Variety (October 1958)

Wednesday, October l d 1958 UfcuUTt PICTURE GROSSES NEW PRODUCT PERKS UP CHI •---:--- *-'■ ■ - -- : --—---— 1H.0.S HamperB’way; Yankees Plus Stage Boff $97,000, Defiant’ Giant 39G, 'Cat’ Rousing $158,000 in 2d LA. in Nosedive But Yankees Fine 19G; Tiger So-So $14,500, ‘Cat’ Brisk 14G, 5th, Days Wow W/fi for 93d Los Angeles, Sept. 30. < L.A. firstnins are taking a nose¬ dive this session, 'with outlook for the smallest coin take in many ! months. “Damn Yankees” shape# fairly brisk $19,000 in three houses. “Harry Black and Tiger” looks only so-so $14,500 for four situations. “Badlanders” is just fair With $11,000 for three houses. Splurge of reissues also is con¬ tributing to the offish showing this week. “Cat on Hot Tin Roof" still is strong at $14,000 in fifth stanza at Fox Wilshire. “Big Country? shapes steady in sixth round at Warner Beverly. On hard-ticket front, “South Pacific” looks tall $17,400 In 17th S eek at Egyptian, “Windjammer” solid $17,000 for 25th round at Chinese, “Gigi” looks strong $17/- 000 in 12th Hollywood Paramount stanza while “Around World in 80 Days” is smash $14,500 in 92d<ses-. sion at. Carthay. "Seven Wonders of World” wound 66-week run Sun¬ day (28) with sockeroo $35,700 in- final eight days. “South Seas Ad¬ venture* replaces at Warner Holly¬ wood Oct. 1. Estimates for This Week Hawaii, State, Rite (G&S-UATC- FWC) (1,106; 2,404;1,320{ 90*1.50) —“Badlanders” (M-G), “Lady Godiva Rides Again” (Stern) (Ha¬ waii, State), “Kathy O* ” (U) (M.O.) (Bits). Fair $11,000. Last week, Hawaii . with .HUlstreefc “Ride Crooked Mile” (U), “Kathy O’” (U), $6,000. State, “Andy Hardy Cornea Home” (M-G), “Tarzan’s Fight for Life” (M-G) (2d wk), $2,400. Bits .with Los Angeles, Loyola, Hew. Fox, “Night Heaven Fell” (Kings), “She Played With Fire” (Col), $15,000. * Paatages, Los Angeles, Loyola, Uptown (RKO-FWC) (2,815; 2,007; 1496; 1,715; 90-$1.50> — “Harry mackand the Tiger” (20th) and “Showdown at Boot Hill” (20th). So-oo $14400 or near. Last week Pantages. “Man in Gray Flannel Suit” (20th), “There's No Business Like Show Business” (20th) (ro- Issues), $1,900. Uptown with Down¬ town, Iris, “Mating Urge” (Indie), “Naked in Sun” (Indie), $10,500. Downtown Paramo not. Wfltet, Yocno (ABPT-SW-FWC) - (3,600; 1344; 826; -904150), — “Damn Yankees” (WB) and “Hondo” (WB) (retesuo, D’n Par only). .Brisk $19,000 or near. Last week, “Wind Afcrooe Rvergladea” (WBV $13,100. HUUmf (RKO) (2,752; W41.50) —“Creatures of Jungle” (Indie) and “Boast of Paradise Isle^ (Indie) (retesues>. SUm $2,700. OrphoCT. Hollywood (Mel t*n-FWC) (2413; 756; 90-$ c Trapi»” (UA) and “Vem Crus” (UA) (reissues). Dim $5,860. List Week, "Hell Drivers” (Rank), “Rob¬ bery Under Arms” (Rank). $4,700. Downtown (SW) (1,737; 904140) —“Don’t Go Near Water” (M-G) and “Operation Mad Ball” (Col) (reissues). Slight $2,700. v Me .(FWC) (825; 904140) — “Meting Urge” (Indie) (2d wkX and “Wind Acroa# Everglades” (WB) (M.O.) (1st wk). Light $2,400. New F#x (FWC) (765; 9041.