Matter of Life and Death, A
Date: 1946
Director: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger
Production Company: The Archers
Stars: David Niven, Kim Hunter, Roger Livesey, Robert Coote, Bonar Colleano, Marius Goring
Location(s): Devon, Surrey
Region(s): South East M-Q, South West
Storyline:
A British wartime aviator who cheats death must argue for his life before a celestial court.
Additional Information:
Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson
Also known as ‘Stairway to Heaven’ (US Title)
Jimmy Snow, special effects technician, for whom we have a fulsome summary of his career written by his granddaughter Brigitte, together with her memories of him, worked on this film. All that she has shared with us can be read here.
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We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.
- Capture 1
- 'Now' required
June cycles along the beach towards Lea Wood House. IMDb says that this is Saunton Sands in Devon which is confirmed by Robert Dew who explains that the sands are part of the Braunton Burrows sand dune system which hasn't changed over the years since filming.
- Capture 2
- 'Now' required
Peter Carter (David Niven) calls to June (Kim Hunter). Saunton Sands, Devon. a location also seen in 'The Shout' and ‘Edge of Tomorrow’.
- Capture 3
- 31 Aug 2015
Dr. Frank Reeves (Roger Livesey) surveys the village through his camera obscura. The village is Shere in Surrey.
An ordinary digital shot. SJ
- Capture 4
- 31 Aug 2015
Middle Street, Shere, Surrey as seen through the camera obscura.
Now painted blue. SJ
- Capture 5
- 31 Aug 2015
Cyclists ride along Middle Street, Shere. Andrew Doe tells us that "The 1919 DW Griffith silent 'Hearts of the World' not only features a scene or two shot in Shere, Surrey, but in those scenes we see the first ever (if uncredited) film role by Noel Coward, as a barrow boy."
At the junction with Lower Street. SJ
- Capture 6
- 31 Aug 2015
Further along Middle Street in Shere. The village is seen in many other productions including 'The Ruling Class', 'Calamity the Cow', 'Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason', 'My Wife's Lodger', 'Reunion at Fairborough', 'The Late Edwina Black', 'On the Fiddle', 'The Holiday', 'The Earth Dies Screaming', 'Edna, the Inebriate Woman' and 'Monster of Terror'.
Lower Street alongside the Tilling Bourne. SJ
- Capture 7
- 31 Aug 2015
The top half of the Old Fire Station on Middle Street, Shere.
Now. SJ
- Capture 8
- 31 Aug 2015
The Doctor notices 'Old Mary' walking through the village. Shere, Surrey.
Looking north up Middle Street. SJ
- Capture 9
- 31 Aug 2015
Doctor Reeves sees June approach. Middle Street, Shere.
Now. SJ
- Capture 10
- 'Now' required
The Doctor calls down to June. Unknown location that may be a set.
- Capture 11
- 'Now' required
Chickens scatter as Doctor Reeves speeds through on his motorcycle. Unidentified location.
- Capture 12
- 'Now' required
Doctor Reeves rides to the US 56 General Hospital. Unknown location.