New Line's The LordOf The Rings: The Two Towersremained number one in its fourth weekend in key cities in Japan, dropping amere 19% and adding $3.4m from 349 screens for a $37.7m cumulative score.

The picture averaged $9,729and has grossed 6% more than Peter Jackson's first instalment, TheFellowship Of The Ring, through thesame period.

To date The Two Towers has out-grossed The Fellowship Of The Ring in more than 35 territories, including the UK,France, Italy, Mexico, Australia and South Korea.

In its second weekend inFrance, About Schmidt dropped 19%on $464,254 on 252 screens for New Line's partner MetropolitanFilmexport. It averaged $1,842 per screen and has a $1.3m running total.

In its third weekend inGermany the picture dropped 9%, grossing $459,739 from 89 screens for a $1.4mcumulative score. It averaged $5,166 and moved up two places to tenth.

The horror sequel FinalDestination 2 fell 25% in its secondweekend in Germany, grossing $836,161 on 499 screens. The picture moved up oneplace to third and registered a $1,676 average and $2.2m cumulative score.