The Light That Failed
The Light That Failed

Movie spotlight

The Light That Failed

1939
Movie
97 min
English

A London artist struggles to complete one last painting before going blind.

Insights

IMDb6.9/10
Director: William A. WellmanGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A determined painter, Dick Heldar, who is losing his sight, returns to Africa, the place of his birth, to confront his past and his fading vision. While there, he encounters his former love, Maisie, and his bitter rival, Torpenhow, forcing him to grapple with unrequited love, betrayal, and the impending darkness that threatens his artistic future.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Light That Failed' received a mixed to positive reception. Critics generally praised the performances, particularly Walter Huston's portrayal of the aging artist, and the film's dramatic intensity. However, some found the narrative somewhat melodramatic and the pacing uneven. Audiences responded with moderate interest, appreciating the romantic and tragic elements of the story.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for strong performances, especially Walter Huston.

  • Criticized by some for its melodramatic plot and uneven pacing.

  • Appreciated for its dramatic intensity and romantic themes.

Google audience: Audience reception information for 'The Light That Failed' from Google is not readily available in publicly accessible historical databases. Therefore, a specific summary of what Google users liked or disliked cannot be provided.

Fun Fact

The film is an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's 1890 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, which draws from Kipling's own experiences and observations.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Rudyard Kipling excelled at telling tales of Empire - his detailed knowledge and vivid imagination has been the source of many a strong adventure. This one is a bit different though. Ronald Colman ("Dick") is a war correspondent in the Suda...