tent pole
n.— «Mr. Mancuso describes “Beverly Hills Cop II” as a “tent pole” movie. Each year Paramount makes several high-budget films “that because of content, star value or storyline have immediate want-to-see and are strong enough to support your entire schedule,” he said. “Ishtar” had none of the strengths of a tent pole.» —“Figuring Out The Fates of ‘Cop II’ and ‘Ishtar’” by Aljean Harmetz in Hollywood June 4, 1987. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
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