Variety (April 1956)

ttydnea'Iay, April 18, 1956 P'Sriety PICTURE GROSSES Ball Gaines Hurt Chi; ‘Anything 28G, ‘Fall’ Hotsy $36,000, “Planet’ Terrif 16G; ‘Alex’ Big 41G, “Suit’ 33G, 2d Chicago, April 17. rtii first-runners for the most oa rt are getting healthy coin this pa .nVl but some were hurt by in- Sme d tax deadline and first local f games on television. ba ?-Harder They Fall" is the champ •fi; a hefty $36,000 looming in S2 ,veekat the Woods. "Anything looks so-so $28,000 in open- ““FortWden^lanet" and "A Day St on reissue is smash $6,700 at ^ 1C “ Alexander the Great" is holding faii-lv well in second week at the Chicago, with the most business hpine done on weekends. ‘‘Man in Gray Flannel Suit" looks to be m for a long run as it shows staying rower in second round at the Oriental. “Backlash" shapes sturdy in second Roosevelt session. Mira¬ cle in Rain” is disappointing m same week at United Artists. “Diabolique” continues to sur¬ prise in 17th round at Ziegfeld. •“Cinerama Holiday" looms solid in 44th week at Palace. Estimates for This Week Chicago (B&K) <3,900; 98-$l 25) _“Alexander the Great (UA) (2d wk). Good $41,000. Last week, ^Grand (Nomikos) (1,200: 98-$l)— “Forbidden Planet" (M-G) and “A Day of Fury” (U). Great $16,000, Last week, “Creature Walks Among Us” (U) and “Price of Fear” (U) (2d wlc, $7,000. _ Loop (Telem’t) (606; 90-$1.25)— “Song of South” (BV) (reissue) (4th wk). Okay $7,200. Last week, $11,500. McVickers (JL&S) (1,580; $1.25- $3)—“Oklahoma" (Magna) (16th wk'. Neat $27,000. Last week, $32,000. Monroe (Indie) (1,000; 67-87)— “There's Always Tomorrow” (U) (3d wk). $2,000 in 3 days. Last week. $6,000. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 98-$1.25) —“Man In Gray Flannel Suit" (20th i (2d wk). Strong $33,000. Last week, $45,000. Palace (Eitel) (1,484; $1.25-$3.40) — “Cinerama Holiday" (Indie) (44th wk'. Healthy $25,000. Last week, $27,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,400; 65-98)— “Backlash” (U) and “Steel Jungle” (Ui (2d wk). Nifty $14,000. Last week, $21,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2,400; 65-98) —“Anything Goes" (Par). So-so $28,000. Last week, “Picnic" (Col) (8th wk). $16;000. Surf (H&E Balaban) (685; 98)— “Citizen Kane" (RKO) (reissue). Sock $6,700. Last week, subse¬ quent-run. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 65- 98)—“Miracle in Rain" (WB) and “Our Miss Brooks" (WB) (2d wk). Thin $15,000. Last week, $20,000. Wo.ods (Essaness) '(1,206; 98- $1.25'—“Harder They Fall” (Col). Hotsy $36,000, helped by great local exploitation and publicity breaks. Last week, “Forever Darl¬ ing” (M-G' (3d wk), $15,000. World (Indie) (430; 98)—“Too Bad She’s Bad” (Indie). Hep $4,500. Last week, “Prisoner” (Col) (5th Wk), $3,000. Ziegfeld (Davis) (430; 98)—“Di- abolique” (UMPO) (17th Wk). Stout $1,000. Last week, $5,000. ‘Arm’ Golden $30,000 In Toronto;‘Cry’Hot 24G, ‘Snatchers’ Hefty 19G - Toronto, April 17. ^'I'utiple booking, to beat cur- rent night traffic conditions by Putting top product into the big¬ seating nabe deluxe'rs, is paying oh, with lat^-T a five-theatre ’<n\T on s / ing wham 'biz for Man with Gok.vjn Arm,” top new¬ comer currently. Loew’s two 'houses here are day- ‘‘I’ll Cry Tomorrow” for 111 i r< T stanza. “The Ladykill- .looks hotsy in two houses for *r!!k , roun d. “Invasion of Body •snatchers” looms big in five spots. Estimates for This Week Clmstie, Hyland (Rank) (877; 1, ?