World Trade Center grossed $4.4m from 2,803 theatres at the North American box officeon its opening day yesterday (Wednesday).

"It's a very strong opening," Paramount's executive vicepresident, general sales manager Don Harris said. "The movie has producedan emotional and powerful response and the exit polls that we did yesterdaywere sensational."

Oliver Stone's 9/11 drama played well in state capitals anddelivered strong results across all four quadrants, Harris said, adding thatthe theatre count would climb to 2,957 by Friday [Aug 11].

"This picture has been tracking into smaller towns in MiddleAmerica in a way that other Oliver Stone movies probably have not, which is whywe decided to open in these places too."