Kingdom Of Heaven takes top spot in US

Ridley Scott’s Kingdom Of Heaven, starring Orlando Bloom, shot straight to the top of the US box office chart this weekend.

The epic, in which 12th century Muslims battle Christians for control of Jerusalem, took an estimated €15m in ticket sales.

But despite its success, it failed to stump an 11-week box office downturn and paled in comparison with other blockbusters marking the start of the summer season.

Paris Hilton’s horror flick House Of Wax opened at number two, while The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy was pushed off the top spot and down to third place.

Bloom, aged 28, stars as a French blacksmith who is knighted and goes on to lead a Christian army in taking on the Arabs.

The film prompted some controversy about its historical accuracy, while some critics deemed it politically insensitive given the current climate.

But Ridley Scott dismissed the debate, saying that those complaining had probably never seen it.

20th Century Fox president, Bruce Snyder, said given the 2.5-hour running time and huge success abroad, it was a “great start” for the film.

Experts predict the box office slump will end this month with the opening of the long-awaited Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith.