RIDLEY SCOTT - AMERICAN GANGSTER WRESTLES BEOWULF TO TOP U.K. CHARTS

Director RIDLEY SCOTT's AMERICAN GANGSTER has forced its way to the top of the U.K. box office - taking $5 million (GBP2.5 million) in its opening weekend (16-18Nov07). The real-life crime drama - which stars Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe - crushed competition from animated fantasy Beowulf, which debuted in second place with $4.2 million (GBP2.1 million). Ratatouille and Stardust are in third and fourth position respectively, while last week's number one, comedy Good Luck Chuck, slips down to number five.