Variety (August 1959)

Wednesday, August 5, 1959 PSRIEff . . j- PICTUHE GROSSES 9 f ‘Murder’ Boffl4G, Newie, Socko $36,000 r ‘Murder . Chicago, Aug: 4. . Solid Iongruns Continue to pump vigor into downtown biz, with pleasant (but not hot) weather ex¬ pected helping trade this round. Top newcomer is State-Lake's ‘‘Big Circus," at a smash $36,000. Roosevelt’s ‘‘Last Train from Gun Hill" shapes good in third arid windup stanza. “Diary of * Anne Frank” looks .hotsy oh continuous- run at Surf in third. “Anatomy of a Murder" is pulling socko fourth frame coin at the Woods. “North by Northwest" rated smash in Uriited Artists fifth week, “Nun’s Story" is bright in fifth at the Chicago. “Hole in Head" looks torrid in . Oriental seventh frame, Carnegie’s ‘‘‘Room at Top’’ is hep in fourth stanza.. .. “Five Pennies" is rated fine in fifth Esquire round while Garrick’s •'Darby O’Gill” is taking good coin for same session. The 13th (wind¬ up) week of “A1 Capone” looks fine at Todd’s Cinestage. “Gigi" is socko again in 23d frame at the Loop. On hard ticket. Me Vickers’ sec¬ ond week of “Porgy and Bess” is Shaping terrific while 45th frame of Palace 7 “South Seas Adventure’’ was great again. “Hercules” first week in 85 Chi and outlying houses is heading for wham biz at around $900,000. Estimates for This Week Carnegie (Telem’t) (485; $1.50)—: “Room at Top” (Conti (4th wk) ? Hep $5,700. Last week, $4,900. Chicago (B&K) (3.900; 90-$1.80) — “Nun’s Story" <WB>. (5th wk). Trim $25;0Q0. Last week, $33,000. Esquire (H&E Balaban) <1,350; $t.25-$ 1.80)—“Five Pennies" (Par) (5th wk>. Nice $10,500. Last week, $ 12 , 000 . Garrick (B&K) (850; 90-$1.25)-^- .“Darby O’GiH" (BV) (5th wk). Okay $9,000. Last week, $10,000. Loop (Telem’t) (606; 90-$1.80i— “Gigi" (M-G* 123d wk). Sock $1L- 000. Last week, $12,000. McVickers (JL&S) (1,305; $1,80- $3.50) — “Porgy and Bess" (Col> (2d wk). Excellent $28,500. Preem week was $31,500 for 11 shows. Monroe (Jovan) (1,000; 65-90) r-■ “Born Reckless" (WB) and “Dan- serous Youth" (WB). Fine $5,000. Last week, (“Young Land" (Colland “Juke Box' Rhythm Racket” .(CoP, $4,900. Oriental (indie) (3,400; 90-$1.80> —“Hole in Head" (UA) (7th wk>. Stout $22,500, Last week,; $25,000: Palace (SW-Cinerama) (1,434; (Continued on page 10) ‘Affair’ Fairish $6,000, Cincy; ‘Murder’ Mighty 25G, ‘Horse’ 8G in 2d Cincinnati, Aug. 4: Cincy film biz is racking up an¬ other midsummer bonanza current¬ ly on strong holdovers and extend¬ ed-runs. “Anatomy of a Murder" in second week of simultaneous showings at Keith’s arid Twin Drive-In retains front rank with socko pace. “Hercules” looms good In third round at Palace. “Nun’s Story" continues swell in fifth downtown week. “Horse Soldiers" looks okay in second week at Albee. Only new bill currently is “Private’s Affair,” f a 1 r 1 s h at Wiethe’s suburban Valley. Hard ticket “South Seas Adventure” is in line for third straight advance in 40th week at Capitol. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 90-$1.25j— “Horse Soldiers" (UA) (2d wk). Gkay $8,000 after $12,500 bow. Capitol (SW - Cinerama) (1,376; $1.20-$2.65)—“South Seas Adven¬ ture” (Cinerama) (40th wk). Hotsy $20,000 being helped by extra shows. Last week, $19,500. Grand (RKO) (1,400; 90-$1.50)— “Nun’s Story” (WB) (m.o.) (2d wk). Swell $7,000. Last week, $8,500. Holds for sixth downtown week. Keith’s (Shor) (1,500; 90-$l,25)— “Anatomy of Murder" (Col) (2d wk). Great $12,000 trailing $15,000 preem. Holds. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 90-$l,25)— “Hercules" (WB) (3d wk). Good $8,500, Stays on. Last week, $12,- 000 . Twin Drive-In (Shor) (1,600 cars; 00-$1.25) — “Anatomy of Murder" (Col) (2d wk). Still tall at $13,000. Last week. $16,000. . Valley (Wiethe) (1,200; $1-$1.50) —“Private’s Affair” (20th>; Fairish $6,000 or near. Last w’eek, “Five Pennies" (Par) (4th wk); $5,200. ■ " — " ■ /, ■ ;,■/ — ‘Hercules’ Stout 18G, St. Loo;‘North’ 17G, 2d St. Louis, Aug. 4. Plenty of strength is being dis¬ played this week by lone new pic, “Hercules," looming big at the Fox. “Hole in Head” in third week at Orpheum shapes great. “North by Northwest" looks wow in second week at Loew’s while “Anatomy of Murder” is big in second at the St. Louis. Estimates for This Week Apollo Art. (Grace) (700; 90- $1.25)—“Orders to Kill" (Indie). Okay $3,000. Last: week,. “Forbid¬ den Fruit" (Indie) (2d wk>, $2,000. Fox (Arthur) (5.000; 60-90) — “Hercules" (WB). Big.$18,000. Last week, “Don’t Give Up Ship" (Par) arid “Hangman" (Par) (2d, wk), $14,000.. Loew’s (Loew) (3,600; 60-90) — “North by Northwest" (M-G) ,(2d wk). Wow $17,000 or near. Last week, $20,000: Orpheum (Loew) (1,900; 60-90)—- “Hole in Head" (UA) (3d wk): Big $13,000. Last week, $15,000. : Pageant (Arthur) (1,000; 50- $1.75) — “Sleeping Beauty" (BV) (8th wk). Good $7,000. Last week, $7,500. St. Louis (Arthur) (3,800;. 60-90) —“Anatomy of-a Murder" (Col) (2d wk). Big $17,000. Last Week, $ 20 , 000 , Shady Oak (Arthur) (760; 60-90) — “Gigi" (M-G): (16th wk), good $2,500. Last week, $2,600. ‘North’ Pacing Frisco, Great 23G; ‘Ship’ Socko 21G, Train’ Fancy 18G San Francisco, Aug. 4. .. First-runs continue potent here this stanza, with some new product helping over-all total. '‘North, by Northwest" is getting top coin among new entrants with a great take at the Warfield while “Don’t Give Up Ship” is just a step be¬ hind with a socko . total at Golden Gate. “Last Train From Gun Hill” is rated dandy in opening week at Paramount. . “Hole in Head" shapes smash In second stanza at the United Artists. “Porgy and Bess” is pushing ahead of first week to land a big take at Coronet. “Nun’s Story" continues excellent in fifth round at SL Francis. Estimates for This Week G olden Gate (RKO) (2.859; $1.25) —. “Don’t Give Up Ship” (Par) and “Hangrrian" (Par): Socko $21,000 or a bit over. Last week, “Five Pennies” (Par) and “Floods 0| Fear" (U) (2d wk), $11,000. Fox (FWO (4,651; $1.25-$1.50)— “Diary Of Anne Frank” (20th) (2d wk). Okay $11,500 after $15,000 opening week. Warfield (Loew) (2,656; 90-$1.25) (Continued on page 10) M’ Giant $18,000, Denver; ‘Murder’ 15G Denver, Aug. 4, Top grosser this stanza is the Orpheum with “North By North¬ west,” and smash week. Also great and likely to set a record is “Anat¬ omy of a Murder,” at the Denver. Both will hold. “South Pacific” and “Hole in Head" are doing will as holdovers. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,324; 90-$1.80)— “South Pacific" (20th) (7th wk). Okay $3,500. Last week, $4,500. Centre (Fox) (l,270r$l-$1.45) — “Diary of Anne Frank" (20th) (2d wk). Big $10,000. Last week, $14,000. Denham (Indie) (1,584; 75-$1.25) — “Last Train From Gun Hill” (Par) (3d wk). Fair $5,500. Last week, $7,500. Denver. (Fox) (2,432; 75-$l,25)— “Anatomy of a Murder" (Col), Socko $15,000. Last week, “Nun’s Story" (WB), (3d wk), $10,000, Orpheum (RKO) (2,690; 75-$D— “North By Northwest" (M-G). Great $18,000 or near. Last week, “Darby O’Gill" (BV) (2d wk), $8,000. Paramount (Indie) (2,100; 75- $1.25)—“Hole in Head" (UA1 (3d wkl Sma^h $10,500. Last week, $14,000. Hotsy 14G,‘Story’12G