THERE was no red carpet, no superstar guests, no designer dresses and no paparazzi at this film premiere. Instead, the bright lights and glitz of Hollywood gave way to perimeter fencing, freezing temperatures and a grey Suffolk skyline.

THERE was no red carpet, no superstar guests, no designer dresses and no paparazzi at this film premiere.

Instead, the bright lights and glitz of Hollywood gave way to perimeter fencing, freezing temperatures and a grey Suffolk skyline.

Britain's premiere of the new Jack Nicholson blockbuster was not what you would normally expect.

Unusually, Something's Gotta Give, which does not open nationwide until next Friday, was shown last nightfor the first time outside America at RAF Honington.

Airmen, rather than the stars of the movie, occupied the front row at the base's Roxy cinema, which was given special permission to screen the film as a third birthday celebration.

A full-house of 160 people packed the auditorium to enjoy the film, which also stars Keanu Reeves, Neo in the popular Matrix trilogy, and Diane Keaton whose role has won her a best actress nomination at the Oscars on February 29.

“This is a pretty big coup for us, which came about quite by accident,” said Flight Lieutenant Mick Liston, of RAF Honington.

“Somebody raised the point that it was the cinema's third anniversary, so we approached our film supplier, who asked Warner Brothers if we could show Something's Gotta Give.

“We were delighted, and everyone played it up for all it was worth to treat this like our own little premiere.

“A portion of the takings from our cinema go straight to service charities and to fundraising taking place in the local neighbourhood, so everyone does well. We got to see a cracking good film last night, and good causes were also given a boost.”

The plot of the film centres around a love triangle, which develops between Harry Langer, an aging music executive played by Nicholson, his girlfriend's mother Erica (Keaton) and his young doctor (Reeves).

Described as “a sophisticated romantic comedy,” the film was written and directed by Nancy Meyers, who was the brain behind What Women Want, starring Mel Gibson, and The Parent Trap, featuring Natasha Richardson.

“We really went to town as this was pretty unique occasion. It was a coup for this part of the country to get a film of this stature,” added Flt Lt Liston.