bbmtwist An oddity in the Hitchcock UK oeuvre, JAMAICA INN is his only period piece, made just before departing for the USA. I read that he made this Daphne Du Maurier adaptation in preparation for his first USA film, REBECCA, also by Ms. Du Maurier. I also read she was not pleased with JAMAICA INN.It's an oddity not only in its setting, but that it is a departure from Hitch's string of six suspense/espionage/murder films (THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH, THE 39 STEPS, SECRET AGENT, SABOTAGE, YOUNG AND INNOCENT, THE LADY VANISHES) he had made one after another stretching from 1934 through 1938.JAMAICA INN is simply a melodrama, quite similar to DR. SYN, which starred George Arliss and proceeded it by two years, although the character of Sir Humphrey in JAMAICA INN is created, changed from the parson of the original novel and is, unlike Dr. Syn, out for no good.Laughton's appearance must have been a feather in Hitch's cap, as the actor was world- renowned at that point in time, having been nominated for two Best Actor Oscars and won one. JAMAICA INN would get noticed. The consummate actor steals the film away from its hero (Robert Newton playing an undercover policeman) and Maureen O'Hara (in her first film role playing the innocent ingénue). It boils down to the exposure of an undercover gang of smuggling cut-throats and the capture of its leader, and fits more into the genre of action/adventure. There are two timings given for the film, 98 minutes and 89 minutes. My print is of the latter, running 89:50 with an obvious and whacking great 8 minutes chopped out (the leads safely escape Jamaica Inn and arrive at Sir Humphrey's for shelter with a jump cut placing them back at the inn and at gun point from Sir Humphrey and the gang). I wonder if all prints are missing this section or only some. It accounts in any case for the two timings. My print also had poor sound and a bad hum/whine throughout, although the visual print was excellent.There are a few interesting bits: the opening montage of the shipwreck; the discussion of the proper way to hang an unconscious man; the cinematography and editing in the cutting of the rope to save him; the Dracula-like refusal of the coachman to deliver the heroine to Jamaica Inn; the surprise when the tied up Newton and Laughton proves to be an illusion; a long tracking shot among the captured men after the confession; the first pride and then terror of the fate of one of the prisoners – these are typical Hitchcock tricks played well.All in all, an interesting melodrama, of interest chiefly for Laughton and not Hitchcock.

Rainey Dawn Jamaica Inn is a neat little crime story of men that wreck ships for the profit that is on-board. Mary (O'Hara), who is generally a good person, finds herself in the middle of all this criminal activity. It's not the greatest story but it's a fun one. I've read that Hitchcock himself was not very pleased with the film but I take the film all in fun story wise. Now what this film has got going for it is great atmosphere and good and interesting characters - oh and a very charismatic Charles Laughton with a lovely Maureen O'Hara.Some people are not crazy about this particular - some seem to hate it - but I'm in the crowd that likes the film. I love these types of films - the ones with great atmosphere and great characters even if the story is a bit second rate or not so good.7/10

wilvram Having been talked into it by Laughton, Hitchcock soon regretted his involvement, not least when the co-producer/star insisted on doing things his way. Besides, he knew he would soon have bigger fish to fry across the pond. Had this been directed, say, by Roy William Neill, it would be seen for what it is, a melodramatic tale of a piratical gang of cut-throats, that is if anything, above average for a British film of its day. Though perhaps no classic, it is gripping and fast moving, reminding me of a Hammer film so much, I was expecting an appearance from Michael Ripper at any minute. Charlie's eccentric, theatrical performance is fun, let's face it, while in contrast Emlyn Williams is all too convincing as a 'street-wise' psychopathic thug; when he fetches the rope in the attempt to hang Robert Newton, early on, you almost think he means to do it for real. The young Maureen O'Hara, recruited by Laughton, does well in the lead, considering little help from the director. The initial ride to the Inn is memorable, and the wrecking scenes are convincingly portrayed, considering that even the top British studios could not match the resources of the major Hollywood outfits, a weighty factor in Hitch's decision to work for them.

Armand he is not only the star but the pillar of this Hitchcock without great ambitions movie. the script, the atmosphere, the fragility of story are good supports for him to do a strange, fascinating character exploring each possibility to proof his great art. he is more than the villain but seducer and master of each scene,ideal spice for a film who has little chances to be memorable. so, Laughton is , in fact, ideal tool for Hitchcock genius and the cause for Jamaica Inn to not be only an another film of its director. film of an extraordinary actor, Jamaica Inn has piece from a large adventure series, nice, soft, with each ingredient at its right place, amusing and dramatic, sketch of justice and love.but Lauhton is not only peak , an interesting presence remains Horace Hodges.