Variety (March 1955)

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Wednesday, March 2, 1955 — s PICTURE GROSSES 13 Chi Soars; ‘Battle’ Sockeroo $70,000, ‘Country’ Giant 33G, Tues.’ Big 24G, ‘Girl’ Mighty 48G, ‘Rivers’-Stage 51G Chicago, March 1. - Main Stem throngs reflect big biz upbeat here this round, with “Battle Cry” at the State-Lake and “Country Girl” ^>at tffc United Artists pulling crowds downtown. Seven new bills are helping. “Country Girl” last week smashed house record at United Artists opener, and still is huge in second with $48,000. “Battle Cry” is headed for a sock $70,000 in first frame at State- Lake. “Many Rivers To Cross” with Joyce Bryant topping vaude at the Chicago looks a good $51,- 000 in opener. “Far Country” shapes a sockeroo $33,000 for first round at the Woods while “Black Tuesday” looms torrid $24,000 in opener at Roosevelt. A staunch $12,000 looms for “Romeo and Juliet” in first session at Monroe. “Abbott- Costello Meet Keystone Kops” at Grand shapes good $11,000 in same stanza. “Green Fire” at the Oriental looks strong in second round. “Little Kidnappers” shapes terrific in second at the Surf. “Cap- tain Lightfoot” is slipping at the McVickers in second session. “Aida” is slowing down in 10th week at World. “Cinerama” con- tinues staunch at the Palace in 83d session. Estimates for This Week Carnegie (Telem’t) (480; 95)— “Big Day” (Indie) (3d wk>. Solid $2,600. Last week, $2,900. Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 98-$1.50) “Many Rivers To Cross” (M-G) with Joyce Bryant helming vaude. Strong $51,000. Last week, “3 Ring Circus” (Par) with the Gaylords topping stageshow (2d wk), $48,000. Grand (Nomikos) (1,200; 98-$l>— “Abbott-Costello Meet Keystone Kops” (U) and “Ricochet Romance” (U). Okay $11,000. Last week, “6 Bridges To Cross” (U) and “Pi- rates of Tripoli” (Col) (3d wk), $9 000 Loop (Telerfi’t) (606; 90-$1.25)— “Rear Window” (Par) and "Stalag 17” (Par) (reissues). Mild $4,200. Last week “They Were So Young” (Indie) and “Champagne Safari” (Indie), $7,500. r Monroe (Indie) (1,000; 98-$1.50) — “Romeo and Juliet” (UA). Hefty $12,000. Last week, subse- quent-run. McVickers (JL&S) 2,200; 65- $1.25* — “Captain Lightfoot” (U) (2d wk). Sluggish $16,000. Last week. $19,000. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 98-$1.25) —“Green Fire” (M-G) (2d wk). Fair $20,000. Last week, $29,000. Palace (Eitel) (1,484; $1.25-$3.40) “Cinerama” (Indie) (83rd wk). Terrific $28,500. Last week, $25,- 000 . . Roosevelt (B&K) (1,400; 65-98)— “Black Tuesday” (UA) and “Lone Gun” UA). Torrid $24,000. Last week. “Cattle Queen Montana” (RKO) and “Masterson Kansas” (Col) (2d wk), $14,500. State-Lake (B&K) (2.400; 65-98) “Battle Cry” (WB). Smash $70,- 000. Last week, “Leagues Under Sea” (BV) (9th wk). $14,000. Surf (H&E Balaban) (685; 95)— “Little Kidnappers” (Indie) (2d wk>. Terrific $5,000. Last week, $5,200. United Artists (B&K) (1,700 ; 98- $1.25)—“Country Girl” (Par) (2d wk). Huge $48,000. Last week, rec(ftd $55,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,206; 98- $1.25)—“Far Country” (U). Smash $33,000. Last week, “Bad Day At Black Rock” (M-G). $17,000. World (Indie) (697; 98)—“Aida” (IFE) (10th wk). Okay $3,500. Last week, $3,800. Ziegfeld (Lopert) (430; 98)— “Mile. Gobette” (IFE) (4th wk). Sturdy $3,800. Last week, $4,600. 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. ‘Battle’ Huge 39G, Philly; ‘Line’ 24G Philadelphia, March 1. New product of very strong variety is boosting biz here this week. “Cinerama Holiday” shapes terrific in first full week at Boyd, with SRO at all weekend shows. “Battle Cry” looms mighty at Randolph while “Long Gray Line” is rated stout at the Stanley. “White Feather” was impressive on debut at the Fox with brisk takings on the week. "Country Girl” continues smash In fourth session at the Midtown. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S&S) (625; 99-$1.35)— "Jupiter’s Darling” (M-G). Sock $13,000. Last week, “Deep in Heart” (M-G) (9th wk), $5,000. Boyd (SW) (1,430; $1.25-$2.60)— "Cinerama Holiday” (Indie) (2d wk). Terrific $32,000. Last week, $14,000 in first 3 days. Fox (20th) (2,250; 90-$1.40) — “White Feather” (20th). Brisk $23,000. Last week, “Racers” (20th) (2d wk), $15,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 65- $1.30)—"Underwater!” (RKO) (3d wk). Okay $5,000 in 3 days. Last week, $13,000. Mastbaum (SW) (4,370; 75-$1.30) —“Vera Cruz” (UA) (3d wk). Fair $16,500. Last week, $22,000. Midtown (Goldman) (1,200; 74- $1.49) — “Country Girl” (Par) (4th wk). Huge $27,000. Last week, $30,000. Randolph (Goldman) (2,500; 75- $1.40)—“Battle Cry” (WB). Mighty $39,000. Last week, “Bridges at Toko-ri” (Par) (5th wk), $8,500. Stanley (SW) (2,900; 74-$1.40)— “Long Gray Line” (Col). Stout $24,000 or near. Last week, "Far Country” (U) (2d wk). $11,000. Stanton (SW) -(1,473; 50-99) — “Twist of Fate” (UA) and “Battle Taxi” (UA). Poor $4,000. Last week. “10 Wanted Men” (Col), $8,500. Trahs-Lux (T-L) (500; 99-$1.50) —“Camille” (M-G) (reissue) (4th wk). Modest $3,200. Last week, $4,200. Viking (Sley) (1,000; 74-$1.50)— “Tonight’s the Night” <AA) (2d wk). Nice $10,000. Last week, $15,000. Trans-Lux World (T-L) (604; 99- $1.50) —“Green Fire” (M-G) <3d wk). Okay $3,900. Last week, $5,500. ‘Americano’ Hot 13G, Cleve.; ‘Darling’ 15G Cleveland, March 1. “Jupiter’s Darling” at State and “Racers”, at the Hipp are doing okay but other newcomers are just struggling along. Brightest spot in city is the Stillman where “Country- Girl” still is smash in third round. Allen’s also is big in third. Estimates for This Week Allen (S-W) (3,000; 70-$l) — “Battle Cry” (WB) (3d wk). Swell $19,000. Last week, $22,000. Hipp (Tclem’t) (3,700; 70-$l) — “The Racers” (20th). Oke $14,000. Last week, “10 Wanted Men” (Col), $ 11 , 000 . Lower Mall (Community) (585; $1>—“Romeo and Juliet” (UA). (Continued on page 22) ‘Girl’ Huge $25,000 Tops Prov.; ‘Darling’ Okay 13G, ‘Battle’ Smash 22G, 2d Providence, March 1. Strand is riding high with un- usually heavy play of “Country Girl” at upped scale. Also hitting astromomical heights are second rounds of the Majestic’s “Battle Cry” and RKO Albee’s “20,000 Leagues.” Loew’s State Is okay with “Jupiter’s Darling.” Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2.200; 65-90)— “Leagues Under Sea” (BV) (2d[ wk). Snappy $16,000. First sesh. with extra school holiday, was $23,000. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 70-$l)— “Battle Cry” (WB) (2d wk). Sock $22,000. Last week, $25,000. State (Loew’s) (3,200; 50-75)— “Jupiter’s Darling” (M-G) and “White Orchid” (UA). Okay $13,- 000. Last week. “Long John Sil- ver” (UA) and “Masterson of Kan- sas” (Col), $12,500. Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 70-$l) —“Country Girl” (Par) and “As- signment Children” (Par). Terrific $25,000. Last week, “Bridges at Toko-ri” (Par) (2d wk), $9,000. ‘Darling’ Robust 19G, Toronto; ‘Chalice* 14G Toronto, March 1. Only one newcomer of note, “Jupiter’s Darling,” which is top- ping city on grosses, being big at Loew’s. Trio of hefty holdovers, all running neck-and-neck are “Leagues Under Sea” and “Car- men Jones,” both in third weeks, and “6 Bridges To Cross,” in sec- ond frame. , Estimates for This Week Downtown, Glendale, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (1.059; 955; 696; 694; 40-70)—“Black Dakotas” (Col) and “Bamboo Prison” (Col>. Good $13,000. Last week, “Were So Young” (Indie) and “Port of Hell” (IFD), same. Eglinton, University (FP) (1,088, 1,558; 75-$l> — “Silver Chalice’’ (WB) (2d wk). Holding hefty at $14,000. Last week, $18,000. Imperial (FP) (3,373; 60-$l>— “Leagues Under Sea” <BV» (3d wk). Hep $15,000. Last week, $18,000. Loew’s (Loew's) (2,090; 60-$l)— “Jupiter.’s Darling” (M-G). Sock $19,000. Last week, “Black Rock” (M-G) (2d wk), $10,000. Shea’s (FP) 2.386; 75-$l)—“Car- men Jones” (20th) (3d w-k). Hefty $15,000. Last week, $18,000. Towne (Taylor) (693; 60-90'— “Loves of Verdi” (Indie) (3d wk). Up to fancy $5,000. Last week, $4,500. Uptown (Loew’s) (2,745; 60-80)— “6 Bridges to Cross” (U) (2d wk). Big $10,000. Last week, $14,000. Russell Lush 17G, Frisco; ‘Line’ 16G San Francisco, March 1. Some new, stout product is cheering the exhibitor section here this round. “Underwater!” looks best of newcomers with a lively session at Golden Gate. “Jupiter’s Darling” is rated good at the War- field. “Long Gray Line” shapes very big in second stanza at St. Francis. Best showing of holdovers, however, is “Battle Cry,” with a socko total at the St. Francis. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) <2.859; 80- $1) — “Underwater!” (RKO) and "Atomic Kid” (Rep). Smooth $17,- 000 for Jane Russell starrer. Last week, “6 Bridges To Cross” <U) and “This Is Army” (Rep), $16,000. Fox (FWC) (4,651; $1-$1.25)— “White Feather” (20th) and "Jam- boree” (Lip) (2d wk). Sad $8,500 in 5 days. Last week. $12,500. Warfield (Loew’s) (2.656; 65-90) —“Jupiter’s Darling” (M-G). Good $16,000. Last week. “Many Rivers To Cross” (M-G) (2d wk), $10,500. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 90-$1.25) —“Battle Cry” (WB) (3d wk). Socko $16,000. Last week, $25,500. St. Francis (Par) (1.400; $1-$1.25) —“Long Gray Line” (Col) (2d wk). Big $16,000. Last week, $21,000. Orpheum (Cinerama Theatre, Calif.) (1,458; $1.75-$2.65)—“Ciner- ama” (Indie) (61st wk>. Great $22,- 000. Last week, $18,600. United Artists (No. Coast) (1,207; 70-$l>—“Black Tuesday” (UA) and “Battle Taxi” (UA) (2d wk). Oke $4,300 in 4 days. Last week. $ 10 , 000 . Stagedoor (A-R) (400; $1-$1.25) —“Romeo and Juliet” (UA) (10th wk). Good $2,500. Last week, $3,100. Larkin (Rosener) <400; $1)—“Mr. Hulot’s Holiday” (GBD) (10th wk). Fine $2,000. Last week, same. Clay (Rosener) (400; $1)—“Caval- levia Rustieana” (Indie) and “La Traviata” (Indie) (2d wk). Trim $2,100. Last week, $2,500. Vogue (S. F. Theatres) (377; $1) —“Pickwick Papers” (Indie) (4th wk). Okay $1,800. Last week, $ 2 , 100 . Gotham Biz Spotty; ‘Show’ Tame 34G, Palace 22G, ‘Jupiter Dips to 104G, C’rama’ 62G 2d, Line’ Fine 40G 3d ‘GIRL’ WHAM $21,000, 1NDPLS.; ‘FEATHER’ 7G Indianapolis, March 1. Only bright spot in first-run sit- uation here this stanza is “Country Girl,” which is doing sock biz at Circle to lead the city by mile. "Bad Day at Black Rock” at Loew’s and “White Feather” at Indiana are very mild. “Unchained” is only fair. Weekend rain and first round of state high school basketball tournament hurt at boxoffice. Estimates for This Week Circle (Cockrill-Dolle) (2,800; 60- 90)—“Country Girl” (Par). Great $21,000. Last week, “Tonight’s the Night” (AA) and “Cry Vengeance” (AA), $6,000 in six days at 85c top. I Indiana <C-D> (3,200; 50-85)— "White Feather” ((20th > and “Mighty Fortress” (Indie). Sad i (Continued on page 22) The customary post - holiday slump has caught up with Broad- way film business in the current session, and only the most potent pictures are weathering the down- beat. Aside from the usual weekly change at the Palace, the lone newcomer is “Three For Show” at the Roxy, this musical is disap- pointing at $34,000, and stays onjy two weeks “Hell’s Outpost” with vaude shapes fast $22,000 at the Palace. "Jupiter’s Daughter” with stage- show is going only