Variety (June 1955)

Wednesday* June^8; 1955 PfatiEfr PICTURE CROSSES 11 Chi Okay; ‘Soldier Sturdy $31,01)0, ‘Spot’- 1 Jump’ Loud 19G, ‘Bullet’ ISC, ‘Cover-Stage 3SG, ‘SAC Stout 20G Chfcago, June 7. 4- Windy City biz is slightly off from last frame’s convention- hypoed takes but still respectable despite a raft of holdovers. “Sol- dier of Fortune” is shooting for a hotsy $31,000 opener at the Ori- ental. “Tight Spot” and “Jump Into Hell” combo goes is nifty $19,000 in first frame at Roosevelt. “ A Bullet For Joey” plus. “Big House U.S.A.” looks sturdy $18,000 in first McVickers round “The Beachcomber” looms nice $8,000 opening week at the Monroe. “Run For Cover,” with Gary Crosby and Louis Armstrong top- ping vaude, is okay at the Chicago in second week. “Strange Lady In Town” is hot so,hot in same stanza at United Artists. “Bedevilled” and “The Marauders” is mild in second grand week. “Strategic Air Command” is still jet-propelled in fifth week at the State-Lake. “Blackboard Jun- gle” stays big in fifth at the Woods. “Cinerama” , still surprises With smash trade in 97th week at Palace. Estimates for This Week Carnegie (Telem't) (480; 95)— “Gate of Hell” (Indie) (2d wk). Sturdy $2,800. Last week, $3,900. Chicago (B&K) (3,900 98-$1.50) — 1 “Run For Cover” (Par) with Gary Crosby and Louis Armstrong heading stage bill (2d wk). NSH $38,000. Last week, $54,000. Grand (Nomikos) (1,200; 98-$l) —“Bedevilled” (M-G) and “The Marauders” (M-G) (2d wk). Okay $8,400. Last week, $10,600. Loop (Telem’t) (606; 90-$1.25)— “Camille” (M-G) (reissue) (5th wk.). Okay $5,000. Last week, $9,300. Monroe (Indie) (1,000; 98-$1.50) —“The Beachcomber” (Indie). Nice “8,000. Last week, “Mambo” (Par) (3d wk), $4,500. McVickers (JL&S) 2,200; 65- $1.25)—“A Bullet For Joey” (UA) and “Big House U.S.A.” (UA). Oke 818,000. Last week, “Annapolis Story” (AA) and “Seven Angry Men” (AA) (2d wk), $17,000. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 98-$1.25) —“Soldier of Fortune” (20th). Swell $31,000. Last week, “Daddy Long Legs” (20th) (3d wk), $24,000. Palace (Eitel) 1,484; $1.25-$3.40) —“Cinerama” (Indie) (97th wk). Sock $38,000. Last week, $33,200. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,400; 65-98)— “Tight Spot” (Col) and “Jump Into Hell” (WB). TaU $19,000. Last week, “Crashout” (FM) and “Mad at World” (FM) (2d wk), $16,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2,400; 65-98 “Strategic Air Command” (Par) (5th wk). Smash $20,000. Last, week, $31,000. Surf (H&E Balaban) (685; 95)— “Animal Farm” (Indie) (2d wk). Hefty $3,700; Last week, $4,000. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 98- $1.25)—“Strange Lady In Town (WB) (2d wk). Poor $9,000 in 5 days. Last week, $16,000. 1= Woods (Essaness) (1,206; $1.25) “Blackboard Jungle” (M-G) (5th wk). Hotsy $21,000. Last week, $29,000. „• World (Indie) (697; 98)—“Green Magic” (Indie) (3d wk). Big $4,200. Last week, $5,500. ‘Eden’ Sockeroo $22,000 In Mont’l; ‘Violent’ Hot 15G, ‘Cinerama’ $10,800 Montreal, June 7; Warner’s “East of .Eden” at Loew’s this Week is leading all new entries, with sock take. Violent Saturday” at Palace lboks oxay. “Revenge of Creature’\ Shapes fairly good at Princess. Estimates for This Week Palace (C.T.) (2,625; 60-$l)--- “Violent Saturday” (20th). ^Okay $15,000. Last week, “Man Called Peter” (20th) (2d wk), $15,000. Capitol (C.T.) (2,241; 45-75)— “End of Affair” (Col). Pull $10,- 000. Last week, “Capt. Lightfoot (U), $14,000. „ Princess (C.T.) (2,131; 40-65)-j “Revenge of Creature" (U). Good $9,500. Last week, “Escape Burma ’ (RKO), $8,000. . Loew’s (C.T.) (2,847; 60-$l)— “East of Eden” (WB). Sock $22,- 000. Last week, “Vera Cruz (2d wk), $16,000. . Orpheum (C.T.) (1,048; 40-65)— “Big House U.S.A.” (UA) and “Tread Softly” (UA). Poor $5,000. Last week, “Black Pirates” (UA) and "Fast, and Furious” (UA), $ 6 , 000 . , . . Imperial (Cinerama Productions) (1,063; $1.20-$2.40) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (22d wk), Fine $10,800. Last week, $10,500. Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net; i,e. t without usual tax. Distrib- utors share on net take, when playing percentage, hence the estimated figur 3S are net in- come. The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement tax. love Great 22G, Cleve.; ‘Chase 9G Cleveland, June 7. City is loaded with holdovers, with “Love Me Or Leave Me” lone important newcomer. It is smash at the State, with a run in sight. “SAC” still is in chips in third Hipp stanza, and may hold again. “Sea Chase” shapes nice in second session at the Allen. Estimates for This Week Allen (S-W) (70-$l) — “Sea Chase” (WB) (2d wk). Nice $9,000. Last week, $17,000. . Hipp (Telem’t) (3,700; 70-$1.25) —“Strategic Air Command” (Par) (3d wk). Solid $11,000 or near after $18,000 in second. May stay again; Lower Mall (Community) (585; 70-9(j)—“Gigi” (Indie). Fair $2,- 000. Last week, “Young and Damned” (Indie), $1,800. Palace (RKO) (3,285; 70-$l)— “Soldier of Fortune” (2Qth) (2d wk). Thin $7,500. Last week, $13,- 000 . State (Loew) (3,500; 70-$l)— “Love Me- or Leave Me” (MtG). Smash $22,000. Last week, “Kiss Me Deadly” (UA), $10,000. Stillman (Loew) (2,700; 70-90)— “Interrupted Melody” (M-G) (2d wk). Smart $8,000 after $13,000 last week. . Strike Threat Sloughs Det.; ‘Riding’ Slow $9,000, ‘Sadie’ 7G, ‘SAC’ 20G, 3d Detroit, June 7. Spotty biz this stanza is blamed on the threat of a strike at the Ford Motor Co. Sunny" weather also hurt. Newcomers are having tough sledding while holdovers are strong. “Tall Man Riding” is weak at Broadway-Capitol. Same applies to “Adventures of Sadie” at United Artists. Third round of “Strategic Air Command” at the Michigan, shapes solid. “Marty” at the Madi- son still is sturdy. The 17th week of “Cinerama Holiday” at Music Hall is great. “Sea Chase” looks lively in second frame at the Palms. Estimates for This Week Fox Fox-Detroit) (5,000) ($1- $1.25)-—“Soldier of Fortune” (20th) and “Canyon Cross Roads” (UA) (2d wk). Oke $27,000. Last week, $32,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; $1-$1.25)—“Strategic Air Com- mand” (Par) (3d wk). Swell $20,- 000. Last week, $24,000, Palms (UD) (2,961; $1-$1.25)— “Sea Chase” (WB) and “Man from Bitter Ridge” (U) (2d wk). Good $12,000 in five days. Last week* $18,000. “Son of Sinbad” (RKO) re- places this week, Madison (UD). (1,900; 80-$l)— “Marty” (UA) (3d wk). Big,, $10,000. Last week, $11,000. Broadway-Capitol (UD) (3,500; 80-$l)—“Tall Man Riding 7 ! (WB) and “Dial Red O” (AA). Slow $9,000. Last week, “Hell’s Island” (Par) and “Good Die Young” (UA), $ 8 , 000 . United Artists (UA) (1,938; $1- $1.25)—“Adventures of Sadie” (20th) and “I Cover Underworld” (Rep). Poor $7,000. Last, week, “That Lady” (-20th) and “Ma- rauders” (M-G), only $6,500. Adams (Balaban) (1,700; $1- $1.25)—“Blackboard Jungle” (M-G) (8th wk). Fine $6,000. Last week, same. Music Hall (Cinerama Produc- tions) (1,194; $1.40-$2.65)—“Cine- rama Holiday” (Indie) (17th wk). Fine $26,400, Last week, $29,300. Krim (Krim) (1,000; $1.25)— “Gate of Hell” (Indie) (3d wk). Oke $4,500. Last week, $5,$00. ‘Matador’ Moderate 7G, Buff.; ‘SAC’ Big 11G, 3d Buffalo, June 7. There are too many holdovers here this session, and too many of the newcomers are not getting very far. About the only pic measuring up is “Strategic • Air Command,” still sturdy in third round at Para- mount. “Interrupted Melody” is fairly good in second week at the Buffalo. “Magnificent Matador” looks fair at Century ahd “Sea Chase” offish at Center in -second. “Cinerama” continues big. in 14th week at Teck. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loew) (3,000; 6d-85>— “Interrupted Melody” (M-G) (2d wk). Modest $9,000 or near. Last week, $15,000. Paramount (Par) (3,000; 60-$1.00) —“Strategic Air Command” (Par) (3d wk). Sturdy 811,000 or close. Last week, $16,000. Center (Par) (2,000; 50-80)—“Sea Chase” (WB) (2d wk). Soggy $7,500.* Last week, $10,500. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 50-80) — “Tight Spot” (Col) and “Glass Tomb” (Indie). Okay $8,000.. Last week, “3- For Show” (Coir and “Thunder Sangoland” (Lip), $7,000. Century (Buhawk) (3,000; 60-85) , —* “Magnificent Matador” (20th) and “Stranger's Hand” * (Indie). Fair $7,000. Last Week, “Shotgun” (AA) and “High Society” (Indie), $ 8 , 000 . . Teck (Cinema Products) (1,200; $1.20-$2.40> — “Cinerama” (Indie) (14th wk). Big $11,000. Last week, same. ‘Itch’ Terri! 82G; ‘Love Me’-Stage Wow $150,000, Davy’ Big W/A, 2d ‘Mask’ Hep $12,509, K. C.; ‘SAC12G. 2d Kansas City, June 7. Money is coming largely from holdovers currently newcomers be- ing “Purple Mask” in four Fox Midwest houses -and “Kiss Me Deadly” at the Mid 7 and. “Mask” is okay but “Kiss” is light. “Blackboard Jungle” in second week at Roxy and “Strategic Air Command” second stanza at the Paramount both continue sock. “Daddy Long Legs” is nice in second week at Orpheum. Weather continues moist. Estimates for This Week Glen ? (Dickinson) 750; 85-$l)— “Game of Love” (Indie) (7th—final wk). Oke $1,000.-Last week, same. Kiiiro (Dickinson) (504; 85-$l)— “Glass Slipper” (M-G) (9th wk). Good $1,000. Last week, ditto. ^ Midland (Loew) (3,500; 60-80)— “Kiss Me Deadly” (UA) and “Twist of Fate” (UA) Sluggish $7,000. Last week, “Purple' Plain” (UA) and “Steel Cage” (UA), $5,000. Missouri (RKO) (2,585; 65-90)— “Sea Chase” (WB) and “Quest for Lost City” (RKO) (2d wk). Routine $6,000. Last week, $10,000. Orpheum (Fox Midwest) (1,913; 75-$l)—“Daddy Long Legs” (20th) (2d wk). Nice $8,000 holds. Last week, picture played four houses as Uptown, Fairway and Granada were coupled in, 4-house total was $18,000. Paramount, (United Par) (1,900; 75-$l)—“Strategic Air Command” (Par) (2d wk). Fancy $12,000. Stays on. Last week, $17,000. Roxy (Durwood) 879? 75-$l)— “Blackboard Jungle” (M-G) (2d wk). Great $9,000. Holds over. Lasj^ week, $12-;000, one of best ever in this small house. Tower, Uptown, Fairway, Gra- nada (Fox Midwest) (3,100; 2,043; 700; 1,217;. 65-85)—“Purple Mask” (U) and “Las Vegas Shakedown” (AA). Oke $12,500 or near. Last week, Tower solo split week of re- issues; Uptown, Fairway, Granada Was booked with Orpheum. Vogue (Golden) (550; 75-$l)— “Song of Land” (Indie) and “Beachcomber” (UA) (2d wk). Pleasing $1,800. Last week, $2,000 ‘Matador’ Fat $14,000, Denver; ‘SAC’ 13G, 3d Denver, June 7. “Magnificent Matador” at the Centre is pacing the city’s new pix currently, and will hold. “Strategic Air Command” still is big at the Denham in third round, and will stay on. “Prize of Gold” looms good at the Denver. Estimates for This Week . Centennial (Lee) (1,250 cars; 75) “Robber’s Roost” (UA) and “You Know What Sailors Are” (UA). Good $3,000. Last week, “Shotgun” (AA) and “-Dial Red O” (AA), same. Centre (Fox) (1,247; 80-$l)— ; “Magnificent Matador” (20th). j (Continued on page 24) Broadway film business is ex- periencing the usual post-holiday letdown ip the current session, but a few of the .new pictures are show- ing enough stamina to overcome this downbeat. Rain early at night last Saturday (4) hurt the usual big trade for that day. However, it was the lure of outdoors oyer the weekend and some compara- tively weak product which did the most damage. ^ “Seven Year Itch,” great from opening day which equalled