CMBA Classic Movies of 1939 Blogathon: The Light That Failed

A great actor who understood his limitations, Ronald Colman must have realized in 1939 that his days as a romantic lead were numbered. At age 48, he had just completed an incredible decade in which he drew critical and popular acclaim for classics such as A Tale of Two Cities (1935), Lost Horizon, and The Prisoner of Zenda (both 1937). He displayed his versatility by playing a swashbucker (Under Two Flags), a romantic poet (If I Were King), and a thinking man's hero (Sydney Carton in A Tale of Two Cities).

Although memorable roles still awaited--including a romance for the ages in Random Harvest and an Oscar for A Double Life--1939 marked a turning point in Colman's career. He made fewer films in the 1940s and appeared content to let other actors assume the mantle of romantic hero. What better way to make such a transition than as the melancholy artist hero of Rudyard Kipling's first novel The Light That Failed?

William Wellman's film version begins in England in 1865 with a sweet prologue in which childhood sweethearts Dick and Maisie decide to become artists when they grow up. When Dick learns of Maisie's pending departure, the two youngsters pledge to always love one another.

Years later, Dick (Colman) has become a war correspondent in the Sudan, drawing battle scenes for the newspapers back in England. He suffers a serious head injury when he saves the life of his friend, Torpenhow (Walter Huston). Months later, he learns from "Torp" that his drawings have garnered critical acclaim back home. Upon his return to England, Dick becomes a popular artist whose paintings of British soldiers in the Sudan fetch a handsome price.

While walking one Sunday afternoon, Dick encounters Maisie, who is struggling to achieve any kind of success as an artist. They gegin to meet weekly to discuss art and Dick quickly realizes he has never stopped loving her. However, when he expresses his feelings to Maisie, she decides to leave for Paris. Although she values their friendship (and his artistic advice), she is dedicated to her artistic career.

At the same time, Dick loses his zest for painting, sometimes altering his original artistic vision simply to make his work more commercially viable. He becomes interested in painting again when he meets Bessie, a barmaid romantically involved with Torp. With Bessie as his model, Dick begins to paint again, though his work still lacks passion. It's only when he learns of an impending tragedy that he is able to channel his loneliness--and grief over losing Maisie--into his artistic masterpiece.

Dick cradling Binky in his arms.

Though always interesting, The Light That Failed is a flawed film that works best as a portrait of an artist. Dick's ability to interpret and capture the emotions of others through his art contrasts sharply with his struggles to maintain his own relationships. Torp is his only close friend if one excludes the loyal Scottish Terrier, Mr. Binkles (aka Binky), that adopts him. Maisie values him as a friend and critic, but his love for her seems to be based on a memory of when they were young (he even mumbles her name while recovering from his head injury...long before meeting her again as an adult). As for Bessie, he calls her a "little piece of nothing" at one point, then tries to buy her help later when he needs it. The role is ideal for Colman, who doesn't hesitate to show Dick's cruel side, especially when he berates Bessie and destroys any chance of her having a long-term relationship (albiet slight) with Torp. But he also shows Dick's unselfishness, such as when he poignantly lets Maisie and Torp "off the hook" by sending them away when he needs them the most.

Ida Lupino as Bessie.

Walter Huston and Ida Lupino, as Bessie, deliver strong supporting roles in what is essentially a four-character play. Allegedly, Colman wanted Vivien Leigh to play Bessie, but it's hard to imagine anyone other than Lupino. She captures both the vulnerability and pettiness of the street-living Bessie. The one weak link, in terms of both performer and character, is Muriel Angelus as Maise. Her character's only endearing quality is her love for her art. She begs Dick for constructive criticism of her paintings, but then has trouble accepting it. When Dick needs her the most--and then offers her a way out--she takes it. There's no obvious selfishness to her actions; it's just that her total focus is on her work and that blinds her to the needs of others.

Director William Wellman once said: "The best director is the director whose handprints are not on the film." Indeed, Wellman always adapted his visual style to fit his films. In this case, The Light That Failed comes across as a rather stagy affair, with many scenes taking place in Dick's apartment/studio. That approach is certainly consistent with Dick's introspection, but leaves the viewer with the impression of having watched a stage play. Still, it works well in some scenes, such as when Dick receives bad news in a doctor's office, with a clock ticking loudly in the background, reminding Dick (and us) that time has already started running out.

Kipling's novel The Light That Failed was published in 1890 in installments in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine. It provides more backstory to Dick's character, tracing his upbringing as an orphan (which explains why making money on his paintings is important to him). The novel was filmed previously in 1916 and 1923.

The 1939 Colman version isn't a great film, but it's a very good one that provides an ideal opportunity to watch a wonderful actor in a juicy role. Yet, while The Light That Failed, as a whole, almost achieves classic status, it falls just short. Its flaws are encapsulated in the closing scene. On the surface, it's a moving display of gallantry and freedom. However, as one ponders the ending, it's also a depressing testament to one who has given up on life.


Click here to check out the the awesome reviews written by my fellow CMBA members as part of the Classic Movies of 1939 Blogathon!