Variety (June 1955)

10 PICTURE GROSSES P^RlETf ■ ‘Deadly* Hotsy $9,000, Wash.; ‘SAC* 17G, 3d 20G. ‘Honse’ NSG13G, ‘Men’ 14$, ‘Jungle’ 10G, 4th, ‘SAC* Same in 6th Los Angeles, June 7, 4 - Firstrun trade is on the light side in current week, with new bills failing to provide much lift and post-holiday weakness also cutting in, “Son of Sinbad” shapes moderate $20,000 in three theatres plus extra coin from eight ozoners. A light $13,000 is seen for “Big House, U.S.A.,” playing —three houses but it is getting $32,500 additional ih one nabe and six drive-ins. “Seven Angry Men” looms mild $14*500 in two spots, with added take from four ozoners and one nabe. Reissued “Wuthenng Heights” Is seeking a neat $6,Q00 at the Four Star oh initial frame. Holdover trade is softening at most locations but “Daddy Long Legs,” “Strategic Air Command” and “Glass Slipper” still are getting respectable coin. Estimates for This Week Warner Downtown, Wiltem, Ha- waii (SW-G&S) (1,757; 2,344; 1,106; 90-$1.50) — “Son of Sinbad” (RKO) and “Trouble In Store” (Indie). Moderate $20,000, Last week, in different units. Orpheum, Iris, El Rey (Metro- politan-FWC) (2,213; 861; 80-S1.25) —“Big House, USA” (UA) 7 and “Stranger On Horseback” (UA). Light $13,000 or near. Last week, Orpheum, with unit; Iris, “Man Called Peter” (20th) (4th wk), $2,800; El Rey, “Heart of Matter” (Indie) and “Inspector Calls” (Indie) (2d wk-5 days), $1,600. Hiilstreet, Pantages (RKO) (2,- 752; 2,812; 80-$1.25) — "Seven Angry Men” (AA) and “Las Vegas Shakedown” (AA). Mild $14,500. Last week, with' units. Four Star (UATC) (900; 90-$1.50) — “Wuthering Heights” (Indie) (reissue). Neat $6,000. Last week, “Doctor In House” (Rep) (10th wk), $3,000. Hollywood Paramount (F&M) (1,430; 80-$1.25) “Big Street” (RKO) and “Bringing Up Baby” (RKO) (reissues). Slight $3,500. Last week, with Warner Down- town, “Davy Crockett-Indian Scout” (UA) and “Iroquois Traiil” ,(UA) (reissues), $12,000. Los Angeles,- Hollywood, Uptown, Loyola (FWC) (2,097; 965; 1,715; 1,248; 90-$1.50)—“Soldier Fortune” (20th) (2d wk). Fair $23,000. Last week, $48,800. Downtown Paramount, Egyptian (ABPT-F&M) (3,200; 1,536; 90- $1.50)—“Sea Chase” (WB) (2d wk). ■Medium $10,000. Last week, $30,- 000 . Ritz (FWC) (1,363; 90-$1.50)— “That Lady” (20th) (2d wk). Slow $3,000. Last week, $3,300. Vogue (FWC) (885; 80-$1.25>— “Far Horizons” (Par) and “Front Page Story” (Indie) (2d wk). Small $1,500: Last week, with Orpheum, -$9,800. New Fox (FWC) (965; 80-$1.25) —“Tight Spot” (Col) and “Semi- nola Uprising” (Col) (2d wk). Thin $2,000. Last week, with Hiilstreet, Wiltem, $19,000. State (UATC) (2,404; $1-$1.50)— “Blackboard Jungle” (M-G) and “Utopia” (Indie) (4th wk). Sturdy $10,000. Last week, with Pantages, $27,000. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $503,500 (Based on 20 theatres.) Last Year . .$515,800 (Based on 22 theatres.) 'Chase’ Stout 14G, Frisco;‘Gold’9G * San Francisco, June 7. Plenty of holdovers here this session, but biz is holding up -nice- ly. Not a single new entry Except- ing at some bandbox arty houses. “Sea Chase” looks best of hold- overs, with a solid round at Gold- en Gate. “Prize of Gold” shapes fine in second St. Francis session. “Strategic Air Command” still is strong in third round at Para- mount. ' Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,859; 80- $1)—"Sea Chase” (WB) and “Ma, Pa Kettle at Waikiki” (U) (2d wk). Solid $14,000. Last week, $20,000. Fox (FWC). (4,651; $1.25-$1.50)— “Soldier of Fortune” (20th) (2d wk).