The Edge of the World (1937)

100% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
71% of users liked it
(754 ratings)

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… More 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. ~ Tom Wiener, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 20 min.
Directed By: Michael Powell
Written By: Michael Powell
Genres: Documentary, Drama, Romance, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 14, 2000 Limited
On DVD: Dec 9, 2003
Studio: British Film Institute

Critic Reviews

Mike Edwards, What Culture
In this, his first independent feature film, Powell sets the tone for the rest of his career as he packs the narrative with innovations.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
... a must-see for Powell enthusiasts; the visuals are indescribably forceful.
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
this one pays homage to the tenacity of the human spirit, with the focus falling on the ageless struggle of men and women to live in an almost unlivable frontier.
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
Michael Powell entered the golden age of his career with The Edge of the World.
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
The always respectful ethnographer in Michael Powell transforms the melodrama of his own scenario into an epic death knell for a forgotten island civilization.
Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
A flinty, hard-edged melodrama amidst unforgettable landscapes; an early jewel from Michael Powell.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Powell's early ability with the camera is readily apparent here

Read all 7 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Randy T

Residents of a small Scottish isle come to terms with the fact that their way of life has come to an end. The seas nearby can no longer provide enough fish to make a living, and their land, having been depleted and eroded, can no longer produce the crops they need to survive. Some… More
Residents of a small Scottish isle come to terms with the fact that their way of life has come to an end. The seas nearby can no longer provide enough fish to make a living, and their land, having been depleted and eroded, can no longer produce the crops they need to survive. Some very touching moments here but I found that the most interesting parts were the shots of actual Scotsmen going about their daily routines. The film is almost as documentary as it is dramatic. Fascinating to see the way islanders collected shed wool from the sheep or the way they got mail to the mainland by sealing letters in small toy boats and casting them into the sea, hoping that fishing vessels would pick them up and post them. There is as much here for history enthusiasts as there is for movie buffs.
cody f

Mike Powell's 1st real film and a good first effort. I liked the idea of the story more than the execution.The location is amazing and i would like to see this subject tackeled in a doc. or a remake by Malick.