A CINEMA boss is celebrating after a decision to show a controversial film paid off - by selling out.

Dorchester Plaza manager Chris McDonald admitted he was unsure how popular political documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 would prove in the county town.

But he is now all smiles after movie-goers from across Dorset descended on the Trinity Street cinema to see the film by Oscar-winning director Michael Moore, which examines the terrorist attacks of September 11.

The movie has provoked a storm of controversy in the United States for criticising President George Bush's handling of the situation and the subsequent war in Iraq.

But the film, which has taken more than $100 million since opening stateside, has also proved a smash hit in Dorset.

Mr McDonald, who secured the film on limited release, says people of all ages have been flocking to the Trinity Street cinema.

He said: "The film has only been put on limited release and we worked quite hard to get a print for a week.

"To be honest, I wasn't sure how well it would draw and our expectations were not that high, but it has gone really well.

"We have been the only cinema in Dorset showing it on a daily basis until now and people from all over the region have been ringing us up about it. The film has been a huge success - it has been sold out every night bar one, which I've been pleasantly surprised about.

"The film is not your usual movie, it really makes you think and I think a lot of people came to see it because they were curious what it is all about

"In fact, it has gone so well that we're going to bring it back again from August 27."

After winning the best picture at this year's Cannes Film Festival, Fahrenheit 9/11 received a blaze of publicity after Moore accused Miramax Film bosses of trying to block its release.

Mr McDonald said people's interest in the Iraq war may have drawn people to watch the film.

"We thought it might attract a select audience but there have been young and old people at the film," he said.

"I guess the fact the Iraq war is fresh in the minds of everyone has been a factor in its success in Dorchester."

A spokesman for Cineworld said they planned to show Fahrenheit 9/11 at its Weymouth cinema from this Friday.