Variety (October 1956)

Wednesday, October 31, 1956 P^A-KTETY PICTURE GROSSES B.O. BOXCAR FIGURES IN CHI LA Spotty; ‘Brave’ Brisk $12,000, ‘Odongo’ Mild 11G, ‘Giant’ Huge 42G, Things’ Oke 21G, ‘Killers’ 41G in 13 T’ TE1IF, Los Angeles, Oct. 30. - With the majority of newcomers failing to show much at the box- office, firstrun wicket pace is spotty this stanza. Best showing still is coming from “Giant,” where a smash $42,000 is anticapted in second session at the Chinese. “Brave One” looks best of new¬ comers, with a fine $12,000 likely in initial round at Four Star. “Best Things in Life Are Free” Is expecting an okay $21,000 in four situations. Reissue combo of “The Killers” and “Sleeping City” is not doing badly with $14,500 in three firstrun houses plus $26,500 in 10 nabe houses. Mild $11,000 is forecast for “Odongo’* - “Reprisal” combo in three locations. “War and Peace” still is hangup $12,000 in 10th week at Hollywood Paramount. “Tea and Sympathy” is rated fair $8,000 in fourth Pantages stanza. Estimates for This Week Four Star (UATC) (868; 90-$1.50) —“Brave One” (RKO). Fine $12,- 000. Last week, “Storm Center” (Col) (4th wlc-9 days), $2,000. Warner Downtown, Vogue, El Rey (SW-FWC) (1,757; 885; 861; 80- $1.25)—“Odongo” (Col) and “Re¬ prisal” (Col). Mild $11,000. Last week, D’Town with Iris, El Rey, “1984” (Col) and “Gamma People” (Col), $15,500 plus $30,200 in one nabe, six drive-ins. Los Angeles, New Fox, Ritz, Loyola (FWC) (2,097; 965; 1,363; 1,248; 90-$1.50)—“Best Things In Life” (20th) and “Magnificent Roughnecks” (AA)’ Okay $21,000. Last week, “Between Heaven, Hell” (20th) and "Navy Wife” (AA) $ 21 , 000 . Downtown Paramount (ABPT) (3,300; 85-$ 1.25)—“Swamp Women” (Indie) and “Gunslinger” (Indie). Light $8,500. Last week, with Vogue and Wiltem, “Toward Un- (Continued on page 17) ’Cad’ Solid $18,000, Ace Del Newcomer; ‘Rebel’ NG 8G, ‘Eternity’ Fair 12G Detroit, Oct. 30. Pace slackens a bit this stanza as newcomers fail to match strides with steady to sock holdovers. “Solid Gold Cadillac” shapes good at the Michigan, but “Back from Eternity” is unexciting at the Palms. “Rebel in Town” is rated slow at the Broadway-Capitol. “Seven Wonders of World” con¬ tinues socko in 12th week at the Music Hall. “Bad Seed” is big in fourth Madison session and “Tea and Sympathy” looks hot in third round at Adams. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5,000; $1- $1.25) — “Between Heaven and Hell” (20th) and “Stagecoach to Fury” (20th) (2d wk). Slow $13,- 000 in 5 days, Last week, $17,600. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; $1-$1.25)—“Solid Gold Cadillac” (Col) and “Strange Intruder” (AA). Good $18,000. Last week, “War and Peace” (Par) (4th wk), $14,000. Palms (UD) (2,961; $1-$1.25)— “Back from Eternity” (RKO) and “No Place to Hide” (RKO). NSH $12,000. Last week, “Toward Un¬ known” (WB) and “Canyon River” (Rep), $18,000 in 8 days. Madison . (UD) (1,900; $1-$1.25) —“Bad Seed”' (WB) (4th wk). Big $10,000. Last week, $13,500, Broadway-Capitol (UD) (3,500; $1-$1,25)—“Rebel in Town”' and “Hot Cars” (UA). Slow $9,000. Last week, “Beyong Reasonable Doubt” (RKO) and “First Traveling Sales¬ lady” (RKO), $8,000. United Artists (UA) (1,667; $1.25- $2.20)—“Oklahoma” (Magna). Okay $11,000 to wind 36-week run. Thea¬ tre currently dark, reopening Fri¬ day (2) with Cinemascope version of musical. Adams (Balaban) (1,700; $1-$1.25) —“Tea and Sympathy” (M-G) (3d wk). Hot $11,000. Last week, $14,700. Music Hall (Cinerama Produc¬ tions) (1,205; $l-$2.65)—“Seven Wonders” (Cinerama) (02th wk). Socko $33,000. Last week, $32,000. Krim (Krim) (1,000; $1.25)— •“Lust for Life,” (M-G) (6th wk). Fair $6,000. Last week, $7,800. Teenage’ Boffo 13G, Seattle; ‘Sex’ $9,000 Seattle, Oct. 30. Big news here currently is the terrific biz being racked up by "Teenage Rebel” at the Coliseum where it looks to top the pace set by “Man In Gray Flannel Suit.” “Opposite Sex” shapes fairly nice at Music Hall. “This Is Cinerama” continues fancy in 11th round at Paramount. “War and Peace” is great in second Fifth Avenue week. Estimates for This Week Coliseum (Evergreen) (1,870; 90- $1.25) — “Teenage Rebel” (20th). Great $13,000 or over. Last week, “Port Afrique” (Col) and “Chow Chow Boom” (Col), $5,500. Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) (2,- 500; $1-$1.50)—“War and Peace” (Par) (2d wk). Great $10,000. Last week, $13,700. Music Box (Hamrick) (850; 90- $1.25)—“Lust For Life” (M-G) (3d wk). Good $3,500. Last week, $5,300. Music Hall (Hamrick) (2,200; 90- $1.25)—“Opposite Sex” (M-G) and “Wilder Years” (M-G). Nice $9,- 000. Last week, “Bad Seed” (WB) (2d wk), $6,800. Orpheum (Hamrick) (2,700; 75- 95) — “Unguarded Moment” (U) and “Raw Edge” (U). Mild $5,000. Last week. “Toward Unknown” (WB) and “Amazon Trader” (WB) (2d wk-4 days), $4,600. Paramount (SW) <1,282; “ $1.20- $2.45)—"This is Cinerama” (Cine¬ rama) (11th week). Fine $13,700. Last week, $13,845. ‘Attack’Fast 13G, Pitt; ‘Peace’ 12G Pittsburgh, Oct. 30. Best thing in town this week looks like “Attack” at Stanley. It's the first winner this house has had in some time, and might have stayed except for fact that “Giant” has a locked booking to open to¬ morrow. “Private’s Progress” shapes up as a booming entry at Squirrel Hill art naber. “Unguard¬ ed Moment,” only other new one in town, i sdoing very nice at Ful¬ ton after being brought in at last minute. “Seven Wonders of World” still is smash in 28th Warner week. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 65-99)— “Unguarded Moment” (U). Esther Pulling up a bit with special pro¬ motions and approaching windup, run ending Nov. 24. Should edge over $7,000. Last week, $6,800. Penn (UA) (3,300; 99-$1.50)— “War and Peace” (Par) (3d wk). (Continued on page 17) ‘Eternity’ Tall $5,000, Omaha; ‘Peace’ 5£G, 2d Omaha, Oct. 30. Thanks to State Teachers con¬ vention here Over the weekend, biz is strong at the downtown first- runs. With school out, kids boomed the matinees considerably. Both new entries, “Back from Eternity” at the Brandeis and “Toward Un¬ known” at the Orpheum, are rated okay, former being standout. This looms as the windup week for both holdovers, “Opposite Sex” at the State and “War and Peace” at the Omaha. Estimates for This Week Brandeis (RKO) (1,000; 75-90)— “Back from Eternity” (RKO) and “Cha, Cha, Cha, Boom” (Col). Big $5,000. Last week, “Miami Expose” (Col) and “Storm Center” (Col), $3,000. Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 90- $1.25)—“War and Peace” (Par) (2d wk). Dropping to $5,500. Last week, $8,500. * Orpheum. (Tristates) (2,890; 75- 90) — “Toward Unknown” (WB). Okay $9,000, Last week, “Attack” (UA) and “Hot Cars” (UA), $10,000. State (Goldberg) (860; 75-90) — “Opposite Sex” (M-G) (2d wk). Good $4,000 after $6,900 bow. Chicago, Oct. 30. With new pix ranging from big to terrific, the Loop in current t stanza is loaded by great figures. Some of longruns have begun to taper, though many are still socko. “Giant” shapes spectacular $72,- 000 or near for first frame at the Chicago. The United Artists’ “Friendly Persuasion”- looks a great $38,000 in opener while “Op¬ posite Sex” looms stout $26,000 in same week at the Woods. “Between Heaven and Hell” is only rated mild at $23,000 in first Oriental round. Combo of “Odongo” and “Gamma People” should be okay with $17,000 in first Roosevelt round. “Power and Prize” looms sturdy $11,000 in opener at the Esquire. “The Kill¬ ers” and “Sleeping City” double bill of oldies should be good $9,000 in first Grand week. Twin bill of “Storm Center” and “Miami Expose” is holding well in second Monrde session. The State-Lake’s “War and Peace” is sturdy in fourth frame. “Lust for Life” continues healthy in same week at the Loop. “1984” is strong in fourth Surf stanza. “Proud and the Beautiful” stays dull in fourth at the World. “Oklahoma” is still good in 44th round at McVickers “Cinerama Holiday” shows a closing spurt and is plenty hefty in 71st week at the Palace. Estimates for This Week Carnegie (Telem’t) (480; 95)— “French Touch” (Indie) (3d wk). Hotsy $3,800. Last week, $4,000. Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 98-$1.80) —“Giant” (WB). Mighty $72,000 or near. Last week, “Solid Gold Cadillac” (Col) (3d wk), $26,000. Esquire (H&E Balaban) (1,400; $1.25)—“Power and Prize” (M-G). Strong $11,000. Last week, “The Mountain” (Par) (3d wk), $8,500. Grand (Indie) (1,200; 98-$1.25)— “The Killers” (U) and “Sleeping City” (U) (reissues). Okay $9,000. Last week, “Congo Crossing” (U) and “Showdown at Abilene” (U), $ 8 , 000 . Loop (Telem’t) (606; 90-$1.25)— “Lust for Life” (M-G) (4th wk). Nifty $9,500. Last week, $13,500. McVickers (JL&S) (1,580; $1.25- $3)—“Oklahoma” (Magna) (44th wk). Good $17,500. Last week, $18,000. Monroe (Indie) (1,000; 67-87)— “Storm Center” (Col) and “Miami Expose” (Col) (2d wk). Stout $5,500. Last week, $9,000. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 98-$1.25)! —“Between Heaven and Hell” (20th). Mild $23,000. Last week,* “Best Things in Life’ r (20th) (2d! wk), $23,000. i Palace (Indie) (1,484; $1.25-$3.40) —“Cinerama Holiday” (Cinerama) (71st wk). Socko $23,500. Last week, $24,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,400; 65-90)— “Odongo” (Col) and- “Gamma Peo¬ ple” (Col). Good $17,000. Last week, “It Conquered World” (In¬ die) and '“She-Creature” (Indie), $17,500. State-Lake (B&K) (2,400; 98- $1.25)—“War and Peace”* (Par) (4th wk). Stout $24,000. Last week, $34,000. Surf (H&E Balaba) (685; $1.25)— (1984” (Col) (4th wk). Neat $4,000. Last Week, $6,500. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 98- $1.25)—“F r i e n d 1 y Persuasion” (AA). Smash $38,000. Last week, “Tea and Sympathy” (M-G) (5th wk), $16,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,206; 98- $1.50)—“Opposite Sex” (M-G). Big $26,000. Last week, “High Society’ 1 (M-G) (8th wk),' $15,000. World (Indie) (430; 98)—“Proud and Beautiful” (Indie) (4th wk). Dull $2,800. Last week, $3,000. Ziegfcld (Davis) (430; 98)—“Wild Fruit” (UMPO) (2d wk). Light $3,400. Last week, $3,800*^ 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. B’way Off But ‘Caddy’ Gets to 37G, ‘Girl’ Good 32G, ‘Giant’ HOG, 2d, ‘80 Days’ 35G, 2d, Judy $56,700,5th [‘Gold"Cad’ Lively 12G, Buff; ‘Prize’ Light 7G Buffalo, Oct. 30. “Solid Gold Cadillac” looms as standout newcomer here this week. It is great at Lafayette. “The Mountain” is modest at Paramount while “Power and Prize” is light at the Buffalo. “Seven Wonders of World” continues socko in ninth session at the Teck. "Oklahoma” is credited, with perking up a v bit in 11th week at Century. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loew) (3,000; 60-85)— “Power and Prize” (M-G) and “Dance, Little Lady” (Indie). Dull $7,000 or near. Last week, “At¬ tack” (UA) and “Stagecoach to Fury” (Indie), $15,000. Paramount (Par) (3,000; 50-80)— “The Mountain” (Par) and “Search for Bridey Murphy” (Par). Moder¬ ate $10,000. Last week, “It Con¬ quered World” (AI) and “She- Creature” (AI), $12,000. Center (Par) (2,000; 50-801— “Johnny Belinda” (Par) and “Mil¬ dred Pierce” (Par) (reissues). Good $10,000. Last week, “Back from Eternity” (RKO), $12,000. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 50-80)— “Solid Gold Cadillac” (Col) and “Cha, Cha, Cha, Boom” (Col). Bright $12,000. Last wek, “Pillars of Sky” (U) and ‘Tve Lived Be¬ fore” (U) $7,500. Century (Buhawk) (1,400; $1.25- $2) — “Oklahoma” (Magna) (11th wk). Picked up to solid $13,000. Last week, $11,000. Teck (Cinema Products) (1,200; $1.20-$2.40) — “Seven Wonders of World” (Cinerama) (9th wk). Giant $19,000. Last week, $23,000. ‘Unknown Hep 9G, Prov.;‘Attack’11G Providence, Oct. 30. “Attack” at Loew’s State is lead¬ ing a fairly moderate session here currently. It’s not big, however. Majestic’s “Toward the Unknown” is actually a bit stronger. RKO Albee’s “The Boss” and Strand’s “Search for Bridey Murphy”. are both rated slow. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 60-85) — “The Boss” (UA) and “Strange Ad¬ venture” (Rep). Slow $4,000. Last week, “Unguarded Moment” (U) and “Showdown at Abilene” (U), $7,500. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 60-85) — “Toward the Unknown” (WB) and “Stagecoach to Fury” (20th). Healthy weekend helping to nice $9,000. Last week, “Best Things In Life” (20th) and “Queen of Baby¬ lon” (20th), $8,500. State (Loew) (3,200; 60-80) — “Attack” (UA) and “Hot Cars” (UA). Snappy $11,000. Last week, “Bandido” (UA) and “Three Bad Sisters” (UA), $10,000. . Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 60-80) — “Search For Bridey Murphy” (Par) and “1984” (Col). Slow $4,000. Last week, “War and Peace” (Par) (2d wk), $9,000. ‘Rock’ Rousing $12,000, D.C.; ‘Peace’ 14G, 5th Washington, Oct. 30. Despite four new entries, main- stem biz this session is uneven. “The Boss” at J^oew’s Columbia is average. “Tension at Table Rock,” however, is solid in two houses. “Back from Eternity” at RKO Keith's is only okay. End of runs for “War and Peace” at Capitol and “Tea and Sympathy” at Palace are naturally off. Estimates for This Week * Ambassador (SW) (1,490; 70-90) —“Tension at Table Rock” (RKO). Lively $5,000. Last wfeek, “Cry in Night” (W.B), $4,000. Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 90-$1.50) —“War and Peace” (Par) (5th-final wk). Solid $14,000 after $16,000 last week. Columbia (Loew) (1,174; 70-90)— “The Boss” (UA). Average $6,000. Last week, “Attack” (UA) (3d wk), (Continued on^age 17) y With the Presidential Election campaign roaring down to tire final lap, Broadway film business generally is taking it on the chin almost as badly as a defeated can¬ didate. .But there are exceptions, mainly among the new entries and recently launched pix. And, of course, almost as much to blame for the offish tone at ma'ny first- runs this stanza are the surplus of holdovers and adverse effect of summer-like