Variety (February 1961)

PICTURE GROSSES t P&ujSfr Wednesday, February 1, 1961 LA Spotty; 'Blood’ Slight $16,000, 'Crusaders’ Dun 8G, 'Suzie’ Wow 20G, 'Exodus’ Smash 30G, 6th, ‘Pepe’ 20^G 4 -- : ---- Los Angeles, Jan. 31. First-runs here continue spotty j this session, with small help com¬ ing from two new bills and three Academy-touted plx, “Elmer Gan¬ try,” “Apartment,” and “Psycho,” rebooked in try for nominations. “Fever in Blood” looks slim $16,- 000 for initial week in four thea¬ tres. “Mighty Crusaders” is rated light $8,000 at two houses. Reissued “Naked Jungle” with “Elephant Walk” shape good $12,- 000 for two situations. “World of Suzie Wong” continues to lead regular holdovers* with wow $20.- 000 likely in seventh Chinese frame. “Exodus” is hard-ticket leader, aiming at smash $30,000 for sixth week at Fox Wilshire. “Pepe” also Is holding well with beefy $20,500 in fifth at Warner Beverly. “Ben-Hur” is flashy $20,000 for 62d session at Egyptian wh'le “Spartacus” is rated nice $17,000 or close in 15th Pantages stanza. Estimates for This Week Orpheum, Hawaii (Metropolitan- G&S) (2,213; 1.106; 90-S1.50) — “Mighty Crusaders” (Fal) and “Tiger Bay” (Indie). Light $8,000. Last week, Orpheum, “Girl of Night” (WB), “Female on Beach” <U» (reissue) (2d wk», $4,300. Hawaii. “Carry On, Nurse” (Gov), “Female in Flesh” (Ind) <m.o.), $4,300. Warren’s, Wiltem, Loyola, Holly¬ wood (B&B-SW-FWC) (1,757; 2.- 344; 1.298; 756; 90-$l.50)—“Fever in Blood” (W T B) and “Mating Time” (Indie) (reissue) (Warren's), “Three Y/orlds Gulliver” (Col) (repeat) (Wiltem), “Up Periscope” (WB) (reissue) ‘Loyola, Hollywood). Slim $16,000 or near. Last week, War¬ ren's, Loyola with Iris, “Sunrise at Campobello” >WB) (1st general re¬ lease 1 , “Run Across River” (Indie) (Warren’s, Iris), “Inherit Wind” (UA) (repeat) (Loyola), $14,800. Wiltern with State, Pix, “Goliath and Dragon”-(AI), “Three Blondes in Life” (Indie), $14,900. Hollywood (Continued on page 24) ‘Sunday’ Record $10,000, Toronto; ‘Grass’ Wham 14G, 2d; ‘Siartacus’ 12G Toronto, Jan. 31. “Never On Sunday” is break¬ ing all-time house record at the Towne currently. However. “League of Gentlemen” and “Breath of Scandal” are disappointing among other newcomers. “Grass Is Greener” in second stanza is leading the city with wow second round. “Sundowners” shapes nice in fourth frame at Im¬ perial. “Two-Way Stretch” is sturdy in fifth week at Hyland. “Spartacus” shapes near-capacity in sixth at Uptown. Estimates for This Week Carlton (Rank) (2.138; $1-S1.50) —“League of Gentlemen” (20th). Disappointing $10,000. Last week, “Facts of Life” <UA) (5th wk), $ 6 , 000 . Eglinton <FP) (918: $1.50-$2.50) —“Windjammer” (NT) <6th wk). Okay $6,500. Last week, $7,000. Hollywood (FP) (1,080; $l-$!.25) —“Breath of Scandcl” (Par). NS A ; $8,000 or near. Last week, “Mar¬ riage-Go-Round” (20th) »5th wk), ! $5,000. Hyland (Rank) (1.357; $1-$1.50) —“Two-Way Stretch” (20th) (5th wk). Big $6,500. Last week, $7,000. Imperial <FP) (3.343; $1-$1.25)— “Sundowners” (W T B) (4th wk). Good $9,000. Last week, $11,000. Loew’s (Loew) (2.740; Sl-Sl.50)— “Grass Is Greener” <U) (2d wk). Wham S14.000. Last week, $19,000. Tivoli (FP) (Sl.50-S2.50—'“Ala¬ mo” «UA) H2th wk). Steady $7,000. Last week. same. Towne (Taylor) (693: Sl-Sl.50)— “Never On Sundav” (Lope). Rec¬ ord-breaking $10,000. Last week, “Entertainer” Cont) 5th wk), $3,- 500. University <FP> '1.360; $1.50- $2.75*—-“Ben-Hur” ; M-G) (59th wk). St» : l big at $8,000. Last week, $8,- 500. Uptown Loew) -1.304: $1.50- $2 ~o)—“Spartaous” U> (6th wk). St»ll near-capaelv meht sale, with $I°.000 on week. Last week, $13,- 500. