The Light Ahead poster

The Light Ahead

6.8(4)19391h 34m1

The Light Ahead is possibly the greatest of Edgar G. Ulmer’s shtetl films. Here, the director counterpoints his pastoral Green Fields to criticize the poverty and superstition that oppress a pair of star-crossed lovers. Made on the eve of World War II, The Light Ahead is at once romantic, expressionist, and painfully conscious of the danger about to engulf European Jews. Impoverished and disabled lovers Fishke and Hodel dream of life in the big city of Odessa, free from the poverty and stifling old-world prejudices of the shtetl. The benevolent and enlightened bookseller Mendele helps them, turning small-town superstitions to their advantage. Based on Mendele Mokher Seforim's story of love frustrated by small-town ignorance, this luminous allegory of escape marries Edgar Ulmer's masterful direction with superb acting by members of New York's Artef and Yiddish Art Theaters.

Share WhatsApp Telegram
Status
Released
Budget
—
Box office
—
Language
Yiddish

Top billed cast

Behind the camera

Produced in

United States of America

Videos

No extra videos are listed for this title yet.

Release dates

  • United StatesUS

    • Theatrical1 Jun 1939

Frequently asked questions

The Light Ahead was released on 1 June 1939.

Member reviews

Sign in to rate and review. Browsing stays free and open.

Sign in

Member comments

0

Sign in to post a comment. Browsing stays free and open.

Sign in

More like this