£{ 1 ! T5-$l >—“Ladykillers” (Rank) $15 00o' ** ep ^.OOO. Last week, Town « (Taylor) (750; 693; Geordie” (IFD) (3d wk). $7,000. Last week, $7,500. ^Colony, Danforth, Falrlawn, number, Odeon (Rank) (839; 1,- T,L65; 1,204; 2,318; 60-$l)— ^otden Artn” (UA). Socko $30- Last week, Fairlawn and Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re¬ ported herewith from the vari¬ ous key cities, are net; i.e., without usual tax. Distrib¬ utors share on net take, when playing percentage, hence the estimated figures are net in¬ come. The parenthetic. admission prices, however, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement tax. ‘Anything Fancy 11G Tops Omaha Omaha, April 17. Biz is on mildish side this week, battling balmy spring weather and opening’ of the baseball season. “Anything Goes” is the pacesetter, being rated lively at the Orpheum. The other new entry, “Kettles in Ozarks,” is sluggish at the Omaha. The holdovers, “I’ll Cry Tomor¬ row,” at the State and “Golden Arm” at the Brandeis, both in . third weeks, are displaying a softer tendency but-jstill solid enough to figure on fourth stanzas. Estimates for This Week Brandeis (RKO) (1,000; 75-$l)— “Golden Arm” (UA) (3d wk). Okay $4,500. Last week, $6,500. Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 70-90) —“Kettles in Ozarks” (U) and “There’s Always Tomorrow” (U). Mild $5,500. Last week, “Rock Around Clock” (Col) and “Black¬ jack Kdtchum” (Col), $7,500. Orpheum (Tristates) (2,890; 75- $1)—“Anything Goes” (Par). Fine $11,000 or near. Last week, “Ca¬ rousel” (20th) (2d wk), $7,000 for 6 days. State (Goldberg) (860; 80-$1.25) -“I’ll Cry Tomorrow” (M-Gi (3d wk). i Big $7,000 after $10,500 sec¬ ond week. ‘Miracle’Trim $11,000, Buff.; ‘Goodbye’ OK 10G ( Buffalo, April 17. Trade is offish this round with biggest coin for newcomers going to “Miracle in Rain,” rated good at Paramount. “Never Say Good¬ bye” is running neck-n-neck with it for a favorable week at Lafay¬ ette. “Man in Gray Flannel Suit” at Center in third session is top holdover. “Cinerama Holiday” still is socko in 11th stanza at the Teck. Estimates fqr This Week Buffalo (Loew) (3,000; 60-85)— “Last Hunt” (M-G) and “Guy Named Joe” (M-G) (reissue). Fair $12,000. Last week, “Alexander the Great’’ (UA) (2d wk), same at $1 top. Paramount (Par) (3,000;. 60-80)— “Miracle in Rain” (WB). Good $11,- 000. Last week, “Anything Goes” (Par) (2d wk), $10,000. Center (Par) (2,000; 60-$l) — “Man In Gray Flannel Suit” (20th) (3d wk). Sturdy $11,000. Last week, $13,500. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 50-80)— “Never Say Goodbye” (U) and “Green Magic” (U). Okay $10,000. Last week, “Goodman Story” (U) and “Jaguar” (U) (2d wk-4 days), $7,000. Century (Buhawk) (2;000; 85- $1.25)—"Carousel” (20th) (2d wk). Nice $10,000. Last week, $18,500. Teck (Cinema Products) (1,200; $1.20-$2.40) — “Cinerama Holiday” (Indie) (11th wk). Solid $15,000. Last week, $16,300. ooo. (Continued on page 18) ‘Suit’ Hep 24G, Frisco; ‘Alex’ Rugged 11G, 3d San Francisco, April 17. City is loaded with holdovers this stanza but a couple of new¬ comers shape nicely. “Man in Gray Flannel Suit”- is bringing the huge Fox one of its best weeks in some time. “Oklahoma" continues very big in eighth session at the Cor¬ net. “Anything Goes” looms fancy in. second week at Paramount. “Alexander the Great” still is great in third round at the United Artists Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,859; 80- $D_“World in Comer” (U) and “Red Sundown" (U). Fair ,$10,000 or over. Last week, “Backlash (U) and “Kettles in the Ozarks” (U), $13,000. Fox (FWC) (4,651; $1.25-$1.50)— “Man In Gray Flannel Suit” (20th). Nice $24,000. Last week, “On Threshold Space" (20th) and “Last Desperados” (Indie) (2d-wk), $7,500. Warfield (Loew) (2,656; 65-90)— “Meet Me In Las Vegas” (M-G) (3d wk). Big $7,500 in 6 days. Last week, $9,500. