Daphne Du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek was my favorite romance as a kid, and when I found a copy of it in a bookstore in my twenties, became enthralled with it all over again. Du Maurier excelled at atmospheric suspense, and what girl wouldn’t love a period drama featuring a heroine running away from London society (and her dumb husband) with her kids to luxuriate in freedom and nature in Cornwall, and falling for a pirate as independent and daring as she? I hoped the movie would capture much, if not all, of the book’s magic–and it really does.
I know the story sounds like the clichést of clichés, an overimaginative girl’s fantasy. And of course, it is.
But it’s more than that. A biographer claimed the story was based on the novelist’s own romance, and I always believed there was truth to it. There’s something authentic in the chemistry between the two characters, in their vulnerability with and to each other, and in both their passion for each other and acknowledgement that theirs shouldn’t be anything but a temporary affair. I feared the movie would follow the outlines but miss that authenticity, but it didn’t, largely because large portions of the dialogue are lifted straight from the book. The actors have some chemistry, too, which helps sell the romance.
Even the beginning of the story is absorbing: The heroine’s flight from London, her discovery of a pirate’s ship as she ventures in the woods near her manor…
The story picks up speed and romance with her awkward midnight feast with the pirate, her joining into his theft of a countryman’s ship, her husband’s arrival, and her efforts to foil the hanging plot against her now-lover by attempting to flirt with her guests just long enough for the ship to escape.
Some of the suggestive lines do make it into the film, as when Jean, the pirate, notices the spread at dinner, but looks straight at his beautiful hostess as he says, “Is it wise of you to place all this temptation before a pirate?”
Joan Fontaine captures Dona; the spirited, smart heroine; even managing her voice.
All she really gets wrong is a tendency to pose now and then, and a lack of attention to Dona’s wit; Fontaine can be arch, but she misses the irritability with Cornish high society that was one of the character’s greatest charms. Fontaine plays Dona as a little too sweet, a little too filtered. The heroine is less interesting without her shocking double entendres, or the comic timing Fontaine never attempts (of course, this absence is partially the censors’ fault). But this is a book lover’s quibble; I doubt a viewer unacquainted with the novel would find fault with her character, as she’s still brash, proud, romantic, adventurous, intelligent–all the qualities we would hope for in a pirate-loving gal.
Arturo de Córdova’s ethnicity might make him a peculiar choice in a strictly French-versus-the-English tale. (Don’t you love that about Hollywood? Need a French dude? Any guy with an accent will do.)
Overall, de Córdova manages the role with only slight piratey exaggeration. He catches the hero’s sense of humor, and an independence so extreme he hesitates to make any decisions for his love–probably a quality unique in pirate characterizations, but one that has always made him seem real to me. If not a pirate, surely this man would have been an obsessive in some political movement or another, unwilling to compromise his ideals.
Cecil Kellaway as William, the matchmaking servant, is delightful, and Basil Rathbone as Lord Rockingham, Dona’s nemesis, is perfection.
Any fan of Du Maurier’s work will enjoy time in her world again; lovers of romance will root for these two. Swordplay aficionados might crave more fencing time, but they’ll enjoy the devilry of Jean, his resemblance to their Errol Flynn favorites. Women can relish a strong-minded heroine who weighs her obligations against her passions, her annoyance with society, against her safety within it. (The lighting of the film accentuates her power of choice: he is shadowed, and she lit.)
Costume drama fans can drool over Fontaine’s lovely gowns. And any fans of a good yarn will wonder just how they missed this one before.
This post is part of Movies Silently’s wonderful Swashaton. Click here for more pirating adventures!
It sounds as if I definitely fall into your last sentence. I don’t believe I’ve actively avoided the movie, but I’ve not sought it out – until now.
It’s so much fun. I hope you watch it!!
I saw this several months ago and really enjoyed it, though I have not read the book yet, but it is on my list. It was refreshing (especially, as you said, how the hero never tries to make her decisions for her) and the costumes were an absolute delight (and one never complains about getting to see another Basil Rathbone villain role…even if he does wear an extraordinary wig).
If you liked the movie, you’ll love the book. Dona is so hilarious when she meets with Goldolphin, that scene in the prison is amazing, & the opening is lovely. And that’s just the start. I think it’s one of her best.
I’ve read the book but I haven’t seen (in fact wasn’t actually aware of!) the movie. I can imagine it translating well to the screen. Your comment about this being inspired by the author’s own life – I’ve always been really interested in Daphne du Maurier the author, I think the success of her books often overcomes her personal achievements.
PS – the costumes in this look EPIC!
She is fascinating, isn’t she? I’ve only read one of her biographies, and I’d like to read a more authoritative one, get a better sense of how she did accomplish so much (especially under that accomplished father’s shadow). I’ve always been impressed by the range of her writing–The House on the strand, for example, has never been given enough credit. You’ll be pleased to see in FC how much of the book shows up–and yes, the costumes!! I don’t think Joan Fontaine has ever looked prettier.
Thanks so much for joining in! I’ve passed by this film several times but have never taken the plunge. I shall definitely have to give it a try.
Thanks for hosting! I’ve been having so much fun reading the entries.
Ooh – Basil Rathbone as the nemesis. You know you’re in for a good time when.
I’m always afraid to watch the film version of a beloved novel. I find I’m always holding my breath, hoping filmmakers don’t botch it. But it sounds like this film has captured the essence of the book. (Which I’ve just added to my To Read List.)
I love a good yarn and am wondering how this one slipped underneath my radar. Thanks for this!
I admit that I put off viewing this one about a decade for that exact reason:) I’d read the book first, as it’s more suspenseful than the film. But both are well worth your time:)
Joan Fontaine is the heroine? I’m in. I adore her, and Daphne du Maurier. This film sounds really interesting — I’ll have to check it out next time it pops up on my radar.
It’s definitely worth the viewing–though if you’re a Du Maurier fan, you’ll probably prefer the book:)
I’m wondering how I’ve missed this one! Really, I’ve never heard of it until now! But it does sound delightful – perfect for a Saturday afternoon and a bucket of popcorn!
Thanks for the kind comment!
Kisses!
Le
You’re welcome! I love reading your work. I don’t think it’s played enough–or as easy to access as some others, which is unfortunate, since it’s such fun.
Joan Fontaine seemed to work well with Daphne du Maurier stories. After reading your description, I want to see the movie.
It’s true. She was quite good in Rebecca. It’s fun to see her as a much more confident woman in this one. Most of Du Maurier’s characters are more confident, actually–I liked Maureen O’Hara in Jamaica Inn too. Though it was a flawed film, she caught the spirit. Definitely check this one out if you’re a Du Maurier fan!