Variety (March 1959)

Wednesday, March 4, 1959 t'BnihfFi PICTURE GROSSES 9 Chi B.O. Bullish; “Night’ BrightKG, ‘Gigi’ Great 24G on Grind ‘Beauty’ Big $43,000, ‘Journey’ 23G, Tree’ 17G 4 - ; ——-:- Chicago, March 3, First-run biz iooks nice for cur¬ rent session, continuing the bullish tone of recent weeks. Loop has an array of solid pix that are being helped by hints of spring in week¬ end weather. Todd's Cinestage, in switch to grind with “A Night to Remember/' expects a fine $14,- 000 opener. “Gigi,” out of its Cinestage roadshowing, is now on continuous performance at the Loop with great $24,000 in first stanza. Second frame of “The Journey" is figured hotsy at the Oriental while “Sleeping Beauty” looks boff in third State-Lake term. “Hang¬ ing Tree” on second Roosevelt ses¬ sion is rated fine. “Black Orchid” blooms dandy at Esquire third. “Some Came Running” is a fancy fourth-weeker at the Woods while “Rally'Round Flag, Boys” is tabbed hep in fourth at United Artists. “Auntie Marne” is still luring fancy coin in sixth at the Chicago. Of the hard-ticket pix, the 23d week of “South Seas Adventure” at Palace is steady while “South Pacific” is rated nice in 49th round at McVickers. Estimates for This Week Capri (Dowd) (585; $1.25-$1.50)— “Adulteress” (Times) and “Devil’s Daughter” (Times) (2d wk). Good $4,700. Last week, $8,500. ■ Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 90-$X80) —“Auntie Marne” (WB) (6th wk). Sock $32,000. Last week, $38,000. Esquire (H&E Balaban) (1,350; $1.50)^“Black Orchid” (Par) ;(3d wk». Dandy $12,000. Last week, $16,500. Loop (Telem’t) (606; 90-$1.50)— “Gigi” (M-G). Great $24,000 for initial grind session. Last week, “Tom Thumb” (M-G) (10th wk), $6,500. McVickers (JL&S) (1.580; $1.25- $3.30)—“South Pacific” (Magna) (49th wk>. Fine $16,000. Last week. $16,500. Monroe (Jovan) (1,000; 65-90)— “Green Eyed Blonde” (WB) and “Stakeout on Dope Street” (WB). Good $5,900. Last week, “Bad- man’s Country” (WB) and “Man¬ hunt in Jungle” (WB), $5,600. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 90-$1.50) (Continued on page 10) ‘Beanty’ Boffo $18,000 In Baito;/Flag’ $11,000, ‘Tables’ Stout 86,3d Baltimore, March 3. “Sleeping Beauty” is still the lead item here, doing boff biz in second week at the New. Other bright spots are “Rally Round Flag, Boys,” good in first round at Cen¬ tury. “Separate Tables” looms strong in third at the Town while “Doctor’s Dilemma,” oke in fourth at the Playhouse. Elsewhere, it’s rather slow. “Never Steal Anything Small” is rated only fair at the Mayfair. “Re¬ markable Mr. Pennypacker” is very slaw in second at Stanley while “House On .Haunted Hill” is dip¬ ping in third at the Hipp. Estimates for This Week Century (R-F) (3.100*; 50-$1.50)— 1 “Rally Round Flag” (20th). Good $11,000. Last week, “Auntie Marne” (WB) (9th wk), $6,000. Cinema (Schwaber) (460; 90- $1.50)—“Marianne” <UMPO) (2d wk>. Fair $2,100. Five West (Schwaber) (460; 90- $1.50)—“Horse’s Mouth” (Lopert) (10th wk). Oke $2,000 after same in ninth. Ilippodrome (R-F) (2,300; 50- $1.25)—“House on Haunted Hill” J (AA) (3d wk). Down to fairish $6 000 after $10,000 in second. 1 Little (R-F) (300; 50-$1.25)— “Silent Enernv” (U). Slow $1,500.; Last week,' “Henry V” (Rank) (re¬ issue) (2d wk). $1,300. Mayfair (R-F) (900; 50-$l,25)— “Never Steal Anything Small” (U). Fair $5,000. Last week. “Ud Peri- scoDe” (WB) (2d wk), $4,200. Playhouse (Schwaber) (460: 90- $1.50)-—“Doctor’s Dilemma" (M-G) (4th wk). Nice $3,100 after $3,200 in third. I New .(R-F) (1.600: 90-S1.50)—] “Sleeping Beauty” (BV) (2d wk). Boff $18,008 after $25,000 opener. Stanley (R-F-) (3,200; 50-$1.25)— “Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker” (20th) (2d wk). Slow $4,000 after $7,000 in first. Town (R-F) (1.125: .50-81.50)—' ‘.