Customer Reviews

Jamaica Inn [VHS]

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In this mini-series adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier's novel "Jamaica Inn", Jane Seymour stars as the confused yet ethical Mary Yellan, a young woman who finds herself confronting some unknown evil on the Cornish moors.

I will not critique Du Maurier's story--it is a great Gothic masterpiece which employs tone, description, plot and characterization to near perfection---read the book to enjoy Du Maurier's talent and imagination at its best.

This adaptation follows the novel much more closely than Hitchcock's earlier film. However, some twists were added to further dramatize an already tumultuous story. I must wonder why this was necessary and can only think, sadly, that the original story was thought too tame in the light of our 20th/21st century viewpoints of violence. In this version, Mary's parents are victims to the sinister plot that wraps Jamaica Inn in secret, making Mary's involvement all the more desperate and poignant. If one has read the book before viewing the film, this addition seems overdone, detracting from the original and eliminating the self-righteously ethical factor so important to Mary's character. In order to emphasize the romance in the plot, Mary's relationship with the landlord's brother tallys up more screen time when compared percentage-wise with the novel's presentation of the same interplay---there are actually more scenes in the book where the characters are together, yet the book allows you to speculate as it plays the romance off the tale of suspense and the film does not. Patrick McGoohan plays Joss with a little too much gruffness--we never really see the vulnerability and helplessness which lie beneath the surface and appear after he has soaked himself in rum. There are never any scenes with both Jem and Joss together---the necessary comparison made between the brothers is not allowed and hence, we do not quite see Mary's dilemma in her attraction to Jem or what might have attracted her Aunt in the past. Aunt Patience, played by Billy Whitelaw, would have been perfect as the once beautiful woman worn down by the knowledge of her husband's misdeeds. However,through her stern cautionary conversations with Mary, she appears too logically complacent, more a fully functioning partner to Joss rather than the frightened remains of the silly woman whose head was turned by him in the first place. Jane Seymour's portrayal of Mary includes the bit of pep that DuMaurier states but never fully demonstrates, yet she tends to be too saucy at times, playing the active willing foil to Jem's criminal antics rather than the shocked observer from the pages of the novel.

The film is most definitely capitalizing on Du Maurier's so-called reputation for escapist romance; yet the book is not a romance at all, but rather Du Maurier's grim testament to the status of women as dependent creatures, shoved here and there by their stronger male counterparts. Mary doesn't necessarily find love nor does love conquer adversity as we are meant to conclude from this presentation. There is no moral lesson scorching Du Maurier's pages. Du Maurier's vision was much more dismal---Mary, finally beaten,accepts her fate and plays second fiddle to Jem's maleness; she learns to acquiesce to her dependency. Despite these fundemental differences, the film as a romantic interlude, is still good; it fully depicts Du Maurier's Cornwall seeped in its weather and crowned by monoliths. The film's music tends to be a little melodramatic--it is of the Camille Claudel genre--I think an insiduous pan pipe along the Braveheart vein would have been a better contrast with the rain, gloom and terror than 'Transfigured Night' which doles out more of the same.

This is far better than Hitchcock's version of "Jamaica Inn". Jane Seymour never looked more beautiful than in this compelling, beautifully filmed mini-series. The cast is great, the scenery breathtaking (just like Seymour!), & the combination of suspense & romance make this a winner! I don't know why it's not on dvd yet, but until then I suggest you buy this on vhs. It's that good! Just make sure you get the full version & not the single-tape version which is bad quality (EP).

I have seen both versions of this famous book and I have to say the newer one is by far the better version. It was much more true to the book and much more vivid for the veiwer. I loved it. I wish it was available for puchase. Jane was wonderful and Trevor Eve was great too. A definate must see.

Jamaica Inn is one of my favorite books. I have not seen the older version of the movie but I think this one is terrific. It follows the book very well and is a visual treat.It has everything, action, romance and intrigue. Jane Seymour, Patrick McGoohan, Trevor Eve and John McEnery were wonderful in their parts and the music was hauntingly beautiful. I have since learned from another reviewer that the music is " Transfigured Night" by Arnold Schoenberg. I think it's a shame that it's been allowed to go out of print and hope it will be released again, hopefully in both formats.

I have watched this video at least 10 times and am impressed each time with the intensity that is ever present in this dark and terrifying story. Yet within we have a romance between the impossibly young Jane Seymour and Trevor Eve, who are both cute as can be and still thoroughly reflect the grimness and tragedy of the tale. Twists and turns take you places wholely unexpected and keep you glued even to the rather capriciously happy ending!

In this remake of an underrated Hitchcock Film. Jane shine as Mary. I saw this movie when it first came out, and it has stuck in my mind as one of my all time personal favorites. The Gothic romance and story was along the lines as Weithering Heights. It had all the mystery and intrigue that was fitting a movie of this type. Jane Seymour is one of my favorite actresses who seems to have an ageless beauty. Although Jamaica Inn is a favorite movie, I think I would put her superb evil & misguided fallen woman role in East of Eden as one of her best performances ever. Jamaica Inn is worth having in your library!

Jamaica Inn has the true makings of a Gothic romance/thriller. Jane Seymour turns in what I believe is one of her best performances to date in a movie. Although this film did not receive a lot of acclaim it truly is worth seeing. With a plot that is full of suspence, murder, intrigue and romance it is sure to please. Jane Seymour fans get a double treat, not only does she give a fine performance but she is positively luminous in this early role. Jane Seymour plays a young woman who after a personal tragedy goes to live with relatives at their place, Jamaica Inn. It is not until she is settled in that she meets a mysterious man, and realizes that there is much she does not understand about her "generous" relatives and their haunting home. Soon she is wrapped up in a plot that could destroy her and everyone she loves.

This movie is a cinematographic masterpiece. For me it was amazing how well the actors managed to get into their roles. I was dissapointed that all reviews talked mainly about Jane Seymour. You couldn't have done this movie without her, true! But there is so much more. Patrick McGoohan who plays the uncle is outstanding. The settings and camera work make this a winner. The photography is unique. Nobody mentioned the music. It was composed by Arnold Schoenberg (Austria) and is entitled "Transfigured Night". You can find the CD at any classical music shop. In my opinion a great movie has to have the power to involve you. For over two hours, when you see this movie, you'll be absorbed in the nineteenth century. If you like adventure, horror, drama, romance and powerful music, JAMAICA INN is whatyou want. If you love this movie I recommend "JACK THE RIPPER" with Michael Cane. Same atmosphere, same century and same brilliant acting. "Jack the ripper" also features Jane Seymour in a surprising role. Get them both now!

This min-series is excellent, and by far one of the most original stories made into film. The cast is ideal for their respective roles, and the scenery of the moors is stunning. So it would obviously be worthwhile to create it on DVD. Hopefully the video producers will realize this soon, as more people want DVD format the the fading-away-into-oblivion VHS.

I have seen the video and was so happy when a friend gave it to me after her trip to the States. And I must say, I love it. Especially Jane's Performance. She is simply the best!!!