Variety (March 1959)

8 PICTURE CROSSES P^RIETY LA. Perks; Periscope’ Good $20,000, ‘Game’ Sock 12G, ‘Stranger’ $10,900 ‘Tables’ Fat 13G, ‘Beauty’ Lush 14G Los Angeles. March 10. A pair of fairly strong newcomers and several hefty holdovers are helping to spark the first-run scene this week. However, the over-all setup is still in the doldrums. “Up Periscope,” with assorted second feature pix, leads opening bills with a good $20,000 in three thea¬ tres. “Mating Game” looks socko $12,000 at Fox Beverly. “Stranger in My Arms” looms fair $10,000 in two houses. Leader of regular holdovers is “Auntie Marne,” which is expecting a torrid $17,000 in 12th week at the Chi¬ nese. “Gigi” still is big in seventh round at Four Star. “Sleeping Beauty” is aiming for a lush $14,000 or near in sixth at Fox Wilshire. “Separate Tables” is heading for hefty $13,000 or close in third week, three situa¬ tions. “Some Came Runnng” shapes stout $10,200 in third at two houses. Hard-ticket pix are still headed by “South Seas Adventure” with big $18,300 in 23d week at Warner Hollywood. Estimates for This Week Downtown Paramount, Wilteru, Hollywood (ABPT-SW-FWC) (3.300; 2,344; 756; 90-$1.50) — “Up Peri¬ scope” (WB) and “Kings Go Forth” (UA)‘ (reissue) (D’n Par), “City of Fear” (Col) (Wjltern, Hollywood). Good $20,000 or near. Last week, “Hanging Tree” (WB), “Enchanted Island” (WB) (2d wk), $17,100. Downtown, Hawaii (SW-G&S) (1,757; 1,106; 90-$1.50)—“Stranger In My Arms” rtJ) and “Silent Ene¬ my” (U). Fair $10jQOO or close. Last week, Hawaii witn State, El Rey, “Some Came Running” (M-G) (2d wk), “Something of Value” (M-G) (reissue), (Hawaii, State), “Anna Lucasta” (UA) <M.G.) (2d wk) (El Rey), $14,600. Fox Beverly (FWC) (1,170; $2- $2.40) — “Mating Game” (M-G). Socko $12,000. Last week, with Orpheum, Vogue, Loyola, “Sepa¬ rate Tables” (UA) (10th wk, 8 days. Fox Bev; 2d wk, Vogue, Loyola), “Wink of Eye” (UA) (2d wk) (Orpheum). “Kings Go Forth” (UA) (reissue) (Vogue), “Tunnel of Love" (M-G) (2d wk) (Loyola), $18,800. Warmer Beverly (SW) (1,612; 90- $1.50) — “Cat On Hot Tin Roof’ (M-G) (2d run). Dull $3,500. Hillstreet (RKO) (2,752; 90-$1.50) — “711 Ocean Drive” (Col) and “The Mob” (Col) (reissues). Dim $3,200. Last week, with Iris, Up¬ town, “Tank Commandos” (AI), “Operation Dames” (AI), $7,800. Los Angeles, Iris, Uptown (FWC) (2,017; 825; 1,715; 90-$1.50) — “Case of Dr. Laurent” (T-L) and “No Place to Land” (2d wk, Los Angeles; Iris, Uptown). Slow $7,700. Last week, Los Angeles, $4,900. - Hollywood Paramount (F&M) (1,468; $1.50-$2)—“Journey” (M-G) (Continued on page 10) ‘Stranger’ Hefty $6,000, L’yifle; Tree’ Oke 6|G ‘Lucasta’ Slight $5,500 Louisville, March 10. First-run biz is milder here this week. New product is not making much impression at the wickets while holdovers are doing well. Brown is still big with “10 Com¬ mandments” in second week, but is going out to make way for “Sleep¬ ing Beauty.” “Stranger in My Arms” at the Kentucky stacks up nicely. “Hanging Tree” at the Mary Anderson is fair. “Anna Lucasta” at United Artists is not going far in this city. Estimates for This Week Brown (Fourth Ave.) <1,200; 60- $1)—“10 Commandments” (Par) (2d run) (3d wk). Stacking up big at $6,500, and could be held longer, but gives way to “Sleeping Beauty” (BV). Last week, $7,500. Kentucky (Switow) (900; 60-90)— “Stranger in Arms” (U). Hefty $6,000. Last week, “Never Steal Anything Small” (U), $4,000. Mary Anderson (People’s) (1,000; 60-90) — “Hanging Tree” (WB). Okay $6,500. Last week, “Up Peri- scoue” (WB), $5,000. Rialto (Fourth Ave.) (3,000; 60- 90 —“Rally Round Flag” (20th) (2d wk). Good $7,000 after first week’s $ 8 , 000 . United Artists (UA) (3,000; 60-$I) — Anna Lucasta” (UA). Not buy¬ ing this one, slow $5,500 or less. Last week, “Separate Tables” (UA) (2d wk), $6,000. Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week ...... $2,330,880 (Based on 22 cities and 231 theatres, chiefly first runs, in¬ cluding N. Y.) Last Year.$2,389,800 (Based on 23 cities and 239 theatres.) ‘Journey Hot 20G, Hub; ‘Orchid’ 14G Boston, March 10. Biz continues climbing this week with good at most spots. Weather is rated a favorable factor by ex- hibs. “Journey” heads the new¬ comers at Orpheum with a hotsy gross. “These Thousand Hills” is okay at Pilgrim and Fenway. “Black Orchid is hangup at Para¬ mount. “Stranger in My Arms” continues nice at Met in second round. “Separate Tables” looks wham at State in third. “Gigi” is great at Beacon Hill in 10th week. “Sleeping Beauty,” still wow In fourth Gary week, has smashed all records at house since rebuilt from old Plymouth legiter. Estimates for-Tbis Week Astor (B&Q) <1.371: $1.25-$1.50) —“Rally Round Flag” (20th). (3d wk). Neat $12,000. Last week, $14,000. Beacon Hill (Sack) (678; $1- . $1.50)—“Gigi” dtf-G) (10th wk). Great $14,000. Last 'week, same. Boston (SW-Cinerama) (1,354; $1.25-$2.65)—“Windjammer” (NT) (29th wk). Wham $29,000 again. Last week, ditto. Capri (Sack) (1,150; 90-$1.50)— “Horse’s Mouth” (Lopert) (6th wk). Happy $12,000. Last Week. same. Exeter (Indie) (1.376; 75-$1.25)— “Pather Panchali” (Indie) (4th wk). Fourth week began Sunday (8). Last week, slick $6,500. Fenway (Indie) (1,376; 75-$1.25) —“These Thousand Hills” (20th) and “Circle” (Indie). Good $4,500. Last week, “Inn of Sixth Happi¬ ness” (20th) (2d run) and. “Chasing Sun” (Indie), $3,000. Gary (Sack) (1,240; 90-$1.50)— “Sleeping Beauty” (BV) (4th wk). Wham $26,000. Last week, ditto. Previous week, $38,000, over hopes. Kenmore (Indie) (700; 90-$1.50) —“Happy Is Bride” (Indie). Hep $12,000. Last week, “Times Gone By” (Indie) and “Boot Polish” (Indie), $5,000. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 60- $1.10)—“Anna Lucasta” (UA) and “Escort West” (UA) (3d wk). Nice $10,000. Last week, $13,000. Metropolitan (NET) (4,357; 70- $1.10)—“Stranger in My Arms” (U) and “Mark of Hawk” (U) (2d wk). Fine $14,500. Last week,. $17,000. Paramount (NET) (2,357; 70- $1.10)—"Black Orchid” (Par) and “Young Captives” (Par). Bangup $14,000.. Last week, “Hanging (Continued on page 10) ‘FLAG’ LIVELY $7,000, PROV 4 TABLES’ 9G, 3D Providence, March 10. State’s “Separate Tables” and Majestic’s “Rally Round Flag, Boys” are playing to lively third weeks. RKO Albee is only fair with “Up Periscope.” Strand is in same category with “Stranger In My Arms.” Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 65-80)—“Up Periscope” (WB) and “Gunsmoke In Tucson” (AA). Fair $6,000. Last week, “Sinbad” (Col) and “Naked Earth” (Col) (2d wk), $6,000. Majestic (SW) (2,200; 75-$D— “Rally Round Flag” (20th) (3d wk). Good $7,000. Last week, $8,500. State (Loew) (3,200; 90-$1.25)—. “Separate Tables” (UA) 3d. wk). Big $9,000 or near. Last week, $ 12 , 000 . Strand (National Realty) (2,200; 65-80).