Pittsburgh, Aug. 4 First-run biz here - continues to shape big despite the continuing steel strike. Newcomer “Big Cir¬ cus” is leading the city: by a har¬ row margin at the Stanley with a hefty take. “Anatomy of a Mur¬ der” at the Harris'still is smash in second. “Hole in Head" at the Penn looks big. “Nuri’so Story” at the Warner still is sock in fifth, “Mid¬ dle of Night" is boffo at the Squir¬ rel Hill. Estimates for This Week . Fulton (Shea) (1.635; 85-$1.50)— “Holiday For Lovers” (20th) (2d wk). Sad $3,500. Last week, $4i000. : Harris (Harris) (2,100; $1-$1.50) —“Anatomy of a Murder” (Col). Still smash $14,000. Last week, $16,000. Penn (UATC) (3,300; $1-$1.50)— “Hole in Head" (UA) (3d wk). Boff $14,000. Last Week, $16;000. Squirrel Hill (SW) (824; $1.25)— “Middle of Night" (Col). Sock $4,- 800. Last week, “Love Is My Pro¬ fession" (Kings), $1,950. Stanley (SW) (3,700; 85-$1.50)— “Big Circus” (AA). Hefty $15,000 or near. Last week, “Last Train from Gun Hill" (Par), $7,000. ' Warner (SW) (1,500; $i-$1.5Q)-^- “Nun’s :Story" (WB) (5th wk): Still great at $12,000 after $14,000 in fourth stanza. Will stay on until Aug. 11 when it must come out for “Five Pennies” (Par). AU1UUIU, AUg. Of current newcomers “Tarzan’s Greatest Adventure”, is rated hefty in 10-house tieup. “Holiday for Lovers" is only so-so at the Rank Carlton. “Pork Chop Hill" and “The 39 Steps” are lusty in second stanzas. “This Earth Is Mine.” in fourth frame, and “Room at Top" in 10th stanza are in like category. “Diary of Anne Frank" is still very good in seventh frame at the Holly¬ wood. Estimates for This Week Carlton (Rank) (2,518; 75-$1.25) —“Holiday for.Lovers" (20th), So¬ so $10,000. Last -week, “The Egyp¬ tian" (20th) and “David and Bath- sheba" (20th) (reissues), $9,000. Century, Downtown, Glendale, Kirigswayy .Midtown, Oakwood, Odeon, Prince of Wales, Scarbor¬ ough, State (Taylor) (1,338; 1,059; 995; £97; 1,089; 1,393; 752; 1,200; 684; 694; 50-75)—“Tarzan’s Great¬ est Adventure" (Par) and “The Hangman": (Par). Hefty $35,000. Last week, “Hercules" (WB) (2d wk), in four houses with 9,901 seating capacity, $ 17 , 000 . Eglinton,' Palace, Runnymede, University (FP) (1,080; 1,485; 1,- 385* 1,556; 50-$D—“Don’t Give Up Ship" (Par) (2d wk). NSG $11,000. Last week, $19,000. Hollywood (FP) (1,080; $1-$1,25) ^-“Diary of . Anne Frank” (20th) (7th wk). Still very good at $8,500. Last week, $10,500. Hyland (Rank) (1.037; $1)—“39 Steps” (Rank) (2d wk>. Hefty $8,- 500. Last week, $10,000. Imperial (FP) (3,343; $1-$1.25> ‘— “Five Pennies” (Par) (5th wk). Tapering to oke $7,000. Last week, $9,000. Internatiorial (Taylor) (657; $1)—. “Gigi" (M-G) (53d wk). Steady $3,- 500. Last week, same. * . Loew’s (Loew) (2,075; 75-$1.25)— “Pork Chop Hill” (UA) (2d wk). Fine $9,500. Last week, $13,500. Tivoli (FP7 (995; $1.75-$2.40)— “South Pacific" (Magna) (56th wk). Final week sees great upsurge to $10,500. Last week, $9,500. Towne (Taylor) (695: 75-$1.25)— “Room at-Top” (Cont) (10th wk). Strong $6,500. Lastweek, $7,500. Uptown (Loew) (2,745; 75-$1.2o) —“This Earth Is Mine” (U) (4th wk). Continuing hefty at $8,000. Last week, $9,500. 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,, v New Pix Bolster B way; Denim Sock i|& Tr^ ‘Hole Great 51G, 3d,‘Murder Wham $52,400,5th ‘Ship’ Smash $17,000, Buff; ‘Murder’ 10G, 4th Buffalo, Aug. 4. Film trade Is simmering here currently, with bulk of strength coming from holdovers. A major newcoiner, “Don’t Give Up. Ship," looks socko at Paramount. But “Beat Generation" looms only mild at the Buffalo. “Nun’s Story,” “Anatomy of a Murder” and “Hole in; Head" shapes very satisfactory on h.o. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loew) (3.500; 70-$l)— “Beat Generation" (M-G) and “Big Operator" (M-G>.. Mild $&,000. Last week, “Day of Outlaw” (UA) and “Riot Juvenile Prison" (UA), ditto. Center: (AB-PT) (3,000; 70-$l>— “Nun’s Story” (WB) (4th wkV. Big $7,500. Last week, $9,000. Century (UATC) (2,700; 70-$1.25) —r‘Anatomy of a Murder" (Col) (4th wk). Great $10*000. Last week, $10,500. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 60-$D— “Big Circus” (AA) and “Rawhide Trail" (AA) (2d wk). Fine $8,500. Last week, $13,000. Paramount .(AB-PT) (3,000; 70- $1)—“Don’t Give Up Ship” (Par) and “Gimsmoke In Tucson" (Par). Socko $17,000. Last week, “Last Train from Gun Hill" (Par) and “Hidden Horiiicide" (Indie), $9,800. Teck (Loew) (1,200; 70-$1.25)— “Hole in Head" (UA) (2d wk). Smash $8,000 or near. Last week, $ 10 , 000 . ■ Cinema (Martina) <450; 70-$l)— “Lady Chatterly’s Lover” (Indie). Lively $3,500. Last Week, “This Earth Is Mine" (U) (3d wk*, $2,000. Relief from long stretch of torrid weather over the past weekend and some new product will help ’bolster business at Broadway deluxers this session. Actually the cooler weath¬ er arrived too late Saturday night to help trade, but many Broadway first-runs anyway enjoyed one of their biggest Saturday night biz In soriie time, “Blue Denim” looks to hit a socko $39,500 opening stanza at the Victoria. “Last Train From Gun Hill," the other big newie, shapes only okay $37,000 for first round at the Capitol. Despite being in seventh (final) week, “Nun’s Story" plus stage- show Is heading for good $132,000 at the Music Hall. “North by Northwest" and new stageshow re¬ places tomorrow (Thurs.). “Big Circus" and stageshow is heading for good $54,000 in current (3d) stanza at the Roxy. “Holiday For Lovers” looks to hold with okay $23,000 In second week at the Paramount. “Porgy and Bess” held at capacity $37,000 in fourth roimd at the Warner. “Hole in Head” finished its third session at the State with a great $51000. “Anatomy of a Murder** looks like smash $35,000 in present (5th) stanza at the Criterion and is heading for boff $17,400 at Plaza where day-dating. “Horse Soldiers” looks to hold at nice $20,800 in sixth round at the Astor. “Diary of Anne Frank" wound 20th week at the Palace with fancy $14,800. “Middle of Night" was solid $11,500 in seventh session at the Forum arid $7,700 at the. Trans-Lux 52d Street where day-dating. ‘Story’ Sockeroo $13,000, L’ville; 'Circus’ Bangap 12G,‘Murder’7G, 4th Louisville, Aug. 4. :Main stem pix biz is lively this week. Couple, of big new ones. “Big Circus” at Rialto and “Nun's Story” at the Mary Anderson, are sure shots for bumper grosses. “Story" looks to be held down only by the house capacity and length of the film. “Anatomy of a Mur¬ der" is okay at the United Artists despite being in fourth round. Estimates for This Wriek V Brown (Fourth Avenue) (1,200; 60-90) — “Love - Is Profession" (Kings) (6th wk). Moderate $4,000 on final week after fifth week’s $4,400. Kentucky (Switow) (900; 75- $1.25) — “Imitation of Life" (U) (14th wk). Still okay at $4,000 on marathon run after 13th- week’s $5,000. Mary Anderson (People’s) (1,000; 75-$l) — “Nun's; Story" (WB). Opened big and had to turn away some 1,200 Saturday (1) night be¬ cause of . lengthy pic and small capacity. . Wow $13,006 or some better. Last week, “Verboten" (Col) arid “Face of Fugitive" (Col), $4,500.' - Rialto (Fourth