Watch Light Spirit: Lighthouses of the Maine Coast

Light Spirit: Lighthouses of the Maine Coast is a documentary film from 1997 that explores the rich history and beautiful landscapes of Maine's lighthouses. The film is narrated by Jack Perkins, a former host of A&E's Biography series, and features interviews with Stasi Bottinelli and Jeff Burke, two lighthouse keepers who share their experiences of living and working in these historic beacons.

The movie begins with stunning aerial shots of the Maine coastline and the lighthouses that dot it, accompanied by a beautiful, meditative soundtrack. From there, the film delves into the history of the lighthouses, detailing how they were built and the challenges that early lighthouse keepers faced. The film uses archival footage and photographs to bring this history to life, showing the harsh conditions that lighthouse keepers endured and the important role that these beacons played in guiding ships safely along the coast.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is the interviews with Bottinelli and Burke, who provide a firsthand account of what it was like to live and work in a lighthouse. They speak candidly about the isolation and loneliness of the job, as well as the rewards of being able to work in such a beautiful and unique environment. They also discuss the various duties that come with being a lighthouse keeper, including maintaining the light, keeping the buildings in good condition, and communicating with passing ships.

As the film progresses, it highlights some of the most iconic lighthouses along the Maine coast, including Portland Head Light, Pemaquid Point Light, and West Quoddy Head Light. Each lighthouse is given its own segment, with the film providing interesting tidbits about each one – who designed it, who the first keeper was, and any notable events that happened there. The cinematography during these segments is particularly stunning, with the film capturing the rugged beauty of the Maine coast and its lighthouses.

Throughout the film, there is a sense of reverence for the lighthouses and the people who worked in them. The film does an excellent job of conveying the importance of these beacons and the role they played (and continue to play) in keeping ships and their crew safe. There are also moments of humor and warmth, particularly in the interviews with the lighthouse keepers, that add a touch of humanity to the film.

Overall, Light Spirit: Lighthouses of the Maine Coast is a beautifully crafted documentary that celebrates the rich history and enduring beauty of Maine's lighthouses. The film's mix of archival footage, interviews, and breathtaking cinematography make for a compelling and informative viewing experience. Whether you are a history buff, a lover of the Maine coast, or simply interested in the lives of lighthouse keepers, this film is well worth watching.

Light Spirit: Lighthouses of the Maine Coast is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 55 minutes.