“THE BATTLE OF ARRAS,”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12285, 6 April 1918, Page 6

“THE BATTLE OF ARRAS,”

GERMANY’S GREATEST DEFEAT.

National War Film at “ Everybody’s.”

What part the kinematngraph is destined to piny in future years is indicated in a measure by the British Government’s enterprise in securing moving pictures of stirring scones in the present war. Tim Battle of Arras,, fought in Franco over practically the name terrain as is now being once yiorft shell-torn ami blood-stained in the present German offensive, was photographed by intrepid camera men under instructions from the Homo Government. This wonderful series of pictures, snatched from ilie very cannon’s mouth, is being exhibited throughout the Empire. In forwarding the film to the outposts of Empire, Mr Lloyd George says, " Everyone must see it.” The “ Battle of Arras” will he screened all next week at Everybody’s Theatre, The Government lakes a big percentage of the gross takings, wherefrom the various patriotic organisations will receive direct contributions. The thenie itself, the. fact that the Imperial Government is the photographer and proprietor of the picture, the participation of patriotic funds in the profits, all fond to make it a duty for every Britisher to see the nearest to the “ real thing ” that most are ever likely to witness. Under the general title of “The Hindenbnrg Retreat.” the film depicts that phase of the Somme battles known ns the Battle of Arras. The spectator is taken by the camera man right through the country evacuated hy the Germans when the. enemy retreated in the spring of last year to what was known ns the Hindenhurg Line. After depicting the systematic yet wanton destruction wrought hy the enemy over a. whole countryside, and the rapturous welcome accorded the British troops hy the inImbitants of the liberated French villages. the camera man. goes on to show the “ real thing.’’ Tn rapid succession are shown the wonderful work of the engineers in building light railways, clearing rivers for the transportation of munitions hy barges,-clearing roads through heaps of debris that were once villages, and the hundred, and one other tasks concerned with the smooth.working of the linos of transport: of tho artillery—both light and ; heavy—inwhich are to he seen one or two* quite remarkable scenes, one in particular ofseveral British, batteries galloping into action under heavy shellflre; and finally * of the fighting in the trehches. Of particular interest was a scene depicting a daylight raid by the South Africans and . Gordons at the famous Delvillo Wood, in which prisoners wore secured. Again, the now famous tanks in action, and a concentration of 25,000 cavalry in readiness for Hie “push” rtero scenes to he remembered, as was tho final scene of the famous 29th Division, of Gallipoli fame, coming out of tho lino for rest after doing their part nobly in the great fight. Lieutenant _ Longhurst. N.Z.E.F., a. returned soldier, will deliver a lecture at all evening sessions next week. The orchestra has been specially augmented for the series. On Monday night there will he a “ special military session,” for which Colonel Chaffev has accepted an invitation for himself and the district Defence officers.