Variety (February 1959)

Wednesday, February 11, 1959 PICTURE CROSSES 9 J/&stit?rr DET. BIZ STILL IN HIGH GEAR > New Pix, Weather Thaw Bolster Chi; ‘Running Boff $44,000, Rally’ Rich 23G, ‘Furlough’ Hep 21G, ‘Mame 43G Chicago, Feb. 10. - An array of. strong product, in¬ cluding some new entries, plus a thaw in the weekend weather is giving first-run biz a nice lift this round. Top newcomer is “Some Came Running,” which looks boff $44,000 at the Woods. -Preem sesh of “Rally Round Flag, Boy” is copping a strong $23,000 at the United Artists. Roosevelt’s “Up Periscope” is figured for a nice $19,000. Of the holdovers, “Auntie Marne” Is solid at the Chicago in third frame. “Separate Tables” is still sturdy for seventh State-Lake round. Oriental’s second week of “Perfect Furlough” looks hep. Esquire’s tlrrd week of “Two- Headed Spy” looms as lean, but ’My Uncle” is taking fancy coin in seventh Surf stanza. In eighth week, “Tom Thumb” is hotsy at the Loop. Of the hard-ticket pix, “South Seas Adventure” posted a steady 20th session at the Palace while “Gigi” notched a stout 31st round at Todd's Cinestage. Me Vickers’. 46th session w r ith “South Pacific” shapes good. Estimates for This Week Chicago .(B&K) (3,900; 90-$1.80) — “Auntie Marne” (WB) (3d wk). Sparkling $43,000. Last week, $52,000. Esquire (H&E Balaban) (1,350; $1.50) — “Two-Headed Spy” (Col) (3d wk). Mild $5,000 in 5 days. Last week, $7,300. Garrick (B&K) (850; 90-$1.25)—’ “Submarine Seahawk” (AI) and (Continued on page 10) ‘Furlough’ Sock $10,000, Prov; ‘Inn’ Happy 11G, 2d, ‘Mile’ Slow $6,000 Providence, Feb. 10. Strand’s second week of “Inn of Sixth Happiness” is the topper cur¬ rently with big returns. Close by is RKO Albee’s “Perfect Furlough,” With, sock take. Sixth of “Auntie Mame” is slower at Majestic. Loew’s is very light with “The Last Mile.” Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 65-80)— “Perfect Furlough” (U) and “Saga of Hemp Brown” (U). Sock $10,- 000 looms. Last week, “I Want To Live” (UA) and “10 Days Tulara” (UA) (3d wk), $5,500. Majectic (SW) (2,200; 65-80)— “Auntie Mame” (WB) (6th wk). On Its last legs for oke $4,000. Fifth was $5,000. State (Loew) (3,200; 65-80)— “Last Mile” (UA) and “Machete” (UA). Slow $6,000. Last week, “Torpedo Run” (M-G) and "Andy Hardy Comes Home” (M-G), $6,500. Strand (National Realty) (2,200; 90-$l,25)—“Inn of Sixth Happi¬ ness” (20th) (2d wk). Happy $11,- 000. First was $15,000. ‘Mame’ Mighty 15G, Indpls.; Inn’ $5,000, 3d ' J. Indianapolis, Feb. 10. Except for “Auntie Mame,” smash at Keith’s, biz is quiet at first-runs here this week, with holdovers dominating. “Sheriff of Fractured Jaw,” the other new entry, shapes drab at the Indiana. Current (42) stanza ‘ may be the last for “South Pacific” at Lyric, but it’s still rated solid. “Inn of Sixth Happiness” is fair at Circle, s Estimates for Th!s Week Circle (Cockrill-DoUe) (2,800; 75-90)—“Inn "of Sixth Happiness” (20th) (3d wk). Modest $5,00fimak- ing it about $24,000, nice, for riin. Indiana (C-D) (3.200; 75-90>— “Sheriff of* Fractured Jaw” (20th) and “Nice Little Bank That Should be Robbed,” - (20th). Drab $6,000. Last week, “The Robe” (20th) and “Gladiators” (20th) (reissues), $7,500. Keith’s (C-P) (1.300; 90-$1.25)— “Auntie Mame” (WB). Great $15,- 000. Last week, “Bell, Book, Can¬ dle” (Col) (3d wk), $6,500. Loew’s (Loew) (2.427; 75-90)— “I Want To Live” (UA) (2d wk). Mild $5,500. Last week, $8 000. - Lyric (C-D) '850; $1.25-*? 20)— “South Paclfi'*” (Maena) (42d wk). Solid $8,000. Last week, $9,000. ‘Mame’ Boffo 17G, D.C.; ‘Furlough’ 8G Washington, Feb. 10. ’ Little excitement at the b.o. here this round except that “Auntie Mame” still is great in sixth week, playing two houses. “South £eas Adventure” is a rousing mainstay at the Warner. “Perfect Furlough” shapes okay in second round at Keith’s second stanza. “Some Came Running” is down to a fair take in sixth at Capitol .while “Separate Tables” still is good in eighth stanza. Estimates for This Week Ambassador-Metropolitan (SW) (1,490; 1.000; 90-$l,49)—“Auntie Mame” (WB) (6th wk). Big $17,000. Last week, $f9,000. Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 90-$1.49)— .—“Some Came Running” (M-G) (6th wk). Fair $10,000. Last Uranlr ROD Columbia (Loew) (904; 90-$1.49) —“Separate Tables” fUA) (8th wk). Good $9,000. Last week, $10,500. Holds again. Keith’s (RKO) (1,850; 90-S1.25)— (Continued on-page 10) . 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. ‘INN’ SMART $15,000, CLEVE; ‘MAME’ 13G, 7TH Cleveland, Feb. 10. Warmer weather is thawing out trade at many key houses here this session although city is loaded with holdovers and extended - runs. Brightest entry is “Auntie Mame,” still very brisk in seventh stanza at the Allefi. “Inn of Sixth Hap¬ piness” also is excellent in third at the Hipp. “Some -Came Run¬ ning” continues fine. on moveover at Stillman for sixth frame down¬ town. “South Seas -Adventure” looks tall in 10th round at Palace, and ahead of ninth week. Estimates for This Week Allen (SW) (3,800; $1.50) — “Auntie Mame” (WB) (7th wk). Brisk $13,000. Last week, $16,000. Continental Art (Art Theatre Guild) (850; $1.25) — “Rasho-Mon” (Indie) and “Medium” (Indie). Fair $1,600. Last week, “Forty-First” 'Indie), $1,400. Heights Art (Art Theatre Guild) (925; $1.25) — “Seventh Seal” (Indie). Routine $2,100. Lest week, “Senechal Magnificent” (Indie), $ 2 , 000 . Hippodrome (Telem’t) (3,700; 75- $1.50)—“Inn of Sixth Happiness” (20th) (3d wk). Excellent $15,000 after $17,500 for . second. Lower Mall (Community) (500; 70-90) — “Case of Dr. Laurent” (T-L). Neat $2,800. Last week, “Rice” (Indie), $2,500 in 9 days. Mayfield Art (Great Films) (700; $1.25) — “Lucretia Borgia” (Indie) and “Ecstasy” (Indie) (reissues) (3d wk). Average $2,000 after $2,900. . ■ ■ Ohio (Loew) (1,244; $I.25-$2.50) — “South Pacific” (Magna) (44th wk). Okay $7,000, Last week, $ 8 , 000 . Palace (SW-Cinerama) (1,523; $1.25-$2.40) — “South Seas Adven¬ ture” (Cinerama) (10th wk). Up to tall $15,800 after $15,500 in ninth State (Loew) (3,500; 70-90) — “I Want- to Live” (UA) (2d wk;. Okay $10,000. Last week, $15,000. Stillman (Loew) (2,700; 70-90)— “Some Came Running” (M-G) (m.oX Fine $6,500 for sixth down¬ town lap afted $7,500 in fifth. ‘RflLLY,' ‘TO LIVE,’ Detroit, Feb. 10. Downtown deluxe houses are do¬ ing good to great biz this round. Two newcomers, “Rally Round Flag, Boys,” at the Fox, and “Doc¬ tor’s Dilemma” at Trans-Lux Krim, are snappy. Holdovers like “Anna Lucasta” in second week at the Palms and “Auntie Mame” in sixth session at the Michigan continue outstanding, especially the latter.: “House on Haunted Hill” looks great in third stanza at Broadway- CapitoL “I Want to Live,” at the Madistm, and “Some Came Run¬ ning,” at the Adams, are each hav¬ ing sturdy -sixth weeks. The longtermers, “South Paci¬ fic,” in 44th round at the United Artists, and “South Seas Adven¬ ture,” in 19th week at Music Hall, are no less than sensational. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5,000; 90- $1.25)—“Rally Round Flag, Boys” (20th). Fine $20,000. Last week, “Sheriff of Fractured Jaw” (20th), $14,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,- 000; $1.25-$1.49)—“Auntie Mame” (WB) (6th wk). Swell $15,000. Last week. $20,000. Palms (UD) (2.981; 90-$1.25)— “Anna Lucasta” (UA) and “Guns,. Girls, Gangsters” (UA) (2d wk). Socko $20,000. Last week, $25,000. Madison (UD) (1,900; $1.25-$1.49) —“I Want To Live” (UA) (6th wk). Big $10,000. Last week, same. Broadway-Capitol (UD) (3,500; 90-$1.25) — “Hou^e on Haunted Hill” (AA) and “Cosmic Man” (AA) (3d wk). Smash $15,000. Last week, $18,000. United Artists (UA) (1,667; $1.25- $3)—“South Pacific” (Magna) (44th wk). Good $11,000. Last week, $10,500. I Adams (Balaban) (1,700; $1.25- $1.50) — “Some Came Running” (M-G) (6th wkf. Fine $9,000. Last week* $10,000. Music Hall (SW-Cinerafha) <1, 208; $1.50-$2.65)—“South Seas Ad¬ venture” (Cinerama) (19th wk). Sensational*. $21,000. Last week, $ 20 , 200 . Trans-Lux Krim (Trans-Lux) (1,000; 90-$1.65) — “Doctor’s Dil-. emma” (M-G). Fat $8,000 or near. Last week, “Horse’s Mouth” (UA), $3,600 in seventh week. Tarty’ Find $13,000 In Frisco; ‘Periscope’ Fat 12G, ‘Furlough’ 10G, 2d San Franciscb, Feb. 10. Frisco first-run trade ranges from big to moderate this round, with new entrants not particularly strong. “Party Girl” shapes dandy at Warfield while “Up Periscope” is rated trim at Paramount. “Auntie Mame” still is standout Ipngrunner. “Perfect Furlough” and “Rally Round Flag, Boys” are holding nicely, especially the former. “Last Mile,” a newie, shapes only fair at United Artists. “South Seas Ad¬ venture,” great in 11th frame at Orpheum, and “South Pacific,” sturdy in 32d stanza at Alexandria, are getting the same coin totals as a week ago. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) <2,859; $1.25) — “Perfect Furlough” (U) and “Money, Women, Guns” (U) (2d wk). Good $10,000 or close. Last week, $16,500. Fox (FWC) (4,651,; $1^5-$1.50)— “Rally Round Flag, Boys” (20th) and “Lone Texan” (20th) (2d wk). Okay $12,000. Last week, $15,000. Warfield (Loew) (2,656; 90-$1.25) —“Party Girl” (M-G) and "Chain Of Evidence” (AA). Dandy $13,000. Last week, “Some Came Running” (M-G) (5th wk), $9,000. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 90-$1.25) “Up Periscope” (WB) and “Hell Drivers” (WB). Trim $12,000. Last week, “Last Blitzkrieg” (Col) and “Apache Territory” (Col), $14,000. St. Francis (Par) (1,400; $1.25- $1.50)—“Auntie Mame” (WB) (6th wk). Terrific $12,000. Last week, $13,000. Orpheum (SW-Cinerama) (1,456; $1.75-$2.65)—“South Seas Adven¬ ture” (Cinerama) (11th wk). Great $22,000 after same last week. United Artists (Ho. Coast) (1,207; 90-$1.25)—“Last Mile” (UA) and “Terror; In A Texas Town” (UA), Fair $7,500. Last week, “Anna (Continued on page 10) I B’way in Sump as Longnms Fade; ‘Running Fair 118G, 34 Tallies’ Big $32,800,2 Spots, With no new bills excepting at one arty theatre and many long- runs near the end of engagements, Broadway film business is very laggard in general currently. Thea¬ tre managers are hopeful of a slight pickup later this week with Lincoln’s Birthday and Valentine’s Day (Saturday). Some pictures have slid down to unbelievably low levels recently, with the bottom registered in the present session. Snow and rain Monday and yester¬ day (Tues.) also hurt. Biggest coin still is going to “Some Came Running” with stage show at the Music Hall although take in current round likely will dip to fair $118,000. It stays a fourth, with “The Journey” open¬ ing Feb. 19. Top longrunner still is “Separate Tables,” with a socko $21,500 in current <8th) stanza at the Astor and big $11,300 in same week at the Normandie. Lone newcomer, “The Mistress,” shaped fairly n’ce at $9,000 at the Guild. “The Trap” slid to dim $17,500 in second round at the Capitol, where “Never Steal Any¬ thing Small” opens today (Wed.>: “Last Blitzkrieg” looks to sag to $10,000' dull, in first holdover week at the Mayfair. The Roxy is bringing in “The Hanging Tree” and new stageshow today (Wed.). “Perfect Furlough” and stagebill Wound up there yes¬ terday (Tues.' 1 with slight $32,000. “Night To Remember” was good $13,000 in eighth session at the Criterion where “Sleeping Beauty” preems with a gala show the night of Feb. 17. “Inn of Sixth Happiness” looks to finish with a mild $18,000 this round (9th) at the Paramount and okay $8,000 in like stanza (6 days) at the Plaza. Latter opens ““Black Orchid” tomorrow .(Thurs.) while the Par brings in “Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker” on Feb. 20. Fact that “Inn” has opened in Brooklyn was no help to either house. “Rally Round Flag, Boys” was fair $11,- 500 in seventh Palace week. “Bell, Book and’ Candle” shapes fine $11,000 or a bit under in cur¬ rent (7th) session at the Odeon. “My Uncle” still is big with $7,800 in 14th week at the Baronet. “Gigi” continues to amaze, holding with $20,100 in 14th at the Sutton where playing after a longrun upped scale at the Royale. “He Who Must Die” continues great, holding at $12,200 in sixth week in the bandbox Beekman. “Horse’s Mouth” was sturdy in 13th round at the Paris. “South Seas Adventure” held with $23,900 in 29th stanza at the Warner while “South Pacific” like¬ wise continued well with $15,600 in 18th round at the Rivoli. Latter previously played upped-scale at the Criterion for many weeks. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,094; 75-$2) —“Separate Tables” (UA) (8th wk). Current round finishing today (Wed.) likely will hold at socko $21,500. Seventh week was $23,- 000. Continues. Little Carnegie (L. Carnegie) (550; $1.25-$1.8Q)—“Sins of Rose Bernd” (Pres. Films) (3d wk). This session ending tomorrow (Thurs.) likely will hold with okay $6,000. Second was $7,500. Holds. Baronet (Reade) (430; $1.25-$2) —“My Uncle” (Cont) (15th wk). The 14th stanza finished Sunday (8) was big $7,8C. after $8,€00 in 13th wk. Stays. Capitol (Loew) (4,820; $l-$2.50) —“Never Steal Anything Small” (U). Opens today (Wed.). Last week, “The Trap” (Par) (2d wk), fell to dim $17,500 after $26,500 in first. Beekman (R&B) (590; $1.20- $1.75)—“He Who Must Die” (Kass- ler) (7th wk). This sixth frame ended Saturday (7) was great $12,-' 200 only a step behind the $12,- 800 in fifth week. Criterion (Moss) (1,671; $1.50- $2.40)—“Night To Remember” (Rank) (9th wk). Eighth stanza finished yesterday (Tues.) was good $13,000. Seventh was $15,500. “Sleeping Beauty” (BV) comes in Feb. 18 following a gala preem the night of Feb. 17. Fine Arts (Davis) "'8: 90-$1.80) —"Bell. Book, C*»:‘ v -'’ 'Col) (7th wk). This week ending today ‘Gigi’ Socko $20,100 (Wed.) looks modest with $5,500 after $6,800 in sixth round. Guild (Guild) (450; $1-$1.75)— “Mistress” (Harrison) (2d wk). First round ended Sunday (8) was nice $9,000. Mayfair (Indie) (1,736; 79-$1.80) —“Last Blitzkrieg” (Col) (2d wk). This stanza winding up on Friday (13) is heading for a slow $10,000 after $14,500 in opener. Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; $1.80-$2.80)—“Separate Tables” (UA) (8th wk). Present session end¬ ing today (Wed.) looks like sturdy $11,300. Seventh was $12,000. Continues. Palace (RKO) (1,642; 90-$2)— “Rally Round Flag, Boys” (20th) (8th wk). Seventh week ended yesterday (Tues.) was a fair $11,- 500. Sixth was $12,200. Stays until “Diary of Anne Frank” (20tli) opens March 17. Odeon (Moss) (813; 90-$1.80)— “Bell, Book, Candle” (Col) (7th wk). Present week ending today (Wed.) looks like fine $11,000. Sixth was $11,800. Stays. Paramount (AB-PT) (3,665; $l-$2) —“Inn of Sixth Happiness” (20th) (9th wk). Present stanza ending tomorrow (Thurs.) is heading for mild $18,000. Eighth was $20,000. “Remarkable Mr. Penaypacker” (20th) is due in Feb. 20. Paris (Pathe Cinema) (568; 90- $1.80)—“Horse’s Mouth” (Lopert) (14th wk). The 13th session finished ’Sunday (8) was sturdy $15,000. The 12th week, $15,800. . Radio City Music-Hall (Rocke¬ fellers) (6,200; 90‘$2.75)—“Some Came Running” (M-G) with stage- show (3d wkh^This week w'ind*ng up today (Wed.) looks to hit fair $118,000. Second was $128,000, and (Continued on page 10) Cold Chills Mpls. B.O. But ‘Dark’ Bright 9G; ‘Forlongh’ Fme 5G, 3d Minneapolis, Feb. 10. Bone-chilling temperatures are threatening to cool off the torrid boxoffice take this week. However, the entrenched pix (that includes almost all of them) are continuing to do amazingly well. Second- weekers are “My Uncle,” still great ., at Suburban World and “Tonka,” nice at State. "Auntie Mame,” too hot to drop, is trim for seventh week at Lyric. “Inn of Sixth Happiness” looks big in fourth stanza while “Perfect Fur¬ lough” in third at the Gopher is so strong it stays a fourth. Only netveomers, "Home Before Dark” is drab while “Last Blitz¬ krieg” and “Murder by Contract” combo looks okay at.Orpheum. Estimates for This Week Academy (Mann) '947;. $1.50- $2.65) — “South Pacific” 'M— (32d wk). Still going strong at $6,- 000. Last week, $7 ,ouj. Century (S-W) (1,150; $1.75- $2.65)—“Windjammer” (NT) (13th wh\ Cold weather no deterenl to this big grosser, and should hit a robust $17,000. Last week, $16,200. Gopher (Berger) (1,000; 85-$l)— “Perfect Furlough” (U) (3d wk). Holding so big that it will go a fourth week. Nifty $5,000. Last week, $6,600. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 90-$1.45)— “Auntie Mame’.’ (WB) (7th wk). Keeps hanging on at a trim $6,000. Last week, $8,000. RKO Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 85- $1)—“Home Before Dark” (WB). This new entry is finding the com¬ petition tough. Fine $9,000. Last week, “Some Came Running” (M-G) (5th wk). $7,000. RKO Pan (RKO) (1,000; 90)— “Last Blitzkrieg” (Col) and "Mur¬ der by Contract” (Col). Okay $5,- 000. Last week, “Revolt Big House” (AA) and “Johnny Rocco” (A A) 44 *>00 State (Par) (2,200; $1)—"Tonka” (BV) (2d wk). Fair $5,000. Last week, $8,000. Suburban World (Mann) (800; 85)—"My Uncle” (Cont) (2d wk). Smash $4,500. Last week. same. World (Mann) (400; 85-$1.50)— “Inn of Sixth Happiness” '20th) (4th wk). Fading a bit but stiff big with $6,000. Last week, $6,500. '