About

Lauded as one of the finest British films ever made, and a precious project through which Powell and Pressburger channeled deeply personal sentiments, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp is a genre-bending epic that relishes grace, manners, and dignity.

The film chronicles the personal history of British army officer Clive Candy (Roger Livesey) and his enduring friendship with German officer Theo Kretschmar-Schuldorff (Anton Walbrook), both of whom fall in love with the same woman. This difficult but affectionate relationship is challenged by years of separation punctuated by moments of sincere mutual respect and violent conflict tempered by an old-world honour. Such a daring position by the film during wartime prompted Winston Churchill’s maneuver to obstruct production.

Exceptional performances by both actors are complemented by the magical presence of Deborah Kerr, who in three incarnations embodies eternal youth, love, and inspiration, in a century riven by despair and heartache. A layered satire about over-inflated military personality and a profound search for lost time, the film’s ingenious circular narrative encompasses pathos, humour, cynicism, and romance, and exemplifies the mesmerising conceptual power of Powell and Pressburger.

The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp will screen from an imported, restored 35mm print.