Sneak Peeks

“Last Crusade” doesn’t come cheap: Exhibitor sources tell us that theater owners have already paid Paramount Pictures an estimated $40 million in non-refundable guarantees for the right to show the sequel. A head film buyer for a West Coast-based chain called the figure “the highest in movie history in certain markets, with the possible exception of ‘Return of the Jedi’ .”

The studio also has negotiated a minimum run of 12 weeks in every theater, the source added: “Since Paramount’s debuting the film Memorial Day weekend, it locks up those screens all summer--and keeps out the competition.”