A DVD of the 1944 Powell and Pressburger film, A Canterbury Tale was released by Criterion a few days ago and a copy of it has already made its way to my door (thank you Amazon pre-order). The film takes its title from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and uses its theme of medieval pilgrimage to portray the wartime experiences of a group of Kentish citizens, a British soldier played by Dennis Price, an American soldier played by real life GI John Sweet, and a 'Land Girl' played by Sheila Sim. As the group arrives at the railway station in the fictitious small Kent town of Chillingbourne, the girl is attacked by the mysterious ‘glue man,’ who pours glue on the hair of girls seen with soldiers after dark. The three investigate the attack, thus beginning a pilgrimage that leads not only to the identity of the glue man, but also to a greater understanding of themselves.
For further information on this unusual film go to BFI ScreenOnline
Collection of Reviews and articles at the Powell and Pressburger Pages
Information about the film, transfer, and extra features at Criterion Collection
Article by Tamara Tracz at Senses of Cinema
Similar Powell and Pressburger films:
Edge of the World and I Know Where I’m Going!
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