Variety (December 1954)

PICTURE GROSSES 9 Wednesday, December 22, 1954 Chi Sweats Out Pre-Yuletide Slump; Young’-Coniell-Vaude Hep $54,000, Knight ’ Hot 17G, ‘Xmas’ Sock 20G, 7th Chicago, Dec. 21. Main Stem is sweating out the traditional pre-Xmas dump this round, with choicer product being Sd back by distribs. However, the downbeat is shaping less se- vere than expected Return of stageshows to the Chicago theatre after a nine-week absence is help- fng to stir up traffic in the Loop. Some holdovers are strong despite the season. -Young at Heart,” with Don Cor- nell helming an ice show on Chi- cago Theatre stage, is sorting at fine $54,000. Roosevelt U grabbing a nifty $17,000 for ‘Black Knight and ‘ Law vs. Billy the Hid. Second and third week entries are all reissues, and all are getting acceptable results. Monroes duo of ‘ Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and ’Woman’s Face,” and Loop has ••Reap the Wild Wind.” In fourth frame, “Last Time I Saw Paris’’ continues lush at the Woods while “Desiree" rates only Rood at Oriental. McVickers is hay- ing another lively week with “Phffft.” “Carmen Jones’ is brisk in fifth at United Artists.. “White Christmas” in seventh at State- Lake still is sock. “Cinerama is gamering stout returns in 73d round at the Palace. Estimates for This Week Carnegie (Telem’t) (480; 95)— •’Hamlet" (Indie) (reissue). Slow $1,500. Last week, “Intimate Rela- tions.” dndie) (2d wk), $3,000. Chicago (B&K) (3.900; 98-$1.50> —"Young at Heart” (WB) with Don Cornell topping vaude. Stout $54,- 000. Last week, “Star Is Born,” CWB) <9tli wk», $16,000. Grand (Nomikos) (1,200; 98- 51 25)— “Drum Beat” (WB) (4th wk). Oke $6,000. Last week, $9,000. I.oop (Telem’t) (6Q6; 90-$1.25>— Cornell topping vaude. Stout $54,- (3d wk). Neat $4,500. Last week, $7,300. McVickers (JL&S) (2,200; 65- $1.25)—"PhfTft” (Col) (4th wk). Brisk $10,000. Last week, $18,000. Monroe (Indie) (1,000; 65-87)— 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (M-G) and “Woman’s Face” (M-G) (reis- sues) (2d wk). Light $4,500. Last week. SO.500. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 98-$1.25) — “Desiree” (20th) (4th wk). Good $16,000. Last week, $18,500. Palace (Eitel) (1,484; $1.25-$3.40) —'"Cinerama ” Indie) 73d wk). Good $21,000. Last week, $25,000. Roosevelt B&K) (1,400; 65-98'— ' Black Knight” (Col) and “Law vs. Billy Kid” (Col). Fine $17,000. Last week. “Track of Cat” (WB) and “Bob Mathias Story” (AA) (2d wk). $14,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2.700; 98- $1.25'—“White Christmas” (Par) (7th wk>. Winding up at socko $20,000. Last week, $28,000. Surf (H&E Bala ban) (685; 95)— "Mr. Ilulot’s Holiday” (GBD) (8th wk'. Trim $2,000. Last week, $2,800. United Artists (B&K) (1.700; 98- $1 25'—“Carmen Jones” (20th) (5th wk). Finishing strong at $13,500. Last week, $18,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,206; 98- $1.25 —“Last Time I Saw Paris” JM-G) (4th wk). Fancy $17,500. Last week, $25,000. World (Indie) (697; 98)—“Bread, Love. Dreams” (IFE) (6th wk). Fair $2,000. Last week, $2,700. Hub Low; ‘Trnnk’-'Sleep’ Fair 14G, ‘Bean’ Light $17,000, Tans’ 8G, 5th Boston, Dec. 21. l he combination of a stormy Saturday and the usual pre-Christ- mas slump is sloughing biz this sesh here, with newcomers and holdovers very light at the b.o. Beau Brummell” at the Orpheum , * ate shapes slight while * teel Lage” at the Pilgrim is only S . at ,V, 1 ' day opening of “Hansel and Gretei at the Memorial, was ''ashed out by rain but figures to E'vLPP- Balance of town is either over o r shoeing reissues until new product boWs in on Xmas Estimates for This Week “ll S , V B& 9) (1 ’ 50 °: 70-SL10)- , I Saw Paris” (M-G) 8 dav? k i ° kay $800 ° or less in & n Pr m.