Ave.). (3,000; 60- 90) —• “Big Circus" (AA). Fancy $12,000 or near. Last week, “Sleep¬ ing Beauty" (BV), first local show¬ ing at regular scale, $6,000. United Artists (UA) (3,000; 75- $L25) — “Anatomy of a Murder" (Col) (4th. wk). Slackening to okay $7,000 after three week’s $8,500, over hopes. TRAIN' POTENT m, PROV.; ‘HOLE 5 BIG 12G Proyideuce, Aug. 4. “Last Train From Gun Hill" at RKO Albee is the only new pic in town and shapes nicely. Big coin, however, is going to the State, with “Hole m Head” ip second week. Majestic is also happy with third round of Nun’s Story." Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 65-80)— “Last Train From Gun Hill" (Par) and “Lost Missile” (UA), Good $7,- 500. Last week, “Darby O’Gill" (BV) and “King Wild Stallions" (AA) (2d wk), $6,600. Majestic (SW) (2,200; 65-80)— “Nun's Story" (WB) (3d wk). Oke $5;000. Second week, $7,000. , State (Loew) (3^00; 65-80)— “Hole In Head" (UA) (2d wk): Sock $12,000 shapes. First was $16,000. Strand (National Realty) (2 200; 65-80) — “Ask Any Girl" (M-G) “Gun Fight at Dodge City" (UA) (2d wk) K Slow $3,000. First was $4,000. “The Fisherman” oj>ens at the Rivoli today (Wed.) on upped- scale, reserved - seat engagement after “John Paul Jones" dipped to very thin takings in fifth to sev¬ enth weeks. Estimates for This Week ’ Astor (City Inv.) (1,094; 75-$2)— “Horse Soldiers” (UA) (6th wk). Current week winding tomorrow (Thurs,) is heading for nice $20,- 800. Fifth was $24,000. Stays. Capitol (Loew) (4,820; $l-$2.50) —“Last Train From Gun Hill" (Pari (2d wk). First session fin¬ ished last night (Tues.) was okay $37,000. In ahead, “Five Pennies" (Par) (6th wk-6 days), $16,000. Criterion 4Moss) (1,671; 90-$2.40) —“Anatomy of a Murder" (Col) .(5th wk). This round ending today (Wed.) looks like smash $35,000. Fourth was $39,500. Stays. Palace (RKO) (1,642; 90-$2> — “Diary of Anne Frank" (20th) (21st wk). The 20th stanza finished last night (Tues.) held at big $14,800. The 19th week, $15,000. Forum (Moss)’ (813; 90-$1.80) —• “Middle of Night" (Col) (8th wk). Seventh frame ended last night (Tues.) was solid $11,500. Sixth was $12,000. Stays on with “Look Back in Anger" (WB) due in next, hut date not set. Paramount (AB-PT) (3,665; $1- $2)—“Holiday For Lovers" (Par) (2d wk). Initial holdover session ending tomorrow (Thurs.) looks like okay $23,000. First week, $32,- 000. Stays until middle of August. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke¬ fellers) (6,200; 90-$2.75)—“Nun’s Story” (WB) with stageshow (7th- final wk). This session ending to¬ day (Wed.) looks like good $132,- 000. Sixth week, $136,000, mighty fine for a sixth week in the sum¬ mer. “North by Northwest" (M-G) with new stageshow opens tomor¬ row (Thurs.). Rivoli (UAT) (1,545; $1.25-$3.50) —“The Fisherman” (BV). Opens today (Wed.). Last week, “John Paul Jones" (WB) (7th wk), doivn to thin $4,500 at 90-$1.25 scale. “Fisherman” is in on reserved-seat policy, with three matinees weekly. Roxy (Indie) <5,705; 90-$2.50) *— “Big Circus" (AA) and stageshow (3d wk). This week ending tomor¬ row (Thurs.) is heading for good $54,000. Second week, $62,000, over hopes. State (Loew’) (1,900; 90-$2) — “Hole in Head" (UA) (4th wk). Third session finished last night (Tues.) was great $51,000. Second was $63,000. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,003; 50- $2)—“Blue Denim" (20th). Initial round ending today (Wed.) looks .to hit smash $39,500. Last week, “10 Seconds To Hell" (UA) (2d wk‘, $7,000. Warner (SW Cinerama) (1,461; (Continued on page 10)