The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp

About The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp

"The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp" is a 1943 British romantic drama war film written, produced, and directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. The film spans across forty years, providing a satirical and poignant look at the life of Clive Candy (aka Colonel Blimp), a distinguished British officer.

The film starts with Clive's early days fighting in the Boer War, where he meets and falls in love with Edith Hunter. However, Edith ends up marrying his best friend, Theo. Subsequently, he falls in love with two women who appear eerily similar to Edith. As World War II rages on, Clive struggles to adapt to the changing times, epitomizing the soldier who cannot comprehend the loss of honor in modern warfare.

Making / Production

The film was crafted by the team of Powell and Pressburger, often known as "The Archers." It was shot in Technicolor by famed cinematographer Georges Perinal and Jack Cardiff. Despite being criticized for its perceived unpatriotic tone during wartime, the film remains widely recognized as a cinematic masterpiece.

Actors

• Deborah Kerr - Played three roles (Edith Hunter, Barbara Wynne, and Angela "Johnny" Cannon). Kerr's versatility in playing three distinct characters added a unique twist in the film.
• Roger Livesey - As Clive Candy, he brilliantly portrayed the evolution of a British officer from his youthful days to elder statesman.
• Anton Walbrook - Played Theo Kretschmar-Schuldorff, Clive's German counterpart and friend. He presented a balanced view of German citizenry during the war.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is renowned for its innovative use of Technicolor and non-linear storytelling.
• "Colonel Blimp" was an iconic cartoon character created by David Low, representing hidebound British military traditions.
• Prime Minister Winston Churchill reportedly attempted to hinder the film's production due to its satirical portrayal of the military establishment.

Awards

The movie did not receive any awards at the time of its release, but it is now seen as an essential work of British cinema.

Quotes

• "It's a good thing for an uneducated man to read books of quotations." - Clive Candy
• "Here is one. 'War starts at midnight. All friends off the street by 11:30.'" - Theo Kretschmar-Schuldorff

Music and Soundtrack

• The film featured an original score by Allan Gray, which complemented the film's tone and narrative effectively.