Variety (April 1956)

PICTURE GROSSES USstlETY Wednesday, April 18. 19,-,c Despite Few New Films, LA Trade Good; ‘Suit’ Wow $32,000, ‘Carousel’ Big 30G, ‘Rock’ 14G, ‘Alex’ 10G, 3d Los Angeles, April 17. Despite only a few openers this round, firstrun biz here is staying at a good level, with “Man in Gray Flannel Suit” setting the pace. It looks rousing $32,000 in first ses¬ sion at the Chinese. “Carousel,” out on regular run, is seeking a smart $30,000 in four theatres. A dull $14,000 is seen for “Hock Around Clock” in three locations. “Wages of Fear” is slight $11,000, also in three spots. Holdovers and extended-runs are showing some slackening tenden cues but the pace of most of them is largely on the profitable side. Estimates for This Week Chinese (FWC) (1,908; $1.40-$2) —“Man Gray Flannel Suit” (20th). Rousing $32,000. Last week, “Ca¬ rousel” (20th) (8th wk-6 days), $12,400.- Los Angeles, New Fox, Ritz, Loyola (FWC) (2,097; 965; 1,363; 1,248; 90-$1.50)—“Carousel” (20th) and “Terror At Midnight” (Rep). Smart $30,000. Last week, in dif¬ ferent units. Hillstreet, Wiltern, Hollywood (SW-FWC) (2,752; 2,344; 756; 80- $1.50)—“Rock Around Clock” (Col) and “Over-Exposed” (Col). Dull $14,000. Last week, Hillstreet, “Gri Gri” (Indie), $6,000; Wiltern, with Warner Downtown, New Fox, “Come Next Spring” (Rep) and “Hidden Guns” (Rep), $13,300. Hollywood. with Los Angeles, Up¬ town, Loyola, “Comanche” (UA) and “High Society” (AA) (reissue) (2d wk), $13,500. Warner Downtown, Iris, Uptown (SW-FWC) (1,757; 816; 1,715; 80- $1.25)—“Wages of Fear” (Indie). Slight $11,000. Last week, Iris, with Ritz, “Marty" (UA) and “Sum¬ mertime” (UA) (2d runs) (3d wk), $7,500. Four Star (UTAC) (868; 90-$1.50) —"Gaby” (M-G) (2d wk). Good $6,500. Last week, $7,900. El Key (FWC) (861; 90-$1.50)— “Doctor At Sea” (Rep) (2d wk). Nice $4,400. Last week, $5,200. State, Vogue (UATC-FWC) (2,- 404; 885; 90-$1.50)—“Cry Tomor¬ row” (M-G) (2d wk). Okay $13,- 500. Last week, $22,900 plus $77,- 000 in one nabe, eighf ozoners. Fox Wilshire (FWC) (2,296; $1- $1.80) — “Alexander the' Great” (UA) (3d wk). Solid $10,000. Last week, $14,000. Downtown Paramount (ABPT) (3.300; $1-$1.50)—"Meet Me Las VSgas” (M-G) <3d^vk). Okay $11,- 000. Last week, $13,700. Fine Arts (FWC) (631; $1-$1.50) —"Patterns” (UA) (3d wk). Mild $3,400. Last week, $3,700. Orpbeum, Pantages (Metropoli- tan-RKO) (2,213; 2,812; 90-$1.50)— “Anything Goes” (Par) (3d wk). Slow $12,000. Last week, $15,300. Hawaii (G&S) <1,106; 80-$1.25)— “Forbidden Planet” (M-G) (3d wk). Neat $4,200. Last week, $5,500. Hollywood Paramount (F&M) (1,430; $1-$1.50) — “Court Jester” (Par) (5th wk). Good $9,200. Last week, $9,800. Warner Beverly (SW) (1.612; $1- $1.75)—“Picnic” (Col) (8th wk). Steady $11,500. Last week, $11,900. Egyptian, United Artists (UATC) (1.411; 1.242; $1.10-$2.75)—“Okla¬ homa” (Magna) (22d wk at Egyp¬ tian. 17th at U.A.I. Fine $30,000. Last week. $31,100. Warner Hollywood (SW) (1.364: $1.20-$2.65)—“Cinerama Holiday” (Indie) (23cl wk). Into current stanza Sunday (15) after solid $29,300 last week. Broadway Grosses. Estimated Total Gross This Week.$607,800 (Based on 23 theatres) Last Year .$549,000 (Based on 19 theatres) ‘Serenade’ Socko ,080, Prov. Ace Providence, April 17. Majestic spurted to great start with “Serenade” to lead the town. Also on the hot side are Strand’s “Rock Around Clock” and State’s “Forbidden Planet.” . RKO Albee also*- shapes nice with second week’ of “The Conqueror.” Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 65-90) — “The Conqueror” (RKO) (2d wk). Big $8,000. First was $16,000. Majestic (Fay) (2.200; 65-85)— “Serenade” (WB). Socko $12,000. Last week, “Miracle In Rain” (WB) and “Stranger at Door” (WB) $ 11 , 000 . State (Loew) (3,200; 65-80) — “Forbidden Planet” (M-G) and “Fort Yuma” (UA). Fairish $9,500. Last week. “Cry Tomorrow” (M-G) (3d wk), $6,000. Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 65-80) —“Rock Around Clock” (Col) and “Blackjack Ketchum” (Col). Hot $9,000. Last week, “Anything Goes” (Par), $7,000. ‘Suit’ Sockeroo $13,000, Cincy; ‘Vegas’ Hot 15G, ‘Holiday’ Big 19G, 43d Cincinnati, April 17. Three new bills are perking downtown trade this round. “Meet Me In Les Vegas,” shaping strong at the Palace, is out in front. Keith’s is heading for a great ses¬ sion on “Man in Gray Flannel Suit.” “Miracle In Rain” shapes slow at the big Albee. “I’ll Cry To¬ morrow” is winding up a profit¬ able five-week run for the Grand. “Cinerama Holiday” looks to climb tojjock take in 43d Capitol round. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 84-$1.10)— “Miracle In- Rain” (WB). Slow $9,000. Last week, “Carousel” (20th) ?2d wk), $13,500 at 84c-$1.25 scale. Capitol (Ohio Cinema Corp) (1,376; $1.20-$2.65) *— “Cinerama Holiday” (Indie) (43d wk). Great $19,000 in sight, best for some time, with lift from two excursions (Continued on page 18) ‘Jubal’ Tall $16,000, Denver; ‘Bad Man’ 12G Denver, April 17, “Jubal” paired with “Battle Sta¬ tions” is heading for a fine take this session at the Denver, and stays on. “Tribute To Bad Man” looks fancy opening round at the Paramount. “The Ladykillers” is so strong in fourth stanza it will go a fifth. Current week is push¬ ing ahead of third week. “Thresh¬ old of Space” is rated smooth at the Center. Estimates for This Week Centre (Fox) (1.247; 60-$l) — “Threshold of Space” (20th). Smooth $11,000. Last week, “Car¬ rousel” (20th) (4th wk), $11,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 60-$l) —“Anything Goes” (Par) (3d wk). Fine $7,000. Last week, $9,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 60-$l) — “Jubal” (Col) and “Battle Stations” (Col). Fine $16,000. Holding. Last week, “Man in Gray Flannel. Suit” (20th) (2d wk), $12,000. "Esquire (Fox) (742; 75-$l) — “Wages of Fear” (DC) (2d wk). Fair $2,000. Last week, $3,000. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 60-$l)— “Cry Tomorrow” (M-G) (3d wk). Modest $7,000. Last week, $13,000. Paramount (Wolfberg) (2,200; 60- $j)—“Tribute To Bad Man” (M-G) and “Houston Story” (Col). Fast $12,000 'or close. Last week, “Alexander the Great” (UA) (2d wk), $11,500. Vogue (Sher-Shulman) (442; 75- $1)—“Ladykillers” (Cont) (4th wk). Good $2,500. Last week, $2,000. ‘Alex’ Great 10G, Cleve.; ‘Suit’ 11G Cleveland, April 17. Either the weather’s too good or too rainy to suit exhibitors here looking for an alibi for the slight business dip. Grosses are still above average for many hold¬ overs. “Miracle' in Rain,” only newcomer, figures to be only fair at Allen. Stillman’s “Alexander the Great” on third powerful round ife city's leader. “Meet Me in Las Vegas” shapes just good at State in second and not as potent as “Man in Gray Flannel Suit,” now in third session at Hipp. Estimates for This Week Allen (3,000; 70-$l)—^Miracle in Rain” (WB). Fair $9,400. Last week, “Carousel” (20th) (4th wk), $8,500. Hipp (Telem’t) (3,700; 70-$l)— “Man in Gray Flannel Suit” (20th) (3d wk); Smart $11,000 or close. Last week, $14,000. Ohio (Loew) (1,244;* 70-90)— “Littlest