Video Rentals : ‘White Men’ Can Jump to No. 1

“White Men Can’t Jump” leaped over its formidable competition to land in the top spot of the Billboard magazine rental chart. It was thought that “Wayne’s World” would stay on top more than a few weeks, but “White Men,” a $72-million powerhouse at the box office, performed well beyond expectations in some markets. While “Medicine Man,” featuring Sean Connery, grossed a respectable $45 million in theaters, it didn’t figure to be a challenger for No. 1. But some retailers report that it is neck-and-neck with the Top 3. Chart premieres: “American Me” (No. 16) and “Ladybugs” (No. 20).

*Though it was a box-office disappointment, “The Mambo Kings,” about aspiring Cuban musicians in New York in the ‘50s, is off to a strong start on the rental chart, entering at No. 11.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1. “White Men Can’t Jump” 3 3 2. “Fried Green Tomatoes” 2 3 3. “Wayne’s World” 1 4 4. “Medicine Man” 6 3 5. “The Prince of Tides” 4 5 6. “Hand That Rocks Cradle” 5 10 7. “The Lawnmower Man” 10 2 8. “Final Analysis” 11 2 9. “Memoirs of Invisible Man” 9 3 10. “Hook” 7 8 *”The Mambo Kings” ... 1

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.