Variety (February 1955)

8 PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, February 2, 195.> L.A. Lags But Pagan Perky $65,000, Hulot’ Bangup 8G, ‘Taxi’ Slow 11G, Toko-ri’ Big 21G, Cruz’ Dandy 27G Los Angeles, Feb. 1. Extended-runs continue to be the mainstay of firstrun biz locally, with most" newcomers this week failing to generate much steam. Best new entries are “Hulot’s Holiday,” with nifty $8,000 for arty Fine Arts, a small- seater, and “Sign of Pagan,” rated good $26,000 in three theatres. “Pagan” is getting an additional $39,000 in seven ozoners on first regular release playdates here. Combo of “Battle Taxi” and “Race for Life” shapes dull $11,000 in two situations. “White Orchid” and “Snow Creature” looks so-so $8,000 for one house. Among the holdovers, “Toko-ri” is fine $21,000 in second week. “Vera Cruz” is neat $27,000 for third round in four spofs. “Leagues Under Sea” continues to lead extended-runs with sturdy $17,000 for sixth frame. Estimates for This Week Fine Arts (FWC) (631; $1-$1.50) —“Mr. Hulot’s Holiday” (GBD). Fine $8,000. Last week, “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (12th wk), $4,300. Los Angeles, Vogue (FWC) <2.- 097; 885; 80-$l.25)—“Battle Taxi” (UA) and “Race for Life” (Lip). Dull $11,000. Last week. “So This Paris” (U) and “Yellow Moun- tain” <U> (2d wk), $8,300. Downtown Paramount <ABPT) (3.200; 75-$l.25)—“White Orchid” (UA) and “Snow Creature” (UA). So-so $8,000. Last week, “Star Is Born” (WB) (5th wk - 4 days, $4,000. State (UATC) (2.404; 70-$1.10)— “Battleground” (M-G) and "As- phalt Jungle” (M-G) (reissues). Light $6,300. Last week, with Hawaii. Orpheum, Hollywood, W’iltem (Metropolitan - FWC - SW) <2,213; 756; 2,344; 80-$1.25)—“Sign of Pagan” <U) and “Fast and Furious” (Indie). Good $26,000. Last week, “Destrv” (U) and “West of Zanzi- bar” (U). $19,600. Hollywood Paramount <F&M> (1.430; $1-$1.50)—“Bridges Toko- ri” (Par) (2d wk). Fine $21,000. Last week. $27,600. Hillstreet. Piint»ri>< (RKOt <?.- 752; 2.812; 80-$1.25> — “Phffft” (Col) and "Pirates Tripoli” (Col) (2d wk). Moderate $18,000. Last week, $26,700. Warner Downtown, New Fox, Loyola. Uptown (SW-FWC) (1,757; 965; 1.248; 1.715; $1-$1.50)—“Vera Cruz” (UA) (3d wk). Neat $27,000. Last week, $43,200, plus $9,800 at nabe Picwood. Hawaii (G&S) (1.106; 90-$1.25)— “Green Fire” (M-G) (3d wk). Slow $2,500. Last week, with State, $ 11 , 000 . Chinese (FWC) (1.905; $1-$1.75) —“Show Business” (20th) «6th wk'. Still good $11,000. Last week, $13,200. Fox Wilshire (FWC) <2.296; $1- $1.50) — "20.000 Leagues” (BV) (6th wk). Sturdy $17,000. Last week, $19,300. Warner Beverly (SW) (1.612; 90- $1.50)—“Country Girl” (Par) <6th wk). Smooth $11,000. Last week, $13,600. Four Star <UATC) (900; 90-$1.50) —“Detective” <Col) (6th wk). Nice $3,600. Last week, $4,400. El Rey (FWC) (861; $1-$1.50)— Romeo and Juliet” (UA) (6th wk) Slight $1,900. Last W'eek, $2,100. Egyptian (UATC) (1,536; 90- $1.50) — “Deep In Heart” (M-G) (6th wk). Mild $4,800 in 5 days. Last week. $8,000. W’arner Hollywood (SW) <1.364; $1.20-$2.65) — “Cinerama” (Indie) <92d wk). Into current week Sun- day (30) after topnotch $25,100 last week. Vagabond (Rosener) (390; $1.50) •—"Gate of Hell” (Indie) (6th wk). Strong $5,000. Last week, $5,700. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $495,500 (Based on 22 theatres.) Last Year $482,100 (Based on 24 theatres.) ‘Vera Cruz’ Hotsy $14,000 in Omaha Omaha, Feb. 1. Sub-zero weather, snow and w ind smacked the first-run openings this session but a slight respite over the weekend helped grosses con- siderably. "Carmen Jones” is sock at the State. “Vera Cruz” at the Orpheum shapes especially big. “Violent Men” at the Brandeis looms neat. “Deep in My Heart” is trim in second stanza at the Omaha. Estimate for This Week Brandeis (RKO) (1,100; 65-85)— “Violent Men” (Col) and “Pirates of Tripoli” <Col). Neat $6,000. Last week, “PhfTft” (Col) and "Race for j Life” (Lip) (2d wk), $4,500 at 75c top. Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 65-85) —“Deep in Heart” <M-G) (2d wk) with “This Is Your Army” (Indie). Trim $5,000. Last week. $9,000. Orpheum (Tristates) (2,890; 70- 90>—“Vera Cruz” (UA). Smash $14,000. Last week, “3-Ring Circus” (Par) (2d wk-4 days), $6,500. State (Goldberg) (875; 60-90)— “Carmen Jones" i20th). Socko : $8,000. Last week. “Battleground” (M-G) and “Asphalt Jungle” (M-G) (reissues) (5 days), $4,500 at 50c- 80c scale. ‘SEA’ TERRIF $22,000, L’VILLE; ‘MEN’ FAT 11G Louisville, Feb. 1. “20,000 Leagues” is really in the big boxoffice league this week at the Rialto, with smash session de- spite some snow Saturday (29) night. “Violent Men” at the State looks good. Holdover of “3-Ring Circus” at the Kentucky is solid. Estimates for This Week Kentucky (Switow) (1,000; 50-75* —“3-Ring Circus” (Par) (2d wk). Nice $7,000 after last week’s $ 12 , 000 . Mary Anderson (People’s) (1,000; 50-75)—"Silver Chalice” (WB) <2d wk). Oke $5,000 after first week’s $7,500. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3.000; 75-$l) — “20,000 Leagues Under Sea” (BV). Dominating the town with wham $22,000. Last week, “So This Is Paris” (U), $14,000 at 75c scale. State (United Artists) (3,000; 50- 75>—“Violent Men” (Col). Friday (28). Moving towards nice $11,- 000. Last week, "Vera Cruz” (UA) (2d wk), $13,000. ‘Bridges’ Wow $32,000, ‘Gangbusters’ Solid 23G, 2 Spots, Hub; ‘Paris’ 17G Boston, Feb. 1. “Six Bridges to Cross” in second frame at the Memorial, and “Gangbusters,” ditto at Paramount and Fenway, continue outstanding ! here this week. “Bridges” is espe- cially big. “This is Paris” is only fair at the Met. “Vera Cruz” in third week at Orpheum and State is slipping. ‘“Prince of Players” in second round at Astor is very dis- appointing. Estimates for This Week Astor (B&Q) (1.500; 70-$1.10)— [■ “Prince of Players” (20th* (2d wk). : Off to mild $8,000 following $10,- ; 000 in first w eek: Beacon Hill (Beacon Hill) (800; 74-$ 1.25) — “Romeo and Juliet” j <UA) (6th Wk). Nifty $6,500 after last week s $7,000. Boston (Cinerama Productions (1.354; $1.20-$2.85) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (57th wk). This continues (Continued on page 18) ‘Americano’ Fancy 11G, Buff.; ‘Toko-ri’ 15G, 2d Buffalo, Feb. 1. City is loaded with holdovers, and newcomers are not smash. “Americano” at Century looms as best new entry with nice total. “Bridges At Toko-ri” is top h o. with a good round at Paramount. “Prince of Players” is mild at Center. “Deep in Heart” looks okay in second frame at the Buf- falo. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loew s) (3.000; 60-85)— ,M * G) '2d wk). Oke $10,000. Last week, $16,500. l'»ramount iPaf) .3,000; 50-$l>-- Bndges At Toki-ri” (par) and (Continued on page 18) Weather Clips Pitt Biz; ‘Men’ Fair $8,500, ‘Sea’ Fast 16G, ‘Cruz’ Ditto Pittsburgh, Feb. 1. Cold weather and snow are cut- ting in plenty this week but a couple of holdovers. “Vera Cruz” at Penn and “20.000 Leagues Un- der Sea” at Stanley are sturdy in second stanzas. Only new picture downtown, “Violent Men” at Har- ris. never got off the ground. “Sign of Pagan’’ is dropping off in third but still okay at Fulton. Squirrel Hill has another winner in "Mr. Hulot’s Holiday” with the em- braces of the crix for new entry at art naber. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) <1.700; 65-$1.10)— “Sign of Pagan” <U> (3d wk). Slid- ing off at windup but okay $6,500. Last week. $11,000. Guild (Green) (500; 65-$l) — “Romeo and Juliet” (UA) (6th wk). Starting to slip. Looks about same as last week or $1,500. Harris (Harris) <2,165; 65-$l)— "Violent Men” (Col). Weather and competition too much for only new downtown entry. Will be lucky to do fair $8,500 in 9 days. Holding through Thursday <3) in order to get “Beau Brummel” <M-G> off to Friday opening. Last week, “So This Is Paris” (U). $7,500 in 7 days. Penn (UA) (3.300; 65-$1.25) — “Vera Cruz” (UA) (2d wk). Still very sturdy at $16,000. May go another stanza. Last week, $24,000. Squirrel Hill (SW) (900 ; 65-$l)— “Mr. Hulot’s Holiday” (GBD). Big- gest Saturday (29) art naber ever had, big $4,700 or over. Should be around for awhile. Last week. “Detective” (Col) (5th vJt-6 days), $ 2 , 000 . Stanley (SW) (3.800; 75-$1.25)— “20.000 Leagues Under Sea” (BV) <2d wk). Heading for $16,000 or near. Probably enough to keep it going. Last week, had weather down stretch hurt, but still was terrific at $28,500. Warner (SW) (1.365; $1.25-$2.65) —“Cinerama” (Indie) (61st wk). Getting plenty of action with end of run only two weeks away. Weather holding it back a bit cur- rently but still fast at $13,000. Last week. $15,400. Mpls. 20-Below, B.O. Hard Hit But ‘Bridges’ Lofty $9,500; ‘Chalice’ 8G Minneapolis, Feb. 1. Temperatures as low as 20 below zero here and 40 below nearby together with more snow aren’t encouraging theatre patronage, grosses falling with the mercury. Another adverse factor is the com- parative paucity of fresh arrivals. As holdovers cling to their perehes, the sole newcomers comprise "The Detective.” “Americano,” "Down Three Dark Streets” and “Bridges to Cross.” Last-named at Orpheum looms tops while “Detective” is rated sturdy at State. Still on tap are “Cinerama.” in its 42d week and still going strong. “Silver Chalice” is dragging bottom in second round at Radio City, Estimates for This Week Century (S-W) < 1.140; $1.75-$2 65) —"Cinerama” dndie) i42d wk). Hefty $12,000. Last week, $14,000. Gopher (Berger) (1.000; 65-85)— “Down 3 Dark Streets” (UA). Okav $4 500. Last week, “Vera Cruz” <U.\) (5th wk), $2,200 in 4 da vs. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 85-$l) — “Carmen Jones” <20th) (m.o.). Good $5,000. Last week. “Show Busi- ness” (20th) (4tli wk), $3,500. Radio City (Par) (4.100; 85-$ 1)— “Silver Chalice” (WB) (2d wk). Winding up a moderate run. Mild $8,000. Last week. $12,000. RKO-Orpheum (RKO) <2.800; 65- 85) — “6 Bridges to Cross” (U). Fancy $9,500. especially good in view of weather. Last W'eek “Violent Men” (Col), $9,000 at 85c- $1 scale. Moves to Pan. RKO-Pan (RKO) <1.600; 85-$l)— “Violent Men” (Col) (m.o.). Here alter profitable Orpheum session. Good $5,000. Last week. “Passion” RKO) and "Sins of Rome” (RKO), $4,000 at 85c top. State (Par) (2.300; 65-85) “Amer- icano” (RKO). Modest $7,000. Last week, “Carmen Jones” (20th), $10,- 500 at 85c-$l scale. World (Mann) <400; 65-SI.20) "The Detective” (Col). Sturdy $5,000. Last week. “Deep in Heart” (M-G) (5th wk), $3,000 in 6 days. Cincy Coldest in 4 Yrs.; Contessa’ Lively $10,090, Heart’ Okay 12G Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $2,460,900 (Based on 23 cities and 210 theatres, chiefly first runs, in- cluding N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year $2,433,600 (Based on 23 cities and 196 theatres.) Toko-ri’ Potent Cleveland, Feb. 1. Long spell of near-zero weather is not hurting cinema biz here much. "So This Is Paris” looks fair at Palace. "Bridges at Toko- Ri” playing the State is standout with big total. "French Line” looks stout for Allen. “Black Tuesday” shapes fine at Stillman. “Aida” is still stout at Ohio on second lap. Estimates for This Week Allen (S-W; 70-$l) — “French Line” *RKO). Held up long time by Ohio censors, nice $13,000. Last week. “Prince of Players” (20th), $9,000. llipp (Telem’t) <3,700; 60-90*— “Violent Men” (Col). Good $14,- 000. Holds. Last week. “Sign of Pagan” (U) (2d wk), $12,000. Lower Mall (Community) (585; <60-90*—“Le Plaisir” (Indie). Okay $2,500. Last week, “Flamenco” (Indie.*, $2,000. Ohio (Loew’s) (1.200; 75-$1.25>— ► Cincinnati, Feb. l Near - zero temperatures and snow, Cincy’s worst winter six !) in four years, hurt downtown bi z in the first half this week. In view of this barrier, three new bills are heading for pleasing totals. “Deo In M.V Heart” at Albee shapes okay but best showing by a newcomer is being made by “Barefoot Con- tessa,” sharp at Keith’s. “Day. at Black Rock” at the Palace looms passable. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (.3100; 75-90) _ "Deep In Heart” (M-G). Okay $12 - 000. Last week, “Young at Heart* (WB), $12,500. Capitol (Ohio Cinema Corn) <1.376; $1.20-$2.65) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (33d wk). Maybe $18,000, solid, with assist from extra juve’ matinee after last week’s weather- slowed $15,000. Grand (RKO) (1.400; 50-84)—",\ Woman’s Face” <M-G) and "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (M-G) (re- issues). Four days. Favorable $3,500. Last week. "Sign of Pagan * <U). 10 days, at 90c top, $16,000 Keith's (Shor) (1,500; 75-$ 1.25* “Barefoot Contessa” (UA). Lively $10,000. Holds for second stanza. Last week, “Vera Cruz” (UA) '5th wk-5 days), $5,800. Palace (RKO) (2.600; 75-90) — “Rad Day at Black Rock” (M-G). Fairly good $11,000. Last week. “Violent Men” (Col), $11,500 ‘This Paris’ Nifty 15G, K.C.; Toko-ri’ Sockeroo 14G, ‘Cruz’ 7?G in 2d Kansas City, Feb. 1. Bright entries here currently “Aida” (1FE* (2d wk*. Solid : f re “5° T JJ*. Is Paris.” playing $5,000, following $7,000 last round. . [° UI \ F ° x Midwest theatres, and Palace (RKO) (3.287; 60-90'— I holdovers of Toko-ri” at the “So This is Paris” <U*. Fair [^amount and Vera Cruz” at the $9,000. Last week, “Destry” «U) Midland. Americano.” another and “Jamboree” (Indie*, $7,300. State (Loew’s) (3.500; 60-90*— “Bridges at Toko-ri” (Par). Big $23,000. Holds. Last week, “Green Fire” (M-G), $14,000. Stillman (Loew’s) (2,700; 60-90) —“Black Tuesday” <UA). Fine $7,500. Last week. “Vera Cruz'* (UA) (m.o.) (4th wk), $7,000. This Paris’ Lively 14G, Frisco; ‘Rock’ Rich 17G, ‘Toko-ri’ Great 21G, 2d San Francisco, Feb. 1. Several new entries this round are brightening the first-runs here. “So This Is Paris” looms solid at Golden Gates while “Bad Day At Black Rock” is equally strong at Warfield. “Prince of Players” is a major disappointment at the huge Fox. “Bridges At Toko-ri” shapes socko in second Paramount session. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2.859; 80- $1)—"So This Is Paris” (U), and "Dangerous Cargo” (Indie). Solid $14,000 or close. Last week, "20.- 000 Leagues” (BV) (5th wk), $14,- 800. ’ Fox (FWC) (4,651; $1.25-$1.50)— “Prince of Players” (20th) and “Flight of W’hite Heron” (20th). Sad $9,500. Last week. Business” (20th) (5th wk), in 5 days. Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; —“Bad Day At Black Rook” Fast $17,000. Last week. Fire” (M-G), $13,000. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 95- $1.25)—“Bridges At Toko-ri” (Par) ‘Show $9,800 65-90) (M-G). “Green newcomer at the Missouri, is slow. Coldest weather of the year with temperatures near zero was no help over the weekend. Estimates for This W’eek Glen (Dickinson) (750; 75-$ 1) — “High and Dry” (U) (12th wk) and “The Promoter” (U) (2d run). Holds on at $800. Last week, ditto. Kimo (Dickinson) (504; 75-$l*— “Romeo and Juliet” <U> (6th wk'. Oke at $1,200. Holds. Last week, $1,300; Midland (Loew’s) (3.500: 60-80) —("Vera Cruz” (UA) and “Return Treasure Island” (UA) (2d wk*. Pleasing $7,500. Last week, $15,000. Missouri (RKO) (2,650; 50-80'— “Americano” (RKO) and “Cairo Road” (Indie). Medium $6 000. Last week, “Cattle Queen Montana” (RKO) and “Killer Leopard” <AA) (2d wk), in three davs, “Suspicion” (RKO) and “The Window” (RKO) (reissues) last 4 days, split week, $5,000. Orpheum (Fox Midwest) 75-$l) — “Show Business” (6th wk). Fine $5,000. Last same. Paramount (United Par) <1.900; 75-$l)—“Bridges at Toko-ri” (Par) <2d wk). Fat $14,000. Holds oil Last week. $19,000. Tower, Uptown, Fairway, Gran- ada (Fox Midwest) (2.100; 2.043; 700; 1,217; 65-85) — "So This Is Paris” (U) and “Port of Hell” (AA>. Nifty $15,000. Last week, “Destrv” (U) and “Other W’oman” (20th', $15,000. Vogue (Golden) (550; 75-$l)— “The Detective” (Col) <6th wk) and “Four Poster” (Col) (2d run). Fast $1,500. Holds. Last week, $1,600. 1.913; <20lh) week, $21,000. Last (2d wk). Socko week, $33,000. St. Francis (Par) (1.400; $1- $1.25)—“Violent Men” (Col) and “Women’s Prison” (Col) (2d wk). Fancy $11,000. Last week, $16,800. Orpheum (Cinerama Theatre. Calif.) (1.458; $1.75-$2.65)—“Cine- rama” (Indie) (57th wk). Smash $21,500. Last week, $21,000. United Artists (No. Coast) <1,207; 70-$l)—"Vera Cruz” (UA) (6th wk)). Sturdy $7,500. Stays on. Last week, $8,900. Stagrdoor (A-R) (400; $1-$1.25) —“Romeo and Juliet” (UA) (6th wk>). Trim $3,000 or near. Last week, $3,500. Larkin (Rosener) (400; $1)—! “Mr. Hulot’s Holiday" (G-BD) I (6th wk)). Solid $2,400. Last week, $2,300. Vogue (S.F. Theatres) <377-$l)— “Ugetsu” (Indie) (11th wk)). Good: $1,500. Last week, $1,800. j ‘6 Bridges’ Sock UG, D.C.; ‘Carmen’ Hot 18 G Washington, Feb. 1. There’s the usual dearth of new- comers along main stem current iy, and some of holdovers are sagging. Both entries, “Carmen Jones” at Loew’s Capitol and “6 Bridges To Cross” at Columbia, rated critical kudos and are lively, latter being especially sock. “Carmen” shapes as holdover prospect. “20.000 Leagues Under Sea” in sixth stanza at Keith’s still is solid. Season’s b.o. phenomenon continues to he “Cinerama. “Vera Cruz” shapes big in sixth Palace week. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (SW) (1,400; 60-8^ — “Reap Wild Wind” 'Far) 'reissue). Good $5,000. Last week, "Violent Men” (Col), $6,500 Capitol (Loew’s) <3.434; 75-$1 “Carmen Jones” (20th). Brisk SIR - 000. but not up to hopes. Holds. Last week, “Green Fire” <M-d (2d wk). $6,500 in final 3 days (Continued on page 18)