Winning The War

To commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War, the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum is screening the 1939 film The Lion Has Wings throughout the week beginning Monday 2^nd September 2019.

The Lion Has Wings (1939) was directed by Belfast-born Brian Desmond Hurst. NIWM is working with the Brian Desmond Hurst Estate to highlight his films on conflict and the role of propaganda and filmmaking during the Second World War. This is the first in a series of screenings planned to take place over the coming years.

NIWM has also produced a commemorative booklet about the production of The Lion Has Wings with Allan Esler Smith, great-nephew of Brian Desmond Hurst. The booklet will be available to all visitors.  The Lion Has Wings was to the first film produced by British studios during the Second World War. It propelled recruitment into the Royal Air Force (RAF) and helped keep cinemas open when air raids threatened their closure.

During these events, NIWM will also display a small exhibition of original material from the estate of Brian Desmond Hurst.

Dates and times of screenings (73mins approx.):

Monday 2^nd September at 2pm

Tuesday 3^rd September at 2.30pm

Wednesday 4^th September at 1.40pm *Special Introduction*

Special introduction by Alderman Marion Smith and Bob Hurst, great niece and nephew of Brian Desmond Hurst, who will explain Hurst’s East Belfast roots, his journey to Hollywood via Gallipoli (with the Royal Irish Rifles) and his prolific war film output.

Thursday 5^th September at 2pm

Friday 6^th September at 2pm

Free Admission. Booking not required* Refreshments will be served.

*Inform NIWM if you intend bringing a large group*