• It’s a good film directed by Alfred Hitchcock instead of being truly a “Alfred Hitchcock film” which is disappointing on many levels—even some of his lesser films would be more interesting as an artist
  • Maureen o’hara’s first archiveable film- stunning actress
  • Gothic, windy- owes a bit to val lewton
  • No Hitchcock cameo
  • Hitchcock’s last british film before Rebecca in 1940 with Selznick
  • Novel source material Daphne Du Maurier – same as birds and Rebecca
  • Great early double establishing shot of mansion with miniatures
  • Laughton is very good as the arrogant evil masterpiece
  • Wonderful storm set piece on the rocks with ship finale- not quite the set piece finale like most Hitchcock films but it’s near enough to the end
  • Not in the top 10 of 1939
  • Recommend