Variety (October 1956)

PICTURE GROSSES Pg*SLWfr •, Wednesday, October 17? 1956 LA. Uneven; Unknown’ Bigl20G In 13 Spots;‘Silent’Fancy $9,000, ‘Flatning’-‘Women’ 10G, ‘Bos’ 21G Los Angeles, Oct. 16. Local telecasting of Metro’s “30 Seconds Over Tokyo” last Friday (12) had surprisingly little effect of the film boxoffice here. Cinemas with good to strong bills enjoyed nifty biz while those with weak programs weren’t doing anything anyway. French - lensed “Silent World” is heading for fancy $9,000 or near at Fox Beverly in first round. “Toward the Unknown looks stout $30,000 or more in three the¬ atres plus $90,000 or over in two nabes and eight drive-ijis. Surpris¬ ing $10,000 is seen for sexploita¬ tion bill, combo of “Flaming Teen- Age” and “Lost Women” at State. “The Boss” is light $13,000 or near in three houses while “Port Afri- 8 ue” shapes lean $10,000, adding ttle to firstrun receipts currently. Some holdovers are doing okay this round, “Tea and Sympathy” being neat at Pantages in second week, and “War and Peace” socko in eighth session! Estimates for This Week Fox Beverly (FWC) (1.334; 90- $1.50)—“Silent World” (Col). Fancy $9,000 or near. Last week, sub-run. Hillstreet (RKO) (2,752; 80-$l)— “First Traveling Saleslady” (RKO) and “Deadliest Sin” (AA). Sad $4,500. Last week, with Vogue, “Proud and Profane” (Par) and “Spy Chasers’’ (AA) (2d wk), $9,000. State (UATC) (2,404; 80-$1.25)— “Flaming Teen-Age” (Indie) and “Lost Women” (Indie). Surprising at okay $10,000. Last week, with Hawaii. Downtown Paramount, Vogue, Wiltern (ABPT-FWC-SW) (3,300; (Continued on page 20) K. C. Sluggish; ‘Gold Cad’ Passable $8,500, Things’ Fair 9G,‘Peace’10G, 2d Kansas City, Oct. 16. Pace is sluggish as it has been for the past few weeks, leader among newcomers being “Solid Gold Cadillac” at the Midland. It’s only okay. “The Boss” at the Roxy is so-so. “Best Things in Life Are Free” is disappointing at' four Fox Midwest houses. “War and Peace” in second week is close to pace of initial stana. “Fantasia” in south- side Brookside Theatre shapes plenty strong. Weather continues unusually dry and warm for fall season and is np help at boxoffice. Estimates for This Week Glen, Shawnee, Leawood (Dick¬ inson) (700; 1,000 cars; 1,000 cars; 75c)—“Desperate Women” (Indie) and “Devil* Girl from Mars” (In¬ die). Fair $6,000, as circuit switches from usual 4-theatre hookup to three for this firstrun. Last week, with Dickinson in combo, “Strange Intruder” (AA) and “Cruel Tower” (AA), $9,000. Kimo (Dickinson) (504; 75-90)— “Private’s Progress” (DCA) (2d wk). Pleasant $1,500. Last week, $ 2 , 000 . Brookside (Fox Midwest) (1,081; 75-90)—“Fantasia”. (BV) (reissue). Big family trade, great at $6,500; holds. Last week, subsequeht-run. Midland (Leow) (3,500; 60-80)— “Solid Gold Cadillac” (Col) and “Secret of Treasure Mountain” (Col). Firm $8,500. Last week, “Tea and Sympathy” (M-G) (2d wk), $5,500. Missouri (SW) (1,194; $1.20-$2)— —“This Is Cinerama” (Cinerama) (18th wk). Holds strong at $16,- 000. Stays on. Last week, same. Paramount (United Par) (1,900; 75-$1.25)—“War and Peace” (Par) (2d wk), Staying power good with $10,000; could get third stanza. Last week, $12,000. Roxy (Durwood) (679; 75-90)— “The Boss” (UA). So-so $4,000. Last week, “Reprisal” (Col), $4,500. Rookhill (Little Art Theatres) (750; 75-90) — “Lust for Life” <M-G) (3d wk). Acceptable $2,000; holds. Last week, $3,000. Uptown, Esquire, Fairway, Gran¬ ada (Fox Midwest) (2,043; 820; 700; 1,217; 75-90)—“Best Things in Life” (20th) and “Massacre” (20th)' at Esquire and Granada. Fair $9,000. Last week, “Pillars of Sky” <U) and “Behind High Wall” (U) at Esquire and Granada, $10,000. Vogue (Golden) (550; 75-90)— “Crowded Paradise” (Indie) and “To Paris With Love” (Indie). Fairish $1,500. Last week, “Since You Went Away” (SRO) (reissue), same* Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week.$671,900 (Based on 20 theatres) Last Year.$509,100 (Based on 22 theatres) ‘Peace Powerful $18,000, Prov. Ace Providence, Oct. 16. “War and Peace” is leading the main stem houses currently. At the Strand, it looks socko. All others are on the strong side with “Back From Eternity” at RKO Al- bce and “The Last Wagon” at Ma¬ jestic shaping best. “Solid Gold Cadillac” at Loew’s State is bare¬ ly good. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 60-85)— “Back From Eternity” (RKO) and “Female Jungle” (Indie). Peppy $9,000. Last week, “She-Creature” (AIP) and “It Conquered World” (Indie), $10,000. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 60-80)— “Last Wagon” (20th) and “Bare¬ foot Battalion” (20th). Strong $9,- 000. Last week, "Burning Hills” (WB) and “Amazon Trader” (WB), $10,500. State (Loew) (3,200; 60-80)— “Solid Gold Cadillac” (Col). Good $9,000. Last week, “Tea and Sym¬ pathy” (M-G) (2d wk), $10,000. . Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 80- $1.25)—“War and Peacfe” (Par). Jamming them in for socko $18,- 000 or close. Last week, “Cha, Cha, Cha, Boom” (Col) and “Spin Dark Web” (Col), $3,000. ‘Seed’ Sockeroo iOG, Seattle; ‘Texan’ 9G Seattle, Oct. 16. Best bet among newcomers here this session is “Bad Seed,” which looms very big at Music Hall. “To¬ ward the Unknown” looks barely good at Orpheum but “Lust for Life” is lofty at bandbox Music Box. “Solid Gold Cadillac” is smash in third Fifth Avenue week. “First Texan” looms swell at Coli 7 seum. Estimates for This Week Coliseum (Evergreen) (1,870; 90- $1.25)—“First Texan” (AA), and “Hold Back Night” (AA). Swell $9,000 or over. Last week, “Best Things” (20th) and “Wetbacks (In¬ die), $9,800. Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) (2,500; (Continued on page 20) ‘Gold Cad’ Boff $16,000, Port; Unknown’ Nice 7G Portland, Ore., Oct. 16. Firstrun biz continues to perk despite the warm’, weather here. Nearly all downtown houses have good product backed up with nifty campaigns. “Attack” stays for an- okay second round at the Para¬ mount. “Fantasia” hold for a third hefty' week at the Guild. “Solid Gold Cadillac” is the smash new entry playing the Fox. “Toward The Unknown” shapes nice fct Broadway. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,875; 90- $1.25)—“Toward Unknown” (WB) and “African Manhunt” (Indie). Nice $7,000 or over. Last week, “Back From Eternity” (RKO) and “River Pirates” (BV), $5,300. Fox (Evergreen) (1,536; $1-$1.50) —“Solid Gold Cadillac” (Col) and “While City Sleeps” (Col). Whop¬ ping $16,000. Last week, “Moby Dick” (WB) (3d wk), $7,400. - Guild (Indie) (400; $1.25)—“Fan¬ tasia” (BV) (reissue) (3d wk). Nights and weekends only. Hot $5,- 000. Last week, $6,100. Liberty Hamrick) (1,890; 90- $1.25)—“Lisbon” (Rep) and “Da¬ kota Incident” (Rep). Slim $5,000 in 6 days. Last week, “Tea and Sympathy” (M-G) and “Behind High Wall” (U) (2d wk), $7,100. Orpheum (Evergreen) (1,600; $1- $1.25)—“1984” (Col) and “The Gamma People” (Col). Modest $6,- 000. Last week, “Best Things In Life” (20th) and “He Laughed Last” (Col) (2d wk), $6,900. Paramount (Port-Par) (3,400; 90- $1.25)—“Attack” (UA) and “Star of India” (UA) (2d wk). Okay $6,- 000. Last week, $8,700. ‘Cad’ Golden 14G, D.C.;‘Tea’19G,2d Washington, Oct. 16. Despite the predominance of holdovers, main stem biz is very good currently. Part of this is at¬ tributable to entry of two sharp newcomers, “Solid Gold Cadillac,” terrific at the Trans-Lux, and “La Strada;” sock at the Plaza. Former is pacing the city. Such hefty holdovers as “War and Peace,” in third stanza at Capitol, and “Tea and Sympathy,” in 2d week at Loew’s Palace, are also helping. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (SW) (1,490; 70-90) —“Toward Unknown” (WB) (2d wk). Okay $4,500. Last week, $6,500. Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 90-$1.50) —“War and Peace” (Par) (3d wk). Weekday schedule cut to three shows daily, but still firm at $20,- 000. Last week, $26,000. Stays. Columbia (Loew) (1,174; 70-90)— “Attack” (UA) (2d wk). Pleasing $6,500 after $11,000, opener. May go another week. Dupont (Lopert) (372; 90-$1.15) —“The Killers” (U) (reissue). Fair (Continued on page 20) Hub Hotsy; ‘Gold Cad’ Lively $18,1 Unknown 19G ‘Peace Mighty 25G Boston, Oct. 16. Biz is still on upswings at the boxoffice here despite competish; of five legit shows, biggest number ever at one time in Hub. “War And Peace” continues to lead the town in third round at the Metro¬ politan with a mighty $35,000. “Solid Gold Cadillac” paces new¬ comers at Ithe Astor, with a lively session. It stays on. “Beyond Reasonable Doubt” is okay at Me¬ morial. “Toward Unknown” is shaping smooth at Paramount and Fenway. “Ambassador’s Daugh¬ ter” is fine at State and Orpheum. “Seven Wonders of World” will break house record in eighth frame at the Cinerama. “La Strada” looms big at the Kenmore in sec¬ ond week. # Estimates for This Week Astor (B&Q) (1,500; 75-$1.25)— “Solid Gold Cadillac” (Col). Sec¬ ond week begins tomorrow (Wed.). First week, lively $18,000. Beacon Hill (Beacon Hill) (678; 90-$1.25)—“Fantasia” (BV) (reis¬ sue). Smash $15,000. Last week, >18,000. Cinerama (Cinerama Produc¬ tions) (1,354; $1.25-$2.65)—“Seven Wonders of World” (Cinerama) (8th wk). Torrid $36,000. Breaking records with three capacity houses during week. Last week,, $34,000. Exeter (Indie) (1,200; 0O>1.25)— “Private’s Progress” 1 <DCJA> '<7th wk). Oke $5,000: • Last •' $7,000i-'- Fenway (NET) (1,373; 60-90)— “Toward Unknown” (WB) and “Strange Adventure” (Rep). Good $6,000. Last week, “She Creature” (Indie) and “Conquerered World” (Indie), $6,000. Kenmore (Indie) (700; 85-$1.25) —“La Strada” (T-L) (2d wk). Big $12,000. Last week, $15,000. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 60-90)— “Beyond Reasonable Doubt" (RKO) and “First Traveling Saleslady” (RKO). Oke $11,000. Last week, “Best Things In Life” (20th) and “Magnificent Roughnecks” (AA) (2d wk), $12,500. Metropolitan (NET)' (4,357; 90- $1.50)—“War And Peace” (Par) (3d wk). Lofty $25,000. Last week, $30,000. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 60-90) —"Toward Unknown” (WB) and "Strange Adventure” (Rep). Neat $13,000. Last week, “She-Crea¬ ture” (Indie) and “Conquered World” (Indie), $14,000. Saxon (Saxon) <1,100; $1.25-$2.20) —"Oklahoma” (Magna) (6th wk). Rousing $27,000. Last week, $22,- 000 . Orpheum (Loew) <2,900; 60-90)— “Ambassador’s Daughter” (UA) and “Swamp Woman” (Indie). Hotsy $16,000: Last week, “Tea and Sym¬ pathy” (M-G) (2d wk), $17,000. State (Loew) (3,600; 60-90)— “Ambassador’s Daughter” (UA) and “Swamp'" TV Oman” ■; itridje). '** )falr. $8,500. ICast vtebk/’Tea ■patter4M=GH2d ‘Julie’ Sweet $16,000, Cinq;; Tad’ Crisp llG,‘Peace'Whoppmg 16G, 2d Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week.. .