~ Oke $12,000. Last week, $17,000. Warfield (Loew) (2,656; 65-90)— “Interrupted Melody” (M-G) (2d wk). Good $10,000. La“st week, $17,000. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 90-$l)— “Strategic Air Command” (Par) (3d wk-S days). Fast $12,000. Last week, $15,500. St. Francis (Par) (1,400; $1- $1.25)—“Prize of Gold” (Col) and “5 Against House” (Qol) (2d wk). Fine $9,000. Last week, $14,000. Orpheum (Cinerama Theatre, Calif.) (1,458; $1.75-$2.65)—“Cine- rama” (Indie) (,74th wk). Pushing to great' $18,000 or over. Last week, $16,000. United Artists (No; Coast) (1,- 207; 70-$l)—“Marty” (*UA) (3d wk). Oke $6,500. Last week, $8,500. Stagedoor (A-R) (400; $1-$1.25) —“Wuthering Heights” (Indie) (reissue). Good $2,500. Last week, “Glass Slipper” (M-G) (6th wk), $ 2 , 200 . Larkin (Rosener) 400; . $1)—“3 Cases of Murder” (Indie). Nice $2,800. Last week, “Sabaka” (UA) and “This Was Yesterday” (W-B) (2d wk), $1,700. Clay (Rosener) (400-$l)—“Belles St. Trinian’s” (Indie) (2d wk). Lusty $2,300. Last week, $3,000. Vogue (S.F. Theatres) (377-$l)— “Animal Farm” (Indie) 2d wk). Okay $2,000. Last week, $3,000. Bridge (Reade-Schwartz) (349; $1-$1.25) — “Doctor in House” (Rep) (llt’h wk). Oke $1,500. Last week, $1,800. Rio (Schwartz) (397; $1)—"Blue- beard” (Indie). Good $2,500. Last week, on subsequent-run. Washington, June 7. With only two newcomers, it’s a dull session at the wickets current- ly. “Kiss Me Deadly” at Columbia shapes above average. Other new entry, “Escape to Burma,” at RKO Keith’s is lightweight. “Daddy Long Legs” is fairly steady in first holdover stanza at Loew’s Palace. “Sea Chase” shapes fast in second round at Ambassador and Met. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (SWi (1,490; 75-$l) —“Sea Chase” (WB) (2d wk). Fine $4,500. Last week, $6,300. . Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 85-$1.25) —“Strategic Air Command” (Par) (3d wk). Big $17,000 after $24,000 last week, over hopes. May go another round. Columbia (Loew) (1,174; 70-95) — “Kiss Me Deadly” (UA). Fast $9,000, and stays. Last week, “Blackboard- Jungle” (M-G) (6th Wk), $6,500. Dupont (Lopert) (372; 75-$l) — “Innocents in Paris” (Indie) (3d- final wk). So-so $3,000 after $4,000 Inct Urpplr Keith’s'(RKO) (1,939; 70-95) — “Escape To Burma” (RKO). Sad $6,000. Last week, “Eternal Sea” (Rep), $7,000. Metropolitan. (SW) (1,200; 75-$l) —“Sea Chase” (WB) (2d wk). Fast $7,000. Last week, $10,700. Palace (Loew’s) (2,360; 70-95)— “Daddy Long Legs” (20th) (2d wk). Dipped to $14,000. after solid $21,- 000 last week. Stays. Playhouse (Lopert) 435; 75- $1.10)--“End of Affair” (Col) (2d wk). Trim $6,000 after $6,500 last week. Holds on. Trans-Lux (T-L) (600 ; 70-$l) — “Country Girl” (Par) (18th wk). Fair $3;500 on abbreviated schedule during house facelifting. Last week, $4,000. Stays on. Warner (SW) (1,300; $l,20-$2.40) — '“Cinerama” (Indie) (82d wk). Fast $13,000 after $15,000 last week. Stays. ‘Soldier’ Boffo $30,600, Philly Philadelphia, June 7. Exhibitors are inclined to blame a rainy weekend for hurting trade in current session but usual let- down after a holiday plus absence of much new strong fare is prob- ably \ts damaging. Pacing city is “Soldier of Fortune,” smash at the Fox. “Sea Chase” still is fancy in second Goldman week. “That Lady,” limp from start, shapes only poor at Randolph. “Prize of Gold,” “Five Against House” and “Magnificent Matador” all look lean, last named going only three days of second Midtown week. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S & S) (625; 99-$1.49)— “Blackboard Jungle” (M-G) (11th wk). Okay $7,000. Last week, $7,500. Boyd (SW) (1,430; $1.25-$2.60)— “Cinerama Holiday” (Indie) (16th wk). Sturdy $18,000. Last week, $18,500. Fox (20th) (2,250; 99-$1.40)— “Soldier of Fortune” (20th). Smash $30,000 or near. Last week*.- Daddy Long Legs” (20th) (3d wk), $17,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 65- (Continued on page 24) Hub Cooler, Biz Better; 'Soldier Stout 12G, 2d; 'Melody Wham 17G, 2d Chinese (FWC) (1,905; $1-$1.75) —“Daddy Long Legs” (20th) (5th wk). Good $13,000. Last week,' $19,300. Warner Beverly (SW) (1,612; $1- $1.75)—“Strategic Air Command” (Par) (6th wk). Hefty $10,000. Last week, stout $13,600. Warner Hollywood (SW) (1,364;' $1 ^O^.eS) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (110th wk). Into current week Sun- day (5) after hearty $23,900 last week.- ’ . • . v - Canon (Rosener) (533; $1.25)— “Paris With Love” (Indie). Fancy $8,000. Last week, second-run. ‘Mambo’ Solid $6,000 In St. L.; ‘Girl’ Wow 18G, 2d St. Louis, June 7. Biz is spotty here this frame with intermittent raihs over week- end blamed for slowing b. o. ac- tivity, Holdovers predominate. “Country Girl” continues hefty after socko opener. "Love Me Or Leave Me” is rated very big in initial holdover frame at Loew’s. “Mambo” is rated lusty in two arty houses. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (Indie) (1,400; $1.20- $2.40)—“Cinerama Holiday” (In- die) (16th wk). Great $16,000. Fox (F & M) (5,000; 51-75)— “Bridge at Toko-Ri” (Par) and ‘Conquest of Space” (Par) opened (Continued on page 24) Boston, June 7. Cool weather and rain helped biz this frame here. . Holdovers are holding up fine and only newcom- er,. “Three for the Show” and “The Marauders” at Loew’s State and M im, shaped nicS. “Sea Chase” y v in second round. “Inter- rupted Melody” is smash in second week at the Astor. “Strategic Air Command,” holding at the Met in third week still is big. “Soldier of Fortune” St the Memorial contin- ues good. Estimates for This Week Astor (B&Q) (1,500; 75-$1.25)— “Interrupted Melody” (M-G) (2d wk). Terrific $17,000 or near. Last week, wow $17,500, way over hopes. Beacon Hill (Beacon Hill) (800; 75-$1.25)—“To Paris With Love” (Indie) (8th wk) and “Fingers of Dr. T” (Col). Pleasing pickup to $4,500. Last week, $3,700. Boston (Cinerama Productions) (1,354; $1.25-$2.85)—“Cinerama” (Indie) (75th wk). Solid $12,000. Last week, $11,50.0. Exeter (Indie) (1,300; 60-$l)— “Doctor In House” (Rep) (3d wk). Big $10,000. Last week, $13,000. Fenway (NET) (1,373; 60-$D— “Sea Chase” (WB) and “Dial Red- O” (AA) (2d wk). Oke $3,500. Last week, $4,000’. Kenmore (Indie) (700; 85-$l,25) —“Dancing Years” (AA) (2d wk). Bright $6,100, Last week, $3,200. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 60-$l)— “Soldier of Fortune” (20th) and Quest Lost City” (RKO) (2d wk). Nifty $12,000 or over. Last week, $16,000. Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 75- 90-$1.25)—“Strategic Air Com- mand” (Par) (3d wk). Great $18,- 000. Last week, $22,000. Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 60-$l)— “Three for Show” (Col) and “The Marauders” (M-G): Fine $14,000. Last week, “Kiss Me Deadly” (UA) and “Canyon Crossroads” (UA), $ 10 ^ 000 . Paramount (NET) (1,700; 60-$l) —“Sea Chase” (WB) and “Dial Red-O” (2d wk). Fair $6,500. Last week, $7,500. State (Loew) (3,500; 60-$l)— “Three for Show” (Col) and “Ma- rauders” (MG). Nice $8,000. Last week, “Kiss Me Deadly” (UA) and “Canyon Crossroads” (UA), $6,000, way below hopes. % \t Wednesday, June 8, 1955 > love Me’ Hotsy 15G, ‘Soldier’ 9G, 2d Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $2,303,100 (Based on 23 cities and 226 theatres, chiefly first runs, in- cluding N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week . Last Year ....... $2,336,500 (Based on 24 cities and 220 theatres.) 