WEEKEND BOX OFFICE : ‘Sematary’ Won’t Die; ‘Firecracker’ Fizzles

It isn’t unusual for a horror film to open big. But it is rare for one to continue drawing ticket holders at the rate of Paramount’s “Pet Sematary.” Despite being nearly universally panned by critics, the Stephen King picture has topped the lineup since it opened three weeks ago. Last weekend, “Pet Sematary” grossed $6.3 million at 1,585 theaters, an average of $3,999 per screen. Universal’s “K-9,” starring James Belushi and a dog, edged into the No. 1 spot, grossing $6.4 million at 1,700 theaters, a per-screen average of $3,790. These films should enjoy the good business while they can: In three weeks, the first of the big summer blockbusters, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” appears at more than 2,000 theaters nationwide.

* Business remains so-so for Holly Hunter’s first film since “Broadcast News.” “Miss Firecracker” grossed $117,241 at 30 theaters, an average of $3,908 per screen.

Weekend Gross/ Screens/ Weeks Movie (Studio) Total (millions) Average in Release 1. “K-9” $6.4 1,700 2 (Universal) $16.0 $3,790 2. “Pet Sematary” $6.3 1,585 3 (Paramount) $33.2 $3,999 3. “Field of Dreams” $5.4 633 3 (Universal) $8.4 $8,570 4. “Major League” $3.6 1,557 5 (Paramount) $36.0 $2,308 5. “Criminal Law” $5.4 1,122 2 (Hemdale) $5.4 $1,712 * “Miss Firecracker” $.117 30 2 (Corsair) $.184 $3,908

SOURCE: Exhibitor Relations Co.