—“Stranger In My Arms” (Par). Fair $6,000. Last week, “Restless Years” (U) and “Appoint¬ ment With Shadow” (U), $5,800. ‘LIVE’ LUSTY $10,000, D.C.; TABLES’8G,12TH . Washington, March 10. Slight dip marks biz this round, but new entries mainly are doing okay. “Separate Tables” is nifty in 12th frame at Columbia, a standout longrunner here. “I Want to Live”' remains socko in fourth stanza at Keith’s. . “Rally Around Flag” shapes solid at Palace in third round, “Sleeping Beauty” still is great in -third stanza at Uptown. “Up Periscope” looks good in two spots. “Sheriff of Fractured Jaw” is so slow it will stay only one week at Capitol. Estimates for This Week Ambassador - Metropolitan (SW) (1,490; 1,000; 90-$1.25)—“Up Peri¬ scope” (WB)! Good $14,000. Last week, “House on Haunted Hill” (AA), $16,000. Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 90-$1.25) —“Sheriff of Fractured Jaw” (20th). Slow $10,000 and leaves after one week. Last week, “Jour¬ ney” (M-G) (2d wk), $13,000. Columbia (Loew) (904; 90-$1.49) —“Separate Tta'bles” (UA) (12th wk). Nifty $8,000 after $9,000, con¬ tinues. Keith’s (RKO) (1,850; 90-$1.25)— “I Want to Live” (UA) (4th wk). Lusty $10,000. Last week, ditto. Stays on. MacArthur <K-B) (900; $1)—“I Was Monty’s Double” (NTA). Oke $3,500, and remains. Last week, “Lucky Jim” (Kings), $2,500. Ontario (K-B) (1,240; 90-$L25)— “Night to Remember” (Rank) (3d wk). Oke $6,000. Stays on. Last week, $8,000. Palace' (Loew) (2,390; 90-$1.25)— “Rally Round Flag” (20th> (3d wk). Solid $13,000 after $14,000 in second. Plaza (T-L) (276; 90-$1.49)— “Night Heaven Fell” 1 Kings) tilth wk). Big $3,000 after $3,500 in 10th week. Trans-Lux (T-L) (600; 90-$1.65)— “Last Blitzkrieg” (Col) Nifty $6,500. Last week. “Bell. Book, Candle” (Col) (10th wk), $3,500. Uptown (SW) (1,100; $1.25-$1.49) —“Sleeping Beauty” (BV) (3d wk). Great $15,000. Last week, $18,000. Warner (SW-Cinerama) (1,300; $1.25-$2.4Q)—“South Seas Adven¬ ture” (Cinerama) (12th wk). Great S17,200 on 11 shows. Last week, $17,000 for 12 performances' ‘Journey’ Fair 9G, K.C.;‘Hills’8G Kansas City, March 10. Biz is somewhat better this round with several newcomers to help the line-up. “The Journey” at the Midland is fair while “The Trap” is modest at Paramount “These 1000 Hills” in three Fox Midwest Houses is mild. “Horse’s Mouth” is perking at the Rockhill. Weather took a big bite out of biz on Thursday with a late season blizzard, taking the edge off three openings. Estimates for This Week . Brookside (Fox Midwest) (900; 76-$l)-HCurrently has returned to sub-runs. Last week, “Doctor’s Dilemma” (M-G) (2d wk), good $1,500. Isis, Fairway, Granada (Fox Mid¬ west) (1,360; 700; 1,217; 75-90)— “These 1000 Hills” (20th) and "Alaska Passage” (20th). Mild $8,000. Last week, “Restless Years” (U) and “Money, Women, Guns” (U) (2d wk), Isis and Fair¬ way only, $3,000. Kimo (R.ckinson) (504; 90-$1.25) —“God Created Woman” (Kings) (57th wk). Nice $1,000; continues. Last week, $1,100. Midland (Loew) (3,500; 75-$l)— “The Journey” (M-G) and “No¬ where To Go” (M-G). Fair $9,000; may hold. Last week, “Separate Tables” (M-G) (2d wk), $7,000. . Missouri „ (Cinerama) (1,194; $1.25-$2)—“South Seas Adventure” (Cinerama)' (13th wk). Still good at $8,000. Last week, $9,000. Paramount (UP) (1,900; 75-$l)— “The Trap” (Par) and “As Young As We Are” (Par). Modest $7,000 or close. Last week, “Hanging Tree” (WB) (2d wk), $5,500. . Rockhill (Little Art Theatres) ' (750; 75-$l) — “Horse’s Mouth” (UA). Bright $2,200; likely holds. Last week, second-runs. Roxy (Durwodd) (879; 90-$1.25- $1.50)—“Auntie Mame” (WB) (10th v/k). ’ Fast $5,000, unusually good for this stage of long-run. Last week, same. Uptown (Fox Midwest) (2,043; 75- $1)—“Rally Round Flag” (20th) (3d wk). Fair $4,000. Last week, in Uptown and Granada, neat $8,000. Wednesday, March 11, 1959 Philly Down Albeit ‘Flag’ Smash 25G; ‘Tables’ Tall 16G, ‘Running’ 15G, H.0.s Estimated Total Gross This Week .$407,200 (Based on. 21 theatres) Last Year .$481,800 (Based on 24 theatres) ‘Orchid’ Lush 11G, Frisco; ‘Gigi’ 8G, 35 San Francisco, March 10. Pre-Easter sage is setting in here but “Black Orchid” looks nice at Golden Gate and “Submarine Seahawk” is good at Paramount among new pix. “Separate Tables” shapes big in fourth round at United Artists while “Bell, Book and Candle” is rated good in third St. Francis stanza. “Gigi” still is potent in 35th session at the Stage- door. “Sleeping Beauty” shapes fancy in fourth round at Coronet, getting same coin as third we&k. . Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2.859; $1.25)—“Black Orchid” (Par) and "When Hell Broke .Loose” (AA). Nice $11,000 or close. Last week, “Stranger In Arms” (.U) and “Ar¬ son For Hire” (U), $8,500. Fox fFWC) (4,651; $1.25-$1.50)— "Crawling Eye” ‘ (DCA) and “Cos¬ mic Monsters” (DCA). Mild $8,500. Last week. “I Mobster” (20th) and “Intent To Kill” (20th), $7,500. Warfield (Loew) (2.656; 90-$1.25) —“Journey” (M-G) (3d wk). Oke $8,000. Last week, $9,500. Paramount (Par) (2.646; 90-$1.25) —“Submarine Seahawk” (AI) and “Paratroop Command” (Alt. Good $12,000. Last week, “Hang¬ ing Tree” (WB) and “Man Or Gun” (WB) (2d wk>, $10,000. St. Francis (Par) (1,400; $1.25- $1.50)—“Bell, Book, Candle” (Col) (3d wk). Good $9,000. Last week, $ 12 , 000 . Orpheum (SW-Cinerama) (1,456; $1.75-$2.65)—“South Seas Adven¬ ture” i Cinerama) (15th wk). Strong $17,000 or over. Last week, $26,000. United Artists (No. Coast) (1.207; 90-$1.25)—“Separate Tables” (UA) (4th wk). Big $8,000 or near. Last week, $10,300. Stagedoor (A-R) (440; $1.25-$3) —“Gigi” (M-G) 1 35th wk). Po¬ tent $8,000 or near. Last week, $8,800. Presidio (Hardy-Parsons) (774; $1.25-$1.50) — “Forbidden Fruit” (UMPO). Solid $5,000. Last week, “Love Maker” (T-L), $2,800. Vogue (S.F. Theatres) (364; $1.25)—“Sin Of Youth” (Indie). Oke $2,200. Last week, “Sev¬ enth Seal” (Indie) (15th wk), $ 2 , 100 . I Alexandria (United California) (1,170; $1.50-$3.50)—“South Paci¬ fic” (20th) (36th wk). Okay $9,000. Last week, $10,000. . Coronet (United California) (1,250; $1.49-$1.75) — “Sleeping Beauty” (BV) (4th wk). Fancy $12,§00, same as last week. ‘Stranger’ Sturdy 10G, Indpls.; ‘Mame’ 9G, 5th Indianapolis, March 10. Biz is fairly quiet here this stanza, with the March blizzard that hit last Friday night hurting trade to some extent. But “Stranger in My Arms” is doing nicely at Circle and “Auntie Mame” con¬ tinues big in fifth week at Keith’s. “House on Haunted Hill” looks fairish in second stanza at the Indiana. Estimates for This Week Circle (Cockrill-Dolle) (2,800; 75-90) — “Stranger in My Arms” (U) and “Voice in the Mirror” (U). Hefty $10,000. Last week, “Re¬ markable Mr. Pennypacker” (20th) and “Alaska Passage” (20th), $8,500. Indiana (C-D) (3,200;-75-90) — “House on Haunted Hill” (AA) and “Wolf Larsen” (AA) (2d wk). Fairish $7,000. Last week, $13,000. Keith’s (C-D) (1,300; 90-$1.25)— “Auntie Mame” (WB) (5th wk). Big $9,000. Last week, $10,500. Loew’s (Loew) (2,427; 75-90) — “Hast Mile” (UA) and “China Doll” (UA). Slow $5,000 m 5 days. Last week, “Separate Tables” (UA) (2d wk), $6,0Q0. Philadelphia, March 10. Exhibitors here are inclined to blame first mild weather, which has taken folks out