Entertainment : In Depth - War Horse

The long-awaited “War Horse” opens Friday, February 10, and plays the Palace every evening at 7 p.m. through Thursday, February 16, as well as in 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday, February 11 and Monday, February 13.

Another Spielberg project (of late we’ve had “Hugo” on the big screen and television’s “The River”), this film is based on a best-selling novel and London and New York stage production. “War Horse” takes place in Europe, beginning on a small country farm in the England. In true Jack and the Beanstalk fashion, Albert Narracott (Jeremy Irvine) spends the much-needed rent money on a horse named Joey.

Albert’s mother is distraught! He was tasked with bringing home a plow horse and has purchased a sleek thoroughbred. But Albert and Joey bond, and Albert trains the horse to plow and work the land. Then World War I breaks out. Albert’s drunken father sells the horse to the Army. Albert vows he will see Joey again.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of war violence, and running 146 minutes, this film is not for our younger audience members. However, “War Horse” is a Best Picture nominee for the 2012 Academy Awards, and has garnered much popular and critical praise. You won’t want to miss it!

The Palace staff and volunteers are primed and ready for big crowds this week!

AND SPEAKING OF VOLUNTEERS

Continued success at the Palace is largely due to the many, many volunteers who pitch in on a regular basis to operate the box office and concessions. In 2011, 53 volunteers logged a total of 2,600 hours! That’s a savings of more than $18,000 in wages for the theatre! Be sure to thank the person who sells you your tickets and concessions, pours your pop, and butters your popcorn!