---
title: "A Matter of Life and Death"
year: 1946
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/a-matter-of-life-and-death-1946"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 28162
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 104
community_rating: 7.8
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "PG"
---

# A Matter of Life and Death (1946) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/a-matter-of-life-and-death-1946

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

A Matter of Life and Death is a film first released in 1946. Catalogued under Romance, Fantasy, Drama, Comedy. Produced and broadcast by The Archers, J. Arthur Rank Organisation. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A WW2 pilot battles a heavenly court to keep his love alive."

### Why Watch
- A striking mix of romance and fantasy
- Sharp wit and imaginative visuals
- Strong performances by David Niven and cast

### Caveats & Content Note
- Pacing may feel leisurely to contemporary viewers
- Period humor might not click with everyone
- Tone & Suitability: The film’s whimsical yet dramatic tone makes it suitable for mature children and adults.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: romantic, fantastical, dramatic, witty

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/a-matter-of-life-and-death-1946#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
- **Networks / Studios**: The Archers, J. Arthur Rank Organisation

## Key Cast Continuity

- **David Niven** as *Peter Carter*
- **Kim Hunter** as *June*
- **Roger Livesey** as *Doctor Reeves*
- **Marius Goring** as *Conductor 71*
- **Robert Coote** as *Bob Trubshawe*
- **Kathleen Byron** as *An Angel*
- **Richard Attenborough** as *An English Pilot*
- **Bonar Colleano** as *An American Pilot*
- **Joan Maude** as *Chief Recorder*
- **Robert Atkins** as *The Vicar*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the basic premise of the film?
A British WWII aviator who cheats death must argue before a celestial court to preserve his budding romance with an American girl.

### Q: When was the film released?
It was released in 1946.

### Q: What rating does the film have?
The film is rated PG.

### Q: How long does the film run?
The runtime is approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes.

### Q: Who are some of the main actors?
The film stars David Niven, Roger Livesey, Raymond Massey, Kim Hunter, and Marius Goring.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [A Matter of Life and Death — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/28162)
- [A Matter of Life and Death (1946 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Matter_of_Life_and_Death_(1946_film))
- [Kde sledovat A Matter of Life and Death](https://filmtoro.cz/film/a-matter-of-life-and-death)
- [A Matter of Life and Death – Wikipedie](https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Matter_of_Life_and_Death)
- [A Matter of Life and Death (1981) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/119843-a-matter-of-life-and-death/prehled/)
- [A Matter of Life and Death (1991) | Kinobox.cz](https://www.kinobox.cz/film/5079864-a-matter-of-life-and-death)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*