Variety (April 1957)

PICTURE CROSSES PGasmft Wednesday, April 3, 1957 Awards Hypo Two Oscared Films In PhiDy; ‘80 Days’ Huge 21G, 14th, ‘IOC’s’ Crisp 20G, 19th, Dress’ 9G Philadelphia, April 2. Academy awards are proving a shot-in-arm for first-runs with pix that were cited. Lohe disappoint¬ ment was “Giant,” which is dull on return date to the Stanley. “Around World in 80 Days”, spared to a terrific total in 14th session on award as yearns best pic while “10 Commandments” perked to a mighty take in 19th Randolph week. “Seven Wonders of World” also climbed to a big take in 49th round at the Boyd. Best second-weeker is “Tattered Dress,” rated good at Goldman. “Incredible Shrinking Man” is not holding to its initial week’s terrific gait but still okay in sec¬ ond at the Fox. Estimates for This Week > Arcadia (S&S) (526; 99-$1.80)— “Rainmaker” (Par) (3d wk). Okay $9,500. Last week, $11,000. Boyd (SW-Cinerama) (1,430; $1.25-$2.60) — “Seven Wonders” (Cinerama) (49th wk). Perked to $10,500, big. Last week, $8,300. . Fox (20th) (2,250; 55-$1.80)— “Shrinking Man” (U) (2d wk). Off to oke $10,000. Last week, $20,0Q0. Goldman (Goldman) (1,250; 65- $1.35)—“Tattered Dress” (U) (2d wk). Good $9,000. Last week, $14,000. . Green Hill (Serena) ' (750; 75- $1.25)—“Baby and Battleship” (In¬ die) (5th wk). Fair $2,300. Last week, $2,900. House closed Sun¬ days. Mastbaum (SW) (4,370; 90-$1.49) —“Attack of Crab Monsters” (In¬ die) and “Not of This Earth” (In¬ die). Mild $14,000. Last week, “Notorious Mister Cory” (U), $9,500. Midtown ^Goldman) (1,000; $2- $2.75)—“Around World in 80 Days” (UA) (14th wk). Climbed to terrific $21,000. Last week, $17,000.- Randolph (Goldman) (2,250; $1.40-$2.75)—“10 Commandments” (Par) (19th wk). Mighty $20,000. Last week, $18,000. Stanley (SW) (2,900; 99-$1.49)— “Giant” (WB). On return date, puny $7,000. Last week, “Gun for Coward” (U) and “Kelly and Me” (U), $9,000. Stanton (SW) (1,483; 99-$1.49)— “Wicked As They Come” (Col) and “Utah Blaine” (Col). Par $7,300, Last WJfeek. “Hot Summer -Night” (M-G) 3 ad “Fear Strikes Out” (Par), $7,000. .Studio •(.Goldberg) .(400; 94-$1.49) —“La Strada” (T-L) (3d wk). Great $5,300. Last week, $5,800. Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 99-$1.80) —“Anastasia” (20th) (14th wk). Boffo $10J500. Last week, $8,700. Viking (Sley) (1,000; 75-$1.40)— “Three Brave Men” (20th) (2d wk). Weak $6,000. Last week, $7,500. World (Pathe) (499; 99-$1.49)— “Gold ~ef Naples” (DCA) (2d wk). Brisk $4,000. Lajst week, $6,000. H.0.S Bolster Pitt Biz; n’ Smash $14,000, IOC’s’Boffo 211G,3d . Pittsburgh, April-2. While “10 Commandments” con¬ tinues to build at Warner, “Heaven Knows, Mr* Allison” is the only other pic ihakirig much noise downtown this week. “10,000 Bed¬ rooms” is doing nothing at the Penn and' return of “Giant” to Stanley "is- disappointing. “Battle Hymn” winding up at Fulton, with a respectable fifth stanza and the two arty houses. Squirrel .Hill with “Full of Life” and Guild with “Wee Geordie,” bath remain in the chips. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 80-$1.25)— “Battle Hymn” (U) (5th wk). Go¬ ing out at around $ 6 , 000 , okay. Weekends have been terrific right along. Last week, $8,000. Rock Hudson starrer will wind up with nearly $55,000 on the run, tremen¬ dous for this house. Guild (Green) (85-99) — “Wee Geordie” (Indie) (11th wk). Equal¬ ling previous run record held by “Green Scarf” (Indie), and should be good for maybe another fort¬ night. Has already cracked money attendance record. Holding steady now around $ 2,200 mai% having picked up a bit recently. Hasn’t dropped below the $ 2,000 mark yet, okay at nabe smallseater. . Harris (Harris) (2,165; 80-$1.25) —“Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison” (20th) (2d wk). Another big win¬ ner and shooting for sock $14,000 this session after $16,000 last week. Figures to stick around at least a month and on top of recent weeks (Continued on page 20 ) Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross ' This Week.. ..