Variety (February 1957)

pmmn 9 Wedubeodayf Febyuaiy 20, 1957 FICTTOE CROSSES EO^ 9«w CU; %uve’ Modest 17E ‘James’ FmelSG, ‘Baby’ Hot $17^, ‘10 C$’ Wham 44G, ‘Wonders’ 40G Chicago, Feb. 19. 4 Holdovers are making for a lukewarm week at most downtown houses. “3 Brave Men’* at the Ori¬ ental looks modest $17,000 in open¬ er. “True Story of Jesse James’' at the Grand may hit a resounding $15,000. ‘.‘Teahouse of August Moon” winds its 13th and final week at the Woods still okay. “Ten Com¬ mandments” at the McVickers ends its 13th week and “Seven Wonders of • World” the ninth frame at the Palace still doing sell¬ outs for midweek shows, “Over Exposed” and “Wicked as They Come’’ combo at the Monroe looks okay $6,000. “Wrong Man” looms mild in second United Art¬ ists week. “Great Man” Is holding -strong at the Esquire in it? second round. “Rock. Pretty Baby” shapes potent in second Roosevelt session. Most other holdovers are showing sag¬ ging muscles. “Full of Life” looms lo-so at the Chicago in third frame. Estimates for This Week Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 90-$1.50) —"Full of Life” <Col) (3d wk). So¬ so $18,000. Last week, $20,000. Esquire (H&E Balaban) (1,400; $1.25) — “Great. Man” (U); Lively $10,000. Last week, $13,000. I Grand (Indie) (1,200; 98-$1.25)— ! “True Story of Jesse James” (20th) and “Desperados Are In Town” (20th). BriUiant $15L000. Last week, “Star of India’' (UA) and “Peace Maker” (UA), $8,000 for nine days. Loop (Telem’t) (606; 90-$1.50)— “Brave One” (RKO) (4th wk). Trim $7,000. Last week,, $8,000. McVickers (JL&S) (1,580; $1.25$3.30) — “10 Commandments” (Par) (13th wk). Torrid $44,000. Last week, $41,000. Monroe (Indie) (1,000; 67-87)— “Over-Exposed” (Col) and “Wicked as They Come” (Col). Comfortable $6,000. Last week, “Rock, Rock, Rock” (DCA) and “Dynamiters” (Astor), $7,000. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; >90-$l. 25) — “3 Brave Men” (20th). Mildish $17,000. Last week, “Girl Can’t Help It” (20th) (3d wk). $12,000 in 4 days. Palace (SW Cinerama) (1,484; $1.25-$3.40) — “Seven Wonders” ((Cinerama) (9th wk). Wow $46,000. Last week, $47,000. Rooscveit (B8cK) (1,400;' 65-90)— “Rock, Pretty Baby” (U) and “Can¬ on River” (AA) (2d wk). Staunch $17,500. Last week, $20,500. State Lake (B&K) (2,400; 90$1.50)— “Iron Petticoat” (M-G) (3d wk). Tidy $18,000. Last week, $20,000. Surf (H&E Balaban) (685; $1.25) — “Simon and Laura” (U) (3d wk). Slender $2,700. Last week, $3fi00. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 90(Continued on page 16) ‘World’ Noisy $9,500 In L’ville;‘Wmd’Hotey6G, 4tli, ‘Slander’ Drab 4G Louisville, Feb. 19. New entries are not causing much stir on the main drag this week, but holdovers are sparking trade considerably, particularly “Written on Wind” at the Ken¬ tucky. Now in fourth stanza, it is still sock. “Top Secret Affair” at the Mary Anderson is doing nicely in second week. Rialto is doing okay with “Silent World.” “10 Commandments” opens Wednes¬ day at the Brown. Loew’s is drab with “Slander” and “Hot Summer Night.” ^ Estimates for This Week Brown (Fourth Ave.-U. A.) (1,00050-85) — “Casablanca” (Indie) and “Dark Passage” (Indie) (reissues). Slow $3,000. Last week, “Secrets of Life” (BV) (2d wk), $7,000. Kentucky (Switow) (1,000; 50-85) —"Written On Wind” (U) (4th wk). Going great guns with $6,000 cur¬ rently after sock $8,000 in third. Loew’s (United Artists) (3,000; 50-85)— “Slander” (M-G) and “Hot Summer Night” . (M-G). Drab $4,000. Last week, “Barretts Wimpole St.” (M-G), $5,000. Mary Anderson (People’s) (1,000; 50-85)— “Top Secret Affair” (WB) (2d wk). One of town’s bright spots, likely hep $6,000 after first Aveek’s $7,000. Rialto' (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; 50-85)— “Silent World” (Col) and “River Pirates” (BV). Good $9,500. Last week, “Gun For Coward" (U) and “Night Runner” (U). $9,000. 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. ‘lOCs’HogelSi;, KCr Triendly’ 13G Kansas City, Feb. 19. Big news currently is “10 Com¬ mandments” playing the Roxy on a two-a-day reserved seat basis. Opening on Thursday night with a benefit for B’nai Jehudah Temple, regular run starting with a $2 top Other new bills are "Wrong Man” at the Paramount and “Nightfall” at Midland, both doing mildly, lat¬ ter being especially dull. ^‘Friendly Persuasion” is giving good account of Itself In third week at Uptown and first week day-date in three other Fox Midwest houses. Weath¬ er turned cold over weekend. Estimates for This Week Apollo (Fox Midwest) (1,050; 7590) — Currently subsequent-run. Last week. “Rock, Pretty Baby” (U) and “The Night Runner” (U) (2d wk), nice $2,500. Esquire. Fairway. Granada (Fox Midwest) (820; 700; 1,217; 75-90)— “Friendly Persuasion” (AA). Spi'ead from the Uptown to these three spots; good $9,000. Last week, “3 Brave Men” (20th) and '““Black Whip” (20th), $8,000. Klmo (Dickinson) (504; 75-90)— “Rififi” (UMPO) (3d wk). Strong $1,800: stays. Last week. $2,200. Midland (Loew) (3,500: 60-80)— “Nightfall” (Col) and “Wicked as They Come” (Col). Dull $6,500. Last week, “Barretts Wlmpole Street” (M-G) and “Suicide Mis-! Sion” (Col), same. Missouri (SW-Cinerama) (1,194: $1.20-$2) — “This Is Cinerama” (Cinerama) (36th wk). Big $12,000, as end of run nears. Last week, $11,000. Paramount (UP) (1,900; 75-90) — “Wrong Man” (WB). Fair $7,000 in 9 days. Last week, “Big Land” (WB) f2d wk), $5,000 In 5 days. Rockhill (Little Art Theatres) (750; 75-90) — "Tempest In Flesh” (Indie) (2d wk). Fair $800. Last week, $1,200. Roxy (Durwood) (879; $1.25-$2) —“10 Commandments” (Par). On reserved seat, two-a-day policy. Big sendoff and good advance, with | great $15,000 in sight; holds. Last week, “Utah Blaine” (Col), $2,500 at 75c-90c scale. j Uptown (Fox Midwest) (2,043; j 75-90) — “Friendly Persuasion” (AA) (3d wk). Nifty $4,000. Last week, $7,000. ‘Brave’ Meek $8,500 In €incy;‘Wmd’Goodl2G, 2d, ‘Wonders’ 16G, 37th Cincinnati, Feb. 19. “3 Brave Men,” only new bill In this week’s downtown lineup, shapes fairish at the Palace. How¬ ever, general biz is continuing above par via strong holdovers. “Written on Wind” Is good in sec¬ ond frame at the Albee ana Keith’s “Anastasia” for third stanza Is nice. ! “10 Commandments,” in ninth week, and “Seven Wonders of World,” in 37th round, both are solid for third straight sessions. Estimates for This Week I Albee (RKO) (3,100; d0-$1.25)— I “Written on Wind” (U) (2d wk). i Good $12,000 after $16,000 kickoff. | Capitol (SW-Cinerama) (1,376; $1.20-$2.65) — “Seven Wonders” (SW) (37th wk). Holding at solid $16,000 tempo of last week. Grand (RKO) (1,400; $1.25-$2.65) — ^“10 Commandments” (Par) (9th wk). Sturdy $16,000. Last week, $16,500. Keith’s (Shot) (1,500; 75-$1.25)— “Anastasia” (20th) (3d wk). Hot $9,000 or near following $11,900 second round. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 75-$1.10)— “3 Brave Men” (20th). Fairish $8,500. Last week, “Rock, Pretty Baby” (U), $8,000. FAIR $5,000, OMAHA; ‘BRAVE’ 0K.4G Omaha, Feb. 19. Biz continues to lag at downtown first-runs despite terrific weather breaks. Best new entry Is “True Story of Jesse James” at the Om¬ aha which, aided by Robert Wag¬ ner’s in-person stint opening day (15), is fair. “Brave One” is okay at the Brandeis. “Drango” is be¬ low par at the Orpheum. “Tea¬ house of August Moon” continues good at the State in seventh ses¬ sion. Estimates for This Week Brandeis (RKO) (1,000; 75-90)— “Brave One” (U) and “Accused of Murder” (Rep). Okay $4,000 or near. Last week, “Top Secret Af¬ fair” (WB) and “Above Us Waves” (Rep), $3,800. Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 75-90) — “True Story Jesse James” (20th) and “R e t u r.n of Desperadoes” (20th). Fair $5,000. Last week, “Great. Man” (U), 6 days split with “Glenn Miller Story” (U) and “Thunder Bay” (U) (reissues), 2 days, $4,000. Orpheum (Tristates) (2,890; 7590)— “Drango” (UA) and “Oasis” (20th). Light $6,500. Last week, “Gun for Coward” (U) and “Night Runner” (U), $7,000. State (Goldberg) (860; 90-$1.25) — <i“Teahouse August Moon” (M-G) (7th wk). Still big at $5,000. Last week, $5,200. Mpis. OS Albeit ‘Wonders’ Big 15G Minneapolis, Feb. 19. 0 There’s nothing much in the way of fresh entries this week to en¬ liven the boxoffice. Linkup of new¬ comers, headed by “Barretts of Wimpole Street,” is the weakest for many sessions. Unusual situa¬ tion in this single feature town finds three of the loop eight houses, including the leading State and RKO Orpheum, playing twin bills. “Don’t Knock the Rock”“Rumble on the Docks” combo is getting teenager attention. Hold¬ overs continue nicely, particularly “Seven Wonders of World” at Cen¬ tury in 28th week,. and “Teahouse of August Moon” and “Anastasia” in their eighth rounds. Estimates for This Week Century (SW-Cinerama) (1,150; $1.75-$2.65) — “Seven Wonders” (Cinerama) (28th wk). Maintains its profitable pace unvaryingly. Big $15,000. Last week. $16,000. Gopher (Berger) (1,000; 90-$1.25) — “Teahouse” (M-G) (8th wk). Hefty $6,200. Last week, $6,000. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 85-90) — “Big Land” (WB) (m.o.). Here after a fair Radio City session. In for only 5 days as “10 Commandments” (Par) opens roadshow run Feb. 21. Okay $3,800. Last week, “Wild Party” (UA) and “Four Boys and Gun” (UA), $6,000. Radio City (Par) (4,100; 85-90)— “Barretts Wimpole Street” (M-G). Got off to good start via “sneak” showing of “The Rainmaker” (Par), as added pic, but faltering to tepid $7,000. Last week, “Big Land” (WB). $7,500. RKO Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 7590) — “Don’t Knock Rock” (Col) and “Rumble on Docks” (Col). Fair $8,000. Last week, “Gun for Cow¬ ard” (U), $7,000. RKO Pan (RKO) (1.800; 75-90)— “Crime of Passion” (UA) and “Huk” (UA). Moderate at $4,500. Last week, “Wrong Man” (WB) (2d wk), $4,500. State* (Par) (2,300; 85-90)— “Is¬ tanbul” (U) split with “Congo Crossing” (U) and “Day of Fury” (U). One of rare times this house ever has had a twin bill. Fair $7,000. Last week, “Slander” (M-G), $4,500 in 6 days. World (Mann) (400; 90-$1.25)— “Anastasia” (20th) (8th wk). Pros¬ perity still in full swing here. Booming $5,500. Last week, same. PORT. OFF; ‘DRANGO’ FAIR 7G,‘0KLA.’ SAME Portland, Ore., Feb. 19. First-run biz has hit the skids with product generally blamed. Cinemas got a break in the weather but it did not help. “Oklahoma” holds sturdy in 15th round at the Broadway. "Top Secret Affair” is just okay in second week^at the Fox. "Edge Of The City” looms neat at Guild. Both “Great Man” and “Nightfall” are not getting far among-newcomers. Same applies to “Drango.” Estipiates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (938; $1.50$2) — “Oklahoma” (Magna) {15th week). Steady $7,000 or over. Last week, $7,600. Fox (Evergreen), (1,536; $1-$1.50) (Continued on page 16) i To33a‘Li(e’32a‘(k)lifl4-K18i^ Jape‘Can’tHelp’45a‘Wiiig$’!)0a3d It’S a typical pre-holiday session at Broadway deluxers this week. About the only thing to save the Street from a sorry showing is the preeming of several newcomers which. are shaping up nicely. The weather has been comparatively favorable, but business generally is offish. Six first-run theatres are bringing in new bills this w.eek, many of them Friday, to take ad¬ vantage of the Washington’s Birth¬ day holiday, Feb. 22. “Battle Hymn” is heading