$0>— “Night Heaven Fell” (Kinga) (2d wk) and. “Mile. Striptease” (Indie) (reissue). Qke $3,000. i Few Star (UATG) (868; 9041 SO) — Streetcar Named Desire” (20th) (reissue) (2d wk); Lusty $3,100. jLast week, $9,400. ' Fen Wltehlre (FWC) (2496; 90- 140)—“Cat On Hot Tin Roof” Jth wk). Strong $14,000. Last Week $15,100. F« Beverly (FWC) (1,170; $140- $2)—“Reluctant Debutante” (M-G) (6th wkX Perky $5,000/Last week^ $7,400. •' ' ‘ Warner Beverly (SW) (1,612; $1.25-$2) — “Big Country” (UA) (6th wk). Nice $2,800. Last week, $3,300. . Hollywood Paramount (F&M) (1,468; $1.65-$3) — “Gigi” (M-G) (12th wk). Strong $17,000. Last Week, ditto. Egyptian (UATC) (1,392; $1.65- $3.30) — “South Pacific” (20th) (17th wk). Tall $17,400. Last week,. $17,000. Chinese (FWC) (1,408; $1.75- $340)—“Windjammer” (NT) (25th wk). Bulky $17,000. Last week, $19,800. Carthay (FWC) (1,135; $1.75- $3.50)—“Around World” (UA) (93d wk). Smash $14,500. Last week,: name. & •Yankees’NSH $7,000, Seattle; £ Caf Fat 5</ 2 G Seattle, Sept. 30. Bis is sagging in current round here, with newcomers being especi¬ ally light. EFen “Damn Yankees’* looms barely good at Orpheum. “Cat on Hot Tin Roof” still is line, however. In fifth Music Box round. “Big Country” shapes okay in fifth session at Paramount. Elsewhere, takings are mostly very disappoint¬ ing. Estimates for This Week . Bine Mouse (Hamrick), 800; $1.5042.50)—“South Pacific” (20th) , (18th wk). Swell $7400. Last week, ($7,100. Coliseum (Fox-Evergreen) (1470; t0-$1.50)—“Harry Black and Tiger” (20th) and “Villa” (20th). Mild $6.- 000. Last week, “Blood Island'* (Col) and “Snorkel” (CoU^ $9400, Fifth Avenue. (Fox-Evergreen) (2,500; 9041.50)—“Gun Runners” (UA) and “China DolT OJA). Dull $6,000. Last week, “Me ana Colonel” (Col) and 'Played with “ re” (Col), $7400. Musfe Box (Hamrick) (850; 90- $1.50)—“Cat on Tin Roof” (M-G). (5th wk). Fine $5,500. Last week, $6,300. Mtisia Hall (Hamrick) (2400; $0- $1.50)—“Wind Acroaa Everglade#* (WB)“ and “Ride Crooked Trail' (U). Blah $4,000. Last week, “Re¬ luctant Debutante” (M-G> and “Wink of Eye” (UA), $6400 in 9 days. Orpheum (Hamrick) (2,700; 90- $140)—“Damn Yankees” (WB) and “Saga of Hemp Brown” (U>. Not so hot at $7,000. Last week, “LIttlest Hobo” (AA) and “Bull Whip” (AA>, $5,300. Paramount (Fox-Evergreen) (3,- 107; 9041.50)—“Big Country” (UA). (5th wk). Okay $5,500. Last week, $ 6400 . _ Tiger’ Good 12G, St L; Kathy 1% . St. Louis, Sept. 30. “Cat on Hot Tin Roof? has moved into s fifth big week St Loew’s. A Couple of ether hold¬ overs, ^Windjammer” at the Am¬ bassador and “South Pacific” at the Pageant are doing nicely too. New pie ?Kathy-0” at the huge Fox, looks okay. “Harry Black and Tiger” at the St Louis shape# good. “A Man Escaped” at the Apollo Art is fast. “The Match¬ maker," on moveover at two houses, looms oke. Estimates fer This Week Ambassador (Cinerama), (1,400; $14042.40)—“Windjammer” (NT) (5th wk). Big $9,000. Last week; $ 11 , 000 . Apollo Art (Grace) (700; 90- f l45>—“A Man Escaped” (Indie), ast $2,500. Last week, “Infidelity" (indie), $2,500. . Fox (Arthur) (5,db0; $5-90) — “Katfay-O” (U) and “Ride a Crooked Trail” CU). Okay $15,000. Last week, ’The Hunters” (20th) and “Sierra Baron” (20th), same. Leewte (Loew) (3,200; 6040)— “Cat on Hot Tin Roof’ CM-G) (5th wk). BiF $10,000 or over. Last week, $12,000.- Orpheum (Loew) (1400; 0040)-^ “Dunkirk” (M-G) and “Andy Hardy Comes Home” (M-G). Mild $7,000. Last week, “Decks Ran Red” (M-G) and “Brothers Rico” (Indie), $5,000. Pageant (Arthur) (1,000; $1.80- $245) — “South Pacific” (20th) (24th wk). Good $7,000. Last week, same. Richmond (Arthur) (1,000; 90)— “Matchmaker” (Par). Light $2,000. Last week, “Your Past Is-Showing” (Rank) (3d wk), $1,200. St. Louis (Arthur) (3,600; 60-75) —“Harry Black and Tiger” (20th) and “Flaming Frontier” (20th). Good $13,000. Last week, “Match¬ maker” (Par) and “As Young As We Are” (Indie), ditto. Shady Oak (Arthur) <560; 90)— “Matchmaker” (Par). Neat $3,000. Last week, “Your Past Is Showing” (Rank) (3d Wk), $1,900. . Chicago, Sept. 30. Seasonal weather should abet a flock of new entries and sturdy longruns to give Loop deluxers real action this round. Of the newcom¬ ers, “Damn Yankees” expects a socko $19,000 at> the United Artists while “Certain Smile” is headed for a nice $27,000 at the Oriental. “Me and the Colonel” is rated a boffo $24,000 at the Esquire. Preem sesh of “Wind Across Everglades” and “Bullwhip” at Garrick should collar a big $10,000. Holdover heavies Include “Cat on Hot Tin Roof,” rated smash in fifth frame at the Chicago. “Defiant Ones”is solid in seventh ses¬ sion at the Roosevelt. “Big Coun¬ try” is rated okay 'in sixth week at State-Lake. Woods’ second round of “Harry Black and the Tiger” is shaping fair. “White Wilderness” is big in third stanza at the Loop while third week of “Your Past is Show¬ ing” shapes dandy at the Surf. Of the hard-ticket pix, the new Cinerama pic, “South Seas Adven¬ ture,” posted a great '$344)00 in initial frame- at McVickers. “Gigi” is sturdy in 12th Harris canto, with “Windjammer” ending Opera House run strongly after 14 weeks. “South Ptcific” is fine in 27th frame at the Harris. “Around World In 80 Days” looks smash in 78th week at Todd’s Cinestage. Estimate# for ThhrWeek Carnegie (Telem't) (485; $L25)— “Pepote” (UMPO) and “Marianne of My Youth” (UMPO). Soft $2,800. Last wfeek, sub-runs. - Cfcteag# (B&K) (3,900; 9041-80) —“Cat on Hot Tin Rdof ’ (M-G) (8th wk). Sock $28,000. Last week, $33400. EMpiro (H&E Balaban) (1,350; $140)—“Me and Colonel” (Gol). Smbsh $24400 or near. Last week, “The Whole Truth” (Col) (2d wk), $7,000. , Garrick (B&K) (850; 9041.25)— “Wind Across Everglades” (WB) and,“Bullwhip” (AA). Big $10,090. Last week, “Camp on Blood Island” (Col) and “Snorkel” (Col) (2d wk), $7400. ' Harris (Indie) (984; $14543)— “Gigi” (M-G) (12th Wk). Steady $16400. Last week, $17,000. L#op (Telem't) (606; 904140)— “White Wilderness” (BY) (3d wk). Smash $9,500. Last week, $19,000. MeYlekers (JL&S) (1,580; $145- $340)—“South Pacific” (20th> (27th wk). Fine $21,000. Last week, $23,000. Monroe (Jovan) (1.000; 65-90}— "Bad Girl” (DCA) and “Wolf Pack” (DCA). Oke at $5,000. Last week, “Ride Out for Revenge” (UA) and “Steel Bayonet” (UA), $5,400. Opera House (Natl Th.)* (3,100: 904340) — “Windjammer” (NY (Continued on page 18) TACIF1C’ ROBUST 7G, PORT 4 TEGER* $6,000 Portland; Ore., Sept. 30. Biz to dragging along tn# main stem currently but some holdovers are strong. “South Pacific” moves into a hyr 18th week at the Broad¬ way. ’’Gigi” stay# solid in sixth round at the Guild. “Damn Yan¬ kees” at Liberty and “Me and the Colonel” at Fox are major disap¬ pointments, the former being only Estimates tor Thl# eek Broadway (Parker) (890; $1.50- $240) — “South Pacific” (20th) (ISth wk). Big $7,000. Last week, sen) (1,536; $14140) —“Me and Colonel” (Col> and “She Played With Fire” (Col). NSH $6,- 000. Last week, “Whole Truth” . (Col) and “Lift Begins At 17’ UCol), $2400. k r.