National Video Rentals : ‘Cousin Vinny’ Debuts at No. 6 as ‘Beethoven’ Jumps to No. 7

The culture-clash comedy “My Cousin Vinny,” grossing more than $51 million, proved that Joe Pesci, noted for supporting roles, could carry a movie on his own. It premiered at No. 6 on the rental chart and should easily crack the Top 5. Look for it to be one of the top rental comedies this fall. As expected, the family comedy “Beethoven” jumped to No. 7 in its second week on the chart. Though it’s available for less than $25--losing rental business to the sales market--it should continue to be a popular rental through the end of the year. It’s one of the more appealing titles in the family-comedy genre--in big demand during the holiday season.

* Excellent reviews and strong word-of-mouth is working in the home-video market for the sleeper “One False Move,” a grisly, low-budget crime drama featuring a cast of unknowns. Those factors helped to create a small but enthusiastic audience for it in theaters too. It jumped from No. 27 to No. 18 and may inch into the Top 10.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1.”Fried Green Tomatoes” 1 7 2.”White Men Can’t Jump” 2 7 3.”Final Analysis” 3 6 4.”Medicine Man” 4 7 5.”LawnmowerMan” 5 6 6.”My Cousin Vinny” ... 1 7.”Beethoven” 36 2 8.”White Sands” 8 4 9.”The Prince of Tides” 7 9 10.”Wayne’s World” 6 8 * “One False Move” 27 2

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.