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week . $584,700 (Based on 29 theatres > Last Year .$634,843 (Based on 26 theatres) ‘Family’ Huge 25G, Philly; ‘Suzie 13G Philadelphia, Jan. 31. Weekend biz was jumping here, with patrons lining up to get in to see “Swiss Family Robinson,” which shapes wow on opener at Midtown. It is the lone newcomer, which of course is in its favor. Several films are running ahead of last week or about even. "World of Suzie Wong” is rated nifty in sixth Arcadia round, being better than last week. This is true ; also of “Ben-Hur,” which is mighty in 61st-final stanza at Boyd. “Spar- taeus” shapes strong in 13th round at Goldman. “General Della Ro- vere” looms fancy in second at the Studio while “Grass Is Greener” is tall in sixth at Fox and ahead of fifth week. “Wackiest Ship in Army” is torrid in second Stanley session. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S&S) (536; 99-$1.80(— “Suzie Wong” (Par) (6th wk). Nifty $13.0G0 or close. Last week, SI2.000. Boyd (SW) (1.563; $1.40-i 2.75>— “Ben-Hur” iM-G> (61st wk). Mighty $23,000 in last round. Last week, i $22 000. | Fcx (Milgram) (2.200: 99-S1.80'— “Grass Is Greener” 'U) (6th wk). Tall S8.000. Last week, $7,C00. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; $2- $2.75)—“Spartacus” <U) (13th wk). Strong $11,000. Last week, $12,000. Midtown (Midtown) 1 1.000; 99- $1.80)—“Swiss Family Robinson” (BV). Wow 7 $25,000 or near. - Last week. “Alamo” <UA) G3ch wk), $5,000. Randolph (Goldman) (2.500; 2,500; 99-$l.80'—“Fever in Blood”! (WB) (2d wk). Slight $6,500. Last I week, S9.000. Stanley <SW) <2,500: 99-S1.80)— “Wackiest Ship” (Col) ;2d wk). Hot $14,000. Last week, $16,000. Stanton (SW) <1.483; $1.40-$2.25) —“Cimarron” (MG) (5th wk). Weak $6,000. Last week, S6.500. Studio (Go’dberg) '483; 99-$1.80)! —“General Della Rovere” (Cont) (2d wk). Fancy $4,000. Last week, $5,000. Trans-Lux 'T-L) (500; 99-SL80)— “Never On Sunday” (Lope) <9th wk). Tidy $.6,000. Last week. $6,500. Viking <Sley) <1,000: 99-S1.80)— “Flaming Star” (20th) (2d wk). Dim $5,500. Last week, S8.000. World (R&B-Pathe) (449; 99- $1.80)—“Virgin Spring” (Janus) (5th wk). Nice $3,000. Last week, $3,900. Cleveland. Jan. 31. Cleveland film biz is booming this stanza with “Village of Damned” as new blockbuster. It is heading for a mighty $40,000 or Close in first week at State. “Wacki¬ est Ship in Army” al.co is robust for initial round at the Allen. “Spartacus” is rated good in sixth Palace session while “World J of Suzie Won 7 *” looks smart in sixth frame at Stillman. “Sw'ss Family Robinson” shapes okay in fifth stanza at the Hipp. “The Alamo” is only average in sixth week at the Oh ; o. Estimates for This Week Allen (SW) <3,500; $1-S1.50) — “Wackiest Ship” (Col>. Robust $17,- 000 or over. Last week, “Fever in Blood” (WB), $7,500. Continental Art (Art Theatre Guild) 1800; $1.25) :— “Cairy On, Sab-Zero Sloughs Mpls. Albeit ‘Exodus’ Mighty $18,000;‘Turn’Tight 9G Minneapolis, Jan. 31. Longest - and coldest sub-zero wave in three years in putting the I freeze on film trade again this round. Pinch has been felt particu¬ larly the past two weekends with fans, staying at home. While chilly biz has most spots slow, two newcomers are besting the icy blasts. “Exodus,” opening to packed houses, looks wow at Acad¬ emy. “Please Turn Over” next door at World is absorbing turn- aways, for boffo total. Only other fresh entry, “Sword and Dragon,” in for single stanza at Orpheum, is drab. Among the holdovers, "Swiss Family Robinson” in sixth chapter at Gopher appears best. “Flaming Star” at Lyric looks only okay. “Marriage-Go-Ronnd” at State shapes slow in second. Fstimates for This week Academy (Mann) (947; $1.75- $2.65) — “Exodus” (UA). Opening with giant $18,000 or close. Last week. “Ben-Hur” (M-G) (47th wk), $26,000 in 10 days. Century (Cinerama, Inc.) (1,150; $1.75-$2.65) —"Cinerama Holiday” (Cinerama) (reissue) (6th wk). Okay $7,500. Last week. $7,000. Gopher 'Berger) (1,000; $1-$1.25) —“Swiss Family Robinson” (BV) (6th wk). Holding up well at great $7,500. Last week, $8,200. Lyric (Par) (1,000; $1-$1.25) — “Flaming Star” (20th) <2d wk). De¬ spite ads plugging “the all new El- J (Continued on page 24) ] ‘Fever" Strong 8G, 1C* ‘Family’ Hep $14,§8,2d Kansas City, Jan. 31. “Fever in Blood” is strong at Paramount, the only newcomer here this week. Otherwise biggest news is severe cold spell which has dented grosses over the past week and current weekend. The exception is “Swiss Family Robin¬ son,” holding hefty in second ^tek. “Can-Can” is happy at Plaza in second. “Cimarron” at Capri in ditto stanza looks big. “Grass Is Greener” at Roxy is still big. “Exodus at Empire Is rated steady in sixth. Estimates for This Week Canri iDurwood) *1,260; $l-$2.50) —“Cimarron” «M-G) (2d wk). Nifty $12,000, holds. Last week, $14,000. Empire (Durwood) (1,280; $1.25- $3)—“Exodus” <UA) (6th wk). Steady $15,000. Last week, same. Kimo (Dickinson) (504; 90-SI.25) —“Please Turn Over” (Col) (6th wk). Pleasant $1,200. Last week, $1,600. Midland (Loew) (3,500; 75-$l)— “Go Naked in World” iM-G) and “Operation Bottleneck” (Indie) (2d wk). 'Modest $5,000, winding up oneration of theatre which closes Feb. 1 to be converte'd to bowling arena. Last week, $6 000. Paramount (UP) (1,900; 75-$l)— (Continued on page 24) Nurse” (Gov) (6th wk). Fine $2,200. Last week, $1,900. Heights Art (Art Theatre Guild) (925; $1.25)—"Never On Sunday” (Lope) (6th wk). Very good $2,700. Last week, $3,000. Hippodrome (Eastern Hipp) (3,700; $1-$1.F0) — “Swiss Family Robinson” <BV) <5th wk). Okay $10,000; holds. Last week. same. Ohio (Loew) (2.700; $1-$1.65)— “Alamo” (UA) (6th wk>. Average $5,300. Lart week, $6,000. Palace 'Silk & Helpern) (1,550; $1.25-$2.75)—“SDartacus” <U) (6th wk). Good $9,500. Last week, $10,- 000 . State (Loew) <3.700; Sl-$1.50)— "Village of Damned” (M-G). Mighty $40,000 or near. Last week, “Flam¬ ing Star” (?0th), S6.500. Stillman (Loew) (2,700; $1-$1.50) — “World of Suzie Wong” (Par) <6th wk). Smart $10,000.-Last week, $9,000. Geve. Biz Big; Wage’ Giant 48G, ‘Slip’ Fast 17G, ‘Suzie’ Hep 10G, 6 Despite Weather ‘Family Great 276, ‘Naked’Hot $15,000,‘Spartacus’17G Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week .. .