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The quirky tale starring Brad Pitt as the leader of a gang of Jewish commandos determined to kill the Nazis, “Basterds” earned $37.6 million and was director Quentin Tarantino’s best opening ever.

The movie also gave a much-needed hit for Harvey and Bob Weinstein and Weinstein & Co., which have scored only lackluster receipts at their new outfit since departing Disney-owned Miramax four years ago.

Last weekend’s winner, “District 9,” slipped to second place with $18.9 million, and another previous box-office winner, “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,” held its own at No. 3 with $12.5 million.

It was a remarkable showing for both runners up considering “Basterds” angled directly for the high-testosterone male audience.

Female moviegoers meanwhile helped keep “The Time Traveler’s Wife” and “Julie & Julia” in the top five. “Time Traveler” dropped only to No. 4 in its second week with $10 million, and “Julie & Julia,” starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, hung in fifth place with $9 million.

The family comedy “Shorts,” a series of loosely linked adventures centered on a magic rock that grants wishes, did not fare as well, debuting in sixth place with $6.6 million.

Hollywood’s revenues were up for the third straight weekend.

Overall ticket sales were up 27% compared with the same weekend last year.