'Soldier Lusty $13,500, Balto Ace Baltimore, June 7. ideal weather continues to cut Into grosses here this week, “Sol- dier of Fortune” is pleasing at the Town. Second week of “The Prodi- gal” is good at the Hipp. “Strategic Air Command” is fine at Keith’s in second “Magnificent Matador” looks drab at the New. “Son of Sinbad” shapes okay at the May- fair. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew’s-UA) (3,000; 25- 65-95)—“Blackboard Jungle” (M-G) (5th wk). Ebbing to $6,500 after $7,800 in the fourth. Cinema (Schwaber) (466; 50-$l) . .“One Summer Happiness” (Indie) (3d wk). Modest $2,000 following $3,000 in second. Film Centre (Rappaport) (960; 50-$l)—“Doctor In House” (Rep) (4th wk). Okay $3,000 after $4,000 for third. Hippodrome (Rappaport). (2,100; 50-$l)—“The Prodigal” (M-G) (2d wk). Good $9,000 following $4,5.00 opener.. Keith’s (Fruchtman) (2,400 25-$l) —"Strategic Air Command) (Par) (2d wk). Holding nicely at $10,000 following $14,500 getaway. Little (Rappaport) (310; 50-$l)— “Adventures of Sadie” (Indie), Pleasing $4,000. Last week, “Wuthering Heights” (Indie) (re- issue) (2d wk), $2,000, Mayfair (Hicks) (980 20-70)— “Son of Sinbad” (RKO). Okay $5,000. Last week, “Eternal Sea” (Rep), $3,500. New (Fruchtman) (1,600; 35-$l) —“Magnificent Matador” (20th). Lean $5,500. Last week, “Daddy- Long Legs” (20th> (4th wk), $5,000. Playhouse (Schwaber) (320; 50- $1)—“To Paris With Love” (Indie) (5th wk). Fairish $3,000. Last week; SflUlG Stanley (WB) (3,200; 35-$l—“Sea Chase” (WB) (2d wk). Drab $5,500 after $9,000 opener. : . Town (Rappaport) (1,600; 50-$l) “Soldier of Fortune” (20th). Big $13,500. Last week, “Violent Saturday (20), $7,500. ‘Sinbad’ Tall $9,500 In Port.; ‘Chase’ Fancy 7G Portland, Ore., June 7. Town is bogged down with hold- overs which are strong despite numerous transient name attrac- tions. “SAC” continues to soar at Paramount in its second frame. “Sea Chase” is fast at Broadway. “Big Combo” is okay at Liberty. “Sbn of Sinbad” shapes stout at Orpheum, pic having a terrific campaign. “Aida” looks big at Guild. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,890; 90- $1.25)—"Sea Chase” (WB) and “Tall Man Riding” (WB) (2d Wk). Neat $7,000. Last Week, $9;300. . Fox (Evergreen) (1,536; $1-$1,25) —“Soldier Fortune” (20th) and “Jump Into Hell” (WB) (2d wk). Good $6,500. Last week, $10,400. Guild (Indie) (400; $1)—“Aida’*- (IFE). Loud $4,000. Last week, “Gate of Hell” (Indie) (2d wk), $2,800. Liberty (Hamrick) (1,875;* 75-$P —“Big Combo” (AA) and “Port of Hell” (AA). Okay $7,500. Last week, “Kiss Me Deadly” (UA) and “Steel Cage” (UA), $7,100. Orpheum (Evergreen) (1,600; $1- $1.25)—“Son of Sinbad” (RKO) and “Quest for Lost City” (RKO). Big promotion helping “Sinbad.” Stout $9,500. Last week, “Magnifi- cent Matador” (20th) and “Trou- ble in Glen” (Rep), $6,500. Paramount (Port-Par) (3,400; 90- $1.25)—“Strategic Air Command” (Par) (2d wk). Smash $11,000. Last week, $17,000. Cincinnati, June 7. Two new bills are bulging the downtown total this frame. “Stra- tegic Air Command,” dooming Keith’s to its best figure for some time, is way ahead of “Love Me or