the,, deluxers Chinese (FWC) (1,905; $1-$1.75) recoup to some extent. “Carmen —-“Desiree” (20th). Good $25,000, Jones triumphed .over the Last week, “Woman’s World” (20th) showers although the Dorothy (6th wk-6 days), $7,800. Dandridge personal was <washed ni l . uliilHLwwi out because of airline difficulties, a t& dn?• Yaqf? 10 ??* ‘‘Shield For Murder” is rated okay; 30 p a ,& at the Goldman while “Athena” fv S op 1 i i S noo P r'ict l00I d s fine at Viking, latter being v L ?it ' (M-G) (3d wk-6 days!, $8,000; Estimates for This Week H’wood Par., “Sabrina” (Par) (8th Arcadia (S&S) (625; 80-$1.35)— wk), $9,000. “Rear Window” (Par) (13th wk). Orpheum, New Fox, Loyola Okay $4,500, Last week, $5,000. (Metropolitan-FWC). (2,213; 965; Boyd (SW) (1,430; $1.25-$2.60)— 1,248; $1-$1.25) — “Hajji Baba” “Cinerama” (Indie) (59th Wk). (20th) and “Black 13” (20th), Good $9,500. Last, week $10,000. Slight $12,000 Last week, with Fox (20th) (2,250; 90^$1.49) — Hitz, “Black Widow” (20th) and “Desiree” (20th). Terrific! $45,000. ? ut L a ^ s .^ D ? u ^ te /! l 2d Last week, “Black Widow” (20th) wk), $18,400; holds third at Ritz for ( 3 d Wk), $14,000. small $2,008. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 65- $1.30)—“Shield for Murder” (LA), ’r-oke $12,000. or near. Last week, ^ .^^-“Smeld For^Murder’ “ Do Wn 3 Dark Streets” (UA) (2d (UA) and Crossed Swords ’ (UA). w W) $10 non (UA) and “Crossed Swords” (UA). Modest $17,500. Last week, with Hollywood, without Egyptian, “They Rode West” (Col) and “Fire Over. Africa” (Col), $9,700. Warner Downtown, Wiltern, Iris (SW-FWC) (1,757; 2,344; 814; 70- $1.10)—“Drum Beat” (WB) and “Bounty Hunter” (WB) (2d wk). Medium $13,500* Last week, $32,- 000. Globe, Vogue, Uptown. (FWC) (782; 885; 1,715; 7&-$1.10)—“Kara- moja” (indie) and “Half Way to Hell” (Indie) (2d wk). Okay $11,- QpO. Last week, $22,500. Tfox Wilshire, Los Angeles (FWC) (2,296; 2,097; $1-$1.50) — “Carmen Jones” (20th) (3d wk). Finished thena” aided by Debby Reynolds visit. $8000; Estimates for This Week r) (8tti Arcadia (S&S) (625; 80-$1.35)— “Rear Window” (Par) (13th wk). Loyola Okay $4,500. Last week, $5,000. ; 965; Boyd (SW) (1,430; $1.25-$2.60)— Baba” “Cinerama” (Indie) (59th wk). (20th), GOod $9,500. Last, week $10,000. :, with Fox (20th) (2,250; 90^1.49) — v l a SS “Desiree” (20th). Terrific $45,000. i^d Last week, “Black Widow” (20th) litz for ( 3 d wk), $.14,000. _. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 65- r $1-30)—“Shield for Murder” (UA). ; 900; oke $12,000 or near. Last week, urder “Down 3 Dark Streets” (UA) (2d u/SUJtJL ‘Jungle’ Moderate 13G,! St Loo; Brando 14G, 2d St. Louis, Nov, 23, * City is loaded with holdovers this stanza; with few important newcomers, “Human Jungle” wound up a week at the Fox Mon- day with a mildish total. “On Wa- terfront” continues as top draw, with a big second round at Loew’s. “Vanishing Prairie” looms very stout at the Shady Oak. Estimates for This Week . ] Ambassador (Indie) (1,400; $D $2.40)—“Cinerama” (Indie) (43 d wk). Good $13,000 after $12,000 last week. Fox (F&M) (5,000; 75)-^“Cattle Queen Montana” (RKO) and “Saint’s Girt. Friday” (RKO). Opened today (Tues.). Last week, “Human Jungle” (AA) and “Bow- ery Boys” (AA), mild $13,000. Loew’s (Loew’s) (3,172; 50-75)— “Waterfront” (Col) <2d wk). Big $14,000 foi> Brando starrer. Initial frame was $21,000; { Orpheum (Loew’s) (1,400; 75-$l) —“Caine Mutiny” (Col) (2d Wk). Nice $5,000. Last week, $6,500. Pageant (St. L. Amus.) (1,000: 82) —“Scotch on Rocks” (Ind) Good $3,000; Last week, “Horse’s Mouth” (Indie), $2,500. Richmond (St. L. Amus.) (400; 82) — “Illicit Interlude”. (Hakim). Fine $2,500. Last week* “The River” (UA), $2,000. St. Louis* (St. L, Amus.) (4,000; 75)—“Black Widow” (20th) (3d wk). Good $8,000 after $9,500 second session. Shady Oak (St. L.. Amus!) (800; 82)—“Vanishing Prairie” (Disney). Big $3,500. Last week, ‘'Illicit In- terlude” (Hakim), "$3,000. Wednesday, November 24, 1954 wk), $10,000. Mastbaum (SW) (4,370; 75-$1.30) — “Star is Born” (WB) (6th wk). Okay $11,500. Last week, $14,000. Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; 74- $1.49)—“Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (4th wk). Sturdy $13,000. Last week, $14,000. Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; 74- $1.49) — “White Christmas” (Par) (4th. wk). Whopping $22,000. Last week, $30,000. Stanley (SW) (2,900; 74-$1.30)— “Carmen Jones” (20th). Sock $31,- 000. Last week, “Drum Beat (WB) (2d wk), $11,500. Stanton (SW) (1,473; 50-99) — “Four Guns to Border,” (U) and tiuuca i&uuu (4U WA/,. r miaiicu : «« a. • •• ;; T v . « 7— •• third frame at nice $18,500, after ...IV.’- $28,400 in second. Fine Arts (FWC) (631; $1-$1.75) par at $7,000. Last week, “Private Hell 36” (FM) and “Bob Mathias --“Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (3d : ' St 25L ?J’9 0 , 0 wk). Smooth $9,500 or near. Last week fill 000 Sabrina” (Par) (5th wk). Steady. El Rey’(FWC) (861; 70-$1.10)—,* 9 SSP; n qav ' “High and Dry” (U) (3d wk). Thin ..aYS*"?, (S , 1 ^ L{ 1 ’ 00 °. : fil 000 Last week fi3 ^00 Athena (M-G). Fine $15,000. ' Warnbr Be^rly, Do^town Par- ^ast week, “Brfgadoon” (M-G) (6th "White Chri\ 2 ma^ 2 ?ParM4 $ th 5 wk7 * traniL« World (T-L) (604; 99- Fine $22,000. Last week, $29,600. (U v snn Wk) * Hawaii (G&S) (I-.106r 80-$D— Dql1 $ 4>50Q - Last week, $6,5 00. “Julius Caesar” (M-G) (5th wk). " ■ r ~ ; Neat $2,600. Last week, $3,000. XT 1 1 If | m* /• Pantages (RKO) (2,812; $l-$2.25) K I MauU I *1 —“Star Is Bom” (WB) (8th wk). lUdlHS lilllG* I Okay $12,500. Last week, $15,500. v. uiuiV) A Warner Hollywood (SW) (1,364; $1.20-$2.65) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (P7 LIMl . J C (82d wk). Into current stanza Sun- .J)| 111111 ATI1AC day (21) after nice $21,600 last VljtTVUy /lllllla U week. - Canon (ABC) (533; $1.10)— Kansas City, Nov. 23. “Bread, Love, Dreams” (IFE) (3rd Biggest thing in town still is wk). Good $4,200, Last : week, “White Christmas” in second $4,900. round at the Paramount for smash - - : coin. It is certain to continue its D r nAllZNF; <VM A TAD ■■TW-n. Otherwise,, competition is not • llUdin, AIUAj 1VI pushing'this one too much. New- /lAnf/irtrvnn vvrin mrt comers “Black Khight” at the Mid- GOINGETTER HEP 17G land and “Shanghai story” at the bUlllUlil IL1V 11L1 I.I V Tower; . Uptown, Fairway and Washington, Nov. 23. Granada are moderate draws. Mai stem boxoffice is on skids “Woman’s. WorldV is okein sixth ih current session, with exhibitors ' ve ®^ c . \ v . , e . ® eau ; Brummell” hopipg holiday weekend will give lupl^ fajrishin second week at the them a boost. It’s not bad as a JV? x y- The Thing reissued at the' holdover session, however, but Missouri is drawing nominal play, naturally slashing the overall total Weather. stays on warm side. * Denver, Nov. 23. “Desiree” had no trouble cop- ping top money here, this session, and is holding at the Centre. “White Christmas’.’ still is big in fifth week and stays again at Den- ham. “Ugetsu” is fancy at the Vogue, and remains over. “Black Night” is rated big at the Denver. Estimates for This Week Centre (Fox) (1,247; 60-$l)— “Desiree” (20th). Smash $23,000, Holding, Last week, “Black Wid- ow” (20th), $9,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 70- $1.25)—'White Christmas” (Par) (5th wk). Sock $16,000. Stays again. Last week, $20,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 60-$l)— “Black KWlght” (Col) and “Master- son of Kansas’’ (Col), Big $13,000. Last week, “Track of Cat” (WB) and “Two Guns, a Badge” (AA), $9,000. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 50-85)— “Beau Brummell” (M-G) and “Deadly Game” (Indie) (2d wk). Poor $6,000.i Last week, $10,000. Paramount (Wolfberg) (2,200; 50- 85) — “Drum Beat” (WB) and “Paris Express” (Indie) (2d wk). Fair $9,000. Last week, $14,500. Vogue (Pike) (442; 80-$l) — “Ugetsu” . (Indie). Fast $3,000 or close. Last week, on reissues. ,2d a C. DOWN;‘XMAS’TOP COINGETTER, HEP 17G Washington, Nov. 23. Mai stem boxoffice is on skids iii current session, with exhibitors hoping holiday weekend will give since not a single new pic. “Rear Window" is winding up its third month at Lopert’s Playhouse. Estimates for This Week Glen (Dickinson) (750; 85-$l)— High and Dry” (U) (3d wk). Nifty I ‘White Christmas,!’ in fourth week T^ist week, $2,000. at Keith’s, looms standout for biggest coin total In city. Estimates'for This Week Ambassador (SW) (1,400; 60-80) Kimo (Dickinson) (504; 85-$l)— “Man With Million” (UA) (5th wk). So-so $1,200. Last week, $1,400. Midland (Loew’s) (3,500; 50-75) —“Black Knight” (Col) and “Black • Daali /urns /nJ 1 r A ' ; ixuigui, \vvi; Rim • oidVR tn fidnnn ^r a Lc W ?f Dakotas “ (Col). Fairish $7,500. ISJi’S 00 or less * {ter fa st $7,500 Last week, “Sitting Bull” (UA) and *«ii.l (Loew’s) (3,434; 70-95)-, ##» in 6 Barefoot Contessa’.’ (UA) f2d wk). Missouri (RKO) (2,650; 50-80)— (Continued on page 18) “The Thing” (RKO) and “En- chanted Cottage” (RKO) (reissues). Mildish $5,500. Last week, “This Is My Lov^” (RKO) and “Kisenga” (Indie), $4,000. Orpheum (Fox Midwest) (1.913; 75r$D—“Woman’s World”. (20th) (6th wk).. Tapering off to $4,500 and moves out. Last week, oke $ 6 , 000 . Paramount (United Par) (1,900; 7.5-$l)—“White Christmas” (Par) (2d wk). Continues sock at $18,000, giant for v holdover week. Holds agai Last week, record $24,000. Roxy (Durwood) (879; 70-90)— “Beau Brummell” (M-G) (2d-final), Mild $3,500. Last week, $5,000. Tower, Uptown, Fairway, Grra- nada (Fox Midwest) (2,100; 2,043; 700; 1,217; 65-85) — “Shanghai Story” (Rep) and “Fast and Furi- ous” (Lip). Fair $12,000 in 6 days. Last week, “Black Widow” (20th> and “Sun Shines Bright” (Rep), $16,000 in 8 days. . Vogue (Golden) (550; 50-75)^ -Murder on Monday” (Indie). Favored by crix and may get good $2,000, and holds. Last week “5,000 Fingers of Dr. T,” (Col), $1,400. iw Paris Smash £3,000 in Hub; Suddenly’ 28G, ‘Xmas’Wow 27G, # Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week .... $2,678,900 (Based on 24 cities, and 215 theatres, chiefly first tuns, in- cluding. N. Y.) ~ Total Gross Same. Week Last Year :. .... $2,766,300 (Based on 24 cities and 225 theatres.) Detroit, Nov. 23. Biz is perking slightly this w[eek with an assist from crowds in downtown area, “Desireb” looks headed for sockeroo take at the United Artists, , f ‘Golden Mistress” is above average at the Broadway- Capitol. “Down 3 Dark Streets” shapes good at the Palms. “White Christmas” shapes fancy in fourth Michigan sound.. “Black Widow” at the Fox is okay in third stanza. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) ($5,000; $1- $1.251—“Black Widow” (20th) and “Fast and Furious” (AA) (3d wk). Oke $18,000. Last weekf $22,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; $1-$1.25) ^ “White Christmas” (Par) (4th wk). Fancy $20,000. Last week, $24,000. Palms (UD) (2,961; 80-$l)— “Down 3 Dark Streets'.’ (UA) and “Khyber Patrol” (Col). Good $16,- 000. Last week, ‘‘Track of Cat” (WB) and “Return from Sea” (AA), $15,000. Madison (UD) (1,900; $1.25-$1.50) —“Star Is Born” (WB) (8th week). Sturdy $9,000. Last week, $10,000. Broadway-Capitol (UD) (3,500; 80-$ 1) — “Golden Mistress” (UA) and "Target Earth” (AA). Over average $14,000. Last week, “3 Hours to Kill” (Col)' and “Black Dakotas” (Col), $13,000. United Artists (UA) (1,938; $1- $1,25) — “Desiree” (20th). Smash $25,000. Last week, “This Is My Love” (RKO) and “Murder on Monday" (AA), $4,500. Adams (Balaban). (1,700; $1- $1.25) — “Athena” (M-G)., Small $6,000. Last week, $9,600. Music Hall (Cinerama Produc- tions) (1,194; $1.40-$2.65)—“Cine- rama” (Indie) (88th wk). Up to $17,200. Last week, $16,000, Mpls.; ‘Karamoja’ Crisp runs are grouped in one 10G, 'Desire 9 Tepid 5£G n ju^good^w^e' “i > “ z Alibi” at the Rialto looks Minneapolis, Nov. 23. “Barefoot Contessa” at Fewer outstanding offerings than shapes sluggish in second roi recently fielp to explain an early ^Estimates for This Week arrival of the usual boxoffice blues „ , . .. .■ - /t , and diminishing aggrepate loop Kentucky (S ^itow) j^00, ^ takings. There are only two virile — n 5l? oclc s newcomers, “Black Widow” and $9,000, very hig. here. Last the heavily exploited “Karamoja”- ^ ndo ^ <P fir ) “Halfway, to Hell” combo. Latter is $6*500. sock at the Gopher. “Widow” Mary Anderson (People’s ( looms nice at Radio City. Ace hold- 50-75).— “Human Jungle” over is “Barefoot Contessa,” strong Good $5,000. Last week, “SI at Lyric on moveover for third Bom” (WB) (5th wk), $4,800. ' Boston\ Nov. 23 Best of the newcomers here this week is “Last Time I Saw Paris" very big at the Astor. “Suddenly'' another solid new entry at the State and Orpheum.' Balance of town is holding over, with “White Christmas,!* in fourth frame at Paramount and Fenway, still smash. “Star Is Born,” in fifth week at the Mat. looks okay. Estimates lor This- Week Astor (B&Q) (1,500; 70-$1.10)^ “Last Time I Saw Paris” (M-G), Nifty $23;000 looming. Last week! “Julius Ceasar” (M-G), $9,000.. Beacon .Hill (Beacon Hill) (800* 50-$ 1)—“Hobson’s Choice” (UA) (4th >Vk). Good $6,500 following $7,000 in third. Boston (Cineraima Productions) (1,354; $1.20-$2.85) T- “Cinerama’’ (Indie) (47th wk). Holding nice at $17,000 -after $17,500 last week. Copley (DeVlm-Dugan) (1,000; 50- $1.50)—“Spell of Ireland” (Indie) (2d wk). First round ended. Sunday (21) with an amazing $7,000. Stays on indef. Previous week, house shuttered. Exeter (Indie) (1,300; 60-$D— “High and Dry” (U) (6th wk). Fast ; $5,000. after $5,300 irt fifth. Fenway (NET) (1,373; 70-$l,25)- “White Christmas” (Par) (4th wk). Fine $7,000 after $11,000 for third, . Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 50-$l)— “Black Widow” (20th) and “Cham- pagne Safari*’ (Indie) (2d wk): Neat $14,000 following $21,500 in first. Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 80- 41:50—“Star Is Born” (WB) (5th wk). Oke $16,000 after. $20,000 i fourth. Orpheum (Loew’s) (3*000; 65-$l) —“Suddenly” (UA) and “Her 12 Men” (M-G); Fairly good $18,000. Last week, “Brigadoon” (M-G). (2d wk), $14,000. .Paramount (NET) (1,700; 70- $1.25)—"White Christmas”; (Par) (4th wk). 1 Still wow at $20:000 after $26,000 in third. Pilgrim (ATC) (1,800; 65-95)- “Black. Knight” (Col) and “Con- victed” (Indie) (reissue) (3d wk). Nice $8,500 after $11,000 for sec- ond. , State (Loew’s) (3,500; 65-$l)— “Suddenly” (UA) and “Her 12 Men” (UA). Good $10,000. Last week* “Brigadoon” (M-G) (2d wk), $7,500, ‘Knock’ Lusty $9,000 In L’ville; ‘Alibi’ Oke UG, ‘Contessa’ Slow 6G, 2d Louisville, Nov. 23. Wicket pace is uneven at most first-runs here this week. Ken* tucky with “Knock On Wood looks terrific. All of town’s four^first- runs are grouped in one block, “Human Jungle” at Mary Ander- son is Just .good while Naked Alibi” at the Rialto looks okay. ‘‘Barefoot Contessa” at State shapes sluggish in second round. 'Estimates for This Week Kentucky (Switow) (1,000; 50-75) —“Knock On Wood” (Par). Smash $9,000, very big here. Last week, “Rear Window” (Par) (4th wk), $6,500. Mary Anderson (People’s (1.000; 50-75).— “Human Jungle” (UA). , Good $5,000. Last week', “Star In Loop week. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; Estimates for This Week 50-75)—“Naked Alibi” (U) and Century (S-W) (1,140; $1.75- "Four Guns To Border” (U); Okay $2.65)—“Cinerama” (Indie) (32d $11,000. Last week, “Black Widow” wk>. Fine v $17,000. Last week, (20th), $12,000. $1 ^°°W ^ v /I enn CKO kv - .State (United Artists) (3,000; 50; Gopher (Berger) (1,600, 65-85)— 75)_j‘Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (2d V* (I ?w^ a ^ ."Sluggish $6,000 after last L 1 S ^ week’s okay $10,000. week, “Suddenly” (UA) (3d wk), ' ■ $3,100. . _ _ , _ . , Lyric (Par) (1,000; 85-$l)— ‘Jungle’ TOITld “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (m,o;>. ' Strong $6,500i Last, week, "Sands xOrt., ARlaS Iwo Jima” (Rep) and “Wake Red Portland, Or< Witch” (Rep) (reissues), $4,000 at First run biz con 5QC-75C, nnhoaf UfifK noovlir ‘Jungle’ Torrid $9,000, Port.; ‘Xmas’ $16,000,2d Portland, Ore., Nov. 23. First run biz continues on the upbeat with nearly all spots .hay- /n \ /a oaA *4 \ uuucai Wiui. Iicaiiy pa ‘•mill 0 ™?*? " ’i n g strong,, product. Holdovers Black Widow (20th). Neat $13,- shape as best bets. “White Christ- m S A ySfy J C<m ~ mas’^ moves into a second fabulous te i?KO cq inning, “Sabrina” holds over a ._? lK P: 0r P hei * m (RKO) (2,800, 65- third time. “Black WidoMv” com tinues M $5,500. Last week, “This Is Love” (RKO), $5,000. RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 50-75)— “Jesse James’ Women” (UA) and “Gog” (UA). Okay $4,000. Last week, “Captain Kidd Slave Girl” (UA) and “Return Treasure Island” (UA), $4,000. State (Par) (2,300; 65-85)— “Drum Beat” (WB) (2d wk). Sturdy $6,000. Last week, $12,000. entries are headed by “Human Jungle” at Liberty- Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,890; 75* $1)—“Sabrina” (par) (3d wk). Hefty $7,000. Last week, $9,600. Fox (Evergreen) (1,536; $1-$1.25) —“Black Widow” (20th) and “The.. Shanghai Story” (Rep) (2d wk). Hot $6,500. Last week, $10,700. '/Ann. A.1 \' •‘TV/Tolffl World (Mann) (400; 65-$1.25)— „ Guild (Indie) (400; $ 1 )—“Malta “Vanishing Prairie” (Disney) (3d Story” ^ (UA) and “Beauties In $ 6 , 100 . Healthy $4,000. Last week, Night” (UA). Neat $3,500. (Continued on page 18)