WEEKEND BOX OFFICE : ‘Fugitives’ Takes the Money and Runs

Disney’s Touchstone division came on strong over the weekend, capturing both the second and third spots. “Three Fugitives,” starring Nick Nolte and Martin Short, had an unremarkable, though respectable, opening, grossing $6.4 million at 1,153 screens, a per-screen average of $5,581. “Beaches” gained 2% from the previous week, grossing $4.9 million at 1,097 theaters, an average of $4,503 per screen. MGM/UA’s “Rain Man” continues to hold on strong, dropping only 3% from the previous week. Next weekend, theaters owners will get an opportunity to see how much the film’s two Golden Globe awards--for best picture and best actor (Dustin Hoffman)--can boost ticket receipts.

* Columbia’s “Physical Evidence,” with Burt Reynolds and Theresa Russell, grossed $1.7 million at 691 theaters, a per-screen average of $2,572.

Weekend Gross/ Screens/ Weeks Movie (Studio) Total (millions) Average in Release 1. “Rain Man” $6.8 1,563 7 (MGM/UA) $88.8 $4,370 2. “Three Fugitives” $6.4 1,153 1 (Disney/Touchstone) $6.4 $5,581 3. “Beaches” $4.9 1,097 6 (Disney/Touchstone) $20.1 $4,503 4. “Twins” $4.8 1,659 8 (Universal) $86.5 $2,895 5. “Mississippi Burning” $3.5 1,058 8 (Orion) $14.7 $3,350 * “Physical Evidence” $1.8 691 1 (Columbia) $1.8 $2,572

SOURCE: Exhibitor Relations Co.