Is Red Lights Ahead Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Red Lights Ahead is likely a skip if you enjoy Family movies.
It features a runtime of 70 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Red Lights Ahead Review
Last updated: January 2026
A family loses its collective head going from rags to riches in this low-budget comedy from also-ran studio Chesterfield. Former slapstick comedian Andy Clyde starred as Grandpa Tom Hopkins who, after selling his junk business, moves in with daughter Molly (Lucille Gleason), her husband Ed (Roger Imhof), and their children Mary (Ann Doran), Edna (Paula Stone), George (Ben Alexander, and Willie (Frank Coghlan Jr.). Ed, who is a member of the town lodge "the Whales," is persuaded by Whitney (Sam Flint) the "Grand Harpoon," to buy $5,000 worth of shares in a promising gold mine, mortgaging the family home to do so. Soon the family is rich and everyone except Molly takes on airs.
In terms of production quality and narrative depth, Red Lights Ahead offers a middle-of-the-road story that resonates with its target audience. The direction and cast performances are noteworthy, contributing to its overall commercial footprint.
Cast of Red Lights Ahead
- Andy Clyde – Grandpa Hopkins
- Lucile Gleason – Molly 'Ma' Wallace
- Roger Imhof – Ed "Pa" Wallace
- Ben Alexander – George Wallace
- Ann Doran – Mary Wallace
Top Highlights
Andy ClydeGrandpa Hopkins
Lucile GleasonMolly 'Ma' Wallace
Roger ImhofEd "Pa" Wallace
Ben AlexanderGeorge Wallace
Ann DoranMary Wallace
Frank Coghlan Jr.Willie Wallace
Paula StoneEdna Wallace
Jack RandallNordingham
Sam FlintFranklin Q. Whitney
Eleanor StewartCeleste - the Maid
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.2/10, and global collection metrics, Red Lights Ahead stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1936 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red Lights Ahead movie hit or flop?
Red Lights Ahead has received mixed reviews with a 5.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Red Lights Ahead worth watching?
Red Lights Ahead is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Family, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Red Lights Ahead?
Red Lights Ahead is a Family, Comedy movie that A family loses its collective head going from rags to riches in this low-budget comedy from also-ran studio Chesterfield. Former slapstick comedian An...