‘Separate Tables” (UA) (3d wk). Strong $8,008 -after $9,500 ini second. . I Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re¬ ported herewith from the vari¬ ous key cities, ere 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. ‘Flag Snappy 8G, Mpls.,3d;Tree’7G Minneapolis, March 3. A preponderance of holdovers for the stand at hand is spelling slower trade currently. In fact, the only new bill is a pair of reissues. Final three days for “South Pa¬ cific” at Academy shapes capacity. The other hard - ticket entry, “Windjammer,” is chalking up a hefty 16th week at Century. “Inn of Sixth Happiness” and “My I Uncle” are in their seventh and , fifth weeks, respectively. “Rally Round Flag, Boys” in third still is lifty; “Hanging Tree” shapes! ! strong, while “Pennypacker” is good, both in second weeks. Un¬ seasonably mild weather helped biz. Estimates for This Week Academy (Mann) (947; $1.50- $2.65) — “South Pacific” (Magna) (36th wk). Winding up in plenty of boxoffice glory today (3). Capacity for three nights and matinee. Huge $7,500. Last week, $14,000. “Sleep¬ ing Beauty” opens as non-hard ticket film Thursday (5). Century (S-W) (1,150; $1.75- $2.65)—“Windjammer” (NT) (15th wk). Still fast at $16,000. Last week, $16,500. Gopher (Berger) (1.000; 85-$l)— “Remarkable Mr. Pennvpacker” (20th) (2d wk). Good $5,500. Last week, $6,000. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 90-$1.25) — “Rally Around Flag” (20th) (3d wk). Lofty $6,000. Last week, $8,500. RKO Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 85- $1> — “Hanging Tree” (WB) (2d wk). Lofty $8,000. Last week, week. $10,000. RKO Pan (RKO) (1,800; 75-90) —“Place in Sun” (Par) and “Stalag 17” (Par) (reissues). Smash $6,000. Last week, “At War With Armv” (Par) (reissues) and “Hot Angel” (Par), $6,000. State (Par) (2,200; 85-$l)—“Par- atroop Command” (AI) and “Sub¬ marine Seahawk” (AI). Opened Monday (2).following a fortnight of legit shows. . ! St. Louis Park (Field; 1,000; $1.25)—“Horse’s Mouth” (Lopert) f5th wk). Has had a highly success¬ ful firstrun at this nabe which or¬ dinarily plays its pix in earliest subsequent - run clearance slot. Good $3,000. Last week, $4,000. Suburban World (Mann) (800; 85)—“My Uncle” (Cont) (5th wk). Hot $2,500. Last week, $3,000. - World (Mann) (400; 85-$1.50)— “Inn of Sixth Happiness” (20th) (7th wk). Hefty $4,500. Last week, $5,000. "Tables’ Sharp 15G In - St. L.; ‘Gigi' 16G, 4th St. Louis, March 3. Sparked by the Academy Award nominations, “Gigi,” in a fourth week at Loew’s, and “Separate Tables,” in a third at the Orpheum, room as the big ones currently. “Bell, Book and Candle” is smash in a second stanza at the St. Louis. “South Pacific” finally closed its long run of 45 weeks at Pageant, which now has “Around'World in 80 Days,” big in first Tound on this time around. “Hanging Tree” shapes lofty opening week at Fox Estimates for This Week Apollo Art (Grace) (700; 90- $1-25)—“Tide of Passion” (Indie). Good $2,000. Fox (Arthur)' (5,000; 60-90)— “Hanging Tree" (WB) and “Gid¬ eon Scotland Yard” (WB). Lofty $20,000. Last week, “Up Peri¬ scope” (Col) and “Enchanted Is¬ land” (Col), $10,000.. Loew’s (Loew) (3,600; 60-90)— (Continued on page 10) j TLAG’ LIVELY $17,000, CLEVE;; lUCASTA’ 13G Cleveland, March 3. ‘‘Rally Round Flag, Boys” looks best bet currently among new entrants, with a big take at the Allen. “Anna Lucasta” is okay at Hipp but not big enough for a holdover. “Separate Tables” is okay in third round at Stillman while “Journey” is fair in second at State. Estimates for This Week Allen (SW) (3,800; 85-$1.50)— “Rally Round Flag” (20th). Best in town, big $17,000 or over. Last