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TRYON—Tryon Fine Arts Center continues their 2023-2024 Love Stories film series with the 2004 romantic comedy, Notting Hill on Tuesday, December 12. Showtimes are at 2 p.m. (matinee), with a second showing at 7 p.m.

Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts star in the London-based movie that became the highest grossing British film of all time.

Richard Curtis wrote the screenplay for Notting Hill following his huge success with Four Weddings and a Funeral and chose his own neighborhood as the setting, calling Notting Hill “a melting pot and the perfect place to set a film.” But his decision was not without complications. The production required permission from 1,000 people in the neighborhood, with the promise to donate to their favorite charities in exchange for their cooperation. Approximately 200 charities were the beneficiaries.

In addition to Grant and Roberts, the cast includes two great actors in comedic roles, Rhys Ifans as Grant’s tactless and undisciplined Welsh roommate Spike, and the amazing comedian Emma Chambers in the role of Grant’s sister Honey. Sharp eyes will also recognize Alec Baldwin in a brief appearance as Robert’s boyfriend.

Critics and the public alike found much to love about the movie, and Dessen Howe of The Washington Post said “The movie works because Grant and Roberts are disarming geniuses at playing themselves, and then some… the more you see how they react to each other, the better it gets.”

The Tryon Fine Arts Center Box Office opens at 1:30 p.m. for the 2 o’clock matinee and at 6:30 p.m. for refreshments and time to meet up with friends before the evening show. For more information about this film series and other events at TFAC visit tryonarts.org or call 828-859-8322.

Submitted by Frances Flynn