Information
- BFI identifier37189
- Date1929 (Copyright)
1929 (Release) - Production countryUnited Kingdom
- Production company
- SynopsisIn a remote Isle of Man fishing community, two boyhood friends take markedly different paths in adulthood: Pete becomes a fisherman, while Philip becomes a lawyer. Both men fall in love with Kate, the daughter of a puritanical Methodist, but after Kate’s father refuses to consider the penniless Pete as a prospective son-in-law, he leaves to find his fortune in Africa, while Philip is entrusted by Pete to look after Kate in his absence. (Synopsis) Drama. A young lawyer's professional ambitions cause him to betray his best friend's trust, the woman he loves and eventually bring about his own downfall. R.1 The herring fleet returns and Pete Quilliam, a young fisherman greets his friend, Philip Christian on the quay. The two men have known each other from childhood and in spite of the difference in their education and social status, they have remained close friends. Philip has established himself as champion of the herring fishermen against the encroachment of steam trawlers on their fishing ground. Pete, Philip and the rest of the fishermen retire to the "Manx Fairy" which is kept by old Caesar. Here the two young men eagerly greet Caesar's daughter, Kate. Philip is disconcerted to see Pete making such good progress with Kate while he pledges himself to the fishermen's cause. He harangues the men and produces a petition for them to sign. Pete, unaware of Philip's love for Kate, asks his friend to use his persuasive powers to plead his cause with Kate's father. After a battle with his conscience, Philip reluctantly agrees. Caesar however categorically refuses to consider the penniless Pete as a prospective son-in-law. His hopes shattered, Pete declare that he will go abroad and come back a rich man (1168). R.2 They go together to impart the news to Kate who comes to the window of her bedroom. Pete climbs up to her and after playfully encouraging him, she promises to wait for him. Pete leaves the island and Philip assiduously fulfils his duty entrusted to him by Pete of looking after Kate. Kate realises very soon that it is Philip she loves and encourages his attentions. One day, Philip goes to Caesar's inn to find the old man holding a letter reporting Pete's death. He approaches Kate cautiously but she is oblivious to all other feelings than joy at the thought that now they are free. Ironically at this moment, Pete is writing to say that he has made his money and is coming home (2184). R.3 Philip breaks the news that Pete is alive to Kate. She declares that she can only love Philip but he insists that she must go through with her promise to marry Pete. That night, Pete receives a great welcome at the "Manx Fairy". Caesar is now reconciled to the idea of his marriage to his daughter and Pete asks Philip to be his best man (3174). R.4 The wedding takes place and the reception is held in the old mill amid general joy except that of the bride and the best man. Old Caesar makes a solemn speech on the sanctity of marriage and the terrible fate of those who disregard it. Alone with Pete, Kate tries in vain to reconcile herself to her marriage. She writes a note to Philip insisting that they meet. When he comes, she tells that she is expecting a baby - their child and that Pete must be told (4380). R.5 Philip conscience-stricken and fearful for his career ignores her pleas and insists that Pete must not know the truth. Soon Philip achieves his ambition and is made Deemster of the island. On the day of his triumph, Kate comes to him and tells him that she has left Pete and pathetically begs to be allowed to stay with him. Meanwhile, Pete brokenheartedly devotes himself to the child he thinks is his (5414). R.6 He tells the neighbours that he has sent Kate to London for a holiday and goes to Philip to beg him to help him to find her. Philip however, distracted by a guilty conscience and pressure of work has little time to spare for Kate and postpones making a decision about their future. She goes back to the cottage to fetch the baby, but Pete refuses to hand it over (6360). R.7 Distracted by grief, she throws herself in the harbour. The next day when Philip is presiding over the court, she is brought in and accused of attempted suicide. Philip shocked but powerless hears with relief, Pete declare that he will take Kate back. Kate however, refuses to comply and in the embarrassed silence which follows her father, who has discovered the truth, denounces Philip before the court. Philip, at last realises that he can no longer deceive himself, Pete and the world publicly admits his guilt and resigns his position. Kate and Philip fetch the baby from the cottage and leave amid the jeers of the neighbours while Pete sadly returns to the sea (7387). The End. After the opening credits, the film begins with the written quotation: "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" Petition seen in the film includes signatures of Alf Roome, Jack Cox, James Long, Robert Cornish, E. Miller... (Shotlist)
- Work historyLocation work largely in Cornwall at Polperro and Porthcothan Bay
- Genre
- Subject
- CreditsDirected by: Alfred Hitchcock
A British International picture: British International
Presents: British International Pictures Ltd
view all - CastCarl Brisson (Pete Quilliam)
Malcolm Keen (Philip Christian)
Anny Ondra (Kate Cregeen)
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Title
The Manxman (Original)
EIDR identifier
10.5240/1666-3535-5C1A-5670-6F16-0Category
FictionThis work is included in the BFI Filmography.
This work is available to view in the Mediatheque at BFI Southbank.
- Collections
- Film / Video
35mm BW Positive - Safety - Silent - Viewing
VHS cassette - Video - Viewing
Digital Betacam - Video - Viewing
view all - Scripts / DocumentsEphemera: publicity - PBS-37189
Manxman - Romantic drama directed by Alfred Hitchcock; Script: Eliot Stannard based on a novel by Hall Caine; Cast: Anny Ondra, Carl Brisson, Malcolm Keen Michael Powell worked on the film as stills photographer (uncredited) A fisherman and a rising young lawyer, who grew up as brothers, fall in love with the same girl. - MLP-1-1-9
Unmfilmed small pressbook held.
view all - StillsLandscape - Black and White - bfi-00o-bxr
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view all - ArticlesClassic Images n382 April 2007 - DVD ReviewSight and Sound v17 n4 April 2007 - DVD ReviewEmpire n214 April 2007 - DVD Reviewview all
- Books
- Digital documentsBFI Southbank programme notes August/September 1999
BFI Southbank programme notes August 2013
available to view in BFI Reuben Library
- +The Manxman
Work - 37189 - 1929 (Copyright)
United Kingdom - Film - Fiction
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