IMMORTAL HEROISM

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12503, 20 July 1926, Page 3

IMMORTAL HEROISM

STORY OF YPRES SALIENT ■WONDERFUL FILM ACHIEVEMENT. The fighting in the Ypres salient during the war has been rendered into a picture of which the British Empire has every reason to be verv proud; not only because of the grandeur of the theme but also heennstof the reverence with which this theme has been unfolded. Tim film was shown for the first time at fin’ Opera House last evening and was accorded a magnificent reception. It created a profound impression. Having chosen as its subject t,m most tragic and most glorious sector of the Western front. '■Ypres'’ is

content to tell the truth about tnc war with a simplicity which approaches austerity. There is not one studied appeal to the emotions, and for that very reason it is emotionallv overpowering. It is this imprint of truth which stamps "Ypres” as a great achievement and leaves us with the impression that its makers have walked verv gently on sacred places. In its general plan the film follows the series of critical battles in which the Hermans repeateilly challenged our occupation of the salient, and in personal detail shows those individual acts of heroism winch most vitally influenced the result of the engagements. The film indeed is a cenotaph in pictures, and the medium by which such hallowed memories couldbe so beautifully presented. The story, on account of the number of years the salient was occupied, could not possibly be told in detail, and therefore the producers decided to follow the outstanding episodes on the issue of which the holding of the sailent from time to time critically depended. The episodes chosen according to this plan are:—Tine opening of the first battle of Ypres with the ioss and recapture of Gheluvelt: the capture of Hill 60: the second hattle in which the Germans introduced poison gas to the Western Front and in which the Geddes “details” achieved immortality; the launching of the trench raids which were of vital importance in sapping German morale; the grand assault on the Messines Ridge, with tine exploding M nineteen mines whnch had been IS months inn construction; and attack on Passchendaele. In the capture of Gheluvelt we see BngadierGeneral Charles Fitz-Clarence organising the vital counter-attack. In the defence of Hill 60 we see bow Captain Woollev took eomunand at a desperate moment and so earned the first territorial V.C. Tn the gas attack we see the rallymg of his men bv Lt.-Col. Birehall, V.C., and the covering of the Canadian retreat by Lance-Corporal Fisher, Y C. The deeds of Sergeant John Moyney, \-C. T and Captain Clement Robertson, V C are also realistncally depneted. There are also the lighter moments behind the lines such as the glimpse of Toe. H., the concert Party, and the men in what was dignified by tbo name of baths. There is ahm lFc heroism of the Royal Army Medical Corps and an exceptionally dramatic incident is a reconstruction of the “dropping” of a Zeppelin bv Lieutenant R. A. J. Warneford, V.C. 41so in “Ypres.” by special permission of His Majesty the R.ng_ there is included the film record of the Royal visit to the front in November. 1914. There are many things told on the screeH that were "otollable in words, and patrons find themselves pleased at being able to view a wonderfully thrilling performance from comfortable seats. Ihe story carries a vast lesson m Patriotism and the makers of \pre. have produced a picture which is designed as a dignified and dramatu memorial to all the gallant keepers ol the Cape of Death.; The prologue, a diggers concert entitled. “In an Estaminet ’ « m itself well worth seeing and hearing. It is a replica of one of the rough and ready hut enjoyable entertainment!. that were continually taking place in the lines. The cast includes Messrs Barton Ginger, Rigby. DickeBush, Rogers, Haddow and and their programme must reca I bright instances in those terrible da. Also there is a special orchestra under the direction of Mr M.T. l),NO "' “Ypres” will he filmed throughout the week.