Variety (March 1959)

PICTURE GROSSES -PJfsiiETr Wednesday, March 4, 1959 LA Lags; Tank’-Dames’ DnD $8,500 But Tables’ Sock 19G, 10th, TWaroe’ Ditto; Tree’ 17^(3, ‘Beauty’ 16G Los Angeles, March 3. * Despite several strong holdovers, Los Angeles first-runs are taking a sharp drop this week to the lowest point since mid-December last year. ‘Tank Commandos”- “Operation Dames” lone new bill, is duU $8,500 in three theatres. “Case of Dr. Laurent,” which played in art houses last year, looks okay at the Los Angeles. “Auntie Mame” and “Separate Tables” head the regular hold¬ overs, each having great $19,000. Former is in 11th. frame at Chinese while “Tables” is playing 10th round in one spot and second week in three other houses. “Hanging Tree” looms dandy $17,500 in three situations. “Sleeping Beauty” is rated fat $16,000 in fifth lap at Fox Wilshire. “Some Came Running” looks hefty $14,000 or over in second frame, three spots. “Gigi” still is hotsy in sixth session at Four Star. “Journey” is only fair $11,- 500 at Hollywood Paramount in second. Hard-ticket pix generally are still very strong. Estimates for This "Week Hillstreet, Iris, Uptown (RKO- FWC) (2,752; 825; 1,715; 90-$1.50) —“Tank Commandos” (AI) and “Operation Dames” (AI). Dull $8,- 500. Last week. Hillstreet, “White Huntress” (AI>, “Naked Africa” (AI), $3,400. Iris; Uptown with Los Angeles. “Pennypacker” (20th), “Wolf Larsen” JAA), $14,800. Los Angeles (FWC) (2.017; 90- $1.50)—“Case of Dr. Laurent” (T-L) and “No Place to Land” (T-L). Okay $5,000. Hollywood Paramount (F&M) (1,468; $1.5Q-$2)—“The Journey” (M-G) (2d wk). Fair $11,000. Last week, $11,900. Downtown Paramount, Wiltern, Hollywood (ABPT-SW-FWC) <3,- 300; 2,344; 756; 90-$1.50)—“Hang¬ ing Tree” <WB) and “Enchanted Island” (WB) (2t) wk). Dandy $17,- 500. Last week," j?29,500. State, Hawaii) El Key (UATC- G&S-FWC) (2,404; 1,106; 861; 90- $1.50) — “Some Came Running” (M-G) (2d wk) and “Something of Value” (M-G) (reissue) (State, Hawaii) “Anna Lucasta” (UA) (El Rey) (m.o., 2d wk). Good $14,000 or over. Last week, $22,400. Fox Beverly, Vogue, Loyola, Orpheum (FWC-Metropolitan) (1,- 170; 825; 1.298; 2,213; 90-$2)— “Separate Tables” (UA) (10th wk, Fox Bev; 2d wk. others) and “Kings Go Forth” (UA) (reissue) (Vogue) (1st wk), “Tunnel of Love” (M-G) (Loyo’a) (2d run), “Wink of an (Continued on page 10) Estimated Total Gross This Week .$2,468,000 (Based on 22 cities and 233 theatres, chiefly first runs, in¬ cluding N.Y.) Last Year . 52,534,700 (Based on 23 cities and 249 theatres.) Tables’Sockeroo $19,000, Pitt Ace Pittsburgh, March 3. Holdovers are the big noise downtown, with “Separate Tables” doing almost as well as it did on smash first week at the Penn. “Auntie Mame” is continuing to keep the Stanley management in a complete state of disbelief. Pair of new entries, “These 1,000 Hills” at Harris and “Never Steal Anything Small” at Fulton,, are not going far. “Cinerama South Seas Adven¬ ture” is holding up well at Warner while “South Pacific”, is winding big at Nixon. Rave notices are pushing “He Who Must Die” into winner’s circle at Guild. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 80-$1.25)— “Never Steal Anything Small” (U). Running about same as last week’s “Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker” (20th), so-so $4,500. Guild (Green) (500; 99-S1.25)— “He Who Must Die” (Kassler). Great notices and they’re helping. Shapes big $4,000 opening stanza. Last week, “Mitsou” (Indie) and “Naked Eye” (Indie) (2d wk), $1,800. Harris (Harris) (2,165; 80-$1.25) — “These 1.000 Hills” (20th). Shapes fair $5,500 if that. Last week. “Bell, Book. Candle” (Col) (2d wk), $6,000. Nixon (Rubin) (1.500; $1.50-$3)— “South Pacific” (Magna) (rerun) (10th wk-4 days). Should do big $6,500. Last week, $6,000. Penn (UA) <3,300: 90-$1.50) — “Separate Tables” (UA) (2d wk). Very little drop over previous stanza. Heading for smash $19,000 or better; naturally stays again. Last week, $20,000. Squirrel Hill (SW) (900; 99-$1.25) —“Horse’s Mouth” (Lopert) (5th wk). Looks to be a cinch for big $3,500. Last week, $3,700. Stanley (SW) (3.800; 90-$L50)— “Auntie Mame” (WB) 19th wk). Still in the chips and still holding on. Over $10,000, biggest thing in money and run house has ever had. _ „ . „ Last week, $12,500. Rmk 1 InnriW Iflfi 1 Warner (SW-Cinerama) (1.500; DllSH. l&tl, JuUrUGy lvv $L20-$2.40) — “South Seas Adven- San Francisco, March 3. > ! ture” (Cinerama) (10th wk). Same . as last week at $10,500, and plenty | okay during Lent at this stage of l run. ‘Tables’ Bangnp $10,000, Frisco 3d Week; ‘Bell’ ‘Beanty’ Potent $27,000, Buff; Tables’ 11G, 3d Buffalo, March 3. Bi2 at first-runs is better this session at nearly all spots. Sleeping Beauty” looms capacity in second stanza at the Center. “Never Steal Anything Small” is rated neat at Lafayette opening round. “Journey” looks rousing in first frame at the Teck. “Separate Tables” still is very sturdy in third session at the Buffalo. . } Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loew) (3,500; 70-$1.25) —“Separate Tables” (UA) (3d wk). Sturdy $11,000. Last week, $11,400. Center (AB-PT) (3,000; 70-$1.25) —“Auntie Mame” (WB) (8th wk). Good $10,000 in 9 days. Last week, $9,000. Century (UATO (1,410; 70-$1.50) —“Sleeping Beauty” (BV) (2d wk). Capacity $27,000. Last week, $ 20 , 000 . Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 50-90)— “Never Steal Anything Small” (U) and “Step Down to Terror” „(U). Neat $9,000. Last week, “House on Haunted Hill” (AA) and “Cosmic Man” (AA) (2d wk), $7,51)0. par am ount (AB-PT) (3,000; .70- —"Old Man and Sea” (WB) and “Enchanted Island” (WB). Okay $8,500. Last week, “Hanging Tree” (WB) and “Thunder Over Tangier” (Indie), $12,000. Teck (Loew) (1,200; 70-$l) — “Journey” (M-G). Rousing $8,000. Last week, “Some Came Running” (M-G) (9th wk), $5,000. Cinema (Martina* (450; 70-$l) — "Night Heaven Fell” (Kings) (6th wk). Oke $2,000. Last week, $2,100 Firstrun trade here is on mild side generally although there are some strong spots. “Separate . Tables” looms standout being great j in third session at the United -Art- ( ists, and not far from second week. ; “Bell, Book and Candle” also looms great in second at the St. Francis. “Hanging Tree” is rated good in second at Paramount as is “The Journey,” in same^rtanza, at War- field. Of newcomers, “I, Mobster” is only fair at Fox while “Stranger in My Arms” is fairish at Golden Gate. Most longruns still are powerful. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO> (2,859; $1.25) —“Stranger In My Arms” (U) and “Arson For Hire” (U). Fairish $9,000 or near. Last week, “Never Steal Anything Small” (U) and “Young Captives” (U), $8,500. Fox (FWC) (4,651; $1.25-$1.50)— “I, Mobster” (20th) and “Intent To Kill” (20th>. Light $7,500. Last week, “Pennypacker” (20th) and “Alaska Passage” (20th), $10,500. Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; 90- $1.25)—“Journey” (M-G) (2d wk). Nice $10,000 or close. Last week, $14,000. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 90- $1.25)—“Hanging Tree” (W-B) and “Man Or Gun” (W-B) (2d wk). Good $10,000. Last week, $13,500. St. Francis (Par) (1,400; $1.25- $1.50) — “Bell, Book and Candle” (Col) (2d wk). Great $12,000. Last week, $18,000. Orpheum (SW-Cinerama) (1,456; (Continued on page 10) Hub Big; ‘Stranger’ Sock $17,000; ‘Tables’ Mighty 20G, Tree’ $13,000,2d Boston, March 3. Biz continues hotsy with locked in pix holding sock. Only two new entries, “Stranger in My Arms,” lusty at Met and “Crawling Eye,” fat at Pilgrim. Biggest take goes to hard-ticket “Windhammer” in 28th round at the Boston. Stand¬ out, however, is “Separate Tables” at State in second week, where huge. “Sleeping Beauty” is great at the Gary in third week. “Anna Lucasta” holds hotsy at Memorial in second. “Some Came Running”,| is holding very stout at Orpheum in ninth week. “Gigi” is slick at the Beacon also in ninth. Estimates for This Week Astor (B&Q) (1.371; $1.25-$1.50) —“Rally Round Flag” (20th) (2d wk). Slick $15,000. Last week, $18,000. Beacon Hill (Sack) (678; $1- $1.50) — “Gigi” (M-G) (9th wk). Good $7,500. Last week, $9,000. Boston (SW-Cinerama) (1,354; $1.25-$2.65) — “Windjammer” (NT) (28th wk). Whopping $29,000. Last week, $17,000. Capri (Sack) (1,150; 90-$1.50)— “Horse’s Mouth” (Lopert) (5th wk). Good $10,000. Last week, $9,000. Exeter (Indie) (1.376; 75-S1.25)— “Pather Panchali” (Indie) (3d wk). Third week began Sunday (1). Last week, nice $8,000. Opener was $6,000 for 6 shows. Fenway (Indie) <1,376; 75-$1.25) —“Inn of Sixth Happiness” (20th) (2d run) and Chasing Sun” (Indie). Oke $3,200. Last week, “Sinners” (Continued on page 10) Det Dandy; ‘Bikini’ Brisk $26 Bell’ Boff 21G, Tables’ ffow 20€, 3d Lucasta’ Wow 22G, Philly; Tables’ Great 21G, 2d, “Running’Sock 266,4 Estimated Total Gross This Week.$444,300 (Based on 21 theatres ) Last Year .$514,10(1 (.Based on 25 theatres ) ‘HI Nice $16,060, D.C.; Tables’ 9G Washington, March 3. Healthy biz this round as recent arrivals stay strong. “Sleeping Beauty” heads fpr rousing take in second round at Uptown. “Jour¬ ney”” at Capitol is rated sturdy in second. “Rally Round Flag” at Palace, shapes hefty in first hdld- over stanza. “I Want to Live” holds firm at Keiths. “House on Haunted Hill,” one of few newies, is nice at two Stanley-Warner houses. “Sep¬ arate Tables” continues to amaze at the Columbia, with big takings in 11th week and topping the 10th round. Estimates for This Week Ambassador - Metropolitan (SW) (1,490; 1,000; 90-$1.25)—“House on Haunted Hill” (AA). Nice $16,000. Last week/ “Auntie Mame” (WB) (8th wk), $14,000. Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 90-$1.25) —“Journey” (M-G) (2d wk). Sturdy $15,000 after $19,500 opener. Stays on. Columbia (Loew) (904; 90-$1.49) — “Separate Tables” (UA) (11th wk). Pushing to big $9,000 or near. Last week, $8,000. Keith’s (RKO) (1,850; 90-$1.25)— “1 Want To Live” (UA) (3d wk). Strong $10,000. Last week, $14,000. MacArthur (K-B) (900; $1.10)— “Lucky Jim” (Kings). Good $3,000. Last week, “Pather Panchali” (Indie) (3d wk), same. Ontario (K-B) (1,240; 90-$1.25)— “Night to Remember” (Rank) (2d wk). Solid $8,000. First was, $ 12 , 000 . Palace (Loew) (2,390; 90-$1.25) —“Rally Round Flag” (20th) (2d wk). Hefty $15,000. Last week, $ 20 , 000 . Plaza (T-L) (276; 90-$1.49) — “Night Heaven Fell” (Kings) (10th wk). Neat $3,500. Last week, ditto. Trans-Lux (T-L) (600; $1.25- $1.80)—“Bell, Book, Candle” (Col) (10th wk). Good $5,000. Last week, ditto. Uptown (SW) (1,100; $1.25-$1.49) —“Sleeping Beauty” (BV) (2d wk). Smash $18,000 or near. Opener was $25,000. Warner (SW-Cinerama) (1,300; $1.25-$2.40)—“South