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The Light That Failed

Play trailer Poster for The Light That Failed 1939 1h 37m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 2 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
British artist Dick Heldar (Ronald Colman) suffers a head injury during a battle in the Sudan. As a result, his eyesight begins to deteriorate. This is especially unfortunate, as admiration for his war paintings has grown incredibly. In London, he throws his soul into painting his masterwork, a portrait of Bessie (Ida Lupino), a barmaid, before his vision fails entirely. Bessie, however, is in love with Dick's friend Torpenhow (Walter Huston), a situation that sparks a series of tragedies.

Critics Reviews

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Jose Maria Santos Cine-Mundial 04/03/2020
A beautiful movie. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Franz Hoellering The Nation 01/18/2013
It is unevenly told, but Ida Lupino, as the girl who destroys her own portrait, makes the picture worth seeing. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Madam D Feb 23 The acting is very well done. But what a stupid plot. Men are supposed to be men only by fighting in wars? So the only hope for a blind guy without care as he dies is to ride into battle? See more Steve D 01/11/2024 Not worthy of its stars. See more 09/08/2014 A bit stodgy with Colman surprisingly a bit off in the lead but the supporting performances of Walter Huston and especially Ida Lupino make it worth seeing. Ida steals the picture handily. See more Read all reviews
The Light That Failed

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Cast & Crew

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William A. Wellman

Director

Ronald Colman

Dick Heldar

Walter Huston

Torpenhow

Ida Lupino

Bessie Broke

Muriel Angelus

Maisie

Dudley Digges

The Nilghai
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The Light That Failed

The Light That Failed (1939) The Light That Failed (1939) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis British artist Dick Heldar (Ronald Colman) suffers a head injury during a battle in the Sudan. As a result, his eyesight begins to deteriorate. This is especially unfortunate, as admiration for his war paintings has grown incredibly. In London, he throws his soul into painting his masterwork, a portrait of Bessie (Ida Lupino), a barmaid, before his vision fails entirely. Bessie, however, is in love with Dick's friend Torpenhow (Walter Huston), a situation that sparks a series of tragedies.
Director
William A. Wellman
Production Co
Paramount Pictures
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 37m