Sapphires Movie A Box-Office Gem

When “The Sapphires,” a true-life Australian movie about four female indigenous singers who entertained U.S. troops in Vietnam, made its debut at Cannes in May, it was quickly signed up by The Weinstein Co. for release in the U.S. and a host of global territories.

At home, “The Sapphires” had the best opening for an Australian movie in the last 18 months, grossing $2.34 million on the first weekend and getting standing ovations at screenings.

The Motown-heavy soundtrack, through Sony, hit the top spot Aug. 20 on the official Australian Recording Industry Association chart.

It was the first film soundtrack to hit top spot this decade and the first Australian soundtrack in 11 years to claim a No. 1 spot.