two weeks at the Music Hall, dipping to a rou- tine $104,000 o ' near in final stanza ending today. “Hit the Deck” re- places tomorrow <Thurs.». Among the recent newcomers, both "N. Y. Confidential" and “Battle Cry” continue big.. Latter held with a lofty $53,000 for fourth week at the Paramount. “Confi- dential’’ still looms sturdy with $18,000 likely for initial holdover round ending tomorrow (Thurs.) at the Victoria. “Long Gray Line” also is dis- playing stamina, with a big $40,- 000 likely for third stanza at the Capitol. “Holiday For Henrietta” pushed to nearly $8,000, great, for fifth week at the Fine Arts, and is staying on. * “Cinerama Holiday” climbed to a mighty $62,100 in second full session at the Warner. It was helped by two extra shows and the holiday as was “Gate of Hell,” still smash $13,500 for 11th week at the Guild. “Sign of Pagan” looks to wind its third stanza with a nice $12,000 at the State. “Timberjack” follows on Saturday (5). “Doctor in House" continues to show amazing strength with $15,000 in prospect for second round at the Trans-Lux 52d Street. “Underwater!” held at trim $14,- 000 in third frame concluded yes- terday (Tues.) at the Mayfair. “Country Girl” still is socko with $32,000 or better probable for 11th session finishing up today at the Criterion. “Leagues Under Sea" looks around $20,000 in current (10th) week at the Astor. It is be- ing supplanted by “East of Eden” which opens with a special preem March 9. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 75-$1.7§) —"Leagues Under Sea” (BV) (10th wk). Current round ending today (Wed.) looks like fine $20,000 after $31,500 last week. Stays another week, with “East of Eden” (WB) coming in with special preem, March 9. , v Little Carnegie (L. Carnegie) (550; $1.25-$2.20)—“Aida” (IFE) <T6th wk). Present stanza ending today (Wed.) likely will hit okay $4,800 after $5,500 for 15th week. Baronet (Reade) (430; 90-$1.55) —“Game of Love” (Indie) (12th wk). The 11th week ended yester- day (Tues.) was nice $4,600 after $4,900 for 10th round. Stays on with “Trouble in Glen” (Rep) due in next but date not set. Capitol (Loew’s) (4,820; 85-$2.20) —“Long Gray Line” (Col) (3d wk). Looks to hold in very strong style at big $40,000 or near in current week ending today (Wed.). Second week soared above hopes to $62,000 with both Monday (21) and Wash- ington’s Birthday holiday, soaring way over expectancy. Stays on, probably until April anyway. Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 75-$2.20> —“Country Girl” (Par) (11th wk). Current round winding today (Wed.) looks lusty $32,500 after terrific $45,500, over hopes, for 10th week. Holding especially strong in view of having opened in several Long Island spots already. Stays for another month or thereabouts. Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$1.80> —“Holiday For Henrietta” (Ardeet < 6th wk). The fifth stanza ended Sunday (27) pushed to a great $7,- 900 after $7,200 for fourth. Stays until near end of month. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70-J1.50) —“Far Country” (U) (3d wk). Cur- rent week ending Friday (4) looks to hold at mild $7,000 after $11,- 1800 in second. Guild (Guild) (450; $1-$1.75) — (“Gate of Hell” (Indie) (12th wk). 1 The 11th session concluded Mon- day (28) was smash $13,500, after $13,800 in 10th week. Mayfair (Brandt) < 1,736; 79-$1.80) —"Underwater!” (RKO) (4th wk). Third frame ended yesterday (Tups.) held with nice $14,000 after $22,000 for second, less than ex- pected. Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; $1,15-$1 .65)—’“Camille” (M-G) (5th iwk». Fourth stanza ended Monday 128) was sockeroo $13,500 (took ill Feb. 22 holiday) after $14,800 for third week. Stays indef. Palace (RKO) (1.700; 50-$1.60>— "Hell’s Outpost” (Rep) and vaude- ville. Week ending tomorrowr (Thurs.) is heading for fast $22.