Clooney's "The American" leads holiday weekend box office

George Clooney's hitman tale "The American" has captured the top spot at the box office with a $16.4 million debut during the long Labor Day weekend.

Since opening Wednesday, the Focus Features release has taken in $19.5 million, The Associated Press reports.

The 20th Century Fox revenge romp "Machete" and Sony's heist thriller "Takers" were in a duel for second place.

"Machete" led with $14 million from Friday to Monday.

"Takers" followed with $13.5 million, though the two movies were close enough that rankings could change once final numbers are released Tuesday.