Jamaica Inn Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A young woman visits her aunt at a creepy inn where the clientele enjoy maritime insurance fraud a little too much, and the local magistrate has some… eyebrow-raising hobbies.

🍿 Jamaica Inn: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival at Jamaica Inn

In 1819 Cornwall, young Irishwoman Mary Yellan arrives to live with her Aunt Patience and Uncle Joss Merlyn at the Jamaica Inn. She quickly discovers that the inn is a hub for suspicious activity, far from the welcoming home she envisioned. The locals seem fearful of the inn, hinting at something sinister afoot.

Unveiling the Shipwrecking Scheme

Mary soon learns the horrifying truth: her uncle Joss leads a gang of wreckers who deliberately lure ships to their doom on the rocky coast. They plunder the wrecks and kill any survivors, adding to the inn’s ominous reputation. Mary witnesses their brutal activities and begins to fear for her life.

Betrayal and Deception

Caught between her loyalty to her aunt and her growing horror at the wreckers’ crimes, Mary finds herself entangled in a web of deceit. She encounters Jem Trehearne, initially suspected of skimming profits from the gang, and local magistrate Sir Humphrey Pengallan, who offers her assistance. However, neither is who they seem to be, deepening the danger surrounding Mary.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mary Yellan (Maureen O’Hara): An orphaned young Irish woman who uncovers the dark secrets of Jamaica Inn and its wrecking crew.
• Sir Humphrey Pengallan (Charles Laughton): The seemingly respectable local squire who secretly masterminds the ship-wrecking operation for his own financial gain.
• Joss Merlyn (Leslie Banks): The brutish innkeeper of Jamaica Inn and leader of the gang that causes shipwrecks for plunder.
• Jem Trehearne (Robert Newton): An undercover Royal Navy officer who infiltrates the wrecking gang to expose their crimes.
• Patience Merlyn (Marie Ney): Mary’s aunt and Joss’s wife, a kind woman torn between her love for her husband and her conscience.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Title Card: ““Oh Lord, we pray thee — not that wrecks should happen — but that if they do happen Thou wilt guide them — to the coast of Cornwall — for the benefit of the poor inhabitants.”” – This opening title card sets the stage for the film, highlighting the wreckers’ twisted justification for their crimes.
• Sir Humphrey Pengallan: “I must have money! I know what to do with money when I have it, which is why I must have it!” – Sir Humphrey desperately reveals his true motives, emphasizing his greed and need to maintain his lavish lifestyle.
• Sir Humphrey Pengallan: “Nature was against you from the start; everything else has been against you since.” – Said to the man in charge, it shows his belief that he is superior to others.
• Sir Humphrey Pengallan: “To live like a gentleman, spaciously and with elegance, one must have money…and a few beautiful possessions, of course, like you, my dear.” – His unsettling words shows how he views Mary not as a human being, but as a possession.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $600,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Jamaica Inn Reviews

Personal Review

Honestly, I went in expecting a typical Hitchcock thriller, but Jamaica Inn was different. It was more of a swashbuckling adventure, and Charles Laughton just chewed up the scenery! I was never quite sure what was going on, but I enjoyed watching Maureen O’Hara be spunky. That opening shipwreck scene blew me away – even by today’s standards it’s intense! It was one of his weaker movies, but still well worth a watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic British cinema”
  • “Those interested in historical crime dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate the work of Maureen O’Hara and Charles Laughton”
  • “Alfred Hitchcock completists”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and implied violence”
  • “Themes of greed and murder”
  • “Some scenes may be disturbing for sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Jamaica Inn is a middling Hitchcock, lacking the master’s signature suspense. Charles Laughton’s performance is polarizing; some will find it brilliant, others, over-the-top. O’Hara shows promise, but the film as a whole feels rushed and underdeveloped. The pacing is uneven, and the plot convolutions don’t always land.
• The New York Times: “Jamaica Inn might not be peak Hitchcock, but its moody atmosphere and exciting set pieces compensate. Laughton’s flamboyant villain steals every scene, while O’Hara’s spirited heroine provides a compelling anchor. The maritime theme, enhanced by strong production values, makes for a thrilling cinematic adventure.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Critics are split on Jamaica Inn, with many citing Laughton’s over-the-top performance and Hitchcock’s uninspired direction. However, it remains a fascinating glimpse into Hitchcock’s early work and a showcase for O’Hara’s talent. The opening shipwreck is a standout scene.

Audience Reactions

Charles Laughton’s over-the-top performance is either loved or hated, but always remembered.: Viewers appreciate the film as an early showcase of Maureen O’Hara’s talent and beauty.

The opening shipwreck scene is a visually impressive start to the film.: Many see it as a historical curiosity, offering a glimpse into Hitchcock’s early directorial style.

Overall Consensus: A divisive Hitchcock film, known for Charles Laughton’s performance and considered one of his weaker works, but still an interesting historical piece.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alfred Hitchcock reportedly considered this one of his least favorite films, feeling constrained by Charles Laughton’s presence as both actor and co-producer.”
• “The character of Sir Humphrey Pengallan was changed from a vicar in Daphne du Maurier’s novel to a local nobleman to avoid controversy with the Hays Code in the United States.”
• “Jamaica Inn was Maureen O’Hara’s first major film role, and she credited Charles Laughton with bringing her to Hollywood afterwards.”
• “The exterior shots were filmed on location at the actual Jamaica Inn in Cornwall, but many interior scenes were shot in the studio.”

🖥️ How to Watch Jamaica Inn?

Currently, ‘Jamaica Inn’ (1939) is not widely available on major streaming platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, or Hulu. However, it is often available for purchase or rental on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred digital retailer for current availability and pricing. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be found online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Jamaica Inn, you might like these similar films:

• Rebecca (1940): Another Daphne du Maurier adaptation directed by Hitchcock, featuring a suspenseful atmosphere and a young woman uncovering dark secrets in a mysterious estate.
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939): Also starring Charles Laughton and Maureen O’Hara, this film shares a similar period setting and melodramatic storytelling.
• Moonfleet (1955): A swashbuckling adventure set in 18th-century England, involving smugglers and hidden treasures, appealing to fans of historical crime dramas.
• Crimson Peak (2015): A gothic romance with dark secrets and a brooding atmosphere, reminiscent of the suspenseful elements in Jamaica Inn.

🛒 Jamaica Inn Related Products

• Jamaica Inn (Daphne du Maurier): The original novel by Daphne du Maurier that inspired the film. A classic tale of mystery and suspense on the Cornish coast, filled with richer character development and a more detailed plot.
• Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Blu-ray): A comprehensive Blu-ray collection featuring several of Hitchcock’s iconic films, and Jamaica Inn can often be found within these sets. Provides high-quality viewing and behind-the-scenes content.
• Cornwall Coast Jigsaw Puzzle: A scenic jigsaw puzzle featuring the rugged coastline of Cornwall. Depicts the stunning landscape that forms the backdrop of the film, making it a relaxing and immersive activity.
• Pirate Ship Building Kit: A detailed model kit of a classic pirate ship, allowing you to build your own vessel inspired by the maritime themes of Jamaica Inn. Great for collectors and hobbyists.

🎧 Soundtrack

Jamaica Inn features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Jamaica Inn Opening Theme” – performed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold
• “The Shipwreck” – performed by Arthur Benjamin

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jamaica Inn Drama and Cornish Independence – Have I Got News For You

Ever wonder what people *really* thought about Jamaica Inn? This hilarious clip from ‘Have I Got News For You’ hilariously dissects the BBC adaptation, and it’s a riot. You won’t believe what they say about Cornish independence, either! Definitely worth a chuckle.

✨ Rate