Variety (September 1956)

1 © PICTUIUG GROSSES PftktWtr Wdtoesday, SeplomW 5, 1956 Strong Pix, Solid H.0.’s Hypo LA; “Bus’ Sturdy 26G, ‘Seed’ Fancy 25G, ‘King’ 28G, ‘Peace’ 31G, ‘Cadillac’ 21G Los Angeles, Sept. 4. - Stout new openers and strong i holdovers are shoving holiday takes to fancy outlook at local firstruns. "Bus Stop” is sighting a sturdy $26,000 at Chinese, while "Bad Seed,” is fancy $25,000 or jiear at Fox Wilshire. Pop-price run of “King and I” is solid $28,- 000 at three situations, while "Ban- dido” and "Killing” are strong $31,000, also at three^spots. "Duchin Story” arid "Lady- killers” are stout $31,000, also at three sites. A hearty $21,000 shapes for combo of "She-Creature” and "Conquered World” at two loca¬ tions. Second stanza of "War* and Peace” is fine $31,000 at • Holly¬ wood Paramount and "Cadillac” is steady $21,000 at Warner Beverly. "High Society” is sharp $20,000 for fifth frame at Pantages, and "Cinerama Holiday” is smart $32,- 200 for 42d session at Warner Hollywood. Estimates for This Week Chinese (FWC) <1,908; $1.25- $2.40)—"Bus. Stop” (20th. Sturdy $26,000. Last week, "King and 1” ] (20thX (9th wk-5 days), $18,000. Fox Wilshire. (FWC) (2,296; $1- $1.75)—"Bad Seed” (WB): Fancy $25,000. Last week, "Ambassador’s Daughter” (UA) (3d wk-8 days), $5,300. Los Angeles, Vogue, Ritz (FWC) (2,097; 885; 1,363; 90-$1.50)—"King and I” (20th). Solid $28,000. Last week, Vogue, "Somebody Up There Likes Me” (MG) (3d wk), $4,800; others in unit. Orpheum, Hollywood, Uptown (Metropolitan-F W C) (2,213; 756; 1,715; 80-$1.25) — "Bandido” (UA) and "The Killing” (UA). Strong $31,000. Last week, Orpheum, Hol¬ lywood, "Trapeze” (UA) and "Emergency Hospital” (indie) (3d wk), $11,000. Warner Downtown, Wiltern, New Fox (SW-FWC) (1,757; 2,344; 965: 80-$1.50)—"Duchin Story” (Col) and "Ladykillers” (Indie). Stout $31,000. Last week, Downtown, (Continued on page 16) Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week .$696,680 (Based on 21 theatres ) Last Year.$710,600 (Based on 20 theatres) ‘Society’ Socko $56,000, ‘Bus’ Great 40G, ‘King’ 18G in Terrific Toronto Toronto, Sept. 4. With "High Society” soaring to a terrific two-house Loew combo, plus "Bus Stop” up front on a five- theatre Arthur Rank tie-in, and “Pardners” big at Canada’s largest theatre (3,344-seater), biz is hep ©n the first-run deluxers for new¬ comers of merit. On holdovers, "King and I” in fifth frame is still lusty; ditto "Oklahoma” in 19th. stanza. Estimates for This Week Circle, Towne (Taylor) (750; 693; 60-$l)—"La Strada” (IFD) (2d wk). Holding hefty at $7,500. Last week, $9,000. Colony, Danforth, Fairlawn, Humber, Odeon (Rank) (839; 1,351; 1,165; 1,204; 2,318; 60-$l)—"Bus Stop” (20th). Terrific $40,000, with Odeon taking half. Last week, "Foreign Intrigue” (UA) and "Star of India” (UA), $28,000 for five houses. Downtown, Glendale, SCarboro, State, Westwood (Taylor) (1,054; 995; 694; 696; 994; 40-75)—"Hold Back the Night” (AA) and "Naked Hills” (AA). Big $17,000. Last week, "Black Sleep” (UA) and Creeping Unknown” (UA), $14,500, Eglinton, University (FP) (1,080, 1,556; 60-$l)—"First Travelling Saleslady” (RKO). So-so $9,000. Last week, "Fantasia” 0BV) (re¬ issue) (2d wk), $8,000. Imperial (FP.) (3,344; 60-$1.10)— "Pardners” (Par). Good $20,000. Last week, "Moby Dick” (WB) (2d wk), $13,000. International (Taylor) (557; $1)— "Escapade” (IFD) (4th wk). Hold¬ ing good at $4,000. Last week, same. ... Locw’s, Uptown (Loew) (2,098; 2,745; 60-$l)—"High Society” <M-G). Socko $56,000. Last week (Loew’s), "Fastest