Movie fans were craning to catch a glimpse of one of Hollywood's hottest properties on Brighton seafront yesterday.

Rising star Kirsten Dunst, who played the female lead in Spiderman, was filming scenes for her new movie Wimbledon.

After an early-morning shoot in a car on King's Road, crowds gathered to see Kirsten in a cafe scene at the Terraces Bar and Grill in Marine Parade.

More than 140 cast and crew have been in the city since Monday working on a variety of scenes.

The romantic comedy also stars Paul Bettany as fading British tennis star Peter who falls in love with young American ace Lizzie, played by Kirsten.

It is being produced by Working Title Films, the company behind Four Weddings And A Funeral, Notting Hill and Bridget Jones's Diary.

Small crowds gathered on the pavement in a bid to see inside the cafe through the mass of technicians, crew and sun deflectors.

The Argus was not allowed on set but Kirsten could be seen sitting in the sun between shots.

Dressed in a burgundy dress with her blonde hair tied back and black shoes, Kirsten also sported dangly pearl earrings and, through her dress, a small tattoo of a Chinese symbol could be seen.

While she waited, she had make-up applied by co-star Sam Neill's wife Noriko. Neill was not involved in yesterday's shoot although Bettany was present on the set.

At one point he picked up a camera and pointed it back at the group of photographers gathered outside.

Bettany has a growing reputation after appearing in A Knight's Tale and A Beautiful Mind.

Film insiders said the crew would remain in Brighton and Hove until Friday.

Producer Mary Richards said: "Brighton offers a unique visual to the film, which is different from both our locations in London and Wimbledon. It provides the perfect setting for our hero's home."

Location manager Adam Richards said: "The movie was originally going to be set in either Brighton or Bristol. We checked out both places but Brighton gave us more of the look and feel we were going for.

"We spent a morning with the director walking up and down the prom looking for suitable venues. This coffee shop gives us the best view and has the pier in the background.

"We have got about six different scenes in Brighton altogether. There's the seafront coffee shop, Peter's flat and a barber shop we have turned into a betting shop."

Graham Townly, The Terraces' manager, said: "We have only been open for six or seven weeks so it's nice publicity for us.

"Although the filming is here today, we've been opening at 4.30am each morning this week for the crew and have been making breakfasts and lunches."

Edwyna Dyer, 19, who usually worked in the restaurant, had swapped her typical outfit for an old pinny to appear as an extra.

She said the crew had changed the interior of the grill.

"Instead of a wooden bar they have made it a chequered top with ketchup bottles. It's a bit like an old-fashioned chip shop."