Variety (May 1956)

Wednesday^ May 1956 PICTURE CROSSES Few New Pix, Chi Off; “Magic’ Hot $S,000, “Vegas’ Wow 20G, ‘Comanche’ 18G, ‘Swan’ Bright 23(1 All in 2d Chicago, May 1. - With few exceptions, firstrun biz continues slow here this round Abundance of holdovers and onset nf mild weather are keeping many ° vav from Loop situations ‘‘Magic File’’ should do a ntfty $8,000 m first Monroe week. Simba -is fine ^‘^Comanche^’anii “Killer !s Loose" combo stays sturdy in sec¬ ond Roosevelt round. Meet Me m t Ve£tis ,r continues sock in same week at Loop. “The Swan" is fairly good in second United Artists week. “Touch and Go looks good in second Esquire stanza, . Harder They Fall” shapes fair m third Woods round. “Forbidden Planet” also is strong in third Grand frame. “Alexander the Great is rood" est in fourth at the Chicago. Man in Gray Flannel Suit” is off in same week at the Oriental. Okla¬ homa” is smash in the 18th stanza at the McVickers. Estimates for This Week ■ Carnegie (Telem’t) <480;^ 95)— “Simba” (Indie). Neat $4,000. Last week subsequent-run. • Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 9&-$1.2o) —“Alexander the Great” (UA) (4th wk). Mild $23,000. Last'week, $27,000. Esquire (H&E Balaban) (1,400; 8f>-$l>—“Touch and Go” (U) (2d wk). Fat $6,200. Last week, $7,000. Grand (Nomikos) (1,200; 98-$l-25) —“Forbidden Planet” (M-G) and “Day of Fury” (U) (3d wk). Swell $10,000. Last week, $15,000. Loop (Telem’t) (606; 90-$1.25)— “Meet Me in Las Vegas” (M-G) (2d wk). Socko $20,000. Last week, $18,000. McVickers (JL&S) (1,580; $1.25- $3) — “Oklahoma” (Magna) (18th wk). Stout $28,500. Last week, $27,500. Monroe (Indie) (1,000; 67-87) — “Magic Fire” (Rep). Fine $8,000. Last .week, “Come Next Spring” (Rep), $5,500.' Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 98-$l,25) —“Man in the Gray Flannel Suit” (20th) (4th wk). Fair $23,000. Last week, $28,000. Palace (Eitel) (1,484; 1 $1.25- $3.40)—“Cinerama Holiday” (In¬ die) (46th wk). Strong $24,700. Last week, $24,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1.400; 65-98)— “Comanche” (UA) and “Killer is Loose” (UA) (2d wk) r Stout $18,000. Last week, $23,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2,400; 65-98) —“Birds and Bees” (Par). Opens tonight (Tues.) with George Gob el on hand for opening and all day tomorrow (Wed.). In ahead, “Any¬ thing Goes” (Par). (3d wk), $19,0Q0. Surf (H&E Balaban) (685; 98)— “Citizen Kane” (RKO> (reissue) (3d wk). Plump' $4,200. Last week, $5,500. , . United Artists (B&K) (1.700; 98- $1.25)—“The Swan” (M-G) (2d wk). Good $23,000. Last week, $30,000. Woods ■ (Essaness) (1,206; 98- $1.25)—“Harder They Fall” (Col) (3d wk). Fair $17,000. Last week, $ 21 , 000 . World (Indie) (430; 98)—“Too Bad She’s Bad” (Indie) (3d wk). Dull $2,800. Last week, $3>000. Ziegfeld (Davis) 4430; 98)— * Diabolique” (UMPO) (19th wk). Stout $3,600. Last week, $3,800. ‘Oklahoma’ Boff $14,000, Toronto;‘Birds’Hep 11G, ‘Serenade’ Rousing 13G Toronto, May 1. Canadian preem of “Oklahoma” ?? t , °JT to a hefty start in refur¬ bished Tivoli, only spot in Canada equipped with new Todd-AO. Opening biz of “Oklahoma” is not entirely sellout, with management reluctant to sell some 100 side scats on possible word-of-moutli complaints. However, sale is big tor ensuing four weeks, with heavy advance from out-of-town points. Only other newcomers are .Serenade” for big biz, with Birds and Bees” also nice; “Court Jester is leader in second frame. Estimates for This Week i Christie, Hyland (Rank) (877; hn’ —“Ladykillers” (Rank) 5th wk> Steady $8,000. Last week, $ro,000. no? ir «n e V^ To ™ (Taylor) (750; ?