JAMAICA INN is a film that I wanted to see mostly because I like Daphne Du Maurier's novels (my favorite is FRENCHMAN'S CREEK) and admire Maureen O'Hara, here in her film début. I must say the film is only average and far below what I have come to expect from Hitchcock. Production values are mediocre and the special effects are atrocious. I ask myself why the wonderful Cornish coast was not used to dramatic effect in this production, as the film was mostly shot in poorly designed studio sets. Charles Laughton gives such a bad performance I could hardly believe my eyes and ears. Maureen O'Hara is lovely, however, and the film is mostly worth watching on her account. She already shows her promise as an actress to splendid effect. Marie Ney as Patience is also very effective in a supporting role.
Review of Jamaica Inn