Gun Alive” (M-G), $6,500. (Uptown), "Walk Proud Land” (U), $7,000. Shea’s (FP) (2,375; 60-$l)—"King and I” (20th) (5th wk). Holding hep at $18,000. Last week, $20,- 000 . Tivoli (FP) (995; $1.50-$2)— "Oklahoma” (Magna) (19th wk). Up on good $12,500, Last Week, $ 12 , 000 . Bus’ Brisk 15G In Bright L’viile Louisville, Sept. 4. Strong array of products on downtown screens, and holiday weekend is all to the good for first- runs. Healthy grosses are the rule in most situations, leaders being "Oklahoma” (2d wk) at the Brown and "Bus Stop” at the Rialto. "Burning Hills” is brisk at the Mary Anderson, and h.o. of "Proud and Profane” at the Kentucky is virile. "Ambassador’s Daughter,” plus "Suez Canal,’’ short subject, is mild at Loew’s. Estimates for This JVeek Brown (Fourth Avenue) (United Artists) (1,000; $1.25-$2)—"Okla¬ homa” (Magna) (2d wk), had sell¬ out performances over weekend, indicating strong $18,000, upped from first week’s solid $17,000. Kentucky (Switow) (1,000; 50-85) —"Proud and Profane” (Par) (2d wk), heading for nice $6,000, after first week’s over expectations. $ 10 , 000 . Mary Anderson (People’s) (1,000; 50-85)—"Burning Hills” (WB), ex¬ cellent $7,000. Last week, "Au¬ tumn Leaves” (Col) and "He Laughed Last” (Col), oke $6,500. Rialto (Fourth Ave.) (3,000; 74- 99)—"Bus Stop” (20th). Marilyn' Monroe and Don Murray strong draw here, likely wham $15,000. Last week, "Queen of Babylon” (20th) and VAbdullah’s Dream” (20th), nice $9,000. Loew’s (United Artists) (3,000; 50-85)—"Ambassador’s Daughter” (UA), plus timely short "Suez Canal,” indicating moderate $6,000. Last week, "High Society” (M-G) (2d wk), good $11,000. ‘OKLAHOMA’ SOCK 18G, 1NDPLS.;‘KING’FAIR 8G Indianapolis, Sept. 4. 'Oklahoma” opened big at re¬ modelled Lyric to start what looks like long run there. Biz has been dose to capacity, reduced to 850 for this engagement by cutting off balcony. Grosses are moderate at other situations, State Fair com¬ petition evidently off-setting holi¬ day weekend expectations. Estimates for This Week Circle (Cockrill-Dolle) (2,800; 50- 85)—"Vagabond King” (Par) and "Animal Farm” (WB). Fair $8,1)00. Last week, "Davy Crockett and (Continued on page 16) ‘BUS’ SLOW 6G, OMAHA; ‘SOCIETY’ HIGH $8,000 Omaha, Sept. 4. "High Society,” at the State, is topping first-run biz here this week at the downtown spots. However, other openers are also showing wicket strength with "Bus Stop” the loqe disappointment at the Omaha. It is good but far below expectations, "Bad Seed” is fine at the Brandeis and "Bandido” shape's okay at the Orpheum, Estimates for This Week Brandeis (RKO) (1,000; 75-$l)— "Bad Seed” (WB) and "Strange Ad¬ venture” (Rep). Nice $6,500. Last week,/‘Santiago” (WB) and "Zan-: zabuku” (Rep), $4,000. Ohaina (Tristates) (2,000; 75-$l) —"Bus Stop 1 ” (20tll). Light $6,000 and may not hold. .Last week, Boss” ((JA), $7,200 at 90c top. ‘ 1 Orpheum (Tristates) (2,890; 75- 90)—"Bandido”' (UA) and "Night¬ mare” (UA).' Good $9,500. Last week, "Johnny Concho* (UA) and "UFO” (UA), $8,200. State (Goldberg) (860; 75-$l)— "High Society” (M-G). Powerful $8,000. Last week, VKiss Before Dying” (UA) arid "Emergency Hos¬ pital” (UA), $4,500. ‘Bus’ Busy 35G, Det.; ‘Duchin’ Steady 10G, ‘Wonders’Big 42G, 4th Detroit, Sept. 4. "Seven Wonders” continues to 'pace the downtowners with an¬ other solid session, its fourth, at Music Hall. Best of the newcom¬ ers is “Bus Stop” which looks good at the Fox, "Oklahoma!” stays steady in the 29th week at the United Artists with a readjustment of show schedules