The Light Ahead (1939): cast, story & where to watch
1939 · Film · ★ 5.7
Released in 1939, The Light Ahead is a notable film directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, running about 94 minutes.
What it’s about. 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.
Who’s in it. The Light Ahead stars Helen Beverly as Hodele (the blind), David Opatoshu as Fishke (the lame) and Isidore Cashier as Mendele Moicher Sforim.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.7/10, The Light Ahead has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Light Ahead page.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Light Ahead (1939)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Light Ahead change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Light Ahead worth watching?
- The Light Ahead holds an audience score of 5.7 out of 10. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Light Ahead?
- The Light Ahead stars Helen Beverly, David Opatoshu and Isidore Cashier.
- When was The Light Ahead released?
- The Light Ahead was released in 1939, with a runtime of about 94 minutes.