Variety (March 1959)

Wednesday, March II, 1959 UfiRi&rr PICTURE GROSSES 9 Lent Clips Chi But ‘Beauty’ Bright $33,000 in 4 th; ‘Journey’ Oke 16C, 3d ‘Running’ Socko 17G, 5th, lame’ 28G 4-- : -—- N.Y. Long On Alibis for Short B.O.; 1 ‘Stranger 10^G, ‘Periscope’ 35G, ‘Lonelyhearts’ 13G, ‘Moon’ $25,000 Chicago, March 10. Lenten slough is finally making a dent on downtown cinema biz which wasn’t helped any by cold weekend weather. Only two new- ies this round, the World’s “Horse's Mouth,” expecting a hep take, and Capri’s “Flesh and Desire," reach¬ ing for a nice total. “Sleeping Beauty" is collecting best coin among holdovers, being rated fancy in’ State-Lake fourth session. Oriental’s third round of “The Journey" shapes trim. “Hanging Tree” looms good in ditto sesh at the Roosevelt. In second stanza, “Night to Re¬ member” looks okay at Todd’s Cinestage while “Gigi" shapes socko at the Loop. “Auntie Marne" still is hep in seventh round at the Chicago. Fifth frame of “Some Came Running" is figured socko at the Woods. Esquire’s fourth week of “Black Orchid” should be nice. “Rally Round Flag, Boys” is headed for a satisfactory fifth stanza at United Artists. On the hard-ticket scene, 24th session of “South Seas Adventure” Is holding sturdy at Palace, and 50th round of “South Pacific" looms fine at McVickers, Estimates for This Week Capri (Dowd) (585; $1.25-$1.50) —“Flesh and Desire” (Ellis) and, “Untouched" (Indie) (reissue). Good $4,300. Last week, “Adult¬ eress" (Times) and “Devil’s Daugh¬ ter” (Times) (2d wk), $4,500. Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 90-$1.80) —“Auntie Marne" (WB) (7th wk). Hep $28,000. Last week, $32,000. Esquire (H&E Balaban) (1,350; $1.50)—“Black Orchid” (Par) (4th wk). Nice $7,300. Last week, $ 12 , 000 . Loop (Telem’t) (606; 90-$1.80)— “Gigi" (M-G) (2d wk). Boff $20,- 500. Last week, $24,000. Me Vickers (JL&S) (1,580; $1.25- $3.30)—“South Pacific” (Magna) (50th wk). Nice $15,000. Last week. $16,000. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 90-$1.50) —“The Journey" (M-G) (3d wk). Oke $16,000. Last week. $23,000. * Palace (SW-Cinerama) (1.434; $1.25-$3.40)—“South Seas Adven¬ ture" (Cinerama) (24th wk). Fine $21,500. Last week. $22,300. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,400; 90- $1.80)—“Hanging Tree” (WB) (3d wk). Good $12,000. Last week, $17,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2,400; 90- $1.80) .— “Sleeping Beauty" (BV) (4th wk). Exciting $33,000. Last week, $43,000. Surf (H&E Balaban) (685; $1.25) —“Mad Little Island” (Rank) (re¬ issue) (2d wk). Mild $2,300. Last week, $3,200. Todd’s Cinestage (Todd) (1,036; (Continued on page 10) ‘Hill’ Socko $11,000, Seattle; ‘Orchid’ 6G Seattle, March 10. “House on Haunted Hill” shapes standout among newcomers here this round, with a socko take at Coliseum. “Separate Tables” looms good at Music Box in fourth round while “Gigi” is rated okay open¬ ing stanza at Music Hall. “Auntie Mame” is potent in 10th Orpheum session. Estimates for This Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (739; $2) —“Sleeping Beauty" (BV) (3d wk). Big $12,000. Last week, $14,700. Coliseum (Fox-Evergreen) (1,- 870; 90-$1.50)—“House on Haunted Hill” (AA) and “From Hell It Came” (AA). Great $11,000 or near. Last week, “Last Blitzkreig” (Col) and “Good Day for Hanging” (Col), $ 8 , 200 . Fifth Avenue (Fox-Evergreen) (2,500; 90-$1.50)—“Black Orchid" (Par) and “Tokyo after Dark” (Par). Modest $6,000. Last week, “Pennypacker” (20th) and “Man Inside” (Col), $10,800 in 11 days. Music Box (Hamrick) (850; 90- $1,50)—“Separate Tables" (UA) (4th wk). Good $5,000. Last week, $5,300. Music Hall (Hamrick) (2,200; 90- $1.50)—“Gigi” (M-G). Okay $8,000. Last week, “Hanging Tree” (WB) and “Johnny Rocco” (AA). $6,300. Orpheum (Hamrick) (2,700; 90- $1.50)—“Auntie Mame" (WB) (10th wk). Potent $9,000. Last week, $10,400. Paramount (Fox-EVergreen) (3.