King George Sees Film at Balmoral

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 218, 3 December 1927, Page 23 (Supplement)

King George Sees Film at Balmoral

THE FALKLANDS BATTLE FIRST COMMAND SCREENING |l poR the first time in his- | | tory a film has been shown j J at Balmoral Castle by Royal j Command. Until last month, when the | King and Queen saw re- ! enacted the battle of the Falkland Islands, there .had not been a Command performance of any kind at Balmoral for 14 years. The King, who served many years in the r>favy, was greatly impressed with the film version of Admiral Sturdee’s victory. With his experience and knowledge as a practical sailor he was able to study the film with the critical eye of an expert. He confessed surprise when told that many of the realistic incidents on the battleships were produced in the studio. “Of course, I am a sailor by calling,” said the King, with a smile, “and I can scarcely believe that our amateurs could fire ships’ boilers as those men did on the film.” His Majesty shook his head and

laughed heartily when he heard that the men had been stationed at Chatham Dockyard, and remarked: “Ah, I thought I couldn't be mistaken.” Many distinguished people had been invited. Tho Royal Party ini eluded the Duke

and Duchess of York, Prince Arthur of Connaught and Princess Helena Victoria^ The King, the Duke of York, and Prince Arthur of Connaught wore the conventional evening dress of the Highlander with kilt and sporran. A Stately Setting Everyojie stood as their Majesties descended the wide staircase leading to tho floor of the ballroom. The Queen was a regal figure in a gown which glimmered like silver beneath the electrio lights from two heavy gilded chandeliers. The Duchess of York was extremely sweet and beautiful in a simple evening gown, while around i her throat was a rope of pearls. J The King and Queen took their seats lon chairs upholstered in leather of deep red, and they were surrounded by their guests, whose seats were arj ranged in a semicircle. Immediately behind were the long rows of tenants and servants.

There is nothing ornate in the decorations of tho hall, but there is a quiet dignity bordering almost on Scottish severity. On the walls are the heads and antlers of stags shot by the Prince Consort, whose gun also brought down the eagle which dominates the balcony at one end of the room. Below hang Royal Stuart tartans, and on the high roof is mosaic work bearing the Royal coat of set in such a manner as to beautify the great oak rafters.