on the road, for current milder trade. “Rally Round Flag, Boys” is sole new en¬ try to ring the bell with a smash take at the Fox. “Last Mile,” “Stranger in My Arms” and “Sev¬ enth Veil” *are all new entries which are not doing much. “Never Steal Anything Small” looks okay at the Viking. Strength still continues with many holdovers and longruns. “Anna Lucasta” is trim in second Stanton week. “Separate Tables’* is smash in. third session at the Midtown. “Some Came Running” looms fast in fifth Randolph week. “South Seas Adventure” is lusty in third Boyd week while “Black Orchid” is rated neat in fifth at the Arcadia. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S&S) (536; 99-$1.80)— "Black Orchid” (Par) <5th wk). Neat $4,200. Last week, $5,000. Boyd (SW-Cinerama) (1,480; $1.10-$2.60)—“South Seas Adven¬ tures” (Cinerama) (3d wk). Lusty $18,000. Last week, $19,000. Fox (National) f2,250; $1.10- $1.80)—“Rally Round Flag” (20th) Rousing $25,000. Last week, “Inn of Sixth Happiness” (20th) (10th wk-9 days), $10,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 94- $1.491—“Last Mile” (UA). Mild $7,500. Last week, “Hanging Tree” (WB) (2d wk), $10,000. Midtown (Goldman) (1,200; 99- $1.801—“Separate Tables” (UA) (3d wk). Smash $16,000. Last week, $21,000. Randolph (Goldman) (1.250; 94- $1.80) — “Some Came Running” (M-G) (5th wk). Fast $15,000. Last week, $20,000. Stanley (SW) (2,900; 99-$1.80)— “Stranger in My Arms” IU). Lean $13,000. Last , week. "Auntie Mame” (WB) (9th wk), $12,000. Stanton (SW) (1,483; 90-$1.40)— “Anna Lucasta” (UA) (2d wk). Trim $10,000. Last week, $22,000. Studio (Goldberg) (385; 95-$1.80) —“Milkmaid” (Indiel. Fair $3,400. Last week, “Three Strange Loves” (Indie) and “Illicit Interlude” (In¬ die), $3,500. Trans-Lux (T-L) (500; 99- $1.80)—“Tosca” (Indie) (2d wk). Torrid $6,800. Last week, $8,000. Viking (Sley) (1,000; 75-$1.49)— “Never Steal Anything Small 1 * (U). Okay $7,000. Last week. “Lonelyhearts” (UA), $8,000. World (Pathe) (604; 94-$1.80)— i “Seventh Veil” (Indie). Thin $3^200. Last week, “Horse’s Mouth” (UA) (Lopert) (10th wk). $2*500. Cold Clips Cincy Trade; ‘Tree’ Tall $9,000, ‘Flag’ 12G, 3d,‘Orchid’ 9|G Cincinnati, March 10. Pix biz here this week remains firm despite skidding from winter weather kickback in first half. “Hanging Tree” shapes okay at Palace. “Black Orchid,” the other newie, is only fairish at Albee. “Rally Round Flag, Boys” contin¬ ues hefty in third week at outlying •Valley,, now a first-run. Other sturdy holdovers are “Auntie Mame,” in 10th downtown week, and “Separate Tables” in third stanza at Keith’s. Hard-ticket “South Seas Adventure” remains fancy in 19th week. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 90-$1.25)— “Black Orchid” (Par). Fairish $9,500. Last week, “Some Came Running” (M-G) (2d wk), $11,500. Capital (SW-Cinerama) (1,376; $1.20-$2.65)—“South Seas Adven¬ ture” (Cinerama) (19th wk). Fancy $14,000. Last week, $15,500. Grand (RKO) (1,400; 90-$1.50)— .“Auntie Mame” (WB) (m.o.) (3d wk). Still lusty at $6,000, this be¬ ing 10th round downtown. Last week, $6,500. Might hold again. Keith's (Shor) (1,500; 90-$1.25)— “Separate Tables” (UA) (3d wk). Hot $6,000. Last week, $7,80Q. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 90-$1.25)— “Hanging Tree” (WB). Okay $9,000 or near. Last week, "Up Periscope” (WB) at $1.10 top, $8,500. Valley (Wiethe) (1,200; -$1-$1.50) “Rally Round Flag” (20th) (3d wk). Hefty $12,000. Second stanza was $12,200. Holds for fourth.