Variety (March 1955)

12 PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, March 30, 1955" H.O. Tide Ebbs LA Biz; ‘Combo’ in It Sites, House’ Neat ‘Eden’ Good $32,000,2d Los Angeles, March 29. Firstrun film biz is at a low ebb the current week with only two newcomers to offset the down drag of holdovers and extended, ruris. Both new bills kicked off on the good side with “Doctor in the House” seeing $7,500 at the small Four Star while “Big Combo” is a snappy $27,000 in three flrstruns, plus a possible $37,000 in one nabe and six ozoners. Reissue of “Camille” is also booming at the small Canon, with a fine $6,500 expected. Among the holdovers “East of Eden” sees a good $32,000 possible* in its second week at two locations and “Hit the Deck” is rounding up a nice $10,- 500' in second frame at one site. Of sureseater fare, “Hulot’s Holi- day” is holding to a nifty $5j000 in its ninth, week. Estimates for This Week Four Star (UATC) (900; 9Q-$1.50) —“Doctor In House” (Rep). Good $7,500. Last Week, “Aida” (Indie) (6th wk-9 days), $3,300. State, Vogue, Wiltero (UATC- FWC-SW) (2,404; 885; 2,344; 80- $1.25) •— “Big Combo” (AA) and “Treasure Ruby Hills” (AA). Snap- py $27,000: Last week, different units. Canon (Rosener) (533; $1.50) — “Camille” (MG) (reissue). Fine $6,500. Last week, “Little Kidnap- pers” (Indie) (13th wk-3 days), $ 2 , 000 . Downtown Paramount, Egyptian (ABPT-UATC) (3,200; 1,536; $1- $1.50)—“East of Eden” (WB) (2d wk). Good $32,000. Last week, $44,800. Warner Beverly (SW) (1,612; 90- $1.50)—“Hit Deck” (MG) (2d wk). Nice $10,500. Last week, $11,500. Los Angeles, Iris, Ritz (FWC) (2,097; 816: 1,363; $1-$1.50) — “Racers” (20th) and “Sabaka” (UA) (2d wk). Light $9,000. Last week, $16,400. Warner Downtown, Hollywood (SW-FWC) (1,757, 965; 80-$1.25)— “Chief Crazyhorse” (U) and “Land of Fury” (U) (2d wk). Slow $9;O0Q. Last week, with Wiltern, $25,100. Orpheum, (Metropolitan) (2,213; 80-$1.25)—“Bridges Toko-Ri” (Par) and “Tonight’s Night” (AA) (3d wk). Mild $4,800. Last week- with Vogue, $ 10 , 000 . Hawaii (G&S) (1,106; 80-$1.25)— “Jupiter’s Darling” (MG) (3d wk). Modest $2,700. Last week, with State, $9,300. Chinese (FWC) (1,905; $1-$1.75) —“Untamed” (20th) (3d wk). Slow $7,500. Last week, $9,400. Hollywood Paramoimt (F&M) (1,430; $1-$1.50) — “Underwater!” (RKO) (4th wk). Oke $7,000. Last Week, $9,400. , 4 El Rey (FWC) (861; $1-$1.50) — ‘french T° uch ” (indie) (5th wk).1 Slim $1,500. Last week, $1,600. Hillstreet, Pantages (RKO) (2,752; 2,812; $1-$1.50) - “Long Gray; Line” (Col) (6th wk-6 days). Light $8,000. Last week, $10,200. Fine Arts (FWC) (631; $1-$L50) Hulot’s Holiday” (Indie) (9th Nlfty $5,000. Last week, $5,900. ^ Fox Wilshire (FWC) (2.296; $1- $1.50)—Final nine days of “20,000 Leagues” (BV) (13th wk), finished] with neat $13,700, and “Purple Plain ’ (UA) follows. Hollywood (SW) (1,364; — “Cinerama” (Indiej * n t° century frame (27) after stout $22,400 last week. Vagabond (Rosener) (390: $1.50) r: Gate of Hell” (Indie) (14th wk). Steady $3,000. Last week, $3,200. ‘Deck' Solid $17,000, Toronto; ‘Racers' 16G Toronto, March 29. v T w ?,;?. ay snowstorm dented biz but Hit the Deck” and “The Racers”. are topping the town to neat returns, with other hep new- comers including “Americano” and •«£ a Jj :ain Fiightfoot.” Oh holdovers. Bridges at Toko-Ri” in third frame and “Long Gray Line” in second stanza, are ho’ding big Estimates f6r This Week - B ria l ie > HyIand (Rank) (848; 2r ,35 u ; Hulot’s Holi- day” (GBD) (4th -wk). Holding nicely at $6,000. Last Week, $7,000. Downtown, Glendale, Mayfair, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (1,059; 955; 478; 696; 694: 40-75)—“Theodora” (IFD) and “Thunder Pass” (Cardi- nal). Nice $12,000. Last week, “3 Dark Streets” (UA) and “Lone Gun” (UA), $13,500. Eglinton, University (FP) (1,088; 1,588; 60-$l)—“The Racers” (20th). (Continuedpage >20 fa--* Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Grbss This Week $513,300 (Based on 19 theatres .) Last Year . ....