Watch The Manxman

The Manxman is a romantic drama film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, based on the novel of the same name by Hall Caine. The film stars Anny Ondra, Carl Brisson, and Malcolm Keen. Set on the Isle of Man, the film tells the story of two childhood friends, Pete (Brisson) and Philip (Keen), who both fall in love with the same woman, Kate (Ondra). Pete, a poor fisherman, and Kate have been in love for many years, but when he leaves the island to try and make a living in Africa, he asks Philip to look after her. Through his care and attention, Philip and Kate begin to fall in love, but their happiness is threatened when Pete returns, rich and successful. Kate must choose between her old love and her new passion.

The film's cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of the rugged landscape and dramatic coastline of the Isle of Man, and Hitchcock's direction is masterful. The tension between the three characters is palpable, and the audience is kept guessing right up until the end who Kate will choose.

Anny Ondra gives a powerful performance as Kate, torn between two loves, and her chemistry with both Brisson and Keen is electric. Brisson's portrayal of the lovestruck but ultimately jilted Pete is heart-wrenching, and Keen imbues Philip with a steely determination to win the woman he loves.

The Manxman was Hitchcock's second sound film, and his use of sound is clever and effective. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks and the seagulls crying overhead add to the mood of the film, and the score by composer Hubert Bath is haunting and melancholic.

One of Hitchcock's lesser-known films, The Manxman is a gem that deserves to be rediscovered. It's a touching and beautifully shot story of love, loyalty and sacrifice, featuring strong performances from its leads and a haunting score.

The Manxman is a 1929 romance movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.