$2,509,900 (Based on 21 cities and 239 theatres, chiefly first runs, in¬ cluding N. Y.) - Last Year .$2,742,943 (Based on 23 cites and 236 theatres.) ‘Naked’ Okay 10G, Pitt;'Family’21G Pittsburgh, Jan. 31. Given an assist by two school holidays last Thursday (26) and Friday (27), “Swiss Family Robin¬ son” is boffo in second round at Stanley. Two new entries, “Mar- riage-Go-Round” at Gateway and “Go Naked in World” at Penn shape okay. “Grass Is Greener” is still hardy in sixth frame at Fulton and “Alamo” ditto at Warner. “Spartacus,” only hard-ticket pic in town, is tall in sixth at the Nixon. “Make Mine Mink” still strong In fourth at Squirrel Hill. Estimates for This Week Fulton (She'a) (1,635; $1-$1.50)— “Grass Is Greener”* (U) (6th wk). Excellent $5,000 after same in fifth. Gateway (Associated) (2,100; $1- $1.50) — “Marriage-Go-Round” (20th). Okay $7,500. Last week, “No Man Write Epitaph” (Col), $7,600. Nixon (Rubin) (1,760; $1.50-$2.75) —“Spartacus” (U) (6th wk). Fine $9,000 after $10,000 last round. Penn <UATC) (3,300; $1-$1.50) — “Go Naked in World” (M-G). Okay | $10,000 but must come out Friday (27) for “Misfits” (UA). Last week, “Village of Damned” (UA), $6,000. Squirrel Hill (SW) (834; $1.25)— “Make Mine Mink” (Cont) (4th wk). Big $3,200. Ditto last week. Stanley (SW) (3.700; $1-$1.50) — “Swiss Family Robinson” (BV) (2d wk). Wow $21,000. Last week, over estimate with $22,700. Warner (SW) <1,516; $1.25-$1.80) —“Alamo” (UA) (6th wk). Trim $9,000. Last week, $9,500. ‘Village’ Boff $20,000, Buff.; ‘Can-Can’ Oke 7G Buffalo, Jan. 31. Some new, strong screen fare is making exhibitors here more cheerful in current stanza. “Vil¬ lage of Damned,” which is socko opening week at the Buffalo, is standout newcomer. “Can-Can” is rated good on popscale run at the Center. “Wackiest Ship In Army” still is fancy in second at Century. “Herod the Great” looks slow at Lafayette while “Bramble Bush” paired with “A Summer Place” is only fair on reissue at Paramount.. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loew) (3.500; 75-$1.25) [ —“Village of Damned” (M-G) and “Operation Bottleneck” (UA). Socko $20,000. Last week, “Where Boys Are” (M-G) and “Police Dog Story” (Indie), $10,500. Center (AB-PT) (2.000; 70-$l>— “Can-Can” i20th). Good for $7,000 for popscale run. Last week, “Joker Is Wild” (Par) and “Ver¬ tigo” (Par) (reissues), $6,500. Century (UATC) (2,700; 70-$1.25) —“Wackiest Ship” (Col) and “Hell Is City” (Col) (2d wk). Fast $12,- 000. Last week, $15,000. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 70-$l)— “Herod the Great” (AA) and “Un¬ faithfuls” (Indie). Slow $6,000. Last week, “Look in Any Window” (AA) and “Capt. Phantom” (Indie), $4,500. Paramount (AB-PT) (3,000; 70- $1)—“Bramble Bush” (WB) and “A Summer Place” (WB) (reissues). Fair $7,800. Last week, “Savage Innocents” (Par) and “Beyond All Limits” (Indie), $6,000. Teck (Loew) (1,200; 70-$1.49)— “Alamo” (UA) (6th wk). Slow $5,- 000. Last week, ditto. Cinema (Martina) *450; 70-$l)— “Carry on Nurse” (Gov) (13th wk). Okay $1,500. Last week, same. Washington, Jan. SI. Mainstem is fighting the ele¬ ments again this stanza, but there are a few strong spots on the snow- clogged circuit. "Village of Damned” looms big opening