The Edge of the World (1937)

In the isolating expanse of the Outer Hebridean islands, a trio of wanderers stumble upon a gravestone perched precariously at the edge of a steep cliff. The epitaph reads, "Peter Manson ... gone over." Unraveling this cryptic message, one of the trio delves into a heart-rending tale, whisking them back a decade to a time of imminent demise for the island's traditional way of life. Threatened by encroaching steam trawlers from the mainland, the island's once-thriving fishing community teeters on the brink of extinction. Peter Manson, a fiercely loyal islander, stands as a bulwark against evacuation. His son Robbie, however, stands on the precipice of leaving, torn between loyalty to his father and the allure of a world beyond the waves. As the island's fate hangs in balance, Robbie's twin sister is swept up in a whirlwind romance with his best friend, Andrew Gray. The tension between Robbie and Andrew over the island's future escalates into a perilous cliff-top race, where the potential cost is far more than just pride - it’s a matter of life and death. As the winds howl and the waves crash below, the island's quiet existence is shattered by a tragedy that splinters the once-close Manson and Gray families. Time ebbs and flows, unveiling Ruth’s hidden pregnancy and the promise of a new life that might heal the rift between the two families. Yet, as desperation engulfs the islanders, they are faced with the inevitable: evacuation. As the island’s rugged beauty fades into the distance, one more tragedy looms on the horizon. "The Edge of the World" is a poignant exploration of survival, choice, and the quest for a better life. It's a tale partly woven from the threads of true events - the evacuation of Hirta, or "St. Kilda." It's a powerful testament to the resilience of a community in the face of hardship, embodying the stark reality of a life lived at the mercy of the sea.

The Edge of the World is a drama movie featuring John Laurie.

The Edge of the World is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy The Edge of the World on Amazon Video and Kino Now.