Book: Jamaica Inn by Daphne duMaurier
Genre: Classic, Gothic
Rating: A-
For: R.I.P. III, Lit Flicks and TBR 2008
I thought this book was great! Though not as great as Rebecca. It was quite creepy and often surprisingly violent. There's some pretty rough guys in this story!
To summarize: It's about a girl, Mary, who comes to live with her aunt after her mother dies. Her aunt lives in a creepy lonely place called Jamaica Inn, located out in the middle of the desolate moors. She learns that there's quite the bad reputation surrounded this place and she decides to figure out what it is. Before she knows it, she's mixed up in the whole bad business herself! There's just a touch of romance, though I'm not sure I approved! The romantic hero is himself a pretty rough guy too!
So, as part of the Lit Flicks Challenge, I was supposed to watch the movie too. Years ago I watched a version of this with Jane Seymour in it. When I went to rent it this time, the Jane Seymour was only on tape and way too long. So instead I choose the old Alfred Hitchcock version which was on DVD and starred Maureen O'hara.
I'm quite the Alfred Hitchcock fan so I thought I'd like it fine. However, I tried to watch it last night and just couldn't get through it! It was AWFUL! In the first place, it was nothing like the book at all. I mean, not even close. Same characters was all, but everything else was not a thing like it! It made me crazy. Then, it was just too old. Too silly, too B movie-ish. Too boring. I wanted to fall asleep, and since there were other things I needed to do, I decided to give up instead. It was disappointing. I guess I need to find time to try the Jane Seymour one.
How old is this book? Alfred Hitchcock? What time period does it take place in?
ReplyDeleteOkay, so I looked up your questions, Julie, to be sure I had the answers right.
ReplyDeleteThe book was published in 1936, but takes places in the early 1800's in England.
The movie was released in 1939. Yes.. old black and white it is. BUT the Jane Seymour one was in 1985... but it's actually a TV mini series of three episodes. See why I didn't have time for that one right now!
Alfred Hitchcock is a director known for his wonderful suspenseful movies, but I think he missed the boat on this one. It was very very lacking! (I don't know, maybe it got better but as I said, I gave up on it!)
I read Rebecca a LONG time ago but I do plan to re-read it soon. I think I ought to read this one first though :)
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of Alfred Hitchock's early movies missed the boat. But, I enjoyed the book. I agree with you completely -- it's great, but not as wonderful as Rebecca. Still, I think Jamaica Inn and Frenchman's Creek are next in line after Rebecca, when it comes to Du Maurier favorites.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing another book for the Lit Flicks Challenge. I'm sorry that you couldn't get through the movie. I just watched the Hitchcock version of Rebecca this weekend and loved it! Perhaps, I'll skip the movie version of this one.
ReplyDeleteJessica @ The Bluestocking Society
http://thebluestockings.com
I have Rebecca, but it's been on my shelf collecting dust. I probably should brush it off and give it a go. This one sounds interesting as well.
ReplyDelete--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric