On the bleak, storm-tossed southern tip of South America, a lonely lighthouse guards the world's most treacherous--and lucrative--shipping lane. But beyond the forces of nature, the lighthouse keepers must face an even mor... more »e formidable foe, and soon the turbulent waters become the bloody battleground of two men who fight for control of the cruel Cape Horn and for the pleasures of a helpless, shipwrecked beauty. Kirk Douglas is Denton, the iron-willed lighthouse keeper who confronts the murderous pirate captain Kongre, played with delicious malevolence by Yul Brynner in one of his favorite roles. Samantha Eggar is Arabella, an English noblewoman imperiled by her beauty, desired by both men. The only hope to save the seas and their many travelers flickers in a single dim beacon, known to sailors as "The Light at the Edge of the World."« less
"The movie stars Kirk Douglas and is based on a book by Jules Verne, but parents expecting another 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA will be in for a surprise. It is very violent and includes things like torture and a gang-rape that are totally inappropriate for kids. Adults will find a well-acted but slow moving adventure story. The scenery is beautiful but the movie has a low budget look and feel. And the DVD has no bonus features, not even the theatrical trailer. Pricey for a DVD with no bells and whistles."
Very Entertaining
stephanie west | Blue Ridge, GA | 08/15/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Highly enjoyable movie in which Kirk Douglas is a lighthouse keeper on an island at the tip of South America. Yul Brynner plays a blood thirsty Pirate who eventually hunts Kirk Douglas down at this deserted outpost. Very Entertaining tale in which finally, a pirate movie where they arnt all singing and dancing."
I had childhood nightmares for years afterwards....
B. L. Thomas | Seattle, WA | 05/17/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I somehow got dropped off at the theatre in 1971 as a 9 year old boy and saw this film, which gave me really vivid nightmares for years afterwards. Somday I'll see it again as a 40-something for therapy. That fat bald giant trying to kill that cute little monkey was too much. Parents beware!"
A high seas adventure that needs more attention.UNDERRATED!!
Mark A. Wallace | Canada/Victoria | 08/15/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I loved this movie as a kid.And still like it today.Although i do agree with a previous reviewer that it might not be suitable for kids.But i think a lot of adults who like an adventure with a great setting and excellent acting by the likes of Yul Brynner, Kirk Douglas,and Samantha Eggar will love this DVD.Its A little pricy but it does contain a fairly decent transfer to DVD with no apparent age defects,blemishes etc.And has quite a clear crisp picture on DVD.However there are no sepcial features.But highly entertaining and colourful nonetheless.With great performances.A worthwhile view, and for fans of Yul and Kirk.A gem for your DVD collection. Cheers!"
A Haunting and Memorable Film You Won't Forget - Even at the
Kenton Couch | Overland Park, Kansas | 08/28/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The "Light at the Edge of the World" is a haunting film which plums the darker and heroic sides of human nature. Set on a desolate island, which has a lighthouse, the lonely serenity of those who work there is shattered when a pirate ship arrives.
The movie presents evil personified in the character of the pirate captain, marvelously performed by Yul Brynner. "Little chattering man " - a line delivered by Brynner - sends chills each time I watch the movie. What a remarkable moment of acting.
Counter posing the pirates is Kirk Douglas, the assistant lighthouse keeper, who struggles with staying alive while dealing with the haunted past which has brought him to this lonely confrontation, literally at the edge of the world.
The movie works on many emotional and ethical levels: evil, honor, friendship, love, betrayal, and isolation are all played out beneath the beams of the lighthouse, which casts its weak light into the symbolic darkness that permeates this well-crafted film.
If you want a movie that will challenge you to think and force you to feel, this hauntingly beautiful, and yet terrifying film, is a must. I think it a remarkable film, and I ecommend it for adults. You won't forget it, and you will watch it again. Oh, the music score is marvelous and sets the many moods of the film perfectly."