Hitch Brings Record Valentine's Day Ticket Sales Posted: Feb 16, 2005

Columbia Pictures' romantic comedy Hitch generated $7,515,442 on Monday, becoming the biggest midweek Valentine's Day ever at the nation's movie theaters.

Hitch, starring Will Smith and directed by Andy Tennant has earned $50,657,656 since opening on Friday.  The film set the record over the weekend as the biggest opening ever for a romantic comedy with $43,142,214.

"Audiences are clearly falling in love with Hitch," said Jeff Blake, Vice Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.  "It's winning combination of comedy and romance made it a perfect choice for

Valentine's, or any other day when you are looking for a fun time at the movies."

The previous record high for a Valentine's Day falling on midweek was set by Hannibal (staring Anthony Hopkins) on February 14, 2001, when that film earned $5,097,007.

Hitch is the third straight #1 film released by Sony Pictures in 2005.  The studio also scored a rare trifecta at the box office this past weekend by releasing the #1, #2 and #3 movies with Hitch, Boogeyman, and Are We There Yet?  The trifecta is first time the same studio has fielded the top 3 films in the past 15 years.

In Hitch, Will Smith stars as Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, a legendary New York City "date doctor" who, for a fee, has helped hundreds of men woo the women of their dreams.  The ultimate professional bachelor, Hitch discovers that all of his tried and true tricks of the trade are no match for Sara (Eva Mendes), the one woman he truly loves.  Directed by Andy Tennant, the film is written by Kevin Bisch and produced by James Lassiter, Will Smith and Teddy Zee.