A Canterbury Tale (1944)

As World War II rages on, the quaint Southern English village of Kent becomes an unexpected crossroads for three unlikely companions. Here, Alison Smith, a spirited London transplant destined to toil as a 'Land Girl' on a local farm, crosses paths with Peter Gibbs, an English soldier stealing precious moments of leave before being shipped abroad. Their duo becomes a trio with the arrival of the misplaced Bob Johnson, a U.S. Army sergeant who mistakenly disembarks on his journey to Canterbury. Their tranquil surroundings are tainted by the eerie presence of 'The Glue Man', a local terror who douses unsuspecting women's hair with glue. This perverse prankster becomes a shared obsession for Alison, Peter, and Bob, who unite in their dogged pursuit to unmask this faceless menace. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they find themselves drawn into the richly woven tapestry of local history and the legendary tales of The Pilgrim's Way. The enigmatic figure of the local magistrate, Thomas Colpeper, looms over their quest. A fervent historian with an uncanny fascination for Canterbury's past, his aura is veiled with a mystique that leads the trio to suspect him. Colpeper's eccentricities and his ethereal interpretation of England's past only heighten their intrigue, leading them further into the heart of the mystery. As they navigate the road to Canterbury alongside their pursuit of 'The Glue Man', they discover a town teeming with secrets, where the echoes of history intertwine with the uncertainties of wartime. Their journey is not just a quest for justice, but an exploration of the past, making 'A Canterbury Tale' a mesmerizing blend of mystery, history, and the human spirit.

A Canterbury Tale is a comedy movie featuring Eric Portman and directed by Emeric Pressburger.

A Canterbury Tale is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex, Plex Player, Shout! Factory TV, The Roku Channel and Tubi TV and it's also available on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy A Canterbury Tale on Amazon Video and Apple TV.