Vintage TV Miniseries Review: Jamaica Inn (1983)
Jamaica Inn is like a treasure chest full of Gothic delights. It’s packed with murders, madness, creepy housekeepers, and even an albino. Picture windswept moors, smugglers, and countless mysteries, all centering around our brave, orphaned heroine. The melodrama is laid on thick, making it an absolute pleasure to watch!
This series, also known as a three-part miniseries depending on how you count it, stars Jane Seymour, Trevor Eve, and Patrick McGoohan, running just about three hours in total. Adapted from Daphne du Maurier’s classic novel, Jamaica Inn was produced by ITV. Sadly, this fantastic adaptation has faded into obscurity over the years, which is a real shame because it’s a Gothic masterpiece.
Plot and Characters
Mary Yellan (Jane Seymour) is thrown into chaos when her sailor father is murdered by wreckers—land pirates who trick ships into crashing on rocks so they can steal the cargo. Her mother, played by the excellent Vivian Pickles, goes mad shortly afterward. Within just a few minutes of the first episode, we get pirates, murder, and madness—classic Gothic ingredients!
When Mary’s mother passes away tragically, Mary heads to her only living relative, Aunt Patience (Billie Whitelaw), who lives at Jamaica Inn. Mary hasn’t seen her aunt in years, and Aunt Patience has since married and moved to this ominous inn located in the middle of a desolate moor in Cornwall.
Jamaica Inn has a dark reputation, so much so that the coachman is reluctant to stop there. Uncle Joss (Patrick McGoohan) is a huge, violent drunk, often the source of the inn’s dark atmosphere. Aunt Patience, once vibrant, now lives in constant fear. The inn is frequented by ruffians and criminals, and shady activities happen under the cover of night. Mary’s determined to uncover the mystery of what’s really happening at Jamaica Inn.
Mary gets help from a local clergyman who’s an albino and is drawn to her Uncle Joss’s younger brother, Jem (Trevor Eve). Jem is a charming, but somewhat untrustworthy horse thief. Mary has to figure out how involved Jem is with the inn’s sinister dealings, all while navigating her growing feelings for him.
Atmosphere and Performances
With its intense melodrama, Jamaica Inn skirts the edge of being overly dramatic, but it stays true to its genre. The acting and suspenseful atmosphere keep it incredibly engaging. The wild moors, rugged coastlines, and eerie outcrops enhance the Gothic feel. The series includes shocking brutality with just a touch of symbolic gore—enough to keep things intense without overdoing it.
The standout performances really bring the story to life. Patrick McGoohan transforms into the menacing Uncle Joss, far removed from his suave James Bond-like roles. He captures Joss’s needy brutality and muttered reflections on life and death, making him both terrifying and pitiable. Jane Seymour’s portrayal of Mary Yellan is also noteworthy. Her natural beauty is highlighted throughout, and she plays Mary as a strong, compassionate, and loyal heroine. Even if the makeup is a bit heavy at times, it’s a product of the ’80s.
Romantic Tension
The series is laced with an undercurrent of sexual tension, which Jane Seymour captures beautifully in her scenes with Trevor Eve’s Jem. The chemistry between Mary and Jem is palpable, making their interactions a joy to watch. Trevor Eve’s portrayal of Jem adds a lighthearted zest, hiding his deeper emotions and inherent goodness behind a playful rogue facade. His scenes with Mary are smile-inducing and thoroughly enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
I’ve become a huge fan of ITV’s 1983 adaptation of Jamaica Inn. It’s an underrated gem that deserves more recognition. Despite some deviations from the source material and dated picture quality, the series is incredibly enjoyable, filled with Gothic thrills and superb performances. If you love Gothic dramas, this is a must-watch.
Content Note: Likely PG-13 for themes of violence and minor swearing, mostly blasphemous. There’s a brief shot of a wet, see-through chemise showing a woman’s breasts.
Where to Watch: YouTube, DVD.