- 107; $1.50-$1.75)—“Windjammer” (NT) (7th wk). Solid $9,000. Last week, $8,800. Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari¬ ous key cities, are net; i.e. f 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. _ Cleve, Off; Tree’ Lean 10G,‘Trap’8G Cleveland, March 10. Cleveland first-runs are mainly out on a swaying Lenten limb for fair takes this stanza. None of newcomers looks big. “Separate Tables,” on moveover to the Ohio, is a standout since big in the first m.o. session after three weeks at the Stillman. “Rally Round Flag. Boys” is rated okay in second stanza at the Allen. "Hanging Tree’ is lightweight bn opener at the Hipp. “South Seas Adventure” is bright in 14th round at Palace. Estimates for This Week ~ Allen (SW) (3,800; 85-$1.50)— “Rally Round Flag” (20th) (2d wk). Okay $11,000. Last week, $16,500. Continental Art (Art Theatre Guild) (850; $1.25)—“Bolero de Raquel" (Col). Modest $1,800. Last week, “Henry V” (Indie) (reissue), $ 2 , 000 . Heights Art (Art Theatre Guild) (925; $1.25)—“Horse’s Mouth” (Lo- pert) (4th wk). Smart $3,500 after $5,000. Hippodrome (Telem’t) (3,700; 85- $1,25)—“Hanging Tree” (WB). Light $10,000. Last week, “Anna Lucasta” (UA), $13,000. Lower Mall (Community) (500; (Continued on page 10) ‘HILL’ RECORD $50,000, TORONTO; ‘NIGHT’ 30G Toronto. March 10. With Canadian . preem of “A Night to Remember” at four houses rated smash and “House on Haunted Hill” breaking an all-time record at a nine-theatre Taylor combo, biz is booming.here. How¬ ever, “Auntie Mame,” in eighth frame, is still standout at The Im¬ perial. this being first time the largest theatre in the Dominion has carried a film eight weeks. Loew’s is hefty on its fourth frame of “Separate Tables." “South Seas Adventure,” in 15th frame, upped over its previous week. Estimates for This Week Carlton, Danforth, Humber, Westhill (Rank) (2.318; 1.330; 1,203; 606;’ 75-$1.25.)—“Night To Remem¬ ber" (Rank). Smash $30,000. Last week. Carlton only. “Rally Round Flag," (20th) (3d wk). $10,000. Century, Downtown. Glendale, Midtown, Oakwood, Odeon, Prince Wales, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (1.338; 1,059; 995: 1.089; 1.393; 752; 1.200; 684; 694; 50-90)—“House on Haunted Hill” (AA) and “Cosmic Man". (AA). Wham $50,000. Last week, “Up Periscooe” (WB) and “Badman’s Country” (WB). $26,000. Hollywood (FP) (1,080; $1-$1.25) —“Inn of Sixth Hanoiness" (20th) (9th wk). Good $6,000. Last week, same. Hyland (Rank) n ; 057: $1) — “Horse’s Mouth" oj\) (5th wk). Fine $6,000. t \ ditto. Imperial (FP) C 75-$1.25)— “Auntie Afam*” (WB) (8th wk). Terrific $16,500. T.-st week. same. International (T a v 1 o r ) (557; $1.25) — "Gigi" (M-G) (32d wk). Hep $4,000. Last wn»k. $4,500. Loew’s (Loew) (2.098; 75-$1.25)— “Separate Tables” (UA) (4th wk). Socko $12,000. I.