The Sunrise Theater's SunFlix series begins a long, hot summer of cool movies for the Sandhills area with the 2011 production of "Jane Eyre," a romantic drama based on Charlotte Bronte's classic novel about an inspirational heroine who continues to inspire new generations of readers and filmmakers.

The film is directed by Cary Fukunaga and stars Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench and Holliday Grainger. It is rated PG 13 and runs for 1 hour and 55 minutes. "Jane Eyre" will be shown from Saturday, June 4, through Monday, June 6. Shows are weekdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

The following plot summary comes from the film's official website: Jane's resolve is established early when, at age 10, the orphaned Jane is mistreated and then cast out of her childhood home by her cruel aunt, Mrs. Reed. Consigned to the charity school Lowood, Jane encounters further harsh treatment but receives an education and meets Helen Burns, a poor child who impresses Jane as a soulful and contented person. The two become firm friends. When Helen falls fatally ill, the loss devastates Jane, yet strengthens her resolve to stand up for herself and make the just choices in life.

As a teenager, Jane arrives at Thornfield, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester. She is treated with kindness and respect by housekeeper Mrs. Fairfax (Academy Award-winner Judi Dench). Jane's interest is piqued by Rochester, who engages her in games of wit and storytelling, and divulges to her some of his innermost thoughts. But his dark moods are troubling to Jane, as are strange goings-on in the house - especially the off-limits attic. She dares to intuit a deep connection with Rochester, and she is not wrong; but once she uncovers the terrible secret that he had hoped to hide from her forever, she flees, finding a home with the Rivers family. When St. John Rivers makes Jane a surprising proposal, she realizes that she must return to Thornfield - to secure her own future and finally, to conquer what haunts both her and Rochester.

This adaptation of the classic novel opened in March to excellent reviews. Roger Ebert rates the film as "outstanding" and writes that "[Cary Fukunaga is] a director with a sure visual sense, here expressed in voluptuous visuals and ambitious art direction."

The historical Sunrise Theater is located at 250 NW Broad St. in Southern Pines. Tickets for all shows are $7 for adults. Refreshments, including beer and wine, are available. All Sunrise Theater movies are commercial free.

For more information, contact the theater at (910) 692-3611 or www.sunrisetheater.com.