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 90-$l)— “Anything Goes” {Par) and “Our Miss Brooks"* (WB) (2d wk). Fancy $12,000. Last week, $18,000. St. Francis (Par) (1,400; $1-$1.25) —“Picnic” (Col) (5th wk). Solid $9,500. Last week, $12,000. Orpheum (Cinerama Theatre Calif.) (1,458; $1.75-$2.65)—“Cine¬ rama Holiday” (Indie) (37th wk). Fancv $14,700. Last week. $15,500. United Artists (No. Coast) (1,207; 70-$l)—“Alexander the Great” (UA) (3d wk). Big $11,000. Last week, $13,500. Stagedoor (A-R) (400; $1-$1.25)— “Guys and Dolls” (M-G) (22d wk) Good $4,700. Last week, $5,500. # Larkin (Rosener) (400; $D—“Di¬ abolique” (UMPO) (16th wlc). Big $4,500. Last week, $4,900. Clay (Rosener) C400-$l) — “Sa¬ murai” (Indie) (6th wk). Oke $2,100. Last week, $3,000. _ Bridge (Schwarz (396; $-l-$1.25) —“Doctor At Sea (Rep) (3d wk). Big $3,500. Last week, $3,200. Rio (Schwarz) (397; $1)—“Paris, 1900” (Indie)r Good $2,500. Last week, “Doctor At Sea” (Rep) (2d wk). $3,000. Coronet (United California) (1,250; $1.10-$2.75) — “Oklahoma” (Magna) (18th wk). Great $22,000. Last week, $26,200. Stout Pix Lift B way; ‘Suit’ Sock 120G, 7 Wonders Huge $38,400 on 4 Days, ‘Serenade’ HOG, ‘Goes’ 27G, Both 4th ‘Suit’ Sharp 20G, K.C.; ‘Blood’ 6G Kansas City, April 17. Slow trend which showed up last week still is holding here, only bright spot being “Man in Gray Flannel Suit,” smash at four Fox Midwest houses. “Hot Blood” is light at the Paramount. Most of spots are playing holdovers, but none with any strength. “Carousel” is on disappointing side at the Roxy in third round. “Miracle in Rain” at the Missouri and “Harder They Fall” at the Midland are both holdovers and both lightweight. “Diabolique” at the Kimo holds strong, and likely will make a long run of it. Estimates for This Week Glen (Dickinson) (700; 75-$!)— “Companions of Night" (Indie). Moderate $1,500. Last week, “Devil in Flesh” (Indie) (3d wk). $750. Kimo (Dickinson) (504; 75-$l)— “Diagolique” (UMPO) (4th wk). Sturdy $1,800; holds. Last week, $ 2 , 000 . Midland (Loew) (3,500; 60-80)— ‘Harder They Fall” (Col) and ‘Houston Story” (Col) (2d wk). Drab $5,000. Last week, $6,500, far under hopes. Missouri (RKO) (2,585; 75-$l)— “Miracle in Rain”.(WB) and “Brain Machine” (RKO) (2d wk). Dull $4,000. Last week, $6,000. Paramount (United Par) (1,900; 50-80)—“Hot Blood” (Col) and “HelUs Horizon” (Col). Light $6,- 000. Last week, “Anything Goes” (Par) (2d wk), at ,75c-$l scale, $5,000. A , Roxy (Durwood) (879; 75;$1)— “Carousel” (20th) (3d wk). So-so $5,500, as price scale was lowered mid-run. Last week, at $1.25 top, $6,500. ■ Tower, Uptown, Fairway, Gra¬ nada (Fox Midwest) (2,100, 2,043, 700 1,217; 65-85)—“Man in Gray Flannel Suit” (20th). Fancy $20,- 000, or better. Holds and first big- timer in these houses for several weeks. Last week. “Backlash” (U) and “Naked Dawn” (U>, $12,000. Vogue (Golden) (550; 75-$l)— “To Catch Thief” (Par) and “Coun¬ try Girl” (Par) (reissues). Brought back to cash in on current Kelly- Rainier wedding. Moderate $1,500. Both played intensively through subsequents before. Last week, “Doctor at Sea” (Rep) (3d wk), $ 1 , 000 . __ ‘SUIT’ STOUT $12,000, PITT; ‘CAROUSE’ 8G Pittsburgh, April 17. I Holdovers of “Man in Gray Flannel Suit” at Harris and Car¬ ousel” at the Fulton continue to the backbone of downtown busi¬ ness. “Diabolique" at Squirrel Hill doing practically as much in second week as first and terrific “Forbid¬ den .Planet” is fairly good at Penn. Windup of “Cinerama Holiday Is sockeroo at the Warner. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 85-$1.25)— “Carousel" (20th) (4th wk). Big $8,000. Last week, $8,500. ' Guild (Green) (500; 65-$l) — “Night Number Calhe Up (Indie) (Continued on page 18) There were few new pictures launched on Broadway during the current session but they pack a real boxoffice wallop. Firstruns had Jo contend with rain Sunday and also part of Monday. The rainfall Saturday did not appear to cut in much on the b.o. take since it turned out to be a typically big weekend day. Thousands of visit¬ ors in the Times Square area swelled attendance Saturday and also the following day (Sun.). “Man in Gray Flannel Suit” and “Seven Wonders of World” are running neck-’n-neck for top hon¬ ors. “Suit," with iceshow on the stage, is headed for a great $120,- 000 opening stanza at the Roxy de¬ spite the length of this pic. the house having to get by with only four stageshows and five screen¬ ings of the film last Saturday. “Wonders” hit a huge $38,400 in the first four days (11 shows) end¬ ed last Saturday (14), with, every seat sold for all performances. Pic may establish a new house 0 record for the first seven days if pace con¬ tinues. “Never Say Goodbye" with vaude shapes fine $18,500 opening week at the Palace. “Last 10 Days” got a smash $8,000 in first round ended last night (Tues.) at the World. “Serenade,” with Easter stage- show, looks to land a big $140,000 in current (4th) session at.the Mu¬ sic Hall, and holds rufth. “Man Who Never Was” landed a sock $17,500 in second stanza at the Vic* toria. ‘Alexander the Great” still is smash with around $40,000 in sight for third frame at the Capitol. “The Conqueror” looks to hit a sock $29,000 in same week at the Criterion. “Meet Me in Las Vegas” con¬ tinued very big with $18,500 in fifth session at the Astor. “Naked Night” landed a nice $11,000 open¬ ing week at the Little Carnegie. Oklahoma" is holding with fancy $26,500 in 27th round at the Rivoli. “Anything Goes," which was down to $27,000 in fourth session at the Paramount, is being re¬ placed by the first George Gobel comedy, “Birds and Bees," next Sunday with personals by Gobel opening day. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 75-$2)— “Meet Me in' Las Vegas" (M-G) (6th wk). Fifth frame ended last night (Tues.) was socko $18,500. Fourth was $24,000. Little Carnegie (L. Carnegie) (550; $1.25-$1.80)—“Naked Night” (Times) (2d wk). First week ended Sunday (15) was nice $11,000. Baronet (Reade) (430; $1.25- $1.50) — “Return Don Camillo” (IFE) (4th wk). Third week com¬ pleted Sunday (15) was okay $3,900 after $5,300 in second. Next pic not set. Capitol (Loew) (4,820; $l-$2.50) —“Alexander the Great” (UA) (3d wk). Current round ending today (Wed.) is heading for great $40,000 or near. Second was $45,000. Slays on. Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 75-$2.20) —“The Conqueror” (RKO) (3d wk). This session winding up tomorrow (Thurs.) looks like big $29,000 after $44,000 in second. Continues. Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$1.80) — “French-Can Can” (UMPO'. Opened Monday (16). In ahead, “Diabolique” (UMPO) (21st wk-6 days), big $8,000 after $9,000 in 20th full week and finishing great longrun. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70-$1.50) —“On Threshold of Space” (20th) (3d wk). Present stanza ending today (Wed.) looks like good $7,000 or near after $11,000 in second. Guild (Guild) (450; $1-$1.75) — “Touch and Go” (U) (5th wk). Fourth week ended Sunday (15) was nice $4,500. Third was $5,000. “My 7 Daughters” (Indie), new Chevalier pic, opens May 1. Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 79- $1.80)—“Patterns” (UA) (4th wk)“ Third round, ended Monday (16) was fair $8,500. Second was $ 10 , 000 . Norunaudie (Trans-Lux) (592; 95- $1.60) — “Lovers and Lollipops” (T-L). Opens today (Wed.). In ahead, “Fantasia” (BV) (10th wk-8 days), was fair $3,300 after $5,300 in ninth, an unusually big longrun for an oldie. Palace (RKO) (1,700; 50-$1.60)— “Never Say Goodbye” (U) and vaudeville. Week ending tomorrow (Thurs.) 'looks like fast $18,500. Last week, “.Come On” (AA) plus vaude, $17,000. Paramount (ABC-Par) (8,664; $1- $2 — “Anything Goes” (Par) (5th- final wk). Fourth stanza ended last night (Tues.) was fair $27,000 after $40,000 in third. “Birds and Bees" (Par) opens next Sunday (22) with personals four times opening day by George Gobel, star of pic. This means that “Anything" goes only four days in fifth week. Paris (Pathe Cinema) (563; 90- $1,80) — ‘.