*«t week. $14 000. Tivoli (FP) (995; $1.75-$2.4'0)— “South Pacific" (Magra) (35+h wk). Steady. $7,000. Last wePk, ditto. Towne (Tayior) (695: $1) — “Question of Adultery” (TFD) (2d wk). Okay ,$3,500. Last week, $4,000. Universitv (FP) (1,255; $1.50- $2.40) — “South Seas Adventure" (Cinerama) (1.5th wk). Uosurge to nice $14,500. whH r>ne matinee less. Last week. $14,000. ~ TTntown (Toon.) (2.745; 75-$1.25) —“Partv Girl" (M-G) (2d wk). Neat $7,500. Last week, $10,500. ‘Beauty’ Torrid $18,000, Port.; ‘Lucasta’ 7G, 2d Portland, Ore., March 101 Biz has turned spotty this session though there still are some strong spots. Standout is “Sleeping Beauty,” smash at the Broadway opening round. “Separate Tables” still is nifty in second Portland stanza. “Gigi” holds for a 29th record-breaking week at Guild and still is steady. “Anna Lucasta” looms mild in first week at the Fox. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,890; . $1- $2)—’Sleeping Beauty” (BV). Tor¬ rid $18,000. Last week, “Auntie Mame” (WB) (10th wk), $10,100. Fox (Evergreen) (1.536; $1-$1,49) —“Anna Lucasta” (UA) and “The Fearmakers” (UA). Mild $6,000. Last week, “Hanging Tree” (WB) and “10 Days To Tulara” (UA) (2d wk), $6,100. Guild (Indie) (400; $1-$1.50)— “Gigi” (M-G) (29th wk). Sturdy $4,000. Last week,. $3,900. Orpheum (Evergreen) (1,600; $1-$1.49)—“Last Blitzkrieg” (Col) and “Ride Lonesome” (Col). Slow $6,500. Last week, “House On Haunted Hill” (AA) and “From Hell It Came” (AA), $7,800. Paramount (Port-Par) (3,400; $1- $1.50)—“Separate Tables” (UA) and “Cop Hater” (UA) (2d wk). Nifty $7,000. Last week. $8,500. ‘Hill’ Hotsy 11G, Omaha;‘Flag’7G Omaha, March 10. Sock showing of “House on Haunted Hill” at the Omaha is the real bright spot at downtown first- runs this week. Second week seems certain. Other new entries are lag¬ ging. with “Rally Round Flag, Boys” slow at Orpheum and re¬ issues of “Wells Fargo” and “For¬ est Rangers” ditto at the Brandeis. “10 Commandments” looks okay in second stanza at the State and the hard-ticket “South Pacific” re¬ mains great in 20th week at the Cooper. Estimates for This Week . Brandeis (Cooper) (694; 90) — “Wells Fargo” (Par) and “Forest Rangers” (Par) (reissues). Mild $2,000. Last week, “Man Inside" (Col) and “Kill Her Gently” (Col), $1,800. Cooper (Cooper) (708; $1,50- $2.20) — “South Pacific” (Magna) (20th wk). Still very strong at $8,2(H). Last week, same. Omaha (Tristates) (2,066; 75-$D —“House on Haunted Hill” (AA) and “Arson for Hire” (AA). Big $11,000. Last week, “Hanging Tree” (WB) and “Enchanted Island” (WB) (2d wk), $6,500. Orpheum (Tristates) (2,980; 75- $1) — “Rally Round Flag” (20th). Slow $7,000 or less. Last week, “Anna Lucasta” (UA), $5,000. State (Cooper) (850; 90-$1.25)— “10 Commandments” (Par) (re¬ issue) (2d wk). Rated good $5,000 after $7,000 opener. Minneapolis, March 10. Ah almost mass departure of long-time first-run occupants is helping over-all trade currently. Such new entries as “Sleeping Beauty,” “Last Mile” and “Sep¬ arate Tables” are helping to liven downtown trade. “Stranger in My Arms” looks good at State. “Night To Remember” is rated big at World. Loop holdovers include the hard-ticket “Windjammer” in its 16th smash week and fast-stepping “Rally Around Flag, Boys,” chalk¬ ing up a fourth highly profitable stanza. “My Uncle” is in 'sixth week of its uptown firstrun. Return of near-blizzard weather hurt^at start of stanza. Estimates for This Week Academy (Mann) (947; $1-$1.49) —“Sleeping Beauty” (BV). First non-hard ticket pic to play house, since complete interior refurbish¬ ment. Looms as third successive winner. Weekend trade, including flood of youngsters, was terrific. Wham $14,000 looms. Last week, “South Pacific” (Magna) (36th wk) $7,500 in three days at $2.65 top. Century (S-W) (1,150; $1:75- $2.65'—“Windjammer” (NT) (16th wk). This one has been exceeding Although there are four new bills this week'on Broadway, the combination of Lent and income tax headaches gives the first-run setup a downbeat tone. In fact, few deluxers are doing any real business currently. The fact that Easter come so early this year also appears to be a current handicap. “Stranger in My Arms" looms as well as any of the newcomers, be¬ ing nice $10,500 opening round at the Odeon. “Night of Quarter Moon” shapes only fair $25,000 or close for initial week at the Cap¬ itol. “Up Periscope” with the holdover of the old stageshow looks weak $35,000 in first stanza at the Roxy. "Lonelyhearts” landed only a fair $13,000 or less in opening week at the Victoria. Despite being down sharply, “The Journey” with stageshow is landing the greatest coin total, $110,000. in third round at the Music Hall. It stays a fourth in order to open the Easter show on March 19. “Sleeping Beauty,” one of few really strong pix in face of all handicaps, held. at smash $39,000 in third session at the Criterion, starting its fourth week today. “Separate Tables” still is the top longrunner, being in the chips with solid $19,500 in current (12th) round at the Astor and big $9,000 in same week at the Normandie, j “He Who Must Die” continues sock with $9,100 for 10th frame at the Beekman. “Rally Round Flag" is down to thin $7,500 in 11th stanza at the Palace, with “Diary of Anne Frank" replacing March 17. “Re¬ markable Mr. Pennypacker” is off to lean $20,000 in third week at the Paramount, where “Sheriff of Fracture Jaw" moves in Friday (13). “Gigi" continues to amaze with its strength at the Sutton, holding at great $18,600 in 18th session. End is far from being in sight. “Two-Headed Soy" at arty Fine Arts is fine $12,000 for first stanza. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) 1 1.094; 75-$2)— “Separate Tables" (UA) (12th wk). This stanza ending today (Wed.) looks like big $19,500. The 11th week was amazing $21,000. Stays on. Baronet (Reade) (430; $1.25-$2) —“The Law is the Law" (Cont). Opened yesterday (Tues.). In ahead. “My Uncle" (Cont) (18th wk-8 days), was fair $6,‘500 after $7,700 in 17ih week. Beekman (R&B) (590; SI.20-' $1.75)—“He Who Must Die" (Kass- ler) (11th wk). The 10th session ended Saturday (7) was big S9.100. The ninth week. $12,100, including part of holiday weekend. Capitol (Loew) (4.820; S1-S2.50) —“Night of Quarter Moon" (M-G) (2d wk). Initial round ended last night (Tues.) was fair $25,000 or all expectations. Tall $15,000. Last week, $16,000. Gopher (Berger) (1.000; 85-$l)— “These Thousands Hil's” (20th). Modest $4,000. Last week. “Penny- packer" (20th) (2d wk), $5,000. Lyric (Par) (1,000; $1-$1.23)— “Rally Around Flag” (20th) (4th wk). Clicking at $7,000. Last week, $7,500- RKO Pan (RKO) (1.800; 75-90)— “Last Mile” (UA) and “Escort West” (UA). Mild S4.000. Last week, “Place in Sun” (Par) and “Stalag 17” (Par) (reissues), $ 6 , 000 . RKO Orpheum *RKO) (2.800; 85-$l)—“Separate Tables” (UA). Stress on seven Academy nomina¬ tions helping trade for this one. Hefty $11,000 or over. Last week. “Hanging Tree” (WB) (2d wk), $7,500. State (Par). (2,200; 90-SI)— “Stranger in Arms” (U). Looks to hit good $9,000 for six days. Last week, “Hanging Tree” (WB) and “Paratroop Command” (AI), $6,- 000 in 6 days. Suburban World (Mann) (800; P5)—“My Uncle” (Cont) (6th wk).. Goes sturdily along. Fast $2,000. La«t week. $2,500. World (Mann) (400: 85-S1.25)— “Ni«»ht To Remember” (Rank). Big $6,800. Last week. “Inn Sixth Hap¬ piness” (20th) (7th wk), $5,000. I near. In ahead, “Never Steal Small” (U) (3d wk), $13,500. Criterion (Moss) (1,671; 90-$2.40) —“Sleeping Beauty” (BV) (4th wk). Third stanza completed last night (Tues.) was smash $39,000 or close. Second was an amazing $50,000. Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90- $1.80) —“Two-Headed Spy” (Col) (2d I wk). First week ended Sunday <8> was fine $12,000. 55th St. Playhouse (Moss) (300; ; $1.25-$1.80) — “Miracle of St. Therese" (Ellis) (4th wk). This ; week looks like solid $4,100 after $4,400 in third round, r Guild (Guild) (450; $1-$1.75)— “Cry From Streets” (Indie) (3d wk): Initial holdover round com¬ pleted Sunday (8) was good $7,000. First week. $10,000. Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; ? $1.80-$2.80)—“Separate Tables” (UA,) (12th wk). This stanza end¬ ing today (Wed.) „ looks % like big $9,000 after $10,000 in 11th week. Stays on. Palace (RKO) (1,642; 95-$2)— “Rally Round Flag, Boys” (20th) (12th wk). The 11th session ended yesterday (Tues.) was slow $7,500 or near. The 10th week. $10,000. "Diary of Anne Frank” (20th) opens next Tuesday (17). Odeon (Moss) (813; 90-$1.80) — “Stranger in My Arms” (U> (2d wk). First session ended Monday (9) was nice $10,500. In ahead, “Bell, Book, Candle” (Col) (10th wk-5 days), $6,000. Paramount (AB-PT) (3,665; $1- $2)—“Remarkable Mr. Pennvpack- er” (20th) (3-final wk). This final round ending tomorrow (Thurs.) is heading for lean $20,000 or near. Second was $23,500. “Sheriff of Fractured Jaw” (20th) opens Fri¬ day (13). Paris (Pathe Cinema) (568; 90- $1.80)—“Horse's Mouth” (Lopert) (18th wk). The 17th week finished Sunday (8) was great $10,200. The 16th was $13,200. Radio City Music Hall (Rockefel¬ lers) (6.200; 90-$2.75)—“The Jour¬ ney” <M-G> and stageshow (3d wk). This session ending todav (Wed.) looks to slip to fair $110,000. Stays a fourth round. Second was $129,- 000. “Green Mansions” (M-G) with Easter stageshow opens March 19. Rivoli (UATi (1,545; $2-$3.50)— “South Pacific" (Magna) (23d wk'. (Continued on page 10) New Films Boost Balto; Tree’ Tall 9G, ‘Journey’ 8G, ‘Beauty’ Boff 13G Baltimore, March 10. New product has helped the situation here. Among these new¬ comers are “The Journey,” fairly good at Stanley and “Hanging Tree," shaping nice at the Hipp. Strong holdovers include “Sleep¬ ing Beauty,” great in third at the New; “Rally Round Flag, Boys,” smooth in second at Century and “Separate Tables,” fine in fourth at the Town. “Never Steal Any¬ thing Small” is sluggish in second at the Mayfair. Estimates for This Week Century (R-F) (3,100; 50-$1.50) — “Rally Round Flag” (20th) (2d wk). Warm $7,500 after $11,000 opener. Cinema (Schwaber l <460; 90- $1.50)—“Nine Lives” (Indie). Fair $2,500. Last week, “Marianne” (UMPO) (2d wk), $2,100. Five West (Schwaber) (460; 90- $1.50)—“Horse’s Mouth” (Lopert) (11th wk). Steady $2,000 after same in 10th week. Hippodrome (R-F (2.300; 50- $1.25)—“Hanging Tree” (WB). Nice $9,000. Last week, “House on Haunted Hill” (A A) (3d wk), $ 6 , 000 . Little (R-F) (300; 50-$1.25)— “Tale of Two Cities” (Rank). Fair $1,500. Last week, “Silent Enemy” <U), $1,500. Mayfair (R-F) (900; 50-$1.25)— “Never Steal Anything Small” (U) (2d wk). Slow $3,000 after $5,000 in first. New (R-F) (1,600; 90-$1.50)— “Sleeping Beauty” (BV) (3d wk). Smash $13,000 after $18,000 in second. Playhouse (Schwaber) (460; 90- $1.50)—“Doctor’s Dilemma” (M-G) (5th wk). Neat $2,100 after $3,100 for fourth. Stanley (R-F) (3,200; 50-$1.50)— “Journey” (M-G). Fairly good $8,- 000. Last week, “Pennypacker” (20th) (2d wk), $4,000. Towh (R-F) (1.125: 50-$1.50)— “Separate Tables" (UA) (4th wk). I Okay $4,500 after $8,000 in third. New Pix Dp Mpls.; ‘Beauty’ Seckeroo $14,083, ‘Tables’ 11G, ‘Night’ $6,8(10