Jamaica Inn 1939
"He ruled Jamaica Inn...citadel of sin on the moors, curse-ridden, shunned, reviled. Enough sensations for a dozen pictures. Laughton at his most magnificent."
Alfred Hitchcock's *Jamaica Inn* (1939) transports viewers to the eerie, windswept moors of early 19th-century Cornwall, where a once-peaceful inn hides a dark secret.
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Cast
Charles Laughton
Sir Humphrey Pengallan
Maureen O'Hara
Mary Yellan
Robert Newton
James "Jem" Trehearne
Leslie Banks
Joss Merlyn
Marie Ney
Patience Merlyn
Horace Hodges
Chadwick
Emlyn Williams
Harry
Wylie Watson
Salvation
Mervyn Johns
Thomas
Hay Petrie
Sir Humphrey's Groom Sam
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jamaica Inn (1939) about?
*Jamaica Inn* follows Mary Yellan as she ventures into the remote Cornwall moors to live with her aunt and uncle at a seemingly quiet inn. Instead of peace, she uncovers a sinister operation where the inn serves as a front for a gang of wreckers, criminals who lure ships to deadly crashes. Forced to navigate a world of lies and violence, Mary must use her wits to expose the truth and escape the trap before she becomes the next victim.
Who directed Jamaica Inn?
Alfred Hitchcock directed *Jamaica Inn* (1939), one of his earliest British thrillers that showcases his signature blend of suspense and atmospheric tension.
Who stars in Jamaica Inn?
The film features Charles Laughton in a standout role, joined by Maureen O'Hara in her breakout performance, along with Robert Newton, Leslie Banks, and Marie Ney.
Is Jamaica Inn (1939) worth watching?
As a classic Hitchcock thriller with a gothic twist, *Jamaica Inn* offers a moody and suspenseful experience for fans of early cinema. While not as polished as his later works, its blend of crime, adventure, and stark atmosphere makes it a compelling watch for those interested in Hitchcock's evolution or 1930s British cinema.
How long is Jamaica Inn?
Jamaica Inn has a runtime of 100 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Jamaica Inn (1939) — A Hitchcock Thriller of Smugglers and Survival
Alfred Hitchcock's *Jamaica Inn* (1939) transports viewers to the eerie, windswept moors of early 19th-century Cornwall, where a once-peaceful inn hides a dark secret. Young Mary Yellan arrives at Jamaica Inn to live with her aunt and uncle, only to uncover that the remote coaching stop is the base of a ruthless gang of wreckers—smugglers who lure ships to deadly crashes along the coast. As Mary pieces together the sinister truth, she finds herself caught in a web of betrayal and danger, forced to outwit the criminals who rule the moors with an iron fist. With its haunting atmosphere and relentless tension, Hitchcock crafts a gothic thriller where the landscape itself feels like an enemy, and survival hinges on unraveling the lies woven into the fabric of the land.
Starring Charles Laughton at his most commanding as the enigmatic innkeeper, alongside a young Maureen O'Hara in her breakout role, *Jamaica Inn* blends crime, adventure, and psychological suspense. The film's moody cinematography and brooding score amplify its themes of isolation and moral decay, making it a gripping early entry in Hitchcock's legendary filmography. For fans of classic thrillers, this cinematic gem delivers a chilling tale of deception and resilience against a backdrop of desolate beauty.
