Dramas Take Top Slots

“Mississippi Burning,” the suspense drama about early ‘60s racial violence, steamed into the top spot of the Billboard magazine rental chart, up from No. 3. “Tequila Sunrise,” a love story with thriller undertones, took over the No. 2 spot. It’s rare for two dramas to be the top rentals, but these aren’t ordinary dramas. “Burning” offers Gene Hackman, good reviews, controversy and a bunch of Oscar nominations while “Sunrise” offers Mel Gibson and Michelle Pfeiffer. Besides, the two comedies that reigned all summer, “Twins” and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” have finally started to run out of steam. The John Candy comedy, “Who’s Harry Crumb?”--mired at No. 13--hasn’t been as popular as expected. It may not even make the Top 10. After two chart weeks, the Tom Hanks comedy, “The ‘Burbs,” is up to No. 15--OK but not great for a Hanks movie. “The Fly II” (No. 8) is the horror movie right now.

* “The Naked Gun,” featuring Leslie Nielsen as a bumbling cop, has No. 1 written all over it. This madcap comedy, which grossed $78 million, debuted at No. 10. Look for it to be the hottest rental of the Labor Day weekend.

VIDEO CHARTS

Rental Rental Weeks Top Ranking Ranking 2 On Rental Rentals Last Week Weeks Ago Chart 1.”Mississippi Burning” 3 6 4 (Orion) 2.”Tequila Sunrise” 6 11 3 (Warner Bros.) 3.”Twins” 1 1 10 (MCA) 4.”Dangerous Liaisons” 4 3 6 (Warner) 5.”Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” 2 2 9 (Orion) *”The Naked Gun” ... ... 1 (Paramount)