The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1945) 1945

Major-General Clive Wynne-Candy serves as a senior commander in the British Home Guard amidst the chaos of World War II. The story unfolds with a rather unexpected twist when he is “captured” during a training exercise by British Army troops, led by Lieutenant “Spud” Wilson, despite Clive’s fervent protest that > “War starts at midnight!” In the ensuing scuffle, they both tumble into a bathing pool, transitioning into an extensive flashback that reveals Clive’s past adventures.

The tale takes us back to 1902, where Clive is on leave from his service in the Second Boer War, a tenure that has earned him the prestigious Victoria Cross. During his time off, he receives a troubling letter from Edith Hunter, who is stationed in Berlin. She shares her concerns regarding a German named Kaunitz, who is propagating anti-British sentiments, and urges the British embassy to intervene. Defiantly, Clive decides to travel to Berlin despite his superiors’ refusal. There, he meets Edith, and a confrontation with Kaunitz leads to a duel between Clive and Theo Kretschmar-Schuldorff, chosen by fate through lot drawing. Ultimately, they both sustain injuries but develop a friendship during their recovery. Although Edith harbors feelings for Clive, she becomes engaged to Theo while Clive is left to grapple with his emotions.

As time progresses into November 1918, Clive, now a brigadier general, reflects on the end of World War I, feeling that “right is might” has prevailed. In France, he encounters nurse Barbara Wynne, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Edith. Despite a significant age gap of 20 years, Clive courts and marries Barbara, with Murdoch serving as their butler. The narrative continues with Clive seeking out Theo in a prisoner-of-war camp, where an awkward reunion occurs. Theo, harboring skepticism about the Allies’ treatment of Germany, must confront the complexities of their past friendship.

Fast forward to November 1939, we find Theo reminiscing about his estrangement from his children, who had joined the Nazis. Regret washes over Clive as he confesses to Theo about his unspoken love for Edith, realizing he only comprehended his feelings too late. When Clive is reinstated as a major-general tasked with delivering a radio address regarding Dunkirk, Theo encourages him to embrace a more aggressive stance towards the war. The internal conflict becomes palpable as Clive grapples with the morality of winning through desperate means.

Though briefly retired again, Clive’s spirit is reignited by Theo and Angela “Johnny” Cannon’s encouragement to invest his efforts into the Home Guard. His dedication earns him national recognition, yet personal tragedy strikes when his home is destroyed during the Blitz, claiming Murdoch’s life. Reeling from this loss, Clive takes refuge in his club, where a moment of reflection triggers memories of his past. Realizing he has not changed despite the destruction surrounding him, Clive salutes the new guard as the story weaves through themes of love, loss, and the necessity of adaptation in face of warfare.