Variety (February 1955)

Wednesday, February 2, 1955 PICTURE GROSSES Cold Wave Bops Chi Albeit ‘Pagan’ Torrid $22,000, Hock’ Smooth Wfa ‘Men Mild 23G, ‘Sea 1 Stout 21G, 6th Chicago, Feb. 1. Biz this round looks to stay mainly in the doldrums with con- tinued sub-zero weather the con- tributing factor to the downbeat. Weekend temperatures of five and ten degrees below zero kept thou- sands home. However, several newcomers shape okay. “Violent Men” at the Oriehtal looks to garner a modest $23,000. “Bad Day at Black Rock" shapes lusty $22,500 in first frame at the Woods. ‘‘Sign of Pagan” at United Art- ists looms big $22,000. At the Roosevelt, a sock $22,000 looms for “Women’s Prison" and “Human Desire" opening week. “The Other Woman” and “Outlaw’s Daughter" at McVickers is rated dull $16,000. First round at the Grand for “Cry, Vengeance” and “The Desperado” looks fairish $7,500. “Bridges At Toko-ri” is holding well in second frame at the Chi- cago with Sarah Vaughan heading stageshow. A lofty $54,000 is *in sight. The Carnegie’s “Ugetsu” continues smash in third week. A socko $21,000 shapes for “20- 000 Leagues Under Sea” at the State-Lake in sixth round. “Aida” looms smash at the World, also sixth week. “Detective” continues solid at the Surf, also for sixth frame. Estimates for This Week Carnegie (Telem’t) (480; 95* — “Ugetsu” (Indie) (3d wk>. Fancy $2 900. Last week, $4,500. Chicago (B&K* (3,900; 98-$1.50> —“Bridges At Toko-ri" (Par) with Sarah Vaughan heading vaude bill (2d wk*. Hefty $54,000. Last week. $ 66 , 000 . Grand (Nomikos) (1,200; 98-> $1.251—“Cry, Vengeance” (AA) and “The Desperado" (AA*. Fairish at $7,500. Last Week, “Beau Brum- mcl” (M-G> and “Crest of Wave” (M-G) (3d wk-5 days), $3,100. Loop (Telem't) (606; 90-$1.25>— “West of Zanzibar” (U) and “Se- curity R'sk" (AA) (2d wk*. Fine $7,500. Last week, $9,000. McVickers (JL&S) (2,200; 65- $1.25)—“The Ottier Woman” (20th) and "The Outlaw’s Daughter” (20th t. Sluggish $16,000. Last week. “Tonight’s the Night" (AA), $15 000 Oriental (Indie) (3.400; 98-$1.25> —“Violent Men" (Col). Slow $23- 000 Last week, “Show Business” (20th) (5th wk>, $20,000. Palace (Eitel) (1,484; $1.25-$3.40* —“Cinerama" (Indie) (79th wk). Solid $24,500. Last week. $26,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,400; 65-98>— “Women’s Prison" (Coll and “Hu- man Desire” (Col>. Nifty $22,000. Last week. “Destry" (U) and “Bam- boo Prison” (Col) (2d wk). $12,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2,400; 65-98* —“20.000 Leagues Under Sea" (BV) (6th wk). Stout $21,000. Last week. $20,000. Surf (H&E Balaban) (685; 95*— “Detective” <Col) (6th wk). Staunch $4,000. Last week. $5,000. United Artists (B&K) (1.700; 98 $1.25)—“Sign of Pagan" (U*. Lusty $22,000. Last week, “Prince of Players” (20th), $8,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,206; 98- $1.25*—“Bad Day at Black Rock” (M-G*. Swell $22,500. Last week. “Down 3 Dark Streets” (UA) (3d wk). 515,000. World (Indie) (697; 98*—“Aida" (IFE* (6th wk>. Smash $6,500. Last week. $7,500. 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. ‘Americano’-‘Cry’ Neat 16G, St. Loo St. Louis. Feb. 1. Only two new films are on cur- rent docket, with the Italian-made “Bread, Love and Dreams.” doing nicely at the Shady Oak. “Ameri- cano” and “Cry, Vengeance” combo wound up with a neat total Monday (31) at the Fox. “Vera Cruz,” one of the holdovers, con- tinues biggest draw with a lofty figure in second session at Loew’s. “Silver Chalice” also is trim on initial holdover week at the St. Louis. Cold weather over the weekend is credited with helping biz. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (Indie) (1.400; $1.20- $2.40)—“Cinerama” (Indie) (53d wk». Fine $16,000 after $17,500 1 last week. Fox (F&M) (5.000; 75) — “De- stroy” (U> and “Keystone Cops” (U>. Opened today (Tues.). Last week, “Americano” (RKO) and “Cry Vengeance” (AA), neat $16,000. Loew’s (Loew’s) (3.172; 50-85) — “Vera Cruz” (UA) (2d wk*. Tall $17,000 after $21,500 initial frame. Orpheum (Loew’s) (1,400; 75-$l) —"20,000 Leagues Under Sea” (BV)) (6th wk). Good $7,500. Last week, $9,000. Pageant (St. L. Amus.) (1.000;82) —“She-Wolf” (Rep) (2d wk). Nice $3,000 following $4,000 in first. Richmond (St. L. Amus.) (400; 82*—“She-Wolf” (Rep) (2d wk*. Good $2,000. Last week, $2,500. St. Louis (St. L. Amus.) (4,000; 75)—'"Silver Chalice” (WB) (2d wk). Trim $13,000 after $16,000 for first frame. Shady Oak (St. L. Amus.) (800; 82)—"Bread, Love. Dreams" (IFE). Big $3,500 or over. Last week, “Romeo and Juliet" (UA) (3d wk), $2,700. ‘6 Bridges’ Mighty 22G, Del.; ‘Fagan’ $15,000,2d, ‘Tues.’ 23G, ‘Sea’ Big 14G Detroit, Feb. 1. Biz continues good at downtown houses this week with holdovers mainly carrying the ball. Best newcomer is “6 Bridges to Cross" which shapes terrific at the Broad- way-Capitol. “Young at Heart” is .lust passable at the Michigan. Holdovers are led by “Cinerama" which picked up real steam in 98th week at the Music Hall. “Black Tuesday" is okay at the fox in second round. “Sign of Pagan” at the Palms looms stout in second. “20,000 Leagues Under f*ea" at the Madison still looks big in sixth week. Estimates for This Week 'Fox-Detroit) (5,000; $1- "j-25'—Tuesday” (UA) and 10 Wanted Men” (Col) (2d wk*. ( > k *y 523,000. Last week, wow Michigan (United Detroit* (4 000; M)-$l >—"Young at Heart” iWBi ** nd ‘Crossed Swords” (UA). Pass- continued on page 18) ‘Toko-ri’ Smash $20,000, Denver; ‘Chalice’ Oke 14G Denver, Feb. 1. “Bridges at Toko-ri” is having no trouble grabbing top coin here this week at Denham, and will hold. "Silver Chalice,” which looms fine at the Center, also will hold over. “Sign of Pagan” looks good in second Paramount stanza. “Violent Men” is rated good at the Denver, and stays over an extra two days. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1.400; 50-85) — “Bob Mathias Story” (AA) and “Mighty Fortress” (Indie). Fair $3,000. Last week. “Raid” (20th) and “Black 13” (20th), $3,500. Centre (Fox) (1.247; 60-$l)— “Silver Chalice" (WB). Fine $14.- 000. Stays. Last week, “Show Busi- ness” (20th) (5th wk). $10,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1.750; 60-$i) — “Bridges at Toko-ri” (Par). Socko $20,000. Last week, “Fire Over Africa” (Col), $4,500. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 50-85)— “Violent Men" (Col) and “Bamboo Prison" (CoP. Good $11,000. Last week. “Young at Heart” (WB), $13,000 Esquire (Fox). (742; 50-$l) — “Romeo and Juliet” (UA>. Fair $2.- 000. Last week. “Earrings of Mad- ame De’’* (Arlan) (2d wk). $1,000. Orpheum *(RKO) (2.600: 50-85)— “Bad Day at Black Rock” (M-G* and “Utopia” (Indie* (2d wk). Fair $6,500. Last week. $16,500. Paramount (Wolfberg* (2.200; 50- 85)—“Sign of Pagan” <U> (2d wk*. Good $9,500 in 5 days. Last week. $24,000. TOKO-RI’ SWELL 16G, INDPLS.;‘SEA’ 11G, 2D Indianapolis, Feb. 1. Biz is stout at first-run situa- tions here this stanza despite the holdover of the cold wave, the worst since 1951. “Bridges At Toko-ri” is showing lots of power to lead the city at the Circle. “20,- 000 Leagues Under Sea" still is sock in second week at Indiana. "Green Fire” at Loew’s is just okay. Estimates for This Week Circle (Cockrill-Dolle) (2.800; 60- 95)—“Bridges At Toko-ri” (Par). Swell $16,000, and likely will hold. Last week, “Bridges To Cross” (U) and “Trouble in Glen” (Rep), $11,- 500. Indiana (C-D) (3,20Q; 75-$l) — "20,000 Leagues Under Sea” (BV) (2d wk). Sock $11,000 on top of $20,000 opener. Loew's (Loew’s) (2,427; 50-80)— “Green Fire” (M-G) and “White Orchid” (UA). Just okay $9,000. Last week. “Vera Cruz” ,(UA) (2d wk), $8,000 at 70c-90c scale. Lyric (C-D) (1,600; 35-70) — “Naked Alibi’’ (U>> and “Fangs of Wild” - (Indie)). Modest $5,000. with All-Star Jamboree onCage replacing second feature Sunday only at $1.25. Last week, “She- Wolf” (Rep) and “Dark Violence” (Indie), $6,000, with same setup. Cold Clips B’way Albeit ‘Holiday Boffo 13^G; ‘Men Only Okay 20G, ‘Unchained’ 18G, Toko-ri’ 145G, 2d ‘6 Bridges’ Socko $25,000, Philly Philadelphia, Feb. 1. Firstruns are holding firm here currently, with newcomers helping to spurt biz, largely coming over weekend. Biggest coin total of new entrants is going to “6 Bridges to Cross,” rated sturdy at Stanley. “Prince of Players” is not getting far at the Fox. “Bad Day at Black Rock” shapes fairly good at Mast- baum. “Bridges At Toko-ri” looms staunch in second round at Ran- dolph. Closing weeks announce- ment boosted “Cinerama” to big- gest total in six months at Boyd. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S&S* (625; 99-$1.35) —“Deep in Heart” (M-G) (6th wk). Steady $10,000. Last week, $10,500. Boyd (SW) (1,430; $1.25-$2.60)— “Cinerama” (Indie) (69th wk*. Boffo $23,700. Last week. $19,500. Fox (20th* (2.250; 90-$1.40) — “Prince of Players” (20th). Mild “17,000. Last week, “Show Busi- ness” (20th) (5th wk), $14,000. Goldman (Goldmart) (1,200; 65- $1.30)—“Black Tuesday” (UA) (2d wk). Bright $15,000. Last week, $27,000. * Mastbaum (SW) (4,370; 75-$1.30) —“Bad Day At Black Rock” (M-G). Fine $24,000. -d^ast week. “Leagues Under Sea” (BV) (5th wk), $13,000. Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; 74- $1.49)—"Sign of Pagan” (U) (4th wk). Okay $7,000 or close. Last week, $10,000. Randolph (Goldman) (2,500; 75- $1.40)—“Bridges At Toko-ri" (Par) (2d wk). Staunch $27,500. Last week, $39,000. _ Stanley (SW) (2.900; 74-$1.40)— “6 Bridges to Cross" (U). Sturdy $25,000 or near. Last week, “Young At Heart" (WB) (2d wk), $14,500. Stanton (SW) (1,473; 50-99) — “Theodora," (IFE) and “Rocket Man” (U). Slim $7,000. Last week, “They Rode West" (Col) $12,000. Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 99-$1.50) —“Sabrina" (Par) (5th*wk). So-so $3,000. Last week, $3,500. Viking (Sley) (1.000; 74-$1.50) — “Last Time Saw Paris" (M-G) (7th wk). Heavy weekends boosting this to big $12,500. Last week, $10,500. Trans-Lux World (T-L> (604; 99- $1.50)—“Aida" (IFE) (6th wk). Fair $2,900. Last week, $4,000. ‘Cruz’ Whopping 19G, Port.; ‘Chalice’ 10G Portland, Ore., Feb. 1. Biz is booming firstruns here with action pix helping. “Vera Cruz" lohks smash at the Liberty while “Silver Chalice” is stout Broadway entrv. “Carmen Jones" continues sturdy in second round. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,890; $1- $1.25) — “Silver Chalice” (WB). Stout $10,000. Last week, “Green Fire" (M-G* and “This Is Your Army" (Indie) 2d wk), $7,200. Fox (Evergreen) (1,536; $1-$1.25) —“Carmen Jones” (20th) and "Racing Blood" (20th) (2d wk). Lusty $9,000. Last week. $14,400. Guild (Indie) (400; $l>—“The De- tective” (Col* (3d wk). Big $3,000. Last week, $3,600. Liberty (Hamrick) (1,875; $1- $1.25)—‘‘Vera Cruz’’ (UA* and (Continued on page 18) A cold wave of about a week’s duration, handed Broadway first- run business a crippling blow this stanza. The prolonged frigid weather, with readings below 15 several days, was particularly rough on newcomers, few of the four living up to expectations. And the snow yesterday (Tues.) made travel hazardous in outlying areas and kept many from coming to Broadway. “Holiday for Henrietta," French import at the small-seater Fine Arts, heads the new entry list. It is soaring to a wow $13,500, one of the bigger totals at this house and especially strong in view of the severe cold. "Violent Men" w’ound up its initial round last night (Tues.) with an okay $20,000 at the State, but more was anticipated. Like “Men." the Victoria’s “Un- chained” was handicapped by hav- ing to open during the cold spell. It doesn’t look to top $18,000, only fair lor opening week. "Cattle Queen of Montana” also was sloughed, doing only a slow $6,500 at the Globe. Second week of “6 Bridges to Cross.” with vaude, held surpris- ingly big at $20,000 or near in five days at the Palace. However, a ndw hill opens today (Wed.). "Young at Heart” wound up its second session at the Paramount with an okay $36,000. “Battle Cry” opens there today. The biggest thing on Broadway is "Bridges at Toko-ri," with stage- show. which looks to hold with a big $145,000 in its second stanza at the Music Hall. This pic was especially sock Saturday, with the total business that day comparing very favorably with the same day opening session. “Americano” is way off at a light $9,000 in its second Mayfair week. “Underwater” replaces Feb. 9. “Country Girl” continues its ter- rific pace, with $37,000 likely in the current (7th) round at the Cri- terion. “20,000 Leagues Under Sea” likewise still is smash, with $34,000 probable in its sixth week at the Astor. “Vera Cruz,” looms oke $16,000 in current (6th> frame at Capitol. “The Racers’* preems Friday (4) at the Roxy after the seventh week of “Show Business." Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 75-$1.75) —“20,000 Leagues Under Sea" (BV) (6th wk). Current round fin- ishing today (Wed.) looks to hold with socko $34,000 or over, after $37,000 for fifth week.' Stays on indef at this pace. Little Carnegie (L. Carnegie) (550; $1.25-$2.20>—“Aida” (IFE) (12th wk*. Present session winding today (Wed) is likely to hold at loud $6,200 aft£r $6,500 last week. Now set to stay on until spring. Baronet (Reade) <430; 90-$1.55) “Game of Love" (Indie) (8th wk). Seventh round ended yesterday (Tues.) was good $5,300, after $6,000 last week. Continues on. Capitol (Loew’s) (4.620; 85-$2.20) —“Vera Cruz” (UA* (6th wk*. This frame winding up Friday (4* looks to hit okay $16,000 after $25,000 for fifth week. Stays until Feb. 10 when “Long Gray Line" (Col) preems. Criterion (Mos) (1,700; 75-$2.20) —“Country Girl" (Par) (7th wk). Present week ending today (Wed.* likely will hold around $37,000. great, after $40,000 for .sixth week. Stays on. _ Fine Arts (Davi^) (468; 90-$1.80) —“Holiday for Henrietta” (Arde> (2d wk*. Opening round ended Monday (31) soared to wow $13,- 500. one of biggest opening weeks at ffie house and especially big in view of the weather. Rave reviews and excellent word-of-mouth all contributing to upswing. Looks to be around for some time. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70-$l.50) —"Cattle Queen of Montana” (RKO) (2d wk). First week ended Monday (31) hit slow $6,500. In ahead. “Theodora” (IFE) (2d wk), $6,500. Guild (Guild) (450; $1-$1.75)— “Gate of Hell" (Indie) (8th wk). Seventh session finished Monday (31) held with great $17,500 after $18,000 for sixth week. Stays in- definitely at this gait. Mayfair (Brandt) (1.736; 79- $1.80)—"Americano" (RKO) (3d- final wkw Initial holdover round ended yesterday (Tues.) was light $9,000 or less. Last week. $19,000. “Underwater" (RKO) opens Feb. 9. Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; 95- $1.80)—“Camille” (M-G) (reissue). Opened stoutly yesterday iTues.). ahead. "Beachcomber" (UA) (2d wk) slow' $2,800 after disappoint- ing opening week. Palace (RKO) (1,700; 50-$1.60)— "Women’s Prison” (Col) and new vaudeville opens today (Wed.). Last week, "6 Bridges to Cross" (U* (2d wk). with new vaude, held at fancy $20,000 in five days ended yesterday (Tues.). Opening round was sock $28,000, best non-holiday week ever here uhder present policy. Paramount (ABC-Par) (3,664; 85-$ 1.75* — “Battle Cry" (WB*. ! Opens today (Wed.). Last week, “Young At Heart’’ (WB) (2d wk*. dipped to okay $36,000 after $48,- 000 opening stanza. Paris (Pathe Cinema) (568; 90- $1.80) — “Animal Farm” (Indie) (6th wk). Fifth round ended yes- terday (Tues.) pushed up to fine $7,500 after $6,500 for fourth week. Stays on indef. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers* (6.200; 95-$2.75*—“Bridges At Toko-ri" (Par) and stageshow 1 <2d wk*. Holding at big $145,000 in second session ending today | (Wed.). First week was big $155,- ; 000, as anticipated. Stays on. Rivoli (UAT* <2.092; 85-$2)— “Bad Day At Black Rock” (M-G). Opened yesterday (Tues ). In ahead “Prince of Players” (20th) (3d wk*, dull $6,000 after $10,000 for second. Roxy (Nat’l. Th.) (5.717; 65- $2.40* — "Show Business" (20th) (7th-final wk*. Current frame winding tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to be mild $28,000, after $32,000 for sixth week. "The Racers" (20th) opens Friday (4). “Show Business” enjoyed a highly suc- cessful run the first four weeks. It was held the last two weeks until print of “Racers” was available. State (Loews* (3.450; 78-$1.75) —“Violent Men” (Col* (2d wk*. First stanza * ended yesterday (Tues.) hit okay $20,000. In ahead, “3-Ring Circus" (Par) (5th wk-5 days*, $9,500. Sutton (R&B* (561; $1-$1.80)— “Romeo and Juliet” (UA) (7th wk). Sixth round ended yesterday (Tues.) was stout* $10,400 after $10,500 in fifth week. Trans-Lux 52d St. (T-L) (540; $l-$1.50i —“Tonight’s the Night” (AA) <6th wk*. This session wind- ing up today (Wed.) hit good $4.- 200 after $5.00p last week. Holds until Feb. 17. when “Doctor in House” (Rep* opens. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 50- $1.75*—“Unchained” (WB*. First week concluding today (Wed.) doesn’t look like it would top $18,- 000, only fair for, initial stanza. Holds. In ahead. “Stan. Is Born" (WB* (15th wk-10 days), $17,200, to finish a very sock longrun here. “N. Y. Confidential” (WB) opens Feb. 18. Warner (Cinerama Prod.) (1,600; $1.20-$3.30) — “Cinerama" (Indie) (87th-final wk). The 86th wk. ended Saturday (2S» went to terrific $52,- 600 after $49,800 in 85th session. Sundav (23) and last Friday and Saturday w^ biggest such days of run here. “Cinerama Holiday," second Cinerama production, opens here Feb. 8 after special preems Monday (7). ‘Tuesday’ Brisk $13,000, Prov.; ‘Night’ Lush 9G, ‘Bridges’ Big 12G, 2d Providence, Feb. 1. “6 Bridges To Cross” is carrying the Albee to a hefty take in a fairly active week all around here. Pic is in second round. Strand's “Tonight’s The Night” is also smooth. State’s “Black Tuesday” looks nice. Majestic’s “Prince of Players” is slow. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) <2.200; 55-70)—“6 Bridges to Cross” <U> (2d wk). Smooth $12,000 after $15,500 in first. Majestic (Fay) (2.200; 55-70) — "Prince of Players” (20th) and "Security Risk’’ (AA). Mild $6,500. Last week, “Silver Chalice" (WB), $ 12 , 000 . State (Loew’s) (3.200; 50-75) — "Black Tuesday” (UA) and “Opera- tion Manhunt") (UA). Very nice $13,000 or near. Last week. "Hu- man Desire" (Col) and “Bullet In Waiting" (Col*, $7,500. Strand (Silverman) <2.200; 50-75) —“Tonight’s the Night" (AA) and "Bob Mathias Story" (AA). Hep $9,000. Last week. “Phffft” (Col) and “Outlaw Stallion" (Col), $7,000.