Classics on Parade

Thar’s gold in them thar re-issues: “Gone With the Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz,” which played Los Angeles theatrically earlier this year, are still touring nationwide--about to be joined by “West Side Story.”

“Story” has sold nearly $28,000 in tickets in less than two weeks here in Los Angeles, not bad for a 28-year-old film available on video and shown repeatedly on TV.

“Especially since the movie came into town quietly--not with the hoopla that surrounded ‘Gone With the Wind’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ ” said Jack Foley, president of distribution for MGM/UA, which is distributing the trio of films. (Foley credits Jim Jeneji, manager of the MGM/UA classics division, with the idea of reissuing “West Side Story.”) “We’re pretty startled by the reaction of exhibitors.”

Meanwhile, Columbia’s crown jewel, 1962’s “Lawrence of Arabia,” continues to sell tickets around the country--reissue grosses are now in excess of $7 million.

And “Tom Jones” (1963), currently playing in NYC, opens in L.A. on Oct. 27. According to the Samuel Goldwyn Co., it will go on to play all the major markets.