$471,700 (Based on 23 theatres.) ‘Jungle’Hot 25G, S.F.;‘Horse’ 15G San Francisco, March 29. Motorama is bringing crowds downtown and fine weather is also helping Market St business. “Crazy Horse” is nice at the Golden' Gate, “Blackboard Jungle” is great- at the Warfield and “Stranger on Hprseback” is firm at the United Artists. Extended runs are holding up well. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,859; 80- $1)<—“Chief Crazy Horse” (U) and “Cry Vengeance”. (AA). Nice $15,- 000. Last week, “Far Country” <U) and “Keystone Kops” (U),’ $13,500. ,Fox (FWC) (4,651; $1.25-$1.50)— “Ten Wanted Men” (Col) and “New Orleans Uncensored” (Col). T’epid $8,000 on. six days. Last week, “Un- tamed” (20th) (2d. wk), $9,500. Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; 65-90) — “Blackboard Jungle” (M-G). Great $25,000. Last week, “Hit the Deck” (M-G) (3d wk), $9,000. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 90-$l)— “Country Girl” (Par) (3d wk). Slipped to $15,000 after $22,000 last week. St. Francis (P,ar) (1,400; $1-$1.25) —“East of Eden” (WB) (2d -wk). Okay $16,000. Last week, $21,000. Orpheum (Cinerama Theatre Calif,) (1,458; $1.75-$2.65)—“Cine- rama” ’ (Indie) (65th Wk). Tidy $16,200. Last week, $16,600. United Artists (No. Coast) (1,207; 70-$l)—“Stranger on Horseback” (UA) and “Golden Mistress” (UA). Firm $8,200. Last week, “Big House' U.S.A.” (UA) and “Twist of Fate” (UA), $8,500. Stagedoor (A-R) (400; $1-$1.25)— “Gate of Hell” .(Indie) (4th wk). Pleasant $6,000. Last week, $6,500. Larkin (Rosener) (400; $1)— 1 “De- tective” (Indie) and “Curtain Up” (Indie). Fair $2,800. Last week, “Overcoat” (Indie) (3d wk), $2,000. Clay (Rosener) (400; $D—“Ro- meo and Juliet” (UA) (4th wk). Good $2,500. Last week, $2,000. Vogue (S.F. Theatres) (377; $l)-r “Game of Love” (Indie),,Nice $4,- 200. Last week, “Mile ‘ Gob'ette” (Indie) (2d wk), $1,500. Bridge (Reade-Schwarz) (349; $1.10-$1.25)—“Doctor in House” (Rep) (2d wk). Holding to a solid '$5^000, Last week, Same.. 1 Rio (Schwarz) (397; $1)—“Ca- mille” (M-G) (reissue). Good $6,000. Last week, oldies. BALTO SLUGGISH; ‘STAR' OKE 9G, ‘CRASHOUT’ 7G Baltimore, March 29. Middle of Lenten season with a high ratio of Catholics here finds most exhibs marking time with new product until Holy Week. Medium grosses predominate with the third week of “Country Girl” topnotch at the Hipp. “Man Without A Star” is okay at the Century. “Crash- out” is mild at the Stanley, “Gate Of Hell” opened nicely at the Play- house: •Estimates for This Week Century (Loew’S-UA) (3,000; 25- 65-95)—‘Man Without Star” (U). Okay $9,000. Last week, ’’Many Rivers To Cross” (M-G) (2d wk), $6,500. Film Centre ( Rappaport) (960; 50-$l) — “Glass Slipper” (M-G). Starts tomorrow (Wed.), Third week of “Romeo And Juliet” (UA) was mild at $3,000. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,100; 50-$l)—“Country Girl,” (Par) (3d wk). Still sturdy at $11,000 after $15,500 in the second. Keith's (Fruchtman) (2,400; 25- $1)—“Bridges At Toko-ri” (Par) (4th wk). Fading to' $6,000 after $7,500 in the third. Little (Rappaport) (310; 50-$D— “Camille” (M-G) (reissue) (4th wk). Down to $2,200 after $2,500 in the third. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 20-70)— “West of Zanzibar” (U) and “Rico- chet 1 Romance” (U), Moderate $3,300. Last week, “Abbott-Costello Meet Keystone Kops” (U), $3,500. New (Fruchtman) (1,800; 35-?$l) —“Untamed” (20th) (3d wk). Ebb- ing to $5,000 following $6,000 for the second. * Playhouse (Schwaber) (320; 50r $1)—“Gate of Hell” (Indie). Pleas- ing $4,400. Last week, “Little Kid- nappers” (Indie) (5th,wk), $3,000. Stanley (WB) (3,200; 35-$l)— “Crashout” (Filmakers). Drab $7,000. Last week, “Battle Cry” (WB) (7th* wk„ $5,000. Town (Rappaport) (1,600; 35-$l) —“Long Gray Line” (Col) (4th wk). Fairish $7,000 following $8,000 for the third. ‘Deck’ Trim $14,000 As Pitt’s Lone New Entry; ‘Star’ Bright 7G, 2d Pittsburgh, March 29. Only new picture downtown is “Hit the Deck” at Penn and it’s getting most of the gravy. Mu sical, however, was hurt some along with everything else,, by snowstorm and freezing cold’wea- ther over the weekend. Harris had to rush in weak twin bill of "Pes try” and “West of Zanzibar” at last minute when “Long Gray Line” failed to hold up. “Cinerama Holi- day” continues strong at Warner. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 65-$l)— “Man Without Star” (U) (2d.Wk). Still cashing in on brisk getaway, launched by Kirk Douglas’ per- sonal on stage. Shooting for $7,000 and may hold. Last week, better than $7,000, very big. „ Harris (Harris) (2,165; 65-$i)— “Destry” V (U) and “West of Zanzi- bar” (U). Slim $4,500. Last week, “Gray Line” (Col), bit over $6,500. Guild (Green) (500; 65-$l)—“Ca- mille” (M-G) (reissue) (3d wk). Likely to end at about $1,900., Last week, $3,100. Penn (UA) (3,300; 65-$l)—“Hit (Continued on page 20) ‘Jungle’ Smash $23,000 Tops ChQly Philly; ‘House Tall 19G, ‘Horse’ 12G Philadelphia, March 29. “Blackboard Jungle,” helped by an extensive ad campaign and con- troversial subject matter, is draw- ing strong notices and heavy at- tendance at upped prices. “Crazy Horse” never got started at the Mastbaum while “Doctor in, the House” gave the Trans-Lux a[ hypo. Elsewhere, biz is off due to record low weekend temperatures and holdovers as houses marked time for the Easter splurge. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S&S) (625; 99-$1.49) — “Blackboard Jungle” (M-G). Ter- rific $23,000. Last week, “Jupiter’s Darling” (M-G) (4th wk), $6,000. Boyd (SW) (1,430; $1.25-$2.6Q)— “Cinerama Holiday” (Indie) (6th wk). Great $27,500.- Last week, $29,000. Fox (20th) (2,250; 90-$1.40) — “Untamed” (20th) (3d wk). Mild $13jG00. Last week, $16,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 65- $1.30)—“Man Without Star” (U) (2d wk). Down to $13,000. Last week, $23,000. Tourists Lift D.C. Biz; ‘Americano’ Firm 14HG, ‘Star’ Bright $14000,2d Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week .... $2,489,400 (Based on 24 cities and 228 theatres, chiefly first runs, in- cluding N.Y.)' Total Gross Sajw Week Last Year . $2,440,000 (Based on 24 cities and 219 theatres.) \ Snow Hits Det. But ‘Star’ Radiant 20G —“Chief Crazy Horse” (U). Tame $12,000. Last Week, “Long John Silver” (DCA), $14,000. Midtown (Goldman). (1,200; 65- $1.49)—"Country Girl” (Par) (8th wk). Fine $12,500. Last week $13,000. . Randolph (Goldman) (2,500; 75 $1.40)-*-“Battle Cry” (WB) (5th wk). Lusty $15,500. Last week, $17,000. Stanley (SW) (2,900;- 74-$1.40)-^ “Gray Line” (Col) (5th wk). So-so $9,500. • Last week, $11,000. Stanton (SW) (1,483; 50-99)— “Gangbusters” (Indie) (2d Wk). Fair $6,500. Last week, $9,500. Traris-Lux (T-L) .(500; 99-$l.&0)— “Doctor in House” (Rep). Lively $10,000. Last week, “Animal Farm” (Indie) (2d wk), $3,600. Viking (Sley) (1,000; 74-$L50)— “Hit Deck” (M-G) (3d wk). Okay $10,500. Last week, $14,000, Trans-Lux World (T-L) (604; 99- $1.50)—“Go, Man, Go” (UA) and “Khyber Patrol” (UA). Poor $3,200. Last week, “Stranger’s Hand” Detroit, March 29. Heavy snow hit downtown biz first of week. However, ‘Man Without Star” looks bright at the Palms. “Camille” is strong in sec- ond. week at" the Kririi, a nabe artie, and “Cinerama Holiday” stays on high, even-keel in 7th week at the Music Hall, Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5,000; $1- $1.25) — “Untamed” (20th) and “Devil Girl from Mars” (AA) (2d wk). Down to $17,000. Last) week, $27,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,- 000; $1-$1.25) — “East of Eden” (WB). (3d wk).. Trim $15,000. Last week, $20,000. Palms (UD) (2,961; 80-$l)—“Man Without Star” (U) arid “Ma and Pa Kettle at Waikiki” <U). Strong $20,000. Last week, “Conquest of Space” (Par) and “Bob Mathias Story” (AA), $18,000 in nine days. Madison (UD) (1,900; 95-$1.25)— “Battle Cry” (WB) (6th wk). Swell $10,000. Last week, $9,000. Broadway-Capitol (UD) (3,500; 80-SD—“Rage at Dawn” (RKO) and “Sins of Rome” (RKO). Aver- age $12,000. Last week,. “Chief Crazy Horse” (U) and “Explosive Kid” (AA), $9,000 in six-day sec- ond week. United Artists (UA) (1,938; $1- $1.25)—"Acaericano” (RKO) and “Murder Is" My Beat” (AA); Oke $13,000. Last week, “Hit the Deck” (M-G) $7,000 in third week. Adams (Balabaii) (1,700; 85- $$1.25)—“Long Gray Line” (Col) (4th wk). Down to $7,000. Last week, $7,750. Music Hall (Cinerama Produc- tions) (1,194; $1.40-$2.65)—“Cine- rama Holiday” (7th wk). Terrific $32,000. Last week, same. Krim (Krim) (1,000;„ $1.25)— "Camille” (M-G) (reissue) (2d^wk). Strong $8,500. Last week, $9,000. Untamed’ Rousing 11G, ‘Horse’ Fast 10G Despite Sub-Zero Mpls, Weather Minneapolis, March 29. Below zero “spring” temperature apparently are chilling theatre- going inclinations and the box- office suffers -accordingly. How- ever, such newcomers as “Un- tamed” and “Chief Crazy Horse” should end up respectably in the money. Likewise, the quartet of holdovers continues to prosper in the face of the weather handicap. Estimates for This Week Century (S-W) (1,140; $1.75- $2.65) “Cinerama” (Indie) (50th wk.). There’s no Sloping: up this boxoffice wonder. Amazing $15,- 000. Last week, $16,000. Gopher (Berger) (1,000; 65 : 85) “Abbott & Costello Meet Keystone Kops” (U). Youngsters flocking to this one. Fair $3,300. Last week, “Big Combo” (AA), $3,500.-' Lyric (Par) (1,000; 65-85) “Gang Busters” (Indie). Moderate $5,000. Last week, '“3 Ring Circus” (Par) (2d wk.), $4,200 at # 85-$l. Radio City (Par) (4,100; 85-$l) “Untamed” (20th). Mixed opinions regarding this .one’s merits, but .its marquee names spell moolah. Good $11,000. Last week, “Hit the Deck’’ (M-G), $12,000. RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 85- $1) “Chief Crazy Horse” . (U). Sturdy $1*0,000. Last week, “Long Gray Line” (Col) (2d wk.), $7,500. RKO-Pan (RKO) (2,800; 85-$l) “Long Gray Line! 4 (Col) (m.o.). Here after a prosperous Orpheum fort- night. Healthy $6,500, Last week, “Southwest . Passage” (UA) and ‘.‘Khyber Patrol” (UA), $4,000 at 65-85c. ..State (Par) (2,300; 85-$l) “The Racers” (20th) (2d wk.). Virile $6,500. Last week, $11,000 World (Mann) (400; 65-$1.20) “Country Girl” (Par) (6th wk.). Washington, March 29. Despite ah almost completely holdover situation, the annual in- flux of tourists is beginning 'to have an- upbeat effect on main stem b.o. All holdovers and long runs are steady, and several have topped last week's take. In latter class is “Cinerama.” A weekend cold wave helped hypo biz by driv- ing visitors and natives indoors. “Americano,” sble newcomer, shapes okay at the two Warner houses, Ambassador and Metropol- itan. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (SW) (1,490; 60-85) —“Americano” (RKO). Okay $6,- 000, Last week, “New York Con-* fidential” (WB), $4,000. Capitol (Loew's) (3,434; 70-95)— “Man Without a Star” (U) (2d„wk). Pleasant $14,000 after fancy $21,- 000 last week. Columbia (Loew's) (1,174; 60- 85)—“Women's Prison” (Col) (2d wk). Okay $5,000 after fine $8,500 last week-, and moves on. Dupont (Lopert) (372; 65-$l)— “Gate of Hell” (Indie) (5th w$). Nearly $4,000 after $3,500 last week: Goes another round. , Keith’s (RKO) (1,939; 90-$l,25)^- “Long Gray ’Line” (Col) (7th wk). Firm $9,000 for second consecutive week. Stays. Metropolitan (SW) (1,200; 60-85) —“Americano” (RKO). Good $8,« 500, Last week, “New York Confi- dential” - (WB), $6,300. Palace (Loew's) (2,370; 70-95)— “Untamed" (20th) (2d wk).. Fast after hefty $17,000 last week. Stays. Playhouse (Lopert) (435; 70-$l) —“Aida” (IFE) (6th-final "wk). Fancy $4,000 after $3,500 last week. Trans-Lux (TrL) (600; 70-$l)— “Country Girl” (Par) (8th wk). Sock $10,000 after $9,000, and stays Warner (SW) (1,300; $1.20-$2.40) —“Cinerama” (Indie) (72d wk). Tourists pushing this into smash $16,000 after big $15,000 last week. Stays. ‘CREATURE’ BIG $17,000, DENVER; ‘HORSE’ 16G Denver, March 29. “Revenge of the Creature” at the Paramount copped top money for the week and may hold. Busi- ness is. good to fine at other houses. “Country Girl” is moving into its fifth frame at the Denham while “Gate of Hell” and “Doctor in House” are also registering extend- ed runs. Estimates for This Week Centre (Fox) (1,247; 60-$l)— “White Feather” (20th) (2d wk). Fair '$10,000. Last week. $15,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 60-$l) —“Country Girl” (Par) (4th wk). Good $11,000. Last week, $14,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525;, 50-85) — “Chief Crazy Horse” (U i and “Tar- get Earth” (AA). Fine $16,000. Last week, “Ma and Pa Kettle at Waiki- ki 7 ’- and “They Rode West” (Col) $ 12 , 000 . Esquire (Fox) (742; 70-$l)—“Gate of Hell” (Indie) (2d wk). Big $3,500 and holding. Last week, $4,600. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 50-85)— “New York Confidential” (WB) and “Unchained" (WB). Fair $7,500. Last week, “Many Rivers x to Cross” (M-G) arid “Black Pirates” (Lip) (2d wk), $7,500. Paramount (Wolfberg) (2,200;-SO- BS)—“Revenge of the Creature” (U) and “Cult of the Cobra” (U). Big $17,000. Last week, “Captain Lightfoot”. (U) and “Sabaska’ 7 CU) $ 10 , 000 . Tabor (Fox) (1,967; 50-70)—“New Orleans Uncensored” (Col) and “Black Eagle” (Indie). Fair $3,000. Last week, on reissues^ Vogue (Brown) (442; 75-90)— “Doctor In the House” (Rep) (3d wk). Good $2,ip0 and holding. Last week, $2,200. 4* -MastbkUm <(SW>H4,37O;^5-$l:30)'^DCA) > M$3,0O0J ; J fct'«^ -: ’ M Hefty $5,WWiiiiast<*W4^ ^<,100. Cold Crimps LVille; < Americano , Fair 11G Louisville, March 29. . Return of winter weather, with damaging winds and a low of 12 degrees, put a tremendous crimp in weekend biz at the flrstruns: Rialto billing “Americano” and “Fast and Furious” While the State is showing “Black Tuesday” and -“Golden Mistress,” Kentucky is holding “Country Girl” for a fourth stanza. Estimates for This Week Kentucky (SwitoW) (1,000; 75- $1)—“Country Girl” (Par) (4th wk). Likely $6,000 after last week’s .nice $6,500. Mary Anderson (People's) (1,000; 75-$l)—“Battle Cry” (WB) (7th > 1 ^(Continued on'page so!- 1 -•