® 3 , ; ®0-$l)— “Geordie” (IFD) (5th Nice $5,500. Last week, $ 6 , 000 . Colony, Danforth, Falr,lawn, ilumber, Odeon (Rank) (839; 1,330; a, 165 ^ 2 ' 31 ®; 50-$l)—“Golden fcjA) <3d wk). Holding at big $20,000. Last week $30,500. Downtown, Glendale, Scarboro, Mate, Westwood (Taylor) (1,059; (Continued on page 17) | 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. ‘Wonders’ Wham $18,000, Philly Philadelphia, May 1. Weekend biz was slaughtered by summer weather change plus ar¬ rival of daylight. savings. “Seven Wonders of World” was very strong on getaway at the Boyd. “Man in Gray Flannel Suit” was another to successfully battle the downbeat, holding with a great figure in second stanza at the Vik¬ ing. “Cockleshell Heroes” got good notices, and plenty of bally but sparse attendance , at the Stanley. “Killer Is Loose” apparently is scaring away the patrons judging from the slim attendance it is get¬ ting at the Mastb#um. “The Swan” still is in the chips in the third round’ at the' Randolph. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S&S) 99-$1.80)—“Cry Tomorrow” (M-G) (14th wk). Just oke $6,000. Last week, $6,500. Boyd (SW) (1,430; $1.25-$2.60)— “Seven Wonders of World” (In¬ die). Solid $18,000 in 8 days. Last week, “Cinerama Holiday” (Indie) (63d wk), $25,000. Fox (20th) (2,250; 99-$1.80)- “Carousel” (20th) (8th -wk). Big $10,000. Last week, $15,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,250; 65- $1.35) — “Serenade” (WB) (5th wk). Oke $9,000. Last week, $10,-600. Mastbaum (SW) (4,370; 99-$1.49) —“Killer is Loose” (UA). Drab $8,500.- Last week, “Invasion Body Snatchers” (AA), $10,000. Midtown ’ (Goldman) (1,000; 99- $1.80)—“Picnic” . (Col) (10th wk). So-so $8,000. Last week, $11,000. Randolph (Goldman) (2,250; 99- $1.80)—“Swan” (M-G) (3d wk). Okay $14,000. Last week, $22,000. Stanley (SW) (2,900; 99-$1.49)— “CocklesheM Heroes” (Col). Dis¬ appointing at $15,000. Last week, “Scarlet Hour” (Par), $9,500. Stanton (SW) (1,483; 99-$1.49)— “Meet Me Las Vegas” (M-G) (4th wk). - Oke $9,000.. Last week, $ 12 , 000 . Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 90-$1.80) —“Rose Tattoo” (Par) (14th wk). Fair $4,Q00. Last week, $5,500. Viking (Sley) (1,000; 75-$1.49)— “Man in Gray Flannel Suit” (20th) (2d wk). Great $22,000 or over. Last week, $29,000. Trans-Lux World (T-L) (604; 98- $1.50)—“Too Bad She’s Bad” (In¬ die) (2d wk). NSH $3,000. Last week, $4,500. Studio (Goldberg) (450; 85-$1.49) —“Diabolique” (UMPO) (5th wk). Big $4,500. Last week, $5,500 after three great weeks ahead of this fourth stanza. ‘WONDERS’ WOW 26G, PIH;‘SWAN’12G, 2D Pittsburgh, May 1. “Seven Wonders of World” at Warner is the big noise downtown, and in first full week’.hUng up the biggest take of all three Cinerama pictures with exception of Christ¬ mas-New Year’s session for “This Is Cinerama.” “The Swan” is hold¬ ing up okay in second stanza at Penn but “Bold and Brave” at Stanley and “Jubal”" at Hands are only doing so-so. Nothing much for “Backlash” at Fulton. “Di¬ abolique” continues to do big at Squirrel Hill. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 65-$l)— “Backlash” (U). Small interest in Richard Widmark starrer and shapes only fairly good at $6,000. Last week, “Carousel” (20th) (5th wk), $5,000. Guild (Green) (500; 65-$l)— “Night Number Came Up” (Cont) (Continued on page 17) ‘Serenade’ OK $18,000, Hub;‘Swan’Hot 30G, 2d Boston, May 1, This frame the holdovers are getting the biggest play. Only three new entries, “Serenade,” shaping fairly smooth at Metro¬ politan; “Creature Walks Among Us" okay at Memorial; and “Mo¬ hawk” passably good at the Para¬ mount and Fenway. “Swan” leads the holdovers, with an explosive $30,000 in second round at the State and Orpheum. Pilgrim, with “Jubal” in second stanza, is still sock. “Ladykillers” in third week at the Kenmore is smash. “Touch and Go” at the Exeter is frisky in second week. Estimates for This Week Astor (B&Q) (1,500; $1-$1.80)— “I'll Cry Tomorrow” (M-G) (8th wk). Nice $7,500. Last week, $ 10 , 000 . Beacon (Beacon Hill) (678; 90- $1.25) — “Dfabolique” (UMPO) (11th wk). Solid $6,000. Last week, $ 6 , 000 . Cinerama (Cinerama Produc¬ tions) (1,354; $1.20-$2.85)—“Cine¬ rama Holiday” (Indie) (36th wk). Fancy $18,000. Last week, $17,000. Exeter (Indie) (1,300; 60-$l) — “Touch and Go” (U) and “Helen Keller in Her Story” (Indie) (2d wk). Torrid $8,000. Last week, $ 10 , 000 . Fenway (NET) (1,373; 60-$ 1) — “Mohawk” (20th) and “Red Sun¬ down” (U). Fair $3,500. Last week, “On Threshold Space” (26th) and “Dynamiters” (Indie), $4,500. Kenmore (Indie) (700; 85-$1.25) — “Ladykillers” (Cont) (3d wk) Wow $12,000. Last week, ditto. Memorial- (RKO) (3,000; 75-$1.25) — “Creature Walks Among Us” (U) and “Price of Fear” (U). Good $12,000. Last week, “Conqueror” (RKO) (4th wk-4 days),, $8,000. Metropolitan (NET.)' (4,357; 75- $1.25) — “Serenade” (W) and “Scarlet Hour” (Par). Smooth $18,000. Last week, “Man Gray Flannel Suit” (20th) (4th wk), $13,000. Pilgrim (ATC) (2,100; 65-95) — “Jubal” (Col) and “Killer’s Kiss” (UA) (2d wit). Sock $11,000. Last week, $15,000. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 60-$l) —“Mohawk” (20th) and “Red Sun¬ down” (U). Fine $12,500. Last week, “Threshold Space” (20th) dnd "Dynamiters” (Indie), $14,000. Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 60-$l)— “Swan” (M-G) and “Broken Star” (UA) (2d wk). Smash $18,000. Last week, $28,000,. over hopes. State (Loew) (3,000; 60-$l) — “Swan” (M-G) and “Broken Star” (UA) (2d wk). Socko $12,000. Last week, $16,000. . • M Stout 15G In Laggard Mpk Minneapolis, May 1. Continuation of unseasonable cold and snow probably should be favorable to the boxoffice although householders are confronted with unforeseen further fuel expendi¬ tures. HoweveV, aside from “Man^ in Gray Flannel Suit” none of newcomers is cutting much of a boxoffice swath. “Suit” is off to a flying start, but “Serenade” and “Hilda Crane” are weakies,. espe¬ cially the latter. “Tribute to a Bad Man” shapes fairly good. Estimates for This Week Century (S-W) (1,150; $1.75- $2.65) — “Cinerama Holiday” (In¬ die) (40th wk). Racking up another profitable stanza at $12,500. Last week, $12,000. Gopher (Berger) (1,000; 85-$l)— Tribute to Bad Man” (M-G). Good $5,000. Last week, “Kettles in Ozark” (U). $4,000. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 65-85)—“On Threshold of Space” (20th) and “Bowery Boys Crashing Las Vegas” (AA). Neat $5,500. Last week, “Carousel” (20th) (3d wk), $4,000 in 3 days at $1.25 top. Radio City (Par) (4,100; 85 $1)— “Man in Gray Flannel Suit” (20th). Stout $15,000. Last Week, “The Swan” (M-G) (2d wk), $5,000 in 3 days after $12,000 initial stanza at 85c-$1.25 scale. - RKO Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 75-$l)—“Serenade” (WB). Moder¬ ate $7,500. Last week, “Harder They Fall” (Col), $8,000. RKO Pan (RKO) (1,600; 65-85) — “Wyoming Renegades” (Col) and “Gun That Won West” (Coi) split with “Joe _ Macbeth” (Col) and “Crooked Web” (Col). Tepid $3,500. Last week, “Jubal” (Col) (2d wk), $5,000 at $1 top. State (Par) (2,300; 85-$l)—“Hilda Crane” (20th). Sold solidly but poor $4,500 looms. Last week, “Miracle in Rain” (WB), $5,500. World (Mann) (400; 75-$1.20)— “Diabolique” (UMPO) (3d wk). Hefty $4,200. Last week, $5,300. B’way Down Albeit ‘Swan’ Smash 160G, ' lubal' OK 1% ‘Godzilla’ Fair 18G, ‘Birds’ $30,000, ‘Suit-Stage 77G, 3d A mild weekend which included two successive days of spring-like weather put a dent in total Broad¬ way film business this session. The weather last Saturday and Sunday which drew thousands out of doors plus daylight savings time’s arrival Sunday (29) naturally hurt. Many firstruns were badly hit on the Sabbath, with the following Mon¬ day *also a weak one box officewise. Arrival of a brace of new bills