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The Light Ahead (1939) [N/A]

Release Date:
June 1, 1939

Original Title:
Fishke der Krumer

Production Countries:
United States of America

Ratings / Certifications:
 N/A

Runtime: 94

Overview from TheMovieDB

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.

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Performers

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Production

Director:
Edgar G. Ulmer

Director of Photography:
Edward Hyland

Producer:
Peter E. Kassler

Production Design:
Edgar G. Ulmer

Screenplay:
Edgar G. Ulmer
Shirley Ulmer

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