The Manxman begins with a large gathering of fishermen led by Pete Quilliam (Carl Brisson) and Philip Christian (Malcolm Keen). The young men are lifelong friends and have sworn to help the local fishermen on the Isle of Man in their battle to keep steam trawlers from fishing in their waters. After a meeting where hundreds of fishermen sign a petition, Pete asks Philip to help him propose to the beautiful Kate Cregeen (Anny Ondra). Her father rejects this outright, calling Pete a “penniless lout” and ordering the young fisherman to leave the pub.
Pete swears that he will find his fortune in Africa and leaves, asking Phil to take care of Kate while he is away. Soon thereafter, Kate receives a telegram saying that Pete has lost his life at sea. Kate and Phil become closer, slowly falling in love. Sometime later, Phil receives a letter from Pete saying he is alive. This news tears Phil and Kate apart despite Kate’s genuine love for the young and promising lawyer.
The Manxman was Sir Alfred Hitchcock’s final silent film. One of the ‘Hitchcock 9’, this film was restored in 2012 in an initiative by the British Film Institute. It was the only film among those nine with complete surviving negatives, making it a must-have for silent film collections. While heavy moralizing moves the plot in ways that will seem contradictory or hypocritical to the modern viewer, Hitchcock’s brilliant eye for composition makes this film highly enjoyable from start to finish.
Ondra and Brisson in particular put on a fantastic performance, and students of acting will find unbelievable value in watching these early British film giants. Those studying Hitchcock or early British films will want to see this title as well, as it is the strongest textually and cinematically of any of Hitchcock’s silent films. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
The Manxman belongs on silent film or drama shelves.