The Light That Failed (1939 film)

The Light that Failed poster

The Light That Failed is a 1939 American drama film directed by William A. Wellman. The screenplay, written by Robert Carson, is based on the 1891 novel of the same name by Rudyard Kipling. The film stars Ronald Colman, Walter Huston, and Muriel Angelus.

Plot

The film follows the story of Dick Heldar, a war artist who is slowly going blind. As his vision deteriorates, he struggles to complete his masterpiece, a portrait of a woman named Bessie Broke. The narrative explores themes of ambition, love, and the tragic consequences of unfulfilled dreams.

Cast

• Ronald Colman as Dick Heldar
• Walter Huston as Torpenhow
• Muriel Angelus as Bessie Broke
• Ida Lupino as Maisie
• Dudley Digges as The Nilghai
• Ernest Cossart as Beeton

Production

The film was produced by Paramount Pictures and features a musical score by Victor Young. The cinematography was handled by Theodor Sparkuhl, and the film editing was done by Thomas Scott.

Reception

Upon its release, The Light That Failed received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the performances of the lead actors, others felt that the film did not do justice to Kipling's novel. Despite this, the film has gained a following over the years and is considered a classic example of early 20th-century American cinema.

Themes

The film delves into several significant themes:

• The inevitability of fate and the human struggle against it.
• The impact of physical disability on personal and professional life.
• The complexities of artistic creation and the pursuit of perfection.

Legacy

The Light That Failed remains an important work in the filmography of William A. Wellman and is notable for its exploration of the psychological and emotional challenges faced by artists. The film is also a significant adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's literary work, bringing his story to a broader audience.

See also

• Rudyard Kipling
• William A. Wellman
• Ronald Colman
• Paramount Pictures

External links

The Light That Failed at IMDb

The Light That Failed at AllMovie