In Hitchcock's final silent film, Anna Ondra didn't have to worry about her speaking accent in January 1929's "The Manxman." Adapted from the 1894 romantic novel of the same name by author Hall Caine, Hitch's film unveils the story of a fisherman, Pete (Carl Brisson), who's in love with a tavern-owner's daughter (Ondra). The fisherman is rejected by her father. He's determined to make his fortune in Africa to boast his chances with Ondra's dad, and asks his best friend, lawyer Philip (Malcolm Keen) to look after her. The homebodies fall in love, complicating a situation when Pete returns with money oozing out of his pockets. The now millionaire discovers the love-of-his life is pregnant shortly after his return.
Hitchcock in retrospect called "The Manxman" trite. But critics say his location work on the Isle of Man was stunning. In actuality, the director couldn't wait to finish his filming there since the novel's author, Caine, a resident in the Isle, was constantly in Hitch's ear offering him advice. In addition, Hitch was anxious to return to London to be with his newborn daughter, Patricia, who was delivered by his wife Alma just two weeks before he left to film in the Isle. Pat was to be the couple's only child.
The casting of actor Carl Brisson, who played the fisherman-turned-millionaire, is ironic. Brisson was a professional boxer in the mid-1910s before turning to acting. Ondra later married a professional boxer, heavyweight champion Max Schmeling.
Hitchcock in retrospect called "The Manxman" trite. But critics say his location work on the Isle of Man was stunning. In actuality, the director couldn't wait to finish his filming there since the novel's author, Caine, a resident in the Isle, was constantly in Hitch's ear offering him advice. In addition, Hitch was anxious to return to London to be with his newborn daughter, Patricia, who was delivered by his wife Alma just two weeks before he left to film in the Isle. Pat was to be the couple's only child.
The casting of actor Carl Brisson, who played the fisherman-turned-millionaire, is ironic. Brisson was a professional boxer in the mid-1910s before turning to acting. Ondra later married a professional boxer, heavyweight champion Max Schmeling.