‘Ballet of Romeo and Juliet’’ (Tohan) (3d wk). Initial holdover round ended Sunday (15) was big $12,800 after $16,400 for opener. Stays on indef. Radio City Music Hall (Rockefel¬ lers) (6,200; 95-$2.75)—“Serenade” (WB) and Easter stageshow (4th wk). Session ending today (Wed.) is heading for big $140,000. Holds a fifth stanza. Last week, $169,000. Rivoli (UAT) (1,545; $1.25-$3)— Oklahoma” (Magna) (27th wk). Present round ending today (Wed.) looks to hit fancy $26,500, fewer shows, of course, cutting in, after $36,000 in 26th week. Stays on. Plaza (Brecker) (556; $1.50- $1.80)—“House of Ricardo” (Baker- Brill) (5th-final wk). Fifth stanza ended Monday (16) was good $4,500 after $6,500 for fourth week. Roxy (Nat’l. Th.) (5,717; 65-$2.40) —“Man in Gray Flannel Suit” (20th) with ice show onstage. First frame ending tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to reach great $120,000, one of bigger opening weeks here since “The Robe" (20th). Pic preemed with benefit Thursday (12) night. In ahead, “Carousel” (20th) with iceshow (8th wk-6 days), $41,000. State (Loew) (3,450; 78-$1.75)— “Miracle in Rain” (WB) (3d wk). Current round ending Friday (20) is hiding for mild $11,000. Se¬ cond was $13,000, Sutton (R&B) (581; $1-$1.80)— “The Ladykillers” (Cont) (9th wk). Eighth stanza ended Monday (16) was solid $9,500 after $13,200 in seventh. Continues on. Trans-Lux 52d St. (T-L) (540; $1- $1.50)—“Doctor At Sea” (Rep) (8th wk). Seventh week ended last night (Tues.) was sharp $5,300. Sixth was $7,500. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 50-$2) —“Man Who Never Was” (20th» (3d wk). Initial holdover round ended Monday (16) was sock $17,- 500 after $29,000 in first. Warner (Cinerama Prod.) (1,600; $1.25-$3.50)—“7 Wonders of World" (Indie). First four days (11 shows) ended Saturday (14) night was. huge $38,400, absolute capacity. House ends its weeks on Saturdays. Showing made despite some crix barbs. In ahead, “Cinerama Holi¬ day” (Indie) (61st wk-8 days), $67,- 800 on 27 shows. At pace of last four or five weeks, “Holiday” looks like it could have held longer, but house wanted to launch “Won¬ ders.” World (Times Film) (385; $1- $1.50)—“Last 10 Days” (Col) (2d wk). Initial week ended yesterday (Tues.) was great $8,000. ‘Suit’ Whopping $14,000, Indpls.; ‘World’ Rousing 10G, ‘Miracle’ Dull 8G Indianapolis, April 17. Firstrun biz has lost its post¬ il o 1 i d a y momentum here this stanza, good outdoor weekend weather being partly to blame. “Man In Gray Flannel Suit” opened impressively at Keith’s to lead town. “Day World Ended” is go¬ ing well on a big juvenile turnout at the Circle. “But “Miracle in at the Circle. But “Miracle in "Comanche” at Loew’s are not do¬ ing much at the wickets. Estimates for This Week Circle (Cockrill-Dolle) (2,800; 50- 85 )—“Day World Ended” (AR) and “Phantom from 10,000 Leagues” (Indie). Nifty $10,000. Last week, ‘Song of South” (BV) (reissue) (2d wk), $9,000. Indiana (C-D) (3,200; 50-85)— “Miracle in Rain” (WB) and “Our Miss Brooks” (WB). Mild $8,000. Last week, “Anything Goes” (Par) (2d wk), $10,000 after hefty $15,- 000 opener. Keith’s (C-D) (1,300; 75-$1.25)— “Man In Gray Flannel Suit” (20th). Wow $14,000. Good for extended run. Last week, “Carousel” (20th) (4th wk), $6,500. Loew’s (Loew) *(2,427; 50-80)— “Comanche” (UA) and ‘Houston Story” (Col). Dull $5,000. Last week, “Meet Me In Las Vegas” (M-G). fine. $12,000 at 90c top. Lyric (C-D) -(1,600; 50-75)— “World In Corner” (U)“ and “Hold Back Tomorrow” (U). Mild $3,500. Last Week, “30 Seconds Over Tokyo” (M-G) and “Guy Named Joe” (M-G)- (reissues), $6,000.