Variety (March 1955)

Wednesday, Mareh 2, 1955 Longruns Bolster LA; ‘Rivers Fast I, ‘Young’ Light 11G, ‘Line’ Hep ‘Feather’ Happy $12,000, Seattle; ‘Lightfoot’ 8G 25C, ‘Battle’ Big 26G, ‘Girl’ 10G, 10th “White Coliseum a great Los Angeles, Mareh 1. Continued strength displayed by several extended-run bills is help- ing keep firstrun grosses on a good level here currently. Although newcomers are inclined to be spotty, a good $22,000 is shaping for "Many Rivers To Cross” in two theatres. "French Touch” is snappy $5,000 in small Fine Arts, but "They Were So Young" is orly light $11,000 in three situations. | "Lone Gray Line” is seeking a , nice $25,000 in second frame, two spots but most other second-week- ers are slow. "Battle Cry” still is loud $26,000 in fourth stanza, two houses. "Bridges at Toko-ri” looks j sharp $12,000 in sixth session. "Country Girl" shapes hearty $10,000 in 10th week. "Leagues Under Sea” looms fine $11,000 in 10th stanza. Estimates for This Week State, New Fox (UATC-FWC) <2.404; 965; 80-$1.50)—"Many Ri- vers ' Cross” <M-G) and "Black Pirates” < Lip>. Good $22,000. Last week, with other units. Orpheum, Vogue, Uptown, <Mct- ropolitan-FWC) <2.213; 885; 1.715; 80-$1.25>—“They Were So Young” < Lip) and "Silver Star” (Lip). Light $11,000. Last week, Or- pheum, New Fox, Uptown. "The- odora’’ <IFE) and "Tarzan’s Secret Jungle” (RKO) <6 days). $8,000; Vogue, with Globe, "Barefoot Contessa” <UA) and "Operation Manhunt” <UA) (3d wk), $7,000. El Key <FWC) <861; $1-$1.50>— “French Touch” <Indie). Snappy $5,000. Last week, "Romeo and Juliet” <UA) (9th wk-6 days), $1,800. Hillstreet. Pantages (RKO) <2,- 752; 2.812; $1-$1.50)—"Long Gray Line” <Col) (2d wk). Fine $25,000. Last week. $33,300. Chinese <FWC) (1.905; $1-$1.75> —"Racers” (20th) <2d wk). Slow $14,500. Last week, $17,700. Warner Downtown, tViltern. Hol- lywood (SW-FWO (1.757; 2.344; 756; 80-$ 1.25)—"Far Country” <U) and "Bob Mathias Story” <AA> <2d wk). Moderate $14,000. Last week. $25,800. Los Angeles, Iris, Loyola, Ritz < FWC) <2.097; 816; 1.248; 1.363;, $l-$ 1.50)—"White Feather” <20th* and "Other Woman” < 20th * <2d wk*. Fair $16,000. Last week. $25,400. Four Star (UATC) <900; 90- $L50»—‘"Aida” <1FE) (3d wk). Okay $5,000. Last week. $6,300. Downtown Paramount, Egyptian (ABPT-UATC) (3.200; 1.536; Sl- $1.50)—"Battle Cry” (WB) <41 h wk>. Fine $26,000. Last week. $33,700. Hawaii <G&S) <1,106; 80-rii— "Bad Day B’ack Rock” (M-G> <3d wk). Slow $3,500. Last week, with State. $10,000. 'Fine Arts (FWC) <631; $1-$1.50) —"Hulot’s Holiday” (GBD» (5th wk). Steady $6,500. Last week, same. Hollywood Paramount (F&M) (1.430; $1-51.50)—"Bridges Toko- ri" <Pari <6th wk*. Sharp $12,000. Last week. $12,500. Fox Wilshire <FWC) <2.296; f 1- $1.50)—“Leagues Under Sea” <BV' <1()th wk*. .Fine $11,000. Last week. $11,600. Warner Beverly <SW) 11,612; 90- $1.50'—"Country Girl” <Par> doth, wk). Hefty $10,000. Last week, 1 $12,000. Warner Hollywood (SW) <1.364: $1 20-$2.€5» — “Cinerama” < Indie) <96lh wk). Started current frame Sunday (27) after sock $29,000 last week. Canon <Rosener) (390; $1.50'— I “Gate of Hell” (Indie) (10th wk). I Trim $3,500. Last week. <3.700. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $508,800 i Based on 21 theatres.) Last Year ......... $476,700 • Based on 23 theatres.) Russell Sturdy 10G Cheers K. C. Kansas City. March 1. Advent of Lent undoubtedly is l aving a negative effect on the huxofTice here albeit there is some good biz in town. “Underwater!” first strong pix at (lie Missouri in weeks is big. Jane Hussell pie will hold. “Racers" shapes good in four Fox Midwest houses while "Many Rivers To Cross” is nifty at the Roxy. "Battle Cry” in third week at the Paramount continues terrific. Weather.has returned to normal seasonal pattern. Estimates for This Week Glen (Dickinson) <750; 85-$l)— "One Summer Happiness” (Indie) <2d wk). Fancy $2,500. Holds again. Last week, $3,000, biggest house ever had under art-film policy. 1 Kimo (Dickinson) <504; 85-$l)— Kidnappers” <UA> <2d wk'. $1,500. May slay. Last Seattle, March 1. Feather” is ^making the happy this session with total. “Capt. Lightfoot” is rated okay at Music Hall. “Bridges at Toko-ri” continues big in second frame at the Fifth Avenue. "Battle Cry” looms tall in thil’d Paramount round. Estimates for This Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (800; 75- $D—“They Were So Young” (In- die) and “Sleeping Tiger" (Indie). Oke $4,000 in 8 days. Last week, ”6 Bridges” (U) (3d wk-6 days), $2,400. Coliseum (Evergreen) (1,829; $1- $1.25)—“White Feather” (20th) and "Target Earth” (UA>. Great $12,- 000. Last week. "Racers” (20th) and “Bowery To Bagdad” <AA) (2d wk), $7,600. Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) (2,500; $1-$1.25 (—"Bridges at Toko-ri” (Par). <2d wk). Big $11,000. Last week. $17,400. Music Box (Hamrick) <850; 90- $1.25)—“Illicit Interlude" <lndie>. ! Fair $3,500. Last week. “Sabaka” | <UA) and “Song of Land” (UA), $3,000 at top. Music Hall (Hamrick) <2,300; 90- $1.25)—“Captain Lightfoot” <U) and "Hell’s Outpost” <Rep). Okay $8,000 or near. Last week, “Jupi- ter’s Darling" <M-G) and "Crest of Wave” <M-G), $8,800 in 8 days. Orpheum <Hamrick) <2.700; 75- $1)—“Far Country” <U) and “West of Zanzibar” <U) <2d wk-4 days). Oke $5,000. Last week. $13,200. Paramount (Evergreen) <3.039; $l-$1.25)—"Battle Cry” <WB> <3d wk>. Tall $8,000. Last week, $10,- 500. ‘Underwater!’ Smooth $21,08# in Del; ‘Unchained’ Slow 9G, ‘Battle’ 22G, 2d i "Little Modest week. $2,000. Midland (Loew’s) <3.500; 60-80) —"Bad Day at Black Rock” <M-G> and “Crest of Wave” <M-G> (2d wk). Dim $6,500. Last week, $9,500. Missouri (RKO) <2.650; 65-90)— “Underwater!" <RKOi and "Uto- pia” <Indie). Big $10,000. best.at this house in weeks, and holds. I Last week. "10 Wanted Men” <Col» and "Pirates of Tripoli” (Col), $4,- 000 in 6 days. Orpheum. Uptown, Fairway, Granada 'Fox Midwest) <1.913: 2.- 043; 700; 1.217; 75-$l)—"The Racers” «20th). Good $15,000. as circuit switches Orpheum instead ; of Tower into its 4-way coupling. Last week. Orpheum only “Far Country” <U> <3d wk), $4,500. Paramount (United Par) (1.900; 7. r >-.<l)—"Battle Cry" iWBi <3d wk'. Fat $10,000. Holds again. Last week. $14,000. Roxy (Durwood) <879; 70-90'— "Many Rivers To Cross” (M-G). Pleasant $7,000. Holds. Last week, "Green Fire” <M-G) <3d wk' $3,500. Tower 'Fox Midwest) <2.100; 65- 85)—"6 Bridges To Cross” lU) (2d wk) as house singled out of tl« usual 4-theatre hook-up to go it alone on holdover. Last week, coupled Fairway and Granada. "6 Bridges” hit big $17,000. ‘Girl’ Mighty 19G, Port.; ‘Bridges’ 9G Portland, Ore., March 1. "Country Girl” on its Northwest preem at the Paramount is heading for a smash .session, and holdover. "6 Bridges To Cross” at the Broad- way and "Jupiter’s Daughter” at Liberty are running neck and neck, both being nice. "White i Feather” looks okay in second : Orpheum stanza. Estimates for This Week ure of Sierra Madre" Broadway (Parker) <1.890; 