A Canterbury Tale - Criterion Collection (1949)

Don't expect The Wife of Bath

This is another of those movies I caught on late-night TV, and eventually ended up buying.

In some ways it kind of reminds me of Rudyard Kipling's "Kim". There's not really a plot, as such, there's just people who come together for a while, do their thing, and part.

A couple of things make it clear this is a WWII propaganda film made to encourage wartime Anglo-American friendship and understanding: Sgt Johnson impresses the locals with his knowledge of lumber, and then goes on to slam isolationists who oppose the Lend Lease program. At the end he is completely overwhelmed by the glory of Canterbury Cathedral, but remains proud of his small rural church back in Oregon.

What else to say. Well, Kent is laid out in all its glory. I lived in the UK for a couple of years in the mid 1980's, and got to travel all over, including to Kent. Seeing the hop gardens, drying sheds, and the manicured British countryside brought a nostalgic lump to my throat.

Great movie. I think I'm going to go on a Criterion Collection WWII movie buying spree. July 1, 2007

A Treasure of a Film

A CANTERBURY TALE is an enchanting film from British filmmakers, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. The film takes place during the height of World War II and originally served as a propaganda tool for the British Ministry of Information. But underneath the exterior of the film, there is a deep underlying meaning of revisiting and taking a pilgrimage to the past in order to understand the present.

Powell and Pressburger invoke British romanticism and spiritualism that is clearly shown with the shadow and light essence of the film that is exceptionally conveyed and characterized through the cinematography. Undeniably, the beautiful English countryside and village landscape offers a quaintness and familiarity that echoes home in terms of American versus British identity, which is seen and heard in the conversations between American G.I., Sgt. Bob Johnson (John Sweet) and British soldier, Sgt. Peter Gibbs (Dennis Price) as they speak atop a grassy hill as well as throughout the film. Also, there is a complex subplot that involves Alison Smith (Sheila Sim) who served in the British Women's Land Army and the town's Magistrate, Thomas Colpepper (Eric Portman), which is ambiguously portrayed.

Overall, THE CANTERBURY TALE is indeed on the list of thought-provoking films. It subtly recants Chaucer's original tale, but it is an original Powell and Pressburger production that that resonates the history of England. This is definitely a film that should be viewed more than once. June 6, 2007

Fine Film - Glorious Remastering - But Needed a Single CD

Criterion here offers a remarkable film; quiet and unprentenious and unspoiled by heavy plot machinations or ersatz pumping-up of story. The battle of the village boys remains the high point, but the entire film resonates the director's love for his native Kent countryside. The amateur American actor gives the interplay among the characters a decided contrast and conveniently served to mark the differences between the American and the British. The cinematography was as natural as ever with this team's films.
Criterion offers this as a set of two CDs. Good as the extras are, they end up raising the price to the point I fear very few people will give this film a look. Too bad. 39.99 is is a pretty steep toll for a film most Americans will be taking a chance on. But the quality is certainly first class, so those buying the CD will have as fine a version as possible. May 27, 2007

England - land of hope and glory

I am so glad this extraordinary film has been remastered, returned to its original edit, and preserved on DVD. I love some of Michael Powell's films -- some I'm lukewarm about -- I love this one. A CANTERBURY TALE is quite lovely. It's not quite perfect -- don't be put off by the little "glue man" mystery -- it's a device -- and it works in the overall plot. These actors are superb, and the film is a moving tribute to England and her people during the darkest days of WW II. I cannot say enough about how beautiful it is. Be sure to watch the special features and read the essays in the booklet that all make up this very special DVD package. Don't miss this one.

A side note from a native Atlantan -- this is the film which Margaret Mitchell was crossing Peachtree Street to see when struck by a hit-and-run driver. March 11, 2007

A Canterbury Tale

Wonderful Movie from the 2nd world war period. Poetic & very british. Movies like this are no longer made. February 18, 2007

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