The film opens during World War II, with General Clive Wynn-Candy (Roger Livesey) caught by surprise in a Turkish bath when the ‘enemy’ in a war game exercise decide to behave like real Nazis and take him prisoner before the game was supposed to start. The general reprimands the young Lieutenant (James McKechnie), the boyfriend of his driver Angela (Deborah Kerr, at 21 in her first major starring role portraying three different characters), for cheating, but the young man realizes that the enemy won’t follow the rules and lords it over the general for getting the best of him.
Utterly humiliated, Candy recounts the story of his career in a series of flashbacks. Spanning four decades, we first see the general in 1902, freshly decorated with the Victoria Cross for heroic deeds in the Boer Wars in South Africa. In defiance of the British War Office, Candy uses his time off to take a trip to Berlin. There, he confronts a German scoundrel named Kaunitz (David Ward), who is stirring up anti-British sentiment with lies about supposed British atrocities in South Africa. While there, Candy meets the lovely Edith Hunter (Deborah Kerr) and gets into an altercation with German officer Theo Kretschmar-Schuldorff (Anton Walbrook) in a beer hall. Later, both men end up in the same hospital, recuperating from their wounds. During this time, Edith and Theo fall in love and Candy gallantly steps aside, not realizing until later the strength of his own feelings for Edith.
When World War I begins, both Candy and Theo find themselves fighting in brutal conditions. Candy can barely find his way around the battlefield. As the armistice approaches, Candy is dining at a mission where he spots a nurse, Barbara Wynne (Deborah Kerr), who is a dead-ringer for Edith. Having returned to London after the war, Candy arranges to meet and marry Barbara. The two happily settle in London Meanwhile, Kretschmar-Schuldorff, an embittered POW in England, rejects his old friend when he tries to pay him a visit.
As war looms in 1939, Candy is ready to serve is country again. In contrast, now a widow, Kretschmar-Schuldorff has fled Germany, disgusted with the Nazis. Candy helps his friend to get political asylum, despite the fact that his two sons are committed Nazis.
A truly beautiful film once banned by Winston Churchill, offers an interesting look at British culture and values. The film also harkens back to a time when skepticism and questioning were the norm, until they were replaced by unwavering patriotism.
The entire second half of the film centers on Candy’s attempts to accept the changes that are happening in his beloved country. By the time World War II rolls around, Candy’s belief that the enemy is honorable men simply fighting to protect their country is certainly a “subversive” message. By World War II, Candy is a dinosaur of sorts, whose views are dangerously outdated.
The second “subversive” message, and perhaps the aspect that Churchill found most troubling, is the suggestion that policies alone can’t be used to justify or censure wars; obviously not everyone is going to except the reasons set forth. The rather friendly interaction Candy has with Kretschmar-Schuldorff is obviously unusual, particularly in 1943, the year The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp was released. I imagine a friendship between enemies would be looked at with some concern.
In 1988, after the film was finally restored to its original 163 minute running time after numerous cuts and shown in the United States, several critics called it England’s answer to Citizen Kane. Graced with great acting and beautiful photography by Georges Perinal, it’s difficult to dispute that claim.
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1, Criterion’s 1080p presentation is phenomenal. The image is pristine, with the vivid Technicolor at its height. The colors exhibit real depth, and flesh tones look completely natural. Sharpness is superb throughout, and black levels are deep and inky.
The LPCM Sound Mix serves the film well, and sounds very good for a film this age. Nonetheless, there is a slight hiss and flutter in spots. Dialogue is clear and audible throughout, with effects appearing authentic. This track won’t knock your socks off, but I’ve never heard The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp sound better.
English SDH subtitles are available.
The following special features are included:
- Audio commentary Featuring Director Michael Powell and Filmmaker Martin Scorsese: Recorded for Criterion in 1988, Scorsese shares his long and impassioned history with the film. Powell (you may have to turn up the volume, due to his age and thick accent), recalls the preparation involved for the film, shooting and the film’s reception. Powell shares small technical details that are fascinating and some behind-the-scenes tidbits. This one is well worth a listen.
- New Video Introduction by Scorsese (HD, 13:51) Recorded for Criterion in 2012, Scorsese shares his undying love for the film. It was edited by Thelma Schoonmaker Powell.
- A Profile of The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (SD, 24:04) Filmed in 2000, this documentary features interviews with Kevin Macdonald, grandson and biographer of Emeric Pressburger, actor and writer Stephen Fry, film historian Ian Christie, cinematographer Jack Cardiff, and Peter Manley (art department).
- Restoration Demonstration, Hosted by Scorsese (HD, 4:50) Director Martin Scorsese discusses the new 4K restoration of The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp. Short clips highlighting various improvements are included.
- Optimism and Sheer Will (HD, 29:12) Filmed in 2012, Thelma Schoonmaker Powell discusses the film, its restoration, and the legacy of her husband with writer Michael Henry Wilson (Scorsese on Scorsese).
- Stills Gallery: (1080p) Featuring rare behind-the-scenes production stills.
- David Low’s Colonel Blimp (1080p) the cartoon character Colonel Blimp was created by New Zealand-born caricaturist and illustrator David Low (1891-1963). The film was loosely based on the cartoon character. Included here are two galleries tracing its history—David Low and Colonel Blimp/Cartoons.
- Booklet: An illustrated booklet featuring an essay by critic Molly Haskell.