65-90) issue), fair $2,500 —"6 Bridges To Cross" <U) and' Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $2,720,400 (Based on 23 cities and 214 theatres, chiefly first runs, in- cluding N. Y.) Total Gross Sami Week Last Year $2,829,800 (Based on 25 cities and 237 theatres.) Pagan’ Balto Ace, Hotsy $11,090,2d Baltimore, March 1. The large number of holdovers adds up to mild grosses here this round. "Long John Silver” is fairish at the Century. Second round of "Sign of Pagan" looks brisk at the Hipp. Third round of "Underwater!” is pleasing at Keith’s. Fourth week of “Battle Cry” continues potent at the Stan- ley. "Far Country” is still okay j at the Mayfair for third session, j Estimates For This Week Century (Loew’s-UA* <3.000: 25-' 65-95*—"Long John Silver” <UA>. Fairish $8,000. Last week, ‘Vera i Cruz” (UA) (3d wk>, $7,000. j Cinema (Schwaber) (466; 50-$l) i —"Heart of Matter” (Indie). Nice, $3,800. Last week. "Ugetsu” (In-' die) (2d wk'. $2,500. Film Centre 'Rappaport) (960; 50-$l»—"Tonight’s Night” (AA) '4th wk). Okay $3,000 after $3,500 j in third. Hippodrome (Rappaport) <2,100; 50-$ 1'—'"Sign of Pagan” <U» <2d wk). Holding staunchly at $11,000 after $14,500 opener. Keith's (Fruchtman) (2.400; 35- $1)—"Underwater!” <RKO) <3d wk). Pleasing $7,000 following $8,000 in second. Little (Rappaport) <310; 50-$l>— "Camille” (M-G' (reissue). Starts tomorrow <Wed.>. In ahead. “Treas- (WB) (re- Detroit, March 1. The three bright spots this week are "Battle Cry” in second sock week at the Madison, “Cinerama Holiday” which is rolling in third round at the Music Hall and "Un- derwater!” shaping smooth at the Palms. Others are average or be- low. "Unchained” is slow. How- ever. "Bridges at Toko-ri” is okay for fourth round. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) <5,000; $1- $1.25)—"White Feather” <20th) and "Crest of Wave” (M-G) <2d wk). Down to $16,000. Last week, $ 21 , 000 . Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 95-$1.25)—“Bridges at Toko-ri” • Par) (4th wk). Oke $12,000 in 5 days. Last week, $16,000. Palms <UD) (2,961; 95-$ 1.25)— "Underwater!” (RKO) and "Tar- zan’s Hidden Jungle” (RKO*. Swell $21,000. Last week. "Violent Men” <Col) and "Bambo Prison” (UA) <2d wk), $16,000. Madison <UD) 0,900; 95-$ 1.25)— “Battle Cry” (WB) <2d wk>. Sooko $22,000. Last week, $35,000. Broadway-Capitol lUD (3.500; 80-$l>—"Unchained” <WB) and "Black Pirates” <Ind>. Slow $9,000. Last week, "Smoke Signal” (U) and “Keystone Kops” <U), $9,500. United Artists <UA) 0.938; $1- $1.25)—"Many Rivers to Cross” iM-G) (2d wk). Slim $8,000. Last week, $9,985. Adams (Balaban) 0.700; 95-$1.25) —"Jupiter’s Darling” <M-G) <2d wk). Slipping to oke $7,000. Last week. $9,700. Music Hall (Cinerama Produc- tions) 0,194; $1.40-$2.65> — “Cine- rama Holiday” (Indie) <3d wk). Big $32,000. Last week. $31,200. "A & C Meet Keystone Kops” <U>. Fast $9,000. Last week, "Un- derwater!” <HKO) and "Passion” <RKO) '2d wk». $6,600. Guild < Indie) '400; $1.25) — "Romeo and Juliet” (UA) '2d wk). Nifty $3,500. Last week. $5,100. Fox (Evergreen) <1.536; $1-$1.25) — “Battle Cry” <\VB) *3d wk). Stout $8,500. Last week. $11,600. Liberty < Hamrick) <1.875; 90- $1.25»—"Jupiter’s Darling” <M-G) and "Bob Mathias Story” <AA). Good $9,000. Last week. "Bad Day Black Rock” <M-G) and "Fast and Furious” (Indie). $9,700. Orpheum (Evergreen) 1 1,600; $1-$1.25>—"White Feather” «20th» and “Laughing Anne” <Rep> <2d wk*. Okay $5,000. Last week, $ 8 , 200 . Paramount ‘Port-Par) <3.400; 90- $1.25)—"Country Girl” (Par). Big Okay $4,500. exploitation drive helping to torrid with Uptown. $19,000. Last week, "Bridges at Toko-ri” <Par) <3d wk), $7,500 after two previous smash heats. Mayfair (Hicks) <980; 25-70* — "Far Country” <U* <3d wk). Still hefty $3,000 after $4,000 in second. New (Fruchtman* <1.800; 35-$l) —"Racers” (20th) (2d \vk>. Slow $6,000 following $8,200 last week. Playhouse (Schwaber) <320; 50- $1'—"Little Kidnappers” (Indie) <2d wk). Okay $4,000. Last week, $4 200. Stanley <WB) <3.200; 35-$ 1) — "Battle Cry" (WB< <4th wk'. Still big with $9,500 after $14,000 in third. Town (Rappaport) <1.600; 35-SI) —"Long Gray Line” <Col». Opens tomorrow (Wed.». Last week. “6 Bridges to Cross” <U* <2d wk>, fast $7,000 after $10,000 opener. Cold Bops Mpls. But ‘Toko-ri’ Great 20G; ‘Country’ 9G, ‘Girl’ Wow 8V 2 G ‘BATTLE’ BANGUP 20G, ST. LOO; ‘HOLIDAY’ ?6G St. Louis, Mareh 1. After a terrific opening stanza. “Battle Cry” is repeating in its initial holdover week at the huge Fox. It is holding so big that only the great upbeat by "Cinerama Holiday” is topping it for laurels currently. The second Cinerama production is climbing to a giant total at the Ambassador, and bids to repeat the biz of "This Is Cine- rama” at this house. "Bad Day .at Black Rock" looms good in second Loew's round. "The Racers" looms neat at the St. Louis. Estimates for This Week Ambassador <Indie) (1,400; $1.20- $2.40) — "Cinerama Holiday" •Indict (2d wk'. Swell $26,000 alter $22,000 6-dav opener. Fox 'F&M) (5.000; 75)—"Battle Ui$ <WB) '2d wk'. Sm*' c h *$20,- (Continued on page 22) Minneapolis. March 1. { Boxoffice here still has the bru-1 lal weather to contend with. But ; there still arc pix powerful enough jlo overcome the handicap of low i temperatures which have dropped as low as 52 degrees below * zero in this area. Then there are near- blizzards. and streets and wa'ks so ice-glazed that driving and walk- ing are hazardous. Currently, new- comer "Bridges at Toko-ri” is huge | at the State. "Far Country” is rated , good at the Orpheum. It’s the third socko round for "Battle Cry" at Radio City. Second week of j "Country Girl” still is smash at the World after record opener. Estimates for This Week 1 Century (S-W) (1.140; $1.75- $2.65)—"Cinerama” (Indie) <46th wk. Hefty $14,000. Last week. $15,500. Gopher (Berger) <1.000; 65-85)— "Black Tuesday" <UA). Mild $4,000. Last week. "Bad Day Black Rock” < M-G) 1 3d wk). $2,200 in 6 days. Lyric <l*ar)> <1.000; 65-85)— "Golden Mask” 'UA* and "Yellow Tomahawk” <UA). Light $3,500. week, "Unchained” <WB), Last $3,000 Radio City <Par) <4.100; 85-$D— "Battle Cry” <WB) <3d wk). Box- office performance marvelous in face of unfavorable weather. Sock $12,000. Last w eek. $15,000. RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 65- 85)—“Far Country” <U). Good $9,000. Last week. "10 Wanted Men” (Col). $5,500 in 6 davs. RKO-Pan (RKO) <1,600; 65-85) —"Shield for Murder" (UA) and “Golden Mistress” (UA>. Satisfac- tory $4,500. Last week. "Under- water!” (RKO) 12d wk), $5,500 in 6 days at 85c-$l. State (Par) <2.300; 85c-$l)— Bridges at Toko-ri” <Par). Cast names and film’s merits spell b.o. regardless of weather. Huge $20,- 000. Last week, "White Christmas” (Par) < 3d wk\ $6,000. World (Mann) '400; 65-$ 1.20)— "Country Girl” 'Par) '2d wk). Turn- ing in remarkable figures consider- ing elements and theatre’s small rapacity. Wow $8,500. Last week. $10,300. breaking house record previously held by "An