Variety (December 1954)

PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, December 29 , 1954 LA. Big; ‘Sea Record $50,000, ‘Pagan’ Fast 20G, ‘Girl’ Same, ‘Circus’ Loud $26,000, Show Biz’ 45G, ‘Chalice’ 47G Los Angeles, Dec. 28. 4 Local first-runs, shaking off j slump of past few weeks are. 1 bouncing ahead to a smash session currently sparked by many big league entries. “20.000 Leagues Under Sea” is heading for a new record of $50,000 at Wilshire. way ahead of any previous highs there. "Show Business” is giving its best gross since “The Robe” over a year ago, with fancy $45,000 prob- able. "Sign of Pagan” shapes fast $20,000 at Hollywood Paramount. “Country Girl” is fine $20,000 at Warner Bev while “Silver Chalice" also is robust with $47,000 in two locations. “Desiree” is doing nifty $39,000 in four spots. “Detective" is rated sock $11,000 at Four Star. ”3-Ring Circus” is sturdy $26,000 in two houses while "Young at Heart” looms brisk $26,000 at three. Estimates for This Week Warner Beverly <SW) <1,612; 90- $1.50)—“Country Girl” (Par). Fine $20,000. Last week, with Down- town Paramount, "White Christ- mas” (Par) (8th wk) 1 $18,300, way over hopes. Orphean), Hawaii (Metropolitan- G&S) (2,213; 1,106; 60-$1.10>—“3 Ring Circus” (Pari. Good $26,000. Last week, Orpheum, “Garden Eden (Indie) and "Window” <RKO) (reissue), $3,600; Hawaii, with Hill- street, “Cattle Queen Montana” (RKO) and “Wore Yellow Ribbon” (RKO) <reissue) <2d wk), $7,400. Warner Downtown, Wiltern, Vogue (SW-FWC) <1,757; 2,344; 885; 70-$l.10)—"Young At Heart” (WB) and “Masterson of Kansas” (Col). Brisk $26,000. Last week. “Saratoga Trunk" <WB) and “Big Sleep” <WB) (reissues), $11,800. Four Star (UATC) <900; 90-$1.50) —"Detective” <Col). Soeko $11,- 000. Last week, with United Art- ists. “She-Wolf” (Rep) (3d wk), $2 200 United Artist (UATC) <2,100; 70- $1.10)—“Cangaceiro” <Col) and “Holiday in Havana” (Col). Small $2,500. Last week, with Four Star. ‘ New Fox <FWC> <965; 70-$1.10) —“White Christmas” <Par). Solid $9,500. Last week, with unit. Hollywood Paramount (F&M) (1,430; $1-$1.50)—“Sign of Pagan” <U). Fast $20,000. Last-week, “Last Time Saw Paris” <M-G) <5th wk), $7,000. Chinese CFWC) (1,905; $1-$1.75) —“Show Business” <20th>. Great $45,000. Last week, “Desiree” (20th) <5th wk-8 daya), $11,800. State, Egyptian (UATC) <2,404; 1.536; 90-$ 1.50)—"Deep In My Heart” (M-G). Fairly good $28,000. Last week, "Hansel and Gretel” (RKO) and “Mighty Fortress” (AA) (8 days), $15,800. Los Angeles, Ritz, Loyola, Holly- wood (FWC) (2,097; 1,363; 1.248; 756; $1-$1.50)—“Desiree” (20th) and “Steel Cage” (UA). Nifty $39,- 000. Last week, with New Fox, without Hollywood, “Twist of Fate” <UA) and “Golden Mistress” (UA), $15,500. Wilshire (FWC) <2.296; $1-$1 50> —"20,000 Leagues Under Sea” (BV). Record $50,000. Last week, with Iris. Rialto, “Carmen Jones” (20th) $10,000. Hillstreet, Pantages (RKO) <2,- 752; 2.812; $1-$1.50) — "Silver Chalice” (WB). Robust $47,000. Last week, Pantages, “Star Is Born” (WB) (12th wk-9 days), $9,500. El Rey (FWC) <861'; $1-$1.50)— “Romeo and Juliet” <UA). Modest $3,000. Last week, “Earrings Madame De” (Indie) (3d wk-9 days). $1,600. Downtown Paramount (ABPT) (3.200; 90-$1.50)—"Star Is Born” (WB). Good $18,000. Last week, with Warner Beverlv. Fine Arts (FWC) (631; $1-$1.75> —“Barefoot Contessa” (UA> <8th wk). Neat $5,000. Last week. $6,500. Warner Hollywood <SW) <1.364; $1.20-$2.65) — "Cinerama” (Indie) (87th wk). Into current week Su»* day (26) after okay $19,000 laft week. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $897,100 (Based on 21 theatres.) Last Year $888,500 < Based on 25 theatres .) Cruz’ Mighty 44G, Det.; ‘Chalice’ 36G Detroit, Dec. 28. Post-Christmas festivities and search for relaxation is making a merry tune at the downtown box- offices this week. “No Business Like Show Business” looms wow at the Fox. “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” is spectacular at the Mad- ison as is "Vera Cruz” is at the Palms. “Silver Chalice” shines brightly at the Michigan. “Deep in My Heart” looks good at the United Artists. "Destry” is very strong at the Broadway-Capital. "Hansel and Gretel” shapes oke at the Adams. Estimates for This Week Fox iFox-Detroit) <5.000; $1.25- $1.50»—“No Business Like Show Businss” <20th). Great $60,000 in first 10 days. “Carmen Jones” <20th), $8,000 in 4 days of fourth week. Michigan (United Detroit) <4.000; $1-$1.25‘—"Silver Chalice” <WB). Shining $30,000. Last week, “Black Knight” <Col) and “Race for Life” (Lip) (2d wk», $8,000. Palms (UD) <2.961; $1-$1.25)— “Vera Cruz” UA) and “Diamond Wizard” (UA). Mighty $44,000. Last week, “Reap Wild Wind” (Par) (reissue) and “Silent Raid- ers” (Jndie). $10,000. Madison (UDi (1,900; $1-$1.25)— “20,000 Leagues Under Sea” (BV>. Smash $35,000. Last week, “As- phalt Jungle” M-Gi and "Battle- ground” <M-G> (reissues), $8,000. Broadway - Capitol (UD) <3.500; 80-$l>—“Destry” <U) and "Yellow Mountain” <U). Solid $18,000. Last week. "House of Wax” <WB> and "Phantom of the Rue Morgue” <WB) <3-D) (reissues), $7,000 at 95c-$1.15 scale. United Artists (UA) <1.938; $1- $1.25)—"Deep in My Heart” (M-G). Pulsating $25,000. Last week, “Desiree” <20th>, (5th wk), $6,000. Adams <Balaban> <1,700; 80-95)— “Hansel and Gretel” (RKO) and “Utopia” (Indie>. Oke $12,000. Last week. “Last Time I Saw Paris” (M-G), (4th wk), $5,200. Music Hall (Cinerama Produc- tions) (1.194; $140-$2.65)—"Cine- rama” * Indie) (93rd wk). Re- bound to big $16,000. Last week, $ 8 , 000 . ‘Sea’ Record $17,000, Omaha; ‘Destry’ Big- 8G Omaha, Dec. 28. "20,000 Leagues Under Sea” at the State and “Silver Chalice’ 1 at the big Orpheum are the paceset- ters this holiday session. Both are sock. All spots are up, with “I?es- try” especially big at the Omaha. “Hansel and Gretel,” getting heavy moppet play at the Brandeis, looms great. ’Sea’ looks to hit a new- record at State. Estimates for This Week Brandeis <RKO> <1.100; 50-75)— “Hansel and Gretel” <RKO) and “Africa Adventure” (RKO». Bang- up $6,000. Last week. “Saratoga Trunk" <WB) and “Big Sleep” (WB' (reissues), $3,000. Omaha 'Tristates) (2,000; 50-75) —“Destry” <U> and “Private Hell” iIndie). Big $8,000 or near. Last week. "Reap Wild Wind” (Par) (reissue), $5,000. Orpheum (Tristates) <2,890; 75- $1>—"Silver Chalice” (WB). Ex- cellent $14,000. Last week, “Hu- man Jungle” <AA> and “Bowery to Bagdad” (AA>, $8,000 at 70c-90c scale. State (Goldberg) <875; 75-$l)— “20.000 Leagues Under Sea” (BV). Smash $17,000. Last week, “Bob Mathias Story” iAA) and "Fast and Furious” dndie', $3,000 at 80c top. ‘Cruz’ Terrif 22G, Cincy; ‘Sea’ 16G Cincinnati, Dec. 28. Strong lineup of new bills is magneting trade to downtown^! houses this week in high holiday volume. Far afront of the pack is “Vera Cruz.” terrific at Keith’s after record "White Christmas” run. Walt Disney’s "20.000 Leagues” has the Palice in clover and the Albee shapes okay with “3-Ring Circus.” Grand is getting satisfac- torv juve response on “Hansel and Gretel.” Estimates for This Week Albee <RKO» (3.100; 75-90) —“3 Ring Circus” 'Par). Nice $15,000 or near. Last week, “Sitting Bull” (UA). $9,000. Capitol (Ohio Cinema