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I first ran across this on laserdisc at Tower Records in the very late eighties. It was the first LD I had ever seen and the price was a wopping $125. Not having heard of the film I was amazed that anyone would pay that much for any movie, much less an (to me then) obscure British film. Of course I later bought it as part of my invetsigation of Powell/Pressberger films but I don't think I paid that much. I now have it on a superb Critrion DVD transfer.they The 1943 movie was shot in Technicolor in war time England, a feat in itself. Via flasback it recounts the 40 year story of a career army officer, his friendship with a German officer, and the woman both love. Deborah Kerr plays multiple roles and Roger Livesey in the lead ages splendidly. There are many very moving scenes and the more one sees this film the more one comes to appreciate it and love it.
The DVd contains commentary by Martin Scorcese (a big booster) that was originally recorded for the LD. He is interrupted every now and again by the reminisances and observations of a very old Michael Powell.
The one is a gem and belongs in any collection
Follow Ups:
The run of great films by Powell & Pressburger, from One of Our Aircraft is missing in 1942 to Black Narcissus in 1947, is a remarkable achievement by any standard.I would consider the following films absolutely essential P&P viewing:
The Life & Death of Colonel Blimp (1943)
A Canterbury Tale (1944)
I Know Where I'm Going (1945)
A Matter Of Life & Death (1946
Black Narcissus (1947)
The Red Shoes (1948)I also happen to admire the 1942 war movie One Of Our Aircraft Is Missing, an exemplary film of its kind.
Rent 'em, buy 'em, put 'em in your que from Netflix, but see all these gems from the 40's listed above. The later films are harder to find and not as highly regarded as P&P's more famous films. (possibly because they're not as widely seen).
The Small Back Room (1949) is an intreresting movie that I haven't seen in a long time - it's not available in the US. One of these days I'm going to order the DVD from Amazon.UK. I can't say for certain how well this one holds up.
Gone To Earth (1950) is another film I intend to track down - I saw it one cable years ago and was quite intrigued. The US version, re-named The Wild Heart, was re-edited by the studio, which cut nearly 20 minutes from the original release - avoid this version. It's a mess. The original version is available only on UK DVD.
The Tales of Hoffman (1951) is not typical of P&P, but it's quite enjoyable and very well done it's especially notable for the performers it reunites from The Red Shoes. I've never seen Oh Rosalinda (1955), P&P's similar take of Die Fledermaus. Ditto The Battle of the Rover Plate (1956) or Ill Met By Moonlight (1957).
Michael Powell's 1940 version of the Thief of Baghdad is a real charmer. Peeping Tom is still disqieting, even after all these years.
Rico,You're just the guy I'm looking for! That recent list of great films of the 40's that was posted here included Col. Blimp (and a few others from Powell). The only Powell I've seen is Peeping Tom, which I understand almost ruined his career.
You can save me some time, since it seems you've already done the research...what are the essential Powell/Press. films, in your opinion, and what are the ones to avoid?
I've read some of the reviews at imdb...lotta films, lotta mixed reviews...mostly thumbs up across the board for Col Blimp.
Can you (and anybody who wants to jump in is welcome) help me out?
Thanks in advance,
Gary
!. "Black Narcissus"
2. "The Red Shoes"
3. "Tales of Hoffman"
4. "... Colomel Blmp"
I have not seen the others except for "Peeping Tom" which was a solo effort by Powell.
nt
I just had a second look a few days ago! On the Criterion version. I am fond of it, even it is really not a good film, the main actor does a good job ( Livesey ) and Deborah is always fun to watch.
It is more for the nostalgic.
I am.
And yes I would call it a little gem too, like Black Narciss and a few other Korda films.
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