The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1945) 1945
Directed by
Emeric Pressburger
Made by
United Artists
Plot Summary
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.
Timeline
Training Exercise Incident
Major-General Clive Wynne-Candy participates in a training exercise with the British Home Guard during World War II. The event takes an unexpected turn when he is 'captured' by British Army troops led by Lieutenant Spud Wilson, emphasizing the chaos and levity amidst the war.
Flashback to 1902
Following the training incident, Clive tumbles into a bathing pool, leading to an extensive flashback to his previous adventures. This flashback provides a backdrop to Clive's character and the history that shaped him.
Leave from the Second Boer War
In 1902, Clive is on leave from his service in the Second Boer War, a campaign that earned him the Victoria Cross. During this leave, he receives a worrying letter from Edith Hunter stationed in Berlin, revealing her concerns about anti-British sentiments.
Trip to Berlin
Defying orders from his superiors, Clive travels to Berlin to support Edith and confront a German named Kaunitz. His decision highlights his bravery and dedication to his country, despite potential consequences.
Duel with Theo
Upon confronting Kaunitz, a duel is arranged between Clive and Theo Kretschmar-Schuldorff. This fateful encounter leads them both to suffer injuries, but surprisingly, it also fosters an unexpected friendship during their convalescence.
Romantic Tensions
Although Clive and Edith share a deep connection, Edith becomes engaged to Theo, leaving Clive grappling with his unexpressed feelings. This emotional complexity sets the stage for Clive's character development amidst the backdrop of war.
End of World War I
In November 1918, Clive reflects on the end of the Great War, expressing a belief that 'right is might' has triumphed. This moment marks a pivotal point in his life, shaping his views on morality and honor in war.
Meeting Barbara Wynne
While stationed in France, Clive meets nurse Barbara Wynne, who bears a strong resemblance to Edith. Despite a significant age difference, they develop a relationship, ultimately leading to their marriage.
Visit to POW Camp
Clive seeks out Theo in a prisoner-of-war camp, leading to an awkward reunion filled with tensions of their past. As they revisit old wounds, they must navigate the complexities of their friendship amid changing loyalties.
Theo's Regret
In November 1939, Theo reflects on his estrangement from his children who have joined the Nazis. Clive, feeling a wave of regret, shares his unexpressed love for Edith, realizing he comprehended his emotions too late.
Clive's Reinstatement
After a brief retirement, Clive is reinstated as a major-general tasked with delivering a radio address about Dunkirk. Theo encourages him to adopt a more aggressive approach to the war, prompting Clive to wrestle with moral dilemmas.
National Recognition
Inspired by Theo and Angela 'Johnny' Cannon, Clive devotes himself to the Home Guard, earning national recognition for his efforts. His commitment showcases a shift from personal to national duty in a time of war.
Tragedy Amidst the Blitz
During the Blitz, Clive's home is destroyed, claiming the life of his loyal butler, Murdoch. This personal tragedy profoundly affects Clive, showcasing the brutal human cost of war and loss during this tumultuous time.
Moment of Reflection
Seeking refuge in his club after the loss of Murdoch, Clive reflects on his life and the memories of his past. This introspective moment leads him to a vital realization about himself amidst the chaos of warfare.
Saluting the New Guard
In the end, Clive sees the new generation stepping forward in the face of adversity. With a salute to the new guard, he acknowledges the ongoing necessity of adaptation and resilience amidst the continuing struggles of war.
Characters
Clive Wynne-Candy
Major-General Clive Wynne-Candy embodies the traditional values of honor and duty, yet he grapples with the realities of war and personal loss. His journey reflects a man caught between the idealism of youth and the sobering truths of life as he faces love, loss, and moral ambiguity.
Edith Hunter
Edith is a complex character whose patriotism clashes with her emotional ties to Clive and Theo. As a woman navigating a tumultuous landscape, her decisions highlight the sacrifices made during wartime and the difficult choices faced by those who love soldiers.
Theo Kretschmar-Schuldorff
Theo represents the tensions inherent in international friendships during wartime. His evolution from a rival to a friend reflects the complexities of reconciliation and understanding amid nationalist sentiments, embodying the struggles of many during periods of conflict.
Setting
Time period
1902, 1918, 1939
The narrative spans a dynamic timeline starting in 1902 during the Second Boer War, progressing through the aftermath of World War I in 1918, and culminating in the lead-up to World War II in 1939. This era is marked by significant socio-political upheaval, where traditional values clash with modern realities, ultimately affecting personal relationships and national identities.
Location
Berlin, France, England
The film takes place across several significant locations, including Berlin, where Clive confronts anti-British sentiments, and France, emblematic of the battlegrounds of World War I. England serves as the backdrop for Clive's later life and the Home Guard's wartime efforts. Each location is steeped in the historical context of British military presence and the societal changes brought about by the war.
Themes
💔
Love & Regret
The movie intricately explores the theme of love, particularly the unspoken feelings that linger between Clive and Edith. Clive's late realization of his affections contrasts with the choices made by Edith, now engaged to Theo. This emotional complexity drives home the bittersweet nature of missed opportunities and the weight of regret in a time of turmoil.
⚔️
Conflict & Morality
Set against the backdrop of two World Wars, the film delves into the moral dilemmas faced by those in positions of power. Clive's evolution from a soldier following orders to a leader questioning the ethics of war illustrates the struggle between duty and personal conviction, reflecting the broader human cost of conflict.
🏆
Honor & Friendship
The theme of honor runs deeply throughout Clive's story, from earning the Victoria Cross to navigating his complex friendship with Theo. Despite their past rivalry and differing political beliefs, their bond showcases how friendship can endure despite the ravages of war, speaking to the enduring human spirit.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.