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 13 Jul 2.30

THE PAINTED VEIL (12A)

(US 2006) dir. John Curran 125m.
Starring Naomi Watts, Edward Norton, Liev Schreiber, Diana Rigg.

Based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham set in the 1920s, THE PAINTED VEIL tells of Walter and Kitty, who marry hastily and relocate to Shanghai. When Walter discovers Kitty has been unfaithful, in an act of revenge, he takes a job in a village ravaged by cholera, taking her along. In one of the most remote and beautiful places on earth, the couple begin to learn about themselves and their relationship. Emotionally engaging with excellent performances from Watts and Norton.

* Wed 11 July 2.30

A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH (U)

(UK 1946) dirs. Michael Powell & Emeric Pressberger 100m.
David Niven, Kim Hunter, Marius Goring, Raymond Massey.

RAF Squadron Leader Peter Carter's (David Niven) aircraft is shot down by enemy fire over fog during the Second World War. As it falls, and after his crew has bailed out, Carter tries to radio the information to base. Believing this to be his final conversation, he speaks to an American, June (Kim Hunter), and falls in love with her voice. But as he leaps to certain death, something goes wrong - the angels miss him in the fog and he lands on the ground, alive and in front of June. Can he argue with heaven that he should be allowed to stay? This glorious romance is as poignant and exciting today as it was over fifty years ago. Part of that is down to the taut writing and the excellent performances from David Niven and Kim Hunter. But perhaps most of all it is due to the film's sheer audacity.