Pre-view of “Lion Has Wings”

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 297, 16 December 1939, Page 5

Pre-view of “Lion Has Wings”

Compelling, thrilling and having human interest relief provided by such an actor as Ralph Richardson and the actress, Merle Oberon, “The Lion Has Wings,” which arrived in Wellington from England this week, was shown at a preview on Wednesday. In the main it tells of the anti-aircraft defences of Britain, showing all branches in realistic operation. The start includes some telling contrasts of Britain and’ Germany in the pre-war years. There on the one hand were the young men oZ Britain taking part in their sports and various public authorities working at slum clearance and replacement by modern buildings; in Germany were the goosestepping hordes, spending their public holidays listening to the frenzied oratory of Hitler, and guns giviug place to butter. In this connection there arc remarkable close-ups or Hitler, with accompanying words, when at the crescendo of his speech-making. Surrounded by guards, Hitler thundersforth, while in England the King and Queen move freely among their people. The thrills and stirring action come with the transference of the centre of activity to aerodromes and to the great control room from where Britain’s air defence is directed. There is a strange contrast as the fighters battle against invaders and their fortunes are recorded like chessboard moves on the map. The famous raid on Kiel is reproduced and there is also shown in connection with this glimpses of the successful airmen on their return. Altogether, “Tho Lion Ha« Wings” is so skilfully produced as to lift it out of the propaganda level and make it a film which arouses pride in British people and, with this, a senso of security. In tho words which are used at the start, “this is Britain where wo believe in freedom.” Alexander Korda was the producer.