
By: R. Murray-o'hair
Re: Priest Does Well At Box O

"PRIEST" DOES WELL AT BOX OFFICE

Despite Bomb Threats and Church-Led Demands for Censorship, the
Controversial Film Enjoyed a Lucrative Opening at Theaters

                   by Conrad F. Goeringer

   According to media such as USA TODAY, the film "Priest" is having its
share of worldly success.  The film took in over $1,000 per screen (on
about 150 screens) in its Wednesday opening, and was termed a "solid
art house success."

   The film depicts the conflicts of a young priest agonizing
over his homosexuality; another priest in the script is having an affair.
A number of groups including the Catholic Civil Rights League have
protested the film and were particularly outraged when the distributor of
the British- made movie, Miramax, scheduled it for release on Good
Friday. Although "Priest" was held over for a Wednesday, April 19 debut,
there were problems.  Three movie houses in New Jersey announced
cancellation after receiving bomb threats, and the Belcourt Theater in
Nashville, Tn. decided not to screen "Priest" due to expected protests.

   But the favorable box-office receipts mean that "Priest" may be moved
into the larger commercial theater circuit.

   "Priest" stars Tom Wilkinson and Linus Roache.


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