The Cinema
[" THE BATTLES OF CORONEL AND FALKLAND ISLANDS " AT THE NEW GALLERY CINEMA] .. THIS is undoubtedly the best War film England has yet
produced. It is so strong pictorially that it can dispense with the usual sub-story
We are taken behind the scenes, and we see Admiral Cradock making his momentous decision to attack the vastly superior hostile fleet 'at Coronel. Each detail of the encounter is presented so graphically that I really forgot it was only a mock battle as I watched the Gerod Hope's ' gallant end, The dinner-party at Valparaiso to celebrate the German 'Victory is no less successful. Admiral von Spee, a most life-like impersonation, refuses to drink Damnation to the British Navy," but raises his glass " to a most gallant foe." With something akin to presentiment, he says that the flowers which a lady offers him will prove a fitting funeral wreath when his turn comes. He has spoken truth. Lord Fisher commissions the ' Invincible ' and the Inflexible ' and they sail secretly to the Falldands, where they forestall the arrival of Von Spee by only a few hours.
The presentation of this terrific battle is nothing short of masterly, and I could not but be impressed by the lack of boastfulness and vindictiveness throughout the film. Never is the hostile fleet depicted as anything but a brave and worthy •foe. The doubles of all the principal characters are exceptionally good, with the exception of Mr. Winston Churchill. •
The acting is good on the whole and the crowd scenes well presented, but the gestures of the rival commanders should really have been more restrained. Naval officers don't carry on like that. I hope this splendid film will fill the New Gallery for months to come and be seen all over the Empire.
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