$2,728,760 (Based, on 23 cities and 235 theatres, cniefly first runs , in¬ cluding N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year .$2,646,300 (Based on 23 cities and 228 theatres.) Cad’ Tidy $26,000 In Mild PhiDy Philadelphia, Oct. 16. Indian summer weather and President Eisenhower’s Saturday night birthday , party plus election, campaign are among things blamed for boxoffice drop here currently. “Solid Gold Cadillac” is top new¬ comer at Mastbaura in point of money but below expectations. “Burning Hills” had to be bolstered with two featurettes but still is milding at Stanton. “Rififi” is rated good at Trans-Lux. “Attack” is strong in third round at. Viking. “Lust For Life” is stout in second stanza at Studio. Estimates .for This Week Arcadia (S&S) (526; 99-$1.80)— “High Society” (M-G) (8th wk). Okay $9,000. Last week, $11,500. Boyd (SW) (1,430; $1.25-$2.60)— “Wonders of World” (Cinerama) (25th wk).. Fancy $14,000. Last week, $14,500. Fox (20th) (2.250; 75-$1.80) — “Bus Stop” (20th) (3d wk). Trim $11,000. Last week, $14,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,250; 65- $L35) — “Toward Unknown” (WB) (2d wk). Fair $8,000. Last week, $ 10 , 000 . Green Hill (Serena) (750; 75- $1.25) (closed Sundays)—“Private’s Progress” (DCA) (2d wk). Brisk $4,300. Last week, $5,200. Mastbaum (SW) (4,370; 90-$1.49) -“Solid Gold Cadillac” (Col). Tidy ;26,000 or over. Last week, “Bad teed” (WB) (5th wk), $8,500. Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; $1,20- $2.80) — “Oklahoma” (Magna) (7th wk). Benefits helped this to big $13,500. Last week, $13,000. Randolph (Goldman) (2,250; 99- 51.49)—“Tea and Sympathy” (M-G) 3d wk). Good $14,500. Last week, $16,000. Stanley (SW) (2,900; 99-$1.80)— “War and Peace” (Par) (4th wk). Slipping to $11,000. Last week, $14,000. Stanton (SW) (1,483; 99-$1.49)— “Burning Hills” (WB). Dull $7,5<?D. Last week, “Port Afrique” (Col) and “Cha, Cha, Cha, Boom” (Col), $7,000. Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 99-$1.80) — “Rififi” (Indie). Good $5,500. Last week, “Trapeze” (UA) (15th wk), $2,700. Viking (Sley) (1,000; 75-$1.49)— “Attack” (UA) (3d wk). Strong $8,200. Last week, $11,000. World (Pathe) (499; 99-$1.49) — “House of Ricordi” (Indie) (2d wk). Quiet $3,500. Last week, $4,000. Studio (Goldberg) (400; 99-$1.49) —“Lust for Life” (M-G) (2d wk). Stout $10,000. Last week, $11,000. ‘Peace’ Potent $15,500, BaIto; ‘Cad’ Bright 10G Baltimore, Oct. 16. Two new entries are topping the current slate here this week. “Sol¬ id Gold Cadillac” is strong at the Hipp. “War And Peace” is pleas¬ ing at the Stanley but way below hopes. “Attack is holding to a fairish pace in second round at the New. “Francis In Haunted House” fared mildly at the Mayfair. “Lust For Life” is a staunch holdover in a second stanza at the Little. Estimates for This Week Century (Fruchrman) (3,000; 50- $1.25)—"Best Things In Life” (20th) (2d wk). Modest $6,000 after $7,500 opencri Cinema (Schwaber) (460; 50- $1.25)—"Fruits of Summer” (In¬ die). Okay $3,500. Last week, “Bullfight” (Indie) (2d wk), $2,000. Film Centre (Rappaport) (890; $1.50-$2.50)—“Oklahoma” (Magna) (33d wk). Nice $6,500 after $6,000 last week. Five West (Schwaber) (460; 30- $1.25)—“Secrets of Reef” . (Indie) |Zd wW* Fairish, ^,300 after 3,- Cincinnati, Oct. 16 Preem of “Juli#’. and homeco m . ing o'f Doris Day, film’s star, is top. ing the city this week with a swell Aibee figure. Another new bill “Solid Gold Cadillac,” is smooth Keith’s winner. “Beyond Reason¬ able Doubt” shapes mildly at the Grand. "War and Peace” maintains fast tempo in second week at the Palace. “Seven Wonders” continues strong In 19th week although off from last week. City officials and civic groups joined in three-day carpet rolling celebration for Miss Day’s visit to her nativity and send- off of her latest screen work. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 75-S1.25)- “Julie” (M-G). World preeining in home town of Doris Day, star of pie, ac swell $16,000. Last week, “Power and Prize” (M-G), $9,500. Capitol (Ohio Cinema Corp) (1,376; $1.20-$2.65)—“Seven Won¬ ders of World” (Cinerama) <l9th wk). Hefty $24,000 or near despite dip from last week’s $26,000. Grand (RKO) (1,400; 75-$1.10) — “Beyond Reasonable Doubt” (RKO) and “Murder on Approval” (RKO). Mild $4,500. Last week, “Satellite in Sky” (WB) and “River Changes” (WB). same. Keith’s (Shor) (1,500; 75-$1.25)— “Solid Gold Cadillac” (Col). Fancy $11,000. Holds. Last week, “Best Things in Life” (20th) (2d wk), $ 8 , 200 . Palace (RKO) (2,600; 90-81.50)— “War and Peace” (Par) (2d wk). Tall $16,000 or close after $18,000 kickoff.. Holds a third. ‘Gold Cad' Pleasing 9G, L’yille; ‘Wagon’ Oke 8|G, ‘Bridey’ Smooth $6,000 Louisville, Oct, 16. Current week is shaping about average, with stropg product on tap at most situations. Weather still is summerlike. Billy Graham Evangelistic Crusade at State Fair Coliseum now is in it’s third week to near-capacity crowds. “Solid Gold Cadillac” at Loew’s is fairly good in nine days. “Last Wagon” at the Rialto just okay as is “Bridey Murphy” at the Kentucky. Estimates for This Week Brown (Fourth Avenue - Loew) (1,000; $1.50-$2) — “Oklahoma” (Magna) (8th wk). Fine $10,000 about on. par ..with last week. Kentucky (SwitoW) (1,000; 50-85) — “Bridey Murphy” (Par) and "Fighting Trouble” (Par). Oke $6,000. Last week, “Killers” iU) and “Sleeping City” (U) (reissues), $5,000. Mary Anderson (People’s) (1.000; 50-85)-—“Toward Unknown” (WB) (2d wk). Trim $6,000 after first week's $9,000. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; 50-85)—“Last Wagon” (20th) and “Barefoot Battalion” (Indie). Okay $8,500. Last week, “Best Things In Life” (20th), $12,000. State (Loew’s) (3,000; 74-99) — “Solid Gold Cadillac” tCol). Satis¬ factory $9,000 in 9 days. Last week, “Tea- and Sympathy” (M-G) (2d wk- 5 days), $3,500. ‘DAUGHTERS’ FANCY 9G, ST. L.; ‘PEACE’ 15G, 2D St. Louis, Oct. 16. Biz is only fair here this session at firstruns as holdovers continue to hold spotlight. “Ambassador’s Daughter,” one of newcomers, looms nice ait Orpheum. “War and Peace” continues good after a fine first stanza. Same applies to “Tea and Sympathy.” “Seven Wonders of World” continues nicely in 25th round at Ambassador. Fine, out¬ door weather over past weekend slowed down activity at the wickets. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (Indie) (1,000; $1-20- $2.40)—“Seven Wonders of World (Cinerama) (25th wk). Fine $14,000. Last week, $14,100. Esquire (Indie) (1,400; 75-90)-— “Vagabond King” (Par) (2d wk). Mild $3,000 after $5,000 opening frame. Fox (F&M) (5,000; 31 - 75 )—“Last Wagon” (20th) and ; ‘Cry In Night (WB). Opened today (Tues.). Last week, “Solid Gold Cadillac” (Col) and “He Laughed Last” (Col), okay $16,000. Loew’s ’ (Loew) <3,221; 50-85) — “Tea and Sympathy” (M-G) (2d wk) N Good $9,000 following $17,000 initial session. Missouri (FJcM) ( 3 , 300 ; 51-75)— “Solid Gold Cadillac” (Col and “Laughed Last” (Col) (m.oJ. Opened today (Tues:). Last week, f‘B**t:-Thlhgs tfi Life” (2Gtli) and : ; 20 ),