Posted: Fri., Jun. 6, 2008, 3:03pm PT

Shaye, Lynne get lovely parting gift

'Sex' tops box office after New Line shutters

There's nothing like cashiering the folks at the top of a studio to help spur box office success.

New Line is the latest to prove the aphorism, as "Sex and the City" hit a home run just after toppers Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne had been booted out along with most of the New Line staff.

"It's 'Men in Black' all over again," one exec noted in a resigned tone.

He was referring to the best-known instance: Sony's success in 1997 after ditching Mark Canton and Peter Guber. Besides "Men in Black," the studio's slate that year included "Air Force One," "As Good as It Gets" and "My Best Friend's Wedding" -- all big hits.

Universal had its turn in 2000 when, after firing Casey Silver, it racked up the year's biggest hit with "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," along with "Meet the Parents" and "Erin Brockovich."

In 2005, Paramount scored its best summer ever with "War of the Worlds" and "The Longest Yard" --immediately after replacing Sherry Lansing.


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