The Edge of the World (1937)

The Edge of the World (1937) (Blu-Ray) (*)

~~$28.99~~ $22.97

Language Selections:
English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 )
English ( Dolby Linear PCM )
English ( Subtitles )

Product Origin/Format:
United Kingdom ( Blu-Ray/Region A/B/C )

Running Time:
75 min + 58 min extras

Aspect Ratio:
Fullscreen

Special Features:
Alternative Footage
Commentary
Interactive Menu
Scene Access
Trailer(s)
Black & White
Booklet

Movie filmed in 1937 and produced in:
United Kingdom ( Great Britain, Ireland )

Directed By:
Michael Powell

Written By:
Michael Powell

Actors:
John Laurie ..... Peter Manson
Belle Chrystall ..... Ruth Manson - His Daughter
Eric Berry ..... Robbie Manson - Her Brother
Kitty Kirwan ..... Jean Manson - Their Grandmother
Finlay Currie ..... James Gray
Niall MacGinnis ..... Andrew Gray - His Son
Grant Sutherland ..... John - the Catechist
Campbell Robson ..... Mr. Dunbar - the Laird
George Summers ..... Trawler Skipper

Synopsis:

A key film in the career of director Michael Powell, The Edge of the World was his first original idea to be realized onscreen, and its success attracted the attention of producer Alexander Korda. Korda's bankrolling of Powell's next several films catapulted the filmmaker into the first rank of British directors. Powell was attracted to the idea of building a dramatic story around the evacuation of St. Kilda, an island north of Scotland, whose aging population could not sustain life there. Forbidden from filming on St. Kilda, Powell and his crew journeyed farther north to Foula, an island whose sheer cliffs play an important role in the story. Two young men, Robbie Manson (Eric Berry) and James Gray (Niall MacGinnis), disagree on their island's economic future. James loves Robbie's twin sister Ruth (Belle Chrystal). The rivalry between the two men and their strong-willed fathers threatens to tear apart the island community, but an unexpected pregnancy and a rescue in dangerous seas serve to unite the islanders in common purpose. Powell took full advantage of the magnificent locations to tell this simple but affecting story of survival and adaptation to changing times. A restored version of the film, available on video, also includes the documentary Return to the Edge of the World.

Shot over four arduous months in the wild, windswept Shetland Islands, Michael Powell's first independent production establishes the daring techniques and experimentation that would later become familiar hallmarks of his career. The Edge of the World tells the moving story of a remote island and its inhabitants, whose traditions and way of life are threatened by a rapidly industrialising world. This brand new digital restoration has been created from the original 35mm negative and personally supervised by Powell s widow Thelma Schoonmaker Martin Scorcese s long -time editor.

On a remote Scottish island, poor harvests and bad weather are bringing an end to the traditional ways of life. The islanders must decide whether to abandon their homes and seek employment on the mainland. Director Powell's breakthrough film, shot on the island of Filou, was a particularly meaningful project for him.

This product was added to our catalog on Thursday 25 November, 2010.