The Manxman (1929 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film |
| Founded | 1929 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
The Manxman is a 1929 British silent romantic drama directed by Alfred Hitchcock, featuring performances by Anny Ondra, Carl Brisson, and Malcolm Keen. Adapted from Hall Caine's well-known 1894 novel The Manxman, this film serves as a remake of an earlier 1917 version. It represents Hitchcock’s final entirely silent production before he transitioned to sound films with Blackmail.
Cast
- Carl Brisson portraying Pete Quilliam
- Malcolm Keen as Philip Christian
- Anny Ondra in the role of Kate Cregeen
- Randle Ayrton playing Caesar Cregeen
- Clare Greet as Mother (credited as Claire Greet)
- Harry Terry appearing as Man (uncredited)
- Kim Peacock as Ross Christian (uncredited)
- Wilfred Shine in the role of Doctor (uncredited)
- Nellie Richards as Wardress (uncredited)
Plot
Pete Quilliam (Carl Brisson), a fisherman of modest means, and Philip Christian (Malcolm Keen), a lawyer from a middle-class background, have been friends since childhood. Both develop feelings for Kate (Anny Ondra), the daughter of a local pub owner. Pete proposes marriage and requests Philip to seek approval from Kate’s father, Caesar Cregeen, who rejects the proposal due to Pete’s financial status. Determined, Pete leaves for Africa to amass wealth, asking Kate to remain faithful and entrusting Philip with her care.
During Pete’s absence, Kate and Philip embark on a secret relationship. Erroneous reports claim Pete has died, enabling Philip to advance his legal career toward becoming the island's chief magistrate, known as the Deemster. When Pete unexpectedly returns affluent, Philip persuades Kate to fulfill her commitment to marry Pete, prioritizing his own professional ambitions.
Kate weds Pete but continues to harbor love for Philip. Upon discovering she is pregnant, Kate abandons Pete, confessing her love for another man and leaving their child behind. Devotedly, Pete assumes responsibility for the baby while Kate seeks shelter with Philip, who refuses to compromise his standing.
Kate later returns to reclaim her child but denies that Pete is the father. She attempts suicide but is rescued and subsequently faces trial—the first case overseen by Philip in his role as Deemster. Confronted with the revelation of their affair, Philip acknowledges his ethical lapse, resigns from his position, and departs the courtroom.
In the concluding scene, Philip and Kate retrieve the child from Pete’s residence amidst disapproval from villagers. Having lost all he valued, Pete sets sail once more.
Production
Filming of The Manxman initially commenced on the Isle of Man, but director Hitchcock moved production to Polperro, Cornwall due to creative disagreements with Hall Caine, who resided on the Isle of Man. Additional sequences were filmed at British International Pictures' Elstree Studios, where Caine was invited to observe proceedings. Hitchcock began work on this film merely two weeks following the birth of his daughter Patricia Hitchcock.
Preservation and home media
In 2012, The Manxman underwent restoration through the British Film Institute’s £2 million "Save the Hitchcock 9" initiative aimed at preserving all surviving silent films by Hitchcock.
Although numerous unauthorized copies have circulated on home video formats, official restored editions have been released on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms by Optimum in the United Kingdom and by Lionsgate alongside Kino Lorber in the United States.
As of January 1, 2025, The Manxman has entered the public domain within the United States. However, due to copyright regulations, it will not become public domain material in either the Isle of Man or UK until 2050—seventy years following Hitchcock’s death.