The Edge Of The World (1937)

Set in the small  and isolated rural island of Hirta off the coast of Scotland. One by one, the young generation deserts the island for the mainland and a better way of life. This makes it harder for those who remain to follow the old ways of life. Written and directed by Michael Powell (BLACK NARCISSUS), the film is loosely based on the evacuation of St. Kilda in the Scottish archipelago. This was Powell's first major film and while it doesn't have the finesse of some of his later movies, it's a lovely piece of work. There's a semi documentary feel to the storyline and the B&W rocky landscapes are beautifully photographed by Monty Berman, Ernest Palmer and Skeets Kelly. I found it often difficult to empathize with the islanders' "old ways" that often seemed barbaric (when they leave the island, they have all the dogs drowned rather than take them with them or survive on their own on the island). Sometimes, you have to move forward rather than cling to the old ways or there's no such thing as progress. With Niall MacGinnis, Belle Chrystall, Finlay Currie, John Laurie and Eric Berry.