The Rio’s monthly Classic Matinees take place on the first or second Wednesday of the month. There is an interval for every film, and extra seating is provided in the foyer. We are delighted that thanks to funding from the Bridge House Trust we are once again able to offer free admission. We are also able to offer free tea and cake! Please come along and enjoy a film and a chat!

These screenings are also open to everyone else at normal weekday matinee ticket prices.

• Wed 10 Oct 2.30

AMAZING GRACE (PG)

(UK 2006) dir. Michael Apted 116m.
Ioan Gruffudd, Albert Finney, Michael Gambon, Youssou N’Dour, Romola Garai, Rufus Sewell.

Inspiring story of legendary politician William Wilberforce, detailing his long struggle to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire. During late 18th century Britain, the political and economical motives for slavery are deeply entrenched: the entire Empire is built on the barbaric transport and sale of slaves. Young William Wilberforce, recently elected to parliament, meets a small group who are campaigning for an end to the slave trade and joining them he begins to gain momentum and support for the cause. AMAZING GRACE charts his progress over twenty years until abolition on 25 March 1807. A lovely, moving and intelligent film, featuring magnificent performances and released almost two hundred years to the day after Wilberforce's humanitarian victory.

BRIEF ENCOUNTER (PG)
(UK 1945) dir. David Lean 86m.
Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard, Stanley Holloway.

An all-time classic story of forbidden love as passion endeavours to fight through the stoicism and restraint of 1940s middle-class England. Bored housewife Laura and married doctor Alec meet accidentally and their friendship quickly blossoms into romance. However, accepted social conventions of the time place continual pressure on the relationship. Much parodied over the last sixty years, but the writing (Noel Coward), acting (Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard) and direction (David Lean) remain sublimely unsurpassed.