The second film in the "The British Are Coming Again" Series begins Friday, Aug. 8, and runs through Monday, Aug. 11. "Shakespeare in Love" is loaded with stars: Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Judi Dench, Colin Firth and Ben Affleck.

The film is set in the summer of 1593, and the rising young star of London's theater scene, Will Shakespeare (Fiennes), faces a paralyzing bout of writer's block. He remains without inspiration until he encounters Lady Viola, a rich man's daughter, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. Viola, one of the few theater-goers who prefer Shakespeare to Christopher Marlowe, is equally smitten with Will, but she is engaged to the cold, loveless Lord Wessex (Firth), who wants her for her money.

To fulfill a lifelong dream to be on stage, Viola dresses as a man and auditions for the role of Romeo, a part that she wins in Shakespeare's work in progress, "Romeo and Ethel the Pirate's Daughter." With Viola's inspiration, Will begins writing a great play, which he retitles "Romeo and Juliet," while trying to find a way to make his impossible romance work.

Critic James Berardinelli states that the "script seamlessly blends comedy, romance, and light drama. Plus, for those who like 'Romeo and Juliet,' there's an opportunity to see how scenes from the play look with Gwyneth Paltrow alternately playing both of the title roles."

The film won seven Academy Awards and is peppered with elements from the Bard's plays: mistaken identities, transvestites, ghosts, poetry, and significant chunks of dialogue from "Romeo." It is rated R for mild sexuality and runs two hours.

Concessions at the Sunrise include buttery popcorn, adult beverages and soft drinks. Evening shows are at 7:30 p.m. and are $7 for adults. The matinees on Saturday and Sunday are at 2:30 p.m. and are $6 for adults.

The Sunrise Theater is located at 250 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines.

For further information, call (910) 692-3611 or visit www.sunrisetheater.com.