Jamaica Inn (DVD)

== JAMAICA INN ==

“Oh Lord, we pray thee
Not that wrecks should happen
-but if they do happen-
Thou wilt guide them to
The Coast of Cornwall
For the Benefit of the poor inhabitants”


=== Introduction ===

‘Jamaica Inn’ is one of Alfred Hitchcock's films and probably one of his least typical works. The film is taken from the Daphne du Maurier book, adapted for ...
...third The Birds in 1963) Jamaica Inn was the last film Hitchcock would make in England under British control and the production company, Mayflower Pictures was the company owned by Charles Laughton, the star of this film.
It is worth remembering when criticising this film that it was made only 10 years after sound was introduced to motion pictures.

=== Cinematography ===

The film includes some great atmospheric ... more

JAMAICA INN

“Oh Lord, we pray thee
Not that wrecks should happen
-but if they do happen-
Thou wilt guide them to
The Coast of Cornwall
For the Benefit of the poor inhabitants”

Introduction

‘Jamaica Inn’ is one of Alfred Hitchcock's films and probably one of his least typical works. The film is taken from the Daphne du Maurier book, adapted for the screen by Alfred Hitchcock. Made in 1939 it was after this film that he was enticed to Hollywood to work for David O. Selznick where he gained fame and notoriety.
‘Jamaica Inn’ as a film, seems out of place in Hitchcock’s catalogue of suspense and mystery films and it seems strange that Hitchcock does not include this film in his "official" list of films. It is still though, a film worth watching, especially if you are a Hitchcock or Du Maurier fan.
After the success that Hitchcock had with the films Thirty-Nine Steps in 1935, and The Lady Vanishes in 1938 the critics had a field day with this film, but the public loved it.

This is one of the ‘classic’ black and white films that is often casually dismissed. It was the first of three films Hitchcock made based on novels by Daphne de Maurier (The second would be his first American film under Selznyk, Rebecca, in 1940, the third The Birds in 1963) Jamaica Inn was the last film Hitchcock would make in England under British control and the production company, Mayflower Pictures was the company owned by Charles Laughton, the star of this film.
It is worth remembering when criticising this film that it was made only 10 years after sound was introduced to motion pictures.

Cinematography

The film includes some great atmospheric cinematography courtesy of Bernard Knowles and it is filmed in the German Expressionist style – the style is very similar to Lean’s ‘Great Expectation’. As the film begins we see one of the ghastly acts of piracy and the looks on the faces of the pirates are horrifying as they alternatively bash heads in with cudgels or stab their victims with large knives.

The Plot

The story is set in Cornwall in the 1880’s,the opening scene is set in the middle of a storm where a sailing ship is about to be thrown against the craggy rocks. Standing on the rocks a group of men stand shining a light guiding the ship to her fate. As the crew are thrown out into the rough sea, they are quickly set upon by these men and murdered.
Meanwhile we see Miss Mary Yellan coming by coach to stay with her Aunt Patience at Jamaica Inn on the desolate Bodmin Moor after the death of her mother.
Mary's aunt is the wife of Joss Merlyn -. the innkeeper of the notorious Jamaica Inn.
It doesn't take our heroine long to realise that all is not well at the dark, frightening inn - it has no guests and is not open to the public.
As Mary tries to come up with a plan to escape from the inn with her aunt she finds that the only two people nearby who can possibly help are a mysterious albino clergyman from the village of Alarnum and Jem Merlyn, Joss's younger brother - a rugged, dark and handsome horse thief - despite Jem being her hated uncle's brother and him being a horse-thief she soon finds herself falling in love with him
There are still a fair amount of surprises ahead as well as a fair amount of suspense tossed in for good measure. To see what these things are you’ll need to watch the film for yourself.

The Cast

Charles Laughton as Sir Humphrey Pengallen.

The man here is a fop and funny, as well as the villain. Laughton was a great character actor and played the part well, apart from his camp walk and scene stealing.

Maureen O'Hara as Mary Yellen

At nineteen this was her first major role. She is beautiful, dramatic, with flashes of quick temper, and was perfect in the role.

Leslie Banks as Joss Merlyn,

Leader of the robbers, innkeeper of Jamaica Inn and husband to Aunt Patience. This character develops well throughout the film.

Marie Ney as Patience Merlyn

Has an important part in the plot developments.

Robert Newton as Jem Trehearne

Interesting part but more or less superfluous.

The robbers were interesting and varied, each with a precise character, even in their short appearances. Harry 'The Peddlar', who spits in the eye of the policeman, and whistles throughout the film is very interesting, played by Emlyn Williams; another interesting character is the "preacher", played by Morland Graham.

DVD

The quality of the film presented on the DVD is merely adequate, and many of the pictures are a little blurred It’s a shame the picture quality is poor as the film is fascinating.
At one stage in the film a shift scene is missing entirely. Maureen O'Hara is seen dripping wet in her "chemise" in one scene, then the picture freezes and she is transported, fully clothed, to Jamaica Inn.
Even the sound, (which is mono) isn’t too good. Certainly not one of the best ‘oldies’ to be transferred to DVD, but we do have to remember that the film is 70 years old now!!

· Format: Black & White, PAL
· Language English
· Region: Region 2 Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
· Number of discs: 1
· Classification: PG
· Studio: ITV DVD
· DVD Release Date: 7 Jul 2003
· Run Time: 95 minutes
· ASIN: B00009QNU2

Final Recommendation

Hitchcock's fans will enjoy this film, it doesn't follow his usual approach yet still shows the suave touches that he incorporates so well into his films.
The film made money, but it was far from a critical success. Daphne Du Maurier reportedly hated the film.

I think I will give this film 3/5 for the story from Du Maurier and a glimpse of the greatness that was to come from Hitchcock.

I am still sayiny 'Yes' for recommendation as I think it is still worth watching. 

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