trimming off two matinees to make new tot^l of 14 a week. "Pillars of Sky” is fair at the Palms. i Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5,000; $1- $1.25)— # "Bus Stop” (20th) and "Kiss Before Dying” (20th). Good $35,000. Last week, "Bigger Than Life” (20th) and "Massacre” (20th) $14,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,- 000; $1-$1.25) —"Pardners” (Par) and "Francis in Haunted House” (U) (2d wk). Down to $15,000. Last week, $17,500. Palms (UD) (2,961; $1-$1.25)— "Pillars of Sky” (U) and "I’ve Lived Before” (UX Oke $16,000. Last week, "Burning Hills” (WB) and "Rebellion of Hanged” $15,500. Madison (UD) (1,900; $i-$1.25)— "Eddie Duchin Story” (Col) (4th wk). Steady $H),000. Lastr week, $14,000. Broadway-Capitol (UD) (3,500; $1-$1.25) — "King Kong” (RKO) and "I' Walked With A Zombie”. (RKO) (reissues). So-so $13,000. Last week, "The Black Sleep” (UA) and "Creeping Unknown” (UA) $14,000 in second week. United Artists (UA) (1,667; $1.25-$2.20) — "Oklahoma!” (Mag¬ na) (?9th wk). Steady $13,000: Last week, $12,531. Adams (Balabari) (1,700; $1- $1.25)—"High'Society” (M-G) <3d wk). Good $22,000. Last week, $22,326. Music Hal! (Cinerama Produc¬ tions) (1,208; $l-$2.65) — "Seven Wonders” (4th wk). Big $42,000. Last week, $40,200. Holiday Lifts Hub; ‘Seed* Lofty 30G ‘Wonders’ Mighty 40G, ‘Gun’ Fast 33G ‘Seed’ Sprouts Fast 22G in Busy Philly; ‘Okla.’ Bright 20G, ‘Daughter O.K. 19G Philadelphia, Sept. 4. 1 Combinatipn of new product and long holiday and weather made for the summer’s biggest weekend. "Bab Seed” sprouted fast and "Oklahoma” on road show basis both had long lines. "Ambassador’s Daughter* is slightly below ex¬ pectations, "Pillars” and "Bandido” are strongest with the' matinee trade. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S&S) (526; 99-$1.80) — "High Society” (M-G) (2d wk). Smash, $23,000. Last week, $281000. Boyd (SW) (1,430; $1.25-$2.60)— "Seven Wonders’ of World” (Indie) (19th wk). Up again to $19,000. Last week, $16,000. Fox (20th) (2,250; 75-$1.80) — "King and I” (20th) (8th wk). Royal $20,000. Last week, $18,000. Goldman' (Goldman) (1,250; 65- $1.35)—"Pillars of Sky” (U). Fair $12,000. Last week, "Pardners’.’ (Par) (2d wk), $9,500. Green Hill (Serena) (750; 75- $1.25) (closed Sundays)—"Kid for 2 Farthings” (Indie) (5th wk). Okay $3,100. Last week,.$3,200. Mastbaum (SW). (4,370; ,9Q-$1.49)J.$4,500. —"Bad Seed” (WB), Trim $24,000. Last week, "Wilder Years” (M-G), $ 11 , 000 . Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; $1.20- $2.40)—"Oklahoma” (Magna). Fine $20,000. Last week closed. Randolph (Goldman) (2,250; 99- $1.49) — "Ambassador’s Daughter” (UA). Good $19,000. Last week, "Duchin Story” (Col) (9th wk), $ 8 , 000 . Stanley (SW) (2,900; 99-$1.49)— "Somebody Up There Likes Me” (M-G) (3d wk). Stout $14,000. Last week, $16,000. Stanton (SW) (1,483; 99-$1.49)— "Proud and Profane” (Par) (9th wk). Okay $8,000. Last week, $6,800. Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 99-$1.80) —"Trapeze” (UA) (10th wk). Neat $7,000. Last week, $8,500, Viking (Sley) (1,000; 75-$l,49)— —"Bandido” (UA). So-so $12,500 Last week, "Run for Sun” (UA) (2d wk), $7,000. World (Pathe) (499; 99-$1.49)— "Proud and Beautiful” (Indie) (2d wk). Tidy $4,300. Last week, Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross . This Week ........ $8,082,980 (Based on 20 cities and 215 theatres,, crrfefly first runs, in¬ cluding N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year ......... $2,999,300 (Based on 21 cities and 205. theatres .) (U the A ] from Tins’ Smash25G, Balto: ‘Seed’ 16%G Baltimore, Sept. 4. Labor Day product is providing a long overdue hypo for grosses here this week. "But Stop” is a powerhouste entry at the Century. Delayed local preem of "Man With Golden Arm” due to censorship problems is hotsy at the New. "Bad Seed” is surprisingly-stout at the Stanley. Second week of ■ "High Society” is fancy at the Hipp. "These Wilder Years” finished a fairish round at the Town. Estimates for This Week Century (Fruchtman) (3,100; 50- $1.25)—Bus Stop” (20th), Giant $25,000. Last week, "Proud and Profane” (Par) (3d wk), $6,000. Cinema (Schwaber) (460) 50- $1.25—"Proud and Beautiful” (In¬ die) (2d wk). Still pleasing at $3,500 following $4,000 opener. Film Centre (Rappaport) (890; $1.25-$2.50)—"Oklahoma” (Magna) (27th wk). Still potent, at $8,500, same as last week. Five West (Schwaber) (460; 50- $1(25)—"Rififi” .(.UMPO) (5th wk). Still okay at $3,000 after $3,500 for the fourth. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,100; 50-$1.25)—"High Society” (M-G) (2d wk). Lusty $18,000 following $22,000 opener. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 35-90)— "Away All Boats” (U) (5th wk). Holding firmly at $4,000; same as last week. ✓ New (Fruchtman) (1,600; 50- $1.25) — "Man With Golden Arm” (UA). Cashing in on hassle with censors for., a tall $17,000. Last week, "Davy Crockett and River Pirates” (BV), $5,000. Playhouse' (Schwaber) (410; 50- $1.25)—"Simon And Laura” (Indie) (3d wk). Fairish $2,500 following $3,500 for’the second. Stanley (WB) (3,200; 30-$1.25)- "Bad Seed” (WB). Elegant $16,500. Last week, "Satellite In Sky” (WB), $4,000. Town (Rappaport) (1,400; 50-$l) "Vagabond King” (Par). Opens tomorrow (Wed.). "These Wilder Years” (M-G) was lost in competi¬ tion wi th a modefet^$7,0Q0. ‘Bus’ Rousing 35G in B.O. Happy D. C.; ‘Seed’ Sturdy 17G, ‘Society’ 17G, 3d Washington, Sept. 4. Labor Day weekend is winding up a fine summer with generally hefty b.o. along town’s main stem. Of four newcomers. "Bus Stop,” at Loew’s Capitol, is well In the lead. ‘'Naked Night,” at small seat¬ ing Plaza, is another robust entry. "Pillars of Sky,” at RKO Keith’s, arid "Kid for Two Farthings,” at Lopert’s Dupont, are both pleas¬ ant. "High Society” continues big in 3d stanza at Loew’s Palace, and "Rififi” is solid in 2d week at Lopert’s Playhouse. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (SW) (1,480; 90- $1.25)—"Bad Seed” (WB) (2d wk). Good $7,000 after $8,509 the pre¬ vious session. Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 85-$1.25) —"Bus Stop” (20th). Rousing $35,- 000, with sock send-off by cricks helping.* Stays. Last week, "Am¬ bassador’s Daughter” (UA) (2d wk) ; so-so $12,000. -V Columbia (Loew) (1,174; 70-95) —"Somebody Up There Likes Me” (M-G) (3d-final wk). Steady $6,000 after fine $8,000 last week. Dupont (Lopert) (372; 90-$1.15) —‘Kid for Two Farthings” (LopX Firm $5,000. Stays. Last week, "House of Ricordi” (Indie), slow $4,000. Keith’s (RKO) (1,939; 70-90)— "Pillars of Sky” (U). Pleasing $8,000. House scale adjusted to take advantage of new tax cut. Last (Continued on page 3.6) y Boston, Sept. 4. holiday weekend spurted biz at i b.o. with big takes all around, rainy Saturday (1) kept crowd® >m beaches and fun spots and Resulted in hotsy day grosses. "Seven Wonders of World” is sockeroo at- Cinerama, biggest of ’em all, leading the town with a mighty $40,000. "Bad Seed” is smash at the Metropolitan with' a lofty $30,000 jjt better and "Fast¬ est Gun Alive” is hotsy at the State and