The movie, which stars Bette Midler and James Caan as USO performers, reportedly cost $40 million to $45 million to make, and $10 million to $15 million to promote.
But in its first two weeks of release, the film grossed only $5.94 million – about a 10th of what the hit “The Addams Family” pulled in. Hollywood insiders have redubbed the movie “For the Birds. ’ ’
According to an industry source, Fox Inc. CEO Barry Diller, who oversees both the movie studio and the TV network for Rupert Murdoch, blames Roth for this Thanksgiving turkey. And within the past two weeks, two high-placed studio execs associated with the movie have “ resigned.”
A year ago, Roth was riding high with the surprise success of “Home Alone.” But Fox’s recent releases – “Dying Young, “ Dutch” and “ Only the Lonely” – have died at the box office.
Fox denied the rumor that Roth’s head is on the chopping block.
