Box office: 'The Interview' makes $1 million theater debut

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Despite on demand availability, crowds still flocked to theaters to catch showings of "The Interview," Thursday.<br /> <br /> The film made just over $1 million in ticket sales from 331 locations for an impressive $3,142 per theater average, according to distributor Sony Pictures. Many theaters reported selling out showings.<br /> <br /> Just one week ago, it seemed no one might see the satirical comedy following hacker threats, but, in a dramatic reversal of events, the studio this week decided to allow theaters to show the film and made it available for rental and purchase on digital platforms.<br /> <br /> Rory Bruer, president of worldwide distribution for Sony Pictures, said in a statement that the studio is extremely grateful to the people all over the country who came out for the unconventional release.