$575,200 (Based on 25 theatres) Last Year .. .*.$804,300 {Based on 24 theatres) i i . • nir* > Anastasia - King Solid 10G, L’ville Louisville, April 2. Holdovers are still catching audience. attention currently. The Brown’s “10 Commandments” in sixth week is stout. “Rebel With¬ out Cause” and “East of Eden” combo still is big in second round. Booking of “King, and I” and “An¬ astasia” on return ruif at the Rial¬ to, coincidental with the Oscar awards was timely, with solid week likely. “10,000 Bedrooms” at Loew’s is drab. “Friendly Persua¬ sion” af the Kentucky looks good. Estimates for This Week Brpwn (Fourth Ave.-U.A.) (1,000; $1.25-$2) — “10' Commandments” (Par) ( 6 th wk). Slackening some but still solid at $8,000. Last week. $9,000. Kentucky (Switow) (1,000; 50-85) — “Friendly Persuasion” (AA). Mainstems only single bill, looks good $7,000. Last week, “Great Man” (U) and “Istanbul” (U), $5,000. Loew’s (United Artists) (3,000; 50-85)—“10,000 Bedrooms” (M-G) and “Wicked as they Come” (Col). Dull $5,500. Last week, “Men In War” (UA) and “Fort Laramie” (Col); $10,000. ‘‘ , Mary Anderson (People’s) (1,000:1 50-85) — “Rebel Without Cause” (WB) and “East of Eden” (WB) (2d wk) (reissues). Holding at big $7,000. Last week, $8,500. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; 50-85)—“King and I” (20th) and “Anastasia” (20th).. Oscar winners on return run shape solid $ 10 , 000 . Last week, “Mister Cory” (U) and “Accused of Murder” (Rep), $9,000. ‘80 DAYS’WHAM 24G, DET.; ‘WONDERS’ 2iG Detroit, 'April 2. Downtown biz is slowing appre¬ ciably this week with pre-Easter doldrums setting in. “Full of Life” is dull at the Michigan. “Rain¬ maker” shapes dry at the Palms. “Slander” looks uninteresting at the Adams. However, there are a few bright spots notably “Around World in 80 Days” which gets a boost from Academy Award in 14th week at United Artists and “10 Commandments” which stays great in 19th round at the Madison. “Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison” shapes big in second session at the Fox. KSeven Wonders of World” also is up to fancy take in 42d Music Hall week. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5,000; 90- $1.25)—-“Heaven Knows, Mr. Alli¬ son” (20th) and “Storm Rider” (20th) (2d wk). Big $23,000 or near. Last week, $29,600. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; ; ! (G 6 ntlnuechon> , p’age 20) *• ‘GIANT’ ROUSING 12G, CLEVE.;‘EDGE’DITTO Cleveland, April 2. Not much activity at local'box- offices in current round, with a very spotty setup generally,~“Riv- er’s .Edge” is rated just good at Hipp while return date of “Giant” looks okay at. Allen “10 Command¬ ments” still is great in 20 th session at the Ohio. “Brave One” looms light v at Stillman. Estimates for This Week Allen (S-W) (3,000; 70-$l) — “Giant” (WB) (reissue). Okay $12,- 000. Last week, “FUU of Life” (Col), $12,500, Hipp (Telem't) (3,700; 70-$l) — “River’s Edge” (20th). Good $12,- 000. Last week, “Incredible Shrink¬ ing Man” .