Outlaw” (BV). Nifty $8,000 or over. Last week, “Any¬ thing Goes” (Par) (m.o.), $4,000. Palace (RKO) (3,285; 70-90)— “Harder They Fall” (Col) (2d wk). Thin $7,500 after $11,500 last week. State (Loew) (3,500; 70-90)— “Meet Me in Las Vegas” (M-G) (2d wk). Good $10,000. Last week, $ 11 , 000 . Stillman (Loew) (3,500; 70-$1.25) —“Alexander the Great” (UA) (3d wk). Fancy $10,000. Last week, $ 12 , 000 . ‘Swan’ Mighty $15,080, Mpls.; ‘Jubal’ Okay 9G, ‘Diabolique’ Wham $7,1 ‘Jubal’ Torrid $22,000 In Det.; ‘Miracle’ Light 15G, ‘Oklahoma’ 22G, 9th . Detroit. April 17. Biz is below average here this stanza. Only newcomer doing well js so <* at the Palms. Oklahoma at the United Artists leads the holdovers, being sharp in ninth week. “Miracle in Rain” looms slow at the Michigan. “Hot Blood” runs cold at the Broadway- Capitol. “Picnic” is fairly strong in sixth week at Madison. “Man in Gray Flannel” is dragging in third round at the Fox. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5,000; $1- $1-25) — “Man in Gray Flannel” (20th) and “Glory” (RKO) (3d wk). ?17000 tO $14 ’ 500 * y Last week, Michigan (United Detroit) (4,- $1-$1.25)—“Miracle in Rain” (WB) and “No Man’s Woman” (Rep). Slow $15,000. Last week, (Continued on page 18) Minneapolis, April 17. With the past three weeks’ tough opposition such as the Shipstad- Johnson “Ice Follies” and the Sportsmafi’s Show now out of the way, the boxoffice sailing is prob¬ ably easier. Another favorable fac¬ tor is improved weather. This helps to explain why the three im¬ portant newcomers, “The Swafi,” “Diabolique” and “Jubal” are en¬ joying so much prosperity. There’s also a trio of holdovers. It’s the 41st stanza for ‘Cinerama Holiday” and third and second for “Carou¬ sel” and “Meet Me in Las Vegas,” respectively. For first time Radio City had a Sunday opening, “The Swan” shaping big in first session. Estimates for This Week Century <S-W) (1,150; $1.75-. $2.65)—“Cinerama Holiday” (Indie) <41 st wk). Big $14,000. Last week, $15,000. Gopher (Berger) (1.000; 85-$l)—, “Meet Me in Las Vegas” (M-G) (2d wk). Has been somewhat of a. box- office disappointment here. Fair $5,000. Last week, $7,500. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 85-$1.25)— Carousel” (20th) <m;o.). Here after 17 big Radio City days.. Still robust $6,000. Last week, “Rob¬ ber s Roost” (UA) and “Storm Fear (UA) split with 4 3 Bad Sis¬ ters” (UA) and “Timetable” (UA), $4,500 in 11 days at 65c-85c. Radio City (Par) (4,100; 85-$1.25) —“The Swan” (M-G). Heavily ad¬ vertised with local Sunday newspa¬ per carrying a full-page color spread. And play being received by the Grace Kelly wedding along with the film’s merits and Alec Guinness’ cast presence spell money in till. Smash $15,000. Last week, “Carousel” (20th) (2d wk), $14,000 n 10 days. RKO Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 75- $1)—“Jubal” (Col). Plenty of mar¬ quee lure with crix and patrons’ praises bringing ’em in. Fast $9,000. Last week, “Backlash” (U), $8,700. RKO Pan (RKO) (1,600; 65-85)— “.Our Miss Brooks” (WB) and “Target Zero” (WB). Off to a slow start. Tepid $3,000 looms. Last week, “Battle Station” (Col) and “Apache Ambush” (Col), $5,000. State (Par) (2,300; 85-$l) — “Come Next Spring” (Rep.) Well liked picture, but only modest $5,500 shapes. Last week, “Any¬ thing Goes” (Par) (2d wk), $5,600. World (Mann) (400; 75-$1.20)— “Diabolique* (UMPO). Much praise for this French picture and enthusiastic word-of-mouth should help it. Socko $7,000. t,ast week; “Rose Tattoo” (Par) (6th wk), $4,000. ‘Miracle’ Fine $13,080, D.C.; ‘Suit’ Smash 23G, ‘Alex’ Fancy 11G, 3d Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week. $2,479,300 (Based on 24 cities and 239 theatres, chiefly first runs, in¬ cluding N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last. Year .