In my attempt to catch up with everything directed by the brilliant Alfred Hitchcock, I put in my disk three of "Alfred Hitchcock: The Legend Begins." This is a fantastic box set that contains all (as far as I know) of his films from the U.K pre 1940. I had never seen "Jamaica Inn," and greatly looked forward to the experience -- if only for the first oddball pairing of Charles Laughton and Maureen O'Hara who were both soon to be immortalized in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." Hitchcock is unable to disappoint his audience. What we find here is a spooky tale set in Cornwall in the early 19th Century, based loosely on a novel by Daphne Du Maurier -- who goes uncredited. Story features a murderous gang of hoodlums who prey upon ships that seek shelter in a nearby harbor during hazardous storms. The films opens with an exciting sequence depicting this activity which functions almost as a prologue to everything that follows, and really draws the audience into the story. Disturbing, dark and frightening as this prologue is, one can only wonder what will follow.
Next, in scenes perhaps inspired by Tod Browning's Dracula, a careening carriage whisks young Maureen O'Hara through the pitch black night. She insists that the driver deliver her to the Jamaica Inn, but he outright refuses to do so, and speeds right by the place. He lets her off nearby at the home of one Squire Pengallon, who he says will care for her. The haughty squire is played of course by Charles Laughton, who employs his unctuous charm to reassure the nonplussed O'Hara that all will be all right, and that he will escort her to her Aunt and Uncle at Jamaica Inn. Maureen O'Hara soon discovers that her Uncle functions as the ringleader of the gang, and her abused but devoted Aunt is an enabler to his illicit lifestyle.
From what I've read, Hitchcock wasn't too fond of this film, and didn't care for the direction Laughton took with his character. Nevertheless, Laughton remains fascinating to watch, as much of a "ham" as he is. His Squire registers as somewhat of a pathetic and yet supremely conceited character, and the ultimate revelation of what he's capable of comes as a real stunner. O'Hara is of course beautiful and feisty, as demonstrates that she has much more heart than just any glamorous young girl posing prettily for the camera.
A special mention should go to Emlyn Williams, who plays a despicable but magnetic ringleader of the cutthroat gang. I was really surprised and entertained by his contemporary attitude and swagger, which wouldn't seem out-of-place in a movie from the 21st Century.
So, a minor Hitchcock certainly, but also as good a thriller as anyone else was making at the time.
**** out of *****
Next, in scenes perhaps inspired by Tod Browning's Dracula, a careening carriage whisks young Maureen O'Hara through the pitch black night. She insists that the driver deliver her to the Jamaica Inn, but he outright refuses to do so, and speeds right by the place. He lets her off nearby at the home of one Squire Pengallon, who he says will care for her. The haughty squire is played of course by Charles Laughton, who employs his unctuous charm to reassure the nonplussed O'Hara that all will be all right, and that he will escort her to her Aunt and Uncle at Jamaica Inn. Maureen O'Hara soon discovers that her Uncle functions as the ringleader of the gang, and her abused but devoted Aunt is an enabler to his illicit lifestyle.
From what I've read, Hitchcock wasn't too fond of this film, and didn't care for the direction Laughton took with his character. Nevertheless, Laughton remains fascinating to watch, as much of a "ham" as he is. His Squire registers as somewhat of a pathetic and yet supremely conceited character, and the ultimate revelation of what he's capable of comes as a real stunner. O'Hara is of course beautiful and feisty, as demonstrates that she has much more heart than just any glamorous young girl posing prettily for the camera.
A special mention should go to Emlyn Williams, who plays a despicable but magnetic ringleader of the cutthroat gang. I was really surprised and entertained by his contemporary attitude and swagger, which wouldn't seem out-of-place in a movie from the 21st Century.
So, a minor Hitchcock certainly, but also as good a thriller as anyone else was making at the time.
**** out of *****