°. US Week WaS SH.OOO. 50^n "u H I U (Beac °n Hill) (800; (8th ^. H M bR ? n l S o Cholce ” (UA) $3,600 * 681 $3 ’ 000 * *** week * (1 3 ®® ston ^‘oerama Productions) (Cnnf • 20 '! 2 ‘ 85) “ "Cinerama” (Continued on page 20) 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. 'Suddenly Lusty $12,000, St. Louis St. Louis, Dec. 21. Usual slump here in week be- fore Xmas has set in and biz is very spotty all over the city. "Suddenly” looms best of new product with neat takings at Loew’s. "Star Is Born” winds fourth stanza with nice takings at the St. Louis. “Vanishing Prairie” is still good in fourth round at the Shady Oak, a record for arty theatres. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (Indie) (1.400; $1.20- $2.40)—“Cinerama” (Indie) (47th wk). JNice $10,000 after $10,500 lacf u'ppk Fox (F&M) (5,000; 75)—“Sara- toga Trunk” (WB) and “Big Sleep” (WB). Opened today (Tues.). Last week, “Desiree” (20th) “This Is Your Army” (20th) (2d wk), fair $9,000. Loew’s (Loew’s) (3,172; 50-75)— “Suddenly” lUA) and “Khyber Patrol” (UA). Neat $12,000.' Last week, “Lakt Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (2d wk), $11,000. Orpheum (Loew’s) (1,400; 50-75) —“Rogue Cop” (M-G) and “Capt. Kidd, Slave Girl” (UA) (2d wk). Good $5,000 after $8,500 opening StdflZd. Pageant (St. L. Amus.) (1.000; 82)—“Seventh Veil” (Indie). Nice $3,500. Last week, “Trouble in Glen” (Rep), $3,000. Richmond (St. L. Amus.) (400; 82) — ‘‘Caesar and Cleopatra” (Indie). Fine $2,500. Last week, “Trouble in Glen” (Rep), $2,000. St. Louis (St. L. Amus.) (4,000; 75)—“Star Is Born” (WB) (4th wk). Nice $8,000 after $9,000 last week. Shady Oak (St. L. Amus.) (800; 82)—“Vanishing Prairie” (BV) (4th wk>. Good $2,500 after $3,000 last round. Toronto Also Sagging; 'Billy Kid’ Ohe $11,500, ‘Xmas’ Torrid 7G, 7th Toronto, Dec. 21. With last-minute Xmas shopping badly denting per usual, trade is at usual seasonal low, with town’s returns generally spotty. Of the newcomers, “Bullet Is Waiting” looks light. “Three Hours to Kill” shapes fair but “Crest Wave” looms very slow. Of holdovers, “White Christmas” is holding nicely in seventh stanza. “Last Time I Saw Paris” is oke in fourth frame. Estimates for This Week Downtown, Glendale. Scarboro, State (Tavlor) (1.059: 955; 698; 694; 40-70)—“Law Vs. Billy the Kid” (Col) and “Iron Glove” (Col). Okay $11,500. Last week. “Operation Manhunt” (UA) and “Golden Mask” (UA). same. Eglinton, University (FP) (1.080; 1.558; 60-$l)—"Fire Over Africa” (Col). Light $6,000. Last week. “Passion” (RKO). same. Imperial (FP) (3.373: 60-$l> — “White Christmas” (Par) (7th*wk>. Still hep at $7,000. Last week. $11,000. Loew’s (Loew) (2.090; 60-$l)— “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (4th wk). Satisfactory $7J>00. Last week. $10,000. Odeon (Rank) (2.380; 75-$l)— “Bullet Is Waiting” (Col). Fair $8.- 000 or close. Last week. “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (4th wk). $9,000. Shea’s (FP) (2.386; 75-$l) — “Three Hours to Kill” (Col). Fair $7,000. Last week, “Pushover” (Col), ditto. Uptown (Loew) (2.745; 60-80)— “Crest of Wave” (M-G). Light *6.- 500. Last week. “Glenn Miller Storv” (U) (reissue) (2d wk), $ 6 , 000 . OMAHA SAGS; ‘JUNGLE’ MODERATE AT $9,000 Omaha, Dec. 21. Streets are jammed with Xmas shippers this week, and few are heading for the cinemas—hence grosses are down at all spots. “Hu- man Jungle” is best of lot at the large Orpheum. "Bob Mathias Story” is off at the State and “Reap Wild Wind” is fairish at the Omaha. Estimates for This Week Brandeis (RKO> (1,100; 50-75)— “Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and “Big Sleep” (WB) (reissues). Slow $3,- 000. Last wee'ic, “She-Wolf” (Rep) and “Tobor the Great” (Rep), $3,- 200 . Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 50-75) —“Reap Wild Wind” (Par) (reis- sue). Oke $5,500. Last week. “Four Guns to Border” (U> and “Hell’s Half Acre” (Rep), $6,000. Orpheum (Tristates) (2.890; 70- 90)—-“Human Jungle” (AA) and “Bowery to Bagdad” (AA>. So-so $9,000. Last week, “Athena” (M-G), $9,000. State (Goldberg) (875; 50-80)— "Bob Mathias Story" (AA) and “Fast and Furious” (Indie). Thin $3,200. Last week, “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (3d wk). oke $4,000 at 60c-85c scale. ‘Hansel’ Okay 13G, Frisco; 'Brown’ 6G San Francisco, Dec. 21. It’s the week before Christmas, and most first-run biz here shows it. There are. few bright spots in the lineup which is studded with reissues doing fair to thin trade. “Father Brown Detective” shapes solid at the bandbox Bridge, for the best pre-Xmas week at the house. “Hansel and Gretei” are rated okay in nine days at Golden Gate. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,859; 80- $1)—“Hansel and Gretei” (RKO) and “Silver Lode” (RKO). Okay $13,000 in nine days. Last week, “Passion” (RKO) and "This Is Love” (RKO), $9,400 in 8 days. Fox (FWC) (4.651; $1.25-$1.50)— "Hajji Baba” (20th) and “Outlaw’s Daughter’’ (20th). Slow $12,500. Last week. “Desiree” (20th) (4th wk), $8,500 for 6 days. Warfield (Loew’s) (2.656; 65-90) — “Battleground” (M-G) and “Asphalt Jungle” (M-G) (reissues). Thin $9,000. Last week. “Last Time I Saw Paris” (M-G) (3d wk), $8,500. Paramount (Par) (2.646; 65-95)— "Reap Wild Wind” (Par) and “Miss Grant Takes Richmond” (WB) (reissues). Modest $11,000 or near. Last week. “Fire Over Africa” (Col) and “They Rode West” (Col), $ 10 , 000 . St. Francis (Par) (1,400; 65-95)— “Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and “Big Sleep” (WB) (reissues). Fair $8,000 or close. Last week, “Carmen Jones” (20th) (4th wk). $7,500. Orpheum (Cinerama Theatre Calif.) (1.458; $1.75-$2.65)—“Cine- rama” (Indie) (51st wk). Good $13,- 000 or better. Last week, $16,500. United Artists (No. Coast) (1.207; 70-$l)—“Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (6th wk) Dullish $5,500. Last week, $ 6 , 000 . Stagedoor (A-R) (400; $1-$1.25)— “Jekyll and Hyde” (M-G) and “Woman’s Face” (M-G) (Reissues) (4th wk), fair $2,000. Last week, $2,300. Larkin (Rosener) (400: $1) — “Bread, Love. Dreams” (IFE) (7th wk). Oke $1,900. Last week, $2,100. Bridge (Schwartz-Reade) (399; $1-$1.20) — “Father Brown Detec- tive” (Col). First week ending tomorrow (Wed.) jooks solid $6,000 or over-, best pre-Xmas week ever here. In ahead. “High and Dry” (U) (6th wk), $2,300. Vogue (S.F. Theatres) (377-$l)— "Ugetsu” (Indie) (5th wk). Fine $2,000. Last week, ditto. ‘Trunk’-'Sleep’ Good 9G, D.C.; ‘Xmas’ Big 7G, 8th Washington, Dec. 21. Downtown houses are now feel- ing the full impact of the Christ- mas shopping spree, biz taking a further slump except in a couple of small-seaters. Least hit are “Desiree,” winding up a four-week run at the Palace, and “White Christmas” which is still strong in eighth roi#id at Keith’s. “Rear Window” bows out on Christmas day after 16 weeks at the Play- house. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (SW) (1,400; 60-80) —“Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and “The Big Sleep” (WB) (r^ssues). (Continued on page 20) B’way’s Pre-Xmas Spirit: 'Show Biz’ Solid 90G, 'Girl’ Wow 60G, 'Heart’ Wham 172G2d, 'Gate’ 21G, Palace 19G Broadway first-run- business, sluggish enough in this traditional- ly very slow week, was further sloughed by several days of rain plus snow and severe cold yester- day (Tues.). It was a case of too many potential patrons being too busy Xmas shopping. However, en- couraging were the strong open- ings by a batch of new films, brought in for the yearend holiday season. Of the new entrants, “Country Girl” seems sure of hitting a smash $60,000 in the first week ending today (Wed.) at the Cri- terion. “No Business Like Show Business” also looms sock with $90,000 probable in the initial ses- sion winding up tomorrow (Thurs.) at the Roxy. Both are surprisingly big for pre-Xmas weeks as are several arty theatre entries. The big coin champ, however, continues to be the Music Hall wi' 1 its annual Christmas stage- show and "Deep In My Heart.” It looks to hit huge $172,000 in second round ending today (Wed.). Hall is scheduling early morning shows starting next Monday (27) to han- dle the holiday week crowds. The mammoth theatre had an 7:45 opening the last two Saturdays, and still could not take care of the patrons. The Hall had long lines despite the rain last Satur- day with the gross soaring to $34,- 000, amazing for the day. “Star Is Born” continues sur- prisingly strong, with $20,000 reg- istered in its 10th week at the Victoria. It stays on. “Port of .Hell” and vaude is holding for an okay $19,000 at the Palace. “Hunters of Deep” looks nice $6,000 in first Trans-Lux 60th Street week. “Game of Love” hit $1L200 in first stanza at the Baronet, rated terrific for this house pre-Xmas, being way ahead of anything there in weeks. “Gate of Hell,” the Japa- nese import, landed a wow $21,000 opening round at the Guild, deluxe arty smallseater. This is next to the record held by “Queen Is Crowned” at this house. "Big Day” shapes sturdy $6,500 or better at the Normandie. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 75-$1.75) —“On Waterfront” (Col) (21st wk- 8 days). Looks to hold with oke $11,500 in final round after $13,000 for 20th full week. “20.000 Leagues Under Sea” (BV) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Baronet (Reade) (430; 90-$1.55) —“Game of Love” (Indie) (2d wk). First stanza ended Monday (20) hit big $11,200. In ahead, “Notorious” (Indie) (reissue) (3d wk-4 days), $2,500. Capitol (Loew’s) (4.820; 85-$2.20) — “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (5th-final (wk). Present stanza end- ing tomorrow (Thurs.) looks fair $16,000 or near for 8-day week. Fourth week was $27,000. “V.era Cruz” (UA) opens Saturday (Christ- mas day). Criterion (Moss) (1.700; 75-$2.20) —“Country Girl” (Par). First round ending today (Wed.) soaring to great $60,000 terrific for season of year. Appears set for run, with rave reviews helping. In ahead, “Sabrina” (Par) (12th wk), $11,000, but highly successful longrun, be- ing one of best here. Little Carnegie (L. Carnegie) (550; $1.25-$2.20) — “Aida” (IFE) (6th wk). This round ending today (Wed.) likely will land good $7,500 after $9,500 in fifth week. Stays on. Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$1.80) —"The Detective” (Col) (8th wk). The seventh frame endefl Sunday (19) held with fine $6,200 after $7,200 in sixth. Continues on. Globe (Brandt) (1.500; 70-$1.50) —“Athena” (M-G). Opened yester- day (Tues.). In ahead, “This Is Your Army'’ (compo) with “Utopia” (Indie) in support, lasted just one week, doing drab $5,000 including preview. Guild' (Guild) (450; $1-$1.80) — “Gate of Hell* (Indie) (2d wk). First session ended Sunday (19) hit wow $21,000, umisual for this time of year. Looks set for long- run. Broke all records for Sunday and also on week excepting “Queen Is Crowned” (U). “Queen” did $27,800 opening week here. Mayfair (Brandt) (1.736; 79-$1.80) — “Sitting Bull” (UA) (4th-final wk). Current week ending tomor- row (Thurs.) looks to finish with lean $8,000 after $10,500 in third round. “Green Fire” (M-G) opens Friday (24). Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; 95- $1.80)—“Big Day” (Indie). Initial round ending tomorrow (Thurs.) looks like sturdy $6,500, especially big for time of year. Holds. In ahead, “Heart of Matter” (Indie) (4th wk-8 days). $3,500: Palace (RKO) (1,700; 50-$ 1.60)— “Port of Hell” (AA) and vaudeville. Week ending tomorrow (Thurs.) is heading for fair $19,000 or over. Last week. “Passion” (RKO) and vaude. $20,000. Paramount (ABC-Par) (3,664; 85- $1.75)—“Track of Cat” (WB) (3d wk-10 days). This is apparently just marking time until the arrival of “Silver Chalice” (WB) on Satur- day (25). Final 10 day looks to sag to slow $26,000. Second week, seven days, was $26,500. Paris (Pathe 'Cinema) (568; 90- $1.80) — “Bread, Love. Dreams” (IFE) (14th wk). The 13th round finished Sunday (19) was good $5,200 after $6,500 in 12th week. “Animal Farm” (Indie) comes in Dec 29 Rivoli (UAT) (2,092; 85-$2) — “Carmen Jones” (20th) (8th wk). Present session winding tomorrow (Thurs.) looms fair $11,000 or close after $12,000 in seventh week. “Prince of Players” (20th) is due in next, and soon. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (6,200; 95-$2.75)—“Deep in My Heart” (M-G) and annual Christmas stageshow (2d wk). Con- tinues in smash fashion with $172,- 000 or near after $170,500 opening week. Stays on. Despite steady downpour Saturday, the Hall again racked up a terrific day, around $34,000. To take care of patrons, the Hall again opened doors at 7:45 a.m. last Saturday, and with house opening at 7:30 in the morn- ing Dec. 27 through Dec. 30. Roxy (Nat’l Th.) (5,717; 65-$2.40> —“No Business Like Show Busi- ness” (20th). Soaring to great $90,000 or near in first round end- ing tomorrow (Thurs.). Preem on Thursday (16) night, for benefit of Actors Fund, got pic off to a flying start despite having to bat- tle pre-Xmas conditions. State (Loew’s) (3,450; 78-$1.75)— “Phffft” (Col) (7th-final wk). Go- ing nine days and may get slow $10,000 in blowoff session after $11,000 for fifth week. “3-Ring Circus” (Par) opens Friday (24). Sutton (R&B) (561; 90-$1.50> — “Romeo and Juliet” (UA). Opened yesterday (Tues.) for benefit of March of Dimes. In ahead, “High and Dry” (U> (16th wk>. held at $3,500 after $4,500 for 15th week and great longrun. Trans-Lux 60th St. (T-L) (453: $1-$1.50) — “Hunters of Deep’ 1 (DCA >. Initial week ending today (Wed.) looks to hit nearly $6,000 nice. Holds. In ahead, “Little Kidnappers” (UA) (15th wk-8 days) $3 700 ' Trans-Lux 5?d St. (T-L) (540; $1-$1.50)—“Tonight’s the Night” (AA). Opens with gala preem to- night (Wed.), which Is open to pub- lic, with regular run starting to- morrow. In ahead, “Lili” (M-G) (93d wk-8 days), okay $3,000 after $3,900 for 92d regular week, for greatest longrun t any arty thea- tre. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; $l-$2) —“Star Is BoriT’ (WB) (11th wk). Continued very strong with $20,- 000 in 19th week ended Sunday (19 after $27,00ff in ninth week. Stays on. Warner (Cinerama Prod.) (1,600; $1.20-$3.30)—“Cinerama” (Indie) (81st wk. The 80th week ended Saturday (18) was solid $31,000 af- ter $34,000 in 79th week. Now set to stay until at least February. ‘Bull’ Leads Lean Det; Fair 10G; ‘Duel’ Slow 8G, ‘Xmas’ Big 6G, 8th Cincinnati, Dec. 21. “Sitting Bull” at Albee is a couple of jumps ahead of “Duel in Sun” at Palace as top new gross- er this week before Christmas. Neither doing well. “White Christ- mas” is rounding out record en- gagement of year at Keith’s. Half- year mark is reached this stanza for “Cinerama” with low tide in sight. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 75-90)—“Sit- ting Bull” (UA). Fair $10,000. Last week, “Last Time I Saw Paris” (M-G), $12,000. Capitol (Ohio Cinema Corp.) (1,376; $1.20-$2.65) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (26th wk). Okay $15,000, but low for first six months. Last week. $17,500. Grand (RKO) (1,400; 50-84)— (Continued on page 20)