the house high, is heading for a ter- rific $82,000 in the initial week at the State. Excellent reviews and slightly upped scale, which went to $1.25 at 1 o’clock, all con- tributed to the smash take. “Love Me Or L^ave Me” with stageshow also continues terrific with $150,000 probably in second session at the Music Hall. Pic now looks' sure of five to six weeks at the vast Hall. “Angela” with vaudeville is. likely • to finish with a good $18,000 at the Palace. “Cinerama Holiday” continues in smash fashion, pushing to $49,600 in the 17 th stanza at the Warner. "Davy Crockett, King of Wild Frontier” held up very strongly with $14,500 in second round at the Globe, with another holdover set. “Magnificent Matador” ’ shapes okay $14,500 in initial holdover frame at the Astor. “Marty” pushed, up to the biggest money of its run to get a great $21,100 in eighth stanza at the arty Sutton. “Strategic Air Command” is rounding out its seven-week run at the Paramount currently with a good $31,000 in prospect for the final eight days. “Sea Chase” opens at the Par flagship Friday (10). “SAC” looks to finish with better than $300,000 for the run. “Soldier of Fortune” is headed for a good $35,000 in second stanza at the Roxy, .and holds a third. “Strange Lady in Town” is limping to a mild $7,500 or near in third- final week at the Victoria, with "This Island Earth” due in Friday “Far Horizons” looks like modest $11,000 in . third round at the Criterion, with “Five Against House” opening next Friday. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 75-$1.75) —“Magnificent Matador” (20th) (3d wk). First holdover round ended Monday (6) slipped to okay $14,500 after $21,000 opener. Little Carnegie (L. Carnegie) (550; $1.25-$2.20)—“Green Magic” (IFE) (4th wk). Third session con- cluded Sunday (5) was nice $6,900 after $8,400 for second week. Baronet (Reade) (430; 90-$l,55) — The Informer” (Indie) reissue). Opened Monday (6). In ahead, “Hiroshima” (Iiyiie) (3d wk-6 days), fair $3,000 after $4,500 for second week. Capitol (Loew’s) (4,820; 85-82.20) —“The Prodigal” (M-G) (4th wk). Present stanza finishing tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to reach only slow $14,000 after $17,00ft for third week. Stays until “Not As A Stranger” (UA) opens June 29. Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 75-$2.20) -VFar Horizons” (Par) (3d-final wk). Heading for modest $11,000 in final round after $14,500 for second week. “Five Against House” (Col) opens Friday (10). Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$1.80) “To Paris With Love” (Indie) (11th wk). The 10th round ended Mon- day (6) held with vig $7,000 after $7,300 for ninth week. Stays on for some time at present pace. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70-$1.50) —“Davy Crockett, King of Fron- tier” (BV) (3d wk). First holdover frame ended last night (Tues.) held with rousing $14,500, one of biggest second weeks here in months. First weex was $21,000. Guild (Guild)- (450; $1-$1.75>— “Gate of Hell” (Indie) 26th wk). The 25th session finished Monday (6) was a smash $7,500 after $8,500 in 24th week. Continues. Mayfair . (Brandt) (1,736; 79- $1.80)—“Violent Saturday” (20th) (5th wk). Fourth stanza completed yesterday (Tues.) was lean $6,500 after $8,500 for third week. Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; 95- $1.80) — “Adventures of Sadie” (20th)’(4th Wk). Third frame end- ed Monday (6) was okay $3,500 after $5,000 for second week. “Wizard of Oz” (M-G) (reissue) opens June 17. Palace (RKO) (1,700; 50-$1.60)— “Angela” (20th) and vaude. Week finishing tomorrow (Thurs.* is heading for good $18,000. Last week, “Conquest of Space” (Par) with vaude, $22,500. Paramount (ABC-Par) (3,664; $l-$2)—“Strategic Air Command” (Par) (7th-final wk). Present round winding tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to hold with okay $31,000 in last eight days. Sixth full week was $38,000. “Sea Chase” (WB) opens Friday (10). Paris (Pathe Cinema) (568^ 90- $1.80)—“Great Adventure” (Indie) (3d wR). The second stanza com- pleted Sunday (5) was great $14,- 700 to top opening week’s $13,300. The holdover week took in Me- morial Day. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (6,200; 95-$2.75) — “Love Me Or Leave Me” (M-G) with stageshow (2d wk). . Continues in sQcko stride in current week with $150,000. First week was $171,000, unusually smash for season of year. Stays on indefinitely, and now likely holding until first of July. . # Roxy (Nat’l. Th.) (5,717; 65-$2.40) —“Soldier of Fortune” (20th) (2d wk). First holdover round finish- ing tomorrow (Thurs.) looks like good $35,000 after $68,000 opening week. Holds a third, with “Lady and the Tramp,” new Walt Disney cartoon feature- pic due in next. State (Loew’s) (3^,450; 85-$1.80)— “Seven Year Itch” (20th). First session ending tomorrow (Thurs.) is heading for mighty $82,000, sen- sational for season of year, and one of biggest opening weeks at house. Holding, natch! Opening -day equalled first day mark of “Jolson Sings Again” (Col) back in 1949. Sutton (R&B) (561; $1-$1.80)— “Marty” (UA) ($th wk). Eighth frame ended Sunday (5) soared to wow $21,100, highest total of run. Seventh week was $19,600. Con- tinues indefinitely at this pace. Trans-Lux 52nd St. (T-L) (540; $1-$L50)— 1 “Doctor in House” (Rep) (16th wk). Current round winding up today (Wed.) looks like fancy $4,700 after $5,100 for 15th week. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 50- $1.75)—“Strange Lady in Town” (WB) (3d-final wk). Probably will reach a mild $7,500 in current week after $10,000 in second frame. “This Island Earth” (U) opens Fri- day (10). Warner (Cinerama Prod.) (1,600; $1.20-$3.30) — “Cinerama Holiday” (Indie) (18th wk). The 17th session ended Saturday (4) was socko $49,- 600, week* including one extra show, on Memorial Day. The 16th week was $44,800. Stays on itself. ‘Love Me’ Lofty $13,000, Mpis.; ‘Gold’ Fairish 8G, ‘Cinerama’ 11G in 60th Minneapolis, June 7. Grosses continue in early sum- mer doldrums as the outdoor beck- ons. There are only a pair of im- portant newcomers currently, “Love Me or Leave Me” and “A Prize of Gold,” with the former stacking up as considerably the better box- office bet. Holdovers still show b.o. strength, particularly “Ciner- ama” and “Blackboard Jungle,” in their 60th and sixth weeks, respec- tively. It’s the second stanza for “The Sea Chase.” Estimates for This Week Century (S-W). (1,140; $1,75- $2.65)—“Cinerama” (Indie) (60th wk). Final weeks' announcements bringing folks in and business defi- nitely has turned upwards. Stout $11,000. Last week, $10,000. Gopher (Berger) (1,000; 85-$ D— “Blackboard Jungle” (M-G) (6th wk). Little abatement of strength. Hefty $4,500. Last week, $5,200, Radio City (Par) (4,100; 85-$U—^ “Love Me or Leave Me” (M-G*. Heavily sold and giving good pa- tron satisfaction. Day - Cagney combo also provides turnstile grease. Nice $13,000 or over. Last week, “Strategic Air Command” (Par) (2d wk), $13,500. RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 65- 85>—“Prize of Gold” (Col). Well- liked action picture but only okay $8,000 or near. Last week, “Purple Plain” (UA), $6,000. RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 65-85)— “New Orleans Uncensorcd” (Col) and “Black Dakotas” (Col). Run- of-mill fare. Slow $4,000. Last week, “Smoke Signal” . (U) and “Killers From Space” (RKO), $4,- 500. State (Par) (2,300; 85-$l)—“Sea Chase” (WB) (2d wk). Fair $5,500. Last week, $8,500.