(U), $18,000. Ohio (Loew) (1,244; $1.25-$2.40) —“10 Commandments” (Par) (20th -wk). Great - $14,000. Last week, $14,200., ’’ Palace , (SW - Cinerama) (1,485; $1.25-$2.40) — “This is Cinerama” (Cinerama) (20th wk). Smart $17,- 500. Last week, $18,100. State (Loew) (3,500; 70-90) — “True Story of Jesse James” (20th). Fair $11,000 or near. Last week, “10,000 Bedrooms” -tM-G), $ 10 , 000 . Stillman (Loew) (2,700; 70-90) >- “Brave . One” (RKO-U). Light $6,000. Last week, “Fear Strikes Out” (Par), $5,000. i Mpls. Mild; Tans’ Slow 6G, ‘Allison’ Boff llG, ‘Wonders’ Big 14G, 34th Minneapolis, April 2 . Holdovers once more predomi¬ nate and loop newcomers are limit¬ ed to only three new bills, none do¬ ing much. Among the arrivals are the return of two James Dean old¬ ies, “Rebel Without a Cause” and “East of Eden,” barely fair at State. “Paris Does Strange Things” shapes slow at Orpheum. “Albert Schweitzer” appears to have limit¬ ed appeal. Otherwise," if’s the 34th week for “Seven Wonders of the World” and sixth for “10 Com¬ mandments,’’ both still big. Third for “Shrinking Man” is okay while second for “Heaven Knows, Mr. Al¬ lison” is hdfty at Radio City. Estimates for This Week Century .(SW-Cinerama). (1,150; $1.75-$2.65) — “Seven' Wonders” (Cinerama) 734th Wk). In; its eighth month this one still is maintaining a pace; Great $14,- 000. Last week, $14,500. Gopher (Berger) (1,000; 85-90)— “Irori Petticoat” (M-G) (2d wk). Winding up at satisfactory $4,500. Last week, $6,800, Lyric (Par)’ (1,000; $1.25-$2.25)— “10 Commandments” (Par) ( 6 th wk). Lively $9,000. Last week; $9,500. Radio City (Par) (4,100; 85-90)— “Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison” ( 20 th) ( 2 d wk). Has been recipi¬ ent of much praise. Sock $11,000. Last week, $15,000. / RKO Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 75- 90)—“Paris Does Strange Things” (WB) Despite cast presence of In¬ grid Bergman, this is light $6,000. Last week, "Brave One” (U), $6,800. RKO Pan (RKO) (1,800; .75-90)— “Shrinking Man” (U) (3d wk). Has done a good boxoffice Job. Okay $4,000. Last week, $4,500. State (Par) (2,300; 85-90)—“Re-| bel Without Cause” (WB) an<* “East of Eden” (WB) (reissues,. Lofty $8,000. Last, week, “Men inf War” (UA) (2d wk;), $7,000. World (Mann) (400; 85-$1.2&K- “Albert Schweiterz” (Indie). Mttcfc praise for this, but looks only mod¬ est. $4,000. Fast week, “Woman, of Rome'MDCA); $4,800. , Dress’ Slick 18G, Alfison’ 23G, 2d Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week .,..$2,539,709 {Based on 23 cities and 247 theatre s, chiefly first runs', in - •eluding N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year ........ $2,998,200 {Based on 21 cities and 206 theatres J 'Allison Great $12,000, Indpls. Indianapolis, April 2. Biz is generally moderate here this stanza, with “Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison” at the Indiana the real exception. It’s big to lead city.' Circle also is doing well with hot academy paip, “King and I” and' “Anastasia,” playing return dates on. double bill. “Don’t Knock the Rock” failed to do much at Loew’s. “10 Commandments” is holding up socko in ninth week at Lyric. Estimates for This" Week Circle (Cockrill-Dolle) (2,800; 60- 85)—“King and I” (20th) and “An¬ astasia” (20th) (return dates). Fine $9,000, hypoed by Oscar publicity. Last week. “Incredible Shrinking Man” (U) and “Night Runner” (U), $ 10 , 000 . Indiana (C-D) (3,200; 60-85) — “Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison” (20th). Great $12,000. Last week, “True, Story James” (20th) and “Women Pitcairn Island” (20th), $7,000. Loew's (Loew) (2,427; 60-85) — “Don’t Knock Rock” (Col) .and “Rumble on the DockS” (Col). Sluggish $6,000. Last week, “10,- 000 Bedrooms”' (M-G) and “Toma¬ hawk Trail” (UA), $6,500. Lyric (C-D) (900; $1.25-$2.20)— “10- Commandments” (Par)' (9th wk). Smash $15,000, .same as last' stanza. ‘Allison’ Sockeroo 28G, Toronto; ‘Paris’ $15,000, ‘Hymn’ Lively 22G, 2d Toronto, April 2. . On weekend tumaway ' biz, “Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison’* and “True Story of Jesse James” are off to lusty, starts, -with “Paris- Does Strange Things” also hep among newcomers. “Allison” is the .real blockbuster. “Battle Hymn” in second stanza, is still’terrific. Biz throughout city is good, with little weekly change in holdovers, as' “The Green Man” and “Invitation to Dance,” both in second stanzas.. “10 Commandments” in 19th stan¬ za shapes finer Estimates for This Week Carlton, Colony, Fairlawn (Rank) (2,516; 839; 1,165; 60-$!)—''‘Heaven i’ Lofty $17,000, ‘Wonders’ Sock 13^G. 43d -Cincinnati, April 2. Three new bills, topped by “Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison,” which is lofty at the flagship Al- bee, and upsurge of two-a-days are bulging the downtown total this week. “Allison” will hold over. “River’s Edge” shapes as a win¬ ning marker for the Palace. “The Great Man”, shapes okay at Keith’s, Improvement looms this round in runs of “Seven Wonders of World,” sock in 43d week, and “10 Com¬ mandments,” solid in 15th stanza. Annual Syrian Shrine Circus, in Cincy Garden for six days ending _ Saturday, does not appear to be r$6,0Q0. hurting film biz. • Estimates for This Week Alhee (RKO) (3,100; 90-$1.25)— “Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison” (20th). Tall $17,000. Holds for second- week.- Last week, “Wings of Eagles” (M-G), $11,000. . Capitol (SW-Cinerama) (1,376; $1.20-$2.65) — “Seven Wonders of World” ‘ (Cinerama) (43d wk). Looks like smash $13,500, and big lift from last week’s $ 12 , 000 , which slowed up by last half’s bad weather spell. Grand (RKO) (1,400; $1.25-$2.25) —“10 Commandments” (Par) (15th wk). School groups helping to solid $11,500, ahead of $10,000 in 14th frame. Keith's (ShOr) (1,500; 75-$1.25)— “The Great Man” • (U). Okay .List week, “Full of Life’’ (Col) $7,300. PaUM MKO\(2,600; 75-$1.10)— “Riviif ^dgV* X20th). .Good (UA), Last week, “Full of L$f*K I(2d wk), $14,000. itiiry, Downtown, .0] >wn, Oak wood, O* State (Taylor) (I 1,089; 1,393; 755; 604? 50 - . -“Istanbul” (U) and Please iMurder Me”' (Astral).- Mild $17,- 000. Last week, “Big Land” (WB) and “Good-Bye; My Lady” (WB), $24,000. Christie, Hyland (Rank) (877; 1,357; $ 1 )—“Great Man” CU) (3d wk). Satisfactory $5,500, Last, week, $ 8 , 000 . Hollywood,' Palace, Runnymede (FP) (1,709; 1,486; U385; 60-75)— “Paris Does Strange Things” (WB). Okay $15,000. Last week, “Top Se¬ cret Affair” (WB>; $16,500. Imperial (FP) (3,344; 60-$1.10)— “True Story Jesse James” (20th). Fine $15,000. Last week. “Rain¬ maker” (Par) (2d wk), $9,500. International (Taylor) (557; .Jfcl) •—“Green Man” (IFD) (2d wk). Wow $4,500. Last week. same. Loew’s, Uptown (Loew) (2,096; 2.098; ; 7‘5-$1.25) — “Battle Hymn” (U) (2d wk). Big $22,000.' Last week, $30,500. Tivoli (FP). (995:. $1.50-$2)—“Ok¬ lahoma” (Magna) (49th wk). Steady $8,500, with turnaway weekend biz.' Last week, ditto. Towne-(Taylor) (1,080; $1)—“In¬ vitation to Dance” (M-G) (2d wk). Fine $4,500. Xast week, $6ftJ00. University (FP) (1,536; $1.75- $2.50)—“10 Commandments” (Par) (19th wk)* Okay $9,000, Last week, •aihe. Boston, April 2 Hub biz .holding just okay with little new product around. Only two new arrivals “ 10,000 Bed¬ rooms,” shaping lofty at State and OrpheUm, and “Tattered Dress” slick, at the Memorial. Holdovers predominate: Paramount and Fen¬ way dropped to seccmd-runs with “Giant.” The Saxon brought back “Oklahoma” to fill in until “Around World in 60 Days” opens April- 20 . “10 Commandments” leads the holdovers in 20 th frame at the Astor. “Seven Wonders” is holding great in 32d week at the Boston. “Heaven Knows, Mr. Alii* son” is- smash in second time around at Met. “Wee Geordie” is fihe at the Exeter in third. Estimates for This Week Astor (B&Q) (1,372; $1.90-$2.75) —“10 Commandments” (Par) (20th wk). Nifty $20,000. Last week, same. Boston (SWrCinerama) (1,354; $1.25-$2.65)-“Seven. .Wonders” (Cinerama) (32d wk). Stout $18,700. Last week, $18^000. Exeter (Indie) .