The unassuming Philippe Pinel (Wolfgang Zilzer) takes up a position in charge of a prison for the mentally ill in Paris and is horrified by what he discovers. There are people, unkempt and uncared for, who have been kept in the dark, chained to walls and fed a diet of gruel, bread and water - and they have been there for decades. Rather courageously, he concludes that chains and pain have never “cured” anyone so he…
John Nesbitt's Passing Parade
This John Nesbitt's Passing Parade short tells the story of 18th Century French physician Dr. Philippe Pinel, who initiated enlightened, humane treatment of the mentally ill.
Top Cast
John Nesbitt
Narrator (voice)
Dewey Robinson
Head Keeper (uncredited)
Gene Roth
Hector Chevigny (uncredited)
Harry Wilson
Keeper Hosing Down Patient (uncredited)
Wolfgang Zilzer
Dr. Philippe Pinel (uncredited)
Reviews
FAQ about Stairway to Light
What is Stairway to Light about?
This John Nesbitt's Passing Parade short tells the story of 18th Century French physician Dr. Philippe Pinel, who initiated enlightened, humane treatment of the mentally ill.
When was Stairway to Light released?
Stairway to Light was released in 1945.
What genres does Stairway to Light belong to?
Stairway to Light is categorised as Drama, History, Documentary.
Who stars in Stairway to Light?
The cast of Stairway to Light includes John Nesbitt, Dewey Robinson, Gene Roth, Harry Wilson, Wolfgang Zilzer.