The Light Ahead (1939)
1h 34m
Running Time
June 1, 1939Release Date
Plot.
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.
Where to Watch.
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Cast & Crew.

Helen Beverly
Hodele (the blind)

David Opatoshu
Fishke (the lame)

Isidore Cashier
Mendele Moicher Sforim

Edgar G. Ulmer
Director / Screenplay / Production Design

Rosetta Bialis
Drabke [alt. Dropke]

Shirley Ulmer
Screenplay

Peter E. Kassler
Producer

Anna Guskin
Gitel

Edward Hyland
Director of Photography

Judel Dubinsky
Isaak (the stutterer)

Mendele Mocher Sforim
Writer

Dean Cole
Composer

J. Burgi Contner
Cinematographer

Jack Kemp
Editor
Details.
Release DateJune 1, 1939
Original NameFishke der Krumer
StatusReleased
Running Time1h 34m
Genres
Last updated:
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