A British bomber pilot (David Niven), whose plane has just been hit by enemy fire, falls in love with an American radio operator (Kim Hunter) as he goes to a sure death (no parachute). But, due to a mix-up in heaven, he survives, leading to many complications. The young lovers are aided in their plight by a British doctor-turned-lawyer (Roger Livesey).
Beautifully shot in color (earth) and black & white (heaven), in a reversal of the Wizard of Oz color scheme, AMOLAD (as it is affectionately known by film buffs) was an attempt by the producing/writing/directing team of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger (The Red Shoes, Black Narcissus, I Know Where I’m Going) to better post-war British American relations, but its lasting value is as one of the great romantic fantasy films. (Directed by Michael Powell, Great Britain, 1946, 104 minutes.)
For more information on A Matter of Life and Death, see:
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Turner Classic Movies
Thelma Schoonmaker on Michael Powell -- (TCM Original) A Matter of Life and Death
On Powell & Pressburger