(1,200; 60-$ 1.25)— “Wee Geordie” (Indie) (4th wk), Third week ended Saturday (30) was slick $14*000. Last week, ???? •Fenway (NET) (1,373; 60-$1.10) —Return run of “Giant” (WB), Okay $5,000. Last week, "Fear Strikes Out” (Par) and “Affair in Reno” (Rep), same. Kenmore (Indie) (700; 85-$1.25) —“Proud and- Beautiful” (Indie), (4th wk). Oke $4,5Q0. Last week, $5,000. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 60-90)-^ “Tattered Dress” (U) and “Gun Man Down” (UA). Big $18,000 or near. • Last week, “Rock Pretty Baby” (U) and “Duel at Apache Wells” (Indie), $13,000. -Metropolitan (NET) (4,357; 90* $1.25)—“Heaven Knows, Mr. Alli¬ son” (20th) (2d.wk), Hot§y $23,000 Last week, $32,000, over hopes. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 60* $1.10)—Rerun of “Giant” (WB), Oke $12,000. Last week, “Fear Strikes Out”- (Par) and “Affair in Reno” (Rep), $10,000, way below hopes. Pilgrim (ATC) (1,000; 65-95)— “Zombies of Mora Tau” (Col) and “Man Who Turned to Stone” (Col) (2d wk). Good $6,000. Last week, $ 10 , 000 . Saxon (Saxon) (1,100; $1.50-$2.20) —“Oklahoma” (Magna). Returned to fill in briefly. Nice-$10,000. Last week, “Rainmaker” (Par) ( 6 th wk), $ 6 , 000 . Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 90-$1.25) —“10,000 Bedrooms” (M-G) and “Daniel Boone Trail Blazer” (Rep). Okay $12,000. Last week, “Full of Life” (Col) and “Ride High Iron” (Col), $13,000. State (Loew) . (3,600; 90-$1.25)- “10,000 Bedrooms” *. (M-G) and “Boone Trail Blazer” (Rep). Fair $8,000 or less. Last week, “Full of Life” (Col) and “Ride High Iron” (Col), $9,000, • ‘DRESS’ LOUD $12,000, PORT.;‘IOC’S’ 18G,4TH Portland, Ore., April 2 . Holdovers and oldies are doing |>fcst this round. “10 Command- nipnft” lo * hpffu f >ws, Mr. Allison” (20th). Wham^ents” is‘hefty Jn fourth Para- — - ’ mount round three big ones. "Mr. ^^Ilison” stays bigtfor second week the Fox. “Tattered Dress” is lusty at the Broadway to pace new¬ comers. “King and I” with “Ana¬ stasia” is only so-so at Orpheum oil return run. - Estimates for Thi# Week Broadway (Parker) (1,890; 90* $1.25)—“Tattered iDress” (U) and- “Light Touch”. (U).. Loud $12,000; or.over.. Last Week, (938; $1.50-$2) —“Oklahoma” (Magna) ( 20 th wk)/ hard seat sale, two a day With ex¬ tra matinee qn weekends. In¬ creased $9,200 after fantastic run. Fox (Evergreen) (1,536; $1-$1.50). —-“Heaven Knows, Mr. Albs* 511 , (20th) and “Quiet Gun” ( 20 th) (2d. wk). Big - $10,000. Last week,' $13,200. Guild (Indie) Q400; $1.25)—“In*] vitation To Dance” (M-G) (2d wlc)*- Modest $2,000. Last week, $ 2 , 700 . ( Liberty (Hamrick) (1,890; 90- $1.25)—“Mister Cory” (U) and- “Kelly and Me.” (U). Drab $5,000.' Last week* “Shrinking Man” fJJ) and “Tomahawk* Trail” (UA). $7,700. Orpheum (Evergreen) (1,600; $1; $i:25)—“King and > I” (20th) and ** A Vi a cf a ci a ” _ B ( Anastasia 7 ’ (20th). Return dates for both. So-so $7,000. Last week, “Rebel Without Cause” (WB) and- “East of Eden” (WB) (reissues), $6,800. „ Paramount’' (Port-Par) ( 3 , 4 O 0 | $1.50-$2) — “10 Commandments (Par) (4th wk), on two-a-daj. Hefty $18,000. Last Week, $19,200 after $49,100 in first two.