for a nice $33,000 opening session at the Capitol. “Full of Life,” also new, hit a strong $32,500 opening round at the Astor. “Gold of Naples” wound its In-^ itial stanza at the Paris with a terrific $18,600, near the house’s best figure. “Baker’s Wife” teed ■off the Festival of French films auspiciously at the Baronet with a great $5,500 in five days. Second week of “Girl Can’t Help It” with stageshow is dropping to mild $45,000 at the Roxy, with “Oh, Men! Oh, Women!” and new stagebill replacing tomorrow (Thurs.), after only six days of cur¬ rent bill. “Wings of Eagles" with stageshow looks to be only mild $90,000 in third (final) week at the Music Hall. “Spirit of St. Louis” and new stageshow comes in tomorrow (Thurs.). “Three Violent People” looks okay $8,000 in six days of second round at the Globe. “Incredible j Shrinking Man” opens Friday (22). “Top Secret Affair” is down to $22,000 in 9 days of third frame at the Paramount where . “Don’t Knock the Rock” with Alan Freed and rock-’n-roll stageshow replaces also on Friday. “Baby Doll” finished its ninth stanza at the Victoria with a lofty $18,000 or close. “Wee Geordie” still was nice in 19th week at Lit¬ tle Carnegie. “Mister Cory” is another new en¬ try, opening Friday (22) at the Mayfair. Third week of “Iron Pet¬ ticoat” there is way off. “Edge of City” held with trim $16,000 in third session at the State. “Around World in 80 Days” was capacity $36,600 in 18th week (11 shows) at the Rivoli. The 19th week starts today. “10 Command¬ ments” is heading for near cap¬ acity $51,000 for 15 shows in 15th stanza at the Criterion. “Seven Wonders of World” climbed to great $46,200 in 45th session at the Warner, aided by a couple of ex¬ tra performances. Cinerama pro¬ duction now is in 46th week. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 75-$2)— “Full of Life” (Col) (2d wk). Initial week ended Monday (18) was fancy , $32,500. In ahead, “Rainmaker” I^Par) (9th week-5 days), $9,500. Little Carnegie (L. Carnegie) (550; $1.25-$1.80)— “Wee Geordie” (Arthur) (20th wk). The 19th ses¬ sion completed Sunday (17) was good $5,800. The 18th week was $5,600. Baronet (Reade) (430; $1.25 $1.80) — “Baker’s Wife” (Indie). Opened Feb. 15, doing great $5,500 or close in first 5 days. In ahead, “Don Giovanni” (Indie) dip¬ ped to $3,500 in final 4 days of eighth week. Capitol (Loew) 4,820; $l-$2.50)— “Battle Hymn” (U). Week ending tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to hit fine $33,000. Holding. In ahead, “Writ¬ ten on Wind” (U> (5th wk), $20,000, for a nice run. Criterion (Moss) (1,671; $1.80$3.30) — “10 Commandments” (Par) (15th wk). Current session finish¬ ing torAorrow (Thurs.) looks near¬ capacity $51,000, having dne less show than the 14th week which was $53,300 for 16. performances. Stays on, with upbeat of Feb. 22 figured to tilt takings. Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$1.80) —“Richard III” (Lopert) (4th wk). Third frame ended Sunday (17) was lively $7,500. The second was $7,800. “Lost Continent” (Indie) due in next, around March 11. 55th St. Playhouse (E-F) (300; $1.25-$1.50)— “Oedipus Rex” (Les¬ ser) (7th wk). The sixth stanza ended Sunday (17) held with fine $5,000. Fifth week was $5,200. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70-$1.50) — “3 Violent People” (Par) (2d wk). Current week of 6 days looks like okay $8,000, sans preview. First sjtanza was $11,000. “Shrinking Mrn” (U) opens Friday (22). Guild (Guild) (450; $1-$1.75)— “Albert Schweitzer” (Indie) (5th wk). The fourth round ended Sun¬ day (17) was mighty $15,000, same as third weeki Stays indef. Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 79-$1.80) “Iron Petticoat” (M-G) (3d wk). This stanza finishing tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to reach mild $9,000 or close. Second was $11,000. “Mister Cory” (U) opens Friday (22). Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; 95.$1,80) — “Rhapsody in Blue” (Indie) (reissue) (2d-final wk). Looks like light $2,000 in 6 days. First week was $3,500. “Cinderella” (BV) (re¬ issue) opens Friday (22). Paramount (ABC-Par) (3,665; $1$2)^“Top Secret Affair” (WB) (3dfinal wk). The session, being ex¬ tended through today and Thurs¬ day to open new show Feb. 22 (Fri.), looks like mild $22,000 in 9 days. “Don’t Knock Rock” (Col) and Alan Freed aiid rock-’n'-roll stageshow opens Friday (22). Paris (Pathe Cinema) (568; 90$1.80) — “Gold of Naples” (Indie) (2d wk). First week winding up Sunday (17) was terrific $18,600, near best mark at this house. Stays on, naturally. Plaza (Brecher) (525; $1.50-$2)— “Lust For Life” (M-G) (23d wk). The 22d stanza ended Monday (18) was torrid $10,200. The 21st week was $10,400. Stays. Ra^o City Music Hall (Rockefel¬ lers) (6,200; 95;$2.85)— “Wings of Eagles” (M-G) and stageshow (3'dfinal wk). This session finishing today (Wed.) looks to reach mild $90,000. Second was $110,000. “Spirit of St. Louis” (WB) and new stageshow opens tomorrow (Thiurs.). Rivoli (UAT) (1,545; $1.25-$3.50) — “Around World in 80 Days” (UA) (19th wk). The 18th round ended last night (Tues.) was capacity $36,600 for 11 shows or one less than ill 17th week. The 17th week (12 shows), was $39,500. Current week will have two extra shows on Feb. 22, morning and afternoon, with the latter long sold out and tha a.m. performance virtually a sell¬ out currently. Roxy (Nat’l. Th.) (5,717; ^$1.25$2.50)— “Girl Can't Help It” (20th) with stageshow (2d-final wk). This stanza ending today (Wed.) looks like .mild $45,000 for 6 days. The first week hit $67,500. “Oh Menl Oh Women!” (20th) and new stageshow opens tomorrow (Thurs.). State (Loew) (3,450; 78-$1.75) — “Edge of City” (M-G) (4th wk). Third week ended Monday (18) was trim $16,500. Second was $18,000. Sutton (R&B) (561; 95-$1.75) — “Great Man” (U) (8th wk). Seventh session' ended Monday (18) was okay $11,000. The sixth was $10,500. Trans-Lux 52nd St. (T-L) (540: $1=$1.50)— “La Strada” (T-L) (32d wk). The 31st round completed (Continued on page 16) ‘IOC’s’ New High $27,500, Denven ‘Hpin’ Huge 21G, ‘Wild’ lOG, ‘Wagons’ 8G Denver, Feb. 19. Four-year record at Denham is being smashed this session by “10 Commandments” with a mighty take. It stays on. “Battle Hymn,” playing at the smaller Centre, also is terrific and nearly as big com| paratively and with a lower scale; “Hymn” also continues. “Westward Ho, the Wagons” improved over previous round and stays a fifth at the Aladdin. “Barretts of Wlmpolo Street” is poor at Orpheum. Estimates' for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 70-90)— “Westward Ho Wagons” (BV) (4th wk). Big $8,000. Stays. Last week, $6,500. Centre (Fox) (1,247; 70-$1.25)— “Battle Hymn” (U). Terrific $21r 000 and stays on. Last week, “Wrong Man” (WB) (2d wk), $11,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1,428; 90$2.20) — “10 Commandments” (Par), Broke four-year record here with mighty $27,500. Holding. Last week, “Bundle of Joy” (RKO) (3d wk), $5,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 70-90) — “Gun for Coward” (U) and “Night Number” (U). Fair $9,500. Last weeh^ “Three Brave* Men” (20th) and “Black Whip” (20th), $10,500. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 70-90) — “Barretts of Wimpole Street” (M-G) and “Accused of Murder” (Rep). Poor $6,000 or less. Last week, “Slander” (M-G) and “Great American Pastime” (M-(5), $6,500. Paramount (Wolfberg) (2,200; 7090)— “Wild Party” (UA) and “Four Boys and Gun” (UA), Fair $10,000, Last week, “Top Secret" Affair” (WB) and “Peacemaker” (UA)» $15,000. ,