‘Birdcage’ Passes $60 Million

As testament to the nesting principal, America’s moviegoers continued to flock to “The Birdcage” over the weekend, earning the cross-dressing comedy its third week as the nation’s No. 1 film.

According to figures compiled by Exhibitor Relations Co., the Mike Nichols film grossed some $13.2 million to push its three-week total to $60.6 million.

On the other hand, it wasn’t a profitable week for debuts. “Diabolique,” the remake of the 1955 French thriller, was the week’s best-performing opener, ending up in third spot with a $5.5 million gross.

“Fargo,” the newest work by the Coen brothers, pulled off a surprising No. 6 finish. Despite playing in only 412 locations, “Fargo” earned $2.8 million.

Spike Lee’s newest, “Girl 6,” opened in more than twice as many houses as “Fargo” (1,077) yet grossed less ($2.5 million). It finished No. 7.

In the second tier, “Race The Sun” finished at No. 13 ($1.1 million).

We may see some familiar names next week, following Monday’s Academy Awards ceremony. As it is, No. 12 “Dead Man Walking” (Best Actress: Susan Sarandon) pushed its 13-week total to $30.2 million.

And despite being shut out, “Mr. Holland’s Opus” continues to forge along. Holding at No. 8, the teaching opus (would the plural be opie?) earned $2 million to push its eight-week gross to $72.8 million.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo