The Manxman - Alfred Hitchcock

The Manxman is the last silent film released as such that was directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It is based on a novel written by Hall Caine, that has previously been made into a film in 1916.  Hitchcock's next film would be his first sound film, though it was also filmed as a silent film as well. But that is for tomorrow. The Manxman is the story of a love triangle that takes place on the isle of Man. It is a triangle between Pete (played by Carl Brisson), Philip (played by Malcolm Keen), and Kate (played by Anny Ondra). You will probably remember Carl Brisson who was in The Ring. Malcolm Keen was in The Mountain Eagle, as well as The Lodger. Anny Ondra is in Hitchcock's Blackmail - tomorrow's post. Pete is a fisherman, Philip is from the upper class and is a lawyer, soon to be a judge for the Isle. Kate is the daughter of the owner of the village pub. Philip and Pete were raised on the Isle of Man and are best friends. The film starts with Pete wanting better treatment for the fishermen, and Philip doing his part to get a petition signed and sent through the legal system. They are both in love with Kate, though it seems clear at the start of the film that Kate see's Pete as a friend, and Philip as a love. Pete wants to ask for Kate's hand in marriage but is scared of her father Ceasar. He asks Phil to talk to Ceasar on his behalf (very Cyrano), but even then Ceasar says no due to the fact that Pete is just a poor fisherman. Pete takes that as a challenge and decides to leave the Isle to make money. He wants to say goodbye to Kate and so he gets up on Phil's shoulders so they can talk through her upstairs window. He asks her to promise herself to him, which eventually she does. He then asks Phil to watch and take care of Kate while he is gone. I'm sure you can see where this is heading. Pete leaves, Kate and Phil get close, despite the fact that Phil's aunt believes that Kate is below their station and won't approve of them being together. Phil receives a telegram stating that Pete was in an accident and was killed. However....

This film reminded me of Downhill. Both men make a promise to each other and despite how they may feel internally, they keep it. Phil struggles against the growing love he feels for Kate, as well as the love he feels for Pete and the promise made to him. Despite this being a silent film, the actors are good enough that the story, and their feelings are clear through out. The scenery is gorgeous to look at - rocky cliffs, waves, the village is stone and ideal for the setting. Carl is as strapping as he was in The Ring. There are no cameo's by Hitch, and I watched this as part of the Legend Series. I think it is a charming film and you should give it a shot.