Orpheum. "Vagabond King” shapes slick at the Para¬ mount and Fenway. "Privates Progress” is slick at the Exeter hypoed by a sneak preview and good reviews. "Madame Butterfly” is bright in second round at the Kenmore. Pilgrim is solid with holdover of "Shadow/ of Fear.” Bus Stop” picked up speed at the Memorial in its third frame and surpassed its previous gross. "Duchin Story” holds boff in third round ’ at the Astor. "One Summer of Happiness” is amazing in. 9th week at the tiny Beacon Hill, A new firstrun theatre will be added to the Hub list when the 'f Saxon (remodeled Majestic) opens with "Oklahoma!” on Sept. 13 with a price sked of $1.25-$2,50. Holiday weekend biz gave ex-. hiibs renewed' enthusiasm after a dull summer which saw falling grosses almost every week. For a time local exhibs were frankly worried, but outloqk now’ is for a big’ upsurge in the fall with a drive towards bringing in the big products for the big money. Estingates for This Week * Astor (B&Q) (1,500; $1-$1.50)— "Duchin Story” (Col) (3d wk). Boff $17,500. Last week, $20,000. Beacon Hill (Beacon Hill) (678; 90-$1.25)—"One Summer Happi¬ ness” (Times) (9th wk). Strong $5,500. Last week, $4,500. Cinerama (Cinerama Produo* tions) (1,354; $1.20-$2.65)—"Seven Wonders of World” (Indie) (2d wk). Socko $40,000 or better. A sellout. Last week, 5 days, $31,* 500. Exeter (Indie) (1,200; 60-$D— "Private’s Progress” (DCA). Hotsy $10,000/ Last week, "Wages Of Fear” (DCA) and "Animal Farm” (DCA) (2d wkX $3,500. Fenway (NET) (1,373; 60-$D— "Vagabond King” (Par) and "Thun¬ der Over Arizona.” Slick $6,000. Last week,. "Hold Back Night’’ (AA) and "Trial for Jamie Dawn” (AA), $4,000. Kenmore (Indie) (700; 85-$1.25) —"Madame Butterfly” (IFE) (2d wk). Neat $11,000. Last week, $ 12 , 000 . Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 75-$1.25) —"Bus Stop” (20th) and "Gun- 000 or more. slinger” (AR) (3d wk). Lofty $20,- Metropolitan (NET) (4,357; 75- $1.25) — "Bad Seed” * (WB) and "Navy Wife” (AA). Torrid $30,- 000 or more. Last week; "Autumn Leaves” (Col) and "Magic Fire” (Rep), $11,000. Pilgrim (ATC) (2,100; 65-95)— "Shadow of Fear” (UA) and "Run for Sun” TOA) (2d wk). Neat $9,000. Last week, $10,000. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 60-$l) —"Vagabond King” (Par) and "Thunder Over Arizona” (Indie). Good $15,000. Last week, "Hold Back Night” (AA) and "Trial for Jamie Dawn” (AA), $9,000. Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 65-$l)— Fastest Gun Alive” (M-G) and "Star of India” (UA). Sizzling $22,000 or better. Last ‘•week, "High 'Society” (M-G) (3d wk), fl- days, $20,000, above estimate. ‘ State (Lpew) (3,000; 65-$l)— ‘Fastest Gun Alive” (M-G) and "Star of India” (UA). Happy $11$ 000. Last week, ‘‘High Society” (M-G) ( 3d wk), 9-days, $11,0 00. ‘Seed’ 17fG Tops Cincy, ‘Profane’ Lofty $16,000 Cincinnati, Sept, 4. Nifty product array and holiday are boosting downtown biz notice* ably this stanza. But reopening ©f school is having its usual thinning effect on matinee attendance. "Bad Seed” Is the current topper with a tall Palace take. Other new bill. "Proud aand Profane,” looms solid in the big Albee. Federal tax drops lowered .RKO scales .from 84c to 75c and $1 to 90c and Keith’s to 75c opening and 90c closing on weekdays, and keep¬ ing $1.25 high for Saturday, Sun¬ day and holidays with opening of 85c on Saturday and 90c on Sunday. Estimates’for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 75-$1.25) —"Proud and Profane” (Par). Solid $16,000, warranting holdover, (Continued on page 16)