newsmakers

newsmakers

Bond soars with $87.8M ‘Skyfall’ debut

LOS ANGELES

James Bond’s “Skyfall” has extended its worldwide box-office rule to North America, hauling in a franchise-record $87.8 million in its first weekend at U.S. theaters.

Adding in $2.2 million from Thursday night previews at IMAX and other large-format theaters, “Skyfall” has taken in $90 million domestically, according to studio estimates Sunday.

That lifts the worldwide total for “Skyfall” to $518.6 million since it began rolling out overseas in late October. Internationally, the 23rd Bond flick added $89 million this weekend to raise its overseas revenue to $428.6 million.

“Skyfall” took over the top spot at the weekend box office from Disney’s animated comedy “Wreck-It Ralph,” which fell to No. 2 with $33.1 million, raising its domestic total to $93.7 million.

“Flight,” starring Denzel Washington, came in third for the weekend, taking in $15.1 million.

Judy’s Garland’s ‘Oz’ dress fetches $480K

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.

The now-faded blue gingham dress Judy Garland wore in “The Wizard of Oz” has sold for $480,000.

Auction house Julien’s Auctions says the pinafore fetched the highest price of any item during a two-day auction of Hollywood memorabilia that attracted bids from around the world. The auction ended Saturday in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Steve McQueen’s racing jacket sold for $50,000, as did a purple skirt worn by Marilyn Monroe while filming “River of No Return” in Canada. Julie Andrews’ “Sound of Music” dress brought $38,400.

Sunglasses worn by Jean Reno in “Leon” went for $8,320, while Johnny Depp’s shades fetched $3,250.

Bidders also snapped up pieces of royal wedding cakes. Prince William and Kate Middleton’s cake sold for $7,500, and Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s cake sold for $1,375.

Associated Press