SKIS AGAINST THE ATOM

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31098, 29 June 1966, Page 15

SKIS AGAINST THE ATOM

The opening of the film “The Heroes of Telemark” at the Odeon Theatre on Friday is a salutary reminder of the more serious roles ski-ing has played in the affairs of men, and particularly in the history of atomic warfare.

It will be given a gala opening in Christchurch, as it was in Auckland and Wellington where it has already appeared.

the other essentials of mountain sport and endeavour.

The film itself sticks closely to fact, as the facts were exciting enough for any film producer. A band of resistance men were instructed from their headquarters in London, the base of the free Norwegian government, to destroy the heavy water plant at Vemork in southern Norway. Fears were held in London that the work done by the Germans at this plant would enable Germany to become the first atomic power.

In recognition of the work done by the Norwegian resistance movement during the Second World War, anyone living in Christchurch or Canterbury, who was born in Norway, will receive free seats on opening night

In Auckland were several Norwegians who had been members of the resistance movement itself but the appeal for Norwegians in Christchurch has drawn a disappointing response. It seems Christchurch has no-one living in it connected with the resistance, but some may come forward as the opening night approaches. There Will also he a display of ski-ing and mountaineering equipment in the foyer of the theatre for the first week the film is shown. This will include skis, packs, tents, and

Under great physical hardship, and with a completely reckless regard for their own lives, the saboteurs eventually succeeded in destroying the plant, but only after enough vicissitudes to gladden the heart of any writer of thrillers. The scenery of the film is magnificent and the movement across the snowfields gives a good idea of what it is like to ski in Norway.