frame at the Capitol. Benefiting from big juve draw because T of closed schools, “Swiss Family Robinson” is figured for great take at two Stanley Warner houses. “Go Naked in World” looks fancy on opener at Palace. “World of Suzie Wong” stays sturdy at the Town in sixth. “Spartacus” is rated big at the Warner in first holdover round. Estimates for This Week Ambassador-Metropolitan (SW) (1,490; 1,000; 90-S1.49) — “Swiss Family Robinson” (BV). Great $27,000. Last week, “Sundowners”* (WB) <4th wk), $4,000. Apex (K-B) (940; 90-$1.25) — “General Della Rovere” (Cont) (3d wk). Sluggish $2,800. Last week, same. Capitol (Loew) (3,426; $1-$1.49)— "Village . of Damned” (M-G). Big $20,000 or close. Last week, “Where Boys Are” (M-G) (4th wk), $6,500 in 4 days, Keith’s (RKO) (1,850; $1-$1.49) —“Facts of Life” (UA) (6th wk). Oke. $6,000. Last week, $7,000. MacArthur (K-B) (900; $1.25>— "Make Mine Mink” (Cont) (6th wk). Okay $2,600., Last week, $2,800. Ontario (K-B) (1.240; $1-$1.49)— “Grass Is Greener” (U) (5th wk). Slow $3,000. Last week, $3,100. Playhouse (T-L) <458; $1-$1.49) —“Lovers” (Indie) and “Hiroshima. Mon Amour” (Zenith) (reissues) (3d wk). Thin $2,800. Last week, $3,200. j Palace (Loew) (2.390; $I-$1.49)— “Go Naked in World” (M-G). Sturdy $15,000. Last week, “Mar¬ riage-Go-Round” (20th) (2d wk). $7,000. Plaza (T-L) (276; $1-$1.80) — “Love By Appointment” (Indie) (2d wk). Oke $4,200 Last week, $5,300. Town (King) (800; $1.25-$1.49)— “Suzie Wong” (Part (6th wk). Fancy $7,000. Last week, $8,000. Trans-Lux (T-L) <600; $1.49- $1.80)—"Wackiest Ship in Army” (Col) (6th wk). Good $5,000. Last week, $6,000. Uptown (SW) (1.300; $1.25-$2.25) —“Alamo” <UA) 4 6th wk). Mild $6,500. Last week, $7,500. Warner (SW) (1,440; $1.49-$2.75) —“Spartacus” (U) (2d wk). Sock $17,000. Last w 7 eek, $15,000. ‘Ship’ Rousing $28,000, Huh; ‘Family’ Boff 30G; ‘Exodus’Boff 28G, 6th Boston, Jan. 31. Deep-freeze weather and rough transport setup hurt at the b.o. again this week, but four new en¬ tries will help. “Wackiest Ship in Army” is heading for sock take at Memorial while “Swiss Family Robinson” looms boff at the Met. Holdovers are still sturdy with the road show pictures, “Exodus” at the Saxon and “Spartacus” at the Astor pacing this field. ‘Tunes of Glory” is nice at the Beacon Hill in sixth round. “Alamo” is rated mild at Gary in sixth. “Facts of Life” looks potent at Orpheum in third. “World of Suzie Wong” is amazing in sixth at the Paramount. Estimates for This Week Astor (B&Q) (1,170: $1.80-$3) — “Spartacus” <U) (14th wk). Hep $10,000. Last week, $12,000. Beacon Hill (Sack) (678; $1.50)— “Tunes of Glory” (Lope) (6th wk). ' Nice $6,000. Last week, $6,500. Capri (Sack) (900; $1.80-$2.20)— “Ben-Hur” <m.o.) <6th wk). Fine $6,100. Last week. $6,800. Boston (Cinerama, Inc.) <1.354; $1.20-$2.65) — “Cinerama Holiday” (Cinerama) (reissue) <llth wk). Oke $7,500. Last week. $6,800. i Exeter (Indie) (1.376; 90-$1.50)— [“Virgin Spring” (Janus) (5th wk). Fourth week okay $6,000. Last j ^G»y $7 (Sa?k) H.277; $1.25-$2.50) —“Alamo” (UA) (6th wk). Mild $6 5C0. Last week, same. Kenmore (Indie) (700; $1.50- $1.75).— “Ballad of Soldier” (Union). Slick $12,000. Last week, “Entertainer” (Cont) <4th wk), $5 000. Menorial (RKO) (3.000; 60-$1.10) (Continued on page 24)