week, “Bell, Book, Candle” (Col) (2d wk), $12,000. Continental Art (Art Theatre Guild) (850; $1.25)—“Henry V” (Indie) ^reissue). Average $2,000. Last week, “Seventh Seal” (Indie) (reissue), $1,100. Heights Art (Art Theatre Guild) (925; $1.25)—“Horse's Mouth” (Lopert) (3d wk). Swell $5,000. Last week, $6,000. Hippodrome (Telem’t) (3,700; 85- $1.50)—“Anna Lucasta” (UA). Just okay at $13,000. Last week, “Tonka” (BV), $12,000. Lower Mall (Community) (500; 70-90) — “Confessions of Felix Krull” (Indie) and “Colbitz Story” (Indie). Fair $1,800. Last week, “Savage Triangle” (Indie) and “Stella” (reissue), $1,600. Mayfield Art (Great Films Inc.) (700; $1.25) — “Great Dictator” i (Indie) (reissue) (2d wk). Average.! $1,500. Last week, $2,500. Ohio (Loew) (1,244; $1.25-$2.50) —“South Pacific” (Magna) (47th- final wk). Hefty $12,000 after $15,- j 000. ’ ] Palace (SW-Cinerama) (1,523; j $1.25-$2.40)—“South Seas Adven¬ ture” (Cinerama) (13th wk). Fancy $16,000. Last week, $17,000. State (Loew) (3.500; 70-90)— “Journey” (M-G) (2d wk). Fair l $10,000. Last week, $12,000. Stillman (Loew) (2,700; 85-$1.50) —“Separate Tables” (UA) (3d wk). Okay $8,000 after $9,000 in second. Moves to the Ohio. “Tables’Tall 1C Toronto; ‘Flag’ 25G Toronto, March 3. Newcomers doing big are “Up Periscope,” “Party Girl” and “Question of Adultery.” However, “Auntie Mame” is still leading the ' city in seventh stanza with week¬ end turnaway biz. “Separate Tables” looks great in third round. “Rally Round Flag, Boys,” also in third frame shapes sturdy, j “Inn of Sixth HaDpiness,” in eighth stanza, is rated fine. “South Seas Adventure,” in 14th wepk, looks excellent. Estimates for This Week Carlton, (Rank) (2.518; 75-$1.25) —“Rally Round Flag” (20th) (3d wk). Swell $10,000. Last week, $ 12 , 000 . Century, Downtown, Glendale, Midtown, Oakwood, Odeon, Prince of Wales, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (1,338; 1,059; 995; 1,089; 1,393; 752; 1,200; 684; 694; 50-75)—“Up Periscope” (WB) and “Badman’s Country” (WB). Fine $25,000. Last week, “Escort West” (UA) and “Enchanted Island” (WB), $13,000 via four-house tieup with seating capacity of 3,949. Fairlawn (Rank) (1,165; 75-$1.25) —“Henry V” (Rank) (reissue). Fair $4,000. Last week, “Madame But¬ terfly” (Indie) (3d wk). $4,500 at $1.50-$2 scale. Hollywood (FP) (1,080; $1-$1.25) —“Inn Sixth Happiness” (8th wk). Fine $8,000. Last week, same. : Hyland (Rank) (1,057; $1)—! “Horse’s Mouth” (UA) (4th wk). Okay $6,000. Last week, $8,000. Imperial (FP) (3,343; 75-$1.25)— “Auntie Mame” (WB) (7th wk). Still pacing city with terrific $16,- 000; still turnaway weekend biz. Last week, ditto. International (Taylor) J (557; $1.25)—“Gigi” (M-G) (31st wk). Upped to $4,000 on Academy nomi¬ nations. Last week, S3,500. Loew’s (Loew) (2,098; 75-$1.25) —“Separate Tables” (UA) (3d wk). Holding big at $14,000. or over. Last week, great $16,000. Tivoli (FP) (995; $1.75-$2.40)— “South Pacific” (Magna)’ (35th wk). Fine $8,000. Last week, ditto. Towne (Taylor) (695; $1)— “Question of Adultery” (IFD). Big $5,000. Last week, “Wee Geordie” (IFD) and “Hobson’s Choice” > (IFD) (reissues). $3,000. University (FP) (1,255; $1.50- [ $2.40)—‘South Seas' Adventure” ! (Cinerama) (14th wk). Good pickup to excellent $14,000. Last week, $13,500. Uptown (Loew) (2.745; 75-$l,25) —“Party Girl” (M-G). Fine $10,- 000. Last week, “Stranger in Arms” (U), $7,500. i 6 way Awaits New Pix to Bolster B.O.; ‘Journey Strong 130G, 2d, ‘Beauty 5 50G, 2d, ‘Street 5 Oke 10G Usual post-holiday dip at the wickets is being felt this stanza at Broadway first-runs, the down- beat being accelerated by some product which is now in final weeks or pictures that leave something to be desired. Several new bills are