‘Bridges’ Tops $10 Million

‘Casper” put up a spirited fight and managed to hold off the romantic saga “The Bridges of Madison County” for the week’s top spot at the box office.

According to figures compiled by Exhibitor Relations Co., “Casper” extended its two-week run at the top by earning $13.4 million. The film, which is based on the comic-book character and stars Christina Ricci and Bill Pullman, has earned a total of $38.9 million.

“Bridges,” Clint Eastwood’s version of Robert James Waller’s best-seller, was the week’s top debut. Starring Eastwood and Meryl Streep, the film earned $10.5 million.

Just back was “Die Hard With a Vengeance.” Courtesy of its $9.3 million take, the Bruce Willis vehicle has earned $61.7 million in its three weeks of release.

The success of the week’s top films contrasted with the poor showings of other openings. “Fluke,” a dog story, earned $1.4 million to finish No. 11. That was just two places ahead of “The Glass Shield,” which earned $1.1 million despite opening in just 283 locations (and not in Spokane).

But just as telling was the second-week drop of such highly anticipated films as “Johnny Mnemonic” (No. 7, $3.2 million, $12.2 million total) and “Mad Love” (No. 9, $2.4 million, $10.5 million total).

“My Family,” playing at just 247 locations (including Spokane), finished No. 19 with a $379,000 take.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo