The Light Ahead

Synopsis

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.

Main Cast

Helen Beverly

Hodele (the blind)

Age : 94 | Popularity : 3%

David Opatoshu

Fishke (the lame)

Age : 78 | Popularity : 3%

Isidore Cashier

Mendele Moicher Sforim

Age : N/A | Popularity : 3%

Crew

Department	Role	Name
Writing	Screenplay	Edgar G. Ulmer Shirley Ulmer
Directing	Director	Edgar G. Ulmer
Art	Production Design	Edgar G. Ulmer
Production	Producer	Peter E. Kassler
Camera	Director of Photography	Edward Hyland
Department	Role	Name

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