«q d trndie) (400; $1.2543)— (Continued on page 18) Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re¬ ported herewith from the vari» ous key cities, are net; Le* 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 •Yankees’ Hep $16,000, Cleve.; ’’figer’ Mild 7G Cleveland, Sept. 30. “ Damn Yankees,” hitting a good total opening week at the Allen, is getting a holdover but no home- run biz as top entrant of a rather mild session here. “Cat on Hot Tin Roof” is still torrid in second week of a moveover-. engagement at the Stillman. “Harry Black and Tiger” looms very light on opening round at the Hipp while “La Parisienne” also shapes disappointing for ini¬ tial frame at the State. “ Estimates for This Week Alien (S-W) (3,800; 75-$1.25)— "Damn Yankees” (WB). Good $16,- 000 or near. Last week, “Winds Acrdfcs Everglades” (WB), $8,000 in 4 days. Continental Art (Art Theatre Guild) (850; $1.25)—“Light Across Street.” (Indie). Fair $2,100. Last week, “12 Angry Men” (UA) and “Marty” (UA) (reissues), $800 in 5. days. Heights Art (Art Theatre Guild) (925; $145)—"Case of Dr. Laurent” (Indieh Oke $3,800. Last week, ‘Age o£ Infidelity” (Indie), $1,700. Hippodrome (Telem’t) (3,700; 75- $l)-^Harry Black and Tiger" (20th). Sad $7,000. Last week, “Here to Eternity” (Col) (reissue) and “Case Against Brooklyn” (Col), $9,000. Lower Mall (Community) (500; 7040)—“Diary of Bad Girl” (Indie) and “Slaves” (Indie). Oke $2,500. Last week, “Girl in Bikini” (Indie), $ 2400 . Ohio CLoew) (1,244; $145-$2.50) —“South Pacific” (20th) (24th wk). Thin $6,000. Last week, $7,000. Palaee (SW-CInerama) (1,523: $I45-$2.40)— “Search For Para¬ dise” (Cinerama) (6th wk). Wobbly $11,800 after $12,500 in fifth. State (Loew) (3,500; 70-90)— **La Parisienne” (UA). Dull $7,000. Last week, “Reluctant Debutante'* (M-G), $9,000. Stillman (Loew) (2,700; 70-90)— “Cat on Hot Tin Roof” (M-G) (m.o.) (2d wk), Hotsy $9,000. Last week, $ 10 , 000 . Defiant’Hot 30G, PhiBy; ‘Cat’ 45G Philadelphia, Sept 30. New product is giving mldtojm business a shot In the arm this session. The boxoffice for ace pix was not dampened by the terrific downpour 4>ver the weekend. “Cat on Hot Tin Roof’ la hottest thing in town with a giant tak# at the Stanley while “Defiant Ones” shape# equally as big with a wow session at the smaller Stanton. “Reluctant Debutante” is smash, too, at the Yiking. “Gigi” looms as best of longruns being big In 14th stanza at the Boyd. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S&S) (536; 9941.80)— “Decks Ran Red” (M-G) (2d wk). Thin $5,000. Last week, $6,000. Boyd (SW) (1,480; $14542.75)— “Gigi” (M-G) (14th wk). Big $9,000. Last week, same. Fox (National) (2450; 6541.49)— "Man With Golden Arm” CUA) and “Moon I# Blue” (UA) (reissues). Okay $7,000 or near. Last week, “Fiend Who Walked West” (20th), $9,000.- Goldman (Goldman) (2,250; 65- $1.49) — “Terror From Beyond Space” (UA) and “Curse Faceless Man” (UA). Fair $7,500. Last week, “Gun Runners” (UA), same. Midiown (Goldman) (1,000; $2- $2.75) — “South Pacific” (20th) (27th ' wk). Fancy $8,500. Last week, $8,300. Randolph (Goldman) (1450; 65- $1.80)—“Me and Colonel” (Col) (3d wk)* Okay $9,000. Last week, $ 12 , 000 . Stanley (SW) (2,900; 9941-80)— “Cat on Hot Tin Roof’. (M-G). Whopping $45,000. Last week, “Rig Country” (UA) (7th wk), $8,000. Stanton (SW) (1,483; 9941.80)— “Defiant Ones” (UA). Mighty $30,- (Continued on page 18) •f Broadway first-run theatres ap¬ pear to be suffering from too many prolonged engagements currently, this situation even extending to some hard-ticket pix. The few new bills indicate that fresh fare is4he crying need to hypo trade over the usual pre-October lull. Very rainy Saturday did not cut Into trade at many houses while the much cool¬ er weather