National Video Rentals : ‘League’ Leaps; ‘Female’ Sits Pretty

“A League of Their Own” isn’t in a league of its own just yet. “League’s” leap, from No. 26 to No. 6 is a mighty one, but--after two weeks as a rental--not the top spot widely predicted for a film that grossed more than $105 million. The lurid “Single White Female” is still the champ, as it’s been for all its four weeks on the chart. Many retailers are still reporting it’s far and away their most popular rental, with everything else a distant second. If “League”--a sentimental family-oriented film--doesn’t at least reach No. 2 next week, it may never be chart champ. But it may have trouble getting past another seamy thriller, “Unlawful Entry,” which is a strong No. 2. “Honeymoon in Vegas,” the romantic comedy featuring Nicolas Cage that grossed around $34 million, entered at No. 33 and should make the Top 10--possibly next week.

* This taut thriller, starring Robert Redford, did well in theaters--about $50.2 million--and should be a big home video hit. It premiered at No. 36 but is destined for the Top 5.

National Video Rentals

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1.”Single White Female” 1 4 2.”Unlawful Entry” 2 3 3.”Death Becomes Her” 5 2 4.”Raising Cain” 3 5 5.”Mo’ Money” 7 3 6.”A League of Their Own” 26 2 7.”Housesitter” 6 10 8.”Boomerang” 4 9 9.”Patriot Games” 8 14 10.”Honey, I Blew Up the Kid” 9 8 * “Sneakers” ... 1

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.