Video Rentals : Gender Appeal of ‘Tomatoes’

According to some retailers, “Fried Green Tomatoes,” with its nearly all-female cast, is still the big attraction for female renters--an important factor since, in many families, the woman makes those trips to the video stores. It may stay on top for the next weeks--until “Basic Instinct” hits the chart. “White Men Can’t Jump”--which has more male appeal--is still a strong second.

* This Disney-like comedy, about the adventures of a St. Bernard in suburbia, entered quietly at No. 36 but should take a giant step up the rental chart next week. But, priced at $25, and heavily discounted--as low as $13 in some places--it should do better in the sales market.

Video Rentals

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1. “Fried Green Tomatoes” 1 6 2. “White Men Can’t Jump” 2 6 3. “Final Analysis” 4 5 4. “Medicine Man” 3 6 5. “The Lawnmower Man” 5 5 6. “Wayne’s World” 7 7 7. “The Prince of Tides” 6 8 8. “White Sands” 11 3 9. “The Mambo Kings” 10 4 10. “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” 8 13 * “Beethoven” -- 1

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.