MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 22, 28 January 1943, Page 3

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“Mrs. Miniver," one of the greatest films of a decade, and which has been screening to capacity houses at the Majestic Theatre during the past week, shows finally to-day and tonight. This story of England in its darkest hour of trial should not be missed. “One of Our Aircraft is Missing.’’ That long-awaited for film, "One of Our Aircraft is Missing," commences a season at the Majestic Theatre tomorrow. The picture claims attention not merely because of its relation to the great events of the present day (the scenes are strikingly portrayed), but because of those who actually take part, and for New Zealand itself it nas the additional touch of appeal in that airmen from this country are represented in the production. Eric Portman (of “49th Parallel”), Godfrey Tearle, Pamela Brown, and Googie Withers are principals in the strong cast. The story, which gives a fine insight into the spirit of the' people of enemy-occupied countries, Is based upon the experiences of members of an R.A.F. crew who bail out from their damaged aircraft when returning from a raid. In the darkness of a Sunday morning Somewhere In England, a Wellington bomber with the identification mark "B for Bertie” came flying home across the North Sea with not one of the crew on board. The stick moved and jerked to the tug of the ailerons But no pilot held the controls. At the navigator’s table, his maps and instruments were lying just as he had left them. No second pilot stood on watch, no radio operator listened at the ’phones. In the nose and tail turrets of the aircraft the guns, fully loaded, pointed blindly towards the sky. As the aircraft swept in over the coast it was barely 200 feet up and rapidly losing height. An electric-power pylon stood directly in its path. A blinding flash lit the scene as the aircraft struck the high-tension wires. The great Steel tower carrying burning oil and wreckage with it. came crashing to the ground. There was a series of deafening explosions, and a bright pillar of flame shot up, suddenly illuminating the dark countryside. “B for Bertie" had returned. But what lhad happened to the crew? There is an attractive supporting programme.