Seas Adven¬ ture” (Cinerama) (11th wk). Nifty $17,000, helped by two extra show¬ ings. Last week, $12,000. Detroit, March 3. Two newcomers are doing great biz this week to pace downtown deluxers to another great week. “Girl in Bik'ni” shapes hotsy at the Fox. “Bell. Bock and Candle” is burning brightly at the Michi¬ gan. “The Tran” shapes good at the Palms. “The Journey” looms big at the Adam's. “Separate Tables” continues do¬ ing sensational biz in third week at the Madison, with Academy Award nomination boosting take ahead of second round. “South Seas Adventure” continues its great pace in 22d week at Music Hall. “South Pacific” winds a sen¬ sational 47-week run at United Artists. Estimates fpr This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5,000; $1.25- $1.49)—“Girl in Bikini” (Indie) and “Flesh and ^oman” (Indie). Loud $26,000. Last week. “Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker” (20th), $11,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; $1.25-$1.49)—“Bell, Book, Candle” (Col) and “Life Begins at 17” (Col). Great $21,000. Last week. “Perfect Furlough” (U) and “Silent Enemy” (Rank) (2d wk), $13,000. Palms (UD) (2.961: 90-$1.25)— “Trap” (Par) and “Young Cap¬ tives” (Par). Good $16,500. Last week, “Hanging Tree” (WB) and “Enchanted Island” (WB), $15,000. Madison (UD) (1,900: $1.25-$1.49) —“Separate Tables” (UA) (3d wk). Sensational $20,000 or close. Last week, $18,000. Broadway-Capitol (UD) (3,500; 90-S1.25) — “Submarine Seahawk” (AF) and “Paratroop Command” (AF). Over average $14,000. Last week, “Screaming Skull” (AF): and “Terror,Year 5,000” (AF), $16,000. United Artists (UA) (1,667; $1.25* $3)—“South Pacific” (20th) (47th- final week). Great $16,000. Last week, $14,000. Adams (Balaban) (1,700; $1.25- $1.50)—“Journey” (M-G). Big $12,- 000. Last week, “Some Came Run¬ ning” (M-G) (8th wk), $7,500. Music Hall (SW-Cinerama) (1,208; $1.55-$2.65) — “South Seas Adventure” (Cinerama) (22d wk). Huge $20,000. Last week, same. Trans - Lux Kriin (Trans - Lux) (1,000; $1.49-$l .65>—“Two-Headed Spy” (CoP. Fire $7,000. Last week, “Crucible .’ (Kings), $4,000. ‘RAG’ ROBUST $8,000, L’VILLE; TABLES’6G, 2D Louisville, March 3. Despite a heavy downpour and colder weather, downtown houses have no complaint on weekend biz. “Rally Round Flag, Boys” at Rialto is leading the newcomers but is only fairly good. “10 Com¬ mandments” at the Brown is solid and “Separate Tables” at United Artists looks strong, both in sec¬ ond weeks. “Never Steal Anything Small” at Kentucky and “Up Periscope” at the Mary Anderson are rated only fair. Estimates for This Week Brown (Fourth Ave.) (1,200; 50- $1)—“10 Commandments” (Par) (2d run) (2d wk). Solid $7,500, about same as opening week’s $ 8 , 000 . Kentucky (Stfitow) (900; 60-90) —“Never Steal Anything Small” (U). Fair $4,000. Last week, “Trap” (Par), same. Mary Anderson (People’s) (1,000; 60-90)—“Up Periscope” (WB) Fair $5,000. Last week, “Old Man and Sea” (WB) (2d wk), $4,500 at $1.25 top. Rialto (Fourth Ave.) (3,000; 60- 90)—“Rally Round Flag” (20th). Fairly good $8,000 or near. Last week, “Pennypacker” (20th) and “Alaskan Passage” (20th>, $7,000. United Artists (UA) (3,000; 60- $1)—“Separate Tables” (UA) (2d wk). Still going strong, with word- of-mouth and excellent press as¬ sisting, nice $6,000 or near, after first week’s $9,000. - Philadelphia, March 3. Lineup of blue-chip pix is mak¬ ing for neat biz here currently. Preview day of “Anna Lucasta” broke house record at Stanton, with Sammy Davis’ cafe date here obviously helping since he’s one of stars of the pic. “Lonelyhearts” is barely okay at Viking while “Tosca” shapes great at Trans-Lux. “Separate Tables” still is socko in second round at Midtown while “Some Came Running” is rated great in fourth at the Randolph. “Auntie Mame” looms hotsy in ninth session at Stanley, one of alltime long-runners at house. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S&S) (536; 99-$1.80)— “Black Orchid” (Par) (4th wk). So-so $5,000. Last week; $7,000. Boyd (SW-Cinerama) (1,480) $L10-$2.60)—“South Seas Adven- tui%” (Cinerama) (2d wk). Fast $19,000. Last week, $20,000. Fox (National) (2,250; . $1.10- $1.80) — “Inn Sixth Happiness” (20th) (10th wk). Great $10,000 in 9 days. Last week, $9,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 94- $1,49)—"Hanging Tree” (WB) (2d wk). Sturdy $10,000 or less. Last week, $14,500. Midtown (Goldman) (1,200; 99- $1.80)—“Separate Tables” (UA) (2d wk). Smash $21,000 or better. Last week, $27,000. Randolph (Goldman) (1,250; 94- $1.80)—“Some Came Running” (M-G) (4th wk). Socko $20,000. Last week, $22,500. Stanley (SW) (2.900; 99-$L80)—\* “Auntie Mame” (WB) (9th wk). Smash $12,000. Last week, $15,000. Stanton (SW) (1,483; 90-$1.40)— “Anna Lucasta” (UA). Hot $22.- 000. Last week, “I Want to Live” (UA) (6th wk), $9,000. Studio (Goldberg) (385; 95-$1.30) —“Three Strange Loves” (Indie) and “Illicit Interlude” (Indie). Good $3,500. Last week, “Girl in Bikini” (3d wk), same. Trans-Lux <T-L) (500; 99-$l-80)— 'Tosca” (Indie). Loud $8,000. Last week. “Doctor’s Dilemma” (M-G) (4th wk), $2,700. Viking (Sley) (1,000; 75-$1.49)— "Lonelyhearts” (UA). Okay $8,000. Last week, “Pennypacker” (20th), $ 10 , 000 . World (Pathe) (604; 94-$1.80)^ “Horse’s Mouth” (UA) (Lopert) (10th wk). Big $2,500. Last week, $3,500. K.C. Loaded With H.0.s; Tree’Nifty at $7,000, Tables’6G, Tears’4G , Kansas City, March 3. Early lenten season is making it¬ self felt somewhat although the town is solid with holdovers which are slowing down action. “Hanging Tree” at Paramount is following a fine first week with big holdover. “Separate Tables” at Midland is satisfactory on holdover. “Auntie Mame” in 10th week at the Roxy is joing the great recent ones. “South Seas Adventure” is holding well at the Missouri in 12th round. Fox Midwest is holding “Rally Round the Flag, Boys” for second week at Uptown and teaming it with first-run at Granada for fancy. returns. Weather turned pleasant, the best trend in months. Estimates for This Week Brookside (Fox Midwest) (900; 75-$ 1)—“Doctor’s Dilemma” (M-G) (2d wk). Mild $1,500. Last week, $2,000, beginning first-run policy here. Isis, .Fairway (Fox Midwest) (1,- 360; 700; 75-90)—“Restless Years” <U) and “Money, Women and Guns’* (U) (2d wk). Modest $4,000. Last week, including Granada, $8,500. Kimo (Dickinson) (504; 90-$1.25) —“God Created Woman” (Kings) (56th wk). Steady $1,300. Last week. $1,400. Midland (Loew) (3,500; 90-$1.25) —“Separate Tables” (UA) (2d wk). Pleasant $6,000. Last week, $9,000. Missouri (Cinerama) (1,194; $1.25-$2)—“South Seas Adventure” (Cinerama) (12th wk). Handsome $9,000. Last week, $10,000, hold¬ ing well via good play from groups. Paramount 1,900; 75-$l)—“Hang¬ ing Tree” (WB) (2d wk). Nifty $7,- 000. Last week, $10,000. Roxy (Durwood) (879; 90-$1.25- $1.50)—“Auntie Mame” <WB» (10th wk). Bright $5,000. Last week, $6,500. Uptown, Granada (Fox Midwest) (2,043; 1,217; 75-$l)—“Rally Round Flag, Boys” (20th) (2d wk Uotowri, 1st wk Granada).- Fancy $9,000; may hold again. Last week. Up¬ town only, $10,000.