The film attacks George Bush on Iraq

While many had come to watch the anti-Bush film at a car park in the small town of Crawford, others came to pledge their support for the president.

Bush supporters held a rally while the film was being shown.

A local Republican said she did not agree with Moore's views but respected his right to voice his opinions.

"While we certainly do not agree with Michael Moore ... we do agree that it is important that we protect the right to be on a dissenting side of an issue," said Arlene Wohlgemuth at the rally.

Cars drove up and down Crawford's main street, with carloads of Mr Bush's supporters holding signs out of the windows pledging their support for the president, who is at his ranch this week.

Presidential invite

Others shouted at those attending the film's screening.

Moore had said he would attend the screening, and had even invited President Bush to show up as well.

But Moore pulled out at the last minute on Wednesday, saying he did not want his presence to overshadow the film's screening. He remained at the Democrats' national convention in Boston.

Mr Howard said Moore's film was "propaganda"

"But we're all here tonight," said John Wolf, leader of a group of Texan anti-war activists who run the Crawford Peace House in the town.

The film, which topped the North American box office on its release, has now made more than $100m (�55.5m) in the US and Canada alone.

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister John Howard has labelled the film "propaganda", saying he had not yet seen it but wanted people to understand the documentary was biased film-making.

Staunch ally

Mr Howard has been one of President Bush's staunchest allies over Iraq, sending Australian combat troops as part of the US-led multi-national force.

"People should understand that this is a propaganda movie," he told Australian radio.

"As long as people accept that it's a biased documentary and it's designed by someone who has a visceral, political hatred of George Bush. It is in no way objective history," he said.