Corp.) (1,376; $1.20-$2.65) — "Cinerama” (Indie) <27th wk). Rebounding to- ward solid $21,000 for start of sec- ond half-year. Last week. $12,000, lowest of run, longest playdate for pictures in city. Grand (RKO) <1.400; 55-84)— "Hansel and Gretel” <RKO) and "Jungle Gents” (Indie). Good $8,500. Last week, “Battleground” (M-G) and "Asphalt Jungle” (M-G) (reissues), $6,500. Keith’s (Shor) (1.500; 75-$1.25)— “Vera Cruz” (UA). Looks terrific $22,000 or over. Holds. Last week, “White Christmas” (Par) (8th wk), $5,500 in 8 days. Total on run was close to $105,000 and new house record for gross and length of run. Palace (RKO) <2,600; 75-$l)— “20,000 Leagues Under Sea” (BV). Swell $16,000 or near. Last week. “Duel in Sun” <SRO) (reissue), at 50-85c scale, $7,500. Ifera Cruz’ Wham $12,500, Mpk Ace; ‘Young’ Fair 9G, ‘Sea’ Smash 22G ‘Show Biz’ Giant $22,000, K. C.; ‘Circus’ Loud 19G, ‘Sea’ Resounding 24%G Barutio’s Back to Biz Minneapolis. Dec. 28. Stephen Barutio, here from At- lanta. is the new managing director of “This Is Cinerama” at Century theatre, succeeding Albert H. Rosen, resigned. He was in ice cream trade for five years in Atlanta, and engage- 1 ment here marks his return to show biz. He plans to move family here in the spring. j Kansas City, Dec. 28. Holiday season has started with a rush of standout films, and grosses have responded in like fashion. Top money is being reg- istered by “There’s No Business Like Show Business” at the Or- pheum. where it is terrific. “20,- 000 Leagues Under Sea” in four Fox Midwest first runs looms great. “Three Ring Circus” also is rated smash at Paramount. "The Detective” is sockeroo at the Vogue, for best in months at this arty. Estimates for This Week Esquire (Fox Midwest) <820; 65- 85)—"Girl Gang" dndie) and "Secrets of High School Girl” (Indie) reopen this house after be- ing closed many weeks. Fat $5,000. Holds. Glen (Dickson) (750; 85-$l)— "High and Dry”. (U> '8th wk) and “The Promoter” (U * (2d run', Oke $1,100. Last week. $900. Kimo (Dickinson! <504; 75-$l)— “Romeo and Juliet” (UA). Best here recently, great $3,500. Stays. Last week, “Julius Caesar” <M-G) '4th wk<, $1,000. Midland (Loew s) <3.500; 60-80) —"Barefoot Contessa” <UA) and "Captain Kidd, Slave Girl” (UA). Fairish $9,000. Special morning show daily with “Challenge To Lassie.” included in regular admis- sion boosting biz. Last week, "Fire Over Africa” (Col) and "They Rode West” <Col), $5,500. Missouri (RKO) (2.650; 50-80)— "Hansel and Gretel” (RKO) and “Africa Adventure” (RKO). With kid’s armission boosted to 50c for this, but only $5,500. Last week, "Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and “Crim- son Pirate” (WB) (reissues), $3,500. Orpheum <Fox Midwest) (1.900; 75-$l)—"No Business Like Show Business” (20th». Reopens house, after closed a week. Great $22,- 000. Stays on. Paramount (United Par) (1.900; 75-SI)—“Three Ring Circus” (Par). Looks to get terrific $19,000, top figure for this house. Last week. "Hans Christian Anderson” (RKO) (reissue), $5,000. Roxy (Durwood) (879; 75-$l)— “Young At Heart” (WB). With prices up from former 90c top, solid $10,000 looms. Stays. Last week. “Desiree” (20th) (4th wk), $2,500. Tower, Uptown, Fairway, Gra- nada (Fox Midwest) 12.100; 2.043; 700; 1.217; 65-85*—"20.000 Leagues Under Sea” 'BV) and “Outlaw’s Daughter” (20th) (at Tower and Granada). Big $24,500. Holds. Last week, “4 Guns To Border” (Indie) and “Javanese Dagger” (Indie), $15,000 Vogue (Golaen) <550; 75-$l)— “The Detective” (Col). Best here in months, fancy $3,000. Holds over. Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $3,799,300 (Based on 21 cities and 207 theatres, chiefly ftrst runs, in- cluding N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year $3,330,300 (Based on 21 cities and 207 theatres .) Cruz’ Wow 26G, Frisco; ‘Sea’ 35G San Francisco, Dec. 28. First-run trade is soaring this session as pre-Xmas pressure was lifted. Standout is “Vera Cruz.” with a terrific total at the United Artists. “Silver Chalice” looms wow at St. Francis while “20.000 Leagues Under Sea” is heading for a huge take at Golden Gate. "Three - Ring Circus” likewise shapes lofty at Paramount while "No Business Like Show Business” is rated big at the huge Fox. “Romeo and Juliet” looms fast at Stagedoor. . Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2.859; 90- $1.25) — “20,000 Leagues Under Sea” <BV). Whopping $35,000. Last week. “Hansel and Gretel” (RKO) and “Silver Lode” (RKO), $11,500 for 9 days. Fox (FWC) <4^651: $1 25-$1.50)— "No Business Like Show Business” <20th). Big $31,000. Last week. “Hajji Baba” (20th) and "Outlaw’s Daughter” (20th), $12,500. Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; 65-90) —"Beau Brummel” (M-G). Okav $13,000. Last week, “Battleground” and “Asphalt Jungle” (reissues), $8,500. Paramount <Par) <2.646; 75-$l)— “3 Ring Circus” (Par) and “Roogie’s Bump” (Rep). Lofty $19,000. Last week, “Reap Wild Wind’’ <Par) (reissue) and “Miss Grant Takes Richmond’ (Indie), $11,000. St. Francis (Par) <1.400: $1 -SI.25) —“Silver Chalice” <WB*. Wow $16,000. Last week. “Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and “Big Sleep” (WB) (reissues), $7,500. Orpheum (Cinerama Theatre, Calif.) (1.458; $1.75-$2.65)—'"Cin- erama” (Indie) <52d wk). Great $15,000 or over. Last week, $13,500. United Artists (No. Coast) <1.207; 70-$l)—“Vera Cruz” (UA). Terrific $26,000. Last week. "Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (6th wk), $5,800.' Stagedoor (A-R) (400; $1-$1.25) —“Romeo and Juliet” <UA>. Fast $4,500. Last week, “Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde” (M-G) and “Woman’s Face” (M-G) (reissues) (4th wk), $ 2 , 100 . Larkin (Rosener) (400; $1)—“Mr. Hulot’s Holiday” <GBD). Fine $3.- 000. Last week, “Bread, Love, Dreams” <IFE) (7th wk). $1,800. Clay (Rosener) <400-$l)—“Little Kidnappers” (UA). Stout $3,400. Last w’eek. "Moment of Truth” (Indie), $1,700. Vogue <S. F. Theatres) <377; $1) —"Ugetsu” (Indie) (6th wk). Strong $1,800. Last week, $2,000. ‘Sea’ Hangup $26,000, Balto; ‘Show Biz’ 17'/ Z G Baltimore, Dec. 28. New holiday product is 'soaring this week. “20.000 Leagues Under Sea” is terrific at the Hipp. “Show Business” is sock at the Town. “Deep In My Heart” shapes nice at the Century. “3 Ring Circus” also is tall at Keith’s. “Aida” is getting amazing coin at the band- Dreams,” too, is brisk at the Cine- ma. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew’s-UA) (3.000; 25- 65-95)—“Deep In Heart” (M,G>. Sprightly $13,000. Last week, “Battleground” (M-G) and “Asp- halt Jungle” (M-G) (reissues), $4,400. Cinema (Schwaber) (466; 50-SI) —“Bread, Love. Dreams” <IFE). Brisk $4,000. Last week, “Anapur- na” (Indie), $2,000. Film Centre (Rappaport) <960; 50-$l) — “The Detective” (CoD. Fancy $8,000. Last week, “Sabrina” (Par) (11th wk), $3,000. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2.100; 50-$ 1.25)—“20,000 Leagues Below Sea” (BV). Giant $26,000 or near, i (Continued on page 16) Minneapolis, Dec. 28. Loop this week is emerging from the doldrums with new big pix helping. A standout is “Vera Cruz.” smash at the Gopher. "Leagues Under Sea” looms socko at Orpheum. “Deep in Heart” is great at. tiny World. “Fireman, Save My Child” is stout at Lyric. “Young at Heart” shapes fair at Radio City. “Hansel and. Gretel” looks okay at RKO-Pan. Estimates for This Week Century (S-W) (1.140; $1.75- $2.65)—"Cinerama” (Indie) <37th wk). Holiday reservations occa- sioned booking special perform- ances as this durable attraction begins to rebuild. Good $15,000. Last week, $11,000. Gopher (Berger) (1.000 ; 65-85)— "Vera Cruz” (UA). Action film with fine cast benefits from good word- of-mouth. Heading for a run with $12,500, giant Jor this house. Last week, “Karamoja” (Indie) and "Halfway to Hell” (Indie) <6th wk). $2,500. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 65-85)—"Fire- man, Save My Child” (U) and “Rails Into Laramie” <U*. Big .‘6,000. Last week. “Return to Sea” (AA) and “Paris Playboys” (AA), $4,000. Radio City (Pkr) <4.000; 65-85) —"Young At Heart” <WB). Fair $9,000. Last week. "Beau Brum- raell” (M-G), $8,000. RKO-Orpheum <RKO> <2.800: 50- $1)—"20,000 Leagues Under Sea” <BV). Holiday and 50-cent price for kids giving this huge *22.000. Last week, "Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and "Crimson Pirate” (WB) (reissues) $5,000 in 6 days. RKO-Pan (RKO) <1.600; 50-75)— “Hansel and Gretel” (RKO*. Pup- pet version of old storv haulifig in kids. Not so good $6,500 Last week, “Princess of Nile” <20th) and “Thy Neighbor's Wife” <20th), $4,500. State (Par) (2.300; 65-85) — “Athena” (M-G). Fair $8 000. Last week, “Bounty Hunter” (WB), with kiddie revue onstage matinees, $ 6 , 000 . World (Mann) (400; 65-SI 25) “Deep In My Heart” <M-G). Hefty $7,000. Last week. “Illicit Inter- lude” (Indie) (3d wk), $3,000. ‘This Paris’ Boffo 18G, Philly, ‘Sea’ Great 44G, ‘Circus’ 23G, ‘Biz’ 40G Philadelphia, Dec. 28. Christmas brought nine new films here for show shoppers over the long weekend, with first-run trade generally soaring. One of best showings is being made by “So This Is Paris,” with a terrific take for the small-seater Midtown. “3-Ring Circus” is rated hefty at Randolph while “Silver Chalice” looms fine at Stanley. “20,000 Leagues Under Sea” shapes fancy at huge Mastbaum, the strong adult pull being surprising. “Aida” shapes rousing being helped by visit of S. Hurok and subsequent Sunday feature. Estimates for This Week- Arcadia (S&S) <625; 99-$1.35)— “Deep in My Heart” (M-G). Bolt $17,000. Last W’eek, closed- Boyd (SW) (1.430; $1.25-$2 60^— "Cinerama” (Indie) <64th wk). So- so $6,200. Last week. $6,500. Fox (20th) (2,250; 90-$1.40)— “Show Business” (20th). Smash $40,000. Last week, "Desiree” (20th) <5th wk), $9,000 in 5 days. Goldman (Goldman) (1.200; 65- $1.30)—“Violent Men” (Col). Tall $19,000. Last week, “Black Knight” (Col) (2d wk), $9,500. Mastbaum (SW) (4,370; 75-S1.30) —'*20,000 Leagues Under Sea” <BV). Smash $44,000. Last week “Cry Vengeance” (AA), $10,000. Midtown (Goldman) (1.000; 74- $1.49)—“So This Is Paris” (U). Ter- rifio $18,000 or near. Last week, "Barefoot Contessa” (UA) <8th wk', $7,000. Randolph (Goldman) (2.500; 75- $1.40)—“Three Ring Circus" (Par). Hefty $23,000. Last week, “White Christmas” (Par) (8th wk>, $13,000. Stanley (SW) (2.900; 74-$1.40>— “Silver Chalice” (WB). Fine $27.- 000. Last week, “Carmen Jones” (20th) (5th wk). $9,000. Stanton (SW) (1.473; 50-99)— “Hansel and Gretel” (RKO). Sock $15,000. Last week, “This Is My Love” (RKO) and “Gog” (UA», $ 6 , 000 . Viking (Sley) (1,000; 74-$1.50)— “Last Time Saw Paris” <M-G> (2d wk). Neat $10,000 or over. Last week, $16,000. Trans-Lux World <T-L) (604; 99- $1.50)—“Aida” (IFE). Rousing $10.- 000. Last week. “Suddenly” (UA 1 (10th wk), $2,500.