AIR WAR HORRORS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 September 1938, Page 6

AIR WAR HORRORS

PIERCING BRITAIN’S DEFENCE. REMARKABLE PICTORIAL RECORD Only the real experience could, it would seem, v depict more vividly the horror and the hopelessness of modern warfare than a remarkable pictorial record of an aerial invasion of Britain, “The Gap,” which commences a special season at the State Theatre today. At a special pre-view yesterday, a “TimesAge” representative was enthralled, not only by the stark tragedy of war, but I also by the marvellous organisation of I Britain’s Home Defence system and the indomitable spirit of her people. “The Gap,” though actually produced by Gaumont-British Films to show the British people how their country would fare in time of war, might well have been based on events of the past few weeks, envisaging the terrible consequences which may yet emerge from the present international situation. It was all most clearly shown—the worried Cabinet Minister 'finding diplomacy of no avail, the rush to the collours when once the call was made, the (nervous tension of a nation awaiting attack, the meticulous organisation of the defence forces, the horror of the actual bombing and the tragedy of war from the skies. In the film, the producers have wisely hidden little. The enemy aircraft penetrate the defence and London becomes a shambles as bombs rain from above. Then -becomes evident the reason for “The Gap” as title —lack of man-power leaves a gap in London’s defence, a gap which the enemy finds with the most awful consequences. If the young men of Britain have seen this film, then undoubtedly today that gap will have been filled just as if the young men of New Zealand see it, they, too, will rally strongly to the ranks of our own Defence Forces.

“The Gap” must set people thinking. It is not meant for entertainment, but it is meant to convey a message and a warning, the significance of which only those who see the film will fully appreciate.