starting Sunday (28) was rated a plus factor. Reopening the Roxy with a new stageshow policy is paying off in spades. “Damn Yankees,” plus a straight stagebill (sans iceskaters), is headed for a giant $97,000 in first week. House had been shut¬ tered for nearly a week to re-seat with something like the old capa¬ city of 5,705, and re-arrange the stage. “Defiant Ones;” of course, is th# ace straight-filmer with a mighty $39,000 in prospect for the opening stanza at the Victoria. It appears set for a longrun. Most surprising arty theatre entry was “Pather Panchali,” prize - winning Indian film, which hit a new house record of $7,200 opening week at the Fifth Avenue Cinema. Other arty entry, “•Town Like Alice,” was just good $5,200 on initial week at the Sut¬ ton. Ace holdover is “Cat on Hot Tin Roof” with'stageshow, with a big $158,000 in prospect for second session at the Music Hall. It’s hold¬ ing over, naturally. “Harry Black and Tiger” is down to fair $21,000 in second round at the Paramount where “Barbarian and Geisha” opens tomorrow night at a special preem. Second round of “Crime and Punishment” still was great at $8,000 at the Paris. “Raw Wind in Eden” looks to dip modest $15,000 in second fraine at the State. “South Sea Adventure” was off at the Warner. “Big Country” moves into the Astor"today (Wed.) after “Vikings” heid at big $11,006 or better in 16th session. “Onionhead” opens today (Wed.), at the Capitol after three laggard weeks of “D unkir k.” Estimates for This Week . Astor (City Inv) (1,094; 7542)— *'Big Country (UA). Opens today (Wed.). Last week, “Vikings” (UA) (18th wk), was okay $11,000 or vnear for six days after $17,000 for 15th week and a great longrun. Little Carneciq Carnegie) (550; $1.2541.80)—“Matchmaker” (Par) (8th wk). The seventh round ended yesterday (Tues.* was fin# $6,200 after $9400 in sixth week. Baronet (Reade) (430; $1.25- $1.70)—“Premier May” (Cont) (3d wk). Second week ended Monday (29) was oke $5,100. First was * 7 c£!itol (Loew)' (4,820; $1-$2.5Q) —“Onionhead" (WB). Opens today (Wed.). In ahead, “Dunkirk” (M-G) (3d wk), was slow $12,000 after $18,- 000 for second. Criterion (Moss) (1,671; $1.80- $3.50) — “South Pacific” (20th) (28th-wk). The 27th round finished Sunday (28) was nice $24,200 after $27,000 in 26th week. “Old Man and Sea” (WB> opens Oct. 7. Fine Arte (Davis) (468; 90-$1.80) ’•Me and Colonel" (Col) (6th wk). The fifth session completed Mon¬ day (28) was great $10,000 after $12,500 in fourth week. Stays on. Guild (Guild) (450; $1-$1.75>— “Hot Spell” (Par) (2d wk). This stanza winding today (Wed), looks like stout $8,000 after $12,900 opening week. Holds. Mayfair (Indie) (1,736; 7941-80) —“Wind Across Everglades” (WB) (3d wk). This round winding up today (Wed.) looks to sag to lean $6,500. Second was $8,000. “Street¬ car Named Desire” (20th) (reissue) is due in next, and soon, Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; 95- $1.80)—“White Wilderness” (BV) (8th wk). The seventh frame ended Monday (29) was okay $5,500 after $6,500 for sixth week. Continues, with “Rocket To Calabuch” (T-L) due Oct. 7. Palace (RKO) (1,042; $l-$3)—. “Bridge on River Rwai" (Col) (42d wk). The 41st week ended yester¬ day (Tues.) was good $20,100 after $21,700 for 40th round. “Roots of Heaven” (20th) opens Oct. 15. Fact that “Kwai” opened last Saturday in Brooklyn is hurting final weeks fa< Odeon (Rank) (813; 9041-80)— (Continued on page 16)