: A trial is held in a massive heavenly court while Peter undergoes life-saving brain surgery on Earth. His defense counsel, Dr. Reeves, argues that "nothing is stronger than the law in the universe, but on Earth, nothing is stronger than love". The court ultimately rules in Peter's favor, allowing him to live out his life with June. Key Cinematic Elements A Matter of Life and Death (1946) - IMDb

: In May 1945, RAF Squadron Leader Peter Carter (played by David Niven) is piloting a burning bomber over the English Channel. With his parachute destroyed, he shares what he believes are his final moments over the radio with June, an American radio operator. He then jumps, preferring to fall than burn.

: When the afterlife discovers the error, they attempt to claim Peter. He appeals the decision, arguing that the delay allowed him to fall in love and create an earthly commitment.

: Peter wakes up unharmed on a beach and soon meets and falls in love with June. However, he was supposed to die; a celestial guide known as "Conductor 71" missed him in the thick English fog.

The story of the film (originally titled A Matter of Life and Death , or Stairway to Heaven in the US) follows a British pilot during World War II who miraculously survives a certain-death jump and must later argue for his life before a celestial court . Plot Summary