National Video Rentals : ‘Gentleman’ Fends Off ‘River’s’ Rush

“A River Runs Through It,” starring Brad Pitt, is flowing past all the rental competition but can’t quite catch up to top-ranked “The Distinguished Gentleman,” settling for second. “River’s” run is impressive considering it’s the kind of slow, rural drama considered a questionable rental attraction, despite its big box-office numbers. Yet many video retailers, using theatrical gross as a gauge, stocked up on it heavily anyway--and they were right.

The British drama “Howards End” is doing good business too (No. 9) in its second week on the chart. All those Oscar nominations--including best picture--and Emma Thompson’s triumph in the best actress category, drew attention to the film. Despite all the acclaim, many fans perceived it as a snail-paced English drama. But audiences have a greater tolerance for “difficult-to-watch” movies on video, so this one should continue do just fine as a rental.

* Starring Brad Pitt as an inspiring rock ‘n’ roller living in a seedy section of New York, this is one of the more talked about small films of the year. Premiering at No. 31, it should do well among the art-film crowd. The success of Pitt’s other movie, “River,” should help this one, since fans may want to see more of Pitt’s work.

Rank Last Week Weeks on the Chart 1. “The Distinguished Gentleman” 1 5 2. “A River Runs Through It” 4 3 3. “Passenger 57” 2 9 4. “Hoffa” 6 2 5. “Under Siege” 3 10 6. “Toys” 9 2 7. “The Mighty Ducks” 8 8 8. “Consenting Adults” 5 10 9. “Howards End” 35 2 10. “Glengarry Glen Ross” 10 3 * “Johnny Suede” -- 1

SOURCE: Billboard Publications Inc.