A British wartime aviator who cheats death must argue for his life before a celestial court, hoping to prolong his fledgling romance with an American girl.
Peter Carter
June
Doctor Reeves
Conductor 71
Bob Trubshawe
An Angel
An English Pilot
An American Pilot
Chief Recorder
Dr. Mc.Ewen
The Judge
Abraham Farlan
GI Playing Snout (uncredited)
US Crewman (uncredited)
Patrick Aloyusius Mahoney (uncredited)
ARP Warden (uncredited)
Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
Jack Cardiff shows off the cinematographers art to beautiful effect in this Powell and Pressberger tale of a WWII pilot (David Niven) who cheats death, falls in love (with Kim Hunter) and then argues before a heavenly court why he should not have to die (yet) after all. The story is tinged with humour and pathos and poses some fairly basic "human rights" questions. Marius Goring - "Conductor 71" is slightly menacing and totally charming as he tries to persuade Niven to volunteer for his fate - a thankless task in itself. Roger Livesey is superb arguing for Niven with an equally impressive - if somewhat anti-English - Raymond Massey as his opponent. The stark contrast between the monochrome scenes on Earth and the vibrant colours of the celestial world bring much to this stylish, clever and at times almost dreamily presented joy.
December 15, 1946
Peter Carter
June
Doctor Reeves
Conductor 71
Bob Trubshawe
An Angel
An English Pilot
An American Pilot
Chief Recorder
Dr. Mc.Ewen
The Judge
Abraham Farlan
GI Playing Snout (uncredited)
US Crewman (uncredited)
Patrick Aloyusius Mahoney (uncredited)
ARP Warden (uncredited)
Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
Jack Cardiff shows off the cinematographers art to beautiful effect in this Powell and Pressberger tale of a WWII pilot (David Niven) who cheats death, falls in love (with Kim Hunter) and then argues before a heavenly court why he should not have to die (yet) after all. The story is tinged with humour and pathos and poses some fairly basic "human rights" questions. Marius Goring - "Conductor 71" is slightly menacing and totally charming as he tries to persuade Niven to volunteer for his fate - a thankless task in itself. Roger Livesey is superb arguing for Niven with an equally impressive - if somewhat anti-English - Raymond Massey as his opponent. The stark contrast between the monochrome scenes on Earth and the vibrant colours of the celestial world bring much to this stylish, clever and at times almost dreamily presented joy.