- 000. In ahead. "Cry Vengeance” i A A) and vaude, $27,500. over hopes. Paramount (ABC-Par) (3.664; 85-$1.75)—“Battle Cry” (WB) (5th wk). Fourth session ended last night (Tues.) was big $53,000 after third week climbed to $66,000. Paris (Pathe Cinema) (568; 90- $1.80> — “Wages of Fear” (Indie) (3d wk). First holdover round concluded last night (Tues.) was good $11,500 or near after $12,500 in first week. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (6.200; 95-$2.75 — “Jupi- ter’s Darling" (M-G) and stageshow (2d-final wk). Off to barely okay $104,000 this stanza ending today (Wed.). “Hit the Deck" (M-G> and new stageshow open tomorrow (Thurs.). Opening week of “Darl- ing” was $152,000, a bit below hopes, and being aided, of course, b.V the holiday. Rivoli (UAT) (2.092; 85-$2> — “Bad Day at Black Rock” (M-G) (5th wk>. * Fourth week ended Monday (28) was okay $13,000 after $15,000 for third session, way over expectancy. Roxy (Nat’l. Th.) (5,717; 65-$2.40) —“Three For Show” (Col). Appears headed for slow $34,000 in first session winding today (Wed.), and holds only two weeks. In ahead, “White Feather” (20th). $30,000. and below hope^ for single 8-day week. “Untamed” (20th) comes in next. State (Loew’s) (3.450; 78-$1.75) — “Sign of Pagan” (U> (3d-final wk). Third round finishing next Friday (4) is heading for okay $12,- 000 or close after $19,000 in second week. “Timberjack” (Rep) opens Saturday (5). Sutton (R&B) (561; Sl-Sl.804 — “Romeo and Juliet” (UA> (11th wk). The 10th round ended yester- day (Tues.) was good $6,400 after $8 200 for ninth week. Trans-Lux 52nd St. (T-L) J540; $1 -$1.50) — “Doctor in House” (Rep) (2d wk). First holdover stanza ending today (Wed.) looks like great $15,000, one of biggest second weeks ever at house. First week was $17,300, for one of bigger opening weeks here. Victoria (City Inv.) (1.060; 50- $1.75)—"N.Y. Confidential" (WB) (2d wk). First holdover round end- ing tomorrow (Thurs.) likely will hold with rousing $18,000. First week was $33,000, not quite up to hopes, but smash for this sniall- seater. Stays on. Warner (Cinerama Prod.) (1,600; $1.20-$3.30)—“Cinerama Holiday” (Indie) (4th wk). Third week con- cluded Saturday (26) pushed to mighty $62,100 in 19 performances, very close to house record with this many shows. Previous session of 17 shows was $57,900, just miss- ing the house high. Now selling tickets into June and July. ‘A&C’-‘Mountain’ Lively 9G, L’ville; ‘Racers’ Fast 14G, ‘Deck’ Dandy 11G Louisville, March 1. Friday-Saturday (25-26) promo- tion of Shoppers’ Bargain Days, plus springlike weather, is bring- ing plenty of shoppers into the downtown area. They had a spend- ing spree at the stores, and first- runs came in for a generous share of biz. “Yellow Mountain" coupled with ”A & C Keystone Kops” at the Kentucky is very lively, as is “Racers” at the Rialto. “Hit The Deck” looks good at the State. Estimates for This Week Kentucky (Switow) <1.000; 50-75) —“Yellow Mountain” (Par) and “Abbott & Costello Keystone Kops” (U>. Looks strong $9,000 for kickoff stanza, and h o. is likely. Last week, “Bridges at Toko-ri” (Par) <3d wk). $7,000. Mary Anderson (People’s) (1,000; 75-$D—“Battle Cry” (WB) (3d wk). Oke $4,500. Last week. $7,000. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; 50-75)—“The Jtacers” (20th). Big weekend influx of shoppers helped here, current sesh to bumper $14,- 000 or near. Last week, “Under- water!” (RKO). $12,000. State (United Artists) <3.000; 50- 75)—“Hit The Deck" (M-G) and “White Orchid” <Coh. Good $11.- 000. Last week. “Jupiter’s Darling” •M-G) and “Pirates of Tripoli” (UA), $8,500.