Murphy Finds Rough Going in Home Market

Is Eddie Murphy slipping in the rental market? It’s surprising that his blockbuster “Coming to America”--expected to instantly barge to the top--is only No. 4 after two weeks on the Billboard rental chart. Apparently, the competition--”Cocktail” in particular--is tougher than expected. “High Spirits,” starring Darryl Hannah and Peter O’Toole, debuted at No. 21. Critics raved about Shirley MacLaine’s performance in “Madame Sousatzka,” but the movie made only $3.3 million. So far it hasn’t been a red-hot rental either, crawling up one notch to No. 29.

On the sales chart, Michael Jackson changed places with himself. The only video with enough clout to bounce “Moonwalker”--a perennial No. 1--out of the top spot would be another Jackson title. So his new one, “The Legend Continues,” No. 2 last week, inched up to No. 1, dropping “Moonwalker” to No. 2.

* “Everybody’s All-American,” directed by Taylor Hackford, grossed $12.5 million--respectable but disappointing for a movie that was expected to be big box office. Dennis Quaid plays a football hero fumbling through life, with beauty-queen wife (Jessica Lange) leading interference for him. This is the kind of star-studded drama--also featuring John Goodman of TV’s “Rosanne” and Tim Hutton--that’s usually a rental bonanza. Debuting at No. 15, this one has definite Top 5 potential.

VIDEO CHARTS

Rental Rental Weeks Top Ranking Ranking 2 On Rental Rentals Weeks Ago Chart Chart 1.”Cocktail” 1 2 7 (Touchstone) 2.”The Accused” 3 7 4 (Paramount) 3.”Big” 2 1 10 (CBS-Fox) 4.”Coming to America” 8 ... 2 (Paramount) 5.”Gorillas in the Mist” 4 3 7 (MCA) *”Everbody’s All-American” ... ... 1 (Warner)