The Manxman
I just saw The Manxman (1929) directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Fantastic!
It is based on the 1894 novel of the same name by Hall Caine.
This was Hitchcock's last silent film1. The version I saw had a little sound track with piano music on it. As I understand it, in those days there would be a piano player in the movie theater playing the music along to the movie.
I think this movie enters the public domain next year. Perhaps they'll show it in theaters or something to celebrate. Or maybe in 2029 when it turns 100!
The movie opens (and closes) with fishing boats.
They are so charming I had to look up what they were. I think they are called Manx Nobbies, although perhaps some of them are Luggers or Nickeys.
Some of the dialogue is delightful. I think I'm going to start saying, "hold your capers!"
Apparently, "hold your capers" is an example of Manx dialect and the book is filled with it.
Hitchcock is really an artist. His eye for composition is incredible. Is this a famous painting or a random frame from Hitchcock film?
I should make a game for that!
Actually, I don't know enough about movie-making to say how much the director has to say about that. The cinematographer was Jack E. Cox. Perhaps I should praise him.
Hitchcock's next film, "Blackmail" had sound, but there was also a silent version as many theaters were not yet set up for sound in 1929.