That was more than 44 per cent of the total weekend take for the top 12 films showing, the industry monitor said.

James Bond thriller Quantum of Solace scored second place with US$27.4 million in sales while Disney's new animated Bolt barked its way to an almost second place tie with US$27 million, also in its premier weekend, Exhibitor said.

Madagascar 2 racked up US$16 million in ticket sales while Role Models was in fifth place with less than half that: US$7.2 million.

Angelina Jolie vehicle Changeling and pre-teen targetted High School Musical 3 took US$2.6 million and US$2.0 million respectively, in the sixth and seventh places.

In eighth place, Zack and Miri earned US$1.7 million, while The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas followed with US$1.67 million.

The Secret Life of Bees, based on the novel of the same name, rounded out the top 10 with US$1.27 million, Exhbitor said. -- AFP