being launched midweek as thea¬ tres square away to bring in strong fare for Easter later this month. Mild weatheF, if anything, was an adverse factor. Biggest coin is being racked up by “The Journey” with stageshow, which looks to hit fine $130,000 in second session at the Music Hall. Holding up .remarkably well is “Sleeping Beauty” despite not hav¬ ing the benefit of vacationing youngsters in current round. It is winding the second frame at the Criterion with a great $50,000 or close. Lone newcomer, “Cry From Street,” got a nice $10,000 at the arty Guild. Second week of “Last Mile” was weak at $8,000; “Lone- lyhearts” is being opened at the : Victoria today (Wed.) as an early j replacement. Both the Capitol and | Roxy are changing their bills today (Wed.). Former opens “Night of Quarter Moon” while the Roxy is launching “Up Periscope” while ! retaining the same stageshow until I “Rio Bravo” comes in as the Easter pic later this month. Both sagged in third rounds with “Never Steal Anything Small” at Cap and “Hanging Tree” at Roxy. Helped by. the bally anent the ’ film’s seven different Oscar nomi¬ nations, “Separate Tables” is show¬ ing unusual strength this round, especially at the Astor where a great $24,000 is likely in current (11th) week. It looks big $10,000 in same stanza at the Normandie. “Stranger in My Arms” opened yesterday (Tues.) at the Odeon after nine weeks and five days of “Bell, Book and Candle.” Second round of “Remarkable Mr. Penny- packer” looks like mild $23,000 at the Paramount. “Rally Round Flag, Boys” finished its 10th week at the Palace with an okay $10,000. Of the . hard-ticket pictures, “South Seas Adventure” soared to a sock $30,900 in its 32d session at the Warner, which took in Sun¬ day-Monday of the Washington’s Birthday week. “South Pacific,” which did not benefit from the holi¬ days in current (21st) stanza, looks like nice $16,000 at the Rivoli. “Gigi” soared in the 17th week endered last Saturday (28) to a great $23,000 at the Sutton, this taking in the Sunday-Monday of the holiday week. “He Who Must Die” is holding strongly with a wow $12,100 in ninth round at Beekman, it too benefiting from the holiday weekend. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,094; 75-$2)— “Separate Tables” (UA) (11th wk). This round ending today (Wed.) is heading for an amazing $24,000 or close. The 10th week was $26,- 000, which topped the ninth ses¬ sion. Stays. Being helped current¬ ly via nominations for seven Academy awards. Baronet (Reade) (430; $1.25-$2) —“My Uncle” (Cont) (18th wk). The 17th week completed Sunday (1) perked to big $7,700. The 16th week, $7,400. Being taken out because of locked booking, and fact that benefit preem is set for March 10 on “The Law Is the Law” (Cont). Beekman (R&B) (590; $1.20- $1.75)—“He Who Must Die” (Kass- ler) (10th wk). Ninth session fin¬ ished Saturday (28) was wow $12,- 100, having benefit of holidays. This is holding in sensational style for such a longrun. Eighth was $10,400. Capitol (Loew) (4,820; $l-$2.50) —“Night of Quarter Moon” (M-G). Opens today (Wed). Last week, “Never Steal Anything Small” (U) (3d wk), wound up with lean $13,- 000 after $19,000 for second. Criterion (Moss) (1,671; $1.25- $2.50)—“Sleeping Beauty” (BV) (3d wk). First holdover round finished last night (Tues.) held with wow $50,000 or near. Initial week was mighty $58,000. Fine Arts (Davis) (468: 90-$1.80) — “Two - Headed Spy” (Col). Opened Monday (2). In ahead, “Bell, Book, Candle” (Col) (10th wk-5 days), was lean $4,500 after $6;1Q0 in ninth. 55th St Playhouse (Moss) (300; $1.25-$1.80) — “Miracle of St. Therese” (Ellis) (3d wk). This stanza looks like.hep $4,400 after $5,500 in second. Guild (Guild) (450; 81-81.75)— "Cry From Streets” (Indie) (2d wk). First week ended Sunday (1) was fine $10,000. Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; $1.80-$2.80)—“Separate Tables” (UA) (11th wk). This round end¬ ing today (Wed.) looks like great $10,000 after $10,500 for 10th week. Stays on. Palace (RKO) (1,642; 90-$2)— “Rally Round Flag, Boys” (20th) (11th). The 10th ) stanza ended yesterday (Tues.) was okay $10,- 000 after $13,500 in ninth. “Diary of Anne Frank” (20th) opens March 17. Odeon (Moss) (813; 90-$1.80)— “Stranger in Arms” (U). Opened yesterday (Tues.). Last week, “Bell, Book” (Col) (10th wk-4days), fair $6,400 after $10,200 for ninth full week. Paramount (AB-PT) (3,665; $1- $2) — “Remarkable Mr. Penny- packer” (20th) (2d wk). This round ending tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to hit mild $23,000. First was $35,000. Stays, with “Sheriff of Fractured Jaw” (20th) pencilled in to open March 13. Paris (Pathe Cinema) (568; 90- $1.80)—“Horse’s Mouth” (Lopert) (17th wk). The 16th session ended Sunday (1) was big $13,200 after $12,800 in 15th week. Stays on indefinitely. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke¬ fellers) (6.200; 90-82.75) — “The Journey” (M-G) and stageshow (2d wk). First holdover week ending today (Wed.) is heading for fine $130,000. Initial week, $165,000. Stays on. Rivoli (UAT) (1.545; $2-53.50)— “South Pacific” (Magna) (22d wk). The 21st week ended Monday (2) was hep $16,000. Last week, $21,- 200. “Compulsion” (20th) is due in here next, likely sometime in April. Plaza (Lopert) (525: S1.50-$2)— “Black Orchid” (Par) (3d wk). This stanza winding up today (Wed.) is heading for good $7,100. Second was $12,000. Roxy (Indie) (5.705: 90-S2.50)— “Up Periscope” (WB) and same stageshow. Opens today (Wed.). In ahead, “Hanging Tree” (WB) and stageshow (3d wk), was mild $35.- 000 after $68,000 in second round. Sutton (R&B) (561; 95-81.80)— “Gigi” (M-G) (18th wk). The 17th round completed Saturday (28) soared to great $23,000, getting the benefit of Washington’s Birthday (Sunday-Monday). The 16th week was $19,100. Trans-Lux 52d St. (T-L) (540; $1- $1.50)—“Doctor’s Dilemma” (M-G) (12th wk). The 11th session finished yesterday (Tues.) was pood $6,000. The 10th was $7,000. “Shaggy Dog” (BV) opens March 19. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,003; 50-$2) —“Lonelvhearts” (UA). Opens to¬ day (Wed,). Last week, “Last Mile” (UA) (2d wk), dipped to thin $8,000 or close. Opener was $14,000, also not strong. Warner (SW-Cinerama) (1,600; $1.80-$3.50)—“South Seas Adven¬ ture” (Cinerama) (33d wk). The 32d stana finished Saturday (28) was socko $30,900. The 31st week, $21,200. The 32d week was helped by two extra holiday shows (Mon.- Tues.) plus two student perform¬ ances. ‘Tables’ Paces Prov. Biz Whopping $14,000, in 2d; ‘Sinbad’ Fair 5*G, H.O. Providence, March 3. Holdovers are in the spotlight in three of the four first-runs this week. Loew’s State riding high on Oscar nominations for “Separate Tables,” with a wow take for sec¬ ond. Majestic is solid with “Rally Round Flag, Boys,” also second. “Seventh Voyage of Sinbad” at Albee looks fair in second. Estimates for This Week . Albee (RKO) (2,200; 65-80) — “Seventh Voyage Sinbad” (Col) and “Naked Earth” (Col) (2d wk). Fair $5,500. Last week, $10,000, with healthy boost from vacation¬ ing school children. Majestic (SW) (2,200; 75-$1.00)— “Rally Round Flag” (20th) (2d wk). Happy $7,000. First was $9,000. . State (Loew) (3,200; 90-$1.25)— “Separate Tables” (UA) (2d wk). Wow $14,000. First was $17,000. Strand (National Realty) (2,200; 65-80)—“Restless Years” (U) and “Appointment With Shadow” (U). Just fair $6,000. Last week, “Inn Sixth Happiness” (20th) (4th wk), $6,500.