helped cushion the dip. Pacing the field is “The Swan” with stageshow, with a socko $160,- 000 opening week at the Music Hall, especially hig for season of year. It stays on. “Jubal” ended its first session with an okay $15, 000 at the Mayfair, which, however, was a big improvement over recent takes at this house. “Godzilla” also shapes oke with $18,000 in prospect on initial stanza at the State. “Creature Walks Among Us” looks only mild $7,000, and won’t hold at the Globe. “Star of India” with vaude¬ ville is headed for a good $15,000 opening week at the Palace. “Birds and Bees,” ' first George Gobel starrer, wound,, up its first week with a disappointing $30,000 at the Paramount. It is being held over. “Madame Butterfly” went to a terrific $12,000 opening week at the arty Baronet. “Seven Wonders of World” proved amazing by topping the first full week’s figure by pushing to a capacity $63,200 in second ses¬ sion at the Warner. This third “Cinerama” subject is now in its third week. • “Man in Gray Flannel Suit” with ice show onstage is holding with a great $77,000 or close in third round at the Roxy. It is continu¬ ing. "Alexander the Great” is heading for an okay $22,000 in fifth stanza at the Capitol. “Oklahoma” is holding firm around $25,000 in 29th session at the Rivoli. “The Conqueror” looks to hold with a fine $17,000 in fifth frame at the Criterion. “Meet Me in Las Vegas" continued fairly good with $13,500 in seventh stanza at the Astor, with “Harder They Fall" due in May 9. “Hilda Crane” moves into the Victoria today (Wed.). Final (4th) week of “Man Who Never Was” dipped to $10,000 in eight days. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 75-$2) —“Meet Me in Las Vegas” (M-G) (8th-final wk). Seventh round end¬ ed last night (Tues.) was fair $13,- 500. Sixth was $15,000. “The Harder They Fall” (Col) due in May 9. „ . , Little Carnegie (L. Carnegie) (550; $1.25-$1.80)—“Naked Night" (Times) (4th wk). Third frame fin¬ ished Sunday (29) was lively $7,- 800. Second was $8,200. Baronet (Reade) (430; $1.25- $1.80)—"Madam Butterfly” (IFE) (2d wk). Initial stanza ended Sun¬ day (29) was great $12,000, biggest opening week in three years here. In ahead, “Return Don Camillo” (IFE) (4th wk), $3,000. Capitol (Loew’s) (4,820; $1- t$2.50) — “Alexander the Great” (UA) (5th wk). Current round ending today (Wed.) is heading for okay $22,000. Fourth was $28,000. “Revolt of Mamie Stover” (20th) announced as opening May 11. Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 75- $2.20) — “Conqueror” (RKO) (5th wk). Present week winding to¬ morrow (Thurs.) looks to get nice $17,000. Fourth was $22,000. Bijou (Lopert) .(603; $1.50-$1.80> ■“Richard III” (Indie) (8th wk). The seventh week completed Sun¬ day (29) was down to okay $6,000 after $8,200 in sixth session. Two shows have been dropped from weekly schedule. Fine Aijtsf> (Davis) (468; 90-$1.80) —“French Cancan” (UMPO) (3d wk). Second session finished Sun¬ day (29) was big $12,000. First was $16,000. Stays indef. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70-$1.50) —“Creature Walks Among Us” (U). First week ending today (Wed.) looks to land mild $7,000, and won’t be held. In ahead, “Threshold of Space” (20th) (4th wk), $5,200, but winds up nice run. “Forbidden Planet" (M-G) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Guild (Guild) (450; $1-$1.75)— “My 7 Little Sins” (Indie). Opened yesterday (Tues.). In ahead, “Touch and Go” (U> (6th wk-8 days), okay $4,000 after same in regulation fifth week. Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 79- $1.80)—“Jubal” (Col) (2d wk). Ini¬ tial round completed Monday (30) was oke $15,000. Nnrmahdie (Trans-Lux) (592; &5-$1.80)—“Lovers and Lollipops” (T-L) (2d wk). Initial holdover ses¬ sion ended yesterday (Tues.) held with sturdy $9,000. First was $ 11 , 000 . Palace (RKO) (1,700; 50-$1.60)— “Star of India” (UA) with vaude¬ ville. Week ending tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to reach good $15,- 000. Last week, “Backlash” (U) and vaude, $18,000. Paramount (ABC-Par) (3,664; $1- $2)—“Birds and Bees” (Par) (2d wk). First stana completed Satur¬ day (28) was fair $30,000. Initial week was helped, at least opening day, by four personals by George Gobel, star of pic, onstage that day. Paris (Pathe Cinema) (568; 90- $1.80)—“Ballet Romeo and Juliet” (Tohan) (5th wk). Fourth round ended Sunday (29) was smooth $7,000 after $9,800 in third. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke¬ fellers) (6,200; 95-$2.75)—“The Swan” (M-G) and stageshow. In¬ itial session ending today (Wed.) is headed for socko $160,000, espe¬ cially big for this time of year. Holds, natch! In ahead, “Sere¬ nade” (WB) with Easter stageshow (5th wk), $125,000. Rivoli (UAT) (1,545; $1.25-$3)— —“Oklahoma” (Magna) (29t.h wk). This round winding up today (Wed.) looks to hit lively $25,200. The 28th week was $25,500. Plaza (Brecher) (525; $1.25-1.80) —“A Kid For 2 Farthings” (Lop¬ ert) (3d wk). Secofid week ended Monday (30) was fancy $11,500 after big $13,600 opener. Roxy (Nat’l. Th.) (5,717; 65- $2.40)—“Man in Gray Flannel Suit” (20th) with iceshow onstage (3d wk). Current frame finishing up tomorrow (Thurs.) looks like great $77,000 or near. Second was $87,500. Continues. State (Loew’s) (3,450; 78-$1.75)— Godzilla” (Indie). First session ending tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to hit fairly good $1.8,000 or close. Last week, “Miracle in Rain" (WB) (4th wk-6 days), $9,500, aided by preview of “Godzilla.” Sutton (R&B) (561; $1-$1.80)— “The Ladykillers’’ (Cont) (11th wly. The 10th frame ended Mon¬ day (30) was sturdy $7,400 after $8,300 in ninth week. Continues indef. Trans-Lux 52nd St. (T-L) (540; $1-$1.50)—“Doctor At Sea” (Rep) (lOth-finAl wk). The ninth found ended last night (Tues.) was good $4,000 after $5,000 in eighth week. “Gaby” (M-G) opens with benefit preem the night of May 9. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 50-$2) “Hilda Crane” (20th). Opens to¬ day (Wed.). In ahead, “Man Who Never Was” (20th) (4th wk-8 days), was fair $10,000. Third regular week was $12,000. Warner (Cinerama Prod.) (1,600; $1.20-$3.50)—“7 Wonders of World” (Indie) (3d wk). Second full week (house winds its week on Saturdays) ended Saturday (28) dlimbed to $63,200, capacity, and topping first full week’s $62,200. Looks in for a very long run. World (Times Films) (385; $L $1.50)—“Last 10 Days” (Col) (4th wk). Third round ended yester¬ day (Tues.) was okay $3,300 after $5,000 in second week. Likely will wind this up in fourth week. Holdovers Hit D. C. Biz; ‘Jubal’ Hangup $13,500, Swan’16G,‘Suit’14G Washington, May 1. General holdover situation has slowed up mainstem biz this week. Of the new bills. “The Rack” looks ' strong at Columbia. “Jubal” also is showing well in two spots. “Ador¬ able Creatures” is solid at Plaza, i small arter. The hardy perennial, ‘Cinerama Holiday” continues to amaze with its business in 29th session. “Man in Gray Flannel Suit” and “The Swan” also are holding nice at the boxoffice. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (SW) (1,490; 70-95)— ‘Jubal” (Col). Good $5,000. Last week, “Serenade” (WB), $6,000. Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 85-$1.10)— “The Swan” (M-G) (2d wk). Nice $16,000 for six days, with Monday performances killed by one-day stand of Metropolitan Opera. Last week, $28,500. Columbia (Loew) (1,174; 70-95)— “The Rack” (M-G). Strong $9,000. Last week, “Creature Walks Among Us" (U) and “Price of Fear” (U', $7,000. Plaza (T-L) (300; 80-$1.25)— “Adorable Creatures" (Indie). Fat (nontirmprl nn oatze 17)