Leave Me,’* which has the big Albee in clover. “SAC” shapes boff in the 1,500-seat house. Hold- overs “Soldier of Fortune” c and “Sea Chase” continue favorably. “Cinerama” remains solid in its approach to first anni, the 51st Week at Capitol being big. * Estimates for This Week- Albee (RKO) (3,100; 75-90) —. “Love Me or Leave Me” (M-G), Hotsy $15,000. Holds, Last week, “Sea Chase” (WB), $10,000. Capitol (Ohio Cinema Corp.) (1,376; $1.20-$2.65) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (51st wk); Ndaring first- year stripe in fast $18,500 stride. Last week, $19,500. Grand (RKO) (1,400; 75-90) — “Sea Chase” (WB) (m.o.). Good $5,500. Last week, “Ten Wanted Men” (Col) and “Pirates of Tripoli” (Col), $5,000. Keith’s (Shor) (1,500; 75-$1.25)— “Strategic Air Command” (Par). Takeoff beamed to mighty $20,000; Holds, Last week, “Daddy Long Legs” (20th) (3d wk), $9,400. Palace (RKO) (2,6; 75-90) — “Soldier of Fortune” (20th) (2d wk). Okay $9,000 or close. Last week, $12,500. ‘Moonfleet’ Bright 12G, Toronto; ‘House’ $15,000; ‘SAC’ Bangup 13G, 3d Toronto, June 7. Incoming new product is sad, with exception of “Moonfleet” and “Big House, U.S.A.,” both of which are fine. However, holdovers are solid, topper being “Strategic Air Command” now in third frame at the Imperial. It still is standout in town. “The Prodigal” in second stanza and “Daddy Long Legs” in third, are right hebind for top re- turns. Estimates for This Week Christie, Hyland (Rank) (848; 1,354; 75-$D—“Divided Heart” (Rank) (2d wk). Sad $5,000. Last week, $6,500. Downtown, Glendale, Scarboro, State, Westwood (Taylor) (1,059; 955; 696; 694; 975; 40-75)—“Big House U.S.A.” (UA) and “Canyon Crossroads” (UA). Oke $15,000. Last week, “Smoke Signal” (U) and “Big Tip Off” (AA), $14,000. Eglinton,-University (FPJ (1,089: 1,558; 60-$l) —“Escape to Burma’* (RKO). Poor $7,500. Last week, “Man Who Loved Redheads” (In- die), $9,000. Fairlawn, Odeon (Rank) (1,165; 2,580; 75-$l)—“Prize of Gold” (Col) (2d wk). Thin $6,000. Last week, $9,000. Imperial (FP) (3,373; 60-$l)— “Strategic Air Command” (Par) (3d wk). Lively $13,000, for best showing in city. Last week, $19,500. Loew’s (Loew) (2,090; 60-$l)— “Prodigal” (M-G) (2d wk). Good $12,000. Last week, $16,000. Shea’s (FP) (2,386; 60-$l)— “Daddy Long Legs” (20th) (3d wk). Hep $11,000. Last week, $16,000... Towue (Taylor) ' (693; 75-$l)— “Gate of Hell” (Indie) (2d wk). Big $6,000. Last week, $6,500. Uptown (Loew) (2,745; 60-$l)— “Moonfleet” (M-G). Lusty $12,000. Last week, “Mail from Bitter Ridge” (U), $5,500. SAC’ FAST $10,000, PROV.; ‘CHASE’ 9G, H.0.S Providence, June 7. With a. rainy weekend to • help things along, most deluxers did well with current crop of pix. State with “Battleground” is okay while Albee’s “Sea Chase” is solid in sec- ond round. Also good are Majes- tic’s “Soldier of Fortune” and Strand’s “Strategic *Air Com- mand,” on first holdover stanzas. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO). (2,200; 65-85)— “Sea Chase” (WB) and “Murder Is My Beat” • (Rep) (2d wk). Nice $9,000. First week, $14,500. Majestic (Fay) (2*200; 50-75)— ‘Soldier of Fortune” (20th) (2d wk). Very good $9,000. Last week, $13,000. State (Loew) (3,200; 50-75)— “Battleground” (M-G) and “Asphalt Jungle” (M-G) (reissues). Held for four days, okay $9,000. Last week, “Kiss Me Deadly” (UA) and “Can- yon Crossroads 0 (UA), $19,000. Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 65-90) — “Strategic Air Command” (Par) (2d wk). Fast $10,000 or near. Last week, $13,000.