Major-General Clive Wynne-Candy is a senior commander in the British Home Guard during World War II. He is captured in a Victorian Turkish bath by British Army troops led by Lieutenant “Spud” Wilson, which leads to a scuffle and a flashback to his past.
Clive, a decorated soldier from the Second Boer War, gets involved in a duel in Berlin over anti-British propaganda. Despite being injured, Clive forms a bond with his opponent Theo and realizes his love for Edith Hunter.
Now a brigadier general, Clive meets nurse Barbara Wynne, whom he marries despite a significant age gap. The story follows Clive’s encounters with Theo post-war and his relationships with those around him until his retirement from the Army in 1935.
In the lead-up to World War II, Theo recounts his estrangement from his children who became Nazis, while Clive grapples with his past feelings for Edith and his views on the war. The Blitz brings tragedy to Clive’s life, leading to a moment of introspection about change and loss.
As the story concludes, Clive reflects on his past decisions and promises made, realizing the impact of change and loss. The movie’s powerful narrative encourages viewers to watch “The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp” to experience Clive’s journey online.