weather. “Solid Gold Cadillac” shapes standout, with a terrific $37,000 in first session at the Victoria. “Girl He Left Behind” is giving the Paramount a nice lift, with a good $32,000 likely opening round. Also new, “Marcelino” landed a big $14,500 opening week at the arty Fine Arts. Greatest money showing is being made by “Giant” with stageshow at the Roxy. It is heading for a huge $110,000 in the third stanza, with a nine-week run now being talked about for the pic. “Around the World in 80 Days” still is capacity with $35,000 for second week at the Rivoli, for 10 shows. “Seven Wonders of World” con¬ tinues its amazing pace despite new two-a-day competition, wind¬ ing the 29th session at the Warner with $46,700. It is now in its 30th week. Judy Garland and allstar vaude bill finished fifth week at the Palace last night with a huge $56,700, session having more standees than a week ago. “Tea and Sympathy” with stage- show is winding its fifth (final) round today (Wed.) at the Music Hall with a fair $100,000 or near. “Friendly Persuasion” and new stageshow opens tomorrow (Thurs.). “War and Peace” completed its 10th week last night (Tues.) tfith an okay $27,000 at the Capitol. “Bad Seed” is nice $15,000 in seventh round at the Astor, now being in eighth week. “Between Heaven and Hell” is down to a mild $9,000 or near in current (3d) round at the State. “Death of Scoundrel” replaces next Monday. “Attack” is off, with a mild $10,- 500 probable in nine-day sixth week at the Mayfair. “Oklahoma” in C’Scope versihn preems at house Friday (2). “Lust for Life” still is great $18,500 for sixth week at Plaza. “La Strada” still great with $9,600 in 14th week at the Trans-Lux 52d Street. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 75-$2)— “Bad Seed” (WB) (8th wk). Sev¬ enth round ended last night (Tues.) was good $15,000 or near. Sixth was $20,000. Baronet (Reade) (430; $1.25- $1.80)—“Snow is Black” (Cont) (3d wk). Second week ended Sun¬ day (28) was solid $9,500. First was $10,300. Capitol (Loew) (4,820; $l-$2.50) —“War and Peace” (Par) (11th wk). The 10th round ended last night .(Tues.) was okay $27,000 or close. The ninth week was $30,000. Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$1.80) —“Marcelino” (UMPO)' (2d wk). Initial round finished Sunday (28) was big $14,500. In ahead, “Rififi” (UMPO) (20th wk-6 days), $5,500 but winding smash longrun. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70-$1.50) —“Pillars of Sky” (U) (3d-final wk). Looks to get oke $7,500, in¬ cluding coin from preview tomor¬ row (Thurs.). Second was $8,500. “Port Afrique” (Col) opens Friday (2) after preview tomorrow (Thurs.). Guild (Guild) (450; $1-$1.75)— “Private’s Progress” (DCA) (15th wk). The 14th stanza completed Monday (29) was solid $6,000 after $7,000 in 13th week. “Magnificent Seven” (Col) comes in Nov. 18. Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 79- $1.80) — “Attack” (UA) (6th-finaJ wk). Current week of 9 days, end¬ ing tomorrow (Thurs.), looks like fair $10,500 • for extended-week. Fifth regular week of seven day* was same. ‘‘Oklahoma” (20th), the C'Scope version, opens Friday (2). Normandie (Trans-Liix) (592; 95- $1.80)—“Storm Center” (Col) (2d wk). This frame finished Friday (2) looks to hit mild $3,500. First week was $8,000. “Storm” holds over two extra days to bring in “The Rack” (M-G) on Monday (5). Palace (RKO) (1,700; $1.80-$7.50) —Judy Garland and all-vaude bill (Continued on page 17)