NAVIES IN ACTION.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19460, 6 November 1928, Page 16

NAVIES IN ACTION.

"THE BATTLES, OF CORONEL AND FALKLAND ISLANDS."

AT GRAND THEATRE. No picture so stirs ah', audience. as one that deals with the sea, and those- who .go down to the'.seai . Withont even-the added thrill of battle, a story concerning man's endeavour to conquer those huge wastes of -water, and to hold command over them, is always entertaining. Apart from its historical interest, "The Battles of Ooronel and Falkland Islands," which commenced a season at the Grand Theatre last evening, has much to recommend it. It makes a stirring ■« picture, and is one that, has, earned the wholehearted commendation' of ' su'dienoeS'iri Great Britain, tho Continent, and the United Statos.The picture shows in detail, and in graphic form, two great sea battles, the film being made with - tho assistance of the British Admiralty, 'and it is full of action and drama. It is a great story, and makes a great film to honour both Great Britain and Germany, sinco the characters symbolise what is both human and admirable. It is no mere.adventure stpry r but an epic of the days when, Britain fought to retain the mastery of the Seaß. It is ; a'national effort to put on record an achievement in the national interest. The part of Admiral von Spee is taken by Herr Stock, well known in German theatrical and film circles, and that of the captain of tho Gnqisenau is entrusted to Captain Hankaw, who was a captain in the Imporial German Navy. It was on Novombor Ist, 1914, that the Battle of Coronel was fought on the northwest coast of South America, when the German squadron . was searching for a suitable base from which to operate in the Atlantic. Admiral Craddock was in command of an English squadron which was superior to the German squadron in number and weight of guns, but Admiral von Spee gained the victory,, sinking H.M.S. Good Hope, Craddock's flagship, and H.M.S. Monmouth. The scenes are most realistically portrayed, a feature being those scenes which show the sinking vessels. Throughout the audience, is kept highly excited, as history is repeated on the scree|i.* Thon follows von Spee's escape _to Valparaiso with scarcely any. damage having been done to his squadron. Scenes of the streets of London when the news of the defeat was received aro shown, and they impress one with their realism. But Britain was now on the look-out for the squadron, and Admiral Sturdce was dispatched with two more ships. Ho sighted the Germans off the Falkland Islands, and engaged them in battle. Ab in the previous engagement, the British ships were the better equipped, and tho tide was turned. Sturdee succeeded in sinking every German ship with the exception of the Dresden, which was successful in escaping. The battle scenes are exceedingly thrilling, and are a true record of what actually happened. Everything is clearly portrayed—the big guns in action, the sinking ships, and the men of both squadrons gallantly holding the flags to the mast as the ships went down. There have been many films both of the Army and of the Air Force, but apart from "Zeebrugge," very little has been shown of the actions of' the British Navy, which succeeded in keeping the high seas Bafe for commerce during the-most trying period in the world's history. Besides being exceptionally thrilling, the picture is of immense educational value, preserving for posterity a ' record of outstanding engagements. Prior to the picture being screened, Mr Arthur Macdonald, the well-known baritone, sings, a trio of sea songs. In support of the main attraction is shown "The Marriage Busineßß," which is a sparkling comedy-drama with a surprising climax. Many amusing incidents follow in quick succession, and the plot is well maintained throughout. It is the story of the intrigues of a young man at a house party, and those of a young woman who turns out to be a secret' service agent. The principal actors play their parts excellently.