"The British are coming!" No, it's not that midnight horseman racing across the countryside to warn us of approaching soldiers. It isn't even the apprehension of ominous impending conflict. It is something infinitely better -- audience and time-tested movies that tickle, inspire and comfort.

Exactly one year ago Sunrise Theater offered a series of five British comedies, and the public's response was enthusiastically positive.

"SunFlix is proud and excited to announce a second season of 'The British are Coming' movies we believe will be just as well received as was the case a year ago," says a spokesman.

"The Full Monty"

Opening the 2008 August season will be what is arguably the most popular British comedy of recent years. Set in the blighted industrial town of Sheffield, laid-off steel workers search for a way to pick up a few quid to augment their unemployment income.

One bloke is inspired to form an exotic dance group in the style of the Chippendales, and the idea quickly catches on. Thus begins a hilarious account of five desperate blokes who create dance routines and support each other as they prepare to perform on stage "the full monty," -- a euphemism for total nudity.

Tom Wilkinson was perhaps the best-known actor at the time, but he is more than ably accompanied by Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, Paul Barber, and Steve Huison. This delightful film will be screened from Friday, Aug. 1, through Monday, Aug. 4.

"Shakespeare in Love"

Screenwriters Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard create the compelling story of a young but uninspired Will Shakespeare who is stymied by writer's block. In a curious twist of plot Will falls passionately in love with Lady Viola -- a woman who disguises herself as a man.

As their love grows, Will's block dissipates, and he begins to write their story. His masterpiece, "Romeo and Juliet," becomes art reflecting (his) life. But problems remain, and in both life and art their resolution is what makes this film amusing and dramatic. Ralph Fienes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dame Judi Dench, and Geoffrey Rush headline an all-star cast. This movie combines comedy, wit, energy and sweetness. It will play from Friday, Aug. 8, through Monday, Aug. 11.

"Bend It Like Beckham"

While the title refers to England's greatest soccer player, David Beckham, and his ability to kick deadly curving corner kicks, the story is actually about bending cultural restrictions and bringing about cultural tolerance if not change in a traditional Indian family based in multiracial Britain. The story unfolds in the adolescent life of Jesse, who is being raised according to traditional Indian customs that conflict with her desire to develop her considerable athletic gifts. Parminder Nagra is irresistible as the Indian adolescent, and Keira Knightley, who becomes her best mate, provides affirmation and encouragement through the almost overwhelming challenges and conflicts Jesse faces. Gurinder Chadha, director and producer, has created a film that is at once serious and lighthearted. This film plays Friday, Aug. 15, through Monday, Aug. 18.

"Calendar Girls"

Once again a performance by Helen Mirren is the glue in an often hilarious account of a women's institute chapter in North Yorkshire and its fundraising initiative for a local hospital. A dozen middle-aged Englishwomen agree to pose nude for a calendar they expect to sell mostly to people in their community. However, once the story reaches the newswire, the project becomes known worldwide.

Soon they have more fame and profits than they ever imagined, outselling calendars that featured Britney Spears and Cindy Crawford. This true story is delightfully and tastefully retold with warmth, respect and humor. It plays the Sunrise from Friday, Aug. 22, through Monday, Aug. 25.

"Mrs. Henderson Presents"

Mrs. Henderson (Dame Judi Dench) is a wealthy widow in 1937 who is looking for something to do. She purchases the Windmill Theater in London. To bring in an audience she decides to feature nude female performers in the tradition of the Moulin Rouge. The Lord Chamberlain reluctantly agrees as long as nude actors don't move. Alas, bombing raids send performers fleeing for shelter. While this "movement" violates the tableau ordinance, Mrs. Henderson successfully insists that she is providing the only chance for many young servicemen to see female nudity before they go off to war. A compelling tension between Mrs. Henderson and her manager, played brilliantly by Bob Hoskins, adds to the intrigue in this heroic movie. The film will be screened Friday, Aug. 29, through Monday, Sept. 1.

Concessions at the Sunrise include buttered popcorn, adult beverages and soft drinks. Evening showings 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. Children get in for $5.

For further information, contact the Sunrise Theater at 250 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines, by calling (910) 692-3611 or www.sunrisetheater.com.