$2,615,200 (Based on 23 cities and 227. theatres.) Swan’ Sharp 28G, Philly; ‘Vegas’ 16G Philadelphia, April 17. “Swan” looks to hit fine total opening week at the Randolph, but this is rated something of a letdown for Grace Kelly’s home¬ town. It is okay but much more was expected, with opening day’s take of under $5,000 a major dis¬ appointment. William Goldman moved “Picnic” out of successful run at house to the Midtowh to launch “Swan.” “Forbidden Plan¬ et” flashed briefly over weekend but is barely par at Mastbaum opening week. “Meet Me in Las Vegas” shapes sockeroo in second stanza. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S&S) (526; 99-$1.80)— “Cry Tomorrow” (M-G) (12th wk). Steady $7,000. Last week, same. Boyd (SW) (1,430; $1.25-$2.60)— “Cinerama Holiday” (Indie) (61st wk). Pushed to sock $18,000 on closing notices. Last week, $16,000. Fox (20th) (2,250; 99-$1.80)— “Carousel” (20th) (6th wk). Fine $14,000 or near. "Last week, $15,000. . Goldman (Goldman) (1,250; 65- $1.35)—“Serenade” (WB) (3d wk). Down to $12,000. Last week, $16,000. Mastbaum (SW) (4,370; 99-$ 1.49) — “Forbidden Planet” (M-G). Barely par $15,000. Last week, “Miracle in Rain” (WB) (2d wk), $7,000. Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; 99- $1.80WPicnic” (Col) (8th wk). Switch hurt this pic, but $13,000 is great at this house. Last week, “Anything Goes” (Par) (3d wk), $9,000. Randolph (Goldman) (2,250; 99- $1.80) — Swan” (M-G). Smash $28,000. Last week, “Picnic” (Col) (7th wk), $15,000.- Stanton (SW) (1,483; 99-$1.49)— “Meet Me in Las Vegas” (M-G) (2d wk). Fine $16,000. Last week, $21,000, over hopes. Stanley (SW) (2,900,* 99-$1.49)— “Harder They Fall” (Col) (3d wk). So-so $12,000. Last week, $15,00Q. Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 99-$1.80) —“Rose Tattoo” (Par) (12th wk). Okay $6,500. Last week, $8,000. . Viking (Sley) (1,000; 75-$1.49)— “Comanche” (UA) (2d wk). Slow $7,000 in 6 days. Last week, $ 11 , 000 . Traiis-Lux World (T-L) ‘(604; 98- $1.50)—“Wages of Fear” (Indie) (2d wk). Dull $3,000. Last week, $4,000. Washington, April 17 The hordes of teenage tourist* swarming the city for the most part are shunning the local cine mas. “Cinerama Holiday,” in 27th stanza at the Warner is sole solid tourist draw on the main-stem and is booming. Two newcomers’ “Miracle in Rain” at Metropolitan and Ambassador and “Backlash” at Columbia are pleasing if far from sensational. “Man in Gray Flannel Suit” continues sock in third week at Palace, as does “Alexander the Great” in third stanza at Capitol “Picnic” is dipping in ninth round at Trans=Lux, but still top hold¬ over. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (SW) (1,490; 70-95) :—“Miracle in Rain” (WB). Fair I $4,500. Last week, “Anything ■ Goes” (Par) (2d wk), $4,100. j Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 85-$1.25) —“Alexander the Great” (UA) | <3d-final wk). Fine $11,000 for : final 6 days after $18,000 last, week. . Columbia (Loew) (1,174; 70-95) —“Backlash” (U). Pleasing $8,000 or better. Last week, “Forbidden Planet” (M-G) (2d wk), $7,500. Dupont (Lopert) (372; 75-$1.10) —“Ballet Romeo and Juliet” (In¬ die) (2d wk). Oke $4,000 after $5,- 000 last*week. Stays. Keith's (RKO) (1,939; 75-$l)- “Cockleshell Heroes” (Col) (2d wk). Fell off to oke $6,000 after $11,000 last week. Moves on. Metropolitan (SW) (1,200; 75-$l) —“Miracle in Rain” (WB). Fine $8,500. Last week, “Anything Goes” (Par) (?d wk), $8,000. Palace (Loew) (2,360; 85-$1.25)~ “Man in Gray Flannel Suit” (20th) (3d wk). Hot $23,000, and one of •best here in months. Last week, $29,000. Continues. Playhouse (Lopert) (456; $1- $1.80)—“Richard III” (Indie) (5th wk). So-so $5,000 after $6,000 last week. Stays. Warner (SW) (1,300; $1.20-$2.40) .—“Cinerama Holiday” (Indie) (27th wk). Fast $19,000 for second consecutive week. Trans-Lux (T-L) (600; 90-S1.25) —“Picnic” (Col) (9th wk). Dipping but still nice at $7,500 after $9,000 last week. Stays. ‘PLANET’ LOFTY 24G, HUB;‘MIRACLE’21G Boston, April 17. With the moppets out of school, grosses are building at wickets this frame. Four new entries are helping. “Forbidden Planet” shapes best of lot with a nice total at the State and Orpheum. “Mir¬ acle in Rain” looms sturdy at Par¬ amount and Fenway. “Ladykill¬ ers” is socko at bandbox Kenmore. “Rock Around Clock” is fancy at Pilgrim. “Cinerama Holiday” gets back in stride with a lofty take in 34th stanza. “Conqueror”, is hold¬ ing fine at the Memorial in third round. Estimates for Last Week Astor (B&Q) (1,500; $1-$1.80)— “I’ll Cry Tomorrow” (M-G) (6th wk). Oke $9,000. Last week, $12,500. Beacon (Beacon Hill) (678; 90- $1.25)—“Diabolique” (UMPO) (9th wk). Slick $4,000. Last week* $5,000. Cinerama (Cinerama Produc¬ tions) (1,354; $1.20-$2.65) — “Cine¬ rama Holiday” (IndR0 (34th wk). Hotsy $22,000. Last week, $15,000. Exeter (Indie) (1,300; 60-$l)— (Continued on page 18) ‘Conqueror’ Great 15G, L’yille; ‘Jubal’ Modest . 8G, ‘Carousel’ Hep 7G Louisville, April 17. Town was host to- big annual three-day convention of the state school teachers last week and first- runs caught little visitor trade. Rialto’s "Conqueror” looks like the leader with big session. “Jubal” and “Timetable” at the State are mild. Second round of “Carousel" at the Brown is lively. Estimates for This Week Brotat ' (Fourth Ave.) (United Artists) (1,000; 85-$ 1.25^“Carou¬ sel” (20th) (2d wk). Still solid $7,000 after $1.0,500 opener. Kentucky (Switow) (1,100; 55-85) —“Creature Walks Among Us” <U) and “Price of Fear” (U). Fair $4.- 500. Last week, “Anything Goes" (Par) (2d wk), $6,000. Mary Anderson (People's) <1,000; 55-85)—“Steel Jungle” <WB) and “River Changes” (WB). Fair $5,000. Last week, “Miracle In Rain” ‘ WB), $7,500. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) <3.000; 75-$!)—“Conqueror” (RKO). Po¬ tent $15,000 for Wayne pic. Last week “Song of South” (BV) (reis¬ sue) (2d wk), $9,500. State (United Artists) (3.000; 55- 85)—“Jubal” (Col) and “Timetable (Col). Mild $8,000. Last week, “Meet Me In Las Vegas” (M-G>, at 75c-$l- scale; $9,000. ‘Jubal’ Bangup $10,000, Seattle; ‘Suit’ 8G, 2d Seattle, April 17. Best newcomer Here this stanza is “Jubal,” with a big total at the Coliseum. Elsewhere, outside ot a few. okay holdovers, the taKings are slim. “Man hi Gray Flannel is rated good in second Paramount round while “Diabolique is sturdy newcomer at Music Box. Estimates for This Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (800; % $1.25)—“Cry Tomorrow” ^ (6th wk). Swell $5,000. Last veeK, * Coliseum (Evergreen) (1‘.870: %- $1,25)—“Jubal” (Col) and Nigh* Number Came Up” (Indie). " * $10,600. Last week, “Treshold Space” (20th) and “Ghost Town (UA), $9,000. . * o0; Etftk Avenue (Evergreen) 2, (Continued on page let