David Lean Directs Noël Coward (Criterion Collection)

In the 1940s, the wit of playwright Noel Coward (DESIGN FOR LIVING) and the craft of filmmaker David Lean (LAWRENCE OF ARABIA) melded harmoniously in one of cinemas greatest writer-director collaborations. With the wartime military drama sensation IN WHICH WE SERVE, Coward and Lean (along with producing partners Ronald Neame and Anthony Havelock-Allan) embarked on a series of literate, socially engaged, and enormously entertaining pictures that ranged from domestic epic (THIS HAPPY BREED) to whimsical comedy (BLITHE SPIRIT) to poignant romance (BRIEF ENCOUNTER). These films created a lasting testament to Cowards artistic legacy and introduced Leans visionary talents to the world.