Once won a close race for top spot on the per theater chart, just topping Shrek the Third $30,951 to $29,507. Brand Upon the Brain! held up better than expected, earning an average of $18,907 in its three theaters while Chalk was the only other film to top $10,000 with $13,363.

There were a couple of new releases that did moderately well, but most failed to connect with moviegoers. The best of these were Private Property and Brooklyn Rules, which earned $7,543 and $7,361 respectively. Severance came close to earning a passable per theater average with $4,158, but even that suggests the film will have to wait until the home market to find an audience. Even Money was close behind with $3,744. The Wendell Baker Story's long delay to get to theaters didn't help it out as it brought in just $2,831. Likewise, Fay Grim was hurt by its quick trip to the home market with an opening average of $2,208. Further down the list we find Flanders at $1,900 while Hollywood Dreams bombed at just $920.

This past week also saw milestones reached for several Per Theater Chart alumni:

• After the Wedding reached $1 million over the weekend, but it has peaked at the box office and will not be able to reach $2 million.
• The Valet made it to $1 million late last week and should be able to hit $2 million before its run is over.
• Away from Her topped $1 million over the weekend and could hit $2 million as early as this time next week.
• Waitress hit $1 million during the week and $2 million over the weekend. And with a per theater average within striking distance of $10,000, it should handle this week's expansion very gracefully.

- C.S.Strowbridge

Date posted: 2007-05-22