American in Paris” (M-Co). • 1 . ‘Darling’ Dandy $12,000, Denver; ‘Country’ Sock 14G, ‘Battle’ 15G, Ms Denver, March 1. Biz is good at all firstruns here currently with three pix holding over. "Women’s Prison” is good at the Denver while "Jupiter’s Darling” looms fairly nice at Or- pheum. "Battle Cry” looms smash in third frame at the Centre, and stays a fourth. “Far Country” shapes great in second week at Paramount. "Jupiter” gets a sec- ond stanza. Estimates for This Week Centre <Fox* < 1.247; 60-$ 1) — "Battle Cry” <WB> (3d wk). Big $15,000. Stays on. Last week, $ 20 , 000 ; Denver (Fox) <2.525; 50-85) — "Women’s Prison” (Col) and "Ten Wanted Men" <Col). Good $12,000. Last week. "Destry” <U) and "Naked Alibi” (U*. $10,000. Esquire (Fox) (75-$l) — "Illicit Interlude” (Hakim) <2d wk). Oke $2,000. Last week, $3,000. Orpheum (RKO) <2,600; 70-$l) —"Jupiter's Darling” <M-G) and "Atomic Kid” (Rep). Fairly good $12,000 or over. Stays. Last week, "Underwater!” <RKO) and "Hell’s Outpost” <Rep) <2d wk), $8,000. Paramount (Wolfberg) <2.200; 60-$ 1)—"Far Country” <U) <2d wk). Smash $14,000 or near. Last week, $18,000. Tabor (Fox) <1.967; 50-75) — "Ricochet Romance” <U) and "Cairo Road’’ <U). Okay $4,000. ) Last week, subsequent run. ‘Darling’ Oke at $9,500, Cincy; ‘Shield’ Good 8G, ‘Toko-ri’ Socko 12G, 2d Cincinnati, March 1. Better-than-par trade is building this frame after expected shrink- age from the Washington Birthday and weather break boost last week. "Jupiter’s Darling.” leading new bill, is only okay for eight-day stretch at the Palace. "Black Shield” Is bowing pleasingly at the Grand. Whopper second stanzas loom for "Battle Cry" and "Bridges at Toko-ri.” "Cinerama” continues in great stride in its 37th week. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3.100; 75-$1.25) —“Battle Cry” (WB) <2d wk*. Solid $1*7.000 in wake of $23,000 first : round. Capitol (Ohio Cinema Corp.) <1,- 1376; $1.20-$2.65)—"Cinerama” (In- die) «37th wk*. Maintaining great stride at $18,000 after last week’s $21,000 bulge from holiday ses- sion’s two extra show ings for juves. Grand (RKO) <1.400; 75-90)— "Black Shield” (U) and "Tanga- nyika” <U). All right $8,000 or near. Last week, "Ear Country” <U). $8,500. Keith’s (Shor) <1.500; 75-$1.25)— "Bridges at Toko-ri” (Par) <2d wk). Still plenty sock at $12,000 after $19.80u bow. Palace <RKO) <2.600; 75-84*— "Jupiter’s Darling" (M-G). Okay $9,500 in 8 days. Last week. “Black Knight” <CoU, $8,500 in 6 days. ‘Battle’ Boffo $15^000, Omaha; ‘Pagan’ Hot 13G Omaha. March 1. Boxoffice pace is kiting this ses- sion with three newcomers, blessed by good weather, enjoying sock rounds. "Battle Cry” is mighty at the Brandeis. “Sign of Pagan” at the Orpheum shapes big. "Bad Day at Black Rock” at State is rated good. The lone holdover. “Many Rivers to Cross,” is sluggish at the Omaha. Estimates for This Week Brandeis <RKO) <1,100; 75-$ 1)— "Battle Cry” (WB). Terrific $15,000 or near. La£i week, "Underwater!” • RKO) and "Sleeping Tiger" (In- die) (2d wk), $3,700 at 65c-85c settle Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 65-85) —"Many Rivers to Cross” <M-G) and "Crest of Wave” <M-G) <2d wk>. Slow $4,000. Last week. $8,500. Orpheum (Tristates) <2,890; 70- 90)—*oign of Pagan” (U). Big $3.- 000 or close. Last week. “PdcDes at Toko-ri" (Par) (2d wk), $10.0b0. State Goldberg) <875; 65-90*— "Bad Day at Black Rock” <M-G) and "Young Wives’ Tale" (Indie). Good $6,500. Last week. "Green Fire” (M-G) <2d wk), $3,500.