What might happen to a crew member if required to jump, without a parachute, from a badly damaged British plane during World War II. This is the situation presented in "A Matter of Life and Death" 1946 a film selected by our guest Arthur Sculco. The duo of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger wrote, produced and directed this beautifully photographed film.

Squadron Leader Peter David Carter played by David Niven exits the plane and free falls to a beach on the English coast. Conductor 71 played by Marius Goring is sent to guide Peter to the Other World but misses him in the thick fog. Peter is granted the opportunity to present an appeal that he should continue to live and not be taken to the next world. Peter also falls in love with June played by Kim Hunter and is aided by Dr. Frank Reeves played by Roger Livesey faces off against Abraham Farlan played by Raymond Massey. There are many fine performances in this outstanding film.

Here's a link to the film on YouTube.

Here's a link to an interview with Martin Scorsese.

Here's a link to TCM comments on the film.

Here's a link to a trailer for the 4K restoration of the film (only in 1080p on YouTube).